Investigation of the relationship between fitness and physical activity level with serum levels of nerve growth factor and markers of blood-brain permeability in people with multiple sclerosis: the role of body composition

Background: Nerve growth factors reduction and blood-brain barrier distribution is one of the characteristics of multiple sclerosis (MS). Active life-style is known as a complementary and important strategy in MS therapy. The aim of the current study was to investigate the relationship between aerobic capacity and physical activity with serum level of nerve growth factors and markers of blood-brain barrier permeability in MS patients with normal weight or overweight. Materials and methods: In this study, 61 patients with MS (31 normal weight and 30 overweight) participated. Aerobic capacity and physical activity level were evaluated by the progressive cycling test and Baecke questionnaire. The levels of nerve growth factors and blood-brain barrier markers were measured by ELISA kit. Pearson and regression test were used to examine the relationship between variables. Results: A significant correlation was found between the level of physical activity and aerobic capacity with brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and S100 calcium-binding protein B (S100B) in all participants, while BDNF concentrations were only associated with the aerobic capacity in the normal weight group. There was a significant relationship between s100b and both variables in the overweight group. Regression results showed that aerobic capacity independently predicted 20% and 30% of changes in BDNF and s100b. Conclusion: In general, physical activity and fitness levels have a significant correlation with BDNF and s100b in people with MS, which can be modulated by the body composition. Therefore, physical activity can consider as complementary therapies in people with multiple sclerosis.