American researchers have found that regular physical activity could reduce DNA deterioration due to age.
- Aerobic exercise may help limit DNA damage and telomere dysfunction, which occur with age.
- These endurance activities also have benefits for endothelial cells, which are in direct contact with the blood flow.
- “These new findings will have a significant impact on our understanding of the mechanisms by which aerobic exercise improves vascular health at the level of genomic stability,” said Jisok Lim, lead author of the study.
Sport has different benefits: it improves the quality of sleep, prevents certain diseases or acts as an antidepressant. According to researchers at the University of Utah (United States), regular aerobic activity could help prevent DNA damage and telomere dysfunction.
The benefits of aerobic exercise on endothelial cells
To reach this conclusion, scientists followed 15 male mice for four months. These rodents had access to a voluntary running wheel. They were then divided into three running groups (high, moderate and low) based on their consistent running distances. The study leaders then took aortic tissue exposed to different blood flows. The objective was to assess the damage caused to DNA and the function of telomeres, which are located at the ends of chromosomes.
As those responsible for the work explained, different factors contribute to arterial aging, including the deterioration of DNA. According to the results, which will be presented this week at the American Physiology Summit in Long Beach (United States), increasing exercise levels reduces the risk of DNA damage and telomere dysfunction. The researchers also found that aerobic activities had benefits for endothelial cells, which are in direct contact with the blood flow. They were particularly visible in aortic regions less prone to atherosclerosis due to favorable blood circulation.
A new approach to prevent arterial aging
These initial results could therefore contribute to finding new treatments to preserve cardiovascular health. “These new findings will have a significant impact on our understanding of the mechanisms by which aerobic exercise improves vascular health at the level of genomic stability (…) By revealing the varied responses of aortic regions subjected to different blood flow and cell types to aerobic activity, this research will provide a solid foundation for a detailed and personalized approach to interventions for cardiovascular health.”said Jisok Lim, lead author of the study and postdoctoral researcher at the University of Utah.
