Exercise Reverses Age-Related Changes in Brain Gene Expression
Author Information
Author(s): Kohman Rachel A., Rodriguez-Zas Sandra L., Southey Bruce R., Kelley Keith W., Dantzer Robert, Rhodes Justin S.
Primary Institution: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Hypothesis
Can aerobic exercise reverse age-induced changes in gene expression in the hippocampus?
Conclusion
The study found that late-onset exercise can reverse age-related changes in gene expression in the hippocampus of mice.
Supporting Evidence
- Aged mice showed increased expression of genes related to immune function and chromatin remodeling.
- Exercise increased expression of genes related to cell growth and decreased expression of immune-related genes.
- Microarray analysis revealed 1,193 differentially expressed genes between adult and aged mice.
- Wheel running significantly increased hippocampal neurogenesis in both adult and aged mice.
Takeaway
Running on a wheel can help older mice's brains work better by changing how their genes behave, just like younger mice.
Methodology
The study used microarray analysis on hippocampal samples from adult and aged mice that were either given access to running wheels or kept sedentary for 8 weeks.
Limitations
The study was conducted on a specific mouse strain and may not generalize to other species or strains.
Participant Demographics
12 adult (3.5-month-old) and 8 aged (18-month-old) male BALB/c mice.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.005
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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