Cell adhesion molecules and exercise.

Background: An extensive systematic review was undertaken in the current literature in order to explore the role of different types and intensities of exercise in cell adhesion molecules (CAMs), one of the markers of vascular inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and atherosclerosis.

Methods: Twenty-eight qualifying studies were extensively reviewed to examine the effects of different intensities (low-to-moderate vs. high) and types (aerobic vs. resistance) of exercise on intercellular adhesion molecule-1, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, and selectins.

Results: Low-to-moderate intensity aerobic exercise favorably decreased CAMs in a variety of subject populations, while CAMs momentarily increased immediately following high-intensity aerobic exercise, which then returned to the pre-exercise level within several hours post-exercise. Resistance exercise, regardless of its intensity, did not significantly influence CAMs.

Conclusion: It is evident that the responses of CAMs are dependent upon the type and intensity of exercise performed. The most common, favorable outcome was a decrease in CAMs following low-to-moderate intensity aerobic exercise, while high-intensity aerobic exercise showed a short-lived, momentary increase in CAMs, which returned to the pre-exercise level within a few hours post-exercise. Resistance exercise, regardless of its intensity, neither significantly increased nor decreased CAMs. Future studies should focus more on the role of exercise in both soluble and membrane-bound CAMs as well as proinflammatory cytokines related to atherosclerosis in order to develop specific exercise programing that can effectively improve vascular inflammation and endothelial health.