The effect of estrogen on inflammatory markers following prolonged aerobic exercise in eumenorrheic women

The study purpose was to determine if estrogen (E2) concentrations attenuate inflammation after exercise-induced muscle damage. Blood responses of pro-inflammatory cytokine biomarker TNF-a, and pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine biomarker IL-6 were measured. Ten, eumenorrheic, endurance-trained women (Mean±SD; 21±1 years, 24.1±2.8 body fat%) were studied. They completed a 60 minute running protocol at ~60-65% of their oxygen uptake (VO2peak 53.5±4.7ml/kg/min) during two hormonal conditions (low E2 and high E2). Inflammation was assessed at rest, immediately post exercise, 30 minutes post exercise, and 24 hours post exercise. There was not a significant interaction effect for TNF-a (p=0.60). There was a significant interaction effect for IL-6 (p=0.001). The response at 30 minutes post exercise was significantly elevated from rest and significantly reduced in high E2. Results suggest high E2 conditions attenuate the IL-6 response. Due to the pro- and anti-inflammatory influence of IL-6, it is unclear whether this attenuation is positive or negative.Master of Art