Exercise effects on depression: Possible neural mechanisms

Abstract

Depression is a syndrome of stress- and emotion-dysregulation, involving compromised structural integrity of frontal-limbic networks. Meta-analytic evidence indicates that volumetric reductions in the hippocampus, anterior cingulate cortex, prefrontal cortex, striatum, and amygdala, as well as compromised white matter integrity are frequently observed in depressed adults. Exercise has shown promise as an effective treatment for depression, but few studies have attempted to characterize or identify the neural mechanisms of these effects. In this review, we examined the overlap between structural brain abnormalities in depression and the effects of exercise on brain structure in adults, to highlight possible neural mechanisms that may mediate the positive effects of exercise on depressive symptoms. The prefrontal cortex, anterior cingulate cortex, hippocampus, and corpus callosum emerged as structural neural markers that may serve as targets for exercise-based treatments for depression. These findings highlight the need for randomized exercise interventions to test these proposed neurobiological mechanisms of exercise on depression.

Association between use of oral hypoglycemic agents in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and risk of depression: A retrospective cohort study

“…45,46 In TA B L E 2 Characteristics of patients with T2DM related to the risk of depression addition, exercise improves brain structural abnormalities and is associated with prevention of depression in depressed patients. 47,48 However, use of DPP-4 inhibitors provides a lower risk of depression compared to nonuse of DPP-4 inhibitors. Thus, the use of DPP-4…”

Prognostic value of exercise capacity among patients with treated depression: The Henry Ford Exercise Testing (FIT) Project

“…Improved endothelial function has shown to be associated with decreased risk of CHD . Additionally, a recent meta‐analysis highlighted that brain structural changes associated with depression, such as volumetric reduction of certain areas and loss of networks integrity in between, might be enhanced by exercise treatment . Nevertheless, these relationships will need further exploration in the future.…”

The importance of diversity in cognitive neuroscience

“…For example, cognitive neuroscience studies have elucidated a frontolimbic network underlying depressive disorders that includes the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, anterior cingulate, hippocampus, and striatal regions . Cognitive neuroscience methods have also clarified the neurobiological impact of interventions, such as psychotherapy, cognitive training, and physical exercise . Thus, treatment for depression can be improved by utilizing interventions that best target the frontolimbic network linked to mood symptoms.…”

“…60 Cognitive neuroscience methods have also clarified the neurobiological impact of interventions, such as psychotherapy, cognitive training, and physical exercise. 61,62 Thus, treatment for depression can be improved by utilizing interventions that best target the frontolimbic network linked to mood symptoms. Moreover, brain stimulation therapies are being used to target dysfunctional brain networks in depression and other disorders.…”