Effect of a lifestyle intervention on telomere length: A systematic review and meta-analysis

• Published in: Mechanisms of ageing and development 2022-09, Vol.206, p.111694-111694, Article 111694
• Main Authors: Buttet, Marjorie, Bagheri, Reza, Ugbolue, Ukadike C., Laporte, Catherine, Trousselard, Marion, Benson, Amanda, Bouillon-Minois, Jean-Baptiste, Dutheil, Frédéric
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aging; Behavior; Biology; Exercise; Genetic; Public health
• ISSN: 0047-6374; 1872-6216
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2022.111694

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the effects of lifestyle intervention on telomere length (TL). Four databases were searched for studies reporting TL in leukocytes, before and after a lifestyle intervention. We computed random-effects meta-analysis on TL within intervention and control group after versus before intervention, and on changes in TL between groups. Sensitivity analyses and Meta-regression were conducted. We included 20 studies in the systematic review (2995 participants, mean 50.3 years old, 77% women, 2045 following an intervention and 950 controls) and 19 in the meta-analysis. TL were similar at baseline between intervention and control groups. The physical activity ± diet group had an increase in TL (Effect size 0.17, 95%CI 0.03–0.31, p = 0.020) using changes within the intervention group, whereas TL shortened in the control group (−0.32, −0.61 to −0.02, p = 0.037). TL was longer in the physical activity ± diet intervention group (0.24, 0.08–0.40, p = 0.004) compared to controls after the intervention. Sensitivity analysis gave similar results. Meta-regressions demonstrated that combining strength and endurance exercise increased TL more than endurance alone or strength alone. A lifestyle intervention with physical activity ± diet can increase telomere length, independently of population characteristics or baseline TL. •Physical activity and diet can stop leukocyte telomere attrition.•Strength and endurance training may be the most beneficial for telomere length.•Results are independent of population characteristics or telomere length at baseline.