Neurogenesis, Exercise, and Cognitive Late Effects of Pediatric Radiotherapy. (14th April 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rodgers, Shaefali P.; Trevino, Melissa; Zawaski, Janice A.; Gaber, M. Waleed; Leasure, J. Leigh
• Other Names: Mandyam Chitra D. Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Neural plasticity. Volume 2013(2013)
• Publication Date: 2013-04-14
• Subjects: Neuroplasticity -- Periodicals; 612.82
• DOI: 10.1155/2013/698528
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2090-5904

Abstract

Abstract : Brain cancer is a common type of childhood malignancy, and radiotherapy (RT) is a mainstay of treatment. RT is effective for tumor eradication, and survival rates are high. However, RT damages the brain and disrupts ongoing developmental processes, resulting in debilitating cognitive "late" effects that may take years to fully manifest. These late effects likely derive from a long-term decrement in cell proliferation, combined with a neural environment that is hostile to plasticity, both of which are induced by RT. Long-term suppression of cell proliferation deprives the brain of the raw materials needed for optimum cognitive performance (such as new neurons in the hippocampus and new glia in frontal cortex), while chronic inflammation and dearth of trophic substances (such as growth hormone) limit neuroplastic potential in existing circuitry. Potential treatments for cognitive late effects should address both of these conditions. Exercise represents one such potential treatment, since it has the capacity to enhance cell proliferation, as well as to promote a neural milieu permissive for plasticity. Here, we review the evidence that cognitive late effects can be traced to RT-induced suppression of cell proliferation and hostile environmental conditions, as well as emerging evidence that exercise may be effective as an independent or adjuvant therapy.