Epigenetic Effects of Walking Exercise―with Special Reference to methylation of ASC gene−(Fourth Report)

 

Koki Nakajima^1,5, Michiko Takeoka¹, Masayuki Mori², Akihiro Sakurai³, Hiroshi Nose⁴, Keiichi Higuchi², Naoki Itano¹ and Shun’ichiro Taniguchi¹

Departments of ¹Molecular Oncology, ²Aging Biology, ⁴Sports Medical Sciences, Institute on Aging and Adaptation, Shinshu University Graduate School of Medicine; ³Department of Medical Genetics, Shinshu University School of Medicine, 3-1-1 Asahi, Matsumoto 390-8621, Japan; ⁵Department of Sports and Health Science, Faculty of Human Health Science, Matsumoto University, 2095-1 Niimura, Matsumoto 390-1295, Japan

 

OBJECTIVE: ASC stimulates activation of procaspase-1, which consequently produce inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-18, and ultimately lead to the initiation of innate immunity. The biological function of ASC is discussed in relation to the epigenetic aspects of infection, inflammation, and cancer. ASC gene expression is down regulated by the methylation of its CpG Island.

The purpose of this study is to investigate change in methylation of ASC gene, as one of epigenetic effects induced by high-intensity interval walking training in middle-aged and old people.

PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: Peripheral blood DNA samples and exercise data were obtained from subjects with high-intensity interval walking training group in middle-aged and older people after 6-month training period in Matsumoto, Japan．

DNA methylation of ASC was quantitatively analyzed using Bisulfite-PCR and pyrosequencing method.

RESULTS: Methylation of ASC was converged to small range after the chronic high-intensity interval walking training.

CONCLUSION: Chronic high-intensity interval walking training was associated with conversion the initial wide range of ASC methylation to a small range, indicating that there is an appropriate methylation level of ASC.

 

Key words: ASC, methylation, interval walking training