ABSTRACT
Telomeres (TL) are protective structures at the end of chromosomes that shortens with each cell replication, until a limit is reached when further cell replication is not possible and the cell dies. In telomere restriction fragment (TRF) assay, TL is measured in absolute length unit of kilo baseparis (kbp). This method was first performed with in-house radioactive probes and now it could be performed using non-radioactive probes by immunochemical signal detection. In recent decade, the concept of frailty has emerged as an important indicator of ageing, incorporating both cognitive as well as physical aspects, moving away from the focus on individual chronic diseases and indeed on multi-morbidity. The beneficial effects of physical activity operate via many pathways, such as muscle anabolism in countering sarcopenia, improving cardiorespiratory fitness and cognitive function. While moderate physical activity may be beneficial for the maintenance of TL, strenuous exercise may be detrimental in accelerating TL shortening, an effect that is not dependent on telomerase activity.
