Serum Interleukin-15 and its relationship with adiposity Indices before and after short-term endurance exercise

Objective: The myokine interleukin-15 [IL-15] is capable of modifying the metabolism of both skeletal and adipose tissue. This study compares the change in serum levels of IL-15 in obese and non-obese after a single session of submaximal exercise

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Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out at Jinnah Medical and Dental College, Karachi, during Aug-Dec 2015, comprising of 133 medical students [aged 17-24 years]. Cardiorespiratory fitness was evaluated by Queen's College Step Test. Blood was obtained both before and just after exercise and serum levels of IL-15 determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay

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Results: Mean serum level of IL-15 was 3.64+/-1.59 pg/mL. Higher levels of IL-15 were seen in lean subjects compared to overweight/obese, both before and after three minutes of exercise [all P[trend]<.001]. The percent increase in IL-15 upon exercise was 12.7 percent higher in lean. Significant negative association was seen between interleukin-15 and adiposity, especially visceral fat [r= -.288, p=.001]

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Conclusion: Interleukin-15 correlates negatively with adiposity indices, especially visceral fat. With the proven benefit of IL-15 in terms of adipose tissue stores and skeletal muscle mitochondrial biogenesis, endurance exercises, even of short duration, may possess therapeutic potential towards producing a healthier body