Impact of Physical Activity on Oxidative Stress in Muscle Aging

Dear Colleagues,

The relationship between oxidative stress, aging, and physical activity is a complex and dynamic interplay; while aging is associated with increased oxidative stress, regular and moderate physical activity can induce a hormetic response, enhancing the body's ability to handle oxidative stress and potentially slowing down the aging process. Oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the ability of the body's antioxidant defense mechanisms to neutralize them. It is well known that aging is associated with an increase in oxidative stress; there is often a decline in the efficiency of antioxidant defenses, and the cells become more susceptible to oxidative damage. This oxidative damage is believed to contribute to the aging process and the development of age-related diseases. Exercise and physical activity can generate ROS as a natural by-product of metabolism, and moderate levels of oxidative stress during exercise can actually be beneficial. The relationship between physical activity and oxidative stress follows the hormetic principle. Moderate exercise is considered a mild stressor that induces an adaptive response, including upregulation of antioxidant defenses. This adaptive response helps the body become more resilient to oxidative stress over time. Regular physical activity is associated with a reduced risk of several age-related diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders. In the context of muscle aging and physical activity, the relationship with oxidative stress is complex, and there are both positive and negative aspects to consider. The negative aspects concern the fact that, over time, the cumulative effect of oxidative stress can contribute to the breakdown of muscle tissues. This can result in muscle atrophy and a decline in muscle function, which are common features of aging. Moreover, oxidative stress can trigger inflammation, and chronic inflammation is associated with age-related muscle decline. Inflammatory processes can contribute to the development of conditions such as sarcopenia, which is the loss of muscle mass and function associated with aging. Fortunately, the positive aspects prevail, and, among these, we can consider that physical activity induces a controlled and acute increase in ROS production that leads to the activation of adaptive responses, such as increased antioxidant defenses and the activation of enzymes such as superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase, which help neutralize ROS and protect cells from oxidative damage and induces repair mechanisms. Furthermore, regular exercise can stimulate mitochondrial biogenesis and improve the efficiency of energy production. An interesting positive aspect is the protein synthesis stimulation involved in muscle maintenance and repair. This can counteract the negative effects of oxidative stress on muscle tissues and contribute to overall muscle health. Engaging in regular, moderate-intensity exercise is generally associated with positive effects on muscle health and may help mitigate the negative impact of oxidative stress. Regular physical activity, along with a healthy lifestyle and proper recovery strategies, can play a crucial role in managing oxidative stress and promoting muscle health throughout the aging process. In this Special Issue, we encourage you to submit the results of your research or a review article to update the current knowledge and elucidate the mechanisms underlying the effects of exercise on oxidative stress in aging and to optimize exercise prescription for older adults.

Prof. Dr. Alessandra Modesti
Guest Editor

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• exercise
• hormesis aging
• physical activity
• healthy aging