Peripheral Maintenance of the Axis SIRT1-SIRT3 at Youth Level May Contribute to Brain Resilience in Middle-Aged Amateur Rugby Players

Abstract

Physical exercise performed regularly is known to improve health and to reduce the risk of age-related diseases. Furthermore, there is some evidence of cognitive improvement in physically active middle-aged and older adults. We hypothesized that long-term physically active middle-aged men may have developed brain resilience that can be detected with the analysis of peripheral blood markers. We aimed to analyze the activation of pathways potentially modulated by physical activity in a cohort of healthy amateur rugby players (n = 24) and control subjects with low physical activity (n = 25) aged 45-65 years. We had previously reported neuropsychological improvement in immediate memory responses in the player group compared to the controls. Here, we tested the expression of selected genes of longevity, inflammation, redox homeostasis, and trophic signaling in whole blood mRNA. Analyses were also performed on blood samples of young (aged 15-25 years) control subjects with low physical activity (n = 21). Physical activity and other lifestyle factors were thoroughly recorded with standardized questionnaires. Interestingly, middle-aged control subjects showed lower levels of expression of SIRT1, SIRT3, CAT, and SOD1 than the young controls, although rugby players maintained the expression levels of these genes at a young-like level. Middle-aged players showed lower levels of IL1B than the non-physically active groups. However, there was a tendency towards a decrease in trophic and transduction factors in middle-aged groups as compared to the young controls. A statistical study of Spearman's correlations supported a positive effect of sporting activity on memory

Levels of Physical Activity and Psychological Well-Being in Non-Athletes and Martial Art Athletes during the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…The A group is exposed to strenuous training, the objectives of the competition, and the eagerness to win or the fear of losing, and among other more subjective factors, we also find the ability to recover in the face of defeat, the sporting individuality, which is an important factor in victory, and the very renowned resilience [ 46 ]. Although these factors can positively affect their physical and psychological integrity, A do not always escape lockdown sequelae, as shown in different studies [ 47 , 48 ].…”

Sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) Pathways in Age-Related Cardiovascular and Neurodegenerative Diseases

“…Life-long exercising elderly subjects have increased muscle SIRT3 and SOD levels [ 252 ] that counter age-associated oxidative stress and mitochondrial deterioration [ 253 ]. Elderly individuals who exercise have a youth-like gene expression profile (increased SIRT1, SIRT3, catalase, SOD1) and improved cognitive functions compared to age-matched sedentary controls [ 252 , 254 ]. Therefore, physical exercise deters the damaging effects of aging and protects against age-associated diseases [ 255 , 256 ].…”

Microglial Hyperreactivity Evolved to Immunosuppression in the Hippocampus of a Mouse Model of Accelerated Aging and Alzheimer’s Disease Traits

“…Neuroinflammation and peripheral inflammatory conditions associated with aging or some pathological conditions are known risk factors for triggering sporadic Alzheimer’s disease (AD) ( Bolós et al, 2017 ; Tejera et al, 2019 ). Furthermore, lower peripheral inflammation is one of the markers associated with preserved memory at middle age ( Corpas et al, 2019 ). Accordingly, experimental studies have shown neuroprotection by diverse anti-inflammatory agents against memory loss and AD-like pathology ( Corpas et al, 2017 ; Ettcheto et al, 2017 ).…”