Intrinsic aerobic capacity sets a divide for aging and longevity

Koch, L. G. et al. (2011) Intrinsic aerobic capacity sets a divide for aging and longevity. Circulation Research, 109(10), pp. 1162-1172. (doi: 10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.111.253807)

Abstract

<p><b>Rationale:</b> Low aerobic exercise capacity is a powerful predictor of premature morbidity and mortality for healthy adults as well as those with cardiovascular disease. For aged populations, poor performance on treadmill or extended walking tests indicates closer proximity to future health declines. Together, these findings suggest a fundamental connection between aerobic capacity and longevity.</p> <p><b>Objectives:</b> Through artificial selective breeding, we developed an animal model system to prospectively test the association between aerobic exercise capacity and survivability (aerobic hypothesis).</p> <p><b>Methods and Results:</b> Laboratory rats of widely diverse genetic backgrounds (N:NIH stock) were selectively bred for low or high intrinsic (inborn) treadmill running capacity. Cohorts of male and female rats from generations 14, 15, and 17 of selection were followed for survivability and assessed for age-related declines in cardiovascular fitness including maximal oxygen uptake (VO_2max), myocardial function, endurance performance, and change in body mass. Median lifespan for low exercise capacity rats was 28% to 45% shorter than high capacity rats (hazard ratio, 0.06; P<0.001). VO_2max, measured across adulthood was a reliable predictor of lifespan (P<0.001). During progression from adult to old age, left ventricular myocardial and cardiomyocyte morphology, contractility, and intracellular Ca²⁺ handling in both systole and diastole, as well as mean blood pressure, were more compromised in rats bred for low aerobic capacity. Physical activity levels, energy expenditure (Vo₂), and lean body mass were all better sustained with age in rats bred for high aerobic capacity.</p> <p><b>Conclusions:</b> These data obtained from a contrasting heterogeneous model system provide strong evidence that genetic segregation for aerobic exercise capacity can be linked with longevity and are useful for deeper mechanistic exploration of aging.</p>

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Smith, Professor Godfrey and Kemi, Dr Ole
• Authors: Koch, L. G., Kemi, O. J., Qi, N., Leng, S. X., Bijma, P., Gilligan, L. J., Wilkinson, J. E., Wisløff, H., Høydal, M. A., Rolim, N., Abadir, P. M., van Grevenhof, E. M., Smith, G. L., Burant, C. F., Ellingsen, Ø., Britton, S. L., and Wisløff, U.
• Subjects: R Medicine > RC Internal medicine > RC1200 Sports Medicine
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health
• Journal Name: Circulation Research
• Publisher: American Heart Association
• ISSN: 0009-7330
• ISSN (Online): 1524-4571
• Published Online: 15 September 2011
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2011 American Heart Association
• First Published: First published in Circulation Research 109(10):1162-1172
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher