May BDNF be Implicated in the Exercise-Mediated Regulation of Inflammation? Critical Review and Synthesis of Evidence

You'll have to ask your doctor about the benefits of exercising and producing BDNF. Some articles to bring to their attention.

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Individual Differences in Novelty Seeking Predict Subsequent Vulnerability to Social Defeat through a Differential Epigenetic Regulation of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Expression 

The latest here:
May BDNF be Implicated in the Exercise-Mediated Regulation of Inflammation? Critical Review and Synthesis of Evidence555411.abstract?

1. Elizabeth D. E. Papathanassoglou, PhD, MSc, RN1⇑
2. Panagiota Miltiadous, PhD1
3. Maria N. Karanikola, PhD, MSc, RN1

1. ¹Department of Nursing, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol, Cyprus

1. Elizabeth D. E. Papathanassoglou, PhD, MSc, RN, Department of Nursing, Cyprus University of Technology, 15 Vragadinou str., 3041 Limassol, Cyprus. Email: e.papathanassoglou@cut.ac.cy

Abstract

Introduction: Exercise attenuates inflammation and enhances levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Exercise also enhances parasympathetic tone, although its role in activating the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway is unclear. The physiological pathways of exercise’s effect on inflammation are obscure.

Aims: To critically review the evidence on the role of BDNF in the anti-inflammatory effects of exercise and its potential involvement in the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway.

Methods: Critical literature review of studies published in MEDLINE, PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, and Cochrane databases.

Results: BDNF is critically involved in the bidirectional signaling between immune and neurosensory cells and in the regulation of parasympathetic system responses. BDNF is also intricately involved in the inflammatory response: inflammation induces BDNF production, and, in turn, BDNF exerts pro- and/or anti-inflammatory effects. Although exercise modulates BDNF and its receptors in lymphocytes, data on BDNF’s immunoregulatory/anti-inflammatory effects in relation to exercise are scarce. Moreover, BDNF increases cholinergic activity and is modulated by parasympathetic system activation. However, its involvement in the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway has not been investigated.

Conclusion: Converging lines of evidence implicate BDNF in exercise-mediated regulation of inflammation; however, data are insufficient to draw concrete conclusions. We suggest that there is a need to investigate BDNF as a potential modulator/mediator of the anti-inflammatory effects of exercise and of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway during exercise. Such research would have implications for a wide range of inflammatory diseases and for planning targeted exercise protocols