(EFFECT OF AEROBIC EXERCISE ON PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC NON-CIRRHOTIC ACTIVE HEPATITIS C VIRUS (HCV

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major human pathogen causing mild to severe liver disease worldwide. It is characterized by the presence of HCV RNA in serum, and elevated serum liver enzymes. This positive strand RNA virus is remarkably efficient at establishing chronic infections. Examination of T cell responses revealed a marked suppression of specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses and a depressed production of interleukin2 (IL-2) and interferon gamma (IFNy). It was indicated that moderate exercise enhances a T helper! (THI)-type cytokine response, which should boost protection against viral infection, promotes defense against infection, also it increases the production of some_of the interferons, a group of naturally occurring proteins with antiviral properties.The purpose: of this study was to investigate the effect of aerobic exercise on the level of circulating THI cytokines (IL-2 and IFy), and liver enzymes; alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) in patients with chronic non-cirrhotic active HCV. Materials and methods: 40 patients with chronic HCV were randomly assigned into two groups, experimental group who received areobic exercise for two months, two sessions a week, 30 minutes for each session, control group who didn't receive exercise. Their mean age was (40±5). Blood samples were collected and serum level of IL2 and IFy were measured using enzyme­ linked irnmunosorbant assay (ELISA) test, also serum levels of ALT and AST were routinely made before and after exercise program for two months. Results: there was a statistical significant increase in serum levels of IL2 and IFy, -and a statistical significant decrease in ALT and AST between before exercise and after exercise in the experimental group while there was no statistical significant difference in serum levels of IL2 and IFy and a statistical increase in levels of ALT and AST between before and after two months without exercise in the control group. Conclusion: aerobic exercise of moderate intensity increased serum level of TH1 cytokines (IL2, IFy) which means enhancement of the immune system and resistance to infection, it led also to decrease serum levels of liver enzymes (ALT and AST) which means protection of hepatic cells and restoration of its function.