Exercise-Induced Inflammation Modulation in Metabolic Disorders

Metabolic disorders such as obesity, metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are characterised by chronic low-grade inflammation driven by aberrant adipose tissue signalling, immune cell infiltration and dysregulated cytokine networks. Exercise acts as a potent modulator of this inflammatory milieu through mechanisms that include improved adipokine secretion, enhanced lipid metabolism, reduced visceral fat and restoration of insulin sensitivity. Both acute bouts of physical activity and long-term training regimens induce transient increases in anti-inflammatory cytokines—such as interleukin-6 produced by contracting muscle fibres—that in turn stimulate release of IL-10 and inhibit tumour necrosis factor-α. Regular exercise also promotes a shift in macrophage phenotype within adipose depots from pro-inflammatory M1 to anti-inflammatory M2, thereby attenuating the systemic cytokine burden. Moreover, combined aerobic and resistance training programmes improve endothelial function and skeletal muscle mitochondrial capacity, reducing oxidative stress and further dampening inflammatory signalling. Emerging evidence highlights the role of exercise-induced myokines and microRNAs in orchestrating cross-talk between muscle, liver, adipose tissue and the immune system. Globally, these effects translate into lower incidence of cardiovascular complications and improved glycaemic control. Understanding the precise dose, intensity and modality of exercise necessary to elicit optimal anti-inflammatory responses remains a priority for tailoring interventions in diverse populations.

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Exercise-Induced Inflammation Modulation in Metabolic Disorders publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in exercise-induced inflammation modulation in metabolic disorders across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Adipokines: Bioactive peptides secreted by adipose tissue, including leptin, adiponectin and resistin, that modulate inflammation and metabolism.

Myokines: Cytokines produced and released by skeletal muscle fibres during exercise, influencing systemic inflammatory and metabolic processes.

M1/M2 macrophages: Phenotypic states of macrophages, where M1 denotes classically activated pro-inflammatory cells and M2 denotes alternatively activated anti-inflammatory cells.

Homeostatic model assessment (HOMA): A method for quantifying insulin resistance and β-cell function from fasting plasma glucose and insulin levels.

Interleukin-6 (IL-6): A pleiotropic cytokine with both pro- and anti-inflammatory roles, released transiently during exercise from muscle tissue.

References

1. Physical Activity as a Modern Intervention in the Fight against Obesity-Related Inflammation in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Gestational Diabetes. Antioxidants (2023).
2. Astaxanthin Supplementation Augments the Benefits of CrossFit Workouts on Semaphorin 3C and Other Adipokines in Males with Obesity. Nutrients (2023).
3. Exercise-Induced Alternations of Adiponectin, Interleukin-8 and Indicators of Carbohydrate Metabolism in Males with Metabolic Syndrome. Biomolecules (2023).