Exercise, monocyte/macrophage function, and cancer

Jeffrey A. Woods, J. Mark Davis

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Epidemiological studies have found a relationship between increased physical activity and lower prevalence and mortality rates for various site-specific cancers. Animal studies are limited and often inconsistent, but also generally support this concept. However, the significance of this research will be questioned until the underlying physiological mechanisms are determined. It now seems likely that components of the innate immune system are involved. One such component includes cells of the monocyte-macrophage (Mo/Mϕ) lineage that have powerful inhibiting effects on tumor growth and can destroy cancer cells. Recent research suggests that exercise can alter the influx of Mo/Mϕ into tissues in response to an inflammatory challenge, promote the release of Mϕ-derived cytokines known to have antitumor properties, increase Mϕ antitumor cytotoxicity, and increase the number and functional activity of tumor-derived Mϕ. These effects are likely dependent on the dose of exercise and the functional state of the Mϕ at the time of the exercise stimulus. However, these responses have yet to be shown to inhibit experimental tumors in vivo. Future research must continue to develop appropriate animal models to study the mechanisms of exercise effects on the initiation, promotion and progression of cancer.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)147-156
Number of pages10
JournalMedicine and Science in Sports and Exercise
Volume26
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 1994
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Antitumor cytotoxicity
  • Cytokines
  • Immune system
  • Inflammation

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
  • Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation

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