Relationship between exercise energy expenditure and telomere length and telomerase activity

Abstract

Shortened telomere length and decreased telomerase activity have recently been associated with perceived psychological stress and cardiovascular disease risk factors. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between exercise energy expenditure (EEE) and telomere length and telomerase activity. Thirty-eight male (n = 20) and female (n = 18) participants 50–70 yr. were assessed for weekly EEE level using the exercise component of the Yale Physical Activity Survey. Lifetime consistency of EEE was also determined. Subjects were recruited across a range of EEE levels and grouped into tertiles according to EEE (0–1000, 1001–3500, and >3500 Kcal/wk). Relative telomere length and telomerase activity were measured in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). After covarying for BMI, perceived psychological stress, and sex, relative telomere length was significantly higher in the moderate EEE group compared to both the low and high EEE groups (p<0.05; means ± SE relative T/S ratio; low = 0.93 ± 0.06, n=11; moderate = 1.10 ± 0.05, n=15; high = 0.94 ± 0.06, n=12). Telomerase activity was not different among the three groups. In conclusion, the results indicate that moderate exercise energy expenditure levels may provide a protective effect on PBMC telomere length compared to both low and high exercise energy expenditure levels. Research support provided by AG025505, AG00268, and AG022791.