Scientists from the University of Washington have shown that regular physical activity affects the expression (activity) of genes in identical twins. Research published in the journal scientific reports.
The researchers collected DNA samples from 70 pairs of identical twins at several different times from 2012 to 2019. They used fitness trackers to measure participants’ physical activity, surveys, and measure participants’ waist and body mass indexes.
On average, the twin with a higher level of activity (150 minutes or more of activity per week) had a lower body mass index and waist circumference than the second twin. The scientists also found changes in the activity of more than 50 genes that were previously associated with a lower risk of metabolic disorders: stroke, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Scientists have previously noted that most identical twins develop various diseases with age. Epigenetics, i.e. changes in gene activity due to lifestyle, may help explain why. Since identical twins share the same genetics, they are appropriate subjects for studying how and to what extent genetics and environment affect one or another aspect of the organism.
Source: Gazeta
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