Cytokines and Immune Cells Profile in Different Tissues of Rodents Induced by Environmental Enrichment: Systematic Review

Abstract

Environmental Enrichment (EE) is based on the promotion of socio-environmental stimuli, which mimic favorable environmental conditions for the practice of physical activity and health. The objective of the present systematic review was to evaluate the influence of EE on pro-and anti-inflammatory immune parameters, but also in cell activation related to the innate and acquired immune responses in the brain and peripheral tissues in rodents. Three databases [PubMed (2209 articles), Scopus (1154 articles), and Science Direct (1040 articles)] were researched. After applying the eligibility criteria, articles were selected for peer review, independently, as they were identified by September 2021. The protocol for this systematic review was registered in the PROSPERO. Of the 4417 articles found, 16 were selected for this systematic review. In the brain, EE promoted a reduction in proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines. In the blood, EE promoted a higher percentage of leukocytes, an increase in CD19+ B lymphocytes, and the proliferation of Natura Killer (NK cells). In the bone marrow, there was an increase in the number of CD27− and CD11b+ mature NK cells and a reduction in CD27− and CD11b+ immature Natural Killer cells. In conclusion, EE can be an immune modulation approach and plays a key role in the prevention of numerous chronic diseases, including cancer, that have a pro-inflammatory response and immunosuppressive condition as part of their pathophysiology.

Efficacy of an environmental enrichment intervention for endometriosis: a pilot study

“…Recently, an indicator of active involvement in EE that measured cognitive, social, and physical activity was able to identify individuals with major depression ( Flores-Ramos et al, 2022 ). The underlying mechanisms of the beneficial effects of EE could include regulation of immune/inflammatory factors and brain pathways related to the hypothalamus-pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, mood regulation, and chronic pain [(i.e., increased expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and corticotropin-releasing factor receptor type 1 (CRFR1); Sztainberg et al, 2010 ; Simpson and Kelly, 2011 ; Singhal et al, 2014 , 2019 ; Dandi et al, 2018 ; Barros et al, 2019 ; Scarola et al, 2019 ; de Sousa Fernandes et al, 2022 ; Liew et al, 2022 ]. Despite the growing evidence for the effectiveness of EE interventions in animal and human studies, research on integrative interventions incorporating EE features in humans is still limited, with very few studies conducted on its efficacy for pain, stress-related, and inflammatory conditions.…”

“Vitaction” deficiency: a possible root cause for multiple lifestyle disorders including Alzheimer’s disease

“…One of the best demonstrations of the effect of behavioural environment on pathophysiology is the experiment in which an enriched behavioural environment led to shrinkage of implanted tumors whereas in the control group housed in traditional cages the tumors grew [15]. This experiment and its variations have been reproduced independently by many groups [16][17][18][19][20]. Although the mechanisms are not yet completely clear, behavioural environment appears to modulate growth factor expression and tumor immunity in these experiments.…”

Environmental Enrichment in Cancer as a Possible Tool to Combat Tumor Development: A Systematic Review

“…When the answer was 'yes', a score was given; when the answer was 'no' or 'not clear', no score was given. The overall scores for each article were calculated as a score of 0-10 points, with the quality of each study being classified as high (8)(9)(10), moderate (5)(6)(7), or low (<5). The two reviewers independently reviewed all the included studies.…”