An exploratory investigation of apoptotic and autophagic responses in peripheral blood mononuclear cells following maximal aerobic exercise in obese individuals. (2nd January 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Huang, Chun-Jung; Rodriguez, Alexandra L.; Visavadiya, Nishant P.; Fico, Brandon G.; Slusher, Aaron L.; Ferrandi, Peter J.; Whitehurst, Michael
• Is Part Of: Archives of physiology and biochemistry. Volume 128:Number 1(2022)
• Page Start: 209
• Page End: 216
• Publication Date: 2022-01-02
• Subjects: Exercise -- obesity -- apoptosis -- autophagy -- physical activity; Physiology -- Periodicals; Biochemistry -- Periodicals; Biophysics -- Periodicals; Biochemistry; Physiology; 571
• DOI: 10.1080/13813455.2019.1671875
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1381-3455

Abstract

Abstract: Autophagy is a critical molecular process in promoting cell survival against apoptosis. This study examined whether maximal aerobic exercise-mediated apoptosis in obesity might be underlying the involvement of autophagy in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Twelve healthy male subjects (6 obese and 6 normal-weight) were recruited to participate in a maximal graded exercise test on a treadmill. Obese subjects exhibited a significantly lower Bax, but a higher Bcl-2 protein level in conjunction with a reduced Bax/Bcl-2 AUCi compared to normal-weight subjects following exercise. Furthermore, a greater LC3-II/LC3-I ratio and LC3-II/LC3-I AUCi was observed in obese subjects compared to normal-weight subjects. LC3-II/LC3-I AUCi was also positively associated with obesity-associated parameters (BMI, waist/hip circumference, and fasting insulin level), but was negatively correlated with Bax/Bcl-2 AUCi. These findings demonstrate that maximal aerobic exercise differentially mediates the intrinsic apoptotic pathway and autophagic activity in human PBMCs isolated from obese compared to normal-weight individuals.