Transcriptional modulation of inflammation, and aging in Indian obese adults following a 12-week yoga-based lifestyle intervention: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

IntroductionObesity is one of the major global problems in today's world, both in children, and the adult age group. Current evidence suggests obesity alters the expression of various genes related to oxidative stress, inflammation, and aging. In recent times complementary therapy like yoga-based lifestyle intervention (YBLI) is used as an adjunct therapy to modern medicine. This study examines the efficacy of 12 weeks of yoga-based lifestyle intervention with standard care (SC) on the expression of genes related to oxidative stress, inflammation, and aging in obese adults.MethodsThis was a two-arm parallel randomized control trial implemented at Integral Health Clinic (IHC), an outpatient facility that regularly conducted YBLI programs for the prevention of lifestyle diseases like obesity and diabetes in the Department of Physiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi. Blood samples at baseline and weeks 2,4, and 12 were collected from 72 adults (male n = 21; female n = 51) of age 20–45 years with a body–mass index (BMI) of 25–35 kg/m2 who were randomized to receive either a 12-week SC (n = 36) or YBLI (n = 36). SC included recommendations for the management of obesity as per Indian guidelines including a low-calorie individualized diet and physical activity. Asana (physical postures), pranayama (breathing exercises), and meditation were all part of the YBLI. Primary outcomes were relative fold change in the expression of genes associated with oxidative stress [Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-Kappa B)], inflammation [Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα), interleukin-6 (IL-6)], and aging [human telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT)] in peripheral blood mononuclear cells between the two groups at week-12.ResultsThere were no significant changes in fold change of TERT, IL-6, and NF-kappa B between the groups at week 12. The relative fold change of TERT was significantly greater in the YBLI group (p = <0.0001) vs the SC group at 2 weeks. The relative fold change of TNF α was significantly lower at week 12 in YBLI though the change was not continuous and reliable. Within both groups, TERT expression was significantly increased at week 2 though the change was greater in the YBLI group (p < 0.0001). TNF α gene expression was significantly lower at weeks 2 and 4, compared to baseline level, in the SC group but it increased at week 12.ConclusionThe results while did not confirm our hypothesis, are important to share with the scientific society, to be able to improve prospective study designs and find optimal time/intervention/biological marker settings for this highly important scientific field. The results are suggestive of a positive impact of YBLI and SC on the fold change of aging-related TERT gene in obesity, though the benefit was not evident till week 12. However, the results should be evaluated with caution and in light of other published studies. To better understand the positive effects of YBLI on oxidative stress, inflammation, and aging-related gene expression in obesity, larger studies are recommended.

Psychophysiological Adaptations to Yoga Practice in Overweight and Obese Individuals: A Topical Review

“…In terms of yoga, research emphasizing overweight and obese individuals in this particular area of outcome measures is scarce. However, both short- and long-term yoga interventions appear to lower cardiovascular risk factors in various populations [ 105 , 106 , 107 , 108 ], while the present brief review shows inconsistent results regarding the effects of yoga practice on vital cardiometabolic health-related indices in populations who are overweight or obese [ 77 , 79 , 90 , 92 ].…”

Beyond the mat: Exploring the potential clinical benefits of yoga on epigenetics and gene expression: A narrative review of the current scientific evidence

“…examined the impact of a 12-week yoga-based lifestyle intervention (YBLI) on gene expression related to OS, inflammation, and aging in obese adults. [ 37 ] The study results did not reveal significant changes in Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase (TERT), IL-6, and NF-kappa B fold change between the groups at week 12. However, noteworthy observations included a more significant relative fold change of TERT in the YBLI group at 2 weeks and a lower relative fold change of TNF α at week 12 in the YBLI group, albeit inconsistently.…”