An investigation into the role of neurotrophins in the effect of exercise on cognitive function in humans and rats

Abstract

Physical exercise is associated with maintenance of cognitive function, including a decreased risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Candidate mediators of the effect of exercise on cognitive function are the neurotrophins. These secreted peptides promote the growth and differentiation of developing neurons, support maintenance and survival of adult mature neurons and modulate neuronal plasticity. Exercise can alter neurotrophin expression; serum brain-derived neurotrophin factor (BDNF) expression has been repeatedly shown to increase with exercise in young men and exercise-induced increases in brain BDNF have also been demonstrated in rats. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of exercise on cognitive function in humans and rats and to further elucidate the roles of neurotrophins in the link betw'een physical exercise and improved cognition.