Fitness Level Influences White Matter Microstructure in Postmenopausal Women

Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience

Chiara Nicolini²  Martin J. Gibala²  Stephen L. Toepp²  Aimee J. Nelson²  Claudia V. Turco²  E. Madison Jenkins²  Michael D. Noseworthy³  Diana Harasym⁴ 

[1] Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada;Department of Kinesiology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada;Department of Radiology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada;Imaging Research Center, St. Joseph’s Healthcare, Hamilton, ON, Canada;School of Biomedical Engineering, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada;

关键词: GABA;    Glu;    MRS;    DTI;    TMS;    cortical thickness;   

DOI  :  10.3389/fnagi.2020.00129

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Aerobic exercise has both neuroprotective and neurorehabilitative benefits. However, the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood and need to be investigated, especially in postmenopausal women, who are at increased risk of age-related disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease and stroke. To advance our understanding of the potential neurological benefits of aerobic exercise in aging women, we examined anatomical and functional responses that may differentiate women of varying cardiorespiratory fitness using neuroimaging and neurophysiology. A total of 35 healthy postmenopausal women were recruited (59 ± 3 years) and cardiorespiratory fitness estimated (22–70 mL/kg/min). Transcranial magnetic stimulation was used to assess -aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate (Glu) receptor function in the primary motor cortex (M1), and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) was used to quantify GABA and Glu concentrations in M1. Magnetic resonance imaging was used to assess mean cortical thickness (MCT) of sensorimotor and frontal regions, while the microstructure of sensorimotor and other white matter tracts was evaluated through diffusion tensor imaging. Regression analysis revealed that higher fitness levels were associated with improved microstructure in pre-motor and sensory tracts, and the hippocampal cingulum. Fitness level was not associated with MCT, MRS, or neurophysiology measures. These data indicate that, in postmenopausal women, higher cardiorespiratory fitness is linked with preserved selective white matter microstructure, particularly in areas that influence sensorimotor control and memory.

【 授权许可】

Unknown