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Early Life Stress Affects Bdnf Regulation: A Role for Exercise Interventions
Taylor S Campbell1, Katelyn M Donoghue1, Urmi Ghosh1
1Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19702, USA.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|October 14, 2022
Summary
Early life stress negatively impacts brain development, affecting Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) gene regulation. Aerobic exercise shows promise in reversing these effects and promoting brain health.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Early life stress (ELS) negatively impacts brain development and increases vulnerability to neuropsychiatric disorders.
- ELS disrupts the regulation of the Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) gene, crucial for neural programming and adult brain health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current literature on exercise interventions mitigating ELS-induced changes in BDNF expression in animal models.
- To explore aerobic exercise as a potential therapeutic strategy for ELS.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing studies using animal models of ELS.
- Analysis of the impact of aerobic exercise on BDNF gene expression and related outcomes.
Main Results:
- Aerobic exercise demonstrates neuroprotective properties and positively influences BDNF expression.
- Exercise interventions may reverse or mitigate ELS-induced alterations in BDNF.
Conclusions:
- Aerobic exercise is a readily available behavioral intervention with potential to counteract ELS effects on BDNF.
- Future research should focus on optimal exercise timing and duration for epigenetic and behavioral outcomes.
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