Recently, a study published in the international journal Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism by researchers from the University of Guelph found that exercise may potentially reduce the toxic accumulation of glutamate in the brain, while also decreasing the severity of various brain disorders, such as Huntington’s disease.
Glutamate is an amino acid that forms proteins, and the brain typically uses glutamate to transmit signals. However, excessive glutamate can block signal transmission and ultimately lead to brain toxicity. The brain primarily relies on glutamate as a neurotransmitter for communication between nerve cells. The reabsorption of glutamate is a normal physiological process in a healthy brain, but diseases such as Huntington’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and epilepsy can lead to the failure of glutamate reabsorption or cause high levels of glutamate to accumulate in the brain, ultimately resulting in toxic manifestations and more severe symptoms.
The researchers indicated that exercise may potentially increase the utilization of glutamate in the brain and help reduce the toxic effects caused by glutamate accumulation in patients with various neurodegenerative diseases. As we know, exercise is crucial for other bodily functions, and this study suggests that exercise is the best method to reduce the severity of brain disorders. Currently, there are no effective therapies to treat neurodegenerative diseases involving glutamate, and this study found that exercise may improve the symptoms of patients.
Currently, the main methods for treating neurodegenerative diseases are often hindered by the demand for pharmaceuticals. However, through exercise, the brain can directly utilize glutamate as an energy source, which does not rely on other pharmaceutical aids. Identifying and targeting the specific mechanisms that increase glutamate metabolism in the brain may help scientists develop new therapies for various brain diseases. In future research, the researchers hope to apply the findings of this study to clinical trials as soon as possible.
Original Source:
Eric A.F. Herbst, Graham P. Holloway. Exercise increases mitochondrial glutamate oxidation in the mouse cerebral cortex. Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism. doi:10.1139/apnm-2016-0033
Source: Bio Valley
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