Obesity stands as a significant contributor to the onset of cardiovascular, metabolic disorders and neurodegenerative conditions, including dementia. Engaging in regular physical activity has been shown to bolster memory and spatial awareness, mitigate the cognitive impairments associated with ageing, and preserve brain size, though the underlying biological processes remain partially elusive.
A recent investigation conducted by the Febbraio laboratory at Monash University has unveiled that voluntary exercise training (VET) markedly enhances long-term memory in mice made obese through a high-fat diet (HFD). This improvement is accompanied by a surge in hippocampal neurogenesis and a rise in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels within the hippocampus, coupled with a reduction in the levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF. These findings underscore the potential of consistent physical activity to counteract the cognitive deterioration triggered by obesity. Notably, the study highlighted that VET specifically increased Bdnf mRNA expression in the hippocampus of obese mice, though it did not significantly alter BDNF protein concentrations in the hippocampus and bloodstream. It aligns with earlier studies indicating that BDNF expression spikes in the hippocampus are ephemeral and occur within a narrow timeframe. The observed decrease in TNF expression post-exercise intimates that physical activity might initiate a slight inflammatory response in the brain, which, in turn, plays a part in enhancing memory in mice.
This research underscores the pivotal function of exercise training in safeguarding against cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases precipitated by obesity, highlighting the intricate interplay between physical activity, brain health, and inflammation.
More information: Oliver K Fuller et al, Exercise training improves long-term memory in obese mice, Life Metabolism. DOI: 10.1093/lifemeta/load043
Journal information: Life Metabolism Provided by Higher Education Press
