Regular physical exercise mediates the immune response in atherosclerosis.
Level 5 - mechanism / opinion, no new human data
Narrative review of mechanisms with no systematic search methodology or original data.
What was done
This narrative review synthesized literature on the direct and indirect mechanisms through which regular physical exercise alters systemic inflammation and innate immune cell function in the context of atherosclerosis and plaque formation.
What was found
The abstract reports no quantitative findings or numerical data. It outlines conceptual mechanisms whereby regular exercise alters myokine concentrations (specifically mentioning IL-6, adiponectin, and FGF21) and metabolites, and modulates innate immune cell responses to influence atherosclerotic plaque pathophysiology.
Why it matters
It outlines biological pathways linking physical training to immune and myokine signaling, framing potential mechanisms behind the established cardioprotective benefits of exercise.
Limits
As a narrative review, it lacks a systematic search strategy, quality appraisal of included studies, and quantitative synthesis. The abstract provides no specific data on exercise dosing, clinical cohorts, or effect sizes.
Cited by
- supports Muscle tissue contracting under load releases anti-inflammatory myokines that directly reduce chronic low-grade inflammation driving arterial plaque buildup.