Controlled Hypoxia Acutely Prevents Physical Inactivity-Induced Peripheral BDNF Decline

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience and Physiology
• Human Physiology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is vital for neuronal plasticity and cognitive function.
• Physical inactivity is associated with reduced BDNF levels, potentially impacting cognitive health.
• The effects of hypoxia on BDNF during inactivity are not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of controlled normobaric hypoxia (NH) combined with physical inactivity on blood BDNF levels.
• To assess the influence of NH and inactivity on executive functions.
• To compare BDNF changes under normoxia (NOR) versus NH during a resting period.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled cross-over study involving 25 healthy adults.
• Participants underwent a 30-minute resting phase followed by 90 minutes of either NOR or NH (SpO2 85-80%).
• Serum and plasma BDNF levels, heart rate, and SpO2 were monitored; cognitive tests were administered before and after exposure.

Main Results:

• NH significantly reduced SpO2 and increased heart rate.
• Resting under NOR led to significant reductions in serum and plasma BDNF.
• NH prevented the decline in BDNF observed during normoxic inactivity; a 24-hour follow-up showed BDNF decline in both conditions.

Conclusions:

• Controlled normobaric hypoxia (NH) may mitigate the decrease in BDNF associated with physical inactivity.
• Findings underscore the importance of physical activity for maintaining optimal BDNF levels.
• Standardized protocols are necessary for reliable BDNF measurement in serum and plasma.