The effect of physical exercises on TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-8 cytokines expression and NK cells in cancer

Sep 24, 2026

Uploaded by Mabel

Carcinogenesis drives cancer through coordinated intrinsic and extrinsic processes, while cytokines produced during skeletal muscle contraction (myokines) may reshape tumor biology via effects on the tumor microenvironment and the immune system. This review analyzes how physical exercise influences cytokine expression and, consequently, cancer-cell behavior, consolidating evidence from multiple databases. Reported findings suggest training can suppress tumor development and promote apoptosis, yet the roles of specific modalities, volume, and intensity remain insufficiently clarified.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages10

Reading Time25 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Introduction

Global cancer burden and relevance

Carcinogenesis and inflammation

Cytokines and tumor immune regulation

REVIEW R J M E Romanian Journal of Morphology & Embryology [http://www.rjme.ro/](http://www.rjme.ro/) The effect of physical exercises on TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-8 cytokines expression and NK cells in cancer LIGIA RUSU1), TATIANA ANDREEA MIHAI1), RAMONA ADRIANA SCHENKER2), MIHNEA ION MARIN3), MICHAEL SCHENKER4), COSTIN TEODOR STREBA5), DAN IONUŢ GHEONEA6), DENISA PIELE1) 1) Department of Physiotherapy and Sports Medicine, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, University of Craiova, Romania 2)Sf. Nectarie Oncology Center, Craiova, Romania 3) Department of Applied Mechanics, Faculty of Mechanics, University of Craiova, Romania 4) Department of Oncology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Romania 5) Department of Pulmonology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Romania 6) Department of Gastroenterology, Research Center of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Romania Abstract The main process in developing cancer is carcinogenesis, which means that proliferation of the cells is developed and is based on interplay between intrinsic and extrinsic processes. Many researchers consider that cytokines produced during muscle contractions (i.e. , myokines) could influence cancer cells. Myokines, produced by muscles during physical activity, may have anti-inflammatory and antitumor effects by directly influencing the tumor microenvironment and the immune system. These signaling molecules have the potential to modulate tumor cell growth and viability, suggesting that exercise may contribute to cancer prevention and control through complex biochemical mechanisms. The aim of this review was to analyze the effects of physical exercise on cytokines and implicitly its influence on the cancer cells, by performing in-depth documentation leading to a synthesis, for analysis of the possible contribution of physical exercises as therapeutic potential. The search for articles was also extended to databases. Multiple studies have shown that exercise can inhibit the development of tumor cells and so apoptosis may be induced for various malignant cells and much more short-term and long-term training interventions suggest that training volume may influence the inhibition of cancer cells. Still, the specific impact of training modalities, volumes, as well as intensities on serum collected from individuals undergoing exercise programs – and its subsequent effects on cancer cells – remains unclear. Keywords: cancer, cytokines, physical exercises, carcinogenesis, myokines. 􀀕 Introduction In 2022, the great number of new cancer patients was 20 million and from these 9.7 million deaths. More than this situation, the survivors up to five years after they receive cancer diagnostic, arise 53.5 million. The statistics speak about the increase in the number of people that develop cancer, so the situation reported in 2022 by the World Health Organization (WHO) shows that one in five people develop cancer in their lifetime. Considering these figures and the predicted upward trend for the coming years, cancer is becoming one of the main diseases of interest in medical research. Cancer develops through a multi-stage process that starts at the cellular level. Cell reproduction is based on a process of cell division. Unlike normal cells, cancer cells ignore signals to stop division, specialization or apoptosis. The main process in developing cancer is carcinogenesis, which means that proliferation of the cells is developed and is based on interplay between intrinsic and extrinsic processes, at the same time increasing the resistance against apoptosis process. Inflammation, although necessary, can influence these processes by promoting neoplasia. Thus, inflammation is considered to be a characteristic that facilitates the acquisition of the major defining features of cancer [1] . In the last years, many studies have been directed towards a number of factors which have

FAQs

What role do myokines play in the link between exercise and cancer?

Myokines are cytokines produced by muscles during physical activity. They may exert anti-inflammatory and antitumor effects by directly influencing the tumor microenvironment and the immune system.

How do cytokines contribute to cancer-related immune and inflammatory processes?

Cytokines are signaling proteins that mediate communication and regulate immune and inflammatory responses. They can act as growth factors or as pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators, thereby affecting tumor progression.

Why is the impact of exercise type and training parameters still unclear?

Multiple studies show exercise can inhibit tumor development, but the specific effects of training modalities, training volume, and intensity on measured serum cytokines and downstream cancer-cell effects are not fully resolved.

Sep 24, 2026

Uploaded by Mabel