scholarly journals Active Life for Brain Health: A Narrative Review of the Mechanism Underlying the Protective Effects of Physical Activity on the Brain

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hiroyuki Umegaki ◽  
Takashi Sakurai ◽  
Hidenori Arai
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Brain Volume ◽  
Clear Understanding ◽  
Protective Effects ◽  
Brain Health ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Active Life ◽  
Two Factors ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
The Brain

A growing body of evidence clearly indicates the beneficial effects of physical activity (PA) on cognition. The importance of PA is now being reevaluated due to the increase in sedentary behavior in older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although many studies in humans have revealed that PA helps to preserve brain health, the underlying mechanisms have not yet been fully elucidated. In this review, which mainly focuses on studies in humans, we comprehensively summarize the mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of PA or exercise on brain health, particularly cognition. The most intensively studied mechanisms of the beneficial effects of PA involve an increase in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and preservation of brain volume, especially that of the hippocampus. Nonetheless, the mutual associations between these two factors remain unclear. For example, although BDNF presumably affects brain volume by inhibiting neuronal death and/or increasing neurogenesis, human data on this issue are scarce. It also remains to be determined whether PA modulates amyloid and tau metabolism. However, recent advances in blood-based biomarkers are expected to help elucidate the beneficial effects of PA on the brain. Clinical data suggest that PA functionally modulates cognition independently of neurodegeneration, and the mechanisms involved include modulation of functional connectivity, neuronal compensation, neuronal resource allocation, and neuronal efficiency. However, these mechanisms are as yet not fully understood. A clear understanding of the mechanisms involved could help motivate inactive persons to change their behavior. More accumulation of evidence in this field is awaited.

scholarly journals The effects of plant-based diets on the body and the brain: a systematic review

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Evelyn Medawar ◽  
Sebastian Huhn ◽  
Arno Villringer ◽  
A. Veronica Witte
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Functions ◽  
Weight Status ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
The Body ◽  
Brain Health ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Search Terms ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
The Brain

Abstract Western societies notice an increasing interest in plant-based eating patterns such as vegetarian and vegan, yet potential effects on the body and brain are a matter of debate. Therefore, we systematically reviewed existing human interventional studies on putative effects of a plant-based diet on the metabolism and cognition, and what is known about the underlying mechanisms. Using the search terms “plant-based OR vegan OR vegetarian AND diet AND intervention” in PubMed filtered for clinical trials in humans retrieved 205 studies out of which 27, plus an additional search extending the selection to another five studies, were eligible for inclusion based on three independent ratings. We found robust evidence for short- to moderate-term beneficial effects of plant-based diets versus conventional diets (duration ≤ 24 months) on weight status, energy metabolism and systemic inflammation in healthy participants, obese and type-2 diabetes patients. Initial experimental studies proposed novel microbiome-related pathways, by which plant-based diets modulate the gut microbiome towards a favorable diversity of bacteria species, yet a functional “bottom up” signaling of plant-based diet-induced microbial changes remains highly speculative. In addition, little is known, based on interventional studies about cognitive effects linked to plant-based diets. Thus, a causal impact of plant-based diets on cognitive functions, mental and neurological health and respective underlying mechanisms has yet to be demonstrated. In sum, the increasing interest for plant-based diets raises the opportunity for developing novel preventive and therapeutic strategies against obesity, eating disorders and related comorbidities. Still, putative effects of plant-based diets on brain health and cognitive functions as well as the underlying mechanisms remain largely unexplored and new studies need to address these questions.

Crosstalk between Microglia and Neurons in Neurotrauma: An Overview of the Underlying Mechanisms

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Ali Haidar ◽  
Stanley Ibeh ◽  
Zaynab Shakkour ◽  
Mohammad Amine Reslan ◽  
Judith Nwaiwu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Brain Injury ◽  
Microglial Activation ◽  
Trauma Treatment ◽  
Cell Contact ◽  
Clear Understanding ◽  
Neuroinflammatory Response ◽  
Proinflammatory Responses ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Cns Anomalies

: Microglia are the resident immune cells of the brain and play a crucial role in housekeeping and maintaining homeostasis of the brain microenvironment. Upon injury or disease, microglial cells become activated, at least partly, via signals initiated by injured neurons. Activated microglia, thereby, contribute to both neuroprotection and neuroinflammation. However, sustained microglial activation initiates a chronic neuroinflammatory response which can disturb neuronal health and disrupt communications between neurons and microglia. Thus, microglia-neuron crosstalk is critical in a healthy brain as well as during states of injury or disease. As most studies focus on how neurons and microglia act in isolation during neurotrauma, there is a need to understand the interplay between these cells in brain pathophysiology. This review highlights how neurons and microglia reciprocally communicate under physiological conditions and during brain injury and disease. Furthermore, the modes of microglia-neuron communication are exposed, focusing on cell-contact dependent signaling and communication by the secretion of soluble factors like cytokines and growth factors. In addition, how microglia-neuron interactions could exert either beneficial neurotrophic effects or pathologic proinflammatory responses are discussed. We further explore how aberrations in microglia-neuron crosstalk may be involved in central nervous system (CNS) anomalies, namely: traumatic brain injury (TBI), neurodegeneration, and ischemic stroke. A clear understanding of how the microglia-neuron crosstalk contributes to the pathogenesis of brain pathologies may offer novel therapeutic avenues of brain trauma treatment.

scholarly journals Grape Seed Procyanidin B2 Protects Porcine Ovarian Granulosa Cells against Oxidative Stress-Induced Apoptosis by Upregulating let-7a Expression

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jia-Qing Zhang ◽  
Xian-Wei Wang ◽  
Jun-Feng Chen ◽  
Qiao-Ling Ren ◽  
Jing Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Grape Seed ◽  
Luciferase Reporter ◽  
Tunel Staining ◽  
Protective Effects ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
Induced Apoptosis

Oxidative stress is a causal factor and key promoter of all kinds of reproductive disorders related to granulosa cell (GC) apoptosis that acts by dysregulating the expression of related genes. Various studies have suggested that grape seed procyanidin B2 (GSPB2) may protect GCs from oxidative injury, though the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. Therefore, whether the beneficial effects of GSPB2 are associated with microRNAs, which have been suggested to play a critical role in GC apoptosis by regulating the expression of protein-coding genes, was investigated in this study. The results showed that GSPB2 treatment protected GCs from a H2O2-induced apoptosis, as detected by an MTT assay and TUNEL staining, and increased let-7a expression in GCs. Furthermore, let-7a overexpression markedly increased cell viability and inhibited H2O2-induced GC apoptosis. Furthermore, the overexpression of let-7a reduced the upregulation of Fas expression in H2O2-treated GCs at the mRNA and protein levels. Dual-luciferase reporter assay results indicated that let-7a directly targets the Fas 3′-UTR. Furthermore, the overexpression of let-7a enhanced the protective effects of GSPB2 against GC apoptosis induced by H2O2. These results indicate that GSPB2 inhibits H2O2-induced apoptosis of GCs, possibly through the upregulation of let-7a.

scholarly journals Protective Effects of Emodin-Induced Neutrophil Apoptosis via the Ca2+-Caspase 12 Pathway against SIRS in Rats with Severe Acute Pancreatitis

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gui-Jun Wang ◽  
Yue Wang ◽  
Yong-Sheng Teng ◽  
Fa-Lv Sun ◽  
Hong Xiang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Acute Pancreatitis ◽  
Severe Acute Pancreatitis ◽  
Multiple Organ ◽  
Neutrophil Apoptosis ◽  
Protective Effects ◽  
Expression Levels ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Caspase 12 ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
Active Fragments

Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) results in high mortality. This is partly because of early multiple organ dysfunction syndromes that are usually caused by systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). Many studies have reported the beneficial effects of emodin against SAP with SIRS. However, the exact mechanism underlying the effect of emodin remains unclear. This study was designed to explore the protective effects and underlying mechanisms of emodin against SIRS in rats with SAP. In the present study, cytosolic Ca2+ levels, calpain 1 activity, and the expression levels of the active fragments of caspases 12 and 3 decreased in neutrophils from rats with SAP and increased after treatment with emodin. Delayed neutrophil apoptosis occurred in rats with SAP and emodin was able to reverse this delayed apoptosis and inhibit SIRS. The effect of emodin on calpain 1 activity, the expression levels of the active fragments of caspases 12 and 3, neutrophil apoptosis, and SIRS scores were attenuated by PD150606 (an inhibitor of calpain). These results suggest that emodin inhibits SIRS in rats with SAP by inducing circulating neutrophil apoptosis via the Ca2+-calpain 1-caspase 12-caspase 3 signaling pathway.

scholarly journals The Protective Effects of Water Extracts of Compound Turmeric Recipe on Acute Alcoholism: An Experimental Research Using a Mouse Model

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Xian-ting Liang ◽  
Yan-yan Wang ◽  
Xiao-yu Hu ◽  
Shao-bo Wang
Keyword(s):  
Liver Injury ◽  
Curcuma Longa ◽  
Protective Effects ◽  
Alcoholic Liver Injury ◽  
Therapeutic Drugs ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
Acute Alcoholism ◽  
Factor Α ◽  
The Brain

Acute alcoholism (AAI) is a common emergency. Currently, there is a lack of preventive and therapeutic drugs with superior safety and efficacy. Curcuma longa, Panax ginseng, Pueraria lobata, Pueraria flower, and Hovenia dulcis Thunb., which are the components of compound turmeric recipe (CTR), are, respectively, used in China as adjuvant therapeutic agents for AAI and alcoholic liver injury, respectively. The purpose of this research was to investigate the effect of traditional compound turmeric recipe in anti-inebriation treatment and to identify its underlying mechanisms. The mice were administered with CTR mixture, and ethanol was subsequently given to mice by gavage. The effects of CTR on the righting reflex, 24-hour survival, drunken behavior, blood ethanol concentration, and pathological changes of liver are depicted. The activities of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were detected. Besides, the activities of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-8 (IL-8), alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), cytochrome P450 (P450), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the liver and the levels of β-endorphin (β-EP) and leucine enkephalin (LENK) in the brain were also measured. Our results demonstrated that CTR can increase the activities of ADH, ALDH, P450, and SOD and decrease the contents of TNF-α, IL-8, and MDA in the liver. In addition, it can decrease the activities of ALT, AST, and ALP in serum and β-EP and LENK activities in the brain. CTR showed effects on prevention of acute alcoholism, promoting wakefulness, and alleviating alcoholic liver injury, which were likely mediated by the above mechanisms.

scholarly journals Underlying Mechanisms of Tinnitus: Review and Clinical Implications

2014 ◽  
Vol 25 (01) ◽  
pp. 005-022 ◽  
Author(s):  
James A. Henry ◽  
Larry E. Roberts ◽  
Donald M. Caspary ◽  
Sarah M. Theodoroff ◽  
Richard J. Salvi
Keyword(s):  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Behavioral Interventions ◽  
Auditory Pathway ◽  
Common Denominator ◽  
Clear Understanding ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
Normal Input ◽  
Central Auditory Pathway ◽  
The Brain

Background: The study of tinnitus mechanisms has increased tenfold in the last decade. The common denominator for all of these studies is the goal of elucidating the underlying neural mechanisms of tinnitus with the ultimate purpose of finding a cure. While these basic science findings may not be immediately applicable to the clinician who works directly with patients to assist them in managing their reactions to tinnitus, a clear understanding of these findings is needed to develop the most effective procedures for alleviating tinnitus. Purpose: The goal of this review is to provide audiologists and other health-care professionals with a basic understanding of the neurophysiological changes in the auditory system likely to be responsible for tinnitus. Results: It is increasingly clear that tinnitus is a pathology involving neuroplastic changes in central auditory structures that take place when the brain is deprived of its normal input by pathology in the cochlea. Cochlear pathology is not always expressed in the audiogram but may be detected by more sensitive measures. Neural changes can occur at the level of synapses between inner hair cells and the auditory nerve and within multiple levels of the central auditory pathway. Long-term maintenance of tinnitus is likely a function of a complex network of structures involving central auditory and nonauditory systems. Conclusions: Patients often have expectations that a treatment exists to cure their tinnitus. They should be made aware that research is increasing to discover such a cure and that their reactions to tinnitus can be mitigated through the use of evidence-based behavioral interventions.

scholarly journals Physical activity and brain plasticity in late adulthood: a conceptual and comprehensive review

2012 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kirk I. Erickson ◽  
Destiny L. Miller ◽  
Andrea M. Weinstein ◽  
Stephanie L. Akl ◽  
Sarah Banducci
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Brain Plasticity ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Brain Health ◽  
The Public ◽  
Moderating Factors ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
Cognitive Problems ◽  
Expected Increase

A growing body of evidence from neuroscience, epidemiology, and kinesiology suggests that physical activity is effective as both a prevention and treatment for cognitive problems throughout the lifespan. Given the expected increase in the proportion of older adults in most countries over the next 40 years, physical activity could be a low-cost and relatively accessible method for maintaining cognitive function throughout later life. Despite the emerging recognition of physical activity as a powerful method to enhance brain health, there is continued confusion from both the public and scientific communities about what the extant research has discovered about the potential for physical activity to improve neurocognitive health and which questions remain unanswered. In this review, we outline four overarching themes that provide a conceptual structure for understanding the questions that have been asked and have been addressed, as well as those that have yet to be answered. These themes are descriptive, mechanistic, applied, and moderating questions. We conclude from our review that descriptive questions have been the first and most thoroughly studied, but we have much yet to learn about the underlying mechanisms, application, and moderating factors that explain how and to what extent physical activity improves brain health.

scholarly journals (Neuro) Peptides, Physical Activity, and Cognition

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. 2592 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juho Autio ◽  
Ville Stenbäck ◽  
Dominique D. Gagnon ◽  
Juhani Leppäluoto ◽  
Karl-Heinz Herzig
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Amino Acids ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Elevated Serum ◽  
Brain Health ◽  
Insulin Growth Factor ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
The Central Nervous System

Regular physical activity (PA) improves cognitive functions, prevents brain atrophy, and delays the onset of cognitive decline, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease. Presently, there are no specific recommendations for PA producing positive effects on brain health and little is known on its mediators. PA affects production and release of several peptides secreted from peripheral and central tissues, targeting receptors located in the central nervous system (CNS). This review will provide a summary of the current knowledge on the association between PA and cognition with a focus on the role of (neuro)peptides. For the review we define peptides as molecules with less than 100 amino acids and exclude myokines. Tachykinins, somatostatin, and opioid peptides were excluded from this review since they were not affected by PA. There is evidence suggesting that PA increases peripheral insulin growth factor 1 (IGF-1) levels and elevated serum IGF-1 levels are associated with improved cognitive performance. It is therefore likely that IGF-1 plays a role in PA induced improvement of cognition. Other neuropeptides such as neuropeptide Y (NPY), ghrelin, galanin, and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) could mediate the beneficial effects of PA on cognition, but the current literature regarding these (neuro)peptides is limited.

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