2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report
Integrative elucidation of the mechanism by which exercise enhances hippocampal function: A translational study from animals to humans
Project/Area Number |
21H04858
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Research Category |
Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (A)
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Allocation Type | Single-year Grants |
Section | 一般 |
Review Section |
Medium-sized Section 59:Sports sciences, physical education, health sciences, and related fields
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Research Institution | University of Tsukuba |
Principal Investigator |
Soya Hideaki 筑波大学, 体育系, 教授 (50221346)
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Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha) |
岡本 正洋 筑波大学, 体育系, 助教 (30726617)
グレニエ フランソワ 筑波大学, 体育系, 研究員 (90738692)
永野 敦子 筑波大学, 体育系, 研究員 (90897886)
Yassa Michael 筑波大学, 体育系, 教授 (90817610)
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Project Period (FY) |
2021-04-05 – 2024-03-31
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Keywords | 海馬 / 低強度運動 / 認知機能 / ドーパミン / 青斑核 |
Outline of Final Research Achievements |
This study aimed to elucidate the integrative mechanisms of the beneficial effects of light exercise (LE) on hippocampus and to acquire evidence leading to clinical implementation via translational research from animals to humans. In animal studies, we obtained a new hypothesis that the dopaminergic pathway from the locus coeruleus (LC) to the hippocampus plays a crucial role in the benefits to hippocampal functions induced by LE. In human studies, investigations using pupillometry and brain imaging techniques indicated neural activation of the human LC during LE and its possible involvement in cognitive enhancement, which successfully supports the new mechanism emerging from animal studies. Furthermore, we confirmed LE's preventive and therapeutic effects on hippocampal dysfunctions in disease-model animals and humans and the possible contribution of LC. Further investigations will provide evidence of the beneficial role of LE-based accessible strategies for improving mental health.
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Free Research Field |
スポーツ神経科学
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Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements |
動物・ヒトで共通の生理指標を基盤とした運動モデルを確立し、海馬への一貫した運動効果とそのメカニズムを橋渡し研究により追求した点は、世界的にも比類なく学術的独自性が高い。遺伝学的手法やヒト脳イメージング法など先端神経科学技術を総動員して強固なエビデンスを導いただけでなく、瞳孔径のような運動効果の非侵襲バイオマーカーを同定・応用できた点からは、臨床応用へもつながる社会実装が期待でき意義深い。運動効果を統合する起点として想定された青斑核の脆弱性は、地球規模で深刻な認知症やうつ病の主要な病因となることから、新仮説の更なる徹底検証はメンタルヘルス低下を打開する運動戦略の創出にも繋がると大いに期待できる。
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