Researchers: Camila Fernanda Cunha Brandao, Carla Barbosa Nonino, Flavia Giolo de Carvalho, Carolina Ferreira Nicoletti, Natalia Yumi Noronha, Rocio San Martin, Ellen Cristini de Freitas, Marcia Varella Morandi Junqueira-Franco, Julio Sergio Marchini
BACKGROUND: Telomere length is inversely associated with the senescence and aging process. Parallelly, obesity can promote telomere shortening. Evidence suggests that physical activity may promote telomere elongation. OBJECTIVE: This study’s objective is to evaluate the effects of combined exercise training on telomere length in obese women. DESIGN AND METHODS: Twenty pre-menopausal women (BMI 30-40 kg/m2, 20-40 years) submitted to combined training (strength and aerobic exercises), but only 13 finished the protocol. Each exercise session lasted 55 min/day, three times a week, throughout 8 weeks. Anthropometric data, body composition, physical performance (Vo2max), and 8-h fasting blood samples were taken before and after 8 weeks of training. Leukocyte DNA was extracted for telomere length by RT-qPCR reaction, using the 2-ΔΔCt methodology. RESULTS: After the training intervention, significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed in telomere length (respectively before and after, 1.03 ± 0.04 to 1.07 ± 0.04 T/S ratio), fat-free mass (46 ± 7 to 48 ± 5 kg), Vo2max (35 ± 3 to 38 ± 3 ml/kg/min), and waist circumference (96 ± 8 to 90 ± 6 cm). In addition, an inverse correlation between waist circumference and telomere length was found, before (r = - 0.536, p = 0.017) and after (r = - 0.655, p = 0.015) exercise training. CONCLUSION: Combined exercise promoted leukocyte telomere elongation in obese women. Besides, the data suggested that greater waist circumference may predict shorter telomere length. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrails.gov, NCT03119350. Retrospectively registered on 18 April 2017.
References
- Physical activity and telomere length: Impact of aging and potential mechanisms of action.
- Differential effects of endurance, interval, and resistance training on telomerase activity and telomere length in a randomized, controlled study.
- Telomere length and long-term endurance exercise: does exercise training affect biological age? A pilot study.
- Exercise attenuates the major hallmarks of aging.
- Sedentary behavior, physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness on leukocyte telomere length.
Topic: Exercise and Telomere Length