Attenuating Plasma Cytokines Response After High-Intensity Exercise Through Selenium Supplementation

Year 2025, Volume: 8 Issue: 2, 143 - 151, 25.04.2025

Roy Irawan , Tri Martiana , Trias Mahmudiono , Siti Rahayu Nadhiroh , Putri Alayyannur , Nanda Rimawati

https://doi.org/10.33438/ijdshs.1552674

Abstract

High-intensity exercise are associated with muscle injury and an acute inflammatory response characterized by an increase in cytokines. Interleukin 6 (IL-6) is one of the proinflammatory cytokines that is most highly elevated by high-intensity exercise, which in turn reduces muscle strength, limits range of motion, and causes general discomfort, affecting performance and training programs. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of Selenium supplementation on IL-6 and CRP post high-intensity exercise. This research used an experimental pre-post control group design with 36 male students from the sports science department of Universitas Negeri Surabaya. Participants were randomly assigned to either a selenium supplementation group (n=18) or a placebo group (n=18) and instructed to consume one capsule daily for 21 days in a double-blind manner. Following a 21-day supplementation period, on the 22nd day, participants performed a 100 Drop Jump (DJ) exercise protocol to induce cytokines response. IL-6 and CRP plasma concentration were assessed immediately after, 24 hr and 48 hr after exercise. This study's results demonstrated that during the 24 to 48-hour period following high-intensity exercise, both groups experienced a reduction IL-6 and CRP plasma concentration compared to immediately after. The study's findings indicated that the group supplemented with selenium exhibited a significantly more pronounced decrease in IL-6 with P=0.000 (<0.05) and CRP plasma concentration with P=0.006 (<0.05) compared to the placebo group. In conclusions, Selenium supplementation may lower inflammatory response following high-intensity exercise, as it effectively decreases IL-6 and CRP plasma concentration the bloodstream.

Keywords

exercise , muscle damage , inflammation , sport injured , supplement

Ethical Statement

This study was conducted in accordance with ethical guidelines and was approved by the Health Research Ethics Committee at the Faculty of Public Health, Airlangga University, with the reference number: 104/EA/KEPK/2023. Participants were fully informed and gave their consent, which included details about the research, potential risks, benefits, confidentiality, and their rights. The research strictly adhered to the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki, prioritizing the rights and well-being of participants in all aspects of the study, from design to implementation

Supporting Institution

Universitas Airlangga, UNiversitas Negeri Surabaya

Thanks

The authors would like to extend their gratitude to everyone involved in this research, including the students of the Sports Science study program at Surabaya State University who generously participated in the study and the Universitas Airlangga Surabaya team. Additionally, the researchers would like to express appreciation to the health workers of Universitas Airlangga who assisted in collecting blood samples, which were crucial for completing this research.

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