Effects of Physical Activity, Exercise Training and Physical Fitness on Telomere Length as Biomarker of Cell Aging

• Main Authors: Yun-A Shin, Chang-Sun Kim, Dong-Ho Park
• Format: Article
• Language: Korean
• Published: The Korean Society of Exercise Physiology 2018-05-01
• Series: 운동과학
• Subjects: telomere; physical activity; exercise training; physical fitness
• Online Access: http://www.ksep-es.org/upload/pdf/es-27-2-96.pdf

PURPOSE Telomeres play an important role in regulating cellular replicative capacity and maintaining genomic stability. However, the results of the association among physical activity, exercise training, physical fitness and telomere were not inconsistency. The purpose of this review was to summarize available data on the effect of physical activity, exercise training and physical fitness on telomere length to prevent cell aging. METHODS In this review, we have reviewed currently available data mainly from studies and other available literature on physical activity, exercise training and physical fitness on telomere length. RESULTS It has been shown that physical activity, exercise training, and physical fitness may be effective prevention on telomere attrition due in part to increase antioxidant enzymes activity and proteins for protect chromosome end-cap, and decrease oxidative stress and risk of cardiovascular disease. However, it seems that high and excessive exercise may increase telomere length attrition by up-regulated cell turnover. Moreover, long-term regular moderate to vigorous intensity exercise will play an important role in suppressing cell senescence after middle age. CONCLUSIONS Therefore, adequately vigorous exercise improved physical fitness and may act to preserve telomere length.