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Zhou HH, Jin B, Liao Y, Hu Y, Li P, YangLha T, Liu Y, Xu J, Wang B, Zhu M, Xiao J, Liu J, Nüssler AK, Liu L, Hao X, Chen J, Peng Z, Yang W. Associations of Various Physical Activities with Mortality and Life Expectancy are Mediated by Telomere Length. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2024; 25:431-438.e15. [PMID: 37660722 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2023.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Physical activity (PA) and telomeres both contribute to healthy aging and longevity. To investigate the optimal dosage of various PA for longevity and the role of telomere length in PA and mortality. DESIGN Prospective cohort study. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS A total of 333,865 adults (mean age of 56 years) from the UK Biobank were analyzed. METHODS Walking, moderate PA (MPA), and vigorous PA (VPA) were self-reported via questionnaire, and leukocyte telomere length (LTL) was measured. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to predict all-cause mortality risk. A flexible parametric Royston-Parmar survival model was used to estimate life expectancy. RESULTS During a median follow-up of 13.8 years, 19,789 deaths were recorded. Compared with the no-walking group, 90 to 720 minutes/week of walking was similarly associated with 27% to 31% of lower mortality and about 6 years of additional life expectancy. We observed nearly major benefits for mortality and life expectancy among those meeting the PA guidelines [151-300 minutes/wk for MPA: hazard ratio (HR) 0.80, 95% CI 0.75-0.85, 3.40-3.42 additional life years; 76-150 minutes/wk for VPA: HR 0.78, 95% CI 0.75-0.82, 2.61 years (2.33-2.89)] vs the no-PA group. Similar benefits were also observed at 76-150 and 301-375 minutes/wk of MPA (18%-19% lower mortality, 3.20-3.42 gained years) or 151-300 minutes/wk of VPA (20%-26% lower mortality, 2.41-2.61 gained years). The associations between MPA, VPA, and mortality risk were slightly mediated by LTL (≈1% mediation proportion, both P < .001). CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Our study suggests a more flexible range of PA than the current PA guidelines, which could gain similar benefits and is easier to achieve: 90 to 720 minutes/wk of walking, 75 to 375 minutes/wk of MPA, and 75 to 300 minutes/wk of VPA. Telomeres might be a potential mechanism by which PA promotes longevity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan-Huan Zhou
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Hubei Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene and MOE Key Lab of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Biyu Jin
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Hubei Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene and MOE Key Lab of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuxiao Liao
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Hubei Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene and MOE Key Lab of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yaling Hu
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Hubei Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene and MOE Key Lab of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Pengwan Li
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Hubei Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene and MOE Key Lab of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Tesring YangLha
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Hubei Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene and MOE Key Lab of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yiran Liu
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Hubei Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene and MOE Key Lab of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jingwen Xu
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Hubei Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene and MOE Key Lab of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Biyao Wang
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Hubei Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene and MOE Key Lab of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Minglin Zhu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jie Xiao
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jinping Liu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Andreas K Nüssler
- Department of Traumatology, BG Trauma Center, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Liegang Liu
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Hubei Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene and MOE Key Lab of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xingjie Hao
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Department of Thoracic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiuling Chen
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Department of Thoracic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhao Peng
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Hubei Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene and MOE Key Lab of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wei Yang
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Hubei Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene and MOE Key Lab of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
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Kim JJ, Ahn A, Ying J, Hickman E, Ludlow AT. Exercise as a Therapy to Maintain Telomere Function and Prevent Cellular Senescence. Exerc Sport Sci Rev 2023; 51:150-160. [PMID: 37288975 PMCID: PMC10526708 DOI: 10.1249/jes.0000000000000324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Exercise transiently impacts the expression, regulation, and activity of TERT/telomerase to maintain telomeres and protect the genome from insults. By protecting the telomeres (chromosome ends) and the genome, telomerase promotes cellular survival and prevents cellular senescence. By increasing cellular resiliency, via the actions of telomerase and TERT, exercise promotes healthy aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeongjin J Kim
- School of Kinesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
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Liu S, Nong W, Ji L, Zhuge X, Wei H, Luo M, Zhou L, Chen S, Zhang S, Lei X, Huang H. The regulatory feedback of inflammatory signaling and telomere/telomerase complex dysfunction in chronic inflammatory diseases. Exp Gerontol 2023; 174:112132. [PMID: 36849001 DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2023.112132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
Inflammation is believed to play a role in the progression of numerous human diseases. Research has shown that inflammation and telomeres are involved in a feedback regulatory loop: inflammation increases the rate of telomere attrition, leading to telomere dysfunction, while telomere components also participate in regulating the inflammatory response. However, the specific mechanism behind this feedback loop between inflammatory signaling and telomere/telomerase complex dysfunction has yet to be fully understood. This review presents the latest findings on this topic, with a particular focus on the detailed regulation and molecular mechanisms involved in the progression of aging, various chronic inflammatory diseases, cancers, and different stressors. Several feedback loops between inflammatory signaling and telomere/telomerase complex dysfunction, including NF-κB-TERT feedback, NF-κB-RAP1 feedback, NF-κB-TERC feedback, STAT3-TERT feedback, and p38 MAPK-shelterin complex-related gene feedback, are summarized. Understanding the latest discoveries of this feedback regulatory loop can help identify novel potential drug targets for the suppression of various inflammation-associated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shun Liu
- Clinical Anatomy & Reproductive Medicine Application Institute, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Weihua Nong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, Guangxi 533300, China
| | - Lin Ji
- Reproductive Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, 530021 Nanning, China
| | - Xiuhong Zhuge
- Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi 541001, China
| | - Huimei Wei
- Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi 541001, China
| | - Min Luo
- Clinical Anatomy & Reproductive Medicine Application Institute, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Leguang Zhou
- Clinical Anatomy & Reproductive Medicine Application Institute, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Shenghua Chen
- Clinical Anatomy & Reproductive Medicine Application Institute, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China.
| | - Shun Zhang
- Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi 541001, China.
| | - Xiaocan Lei
- Clinical Anatomy & Reproductive Medicine Application Institute, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China.
| | - Hua Huang
- Reproductive Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, 530021 Nanning, China.
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Wolf SE, Sanders TL, Beltran SE, Rosvall KA. The telomere regulatory gene POT1 responds to stress and predicts performance in nature: Implications for telomeres and life history evolution. Mol Ecol 2022; 31:6155-6171. [PMID: 34674335 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Revised: 09/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Telomeres are emerging as correlates of fitness-related traits and may be important mediators of ecologically relevant variation in life history strategies. Growing evidence suggests that telomere dynamics can be more predictive of performance than length itself, but very little work considers how telomere regulatory mechanisms respond to environmental challenges or influence performance in nature. Here, we combine observational and experimental data sets from free-living tree swallows (Tachycineta bicolor) to assess how performance is predicted by the telomere regulatory gene POT1, which encodes a shelterin protein that sterically blocks telomerase from repairing the telomere. First, we show that lower POT1 gene expression in the blood was associated with higher female quality, that is, earlier breeding and heavier body mass. We next challenged mothers with an immune stressor (lipopolysaccharide injection) that led to "sickness" in mothers and 24 h of food restriction in their offspring. While POT1 did not respond to maternal injection, females with lower constitutive POT1 gene expression were better able to maintain feeding rates following treatment. Maternal injection also generated a 1-day stressor for chicks, which responded with lower POT1 gene expression and elongated telomeres. Other putatively stress-responsive mechanisms (i.e., glucocorticoids, antioxidants) showed marginal responses in stress-exposed chicks. Model comparisons indicated that POT1 mRNA abundance was a largely better predictor of performance than telomere dynamics, indicating that telomere regulators may be powerful modulators of variation in life history strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E Wolf
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA.,Center for the Integrative Study of Animal Behavior, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
| | - Tiana L Sanders
- Center for the Integrative Study of Animal Behavior, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
| | - Sol E Beltran
- Center for the Integrative Study of Animal Behavior, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
| | - Kimberly A Rosvall
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA.,Center for the Integrative Study of Animal Behavior, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
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Slusher AL, Kim JJJ, Ribick M, Ludlow AT. Acute Exercise Regulates hTERT Gene Expression and Alternative Splicing in the hTERT-BAC Transgenic Mouse Model. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2022; 54:931-943. [PMID: 35135999 PMCID: PMC9117413 DOI: 10.1249/mss.0000000000002868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Aerobic exercise maintains telomere length through increased human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) expression and telomerase enzyme activity. The impact of acute exercise on hTERT alternative splicing (AS) is unknown. PURPOSE This study aimed to examine hTERT AS in response to acute treadmill running. METHODS A bacterial artificial chromosome mouse model containing the 54-kilobase hTERT gene locus inserted into its genome (hTERT-BAC) was utilized. The gastrocnemius, left ventricle, and brain were excised before (Pre), upon cessation (Post), and during recovery (1, 24, 48, and 72 h; n = 5/time point) from treadmill running (30 min at 60% maximum speed). Full-length (FL) hTERT and the "minus beta" (-β) AS variant (skips exons 7 and 8 and does not code for active telomerase) were measured by gel-based and droplet digital reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction methods. SF3B4 and SRSF2 protein expression were measured by Western blotting. RESULTS Compared with Pre, FL hTERT increased at Post before decreasing during recovery in the gastrocnemius (48 and 72 h; P ≤ 0.001) and left ventricle (24 h; P = 0.004). The percentage of FL hTERT in the gastrocnemius also increased during recovery (1 and 72 h; P ≤ 0.017), whereas a decrease was observed in the left ventricle (1, 24, and 48 h; P ≤ 0.041). hTERT decreased in the brain (48 h), whereas FL hTERT percentage remained unaltered. SF3B4 protein expression decreased throughout recovery in the gastrocnemius and tended to be associated with FL hTERT (r = -0.348, P = 0.075) and -β in opposite directions (r = 0.345, P = 0.067). CONCLUSIONS Endurance exercise increased hTERT gene expression, and altered FL hTERT splicing in contractile tissues and may maintain telomere length necessary to improve the function and health of the organism.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jeongjin JJ Kim
- School of Kinesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Mark Ribick
- School of Kinesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
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Semeraro MD, Almer G, Renner W, Gruber HJ, Herrmann M. Influences of Long-Term Exercise and High-Fat Diet on Age-Related Telomere Shortening in Rats. Cells 2022; 11:1605. [PMID: 35626642 PMCID: PMC9139508 DOI: 10.3390/cells11101605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Obesity and exercise are believed to modify age-related telomere shortening by regulating telomerase and shelterins. Existing studies are inconsistent and limited to peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and selected solid tissues. (2) Female Sprague Dawley (SD) rats received either standard diet (ND) or high-fat diet (HFD). For 10 months, half of the animals from both diet groups performed 30 min running at 30 cm/s on five consecutive days followed by two days of rest (exeND, exeHFD). The remaining animals served as sedentary controls (coND, coHFD). Relative telomere length (RTL) and mRNA expression of telomerase (TERT) and the shelterins TERF-1 and TERF-2 were mapped in PBMCs and nine solid tissues. (3) At study end, coND and coHFD animals showed comparable RTL in most tissues with no systematic differences in TERT, TERF-1 and TERF-2 expression. Only visceral fat of coHFD animals showed reduced RTL and lower expression of TERT, TERF-1 and TERF-2. Exercise had heterogeneous effects on RTL in exeND and exeHFD animals with longer telomeres in aorta and large intestine, but shorter telomeres in PBMCs and liver. Telomere-regulating genes showed inconsistent expression patterns. (4) In conclusion, regular exercise or HFD cannot systematically modify RTL by regulating the expression of telomerase and shelterins.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Hans-Jürgen Gruber
- Clinical Institute of Medical and Chemical Laboratory Diagnostics (CIMCL), Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria; (M.D.S.); (G.A.); (W.R.); (M.H.)
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Kang YJ, Yoo JI, Baek KW. Differential gene expression profile by RNA sequencing study of elderly osteoporotic hip fracture patients with sarcopenia. J Orthop Translat 2021; 29:10-18. [PMID: 34036042 PMCID: PMC8138673 DOI: 10.1016/j.jot.2021.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The purpose of this study was to report the RNA sequencing profile according to the presence or absence of sarcopenia in elderly patients with osteoporotic hip fracture. Therefore, an important genetic factor candidate for sarcopenia causing hip fracture in elderly with osteoporosis has been identified. Methods The patient group involved subjects over 65 years who had undergone hip fracture surgery. Among 323 hip fracture (HF) patients identified from May 2017 to December 2019, 162 HF patients (90 non-sarcopenia and 72 sarcopenia groups), excluding subjects with high energy trauma and non-osteoporosis, were finally included in the analysis. For RNA sequencing, each patient with hand grip strength (HGS) values in the top 10% were enrolled in the control group and with the bottom 10% in the patient group. After excluding patients with poor tissue quality, 6 patients and 5 patients were selected for sarcopenia and non-sarcopenia groups, respectively. For qPCR validation, each patient with HGS values in the top 20% and bottom 20% was enrolled in the control and patient groups, respectively. After excluding patients with poor tissue quality, 12 patients and 12 patients were enrolled in the sarcopenia and non-sarcopenia groups, respectively. Sarcopenia was defined according to the Asia Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) criteria for low muscle strength (hand grip strength below 18 kg in women and 28 kg in men) and low muscle mass (SMI below 5.4 kg/m2 in women and 7.0 kg/m2 in men). The libraries were prepared for 100 bp paired-end sequencing using TruSeq Stranded mRNA Sample Preparation Kit (Illumina, CA, USA). The gene expression counts were supplied to Deseq2 to extract possible gene sets as differentially expressed genes (DEG) that discriminate between sarcopenia and non-sarcopenia groups that were carefully assigned by clinical observation. For the classification of the candidate genes from DEG analysis, we used the public databases; gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG). Quantitative real-time PCR was performed for validation. Results Samples collected were subjected to RNAseq using the Illumina platform. A total of 11 samples from both sarcopenia and non-sarcopenia groups were sequenced. Fifteen genes (RUNX 1, NGFR, CH3L1, BCL3, PLA2G2A, MYBPH, TEP1, SEMA6B, CSPG4, ACSL5, SLC25A3, NDUFB5, CYC1, ACAT1, and TCAP) were identified as differentially expressed genes (DEG) in both the groups. In the qPCR results, the expression levels of SLC25A3 and TCAP gene in the OS group were significantly lower than in the non-OS groups whereas an increase in RUNX1 mRNA level was observed in the OS samples (p < 0.05). Conclusions In summary, this study detected gene expression difference according to the presence or absence of sarcopenia in elderly osteoporosis female patients with hip fracture. We have also identified 15 important genes (RUNX 1, NGFR, CH3L1, BCL3, PLA2G2A, MYBPH, TEP1, SEMA6B, CSPG4, ACSL5, SLC25A3, NDUFB5, CYC1, ACAT1, TCAP), a few GO categories and biological pathways that may be associated with the osteosarcopenia. Our study may provide effective means for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment sarcopenia in elderly osteoporosis female patients. The Translational potential of this article These findings provide a novel insight into the effects of aging on the response in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis. Further studies are underway to identify the specific signalling pathways involved. These results reveal potential therapeutic targets that could aid the regenerative capacity of aging skeletal muscle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang-Jae Kang
- Division of Applied Life Science Department at Gyeongsang National University, PMBBRC, Jinju, Republic of Korea
- Division of Life Science Department at Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun-Il Yoo
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Gyeongsang National University Hospital, Jinju, South Korea
- Corresponding author. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Gyeongsang National University Hospital, 90 Chilamdong, Jinju, Gyeongnamdo, 660-702, Republic of Korea.
| | - Kyung-Wan Baek
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Gyeongsang National University Hospital, Jinju, South Korea
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Herrmann W, Herrmann M. The Importance of Telomere Shortening for Atherosclerosis and Mortality. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2020; 7:jcdd7030029. [PMID: 32781553 PMCID: PMC7570376 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd7030029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomeres are the protective end caps of chromosomes and shorten with every cell division. Short telomeres are associated with older age and adverse lifestyle factors. Leucocyte telomere length (LTL) has been proposed as a biomarker of biological age. The shortening of LTL with age is the result of the end-replication problem, environmental, and lifestyle-related factors. Epidemiologic studies have shown that LTL predicts cardiovascular disease, all-cause mortality, and death from vascular causes. Age appears to be an important co-variate that explains a substantial fraction of this effect. Although it has been proposed that short telomeres promote atherosclerosis and impair the repair of vascular lesions, existing results are inconsistent. Oxidative stress and chronic inflammation can both accelerate telomere shortening. Multiple factors, including homocysteine (HCY), vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 modulate oxidative stress and inflammation through direct and indirect mechanisms. This review provides a compact overview of telomere physiology and the utility of LTL measurements in atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. In addition, it summarizes existing knowledge regarding the impact of oxidative stress, inflammation, HCY, and B-vitamins on telomere function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang Herrmann
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Medical School of the Saarland University, 66421 Homburg, Saar, Germany;
| | - Markus Herrmann
- Clinical Institute of Medical and Chemical Laboratory Diagnostics, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +43-316-385-13145; Fax: +43-316-385-13430
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Semeraro MD, Smith C, Kaiser M, Levinger I, Duque G, Gruber HJ, Herrmann M. Physical activity, a modulator of aging through effects on telomere biology. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 12:13803-13823. [PMID: 32575077 PMCID: PMC7377891 DOI: 10.18632/aging.103504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Aging is a complex process that is not well understood but involves finite changes at the genetic and epigenetic level. Physical activity is a well-documented modulator of the physiological process of aging. It has been suggested that the beneficial health effects of regular exercise are at least partly mediated through its effects on telomeres and associated regulatory pathways. Telomeres, the region of repetitive nucleotide sequences functioning as a "cap" at the chromosomal ends, play an important role to protect genomic DNA from degradation. Telomeres of dividing cells progressively shorten with age. Leucocyte telomere length (TL) has been associated with age-related diseases. Epidemiologic evidence indicates a strong relationship between physical activity and TL. In addition, TL has also been shown to predict all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. Experimental studies support a functional link between aerobic exercise and telomere preservation through activation of telomerase, an enzyme that adds nucleotides to the telomeric ends. However, unresolved questions regarding exercise modalities, pathomechanistic aspects and analytical issues limit the interpretability of available data. This review provides an overview about the current knowledge in the area of telomere biology, aging and physical activity. Finally, the capabilities and limitations of available analytical methods are addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Donatella Semeraro
- Clinical Institute of Medical and Chemical Laboratory Diagnostics, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Cassandra Smith
- Institute for Health and Sport (IHES), Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Australian Institute for Musculoskeletal Science (AIMSS), University of Melbourne and Western Health, St Albans, VIC, Australia
| | - Melanie Kaiser
- Clinical Institute of Medical and Chemical Laboratory Diagnostics, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Itamar Levinger
- Institute for Health and Sport (IHES), Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Australian Institute for Musculoskeletal Science (AIMSS), University of Melbourne and Western Health, St Albans, VIC, Australia
| | - Gustavo Duque
- Australian Institute for Musculoskeletal Science (AIMSS), University of Melbourne and Western Health, St Albans, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medicine-Western Health, Melbourne Medical School, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Hans-Juergen Gruber
- Clinical Institute of Medical and Chemical Laboratory Diagnostics, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Markus Herrmann
- Clinical Institute of Medical and Chemical Laboratory Diagnostics, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
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Abstract
Stress exposure can leave long-term footprints within the organism, like in telomeres (TLs), protective chromosome caps that shorten during cell replication and following exposure to stressors. Short TLs are considered to indicate lower fitness prospects, but why TLs shorten under stressful conditions is not understood. Glucocorticoid hormones (GCs) increase upon stress exposure and are thought to promote TL shortening by increasing oxidative damage. However, evidence that GCs are pro-oxidants and oxidative stress is causally linked to TL attrition is mixed . Based on new biochemical findings, we propose the metabolic telomere attrition hypothesis: during times of substantially increased energy demands, TLs are shortened as part of the transition into an organismal 'emergency state', which prioritizes immediate survival functions over processes with longer-term benefits. TL attrition during energy shortages could serve multiple roles including amplified signalling of cellular energy debt to re-direct critical resources to immediately important processes. This new view of TL shortening as a strategy to resolve major energetic trade-offs can improve our understanding of TL dynamics. We suggest that TLs are master regulators of cell homeostasis and propose future research avenues to understand the interactions between energy homeostasis, metabolic regulators and TL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Casagrande
- 1 Research Group Evolutionary Physiology, Max Planck Institute for Ornithology , 82319 Seewiesen , Germany
| | - Michaela Hau
- 1 Research Group Evolutionary Physiology, Max Planck Institute for Ornithology , 82319 Seewiesen , Germany.,2 Department of Biology, University of Konstanz , D-78457 Konstanz , Germany
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Venezia AC, Hyer MM, Glasper ER, Roth SM, Quinlan EM. Acute forced exercise increases Bdnf IV mRNA and reduces exploratory behavior in C57BL/6J mice. GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2019; 19:e12617. [PMID: 31621198 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2019] [Revised: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Acute exercise has been shown to improve memory in humans. Potential mechanisms include increased Bdnf expression, noradrenergic activity and modification of glutamate receptors. Because mice are commonly used to study exercise and brain plasticity, it is important to explore how acute exercise impacts behavior in this model. C57BL/6J mice were assigned to three groups: control, moderate-intensity running, and high-intensity running. Control mice were placed on a stationary treadmill for 30 minutes and moderate- and high-intensity mice ran for 30 minutes at 12 and 15-17 m/min, respectively. Mice were sacrificed immediately after running and the hippocampus removed. Total Bdnf, Bdnf exon IV, and glutamate receptor subunits were quantified with quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Total and phosphorylated GluR1 (Ser845 and Ser831) protein was quantified following immunoblotting. Utilizing the same protocol for control and high-intensity running, object location memory was examined in a separate cohort of mice. Anxiety-like behavior was assessed in the open field task (OFT) in a third cohort of mice that were separated into four groups: control-saline, control-DSP-4, acute exercise-saline, and acute exercise-DSP-4. DSP-4 was used to lesion the central noradrenergic system. We observed higher Bdnf IV mRNA in high-intensity runners compared to controls, but no effects of acute exercise on memory. In the OFT, runners traveled less distance and spent more time grooming than controls. DSP-4 did not attenuate the effects of exercise. A single bout of exercise increases Bdnf IV mRNA in an intensity-dependent manner; however, high-intensity running reduces exploratory behavior in C57BL/6J mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew C Venezia
- Department of Exercise Science and Sport, The University of Scranton, Scranton, Pennsylvania
| | - Molly M Hyer
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland
| | - Erica R Glasper
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland
| | - Stephen M Roth
- Department of Kinesiology, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland
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12
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In vitro experimental models for examining the skeletal muscle cell biology of exercise: the possibilities, challenges and future developments. Pflugers Arch 2018; 471:413-429. [PMID: 30291430 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-018-2210-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2018] [Revised: 09/18/2018] [Accepted: 09/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Exercise provides a cornerstone in the prevention and treatment of several chronic diseases. The use of in vivo exercise models alone cannot fully establish the skeletal muscle-specific mechanisms involved in such health-promoting effects. As such, models that replicate exercise-like effects in vitro provide useful tools to allow investigations that are not otherwise possible in vivo. In this review, we provide an overview of experimental models currently used to induce exercise-like effects in skeletal muscle in vitro. In particular, the appropriateness of electrical pulse stimulation and several pharmacological compounds to resemble exercise, as well as important technical considerations, are addressed. Each model covered herein provides a useful tool to investigate different aspects of exercise with a level of abstraction not possible in vivo. That said, none of these models are perfect under all circumstances, and the choice of model (and terminology) used should be informed by the specific research question whilst accounting for the several inherent limitations of each model. Further work is required to develop and optimise the current experimental models used, such as combination with complementary techniques during treatment, and thereby improve their overall utility and impact within muscle biology research.
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13
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Telomeres, Aging and Exercise: Guilty by Association? Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18122573. [PMID: 29186077 PMCID: PMC5751176 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18122573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2017] [Revised: 11/24/2017] [Accepted: 11/25/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Telomeres are repetitive tandem DNA sequences that cap chromosomal ends protecting genomic DNA from enzymatic degradation. Telomeres progressively shorten with cellular replication and are therefore assumed to correlate with biological and chronological age. An expanding body of evidence suggests (i) a predictable inverse association between telomere length, aging and age-related diseases and (ii) a positive association between physical activity and telomere length. Both hypotheses have garnered tremendous research attention and broad consensus; however, the evidence for each proposition is inconsistent and equivocal at best. Telomere length does not meet the basic criteria for an aging biomarker and at least 50% of key studies fail to find associations with physical activity. In this review, we address the evidence in support and refutation of the putative associations between telomere length, aging and physical activity. We finish with a brief review of plausible mechanisms and potential future research directions.
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Ludlow AT, Gratidão L, Ludlow LW, Spangenburg EE, Roth SM. Acute exercise activates p38 MAPK and increases the expression of telomere-protective genes in cardiac muscle. Exp Physiol 2017; 102:397-410. [PMID: 28166612 DOI: 10.1113/ep086189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2016] [Accepted: 01/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
NEW FINDINGS What is the central question of this study? A positive association between telomere length and exercise training has been shown in cardiac tissue of mice. It is currently unknown how each bout of exercise influences telomere-length-regulating proteins. We sought to determine how a bout of exercise altered the expression of telomere-length-regulating genes and a related signalling pathway in cardiac tissue of mice. What is the main finding and its importance? Acute exercise altered the expression of telomere-length-regulating genes in cardiac tissue and might be related to altered mitogen-activated protein kinase signalling. These findings are important in understanding how exercise provides a cardioprotective phenotype with ageing. Age is the greatest risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Telomere length is shorter in the hearts of aged mice compared with young mice, and short telomere length has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. One year of voluntary wheel-running exercise attenuates the age-associated loss of telomere length and results in altered gene expression of telomere-length-maintaining and genome-stabilizing proteins in heart tissue of mice. Understanding the early adaptive response of the heart to an endurance exercise bout is paramount to understanding the impact of endurance exercise on heart tissue and cells. To this end, we studied mice before (BL), immediately after (TP1) and 1 h after a treadmill running bout (TP2). We measured the changes in expression of telomere-related genes (shelterin components), DNA-damage-sensing (p53 and Chk2) and DNA-repair genes (Ku70 and Ku80) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling. The TP1 animals had increased TRF1 and TRF2 protein and mRNA levels, greater expression of DNA-repair and -response genes (Chk2 and Ku80) and greater protein content of phosphorylated p38 MAPK compared with both BL and TP2 animals. These data provide insights into how physiological stressors remodel the heart tissue and how an early adaptive response mediated by exercise may be maintaining telomere length and/or stabilizing the heart genome through the upregulation of telomere-protective genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew T Ludlow
- Department of Kinesiology, School of Public Health, University of Maryland at College Park, College Park, MD, USA.,Department of Cell Biology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Laila Gratidão
- Department of Kinesiology, School of Public Health, University of Maryland at College Park, College Park, MD, USA.,Kinesiology Graduate Program, Catholic University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
| | - Lindsay W Ludlow
- Department of Kinesiology, School of Public Health, University of Maryland at College Park, College Park, MD, USA.,Department of Applied Physiology, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Espen E Spangenburg
- Department of Physiology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Stephen M Roth
- Department of Kinesiology, School of Public Health, University of Maryland at College Park, College Park, MD, USA
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15
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Saki B, Bahrami A, Ebrahim K, Abedi-Yekta A, Hedayati M. Effect of concurrent training on telomere length in patients with myocardial infarction: Randomised clinical trial of cardiac rehabilitation. GENE REPORTS 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.genrep.2016.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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16
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Telomere Length Maintenance and Cardio-Metabolic Disease Prevention Through Exercise Training. Sports Med 2016; 46:1213-37. [DOI: 10.1007/s40279-016-0482-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Denham J, O'Brien BJ, Prestes PR, Brown NJ, Charchar FJ. Increased expression of telomere-regulating genes in endurance athletes with long leukocyte telomeres. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2015; 120:148-58. [PMID: 26586905 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00587.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2015] [Accepted: 11/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Leukocyte telomeres shorten with age, and excessive shortening is associated with age-related cardiometabolic diseases. Exercise training may prevent disease through telomere length maintenance although the optimal amount of exercise that attenuates telomere attrition is unknown. Furthermore, the underlying molecular mechanisms responsible for the enhanced telomere maintenance observed in endurance athletes is poorly understood. We quantified the leukocyte telomere length and analyzed the expression of telomere-regulating genes in endurance athletes and healthy controls (both n = 61), using quantitative PCR. We found endurance athletes have significantly longer (7.1%, 208-416 nt) leukocyte telomeres and upregulated TERT (2.0-fold) and TPP1 (1.3-fold) mRNA expression compared with controls in age-adjusted analysis. The telomere length and telomere-regulating gene expression differences were no longer statistically significant after adjustment for resting heart rate and relative V̇O(2 max) (all P > 0.05). Resting heart rate emerged as an independent predictor of leukocyte telomere length and TERT and TPP1 mRNA expression in stepwise regression models. To gauge whether volume of exercise was associated with leukocyte telomere length, we divided subjects into running and cycling tertiles (distance covered per week) and found individuals in the middle and highest tertiles had longer telomeres than individuals in the lowest tertile. These data emphasize the importance of cardiorespiratory fitness and exercise training in the prevention of biological aging. They also support the concept that moderate amounts of exercise training protects against biological aging, while higher amounts may not elicit additional benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Denham
- School of Science and Technology, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia; Australian Centre for Research into Injury in Sport and Its Prevention (ACRISP), Federation University Australia, Mount Helen, Victoria, Australia
| | - Brendan J O'Brien
- Faculty of Health, Federation University Australia, Mount Helen, Victoria, Australia
| | - Priscilla R Prestes
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Federation University Australia, Mount Helen, Victoria, Australia; and
| | - Nicholas J Brown
- Faculty of Health, Federation University Australia, Mount Helen, Victoria, Australia
| | - Fadi J Charchar
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Federation University Australia, Mount Helen, Victoria, Australia; and Australian Centre for Research into Injury in Sport and Its Prevention (ACRISP), Federation University Australia, Mount Helen, Victoria, Australia
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18
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Jackson KC, Gidlund EK, Norrbom J, Valencia AP, Thomson DM, Schuh RA, Neufer PD, Spangenburg EE. BRCA1 is a novel regulator of metabolic function in skeletal muscle. J Lipid Res 2014; 55:668-80. [PMID: 24565757 PMCID: PMC3966701 DOI: 10.1194/jlr.m043851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2013] [Revised: 01/28/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer type 1 (BRCA1) susceptibility protein is expressed across multiple tissues including skeletal muscle. The overall objective of this investigation was to define a functional role for BRCA1 in skeletal muscle using a translational approach. For the first time in both mice and humans, we identified the presence of multiple isoforms of BRCA1 in skeletal muscle. In response to an acute bout of exercise, we found increases in the interaction between the native forms of BRCA1 and the phosphorylated form of acetyl-CoA carboxylase. Decreasing BRCA1 content using a shRNA approach in cultured primary human myotubes resulted in decreased oxygen consumption by the mitochondria and increased reactive oxygen species production. The decreased BRCA1 content also resulted in increased storage of intracellular lipid and reduced insulin signaling. These results indicate that BRCA1 plays a critical role in the regulation of metabolic function in skeletal muscle. Collectively, these data reveal BRCA1 as a novel target to consider in our understanding of metabolic function and risk for development of metabolic-based diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn C. Jackson
- Department of Kinesiology, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, MD
| | - Eva-Karin Gidlund
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jessica Norrbom
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ana P. Valencia
- Department of Kinesiology, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, MD
| | - David M. Thomson
- Department of Physiology and Developmental Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT
| | - Rosemary A. Schuh
- Research Service, Maryland Veteran Affairs Health Care System, Baltimore, MD
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD
| | - P. Darrell Neufer
- Departments of Physiology and Kinesiology, East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC
| | - Espen E. Spangenburg
- Department of Kinesiology, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, MD
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Ludlow AT, Spangenburg EE, Chin ER, Cheng WH, Roth SM. Telomeres shorten in response to oxidative stress in mouse skeletal muscle fibers. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2014; 69:821-30. [PMID: 24418792 DOI: 10.1093/gerona/glt211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Aging phenotypes are dictated by myriad cellular changes including telomere shortening. In most tissues, telomere shortening is accelerated during replication if unrepaired oxidative damage to telomere sequences is present. However, the effect of reactive oxygen species exposure on skeletal muscle telomeres is unknown. We sought to determine if oxidative stress shortens telomeres in isolated adult rodent skeletal muscle fibers. Flexor digitorum brevis muscles were dissected from male mice (C57BL/6, long telomere and CAST/Ei, wild-derived, short telomere) and dissociated into single fibers. Fibers were cultured at an oxygen tension of 2%-5% for 5 days in control, hydrogen peroxide (oxidant), or a combination of N-acetylcysteine (antioxidant) and oxidant containing media. Telomere length, telomerase enzyme activity, and protein content of TRF1 and TRF2 were subsequently measured. In both strains, oxidative stress resulted in significant telomere shortening in isolated skeletal muscle fibers, likely by different mechanisms. Telomerase activity was not altered by oxidative stress treatment but was significantly different between strains, with greater telomerase activity in long-telomere-bearing C57BL/6 mice. These results provide important insights into mechanisms by which oxidative stress could shorten skeletal muscle telomeres.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Eva R Chin
- Department of Kinesiology, School of Public Health and
| | - Wen-Hsing Cheng
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Maryland, College Park. Present address: Department of Food Science, Nutrition and Health Promotion, Mississippi State University
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20
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Do telomeres adapt to physiological stress? Exploring the effect of exercise on telomere length and telomere-related proteins. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2013; 2013:601368. [PMID: 24455708 PMCID: PMC3884693 DOI: 10.1155/2013/601368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2013] [Accepted: 11/26/2013] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Aging is associated with a tissue degeneration phenotype marked by a loss of tissue regenerative capacity. Regenerative capacity is dictated by environmental and genetic factors that govern the balance between damage and repair. The age-associated changes in the ability of tissues to replace lost or damaged cells is partly the cause of many age-related diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, cardiovascular disease, type II diabetes, and sarcopenia. A well-established marker of the aging process is the length of the protective cap at the ends of chromosomes, called telomeres. Telomeres shorten with each cell division and with increasing chronological age and short telomeres have been associated with a range of age-related diseases. Several studies have shown that chronic exposure to exercise (i.e., exercise training) is associated with telomere length maintenance; however, recent evidence points out several controversial issues concerning tissue-specific telomere length responses. The goals of the review are to familiarize the reader with the current telomere dogma, review the literature exploring the interactions of exercise with telomere phenotypes, discuss the mechanistic research relating telomere dynamics to exercise stimuli, and finally propose future directions for work related to telomeres and physiological stress.
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