AUTHOR=Jemni Monèm , Zaman Rashid , Carrick Frederick Robert , Clarke Neil David , Marina Michel , Bottoms Lindsay , Matharoo Jagdeep Singh , Ramsbottom Roger , Hoffman Norman , Groves Shad James , Gu Yaodong , Konukman Ferman TITLE=Exercise improves depression through positive modulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). A review based on 100 manuscripts over 20 years JOURNAL=Frontiers in Physiology VOLUME=14 YEAR=2023 URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/physiology/articles/10.3389/fphys.2023.1102526 DOI=10.3389/fphys.2023.1102526 ISSN=1664-042X ABSTRACT=

The aim of this review was to explore the relevant neurobiology and the association between peripheral levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and acute and short to long-term exercise regimes, as well as its relation to depression and antidepressant treatment. A 20-year literature search was conducted. The screening process resulted in 100 manuscripts. Antidepressants as well as acute exercise, particularly high-intensity, elevates BDNF in healthy humans and clinical populations, as evidenced from aerobic and resistance-based studies. Although exercise is increasingly recognised in the management of depression, acute and short-term exercise studies have failed to establish a relationship between the severity of depression and changes in peripheral BDNF. The latter rapidly returns to baseline, possibly indicating a quick re-uptake by the brain, aiding its neuroplasticity functions. The timescale of administration needed for the antidepressants to stimulate biochemical changes is longer than similar increases with acute exercise.