Effect of 12 weeks submaximal endurance training and detraining and GnRH agonist on serum level of TNF-α in girl with central precocious puberty

The aim of this study was to investigate changes in serum levels of TNF-α after 12 weeks endurance training and GnRH agonist in girl with central precocious puberty.

Twenty-five girls (age 6-8 years) with precocious puberty were randomly divided into three groups (medication, training, medication + training).  Ten healthy girls (with no precocious puberty) were also included as control group. At the beginning of the study, blood samples were taken from all subjects and serum level of TNF-α were measured by ELISA technique. The experimental groups then did an aerobic exercise program 3 days/week with 20-75 min per day with 45-75% of maximum heart rate for 12 weeks. The medication groups were also received GnRH agonist during the study, once monthly (1 ml every four weeks) by subcutaneously. TNF-α serum level were measured again at 24 hours after completing the training program and also after 4 weeks of detraining.

The Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) with repeated measures analyses showed no significant difference in serum level of TNF-α in medication group before and after treatment (p = 0.203). However, in training and training+medication groups a significant decrease in TNF-α level was observed after aerobic exercise (p  =  0.001). The detraining led to return of TNF-α level to the levels of before training (p = 0.001). Further comparison of groups by ANOVA showed a significant difference only between training and medication groups.

GnRH alone does not affect TNF-α serum level in girls with precocious puberty. However, aerobic training and also the combination of aerobic training with GnRH decrease TNF-α serum level. The subsequent detraining returns TNF-α serum level to the level of before training. A long time regular and moderate exercise can decrease inflammation indices in girl with precocious puberty.