Pre-clinical trials by researchers from the University of Queensland (UQ) have led to the discovery that an injection of a blood factor can copy the benefits of physical exercise in the brain.
Surprising Role of Platelets
A team led by Dr. Odette Leiter and Dr. Tara Walker from UQ's Queensland Brain Institute has discovered that platelets secrete a type of protein that restores neurons in aged mice samples like physical exercise does.
Scientists know that exercise results in increased production of new neurons in the hippocampus, the brain region critical for learning and memory, but the mechanism remains a mystery. A previous study by the UQ team revealed that platelets are involved, but this research showed that platelets are required for this effect to happen in aged mice.
In their new study, the team focused on exerkines, the biological substance released from the platelets into the bloodstream after physical exercise. This compound, specifically exerkine CXCL4/ Platelet factor 4 or PF4, is believed to stimulate the brain response induced by workout and results in regenerative and cognitive improvements.
According to Dr. Walker, the result of their study has important implications for the development of drug therapies. Some people with serious health problems face mobility challenges or advanced age. Since they can't carry out physical exercises, there is a need for pharmacological intervention.
By discovering the UQ research team, it is possible to target platelets to promote neurogenesis, improve cognitive ability, and slow down brain decline due to old age. Dr. Walker clarifies that their discovery is not a replacement for exercise, although it can help elderly people or a person who has had a brain injury or stroke to enhance their cognitive ability. In the future, the team plans to test the response of mice with Alzheimer's disease before testing them on humans.
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Exercise and Brain Health
Regular physical activity is known to benefit a person's heart, bones, and muscles, but it is also good for the brain. Various potential mechanisms of physical exercise combine to benefit brain health.
First, physical exercise increases blood flow to the brain. Since the brain has high metabolic demand, it is important t make sure that there is good blood circulation which can be provided by exercise. A good blood flow also improves the delivery of all the nutrients the brain needs to perform its functions.
Exercise also aids in improving memory by increasing molecular targets such as the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). This molecular factor works by increasing synaptogenesis, forming new synapses that connect learning and memory. More BDNF means greater improvement in memory in terms of function and capacity.
In addition, exercise lowers the level of stress hormones and reduces anxiety and depression. This is done by decreasing the number of stress receptors in the region of the brain called the hippocampus. As the stress receptors are reduced, the effects of stress hormones on the brain are also minimized.
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