Exercise might be the key to a younger, sharper immune system

""In a previous study, we found that obesity and a sedentary lifestyle can trigger a process of premature aging of defense cells. This made us want to investigate the other side of the story, that is, whether an older adult who has been practicing endurance exercises for more than 20 years may have a better-prepared immune system. And that's indeed what we found.""

"Regular physical activity does more than improve muscle strength and cardiovascular health -- it also enhances immune function. This conclusion comes from a study of older adults with a long history of endurance training, which includes sustained forms of exercise such as long-distance running, cycling, swimming, rowing, and walking. An international team of scientists examined the immune cells of these individuals and found that their "natural killer" cells, which patrol the body to eliminate viruses and abnormal cells, were more adaptable, less prone to inflammation,"

"The research, funded by FAPESP and published in Scientific Reports, focused on natural killer (NK) cells, a type of white blood cell (lymphocyte) that targets infected or damaged cells, including cancer cells. As key players in the body's first line of defense, NK cells detect and neutralize invading pathogens. The team analyzed samples from nine participants with an average age of 64, dividing them into two groups: one untrained and the other composed of individuals who had engaged in endurance exercise for years."

Lifelong endurance exercise improves natural killer (NK) cell function in older adults. NK cells become more adaptable, less prone to inflammation, and use energy more efficiently. Samples from nine participants (average age 64) were analyzed and divided into trained and untrained groups. Individuals with decades of endurance training showed NK cells that handled inflammatory challenges better and exhibited improved metabolic efficiency. Sustained activities included long-distance running, cycling, swimming, rowing, and walking. Long-term physical activity appears to 'train' the immune system to control inflammation and resist premature cellular aging. Obesity and sedentary lifestyles trigger premature aging of defense cells, while endurance training produces the opposite effect.

Read at ScienceDaily