Effect of resistance exercise on secondary inflammatory insult in Alzheimer’s disease models

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundPhysical exercise improves cognition in human and animal studies associated with Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). However, resistance‐type regimes remain poorly investigated. Acute illness or injury can influence the rate AD progression and trigger accelerated cognitive decline.MethodTo evaluate the role of RE in modulating pre‐existing cognitive impairment, female 3xTg and 5xFAD mice underwent a five‐week RE training protocol. An acute systemic inflammatory insult: laparotomy or intraperitoneally‐injected LPS, was performed to investigate the effect of RE under these challenges. Behavior tests was used to probe for cognition and learning. Brain homogenates were harvested for western blot analysis, qPCR, or post‐fixed in neutral‐buffered formalin solution for immuno‐histochemical exploration.ResultRE showed improved cognitive function, reduced P‐S396‐tau, decreased ionized calcium‐binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba‐1), and decreased inflammatory cytokine transcripts compared to sedentary controls. RE significantly reduced anxiety‐like behavior and cognitive deficit stimulated by acute systemic inflammation episode.ConclusionRE attenuates exaggerated cellular responses and improves cognitive functions in AD and accelerated cognitive impairment triggered by secondary inflammation insult.