Exercise, Epigenetics and Human Health (Hardcover)

This book offers an in-depth exploration of the complex relationship between exercise, epigenetics and human health. Drawing on the latest scientific research and expert insights, it provides readers with a comprehensive understanding of how physical activity affects the epigenome - the molecular markers that alter gene expression without altering the DNA sequence.

Regular physical activity has the potential to modify gene expression patterns, resulting in a wide range of long-term health benefits that can even be inherited by future generations. These benefits include a reduced risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and certain types of cancer. In addition, physical activity has been shown to improve cognitive function and mental well-being, contributing to better overall health. This book examines the mechanisms by which exercise benefits health through epigenetic modifications. It also explores how factors such as intensity, duration and frequency of exercise play a role in these modifications, shedding light on the importance of personalized exercise prescriptions.

This new volume in the Epigenetics and Human Health book series serves as a valuable resource for those interested in the rapidly evolving field of epigenetics and its profound relationship to physical activity and health. Providing a comprehensive synthesis of current knowledge, it is aimed at researchers, educators and students in the fields of genetics, epigenetics, sport science and public health.

Feng Gao MD, PhD, is a Professor of Physiology and Fellow of the American Physiological Society (FAPS) and the American Heart Association (FAHA). His research focuses on cardiovascular protection and exercise health benefits. Dr. Gao’s major contributions include elucidating mechanisms of exercise-induced cardioprotection via exosome-mediated cross-talk between vascular endothelial cells and the heart, as well as long-term benefits of physical activity on healthy aging. His work has been published in Circulation, Cir Res, PNAS, Hypertension, and Nat Commun, with over 120 peer-reviewed publications. He also serves as an Associate Editor of FASEB J and Acta Physiologica Sinica.

Xing Zhang obtained his PhD in Physiology from the Fourth Military Medical University in 2013, and serves as a Professor in the Key Laboratory of Aerospace Medicine of the Ministry of Education at the Fourth Military Medical University, China. His research focuses on the biological effects of lifestyle (e.g., exercise and diet) on health and the underlying mechanisms, with specific interests in metabolic regulation and mitochondrial function.