(Neuro) Peptides, Physical Activity, and Cognition

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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Diet and Brain Health: Which Role for Polyphenols?

Current Pharmaceutical Design ◽

10.2174/1381612824666171213100449 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 24 (2) ◽

pp. 227-238 ◽

Cited By ~ 22

Author(s):

Vanessa Castelli ◽

Davide Grassi ◽

Raffaella Bocale ◽

Michele d'Angelo ◽

Andrea Antonosante ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cognitive Performance ◽

Brain Aging ◽

Experimental Studies ◽

Brain Health ◽

Lifestyle Modifications ◽

Dietary Polyphenols ◽

Beneficial Effects ◽

The Central Nervous System ◽

The Relationship

Background: The aging of western societies is leading to a dramatic increase in the prevalence of chronic conditions, threatening the health status and then the sustainability of our healthcare systems. In particular, dementia is being increasingly recognized as a public health priority, given its enormous socioeconomic burdens further amplified by the absence of treatments really effective in improving the clinical course of the disease. Methods: The question of whether some degree of cognitive deterioration is an inevitable part of aging or should be considered as a pathological pre-stage of dementia is currently debated. This is a field in need of research because accelerated brain aging as well as further decline in cognition might be preventable in the early stages of cognitive impairment. Herein, we discuss evidence from clinical and experimental studies on the role of polyphenols in preserving cognitive performance across life. Results: In recent years, the possibility of favorably influencing the cognitive trajectory through promotion of lifestyle modifications has been increasingly investigated. In particular, the relationship between nutritional habits and brain health has attracted special attention. Dietary polyphenols exhibit a strong potential to promote brain due to their efficacy in protecting neurons against oxidative stress-induced injury, suppressing neuroinflammation and in ameliorating cardiovascular risk factor control and cardiovascular function thus counteracting neurotoxicity and neurodegeneration. Conclusion: Emerging evidence suggest that dietary polyphenols, in particular flavonoids, may exert beneficial effects on the central nervous system thus representing a potential tool to preserve cognitive performance throught senescence.

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Assessment of L-Citrulline, L-Arginine and L-Glutamic Acid Content in Selected Fruits, Vegetables, Seeds, and Nuts Sold in Markets in Nairobi City County, Kenya

European Journal of Agriculture and Food Sciences ◽

10.24018/ejfood.2020.2.5.100 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2 (5) ◽

Author(s):

Peninnah Mueni Mulwa ◽

Wilson Njue ◽

Margaret Ng’ang’a

Keyword(s):

Amino Acids ◽

Glutamic Acid ◽

Human Body ◽

Fruits And Vegetables ◽

Brain Health ◽

Button Mushroom ◽

The Central Nervous System ◽

Healing Of Wounds ◽

Statistical Analysis Software ◽

Internal Production

Background: L-citrulline, L-arginine, and L-glutamic acid are amino acids which are vital in the human body. L-citrulline boosts immunity, combats sarcopenia, detoxifies the liver, and enhances male fertility. L-arginine boosts internal production of nitric oxide, prevents abnormal blood clotting and accelerates healing of wounds. L-glutamic acid cleanses the central nervous system and improves overall brain health. Deficiency of these amino acids can lead to accumulation of ammonia and impact negatively to the nervous systems of the human body. This study aimed to identify and determine the levels of L-citrulline, L-arginine, and L-glutamic acid in selected fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds sold in markets in Nairobi City County, Kenya using Liquid Chromatography- Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS). Materials and Methods: Data was collected from 28 selected samples and data analysis was done using Statistical Analysis Software (SAS) version 9.4. Results: LC-MS showed the presence of both L-arginine and L-citrulline in most fruits, vegetables, and nuts while L-glutamic acid was present in the seeds. The levels of the amino acids in the fruits and vegetables were in the following range: L-citrulline (0.65- 19.41 mg/100g) in the button mushroom, cucumber, pumpkin, amaranthus, and kales, (3.16-3.79 mg/100g) in the watermelons and (1.57-10.21 mg/100g) in the nuts. L-arginine was in the range; 1.73 - 16.48 mg/100g in the amaranthus, kales, button mushroom, butternut squash, and cucumber, 5.44-6.56 mg/100g in the watermelons and 0.93-10.73 mg/100g in the nuts and L-glutamic acid (0.013-0.28 mg/100g) in the seeds of pumpkin, butternut, and watermelons. Conclusion: The results showed that locally available vegetables, fruits and nuts are rich in L-citrulline and L-arginine.

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Regular Physical Activity and Risk of Venous Thromboembolism

Seminars in Thrombosis and Hemostasis ◽

10.1055/s-0038-1673636 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 44 (08) ◽

pp. 765-779 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Sigrid Brækkan ◽

John-Bjarne Hansen ◽

Line Evensen

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Venous Thromboembolism ◽

Current Knowledge ◽

Objective Assessment ◽

Operational Definition ◽

Assessment Method ◽

Health Concern ◽

Future Research ◽

Dependent Manner

AbstractVenous thromboembolism (VTE) is a complex multifactorial disease that represents a growing public health concern. Identification of modifiable risk factors at the population level may provide a measure to reduce the burden of VTE. In this review, we summarize current knowledge of the role of physical activity on the risk of VTE and VTE-related complications. We also discuss methodological challenges related to research on physical activity, and put forward plausible mechanisms for an association between physical activity and VTE. Up to now, published studies have reported diverging results on the relationship between physical activity and VTE, and a complex picture has emerged. However, the available evidence appears to be balanced toward a small beneficial effect of physical activity on the risk of incident VTE, but not in a dose-dependent manner. Still, the lack of an operational definition and standardized assessment method for physical activity, as well as several sources of bias, impairs the interpretation of the available literature. Additional work is necessary to understand the role and how to apply physical activity in the VTE setting. Future research should utilize objective assessment strategies of physical activity and physical fitness, account for the fluctuating nature in habitual activity levels, and explore the role of physical activity in the areas of secondary prevention and VTE-related complications.

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Physical Activity in the Prevention of Alzheimer's Disease

Kinesiology Review ◽

10.1123/kr.2014-0075 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 4 (1) ◽

pp. 28-38 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Jennifer L. Etnier

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Alzheimer’S Disease ◽

Older Adults ◽

Alzheimer's Disease ◽

Cognitively Impaired ◽

Future Directions ◽

Positive Effects ◽

Additional Funding ◽

Promising Area

Alzheimer's disease is a chronic illness characterized by clinical cognitive impairment. A behavioral strategy that is being explored in the prevention of Alzheimer's disease is physical activity. Evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) testing the effects of physical activity for cognitively normal older adults supports that physical activity benefits cognitive performance. Evidence from prospective studies supports a protective effect of physical activity with reductions in the risk of cognitive decline ranging from 28% to 45%. RCTs with cognitively impaired older adults also generally support positive effects with greater benefits evident for aerobic interventions. Research examining the potential moderating role of apolipoprotein E (APOE) has yielded mixed results, but the majority of the studies support that physical activity most benefits those who are at greatest genetic risk of Alzheimer's disease. Future directions for research are considered with an emphasis on the need for additional funding to support this promising area of research.

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Effects of exercise on endothelium and endothelium/smooth muscle cross talk: role of exercise-induced hemodynamics

Journal of Applied Physiology ◽

10.1152/japplphysiol.00033.2011 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 111 (1) ◽

pp. 311-320 ◽

Cited By ~ 75

Author(s):

S. C. Newcomer ◽

Dick H. J. Thijssen ◽

D. J. Green

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Shear Stress ◽

Wall Stress ◽

Beneficial Effects ◽

Exercise Induced ◽

Response To Exercise ◽

And Training

Physical activity, exercise training, and fitness are associated with decreased cardiovascular risk. In the context that a risk factor “gap” exists in the explanation for the beneficial effects of exercise on cardiovascular disease, it has recently been proposed that exercise generates hemodynamic stimuli which exert direct effects on the vasculature that are antiatherogenic. In this review we briefly introduce some of the in vitro and in vivo evidence relating exercise hemodynamic modulation and vascular adaptation. In vitro data clearly demonstrate the importance of shear stress as a potential mechanism underlying vascular adaptations associated with exercise. Supporting this is in vivo human data demonstrating that exercise-mediated shear stress induces localized impacts on arterial function and diameter. Emerging evidence suggests that exercise-related changes in hemodynamic stimuli other than shear stress may also be associated with arterial remodeling. Taken together, in vitro and in vivo data strongly imply that hemodynamic influences combine to orchestrate a response to exercise and training that regulates wall stress and peripheral vascular resistance and contributes to the antiatherogenic impacts of physical activity, fitness, and training.

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Impact of Physical Activity on Cognitive Functions: A New Field for Research and Management of Cystic Fibrosis

Diagnostics ◽

10.3390/diagnostics10070489 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (7) ◽

pp. 489 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Valentina Elce ◽

Alessandro Del Pizzo ◽

Ersilia Nigro ◽

Giulia Frisso ◽

Lucia Martiniello ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Cystic Fibrosis ◽

Neural Plasticity ◽

Cognitive Functions ◽

Structural Changes ◽

Gray Matter Volume ◽

Synaptic Activity ◽

World Health ◽

Brain Health ◽

Positive Effects

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disease inherited by an autosomal recessive mechanism and characterized by a progressive and severe multi-organ failure. Mutations in Cystic Fibrosis Conductance Regulator (CFTR) protein cause duct obstructions from dense mucus secretions and chronic inflammation related to organ damage. The progression of the disease is characterized by a decline of lung function associated with metabolic disorders and malnutrition, musculoskeletal disorders and thoracic deformities, leading to a progressive decrement of the individual’s quality of life. The World Health Organization (WHO) qualifies Physical Activity (PA) as a structured activity produced by skeletal muscles’ movements that requires energy consumption. In the last decade, the number of studies on PA increased considerably, including those investigating the effects of exercise on cognitive and brain health and mental performance. PA is recommended in CF management guidelines, since it improves clinic outcomes, such as peripheral neuropathy, oxygen uptake peak, bone health, glycemic control and respiratory functions. Several studies regarding the positive effects of exercise in patients with Cystic Fibrosis were carried out, but the link between the effects of exercise and cognitive and brain health in CF remains unclear. Animal models showed that exercise might improve learning and memory through structural changes of brain architecture, and such a causal relationship can also be described in humans. Indeed, both morphological and environmental factors seem to be involved in exercise-induced neural plasticity. An increase of gray matter volume in specific areas is detectable as a consequence of regular training in humans. Neurobiological processes associated with brain function improvements include biochemical modifications, such as neuromodulator or neurohormone release, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) production and synaptic activity changes. From a functional point of view, PA also seems to be an environmental factor enhancing cognitive abilities, such as executive functions, memory and processing speed. This review describes the current state of research regarding the impacts of physical activity and exercise on cognitive functions, introducing a possible novel field of research for optimizing the management of Cystic Fibrosis.

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A systematic review on the potential role of APOE genotype as a moderator in the relationship between physical activity, brain health and dementia risk

Alzheimer s & Dementia ◽

10.1002/alz.045559 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 16 (S10) ◽

Author(s):

Jaisalmer de Frutos ◽

Juan Manuel Serrano Rodriguez ◽

Fernando Maestú ◽

Simon M Laws ◽

Belinda M Brown

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Systematic Review ◽

Potential Role ◽

Apoe Genotype ◽

Brain Health ◽

Dementia Risk ◽

The Relationship

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The Role of Microglia and Macrophages in CNS Homeostasis, Autoimmunity, and Cancer

Journal of Immunology Research ◽

10.1155/2017/5150678 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 2017 ◽

pp. 1-12 ◽

Cited By ~ 34

Author(s):

Jie Yin ◽

Katherine L. Valin ◽

Michael L. Dixon ◽

Jianmei W. Leavenworth

Keyword(s):

Current Knowledge ◽

Complex Function ◽

Cell Types ◽

First Line ◽

Cns Disorders ◽

Cns Autoimmunity ◽

The Face ◽

The Central Nervous System ◽

Macrophage Subsets

Macrophages are major cell types of the immune system, and they comprise both tissue-resident populations and circulating monocyte-derived subsets. Here, we discuss microglia, the resident macrophage within the central nervous system (CNS), and CNS-infiltrating macrophages. Under steady state, microglia play important roles in the regulation of CNS homeostasis through the removal of damaged or unnecessary neurons and synapses. In the face of inflammatory or pathological insults, microglia and CNS-infiltrating macrophages not only constitute the first line of defense against pathogens by regulating components of innate immunity, but they also regulate the adaptive arms of immune responses. Dysregulation of these responses contributes to many CNS disorders. In this overview, we summarize the current knowledge regarding the highly diverse and complex function of microglia and macrophages during CNS autoimmunity—multiple sclerosis and cancer—malignant glioma. We emphasize how the crosstalk between natural killer (NK) cells or glioma cells or glioma stem cells and CNS macrophages impacts on the pathological processes. Given the essential role of CNS microglia and macrophages in the regulation of all types of CNS disorders, agents targeting these subsets are currently applied in preclinical and clinical trials. We believe that a better understanding of the biology of these macrophage subsets offers new exciting paths for therapeutic intervention.

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The Role of DPP4 Activity in Cardiovascular Districts: In Vivo and In Vitro Evidence

Journal of Diabetes Research ◽

10.1155/2013/590456 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 2013 ◽

pp. 1-5 ◽

Cited By ~ 14

Author(s):

L. Pala ◽

C. M. Rotella

Keyword(s):

Minimal Risk ◽

Incretin Hormone ◽

Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4 ◽

Beneficial Effects ◽

Positive Effects ◽

Glucagon Like Peptide 1 ◽

A Site

The introduction of incretin hormone-based therapies represents a novel therapeutic strategy, since these drugs not only improve glycemia with minimal risk of hypoglycemia, but also have other extraglycemic beneficial effects. These agents, which are effective in improving glucose control, could also have positive effects on the incidence of cardiovascular events. The aim of this review is to summarize the present literature about the role of dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4) in cardiovascular districts, not only strictly correlated to its effect on glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) circulating levels, but also to what is known about possible cardiovascular actions. Actually, DPP4 is known to be present in many cells and tissues and its effects go beyond purely metabolic aspects. Almost always the inhibition of DPP4 activity is associated with improved cardiovascular profile, but it has shown to possess antithrombotic properties and these different effects could be connected with a site and/or species specificity of DPP4. Certainly, DPP4 seems to exert many functions, both directly and indirectly, on cardiovascular districts, opening new possibilities of prevention and treatment of complications at this level, not only in patients affected by diabetes mellitus.

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Neuroinflammation as Fuel for Axonal Regeneration in the Injured Vertebrate Central Nervous System

Mediators of Inflammation ◽

10.1155/2017/9478542 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 2017 ◽

pp. 1-14 ◽

Cited By ~ 47

Author(s):

Ilse Bollaerts ◽

Jessie Van houcke ◽

Lien Andries ◽

Lies De Groef ◽

Lieve Moons

Keyword(s):

Central Nervous System ◽

Nervous System ◽

Axonal Regeneration ◽

Current Knowledge ◽

Cord Injury ◽

The Central Nervous System ◽

Novel Therapeutic Strategies ◽

The Impact ◽

Vertebrate Central Nervous System

Damage to the central nervous system (CNS) is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in elderly, as repair after lesions or neurodegenerative disease usually fails because of the limited capacity of CNS regeneration. The causes underlying this limited regenerative potential are multifactorial, but one critical aspect is neuroinflammation. Although classically considered as harmful, it is now becoming increasingly clear that inflammation can also promote regeneration, if the appropriate context is provided. Here, we review the current knowledge on how acute inflammation is intertwined with axonal regeneration, an important component of CNS repair. After optic nerve or spinal cord injury, inflammatory stimulation and/or modification greatly improve the regenerative outcome in rodents. Moreover, the hypothesis of a beneficial role of inflammation is further supported by evidence from adult zebrafish, which possess the remarkable capability to repair CNS lesions and even restore functionality. Lastly, we shed light on the impact of aging processes on the regenerative capacity in the CNS of mammals and zebrafish. As aging not only affects the CNS, but also the immune system, the regeneration potential is expected to further decline in aged individuals, an element that should definitely be considered in the search for novel therapeutic strategies.

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