Myokines and cytokines are signaling proteins released by skeletal muscle cells during exercise that act as messengers, influencing the function of various organs, including the brain. We examined whe Show more
Myokines and cytokines are signaling proteins released by skeletal muscle cells during exercise that act as messengers, influencing the function of various organs, including the brain. We examined whether a single bout of walking exercise induces distinct changes in plasma myokine and cytokine concentrations in older adults with and without mild cognitive impairment (MCI). In 146 older adults characterized based on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores in non-MCI (MoCA score ≥26, n = 55) vs MCI (MoCA score <26, n = 91), we measured cognitive performance by battery, body composition by DXA, and functional performance by 6 min walk test (6MWT) distance. In addition, plasma myokine and cytokine concentrations were assessed before and immediately after 6MWT by MILLIPLEX® Human Myokine Magnetic Bead Panel (HMYOMAG-56K) and Immunology Multiplex Assay (HCYTA-60K-PXBK38) using Luminex® 200™ and MagPix system. Analysis was performed by GLMM to test the effects of group (Non-MCI vs MCI) and walking exercise. The MCI group had worse cognitive performance on trail-making test, stroop color word test (SCWT), phonemic and semantic fluency test, digit span backward, and the Rey auditory verbal learning test (AVLT) delayed memory (all P < 0.02). Body weight, BMI, lean mass, and (visceral) fat mass were comparable between non-MCI and MCI groups. There was a trend toward significantly lower 6MWT distance in the MCI (P = 0.067). We found lower baseline GM-csF concentration (P = 0.006) and a smaller increase in BDNF, FABP-3, and Osteocrin concentration in response to 6MWT in the MCI, even after adjustment for age and 6MWT distance (P < 0.003). Lower BDNF response to exercise was further associated with advancing age and worse cognitive function (MoCA, SCWT) (P < 0.04), but not with changes in lifestyle (habitual physical activity or dietary intake). We observed 6MWT-induced increases for the other myokines (apelin, BDNF, EPO, osteonectin, IL-15, myostatin, FABP-3, FSTL-1, IL-6, FGF-21, and osteocrin), and nearly all cytokines were independent of the group studied (all P < 0.02). A single bout of 6-minute walking exercise elicits a suppressed increase in BDNF, FABP-3, and Osteocrin in individuals with MCI, with a particularly blunted BDNF response in those who are older and more cognitively impaired. Whether disturbances in muscle-brain crosstalk, mediated by suppressed exercise induced BDNF response, contribute to cognitive decline in older adults warrants further investigation. Show less
(ACR)-induced neurotoxicity, focusing on oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, neuroinflammation, and apoptosis mechanisms. Fifty male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into five groups: Show more
(ACR)-induced neurotoxicity, focusing on oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, neuroinflammation, and apoptosis mechanisms. Fifty male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into five groups: Control, ACR, GA50 +ACR, GA100 +ACR, and GA100. GA (50 and µmg/kg) and ACR (50 mg/kg) were administered intraperitoneally for 14 days. ACR exposure significantly decreased antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, GSH, GPx, CAT) and increased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6), neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), and apoptosis-related gene expression (Bax and caspase-3). Histopathological analysis revealed neuronal degeneration and vascular hyperemia, while BDNF, Nrf2, and HO-1 immunoreactivity decreased in the ACR group. GA treatment, particularly at 100 mg/kg, markedly ameliorated these biochemical, molecular, and histopathological alterations. These findings indicate that GA exerts significant neuroprotective effects against ACR-induced brain injury by modulating oxidative stress, ER stress, inflammatory, and apoptotic pathways. Show less
Yoga is increasingly incorporated into clinical practice for managing a wide range of mental and physical health conditions, especially those related to stress, and has shown beneficial effects on inf Show more
Yoga is increasingly incorporated into clinical practice for managing a wide range of mental and physical health conditions, especially those related to stress, and has shown beneficial effects on inflammatory processes and neuroendocrine regulation. Its influence on cytokines such as interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α, as well as its modulatory action on the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis, suggests a potential role in reducing systemic inflammation and improving stress resilience. Despite these promising indications, there is limited scientific evidence from India evaluating yoga's impact on biological markers of stress and inflammation. The present study was undertaken to assess the effects of a structured yoga program on selected biomarkers in 60 adult volunteers who underwent evaluations before and after 3 months of practice. The intervention consisted of a daily 1-h yoga session conducted 6 days a week and included postures, breathing practices, and relaxation techniques. Assessments focused on brain-derived neurotrophic factor, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, cortisol, and perceived stress levels. Findings indicated an increase in brain-derived neurotrophic factor and reductions in inflammatory markers, cortisol, and perceived stress. These outcomes suggest that regular yoga practice can positively influence neurotrophic activity, reduce inflammation, and lower stress, supporting its value as a complementary approach to improving overall health and well-being. Show less