Effects of swimming exercise on social isolation-induced memory impairment and apoptosis in old rats

Transcriptomic analysis of rat prefrontal cortex following chronic stress induced by social isolation - Relevance to psychiatric and neurodevelopmental illness, and implications for treatment

Social isolation is an established risk factor for psychiatric illness, and became increasingly topical with the spread of SARS-CoV-2. We used RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) to enable unbiased assessment of transcriptomic changes within the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of isolation-reared rats. To provide insight into the relevance of this manipulation for studying human illness, we compared differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and enriched biological functions against datasets involving post-mortem frontal cortical tissue from patients with psychiatric and neurodevelopmental illnesses. Sixteen male Sprague-Dawley rats were reared in groups of four or individually from weaning on postnatal day (PND) 22-24 until PFC tissue collection for RNA-Seq (PND64-66). We identified a total of 183 DEGs in isolates, of which 128 mirrored those in PFC tissue from patients with stress-related mental illnesses and/or neurodevelopmental conditions featuring social deficits. Seventy-one encode proteins classed as druggable by the gene-drug interaction database. Interestingly there are antagonists or inhibitors for the products of three of these up-regulated DEGs (Hrh3, Snca and Sod1) and agonists or activators for products of six of these down-regulated DEGs (Chrm4, Klf2, Lrrk2, Nr4a1, Nr4a3 and Prkca). Some have already undergone pre-clinical and clinical evaluation, and studies with the remainder may be warranted. Changes to Hrh3, Sod1, Chrm4, Lrrk2, Nr4a1 and Prkca were replicated in an independent cohort of sixteen male Sprague-Dawley rats via quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Our findings support the continued use of post-weaning isolation rearing to investigate the neurobiology of stress-related disorders and evaluate therapeutic targets.

Cannabidiol Modulates Emotional Function and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Expression in Middle-Aged Female Rats Exposed to Social Isolation

Aging is associated with changes in cognitive and emotional function. Cannabidiol (CBD) has been reported to attenuate stress and anxiety in human and animal studies. In this study, we aimed to assess the therapeutic potential of CBD among middle-aged female rats exposed to social isolation (SI) and the potential involvement of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in these effects. Thirteen-month-old female rats were group-housed (GH) or exposed to social isolation (SI) and treated with vehicle or CBD (10 mg/kg). CBD restored the SI-induced immobility in the forced swim test and the SI-induced decrease in the expression of BDNF protein levels in the nucleus accumbens (NAc). CBD also increased the time that rats spent in the center in an open field, improved spatial training, and increased BDNF expression in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and basolateral amygdala (BLA). BDNF expression was found to be correlated with an antidepressant (in the NAc) and an anxiolytic (in the mPFC, BLA, NAc) phenotype, and with learning improvement in the PFC. Together, our results suggest that CBD may serve as a beneficial agent for wellbeing in old age and may help with age-related cognitive decline.

Physical activity in a swimming pool attenuates memory impairment by reducing glutamate and inflammatory cytokines and increasing BDNF in the brain of mice with type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is a risk factor for the development of cognitive impairment. Increasing evidence suggests that regular exercise is beneficial for the treatment of clinical symptoms in diabetic patients. The current study aimed to evaluate whether increasing physical activity through swimming training can reduce memory impairment in an animal model of type 2 diabetes. Diabetes and non-diabetes mice underwent swimming training for four weeks, and then working, spatial, and recognition memory were evaluated using three behavioral tests. Body weight, glucose, and insulin resistance were monitored. We also measured inflammatory cytokines (interleukin (IL)- 6, IL-1β, and tumor-necrosis-factor (TNF)-α), an anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10), and brain-derived-neurotrophic-factor (BDNF), and glutamate levels in the hippocampus or prefrontal cortex of mice. The findings showed that diabetes increased body weight, glucose, and insulin resistance, impaired working, spatial and recognition memory, increased levels of IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, and glutamate levels, and decreased BDNF in the hippocampus of diabetic mice. While higher physical activity was associated with reduced body weight, glucose, and insulin resistance, attenuated memory impairment, IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, and glutamate, and increased BDNF levels in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex of diabetic mice. This study shows that swimming training can normalize body weight and glucose-insulin axis and reduce inflammation and glutamate in the hippocampus and enhance the neurotrophic system in both the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex of diabetic mice. This study also suggests that higher physical activity through swimming training can improve cognitive impairment in a mouse model of type 2 diabetes.

Implications of Physical Exercise on Episodic Memory and Anxiety: The Role of the Serotonergic System

There is a growing interest in investigating the effects of physical exercise on cognitive performance, particularly episodic memory. Similarly, an increasing number of studies in recent decades have studied the effects of physical activity on mood and anxiety disorders. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic has raised awareness of the importance of regular physical activity for both mental and physical health. Nevertheless, the exact mechanisms underlying these effects are not fully understood. Interestingly, recent findings suggest that the serotonergic system may play a key role in mediating the effects of physical exercise on episodic memory and anxiety. In this review, we discuss the impact of physical exercise on both episodic memory and anxiety in human and animal models. In addition, we explore the accumulating evidence that supports a role for the serotonergic system in the effects of physical exercise on episodic memory and anxiety.

Prophylactic Zinc Administration Combined with Swimming Exercise Prevents Cognitive-Emotional Disturbances and Tissue Injury following a Transient Hypoxic-Ischemic Insult in the Rat

Exercise performance and zinc administration individually yield a protective effect on various neurodegenerative models, including ischemic brain injury. Therefore, this work was aimed at evaluating the combined effect of subacute prophylactic zinc administration and swimming exercise in a transient cerebral ischemia model. The prophylactic zinc administration (2.5 mg/kg of body weight) was provided every 24 h for four days before a 30 min common carotid artery occlusion (CCAO), and 24 h after reperfusion, the rats were subjected to swimming exercise in the Morris Water Maze (MWM). Learning was evaluated daily for five days, and memory on day 12 postreperfusion; anxiety or depression-like behavior was measured by the elevated plus maze and the motor activity by open-field test. Nitrites, lipid peroxidation, and the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were assessed in the temporoparietal cortex and hippocampus. The three nitric oxide (NO) synthase isoforms, chemokines, and their receptor levels were measured by ELISA. Nissl staining evaluated hippocampus cytoarchitecture and Iba-1 immunohistochemistry activated the microglia. Swimming exercise alone could not prevent ischemic damage but, combined with prophylactic zinc administration, reversed the cognitive deficit, decreased NOS and chemokine levels, prevented tissue damage, and increased Iba-1 (+) cell number. These results suggest that the subacute prophylactic zinc administration combined with swimming exercise, but not the individual treatment, prevents the ischemic damage on day 12 postreperfusion in the transient ischemia model.

Understanding How Physical Exercise Improves Alzheimer’s Disease: Cholinergic and Monoaminergic Systems

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is an age-related neurodegenerative disorder, characterized by the accumulation of proteinaceous aggregates and neurofibrillary lesions composed of β-amyloid (Aβ) peptide and hyperphosphorylated microtubule-associated protein tau, respectively. It has long been known that dysregulation of cholinergic and monoaminergic (i.e., dopaminergic, serotoninergic, and noradrenergic) systems is involved in the pathogenesis of AD. Abnormalities in neuronal activity, neurotransmitter signaling input, and receptor function exaggerate Aβ deposition and tau hyperphosphorylation. Maintenance of normal neurotransmission is essential to halt AD progression. Most neurotransmitters and neurotransmitter-related drugs modulate the pathology of AD and improve cognitive function through G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Exercise therapies provide an important alternative or adjunctive intervention for AD. Cumulative evidence indicates that exercise can prevent multiple pathological features found in AD and improve cognitive function through delaying the degeneration of cholinergic and monoaminergic neurons; increasing levels of acetylcholine, norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine; and modulating the activity of certain neurotransmitter-related GPCRs. Emerging insights into the mechanistic links among exercise, the neurotransmitter system, and AD highlight the potential of this intervention as a therapeutic approach for AD.

Treadmill exercise ameliorates ethanol with lipopolysaccharide and carbon tetrachloride-mediated liver injury in mice

We reported that application of ethanol with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) enhanced alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) level. In the current experiment, the protective effect of treadmill running on liver injury caused by ethanol with LPS and CCl₄ in mice was studied. Liver injury severity was determined by measuring ALT and AST level in the blood. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining, immunohistochemistry for caspase-3, and Western blotting for Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) and B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) were performed to indicate hepatocyte apoptosis. In addition, to understand the mechanism, 5′-adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation was studied by Western blotting. Treadmill exercise ameliorated ethanol with LPS and CCl₄-mediated elevation of ALT and AST level. Treadmill exercise suppressed ethanol with LPS and CCl₄-mediated elevation of the TUNEL-positive cell number and cleaved caspase-3 expression. Treadmill exercise suppressed ethanol with LPS and CCl₄-mediated elevation of Bax expression and increased Bcl-2 expression suppressed by application of ethanol with LPS and CCl₄. Treadmill exercise enhanced AMPK phosphorylation which was suppressed by application of ethanol with LPS and CCl₄. Treadmill exercise has the effect of reducing liver damage caused by alcohol and or drug addiction.

Complicated Role of Exercise in Modulating Memory: A Discussion of the Mechanisms Involved

Evidence has shown the beneficial effects of exercise on learning and memory. However, many studies have reported controversial results, indicating that exercise can impair learning and memory. In this article, we aimed to review basic studies reporting inconsistent complicated effects of exercise on memory in rodents. Also, we discussed the mechanisms involved in the effects of exercise on memory processes. In addition, we tried to find scientific answers to justify the inconsistent results. In this article, the role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and tropomyosin receptor kinase B (involved in synaptic plasticity and neurogenesis), and vascular endothelial growth factor, nerve growth factor, insulin-like growth factor 1, inflammatory markers, apoptotic factors, and antioxidant system was discussed in the modulation of exercise effects on memory. The role of intensity and duration of exercise, and type of memory task was also investigated. We also mentioned to the interaction of exercise with the function of neurotransmitter systems, which complicates the prediction of exercise effect via altering the level of BDNF. Eventually, we suggested that changes in the function of neurotransmitter systems following different types of exercise (depending on exercise intensity or age of onset) should be investigated in further studies. It seems that exercise-induced changes in the function of neurotransmitter systems may have a stronger role than age, type of memory task, or exercise intensity in modulating memory. Importantly, high levels of interactions between neurotransmitter systems and BDNF play a critical role in the modulation of exercise effects on memory performance.

The Effect of Melatonin and Exercise on Social Isolation-Related Behavioral Changes in Aged Rats

Social isolation (SI) is well established as an environmental factor that negatively influences different behavioral parameters, including cognitive function, anxiety, and social interaction, depending on the age of isolation. Aging is a physiological process that is associated with changes in cognitive function, locomotor activity, anxiety and emotional responses. Few studies have investigated the effect of SI in senescence, or possible interventions. In the current study, we investigated the possible complementary effects of melatonin (MLT) and exercise (Ex) in improving SI-related behavioral changes in aged rats. Forty aged Wistar rats (24 months old) were randomly divided into five groups (n = 8 per group): Control (group housing), SI (individual housing for 7 weeks), SI + MLT (SI rats treated with 0.4 mg MLT/ml in drinking water), SI + Ex (SI rats treated with 60 min of swimming), and SI + MLT + Ex (SI rats treated with both MLT and Ex). Different behavioral tasks were conducted in the following sequence: open field test, elevated plus maze test, sucrose preference test, Y maze test, and Morris water maze test. Locomotor activities measured by total distance moved and velocity revealed that SI + Ex (P = 0.0038; P = 0.0015) and SI + MLT + Ex (P = 0.0001; P = 0.0003) significantly improved the locomotor activity compared with SI rats but SI + MLT (P = 0.0599; P = 0.0627) rats showed no significant change. Anxiety index score was significantly improved in SI + MLT + Ex (P = 0.0256) compared with SI rats while SI + MLT (P > 0.9999) and SI + Ex (P = 0.2943) rats showed no significant change. Moreover, latency to reach the platform in Morris water maze was significantly reduced at day 5 in SI + MLT + Ex (P = 0.0457) compared with SI rats but no change was detected in SI + MLT (P = 0.7314) or SI + Ex (P = 0.1676) groups. In conclusion, this study supports the possible potential of MLT in combination with Ex in improving physical activity, anxiety, and cognitive functions in aging population.

The effect of endurance exercise and rosehip extract supplementation on the expression of P53 and cytochrome C genes in male rat heart

Introduction: Considering the effect of apoptosis on cardiovascular disease, this study aimed to determine the combined effect of endurance exercise and rosehip extract supplementation on the expression of P53 and cytochrome C genes in the myocardium of male rats. Methods: A total of 35 male rats were randomly divided into five groups (n=7) as follows: endurance exercise+rosehip extract supplementation (Ex+Supp), endurance exercise (Ex), rosehip extract supplementation (Supp), six-month control (Con2), and three-month control (Con). The subjects in Ex+Supp and Ex groups performed endurance exercise (running on a treadmill at 24-33 m/min for 10-60 min) for 12 weeks, five times a week. Subjects in Ex+Supp and Supp groups consumed 1000 milligrams/ kilogram of rosehip extract for 12 weeks. Also, Con and Con2 groups did not receive any intervention. To RNA extraction and synthesis cDNA and evaluate the P53 and cytochrome C genes of the myocardium of rats, RT-PCR analysis was used. Results: Neither endurance exercise nor rosehip alone nor together significantly affected the expression of cytochrome C and P53 genes in the heart muscle of male rats (P>0.05). Also, endurance exercise (P=0.001) and rosehip supplementation (P=0.002) alone and in interaction (P<0.01) had a significant effect on body weight, myocardium weight, and the ratio of myocardium weight to body weight in male rats. Conclusion: Twelve weeks of endurance exercise accompanied with rosehip extract did not significantly affect the expression of P53 and cytochrome C genes. Further studies are suggested to confirm these results.

Depresssion, anxiety and other cognitive consequences of social isolation: Drug and non-drug treatments

OBJECTIVE

During the COVID-19 pandemic, quarantine and staying at home is advised. The social relationship between people has become deficient, and human social isolation (SI) has become the consequence of this situation. It was shown that SI has made changes in hippocampal neuroplasticity, which will lead to poor cognitive function and behavioural abnormalities. There is a connection between SI, learning, and memory impairments. In addition, anxiety-like behaviour and increased aggressive mood in long-term isolation have been revealed during the COVID-19 outbreak.

METHODS

Term searches was done in Google Scholar, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Web of Science and PubMed databases as well as hand searching in key resource journals from 1979 to 2020.

RESULTS

Studies have shown that some drug administrations may positively affect or even prevent social isolation consequences in animal models. These drug treatments have included opioid drugs, anti-depressants, Antioxidants, and herbal medications. In addition to drug interventions, there are non-drug treatments that include an enriched environment, regular exercise, and music.

CONCLUSION

This manuscript aims to review improved cognitive impairments induced by SI during COVID-19.

Maternal Swimming Exercise During Pregnancy Improves Memory Through Enhancing Neurogenesis and Suppressing Apoptosis via Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway in Autistic Mice

Purpose

Wnt pathway is closely related to neurodevelopmental process associated with cognitive function. After administration of valproic acid to the pregnant mice, the effect of swimming exercise of pregnant mice on the memory, neuronal production, and apoptosis of pups was studied in relation with Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

Methods

On day 12 of pregnancy, mice were injected subcutaneously with 400-mg/kg valproic acid. The pregnant mice in the control with swimming exercise group and in the valproic acid injection with swimming exercise group were allowed for swimming for 30 minutes one time per a day, repeated 5 days per a week, during 3 weeks. Step-through avoidance task and Morris water maze task for memory function, immunohistochemistry for 5-bromo-2’-deoxyuridine (BrdU)-positive cells and western blot for brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), Wnt, β-catenin, Bcl-2 related X protein (Bax), B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), cleaved caspase-3 were carried out.

Results

Maternal swimming exercise during pregnancy improved memory function, increased BDNF expression, and neuronal proliferation in the valproic acid injected pups. Maternal swimming exercise during pregnancy suppressed Wnt expression and phosphorylation of β-catenin in the valproic acid injected pups. Maternal swimming exercise inhibited Bax and cleaved caspase-3 expression and increased Bcl-2 expression in the valproic acid injected pups.

Conclusions

Maternal swimming exercise during pregnancy improved memory function by increasing cell proliferation and inhibiting apoptosis through Wnt/β-catenin signaling cascade activation in the valproic acid injected pups. Maternal swimming exercise during pregnancy may have a protective effect on factors that induce autism in the fetus.

Modulating role of serotonergic signaling in sleep and memory

Serotonin is an important neurotransmitter with various receptors and wide-range effects on physiological processes and cognitive functions including sleep, learning, and memory. In this review study, we aimed to discuss the role of serotonergic receptors in modulating sleep-wake cycle, and learning and memory function. Furthermore, we mentioned to sleep deprivation, its effects on memory function, and the potential interaction with serotonin. Although there are thousands of research articles focusing on the relationship between sleep and serotonin; however, the pattern of serotonergic function in sleep deprivation is inconsistent and it seems that serotonin has not a certain role in the effects of sleep deprivation on memory function. Also, we found that the injection type of serotonergic agents (systemic or local), the doses of these drugs (dose-dependent effects), and up- or down-regulation of serotonergic receptors during training with various memory tasks are important issues that can be involved in the effects of serotonergic signaling on sleep-wake cycle, memory function, and sleep deprivation-induced memory impairments. This comprehensive review was conducted in the PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect databases in June and July 2021, by searching keywords sleep, sleep deprivation, memory, and serotonin.

Treadmill exercise ameliorates impairment of spatial learning memory in pups born to old and obese mother rats

Memory state of rat pups born to old and obese mother rats and the effect of a treadmill running of mother rats on the memory of rat pups were studied. The radial 8-arm maze test was performed to detect spatial learning memory, and the level of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6 in the hippocampus was measured by enzyme-linked immunoassay. Western blotting was performed for the expression of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer (NF-κB), nuclear factor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B-cells inhibitor, alpha (IκB-α), B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9, and immunohistochemistry for caspase-3 was conducted. The newborn rats were classified into following groups: pups born to old mother rats, pups born to old mother rats with exercise, pups born to old and obese mother rats, and pups born to old and obese mother rats with exercise. Exercise of mother ameliorated spatial learning memory impairment, inhibited proinflammatory cytokines production, NF-κB expression, and IκB-α phosphorylation of the pups born to old and obese mother rats. Maternal exercise suppressed Bax expression, the number of caspase-3, the level of MMP-9, and enhanced Bcl-2 expression of the pups born to old and obese mother rats. When the maternal exercise was performed, the impairment of spatial learning memory in pups was ameliorated. Therefore, it can be seen that exercise during pregnancy of older and obese mothers is an important factor in fetal health management.

Long-Term Social Isolation Reduces Expression of the BDNF Precursor and Prolyl Endopeptidase in the Rat Brain

Early-life stress is a risk factor for the development of behavioral and cognitive disorders in humans and animals. Such stressful situations include social isolation in early postnatal ontogenesis. Behavioral and cognitive impairments associated with neuroplastic changes in brain structures. We have found that after ten weeks of social isolation, male Wistar rats show behavioral abnormalities and cognitive deficit, accompanied by an increase in the relative expression of gene encoding serine protease prolyl endopeptidase (PREP, EC 3.4.21.26) in the brain frontal cortex. The present study aimed to assess synaptophysin (SYP), brain-derived neurotrophic factor precursor (proBDNF), and PREP expression using Western blot in the brain structures - the hippocampus, frontal cortex, and striatum of the rats subjected to prolonged social isolation compared with group-housed animals. Twenty Wistar rats were used for this study (10 males and 10 females). Experimental animals (5 males and 5 females) were kept one per cage for nine months, starting from the age of one month. Ten-month-old socially isolated rats showed memory deficit in passive avoidance paradigm and Morris Water Maze and reactivity to novelty reduction. We used monoclonal antibodies for the Western blot analysis of the expression of SYP, proBDNF, and PREP in the rat brain structures. Social isolation caused a proBDNF expression reduction in the frontal cortex in females and a reduction in PREP expression in the striatum in males. These data suppose that neurotrophic factors and PREP are involved in the mechanisms of behavioral and cognitive impairments observed in the rats subjected to prolonged social isolation with an early life onset.

Treadmill exercise alleviates short-term memory impairments of pups born to old and obese mother rats

Obesity causes atrophy of the brain, leading to deterioration in working memory, learning, and cognitive function. The status of short-term memory in rat pups born to older obese mother rats was verified, and the effect of treadmill exercise on short-term memory in rat pups was investigated. Step-down avoidance test for short-term memory, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining for apoptosis, and immunohistochemistry for Ki67 for new cell generation were done. The old female rats were fed with normal diet (5% of fat), and the old and obese female rats were fed with high-fat diet (60% of fat) for up to 50 weeks in age (for 44 weeks in experimental period). The newborn rats were divided into four groups according to the conditions of the mother rats as follows: the rat pups group born to old rats, the rat pups group born to old rats with exercise, the rat pups group born to old and obese rats, the rat pups group born to old and obese rats with exercise. Maternal exercise improved short-term memory, decreased TUNEL-positive cell number, and increased Ki67-positive cell number of the pups born to old and obese rats. Maternal exercise has been found to contribute to eliminating the health risks of fetuses born to old obese mothers.

Treadmill Running Improves Spatial Learning Memory Through Inactivation of Nuclear Factor Kappa B/Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Signaling Pathway in Amyloid-β-Induced Alzheimer Disease Rats

PURPOSE

Exercise is known to reduce proinflammatory cytokines production and apoptosis. We investigated the effect of treadmill running on spatial learning memory in terms of activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway in Alzheimer disease (AD) rats. We also evaluated the effect of treadmill running on proinflammatory cytokine production and apoptosis.

METHODS

Using the stereotaxic frame, amyloid-β (Aβ) was injected into the lateral ventricle of the brain. The rats belong to treadmill running groups were forced to run on a motorized treadmill for 30 minutes per a day during 4 weeks, starting 3 days after Aβ injection. Morris water maze task was done for the determination of spatial learning memory. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay, immunohistochemistry for cleaved caspase-3, and western blot for NF-κB, inhibitory protein of NF-κB (IκB), MAPK signaling pathway, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β were done.

RESULTS

Induction of AD increased proinflammatory cytokine secretion by activating the NF-κB/MAPK signaling pathway. These changes induced apoptosis in the hippocampus and reduced spatial learning memory. In contrast, treadmill running inactivated the NF-κB/MAPK signaling pathway and suppressed proinflammatory cytokine production. These changes inhibited apoptosis and improved spatial learning memory.

CONCLUSION

Current results showed that treadmill running promoted spatial learning memory through suppressing proinflammatory cytokine production and apoptosis via inactivation of NF-κB/MAPK signaling pathway. Treadmill exercise can be considered an effective intervention for symptom relieve of AD.

Resistance exercise improves short-term memory through inactivation of NF-κB pathway in mice with Parkinson disease

Dysfunctions of Parkinson disease (PD) are classified into motor dysfunction, autonomic nervous system dysfunction, and nonmotor dysfunction, and clinical symptoms such as muscle stiffness, tremors, speech disorders, balance disorders, and slow movements appear. Resistance exercise is a main compartment of exercise programs for PD patient. The effect of resistant exercise on short-term memory in PD mice was studied in relation to the activation of nuclear factor (NF)-κB pathway. PD was induced by subcutaneous injection of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine. For resistance exercise, mice performed ladder climbing 5 days per week for 5 weeks. Step-down avoidance test for short-term memory, enzyme-linked immunoassay for tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-1β, Western bot for NF-κB, NF-κB inhibitor (IκB)-α, B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2)-associated X protein (Bax), and Bcl-2, and immunohistochemistry for cleaved caspase-3 were done. Latency time was shortened, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β concentration was increased, NF-κB expression and IκB-α phosphorylation were increased, cleaved caspase-3 and Bax expression was enhanced, and Bcl-2 expression was suppressed by PD induction. Latency time was lengthened, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β concentration was decreased, NF-κB expression and IκB-α phosphorylation were suppressed, cleaved caspase-3 and Bax expression was decreased, and Bcl-2 expression was increased in PD mice by resistance exercise or levodopa treatment. Resistance exercise improved short-term memory by inhibiting secretion of proinflammatory cytokines and apoptosis through inactivation of NF-κB. These effects of resistance exercise were similar to levodopa treatment.