Influence of moderate physical load on parameters of the immune system among residents of contaminated areas

The aim of this research was to evaluate the effects of physical stress caused by physical activity on parameters of immune system among the residents of areas contaminated with radionuclides. In the 2000–2015 we examined 125 students ofCherkasyStateUniversity, including the control group of people from uncontaminated areas, persons working in a basic physical training group and those with symptoms of vegetative-vascular dystonia, who worked in a therapeutic physical training group. Immune system parameters were analyzed: a day before physical training, immediately after the training and two days after the training to assess the recovery period. Indicators of cellular immunity were determined by immunophenotyping and dyeing on Romanowsky-Giemsa. The level of immunoglobulins in blood serum was determined by radial immunodiffusion on Mancini. The level of cortisol in blood serum was determined by the immunoenzyme method. Here we established that even in the absence of physical activity, some immunosuppression of T-cell immunity was observed in residents of contaminated areas. Working in the basic physical training group resulted in a significant decrease in the relative number of lymphocytes and increasing in the relative number of band neutrophils, which is a typical feature of the early stages of stress response. A statistically significant reduction in relative and absolute number of cells with phenotypes CD3+, CD5+, CD4+ and immunoregulatory index CD4+/CD8+ was observed. There were no significant changes of cytotoxic T lymphocytes with phenotype CD8+ and natural killer cells with phenotype CD16+. Increase of the relative number of B cells, that express CD72 antigen, and growth trend in serum IgM were registered. All parameters analyzed were within the physiological homeostatic norm, however, some reached extreme recommended levels. Recovery period lasted 2 days. Individuals working in therapeutic physical training group did not show statistically significant changes in immune system parameters. Thus, therapeutic exercises don't reach the stress level and can be potentially safe for the natural resistance of the body. So, among residents of areas contaminated with radionuclides due to the Chernobyl accident, moderate load during physical training lessons causes short-term compensatory changes of cellular immunity within the homeostatic norm with effective and rapid recovery. Taking into account the immunosuppression, caused by chronic exposure to low doses of ionizing radiation, it is important to choose exercises, their duration and intensity carefully , giving preference to therapeutic exercises.