Physical Exercise Induces Activation of NF- κ B in Human Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes

Abstract

Current understanding of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation is derived mostly from in vitro studies, and in vivo human data are limited. This study provides first evidence showing that physical exercise (80% maximal O₂ consumption, 1 h) may trigger NF-κB activation, as determined by electrophoretic mobility shift assay, in peripheral blood lymphocytes of physically fit young men. Supershift assay showed that the NF-κB protein complex contained the transcriptionally active p65 protein. Plasma levels of NF-κB-directed gene products such as tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-2 receptor confirmed that physical exercise caused NF-κB transactivation. Exercise-induced NF-κB activation in lymphocytes was associated with elevated levels of lipid peroxidation by-products in the plasma.