Author(s)

Florent Nsompi^1,2,3, Alain Marc Boussana^1,3, Paul Roger Mabounda Kounga^1,3, Albérick Tito², Simplice Innocent Moussouami¹, Eddie Janvier Bouhika¹, Folly Messan²

¹Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Physical Activity and Health, Higher Institute of Physical Education and Sport (ISEPS), Marien Ngouabi University, Brazzaville, Republic of Congo.
²Respiratory, Hormonal and Gerontological Sports Explorations Unit, National Institute of Youth, Physical Education and Sport (INJEPS), University of Abomey-Calavi (UAC), Porto-Novo, Benin.
³Laboratory Education, Health, Expertise and Motor Performance (LESEPM), Brazzaville, Republic of Congo.

Background: Exercise-Induced Bronchospasm (EIB) is an inflammatory condition characterized by severe airway constriction following the mobilization of inflammatory cells and interleukin-6 (IL-6). When severe, EIB can require the use of pressurized salbutamol to treat athletes. This study investigated the nature of the systemic changes in inflammatory cells and post-exercise IL-6 concentrations after salbutamol treatment in EIB-susceptible distance runners. Materials and Methods: This was an experimental study that enrolled 12 long-distance runners. In Session A, the participants completed a treadmill exercise test, and those who had a maximum expiratory volume per second (FEV1) that was decreased by at least 10% compared to their base value were placed in the EIB-susceptible group (EIB+) (n = 6). Those whose FEV1 did not meet this criterion were placed in the nonresponsive (EIB?) group (n = 6). Before the Session B exercise, athletes in the BIE+ group inhaled two puffs of salbutamol (EIB+ Salb), while their EIB? counterparts received no treatment. Spirometry was performed before and after the exercise using a Spirobank G portable spirometer. Blood samples were taken before, immediately after and 2 hours after the stress test. Results: The mean post-exercise FEV1 values were not significantly different (p > 0.05) between the EIB+ Salb group and the EIB? group. The systemic changes in inflammatory cells and IL-6 concentrations in the EIB+ runners after salbutamol treatment were similar to those observed in their EIB? counterparts. Conclusion: Salbutamol pretreatment improved the systemic immune status of EIB-susceptible athletes.

Exercise-Induced Bronchospasm, Salbutamol, Inflammatory Cells, Interleukin-6

Nsompi, F. , Boussana, A. , Kounga, P. , Tito, A. , Moussouami, S. , Bouhika, E. and Messan, F. (2023) Variations in Inflammatory Cells and IL-6 in Long-Distance Runners Susceptible to Exercise-Induced Bronchospasm and Previously Treated with Salbutamol. Journal of Biosciences and Medicines, 11, 32-46. doi: 10.4236/jbm.2023.111005.