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Physical activity, cathepsin B, and cognitive health
Qian Yu1, Zhihao Zhang2, Fabian Herold3
1Body-Brain-Mind Laboratory, School of Psychology, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China; Faculty of Education, University of Macau, Macau, China.
Trends in Molecular Medicine
|January 23, 2025
Summary
Regular physical activity may improve brain health by increasing cathepsin B (CTSB), a muscle-released enzyme. Research is exploring how CTSB mediates this link, with mixed human study results suggesting further investigation is needed.
Area of Science:
- Exercise science
- Neuroscience
- Molecular biology
Background:
- Regular physical activity (PA) is linked to improved cognitive health.
- Cathepsin B (CTSB), a protease released from skeletal muscle during PA, is a potential mediator.
- PA-induced stress may elevate plasma/serum CTSB levels, influencing neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the evidence on CTSB as a mediator of PA-induced cognitive benefits in humans.
- To identify factors contributing to heterogeneity in current research findings.
- To propose a model linking PA, CTSB, and cognition.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of human studies investigating the relationship between physical activity, CTSB, and cognitive function.
- Analysis of factors potentially influencing the PA-CTSB-cognition pathway.
- Development of a conceptual model.
Main Results:
- Evidence for CTSB mediating PA-induced cognitive benefits in humans is currently mixed.
- Heterogeneity in findings may stem from variations in PA protocols, CTSB measurement, and cognitive outcome assessments.
- CTSB's role in neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity supports its potential involvement.
Conclusions:
- The precise role of physical activity-induced CTSB in human cognitive health requires further clarification.
- Future research should standardize methodologies to better elucidate the PA-CTSB-cognition relationship.
- A proposed model offers a framework for future investigations into this pathway.
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