Salivary Immunoglobulin A responses to 6-minute walk test in elderly women

Abstract

Objetive: The aim of the present study was evaluate the effect of the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) on the secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) kinetics in whole saliva of healthy elderly women. Methods: Nine healthy, elderly females (age 61 ± 6.7 years) performed the 6 MWT. Saliva samples and heart rate (HR) were measured in basal, immediately (IPE), and 30 minutes after the 6 MWT (30-Post Ex). Blood lactate [La] was measured at the same intervals. The ELISA assay was used to determine the sIgA concentrations [sIgA]. The Biuret assay was employed to determine the total proteins levels in saliva. Results: The exercise intensity reached by the participants was ~ 84 + 16% of maximum HR. Baseline [La] was 1.8 ± 0.9 mmol/L. [La] at IPE increased 3.4 mmol/L above baseline (p = 0.02). [sIgA] increased by 233.3 + 109.3 % at IPE and remained 211.2 + 100.1 % greater at 30-Post Ex compared with basal (p = 0.02). The 6 MWT did not modify total proteins levels (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The 6 MWT, performed to submaximal intensity, appears to be enough of a stimulus to increases sIgA levels in healthy elderly women independent of total proteins concentration in saliva.