Exercise Improves Depression Through Positive Modulation of Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF). A Review Based on 100 Manuscripts over 20 Years

Overview

Journal Front Physiol

Date 2023 Mar 27

PMID 36969600

Authors

Monem Jemni

Rashid Zaman

Frederick Robert Carrick

Neil David Clarke

Michel Marina

Lindsay Bottoms

Jagdeep Singh Matharoo

Roger Ramsbottom

Norman Hoffman

Shad James Groves

Yaodong Gu

Ferman Konukman

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

The aim of this review was to explore the relevant neurobiology and the association between peripheral levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and acute and short to long-term exercise regimes, as well as its relation to depression and antidepressant treatment. A 20-year literature search was conducted. The screening process resulted in 100 manuscripts. Antidepressants as well as acute exercise, particularly high-intensity, elevates BDNF in healthy humans and clinical populations, as evidenced from aerobic and resistance-based studies. Although exercise is increasingly recognised in the management of depression, acute and short-term exercise studies have failed to establish a relationship between the severity of depression and changes in peripheral BDNF. The latter rapidly returns to baseline, possibly indicating a quick re-uptake by the brain, aiding its neuroplasticity functions. The timescale of administration needed for the antidepressants to stimulate biochemical changes is longer than similar increases with acute exercise.

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