ABC | Volume 115, Nº2, August 2020

Review Article Trombetta et al. BDNF in cardiovascular protection and exercise Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; 115(2):263-269 BDNF and Cardiovascular Effects of Exercise In the cardiovascular system, BDNF is involved, at least in part, in vascular endothelial benefits. In addition, a recent study found that active older men have significantly higher plasma BDNF levels compared to their inactive peers. In this study, BDNF correlated with VO 2 max (R=0.765, p<0.001). Additionally, there was an inverse correlation between BDNF and the atherogenic index (TC / HDL), hsCRP and oxLDL. These findings demonstrate that a higher level of cardiorespiratory fitness is associated with a higher level of circulating BDNF, which in turn is related to lower cardiovascular risk. 67 However, it is possible that polymorphisms may influence the beneficial effects of exercise. We have recently observed that peripheral vascular reactivity and serum BDNF responses to physical training are impaired by the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism, a responsiveness that is associated with serum BDNF concentrations in healthy individuals. 12 Considering all of the above, the importance of physical exercise in promoting brain and cardiovascular health is gaining recognition, whether in the physiological condition of the brain aging process or in individuals affected by the early stages of neurodegeneration. In fact, the various animal and human studies suggest that physical activity may reduce the risk of cognitive decline, and therefore, an active lifestyle may be considered a preventive strategy for brain health deterioration, just as it occurs with cardiovascular dysfunction. Undoubtedly, with increasing longevity, long-term preventive approaches, with an emphasis on promoting positive health habits that delay cognitive decline and its progression, are increasingly important. It is worth remembering that in addition to modulating the internal brain environment, the regular practice of physical exercise acts directly on the cardiovascular, immune and metabolic systems, playing an essential role in a healthy lifestyle. Acknowledgements ICT is supported by the Conselho Nacional de Pesquisa (CNPq#302809/2018-0) and FXC was supported by the Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP#2015/03274-0 and #2016/16831-7) and by the Coordenação de Aconselhamento de Pessoal do Nível Superior (CAPES). Author Contributions Conception and design of the research: Trombetta IC, Lemos Jr. JR; Writing of the manuscript: Trombetta IC, DeMoura JR, Alves CR, Carbonari-Brito R, Cepeda FX, Lemos Jr. JR; Critical revision of the manuscript for intellectual content: Trombetta IC, Lemos Jr. JR. Figure 1 – Acute and chronic effect of physical exercise on cardiovascular aspects related to BDNF (Adapted from Stimpson et al, 2018). 266