Impact of Moderate Physical Activity on Inflammatory Markers and Telomere Length in Sedentary and Moderately Active Individuals with Varied Insulin Sensitivity

Introduction: Physical activity-associated immune response plays a crucial role in the aging process. This study aimed to determine the impact of short-term moderate physical activity on cytokine levels, oxidative stress markers, and telomere length in lean/ overweight young subjects. Methods: Fasting blood samples were collected from 368 participants at Qatar Biobank. Based on their homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), participants were categorized as insulin sensitive (IS) or insulin resistant (IR). Subsequently, they were divided into four groups: sedentary IS (n = 90), sedentary IR (n = 90), moderately active IS (n = 94), and moderately active IR (n = 94). Moderate physical activity was defined as walking at least two days per week for more than 150 minutes, as determined by physical activity questionnaires. Serum samples were analyzed for circulating inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-1RA, IL-6, IL-10, IL-22, MCP-1/CCL2, TNF-α), as well as antioxidant enzyme levels (SOD and catalase). Telomere lengths were measured in the respective DNA samples. Results: Moderately active IR participants exhibited significantly lower SOD activity, while catalase activity did not show significant differences. Moderately active IS participants had higher IL-6 and IL-10 levels compared to sedentary IS participants, with no significant differences observed in the IR counterparts. Telomere length did not significantly differ between the physically active and sedentary groups. Conclusion: This study highlights the potential anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative stress effects of moderate physical activity in individuals with insulin sensitivity and insulin resistance. However, no significant changes in telomere length were observed, suggesting a complex relationship between physical activity and the aging process. Further research is needed to fully understand the underlying mechanisms and optimize the balance between anti-inflammation and anti-oxidation through exercise and lifestyle adjustments.</p

Impact of Moderate Physical Activity on Inflammatory Markers and Telomere Length in Sedentary and Moderately Active Individuals with Varied Insulin Sensitivity

Introduction: Physical activity-associated immune response plays a crucial role in the aging process. This study aimed to determine the impact of short-term moderate physical activity on cytokine levels, oxidative stress markers, and telomere length in lean/ overweight young subjects. Methods: Fasting blood samples were collected from 368 participants at Qatar Biobank. Based on their homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), participants were categorized as insulin sensitive (IS) or insulin resistant (IR). Subsequently, they were divided into four groups: sedentary IS (n = 90), sedentary IR (n = 90), moderately active IS (n = 94), and moderately active IR (n = 94). Moderate physical activity was defined as walking at least two days per week for more than 150 minutes, as determined by physical activity questionnaires. Serum samples were analyzed for circulating inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-1RA, IL-6, IL-10, IL-22, MCP-1/CCL2, TNF-α), as well as antioxidant enzyme levels (SOD and catalase). Telomere lengths were measured in the respective DNA samples. Results: Moderately active IR participants exhibited significantly lower SOD activity, while catalase activity did not show significant differences. Moderately active IS participants had higher IL-6 and IL-10 levels compared to sedentary IS participants, with no significant differences observed in the IR counterparts. Telomere length did not significantly differ between the physically active and sedentary groups. Conclusion: This study highlights the potential anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative stress effects of moderate physical activity in individuals with insulin sensitivity and insulin resistance. However, no significant changes in telomere length were observed, suggesting a complex relationship between physical activity and the aging process. Further research is needed to fully understand the underlying mechanisms and optimize the balance between anti-inflammation and anti-oxidation through exercise and lifestyle adjustments.</p

Impact of Moderate Physical Activity on Inflammatory Markers and Telomere Length in Sedentary and Moderately Active Individuals with Varied Insulin Sensitivity

Introduction: Physical activity-associated immune response plays a crucial role in the aging process. This study aimed to determine the impact of short-term moderate physical activity on cytokine levels, oxidative stress markers, and telomere length in lean/ overweight young subjects. Methods: Fasting blood samples were collected from 368 participants at Qatar Biobank. Based on their homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), participants were categorized as insulin sensitive (IS) or insulin resistant (IR). Subsequently, they were divided into four groups: sedentary IS (n = 90), sedentary IR (n = 90), moderately active IS (n = 94), and moderately active IR (n = 94). Moderate physical activity was defined as walking at least two days per week for more than 150 minutes, as determined by physical activity questionnaires. Serum samples were analyzed for circulating inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-1RA, IL-6, IL-10, IL-22, MCP-1/CCL2, TNF-α), as well as antioxidant enzyme levels (SOD and catalase). Telomere lengths were measured in the respective DNA samples. Results: Moderately active IR participants exhibited significantly lower SOD activity, while catalase activity did not show significant differences. Moderately active IS participants had higher IL-6 and IL-10 levels compared to sedentary IS participants, with no significant differences observed in the IR counterparts. Telomere length did not significantly differ between the physically active and sedentary groups. Conclusion: This study highlights the potential anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative stress effects of moderate physical activity in individuals with insulin sensitivity and insulin resistance. However, no significant changes in telomere length were observed, suggesting a complex relationship between physical activity and the aging process. Further research is needed to fully understand the underlying mechanisms and optimize the balance between anti-inflammation and anti-oxidation through exercise and lifestyle adjustments.</p

Impact of Moderate Physical Activity on Inflammatory Markers and Telomere Length in Sedentary and Moderately Active Individuals with Varied Insulin Sensitivity

Introduction: Physical activity-associated immune response plays a crucial role in the aging process. This study aimed to determine the impact of short-term moderate physical activity on cytokine levels, oxidative stress markers, and telomere length in lean/ overweight young subjects. Methods: Fasting blood samples were collected from 368 participants at Qatar Biobank. Based on their homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), participants were categorized as insulin sensitive (IS) or insulin resistant (IR). Subsequently, they were divided into four groups: sedentary IS (n = 90), sedentary IR (n = 90), moderately active IS (n = 94), and moderately active IR (n = 94). Moderate physical activity was defined as walking at least two days per week for more than 150 minutes, as determined by physical activity questionnaires. Serum samples were analyzed for circulating inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-1RA, IL-6, IL-10, IL-22, MCP-1/CCL2, TNF-α), as well as antioxidant enzyme levels (SOD and catalase). Telomere lengths were measured in the respective DNA samples. Results: Moderately active IR participants exhibited significantly lower SOD activity, while catalase activity did not show significant differences. Moderately active IS participants had higher IL-6 and IL-10 levels compared to sedentary IS participants, with no significant differences observed in the IR counterparts. Telomere length did not significantly differ between the physically active and sedentary groups. Conclusion: This study highlights the potential anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative stress effects of moderate physical activity in individuals with insulin sensitivity and insulin resistance. However, no significant changes in telomere length were observed, suggesting a complex relationship between physical activity and the aging process. Further research is needed to fully understand the underlying mechanisms and optimize the balance between anti-inflammation and anti-oxidation through exercise and lifestyle adjustments.</p

Impact of Moderate Physical Activity on Inflammatory Markers and Telomere Length in Sedentary and Moderately Active Individuals with Varied Insulin Sensitivity

Introduction: Physical activity-associated immune response plays a crucial role in the aging process. This study aimed to determine the impact of short-term moderate physical activity on cytokine levels, oxidative stress markers, and telomere length in lean/ overweight young subjects. Methods: Fasting blood samples were collected from 368 participants at Qatar Biobank. Based on their homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), participants were categorized as insulin sensitive (IS) or insulin resistant (IR). Subsequently, they were divided into four groups: sedentary IS (n = 90), sedentary IR (n = 90), moderately active IS (n = 94), and moderately active IR (n = 94). Moderate physical activity was defined as walking at least two days per week for more than 150 minutes, as determined by physical activity questionnaires. Serum samples were analyzed for circulating inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-1RA, IL-6, IL-10, IL-22, MCP-1/CCL2, TNF-α), as well as antioxidant enzyme levels (SOD and catalase). Telomere lengths were measured in the respective DNA samples. Results: Moderately active IR participants exhibited significantly lower SOD activity, while catalase activity did not show significant differences. Moderately active IS participants had higher IL-6 and IL-10 levels compared to sedentary IS participants, with no significant differences observed in the IR counterparts. Telomere length did not significantly differ between the physically active and sedentary groups. Conclusion: This study highlights the potential anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative stress effects of moderate physical activity in individuals with insulin sensitivity and insulin resistance. However, no significant changes in telomere length were observed, suggesting a complex relationship between physical activity and the aging process. Further research is needed to fully understand the underlying mechanisms and optimize the balance between anti-inflammation and anti-oxidation through exercise and lifestyle adjustments.</p

The Metabolic Switch of Physical Activity in Non-Obese Insulin Resistant Individuals

Healthy non-obese insulin resistant (IR) individuals are at higher risk of metabolic syndrome. The metabolic signature of the increased risk was previously determined. Physical activity can lower the risk of insulin resistance, but the underlying metabolic pathways remain to be determined. In this study, the common and unique metabolic signatures of insulin sensitive (IS) and IR individuals in active and sedentary individuals were determined. Data from 305 young, aged 20–30, non-obese participants from Qatar biobank, were analyzed. The homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and physical activity questionnaires were utilized to classify participants into four groups: Active Insulin Sensitive (ISA, n = 30), Active Insulin Resistant (IRA, n = 20), Sedentary Insulin Sensitive (ISS, n = 21) and Sedentary Insulin Resistant (SIR, n = 23). Differences in the levels of 1000 metabolites between insulin sensitive and insulin resistant individuals in both active and sedentary groups were compared using orthogonal partial least square discriminate analysis (OPLS-DA) and linear models. The study indicated significant differences in fatty acids between individuals with insulin sensitivity and insulin resistance who engaged in physical activity, including monohydroxy, dicarboxylate, medium and long chain, mono and polyunsaturated fatty acids. On the other hand, the sedentary group showed changes in carbohydrates, specifically glucose and pyruvate. Both groups exhibited alterations in 1-carboxyethylphenylalanine. The study revealed different metabolic signature in insulin resistant individuals depending on their physical activity status. Specifically, the active group showed changes in lipid metabolism, while the sedentary group showed alterations in glucose metabolism. These metabolic discrepancies demonstrate the beneficial impact of moderate physical activity on high risk insulin resistant healthy non-obese individuals by flipping their metabolic pathways from glucose based to fat based, ultimately leading to improved health outcomes. The results of this study carry significant implications for the prevention and treatment of metabolic syndrome in non-obese individuals.</p

Metabolic Signature of Leukocyte Telomere Length in Elite Male Soccer Players

Introduction: Biological aging is associated with changes in the metabolic pathways. Leukocyte telomere length (LTL) is a predictive marker of biological aging; however, the underlying metabolic pathways remain largely unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the metabolic alterations and identify the metabolic predictors of LTL in elite male soccer players. Methods: Levels of 837 blood metabolites and LTL were measured in 126 young elite male soccer players who tested negative for doping abuse at anti-doping laboratory in Italy. Multivariate analysis using orthogonal partial least squares (OPLS), univariate linear models and enrichment analyses were conducted to identify metabolites and metabolic pathways associated with LTL. Generalized linear model followed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis were conducted to identify top metabolites predictive of LTL. Results: Sixty-seven metabolites and seven metabolic pathways showed significant associations with LTL. Among enriched pathways, lysophospholipids, benzoate metabolites, and glycine/serine/threonine metabolites were elevated with longer LTL. Conversely, monoacylglycerols, sphingolipid metabolites, long chain fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids were enriched with shorter telomeres. ROC analysis revealed eight metabolites that best predict LTL, including glutamine, N-acetylglutamine, xanthine, beta-sitosterol, N2-acetyllysine, stearoyl-arachidonoyl-glycerol (18:0/20:4), N-acetylserine and 3-7-dimethylurate with AUC of 0.75 (0.64–0.87, p &lt; 0.0001). Conclusion: This study characterized the metabolic activity in relation to telomere length in elite soccer players. Investigating the functional relevance of these associations could provide a better understanding of exercise physiology and pathophysiology of elite athletes.</p

Molecular regulators of exercise-mediated insulin sensitivity in non-obese individuals

Insulin resistance is a significant contributor to the development of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and is associated with obesity, physical inactivity, and low maximal oxygen uptake. While intense and prolonged exercise may have negative effects, physical activity can have a positive influence on cellular metabolism and the immune system. Moderate exercise has been shown to reduce oxidative stress and improve antioxidant status, whereas intense exercise can increase oxidative stress in the short term. The impact of exercise on pro-inflammatory cytokine production is complex and varies depending on intensity and duration. Exercise can also counteract the harmful effects of ageing and inflamm-ageing. This review aims to examine the molecular pathways altered by exercise in non-obese individuals at higher risk of developing T2D, including glucose utilization, lipid metabolism, mitochondrial function, inflammation and oxidative stress, with the potential to improve insulin sensitivity. The focus is on understanding the potential benefits of exercise for improving insulin sensitivity and providing insights for future targeted interventions before onset of disease

Comparing the Metabolic Profiles Associated with Fitness Status between Insulin-Sensitive and Insulin-Resistant Non-Obese Individuals

(1) Background: Young non-obese insulin-resistant (IR) individuals could be at risk of developing metabolic diseases including type 2 diabetes mellitus. The protective effect of physical activity in this apparently healthy group is expected but not well characterized. In this study, clinically relevant metabolic profiles were determined and compared among active and sedentary insulin-sensitive (IS) and IR young non-obese individuals. (2) Methods: Data obtained from Qatar Biobank for 2110 young (20-30 years old) non-obese (BMI ≤ 30) healthy participants were divided into four groups, insulin-sensitive active (ISA, 30.7%), insulin-sensitive sedentary (ISS, 21.4%), insulin-resistant active (IRA, 20%), and insulin-resistant sedentary (IRS, 23.3%), using the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and physical activity questionnaires. The effect of physical activity on 66 clinically relevant biochemical tests was compared among the four groups using linear models. (3) Results: Overall, non-obese IR participants had significantly ( ≤ 0.001) worse vital signs, blood sugar profiles, inflammatory markers, liver function, lipid profiles, and vitamin D levels than their IS counterparts. Physical activity was positively associated with left handgrip ( ≤ 0.01) and levels of creatine kinase ( ≤ 0.001) and creatine kinase-2 ( ≤ 0.001) in both IS and IR subjects. Furthermore, physical activity was positively associated with levels of creatinine ( ≤ 0.01) and total vitamin D ( = 0.006) in the IR group and AST ( = 0.001), folate ( = 0.001), and hematocrit ( = 0.007) in the IS group. Conversely, physical inactivity was negatively associated with the white blood cell count ( = 0.001) and an absolute number of lymphocytes ( = 0.003) in the IR subjects and with triglycerides ( = 0.005) and GGT-2 ( ≤ 0.001) in the IS counterparts. (4) Conclusions: An independent effect of moderate physical activity was observed in non-obese apparently healthy individuals a with different HOMA-IR index. The effect was marked by an improved health profile including higher vitamin D and lower inflammatory markers in IRA compared to IRS, and a higher oxygen carrying capacity and lipid profile in ISA compared to the ISS counterparts.QatarUniversity grant number IRCC-2022-467 (M.A.E.,M.S.,A.A.)