Joint Effects of Exercise and Ramadan Fasting on Telomere Length: Implications for Cellular Aging

Abstract

Aging is a fundamental biological process that progressively impairs the functionality of the bodily systems, leading to an increased risk of diseases. Telomere length is one of the most often used biomarkers of aging. Recent research has focused on developing interventions to mitigate the effects of aging and improve the quality of life. The objective of this study was to investigate the combined effect of exercise and Ramadan fasting on telomere length. Twenty-nine young, non-obese, healthy females were randomized into two groups: the control group underwent a 4-week exercise training program, and the second group underwent a 4-week exercise training program while fasting during Ramadan. Blood samples were collected, and measurements of clinical traits, cytokines, oxidative stress, and telomere length were performed before and after intervention. Telomere length increased significantly from baseline in the exercise-while-fasting group, but showed no significant change in the exercise control group. This increase was accompanied by a reduction in TNF-α, among other cytokines. Additionally, a significant positive correlation was observed between the mean change in telomere length and HDL in the exercise-while-fasting group only. This study is the first to report an increase in telomere length after combining Ramadan fasting with training, suggesting that exercising while fasting may be an effective tool for slowing down the aging rate. Further studies using larger and more diverse cohorts are warranted.

Keywords: Ramadan fasting; biomarkers; exercise; human aging; telomere length.

Figure 1

Comparing paired TL before and after exercise in (A) 4W and (B) 4W + F. * and ns indicate significant and non-significant changes respectively. p represents the proportion of participants who exhibited an increase in the T/S ratio after the intervention.

Figure 2

Network of correlation between clinical traits and telomere length in the 4W + F group. Red and blue reflect the positive and negative Spearman’s ρ, respectively. * signifies p–value < 0.05. The adjacent table displays the associated Spearman’s ρ and p–values.