Chronic-degenerative diseases and aging: interaction between obesity, immunosenescence, and physical exercise
Abstract
Chronic degenerative diseases (CDD) are the leading cause of mortality worldwide, particularly cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). There is a strong relationship between CDD, obesity, especially when there is an accumulation of fat in the abdominal region, and immunosenescence, where persistent and unresolved production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, mainly interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), leads to a state of low-grade inflammation, promoting functional and histological damage in various tissues. This inflammatory process leads to the onset of metabolic, neurodegenerative, and neoplastic diseases, in addition to CVD. Among the main non-pharmacological strategies for treating CDD are nutritional control and physical exercise. Thus, the objective of this article was to conduct a narrative review on the relationship between obesity, immunosenescence, and physical exercise. Physical exercise can promote several favorable adaptations for the prevention and control of CDD through the production of myokines and metabolic regulatory factors, such as PGC1α and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), promoting a reduction in inflammatory state and a lower incidence of CDD.
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