Serum and Gene Expression Profile of Cytokines Following Combination of Yoga Training and Vitamin D Supplementation in Breast Cancer Survivors

Abstract

\n Background\n\nThis study aimed to examine the effect of a combination of yoga training with high vitamin D dose supplementation on expression and systemic levels of inflammatory cytokines and psychophysical status of breast cancer survivors.\nMethods\n\nThirty volunteered breast cancer survivors (48\u2009±\u20098 yrs.) were randomly allocated to a high dose (4000 IU) of vitamin D supplementation (HD) group (n\u2009=\u200910), yoga with a high dose of vitamin D (YHD) group (n\u2009=\u200910), and yoga with a low dose (2000 IU) of vitamin D (YLD) group (n\u2009=\u200910). Participants performed the Hatha yoga style for 12 weeks, twice a week. Blood samples, quality of life (Qol) questionnaire, and physical performance tests were taken before and after the intervention\nResults\n\nBody fat percentage (ηp2\u2009=\u20090.36), handgrip strength (ηp2\u2009=\u20090.41), and Qol indicators include global health (ηp2\u2009=\u20090.54), functional scales (ηp2\u2009=\u20090.49), and symptoms scales (ηp2\u2009=\u20090.50) were significantly improved in the both YHD and YLD groups compared to the HD group (p\u2009<\u20090.05). Also, interleukin-10 (IL-10) levels were markedly increased in the Y-HVD group compared to the Y-LVD and HVD groups. Moreover, there were significant decreases in tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 levels in the Y-HVD group after the intervention. The anti-inflammatory index (IL-10/TNF-α) was significantly increased in both the yoga groups (P\u2009<\u20090.05).\nConclusion\n\nYoga promotes physical and psychological fitness and, in combination with a high dose of vitamin D, improves the cytokine profile, which can effectively manage the side effects associated with cancer.