The effect of exercise on blood concentrations of angiogenesis markers in older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Bing Xin Song; Laiba Azhar; Grace Ka Yi Koo; Susan Marzolini; Damien Gallagher; Walter Swardfager; Clara Chen; Joycelyn Ba; Nathan Herrmann; Krista L Lanctôt

doi:10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2023.12.004

The effect of exercise on blood concentrations of angiogenesis markers in older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Neurobiol Aging. 2024 Mar:135:15-25. doi: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2023.12.004. Epub 2023 Dec 19.

Authors

Affiliations

¹ Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Neuropsychopharmacology Research Group, Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada.
² KITE - Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.
³ Neuropsychopharmacology Research Group, Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, Division of Geriatric Psychiatry, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada.
⁴ Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Neuropsychopharmacology Research Group, Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada; Hurvitz Brain Sciences Research Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada.
⁵ Neuropsychopharmacology Research Group, Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada.
⁶ Neuropsychopharmacology Research Group, Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, Division of Geriatric Psychiatry, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada; Hurvitz Brain Sciences Research Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada; Toronto Dementia Research Alliance, Toronto, ON, Canada.
⁷ Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Neuropsychopharmacology Research Group, Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada; KITE - Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, Division of Geriatric Psychiatry, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada; Hurvitz Brain Sciences Research Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada; Toronto Dementia Research Alliance, Toronto, ON, Canada. Electronic address: krista.lanctot@sunnybrook.ca.

PMID: 38147807
DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2023.12.004

Abstract

Impaired angiogenesis is associated with cognitive decline in older adults. While exercise has been broadly associated with increased angiogenesis, the relevant mechanisms in older adults are not clear. Here, we present a systematic review and meta-analysis on the relationship between exercise and specific blood angiogenesis markers in older adults to better understand the relevant mechanisms. MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane CENTRAL were searched for original reports of angiogenesis markers' concentrations in blood before and after exercise in older adults (≥50 years). Heterogeneity was investigated using sub-group analyses and meta-regressions. Of the 44 articles included in the review, 38 were included in the meta-analyses for five markers: vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), e-selectin (CD62E), endostatin, fibroblast growth factor 2, and matrix metallopeptidase-9. VEGF levels were higher (SMD[95%CI]= 0.18[0.03, 0.34], and CD62E levels were lower (SMD[95%CI]= -0.72[-1.42, -0.03], p = 0.04) after exercise. No other markers were altered. Although more studies are needed, changes in angiogenesis markers may help explain the beneficial effects of exercise on angiogenesis in older adults.

Keywords: Angiogenesis; Blood; E-selectin; Exercise; Vascular endothelial growth factor.

Publication types

Meta-Analysis
Systematic Review
Review

MeSH terms

Aged
Angiogenesis
Cognitive Dysfunction*
Exercise
Humans
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A*

Substances

Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A