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Voluntary Exercise Improves Radiation-induced Brain Injury in Mice
Radiation Research
|September 11, 2025
Summary
Voluntary exercise (VE) can improve cognitive function in mice with radiation-induced brain injury (RBI). VE promotes neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity by increasing growth factors, offering a potential rehabilitation strategy for patients with brain tumors.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Radiation Oncology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Radiation-induced brain injury (RBI) negatively impacts patients undergoing radiation therapy for brain tumors.
- Mechanisms underlying RBI and effective rehabilitation strategies are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of voluntary exercise (VE) on cognitive function, neurogenesis, and synaptic plasticity in a mouse model of radiation-induced brain injury (RBI).
Main Methods:
- Adult mice underwent fractionated whole-brain irradiation (WBI) or sham control.
- Mice were assigned to control or voluntary exercise groups.
- Cognitive function, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels, neurogenesis, and hippocampal long-term potentiation were assessed.
Main Results:
- WBI significantly impaired cognitive functions and reduced neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity.
- VE intervention ameliorated cognitive deficits in WBI mice.
- VE increased mature BDNF levels, enhanced neurogenesis, and strengthened long-term potentiation.
Conclusions:
- Voluntary exercise mitigates radiation-induced brain injury effects in mice.
- VE promotes neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity through growth factor upregulation.
- VE is a promising noninvasive strategy for cognitive rehabilitation in patients with RBI.
