Several scientific evidence has demonstrated a crucial role of chronic inflammation in the onset and progression of metabolic syndrome. Indeed, there is a persistent alteration in the plasma concentration of certain mediators of inflammation such as cytokines, chemokines and adipokines in patients with metabolic disorders. Moreover, the presence of elevated levels of inflammatory biomarkers is predictive for a higher probability of the development and progression of these diseases. The exercise is an important strategy in the prevention and is able to limit the progression of metabolic diseases. The research we have carried out is part of this topic, and it is aimed to evaluate the effect of specific exercise protocols on the inflammatory state of diabetics. We are evaluating, by ELISA technique, the level of some inflammatory biomarkers such as pro-inflammatory cytokines and C-reactive protein. We are also analyzing the expression levels of the genes coding for these proteins in leukocytes by RT-PCR Real Time. Given the relative ease of procuring blood cells, when compared to hepatocytes or adipose tissue, the study on peripheral leukocytes could make the analysis of the inflammatory status of patients with metabolic diseases less invasive than tissue biopsies, and cheaper than other methods such as immunoassays.
