Journal of Exercise & Organ Cross Talk

Abstract This study investigates the effect of home-based combined exercise on the transforming growth factor-β/Interleukin-17 ratio (TGF-β/IL-17) in maternal serum during the first, second, and third trimesters of pregnancy, as well as in umbilical cord blood. Thirty overweight pregnant women were randomly allocated to control and training groups. Blood samples were collected during each trimester of pregnancy and from the umbilical cord at birth. Fitness-related indicators were assessed in the mother throughout pregnancy. Newborn health indicators were measured at birth. The levels of IL-17 and TGF-β were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and specialized kits. The exercise training significantly reduced TGF-β levels (p=0.011, effect size=1.22) and the TGF-β/IL-17 ratio (p=0.045, effect size=0.79) in the third trimester in mothers. Similarly, this ratio decreased in the fetus, accompanied by an increase in IL-17 levels (p = 0.038, effect size = 0.93). These immune changes were associated with improved maternal cardiovascular fitness and higher Apgar scores at 5 minutes for newborns (p<0.05). Obesity and excessive weight gain during pregnancy are linked to inflammatory responses and elevated cytokine levels, which may increase the risk of complications for the mother. This study highlights the long-term benefits of maternal exercise, evidenced by reduced inflammatory responses and improved neonatal health outcomes, as reflected in Apgar scores.

Abstract Cancer is now the leading global cause of death, with breast cancer being particularly deadly for women. This study investigates how physical activity combined with anti-PD-L1 antibody administration affects tumor weight and lifespan in mice with breast cancer. In this study, 30 male and female BALB/c mice, averaging 17.76 grams in weight, were selected and divided into the following groups: PCG (n=6), EIC (n=6), EIE (n=6), EIA (n=6), and EIE+A (n=6). Following an acclimation period on the treadmill, mice underwent two initial 4-week training protocols, followed by a 2-week protocol after cancer induction. A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to analyze the research variables. Statistical analysis showed no significant changes in survival time or tumor weight in the PCG, EIC, and EIE groups of breast cancer mice. However, the EIA and EIE+A groups demonstrated significant improvements in both survival and tumor weight reduction (p<0.05). The findings of this study suggest that the combination of physical activity and anti-PDL-1 antibody administration may lead to tumor apoptosis by enhancing positive immunological effects, which could be effective for better cancer management. However, it is recommended that future studies investigate the immunological and physiological effects of the tumor microenvironment with the combination of physical activity and anti-PDL-1 antibody administration.