AUTHOR=Pearce Andrew M. , Marr Calum , Dewar Michaela , Gow Alan J. 

TITLE=Apolipoprotein E Genotype Moderation of the Association Between Physical Activity and Brain Health. A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience

VOLUME=13

YEAR=2022

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/aging-neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnagi.2021.815439

DOI=10.3389/fnagi.2021.815439

ISSN=1663-4365

ABSTRACT=<sec><title>Introduction</title><p>Possession of one or two e4 alleles of the apolipoprotein E (<italic>APOE</italic>) gene is associated with cognitive decline and dementia risk. Some evidence suggests that physical activity may benefit carriers of the e4 allele differently.</p></sec><sec><title>Method</title><p>We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies which assessed <italic>APOE</italic> differences in the association between physical activity and: lipid profile, Alzheimer's disease pathology, brain structure and brain function in healthy adults. Searches were carried out in PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science and PsycInfo.</p></sec><sec><title>Results</title><p>Thirty studies were included from 4,896 papers screened. Carriers of the e4 allele gained the same benefit from physical activity as non-carriers on most outcomes. For brain activation, e4 carriers appeared to gain a greater benefit from physical activity on task-related and resting-state activation and resting-state functional connectivity compared to non-carriers. <italic>Post-hoc</italic> analysis identified possible compensatory mechanisms allowing e4 carriers to maintain cognitive function.</p></sec><sec><title>Discussion</title><p>Though there is evidence suggesting physical activity may benefit e4 carriers differently compared to non-carriers, this may vary by the specific brain health outcome, perhaps limited to brain activation. Further research is required to confirm these findings and elucidate the mechanisms.</p></sec>