Moderating effects of moderate-intensity physical activity in the relationship between depressive symptoms and interleukin-6 in primary care patients.

The authors examined whether the relationship between the inflammatory marker interleukin (IL)-6 and depressive symptoms is influenced by moderate physical activity. Primary care patients were studied. They observed that the association between IL-6 and depressive symptoms was moderated by exercise. For those not engaged in moderate-intensity physical activity, higher levels of depressive symptoms were significantly associated with higher levels of IL-6. This association was not significant in the subjects who exercised. They concluded that participation in moderate-intensity physical activity may buffer the risk of higher inflammation often associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms.
Rethorst CD, Moynihan J, Lyness JM, Heffner KL, Chapman BP. Psychosom. Med.73: 265-269 (2011).
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21364200