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The Effect of High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) on Epigenetic Aging Markers

Abstract:

Background: High-intensity interval Training (HIIT) has emerged as a potent exercise modality with potential impacts on the biological processes of aging. This systematic review aims to explore the effects of HIIT on epigenetic aging markers, including DNA methylation, telomere length, and gene expression related to aging. Additionally, it examines the influence of HIIT on various health biomarkers such as cardiovascular fitness, body composition, and metabolic parameters. Objective: To synthesize current evidence and identify areas for future research in the application of HIIT as a strategy to modulate epigenetic aging processes and improve overall health outcomes. Methods: This systematic review followed the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis) verification protocol. The study focuses on determining epigenetic markers in High-Intensity Interval Training and the aging clock. The search was conducted in the PubMed, Biomed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases to identify publications published within the past 15 years Results: The review identified 13 studies that met the inclusion criteria. These studies demonstrated that HIIT interventions, ranging from single acute sessions to 6-month programs, led to significant improvements in epigenetic biomarkers of aging. Key findings included restoration of DNA methylation status in specific genes, increased telomerase activity and telomere length, alterations in mRNA expression related to mitochondrial function, and reductions in transcriptomic age. Additionally, HIIT was associated with improvements in various health markers, including body composition, cardiovascular fitness, and metabolic parameters. Conclusion: This systematic review provides evidence that HIIT can positively influence epigenetic markers of aging, potentially slowing down or reversing aspects of biological aging. HIIT appears to be an efficient and effective exercise modality for promoting healthy aging at the molecular level. However, further research with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods is needed to fully elucidate the long-term effects of HIIT on epigenetic aging markers.