Aerobic exercise and C-reactive protein in healthy but untrained men

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22327087

J Sports Med Phys Fitness. 2012 Feb;52(1):53-62.
Aerobic training does not alter CRP in apparently healthy, untrained men.
Stoutenberg M, Kressler J, Chen GL, Perry AC, Myerburg RJ, Mendez J, Signorile JF, Arheart KL, Lewis JE, Jacobs KA.
Source
Department of Kinesiology and Sport Sciences, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA - mstoutenberg@med.miami.edu.

Abstract
AIM:
Regular aerobic exercise may reduce cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk by lowering the concentration of inflammatory markers, such as C-reactive protein (CRP). While studies in diseased populations have shown significant decreases in CRP concentrations with regular aerobic training, little has been conclusively determined regarding the effects of aerobic training on CRP concentrations in apparently healthy, untrained populations. Aim of the study was to examine the effects of a 17-wk half marathon training program (TP) on CRP concentrations, aerobic fitness, and body composition in apparently healthy, untrained men.

METHODS:
Twenty men (29.3±1.0 y) enrolled as training subjects (TRN) in a 17-wk half marathon TP. An additional 22 men (27.8±1.4 y) served as controls (CON). Fasting blood samples were taken at four time points over the TP and were analyzed for CRP and interleukin-6 (IL-6) concentrations. Aerobic capacity (VO2max) and body fat percent (BF%) were measured before and after the TP.

RESULTS:
No significant post-training changes in CRP (P=0.70) or IL-6 concentrations (P=0.67) were seen in TRN as a result of the TP, despite significant improvements in VO2max (42.2±1.9 ml∙kg-1∙min-1, P<0.0001) and significant reductions in resting heart rate (P=0.004), BF% (P=0.03), and body mass index (BMI, P=0.05). No significant changes in CRP, VO2max, BMI, or BF% were detected in CON over time.

CONCLUSION:
Regular aerobic training does not appear to affect CRP concentrations in apparently healthy, untrained men despite significant improvements in bodyweight, BF%, BMI, and VO2max.