Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the leading cause of dementia in the elderly, characterized by cognitive decline, memory impairment, and neuronal and vascular dysfunction. Men and women respond differently to AD progression, with women at higher risk due to hormonal, metabolic, and immune differences that increase brain vulnerability. Physical exercise benefits brain health by improving cognition, modulating inflammation, and promoting vascular and neurotrophic activity. However, the long-term effects of resistance exercise (RE) on brain health, particularly regarding sex differences, remain unclear.
Objective
This study investigated the effects of a long-term RE protocol on the APP/PS1 transgenic mouse model, evaluating behavior, neurotrophic factor levels, and amyloid pathology in males and females.
Methods
Male and female APP/PS1 and wild-type (WT) mice underwent a 4-month RE protocol using a ladder-climbing paradigm. Behavioral tests included open field, object recognition, and T-maze tests. Hippocampal tissue was analyzed via ELISA (VEGF, IGF-1, BDNF, Aβ) and immunohistochemistry (amyloid plaques).
Results
RE had sex-dependent effects. In female APP/PS1 mice, RE reduced hyperlocomotion, rescued short-term memory, increased VEGF levels, and reduced brain Aβ and plaque burden. In male APP/PS1 mice, RE rescued learning and long-term memory, increased IGF-1 and BDNF levels, and reduced hyperlocomotion, although no significant reduction in Aβ or plaque burden was observed.
Conclusions
These findings highlight sex-specific effects of RE in AD and suggest potential personalized exercise-based interventions for delaying disease progression.
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