Open AccessNeuroprotective effects of physical exercise: Implications in health and disease
Author(s) -
Sebastian Romeo Pintilie,
Alice D. Condrat,
Adriana Fodor,
Adela-Viviana Sitar-Tăut,
Marc Damian,
Cezar Login,
Lucia Maria Lotrean,
Rodica Cornean,
Mira Florea,
Adina Chiş,
Romana Vulturar
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
romanian medical journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2069-606X
pISSN - 1220-5478
DOI - 10.37897/rmj.2021.3.9
Subject(s) - neurogenesis , neuroprotection , neuroscience , neurotrophic factors , dementia , neuroplasticity , disease , physical exercise , psychology , cognitive reserve , synaptic plasticity , brain derived neurotrophic factor , cognition , depression (economics) , medicine , physical therapy , cognitive impairment , receptor , macroeconomics , economics
Physical exercises have long been linked to numerous health improvements, ranging from cardiovascular to psychiatric. In this review, we take a closer look on its anatomical, physiological and chemical effects on the brain. Starting from the clinical to the cellular level, we will analyze the neurogenesis, anti-inflammatory effects on Brain-Blood Barrier and synaptic plasticity, outlining known molecular aspects that are influenced by physical activity, such as: gene expression, changes of growth factors and neurotransmitter levels and means of reverting molecular mechanisms of ageing. The brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is one of the central molecules that links the physical exercise to neurogenesis, neuroprotection, cognitive functions, dendritic growth, memory formation and many more. We indicate the correlation between physical activity and mental health in diseases like depression, Alzheimer’s dementia and Parkinson’s disease.