The kinetic responses of leukocyte subsets to exercise and their recovery may serve as indicators of immunological resilience. These time-dependent responses were investigated in healthy young men using a bicycle ergometer test. Fifteen recreationally active male cyclists (20–35 years, VO_2max 56.9 ± 3.9 mL kg⁻¹ min⁻¹) performed four exercise protocols with a 1 h duration in a cross-over design: at 70% of the maximal workload (Wmax) in a hydrated and a mildly dehydrated state, at 50% of the Wmax, and intermittently at 85/55% of the Wmax in blocks of 2 min. The numbers of lymphocytes, monocytes, neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, thrombocytes, and NK cells (CD16 and CD56) were measured at different time points up to 24 h post-exercise. The total leukocyte counts and those of most subsets increased from the start of the exercise, peaking after 30–60 min of exercising. The neutrophil numbers, however, peaked 3 h post-exercise. The CD16^brightCD56^dim NK cells showed a 1.5-fold increase compared to the CD16^brightCD56^bright NK cells. Other than for MCP-1, no significant differences were found in the serum cytokine levels. Our results show that exercise intensity is reflected in different time-dependent changes in leukocyte subsets, which supports the concept that the exchange of immune cells between peripheral blood and tissues contributes to enhanced immune surveillance during strenuous exercise.

Medisch onderzoek heeft als doel het verbeteren van de kwaliteit van leven van ervaringsdeskundigen (patiënten en hun naasten). Daarvoor is het cruciaal om te weten welke veranderingen de ervaringsdeskundigen zelf graag zouden zien. Wij hebben samen met de hele epilepsie community - mensen met epilepsie, hun naasten, artsen en onderzoekers - in kaart gebracht welk onderzoek nodig is om te zorgen voor de gewenste veranderingen.

Goed translationeel onderzoek kan alleen met een actieve participatie van patiënten en hun omgeving. Met de fusie van het Epilepsiefonds en de Epilepsie Vereniging Nederland tot EpilepsieNL is dat nu mogelijk. Patiëntenparticipatie is nu een belangrijk speerpunt in het beleid van EpilepsieNL.