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The Effects of Exercise on Telomere Length in Persons With Heart Failure
The Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing
|October 6, 2023
Summary
Moderate-intensity exercise may help maintain cellular functions in heart failure (HF) patients by increasing telomere length and reducing inflammation. This study explored the effects of exercise on telomere length and interleukin-1β in HF.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Gerontology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Heart failure (HF) is associated with reduced telomere length.
- Inflammation is a potential driver of telomere shortening in HF.
- The impact of physical activity on telomere length in HF patients remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of a 3-month aerobic exercise intervention on telomere length in individuals with HF.
- To examine the relationship between exercise, telomere length, and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) levels in HF patients.
Main Methods:
- Secondary analysis of a 3-month home-based aerobic exercise intervention.
- Measurement of total telomere length and plasma IL-1β levels in HF participants.
- Inclusion of participants with HF, 69% of whom had reduced ejection fraction.
Main Results:
- Significant increase in total telomere length observed in the exercise group from baseline to 3 months.
- Significant decrease in plasma IL-1β levels in the exercise group over the 3-month period.
- A negative association was found between total telomere length and IL-1β at baseline (r = -0.441, P = .001).
Conclusions:
- The findings suggest a link between inflammation and cellular aging, as indicated by the telomere length-IL-1β association.
- Moderate-intensity exercise may play a role in maintaining cellular functions in individuals with HF.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the effects of exercise on clinical outcomes in heart failure patients.
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