Effect of combined physical exercise on inflammatory markers and the relationship with body composition in young women

Objectives To evaluate the effect of eight weeks of combined physical exercise of moderate intensity on inflammatory markers, as well as its relationship with body composition in young women recently admitted to a Public Institution of Higher Education. Methods Longitudinal, intervention study, in which 59 female participants aged 18–25 years were evaluated before and after a combined physical exercise program for eight weeks. Blood samples were collected before and after the intervention for analysis of C-reactive protein and inflammatory cytokines. Weight and height were measured to calculate body mass index and body composition was evaluated by Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry before and after the intervention. Statistical analyzes performed were t-test, Willcoxon test and Spearman's correlation. This study was approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee and the Free and Informed Consent Form was signed by all participants. Results After the intervention, there was a reduction in the pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF and IL-12), while the anti-inflammatory (IL-10) and CRP did not change; reduction in the total body gynoid fat mass and in the percentage of body fat; increased trunk and total muscle mass. Body composition was negatively correlated with the pro-inflammatory interleukins IL-1β and IL-6 and positively correlated with CRP. Conclusions Combined physical exercise for eight weeks acted to reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines, fat mass and increase in muscle mass. Inflammatory markers correlated with body fat before the intervention, suggesting the participation of visceral adipose tissue in the release of these markers in female university students.