Molecular mechanisms of neurotrophins actions in diseases of nervous system
Abstract
Neurotrophins are the major growth factors in the nervous system although the exact mechanisms underlying their effects have remained obscure. Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) is a critical neurotrophine for learning, memory, and neuronal plasticity. Moreover, it exerts an important role in controlling neuronal disorders and genetic diseases such as Alzheimer, Parkinson, depression, epilepsy, etc. Although there is am abundance of conflicting data in this regard, it has been reported that brain considerably responds to exercise, which results in significant changes in the anatomical, molecular, and cellular level of the body. Findings suggest that exercise and activity help to maintain cognitive function and brain structure, especially due to aging. Brain plasticity that is controlled by BDNF can be the basis of the beneficial effects of exercise on the brain health. The present study discusses different molecular effects of BDNF and the effect of exercise on the expression of this factor and controlling related diseases. © 2014, Iranian Neurogenetics Society. All rights reserved.