The impact of exercise on immune function, inflammation and microparticles in end-stage renal disease

End-stage renal disease patients exhibit markedly elevated cardiovascular risk when compared to the general population, as well as chronic systemic inflammation as a result of aberrant immune system activation. Circulating microparticles are also elevated, driving both inflammation and thrombosis and further increasing cardiovascular risk. Regular, moderate intensity aerobic exercise may be a therapeutic strategy for the impaired immune function and pro-inflammatory environment seen in these patients, however previous studies investigating this effect have been methodologically limited. The studies included in this thesis aimed to characterise the impact of acute and regular aerobic exercise on immune function, markers of inflammation and microparticles in end-stage renal disease patients. It is hypothesised that aerobic exercise will have an anti-inflammatory impact on the immune system and cytokine environment and reduce circulating microparticle thrombotic potential. [Continues.]