title: Exercise Influence on Hippocampal Function: Possible Involvement of Orexin-A.
abstract: In the present article, we provide a brief review of current knowledge regarding the effects induced by physical exercise on hippocampus. Research involving animals and humans supports the view that physical exercise, enhancing hippocampal neurogenesis and function, improves cognition, and regulates mood. These beneficial effects depend on the contribute of more factors including the enhancement of vascularization and upregulation of growth factors. Among these, the BDNF seems to play a significant role. Another putative factor that might contribute to beneficial effects of exercise is the orexin-A. In support of this hypothesis there are the following observations: (1) orexin-A enhances hippocampal neurogenesis and function and (2) the levels of orexin-A increase with physical exercise. The beneficial effects of exercise may represent an important resource to hinder the cognitive decline associated with the aging-related hippocampal deterioration and ameliorate depressive symptoms.
authors.affiliation: Section of Human Physiology and Unit of Dietetic and Sport Medicine, Department of Experimental Medicine, Second University of Naples Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: Sergio
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Chieffi
authors.affiliation: Section of Human Physiology and Unit of Dietetic and Sport Medicine, Department of Experimental Medicine, Second University of NaplesNaples, Italy; Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of FoggiaFoggia, Italy.
authors.forename: Giovanni
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Messina
authors.affiliation: Section of Human Physiology and Unit of Dietetic and Sport Medicine, Department of Experimental Medicine, Second University of Naples Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: Ines
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Villano
authors.affiliation: Section of Human Physiology and Unit of Dietetic and Sport Medicine, Department of Experimental Medicine, Second University of Naples Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: Antonietta
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Messina
authors.affiliation: Department of Mental Health, Physical and Preventive Medicine, Clinic of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, Center for Childhood Headache, Second University of Naples Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: Maria
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Esposito
authors.affiliation: Section of Human Physiology and Unit of Dietetic and Sport Medicine, Department of Experimental Medicine, Second University of Naples Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: Vincenzo
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Monda
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia Foggia, Italy.
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Valenzano
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia Foggia, Italy.
authors.forename: Fiorenzo
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Moscatelli
authors.affiliation: Section of Human Physiology and Unit of Dietetic and Sport Medicine, Department of Experimental Medicine, Second University of Naples Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: Teresa
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Esposito
authors.affiliation: Department of Mental Health, Physical and Preventive Medicine, Clinic of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, Center for Childhood Headache, Second University of Naples Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: Marco
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Carotenuto
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Salerno Salerno, Italy.
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Viggiano
authors.affiliation: Section of Human Physiology and Unit of Dietetic and Sport Medicine, Department of Experimental Medicine, Second University of Naples Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: Giuseppe
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Cibelli
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia Foggia, Italy.
authors.forename: Marcellino
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Monda
keywords: cognition; depression; exercise; hippocampus; mood; neurogenesis; orexins; plasticity