ASPO Abstracts
Ethnicity as a Moderator of the Effects of Aerobic and Resistance Exercise on Inflammatory Biomarkers in Breast Cancer Survivors
Category: Cancer Health Disparities
Conference Year: 2019
Abstract Body:
PurposeChronic inflammation is associated with recurrence, and increased risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes in breast cancer survivors (BCS), the latter two of which are particularly elevated among Hispanic versus non-Hispanic women. Chronic inflammation is likely higher among Hispanic women who are heavier and less physically active than non-Hispanic counterparts. Exercise mitigates inflammation in BCS; however, few studies have focused on minorities. The purpose of this secondary analysis was to examine ethnicity as a moderator of the effects of a 16-week aerobic and resistance clinical exercise intervention on inflammatory biomarkers among BCS. MethodsSedentary, overweight or obese (BMI 25.0 kg/m2) BCS (Stage I-III) were randomized to exercise (n=50) or usual care (n=50). The thrice weekly 16-week intervention included supervised, progressive moderate-vigorous aerobic (65-85% maximum heart rate) and resistance (65-85% 1-repetition maximum) exercise. Inflammatory biomarkers (CRP, IL-6, IL-8, TNF- ) were measured at baseline and post-intervention. Differences in mean changes for outcomes by ethnicity were evaluated using linear mixed-models. Results57 Hispanic and 43 non-Hispanic BCS aged 53.5±10.4 years and BMI of 33.5±5.5 kg/m2 participated Hispanic BCS were younger, of greater adiposity, had higher stage cancers, and had worse inflammatory profiles at baseline compared to non-Hispanic BCS (p<0.001). Exercise significantly reduced all inflammatory biomarkers among Hispanic and non-Hispanic BCS when compared to the usual care group (p<0.001). Ethnicity moderated the effects of exercise training on CRP (mean difference, -3.3; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), -7.3 to -0.9; p=0.04), IL-6 (p=0.03), IL-8 (p=0.04), TNF- (p=0.03) with Hispanic BCS exhibiting larger improvements than non-Hispanic BCS. ConclusionsHispanic, as compared to non-Hispanic BCS, have poorer inflammatory profiles, but may achieve better outcomes from exercise. To our knowledge, this is the first study to explore racial/ethnic disparities in inflammatory biomarkers between Hispanic and non-Hispanic BCS and document differential response to exercise. Clinical exercise interventions may attenuate ethnic health disparities in BCS.
Keywords: exercise, inflammation, Hispanic breast cancer survivors