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

Abstract

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.

Keywords:

• moderate physical activity
• antioxidant
• interleukins
• aging
• sedentarily
• impaired insulin sensitivity

Data Sharing Statement

Data are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

Institutional Review Board Statement

This study is performed in line with the World Medical Association Declaration of Helsinki—Ethical Principles for Medical Research Involving Human Subjects. All protocols were approved by the Institutional Review Boards of the Qatar Biobank (QF-QBB-RES-ACC-00066) and Qatar University (QU-IRB 1716-E/22) and has received Expedited Review according to Qatar Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) regulations.

Informed Consent Statement

Informed consent was obtained from all participants involved in the study.

Acknowledgments

The researchers would like to thank Qatar Biobank for providing samples, Physical education department of College of Education and biomedical center of Qatar University for participating in the study design and biochemical assay.

Author Contributions

All authors made a significant contribution to the work reported, whether that is in the conception, study design, execution, acquisition of data, analysis and interpretation, or in all these areas; took part in drafting, revising or critically reviewing the article; gave final approval of the version to be published; have agreed on the journal to which the article has been submitted; and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

Disclosure

The authors declare no conflicts of interest in this work.

Additional information

Funding

This research was funded by Qatar University IRCC grant number IRCC-2022-467 (MAE, MS).