Effects of exercise on hematological parameters, circulating side population cells, and cytokines.

Objective: To determine the effects of exercise and/or training on hematologic indices, circulating side population (SP) cells, and cytokines. Specifically hemoglobin (Hgb), hematocrit (Hct), white blood cell (WBC) and platelet (Plt) numbers, SP cells and plasma vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels were analyzed before and following exercise to maximal fatigue.

Materials And Methods: Thirty-seven nonsmoking subjects, aged 19 to 35 years, free of cardiopulmonary disease were enrolled and characterized as "trained" or "untrained.