Sirtuins: A Family of Proteins With Implications for Human Performance and Exercise Physiology

The sirtuin family of proteins consists of seven members in mammals (SirT1-T7). Sirtuins share NAD dependency for their enzymatic activity, but some show NAD-dependent deacetylase activity, others exhibit ADP ribosyltransferase activity or both. Sirtuins have gained considerable attention due to their impact as physiological targets for treating diseases associated with aging. Sirtuins interact with metabolic pathways and may serve as entry points for drugs. This review discusses the biology of sirtuins and their potential as mediators of caloric restriction and pharmacological targets. Reduced insulin sensitivity, mitochondrial dysfunction, and others are consequences of aging or secondary to physical inactivity. Moreover, understanding human energy metabolism through sirtuins may provide a novel approach to exercise physiology. Quercetin, a natural polyphenolic flavonoid that has been widely investigated for its other health benefits, may act as an inducer of SirT1. The benefits of quercetin for exercise performance may have implications for athletes and extended to disease prevention.