The Effect of Aerobic Exercise and Caloric Restriction on Mice’s Brain Tissue PGC-1α Levels and Their Memory Abilities

Abstract

Brain degeneration due to oxidative stress will have an impact on cognitive function decline. Aerobic exercise and calorie restriction are equally believed to increase the ability of cells to inhibit the effects of oxidative stress in the brain. Mitochondria are very susceptible to damage due to oxidative stress. Survival ability of mitochondria can be seen by measuring the levels of the PGC-1α protein, which regulates the transcription of mitochondrial biogenesis in brain tissue. A study has been conducted to compare the effects of aerobic exercise and calorie restriction for 8 weeks on PGC-1α levels of brain tissue of mice and their spatial memory. A total of 24 male mice, aged 6 weeks, were divided into 4 groups: control, aerobic exercise (AE), calorie restriction (CR), and a combination of AE + CR. The exercise was done by running in running wheels, every day for 40 minutes at a speed of 10 m / min. Calorie restriction was done by feeding mice as much as 70% of the calories of food consumed by ad libitum. The CR group had a PGC-1a levels and spatial memory higher than the control. The AE group and the combination of AE + CR had PGC-1a levels and spatial memory higher than the CR group, and both groups have no differences. Physical exercise accompanied with calorie restriction or only physical exercise have better effects on brain’s PGC-1a and spatial memory compared with only caloric restriction.

Molecular and cellular pathways contributing to brain aging

“…An animal study showed that calorie restriction or aerobic exercise similarly increased PGC-1α levels and spatial memory in mice. The combination of calorie restriction and aerobic exercise or physical exercise alone showed a higher increment in PGC-1α levels and spatial memory [ 116 ].

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Fasting with diabetes during Ramadan: An updated review

“…One injection of a long-acting (or intermediate-acting) insulin can be useful in some patients as long as the dosage is appropriately individualized; however, most patients will require rapid-or short-acting insulin along with the basal insulin at meals, usually the evening meal typically comprises a larger caloric load. 45 Using a rapid-acting insulin analog instead of regular human insulin before meals in patients with T2DM who fast during Ramadan is associated with less hypoglycemia and smaller postprandial glucose excursions. Given their safety and tolerability, it is recommended that insulin analogs, both basal & bolus analogs, should be used during Ramadan.…”

“…Different studies have published contradictory conclusions on a healthy pregnancy and Ramadan fasting. While some studies have concluded that healthy non-diabetic pregnant women may fast without any threat to either the mother or the fetus, 44,45 some authors have reported it decreased placental weight in pregnant women who fast as a potential threat (although without affecting the birth weight). 46 Regardless of such controversies in healthy pregnant women, the current consensus for fasting women with pre-existing T1DM or T2DM is that they are categorized as the high-risk fasting group and should not be allowed to fast during Ramadan.…”

“…This increase in the risk of complications occurring in older adults with diabetes can directly impact the number of days fasted during Ramadan. 45 In elderly individuals with such comorbidities, there will inevitably be changes to their physical activity patterns, ability to self-manage blood glucose (SMBG), ability to take medications, feeding patterns, and general independence and family support. Therefore, pre-Ramadan education to elderly individuals with diabetes and their surrounding support network needs to be clear and individualized covering all circumstances to prevent any unexpected outcomes from arising during the Ramadan fast.…”

Ramadan fasting and diabetes, latest evidence and technological advancements: 2021 update

“…Although the elderly with diabetes are considered as being at a higher risk for development of the related complications, every year, many senior diabetic individuals observe the ritual [28] In this group of fasting patients, it is of utmost importance that diabetes-related comorbidities and complications should be thoroughly evaluated and monitored. In the elderly with diabetes, diabetic kidney disease, cardiovascular disease (CVD), retinopathy, and other complications of diabetes are notoriously common [55] Moreover, elderly patients are at greater risk for dementia, volume depletion, visual impairment, and consequently, they are venerable to falls which may lead to hip fracture [56][57][58] Therefore, fasting individuals in advanced ages should be prescribed antidiabetic medications with minimal risks for development of hypoglycemia which may lead to falls and fractures. Besides, this group of patients should be informed of the critical importance of regular self-monitoring of blood glucose levels.…”