Effect of Cold Conditioning on the Adaptation of the Immune and Endocrine Systems to Cold in Preschool Children

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.37482/2687-1491-Z251

Keywords:

cold conditioning of preschool children, immunologic parameters, pro-inflammatory cytokines, hormonal status, leukocytes, adaptation of the immune system, adaptation of the endocrine system

Abstract

Cold conditioning can induce changes in the differential leukocyte count, hormonal status, and immunological parameters, thus playing a key role in the body’s adaptation to low temperatures. Interaction between the immune and endocrine systems stimulates the development of adaptive mechanisms, which makes these systems important subjects for research. The purpose of this article was to investigate the effect of cold conditioning on leukocyte counts, levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and hormone concentrations in preschool children, as well as to identify correlations between these parameters. Materials and methods. The study was performed in 2020–2021 at Malyshok kindergarten in Vinzili Village, Tymen Region. It involved 81 apparently healthy children aged between 4 and 6 years (n = 81). The subjects were divided into three groups: control (n = 16), cold dousing (n = 53) and contrast dousing (n = 12). Levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and hormones were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using Vector Best kits (Russia), while leukocyte counts were measured using SysmexXN-550 differential haematology analyser (Sysmex Corporation, Japan). Results. Cold conditioning led to an increase in interleukin-6 levels in both the cold dousing and contrast dousing groups, while TNF-α levels increased only in the contrast dousing group, with all values staying within the normal range. The absence of significant changes in leukocyte counts and hormonal profile in all the groups under study suggests adaptation without stress response. Correlation analysis revealed a positive relationship between cytokines and hormones in the control group, whereas the cold dousing and contrast dousing groups showed the formation of stable adaptive mechanisms. Specifically, a positive correlation between cortisol and TNF-α was observed in the contrast dousing group, highlighting the role of TNF-α in energy metabolism during temperature alternation. Thus, cold conditioning promotes effective adaptation of the immune and endocrine systems in preschool children.

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Published

2025-10-17

How to Cite

Bulasheva Е. Н., Shalabodov А. Д., & Ralchenko И. В. (2025). Effect of Cold Conditioning on the Adaptation of the Immune and Endocrine Systems to Cold in Preschool Children. Journal of Medical and Biological Research, 13(3), 287–296. https://doi.org/10.37482/2687-1491-Z251