scholarly journals Exercise and Fitness Neuroprotective Effects: Molecular, Brain Volume and Psychological Correlates and Their Mediating Role in Healthy Late-Middle-Aged Women and Men

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alba Castells-Sánchez ◽  
Francesca Roig-Coll ◽  
Rosalia Dacosta-Aguayo ◽  
Noemí Lamonja-Vicente ◽  
Angelika K. Sawicka ◽  
...  

Background: Although exercise is known to have a neuroprotective effect in aging, the mediators underlying the exercise-cognition association remain poorly understood. In this paper we aimed to study the molecular, brain, and behavioral changes related to physical activity and their potential role as mediators.Methods: We obtained demographic, physical activity outcomes [sportive physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF)], plasma biomarkers (TNF-α, ICAM-1, HGF, SDF1-α, and BDNF), structural-MRI (brain volume areas), psychological and sleep health (mood, depressive and distress symptoms, and sleep quality), and multi-domain cognitive data from 115 adults aged 50–70 years. We conducted linear regression models and mediation analyses stratifying results by sex in a final sample of 104 individuals [65 women (age = 56.75 ± 4.96) and 39 men (age = 58.59 ± 5.86)].Results: Women engaging in greater amounts of exercising showed lower TNF-α levels and greater dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and temporal lobe volumes. Men engaging in greater amounts of exercise showed greater temporal lobe volumes. CRF levels were not related to any of the analyzed outcomes in women but in men higher CRF was associated with lower TNF-α, HGF and ventricle volumes, greater volume of temporal and parietal lobes and fewer depressive symptoms and better mood. In men, reduced TNF-α and HGF levels mediated brain and cognitive CRF-related benefits.Conclusion: Our results show that exercise is a promising approach for influencing inflammation and brain volume and also contributes to ongoing discussions about the physiological mediators for the association between CRF and cognition in men.

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sher-Wei Lim ◽  
Hui-Chen Su ◽  
Tee-Tau Eric Nyam ◽  
Chung-Ching Chio ◽  
Jinn-Rung Kuo ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Ceftriaxone is a β-lactam antibiotic used to treat central nervous system infections. Whether the neuroprotective effects of ceftriaxone after TBI are mediated by attenuating neuroinflammation but not its antibacterial actions is not well established. Methods Anesthetized male Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into sham-operated, TBI + vehicle, and TBI + ceftriaxone groups. Ceftriaxone was intraperitoneally injected at 0, 24, and 48 h with 50 or 250 mg/kg/day after TBI. During the first 120 min after TBI, we continuously measured heart rate, arterial pressure, intracranial pressure (ICP), and cerebral perfusion pressure. The infarct volume was measured by TTC staining. Motor function was measured using the inclined plane. Glutamate transporter 1 (GLT-1), neuronal apoptosis and TNF-α expression in the perilesioned cortex were investigated using an immunofluorescence assay. Bacterial evaluation was performed by Brown and Brenn’s Gram staining. These parameters above were measured at 72 h after TBI. Results Compared with the TBI + vehicle group, the TBI + ceftriaxone 250 mg/kg group showed significantly lower ICP, improved motor dysfunction, reduced body weight loss, decreased infarct volume and neuronal apoptosis, decreased TBI-induced microglial activation and TNF-α expression in microglia, and increased GLT-1 expression in neurons and microglia. However, the grades of histopathological changes of antibacterial effects are zero. Conclusions The intraperitoneal injection of ceftriaxone with 250 mg/kg/day for three days may attenuate TBI by increasing GLT-1 expression and reducing neuroinflammation and neuronal apoptosis, thereby resulting in an improvement in functional outcomes, and this neuroprotective effect is not related to its antibacterial effects.


2015 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 133-143 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jason G. Mandell ◽  
Kenneth L. Hill ◽  
Dan T. D. Nguyen ◽  
Kevin W. Moser ◽  
Robert E. Harbaugh ◽  
...  

OBJECT The incidence of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) due to mesial temporal sclerosis (MTS) can be high in developing countries. Current diagnosis of MTS relies on structural MRI, which is generally unavailable in developing world settings. Given widespread effects on temporal lobe structure beyond hippocampal atrophy in TLE, the authors propose that CT volumetric analysis can be used in patient selection to help predict outcomes following resection. METHODS Ten pediatric patients received preoperative CT scans and temporal resections at the CURE Children's Hospital of Uganda. Engel classification of seizure control was determined 12 months postoperatively. Temporal lobe volumes were measured from CT and from normative MR images using the Cavalieri method. Whole brain and fluid volumes were measured using particle filter segmentation. Linear discrimination analysis (LDA) was used to classify seizure outcome by temporal lobe volumes and normalized brain volume. RESULTS Epilepsy patients showed normal to small brain volumes and small temporal lobes bilaterally. A multivariate measure of the volume of each temporal lobe separated patients who were seizure free (Engel Class IA) from those with incomplete seizure control (Engel Class IB/IIB) with LDA (p < 0.01). Temporal lobe volumes also separate normal subjects, patients with Engel Class IA outcomes, and patients with Class IB/IIB outcomes (p < 0.01). Additionally, the authors demonstrated that age-normalized whole brain volume, in combination with temporal lobe volumes, may further improve outcome prediction (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS This study shows strong evidence that temporal lobe and brain volume can be predictive of seizure outcome following temporal lobe resection, and that volumetric CT analysis of the temporal lobe may be feasible in lieu of structural MRI when the latter is unavailable. Furthermore, since the authors' methods are modality independent, these findings suggest that temporal lobe and normative brain volumes may further be useful in the selection of patients for temporal lobe resection when structural MRI is available.


2016 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sruthi Ramagiri ◽  
Rajeev Taliyan

AbstractHydroxy safflor yellow A (HSYA) has been translated clinically for cardiovascular diseases. HSYA is also greatly acknowledged for its protective effects against cerebral ischemic-reperfusion (I/R) injury. Although the precise mechanism of cerebral I/R injury is not fully understood, oxygen-derived free radicals and mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) opening during I/R injury are widely recognized as an important contributor to neuronal injury. Thus, we speculated that the neuroprotective effects of HSYA against cerebral I/R injury may be associated with mPTP modulation.Induction of I/R injury was achieved by 60 min of middle cerebral artery occlusion, followed by reperfusion for 24 h. For behavior and cognitive assessment, neurological scoring (NSS), rotarod, and Y-maze task were performed. Oxidative damage was measured in terms of markers such as malondialdehyde, reduced glutathione, and catalase levels and cerebral infarct volumes were quantified using 2,3,5-triphenyl tetrazolinium chloride staining. I/R injury-induced inflammation was determined using tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels.Animals exposed to I/R injury showed neurological severity, functional and cognitive disability, elevated oxidative markers, and TNF-α levels along with large infarct volumes. HSYA treatment during onset of reperfusion ameliorated performance in NSS, rotarod and Y-maze attenuated oxidative damage, TNF-α levels, and infarction rate. However, treatment with carboxyatractyloside, an mPTP opener, 20 min before HSYA, attenuated the protective effect of HSYA.Our study confirmed that protective effect of HSYA may be conferred through its free radical scavenger action followed by inhibiting the opening of mPTP during reperfusion and HSYA might act as a promising therapeutic agent against cerebral I/R injury.


2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 628 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hanaa R. Aboelwafa ◽  
Attalla F. El-kott ◽  
Eman M. Abd-Ella ◽  
Hany N. Yousef

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a worldwide rapidly growing neurodegenerative disease. Here, we elucidated the neuroprotective effects of silymarin (SM) on the hippocampal tissues of aluminum chloride (AlCl3)-induced Alzheimer-like disease in rats using biochemical, histological, and ultrastructural approaches. Forty rats were divided into control, SM, AlCl3, and AlCl3 + SM groups. Biochemically, AlCl3 administration resulted in marked elevation in levels of lipid peroxidation (LPO) and nitric oxide (NO) and decrease in levels of reduced glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Moreover, AlCl3 significantly increased tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1beta (IL-1β), and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activities. Furthermore, myriad histological and ultrastructural alterations were recorded in the hippocampal tissues of AlCl3-treated rats represented as marked degenerative changes of pyramidal neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes. Additionally, some myelinated nerve fibers exhibited irregular arrangement of their myelin coats, while the others revealed focal degranulation of their myelin sheaths. Severe defects in the blood–brain barrier (BBB) were also recorded. However, co-administration of SM with AlCl3 reversed most of the biochemical, histological, and ultrastructural changes triggered by AlCl3 in rats. The results of the current study indicate that SM can potentially mend most of the previously evoked neuronal damage in the hippocampal tissues of AlCl3-kindled rats.


Author(s):  
Ф.М. Шакова ◽  
Т.И. Калинина ◽  
М.В. Гуляев ◽  
Г.А. Романова

Цель исследования - изучение влияния комбинированной терапии (мутантные молекулы эритропоэтина (EPO) и дипептидный миметик фактора роста нервов ГК-2H) на воспроизведение условного рефлекса пассивного избегания (УРПИ) и объем поражения коры мозга у крыс с двусторонним ишемическим повреждением префронтальной коры. Методика. Мутантные молекулы EPO (MЕРО-TR и MЕPО-Fc) с значительно редуцированной эритропоэтической и выраженной цитопротекторной активностью созданы методом генной инженерии. Используемый миметик фактора роста нервов человека, эндогенного регуляторного белка, в экспериментах in vitro проявлял отчетливые нейропротективные свойства. Двустороннюю фокальную ишемию префронтальной коры головного мозга крыс создавали методом фотохимического тромбоза. Выработку и оценку УРПИ проводили по стандартной методике. Объем повреждения мозга оценивался при помощи МРТ. MEPO-TR и MEPO-Fc (50 мкг/кг) вводили интраназально однократно через 1 ч после фототромбоза, ГК-2Н (1 мг/кг) - внутрибрюшинно через 4 ч после фототромбоза и далее в течение 4 послеоперационных суток. Результаты. Выявлено статистически значимое сохранение выработанного до ишемии УРПИ, а также значимое снижение объема повреждения коры при комплексной терапии. Полученные данные свидетельствуют об антиамнестическом и нейропротекторном эффектах примененной комбинированной терапии, которые наиболее отчетливо выражены в дозах: МEPO-Fc (50 мкг/кг) и ГК-2Н (1 мг/кг). Заключение. Подтвержден нейропротекторный эффект и усиление антиамнестического эффекта при сочетанном применении мутантных производных эритропоэтина - MEPO-TR и MEPO-Fc и дипептидного миметика фактора роста нервов человека ГК-2H. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of combination therapy, including mutant erythropoietin molecules (EPO) and a dipeptide mimetic of the nerve growth factor, GK-2H, on the conditioned passive avoidance (PA) reflex and the volume of injury induced by bilateral ischemia of the prefrontal cortex in rats. Using the method of genetic engineering the mutant molecules of EPO, MERO-TR and MEPO-Fc, with strongly reduced erythropoietic and pronounced cytoprotective activity were created. The used human nerve growth factor mimetic, an endogenous regulatory protein based on the b-bend of loop 4, which is a dimeric substituted dipeptide of bis- (N-monosuccinyl-glycyl-lysine) hexamethylenediamine, GK-2 human (GK-2H), has proven neuroprotective in in vitro experiments. Methods. Bilateral focal ischemic infarction was modeled in the rat prefrontal cortex by photochemically induced thrombosis. The PA test was performed according to a standard method. Volume of brain injury was estimated using MRI. MEPO-TR, and MEPO-Fc (50 mg/kg, intranasally) were administered once, one hour after the injury. GK-2Н (1 mg/kg, i.p.) was injected four hours after the injury and then for next four days. Results. The study showed that the complex therapy provided statistically significant retention of the PA reflex developed prior to ischemia and a significant decrease in the volume of injury. The anti-amnestic and neuroprotective effects of combination therapy were most pronounced at doses of MEPO-Fc 50 mg/kg and GK-2H 1 mg/kg. Conclusion. This study has confirmed the neuroprotective effect and enhancement of the anti-amnestic effect exerted by the combination of mutant erythropoietin derivatives, MEPO-TR and MEPO-Fc, and the dipeptide mimetic of human growth factor GK-2H.


Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (10) ◽  
pp. 2954
Author(s):  
Justyna Gorzkiewicz ◽  
Grzegorz Bartosz ◽  
Izabela Sadowska-Bartosz

Phytoestrogens are naturally occurring non-steroidal phenolic plant compounds. Their structure is similar to 17-β-estradiol, the main female sex hormone. This review offers a concise summary of the current literature on several potential health benefits of phytoestrogens, mainly their neuroprotective effect. Phytoestrogens lower the risk of menopausal symptoms and osteoporosis, as well as cardiovascular disease. They also reduce the risk of brain disease. The effects of phytoestrogens and their derivatives on cancer are mainly due to the inhibition of estrogen synthesis and metabolism, leading to antiangiogenic, antimetastatic, and epigenetic effects. The brain controls the secretion of estrogen (hypothalamus-pituitary-gonads axis). However, it has not been unequivocally established whether estrogen therapy has a neuroprotective effect on brain function. The neuroprotective effects of phytoestrogens seem to be related to both their antioxidant properties and interaction with the estrogen receptor. The possible effects of phytoestrogens on the thyroid cause some concern; nevertheless, generally, no serious side effects have been reported, and these compounds can be recommended as health-promoting food components or supplements.


Author(s):  
Lu Wang ◽  
Bin Deng ◽  
Panpan Yan ◽  
Huanghui Wu ◽  
Chunhui Li ◽  
...  

Author(s):  
Gabriela Cárdenas-Fuentes ◽  
Camille Lassale ◽  
Miguel Ángel Martínez-González ◽  
María Grau ◽  
Jordi Salas-Salvadó ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Mechanisms underlying the associations of high levels of physical activity (PA) and adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) with a better inflammatory profile remain unclear. Our objective was to assess the mediating role of changes in body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC), as markers of body fat in the association of changes in PA and adherence to the MedDiet, with changes in the inflammatory profile. Method This study included 489 adults, aged 55–75 years, from the PREDIMED-Plus multicenter lifestyle intervention trial. An inflammatory score was calculated, based on 8 blood biomarkers: high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, interleukin 6, interleukin 8, interleukin 18, monocyte chemo-attractant protein-1, C-peptide, leptin, and regulated on activation, normal T-cell–expressed and secreted chemokine. Biomarkers, levels of PA, score of MedDiet adherence, BMI, and WC were measured at baseline and at 1-year follow-up. Linear regression models were fitted according to the Baron and Kenny framework for mediation analysis. Results Changes in BMI and WC mediated the association of both changes in PA and changes in the MedDiet adherence with the inflammatory score. Body mass index mediated 26% of the association of changes in total PA with the inflammatory profile, and 27% of the association of changes in the MedDiet, while WC mediated 13% and 12% of these associations, respectively. Conclusion In older adults at high cardiovascular risk, increasing PA levels and adherence to a MedDiet during 1 year were associated with a lower inflammatory score, which was partly mediated by a reduction in body fat. Clinical Trials Registration Number International Standard Randomized Controlled Trial Number: ISRCTN89898870; registration date July 24, 2014, retrospectively registered.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Janeckova ◽  
Z. Hamrik ◽  
M. Matusova ◽  
P. Badura

Abstract Background Lifestyle sport activities (e.g. parkour or skateboarding) are considered attractive and beneficial for a long-term commitment to physical activity (PA) and might be a great opportunity for adolescents who do not feel comfortable in an organized or competitive atmosphere. The purpose of the study was to assess whether participation in lifestyle activities is associated with moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), out-of-school vigorous physical activity (VPA), and sedentary behaviour in adolescents aged 10–15 years, with major demographic variables (sex, age, socioeconomic status) being taken into account. Methods Data from a research project linked to the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) survey collected in 2017 in the Czech Republic was used. The sample consisted of 679 participants (303 of them girls) and was selected by quota sampling. Chi-square tests were used to assess differences in involvement in lifestyle activities according to sex, grade, and socioeconomic status. Ordinal and linear regression models were used to analyse the associations of participation in lifestyle activities and selected energy balance-related behaviours. Results Participation in lifestyle sport activities was significantly associated with a higher level of physical activity (MVPA and out-of-school VPA) after adjustment for sociodemographic factors, as was participation in organized sport. No significant associations were shown for sedentary behaviour. Conclusions Adolescents participating in lifestyle sport activities report being more physically active and, in case of doing multiple such activities concurrently, also spending less time sitting than their peers not involved in lifestyle sport activities. As such, lifestyle sport activities seem to represent a feasible way of increasing overall PA level in adolescent population.


Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 985
Author(s):  
Luisa Müller ◽  
Nicole Power Guerra ◽  
Jan Stenzel ◽  
Claire Rühlmann ◽  
Tobias Lindner ◽  
...  

Caloric restriction (CR) slows the aging process, extends lifespan, and exerts neuroprotective effects. It is widely accepted that CR attenuates β-amyloid (Aβ) neuropathology in models of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) by so-far unknown mechanisms. One promising process induced by CR is autophagy, which is known to degrade aggregated proteins such as amyloids. In addition, autophagy positively regulates glucose uptake and may improve cerebral hypometabolism—a hallmark of AD—and, consequently, neural activity. To evaluate this hypothesis, APPswe/PS1delta9 (tg) mice and their littermates (wild-type, wt) underwent CR for either 16 or 68 weeks. Whereas short-term CR for 16 weeks revealed no noteworthy changes of AD phenotype in tg mice, long-term CR for 68 weeks showed beneficial effects. Thus, cerebral glucose metabolism and neuronal integrity were markedly increased upon 68 weeks CR in tg mice, indicated by an elevated hippocampal fluorodeoxyglucose [18F] ([18F]FDG) uptake and increased N-acetylaspartate-to-creatine ratio using positron emission tomography/computer tomography (PET/CT) imaging and magnet resonance spectroscopy (MRS). Improved neuronal activity and integrity resulted in a better cognitive performance within the Morris Water Maze. Moreover, CR for 68 weeks caused a significant increase of LC3BII and p62 protein expression, showing enhanced autophagy. Additionally, a significant decrease of Aβ plaques in tg mice in the hippocampus was observed, accompanied by reduced microgliosis as indicated by significantly decreased numbers of iba1-positive cells. In summary, long-term CR revealed an overall neuroprotective effect in tg mice. Further, this study shows, for the first time, that CR-induced autophagy in tg mice accompanies the observed attenuation of Aβ pathology.


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