Physical activity in the prevention of human diseases: role of epigenetic modifications

Elisa Grazioli, Ivan Dimauro, Neri Mercatelli, Guan Wang, Yannis Pitsiladis, Luigi Di Luigi and Daniela Caporossi; BMC Genomics 201718 (Suppl 8):802, doi:10.1186/s12864-017-4193-5

This review highlights the most significant findings from epigenetic studies involving physical activity/exercise interventions known to benefit chronic diseases such as metabolic syndrome, diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases.

In conclusion, PA promises to be an important tool to be used alone or in combination with traditional therapies to improve the efficacy of strategies for disease prevention and treatment based on epigenetic modification. In this context, exercise remains an essential factor promoting important biological adaptations with profound implications for public health. Future collaborative studies may identify epigenetic markers with translational significance in identifying individuals for whom a personalized exercise regime could significantly alter the epigenomic signature and thus the risk of disease development or progression.

Physical activity in the prevention of human diseases: role of epigenetic modifications