Relationship between physical activity level, telomere length, and telomerase activity.

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Exercise Physiology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Telomere length is a biomarker of cellular aging.
• Telomere length is influenced by genetic and lifestyle factors.
• Exercise energy expenditure (EEE) may impact cellular aging processes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between EEE and telomere length.
• To examine the relationship between EEE and telomerase activity.
• To explore the influence of hTERT C-1327T promoter genotype on these relationships.

Main Methods:

• Sixty-nine adults (50-70 years) were categorized into EEE quartiles using the Yale Physical Activity Survey.
• Relative telomere length and telomerase activity were measured in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC).
• hTERT C-1327T promoter genotype was analyzed.

Main Results:

• The second EEE quartile showed significantly longer telomeres compared to the first and fourth quartiles.
• No significant differences in telomerase activity were found among EEE quartiles.
• Telomerase activity was significantly higher in individuals with the hTERT TT genotype compared to CT and CC genotypes.

Conclusions:

• Moderate physical activity levels may offer a protective effect on telomere length in PBMCs.
• Low and high EEE levels may be associated with reduced telomere length.
• The hTERT genotype influences telomerase enzyme activity.