Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 27, 2026
12:08
Telomere Length and Telomerase Activity; A Yin and Yang of Cell Senescence
Published on: May 22, 2013
Reframing Telomere Biology in Exercise Science: From Descriptive Metrics to Redox-Metabolic Mechanisms for Precision
Kun-Ho Lee1, Kwon-Jae Song2, Yun-A Shin2,3
1Department of Sports Rehabilitation, Doowon Technical University, 159, Jurawi-gil, Paju-eup, Paju-si 10838, Republic of Korea.
Biomedicines
|June 26, 2026
Summary
Regular exercise, particularly aerobic and HIIT, preserves telomere length by improving redox balance and mitochondrial function. This supports healthspan extension in aging populations and those at metabolic risk.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology and Exercise Physiology
- Molecular Biology and Aging
- Bibliometrics and Research Trends
Background:
- Telomeres are key aging biomarkers; shortened telomere length correlates with mortality and disease.
- Exercise impacts telomere dynamics, but research evolution requires mapping.
- This study maps 25 years of telomere-exercise science for precision exercise insights.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically characterize the global research landscape of telomere-exercise science.
- To identify research trends, thematic shifts, and emerging frontiers.
- To inform evidence-based precision exercise prescription for healthspan.
Main Methods:
- Bibliometric analysis of 858 publications (2000-2025) from Web of Science.
- Utilized CiteSpace and VOSviewer for keyword analysis and thematic mapping.
- Applied citation burst detection to identify research frontiers.
Main Results:
- Significant growth in publications (15.4% CAGR), with China as a major contributor.
- Shift from descriptive telomere length studies to mechanistic research (oxidative stress, epigenetics).
- Oxidative stress and inflammation identified as central hubs in telomere protection.
Conclusions:
- Exercise maintains telomere integrity via redox-mitochondrial homeostasis and hormesis.
- Aerobic and HIIT are recommended for healthspan extension in aging/metabolic risk groups.
- Integrate telomere length and activity as biomarkers; advocate for multi-omics RCTs for personalized guidelines.
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In eukaryotic DNA replication, a single-stranded DNA fragment remains at the end of a chromosome after the removal of the final primer. This section of DNA cannot be replicated in the same manner as the rest of the strand because there is no 3’ end to which the newly synthesized DNA can attach. This non-replicated fragment results in gradual loss of the chromosomal DNA during each cell duplication. Additionally, it can induce a DNA damage response by enzymes that recognize single-stranded DNA.
02:41Telomeres and Telomerase
In eukaryotic DNA replication, a single-stranded DNA fragment remains at the end of a chromosome after the removal of the final primer. This section of DNA cannot be replicated in the same manner as the rest of the strand because there is no 3’ end to which the newly synthesized DNA can attach. This non-replicated fragment results in gradual loss of the chromosomal DNA during each cell duplication. Additionally, it can induce a DNA damage response by enzymes that recognize single-stranded DNA.
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Overview