A recent study indicates that Olympic champions experience slower biological aging compared to non-athletes, according to a statement from HUN-REN. Researchers from HUN-REN SZTAKI contributed to the publication, which utilized artificial intelligence-based epigenetic clocks.
The disciplined lifestyle of elite athletes is characterized by rigorous training programs, nutritional plans, and mental preparation, often starting from a young age. Previous studies have shown that physically active individuals exhibit slower epigenetic aging. The research, led by Professor Zsolt Radák (TF) and involving bioinformatics analysis by Dr. Csaba Kerepesi and Iván Fejes (both from HUN-REN SZTAKI), examined whether the extreme physical activity of Olympic champions continues to positively affect epigenetic aging.
To test this hypothesis, the epigenetic aging of 59 Hungarian Olympic champions was analyzed alongside 332 control individuals (non-Olympic champions).
Furthermore, male Olympic champions who earned any medal in the past decade displayed slower epigenetic aging than their counterparts. Conversely, a different trend was observed among female champions.
The study also revealed that wrestlers exhibited a faster aging acceleration compared to gymnasts, fencers, and water polo players. Additionally, 20 genes were identified that showed significant differences in promoter methylation between Olympic champions and non-champions. These genes are linked to synaptic health, physical performance, and cancer susceptibility.