Running-induced Functional Mobility Improvement in the Elderly Males is Driven by Enhanced Plasma BDNF Levels and the Modulation of Global Histone H4 Acetylation Status

Abstract

Background: Emerging evidence point out that exercise is an epigenetic modulator and is able to alter brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in different populations. However, little is known about the impact of exercise on these markers in well-trained aged individuals, making this research topic particularly relevant. Objectives: Therefore, the current study aimed at investigating the impact of the regular running practice on global histone H4 acetylation and brain–derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels as well as on the functional mobility in healthy elderly males. Methods: Fifteen male volunteers aged 60 years and older were recruited. They were allocated into 2 groups: runners (RUN, n = 8) and sedentary (SED, n = 7), taking into account the question that they were sedentary or amateur street runners. Whole blood samples (15 mL) were collected for the biochemical measurements and the functional mobility assessment was performed through the timed up and go (TUG) test. The biochemical analyses were determined using specific kits, according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Results: The RUN group showed a significant increase in plasma BDNF levels (P = 0.007) and H4 hypoacetylation status (P < 0.001) in peripheral mononuclear cells (PBMCs), compared with the SED individuals. The RUN group also presented significantly lower values in TUG, an indicative of better motor performance (P = 0.02). Conclusions: Collectively, the current study data suggested that the modulation of histone H4 acetylation status might emerge as an important biomarker related to the elderly runners phenotype. The data also supported the idea that the running practice enhances peripheral BDNF levels, which could be linked to the functional mobility improvement in the elderly runners.