Exercise, Energy Intake, Glucose Homeostasis, and the Brain

Abstract

Here we summarize topics covered in an SFN symposium that considered how and why exercise and energy intake affect neuroplasticity and, conversely, how the brain regulates peripheral energy metabolism. This article is not a comprehensive review of the subject, but rather a view of how the authors' findings fit into a broader context. Emerging findings elucidate cellular and molecular mechanisms by which exercise and energy intake modify the plasticity of neural circuits in ways that affect brain health. By enhancing neurogenesis, synaptic plasticity and neuronal stress robustness, exercise and intermittent energy restriction/fasting may optimize brain function and forestall metabolic and neurodegenerative diseases. Moreover, brain-centered glucoregulatory and immunomodulating systems that mediate peripheral health benefits of intermittent energetic challenges have recently been described. A better understanding of adaptive neural response pathways activated by energetic challenges will enable the development and optimization of interventions to reduce the burden of disease in our communities.

The rate of training response to aerobic exercise affects brain function of rats

“…Indeed, current studies show that regular exercise has beneficial structural, metabolic, and functional effects on human and rodent brain (Radak et al, 2014;van Praag et al, 2014). Based on these observations, we suggest that not only an inherited high endurance capacity, but also the inherent ability to increase aerobic endurance capacity in response to aerobic activity also influences the brain.…”

Neuroglial Transmission

“…An example of probable involvement of lactate in such neuron-glia interaction is through BDNF, a factor essential for neural plasticity and learning (216), and for the beneficial effects of physical exercise on the brain (66,112,420). BDNF is thought to exert autocrine/paracrine action (22, 170) on neurons and is produced by neuronal cells as well as astrocytes in response to stimulation by lactate (69).…”

Effects of Intermittent Fasting, Caloric Restriction, and Ramadan Intermittent Fasting on Cognitive Performance at Rest and During Exercise in Adults

“…A study by Nascimento et al [94] on the effects of physical exercise on peripheral BDNF levels and on TNF-a and IL-6 as pro-inflammatory markers in cognitive, healthy individuals showed that exercise is effective in reducing proinflammatory cytokines and increasing peripheral BDNF levels with positive effects on cognition [94]. Moreover, Whiteman et al [95] showed an increase in plasticity mechanisms in the hippocampus [95], and Van Praag et al [96] demonstrated that exercise and IF could optimize brain function by enhancing neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity [96]. The latter is indeed a critical aspect of the brain responsible for learning and memory through BDNF, IGF-1, and other growth factors and hormones [95].…”