Effects of 10 weeks of continuous aerobic training and Sesamin supplementation on serum levels of Interleukin-6 and Interleukin-1 Beta in trained men

Physical activity depending on its intensity and duration could have an effective impact on disrupting or improving the immune system. Moreover, using the herbal supplement along with exercise, regulates the secretion of anti and pro-inflammatory cytokines, and has a positive impact on the immune system. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of 10 weeks of aerobic training and Sesamin supplementation on serum levels of Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and Interleukin-1 Beta (IL-1β) in trained men.

40 male subjects (20-25 years old) were randomly divided into 4 groups as placebo, aerobic training, aerobic training + Sesamin and Sesamin (n=10). The aerobic training protocol was performed as 30-35 minutes, 4 days a week for 10 weeks. Sesamin supplement in form of gelatin capsule was used by supplemented sesamin groups at dose of 50 mg per week. The placebo group also consumed capsules containing starch. Measurement of IL-6 and IL-1β were done using Elisa method. Data were analyzed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) at P

The results of ANCOVA test showed that after removing the effect of pre-test, only aerobic exercise showed significantly reduced the IL-6 (p=0.008, F=7.99) and IL-1β (p=0.04, F= 4.23). However, the effects of supplements and the interaction between exercise and supplementation did not indicate any significant change (P>0.05).

It seems that taking Sesamin supplements does not have any significant effects on the immune system in trained men; while exercise-induced adaptations could modulate inflammatory factors (such as IL-6 and IL-1β) as compared to Sesamin supplementation. Totally, more extensive research with considering more factors are needed to clear results.