The effects of classic massage on some myokins, angiogenic and antiangiogenic factors in male individuals

Massage is widely used in therapeutic and preventive practices, in cosmetology and biological regeneration. Despite the widespread use of massage, the commonly accepted mechanisms of action of massage have not been fully elucidated. So far, there are no reports specifically regarding the possible effects of massage on the formation of new capillaries from the existing vascular network through angiogenic and antiangiogenic factors. Our aim in this study is to investigate what changes massage causes in the levels of angiogenic and antiangiogenic factors and its possible effects on angiogenesis. In addition, it is to examine whether the application of massage to which areas and muscles makes a difference. 22 sedentary male individuals between the ages of 18-30 were included in our study. Each of these individuals was given a different case number and assigned to 2 groups: Back Massage (SM) (n=11) and Lower Extremity Massage (AEM) (n=11), using the simple random sampling method. Blood samples were taken 3 times: before the massage application (Control), 2 hours after the first massage session (Acute), and 2 hours after the 6th and last massage session (Chronic). In addition, blood pressure and pulse rate were measured in the same way before and after each session. In the SM group, there were no statistically significant changes in acute and chronic measurements of CK, IL-6, VEGF, ANG-1, ES and TSP-1 levels. Statistically significant increases in IL-8 levels (respectively=198%, 262%,) were observed in acute and chronic measurements. In the AEM group, no statistically significant changes occurred in VEGF, ANG-1, CK and IL-6 and TSP-1 levels. There was a statistically significant increase in ES level in chronic measurement compared to the control (25%). A statistically significant increase was observed in IL-8 levels in chronic measurement compared to control and acute (respectively=231%, 79%,). A statistically significant decrease was observed in pulse rates, systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure values in both groups. In conclusion we found that the massage application had different effects on angiogenic and antiangiogenic factors depending on the massaged area. We think that detailed studies with a larger number of subjects should be conducted to better understand these changes.