INGGRIS: Beasiswa S3 Physical Activity, Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Neural Health in Humans
UK PhD Studentships Physical Activity, Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Neural Health in Humans at Oxford Brookes University
Epidemiological evidence indicates that regular physical activity is neuroprotective, with physically active older persons demonstrating improved cognitive function and reduced risk of dementia. The biological mechanisms responsible for this relationship between exercise and brain health are not well understood, but one molecule in particular is implicated in this process, Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF). BDNF is vital for synaptic plasticity in adult mammals and is produced by varied peripheral tissues as well as the brain and crosses the blood-brain barrier.
Research with animal models demonstrates that levels of BDNF fall with inactivity and age, while voluntary physical activity significantly increases levels within the central nervous system (CNS) and that this increase correlates with both the amount of exercise and improved performance on cognitive tasks. In humans, CNS BDNF levels are reduced in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and decreased levels are found in the blood in AD, schizophrenia, depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Aims
To determine the relationship between levels of blood BDNF (plasma and serum), physical activity and neural/cognitive function in humans. Finding an optimum dose-response relationship between exercise intensity/frequency and blood BDNF levels could be of major importance for determining the use of exercise prescription in prevention and treatment of neurological and psychiatric disorders.
Objectives:
To examine levels of plasma and serum BDNF between sedentary and active individuals of similar ages to determine any relationship between physical activity level and blood BDNF.
To determine if there is any correlation in healthy humans between plasma and serum BDNF, measurable neural control of physiological function (Heart Rate Variability) and cognitive function.
To investigate if regular exercise in healthy humans increases levels of plasma and serum BDNF and if so, to investigate which form of exercise is most effective at increasing blood BDNF to gain insight into the dose-response relationship between BDNF and exercise.
Methodologies
The research student would have the opportunity to learn and use immunoassay techniques to determine blood levels of BDNF, acquire skills in the physiological testing of human subjects to determine the effect of exercise on neural function, and assist with neuropsychological testing of study participants if desired.
An opportunity to develop teaching skills in higher education may be included in the training available with this studentship.
For further details, eligibility criteria and how to apply for this studentship, please visit www.brookes.ac.uk/ lifesci/ pg_gilderstudentship.html
Epidemiological evidence indicates that regular physical activity is neuroprotective, with physically active older persons demonstrating improved cognitive function and reduced risk of dementia. The biological mechanisms responsible for this relationship between exercise and brain health are not well understood, but one molecule in particular is implicated in this process, Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF). BDNF is vital for synaptic plasticity in adult mammals and is produced by varied peripheral tissues as well as the brain and crosses the blood-brain barrier.
Research with animal models demonstrates that levels of BDNF fall with inactivity and age, while voluntary physical activity significantly increases levels within the central nervous system (CNS) and that this increase correlates with both the amount of exercise and improved performance on cognitive tasks. In humans, CNS BDNF levels are reduced in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and decreased levels are found in the blood in AD, schizophrenia, depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Aims
To determine the relationship between levels of blood BDNF (plasma and serum), physical activity and neural/cognitive function in humans. Finding an optimum dose-response relationship between exercise intensity/frequency and blood BDNF levels could be of major importance for determining the use of exercise prescription in prevention and treatment of neurological and psychiatric disorders.
Objectives:
To examine levels of plasma and serum BDNF between sedentary and active individuals of similar ages to determine any relationship between physical activity level and blood BDNF.
To determine if there is any correlation in healthy humans between plasma and serum BDNF, measurable neural control of physiological function (Heart Rate Variability) and cognitive function.
To investigate if regular exercise in healthy humans increases levels of plasma and serum BDNF and if so, to investigate which form of exercise is most effective at increasing blood BDNF to gain insight into the dose-response relationship between BDNF and exercise.
Methodologies
The research student would have the opportunity to learn and use immunoassay techniques to determine blood levels of BDNF, acquire skills in the physiological testing of human subjects to determine the effect of exercise on neural function, and assist with neuropsychological testing of study participants if desired.
An opportunity to develop teaching skills in higher education may be included in the training available with this studentship.
For further details, eligibility criteria and how to apply for this studentship, please visit www.brookes.ac.uk/ lifesci/ pg_gilderstudentship.html
<< Home