Detailed Description:
Resistance exercise of sufficient intensity can result in localized damage to skeletal muscle tissue. The resolution of tissue homeostasis following damaging exercise is mediated largely by neutrophils and monocytes of the innate immune system (1). Neutrophils and monocytes originate in the systemic circulation and infiltrate the damaged tissue following activation and migration in response to damage associated molecular cues. These cells are reported to execute a number of processes fundamental to recovery, including the phagocytosis of opsonized cellular debris (2), and secretion of mitogenic factors that stimulate both the proliferation and differentiation of myogenic precursor cells (3). Disruption of this cellular response has been shown to lead to impaired muscle regeneration, and a subsequent deficit in muscle fiber size (4). Accordingly, a successful innate immune response is paramount for optimal tissue regeneration.
Several supplements have been introduced to the market with purported claims of enhanced recovery from exercise. One potential mechanism for enhanced recovery is through augmentation of the immune response, which may allow for a more pronounced stimulus to enhance repair (1). Previous research suggests that short-term supplementation with melatonin, an endogenously produced indoleamine, may amplify the recovery response. Melatonin receptors are expressed on most immune cell types, including monocytes, neutrophils, and Th1 lymphocytes (5). Melatonin has previously been shown to activate monocytes (6), and treatment with melatonin has been shown to upregulate the recruitment of human monocytes through interaction with the melatonin receptor (MLTr) in vitro. Melatonin has also been shown to alter cytokine production and increase the production of cells of both the innate and adaptive immune system (7). Binding of melatonin to MLTr's expressed on immune cells may modulate recruitment of these cells to damaged tissue, which may in turn regulate the ensuing recovery response. Theoretically, this could reduce recovery time following damaging exercise, improving quality of training and potentially allow for enhanced performance over time (8,9,10). Nevertheless, the effect of short-term melatonin supplementation on innate immune cell and inflammatory responses during recovery from resistance exercise has not been examined.
Goals:
1. To assess systemic and cellular responses to an acute bout of resistance exercise between participants ingesting melatonin versus placebo, including creatine kinase (CK), complete blood counts (CBC), serum interleukin-8 (IL-8), serum monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), serum melatonin, serum C-reactive protein (CRP), cell receptor expression (monocytes: activated CD11b, CCR2, MLTr1A; neutrophils: activated CD11b. CXCR2, MLTr1A), and neutrophil/monocyte invasion/migration dynamics (cell index, CI).
2. To assess functional measures of recovery following an acute bout of resistance exercise between participants ingesting melatonin versus placebo, including subjective sleep quality/duration, fatigue, soreness and stress (Hooper Questionnaire), perceived Recovery (Perceived Recovery Status Scale, PRSS), active range of motion (AROM), pain pressure threshold (PPT), countermovement jump (CMJ), squat maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC), and objective sleep and physical activity (Accelerometry).
Method:
Randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled parallel-groups trial comparing the effect of supplementation with Melatonin versus Placebo on systemic and cellular responses and functional recovery from damaging resistance exercise.
Melatonin or placebo supplementation (randomly assigned) will occur over a period of 3 days beginning 24-hours prior to completion of an acute bout of damaging resistance exercise through a 48-hours post-exercise recovery period.
Objective sleep and physical activity (accelerometry) will be assessed 24-hours before (-24H), 24-hours Post (24H) and 48-Hours (48H) post-exercise. Diet (carbohydrates, fats, proteins, total calories and micronutrients) will be assessed at Pre (0), 24H and 48H post-exercise. CBC, CK, IL-8, MCP-1, CRP, Hooper, PRSS, AROM, PPT, CMJ, MVIC and melatonin will be assessed at Pre (0) immediately- post (IP) 4-hours post (4H), 24H and 48H post-exercise. Neutrophil cell index will be assessed at Pre (0), 4H and 24H post-exercise. Monocyte cell index (CI) will be assessed at Pre (0), 24H and 48H post-exercise. Neutrophil cell receptor expression will be assessed at Pre (0), 4H and 24H. Monocyte receptor expression will be assessed at Pre (0), 24H and 48H.