Neuroprotective mechanisms of physical activity

Abstract

It is known that the adaptive capabilities of the brain are not unlimited and deteriorate over time. It is a proven fact that aging is one of the main risk factors for the occurrence of neurodegenerative disorders, mainly due to poorer immune protection and recovery of the body. Therefore, scientists have recently been paying attention to the search for additional methods of management of neurodegenerative pathologies for their more effective prevention. Among the identified methods, special attention is paid to physical activity, the results of which investigation indicate a powerful neuroprotective effect, however, the mechanisms of this phenomenon have not yet been conclusively proven. Therefore, in this systematic review, the main neuroprotective mechanisms of exercise were described and demonstrated using the methods of analysis and systematization of literature sources from PubMed, Web of Science, Elsevier, and Google Scholar databases. As a result of the study, it was established that a significant protective effect on the nervous system is achieved thanks to neuroendocrine regulation due to the influence on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Another factor is the development of stress due to physical exertion, although the mechanisms of this phenomenon are still a subject of debate among scientists. However, it was proved that the consequence of such influence is the optimization of the work of neurotransmitters, in particular, in the locus coeruleus, as well as the activation of the antioxidant system, which allows to disrupt the number of free radicals in the brain structures. Relatively new is the role of moderate-intensity exercise in increasing the expression of neurotrophins – key factors of neuroplasticity, in particular BDNF, IGF-1, NGF and VEGF, which expands the possibilities of potential effects on the brain and its neuroprotective properties. The obtained results allow the use of physical activity as an additional therapy in the treatment and prevention of neurodegenerative pathologies, however, further practical research is needed to find a specific algorithm and schedule of classes with high application efficiency. Keywords: physical activity, neurotrophins, neuroprotection, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, antioxidants.