Abstract
The accumulated evidence from animal and human studies supports that exercise is beneficial to physical health. Exercise can upregulate various neurotrophic factors, activate neuroplasticity, and play a positive role in improving and enhancing cerebrovascular function. Due to its economy, convenience, and ability to prevent or ameliorate various aging-related diseases, exercise, a healthy lifestyle, is increasingly popularized by people. However, the mechanism by which exercise performs this function and how it is transmitted from muscles to the brain remains incompletely understood. Here, we review the beneficial effects of exercise with different intensities on the brain with a focus on the positive effects of lactate on neuroplasticity and cerebrovascular plasticity. Based on these recent studies, we propose that lactate, a waste previously misunderstood as a by-product of glycolysis in the past, may be a key signal molecule that regulates the beneficial adaptation of the brain caused by exercise. Importantly, we speculate that a central protective mechanism may underlie the cognitive benefits induced by exercise.
Highlights
Physical inactivity is the fourth leading cause of death worldwide, and it is a major cause of non-communicable diseases worldwide (Kohl et al, 2012)
Apart from these, numerous studies have demonstrated that different exercise regimes can significantly improve various brain functions, including regulating cerebrovascular function, enhancing neuroplasticity, inhibiting neuroinflammation, Role of Lactate in Neuroprotection and preventing neurodegenerative diseases (Hotting and Roder, 2013; Ryan and Nolan, 2016; Liu et al, 2019; Malkiewicz et al, 2019; Guadagni et al, 2020)
This review aims to elucidate the relationship between lactate- and exercise-induced benefits in brain functions
Summary
Physical inactivity is the fourth leading cause of death worldwide, and it is a major cause of non-communicable diseases worldwide (Kohl et al, 2012). Studies have reported that 6–10% of all non-communicable disease deaths worldwide are attributable to physical inactivity, and some diseases are even higher (Lee et al, 2012) This presents a significant public health problem worthy of attention. We discuss the possible role of lactate in exercise-induced neuroplasticity and cerebrovascular plasticity and highlight the gaps in current research. Understanding these may shed light on clarifying the mechanism by which exercise improves brain function and the possibility of clinical application of lactate, especially for those who cannot enjoy the benefits of exercise due to physical reasons
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