Physical Activity and Nutrition: Two Promising Strategies for Telomere Maintenance?

Nutrients. 2018 Dec 7;10(12):1942. doi: 10.3390/nu10121942.

Abstract

As the world demographic structure is getting older, highlighting strategies to counteract age-related diseases is a major public health concern. Telomeres are nucleoprotein structures that serve as guardians of genome stability by ensuring protection against both cell death and senescence. A hallmark of biological aging, telomere health is determined throughout the lifespan by a combination of both genetic and non-genetic influences. This review summarizes data from recently published studies looking at the effect of lifestyle variables such as nutrition and physical activity on telomere dynamics.

Keywords: TERRA; aging; diet; exercise; senescence; telomerase; telomere length.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Exercise*
  • Humans
  • Nutritional Physiological Phenomena / genetics*
  • Nutritional Status*
  • Telomere / genetics*
  • Telomere Homeostasis*