Pathophysiological aspects of the relationship of physical activity with biomarkers of aging

The number of elderly people is projected to increase, which increases the need for strategies to prolong a healthy life. Regular physical activity can prevent many age-related diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cognitive impairment. It has a positive effect on key biomarkers of aging: it enhances antioxidant protection, suppresses inflammation, preserves telomere length and improves blood lipid profile. However, the exact molecular and cellular mechanisms of this beneficial effect require further research.

BACKGROUND. The average life expectancy in developed countries is projected to reach 80 years, which will lead to an increase in the proportion of the elderly population to a quarter of the world's population by 2050. At the same time, the duration of a healthy life lags behind the general one, increasing the period of disability. Strategies for improving healthy longevity include regular physical activity that can prevent or reduce the severity of many age-related chronic diseases, such as coronary heart disease, chronic heart failure, type 2 diabetes, COPD, osteoporosis, depression, and dementia. At the same time, the pathophysiological mechanisms of this effect remain insufficiently studied.

OBJECTIVE. Analysis of scientific data on the relationship of physical activity with biomarkers of age-related diseases

MATERIALS AND METHODS. An analytical review of the scientific literature over the last decade devoted to methods for assessing the impact of physical activity on biomarkers of age-associated physiological changes and age-related diseases has been conducted. The analysis was performed using electronic databases (PubMed, UpToDate) and an Internet search engine (Google Scholar) for keywords: physical activity, aging, the elderly, biomarkers, age-related diseases.

RESULTS. Physical activity affects a number of markers of aging that reflect the state of the body. The sensitivity of tissues to insulin improves, and the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus decreases. There is a decrease in the concentration of free radicals and an increase in antioxidant protection. A decline in inflammatory cytokine levels was observed in response to regular physical activity. The practice of physical activity has been demonstrated to contribute to the maintenance of optimal telomere length by modulating the process of cellular aging. Telomerase activity increases, thereby preventing telomere shortening. A decline in LDL and triglyceride levels is observed. The level of the stress hormone cortisol decreases. The concentration of dehydroepiandrosterone, which has anti-aging effects, increases. The level of neurotrophic factor (BDNF) increases, which is important for maintaining cognitive function. Homocysteine and C-reactive protein levels decrease, which reduces the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. These markers indicate that physical activity affects various pathophysiological mechanisms of age-related diseases.

CONCLUSION. Regular physical activity reduces the likelihood of many chronic diseases, such as heart disease, metabolic disorders, and osteoporosis. Despite the obvious benefits, the mechanisms of influence of physical activity have not been sufficiently studied. Physical activity slows down cellular aging, affecting the rate of telomere shortening, and causes epigenetic changes that enhance the expression of genes providing antioxidant protection. In addition, physical activity reduces the severity of inflammation, improves mitochondrial function, activates autophagy, and increases the production of myokines. These processes are confirmed by the connection between physical activity and various biomarkers of aging.