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Int J Sports Med 2011; 32(12): e1-e5
DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1297985
Immunology
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Diet and Exercise Improve Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio in Overweight Adolescents

R. Wang
1   Shanghai University of Sport, Department of Sports Medicine, Shanghai, China
,
P. J. Chen
1   Shanghai University of Sport, Department of Sports Medicine, Shanghai, China
,
W. H. Chen
1   Shanghai University of Sport, Department of Sports Medicine, Shanghai, China
› Author Affiliations
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Publication History



accepted after revision 27 May 2011

Publication Date:
29 November 2011 (online)

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Abstract

Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines were evaluated in overweight, male Chinese adolescents upon completing a 4-week diet and physical exercise intervention. 43 recruited, non-randomized adolescents (body mass index >25 kg/m2) completed the controlled study. Anthropometric and biologic parameters were measured pre- and post-intervention. After the 4-week intervention, participants exhibited a significant decrease in body mass, body mass index, percentage body fat, basal heart rate, diastolic blood pressure, and all body shape indices tested. A significant decrease in serum lipids (except high-density lipoprotein cholesterol) and insulin levels was observed post-intervention. The neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio was significantly lower post-intervention. Bivariate correlation analyses showed that decrement in Δneutrophil to lymphocyte ratio significantly correlated with decrement in Δinterleukin-6 and Δwhite blood cell count. Thus, a 4-week diet and physical exercise intervention significantly reduces the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio in a population of overweight, male adolescents. Weight loss caused by the intervention was associated with a significant decrease of pro-inflammatory cytokine levels.

Key words

obesity - NLR - IL-6 - leukocytes
 

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