Epigenetic modifications, reversible chemical changes of an individual’s DNA, can be used as predictors of a person’s chronological age, that is, time since birth. To better understand the impact of physical exercise on the aging process, researchers measured the epigenetic status of five genes, known to accurately predict chronological age, in elite athletes. Their results were surprising but may help to describe a direct mechanism by which exercise leads to lower mortality rates.
Age predictions based on epigenetic changes were made for elite athletes and a control group with an equal age distribution. Interestingly, results suggested that an elite athletic lifestyle was associated with accelerated aging, that is: athletes had predicted epigenetic ages that were greater than their true chronological ages, an observation absent in the non-athlete control group. Recent research has revealed that differences in predicted epigenetic age compared to a person’s true chronological age are considered predictors of the early onset of age-associated ailments. Therefore, this result was puzzling since it is widely known that physical exercise can lead to better cardiovascular health, lower cancer risk, and overall increased longevity.
Closer examination of the results shed light on this mystery. The bulk of epigenetic changes occurred in two out of five selected aging-related genes. Importantly, when epigenetically modified, the two genes driving the age prediction may suppress tumor proliferation and neuro-inflammation. So, despite the unexpected older predicted age for athletes, the study’s results also suggest that intense physical activity may result in improved longevity resulting from lowered cancer and chronic inflammation risks over a lifetime.
Overall, this study provides a potential epigenetic mechanism of action linking physical activity and improved health and longevity. This work is an important step forward towards a better understanding of the complex links between lifestyle and environmental influences on the biology of human aging.