Increased basal plasma brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels in sprint runners

Abstract

Objective Exercise is known to enhance circulating brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in healthy humans. BDNF changes have been measured in endurance but not in strength exercise. The present study aimed to investigate whether anaerobic activity such as sprinting differentially alters basal plasma BDNF concentration. Methods Brazilian sprinters (100 m) at either the international (Olympics and Outdoor World Championships) (n = 14) or the domestic level (n = 8), and sedentary subjects (n = 15), were recruited. Plasma BDNF concentrations were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results The basal plasma BDNF concentrations were signifi cantly higher in the international and the domestic sprinters than in the sedentary subjects. In addition, sprinters at the international level had higher plasma BDNF concentrations than those at the domestic level. Conclusion Our fi ndings suggest that increased basal plasma BDNF level is related to enhanced exercise performance.

The effects of physical activity and exercise on brain‐derived neurotrophic factor in healthy humans: A review

“…All these articles were published within the last 5 years, suggesting that this is an emerging area of interest. Two studies reported that BDNF was higher in active sportsmen compared with sedentary individuals (Zoladz et al, 2008;Correia et al, 2011), whereas Nofuji et al (2008 showed the opposite results. Two studies failed to observe the significant association (Floel et al, 2010;Winker et al, 2010).…”

“…Results from observational studies Table 4 summarizes the observational studies investigating the relationship between peripheral BDNF concentrations and habitual physical activity or CRF. Seven studies have looked into the association between physical activity and BDNF (Chan et al, 2008;Nofuji et al, 2008;Zoladz et al, 2008;Currie et al, 2009;Floel et al, 2010;Winker et al, 2010;Correia et al, 2011). Only one study used objective measure of physical activity (Nofuji et al, 2008).…”

“…Only one study used objective measure of physical activity (Nofuji et al, 2008). Three studies compared the groups on the basis of their participation in sports instead of measuring actual levels of physical activity (Zoladz et al, 2008;Winker et al, 2010;Correia et al, 2011). Three studies have investigated the correlation between BDNF and CRF estimated by maximal oxygen uptake (VO 2max ; Currie et al, 2009;Jung et al, 2011;Cho et al, 2012).…”

“…Zoladz et al (2008) found that a 5-week moderate intensity aerobic training program resulted in a significant VO2max showed a significant negative correlation with serum, plasma, and platelet BDNF (P < 0.05). Correia et al, 2011 Subjects: international sprinters (n = 14), domestic sprinters (n = 8) and sedentary individuals (n = 15) Age: 25.6 Ϯ 5.8, 24.2 Ϯ 4.1, and 26.2 Ϯ 3.8 years, respectively None (comparison of groups) Plasma BDNF levels in both the international and domestic sprinters were significantly higher than those in sedentary subjects (P < 0.05). Jung et al, 2011 Subjects: 955 healthy men Age: 20-76 years…”

Sarcopenia and the Common Mental Disorders: a Potential Regulatory Role of Skeletal Muscle on Brain Function?

“…While resistance training is a recognised strategy for slowing or preventing the age-related loss of skeletal muscle mass and function [60], exercise and physical activity are recognised as effective strategies for treating depression and anxiety [61, 62, 63•] and reducing the risk for new onset of these disorders [59, 64•]. Contracting skeletal muscle produces BDNF [65], and exercise has been shown to enhance circulating BDNF in a range of diverse settings such as during moderate exercise in patients with multiple sclerosis [66], endurance training in healthy young men [67] and in sprint athletes [68]. Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) is one of the factors involved in the expression of BDNF; it is increased after exercise and has neurological effects [69] as well as modulating skeletal muscle growth and atrophy [70].…”