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Intrinsic aerobic capacity sets a divide for aging and longevity
Lauren Gerard Koch1, Ole J Kemi, Nathan Qi
1Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2200, USA. lgkoch@med.umich.edu
Circulation Research
|September 17, 2011
Summary
Selective breeding for aerobic exercise capacity in rats revealed a strong link to longevity. Low exercise capacity significantly shortened lifespan, while high capacity sustained fitness and health in aging. This highlights the fundamental connection between fitness and lifespan.
Area of Science:
- Exercise physiology
- Genetics
- Aging research
Background:
- Low aerobic exercise capacity is a significant predictor of premature morbidity and mortality in both healthy and cardiovascular disease populations.
- In aged individuals, reduced exercise capacity signals impending health declines, suggesting a link between fitness and longevity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively test the association between intrinsic aerobic exercise capacity and survivability using an animal model.
- To investigate the genetic basis of the relationship between exercise capacity and lifespan.
Main Methods:
- Artificial selective breeding of rats for low or high intrinsic treadmill running capacity.
- Longitudinal assessment of survivability and age-related cardiovascular fitness (VO2max, myocardial function, endurance) in selected rat cohorts.
- Analysis of lifespan, body mass changes, physical activity, and energy expenditure.
Main Results:
- Rats bred for low aerobic capacity had a 28%–45% shorter median lifespan compared to high capacity rats.
- Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) was a reliable predictor of lifespan.
- Low capacity rats exhibited compromised cardiovascular function and poorer maintenance of physical activity and lean body mass with age.
Conclusions:
- Genetic segregation for aerobic exercise capacity is strongly linked to longevity.
- This heterogeneous model system provides a platform for mechanistic studies into aging and the determinants of lifespan.
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