Click here to sign in with or

by Rush University Medical Center

Regular treadmill exercise helped improve Parkinson's disease symptoms in mice in a recent study by researchers at RUSH University Medical Center. The results of the study were recently published in the Cell Reports.

"We're very excited about the results," said Kalipada Pahan, Ph.D., Floyd A. Davis, MD, Endowed Chair in Neurology and professor of neurological sciences, biochemistry, pharmacology at the RUSH University Medical Center. "Our hope is that we can use this as a jumping off point for furthering our ability to help Parkinson's patients manage their symptoms."

In the study, scientists found positive results in using regular treadmill exercise to stop the spread of the α-synuclein protein and reverse biochemical, cellular, and anatomical changes that occur in the brains of mice with Parkinson's disease in the absence of any drugs. The mice in the trial ran on a treadmill consistently in 30-minute intervals for six days a week, over the course of two months.

The findings are key in the ongoing research of Parkinson's, but Pahan and his team were quick to note that while treadmill exercise is something that can be easily available and accessible, some patients with Parkinson's might not be able to run on a treadmill daily.

The team then worked to identify a drug that could be useful in the absence of a treadmill in order to provide a variety of options to those experiencing Parkinson's symptoms. Historically, available treatment for the disease is often associated with a number of side effects and unsatisfactory outcomes.

"Once patients are diagnosed with these neurodegenerative disorders, there are no drugs available for halting the disease progression," Pahan said. "Understanding how the treadmill helps the brain is important to developing treadmill-associated drugs that can inhibit α-synuclein pathology, protect the brain, and stop the progression of Lewy body diseases."

Fenofibrate mimicking the effects of a treadmill

The research team learned that fenofibrate, known as Triglide or Antara in the clinic, mimicked the effects of a treadmill workout in the brain. The drug is typically used to lower high cholesterol and triglyceride in patients.

"If taking fenofibrate can replicate the same effects of running on a treadmill then it would be a notable advance in the treatment of these devastating neurological disorders," Pahan said.

The study found that fenofibrate activated PPARα within the brain, which is a key component to the success of the treadmill exercise routine. The team concluded that taking a low dose of fenofibrate daily slows the spread of α-synuclein in the brain and protects dopamine in mice in the absence of any treadmill workout.

Pahan and his team also noted that the mice who benefited from this study already had the PPARa protein that is associated with Parkinson's.

The team is hopeful that these new findings will be used as a way to mitigate and improve Parkinson's symptoms as well as a be used as preventive measure.

Other authors of the article are Dr. Debashis Dutta, Dr. Ramesh Kumar Paidi, Dr. Sumita Raha, Dr. Avik Roy, and Dr. Sujyoti Chandra from Rush University Medical Center. Explore further Nasal drugs show promise for slowing Parkinson's disease progression in lab study More information: Debashis Dutta et al, Treadmill exercise reduces α-synuclein spreading via PPARα, Cell Reports (2022). DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111058 Journal information: Cell Reports

Use this form if you have come across a typo, inaccuracy or would like to send an edit request for the content on this page. For general inquiries, please use our contact form. For general feedback, use the public comments section below (please adhere to guidelines).

Please select the most appropriate category to facilitate processing of your request

Thank you for taking time to provide your feedback to the editors.

Your feedback is important to us. However, we do not guarantee individual replies due to the high volume of messages.

Your email address is used only to let the recipient know who sent the email. Neither your address nor the recipient's address will be used for any other purpose. The information you enter will appear in your e-mail message and is not retained by Medical Xpress in any form.

Get weekly and/or daily updates delivered to your inbox. You can unsubscribe at any time and we'll never share your details to third parties.

Daily science news on research developments and the latest scientific innovations

The latest engineering, electronics and technology advances

The most comprehensive sci-tech news coverage on the web

This site uses cookies to assist with navigation, analyse your use of our services, collect data for ads personalisation and provide content from third parties. By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.