Impact of physical activity level on cytokine and BDNF expression in people with bipolar disorder

• Grant number: 25/08525-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: June 01, 2025
• End date: May 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Physical Education
• Principal Investigator: Lucas Melo Neves
• Grantee: Luisa Costa Ramos
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biociências (IB). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Rio Claro. Rio Claro , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 24/02369-6 - Effects of a physical exercise program on depression symptoms, inflammatory markers, and neurocognitive indicators in people with bipolar disorder: a randomized study, AP.R

Abstract

Physical activity (any body movement with energy expenditure above resting levels) differs from physical exercise (physical activity performed in a systematic, guided, and organized manner). Although much has been explored regarding the impact of physical exercise on the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the general population, the relationship between physical activity and such measures in bipolar disorder (BD) is lacking. In fact, the scarcity of studies is evident in specific groups, such as in people with BD. Interestingly, lower BDNF expression is observed in people with BD compared to healthy controls, which indicates the potential benefit of its increase in this group. Previous findings suggest that BDNF may reflect key pathophysiological mechanisms, disease activity, and progression of BD. Thus, this study aims to clarify the possible influence of physical activity (PA) level on BDNF expression. Methodology Up to 40 people with TB will be assessed for physical activity and included in the research - two groups with 20 people with TB (meet the PA recommendation and do not meet the PA recommendation). Baseline blood sample collections for BDNF dosage will be performed. Comparisons between the two groups to verify the influence of physical activity on basal expression and BDNF will be performed. (AU)