Sprint Interval Training Improves Brain-Derived Neurotropic Factor-Induced Benefits in Brain Health-A Possible Molecular Signaling Intervention

• Published in: Biology (Basel, Switzerland) Vol. 13; no. 8; p. 562
• Main Authors: Zhu, Xueqiang, Chen, Wenjia, Thirupathi, Anand
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland MDPI AG 26-07-2024; MDPI
• Subjects: Angiogenesis; BDNF; Biosynthesis; Bipolar disorder; Brain-derived neurotrophic factor; Cognition; Cognitive ability; Depression, Mental; Genetic diversity; Growth factors; intensity; Interval training; Kinases; Mental depression; Mental disorders; molecular signaling; Mood; Musculoskeletal system; Neurophysiology; Physical characteristics; Physiological aspects; Physiology; Proteins; Review; Schizophrenia; Secretion; Single nucleotide polymorphisms; Single-nucleotide polymorphism; sprint interval training; Transcription factors; TrkB; Tumor necrosis factor-TNF; intensity; TrkB; sprint interval training; molecular signaling; BDNF
• ISSN: 2079-7737; 2079-7737
• DOI: 10.3390/biology13080562

Physical exercise can significantly impact our bodies, affecting our functional capacity, structure establishment, and molecular makeup. The magnitude of these changes depends on the specific exercise protocols used. For instance, low-to-moderate-intensity exercise can activate important molecular targets in the short term, such as BDNF-mediated signaling, while high-intensity exercise can maintain these signaling molecules in the active state for a longer term. This makes it challenging to recommend specific exercises for obtaining BDNF-induced benefits. Additionally, exercise-induced molecular signaling targets can have positive and negative effects, with some exercises blunting these targets and others activating them. For example, increasing BDNF concentration through exercise can be beneficial for brain health, but it may also have a negative impact on conditions such as bipolar disorder. Therefore, a deeper understanding of a specific exercise-mediated mechanistic approach is required. This review will delve into how the sprint exercise-mediated activation of BDNF could help maintain brain health and explore potential molecular interventions.