1
|
Chang CW, Tan CH, Hong WP, Yu RL. GBA moderates cognitive reserve's effect on cognitive function in patients with Parkinson's disease. J Neurol 2024; 271:4392-4405. [PMID: 38656622 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-024-12374-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cognitive reserve (CR) involves an individual's ability to maintain cognitive vitality over their lifespan. Glucocerebrosidase (GBA) gene mutations contribute to additional effects on cognitive function in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients, but the interplay between GBA mutations and CR remains unclear. We investigated the interactions among CR, GBA, and diseases, aiming to examine whether the CR established at different stages interacts with specific genotypes to affect cognitive function. METHODS Three hundred and eighteen participants' CR indicators (i.e., education, occupation, and social function) and comprehensive neuropsychological function (i.e., tests for executive function, attention/working memory, visuospatial function, memory, and language) were evaluated. RESULTS We found that CR established in a specific life stage influences the individual's cognitive function, particularly in PD, based on their distinct GBA rs9628662 genotypes. Attention/working memory and memory performance are affected by occupational complexity in midlife in PD patients with the GG genotype (q < 0.0001; q < 0.0001) and healthy adults with the T genotype (q = 0.0440; q < 0.0001). Language is influenced by early education and occupation, and the effects of occupation are also observed in PD patients with the GG genotype (q = 0.0040) and in healthy adults carrying the T genotype (q = 0.0040). CONCLUSIONS CR, established at different life stages, can be influenced by the GBA rs9628662 genotype, impacting later-life cognition. Validating genotypes and incorporating genotype information when assessing cognitive reserve effects is crucial and can enhance targeted cognitive training.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Wen Chang
- Institute of Behavioral Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Hsiang Tan
- Department of Neurology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Pin Hong
- Department of Neurology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Rwei-Ling Yu
- Institute of Behavioral Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.
- Office of Strategic Planning, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
de Vries LE, Huitinga I, Kessels HW, Swaab DF, Verhaagen J. The concept of resilience to Alzheimer's Disease: current definitions and cellular and molecular mechanisms. Mol Neurodegener 2024; 19:33. [PMID: 38589893 PMCID: PMC11003087 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-024-00719-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Some individuals are able to maintain their cognitive abilities despite the presence of significant Alzheimer's Disease (AD) neuropathological changes. This discrepancy between cognition and pathology has been labeled as resilience and has evolved into a widely debated concept. External factors such as cognitive stimulation are associated with resilience to AD, but the exact cellular and molecular underpinnings are not completely understood. In this review, we discuss the current definitions used in the field, highlight the translational approaches used to investigate resilience to AD and summarize the underlying cellular and molecular substrates of resilience that have been derived from human and animal studies, which have received more and more attention in the last few years. From these studies the picture emerges that resilient individuals are different from AD patients in terms of specific pathological species and their cellular reaction to AD pathology, which possibly helps to maintain cognition up to a certain tipping point. Studying these rare resilient individuals can be of great importance as it could pave the way to novel therapeutic avenues for AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luuk E de Vries
- Department of Neuroregeneration, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, 1105 BA, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Inge Huitinga
- Department of Neuroimmunology, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, 1105 BA, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Helmut W Kessels
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Amsterdam Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, 1098 XH, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Dick F Swaab
- Department of Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, an Institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, 1105 BA, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Joost Verhaagen
- Department of Neuroregeneration, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, 1105 BA, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Neuroscience Campus Amsterdam, VU University, Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Raykov PP, Knights E, Cam-Can, Henson RN. Does functional system segregation mediate the effects of lifestyle on cognition in older adults? Neurobiol Aging 2024; 134:126-134. [PMID: 38070445 PMCID: PMC10789480 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2023.11.009] [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] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/02/2024]
Abstract
Healthy aging is typically accompanied by cognitive decline. Previous work has shown that engaging in multiple, non-work activities during midlife can have a protective effect on cognition several decades later, rendering it less dependent on brain structural health; the definition of "cognitive reserve". Other work has shown that increasing age is associated with reduced segregation of large-scale brain functional networks. Here we tested the hypothesis that functional segregation (SyS) mediates this effect of middle-aged lifestyle on late-life cognition. We used fMRI data from three tasks in the CamCAN dataset, together with cognitive data on fluid intelligence, episodic memory, and retrospective lifestyle data from the Lifetime of Experiences Questionnaire (LEQ). In all three tasks, we showed that SyS related to fluid intelligence even after adjusting for the (nonlinear) age effects. However, we found no evidence that SyS in late-life mediated the relationship between non-specific (non-occupation) midlife activities and either measure of cognition in late-life. Thus, the brain correlates of cognitive reserve arising from mid-life activities remain to be discovered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Petar P Raykov
- Medical Research Council Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge, UK.
| | - Ethan Knights
- Medical Research Council Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge, UK
| | - Cam-Can
- Medical Research Council Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge, UK; Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, UK
| | - Richard N Henson
- Medical Research Council Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge, UK; Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, UK
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Louras P, Brown LM, Gomez R, Warren SL, Fairchild JK. BDNF Val66Met Moderates the Effects of Hypertension on Executive Functioning in Older Adults Diagnosed With aMCI. Am J Geriatr Psychiatry 2022; 30:1223-1233. [PMID: 35779988 DOI: 10.1016/j.jagp.2022.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate whether the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism influences the associations of hypertension, executive functioning and processing speed in older adults diagnosed with amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment (aMCI). DESIGN Secondary data analysis using moderation modeling. SETTING Veterans Affairs Hospital, Palo Alto, CA. PARTICIPANTS Sample included 108 community-dwelling volunteers (mean age 71.3 ± 9.2 years) diagnosed with aMCI. MEASUREMENTS Cognitive performance was evaluated from multiple baseline assessments (Trail Making Test; Stroop Color-Word Test; Symbol Digit Modality Test) and grouped into standardized composite scores representing executive function and processing speed domains. BDNF genotypes were determined from whole blood samples. Hypertension was assessed from resting blood pressures or by self-report. RESULTS Controlling for age, BDNF Val66Met moderated the effects of hypertension on executive functioning, but added no significant variance to processing speed scores. Specifically, hypertensive carriers of the BDNF Met allele performed significantly below the sample mean on tasks of executive functioning, and evidenced significantly lower scores when compared to Val-Val homozygotes and normotensive participants. CONCLUSIONS Results posit that the executive functioning of non-demented older adults may be susceptible to interactions between BDNF genotype and hypertension, and Val-Val homozygotes and normotensive older adults may be more resilient to these effects of cognitive change. Further research is needed to understand the underlying processes and to implement strategies that target modifiable risk factors and promote cognitive resilience.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter Louras
- Sierra Pacific Mental Illness Research (PL, JKF), Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC) at VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (PL, LMB, JKF), Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
| | - Lisa M Brown
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (PL, LMB, JKF), Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA; Department of Psychology (LMB, RG, SLW), Palo Alto University, Palo Alto, CA
| | - Rowena Gomez
- Department of Psychology (LMB, RG, SLW), Palo Alto University, Palo Alto, CA
| | - Stacie L Warren
- Department of Psychology (LMB, RG, SLW), Palo Alto University, Palo Alto, CA
| | - Jennifer Kaci Fairchild
- Sierra Pacific Mental Illness Research (PL, JKF), Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC) at VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (PL, LMB, JKF), Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Papoutsi M, Flower M, Hensman Moss DJ, Holmans P, Estevez-Fraga C, Johnson EB, Scahill RI, Rees G, Langbehn D, Tabrizi SJ. Intellectual enrichment and genetic modifiers of cognition and brain volume in Huntington's disease. Brain Commun 2022; 4:fcac279. [PMID: 36519153 PMCID: PMC9732861 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcac279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
An important step towards the development of treatments for cognitive impairment in ageing and neurodegenerative diseases is to identify genetic and environmental modifiers of cognitive function and understand the mechanism by which they exert an effect. In Huntington's disease, the most common autosomal dominant dementia, a small number of studies have identified intellectual enrichment, i.e. a cognitively stimulating lifestyle and genetic polymorphisms as potential modifiers of cognitive function. The aim of our study was to further investigate the relationship and interaction between genetic factors and intellectual enrichment on cognitive function and brain atrophy in Huntington's disease. For this purpose, we analysed data from Track-HD, a multi-centre longitudinal study in Huntington's disease gene carriers and focused on the role of intellectual enrichment (estimated at baseline) and the genes FAN1, MSH3, BDNF, COMT and MAPT in predicting cognitive decline and brain atrophy. We found that carrying the 3a allele in the MSH3 gene had a positive effect on global cognitive function and brain atrophy in multiple cortical regions, such that 3a allele carriers had a slower rate of cognitive decline and atrophy compared with non-carriers, in agreement with its role in somatic instability. No other genetic predictor had a significant effect on cognitive function and the effect of MSH3 was independent of intellectual enrichment. Intellectual enrichment also had a positive effect on cognitive function; participants with higher intellectual enrichment, i.e. those who were better educated, had higher verbal intelligence and performed an occupation that was intellectually engaging, had better cognitive function overall, in agreement with previous studies in Huntington's disease and other dementias. We also found that intellectual enrichment interacted with the BDNF gene, such that the positive effect of intellectual enrichment was greater in Met66 allele carriers than non-carriers. A similar relationship was also identified for changes in whole brain and caudate volume; the positive effect of intellectual enrichment was greater for Met66 allele carriers, rather than for non-carriers. In summary, our study provides additional evidence for the beneficial role of intellectual enrichment and carrying the 3a allele in MSH3 in cognitive function in Huntington's disease and their effect on brain structure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marina Papoutsi
- UCL Huntington’s Disease Centre, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
- Ixico plc, London, UK
| | - Michael Flower
- UCL Huntington’s Disease Centre, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Davina J Hensman Moss
- UCL Huntington’s Disease Centre, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Peter Holmans
- MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Carlos Estevez-Fraga
- UCL Huntington’s Disease Centre, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Eileanoir B Johnson
- UCL Huntington’s Disease Centre, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Rachael I Scahill
- UCL Huntington’s Disease Centre, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Geraint Rees
- Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, University College London, London, UK
| | - Douglas Langbehn
- Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Sarah J Tabrizi
- UCL Huntington’s Disease Centre, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute at University College London, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Brichko R, Soldan A, Zhu Y, Wang MC, Faria A, Albert M, Pettigrew C. Age-Dependent Association Between Cognitive Reserve Proxy and Longitudinal White Matter Microstructure in Older Adults. Front Psychol 2022; 13:859826. [PMID: 35756247 PMCID: PMC9226781 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.859826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective This study examined the association of lifetime experiences, measured by a cognitive reserve (CR) composite score composed of years of education, literacy, and vocabulary measures, to level and rate of change in white matter microstructure, as assessed by diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) measures. We also examined whether the relationship between the proxy CR composite score and white matter microstructure was modified by participant age, APOE-ε4 genetic status, and level of vascular risk. Methods A sample of 192 non-demented (n = 166 cognitively normal, n = 26 mild cognitive impairment) older adults [mean age = 70.17 (SD = 8.5) years] from the BIOCARD study underwent longitudinal DTI (mean follow-up = 2.5 years, max = 4.7 years). White matter microstructure was quantified by fractional anisotropy (FA) and radial diffusivity (RD) values in global white matter tracts and medial temporal lobe (MTL) white matter tracts. Results Using longitudinal linear mixed effect models, we found that FA decreased over time and RD increased over time in both the global and MTL DTI composites, but the rate of change in these DTI measures was not related to level of CR. However, there were significant interactions between the CR composite score and age for global RD in the full sample, and for global FA, global RD, and MTL RD among those with normal cognition. These interactions indicated that among participants with a lower baseline age, higher CR composite scores were associated with higher FA and lower RD values, while among participants with higher age at baseline, higher CR composite scores were associated with lower FA and higher RD values. Furthermore, these relationships were not modified by APOE-ε4 genotype or level of vascular risk. Conclusion The association between level of CR and DTI measures differs by age, suggesting a possible neuroprotective effect of CR among late middle-aged adults that shifts to a compensatory effect among older adults.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rostislav Brichko
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Anja Soldan
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Yuxin Zhu
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Mei-Cheng Wang
- Department of Biostatistics, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Andreia Faria
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Marilyn Albert
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Corinne Pettigrew
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States,*Correspondence: Corinne Pettigrew,
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Montemurro S, Daini R, Tagliabue C, Guzzetti S, Gualco G, Mondini S, Arcara G. Cognitive reserve estimated with a life experience questionnaire outperforms education in predicting performance on MoCA: Italian normative data. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-022-03062-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
|
8
|
Requena-Ocaña N, Araos P, Flores M, García-Marchena N, Silva-Peña D, Aranda J, Rivera P, Ruiz JJ, Serrano A, Pavón FJ, Suárez J, Rodríguez de Fonseca F. Evaluation of neurotrophic factors and education level as predictors of cognitive decline in alcohol use disorder. Sci Rep 2021; 11:15583. [PMID: 34341419 PMCID: PMC8328971 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-95131-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cognitive reserve (CR) is the capability of an individual to cope with a brain pathology through compensatory mechanisms developed through cognitive stimulation by mental and physical activity. Recently, it has been suggested that CR has a protective role against the initiation of substance use, substance consumption patterns and cognitive decline and can improve responses to treatment. However, CR has never been linked to cognitive function and neurotrophic factors in the context of alcohol consumption. The present cross-sectional study aims to evaluate the association between CR (evaluated by educational level), cognitive impairment (assessed using a frontal and memory loss assessment battery) and circulating levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) in patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD). Our results indicated that lower educational levels were accompanied by earlier onset of alcohol consumption and earlier development of alcohol dependence, as well as impaired frontal cognitive function. They also suggest that CR, NT-3 and BDNF may act as compensatory mechanisms for cognitive decline in the early stages of AUD, but not in later phases. These parameters allow the identification of patients with AUD who are at risk of cognitive deterioration and the implementation of personalized interventions to preserve cognitive function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nerea Requena-Ocaña
- Mental Health Clinical Management Unit, Institute of Biomedical Research of Malaga-IBIMA, Regional University Hospital of Málaga, 29010, Málaga, Spain.
- School of Psychology, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
- Laboratorio de Investigación, IBIMA, Hospital Universitario Regional de Málaga, Avenida Carlos Haya 82, 29010, Málaga, Spain.
| | - Pedro Araos
- Mental Health Clinical Management Unit, Institute of Biomedical Research of Malaga-IBIMA, Regional University Hospital of Málaga, 29010, Málaga, Spain
- Department of Psychobiology and Methodology of Behavioral Sciences, School of Psychology, University of Málaga, 29010, Málaga, Spain
| | - María Flores
- Mental Health Clinical Management Unit, Institute of Biomedical Research of Malaga-IBIMA, Regional University Hospital of Málaga, 29010, Málaga, Spain
| | - Nuria García-Marchena
- Mental Health Clinical Management Unit, Institute of Biomedical Research of Malaga-IBIMA, Regional University Hospital of Málaga, 29010, Málaga, Spain
| | - Daniel Silva-Peña
- Mental Health Clinical Management Unit, Institute of Biomedical Research of Malaga-IBIMA, Regional University Hospital of Málaga, 29010, Málaga, Spain
| | - Jesús Aranda
- Mental Health Clinical Management Unit, Institute of Biomedical Research of Malaga-IBIMA, Regional University Hospital of Málaga, 29010, Málaga, Spain
- School of Medicine, University of Málaga, 29071, Málaga, Spain
| | - Patricia Rivera
- Mental Health Clinical Management Unit, Institute of Biomedical Research of Malaga-IBIMA, Regional University Hospital of Málaga, 29010, Málaga, Spain
| | - Juan Jesús Ruiz
- Provincial Drug Addiction Center of Málaga, Provincial Council of Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Antonia Serrano
- Mental Health Clinical Management Unit, Institute of Biomedical Research of Malaga-IBIMA, Regional University Hospital of Málaga, 29010, Málaga, Spain
| | - Francisco Javier Pavón
- Mental Health Clinical Management Unit, Institute of Biomedical Research of Malaga-IBIMA, Regional University Hospital of Málaga, 29010, Málaga, Spain
- Cardiac Clinical Management Unit, IBIMA, University Hospital Virgen de la Victoria, 29010, Málaga, Spain
| | - Juan Suárez
- Mental Health Clinical Management Unit, Institute of Biomedical Research of Malaga-IBIMA, Regional University Hospital of Málaga, 29010, Málaga, Spain.
- Department of Human Anatomy, Legal Medicine and History of Science, IBIMA, Facultad de Medicina, University of Málaga, Bulevar Louis Pausteur, 29071, Málaga, Spain.
| | - Fernando Rodríguez de Fonseca
- Mental Health Clinical Management Unit, Institute of Biomedical Research of Malaga-IBIMA, Regional University Hospital of Málaga, 29010, Málaga, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
BDNF Impact on Biological Markers of Depression-Role of Physical Exercise and Training. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18147553. [PMID: 34300001 PMCID: PMC8307197 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18147553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Depression is the most common and devastating psychiatric disorder in the world. Its symptoms, especially during the pandemic, are observed in all age groups. Exercise training (ET) is well known as a non-pharmacological strategy to alleviate clinical depression. The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is one of the biological factors whose expression and secretion are intensified in response to ET. BDNF is also secreted by contracted skeletal muscle that likely exerts para-, auto- and endocrine effects, supporting the crosstalk between skeletal muscle and other distant organs/tissues, such as the nervous system. This finding suggests that they communicate and work together to induce improvements on mood, cognition, and learning processes as BDNF is the main player in the neurogenesis, growth, and survival of neurons. Therefore, BDNF has been recognized as a therapeutic factor in clinical depression, especially in response to ET. The underlying mechanisms through which ET impacts depression are varied. The aim of this review was to provide information of the biological markers of depression such as monoamines, tryptophan, endocannabinoids, markers of inflammatory processes (oxidative stress and cytokines) stress and sex hormones and their relationship to BDNF. In addition, we reviewed the effects of ET on BNDF expression and how it impacts depression as well as the potential mechanisms mediating this process, providing a better understanding of underlying ET-related mechanisms in depression.
Collapse
|
10
|
de Las Heras B, Rodrigues L, Cristini J, Weiss M, Prats-Puig A, Roig M. Does the Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Val66Met Polymorphism Modulate the Effects of Physical Activity and Exercise on Cognition? Neuroscientist 2020; 28:69-86. [PMID: 33300425 DOI: 10.1177/1073858420975712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The Val66Met is a polymorphism of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene that encodes a substitution of a valine (Val) to methionine (Met) amino acid. Carrying this polymorphism reduces the activity-dependent secretion of the BDNF protein, which can potentially affect brain plasticity and cognition. We reviewed the biology of Val66Met and surveyed 26 studies (11,417 participants) that examined the role of this polymorphism in moderating the cognitive response to physical activity (PA) and exercise. Nine observational studies confirmed a moderating effect of Val66Met on the cognitive response to PA but differences between Val and Met carriers were inconsistent and only significant in some cognitive domains. Only five interventional studies found a moderating effect of Val66Met on the cognitive response to exercise, which was also inconsistent in its direction. Two studies showed a superior cognitive response in Val carriers and three studies showed a better response in Met carriers. These results do not support a general and consistent effect of Val66Met in moderating the cognitive response to PA or exercise. Both Val and Met carriers can improve specific aspects of cognition by increasing PA and engaging in exercise. Causes for discrepancies among studies, effect moderators, and future directions are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bernat de Las Heras
- Memory and Motor Rehabilitation Laboratory (MEMORY-LAB), Feil and Oberfeld Research Centre, Jewish Rehabilitation Hospital, Montreal Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation (CRIR), Laval, Quebec, Canada.,School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Lynden Rodrigues
- Memory and Motor Rehabilitation Laboratory (MEMORY-LAB), Feil and Oberfeld Research Centre, Jewish Rehabilitation Hospital, Montreal Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation (CRIR), Laval, Quebec, Canada.,School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jacopo Cristini
- Memory and Motor Rehabilitation Laboratory (MEMORY-LAB), Feil and Oberfeld Research Centre, Jewish Rehabilitation Hospital, Montreal Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation (CRIR), Laval, Quebec, Canada.,School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Maxana Weiss
- Memory and Motor Rehabilitation Laboratory (MEMORY-LAB), Feil and Oberfeld Research Centre, Jewish Rehabilitation Hospital, Montreal Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation (CRIR), Laval, Quebec, Canada.,School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Anna Prats-Puig
- University School of Health and Sport (EUSES), University of Girona, Girona, Catalunya, Spain
| | - Marc Roig
- Memory and Motor Rehabilitation Laboratory (MEMORY-LAB), Feil and Oberfeld Research Centre, Jewish Rehabilitation Hospital, Montreal Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation (CRIR), Laval, Quebec, Canada.,School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
The BDNF Val66Met Polymorphism Modulates Resilience of Neurological Functioning to Brain Ageing and Dementia: A Narrative Review. Brain Sci 2020; 10:brainsci10040195. [PMID: 32218234 PMCID: PMC7226504 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10040195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Revised: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) is an abundant and multi-function neurotrophin in the brain. It is released following neuronal activity and is believed to be particularly important in strengthening neural networks. A common variation in the BDNF gene, a valine to methionine substitution at codon 66 (Val66Met), has been linked to differential expression of BDNF associated with experience-dependent plasticity. The Met allele has been associated with reduced production of BDNF following neuronal stimulation, which suggests a potential role of this variation with respect to how the nervous system may respond to challenges, such as brain ageing and related neurodegenerative conditions (e.g., dementia and Alzheimer’s disease). The current review examines the potential of the BDNF Val66Met variation to modulate an individual’s susceptibility and trajectory through cognitive changes associated with ageing and dementia. On balance, research to date indicates that the BDNF Met allele at this codon is potentially associated with a detrimental influence on the level of cognitive functioning in older adults and may also impart increased risk of progression to dementia. Furthermore, recent studies also show that this genetic variation may modulate an individual’s response to interventions targeted at building cognitive resilience to conditions that cause dementia.
Collapse
|
12
|
de Assis GG, Hoffman JR, Gasanov EV. BDNF Val66Met Polymorphism, the Allele-Specific Analysis by qRT-PCR - a Novel Protocol. Int J Med Sci 2020; 17:3058-3064. [PMID: 33173426 PMCID: PMC7646112 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.50643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Alteration in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) production is a marker of neuropathological conditions, which has led to the investigation of Val66Met polymorphism occurring in the human BDNF gene (BDNF). Presently, there are no reported methods available for the analysis of Val66Met impact on human BDNF functioning. Purpose: To develop a qRT-PCR protocol for the allele-specific expression evaluation of the Val66Met polymorphism in BDNF. Methods: Using RNA extracted from muscle samples of 9 healthy volunteers (32.9 ± 10.3 y) at rest and following a maximal effort aerobic capacity exercise test, a protocol was developed for the detection of Val66/Met66 allele-specific BDNF expression in Real-Time Quantitative Reverse Transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) - relative to housekeeping genes - and validated by absolute quantification in Droplet Digital Polymerase Chain Reaction (ddPCR). Results: Differences in the relative values of BDNF mRNA were confirmed by ddPCR analysis. HPRT1 and B2M were the most stable genes expressed in muscle tissue among different metabolic conditions, while GAPDH revealed to be metabolic responsive. Conclusion: Our qRT-PCR protocol successfully determines the allele-specific detection and changes in BDNF expression regarding the Val66Met polymorphism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gilmara Gomes de Assis
- Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport, Faculty of Physical Education, Gdansk, Poland.,Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jay R Hoffman
- Department of Physical Therapy, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
| | - Eugene V Gasanov
- International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Pietzuch M, King AE, Ward DD, Vickers JC. The Influence of Genetic Factors and Cognitive Reserve on Structural and Functional Resting-State Brain Networks in Aging and Alzheimer's Disease. Front Aging Neurosci 2019; 11:30. [PMID: 30894813 PMCID: PMC6414800 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2019.00030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2018] [Accepted: 02/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offers significant insight into the complex organization of neural networks within the human brain. Using resting-state functional MRI data, topological maps can be created to visualize changes in brain activity, as well as to represent and assess the structural and functional connections between different brain regions. Crucially, Alzheimer's disease (AD) is associated with progressive loss in this connectivity, which is particularly evident within the default mode network. In this paper, we review the recent literature on how factors that are associated with risk of dementia may influence the organization of the brain network structures. In particular, we focus on cognitive reserve and the common genetic polymorphisms of APOE and BDNF Val66Met.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Pietzuch
- Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Anna E. King
- Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - David D. Ward
- Population Health Sciences, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
| | - James C. Vickers
- Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Hahn C, Lee CU. A Brief Review of Paradigm Shifts in Prevention of Alzheimer's Disease: From Cognitive Reserve to Precision Medicine. Front Psychiatry 2019; 10:786. [PMID: 31736804 PMCID: PMC6837073 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related dementias can be an enormous economic burden for taxpayers, patients, their families, medical systems, and society as a whole. Since disease-modifying treatments have failed, several studies have instead focused on a paradigm shift for preventing and treating AD. A higher cognitive reserve (e.g., greater education, occupational attainment, or more leisure activities) is associated with protection against disease-related cognitive decline. Precision medicine aims to optimize the effectiveness of disease prevention and treatment by considering specific biological components of individuals. We suggest that research into cognitive reserve and precision medicine could be a key to overcoming the limitations of traditional approaches to the prevention and treatment of AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Changtae Hahn
- Department of Psychiatry, Deajeon Saint Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Chang Uk Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, Seoul Saint Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Chan D, Shafto M, Kievit R, Matthews F, Spink M, Valenzuela M, Henson RN. Lifestyle activities in mid-life contribute to cognitive reserve in late-life, independent of education, occupation, and late-life activities. Neurobiol Aging 2018; 70:180-183. [PMID: 30025291 PMCID: PMC6805221 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2018.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2018] [Revised: 06/06/2018] [Accepted: 06/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
This study tested the hypothesis that mid-life intellectual, physical, and social activities contribute to cognitive reserve (CR). Two hundred five individuals (196 with magnetic resonance imaging) aged 66-88 years from the Cambridge Centre for Ageing and Neuroscience (www.cam-can.com) were studied, with cognitive ability and structural brain health measured as fluid IQ and total gray matter volume, respectively. Mid-life activities (MAs) were measured using the Lifetime of Experiences Questionnaire. Multivariable linear regression found that MAs made a unique contribution to late-life cognitive ability independent of education, occupation, and late-life activities. Crucially, MAs moderated the relationship between late-life cognitive ability and brain health, with the cognitive ability of people with higher MA less dependent on their brain structure, consistent with the concept of CR. In conclusion, MAs contribute uniquely to CR. The modifiability of these activities has implications for public health initiatives aimed at dementia prevention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dennis Chan
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
| | | | - Rogier Kievit
- MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, Cambridge, UK
| | - Fiona Matthews
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
| | - Molly Spink
- MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, Cambridge, UK
| | - Michael Valenzuela
- Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; School of Medical Sciences, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Rik N Henson
- MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, Cambridge, UK
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Sun MK. Executive functioning: perspectives on neurotrophic activity and pharmacology. Behav Pharmacol 2018; 29:592-604. [PMID: 30179884 DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0000000000000427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Executive functioning is a high-level cognitive ability, regulating other abilities and behaviors to achieve desired goals. A typical executive task can be defined as the capacity to maintain one's attention on the current task, that is, responding only to the correct but not to distractive stimuli. Impairments of executive functions, or executive dysfunctions, have a growing impact on everyday life and academic achievement and are usually an early feature, and one of the core features, in brain injury and memory and behavioral disorders. Furthermore, emerging evidence indicates that memory therapeutics cannot achieve their clinical benefits in cognition if executive dysfunction is not effectively and simultaneously treated. Improvement of executive functions might be achieved through targeting some signaling pathways in the brain, including the brain-derived neurotrophic factor signaling pathways. These agents may be useful either as stand-alone interventions for patients with executive dysfunction and/or psychiatric and memory disorders or as essential adjuncts to drugs that target the underlying pathology in various brain injury and memory and behavioral disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miao-Kun Sun
- Blanchette Rockefeller Neurosciences Institute, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Toh YL, Ng T, Tan M, Tan A, Chan A. Impact of brain-derived neurotrophic factor genetic polymorphism on cognition: A systematic review. Brain Behav 2018; 8:e01009. [PMID: 29858545 PMCID: PMC6043712 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.1009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2017] [Revised: 04/08/2018] [Accepted: 04/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has an important role in the neurogenesis and neuroplasticity of the brain. This systematic review was designed to examine the association between BDNF Val66Met (rs6265) polymorphism and four cognitive domains-attention and concentration, executive function, verbal fluency, and memory, respectively. METHODOLOGY Primary literature search was performed using search engines such as PubMed and Scopus. Observational studies that evaluated the neurocognitive performances in relation to BDNF polymorphism within human subjects were included in this review, while animal studies, overlapping studies, and meta-analysis were excluded. RESULTS Forty of 82 reviewed studies (48.8%) reported an association between Val66Met polymorphism and neurocognitive domains. The proportion of the studies showing positive findings in cognitive performances between Val/Val homozygotes and Met carriers was comparable, at 30.5% and 18.3%, respectively. The highest percentage of positive association between Val66Met polymorphism and neurocognition was reported under the memory domain, with 26 of 63 studies (41.3%), followed by 18 of 47 studies (38.3%) under the executive function domain and four of 23 studies (17.4%) under the attention and concentration domain. There were no studies showing an association between Val66Met polymorphism and verbal fluency. In particular, Val/Val homozygotes performed better in tasks related to the memory domain, while Met carriers performed better in terms of executive function, in both healthy individuals and clinical populations. CONCLUSION While numerous studies report an association between Val66Met polymorphism and neurocognitive changes in executive function and memory domains, the effect of Met allele has not been clearly established.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi Long Toh
- Department of PharmacyFaculty of ScienceNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Terence Ng
- Department of PharmacyFaculty of ScienceNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Megan Tan
- Department of PharmacyFaculty of ScienceNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Azrina Tan
- Department of PharmacyFaculty of ScienceNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Alexandre Chan
- Department of PharmacyFaculty of ScienceNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
- Department of PharmacyNational Cancer Centre SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Man L, Lv X, Du XD, Yin G, Zhu X, Zhang Y, Soares JC, Yang XN, Chen X, Zhang XY. Cognitive impairments and low BDNF serum levels in first-episode drug-naive patients with schizophrenia. Psychiatry Res 2018; 263:1-6. [PMID: 29482040 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2018.02.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2017] [Revised: 01/24/2018] [Accepted: 02/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Evidence shows that BDNF may regulate activity-dependent forms of synaptic plasticity underlying learning and memory. Previous studies reported low BDNF levels and cognitive impairment in the early stage of schizophrenia. Our current study aimed to explore the association between serum BDNF and cognitive functions in first-episode drug-naïve (FEDN) patients with schizophrenia, which has been under-investigated. We recruited 80 FEDN patients and 80 healthy controls and examined the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS) and serum BDNF in both groups. Patient psychopathology was assessed using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). BDNF levels were significantly lower in patients compared to controls (p < 0.001). The RBANS total score and nearly all indexes (all p < 0.001) except for visuospatial/constructional index (p > 0.05) were significantly lower in patients than controls. No significant correlation was found between BDNF and any index or total scores of RBANS in either patients or healthy controls (all p > 0.05). However, the PANSS negative subscale score were negatively associated with both the immediate memory and language indexes (both p < 0.005). Our findings suggest that excessive cognitive impairments are present in the early stage of schizophrenia. Low BDNF may contribute to the pathogenesis of schizophrenia, but maybe not to its cognitive impairments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lijuan Man
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical College, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xiaoli Lv
- Suzhou Psychiatric Hospital, The Affiliated Guangji Hospital of Soochow University, 286 Guangji Rd 21500, Suzhou Shi 215008, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xiang-Dong Du
- Suzhou Psychiatric Hospital, The Affiliated Guangji Hospital of Soochow University, 286 Guangji Rd 21500, Suzhou Shi 215008, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Guangzhong Yin
- Suzhou Psychiatric Hospital, The Affiliated Guangji Hospital of Soochow University, 286 Guangji Rd 21500, Suzhou Shi 215008, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xiaomin Zhu
- Suzhou Psychiatric Hospital, The Affiliated Guangji Hospital of Soochow University, 286 Guangji Rd 21500, Suzhou Shi 215008, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yingyang Zhang
- Suzhou Psychiatric Hospital, The Affiliated Guangji Hospital of Soochow University, 286 Guangji Rd 21500, Suzhou Shi 215008, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jair C Soares
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 1941 East Road, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Xu-Na Yang
- Suzhou Psychiatric Hospital, The Affiliated Guangji Hospital of Soochow University, 286 Guangji Rd 21500, Suzhou Shi 215008, Jiangsu Province, China.
| | - Xingshi Chen
- Suzhou Psychiatric Hospital, The Affiliated Guangji Hospital of Soochow University, 286 Guangji Rd 21500, Suzhou Shi 215008, Jiangsu Province, China.
| | - Xiang Yang Zhang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical College, Wenzhou, China; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 1941 East Road, Houston, TX, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Vedovelli K, Giacobbo BL, Corrêa MS, Wieck A, Argimon IIDL, Bromberg E. Multimodal physical activity increases brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels and improves cognition in institutionalized older women. GeroScience 2017; 39:407-417. [PMID: 28707283 PMCID: PMC5636777 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-017-9987-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2017] [Accepted: 06/26/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Physical activity has been proposed as a promising intervention to improve cognition and decrease the risk of dementia in older adults. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) appears to mediate, at least partially, these effects of exercise. However, intervention studies of the effects of multimodal exercises on cognition and BDNF levels are scarce and composed by small samples. Thus, the generalization of the conclusions of these studies depends on the reproducibility of the results. In order to contribute to the knowledge on the field, the present study evaluated the effects of a physical activity intervention composed by muscle strengthening and aerobic conditioning on BDNF levels and cognition in older women. Independent and non-demented subjects (≥75 years) were assigned to a 3-month physical activity intervention (n = 22, 60 min exercise sessions three times a week) or to a control condition (n = 10, no exercise). Clinical (anxiety and depression symptoms), neuropsychological (Digit Span, Stroop, Trail Making, and Contextual Memory tests), physical (upper and lower limb strength, aerobic conditioning), and physiological (serum BDNF) parameters were evaluated immediately before, 1 month, and 3 months after starting intervention. Results indicated that controls had stable levels for all measured variables, whereas the intervention group improved on physical fitness, depressive symptoms, cognitive performance, and BDNF levels. Moreover, a linear regression identified an association between aerobic conditioning and BDNF levels. In conclusion, combined muscle strengthening and aerobic conditioning was able to improve cognitive performance and increase BDNF levels. Aerobic conditioning seems to be an important mediator of these outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kelem Vedovelli
- Laboratory of Biology and Development of the Nervous System, Faculty of Biosciences, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Ipiranga Av., 6681, Building 12D, room 34, Porto Alegre, RS, 90619-900, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Gerontology, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Ipiranga Av., 6690, Third Floor, Porto Alegre, RS, 90610-000, Brazil
- National Institute for Translational Medicine (INCT-TM), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Bruno Lima Giacobbo
- Laboratory of Biology and Development of the Nervous System, Faculty of Biosciences, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Ipiranga Av., 6681, Building 12D, room 34, Porto Alegre, RS, 90619-900, Brazil
- National Institute for Translational Medicine (INCT-TM), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Ipiranga Av., 6681, building 12A, Second Floor, Porto Alegre, RS, 90619-900, Brazil
| | - Márcio Silveira Corrêa
- Laboratory of Biology and Development of the Nervous System, Faculty of Biosciences, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Ipiranga Av., 6681, Building 12D, room 34, Porto Alegre, RS, 90619-900, Brazil
- National Institute for Translational Medicine (INCT-TM), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Ipiranga Av., 6681, building 12A, Second Floor, Porto Alegre, RS, 90619-900, Brazil
| | - Andréa Wieck
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Gerontology, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Ipiranga Av., 6690, Third Floor, Porto Alegre, RS, 90610-000, Brazil
- Laboratory of Immunosenescence, Institute of Biomedical Research, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Irani Iracema de Lima Argimon
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Gerontology, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Ipiranga Av., 6690, Third Floor, Porto Alegre, RS, 90610-000, Brazil
| | - Elke Bromberg
- Laboratory of Biology and Development of the Nervous System, Faculty of Biosciences, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Ipiranga Av., 6681, Building 12D, room 34, Porto Alegre, RS, 90619-900, Brazil.
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Gerontology, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Ipiranga Av., 6690, Third Floor, Porto Alegre, RS, 90610-000, Brazil.
- National Institute for Translational Medicine (INCT-TM), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
- Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Ipiranga Av., 6681, building 12A, Second Floor, Porto Alegre, RS, 90619-900, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Xiao W, Ye F, Liu C, Tang X, Li J, Dong H, Sha W, Zhang X. Cognitive impairment in first-episode drug-naïve patients with schizophrenia: Relationships with serum concentrations of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2017; 76:163-168. [PMID: 28342945 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2017.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2016] [Revised: 02/25/2017] [Accepted: 03/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Evidence suggests that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and glial cell line -derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) are important in the regulation of synaptic plasticity, which plays a key role in the cognitive processes in psychiatric disorders. Our work aimed at exploring the associations between serum BDNF and GDNF levels and cognitive functions in first-episode drug-naïve (FEDN) patients with schizophrenia. METHODS The BDNF and GDNF levels of 58 FEDN patients and 55 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were measured and test subjects were examined using several neurocognitive tests including the verbal fluency test (VFT), the trail making test (TMT), the digit span test (DST), and the Stroop test. RESULTS Patients performed significantly worse than controls in nearly all neurocognitive performances except the forward subscale part of the DST. BDNF levels were inversely correlated to TMT-part B scores and positively correlated to VFT-action in the FEDN group. GDNF levels showed a positive correlation with VFT-action scores and a negative correlation with TMT-part B scores of these patients. CONCLUSION Current data suggests that cognitive dysfunction widely exists in the early stages of schizophrenia. BDNF and GDNF may be jointly contributed to the pathological mechanisms involved in cognitive impairment in FEDN patients with schizophrenia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenhuan Xiao
- Department of Psychiatry, Affiliated WuTaiShan Hospital of Medical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225003, PR China
| | - Fei Ye
- Department of Psychiatry, Affiliated WuTaiShan Hospital of Medical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225003, PR China
| | - Chunlai Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, Affiliated Kangren Hospital, Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture of Xinjiang 835000, PR China
| | - Xiaowei Tang
- Department of Psychiatry, Affiliated WuTaiShan Hospital of Medical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225003, PR China
| | - Jin Li
- Department of Psychiatry, Affiliated WuTaiShan Hospital of Medical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225003, PR China
| | - Hui Dong
- Department of Psychiatry, Affiliated WuTaiShan Hospital of Medical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225003, PR China
| | - Weiwei Sha
- Department of Psychiatry, Affiliated WuTaiShan Hospital of Medical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225003, PR China
| | - Xiaobin Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry, Affiliated WuTaiShan Hospital of Medical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225003, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Ward DD, Andel R, Saunders NL, Thow ME, Klekociuk SZ, Bindoff AD, Vickers JC. The BDNF Val66Met polymorphism moderates the effect of cognitive reserve on 36-month cognitive change in healthy older adults. ALZHEIMERS & DEMENTIA-TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH & CLINICAL INTERVENTIONS 2017; 3:323-331. [PMID: 29067339 PMCID: PMC5651414 DOI: 10.1016/j.trci.2017.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Cognitive reserve (CR) and BDNF Val66Met are independently associated with the rate of cognitive decline in preclinical Alzheimer's disease. This study was designed to investigate the interactive effects of these variables on 36-month cognitive change in cognitively intact older adults. Methods Data for this investigation were obtained from 445 community-residing participants of the Tasmanian Healthy Brain Project, who underwent genetic screening and annual assessment of neuropsychological, health, and psychosocial function. Results Our main result was that BDNF Val66Met moderated the relationship between baseline CR and change in executive function performance, in that CR-related differences in function decreased across the follow-up period in BDNF Val homozygotes, but became more pronounced in BDNF Met carriers. Similar effects were not observed within the other memory- and language-related cognitive domains. Discussion Inheritance of BDNF Met may be associated with a detrimental influence on the relationship between CR and cognitive change in cognitively intact older adults, but this effect may be restricted to the executive function domain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David D Ward
- Wicking Dementia Research & Education Centre, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Ross Andel
- School of Aging Studies, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Nichole L Saunders
- Wicking Dementia Research & Education Centre, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Megan E Thow
- Wicking Dementia Research & Education Centre, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Shannon Z Klekociuk
- Wicking Dementia Research & Education Centre, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Aidan D Bindoff
- Wicking Dementia Research & Education Centre, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - James C Vickers
- Wicking Dementia Research & Education Centre, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Genetic epistasis regulates amyloid deposition in resilient aging. Alzheimers Dement 2017; 13:1107-1116. [PMID: 28322202 DOI: 10.1016/j.jalz.2017.01.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2016] [Revised: 01/26/2017] [Accepted: 01/30/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) interacts with important genetic Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk factors. Specifically, variants within the SORL1 gene determine BDNF's ability to reduce amyloid β (Aβ) in vitro. We sought to test whether functional BDNF variation interacts with SORL1 genotypes to influence expression and downstream AD-related processes in humans. METHODS We analyzed postmortem brain RNA sequencing and neuropathological data for 441 subjects from the Religious Orders Study/Memory and Aging Project and molecular and structural neuroimaging data for 1285 subjects from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative. RESULTS We found one SORL1 RNA transcript strongly regulated by SORL1-BDNF interactions in elderly without pathological AD and showing stronger associations with diffuse than neuritic Aβ plaques. The same SORL1-BDNF interactions also significantly influenced Aβ load as measured with [18F]Florbetapir positron emission tomography. DISCUSSION Our results bridge the gap between risk and resilience factors for AD, demonstrating interdependent roles of established SORL1 and BDNF functional genotypes.
Collapse
|
23
|
Imlach AR, Ward DD, Stuart KE, Summers MJ, Valenzuela MJ, King AE, Saunders NL, Summers J, Srikanth VK, Robinson A, Vickers JC. Age is no barrier: predictors of academic success in older learners. NPJ SCIENCE OF LEARNING 2017; 2:13. [PMID: 30631459 PMCID: PMC6161509 DOI: 10.1038/s41539-017-0014-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2017] [Revised: 10/04/2017] [Accepted: 10/16/2017] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Although predictors of academic success have been identified in young adults, such predictors are unlikely to translate directly to an older student population, where such information is scarce. The current study aimed to examine cognitive, psychosocial, lifetime, and genetic predictors of university-level academic performance in older adults (50-79 years old). Participants were mostly female (71%) and had a greater than high school education level (M = 14.06 years, SD = 2.76), on average. Two multiple linear regression analyses were conducted. The first examined all potential predictors of grade point average (GPA) in the subset of participants who had volunteered samples for genetic analysis (N = 181). Significant predictors of GPA were then re-examined in a second multiple linear regression using the full sample (N = 329). Our data show that the cognitive domains of episodic memory and language processing, in conjunction with midlife engagement in cognitively stimulating activities, have a role in predicting academic performance as measured by GPA in the first year of study. In contrast, it was determined that age, IQ, gender, working memory, psychosocial factors, and common brain gene polymorphisms linked to brain function, plasticity and degeneration (APOE, BDNF, COMT, KIBRA, SERT) did not influence academic performance. These findings demonstrate that ageing does not impede academic achievement, and that discrete cognitive skills as well as lifetime engagement in cognitively stimulating activities can promote academic success in older adults.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abbie-Rose Imlach
- Wicking Dementia Research & Education Centre, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
| | - David D. Ward
- Wicking Dementia Research & Education Centre, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
- Population Health Sciences, Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen, Bonn, Germany
| | - Kimberley E. Stuart
- Wicking Dementia Research & Education Centre, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
| | - Mathew J. Summers
- Wicking Dementia Research & Education Centre, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
- Sunshine Coast Mind and Neuroscience - Thompson Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, Birtinya, Australia
| | - Michael J. Valenzuela
- Regenerative Neuroscience Group, Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
| | - Anna E. King
- Wicking Dementia Research & Education Centre, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
| | - Nichole L. Saunders
- Wicking Dementia Research & Education Centre, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
| | - Jeffrey Summers
- University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Velandai K. Srikanth
- Peninsula Clinical School, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Medicine, Peninsula Health, Melbourne, Australia
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
| | - Andrew Robinson
- Wicking Dementia Research & Education Centre, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
| | - James C. Vickers
- Wicking Dementia Research & Education Centre, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Marsili L, Suppa A, Di Stasio F, Belvisi D, Upadhyay N, Berardelli I, Pasquini M, Petrucci S, Ginevrino M, Fabbrini G, Cardona F, Defazio G, Berardelli A. BDNF and LTP-/LTD-like plasticity of the primary motor cortex in Gilles de la Tourette syndrome. Exp Brain Res 2016; 235:841-850. [DOI: 10.1007/s00221-016-4847-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2016] [Accepted: 11/24/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
|
25
|
Habes M, Toledo JB, Resnick SM, Doshi J, Van der Auwera S, Erus G, Janowitz D, Hegenscheid K, Homuth G, Völzke H, Hoffmann W, Grabe HJ, Davatzikos C. Relationship between APOE Genotype and Structural MRI Measures throughout Adulthood in the Study of Health in Pomerania Population-Based Cohort. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2016; 37:1636-42. [PMID: 27173368 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a4805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2015] [Accepted: 03/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The presence of the apolipoprotein E ε4 allele is the strongest sporadic Alzheimer disease genetic risk factor. We hypothesized that apolipoprotein E ε4 carriers and noncarriers may already differ in imaging patterns in midlife. We therefore sought to identify the effect of apolipoprotein E genotype on brain atrophy across almost the entire adult age span by using advanced MR imaging-based pattern analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS We analyzed MR imaging scans of 1472 participants from the Study of Health in Pomerania (22-90 years of age). We studied the association among age, apolipoprotein E ε4 carrier status, and brain atrophy, which was quantified by using 2 MR imaging-based indices: Spatial Pattern of Atrophy for Recognition of Brain Aging (summarizing age-related brain atrophy) and Spatial Pattern of Abnormality for Recognition of Early Alzheimer Disease (summarizing Alzheimer disease-like brain atrophy patterns), as well as the gray matter volumes in several Alzheimer disease- and apolipoprotein E-related ROIs (lateral frontal, lateral temporal, medial frontal, and hippocampus). RESULTS No significant association was found between apolipoprotein E ε4 carrier status and the studied ROIs or the MR imaging-based indices in linear regression models adjusted for age, sex, and education, including an interaction term between apolipoprotein E and age. CONCLUSIONS Our study indicates that measurable apolipoprotein E-related brain atrophy does not occur in early adulthood and midlife and suggests that such atrophy may only occur more proximal to the onset of clinical symptoms of dementia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Habes
- From the Institute for Community Medicine (M.H., H.V., W.H.) Department of Psychiatry (M.H., S.V.d.A., D.J., H.J.G.) Center for Biomedical Image Computing and Analytics (M.H., J.D., G.E., C.D.), University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - J B Toledo
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (J.B.T.), Institute on Aging, Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - S M Resnick
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience (S.M.R), National Institute on Aging, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - J Doshi
- Center for Biomedical Image Computing and Analytics (M.H., J.D., G.E., C.D.), University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | | | - G Erus
- Center for Biomedical Image Computing and Analytics (M.H., J.D., G.E., C.D.), University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - D Janowitz
- Department of Psychiatry (M.H., S.V.d.A., D.J., H.J.G.)
| | | | - G Homuth
- Institute for Genetics and Functional Genomics (G.H.), University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - H Völzke
- From the Institute for Community Medicine (M.H., H.V., W.H.)
| | - W Hoffmann
- From the Institute for Community Medicine (M.H., H.V., W.H.) German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (W.H., H.J.G.), Rostock/Greifswald, Germany
| | - H J Grabe
- Department of Psychiatry (M.H., S.V.d.A., D.J., H.J.G.) German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (W.H., H.J.G.), Rostock/Greifswald, Germany
| | - C Davatzikos
- Center for Biomedical Image Computing and Analytics (M.H., J.D., G.E., C.D.), University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| |
Collapse
|