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Anderson ME, Wind EJ, Robison LS. Exploring the neuroprotective role of physical activity in cerebral small vessel disease. Brain Res 2024; 1833:148884. [PMID: 38527712 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2024.148884] [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: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
Cerebral small vessel disease (cSVD) is a common neurological finding characterized by abnormalities of the small blood vessels in the brain. Previous research has established a strong connection between cSVD and stroke, as well as neurodegenerative disorders, notably Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other dementias. As the search for effective interventions continues, physical activity (PA) has emerged as a potential preventative and therapeutic avenue. This review synthesizes the human and animal literature on the influence of PA on cSVD, highlighting the importance of determining optimal exercise protocols, considering aspects such as intensity, duration, timing, and exercise type. Furthermore, the necessity of widening the age bracket in research samples is discussed, ensuring a holistic understanding of the interventions across varying pathological stages of the disease. The review also suggests the potential of exploring diverse biomarkers and risk profiles associated with clinically significant outcomes. Moreover, we review findings demonstrating the beneficial effects of PA in various rodent models of cSVD, which have uncovered numerous mechanisms of neuroprotection, including increases in neuroplasticity and integrity of the vasculature and white matter; decreases in inflammation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction; and alterations in amyloid processing and neurotransmitter signaling. In conclusion, this review highlights the potential of physical activity as a preventive strategy for addressing cSVD, offering insights into the need for refining exercise parameters, diversifying research populations, and exploring novel biomarkers, while shedding light on the intricate mechanisms through which exercise confers neuroprotection in both humans and animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria E Anderson
- Department of Psychology, Family, and Justice Studies, University of Saint Joseph, 1678 Asylum Ave, West Hartford, CT 06117, USA
| | - Eleanor J Wind
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Nova Southeastern University, 3300 S. University Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33328, USA
| | - Lisa S Robison
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Nova Southeastern University, 3300 S. University Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33328, USA.
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Maleki S, Hendrikse J, Chye Y, Caeyenberghs K, Coxon JP, Oldham S, Suo C, Yücel M. Associations of cardiorespiratory fitness and exercise with brain white matter in healthy adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Brain Imaging Behav 2022; 16:2402-2425. [PMID: 35773556 PMCID: PMC9581839 DOI: 10.1007/s11682-022-00693-y] [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] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies have revealed positive associations between brain structure and physical activity, cardiorespiratory fitness, and exercise (referred to here as PACE). While a considerable body of research has investigated the effects of PACE on grey matter, much less is known about effects on white matter (WM). Hence, we conducted a systematic review of peer-reviewed literature published prior to 5th July 2021 using online databases (PubMed and Scopus) and PRISMA guidelines to synthesise what is currently known about the relationship between PACE and WM in healthy adults. A total of 60 studies met inclusion criteria and were included in the review. Heterogeneity across studies was calculated using Qochran's q test, and publication bias was assessed for each meta-analysis using Begg and Mazumdar rank correlation test. A meta-regression was also conducted to explore factors contributing to any observed heterogeneity. Overall, we observed evidence of positive associations between PACE and global WM volume (effect size (Hedges's g) = 0.137, p < 0.001), global WM anomalies (effect size = 0.182, p < 0.001), and local microstructure integrity (i.e., corpus callosum: effect size = 0.345, p < 0.001, and anterior limb of internal capsule: effect size = 0.198, p < 0.001). These findings suggest that higher levels of PACE are associated with improved global WM volume and local integrity. We appraise the quality of evidence, and discuss the implications of these findings for the preservation of WM across the lifespan. We conclude by providing recommendations for future research in order to advance our understanding of the specific PACE parameters and neurobiological mechanisms underlying these effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzan Maleki
- BrainPark, Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences and Monash Biomedical Imaging Facility, Monash University, 770 Blackburn RD, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia
| | - Joshua Hendrikse
- Movement and Exercise Neuroscience Laboratory, Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences and Monash Biomedical Imaging Facility, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Yann Chye
- BrainPark, Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences and Monash Biomedical Imaging Facility, Monash University, 770 Blackburn RD, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia
| | - Karen Caeyenberghs
- Cognitive Neuroscience Unit, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - James P Coxon
- Movement and Exercise Neuroscience Laboratory, Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences and Monash Biomedical Imaging Facility, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Stuart Oldham
- Neural Systems and Behaviour, Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences and Monash Biomedical Imaging Facility, Monash University, Clayton, Australia.,Developmental Imaging, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Chao Suo
- BrainPark, Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences and Monash Biomedical Imaging Facility, Monash University, 770 Blackburn RD, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia.
| | - Murat Yücel
- BrainPark, Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences and Monash Biomedical Imaging Facility, Monash University, 770 Blackburn RD, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia.
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