Influence of diet and exercise on leukocyte telomere length, markers of oxidative stress and inflammation in rats

Telomere length is an important biomarker of biological aging and is affected by nutrition and physical activity. This study investigated the effects of diets with different fat contents and increased physical activity on certain pro/anti-inflammatory and oxidative stress markers and aging. The study is performed in a randomized, experimental, and controlled design with 48 rats, 8 weeks old, divided into 6 different groups (Control (C), exercise (E), unsaturated fat diet (USF), saturated fat diet (SF), unsaturated fat diet + exercise (USF + E), and saturated fat diet + exercise (SF + E)). The rats performed aerobic swimming exercise for 50 days and were fed a diet with different fat content. TAS, TOS, and MDA levels were determined by colorimetric analysis while 8-OHdG, IL-10, and TNF-α were determined by ELISA. Additionally, leukocyte telomere length is determined by the PCR method. Weight changes were also recorded. Plasma TOS, OSI, and TNF-α were lowest in the USF group and highest in the SF and SF + E groups. MDA, 8-OHdG and TG levels were highest in the SF group. The lowest IL-10 level was detected in group C. TL level was the highest in the USF group. There was also a moderate, negative, and significant correlation between telomeres and TOS, OSI, and TNF-α. The groups with the highest body weight gain were C, SF, and SF + E. Diets low in saturated fat or high in unsaturated fat, and physical activity were associated with leukocyte telomere length and alteration of oxidative and pro/anti-inflammatory markers.