Physical activity, exercise and inflammation in older persons: findings from the health, aging, and body composition study

OBJECTIVES: To examine the association between physical activity and inflammatory markers, with consideration for body fatness and antioxidant use. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study, using baseline data from the Health, Aging and Body Composition Study. SETTING: Metropolitan areas surrounding Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Memphis, Tennessee. PARTICIPANTS: Black and white, well-functioning men and women (N = 3,075), aged 70 to 79. MEASUREMENTS: Interviewer-administered questionnaires of previous-week household, walking, exercise, and occupational/volunteer physical activities. Analysis of covariance was used to examine the association between activity level and serum C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and plasma tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) with covariate adjustment. Antioxidant supplement use (multivitamin, vitamins E or C, beta carotene) was evaluated as an effect modifier of the association. RESULTS: Higher levels of exercise were associated with lower levels of CRP (P < .01), IL-6 (P < .001), and TNFα (P =.02) (e.g., CRP = 1.95 mg/L for no exercise and 1.72 for > 180 min/wk). Adjustment for body fatness attenuated the associations somewhat. Use of antioxidant supplements modified the CRP (P