Chromosomal stability in buccal cells was linked to age but not affected by exercise and nutrients - Vienna Active Ageing Study (VAAS), a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of six months strength training with or without supplementing protein and vitamins, on chromosomal integrity of buccal cells in institutionalized elderly.One hundred seventeen women and men (65–98 years) performed either resistance training (RT), RT combined with a nutritional supplement (RTS) or cognitive training (CT) twice per week for six months. Participants’ fitness was measured using the 6 min walking, the chair rise, and the handgrip strength test. Genotoxicity and cytotoxicity parameters were investigated with the Buccal Micronucleus Cytome (BMcyt) assay.Six minutes walking and chair rise performance improved significantly, however, no changes of the parameters of the BMcyt were detected. Age and micronuclei (MN) frequency correlated significantly, for both women (r = 0.597, p = 0.000) and men (r = 0.508, p = 0.000). Squared regressions revealed a significant increase in the MN frequency of buccal cells with age (R2 = 0.466, p = 0.000).Interestingly and contrary to what was shown in blood lymphocytes, chromosomal damage in buccal cells increases until very old age, which might qualify them as a valid biomarker for aging. Unexpectedly, in this group of institutionalized elderly, resistance training using elastic bands had no effect on chromosomal damage in buccal cells.

The influence of vitamin D supplementation and strength training on health biomarkers and chromosomal damage in community-dwelling older adults

“…For the isolation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), Ficoll density graduation was applied using Ficoll separation tubes (Greiner Bio-One). The protocol of Fenech et al [ 15 ] was applied to conduct the cytokinesis block micronucleus cytome (CBMN) assay as described previously [ [48] , [49] , [50] , [51] ]. For stimulating the PBMCs into mitotic cell division, a concentration of 1 × 10 6 cells/mL in culture medium were treated with phytohaemagglutinine (PHA-Sigma- Aldrich).…”

Sportive activity reduces genomic damage

“…The correlation between MNi frequency and training, besides, appears to be anything but univocal. Indeed, for example, no in uence of a six-month resistance-training period on the frequency of MNi in buccal cells was found among institutionalized elderly [14], whereas an increase in chromosomal damage in buccal cells of professional hockey and baseball-softball players, was observed [15]. This discrepancy may be due to the different age and physical request of the two trainings.…”

Regular Sport Activity Is Able to Reduce the Level of Genomic Damage

“…The MNi assay also allows one to record the presence of binucleated cells, the excess of which may represent the result of an imperfect cytodieresis mechanism [ 17 , 18 , 19 ]. Research examining the impact of sport activity on the frequency of MNi and other aberrations is limited and usually relies on a relatively small samples sizes [ 20 , 21 , 22 ]. While some studies revealed a correlation between physical activity and an increase in MNi frequency [ 21 ], particularly when intense [ 20 ], others did not find a significant effect [ 22 ].…”

“…Research examining the impact of sport activity on the frequency of MNi and other aberrations is limited and usually relies on a relatively small samples sizes [ 20 , 21 , 22 ]. While some studies revealed a correlation between physical activity and an increase in MNi frequency [ 21 ], particularly when intense [ 20 ], others did not find a significant effect [ 22 ]. It is essential to conduct more extensive investigations in this area to better understand the possible relationship between sport activity and these biomarkers.…”