FRI0084 Intense aerobic and resistance exercise reduces the frequency of peripheral blood regulatory cell populations in elderly patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract

Background: RA is an autoimmune joint disease driven by complex immune dysregulation. Exercise can improve immune health and is beneficial for physical function in elderly patients with RA, but the immunological mechanisms are largely unknown. Objectives: We evaluated the effect of a person‐centred randomised controlled exercise programme on regulatory immune cell populations in aged persons with RA. Methods: Aged persons with RA were randomised to either a 20 week of aerobic and resistance exercise intervention of moderate‐to high intensity (n=24) or to an active control group performing low‐intensity home exercise (n=25). Blood samples were collected at baseline and after 20 weeks. The frequency of the adaptive regulatory populations Foxp3 +CD25+CD127 CD4+T cells and CD24hiCD38hi B cells and the CD33 +CD11b+myeloid derived suppressor cells were assessed using flow cytometry. Results: After 20 weeks of exercise intervention there was a decrease in the frequency of Foxp3 +CD25+CD127 regulatory T cells and CD24hiCD38hi B cells but no change was observed in the active control group. The reduction in Tregs by exercise was most pronounced in the female participants. Despite lower levels of adaptive immune cell populations the disease activity did not increase. Conclusions: Aerobic and resistance exercise in elderly patients with rheumatoid arthritis lead to a decreased number of regulatory Foxp3 +CD25+CD127 reggulatory T cells and CD24hiCD38hi B cells. This decrease was not associated with an increased disease activity score or increased inflammation.