Impact of exercise therapy on glucose tolerance and cytokine and BDNF responses during MS and EAE

Abstract

MS is characterized by CNS demyelination and a chronic disturbed cytokine balance. Some symptoms can lead to the development of secondary health problems, like insulin resistance (IR). These problems are also seen in other inactive populations. Physical exercise proved to be effective in reducing and preventing IR in other populations. Moreover, physical exercise therapy is also used to improve MS-related inactivity symptoms. Nonetheless, the effect of physical exercise therapy on IR in MS and EAE, an animal model for MS, has not been investigated before. Also the effect of training on the pro-/anti-inflammatory cytokine balance will be investigated. Present data suggest a higher incidence of IR in MS patients compared to healthy controls. However, this tolerance impairment could be stabilized by physical exercise therapy. In addition, this therapy could also lead to a more anti-inflammatory cytokine profile in MS patients. Delayed disease onset in EAE was seen after endurance trainin