Exercise and hormesis: oxidative stress-related adaptation for successful aging

Biogerontology. 2005;6(1):71-5. doi: 10.1007/s10522-004-7386-7.

Abstract

The hormesis theory purports that biological systems respond with a bell-shaped curve to exposure to chemicals, toxins, and radiation. Here we extend the hormesis theory to include reactive oxygen species (ROS). We further suggest that the beneficial effects of regular exercise are partly based on the ROS generating capability of exercise, which is in the stimulation range of ROS production. Therefore, we suggest that exercise-induced ROS production plays a role in the induction of antioxidants, DNA repair and protein degrading enzymes, resulting in decreases in the incidence of oxidative stress-related diseases and retardation of the aging process.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aging / metabolism
  • Aging / physiology*
  • Animals
  • Antioxidants / metabolism
  • DNA Repair
  • Exercise / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Oxidative Stress / physiology*
  • Proteasome Endopeptidase Complex / metabolism
  • Reactive Oxygen Species / metabolism

Substances

  • Antioxidants
  • Reactive Oxygen Species
  • Proteasome Endopeptidase Complex