Modulation of Telomere Length by Mediterranean Diet, Caloric Restriction, and Exercise: Results from PREDIMED-Plus...

Area of Science:

• Gerontology and Nutritional Science
• Molecular Biology and Genetics

Background:

• Telomere length (TL) is linked to aging and influenced by lifestyle factors.
• The specific mechanisms by which dietary patterns, like the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet), impact TL homeostasis remain unclear.
• Oxidative stress marker 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) is also associated with aging and disease.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of an energy-restricted MedDiet with physical activity promotion versus an unrestricted MedDiet on TL and 8-OHdG plasma levels.
• To determine if calorie restriction and exercise provide additional benefits to MedDiet for TL maintenance.
• To explore the relationship between MedDiet interventions and oxidative stress markers.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 80 participants with metabolic syndrome from the PREDIMED-Plus-Reus study.
• Intervention group received energy-restricted MedDiet with physical activity advice; control group received unrestricted MedDiet.
• TL and 8-OHdG plasma levels were measured at baseline and after one year using hybridisation and ELISA methods, respectively.
• Linear mixed models (LMM) were used for statistical analysis, adjusting for confounders.

Main Results:

• A significant increase in TL was observed over the one-year follow-up period (unadjusted β = 0.740, adjusted β = 0.700).
• No significant differences in TL changes were found between the intervention and control groups or their interaction.
• No significant changes in 8-OHdG plasma levels were observed for the intervention group, time, or their interaction.

Conclusions:

• The Mediterranean diet may play a role in preventing telomere shortening.
• Calorie restriction and exercise promotion did not demonstrate an additional advantage in preserving telomere length after one year of MedDiet intervention.
• Further research is needed to elucidate the precise mechanisms linking MedDiet to TL homeostasis and oxidative stress.