Exercise-induced changes in physical performance and circulating acyl-CoA binding protein/diazepam binding inhibitor (ACBP/DBI) in older adults with and without HIV

Acyl-CoA binding protein (ACBP) is a tissue stress hormone with pro-senescent activity. Exercise promotes healthy ageing, but its relationship with circulating ACBP/DBI levels in older adults is unknown. We assessed the association between exercise-induced functional changes and circulating ACBP/DBI levels in older adults with and without HIV. MOVIhNG is a prospective, longitudinal, multicentre controlled study including sedentary adults aged 50 years or older, with and without HIV. Participants undertook a personalised multicomponent exercise programme comprising strength, aerobic endurance, balance, and flexibility training. Assessments were performed at baseline and after 12, 24, and 48 weeks. Circulating ACBP/DBI levels were measured by ELISA. Physical performance was assessed using the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), the chair stand test (lower-body strength); the biceps curl test (upper-body strength), and the 2-minute step test (aerobic endurance) Associations were analysed using generalized estimating equations adjusted for sex and body-mass index. Sixty participants were included (40 with HIV and 20 without HIV; median age 56·5 years). At 12 weeks, changes in circulating ACBP/DBI were significantly correlated with improvements in upper-body strength and aerobic endurance. Over 48 weeks, increases in aerobic endurance and SPPB scores were independently associated with significant reductions in circulating ACBP/DBI levels. Each one-point increase in SPPB score was associated with a 203 ng/mL decrease in plasma ACBP/DBI. HIV status did not influence overall ACBP/DBI trajectories across follow-up. Exercise-induced improvements in physical performance were associated with reduced circulating ACBP/DBI levels across follow-up in older adults, irrespective of HIV status.