Neurotrophic factors in Parkinson's disease are regulated by exercise: Evidence-based practice

J Neurol Sci. 2016 Apr 15:363:5-15. doi: 10.1016/j.jns.2016.02.017. Epub 2016 Feb 10.

Abstract

We carried out a qualitative review of the literature on the influence of forced or voluntary exercise in Parkinson's Disease (PD)-induced animals, to better understand neural mechanisms and the role of neurotrophic factors (NFs) involved in the improvement of motor behavior. A few studies indicated that forced or voluntary exercise may promote neuroprotection, through upregulation of NF expression, against toxicity of drugs that simulate PD. Forced training, such as treadmill exercise and forced-limb use, adopted in most studies, in addition to voluntary exercise on a running wheel are suitable methods for NFs upregulation.

Keywords: Animal model; Exercise; Neuroprotective agents; Parkinson's disease.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor / blood
  • Evidence-Based Medicine / methods*
  • Exercise / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Nerve Growth Factors / blood*
  • Parkinson Disease / blood*
  • Parkinson Disease / diagnosis
  • Parkinson Disease / therapy
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / blood

Substances

  • Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor
  • Nerve Growth Factors
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A