Environmental enrichment improves the MS trajectory by reducing inflammation and increasing BNDF levels

Boer, Antje R. de (2022) Environmental enrichment improves the MS trajectory by reducing inflammation and increasing BNDF levels. Master's Thesis / Essay, Biomedical Sciences.

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Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory neurological disease that attacks myelinated axons in the central nervous system and causes widespread lesions in the brain and spinal cord. Although treatments exist for this disease, currently there are none that improve cognitive impairments. Environmental enrichment (EE) is the modification of the standard laboratory conditions to improve the intensity and quality of environmental stimulation. It consists of social enrichment, physical exercise and cognitive activity and it has therapeutic potential for MS patients as it is known to improve cognition in other disorders. The aim of this essay is to investigate the mechanism of how EE can improve three pathophysiological features of MS: cognitive impairment, inflammation and demyelination. Individually, physical exercise and social enrichment are beneficial for MS patients as they cause decreased pro-inflammatory cytokine levels and elevated BDNF levels in rodents and humans. This is beneficial for cognition, inflammation and myelination. Cognitive training is beneficial by activating the dopamine D1 receptor or by increasing 3-hydroxykynurenine and increasing neuronal activity in rodents. The components combined as EE, is shown to be beneficial for MS patients since it increases myelination, decreases inflammation and improves cognition primarily by decreasing inflammation and increasing BDNF levels.

Item Type:	Thesis (Master's Thesis / Essay)
Supervisor name:	Olivier, J.D.A.
Degree programme:	Biomedical Sciences
Thesis type:	Master's Thesis / Essay
Language:	English
Date Deposited:	20 Oct 2022 10:26
Last Modified:	20 Oct 2022 10:26
URI:	https://fse.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/28864

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