Physical training improves cardiopulmonary functional capacity and increases cytokine IL-10 levels in individuals with Chagas disease

Purpose : To evaluate cardiopulmonary functional capacity and the production of cytokines in patients with and without Chagas disease, and with and without hypertension, after short and long-term exercise. Methods : In a case-controlled study, 56 participants who attended the Chagas Disease Laboratory at the State University of Maringa (LDC/UEM) and Basic Health Units (UBS) in Maringa that agreed to participate. The participants were divided into the following groups: 16 with Chagas disease (CHD group), 21 with systemic arterial hypertension (SAH group) and 19 normal individuals without these morbidities (NI group). Each participant performed the 6-min walk test (6MWT), and a 12-week physical training program. Pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines were measured before and after physical training. Results : The CHD group presented good performance in the 6MWT, with no significant differences in distance traveled or perceived exertion (p > 0.05) compared with the NI group. After physical training, the 6MWT results were significantly better, with significant decreases in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, in the SAH group (p = 0.0409; and p = 0.0377, respectively) and NI  group (p = 0.0180; and p = 0.0431, respectively) and a significant increase in the levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-10 (IL-10; p < 0.05) in all three groups. The NI group exhibited a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the serum levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-17 and tumor necrosis factor (all p < 0.05). Conclusion : All of the participants presented improvements in cardiopulmonary functional capacity and good prognosis, indicating the protective effect of IL-10 production and the benefits of physical training. Keywords : Chagas disease, Six-minute walk test, Physical training, Cytokines, Cardiopulmonary function capacity, Hypertension