Voluntary exercise attenuates LPS-induced reductions in neurogenesis and increases microglia expression of a proneurogenic phenotype in aged mice

Microglia, circadian rhythm and lifestyle factors

Microglia, a vital homeostasis-keeper of the central nervous system, perform critical functions such as synaptic pruning, clearance of cellular debris, and participation in neuroinflammatory processes. Recent research has shown that microglia exhibit strong circadian rhythms that not only actively regulate their own immune activity, but also affect neuronal function. Disruptions of the circadian clock have been linked to a higher risk of developing a variety of diseases. In this article we will provide an overview of how lifestyle factors impact microglial function, with a focus on disruptions caused by irregular sleep-wake patterns, reduced physical activity, and eating at the wrong time-of-day. We will also discuss the potential connection between these lifestyle factors, disrupted circadian rhythms, and the role of microglia in keeping brain health.

Unraveling the Influence of Litter Size, Maternal Care, Exercise, and Aging on Neurobehavioral Plasticity and Dentate Gyrus Microglia Dynamics in Male Rats

This study explores the multifaceted influence of litter size, maternal care, exercise, and aging on rats' neurobehavioral plasticity and dentate gyrus microglia dynamics. Body weight evolution revealed a progressive increase until maturity, followed by a decline during aging, with larger litters exhibiting lower weights initially. Notably, exercised rats from smaller litters displayed higher body weights during the mature and aged stages. The dentate gyrus volumes showed no significant differences among groups, except for aged sedentary rats from smaller litters, which exhibited a reduction. Maternal care varied significantly based on litter size, with large litter dams showing lower frequencies of caregiving behaviors. Behavioral assays highlighted the detrimental impact of a sedentary lifestyle and reduced maternal care/large litters on spatial memory, mitigated by exercise in aged rats from smaller litters. The microglial dynamics in the layers of dentate gyrus revealed age-related changes modulated by litter size and exercise. Exercise interventions mitigated microgliosis associated with aging, particularly in aged rats. These findings underscore the complex interplay between early-life experiences, exercise, microglial dynamics, and neurobehavioral outcomes during aging.

Impact of voluntary exercise training on the metabolic and behavioral characteristics of the rTg4510 transgenic mouse model of frontotemporal dementia

Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, primarily in individuals under 65 years of age, and is the second most common form of dementia worldwide. There is no cure for FTD and current treatments offer limited symptomatic relief. Regular physical activity exhibits cognitive and neuroprotective benefits in healthy individuals and in various neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, but few studies have examined its efficacy in FTD. Accordingly, we investigated the impact of voluntary exercise training (VET) on the metabolic and behavioral characteristics of the rTg4510 transgenic mouse model of familial FTD. We show that regardless of genotype, VET increased energy expenditure, decreased sleep duration, and improved long-term memory in rTg4510 mice and WT littermates. Moreover, VET appeared to improve hyperactivity, a common feature of FTD, in rTg4510 mice. Although further work is required, these findings provide important insights into the potential benefits of physical activity in FTD.

Exercised blood plasma promotes hippocampal neurogenesis in the Alzheimer's disease rat brain

BACKGROUND

Exercise training promotes brain plasticity and is associated with protection against cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease (AD). These beneficial effects may be partly mediated by blood-borne factors. Here we used an in vitro model of AD to investigate effects of blood plasma from exercise-trained donors on neuronal viability, and an in vivo rat model of AD to test whether such plasma impacts cognitive function, amyloid pathology, and neurogenesis.

METHODS

Mouse hippocampal neuronal cells were exposed to AD-like stress using amyloid-β and treated with plasma collected from human male donors 3 h after a single bout of high-intensity exercise. For in vivo studies, blood was collected from exercise-trained young male Wistar rats (high-intensity intervals 5 days/week for 6 weeks). Transgenic AD rats (McGill-R-Thy1-APP) were injected 5 times/fortnight for 6 weeks at 2 months or 5 months of age with either (a) plasma from the exercise-trained rats, (b) plasma from sedentary rats, or (c) saline. Cognitive function, amyloid plaque pathology, and neurogenesis were assessed. The plasma used for the treatment was analyzed for 23 cytokines.

RESULTS

Plasma from exercised donors enhanced cell viability by 44.1% (p = 0.032) and reduced atrophy by 50.0% (p < 0.001) in amyloid-β-treated cells. In vivo exercised plasma treatment did not alter cognitive function or amyloid plaque pathology but did increase hippocampal neurogenesis by ∼3 fold, regardless of pathological stage, when compared to saline-treated rats. Concentrations of 7 cytokines were significantly reduced in exercised plasma compared to sedentary plasma.

CONCLUSION

Our proof-of-concept study demonstrates that plasma from exercise-trained donors can protect neuronal cells in culture and promote adult hippocampal neurogenesis in the AD rat brain. This effect may be partly due to reduced pro-inflammatory signaling molecules in exercised plasma.

The regulatory role of BDNF in neuroimmune axis function and neuroinflammation induced by chronic stress: A new therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative disorders

Neurodegenerative disorders account for a high proportion of neurological diseases that significantly threaten public health worldwide. Various factors are involved in the pathophysiology of such diseases which can lead to neurodegeneration and neural damage. Furthermore, neuroinflammation is a well-known factor in predisposing factors of neurological and especially neurodegenerative disorders which can be strongly suppressed by "anti-inflammatory" actions of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Stress has has also been identified as a risk factor in developing neurodegenerative disorders potentially leading to increased neuroinflammation in the brain and progressive loss in neuronal structures and impaired functions in the CNS. Recently, more studies have increasingly been focused on the role of neuroimmune system in regulating the neurobiology of stress. Emerging evidence indicate that exposure to chronic stress might alter the susceptibility to neurodegeneration via influencing the microglia function. Microglia is considered as the first responding group of cells in suppressing neuroinflammation, leading to an increased inflammatory cytokine signaling that promote the synaptic plasticity deficiencies, impairment in neurogenesis, and development of neurodegenerative disorders. In this review we discuss how exposure to chronic stress might alter the neuroimmune response potentially leading to progress of neurodegenerative disorders. We also emphasize on the role of BDNF in regulating the neuroimmune axis function and microglia modulation in neurodegenerative disorders.

Cortical microglia dynamics are conserved during voluntary wheel running

We present the first demonstration of chronic in vivo imaging of microglia in mice undergoing voluntary wheel running. We find that healthy mice undergoing voluntary wheel running have similar microglia dynamics, morphologies, and responses to injury when compared to sedentary mice. This suggests that exercise over a period of 1 mo does not grossly alter cortical microglial phenotypes and that exercise may exert its beneficial effects on the brain through other mechanisms. Future work examining how microglia dynamics may be altered during exercise in disease or injury models could provide further insights into the therapeutic benefit of exercise.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We demonstrate the first use of chronic in vivo imaging of microglia over time during physical exercise. We found that microglia movement, morphology, and process motility were remarkably stable during voluntary wheel running (VWR). Additionally, microglia in running mice respond similarly to laser ablation injury compared to sedentary mice. These findings indicate that VWR does not induce changes in microglia dynamics in healthy adults. Exercise may elicit positive effects on the brain through other mechanisms.

Impacts of an 8-week regimen of aged garlic extract and aerobic exercise on the levels of Fetuin-A and inflammatory markers in the liver and visceral fat tissue of obese male rats

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Obesity-induced chronic low-grade systemic inflammation is linked to the development of numerous diseases. Fetuin-A is known to affect inflammation and insulin resistance in obesity conditions. Free fatty acid (FFA)-induced proinflammatory cytokine expression in adipocytes occurs only in the presence of both Fetuin-A and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and removing either of them prevented FFA-induced insulin resistance. Aged garlic extract (AGE) and exercise training have anti-inflammatory effects; however, the impact of AGE on Fetuin-A is unknown. We examined the effects of AGE with or without aerobic training (AT) on Fetuin-A and inflammatory markers.

METHODS

Forty healthy male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly assigned to normal diet (ND) (n = 8) or high-fat diet (HFD) groups (n = 32) and fed for 9 weeks. After 9 weeks ND group continued normal diet, and the HFD group was randomly assigned to the HFD, HFD + AGE (600 mg/kg, once daily), HFD + AT (5 days/week), and HFD + AGE + AT groups that were continued for 8 weeks (n = 8). The significance of differences among groups was assessed using one-way analysis of variance followed by the post-hoc Tukey test. Statistically significant differences were considered for p < 0.05.

RESULTS

AGE, AT, and AGE + AT significantly decreased body weight, plasma Fetuin-A, HOMA-IR, mRNA and protein levels of Fetuin-A and NFƙB in the liver and mRNA and Protein levels of Fetuin-A, TLR4 and NFƙB in visceral adipose tissue (VAT) compared to HFD. However, only AGE + AT significantly decreased TLR4 protein levels in the liver.

CONCLUSION

Although AT and AGE reduce Fetuin-A and inflammatory markers, a combination of the two may be more effective at lowering inflammation.

Exercise mitigates age-related metabolic diseases by improving mitochondrial dysfunction

The benefits of regular physical activity are related to delaying and reversing the onset of ageing and age-related disorders, including cardiomyopathy, neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, obesity, diabetes, and fatty liver diseases. However, the molecular mechanisms of the benefits of exercise or physical activity on ageing and age-related disorders remain poorly understood. Mitochondrial dysfunction is implicated in the pathogenesis of ageing and age-related metabolic diseases. Mitochondrial health is an important mediator of cellular function. Therefore, exercise alleviates metabolic diseases in individuals with advancing ageing and age-related diseases by the remarkable promotion of mitochondrial biogenesis and function. Exerkines are identified as signaling moieties released in response to exercise. Exerkines released by exercise have potential roles in improving mitochondrial dysfunction in response to age-related disorders. This review comprehensive summarizes the benefits of exercise in metabolic diseases, linking mitochondrial dysfunction to the onset of age-related diseases. Using relevant examples utilizing this approach, the possibility of designing therapeutic interventions based on these molecular mechanisms is addressed.

Physical exercise modulates the microglial complement pathway in mice to relieve cortical circuitry deficits induced by mutant human TDP-43

The aggregation of TAR DNA binding protein 43 kDa (TDP-43) is related to different neurodegenerative diseases, which leads to microglial activation and neuronal loss. The molecular mechanism driving neuronal death by reactive microglia, however, has not been completely resolved. In this study, we generated a mouse model by overexpressing mutant human TDP-43 (M337V) in the primary motor cortex, leading to prominent motor-learning deficits. In vivo 2-photon imaging shows an active approach of microglia toward parvalbumin interneurons, resulting in disrupted cortical excitatory-inhibitory balance. Proteomics studies suggest that activation of the complement pathway induces microglial activity. To develop an early interventional strategy, treadmill exercise successfully prevents the deterioration of motor dysfunction under enhanced adipocytic release of clusterin to block the complement pathway. These results demonstrate a previously unrecognized pathway by which TDP-43 induces cortical deficits and provide additional insights for the mechanistic explanation of exercise training in disease intervention.

Adult hippocampal neurogenesis in Alzheimer's disease: A roadmap to clinical relevance

Adult hippocampal neurogenesis (AHN) drops sharply during early stages of Alzheimer's disease (AD), via unknown mechanisms, and correlates with cognitive status in AD patients. Understanding AHN regulation in AD could provide a framework for innovative pharmacological interventions. We here combine molecular, behavioral, and clinical data and critically discuss the multicellular complexity of the AHN niche in relation to AD pathophysiology. We further present a roadmap toward a better understanding of the role of AHN in AD by probing the promises and caveats of the latest technological advancements in the field and addressing the conceptual and methodological challenges ahead.

A single-cell transcriptomic atlas of exercise-induced anti-inflammatory and geroprotective effects across the body

Exercise benefits the whole organism, yet, how tissues across the body orchestrally respond to exercise remains enigmatic. Here, in young and old mice, with or without exercise, and exposed to infectious injury, we characterized the phenotypic and molecular adaptations to a 12-month exercise across 14 tissues/organs at single-cell resolution. Overall, exercise protects tissues from infectious injury, although more effectively in young animals, and benefits aged individuals in terms of inflammaging suppression and tissue rejuvenation, with structural improvement in the central nervous system and systemic vasculature being the most prominent. In vascular endothelial cells, we found that readjusting the rhythmic machinery via the core circadian clock protein BMAL1 delayed senescence and facilitated recovery from infectious damage, recapitulating the beneficial effects of exercise. Our study underscores the effect of exercise in reconstituting the youthful circadian clock network and provides a foundation for further investigating the interplay between exercise, aging, and immune challenges across the whole organism.

Neuroprotective effects of resistance physical exercise on the APP/PS1 mouse model of Alzheimer's disease

Introduction

Physical exercise has beneficial effects by providing neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory responses to AD. Most studies, however, have been conducted with aerobic exercises, and few have investigated the effects of other modalities that also show positive effects on AD, such as resistance exercise (RE). In addition to its benefits in developing muscle strength, balance and muscular endurance favoring improvements in the quality of life of the elderly, RE reduces amyloid load and local inflammation, promotes memory and cognitive improvements, and protects the cortex and hippocampus from the degeneration that occurs in AD. Similar to AD patients, double-transgenic APPswe/PS1dE9 (APP/PS1) mice exhibit Αβ plaques in the cortex and hippocampus, hyperlocomotion, memory deficits, and exacerbated inflammatory response. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of 4 weeks of RE intermittent training on the prevention and recovery from these AD-related neuropathological conditions in APP/PS1 mice.

Methods

For this purpose, 6-7-month-old male APP/PS1 transgenic mice and their littermates, negative for the mutations (CTRL), were distributed into three groups: CTRL, APP/PS1, APP/PS1+RE. RE training lasted four weeks and, at the end of the program, the animals were tested in the open field test for locomotor activity and in the object recognition test for recognition memory evaluation. The brains were collected for immunohistochemical analysis of Aβ plaques and microglia, and blood was collected for plasma corticosterone by ELISA assay.

Results

APP/PS1 transgenic sedentary mice showed increased hippocampal Aβ plaques and higher plasma corticosterone levels, as well as hyperlocomotion and reduced central crossings in the open field test, compared to APP/PS1 exercised and control animals. The intermittent program of RE was able to recover the behavioral, corticosterone and Aβ alterations to the CTRL levels. In addition, the RE protocol increased the number of microglial cells in the hippocampus of APP/PS1 mice. Despite these alterations, no memory impairment was observed in APP/PS1 mice in the novel object recognition test.

Discussion

Altogether, the present results suggest that RE plays a role in alleviating AD symptoms, and highlight the beneficial effects of RE training as a complementary treatment for AD.

Treadmill running and Levisticum Officinale extract protect against LPS-induced memory deficits by modulating neurogenesis, neuroinflammation and oxidative stress

Neuroinflammation plays an essential role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. The preventive effect of physical exercise on attenuating neuroinflammation has not been completely defined. Levisticum officinale is known as a medicinal plant with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The current study was designed to investigate the neuroprotective impacts of treadmill running and Levisticum officinale on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced learning and memory impairments and neuroinflammation in rats. Male Wistar rats ran on a treadmill and/or were pretreated with Levisticum officinale extract at a dose of 100 mg/kg for a week. Then, rats received intraperitoneal injection of LPS at a dose of 1 mg/kg. Treadmill running and/or treatment of extract lasted three more weeks. Behavioral, molecular, biochemical and immunohistochemical assessments were carried out after the end of the experiment. LPS administration resulted in spatial learning and memory impairments along with increased mRNA expression of interleukin-6 and malondialdehyde levels, as well as decreased superoxide dismutase activity and neurogenesis in the hippocampus. Moreover, treadmill running for four weeks, alone and in combination with Levisticum officinale extract attenuated spatial learning and memory deficits, decreased the mRNA expression of interleukin-6 and malondialdehyde levels, and enhanced superoxide dismutase activity and neurogenesis in the hippocampus. In conclusion, the advantageous effects of running exercise and Levisticum officinale extract on LPS-induced memory impairments are possibly due to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity and enhancing neurogenesis.

Role of neuroinflammation mediated potential alterations in adult neurogenesis as a factor for neuropsychiatric symptoms in Post-Acute COVID-19 syndrome-A narrative review

Persistence of symptoms beyond the initial 3 to 4 weeks after infection is defined as post-acute COVID-19 syndrome (PACS). A wide range of neuropsychiatric symptoms like anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, sleep disorders and cognitive disturbances have been observed in PACS. The review was conducted based on PRISMA-S guidelines for literature search strategy for systematic reviews. A cytokine storm in COVID-19 may cause a breach in the blood brain barrier leading to cytokine and SARS-CoV-2 entry into the brain. This triggers an immune response in the brain by activating microglia, astrocytes, and other immune cells leading to neuroinflammation. Various inflammatory biomarkers like inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, acute phase proteins and adhesion molecules have been implicated in psychiatric disorders and play a major role in the precipitation of neuropsychiatric symptoms. Impaired adult neurogenesis has been linked with a variety of disorders like depression, anxiety, cognitive decline, and dementia. Persistence of neuroinflammation was observed in COVID-19 survivors 3 months after recovery. Chronic neuroinflammation alters adult neurogenesis with pro-inflammatory cytokines supressing anti-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines favouring adult neurogenesis. Based on the prevalence of neuropsychiatric symptoms/disorders in PACS, there is more possibility for a potential impairment in adult neurogenesis in COVID-19 survivors. This narrative review aims to discuss the various neuroinflammatory processes during PACS and its effect on adult neurogenesis.

Physical exercise and mitochondrial function: New therapeutic interventions for psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders

Psychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases, including major depression disorder (MDD), bipolar disorder, and Alzheimer's disease, are a burden to society. Deficits of adult hippocampal neurogenesis (AHN) have been widely considered the main hallmark of psychiatric diseases as well as neurodegeneration. Herein, exploring applicable targets for improving hippocampal neural plasticity could provide a breakthrough for the development of new treatments. Emerging evidence indicates the broad functions of mitochondria in regulating cellular behaviors of neural stem cells, neural progenitors, and mature neurons in adulthood could offer multiple neural plasticities for behavioral modulation. Normalizing mitochondrial functions could be a new direction for neural plasticity enhancement. Exercise, a highly encouraged integrative method for preventing disease, has been indicated to be an effective pathway to improving both mitochondrial functions and AHN. Herein, the relative mechanisms of mitochondria in regulating neurogenesis and its effects in linking the effects of exercise to neurological diseases requires a systematic summary. In this review, we have assessed the relationship between mitochondrial functions and AHN to see whether mitochondria can be potential targets for treating neurological diseases. Moreover, as for one of well-established alternative therapeutic approaches, we summarized the evidence to show the underlying mechanisms of exercise to improve mitochondrial functions and AHN.

Akebia saponin D protects hippocampal neurogenesis from microglia-mediated inflammation and ameliorates depressive-like behaviors and cognitive impairment in mice through the PI3K-Akt pathway

Given the ability of akebia saponin D (ASD) to protect various types of stem cells, in the present study, we hypothesized that ASD could promote the proliferation, differentiation, and survival of neural stem/precursor cells (NSPCs), even in a microglia-mediated inflammatory environment, thereby mitigating inflammation-related neuropsychopathology. We established a mouse model of chronic neuroinflammation by exposing animals to low-dose lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 0.25 mg/kg/d) for 14 days. The results showed that chronic exposure to LPS strikingly reduced hippocampal levels of PI3K and pAkt and neurogenesis in mice. In the presen of a microglia-mediated inflammatory niche, the PI3K-Akt signaling in cultured NSPCs was inhibited, promoting their apoptosis and differentiation into astrocytes, while decreasing neurogenesis. Conversely, ASD strongly increased the levels of PI3K and pAkt and stimulated NSPC proliferation, survival and neuronal differentiation in the microglia-mediated inflammatory niche in vitro and in vivo. ASD also restored the synaptic function of hippocampal neurons and ameliorated depressive- and anxiety-like behaviors and cognitive impairment in mice chronically exposed to LPS. The results from network pharmacology analysis showed that the PI3K-AKT pathway is one of the targets of ASD to against major depressive disorder (MDD), anxiety and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). And the results from molecular docking based on computer modeling showed that ASD is bound to the interaction interface of the PI3K and AKT. The PI3K-Akt inhibitor LY294002 blocked the therapeutic effects of ASD in vitro and in vivo. These results suggested that ASD protects NSPCs from the microglia-mediated inflammatory niche, promoting their proliferation, survival and neuronal differentiation, as well as ameliorating depressive- and anxiety-like behaviors and cognitive impairment by activating the PI3K-AKT pathway. Our work suggests the potential of ASD for treating Alzheimer’s disease, depression and other cognitive disorders involving impaired neurogenesis by microglia-mediated inflammation.

Microglia and HPA axis in depression: An overview of participation and relationship

Objectives: This narrative review article provides an overview on the involvement of microglia and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in the pathophysiology of depression, as well investigates the mutual relationship between these two entities: how microglial activation can contribute to the dysregulation of the HPA axis, and vice versa.Methods: Relevant studies and reviews already published in the Pubmed electronic database involving the themes microglia, HPA axis and depression were used to meet the objectives.Results: Exposition to stressful events is considered a common factor in the mechanisms proposed to explain the depressive disorder. Stress can activate microglial cells, important immune components of the central nervous system (CNS). Moreover, another system involved in the physiological response to stressors is the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, the main stress response system responsible for the production of the glucocorticoid hormone (GC). Also, mediators released after microglial activation can stimulate the HPA axis, inducing production of GC. Likewise, high levels of GCs are also capable of activating microglia, generating a vicious cycle.Conclusion: Immune and neuroendocrine systems seems to work in a coordinated manner and that their dysregulation may be involved in the pathophysiology of depression since neuroinflammation and hypercortisolism are often observed in this disorder.

Exercise duration differentially effects age-related neuroinflammation and hippocampal neurogenesis

The physiological effects of exercise vary as a function of frequency and length. However, research on the duration-dependent effects of exercise has focused primarily on young adults and less is known about the influence of exercise duration in the aged. The current study compared the effects of short-term and long-term running wheel access on hippocampal neurogenesis and neuroimmune markers in aged (19-23 months) male C57BL/6J mice. Aged mice were given 24-hour access to a running wheel for 14 days (short-term) or 51 days (long-term). Groups of non-running aged and young (5 months) mice served as comparison groups to detect age-related differences and effects of exercise. Long-term, but not short-term, exercise increased hippocampal neurogenesis as assessed by number of doublecortin (DCX) positive cells in the granular cell layer. Assessment of cytokines, receptors, and glial-activation markers showed the expected age-related increase compared to young controls. In the aged, exercise as a function of duration regulated select aspects of the neuroimmune profile. For instance, hippocampal expression of interleukin (IL)-10 was increased only following long-term exercise. While in contrast brain levels of IL-6 were reduced by both short- and long-term exercise. Additional findings showed that exercise does not modulate all aspects of age-related neuroinflammation and/or may have differential effects in hippocampal compared to brain samples. Overall, the data indicate that increasing exercise duration produces more robust effects on immune modulation and hippocampal neurogenesis.

Microglial Correlates of Late Life Physical Activity: Relationship with Synaptic and Cognitive Aging in Older Adults

Physical activity relates to reduced dementia risk, but the cellular and molecular mechanisms are unknown. We translated animal and in vitro studies demonstrating a causal link between physical activity and microglial homeostasis into humans. Decedents from Rush Memory and Aging Project completed actigraphy monitoring (average daily activity) and cognitive evaluation in life, and neuropathological examination at autopsy. Brain tissue was analyzed for microglial activation via immunohistochemistry (anti-human HLA-DP-DQ-DR) and morphology (% Stage I, II, or III), and synaptic protein levels (SNAP-25, synaptophysin, complexin-I, VAMP, syntaxin, synaptotagmin-1). Proportion of morphologically activated microglia (PAM) was estimated in ventromedial caudate, posterior putamen, inferior temporal (IT), and middle frontal gyrus. The 167 decedents averaged 90 years at death, two-thirds were nondemented, and 60% evidenced pathologic Alzheimer's disease (AD). Adjusting for age, sex, education, and motor performances, greater physical activity associated with lower PAM in the ventromedial caudate and IT. Relationships between physical activity and PAM in the ventromedial caudate or IT were particularly prominent in adults evidencing microinfarcts or AD pathology, respectively. Mediational analyses indicated that PAM IT mediated ∼30% of the relationships between (1) physical activity and synaptic protein in IT, and (2) physical activity and global cognition, in separate models. However, the size of the mediation depended on AD pathology ranging from >40% in adults with high AD burden, but <10% in adults with low AD burden. Lower microglial activation may be a pathway linking physical activity to age-related brain health in humans. Physical activity may promote AD-related synaptic and cognitive resilience through reduction of pro-inflammatory microglial states.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Physical activity relates to better cognitive aging and reduced risk of neurodegenerative disease, yet the cellular and molecular pathways linking behavior-to-brain in humans are unknown. Animal studies indicate that increasing physical activity leads to decreased microglial activation and corresponding increases in synaptogenesis and neurogenesis. We objectively monitored physical activity (accelerometer-based actigraphy) and cognitive performances in life, and quantified microglial activation and synaptic markers in brain tissue at death in older adults. These are the first data supporting microglial activation as a physiological pathway by which physical activity relates to brain heath in humans. Although more interventional work is needed, we suggest that physical activity may be a modifiable behavior leveraged to reduce pro-inflammatory microglial states in humans.

Effects of Toll-like receptor 4 inhibition on spatial memory and cell proliferation in male and female adult and aged mice

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) participate in the response to infection, stress, and injury by initiating an innate immune response. In addition, these receptors are expressed in many neural cell types and under physiological conditions are implicated in modulating cognitive function and neural plasticity in the adult and aged brain. Knockout of the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) subtype enhances spatial memory and adult hippocampal neurogenesis through increasing proliferation and neuronal differentiation. Currently unknown is whether pharmacological inhibition of TLR4 produces similar enhancements in cognitive function and cell proliferation. The present study evaluated water maze performance, cytokine expression, and cell proliferation in the hippocampus of young and aged male and female C57BL6/J mice following treatment with the TLR4 antagonist, TAK-242. Further, alterations in the response to an acute stressor were evaluated in TAK-242-treated mice. Results showed that TAK-242 selectively enhanced spatial learning and memory in young females. Additionally, TAK-242 treatment reduced thigmotaxis in the water maze and lowered corticosterone levels following acute stress in females. TAK-242 decreased hippocampal interleukin (IL)-1β expression but had no effect on IL-6 or tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα). Aged mice showed decreased cell proliferation compared to young mice, but TAK-242 administration had minimal effects on estimated Ki67 positive cell numbers. Findings indicate that pharmacological inhibition of TLR4 improves cognitive function in young females likely through attenuating stress reactivity.

Neuroplastic Effect of Exercise Through Astrocytes Activation and Cellular Crosstalk

Physical exercise is an effective therapy for neurorehabilitation. Exercise has been shown to induce remodeling and proliferation of astrocyte. Astrocytes potentially affect the recruitment and function of neurons; they could intensify responses of neurons and bring more neurons for the process of neuroplasticity. Interactions between astrocytes, microglia and neurons modulate neuroplasticity and, subsequently, neural circuit function. These cellular interactions promote the number and function of synapses, neurogenesis, and cerebrovascular remodeling. However, the roles and crosstalk of astrocytes with neurons and microglia and any subsequent neuroplastic effects have not been studied extensively in exercise-induced settings. This article discusses the impact of physical exercise on astrocyte proliferation and highlights the interplay between astrocytes, microglia and neurons. The crosstalk between these cells may enhance neuroplasticity, leading to the neuroplastic effects of exercise.

Adult hippocampal neurogenesis in the context of lipopolysaccharide-induced neuroinflammation: A molecular, cellular and behavioral review

The continuous generation of new neurons occurs in at least two well-defined niches in the adult rodent brain. One of these areas is the subgranular zone of the dentate gyrus (DG) in the hippocampus. While the DG is associated with contextual and spatial learning and memory, hippocampal neurogenesis is necessary for pattern separation. Hippocampal neurogenesis begins with the activation of neural stem cells and culminates with the maturation and functional integration of a portion of the newly generated glutamatergic neurons into the hippocampal circuits. The neurogenic process is continuously modulated by intrinsic factors, one of which is neuroinflammation. The administration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) has been widely used as a model of neuroinflammation and has yielded a body of evidence for unveiling the detrimental impact of inflammation upon the neurogenic process. This work aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge on the effects of the systemic and central administration of LPS upon the different stages of neurogenesis and discuss their effects at the molecular, cellular, and behavioral levels.

Microglia and BDNF at the crossroads of stressor related disorders: Towards a unique trophic phenotype

Stressors ranging from psychogenic/social to neurogenic/injury to systemic/microbial can impact microglial inflammatory processes, but less is known regarding their effects on trophic properties of microglia. Recent studies do suggest that microglia can modulate neuronal plasticity, possibly through brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). This is particularly important given the link between BDNF and neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative pathology. We posit that certain activated states of microglia play a role in maintaining the delicate balance of BDNF release onto neuronal synapses. This focused review will address how different "activators" influence the expression and release of microglial BDNF and address the question of tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) expression on microglia. We will then assess sex-based differences in microglial function and BDNF expression, and how microglia are involved in the stress response and related disorders such as depression. Drawing on research from a variety of other disorders, we will highlight challenges and opportunities for modulators that can shift microglia to a "trophic" phenotype with a view to potential therapeutics relevant for stressor-related disorders.

Delayed treatment with the immunotherapeutic LNFPIII ameliorates multiple neurological deficits in a pesticide-nerve agent prophylactic mouse model of Gulf War Illness

Residual effects of the 1990-1991 Gulf War (GW) still plague veterans 30 years later as Gulf War Illness (GWI). Thought to stem mostly from deployment-related chemical overexposures, GWI is a disease with multiple neurological symptoms with likely immunological underpinnings. Currently, GWI remains untreatable, and the long-term neurological disease manifestation is not characterized fully. The present study sought to expand and evaluate the long-term implications of prior GW chemicals exposure on neurological function 6-8 months post GWI-like symptomatology induction. Additionally, the beneficial effects of delayed treatment with the glycan immunotherapeutic lacto-N-fucopentaose III (LNFPIII) were evaluated. Male C57BL/6J mice underwent a 10-day combinational exposure (i.p.) to GW chemicals, the nerve agent prophylactic pyridostigmine bromide (PB) and the insecticide permethrin (PM; 0.7 and 200 mg/kg, respectively). Beginning 4 months after PB/PM exposure, a subset of the mice were treated twice a week until study completion with LNFPIII. Evaluation of cognition/memory, motor function, and mood was performed beginning 1 month after LNFPIII treatment initiation. Prior exposure to PB/PM produced multiple locomotor, neuromuscular, and sensorimotor deficits across several motor tests. Subtle anxiety-like behavior was also present in PB/PM mice in mood tests. Further, PB/PM-exposed mice learned at a slower rate, mostly during early phases of the learning and memory tests employed. LNFPIII treatment restored or improved many of these behaviors, particularly in motor and cognition/memory domains. Electrophysiology data collected from hippocampal slices 8 months post PB/PM exposure revealed modest aberrations in basal synaptic transmission and long-term potentiation in the dorsal or ventral hippocampus that were improved by LNFPIII treatment. Immunohistochemical analysis of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), a dopaminergic marker, did not detect major PB/PM effects along the nigrostriatal pathway, but LNFPIII increased striatal TH. Additionally, neuroinflammatory cells were increased in PB/PM mice, an effect reduced by LNFPIII. Collectively, long-term neurobehavioral and neurobiological dysfunction associated with prior PB/PM exposure was characterized; delayed LNFPIII treatment provided multiple behavioral and biological beneficial effects in the context of GWI, highlighting its potential as a GWI therapeutic.

Modulation of Neural Networks by Interleukin-1

Interleukin-1 (IL-1) is an inflammatory cytokine that has been shown to modulate neuronal signaling in homeostasis and diseases. In homeostasis, IL-1 regulates sleep and memory formation, whereas in diseases, IL-1 impairs memory and alters affect. Interestingly, IL-1 can cause long-lasting changes in behavior, suggesting IL-1 can alter neuroplasticity. The neuroplastic effects of IL-1 are mediated via its cognate receptor, Interleukin-1 Type 1 Receptor (IL-1R1), and are dependent on the distribution and cell type(s) of IL-1R1 expression. Recent reports found that IL-1R1 expression is restricted to discrete subpopulations of neurons, astrocytes, and endothelial cells and suggest IL-1 can influence neural circuits directly through neuronal IL-1R1 or indirectly via non-neuronal IL-1R1. In this review, we analyzed multiple mechanisms by which IL-1/IL-1R1 signaling might impact neuroplasticity based upon the most up-to-date literature and provided potential explanations to clarify discrepant and confusing findings reported in the past.

Lifestyle-dependent microglial plasticity: training the brain guardians

Lifestyle is one of the most powerful instruments shaping mankind; the lifestyle includes many aspects of interactions with the environment, from nourishment and education to physical activity and quality of sleep. All these factors taken in complex affect neuroplasticity and define brain performance and cognitive longevity. In particular, physical exercise, exposure to enriched environment and dieting act through complex modifications of microglial cells, which change their phenotype and modulate their functional activity thus translating lifestyle events into remodelling of brain homoeostasis and reshaping neural networks ultimately enhancing neuroprotection and cognitive longevity.

Physical exercise mitigates neuropathic changes in an animal model for Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease 1X

Inherited neuropathies of the Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) type 1 are still untreatable diseases of the peripheral nervous system. We have previously shown that macrophages substantially amplify neuropathic changes in various mouse models of CMT1 subforms and that targeting innate immune cells substantially ameliorates disease outcome. However, up to date, specific approaches targeting macrophages pharmacologically might entail side effects. Here, we investigate whether physical exercise dampens peripheral nerve inflammation in a model for an X-linked dominant form of CMT1 (CMT1X) and whether this improves neuropathological and clinical outcome subsequently. We found a moderate, but significant decline in the number of macrophages and an altered macrophage activation upon voluntary wheel running. These observations were accompanied by an improved clinical outcome and axonal preservation. Most interestingly, exercise restriction by ~40% accelerated amelioration of clinical outcome and further improved nerve structure by increasing myelin thickness compared to the unrestricted running group. This myelin-preserving effect of limited exercise was accompanied by an elevated expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in peripheral nerves, while the expression of other trophic factors like neuregulin-1, glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) or insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) were not influenced by any mode of exercise. We demonstrate for the first time that exercise dampens inflammation and improves nerve structure in a mouse model for CMT1, likely leading to improved clinical outcome. Reducing the amount of exercise does not automatically decrease treatment efficacy, reflecting the need of optimally designed exercise studies to achieve safe and effective treatment options for CMT1 patients.

Lacto-N-fucopentaose-III ameliorates acute and persisting hippocampal synaptic plasticity and transmission deficits in a Gulf War Illness mouse model

AIMS

The present study investigated if treatment with the immunotherapeutic, lacto-N-fucopentaose-III (LNFPIII), resulted in amelioration of acute and persisting deficits in synaptic plasticity and transmission as well as trophic factor expression along the hippocampal dorsoventral axis in a mouse model of Gulf War Illness (GWI).

MAIN METHODS

Mice received either coadministered or delayed LNFPIII treatment throughout or following, respectively, exposure to a 15-day GWI induction paradigm. Subsets of animals were subsequently sacrificed 48 h, seven months, or 11 months post GWI-related (GWIR) exposure for hippocampal qPCR or in vitro electrophysiology experiments.

KEY FINDINGS

Progressively worsened impairments in hippocampal synaptic plasticity, as well as a biphasic effect on hippocampal synaptic transmission, were detected in GWIR-exposed animals. Dorsoventral-specific impairments in hippocampal synaptic responses became more pronounced over time, particularly in the dorsal hippocampus. Notably, delayed LNFPIII treatment ameliorated GWI-related aberrations in hippocampal synaptic plasticity and transmission seven and 11 months post-exposure, an effect that was consistent with enhanced hippocampal trophic factor expression and absence of increased interleukin 6 (IL-6) in animals treated with LNFPIII.

SIGNIFICANCE

Approximately a third of Gulf War Veterans have GWI; however, GWI therapeutics are presently limited to targeted and symptomatic treatments. As increasing evidence underscores the substantial role of persisting neuroimmune dysfunction in GWI, efficacious neuroactive immunotherapeutics hold substantial promise in yielding GWI remission. The findings in the present report indicate that LNFPIII may be an efficacious candidate for ameliorating persisting neurological abnormalities presented in GWI.

Neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease associated with human aging. Ten percent of individuals over 65 years have AD and its prevalence continues to rise with increasing age. There are currently no effective disease modifying treatments for AD, resulting in increasingly large socioeconomic and personal costs. Increasing age is associated with an increase in low-grade chronic inflammation (inflammaging) that may contribute to the neurodegenerative process in AD. Although the exact mechanisms remain unclear, aberrant elevation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) levels from several endogenous and exogenous processes in the brain may not only affect cell signaling, but also trigger cellular senescence, inflammation, and pyroptosis. Moreover, a compromised immune privilege of the brain that allows the infiltration of peripheral immune cells and infectious agents may play a role. Additionally, meta-inflammation as well as gut microbiota dysbiosis may drive the neuroinflammatory process. Considering that inflammatory/immune pathways are dysregulated in parallel with cognitive dysfunction in AD, elucidating the relationship between the central nervous system and the immune system may facilitate the development of a safe and effective therapy for AD. We discuss some current ideas on processes in inflammaging that appear to drive the neurodegenerative process in AD and summarize details on a few immunomodulatory strategies being developed to selectively target the detrimental aspects of neuroinflammation without affecting defense mechanisms against pathogens and tissue damage.

Voluntary exercise ameliorates synaptic pruning deficits in sleep-deprived adolescent mice

Adolescence is a critical period for brain development and adequate sleep during this period is essential for physical function and mental health. Emerging evidence has detailed the neurological impacts of sleep insufficiency on adolescents, as was unveiled by our previous study, microglia, one of the crucial contributors to synaptic pruning, is functionally disrupted by lack of sleep. Here, we provided evidence featuring the protective effect and the underlying mechanisms of voluntary exercise (VE) on microglial functions in an adolescent 72 h sleep deprivation (SD) model. We identified that the aberrant hippocampal neuronal activity and impaired short-term memory performance in sleep-deprived mice were prevented by 11 days of VE. VE significantly normalized the SD-induced dendritic spine increment and maintained the microglial phagocytic ability in sleep-deprived mice. Moreover, we found that the amendment of the noradrenergic signal in the central nervous system may explain the preventative effects of VE on the abnormalities of microglial and neuronal functions caused by SD. These data suggested that VE may confer protection to the microglia-mediated synaptic pruning in the sleep-deprived adolescent brains. Therefore, physical exercise could be a beneficial health practice for the adolescents that copes the adverse influence of inevitable sleep insufficiency.

IL4-driven microglia modulate stress resilience through BDNF-dependent neurogenesis

Adult neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus is regulated by specific microglia groups and functionally implicated in behavioral responses to stress. However, the role of microglia in hippocampal neurogenesis and stress resilience remains unclear. We identified interleukin 4 (IL4)-driven microglia characterized by high expression of Arg1, which is critical in maintaining hippocampal neurogenesis and stress resistance. Decreasing Arg1⁺ microglia in the hippocampus by knocking down the microglial IL4R suppressed hippocampal neurogenesis and enhanced stress vulnerability. Increasing Arg1⁺ microglia in the hippocampus by enhancing IL4 signaling restored hippocampal neurogenesis and the resilience to stress-induced depression. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) was found necessary for the proneurogenesis effects of IL4-driven microglia. Together, our findings suggest that IL4-driven microglia in the hippocampus trigger BDNF-dependent neurogenesis responding to chronic stress, helping protect against depressive-like symptoms. These findings identify the modulation of a specific microglial phenotype as a treatment strategy for mood disorders.

FNDC5/Irisin System in Neuroinflammation and Neurodegenerative Diseases: Update and Novel Perspective

Irisin, the circulating peptide originating from fibronectin type III domain-containing protein 5 (FNDC5), is mainly expressed by muscle fibers under peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC1α) control during exercise. In addition to several beneficial effects on health, physical activity positively affects nervous system functioning, particularly the hippocampus, resulting in amelioration of cognition impairments. Recently, FNDC5/irisin detection in hippocampal neurons and the presence of irisin in the cerebrospinal fluid opened a new intriguing chapter in irisin history. Interestingly, in the hippocampus of mice, exercise increases FNDC5 levels and upregulates brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression. BDNF, displaying neuroprotection and anti-inflammatory effects, is mainly produced by microglia and astrocytes. In this review, we discuss how these glial cells can morphologically and functionally switch during neuroinflammation by modulating the expression of a plethora of neuroprotective or neurotoxic factors. We also focus on studies investigating the irisin role in neurodegenerative diseases (ND). The emerging involvement of irisin as a mediator of the multiple positive effects of exercise on the brain needs further studies to better deepen this issue and the potential use in therapeutic approaches for neuroinflammation and ND.

Exercise alters LPS-induced glial activation in the mouse brain

Experimental and epidemiological evidence suggest that modifiable lifestyle factors, including physical exercise, can build structural and cognitive reserve in the brain, increasing resilience to injury and insult. Accordingly, exercise can reduce the increased expression of proinflammatory cytokines in the brain associated with ageing or experimentally induced neuroinflammation. However, the cellular mechanisms by which exercise exerts this effect are unknown, including the effects of exercise on classic or alternative activation of astrocytes and microglia. In the present study, we assess the effects of nine consecutive days of treadmill running on the glial cell response to a single systemic injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and, in parallel, the effects on spatial learning and memory. We show that prior exercise protects against LPS-induced impairment of performance in the object displacement task concomitant with attenuation of IL-1β, TNFα and IL-10 mRNA expression in the hippocampus. Assessment of isolated astrocytes and microglia revealed that LPS induced a proinflammatory response in these cells that was not observed in cells prepared from the brains of mice who had undergone prior exercise. The results suggest that exercise modulates neuroinflammation by reducing the proinflammatory microglial response, suggesting a mechanism by which exercise may be neuroprotective.

Knockdown of long non-coding RNA SOX2OT downregulates SOX2 to improve hippocampal neurogenesis and cognitive function in a mouse model of sepsis-associated encephalopathy

Background

Aberrant hippocampal neurogenesis is an important pathological feature of sepsis-associated encephalopathy. In the current study, we examined the potential role of the long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) sex-determining region Y-box 2 (SOX2) overlapping transcript (SOX2OT), a known regulator of adult neurogenesis in sepsis-induced deficits in hippocampal neurogenesis and cognitive function.

Methods

Sepsis was induced in adult C57BL/6 J male mice by cecal ligation and perforation (CLP) surgery. Randomly selected CLP mice were transfected with short interfering RNAs (siRNAs) against SOX2OT or SOX2, or with scrambled control siRNA. Cognitive behavior was tested 8–12 days post-surgery using a Morris water maze. Western blotting and RT-qPCR were used to determine expression of SOX2, Ki67, doublecortin (DCX), nestin, brain lipid-binding protein, and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in the hippocampus. The number of bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU)⁺/DCX⁺ cells, BrdU⁺/neuronal nuclei (NeuN)⁺ neurons, and BrdU⁺/GFAP⁺ glial cells in the dentate gyrus were assessed by immunofluorescence.

Results

CLP mice showed progressive increases in SOX2OT and SOX2 mRNA levels on days 3, 7, and 14 after CLP surgery, accompanied by impaired cognitive function. Sepsis led to decrease in all neuronal markers in the hippocampus, except GFAP. Immunofluorescence confirmed the decreased numbers of BrdU⁺/DCX⁺ cells and BrdU⁺/NeuN⁺ neurons, and increased numbers of BrdU⁺/GFAP⁺ cells. SOX2OT knockdown partially inhibited the effects of CLP on levels of SOX2 and neuronal markers, neuronal populations in the hippocampus, and cognitive function. SOX2 deficiency recapitulated the effects of SOX2OT knockdown.

Conclusion

SOX2OT knockdown improves sepsis-induced deficits in hippocampal neurogenesis and cognitive function by downregulating SOX2 in mice. Inhibiting SOX2OT/SOX2 signaling may be effective for treating or preventing neurodegeneration in sepsis-associated encephalopathy.

The Protective Effect of Exercise in Neurodegenerative Diseases: The Potential Role of Extracellular Vesicles

Physical activity has systemic effects on the body, affecting almost every organ. It is important not only for general health and wellbeing, but also in the prevention of diseases. The mechanisms behind the therapeutic effects of physical activity are not completely understood; however, studies indicate these benefits are not confined to simply managing energy balance and body weight. They also include systemic factors which are released into the circulation during exercise and which appear to underlie the myriad of benefits exercise can elicit. It was shown that along with a number of classical cytokines, active tissues also engage in inter-tissue communication via extracellular vesicles (EVs), specifically exosomes and other small EVs, which are able to deliver biomolecules to cells and alter their metabolism. Thus, EVs may play a role in the acute and systemic adaptations that take place during and after physical activity, and may be therapeutically useful in the treatment of a range of diseases, including metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes and obesity; and the focus of this review, neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease.

The effects of microglia‐ and astrocyte‐derived factors on neurogenesis in health and disease

Hippocampal neurogenesis continues throughout life and has been suggested to play an essential role in maintaining spatial cognitive function under physiological conditions. An increasing amount of evidence has indicated that adult neurogenesis is tightly controlled by environmental conditions in the neurogenic niche, which consists of multiple types of cells including microglia and astrocytes. Microglia maintain the environment of neurogenic niche through their phagocytic capacity and interaction with neurons via fractalkine‐CX3CR1 signaling. In addition, microglia release growth factors such as brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α to support the development of adult born neurons. Astrocytes also manipulate neurogenesis by releasing various soluble factors including adenosine triphosphate and lactate. Whereas, under pathological conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, depression, and epilepsy, microglia and astrocytes play a leading role in inflammation and are involved in attenuating the normal process of neurogenesis. The modulation of glial functions on neurogenesis in these brain diseases are attracting attention as a new therapeutic target. This review describes how these glial cells play a role in adult hippocampal neurogenesis in both health and disease, especially focusing glia‐derived factors.

Toll-like receptor 4 differentially regulates adult hippocampal neurogenesis in an age- and sex-dependent manner

Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) is primarily responsible for initiating an immune response following pathogen recognition. However, TLR4 is also expressed on neural progenitor cells and has been reported to regulate hippocampal neurogenesis as young male TLR4 knockout mice show increases in cell proliferation and doublecortin positive cells. Whether these effects occur in both sexes and are sustained with normal aging is currently unknown. The present study evaluated whether TLR4 deficiency alters adult hippocampal neurogenesis in young (3-4 months) and aged (18-20 months), male and female, TLR4 deficient (TLR4-/-; B6.B10ScN-Tlr4lps-del/JthJ) and wild type (WT) mice. Additionally, neurogenesis within the dorsal and the ventral hippocampal subdivisions was evaluated to determine if TLR4 has differential effects across the hippocampus. Bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) was administered to quantify new cell survival as well as cell differentiation. Ki-67 was measured to evaluate cell proliferation. Results show that young TLR4-/- females had higher rates of proliferation and neuronal differentiation in both the dorsal and ventral hippocampus relative to WT females. Young TLR4-/- males show elevated proliferation and neuronal differentiation mainly in the ventral hippocampus. While young TLR4-/- mice show enhanced neurogenesis compared to young WT mice, the increase was not apparent in the aged TLR4-/- mice. Both aged WT and TLR4-/- mice showed a decrease in proliferation, new cell survival, and neuronal differentiation compared to young WT and TLR4-/- mice. The data collectively indicate that TLR4 regulates hippocampal neurogenesis in young adults, but that these effects are region-specific in males and that females show broader changes in neurogenesis throughout the hippocampus.

Physical exercise promotes astrocyte coverage of microvessels in a model of chronic cerebral hypoperfusion

BACKGROUND

Brain circulation disorders such as chronic cerebral hypoperfusion have been associated with a decline in cognitive function during the development of dementia. Astrocytes together with microglia participate in the immune response in the CNS and make them potential sentinels in the brain parenchyma. In addition, astrocytes coverage integrity has been related to brain homeostasis. Currently, physical exercise has been proposed as an effective intervention to promote brain function improvement. However, the neuroprotective effects of early physical exercise on the astrocyte communication with the microcirculation and the microglial activation in a chronic cerebral hypoperfusion model are still unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of early intervention with physical exercise on cognition, brain microcirculatory, and inflammatory parameters in an experimental model of chronic cerebral hypoperfusion induced by permanent bilateral occlusion of the common carotid arteries (2VO).

METHODS

Wistar rats aged 12 weeks were randomly divided into four groups: Sham-sedentary group (Sham-Sed), Sham-exercised group (Sham-Ex), 2VO-sedentary group (2VO-Sed), and 2VO-exercised group (2VO-Ex). The early intervention with physical exercise started 3 days after 2VO or Sham surgery during 12 weeks. Then, the brain functional capillary density and endothelial-leukocyte interactions were evaluated by intravital microscopy; cognitive function was evaluated by open-field test; hippocampus postsynaptic density protein 95 and synaptophysin were evaluated by western blotting; astrocytic coverage of the capillaries, microglial activation, and structural capillary density were evaluated by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

Early moderate physical exercise was able to normalize functional capillary density and reduce leukocyte rolling in the brain of animals with chronic cerebral hypoperfusion. These effects were accompanied by restore synaptic protein and the improvement of cognitive function. In addition, early moderate exercise improves astrocytes coverage in blood vessels of the cerebral cortex and hippocampus, decreases microglial activation in the hippocampus, and improves structural capillaries in the hippocampus.

CONCLUSIONS

Microcirculatory and inflammatory changes in the brain appear to be involved in triggering a cognitive decline in animals with chronic cerebral ischemia. Therefore, early intervention with physical exercise may represent a preventive approach to neurodegeneration caused by chronic cerebral hypoperfusion.

Exercise-Induced Cognitive Improvement Is Associated with Sodium Channel-Mediated Excitability in APP/PS1 Mice

Elevated brain activation, or hyperexcitability, induces cognitive impairment and confers an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Blocking the overexcitation of the neural network may be a promising new strategy to prevent, halt, and even reverse this condition. Physical exercise has been shown to be an effective cognitive enhancer that reduces the risk of AD in elderly individuals, but the underlying mechanisms are far from being fully understood. We explored whether long-term treadmill exercise attenuates amyloid precursor protein (APP)/presenilin-1 (PS1) mutation-induced aberrant network activity and thus improves cognition by altering the numbers and/or distribution of voltage-gated sodium channels (Nav) in transgenic mice. APP/PS1 mice aged 2, 3.5, 5, 6.5, 8, and 9 months underwent treadmill exercise with different durations or at different stages of AD. The alterations in memory, electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings, and expression levels and distributions of Nav functional members (Nav1.1α, Nav1.2, Nav1.6, and Navβ2) were evaluated. The results revealed that treadmill exercise with 12- and 24-week durations 1) induced significant improvement in novel object recognition (NOR) memory and Morris water maze (MWM) spatial memory; 2) partially reduced abnormal spike activity; and 3) redressed the disturbed cellular distribution of Nav1.1α, aberrant Navβ2 cleavage augmentation, and Nav1.6 upregulation. Additionally, APP/PS1 mice in the 24-week exercise group showed better performance in the NOR task and a large decrease in Nav1.6 expression, which was close to the wild-type level. This study suggests that exercise improves cognition and neural activity by altering the numbers and distribution of hippocampal Nav in APP/PS1 mice. Long-term treadmill exercise, for about 24 weeks, starting in the preclinical stage, is a promising therapeutic strategy for preventing AD and halting its progress.

The Potential Mechanisms of Exercise-induced Cognitive Protection: A Literature Review

Dementia has become a major health concern for the aging population of the United States. Studies indicate that participation in moderate exercise, with training, has been shown to have a beneficial impact on cognition. Thus, exercise and its effects on cognitive function has become an important area of research. This review summarizes the current literature on the potential mechanisms of the benefits of exercise for cognitive function.

Gene Expression Profiles for Macrophage in Tissues in Response to Different Exercise Training Protocols in Senescence Mice

Age-induced chronic inflammation is prevented by aerobic and resistance exercise training. However, the effects of the mechanism of exercise on chronic inflammation in each tissue remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of resistance and aerobic training on gene expression profiles for macrophage infiltration and polarization (M1/M2 ratio) with chronic inflammation in various tissues of aged model mice. Male 38-week-old SAMP1 (senescence-accelerated prone mouse 1) mice were randomly divided into three groups—sedentary (Aged-Sed-SAMP1), aerobic training (Aged-AT-SAMP1; voluntary running), and resistance training—for 12 weeks (Aged-RT-SAMP1; climbing ladder). Resistance and aerobic exercise training prevented an increase in circulating TNF-α levels (a marker of systemic inflammation) in aged SAMP1 mice, along with decreases in tissue inflammatory cytokine (TNF-α and IL-1β) mRNA expression in the heart, liver, small intestine, brain, aorta, adipose, and skeletal muscle, but it did not change the levels in the lung, spleen, and large intestine. Moreover, resistance and aerobic exercise training attenuated increases in F4/80 mRNA expression (macrophage infiltration), the ratio of CD11c/CD163 mRNA expression (M1/M2 macrophage polarization), and MCP-1 mRNA expression (chemokine: a regulator of chronic inflammation) in the chronic inflamed tissues of aged SAMP1 mice. These results suggested that resistance and aerobic exercise training-induced changes in gene expression for macrophage infiltration and polarization in various tissues might be involved in the prevention of age-related tissue chronic inflammation, and lead to a reduction of the increase in circulating TNF-α levels, as a marker of systemic inflammation, in aged SAMP1 mice.

Danshen extract (Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge) attenuate spinal cord injury in a rat model: A metabolomic approach for the mechanism study

BACKGROUD

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating neurological disorder caused by trauma. To date, SCI treatment is still a significant challenge in clinic and research around the world. Danshen (dried roots and rhizomes of Salvia miltiorrhiza), a commonly used Chinese medicinal herb, has been attracting attention in SCI treatment.

PURPOSE

Aim of this study was to evaluate the potential beneficial effects of danshen extract in a SCI rat model, as well as investigate possible mechanism of action and potential biomarkers.

METHODS

Here, a rat SCI model was established with weight-drop method, and danshen extract was administered by oral gavage (12.5 g/kg). Recovery of motor function and histomorphological changes were evaluated by Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan score and hematoxylin-eosin staining, respectively. In addition, neurofilament 200 (NF-H), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and CD11b expressions were assayed by immunofluorescence and western blot analysis. Furthermore, a metabolomics analysis based on ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) approach was conducted.

RESULTS

The results demonstrated that danshen extract could significantly ameliorated histopathology changes and improved recovery of motor function after SCI. Moreover, NF-H, BDNF and CD11b expression were progressively increased until 4 weeks post-injury after administrated danshen extract. Furthermore, a good separation was observed among different groups using OPLS-DA. Trajectory analysis showed the gradual shift from position of model group toward normal group with increasing time after administration of danshen extract. Meanwhile, 51 significantly altered metabolites were identified, while metabolic pathway analysis suggested that 6 metabolic pathways were disturbed by the altered metabolites.

CONCLUSION

In summary, this study provides an overview of neuroprotective effects and investigates possible mechanism of danshen extract in SCI treatment. However, further research is needed to uncover its regulatory mechanisms more clearly.

Neurobiological effects of aerobic exercise, with a focus on patients with schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a severe neuropsychiatric disease that is associated with neurobiological alterations in multiple brain regions and peripheral organs. Negative symptoms and cognitive deficits are present in about half of patients and are difficult to treat, leading to an unfavorable functional outcome. To investigate the impact of aerobic exercise on various neurobiological parameters, we conducted a narrative review. Add-on aerobic exercise was shown to be effective in improving negative and general symptoms, cognition, global functioning, and quality of life in schizophrenia patients. Based on findings in healthy individuals and animal models, this qualitative review gives an overview of different lines of evidence on how aerobic exercise impacts brain structure and function and molecular mechanisms in patients with schizophrenia and how its effects could be related to clinical and functional outcomes. Structural magnetic resonance imaging studies showed a volume increase in the hippocampus and cortical regions in schizophrenia patients and healthy controls after endurance training. However, results are inconsistent and individual risk factors may influence neuroplastic processes. Animal studies indicate that alterations in epigenetic mechanisms and synaptic plasticity are possible underlying mechanisms, but that differentiation of glial cells, angiogenesis, and possibly neurogenesis may also be involved. Clinical and animal studies also revealed effects of aerobic exercise on the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis, growth factors, and immune-related mechanisms. Some findings indicate effects on neurotransmitters and the endocannabinoid system. Further research is required to clarify how individual risk factors in schizophrenia patients mediate or moderate the neurobiological effects of exercise on brain and cognition. Altogether, aerobic exercise is a promising candidate in the search for pathophysiology-based add-on interventions in schizophrenia.

Physical Exercise Inhibits Inflammation and Microglial Activation

Accumulating evidence indicates that exercise can enhance brain function and attenuate neurodegeneration. Besides improving neuroplasticity by altering the synaptic structure and function in various brain regions, exercise also modulates multiple systems that are known to regulate neuroinflammation and glial activation. Activated microglia and several pro-inflammatory cytokines play active roles in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. The purpose of this review is to highlight the impacts of exercise on microglial activation. Possible mechanisms involved in exercise-modulated microglial activation are also discussed. Undoubtedly, more studies are needed in order to disclose the detailed mechanisms, but this approach offers therapeutic potential for improving the brain health of millions of aging people where pharmacological intervention has failed.

Exercise for Brain Health: An Investigation into the Underlying Mechanisms Guided by Dose

There is a strong link between the practice of regular physical exercise and maintenance of cognitive brain health. Animal and human studies have shown that exercise exerts positive effects on cognition through a variety of mechanisms, such as changes in brain volume and connectivity, cerebral perfusion, synaptic plasticity, neurogenesis, and regulation of trophic factors. However, much of this data has been conducted in young humans and animals, raising questions regarding the generalizability of these findings to aging adults. Furthermore, it is not clear at which doses these effects might take place, and if effects would differ with varying exercise modes (such as aerobic, resistance training, combinations, or other). The purpose of this review is to summarize the evidence on the effects of exercise interventions on various mechanisms believed to support cognitive improvements: cerebral perfusion, synaptic neuroplasticity, brain volume and connectivity, neurogenesis, and regulation of trophic factors. We synthesized the findings according to exposure to exercise (short- [1 day-16 weeks], medium- [24-40 weeks], and long-term exercise [52 weeks and beyond]) and have limited our discussion of dose effects to studies in aging adults and aged animals (when human data was not available).

Beneficial Effect of Exercise on Cognitive Function during Peripheral Arterial Disease: Potential Involvement of Myokines and Microglial Anti-Inflammatory Phenotype Enhancement

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD), leading to intermittent claudication, critical ischemia with rest pain, and/or tissue damage, is a public health issue associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Little is known about the link between PAD, cognitive function, and whether exercise might reduce cognitive dysfunction in PAD patients, as previously observed concerning both quality of life and prognosis. This review highlights the fact that patients suffering from PAD often demonstrate cognitive dysfunction characterized by reduced performance in nonverbal reasoning, reduced verbal fluency, and decreased information processing speed and a greater risk for progression toward dementia. Further, the data presented support that physical exercise, likely through myokine secretion and microglial anti-inflammatory phenotype enhancement, might participate in the cognition protection in common clinical settings.