Why physical activity also promotes the development of neurons

OWe know that physical activity is beneficial for the heart and breathing. But it is just as important for the brain. Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have discovered that exercise can have benefits on neurons. During muscle contraction, biochemical substances called “myokines” are released, some of which act on the plasticity and survival of neurons.

“Stimulating the muscle can help repair a damaged nerve and restore mobility to those who have lost it due to traumatic injury or neurodegenerative diseases”explains Ritu Raman, assistant professor of mechanical engineering at MIT, and lead author of the study published in Advanced Healthcare MaterialsNovember 10th.

The researchers wondered whether muscle exercise had a direct effect on nerve growth. To do this, they reconstituted mouse muscle cells and their tissues. At the same time, using optogenetics, the properties of the muscle were modified so that it contracts in response to a light stimulus, mimicking physical exercise.

The researchers also made neurons from mouse stem cells. Result: in response to myokines generated by exercise, neurons grew four times faster than when they were not exposed to myokines. “Physical activity seems to have an impact not only on the growth of neurons, but also on their maturation and their proper functioning, in particular their ability to communicate with muscles and other nerves”explains Ritu Raman.

Improve cognitive functions

“This study is interesting and confirms numerous other works on the subject”underlines Professor Michel Audiffren, researcher at the Center for Research on Cognition and Learning (University of Poitiers). Some myokines act as neurotrophic factors, such as BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), released by physical activity, which act on the growth of neurons.

“Under the repeated effect of physical activity, the body releases these proteins which will accumulate in certain areas of the brain and act on cerebral plasticity, particularly in the hippocampus, by promoting neurogenesis. [la production de nouveaux neurones]by stimulating angiogenesis [apparition de nouveaux capillaires sanguins cérébraux] and synaptogenesis [création de nouvelles connexions synaptiques entre les neurones] »describes Michel Audiffren.

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