People who live closely with patients who have multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) are at high risk of infection, and there are limited preventive treatments. Exercise is known to strengthen the body’s defenses, especially in the lungs. This study looked at whether intense exercise could help the body’s immune cells kill tuberculosis bacteria more effectively. Twelve healthy men aged 20–40 were randomly divided into two groups. One group completed a 12-week high-intensity cycling program, while the other exercised on their own. Blood samples were collected before and after the program to test how well their immune cells (monocytes and two types of macrophages) could kill tuberculosis bacteria. After 12 weeks, immune cells from the exercise group were better at killing standard TB bacteria compared to the no-exercise group. For MDR-TB bacteria, improved killing was mainly seen in one immune cell type (M1 macrophages). Some changes in inflammatory signals were also seen. These findings suggest that intense exercise may strengthen the body’s natural ability to fight TB in people who are exposed to the disease. Encouraging regular intense exercise could be a useful additional strategy for TB prevention.

Read more:  https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1876034125002515?via%3Dihub#ab0010

Corresponding author: Virasakdi Chongsuvivatwong

Co-author: Marisa Ponpuak