Genetic vs. acquired fitness: cardiomyocyte adaptations

Wisloff, U., Haram, P. M. and Kemi, O. J. (2007) Genetic vs. acquired fitness: cardiomyocyte adaptations. In: Stocchi, V., De Feo, P. and Hood, D. A. (eds.) Role of Physical Exercise in Preventing Disease and Improving the Quality of Life. Springer: Milan, pp. 61-81. ISBN 9788847003750 (doi: 10.1007/978-88-470-0376-7_4)

Abstract

The human genome was selected through natural selection to maximize fitness in the early ancestral environment, a time in which physical activity was the key for survival. Our genome has not changed much the last 100,000 years, and exercise still remains essential for optimal gene expression and avoidance of disease [1 3]. Physical inactivity is now established as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, an effect that is similar to that of high blood pressure, high levels of blood lipids, and smoking combined [4]. The human body is therefore not ideally suited for a Western lifestyle, where inactivity is the norm with a daily energy expenditure corresponding to only 38% of what our Paleolithic ancestors had [1 3]. An inactive lifestyle will therefore alter gene expression and perturb homeostasis in several organ systems towards the unphysiological end of the range and lead to complex disease scenarios such as the metabolic syndrome. In the present mini-review, we focus upon adaptations in heart function both in healthy individuals and in individuals with the metabolic syndrome and present data derived mainly from studies using appropriate animal models.

• Item Type: Book Sections
• Status: Published
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Kemi, Dr Ole
• Authors: Wisloff, U., Haram, P. M., and Kemi, O. J.
• Subjects: Q Science > QP Physiology
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Life Sciences; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health
• Publisher: Springer
• ISBN: 9788847003750