Proteomic Signatures Related to Physical Activity Are Associated with Risks of Future Disease.

Significant differences were identified among proteomic signatures of accelerometer-measured light PA, moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA), and total PA in UK Biobank participants.

• PA intensity data were collected from accelerometers worn by participants in a subcohort of UK Biobank
• Plasma proteomics results were obtained through Olink analysis
• Three PA types were distinguished: light PA, moderate-to-vigorous PA, and total PA
• Each PA type showed distinct proteomic signatures

The main enriched biological pathways of PA-associated proteomic signatures included cell adhesion, cell migration, and immune response.

• Pathway enrichment analysis was performed on proteins differentially associated with PA types
• Cell adhesion, cell migration, and immune response were identified as primary enriched pathways
• These pathways were common across the proteomic signatures of different PA intensities

Higher levels of accelerometer-measured PA and their associated proteomic signatures correlated with lower risk of developing cardiometabolic disorders.

• Analysis adjusted for age, sex, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, lifestyle factors, and key measurement time-lag covariates
• Both PA levels and PA-related proteomic signatures were independently associated with reduced cardiometabolic disease risk
• The association was evaluated for light PA, MVPA, and total PA separately

Higher levels of accelerometer-measured PA and their associated proteomic signatures correlated with lower risk of developing cancers, psychological or neurological disorders, and respiratory diseases.

• Disease risk was evaluated across multiple chronic disease categories including cancers, psychological/neurological disorders, and respiratory diseases
• Associations were adjusted for age, sex, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, lifestyle factors, and key measurement time-lag covariates
• PA-related proteomic signatures showed correlated risk reductions across multiple disease categories

Further analyses identified specific proteins that were correlated with both PA levels and disease risk, suggesting a potential statistical linking role.

• The study explored whether proteomic signatures serve as statistical links in the relationship between PA levels and disease development
• Proteins correlated with both PA and disease risk were identified through further analyses
• The authors note these results need confirmation through longitudinal studies involving diverse populations