Studies how physical activity relates to inflammation in Parkinson's disease

Several studies have now established the involvement of neuroinflammation in the pathogenesis of PD. It is known that α-synuclein aggregates stimulate microglia and astroglia to secrete pro-inflammatory mediators such as IL 1β, IL6, and TNFα. These molecules activate an inflammatory response characterized by altered blood-brain barrier permeability, leukocyte recruitment, and the expression of other pro-inflammatory cytokines. These events contribute to exposing neurons to oxidative stress and cellular damage. Additionally, cellular damage induces neurons to stimulate the release of DAMPs (Damage Associated Molecular Patterns), which in turn activate glial cells. This creates a state of chronic inflammation that could play a role in the progression of the disease. Supporting this hypothesis, elevated levels of IL1β, IL6, and TNFα have been found in the striatum and SNPc of post-mortem PD samples.

The transcription factor Nrf2 is one of the main regulators of cellular protection in response to stress (inflammation, redox, xenobiotics). Nrf2 promotes the expression of several genes that cooperate in a cytoprotective response, which includes antioxidant defense, resolution of inflammation, increased mitochondrial activity, and protein turnover. Recent clinical studies seem to confirm the hypothesis that Nrf2 plays a role in the pathogenesis of PD, as already suggested by preclinical models. Specifically, altered plasma levels of the Nrf2-activated pathway have been observed in preclinical models.

Studies conducted on animal models of PD have hypothesized how exercise might correlate with protective mechanisms and might promote neuroplasticity and neuro-regeneration, especially when practiced at high intensity. Physical exercise can indeed modulate various systems (including inflammatory pathways and oxidative stress) that regulate neuroinflammation and glial activation. However, the available results are not definitive and often focus on single and separate aspects of the disease.

The aim of the study is to investigate the beneficial effect of physical exercise in patients with Parkinson's Disease (PD). Literature already suggests an improvement in various domains of motor and non-motor aspects, as well as in the overall quality of life, of PD patients even after a period of aerobic activity. Generally, training periods included 3-4 sessions per week of 40-60 minutes each for 4-16 weeks. In general, the literature describes the effects of moderate physical training, while little or nothing is known about how PD is affected by high-intensity sports training.

The primary objective of our study is to compare a group of PD patients undergoing regular and constant intense exercise (PD-sport) with a control group consisting of PD patients leading a sedentary life (PD-sedentary). The primary outcome will be the difference in systemic inflammatory status between the PD-sport group and the PD-sedentary group.