title: Biological Rationale for Regular Physical Exercise as an Effective Intervention for the Prevention and Treatment of Depressive Disorders.
abstract: Depression is a major medical and social problem. Here we review current body of knowledge on the benefits of exercise as an effective strategy for both the prevention and treatment of this condition. We also analyze the biological pathways involved in such potential benefits, which include changes in neurotrophic factors, oxidative stress and inflammation, telomere length, brain volume and microvessels, neurotransmitters or hormones. We also identify major caveats in this field of research: further studies are needed to identify which are the most appropriate types of exercise interventions (intensity, duration, or frequency) to treat and prevent depression.
authors.forename: Helios
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Pareja-Galeano
authors.forename: Sara
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mayero
authors.forename: María
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Perales
authors.forename: Nuria
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Garatachea
authors.forename: Alejandro
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Santos-Lozano
authors.forename: Carmen
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Fiuza-Luces
authors.forename: Enzo
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Emanuele
authors.forename: Beatriz G
authors.initials: BG
authors.lastname: Gálvez
authors.affiliation: Research Institute of the Hospital 12 de Octubre ('i+12') 6th Floor, Laboratories Sector, CAA Building Avda. de Córdoba s/n, 28041, Madrid, Spain. fabian.sanchis@uv.es.
authors.forename: Fabian
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Sanchis-Gomar
authors.forename: Alejandro
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Lucia
mesh_terms: D019208:Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor / Q000378:metabolism; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000628:therapy*; D015444:Exercise; D006801:Humans; D012701:Serotonin / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D019208:Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor; D012701:Serotonin