Loading...
Telomeres are repeated DNA sequences that appear to protect chromosomes from degradation; this process may be central to aging. In this study, researchers enrolled 2400 subjects (mean age, 49) and assessed whether the amount of physical exercise was associated with leukocyte telomere length. Participants were grouped in quartiles of physical activity, from inactive to heavy exercise.
Leukocyte telomere length decreased by a mean of 21 nucleotides for each additional year of life. After controlling for age, sex, body-mass index, smoking and socioeconomic status, individuals in the highest quartile of exercise were found to have telomeres 200 nucleotides longer than those in the lowest quartile of exercise.