Exercise Training for the Elderly: Inflammaging and the Central Role for HSP70

Early detection and progression of insulin resistance revealed by impaired organismal anti-inflammatory heat shock response during ex vivo whole-blood heat challenge

Chronic inflammatory diseases, e.g., obesity, cardiovascular disease and type-2 diabetes, progressively suppress the anti-inflammatory heat shock response (HSR) by impairing the synthesis of key components, perpetuating inflammation. Monitoring HSR progression offers predictive value for countering chronic inflammation. This study quantified HSR in high-fat diet (HFD) and normal chow (NC) mice by measuring 70 kDa heat shock protein (HSP70) expression after heat treatment of whole blood samples. To align with human translational relevance, animals were housed within their thermoneutral zone (TNZ). Whole blood was heat-challenged weekly at 42 °C for 1-2 hours over 22 weeks, and ΔHSP70 was calculated as the difference between HSP70 expressions at 42 °C and 37 °C. Results correlated with fasting glycaemia, oral glucose tolerance test, intraperitoneal insulin tolerance test and 2-hour post-glucose load glycaemia. ΔHSP70 levels >0.2250 indicated normal fasting glycaemia, while levels <0.2125 signalled insulin resistance and type-2 diabetes onset. A logistic model (five-parameter logistic) showed progressive HSR decline, with HFD mice exhibiting earlier ΔHSP70 reduction (t1/2 = 3.14 weeks) compared with NC mice (t1/2 = 8.24 weeks), highlighting compromised anti-inflammatory capacity in both groups of mice maintained at TNZ. Remarkably, even NC mice surpassed insulin resistance thresholds by week 22, relevant as control diets confronted interventions. Observed HSR decline mirrors tissue-level suppression in obese and type-2 diabetic individuals, underscoring HSR failure as a hallmark of obesity-driven inflammation. This study introduces a practical whole-blood assay to evaluate HSR suppression, allowing assessment of glycaemic status during obesity onset before any clinical manifestation.

The Impact of Exercise and Protein Intake on Inflammaging: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

CONTEXT

Sarcopenia and cachexia lead to muscle wasting and increased health risks in older adults. Both sarcopenia and cachexia are associated with inflammaging, a chronic low-grade inflammatory state linked to aging. Strategies to preserve muscle mass and function are crucial for maintaining independence and quality of life among the elderly.

OBJECTIVE

This meta-analysis and systematic review was conducted to comprehensively assess the individual and combined effects of exercise training and protein supplementation on circulatory markers of inflammation in older adults.

DATA SOURCES

A systematic search of the PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane CENTRAL, and SPORTDiscus databases was conducted to identify relevant studies published until January 2024.

DATA EXTRACTION

The search focused on randomized controlled trials examining the impact of exercise training (Ex), protein consumption (Pro), or their combination (Ex-Pro) on inflammatory factors, including C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) compared with a control (Con).

DATA ANALYSIS

The meta-analysis revealed a significant decrease in CRP levels in the Ex vs Pro (P = .0003) and the Ex-Pro (P < .00001) group compared with the Ex group and in overall experimental (EXPL) subgroups (P = .0002) compared with the Con group. A similar reduction was found in IL-6 in the Ex group (P = .001), Ex-Pro group (P = .05), and EXPL (P = .0002) subgroup compared with the Pro group. However, for TNF-α levels, a significant reduction was noted only in the Ex-Pro group compared with the Ex group (P < .00001).

CONCLUSION

Exercise training and protein supplementation, particularly when combined, show greater benefits in mitigating inflammaging. These findings highlight the importance of combined interventions against muscle wasting. Future studies and meta-analyses should further address the effects of Ex and Pro and Ex-Pro on inflammatory markers of older adults, considering specific conditions and larger sample sizes to identify optimal strategies for the aging population.

Subacute Effects of Moderate-Intensity Aerobic Exercise in the Fasted State on Cell Metabolism and Signaling in Sedentary Rats

Background: Physical inactivity induces insulin resistance (IR) and metabolic imbalances before any significant changes in adiposity. Recent studies suggest that the beneficial effects of exercise can be potentiated if performed while fasting. This work aimed to compare the subacute effects of fed- and fasted-state single-bout exercise on biochemical parameters and cellular signaling in the metabolism. Methods: The animals were allocated into fed rest (FER), fasting rest (FAR), fed exercise (FEE), and fasting exercise (FAE) groups. The exercise protocol was a 30 min treadmill session at 60% of V˙O2max. The fasting groups fasted for 8 h before exercise and were killed after 12 h post-exercise. Results: Soleus glycogen concentration increased only in the fasting groups, whereas the triglyceride (TGL) content increased in brown adipose tissue (BAT) and liver in the FAE. The FAE showed decreased plasma total cholesterol concentration compared withthe FAR group. Immunocontent of HSP70, SIRT1, UCP-1, and PGC1-α did not change in any tissue investigated. Conclusions: Our results indicate that physical exercise while fasting can have beneficial metabolic effects on sedentary animals. Remarkably, in the FAE group, there was a reduction in total plasma cholesterol and an increase in the capacity of BAT to metabolize and store nutrients in the form of TGLs.

Aging and Inflammation

Aging can be conceptualized as the progressive disequilibrium between stochastic damage accumulation and resilience mechanisms that continuously repair that damage, which eventually cause the development of chronic disease, frailty, and death. The immune system is at the forefront of these resilience mechanisms. Indeed, aging is associated with persistent activation of the immune system, witnessed by a high circulating level of inflammatory markers and activation of immune cells in the circulation and in tissue, a condition called "inflammaging." Like aging, inflammaging is associated with increased risk of many age-related pathologies and disabilities, as well as frailty and death. Herein we discuss recent advances in the understanding of the mechanisms leading to inflammaging and the intrinsic dysregulation of the immune function that occurs with aging. We focus on the underlying mechanisms of chronic inflammation, in particular the role of NF-κB and recent studies targeting proinflammatory mediators. We further explore the dysregulation of the immune response with age and immunosenescence as an important mechanistic immune response to acute stressors. We examine the role of the gastrointestinal microbiome, age-related dysbiosis, and the integrated stress response in modulating the inflammatory "response" to damage accumulation and stress. We conclude by focusing on the seminal question of whether reducing inflammation is useful and the results of related clinical trials. In summary, we propose that inflammation may be viewed both as a clinical biomarker of the failure of resilience mechanisms and as a causal factor in the rising burden of disease and disabilities with aging. The fact that inflammation can be reduced through nonpharmacological interventions such as diet and exercise suggests that a life course approach based on education may be a successful strategy to increase the health span with few adverse consequences.

Heat shock response during the resolution of inflammation and its progressive suppression in chronic-degenerative inflammatory diseases

The heat shock response (HSR) is a crucial biochemical pathway that orchestrates the resolution of inflammation, primarily under proteotoxic stress conditions. This process hinges on the upregulation of heat shock proteins (HSPs) and other chaperones, notably the 70 kDa family of heat shock proteins, under the command of the heat shock transcription factor-1. However, in the context of chronic degenerative disorders characterized by persistent low-grade inflammation (such as insulin resistance, obesity, type 2 diabetes, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and cardiovascular diseases) a gradual suppression of the HSR does occur. This work delves into the mechanisms behind this phenomenon. It explores how the Western diet and sedentary lifestyle, culminating in the endoplasmic reticulum stress within adipose tissue cells, trigger a cascade of events. This cascade includes the unfolded protein response and activation of the NOD-like receptor pyrin domain-containing protein-3 inflammasome, leading to the emergence of the senescence-associated secretory phenotype and the propagation of inflammation throughout the body. Notably, the activation of the NOD-like receptor pyrin domain-containing protein-3 inflammasome not only fuels inflammation but also sabotages the HSR by degrading human antigen R, a crucial mRNA-binding protein responsible for maintaining heat shock transcription factor-1 mRNA expression and stability on heat shock gene promoters. This paper underscores the imperative need to comprehend how chronic inflammation stifles the HSR and the clinical significance of evaluating the HSR using cost-effective and accessible tools. Such understanding is pivotal in the development of innovative strategies aimed at the prevention and treatment of these chronic inflammatory ailments, which continue to take a heavy toll on global health and well-being.

Effects of resistance training on heat shock response (HSR), HSP70 expression, oxidative stress, inflammation, and metabolism in middle-aged people

Resistance training (RT) can increase the heat shock response (HSR) in the elderly. As middle-aged subjects already suffer physiological declines related to aging, it is hypothesized that RT may increase the HSR in these people. To assess the effects of resistance training on heat shock response, intra and extracellular HSP70, oxidative stress, inflammation, body composition, and metabolism in middle-aged subjects. Sixteen volunteers (40 - 59 years) were allocated to two groups: the trained group (n = 7), which performed 12 weeks of RT; and the physically inactive-control group (n = 9), which did not perform any type of exercise. The RT program consisted of 9 whole-body exercises (using standard gym equipment) and functional exercises, carried out 3 times/week. Before and after the intervention, body composition, muscle mass, strength, functional capacity, and blood sample measurements (lipid profile, glucose, insulin, oxidative damage, TNF-α, the HSR, HSP70 expression in leukocytes, and HSP72 in plasma) were performed. The HSR analysis demonstrated that this response is maintained at normal levels in middle-aged people and that RT did not cause any improvement. Also, RT increases muscle mass, strength, and functional capacity. Despite no additional changes of RT on the antioxidant defenses (catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and reductase) or inflammation, lipid peroxidation was diminished by RT (group x time interaction, p = 0.009), indicating that other antioxidant defenses may be improved after RT. HSR is preserved in middle-aged subjects without metabolic complications. In addition, RT reduces lipid peroxidation and can retard muscle mass and strength loss related to the aging process.

Resolution of inflammation in chronic disease via restoration of the heat shock response (HSR)

Effective resolution of inflammation via the heat shock response (HSR) is pivotal in averting the transition to chronic inflammatory states. This transition characterizes a spectrum of debilitating conditions, including insulin resistance, obesity, type 2 diabetes, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and cardiovascular ailments. This manuscript explores a range of physiological, pharmacological, and nutraceutical interventions aimed at reinstating the HSR in the context of chronic low-grade inflammation, as well as protocols to assess the HSR. Monitoring the progression or suppression of the HSR in patients and laboratory animals offers predictive insights into the organism's capacity to combat chronic inflammation, as well as the impact of exercise and hyperthermic treatments (e.g., sauna or hot tub baths) on the HSR. Interestingly, a reciprocal correlation exists between the expression of HSR components in peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL) and the extent of local tissue proinflammatory activity in individuals afflicted by chronic inflammatory disorders. Therefore, the Heck index, contrasting extracellular 70 kDa family of heat shock proteins (HSP70) (proinflammatory) and intracellular HSP70 (anti-inflammatory) in PBL, serves as a valuable metric for HSR assessment. Our laboratory has also developed straightforward protocols for evaluating HSR by subjecting whole blood samples from both rodents and human volunteers to ex vivo heat challenges. Collectively, this discussion underscores the critical role of HSR disruption in the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory states and emphasizes the significance of simple, cost-effective tools for clinical HSR assessment. This understanding is instrumental in the development of innovative strategies for preventing and managing chronic inflammatory diseases, which continue to exert a substantial global burden on morbidity and mortality.

Targeting the molecular & cellular pillars of human aging with exercise

Biological aging is the main driver of age-associated chronic diseases. In 2014, the United States National Institute of Aging (NIA) sponsored a meeting between several investigators in the field of aging biology, who identified seven biological pillars of aging and a consensus review, "Geroscience: Linking Aging to Chronic Disease," was published. The pillars of aging demonstrated the conservation of aging pathways in diverse model organisms and thus represent a useful framework with which to study human aging. In this present review, we revisit the seven pillars of aging from the perspective of exercise and discuss how regular physical exercise can modulate these pillars to stave off age-related chronic diseases and maintain functional capacity.

CD3+/CD56+ NKT-like Cells Show Imbalanced Control Immediately after Exercise in Delayed-Onset Muscle Soreness

The purpose of the study was to carry out an immunophenotypical characterization with a special focus on natural killer cells of junior swimmers from the Hungarian National Swim Team before and after an intensive acute exercise. Nineteen swimmers, ten females and nine males, completed the exercise protocol. Sixteen swimmers experienced delayed-onset muscle soreness. Most of our findings substantiated earlier results, such as the increase in the percentage of the CD3⁻/CD56⁺ natural killer cells and the CD3⁻/CD56^dim+ NK cells, and the decrease in the percentage of CD3⁺ T cells among lymphocytes after the exercise protocol. The drop of natural killer cell activity back to the pre-exercise level was in line with earlier findings. Interestingly, the percentage of CD3⁺/CD56⁺ NKT-like cells did not change significantly in those three swimmers who did not report delayed-onset muscle soreness. On the contrary, the percentage of CD3⁺/CD56⁺ NKT-like cells among lymphocytes increased in fourteen and decreased in two swimmers reporting delayed-onset muscle soreness. This study for the first time demonstrated a link between the delayed-onset muscle soreness and the imbalanced control of CD3⁺/CD56⁺ NKT-like cells among lymphocytes. However, validation of this association in a larger sample size study will be necessary.

The Role of Skeletal Muscles in Exertional Heat Stroke Pathophysiology

The active participation of skeletal muscles is a unique characteristic of exertional heat stroke. Nevertheless, the only well-documented link between skeletal muscle activities and exertional heat stroke pathophysiology is the extensive muscle damage (e. g., rhabdomyolysis) and subsequent leakage of intramuscular content into the circulation of exertional heat stroke victims. Here, we will present and discuss rarely explored roles of skeletal muscles in the context of exertional heat stroke pathophysiology and recovery. This includes an overview of heat production that contributes to severe hyperthermia and the synthesis and secretion of bioactive molecules, such as cytokines, chemokines and acute phase proteins. These molecules can alter the overall inflammatory status from pro- to anti-inflammatory, affecting other organ systems and influencing recovery. The activation of innate immunity can determine whether a victim is ready to return to physical activity or experiences a prolonged convalescence. We also provide a brief discussion on whether heat acclimation can shift skeletal muscle secretory phenotype to prevent or aid recovery from exertional heat stroke. We conclude that skeletal muscles should be considered as a key organ system in exertional heat stroke pathophysiology.

Short and Long-Term Trainability in Older Adults: Training and Detraining Following Two Years of Multicomponent Cognitive-Physical Exercise Training

Despite the benefits of multicomponent physical–cognitive training programs (MC^CogTPs), lower training intensities in the concurrent approach, and bigger heterogeneity with aging, suggest the need for long-term analyses, with special attention to training and detraining in older adults. The present study aims to examine these training/detraining effects in a two year MC^CogTP, looking for specific dynamics in the trainability of their physical and cognitive capacities. The intervention was divided into four periods: T1, T2 (8 months of training each), and D1, D2 (3.5 months of detraining plus 0.5 of testing each). Twenty-five healthy seniors (70.82 ± 5.18 years) comprised the final sample and were assessed for cardiovascular fitness (6-minutes walking test), lower-limbs strength (30-seconds chair-stand test) and agility (8-feet timed up-and-go test). Inhibition (Stroop test) was considered for executive function. Physical and cognitive status improved significantly (p < 0.05) throughout the two years, with larger enhancements for physical function (mainly strength and agility). Strength and cardiovascular fitness were more sensitive to detraining, whilst agility proved to have larger training retentions. Inhibition followed an initial similar trend, but it was the only variable to improve along D2 (d = 0.52), and changes were not significant within periods. Notwithstanding aging, and the exercise cessation in D2, physical and cognitive status remained enhanced two years later compared to baseline, except for lower-limb strength. According to these results, basic physical capacities are very sensitive to training/detraining, deserving continuous attention (especially strength). Both reducing detraining periods and complementary resistance training should be considered. Additionally, physical enhancements following MC^cogTPs may help cognition maintenance during detraining.

Suppressed anti-inflammatory heat shock response in high-risk COVID-19 patients: lessons from basic research (inclusive bats), light on conceivable therapies

The major risk factors to fatal outcome in COVID-19 patients, i.e., elderliness and pre-existing metabolic and cardiovascular diseases (CVD), share in common the characteristic of being chronic degenerative diseases of inflammatory nature associated with defective heat shock response (HSR). The molecular components of the HSR, the principal metabolic pathway leading to the physiological resolution of inflammation, is an anti-inflammatory biochemical pathway that involves molecular chaperones of the heat shock protein (HSP) family during homeostasis-threatening stressful situations (e.g., thermal, oxidative and metabolic stresses). The entry of SARS coronaviruses in target cells, on the other hand, aggravates the already-jeopardized HSR of this specific group of patients. In addition, cellular counterattack against virus involves interferon (IFN)-mediated inflammatory responses. Therefore, individuals with impaired HSR cannot resolve virus-induced inflammatory burst physiologically, being susceptible to exacerbated forms of inflammation, which leads to a fatal "cytokine storm". Interestingly, some species of bats that are natural reservoirs of zoonotic viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, possess an IFN-based antiviral inflammatory response perpetually activated but do not show any sign of disease or cytokine storm. This is possible because bats present a constitutive HSR that is by far (hundreds of times) more intense and rapid than that of human, being associated with a high core temperature. Similarly in humans, fever is a physiological inducer of HSR while antipyretics, which block the initial phase of inflammation, impair the resolution phase of inflammation through the HSR. These findings offer a rationale for the reevaluation of patient care and fever reduction in SARS, including COVID-19.

Inactivity and Skeletal Muscle Metabolism: A Vicious Cycle in Old Age

Aging is an inevitable and gradually progressive process affecting all organs and systems. The musculoskeletal system makes no exception, elderly exhibit an increased risk of sarcopenia (low muscle mass),dynapenia (declining muscle strength), and subsequent disability. Whereas in recent years the subject of skeletal muscle metabolic decline in the elderly has been gathering interest amongst researchers, as well as medical professionals, there are many challenges yet to be solved in order to counteract the effects of aging on muscle function efficiently. Noteworthy, it has been shown that aging individuals exhibit a decline in skeletal muscle metabolism, a phenomenon which may be linked to a number of predisposing (risk) factors such as telomere attrition, epigenetic changes, mitochondrial dysfunction, sedentary behavior (leading to body composition alterations), age-related low-grade systemic inflammation (inflammaging), hormonal imbalance, as well as a hypoproteic diet (unable to counterbalance the repercussions of the age-related increase in skeletal muscle catabolism). The present review aims to discuss the relationship between old age and muscle wasting in an effort to highlight the modifications in skeletal muscle metabolism associated with aging and physical activity.