Holding Back the Telomeres

In the news today, a study of twins has found that those who were physically active during their leisure time appeared ‘biologically younger’ than their sedentary peers. Researchers at The Twin Research Unit and Genetic Epidemiology Unit at King’s College, London have found that key pieces of DNA, called telomeres, shortened more quickly in inactive people. It is thought that this could signify faster cellular ageing.

Writing in the Archives of Internal Medicine, the researchers said: “Our results show that adults who partake in regular physical activity are biologically younger than sedentary individuals.��?

In an accompanying editorial, Dr Jack Guralnik, of the US National Institute on Aging, said that this article serves as one of many pieces of evidence suggesting telomere length might be targeted in studying aging outcomes.

So, if telomere length and exercise have a positive effect upon aging, could this also impact upon our susceptibility to develop cataract and ARMD?

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