Razi Journal of Medical Sciences

Background: Studies show that changes in inflammatory cytokines associated with inflammatory, hormonal changes in women has been less studied, especially in female athletes. So aim of this research is the investigation of Response of interleukin 6, necrosis factor alpha and cortisol to intensive exercise in athlete’s women.

Methods: Among the volunteers, 15 subjects allowed to participate in the study and then participated in Alstad exercise test (gradient: 15%, Speed: 8 mph, time: 16 minutes). Blood sample were taken in three stages: pre exercise test, immediately and 1 hour after (recovery) of exercise test.

Results: cortisol, IL-6 and TNF-α levels were significantly increased at all stages exercise training (At all stages: p=0.001). CRP levels did not significantly change immediately after exercise, but significantly decreased 1 hour after exercise (p=0.04).

Conclusion: intensive exercise increases inflammatory cytokines and cortisol levels in athlete’s women. So it seems that during the intense exercise athletes female are confronted with injuries of inflammatory markers (cytokines and inflammatory hormones).