A new study led by the University of Queensland (UQ) brings good news for those who fear the cognitive decline associated with aging. The research, published in the scientific journal Aging Cell, indicates that physical exercise can help prevent or delay this deterioration, offering a possible explanation through changes in the genetic expression of specific brain cells.
Physical activity can reverse changes in microglia and modify T cells in the hippocampus
The team, led by Associate Professor Jana Vukovic from the UQ School of Biomedical Sciences and the Queensland Institute of Neuroscience, and Dr Solal Chauquet from the UQ Institute of Molecular Bioscience, analyzed gene expression in brain cells of individual mice.
Dr Jana Vukovic from the School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland.
Microglia are immune cells of the central nervous system They play a crucial role in supporting brain function.
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The results obtained were surprising in some aspects, as Dr. Chauquet highlighted. In fact, microglia were the only type of brain cell that demonstrated significant reversal of the changes caused by aging.
“Our research showed that exercise, in the form of access to a running wheel for mice, reversed the genetic profile of aged microglia to patterns observed in younger versions of these cells,” adds the researcher.
Furthermore, the researchers detected a greater presence of T cells, a type of white blood cell, in the aging brain. Although the reasons for this phenomenon are still unclear, the study notes an interesting point.
“Allowing the rats to use the running wheel prevented the presence of T cells in the hippocampus, an area of the brain involved in memory and learning, during aging,” notes Dr. Vukovic. “This shows that exercise reduces a process associated with aging in mice.”
Possible implications for future brain health strategies in humans
Although the study was carried out in animal models, the researchers believe that the results point to Possible cognitive benefits associated with regular exercise in humans.
“Our results in mice provide a platform for research on the human brain and aging,” says Dr. Vukovic.
Future research may allow the ddevelopment of therapeutic strategies targeting specific types of brain cells to combat brain aging. The study also highlights the importance of physical exercise, especially for the elderly population.
In this way, the study paves the way for future research that could result in new therapeutic approaches to prevent or delay cognitive decline associated with aging. TOadopt an active lifestylewhich includes regular physical exercise, appears to be an advantageous strategy for brain health throughout life.
News reference:
Chauquet, S., Willis, E.F., Grice, L., Harley, S.B., Powell, J.E., Wray, N.R., … & Vukovic, J. (2024). Exercise rejuvenates microglia and reverses T cell accumulation in the aged female mouse brain. Aging celle14172.https://doi.org/10.1111/acel.14172
