Researchers: Warrick Chilton, Brendan O’Brien, Fadi Charchar
Telomeres are repetitive tandem DNA sequences that cap chromosomal ends protecting genomic DNA from enzymatic degradation. Telomeres progressively shorten with cellular replication and are therefore assumed to correlate with biological and chronological age. An expanding body of evidence suggests (i) a predictable inverse association between telomere length, aging and age-related diseases and (ii) a positive association between physical activity and telomere length. Both hypotheses have garnered tremendous research attention and broad consensus; however, the evidence for each proposition is inconsistent and equivocal at best. Telomere length does not meet the basic criteria for an aging biomarker and at least 50% of key studies fail to find associations with physical activity. In this review, we address the evidence in support and refutation of the putative associations between telomere length, aging and physical activity. We finish with a brief review of plausible mechanisms and potential future research directions.
References
- Do telomeres adapt to physiological stress? Exploring the effect of exercise on telomere length and telomere-related proteins.
- Longer leukocyte telomeres are associated with ultra-endurance exercise independent of cardiovascular risk factors.
- Telomere length and long-term endurance exercise: does exercise training affect biological age? A pilot study.
- Effect of intensive exercise in early adult life on telomere length in later life in men.
- Leisure-time physical activity and leukocyte telomere length among older women.
- Physical Activity, Physical Fitness, and Leukocyte Telomere Length: The Cardiovascular Health Study.
Topic: Exercise and Telomere Length