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Zarza-Rebollo JA, López-Isac E, Rivera M, Gómez-Hernández L, Pérez-Gutiérrez AM, Molina E. The relationship between BDNF and physical activity on depression. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2024; 134:111033. [PMID: 38788892 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2024.111033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE Major depressive disorder (MDD) is one of the leading causes of disease burden and disability worldwide. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) seems to have an important role in the molecular mechanisms underlying MDD aetiology, given its implication in regulating neuronal plasticity. There is evidence that physical activity (PA) improves depressive symptoms, with a key role of BDNF in this effect. We aim to perform a systematic review examining the relationship between the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism and the BDNF protein, PA and MDD. METHODS Both observational and experimental design original articles or systematic reviews were selected, according to the PRISMA statement. RESULTS Six studies evaluated the Val66Met polymorphism, suggesting a greater impact of physical activity on depression depending on the Val66Met genotype. More discordant findings were observed among the 13 studies assessing BDNF levels with acute or chronic exercise interventions, mainly due to the high heterogeneity found among intervention designs, limited sample size, and potential bias. CONCLUSIONS Overall, there is cumulative evidence supporting the potential role of BDNF in the interaction between PA and MDD. However, this review highlights the need for further research with more homogeneous and standardised criteria, and pinpoints important confounding factors that must be considered in future studies to provide robust conclusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Antonio Zarza-Rebollo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain; Institute of Neurosciences, Biomedical Research Centre, University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria (ibs.GRANADA), 18071 Granada, Spain
| | - Elena López-Isac
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain; Institute of Neurosciences, Biomedical Research Centre, University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria (ibs.GRANADA), 18071 Granada, Spain
| | - Margarita Rivera
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain; Institute of Neurosciences, Biomedical Research Centre, University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria (ibs.GRANADA), 18071 Granada, Spain.
| | - Laura Gómez-Hernández
- Institute of Neurosciences, Biomedical Research Centre, University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Ana M Pérez-Gutiérrez
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain; Institute of Neurosciences, Biomedical Research Centre, University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria (ibs.GRANADA), 18071 Granada, Spain
| | - Esther Molina
- Institute of Neurosciences, Biomedical Research Centre, University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria (ibs.GRANADA), 18071 Granada, Spain; Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
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2
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Gujral S, Burns M, Erickson KI, Rofey D, Peiffer JJ, Laws SM, Brown B. Dose-response effects of exercise on mental health in community-dwelling older adults: Exploration of genetic moderators. Int J Clin Health Psychol 2024; 24:100443. [PMID: 38304020 PMCID: PMC10831729 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijchp.2024.100443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Background/Objective (1) Examine the role of exercise intensity on mental health symptoms in a community-based sample of older adults. (2) Explore the moderating role of genetic variation in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and apolipoprotein E (APOE) on the effects of exercise on mental health symptoms. Method This study is a secondary analysis of a three-arm randomized controlled trial, comparing the effects of 6 months of high-intensity aerobic training vs. moderate-intensity aerobic training vs. a no-contact control group on mental health symptoms assessed using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS). The BDNF Val66Met polymorphism and APOE ε4 carrier status were explored as genetic moderators of exercise effects on mental health symptoms. Results The exercise intervention did not influence mental health symptoms. The BDNF Val66Met polymorphism did not moderate intervention effects on mental health symptoms. APOE ε4 carrier status moderated the effect of intervention group on perceived stress over 6 months, such that APOE ε4 carriers, but not non-carriers, in the high-intensity aerobic training group showed a decline in perceived stress over 6 months. Conclusions APOE ε4 carrier status may modify the benefits of high-intensity exercise on perceived stress such that APOE ε4 carriers show a greater decline in stress as a result of exercise relative to non-APOE ε4 carriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swathi Gujral
- School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, 3501 Forbes Ave Suite 520-17, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Marcia Burns
- Department of Psychology, Indianapolis University, 402 North Blackford Street, LD 124, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Kirk I Erickson
- AdventHealth Research Institute, Neuroscience, Orlando, FL 32804, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, USA
| | - Dana Rofey
- School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, 3501 Forbes Ave Suite 520-17, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Jeremiah J Peiffer
- Centre for Healthy Ageing, Health Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch Western, Australia
| | - Simon M. Laws
- Centre for Precision Health, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia
- Collaborative Genomics and Translation Group, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia
- Curtin Medical School, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Belinda Brown
- Centre for Healthy Ageing, Health Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch Western, Australia
- Centre for Precision Health, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia
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3
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Sha Z, Xu J, Li N, Li O. Regulatory Molecules of Synaptic Plasticity in Anxiety Disorder. Int J Gen Med 2023; 16:2877-2886. [PMID: 37435365 PMCID: PMC10332425 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s413176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Synaptic plasticity is the capacity of synaptic transmission between neurons to be strengthened or weakened. There are many signal molecules accumulated in the presynaptic and postsynaptic membranes that can lead to the regulation of synaptic plasticity and involvement in numerous of neurological and psychiatric diseases, including anxiety disorder. However, the regulatory mechanisms of synaptic plasticity in the development of anxiety disorder have not been well summarized. This review mainly aims to discuss the biological functions and mechanisms of synaptic plasticity-related molecules in anxiety disorder, with a particular focus on the metabotropic glutamate receptors, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated channels, and postsynaptic density 95. The summarized functions and mechanisms of synaptic plasticity-related molecules in anxiety will provide insight into novel neuroplasticity modifications for targeted therapy for anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongwei Sha
- Department of Mental Diseases, Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jian Xu
- Department of Mental Diseases, Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Nana Li
- Department of Mental Diseases, Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ou Li
- Department of Mental Diseases, Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
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4
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Jaehne EJ, Kent JN, Lam N, Schonfeld L, Spiers JG, Begni V, De Rosa F, Riva MA, van den Buuse M. Chronic running-wheel exercise from adolescence leads to increased anxiety and depression-like phenotypes in adulthood in rats: Effects on stress markers and interaction with BDNF Val66Met genotype. Dev Psychobiol 2023; 65:e22347. [PMID: 36567651 DOI: 10.1002/dev.22347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Exercise has been shown to be beneficial in reducing symptoms of affective disorders and to increase the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). The BDNF Val66Met polymorphism is associated with reduced activity-dependent BDNF release and increased risk for anxiety and depression. Male and female Val66Met rats were given access to running wheels from 3 weeks of age and compared to sedentary controls. Anxiety- and depression-like behaviors were measured in adulthood using the elevated plus maze (EPM), open field (OF), and forced swim test (FST). Expression of BDNF and a number of stress-related genes, the glucocorticoid receptor (Nr3c1), serum/glucocorticoid-regulated kinase 1 (Sgk1), and FK506 binding protein 51 (Fkbp5) in the hippocampus were also measured. Rats given access to running wheels developed high levels of voluntary exercise, decreased open-arm time on the EPM and center-field time in the OF, reduced overall exploratory activity in the open field, and increased immobility time in the FST with no differences between genotypes. Chronic exercise induced a significant increase in Bdnf mRNA and BDNF protein levels in the hippocampus with some of these effects being genotype specific. Exercise decreased the expression of Nr3c1 and Sgk1, but increased the expression of Fkbp5. These results suggest that chronic running-wheel exercise from adolescence increased anxiety and depression-like phenotypes in adulthood, independent of BDNF Val66Met genotype. Further studies are required to confirm that increased indices of anxiety-like behavior are independent from reduced overall locomotor activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily J Jaehne
- Department of Psychology, Counselling and Therapy, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jessica N Kent
- Department of Psychology, Counselling and Therapy, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Nikki Lam
- Department of Psychology, Counselling and Therapy, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Lina Schonfeld
- Department of Psychology, Counselling and Therapy, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jereme G Spiers
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Veronica Begni
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Federico De Rosa
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco A Riva
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,Biological Psychiatry Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| | - Maarten van den Buuse
- Department of Psychology, Counselling and Therapy, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Pharmacology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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5
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Zeng B, Yue Y, Liu T, Ahn H, Li C. The Influence of the BDNF Val66Met Variant on the Association Between Physical Activity/Grip Strength and Depressive Symptoms in Persons With Diabetes. Clin Nurs Res 2022; 31:1462-1471. [PMID: 36168703 DOI: 10.1177/10547738221119343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The rs6265 in the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is associated with depression in people with diabetes. Both physical activity (PA) and grip strength are negatively associated with depression. We conducted cross-sectional analyses of the wave 10 survey data for a nationally representative sample of 1,051 diabetes participants of the Health and Retirement Study. Both greater PA (β = -.15) and stronger grip strength (β = -.02) were independently associated with depression. Although the interaction between BDNF rs6265 and PA on depressive symptoms was not significant, the negative PA-depression association was stronger among female non-Met carriers (β = -.19) and male Met carriers (β = -.14). Meanwhile, grip strength was associated with depression only in Met carriers (β = -.04), and similar association was observed in both males and females. In conclusion, female non-Met carriers and male Met carriers may benefit from PA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Zeng
- Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chinese Academy of Sciences Sichuan Translational Medicine Research Hospital, China
| | - Yan Yue
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, China
| | - Tingting Liu
- Florida State University College of Nursing, Tallahassee, USA
| | - Hyochol Ahn
- Florida State University College of Nursing, Tallahassee, USA
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6
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Soler CT, Kanders SH, Olofsdotter S, Vadlin S, Åslund C, Nilsson KW. Exploration of the Moderating Effects of Physical Activity and Early Life Stress on the Relation between Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) rs6265 Variants and Depressive Symptoms among Adolescents. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:1236. [PMID: 35886019 PMCID: PMC9319123 DOI: 10.3390/genes13071236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Depression affects one in five persons at 18 years of age. Allele A of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) rs6265 is considered to be a risk factor for depression. Previous studies of the interaction between BDNF rs6265, early adversity, and/or physical activity have shown mixed results. In this study, we explored the relation between BDNF rs6265 polymorphism and childhood stress, as well as the moderating effect of physical activity in relation to depressive symptoms using binary logistic regressions and process models 1, 2 and 3 applied to data obtained at three times (waves 1, 2 and 3) from the Survey of Adolescent Life in Västmanland cohort study (SALVe). Results revealed that both childhood stress and physical activity had a moderation effect; physical activity in wave 1 with an R2 change = 0.006, p = 0.013, and the Johnson−Neyman regions of significance (RoS) below 1.259, p = 0.05 for 11.97%; childhood stress in wave 2 with the R2 change = 0.008, p = 0 002, and RoS below 1.561 with 26.71% and >4.515 with 18.20%; and a three-way interaction in wave 1 in genotype AA carriers. These results suggest that allele A is susceptible to physical activity (positive environment) and childhood stress (negative environment).
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Affiliation(s)
- Catalina Torres Soler
- Centre for Clinical Research, Region Västmanland, Uppsala University, 72189 Västerås, Sweden; (C.T.S.); (S.O.); (S.V.); (C.Å.); (K.W.N.)
| | - Sofia H. Kanders
- Centre for Clinical Research, Region Västmanland, Uppsala University, 72189 Västerås, Sweden; (C.T.S.); (S.O.); (S.V.); (C.Å.); (K.W.N.)
| | - Susanne Olofsdotter
- Centre for Clinical Research, Region Västmanland, Uppsala University, 72189 Västerås, Sweden; (C.T.S.); (S.O.); (S.V.); (C.Å.); (K.W.N.)
- Department of Psychology, Uppsala University, 75142 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Sofia Vadlin
- Centre for Clinical Research, Region Västmanland, Uppsala University, 72189 Västerås, Sweden; (C.T.S.); (S.O.); (S.V.); (C.Å.); (K.W.N.)
| | - Cecilia Åslund
- Centre for Clinical Research, Region Västmanland, Uppsala University, 72189 Västerås, Sweden; (C.T.S.); (S.O.); (S.V.); (C.Å.); (K.W.N.)
- Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Uppsala University, 75122 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Kent W. Nilsson
- Centre for Clinical Research, Region Västmanland, Uppsala University, 72189 Västerås, Sweden; (C.T.S.); (S.O.); (S.V.); (C.Å.); (K.W.N.)
- The School of Health, Care and Social Welfare, Mälardalen University, 72123 Västerås, Sweden
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7
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Zarza-Rebollo JA, Molina E, López-Isac E, Pérez-Gutiérrez AM, Gutiérrez B, Cervilla JA, Rivera M. Interaction Effect between Physical Activity and the BDNF Val66Met Polymorphism on Depression in Women from the PISMA-ep Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19042068. [PMID: 35206257 PMCID: PMC8872527 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19042068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The relationship between depression and the Val66Met polymorphism at the brain-derived neurotrophic factor gene (BDNF), has been largely studied. It has also been related to physical activity, although the results remain inconclusive. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between this polymorphism, depression and physical activity in a thoroughly characterised sample of community-based individuals from the PISMA-ep study. A total of 3123 participants from the PISMA-ep study were genotyped for the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism, of which 209 had depression. Our results are in line with previous studies reporting a protective effect of physical activity on depression, specifically in light intensity. Interestingly, we report a gene-environment interaction effect in which Met allele carriers of the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism who reported more hours of physical activity showed a decreased prevalence of depression. This effect was observed in the total sample (OR = 0.95, 95%CI = 0.90–0.99, p = 0.027) and was strengthened in women (OR = 0.93, 95%CI = 0.87–0.98, p = 0.019). These results highlight the potential role of physical activity as a promising therapeutic strategy for preventing and adjuvant treatment of depression and suggest molecular and genetic particularities of depression between sexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Antonio Zarza-Rebollo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain; (J.A.Z.-R.); (E.L.-I.); (A.M.P.-G.); (M.R.)
- Institute of Neurosciences, Biomedical Research Centre, University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain; (B.G.); (J.A.C.)
| | - Esther Molina
- Institute of Neurosciences, Biomedical Research Centre, University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain; (B.G.); (J.A.C.)
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
- Correspondence:
| | - Elena López-Isac
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain; (J.A.Z.-R.); (E.L.-I.); (A.M.P.-G.); (M.R.)
- Institute of Neurosciences, Biomedical Research Centre, University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain; (B.G.); (J.A.C.)
| | - Ana M. Pérez-Gutiérrez
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain; (J.A.Z.-R.); (E.L.-I.); (A.M.P.-G.); (M.R.)
- Institute of Neurosciences, Biomedical Research Centre, University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain; (B.G.); (J.A.C.)
| | - Blanca Gutiérrez
- Institute of Neurosciences, Biomedical Research Centre, University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain; (B.G.); (J.A.C.)
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Jorge A. Cervilla
- Institute of Neurosciences, Biomedical Research Centre, University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain; (B.G.); (J.A.C.)
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain
- Mental Health Service, University Hospital San Cecilio, 18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Margarita Rivera
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain; (J.A.Z.-R.); (E.L.-I.); (A.M.P.-G.); (M.R.)
- Institute of Neurosciences, Biomedical Research Centre, University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain; (B.G.); (J.A.C.)
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8
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Differential effects of ergometer-cycling and Whole-Body-Vibration training on serological BDNF and IGF-1 in the treatment of adolescent depression - is there an impact of BDNFp.Val66Met variants? Physiol Behav 2021; 241:113596. [PMID: 34536433 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2021.113596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pathogenesis and treatment of adolescent depression may be influenced by growth-factors, including brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). We investigated, if treatment response to two different add-on exercise-therapies in juvenile depression, differ in the changes of BDNF and IGF-1 serology. A subgroup analysis for genetic variations in BDNF p.Val66Met-variants was added. METHODS Included subjects in the study (N = 64), aged 13 to 17 years, were diagnosed with major depression, controls received inpatient treatment as usual (TAU). Intervention groups performed as add-on to TAU two different forms of exercise-therapy: endurance ergometer cycling (EC) and muscle strengthening whole body vibration (WBV). We expected both exercise-forms to increase BDNF and IGF-1 serology and by this pathway to improve depression scores significantly stronger than the control group. RESULTS None of the experimental groups showed significant changes in BDNF between measurement time points. However, after 6 weeks exercise, BDNF of both intervention groups were significantly higher compared to TAU,. The IGF-1 increase after 6 weeks intervention was significant for EC only. No correlations of BDNF and IGF-1 to depression scores were found. Group analysis in BDNF p.Val66Met variants showed a trend for better response in depression scores to exercise-treatment for the Val66Val group. LIMITATIONS A small sample size, the non-randomized controls and the neglect of psychosocial factors have to be considered as limitations. CONCLUSIONS Endurance and muscle strengthening trainings seem to influence serological BDNF and IGF-1 differentially. However, the changes in growth factors did not correlate to the decreases in depression scores. BDNF p.Val66Val variant seems to be more receptive for exercise treatment. Identifying biomarkers (growth factors, genetic variants) in adolescent depression could help to develop tailored treatment strategies.
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9
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Arosio B, Guerini FR, Voshaar RCO, Aprahamian I. Blood Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) and Major Depression: Do We Have a Translational Perspective? Front Behav Neurosci 2021; 15:626906. [PMID: 33643008 PMCID: PMC7906965 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2021.626906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) affects millions of people worldwide and is a leading cause of disability. Several theories have been proposed to explain its pathological mechanisms, and the “neurotrophin hypothesis of depression” involves one of the most relevant pathways. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is an important neurotrophin, and it has been extensively investigated in both experimental models and clinical studies of MDD. Robust empirical findings have indicated an association between increased BDNF gene expression and peripheral concentration with improved neuronal plasticity and neurogenesis. Additionally, several studies have indicated the blunt expression of BDNF in carriers of the Val66Met gene polymorphism and lower blood BDNF (serum or plasma) levels in depressed individuals. Clinical trials have yielded mixed results with different treatment options, peripheral blood BDNF measurement techniques, and time of observation. Previous meta-analyses of MDD treatment have indicated that antidepressants and electroconvulsive therapy showed higher levels of blood BDNF after treatment but not with physical exercise, psychotherapy, or direct current stimulation. Moreover, the rapid-acting antidepressant ketamine has presented an early increase in blood BDNF concentration. Although evidence has pointed to increased levels of BDNF after antidepressant therapy, several factors, such as heterogeneous results, low sample size, publication bias, and different BDNF measurements (serum or plasma), pose a challenge in the interpretation of the relation between peripheral blood BDNF and MDD. These potential gaps in the literature have not been properly addressed in previous narrative reviews. In this review, current evidence regarding BDNF function, genetics and epigenetics, expression, and results from clinical trials is summarized, putting the literature into a translational perspective on MDD. In general, blood BDNF cannot be recommended for use as a biomarker in clinical practice. Moreover, future studies should expand the evidence with larger samples, use the serum or serum: whole blood concentration of BDNF as a more accurate measure of peripheral BDNF, and compare its change upon different treatment modalities of MDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice Arosio
- Geriatric Unit, Fondazione Ca' Granda, IRCCS Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.,Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Richard C Oude Voshaar
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Ivan Aprahamian
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands.,Group of Investigation on Multimorbidity and Mental Health in Aging (GIMMA), Geriatrics Division, Internal Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine of Jundiaí, Jundiaí, Brazil
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10
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Lee HH, Emerson JA, Bohlen LC, Williams DM. Affective response to physical activity as an intermediate phenotype. Soc Sci Med 2021; 271:112038. [PMID: 30502097 PMCID: PMC6510653 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2018.11.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2018] [Revised: 11/02/2018] [Accepted: 11/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Over the past seventy years, biomedical and epidemiological research has shown that regular physical activity (PA) is critical for physical and mental health. Despite this knowledge, physical inactivity is the fourth leading risk factor for global mortality, accounting for 9% (5.3 million) of premature deaths annually. We suggest this mismatch between knowing about the risks of PA and engaging in regular PA can be reconciled by focusing less on expected health benefits of PA and more on how people feel during PA. Specifically, in this position paper, we argue that affective response (feeling good versus bad) to PA is an intermediate phenotype that can explain significant variance in PA behavior and is, in turn, a function of genetic variability. In making this argument, we first review empirical evidence showing that affective response to PA predicts future physical activity behavior. Second, we systematically review research on single nucleotide morphisms (SNPs) that are associated with affective response to PA. Investigating affective response to PA as an intermediate phenotype will allow future researchers to move beyond asking "What SNPs are associated with PA?", and begin asking "How do these SNPs influence PA?", thus ultimately optimizing the translation of knowledge gained from genomic data to intervention development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harold H Lee
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA.
| | - Jessica A Emerson
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
| | | | - David M Williams
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
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11
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Pitts BL, Wen V, Whealin JM, Fogle BM, Southwick SM, Esterlis I, Pietrzak RH. Depression and Cognitive Dysfunction in Older U.S. Military Veterans: Moderating Effects of BDNF Val66Met Polymorphism and Physical Exercise. Am J Geriatr Psychiatry 2020; 28:959-967. [PMID: 32122804 DOI: 10.1016/j.jagp.2020.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Revised: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Depression is associated with increased risk for cognitive dysfunction, yet little is known about genetic and behavioral factors that may moderate this association. Using data from a nationally representative sample of older U.S. military veterans, we examined the direct and interactive effects of depression, brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) Val66Met genotype, and physical exercise on cognitive functioning. METHODS One thousand three hundred eighty-six older European-American U.S. military veterans (mean age = 63) completed a web-based survey and cognitive assessment. Analyses of covariance were conducted to evaluate the effects of depression, BDNF Met allele carrier status, and physical exercise on these measures. RESULTS Depressed veterans scored worse than nondepressed veterans on subjective measures of cognitive functioning (Cohen d's = 0.34-0.57) and objective measures of visual learning (d = 0.39) and working memory (d = 0.28). Among depressed veterans, those who were Met allele carriers scored worse than Val/Val homozygotes on subjective cognitive measures (d's = 0.52-0.97) and an objective measure of visual learning (d = 0.36). Engagement in physical exercise moderated the association between depression and cognitive function, with depressed exercisers scoring better than depressed nonexercisers on a subjective measure of reasoning, and objective measures of processing speed, attention, and visual learning (d = 0.58-0.99): further, in depressed Met allele carriers, exercisers scored better than nonexercisers on subjective cognitive (d's = 0.80-1.92), and objective measures of visual learning (d = 0.8-1.31) and working memory (d = 0.67). CONCLUSION Depression is associated with moderate decrements in cognitive functioning in older U.S. military veterans, and this association is moderated by BDNF Val66Met genotype and physical exercise. Prevention and treatment efforts designed to promote physical exercise may help preserve cognitive functioning in at-risk veterans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara L Pitts
- Department of Psychological Sciences (BLP), Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS
| | - Vivian Wen
- Department of Psychiatry (VW, BMF, SMS, IE, RHP), Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Julia M Whealin
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, VA Pacific Islands Healthcare System (JMW), Honolulu, HI; University of Hawaii School of Medicine (JMW), Manoa, HI
| | - Brienna M Fogle
- Department of Psychiatry (VW, BMF, SMS, IE, RHP), Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT; U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Clinical Neurosciences Division (BMF, SMS, RHP), National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT
| | - Steven M Southwick
- Department of Psychiatry (VW, BMF, SMS, IE, RHP), Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT; U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Clinical Neurosciences Division (BMF, SMS, RHP), National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT
| | - Irina Esterlis
- Department of Psychiatry (VW, BMF, SMS, IE, RHP), Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Robert H Pietrzak
- Department of Psychiatry (VW, BMF, SMS, IE, RHP), Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT; U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Clinical Neurosciences Division (BMF, SMS, RHP), National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT.
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12
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Establishing a Scientific Consensus on the Cognitive Benefits of Physical Activity. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 17:ijerph17010029. [PMID: 31861454 PMCID: PMC6981850 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17010029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Revised: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Research suggests that physical activity can be used as an intervention to increase cognitive function. Yet, there are competing views on the cognitive effects of physical activity and it is not clear what level of consensus exists among researchers in the field. The purpose of this study was two-fold: Firstly, to quantify the scientific consensus by focusing on the relationship between physical activity and cognitive function. Secondly, to investigate if there is a gap between the public’s and scientists’ interpretations of scientific texts on this topic. A two-phase study was performed by including 75 scientists in the first phase and 15 non-scientists in the second phase. Participants were asked to categorize article abstracts in terms of endorsement of the effect of physical activity on cognitive function. Results indicated that there was a 76.1% consensus that physical activity has positive cognitive effects. There was a consistent association between scientists’ and non-scientists’ categorizations, suggesting that both groups perceived abstracts in a similar fashion. Taken together, this study provides the first analysis of its kind to evaluate the level of consensus in almost two decades of research. The present data can be used to inform further research and practice.
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Kandola A, Ashdown-Franks G, Hendrikse J, Sabiston CM, Stubbs B. Physical activity and depression: Towards understanding the antidepressant mechanisms of physical activity. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2019; 107:525-539. [PMID: 31586447 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2019.09.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 466] [Impact Index Per Article: 93.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Revised: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 09/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Physical activity can treat and prevent depressive symptoms, but its antidepressant mechanisms are yet to be established. In this review, we comprehensively assess key biological and psychosocial mechanisms through which physical activity exerts antidepressant effects, with a particular focus on exercise. Exercise, a subset of physical activity, influences a range of biological and psychosocial processes also implicated in the pathophysiology of depression. We focus on the capacity for exercise to elicit changes in neuroplasticity, inflammation, oxidative stress, the endocrine system, self-esteem, social support and self-efficacy. We also discuss how a better understanding of these mechanisms can inform the way we design and implement exercise-based interventions to maximise their antidepressant effects on an individual basis. We conclude by presenting a conceptual framework of the key biological and psychosocial mechanisms underlying the relationship between physical activity and depressive symptoms, and the moderators and confounders that may influence it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Kandola
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK.
| | - Garcia Ashdown-Franks
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK; Department of Exercise Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Joshua Hendrikse
- Brain, Mind and Society Research Hub, School of Psychological Sciences and Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Brendon Stubbs
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK; Physiotherapy Department, South London and Maudsley National Health Services Foundation Trust, London, UK
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14
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Jiang C, Lin WJ, Sadahiro M, Labonté B, Menard C, Pfau ML, Tamminga CA, Turecki G, Nestler EJ, Russo SJ, Salton SR. VGF function in depression and antidepressant efficacy. Mol Psychiatry 2018; 23:1632-1642. [PMID: 29158577 PMCID: PMC5962361 DOI: 10.1038/mp.2017.233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2017] [Revised: 09/18/2017] [Accepted: 10/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a critical effector of depression-like behaviors and antidepressant responses. Here, we show that VGF (non-acronymic), which is robustly regulated by BDNF/TrkB signaling, is downregulated in hippocampus (male/female) and upregulated in nucleus accumbens (NAc) (male) in depressed human subjects and in mice subjected to chronic social defeat stress (CSDS). Adeno-associated virus (AAV)-Cre-mediated Vgf ablation in floxed VGF mice, in dorsal hippocampus (dHc) or NAc, led to pro-depressant or antidepressant behaviors, respectively, while dHc- or NAc-AAV-VGF overexpression induced opposite outcomes. Mice with reduced VGF levels in the germ line (Vgf+/-) or in dHc (AAV-Cre-injected floxed mice) showed increased susceptibility to CSDS and impaired responses to ketamine treatment in the forced swim test. Floxed mice with conditional pan-neuronal (Synapsin-Cre) but not those with forebrain (αCaMKII-Cre) Vgf ablation displayed increased susceptibility to subthreshold social defeat stress, suggesting that neuronal VGF, expressed in part in inhibitory interneurons, regulates depression-like behavior. Acute antibody-mediated sequestration of VGF-derived C-terminal peptides AQEE-30 and TLQP-62 in dHc induced pro-depressant effects. Conversely, dHc TLQP-62 infusion had rapid antidepressant efficacy, which was reduced in BDNF floxed mice injected in dHc with AAV-Cre, and in NBQX- and rapamycin-pretreated wild-type mice, these compounds blocking α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptor and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling, respectively. VGF is therefore a critical modulator of depression-like behaviors in dHc and NAc. In hippocampus, the antidepressant response to ketamine is associated with rapid VGF translation, is impaired by reduced VGF expression, and as previously reported, requires coincident, rapid BDNF translation and release.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Jiang
- Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA,Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Wei-Jye Lin
- Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Masato Sadahiro
- Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA,Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Benoit Labonté
- Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Caroline Menard
- Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Madeline L. Pfau
- Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA,Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Carol A. Tamminga
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75235, USA
| | - Gustavo Turecki
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Eric J. Nestler
- Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA,Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Scott J. Russo
- Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA,Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Stephen R. Salton
- Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA,Department of Geriatrics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA,Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA,Corresponding author: Dr. Stephen R. Salton, Department of Neuroscience, Box 1639, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York NY, 10029 USA Tel: 1-212-824-9308; Fax: 1-646-537-9583;
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15
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Rahman MS, Millischer V, Zeebari Z, Forsell Y, Lavebratt C. BDNF Val66Met and childhood adversity on response to physical exercise and internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy in depressed Swedish adults. J Psychiatr Res 2017; 93:50-58. [PMID: 28578208 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2017.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2016] [Revised: 05/16/2017] [Accepted: 05/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The genetic effect of Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) on treatment response in depression is not consistent in the literature. Childhood adversity is a known risk factor for depression which has been reported to increase depression susceptibility by interacting with BDNF genetic variation. We aimed to explore whether the BDNF variation Val66Met and childhood adversity (CA) predicted the treatment response to a 12-week intervention with physical exercise (PE) or internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy (ICBT) when compared with treatment as usual (TAU). A prospective cohort study nested within a randomised control trial was conducted using data from 547 participants with mild to moderate depression. Depression severity at baseline and follow-up was measured using the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale. Met allele carriers without exposure to CA and current antidepressant use showed higher treatment response to PE than Val homozygotes. There was no evidence to support that BDNF Val66Met or CA alone predicted treatment response to PE and ICBT. The Met carriers had higher serum mature BDNF level. These data suggest that Met allele carriers benefit more from PE treatment but only if they are not exposed to early adversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Shafiqur Rahman
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Vincent Millischer
- Neurogenetics Unit, Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Zangin Zeebari
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Yvonne Forsell
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Catharina Lavebratt
- Neurogenetics Unit, Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
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16
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Fan M, Li RH, Hu MS, Xiao LY, Zhou XD, Ran MS, Fang DZ. Association of Val66Met polymorphism at brain derived neurotrophic factor gene with depression among Chinese adolescents after Wenchuan earthquake: An 18months longitudinal study. Physiol Behav 2017; 179:16-22. [PMID: 28527683 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2017.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2016] [Revised: 04/11/2017] [Accepted: 05/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
To longitudinally investigate the association of Val66Met polymorphism at brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene (BDNF) with depression in Chinese Han adolescents after the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake, BDNF Val66Met was identified by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism analyses and verified by DNA sequencing. Depression was assessed by Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) among high school students at 6, 12 and 18months after the earthquake. The results showed that the females constantly had higher depression prevalence than the males during the follow-up in the Met allele carriers, but not in the Val/Val homozygotes. When compared to that at 6months, the prevalence was lowered at 12months in the male Met allele carriers, and at 18months in all the females and the male Met allele carriers. Moreover, the Met allele carriers had higher BDI scores than the Val/Val homozygotes only in the females at 18months. The females had higher BDI scores than the males constantly during the follow-up in the Met allele carriers and at 12months only in the Val/Val homozygotes. When compared to those at 12months, the scores decreased at 18months in all the females and the male Met allele carriers. In addition, the potential factors of prevalence or predictors of severity of depression were different between the Val/Val homozygotes and the Met allele carriers at different times after the earthquake. The results suggest that interactions may occur after stresses among BDNF Val66Met, gender and time course to influence depression. This may be one of the explanations for the inconsistent relationships reported before between depression and BDNF Val66Met and need to take into account for precision medical and more effective interference of depression in adolescents after disasters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Fan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, West China School of Preclinical and Forensic Medicine, and State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Rong Hui Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, West China School of Preclinical and Forensic Medicine, and State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Min Shan Hu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, West China School of Preclinical and Forensic Medicine, and State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Li Ying Xiao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, West China School of Preclinical and Forensic Medicine, and State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xue Dong Zhou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, West China School of Preclinical and Forensic Medicine, and State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Mao Sheng Ran
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, University of Hong Kong, China.
| | - Ding Zhi Fang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, West China School of Preclinical and Forensic Medicine, and State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
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17
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Ieraci A, Madaio AI, Mallei A, Lee FS, Popoli M. Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Val66Met Human Polymorphism Impairs the Beneficial Exercise-Induced Neurobiological Changes in Mice. Neuropsychopharmacology 2016; 41:3070-3079. [PMID: 27388329 PMCID: PMC5101555 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2016.120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2016] [Revised: 06/15/2016] [Accepted: 06/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Several studies have shown that exercise improves cognitive functions and emotional behaviors. Positive effects of exercise have been associated with enhanced brain plasticity, adult hippocampal neurogenesis, and increased levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). However, a substantial variability of individual response to exercise has been described, which may be accounted for by individual genetic variants. Here, we have assessed whether and how the common human BDNF Val66Met polymorphism influences the neurobiological effects modulated by exercise in BDNF Val66Met knock-in male mice. Wild-type (BDNFVal/Val) and homozygous BDNF Val66Met (BDNFMet/Met) male mice were housed in cages equipped with or without running wheels for 4 weeks. Changes in behavioral phenotype, hippocampal adult neurogenesis, and gene expression were evaluated in exercised and sedentary control mice. We found that exercise reduced the latency to feed in the novelty suppressed feeding and the immobility time in the forced swimming test in BDNFVal/Val but not in BDNFMet/Met mice. Hippocampal neurogenesis was reduced in BDNFMet/Met mice compared with BDNFVal/Val mice. BDNFMet/Met mice had lower basal BDNF protein levels in the hippocampus, which was not recovered following exercise. Moreover, exercise-induced expression of total BDNF, BDNF splice variants 1, 2, 4, 6 and fibronectin type III domain-containing protein 5 (FNDC5) mRNA levels were absent or reduced in the dentate gyrus of BDNFMet/Met mice. Exercise failed to enhance PGC-1α and FNDC5 mRNA levels in the BDNFMet/Met muscle. Overall these results indicate that, in adult male mice, the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism impairs the beneficial behavioral and neuroplasticity effects induced by physical exercise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Ieraci
- Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology and Functional Neurogenomics, Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari and Center of Excellence on Neurodegenerative Diseases, Università di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Alessandro I Madaio
- Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology and Functional Neurogenomics, Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari and Center of Excellence on Neurodegenerative Diseases, Università di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Alessandra Mallei
- Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology and Functional Neurogenomics, Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari and Center of Excellence on Neurodegenerative Diseases, Università di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Francis S Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Maurizio Popoli
- Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology and Functional Neurogenomics, Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari and Center of Excellence on Neurodegenerative Diseases, Università di Milano, Milano, Italy
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18
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Physical Activity Is Associated with Reduced Implicit Learning but Enhanced Relational Memory and Executive Functioning in Young Adults. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0162100. [PMID: 27584059 PMCID: PMC5008769 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0162100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2016] [Accepted: 08/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence suggests that physical activity improves explicit memory and executive cognitive functioning at the extreme ends of the lifespan (i.e., in older adults and children). However, it is unknown whether these associations hold for younger adults who are considered to be in their cognitive prime, or for implicit cognitive functions that do not depend on motor sequencing. Here we report the results of a study in which we examine the relationship between objectively measured physical activity and (1) explicit relational memory, (2) executive control, and (3) implicit probabilistic sequence learning in a sample of healthy, college-aged adults. The main finding was that physical activity was positively associated with explicit relational memory and executive control (replicating previous research), but negatively associated with implicit learning, particularly in females. These results raise the intriguing possibility that physical activity upregulates some cognitive processes, but downregulates others. Possible implications of this pattern of results for physical health and health habits are discussed.
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Dotson VM, Hsu FC, Langaee TY, McDonough CW, King AC, Cohen RA, Newman AB, Kritchevsky SB, Myers V, Manini TM, Pahor M. Genetic Moderators of the Impact of Physical Activity on Depressive Symptoms. J Frailty Aging 2016; 5:6-14. [PMID: 26980363 DOI: 10.14283/jfa.2016.76] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Converging evidence suggests that physical activity is an effective intervention for both clinical depression and sub-threshold depressive symptoms; however, findings are not always consistent. These mixed results might reflect heterogeneity in response to physical activity, with some subgroups of individuals responding positively, but not others. OBJECTIVES 1) To examine the impact of genetic variation and sex on changes in depressive symptoms in older adults after a physical activity (PA) intervention, and 2) to determine if PA differentially improves particular symptom dimensions of depression. DESIGN Randomized controlled trial. SETTING Four field centers (Cooper Institute, Stanford University, University of Pittsburgh, and Wake Forest University). PARTICIPANTS 396 community-dwelling adults aged 70-89 years who participated in the Lifestyle Interventions and Independence for Elders Pilot Study (LIFE-P). INTERVENTION 12-month PA intervention compared to an education control. MEASUREMENTS Polymorphisms in the serotonin transporter (5-HTT), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and apolipoprotein E (APOE) genes; 12-month change in the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale total score, as well as scores on the depressed affect, somatic symptoms, and lack of positive affect subscales. RESULTS Men randomized to the PA arm showed the greatest decreases in somatic symptoms, with a preferential benefit in male carriers of the BDNF Met allele. Symptoms of lack of positive affect decreased more in men compared to women, particularly in those possessing the 5-HTT L allele, but the effect did not differ by intervention arm. APOE status did not affect change in depressive symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Results of this study suggest that the impact of PA on depressive symptoms varies by genotype and sex, and that PA may mitigate somatic symptoms of depression more than other symptoms. The results suggest that a targeted approach to recommending PA therapy for treatment of depression is viable.
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Affiliation(s)
- V M Dotson
- Vonetta Dotson, Ph.D., Department of Clinical and Health, Psychology, University of Florida, P.O. Box 100165, Gainesville, FL 32610-0165, USA. Phone: +1 (352) 273-6041. Fax: +1 (352) 273-6156.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruchika Shaurya Prakash
- Department of Psychology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210;
- Center for Cognitive and Brain Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210
| | - Michelle W. Voss
- Department of Psychology and
- Aging Mind and Brain Initiative, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242;
| | - Kirk I. Erickson
- Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260;
- Center for the Neural Basis of Cognition, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213
| | - Arthur F. Kramer
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801;
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