Physical exercise promotes brain remodeling by regulating epigenetics, neuroplasticity and neurotrophins
Juan Liang, Huiqing Wang, Yan Zeng, Yi Qu, Qian Liu, Fengyan Zhao, Jianan Duan, Yin Jiang, Shiping Li, Junjie Ying, Jinhui Li, Dezhi Mu
Abstract
Exercise has been shown to have beneficial effects on brain functions in humans and animals. Exercise can improve memory and learning in age-related neurodegenerative diseases. In animal models, physical exercise regulates epigenetics, promotes synaptic plasticity and hippocampal neurogenesis, regulates the expression levels of neurotrophic factors, and improves cognitive function. Therefore, exercise is very important for brain rehabilitation and remodeling. The purpose of this review is to explore the mechanisms by which exercise exerts positive effects on brain function. This knowledge implies that physical exercise can be used as a non-drug therapy for neurological diseases.