Modulation of Telomere Length by Mediterranean Diet, Caloric Restriction, and Exercise: Results from PREDIMED-Plus Study

Abstract

Telomere length (TL) has been associated with aging and is determined by lifestyle. However, the mechanisms by which a dietary pattern such as the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) affects TL homeostasis are still unknown. Our aim was to analyse the effect of an energy-restricted MedDiet with physical activity promotion (intervention group) versus an unrestricted-caloric MedDiet with no weight-loss advice (control group) on TL and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) plasma levels. In total, 80 non-diabetic participants with metabolic syndrome were randomly selected from the PREDIMED (PREvención con DIeta MEDiterránea)-Plus-Reus study. TL was measured by a hybridisation method and 8-OHdG levels by ELISA at baseline and after one year of intervention. Linear mixed models (LMM)—raw and after adjusting for potential confounders—were used to examine the associations between TL or 8-OHdG plasma levels by intervention group and/or time. A total of 69 subjects with available DNA samples were included in the analyses. A significant β-coefficient was found for time towards increasing values through the year of follow-up for TL (unadjusted β of 0.740 (95% CI: 0.529 to 0.951), and multivariable model β of 0.700 (95% CI: 0.477 to 0.922)). No significant βs were found, neither for the intervention group nor for the interaction between the intervention group and time. Regarding 8-OHdG plasma levels, no significant βs were found for the intervention group, time, and its interaction. Our results suggest that MedDiet could have an important role in preventing telomere shortening, but calorie restriction and exercise promotion did not provide an additional advantage concerning telomere length after one year of MedDiet intervention.

Does diet influence aging? Evidence from animal studies

“…The Hallmarks include changes in DNA that are the likely initiators of aging (genomic instability, telomere attrition, epigenetic changes/DNA methylation) and lead to changes at the subcellular (loss of proteostasis, mitochondrial dysfunction, deregulated nutrient sensing) and at the cellular level (cellular senescence, stem cell exhaustion, altered intracellular communication) [20]. Aging biomarkers most often used in dietary studies have been DNA methylation, which increases with age [21,22] or telomere length, which decreases with age [23]. Both are referred to as aging clocks.…”

Mediterranean diet and telomere length: aspects from obesity

“…Another study from the Predimed Navarra trial showed that an energy-restricted MD contributed to higher weight loss when compared with an unrestricted MD without a weight loss recommendation group. Although they found an increase in the telomere length in both groups, they did not find a significant difference between the groups in terms of the telomere length (Fernández de la Puente et al , 2021).…”

“…Although further research into the mechanisms by which the various MD components exert their protective effects (independently and/or in concert) is warranted, it has been hypothesized that the MD as a whole may have a higher impact on TL than any of its constituent nutrients or food groups (Leung et al , 2018; Davinelli et al , 2019). All of the components of MD have unique possible effects on telomere length (Davinelli et al , 2019; Canudas et al , 2020; Fernández de la Puente et al , 2021). The fundamental components of the Mediterranean diet are the use of OO and a wealth of plant-based foods, such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts and whole grains.…”

Association between Telomere Length and Pediatric Obesity: A Systematic Review

“…Also, intake of foods rich in antioxidants leads to healthy cell aging, which can delay telomeric friction [ 144 ]. The consumption of foods rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds plant-based foods has beneficial effects on several anti-inflammatory markers and in reducing oxidative stress and cardiovascular risk factors [ 145 , 146 ].…”