Physical exercise increases global and gene‐specific (interleukin‐17 and interferon‐γ) DNA methylation in lymphocytes from aged women

Abstract

Ageing-induced increase in inflammatory gene expression through a reduction in DNA methylation might contribute to chronic diseases. Regular physical exercise practices, in turn, are associated with a decrease in the incidence of inflammatory diseases. We herein evaluated the effects of three exercise modalities on lymphocyte global and gene-specific (interferon γ (IFN-γ) and interleukin 17A (IL-17A) DNA methylation in aged women (68 ± 7.5 years). This cross-sectional study included 86 women, divided into four groups according to the physical exercise practice: 20 were practicing resistance training (RT); 24 were practicing water aerobics exercise (W); 22 were practicing water aerobics and resistance exercise (RWT), and 20 did not practice any physical exercise (CON). We evaluated volunteer functional capability using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, global lymphocyte DNA methylation by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, IFN-γ and IL-17A methylation by qPCR and CD4 + IFN-γ + and CD4 + IL-17 + cell percentage by flow cytometry. The three physically exercised groups performed functional capability tests in a shorter period and showed a higher global lymphocyte DNA methylation and methylated CpGs of IL-17A and IFNγ promoter regions than the control group. The practice of resistance training (RT and RWT groups) lead to high global DNA methylation. The combination of resistance training and aerobic exercise led to the increase of lymphocyte IL-17A and IFN-γ gene methylation induced by each separately. However, the percentage of IFN-γ +

Impact of the Exposome on the Epigenome in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients and Animal Models

“…Studies suggest that PA is associated with DNA hypermethylation (although these results are not unanimous), contributing to a decreased expression of inflammation-related genes (such as the hypermethylation of IL-17A and IFN-γ promoter regions or TNF gene and the hypomethylation of IL-10) [ 311 ]. Exercise can also induce histones acetylation/deacetylation in a body mass index-dependent manner [ 312 ].…”

Exercise training and DNA methylation profile in post-bariatric women: Results from an exploratory study

“…These results corroborate with previously literature. Machado et al, 2021 evidenced that the methylation levels in promoter regions of IL-17A gene was higher in participants that were submitted to exercise program when compared to the control group ( 8 ). According to the authors, the exercise-induced increase of DNA methylation in inflammatory genes could be related to loss of immune function ( 8 ).…”

“…It is noteworthy that some cluster of genes associated with obesity appear unchanged following surgical procedure ( 4 ), warranting the search for others therapies capable of boosting the benefits of bariatric surgery. In this regard, exercise training emerges as a potential adjuvant therapy able to modulate DNA methylation of distinct genes related to adipocyte metabolism ( 7 ) and inflammatory responses ( 8 ), with were related to reduced risk of chronic diseases ( 9 ). Study evaluating the effects of three exercise modalities on DNA methylation levels observed that the practice of resistance training increased global DNA methylation ( 8 ).…”

“…In this regard, exercise training emerges as a potential adjuvant therapy able to modulate DNA methylation of distinct genes related to adipocyte metabolism ( 7 ) and inflammatory responses ( 8 ), with were related to reduced risk of chronic diseases ( 9 ). Study evaluating the effects of three exercise modalities on DNA methylation levels observed that the practice of resistance training increased global DNA methylation ( 8 ).…”

Physical Activity and DNA Methylation in Humans

“…Intervention studies in older women confirmed the earlier trend and showed a significant increase in global leukocyte methylation with resistance and aerobic exercises. Increased DNA methylation negatively correlated with the time of performing the exercise protocol, i.e., people with better physical condition, which translated into more efficient exercise, had higher DNA methylation compared to sedentary women [ 31 ].…”