Does the enriched environment alter memory capacity in malnourished rats by modulating BDNF expression?

Environmental factors interfere in the neural plasticity processes. Among these, malnutrition in the early stages of life stands out as one of the main non-genetic factors that can interfere in the morphofunctional development of the nervous system. Furthermore, sensory stimulation from enriched environments (EE) also interferes with neural development. These two factors can modify areas related to memory and learning as the hippocampus, through mechanisms related to the gene expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). The BDNF may interfere in synaptic plasticity processes, such as memory. In addition, these changes in early life may affect the functioning of the hippocampus during adulthood through mechanisms mediated by BDNF. Therefore, this study aims to conduct a literature review on the effects of early malnutrition on memory and the relationship between the underlying mechanisms of EE, BDNF gene expression, and memory. In addition, there are studies that demonstrate the effect of EE reversal on exposure to changes in the functioning of hippocampal malnutrition in adult rats that were prematurely malnourished. Thereby, evidence from the scientific literature suggests that the mechanisms of synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus of adult animals are influenced by malnutrition and EE, and these alterations may involve the participation of BDNF as a key regulator in memory processes in the adult animal hippocampus.

Effect of Metabolic Syndrome on Parkinson's Disease: A Systematic Review.

Evidence shows that metabolic syndrome (MS) is associated with a greater risk of developing Parkinson's disease (PD) because of the increase in oxidative stress levels along with other factors such as neuroinflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction. However, because some studies have reported that MS is associated with a lower risk of PD, the relationship between MS and PD should be investigated. This study aimed to investigate the effect of MS on PD. Two authors searched five electronic databases, namely, MEDLINE, PubMed, Scopus, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and Science Direct, for relevant articles between September and October 2020. After screening the title and abstract of all articles, 34 articles were selected for full-text review. Finally, 11 articles meeting the eligibility criteria were included in the study. The quality of articles was critically evaluated using the Joanna Briggs Institute. Overall, we evaluated data from 23,586,349 individuals (including healthy individuals, with MS and PD) aged 30 years or more. In cohort studies, the follow-up period varied between 2 and 30 years. MS contributed considerably to the increase in the incidence of PD. In addition, obesity, a component of MS, alone can increase the probability of developing neurodegenerative diseases. However, despite few studies on MS and PD, changes in cognitive function and more rapid progression of PD disease has been documented in patients with MS using methods commonly used in research.

Effects of Overweight/Obesity on Motor Performance in Children: A Systematic Review.

Childhood obesity is a serious public health problem. Childhood obesity and overweight are associated with the appearance of coordination deficit disorder and can cause impaired motor performance. We searched online databases for all related articles using comprehensive international databases from the Medline PubMed Institute, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, SCOPUS, and PsycINFO up to December 20, 2020. Overall, 33 studies were included in this systematic review. The present review demonstrated that children with higher percentage of body fat had lower levels of moderate to vigorous physical activity, as well as decreased levels of gross motor coordination, as shown by tests for neuromuscular performance. These results corroborate the hypothesis that overweight and obesity in children and adolescents are associated, not only with insufficient performance during gross motor coordination activities, but also with a greater risk to physical health. Systematic Review Registration: [https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/], identifier [CRD42020182935].