Neuroplastic Effect of Exercise Through Astrocytes Activation and Cellular Crosstalk

Abstract

Physical exercise is an effective therapy for neurorehabilitation. Exercise has been shown to induce remodeling and proliferation of astrocyte. Astrocytes potentially affect the recruitment and function of neurons; they could intensify responses of neurons and bring more neurons for the process of neuroplasticity. Interactions between astrocytes, microglia and neurons modulate neuroplasticity and, subsequently, neural circuit function. These cellular interactions promote the number and function of synapses, neurogenesis, and cerebrovascular remodeling. However, the roles and crosstalk of astrocytes with neurons and microglia and any subsequent neuroplastic effects have not been studied extensively in exercise-induced settings. This article discusses the impact of physical exercise on astrocyte proliferation and highlights the interplay between astrocytes, microglia and neurons. The crosstalk between these cells may enhance neuroplasticity, leading to the neuroplastic effects of exercise.

The Effects of Physical Running on Dendritic Spines and Amyloid-beta Pathology in 3xTg-AD Male Mice

“…, 46-48]. Patients with AD dementia show improvements in memory and cognitive behavior when they start exercising regularly [ 8 - 15 , 18 , 49 ]. This study provides evidence for the beneficial effect of voluntary running on spatial memory and its underlying mechanisms in 3xTg-AD mice.…”

Physical Exercise-Induced Astrocytic Neuroprotection and Cognitive Improvement Through Primary Cilia and Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases Pathway in Rats With Chronic Cerebral Hypoperfusion

“…Recently, more and more studies have shown that the changes in astrocytes may be a key mechanism accounting for the improvement of cognitive and executive functions related to exercise ( Li et al, 2021 ; Maugeri et al, 2021 ). Astrocytes are the main homeostasis and defense elements of the brain, helping to maintain cognitive reserve through a variety of mechanisms ( Verkhratsky et al, 2021 ).…”

“…Interestingly, studies have shown that astrocytes may be the perspective targets of exercise mimetics ( Lalo and Pankratov, 2021 ). In general, astrocytes are the central components for physical exercise-induced cognitive improvement in many neurodegenerative and neurovascular diseases ( Li et al, 2021 ). The modulation of astrocytes polarization from neurotoxic A1 to neuroprotective A2 phenotypes may be an important mechanism involved.…”

The Sedentary Lifestyle and Masticatory Dysfunction: Time to Review the Contribution to Age-Associated Cognitive Decline and Astrocyte Morphotypes in the Dentate Gyrus

“…Furthermore, it has been demonstrated that masticatory exercise improves cognitive function in older adults [ 17 ] and thus the link between cognitive decline and masticatory dysfunction is now clear [ 8 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 ]. As loss of masticatory activity [ 8 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 ] and sedentary life style [ 23 , 24 ] are risk factors for age-related cognitive decline, there is a need to focus attention on those sub-populations that experience greater oral health deterioration or impairment of the stomatognathic system, and those having living sedentary lives.…”

“…As a function of environmental stimuli [ 41 , 42 ], age [ 43 , 44 ], or the presence of other pathology [ 45 , 46 , 47 ], astrocytes differentially respond to changes in the microenvironment of the brain, in both form and function [ 48 , 49 ]. For example, physical exercise induces astrocyte proliferation and morphological changes, which alters the interplay between astrocytes, microglia and neurons to enhance neuroplasticity [ 23 , 50 , 51 , 52 ]. A distinctive pattern of gene expression is also induced in regions of the brain that are activated by exercise [ 53 ].…”