Medizinische Universität Graz - Research portal
Selected Publication:
Wolz, J.
TELOFIT - Interaction between Physical Activity and Cellular Aging.
Humanmedizin; [ Diplomarbeit ] Graz Medical University; 2020. pp. 51
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- Authors Med Uni Graz:
- Advisor:
- Gruber Hans-Jürgen
- Niedrist Tobias Josef
- Altmetrics:
- Abstract:
- Background and Aims The current standard of knowledge about the impact of physical activity on cell aging is inhomogeneous and controversial. In this context, telomeres - the chromosomal ends - are surveyed in current research. Many factors and mechanisms caused by regular exercise may influence telomere function. Some findings postulate a positive and some no correlation between continuous activity and cell aging. The target of this study is to investigate the effect of repeated sports on relative telomere length and the expression of the shelterin protein TERF-1 as indicators of cell aging. Methods Five participants (healthy and middle-aged females) took part in regular bicycle ergometer training sessions at different intensity levels over three months. The relative telomere length and the quantity of TERF-1 were surveyed before, during and after the intervention blocks. The relative telomere length was measured in peripheral leucocytes by a quantitative real-time PCR. The TERF-1 was measured by a commercial ELISA. Results The findings show no association between physical activity and relative telomere length or TERF-1 expression. No tendencies, which may indicate an association, are remarkable in the charts. However, a statistically significant correlation between relative telomere length and TERF-1 expression is observed (r=−0,49; p<0,01). Conclusion The obtained data show no statistically significant effects of physical activity on relative telomere length or expression of TERF-1. The correlation of relative telomere length and TERF-1 expression shows the suitability of the study design and robustness of the analyses. However, it must be noticed that the present study is a pilot study with currently only a small number of participants. Taken together, further investigations with more participants are necessary to evaluate a potential impact of regular exercise on telomere function.