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

Exercise preconditioning alleviates ischemia-induced memory deficits by increasing circulating adiponectin

JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202505000-00027/figure1/v/2024-07-28T173839Z/r/image-tiff Cerebral ischemia is a major health risk that requires preventive approaches in addition to drug therapy. Physical exercise enhances neurogenesis and synaptogenesis, and has been widely used for functional rehabilitation after stroke. In this study, we determined whether exercise training before disease onset can alleviate the severity of cerebral ischemia. We also examined the role of exercise-induced circulating factors in these effects. Adult mice were subjected to 14 days of treadmill exercise training before surgery for middle cerebral artery occlusion. We found that this exercise pre-conditioning strategy effectively attenuated brain infarct area, inhibited gliogenesis, protected synaptic proteins, and improved novel object and spatial memory function. Further analysis showed that circulating adiponectin plays a critical role in these preventive effects of exercise. Agonist activation of adiponectin receptors by AdipoRon mimicked the effects of exercise, while inhibiting receptor activation abolished the exercise effects. In summary, our results suggest a crucial role of circulating adiponectin in the effects of exercise pre-conditioning in protecting against cerebral ischemia and supporting the health benefits of exercise.

Treadmill Exercise Reshapes Cortical Astrocytic and Neuronal Activity to Improve Motor Learning Deficits Under Chronic Alcohol Exposure

Alcohol abuse induces various neurological disorders including motor learning deficits, possibly by affecting neuronal and astrocytic activity. Physical exercise is one effective approach to remediate synaptic loss and motor deficits as shown by our previous works. In this study, we unrevealed the role of exercise training in the recovery of cortical neuronal and astrocytic functions. Using a chronic alcohol injection mouse model, we found the hyperreactivity of astrocytes along with dendritic spine loss plus lower neuronal activity in the primary motor cortex. Persistent treadmill exercise training, on the other hand, improved neural spine formation and inhibited reactive astrocytes, alleviating motor learning deficits induced by alcohol exposure. These data collectively support the potency of endurance exercise in the rehabilitation of motor functions under alcohol abuse.

Stem cell-based approaches for developmental neurotoxicity testing

Neurotoxicants are substances that can lead to adverse structural or functional effects on the nervous system. These can be chemical, biological, or physical agents that can cross the blood brain barrier to damage neurons or interfere with complex interactions between the nervous system and other organs. With concerns regarding social policy, public health, and medicine, there is a need to ensure rigorous testing for neurotoxicity. While the most common neurotoxicity tests involve using animal models, a shift towards stem cell-based platforms can potentially provide a more biologically accurate alternative in both clinical and pharmaceutical research. With this in mind, the objective of this article is to review both current technologies and recent advancements in evaluating neurotoxicants using stem cell-based approaches, with an emphasis on developmental neurotoxicants (DNTs) as these have the most potential to lead to irreversible critical damage on brain function. In the next section, attempts to develop novel predictive model approaches for the study of both neural cell fate and developmental neurotoxicity are discussed. Finally, this article concludes with a discussion of the future use of in silico methods within developmental neurotoxicity testing, and the role of regulatory bodies in promoting advancements within the space.

Effects and neural mechanisms of different physical activity on major depressive disorder based on cerebral multimodality monitoring: a narrative review

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is currently the most common psychiatric disorder in the world. It characterized by a high incidence of disease with the symptoms like depressed mood, slowed thinking, and reduced cognitive function. Without timely intervention, there is a 20-30% risk of conversion to treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and a high burden for the patient, family and society. Numerous studies have shown that physical activity (PA) is a non-pharmacological treatment that can significantly improve the mental status of patients with MDD and has positive effects on cognitive function, sleep status, and brain plasticity. However, the physiological and psychological effects of different types of PA on individuals vary, and the dosage profile of PA in improving symptoms in patients with MDD has not been elucidated. In most current studies of MDD, PA can be categorized as continuous endurance training (ECT), explosive interval training (EIT), resistance strength training (RST), and mind-body training (MBT), and the effects on patients' depressive symptoms, cognitive function, and sleep varied. Therefore, the present study was based on a narrative review and included a large number of existing studies to investigate the characteristics and differences in the effects of different PA interventions on MDD. The study also investigated the characteristics and differences of different PA interventions in MDD, and explained the neural mechanisms through the results of multimodal brain function monitoring, including the intracranial environment and brain structure. It aims to provide exercise prescription and theoretical reference for future research in neuroscience and clinical intervention in MDD.

The cerebroprotection and prospects of FNDC5/irisin in stroke

Stroke, the leading cause of disability and cognitive impairment, is also the second leading cause of death worldwide. The drugs with multi-targeted brain cytoprotective effects are increasingly being advocated for the treatment of stroke. Irisin, a newly discovered myokine produced by cleavage of fibronectin type III domain 5, has been shown to regulate glucose metabolism, mitochondrial energy, and fat browning. A large amount of evidence indicated that irisin could exert anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and antioxidant properties in a variety of diseases such as myocardial infarction, inflammatory bowel disease, lung injury, and kidney or liver disease. Studies have found that irisin is widely distributed in multiple brain regions and also plays an important regulatory role in the central nervous system. The most common cause of a stroke is a sudden blockage of an artery (ischemic stroke), and in some circumstances, a blood vessel rupture can also result in a stroke (hemorrhagic stroke). After a stroke, complicated pathophysiological processes lead to serious brain injury and neurological dysfunction. According to recent investigations, irisin may protect elements of the neurovascular unit by acting on multiple pathological processes in stroke. This review aims to outline the currently recognized effects of irisin on stroke and propose possible directions for future research.

The Effects of Physical Activity on Experimental Models of Vascular Dementia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background

Physical activity is associated with improved brain health and cognition in humans. However, the validity, range, and quality of evidence for the beneficial outcomes linked to exercise in experimental models of vascular dementia (VaD) have not been evaluated. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies that assessed the effect of exercise intervention on models of VaD to provide an unbiased and comprehensive determination of the cognitive function and brain morphology benefits of exercise.

Summary

A systematic search in three databases as well as study design characteristics and experimental data extraction were completed in December 2021. We investigated the effects of exercise on cognitive function and brain-morphology outcomes in VaD models. Twenty-five studies were included for systematic review, while 21 studies were included in the meta-analysis. These studies included seven models of VaD in rats (60%, 15 studies), mice (36%, 9 studies), and pigs (4%, 1 study). None of the included studies used aged animals, and the majority of studies (80%) used only male animals.

Key Message Exercise improves cognition but increased neuro-inflammation in VaD models

Exercise improved cognitive function as well as some markers of brain morphology in models of VaD. However, exercise increased anxiety and neuro-inflammatory signals in VaD models. Further, we observed increased reporting anomalies such as a lack of blinding to group treatment or data analysis and randomization of animals to groups. Our report could help in the appropriate design of experimental studies seeking to investigate the effects of exercise as a non-pharmacological intervention on VaD models with a high translational impact.

Exploring the neuroprotective role of physical activity in cerebral small vessel disease

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.

Acrobatic training prevents learning impairments and astrocyte remodeling in the hippocampus of rats undergoing chronic cerebral hypoperfusion: sex-specific benefits

Background

Chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH) leads to memory and learning impairments associated with degeneration and gliosis in the hippocampus. Treatment with physical exercise carries different therapeutic benefits for each sex. We investigated the effects of acrobatic training on astrocyte remodeling in the CA1 and CA3 subfields of the hippocampus and spatial memory impairment in male and female rats at different stages of the two-vessel occlusion (2VO) model.

Methods

Wistar rats were randomly allocated into four groups of males and females: 2VO acrobatic, 2VO sedentary, sham acrobatic, and sham sedentary. The acrobatic training was performed for 4 weeks prior to the 2VO procedure. Brain samples were collected for morphological and biochemical analysis at 3 and 7 days after 2VO. The dorsal hippocampi were removed and prepared for Western blot quantification of Akt, p-Akt, COX IV, cleaved caspase-3, PARP, and GFAP. GFAP immunofluorescence was performed on slices of the hippocampus to count astrocytes and apply the Sholl's circle technique. The Morris water maze was run after 45 days of 2VO.

Results

Acutely, the trained female rats showed increased PARP expression, and the 2VO-trained rats of both sexes presented increased GFAP levels in Western blot. Training, mainly in males, induced an increase in the number of astrocytes in the CA1 subfield. The 2VO rats presented branched astrocytes, while acrobatic training prevented branching. However, the 2VO-induced spatial memory impairment was partially prevented by the acrobatic training.

Conclusion

Acrobatic training restricted the astrocytic remodeling caused by 2VO in the CA1 and CA3 subfields of the hippocampus. The improvement in spatial memory was associated with more organized glial scarring in the trained rats and better cell viability observed in females.

Voluntary wheel exercise improves glymphatic clearance and ameliorates colitis-associated cognitive impairment in aged mice by inhibiting TRPV4-induced astrocytic calcium activity

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Chronic colitis exacerbates neuroinflammation, contributing to cognitive impairment during aging, but the mechanism remains unclear. The polarity distribution of astrocytic aquaporin 4 (AQP4) is crucial for the glymphatic system, which is responsible for metabolite clearance in the brain. Physical exercise (PE) improves cognition in the aged. This study aims to investigate the protective mechanism of exercise in colitis-associated cognitive impairment.

METHODS

To establish a chronic colitis model, 18-month-old C57BL/6 J female mice received periodic oral administration of 1% wt/vol dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) in drinking water. The mice in the exercise group received four weeks of voluntary wheel exercise. High-throughput sequencing was conducted to screen for differentially expressed genes. Two-photon imaging was performed to investigate the function of the astrocytic calcium activity and in vivo intervention with TRPV4 inhibitor HC-067047. Further, GSK1016790A (GSK1), a TRPV4 agonist, was daily intraperitoneally injected during the exercise period to study the involvement of TRPV4 in PE protection. Colitis pathology was confirmed by histopathology. The novel object recognition (NOR) test, Morris water maze test (MWM), and open field test were performed to measure colitis-induced cognition and anxiety-like behavior. In vivo two-photon imaging and ex vivo imaging of fluorescent CSF tracers to evaluate the function of the glymphatic system. Immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the Aβ deposition, polarity distribution of astrocytic AQP4, and astrocytic phenotype. Serum and brain levels of the inflammatory cytokines were tested by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The brain TUNEL assay was used to assess DNA damage. Expression of critical molecules was detected using Western blotting.

RESULTS

Voluntary exercise alleviates cognitive impairment and anxiety-like behavior in aged mice with chronic colitis, providing neuroprotection against neuronal damage and apoptosis. Additionally, voluntary exercise promotes the brain clearance of Aβ via increased glymphatic clearance. Mechanistically, exercise-induced beneficial effects may be attributed, in part, to the inhibition of TRPV4 expression and TRPV4-related calcium hyperactivity, subsequent promotion of AQP4 polarization, and modulation of astrocyte phenotype.

CONCLUSION

The present study reveals a novel role of voluntary exercise in alleviating colitis-related cognitive impairment and anxiety disorder, which is mediated by the promotion of AQP4 polarization and glymphatic clearance of Aβ via inhibition of TRPV4-induced astrocytic calcium hyperactivity.

Neuroprotection in metabolic syndrome by environmental enrichment. A lifespan perspective

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is defined by the concurrence of different metabolic conditions: obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and hyperglycemia. Its incidence has been increasingly rising over the past decades and has become a global health problem. MetS has deleterious consequences on the central nervous system (CNS) and neurological development. MetS can last several years or be lifelong, affecting the CNS in different ways and treatments can help manage condition, though there is no known cure. The early childhood years are extremely important in neurodevelopment, which extends beyond, encompassing a lifetime. Neuroplastic changes take place all life through - childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and old age - are highly sensitive to environmental input. Environmental factors have an important role in the etiopathogenesis and treatment of MetS, so environmental enrichment (EE) stands as a promising non-invasive therapeutic approach. While the EE paradigm has been designed for animal housing, its principles can be and actually are applied in cognitive, sensory, social, and physical stimulation programs for humans. Here, we briefly review the central milestones in neurodevelopment at each life stage, along with the research studies carried out on how MetS affects neurodevelopment at each life stage and the contributions that EE models can provide to improve health over the lifespan.

Data-driven physical actigraphy patterns relate to cognitive and vascular health in older adults

Health benefits of physical activity (PA) are well known; however, specific PA patterns that relate most strongly to cognitive aging outcomes are poorly understood. We characterized latent profiles of PA among older adults and examined associations with cognition and vascular burden. 124 functionally normal older adults wore a Fitbit™ for 30 days. Daily average step count, sedentary time (0 steps/min), and high-intensity time (≥120 steps/min) were calculated. Participants completed neurocognitive testing assessing cognitive domains of executive functioning and memory; medical history, from which vascular burden (i.e., a count of cardiovascular conditions) was calculated; and brain MRI (n = 44). Subgroups with similar PA patterns were identified via latent profile analysis. Three latent PA classes emerged: Class 1Low PA (n = 49), Class 2Average PA (n = 59), and Class 3High-intensity PA (n = 16). PA class related to executive functioning and vascular burden, driven by better outcomes in Class 3 than Class 1. Sex-stratified analyses revealed these associations were strongest in males. Post hoc analyses showed a positive association between high-intensity PA and white matter integrity among males. High-intensity PA related to better cognitive and vascular health, particularly among males. Findings inform physical activity-specific and person-specific recommendations for optimal cognitive aging.

Bushen-Yizhi formula exerts neuroprotective effect via inhibiting excessive mitophagy in rats with chronic cerebral hypoperfusion

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Bushen-Yizhi formula (BSYZ), a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescription widely used in treating mental retardation and neurodegenerative diseases with kidney deficiency, has been reported to attenuate oxidative stress-related neuronal apoptosis. Chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH) is considered to be related to cognitive and emotional disorders. However, it remains to be clarified that the effect of BSYZ on CCH and its underlying mechanism.

AIM OF THE STUDY

In the present study, we aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects and underlying mechanisms of BSYZ on CCH- injured rats based on the domination of oxidative stress balance and mitochondrial homeostasis through inhibiting abnormal excessive mitophagy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The in vivo rat model of CCH was established by bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (BCCAo), while the in vitro PC12 cell model was exposed to oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) condition, and a mitophagy inhibitor (chloroquine) by decreasing autophagosome-lysosome fusion was used as reverse validation in vitro. The protective role of BSYZ on CCH-injured rats was measured by open field test, morris water maze test, analysis of amyloid fibrils and apoptosis, and oxidative stress kit. The expression of mitochondria-related and mitophagy-related proteins was evaluated by Western blot, immunofluorescence, JC-1 staining assay and Mito-Tracker Red CMXRos assay. The components of BSYZ extracts were identified by HPLC-MS. The molecular docking studies were used to investigate the potential interactions of characteristic compounds in BSYZ with lysosomal membrane protein 1 (LAMP1).

RESULTS

Our result indicated that BSYZ improved the cognition and memory abilities of the BCCAo rats by diminishing the occurrence of apoptosis and abnormal amyloid deposition accumulation, suppressing oxidative stress damage for abnormal excessive mitophagy activation in the hippocampus. Moreover, in OGD/R-damaged PC12 cells, BSYZ drug serum treatment substantially enhanced the PC12 cell viability and suppressed intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation for protecting against oxidative stress, along with the improvement of mitochondrial membrane activity and lysosomal proteins. Our studies also showed that inhibiting of autophagosome-lysosome fusion to generate autolysosomes by using chloroquine abrogated the neuroprotective effects of BSYZ on PC12 cells regarding the modulation of antioxidant defence and mitochondrial membrane activity. Furthermore, the molecular docking studies supported the direct bindings between lysosomal associated membrane protein 1 (LAMP1) and compounds in BSYZ extract to inhibit excessive mitophagy.

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrated that BSYZ played a neuroprotective role in rats with CCH and reduced neuronal oxidative stress via promoting the formation of autolysosomes to inhibit abnormal excessive mitophagy.

Reprogramming astrocytic NDRG2/NF-κB/C3 signaling restores the diabetes-associated cognitive dysfunction

BACKGROUND

Dementia is a serious complication in patients with diabetes-associated cognitive dysfunction (DACD). In this study, we aim to explore the protective effect of exercise on DACD in diabetic mice, and the role of NDRG2 as a potential guarder for reversing the pathological structure of neuronal synapses.

METHODS

Seven weeks of standardized exercise at moderate intensity was carried out using an animal treadmill in the vehicle + Run and STZ + Run groups. Based on quantitative transcriptome and tandem mass tag (TMT) proteome sequencing, weighted gene co-expression analysis (WGCNA) and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) were used to investigate the activation of complement cascades to injury neuronal synaptic plasticity. Golgi staining, Western blotting, immunofluorescence staining, and electrophysiology were used to verify the reliability of sequencing data. The role of NDRG2 was assessed by overexpressing or inhibiting the NDRG2 gene in vivo. Moreover, we estimated the cognitive function in diabetic or normal patients using DSST scores.

FINDINGS

Exercise reversed the injury of neuronal synaptic plasticity and the downregulation of astrocytic NDRG2 in diabetic mice, which succeeded in attenuating DACD. The deficiency of NDRG2 aggravated the activation of complement C3 by accelerating the phosphorylation of NF-κB, ultimately leading to synaptic injury and cognitive dysfunction. Conversely, the overexpression of NDRG2 promoted astrocytic remodeling by inhibiting complement C3, thus attenuating synaptic injury and cognitive dysfunction. Meanwhile, C3aR blockade rescued dendritic spines loss and cognitive deficits in diabetic mice. Moreover, the average DSST score of diabetic patients was significantly lower than that of non-diabetic peers. Levels of complement C3 in human serum were elevated in diabetic patients compared to those in non-diabetic patients.

INTERPRETATION

Our findings illustrate the effectiveness and integrative mechanism of NDRG2-induced improvement of cognition from a multi-omics perspective. Additionally, they confirm that the expression of NDRG2 is closely related to cognitive function in diabetic mice and the activation of complement cascades accelerated impairment of neuronal synaptic plasticity. NDRG2 acts as a regulator of astrocytic-neuronal interaction via NF-κB/C3/C3aR signaling to restore synaptic function in diabetic mice.

FUNDING

This study was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 81974540, 81801899, 81971290), the Key Research and Development Program of Shaanxi (Program No. 2022ZDLSF02-09) and Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (Grant No. xzy022019020).

Barrier-environment interactions along the gut-brain axis and their influence on cognition and behaviour throughout the lifespan

Environment is known to substantially alter mental state and behaviour across the lifespan. Biological barriers such as the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and gut barrier (GB) are major hubs for communication of environmental information. Alterations in the structural, social and motor environment at different stages of life can influence function of the BBB and GB and their integrity to exert behavioural consequences. Importantly, each of these environmental components is associated with a distinct immune profile, glucocorticoid response and gut microbiome composition, creating unique effects on the BBB and GB. These barrier-environment interactions are sensitive to change throughout life, and positive or negative alterations at critical stages of development can exert long-lasting cognitive and behavioural consequences. Furthermore, because loss of barrier integrity is implicated in pathogenesis of mental disorders, the pathways of environmental influence represent important areas for understanding these diseases. Positive environments can be protective against stress- and age-related damage, raising the possibility of novel pharmacological targets. This review summarizes known mechanisms of environmental influence - such as social interactions, structural complexity and physical exercise - on barrier composition, morphology and development, and considers the outcomes and implications of these interactions in the context of psychiatric disorders.

Physical exercise mediates a cortical FMRP-mTOR pathway to improve resilience against chronic stress in adolescent mice

Aerobic exercise effectively relieves anxiety disorders via modulating neurogenesis and neural activity. The molecular mechanism of exercise-mediated anxiolysis, however, remains incomplete. On a chronic restrain stress (CRS) model in adolescent mice, we showed that 14-day treadmill exercise profoundly maintained normal neural activity and axonal myelination in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), in association with the prevention of anxiety-like behaviors. Further interrogation of molecular mechanisms revealed the activation of the mechanistic target of the rapamycin (mTOR) pathway within mPFC under exercise training. At the upstream of mTOR, exercise-mediated brain RNA methylation inhibited the expression of Fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP) to activate the mTOR pathway. In summary, treadmill exercise modulates an FMRP-mTOR pathway to maintain cortical neural activity and axonal myelination, contributing to improved stress resilience. These results extended our understanding of the molecular substrate of exercise-mediated anxiolytic effect during adolescent period.

Approach to Small Animal Neurorehabilitation by Locomotor Training: An Update

Neurorehabilitation has a wide range of therapies to achieve neural regeneration, reorganization, and repair (e.g., axon regeneration, remyelination, and restoration of spinal circuits and networks) to achieve ambulation for dogs and cats, especially for grade 1 (modified Frankel scale) with signs of spinal shock or grade 0 (deep pain negative), similar to humans classified with ASIA A lesions. This review aims to explain what locomotor training is, its importance, its feasibility within a clinical setting, and some possible protocols for motor recovery, achieving ambulation with coordinated and modulated movements. In addition, it cites some of the primary key points that must be present in the daily lives of veterinarians or rehabilitation nurses. These can be the guidelines to improve this exciting exercise necessary to achieve ambulation with quality of life. However, more research is essential in the future years.

Exploring the Role of Lipid-Binding Proteins and Oxidative Stress in Neurodegenerative Disorders: A Focus on the Neuroprotective Effects of Nutraceutical Supplementation and Physical Exercise

The human brain is primarily composed of lipids, and their homeostasis is crucial to carry on normal neuronal functions. In order to provide an adequate amount of lipid transport in and out of the central nervous system, organisms need a set of proteins able to bind them. Therefore, alterations in the structure or function of lipid-binding proteins negatively affect brain homeostasis, as well as increase inflammation and oxidative stress with the consequent risk of neurodegeneration. In this regard, lifestyle changes seem to be protective against neurodegenerative processes. Nutraceutical supplementation with antioxidant molecules has proven to be useful in proving cognitive functions. Additionally, regular physical activity seems to protect neuronal vitality and increases antioxidant defenses. The aim of the present review was to investigate mechanisms that link lipid-binding protein dysfunction and oxidative stress to cognitive decline, also underlining the neuroprotective effects of diet and exercise.

APOE in the bullseye of neurodegenerative diseases: impact of the APOE genotype in Alzheimer's disease pathology and brain diseases

ApoE is the major lipid and cholesterol carrier in the CNS. There are three major human polymorphisms, apoE2, apoE3, and apoE4, and the genetic expression of APOE4 is one of the most influential risk factors for the development of late-onset Alzheimer's disease (AD). Neuroinflammation has become the third hallmark of AD, together with Amyloid-β plaques and neurofibrillary tangles of hyperphosphorylated aggregated tau protein. This review aims to broadly and extensively describe the differential aspects concerning apoE. Starting from the evolution of apoE to how APOE's single-nucleotide polymorphisms affect its structure, function, and involvement during health and disease. This review reflects on how APOE's polymorphisms impact critical aspects of AD pathology, such as the neuroinflammatory response, particularly the effect of APOE on astrocytic and microglial function and microglial dynamics, synaptic function, amyloid-β load, tau pathology, autophagy, and cell-cell communication. We discuss influential factors affecting AD pathology combined with the APOE genotype, such as sex, age, diet, physical exercise, current therapies and clinical trials in the AD field. The impact of the APOE genotype in other neurodegenerative diseases characterized by overt inflammation, e.g., alpha- synucleinopathies and Parkinson's disease, traumatic brain injury, stroke, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and multiple sclerosis, is also addressed. Therefore, this review gathers the most relevant findings related to the APOE genotype up to date and its implications on AD and CNS pathologies to provide a deeper understanding of the knowledge in the APOE field.

Can exercise attenuate the negative effects of long COVID syndrome on brain health?

The impetus for many governments globally to treat the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) as an endemic warrant more research into the prevention, and management of long COVID syndrome (LCS). Whilst the data on LCS remains scarce, reports suggest a large proportion of recovered individuals will experience ongoing neuropsychological symptoms, even with mild disease severity. The pathophysiology underlying LCS is multifaceted. Evidence suggests that altered inflammatory, neurotrophic, and neurotransmitter pathways within the brain contribute to neuropsychological symptoms reported following COVID-19. Exercise or regular physical activity has long been shown to have positive effects on brain health and cognition through exerting positive effects on inflammatory markers, neurotransmitters, and neurotropic factors analogous to the neurophysiological pathways proposed to be disrupted by COVID-19 infection. Thus, exercise may serve as an important lifestyle behavior in the management of LCS. In this opinion article, we present the evidence to support the positive role of exercise in the management of cognitive symptom that manifest with LCS and discuss important considerations and interactions with cardiorespiratory and exercise tolerance complications that often present for individuals experiencing LCS. We highlight the need for more research and training of sports medicine practitioners and clinical exercise physiologists in the management of LCS with exercise and call for further research to understand the optimal dose-responses and exercise prescription guidelines for cognitive benefits and minimizing other complications.

Aberrant pattern of regional cerebral blood flow in mild cognitive impairment: A meta-analysis of arterial spin labeling magnetic resonance imaging

In mild cognitive impairment (MCI), cognitive decline is associated with abnormal changes of cerebral blood flow (CBF). Arterial spin labeling magnetic resonance imaging (ASL-MRI) is an effective method for assessing regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF). However, the CBF estimated via ASL-MRI in MCI often differs between studies, and the consistency of CBF changes in MCI is unclear. In this study, 13 ASL-MRI studies with 495 MCI patients and 441 health controls were screened out from PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Web of Science, Wanfang, and CNKI. An activation likelihood estimation (ALE) meta-analysis was performed to explore the brain regions with abnormal CBF in MCI. It showed that the decreased CBF in MCI was identified in the precuneus, inferior parietal lobule (IPL), superior occipital gyrus (SOG), middle temporal gyrus (MTG), and middle occipital gyrus (MOG), while the increased CBF in MCI was identified in the lentiform nucleus (LN) compared with healthy controls. The study characterized the abnormal pattern of regional CBF in MCI, which would promote our knowledge of MCI and might be used as a biomarker in clinic.

Circulating exo-miR-154-5p regulates vascular dementia through endothelial progenitor cell-mediated angiogenesis

Background

Vascular dementia (VaD) mainly results from cerebral vascular lesions and tissue changes, which contribute to neurodegenerative processes. Effective therapeutic approaches to targeting angiogenesis may reduce mortality of VaD. Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) play a key role in postnatal angiogenesis. Many exosomal microRNAs (exo-miRNAs) have been reported to involve in the development of dementia. The present study was designed to investigate whether the expression profile of the exo-miRNAs is significantly altered in patients with VaD and to reveal the function of differentially expressed miRNAs and the relevant mechanisms in EPC-mediated angiogenesis in VaD rat model.

Results

Exosomes isolated from serum of patients with VaD (n = 7) and age-matched control subjects (n = 7), and miRNA sequencing and bioinformatics analysis found that circulating exosome miRNA-155-5p, miRNA-154-5p, miR-132-5p, and miR-1294 were upregulated in patients with VaD. The expression of miRNA-154-5p was further verified to be upregulated in clinical samples (n = 23) and 2-vessel occlusion-induced VaD rat model by reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). Notably, miRNA-154-5p inhibition in bone marrow-EPCs (BM-EPCs) from VaD rats improved EPC functions, including tube formation, migration, and adhesion, and elevated concentrations of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and stromal cell-derived factor-1α (SDF-1α). The mRNA levels of ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and MCP-1 were reduced in miRNA-154-5p-inhibited EPCs. In addition, miRNA-154-5p inhibition increased the level of superoxide dismutase (SOD), and decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) in EPCs. PRKAA2 was chosen as a promising target gene of miR-154-5p, and miRNA-154-5p inhibition upregulated the protein expression of AMPKα2. Furthermore, upregulation of miR-154-5p markedly diminished EPC functions and inhibited angiogenesis following EPC transplantation in VaD rats.

Conclusion

Circulating exo-miR-154-5p was upregulated in patients with VaD, and miR-154-5p upregulation was associated with impaired EPC functions and angiogenesis in VaD rat model. Therefore, miR-154-5p is a promising biomarker and therapeutic strategy for VaD.

Effects of acrobatic training on spatial memory and astrocytic scar in CA1 subfield of hippocampus after chronic cerebral hypoperfusion in male and female rats

Chronic cerebral hypoperfusion leads to neuronal loss in the hippocampus and spatial memory impairments. Physical exercise is known to prevent cognitive deficits in animal models; and there is evidence of sex differences in behavioral neuroprotective approaches. The aim of present study was to investigate the effects of acrobatic training in male and female rats submitted to chronic cerebral hypoperfusion. Males and females rats underwent 2VO (two-vessel occlusion) surgery and were randomly allocated into 4 groups of males and 4 groups of females, as follows: 2VO acrobatic, 2VO sedentary, Sham acrobatic and Sham sedentary. The acrobatic training started 45 days after surgery and lasted 4 weeks; animals were then submitted to object recognition and water maze testing. Brain samples were collected for histological and morphological assessment and flow cytometry. 2VO causes cognitive impairments and acrobatic training prevented spatial memory deficits assessed in the water maze, mainly for females. Morphological analysis showed that 2VO animals had less NeuN labeling and acrobatic training prevented it. Increased number of GFAP positive cells was observerd in females; moreover, males had more branched astrocytes and acrobatic training prevented the branching after 2VO. Flow cytometry showed higher mitochondrial potential in trained animals and more reactive oxygen species production in males. Acrobatic training promoted neuronal survival and improved mitochondrial function in both sexes, and influenced the glial scar in a sex-dependent manner, associated to greater cognitive benefit to females after chronic cerebral hypoperfusion.

Physical Exercise-Induced Astrocytic Neuroprotection and Cognitive Improvement Through Primary Cilia and Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases Pathway in Rats With Chronic Cerebral Hypoperfusion

Chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH) is closely related to vascular cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The neuroinflammation involving astrocytes is an important pathogenic mechanism. Along with the advancement of the concept and technology of astrocytic biology, the astrocytes have been increasingly regarded as the key contributors to neurological diseases. It is well known that physical exercise can improve cognitive function. As a safe and effective non-drug treatment, physical exercise has attracted continuous interests in neurological research. In this study, we explored the effects of physical exercise on the response of reactive astrocytes, and its role and mechanism in CCH-induced cognitive impairment. A rat CCH model was established by 2 vessel occlusion (2VO) and the wheel running exercise was used as the intervention. The cognitive function of rats was evaluated by morris water maze and novel object recognition test. The phenotypic polarization and the primary cilia expression of astrocytes were detected by immunofluorescence staining. The activation of MAPKs cascades, including ERK, JNK, and P38 signaling pathways, were detected by western blot. The results showed that physical exercise improved cognitive function of rats 2 months after 2VO, reduced the number of C3/GFAP-positive neurotoxic astrocytes, promoted the expression of S100A10/GFAP-positive neuroprotective astrocytes, and enhanced primary ciliogenesis. Additionally, physical exercise also alleviated the phosphorylation of ERK and JNK proteins induced by CCH. These results indicate that physical exercise can improve the cognitive function of rats with CCH possible by promoting primary ciliogenesis and neuroprotective function of astrocytes. The MAPKs signaling cascade, especially ERK and JNK signaling pathways may be involved in this process.

Behavioral and Neural Activity-Dependent Recanalization of Plugged Capillaries in the Brain of Adult and Aged Mice

The capillaries of the brain, owing to their small diameter and low perfusion pressure, are vulnerable to interruptions in blood flow. These tiny occlusions can have outsized consequences on angioarchitecture and brain function; especially when exacerbated by disease states or accumulate with aging. A distinctive feature of the brain’s microvasculature is the ability for active neurons to recruit local blood flow. The coupling of neural activity to blood flow could play an important role in recanalizing obstructed capillaries. To investigate this idea, we experimentally induced capillary obstructions in mice by injecting fluorescent microspheres and then manipulated neural activity levels though behavioral or pharmacologic approaches. We show that engaging adult and aged mice with 12 h exposure to an enriched environment (group housing, novel objects, exercise wheels) was sufficient to significantly reduce the density of obstructed capillaries throughout the forebrain. In order to more directly manipulate neural activity, we pharmacologically suppressed or increased neuronal activity in the somatosensory cortex. When we suppressed cortical activity, recanalization was impaired given the density of obstructed capillaries was significantly increased. Conversely, increasing cortical activity improved capillary recanalization. Since systemic cardiovascular factors (changes in heart rate, blood pressure) could explain these effects on recanalization, we demonstrate that unilateral manipulations of neural activity through whisker trimming or injection of muscimol, still had significant and hemisphere specific effects on recanalization, even in mice exposed to enrichment where cardiovascular effects would be evident in both hemispheres. In summary, our studies reveal that neural activity bi-directionally regulates the recanalization of obstructed capillaries. Further, we show that stimulating brain activity through behavioral engagement (i.e., environmental enrichment) can promote vascular health throughout the lifespan.

Neurogenic-dependent changes in hippocampal circuitry underlie the procognitive effect of exercise in aging mice

We have shown that the improvement in hippocampal-based learning in aged mice following physical exercise observed is dependent on neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus (DG) and is regulated by changes in growth hormone levels. The changes in neurocircuitry, however, which may underlie this improvement, remain unclear. Using in vivo multimodal magnetic resonance imaging to track changes in aged mice exposed to exercise, we show the improved spatial learning is due to enhanced DG connectivity, particularly the strengthening of the DG-Cornu Ammonis 3 and the DG-medial entorhinal cortex connections in the dorsal hippocampus. Moreover, we provide evidence that these changes in circuitry are dependent on neurogenesis since they were abrogated by ablation of newborn neurons following exercise. These findings identify the specific changes in hippocampal circuitry that underlie the cognitive improvements resulting from physical activity and show that they are dependent on the activation of neurogenesis in aged animals.

Glia-Driven Brain Circuit Refinement Is Altered by Early-Life Adversity: Behavioral Outcomes

Early-life adversity (ELA), often clinically referred to as "adverse childhood experiences (ACE)," is the exposure to stress-inducing events in childhood that can result in poor health outcomes. ELA negatively affects neurodevelopment in children and adolescents resulting in several behavioral deficits and increasing the risk of developing a myriad of neuropsychiatric disorders later in life. The neurobiological mechanisms by which ELA alters neurodevelopment in childhood have been the focus of numerous reviews. However, a comprehensive review of the mechanisms affecting adolescent neurodevelopment (i.e., synaptic pruning and myelination) is lacking. Synaptic pruning and myelination are glia-driven processes that are imperative for brain circuit refinement during the transition from adolescence to adulthood. Failure to optimize brain circuitry between key brain structures involved in learning and memory, such as the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, leads to the emergence of maladaptive behaviors including increased anxiety or reduced executive function. As such, we review preclinical and clinical literature to explore the immediate and lasting effects of ELA on brain circuit development and refinement. Finally, we describe a number of therapeutic interventions best-suited to support adolescent neurodevelopment in children with a history of ELA.

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.

Exercise-Linked Irisin Prevents Mortality and Enhances Cognition in a Mice Model of Cerebral Ischemia by Regulating Klotho Expression

Irisin, which can be released in the hippocampus after physical exercise, is demonstrated to have beneficial effects on neurovascular diseases. This study investigated the impact of exercise linked-irisin on mortality and cognition in a mice model of cerebral ischemia and further explored its underlying mechanism. The cerebrospinal concentrations of irisin and klotho from ischemic stroke patients were measured with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The cognitive function of mice was evaluated by a series of behavioural experiments. The expressions of klotho, MnSOD, and FOXO3a in the hippocampus of mice were detected by Western blot. Superoxide production in the brain tissue of mice was evaluated with the dihydroethidium (DHE) dying. The results demonstrated that stroke patients showed a positive correlation between their CSF irisin concentration and klotho concentration. In addition, when mice subjected to cerebral ischemia, their cognitive function was impaired, the protein expressions of klotho, MnSOD, and FOXO3a downregulated, and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) increased compared with the sham group. After pretreatment with exogenous irisin, improved cognitive impairment, upregulated protein expressions of klotho, MnSOD, and FOXO3a, and reduced ROS generation were observed in mice with MCAO. However, the neuroprotective effects of irisin compromised with the evidence of severe cognitive impairment, decreased protein expressions of MnSOD and FOXO3a, and increased ROS production in klotho knockout mice. Thus, our results indicated that exercise-linked irisin could prevent mortality and improve cognitive impairment after cerebral ischemia by regulating klotho expression.

Lactate as Potential Mediators for Exercise-Induced Positive Effects on Neuroplasticity and Cerebrovascular Plasticity

The accumulated evidence from animal and human studies supports that exercise is beneficial to physical health. Exercise can upregulate various neurotrophic factors, activate neuroplasticity, and play a positive role in improving and enhancing cerebrovascular function. Due to its economy, convenience, and ability to prevent or ameliorate various aging-related diseases, exercise, a healthy lifestyle, is increasingly popularized by people. However, the mechanism by which exercise performs this function and how it is transmitted from muscles to the brain remains incompletely understood. Here, we review the beneficial effects of exercise with different intensities on the brain with a focus on the positive effects of lactate on neuroplasticity and cerebrovascular plasticity. Based on these recent studies, we propose that lactate, a waste previously misunderstood as a by-product of glycolysis in the past, may be a key signal molecule that regulates the beneficial adaptation of the brain caused by exercise. Importantly, we speculate that a central protective mechanism may underlie the cognitive benefits induced by exercise.

Neuroprotective Effects of Physical Activity via the Adaptation of Astrocytes

The multifold benefits of regular physical exercise have been largely demonstrated in human and animal models. Several studies have reported the beneficial effects of physical activity, both in peripheral tissues and in the central nervous system (CNS). Regular exercise improves cognition, brain plasticity, neurogenesis and reduces the symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases, making timeless the principle of “mens sana in corpore sano” (i.e., a healthy mind in a healthy body). Physical exercise promotes morphological and functional changes in the brain, acting not only in neurons but also in astrocytes, which represent the most numerous glial cells in the brain. The multiple effects of exercise on astrocytes comprise the increased number of new astrocytes, the maintenance of basal levels of catecholamine, the increase in glutamate uptake, the major release of trophic factors and better astrocytic coverage of cerebral blood vessels. The purpose of this review is to highlight the effects of exercise on brain function, emphasize the role of astrocytes in the healthy CNS, and provide an update for a better understanding of the effects of physical exercise in the modulation of astrocyte function.

Physical exercise modulates the astrocytes polarization, promotes myelin debris clearance and remyelination in chronic cerebral hypoperfusion rats

AIMS

White matter damage is the main pathological feature of chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH) and glial activation is crucial in this process. Physical exercise has protective effects on CCH, but the mechanism is unclear. Therefore, this study focuses on investigating the influence of physical exercise on activated astrocytes polarization and its role in CCH.

MAIN METHODS

Rats were given wheel running 48 h after 2VO (2 vessel occlusion) surgery. The cognitive function was evaluated by Morris water maze and novel object recognition test. Inflammatory cytokines expressions were detected by ELISA. Astrocytes polarization was analyzed by immunofluorescence. Myelin debris clearance and remyelination were detected by immunofluorescence and transmission electron microscopy.

KEY FINDINGS

Astrocytes were activated and mainly switched to A1 phenotype in rats 2 and 3 months after 2VO. Myelin debris deposition and limited remyelination can be observed at the corresponding time. Whereas physical exercise can improve the cognitive function of 2VO rats, downregulate the expression of inflammatory factors IL-1α, C1q and TNF, upregulate the release of TGFβ, and promote activated astrocytes transformation from A1 to A2 phenotype. In addition, it can also enhance myelin debris removal and remyelination.

SIGNIFICANCE

These findings suggest that the benefits of physical exercise on white matter repair and cognition improvement may be related to its regulation of astrocytes polarization, which contributes to myelin debris clearance and effective remyelination in CCH.

Dl-3-n-Butylphthalide Alleviates Hippocampal Neuron Damage in Chronic Cerebral Hypoperfusion via Regulation of the CNTF/CNTFRα/JAK2/STAT3 Signaling Pathways

Chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH) contributes to cognitive impairments, and hippocampal neuronal death is one of the key factors involved in this process. Dl-3-n-butylphthalide (D3NB) is a synthetic compound originally isolated from the seeds of Apium graveolens, which exhibits neuroprotective effects against some neurological diseases. However, the protective mechanisms of D3NB in a CCH model mimicking vascular cognitive impairment remains to be explored. We induced CCH in rats by a bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (BCCAO) operation. Animals were randomly divided into a sham-operated group, CCH 4-week group, CCH 8-week group, and the corresponding D3NB-treatment groups. Cultured primary hippocampal neurons were exposed to oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R) to mimic CCH in vitro. We aimed to explore the effects of D3NB treatment on hippocampal neuronal death after CCH as well as its underlying molecular mechanism. We observed memory impairment and increased hippocampal neuronal apoptosis in the CCH groups, combined with inhibition of CNTF/CNTFRα/JAK2/STAT3 signaling, as compared with that of sham control rats. D3NB significantly attenuated cognitive impairment in CCH rats and decreased hippocampal neuronal apoptosis after BCCAO in vivo or OGD/R in vitro. More importantly, D3NB reversed the inhibition of CNTF/CNTFRα expression and activated the JAK2/STAT3 pathway. Additionally, JAK2/STAT3 pathway inhibitor AG490 counteracted the protective effects of D3NB in vitro. Our results suggest that D3NB could improve cognitive function after CCH and that this neuroprotective effect may be associated with reduced hippocampal neuronal apoptosis via modulation of CNTF/CNTFRα/JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathways. D3NB may be a promising therapeutic strategy for vascular cognitive impairment induced by CCH.

Long-term environmental enrichment reduces microglia morphological diversity of the molecular layer of dentate gyrus

We investigated long-term environmental influences on morphology of microglia from the outer and middle thirds of molecular layer of the dentate gyrus (MolDG), and on microglia from dorsal and ventral dentate gyrus molecular layer. We also estimated the total number of MolDG microglia using stereology. For this purpose, microglia of the molecular layer of the dentate gyrus of 20-month-old female Swiss albino mice, housed from 21st postnatal day onwards, in the impoverished environment of the standard laboratory cages (SEA), or in a cage with an enriched environment (EEA), were reconstructed microscopically in three dimensions and compared with each other and with microglia of 6-month-old female Swiss albino mice, also housed from weaning onwards in an enriched cage (EEY). All mice had their brains sectioned and processed for immunolabeling for IBA-1, a selective microglia marker. Random and systematic microglia samples were reconstructed in three dimensions and classified morphologically using hierarchical cluster analysis, followed by discriminant function analysis. SEA and EEY showed two morphological phenotypes of microglia in both the outer and middle thirds of MolDG. EEA mice showed such a reduction in the morphological diversity of microglia that essentially a single morphotype was found. EEA mouse microglia showed an intermediate morphological complexity between types I and II SE microglia. We suggest that type I and type II microglia in SE mice may have different physiological roles and that long-term EE may be associated with adaptive responses of microglial phenotypes to somatomotor and cognitive stimuli.