Apples for Health- 'Exercise gene' is identified

'Exercise gene' is identified

NEW HAVEN, Conn., Dec. 3 (UPI) -- U.S. scientists have identified an exercise-related gene that works as a powerful anti-depressant in mice and might lead to a new treatment for depression.

Yale University Professor Ronald Duman, senior author of the study, said the gene -- called VGF -- might become a target for drug development and could be even better than chemical anti-depressants because it is already present in the brain.

While it is known exercise improves brain function and mental health, how that occurs in the brain is not well understood. Duman said the fact existing anti-depressants take so long to work indicates some neuronal adaptation or plasticity is needed.
In the study, the scientists found the action of VGF was greatly enhanced by exercise, functioning as a powerful anti-depressant. Conversely, blocking VGF inhibited the effects of exercise and induced depressive-like behavior in the mice.

"This information further supports the benefits of exercise and provides a novel target for the development of new anti-depressants with a completely different mechanism of action than existing medications," said Duman.

The study is detailed in the journal Nature Medicine.

Friends of Apples for Health

Affordable Health Insurance - Free, no obligation quotes on affordable health insurance

Texas Vacation Rentals - Family oriented lake house and cabin rentals on secluded guest ranch.

Pond Supplies-Water Treatments, Algae control, Pumps, Filtersand other Maintenance Product