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Physical exercise benefits cognition and brain health through the gut microbiota. Moderate exercise enhances memory and neurogenesis, but excessive exercise diminishes these effects, mediated by gut bacteria.

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Microbiology
  • Exercise Physiology

Background:

  • Lifestyle factors, especially physical exercise, impact brain structure and cognitive function via hormesis.
  • The gut microbiota is increasingly recognized as a key modulator of these lifestyle-induced brain changes.
  • Mechanisms linking exercise intensity/duration to brain adaptations remain largely unexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of gut microbiota in mediating the hormetic effects of exercise on cognitive function and neurogenesis.
  • To identify specific gut bacteria associated with exercise-induced cognitive benefits.
  • To explore causal relationships through fecal microbiota transplantation.

Main Methods:

  • A 40-minute, 1200 cm/min exercise protocol was used in adult animals.
  • Cognitive function was assessed using object recognition and location memory tests.
  • Gut microbiota composition was analyzed, and fecal microbiota transplantation was performed from exercised to sedentary mice.

Main Results:

  • Moderate exercise enhanced cognitive abilities and hippocampal neurogenesis, effects lost with increased intensity/duration.
  • Significant alterations in gut microbiota diversity and composition were observed, correlating with exercise regimens.
  • Specific bacterial families (e.g., Angelakisella, Acetatifactor) correlated with cognitive performance.
  • Fecal microbiota transplantation from exercised to sedentary mice replicated cognitive and neurogenic enhancements.

Conclusions:

  • The hormetic effects of physical exercise on cognition and neurogenesis are mediated by gut microbiota alterations.
  • This study reveals a novel mechanistic link between exercise, gut microbiota, and brain function.
  • Targeting the gut microbiota may offer new strategies to optimize exercise benefits for brain health.