Exercise Effects on Synuclein Aggregation, Neuroinflammation, and Neurodegeneration
Abstract
Preclinical and clinical studies suggest that exercise therapy may slow the progression of Parkinsons disease (PD) however overall results are inconclusive. We have leveraged an optimized preclinical model of PD to examine whether exercise therapy can protect against alpha-synuclein accumulation and the subsequent loss of neurons in PD, the mechanism whereby the effects of exercise may occur and the effect on behavior affected in PD including motor, cognitive, and neuropsychiatric function. To date, we have observed that treadmill exercise improves motor and cognitive function in the rat alpha-synuclein preformed fibril model of PD, however treadmill exercise is not associated with increased survival of nigrostriatal dopamine neurons or reduced alpha-synuclein aggregation and associated neuroinflammation. Understanding the mechanistic underpinnings of exercise-associated enhancements in motor/cognitive performance could identify targets to improve this non-invasive, non-pharmacological, low-cost therapeutic strategy for PD patients and at-risk populations, including military veterans. Exercise therapy could be made readily available through hospitals and VA systems across the country.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2024
- Accession Number
- AD1227940
Entities
People
- Caryl E. Sortwell
- Sheila M. Fleming
Organizations
- Michigan State University
- Northeast Ohio Medical University