A recent perspective published in the journal Aging explores the role of exercise in influencing epigenetic aging, led by Takuji Kawamura from Tohoku University. The researchers reviewed existing studies that suggest regular physical activity and structured exercise may not only slow epigenetic aging but could also reverse it, thereby enhancing healthspan and long-term well-being.
Epigenetic aging involves changes to DNA that indicate the biological aging process at a molecular level. This is assessed through epigenetic clocks, which analyze DNA methylation patterns affecting gene activity. Unlike chronological age, which merely counts years, epigenetic aging provides insight into cellular and tissue functionality.
The authors note that while general physical activities, such as walking, yield health benefits, structured exercise programs—characterized by planned, repetitive, and goal-oriented activities—show more significant impacts on reducing epigenetic aging. High levels of cardiorespiratory fitness correlate with slower epigenetic aging.
The perspective includes findings from both animal and human studies. For instance, structured training in mice led to reduced age-related molecular changes in muscle tissue. In humans, interventions involving exercise demonstrated decreases in biological age markers. Notably, one study indicated that sedentary middle-aged women could lower their epigenetic age by two years within eight weeks of aerobic and strength training. Additionally, older men displaying higher cardiovascular fitness exhibited slower epigenetic aging.
The review also identifies various organs that benefit from exercise, including the heart, liver, fat tissue, and gut, alongside skeletal muscle. The authors advocate for further research to understand individual variability in responses to exercise and the development of personalized exercise programs to optimize anti-aging effects. Overall, the findings underscore the potential of physical fitness as a vital component in mitigating internal aging processes.