Introduction: In the sports universe, cytokine analyses in response to running are implemented as a strategy to support training dynamics, based on individual needs, providing conditions for maximum sports performance. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the cytokine response during different running disciplines' practice and provide quantitative estimates of changes in these markers. Methods: PubMed/MEDLINE, SPORTDiscus and EMBASE databases were searched for the oldest records up to August/2022. The search strategy used combined synonyms of the terms: "running" and "cytokines". Subsequently, the studies identified were subjected to a stepwise exclusion process. To be included, the studies had to: (1) evaluate running protocols, (2) have an observational design and (3) measure cytokines before and after exercise. Two independent researchers carried out the selection of studies. Results: A total of 12 studies were included (n=338 participants). The running disciplines analyzed were: marathon, ultra-marathon, half-marathon and treadmill running. The main findings relate to the following points: 1) all the studies that analyzed IL-6, IL-1ra and IL-4 reported statistically significant increases at the post-exercise time point (p<0.05); 2) investigations into IL-1ß, TNFa, IL-8 and IL-15 showed different behavior between the studies, sometimes showing significant increases and other times, no significant changes; 3) the studies that analyzed IL-10 reported significant increases, except for one study that reported undetectable levels, making analysis impossible; and 4) the only study that included IFN-? found a decrease after exercise, but without statistical significance. Conclusion: In a practical scenario, the results presented allow us to conclude that in all the running disciplines analyzed, a context demonstrates the presence of acute inflammation in response to exercise. Level of Evidence II; Systematic Review of Level I Studies with Discrepant Results.
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