Exercise, Immunometabolism & Genetics: Implications for Health and Sports Medicine – a review

Abstract

Exercise was shaped by the demands of hunting and escaping danger. Today, people exercise mostly voluntarily, activating molecular pathways that regulate metabolism, immunometabolism, and gene expression. This review focuses on exercise and its role in metabolism, immunity, genes and gene expression, health and prevention of diseases, as well as how exercise shapes and influences it. Pathways such as AMPK, mTOR, and PGC-1α are activated during exercise, while hormones and antioxidants are produced. Genetics can predispose to a certain athletic performance, while exercise, epigenetically, also regulates gene expression, promoting overall health. Exercise was shown to improve immune and vaccine response, while intense physical activity can have the opposite effect on the immune system. Integration of exercise immunology and biochemistry can be used in sports monitoring to improve performance. Personalized training plans based on genetic and biochemical profiles can offer the most effective way of training, as well as reduce recovery time. Furthermore, exercise prevents chronic diseases, has anti-inflammatory and anti-aging effects, and has benefits for vulnerable populations. However, gaps remain. Longitudinal and multi-omics studies, integration of AI and machine learning into exercise-related research, and its translation into medical practices are needed.