Investigating the influence of sex differences on modulation of neuroinflammation in the mouse by aerobic exercise

Abstract

Exercise has long been viewed as an 'all-in-one' therapeutic approach by preserving and improving health and reducing the risk of age-associated noncommunicable metabolic, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases (Cotman et al., 2007). Although its positive impacts are well-known, the underlying mechanisms through which exercise exerts these effects remain unclear. However, recent findings have suggested that increased lactate in the bloodstream following exercise may play a crucial role (Quistorff et al., 2008). This study will attempt to look at the sex-specific effects in immune response, particularly involving lactate metabolism, to the field of neuroprotection resulting from short-term and lifelong exercise versus sedentary behaviour. The interdisciplinary approach of examining the interactions between the immune system, microglial function and the nervous system may provide new insights into physiological homeostasis and health across the lifespan. This could open up new avenues of research related to the known ability of exercise to manipulate different pathways in multiple cells.