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Myokines, Microbiota, and Neuroinflammation: Physical Activity Modulates the Gut-Brain Axis
Yahui Yang1, Ye Yang1,2, Yingjuan Tang1
1College of Physical Education and Health Science, Yibin University, Yibin, China.
Immunological Investigations
|August 11, 2026
Summary
Physical activity influences the gut-brain axis via muscle-derived signals, impacting neurodegenerative diseases. Exercise modulates gut microbiota and inflammation, offering a promising non-pharmacological approach.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Microbiology
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Neurodegenerative diseases are complex, involving both neural pathology and systemic networks like the gut-brain axis.
- Physical activity is a key modulator of the gut-brain axis, with muscle-derived signals playing a crucial role.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review how exercise-induced mediators affect the gut microbiota, intestinal barrier, immune signaling, and neuroinflammation.
- To evaluate mechanistic links between muscle factors and gut responses.
Main Methods:
- Narrative review synthesizing current knowledge.
- Integration of findings from neuroscience, microbiology, and exercise physiology.
Main Results:
- Muscle-derived factors (irisin, cathepsin B, lactate) link to microbial metabolites (short-chain fatty acids).
- These pathways impact neuroprotection, synaptic plasticity, and neurodegenerative disease progression.
Conclusions:
- Physical activity is a promising non-pharmacological strategy for neurodegenerative conditions via the gut-brain axis.
- Understanding these interactions may lead to new interventions for neurodegenerative decline.