Changes in serum levels of interleukin ۴ and malondialdehyde (MDA) following ۸ weeks of aquatic aerobic training in breast cancer survivors

Objective: Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women worldwide, with survivors often experiencing long-term side effects such as chronic inflammation and oxidative stress. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of an ۸-week aquatic aerobic training program on serum levels of interleukin-۴ (IL-۴) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in breast cancer survivors.Methods: This quasi-experimental study involved ۲۰ breast cancer survivors who were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (n = ۱۰) that underwent aquatic aerobic exercise or a control group (n = ۱۰) that received no intervention. Pre- and post-test measurements of IL-۴ and MDA levels were taken to assess the impact of the exercise intervention. The aquatic aerobic training program lasted ۸ weeks, with sessions held three times per week. Serum levels of IL-۴ and MDA were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA).Results: The results revealed a significant reduction in IL-۴ levels in the experimental group (p = ۰.۰۰۱), while no significant change was observed in the control group (p = ۰.۸۶۱). Similarly, MDA levels were significantly reduced in the experimental group (p = ۰.۰۰۱), while the control group showed no significant change (p = ۰.۶۵۹). These findings suggest that aquatic aerobic exercise may reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in breast cancer survivors.Conclusion: In conclusion, aquatic aerobic exercise appears to be a beneficial intervention for improving inflammatory and oxidative biomarkers in breast cancer survivors, potentially contributing to better long-term health outcomes.