EFFECT OF EXERCISE ON THE LEVEL OF IMMUNOGLOBULIN A IN SALIVA

The aim of this paper is to describe the structure, production and function of secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) as well as changes of its concentration caused by exercise of various intensity and duration. Immunoglobulin A is the main class of antibodies present in the body secreted fluids such as saliva, tears or mucus from the intestines. It is generally recognized that IgA, due to its dominance in the immune system of mucous membranes, is the first line of defence against harmful environmental factors. The secretion and composition of saliva depends on the activity of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. Physical activity, stimulating the autonomous nervous system, may reduce the amount of saliva and/or inhibit its secretion. The relationship between physical activity and the suppression of the immune system is not fully understood, but it is known that moderate intensity exercise can improve immune defences, while extreme effort can reduce them by creating an increased risk of upper respiratory tract inflammation (URTI). In athletes, the lowest risk of upper tract infection was connected with the case of moderate intensity exercise. It is now believed that the relationship between exercise volume and the risk of URTI has the shape of the letter “J”. This means that both too little and too much physical activity may increase the risk of upper respiratory tract infection. Training optimization and correct balance between exercise and rest periods may reduce the risk of adverse changes in the immune system and decrease the frequency of URTI

The Effect of Wrestling Tournament on Immune and Endocrine Markers in Blood and Saliva of Male and Female Athletes

The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of one-day wrestling tournament on magnitude and direction of changes in selected immunological and endocrine status indices. The participants of the study were male (n = 12) and female (n = 13) wrestlers. The earlobe blood samples and unstimulated saliva were collected at three time points: in the morning before the competition (1), immediately after the last match (2) and in the next morning (3). Total protein, IgA and cortisol concentration and α-amylase activity in saliva, as well as concentration of cortisol and interleukin-6 in serum were measured. Significantly lower ratio of sIgA/protein and significantly higher levels of salivary and serum cortisol, interleukin-6, and α-amylase activity were observed at the second time point compared with the first and the third in both groups of athletes. Regardless of the examined time point, concentrations of serum and saliva markers were similar in female and male wrestlers. However, a tendency to lower sAA activity on the next morning after the tournament compared to basal activity of this enzyme was seen in both examined groups. In general, the changes of examined markers were short-lived, except for α-amylase activity, showing that tournament-wrestling matches had no sustained negative effects on endocrine and immunological body systems

The resting salivary antimicrobial proteins and cortisol concentration in wrestlers during 12-week training

Study aim: the aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of 12-week training on saliva immunoendocrine response in collegiate male and female wrestlers