Different circulating brain-derived neurotrophic factor responses to acute exercise between physically active and...

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Neuroscience
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Circulating brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels are influenced by physical activity.
• The interaction between acute exercise intensity and chronic physical activity status on BDNF remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare serum and plasma BDNF responses to maximal and submaximal acute exercises.
• To investigate differences between physically active and sedentary individuals.

Main Methods:

• Eight active and eight sedentary females performed maximal, moderate, and low-intensity exercise tests.
• Blood samples were collected at baseline and at 0, 30, and 60 minutes post-exercise.
• Serum and plasma BDNF concentrations were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Serum BDNF increased post-maximal and moderate exercise in both groups.
• Sedentary individuals' serum BDNF returned to baseline post-maximal exercise.
• Active individuals' serum BDNF decreased below baseline post-maximal exercise.
• No significant differences in plasma BDNF patterns were observed between groups or exercise intensities.

Conclusions:

• Maximal exercise elicits different serum BDNF recovery patterns in active versus sedentary individuals.
• Regular physical activity may enhance the utilization of circulating BDNF during or after high-intensity exercise.
• Plasma BDNF response appears unaffected by exercise intensity or activity status.