[Searching for LAB] Samyuk University Research Team Discovers Alzheimer’s Relief Effect

Research Team of Professor Kim Mikyung, Department of Chemical and Biological Science, Sahmyook University

Researchers at Samyook University have discovered that 'exerkine,' a substance secreted from muscles during exercise, can help alleviate Alzheimer's disease by reducing neuroinflammation.

According to Samyook University on the 10th, the research results of Professor Kim Mi-kyung's team from the Department of Chemical and Biological Sciences were published under the title "Alleviation of Alzheimer's Disease Progression through Inflammation Regulation by Exerkines: Focusing on the NLRP3 Inflammasome Pathway in Macrophages and Microglia" in the world-renowned neuroscience journal Alzheimer's & Dementia. Additionally, the study was recognized for its academic value by being listed in the Biological Research Information Center (BRIC) "People Brightening Korea (Hanbitsa)."

Research team led by Professor Kim Mi-kyung of the Department of Chemical and Biological Sciences at Sahmyook University. From the left, co-author Kwon Soon-yong, research intern; Professor Kim; first author Cheon Jae-hwan, graduate student. Courtesy of Sahmyook University

Alzheimer's disease is characterized by inflammation and damage to nerve cells caused by the accumulation of amyloid beta (Aβ) and hyperphosphorylated tau protein (p-tau) in the brain. In this study, Professor Kim's team specifically analyzed how exercise-induced exerkines reduce inflammation in both the brain and body. They particularly examined how the recently highlighted NLRP3 inflammasome is regulated by exercise. NLRP3 plays a crucial role in controlling inflammatory responses, but its excessive activation promotes brain cell damage.

However, it was found that exerkines inhibit the NLRP3 signaling and alleviate inflammation, thereby protecting the brain. Exerkines are physiological substances secreted from muscles during exercise that play an important role in reducing inflammation in the body and brain and supporting brain cell health. This study demonstrated that exercise not only contributes to physical health but also plays a significant role in protecting the brain. To clarify this, Professor Kim's team systematically organized the relationship between exerkines, the NLRP3 inflammasome, and Alzheimer's disease. By integratively analyzing the latest papers, they provided an in-depth explanation of the link between exercise, inflammation, and neuroinflammation.

The process in which the NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathway regulates inflammatory responses and interacts within the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system. Provided by Samyook University

Based on this research, Professor Kim is conducting follow-up studies exploring the mechanisms of inflammation regulation in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and central nervous system (CNS), and developing models to predict cognitive decline. In particular, she plans to experimentally verify the role of exerkines according to exercise intensity and focus on developing prevention and treatment strategies for cognitive impairment.

Professor Kim stated, "By scientifically elucidating how non-pharmacological approaches such as exercise contribute to neuroinflammation reduction and neuroprotection, we expect to provide new directions for Alzheimer's pathology research and treatment." She added, "We will continue academic challenges and strive to produce research outcomes that can offer practical help to patients with cognitive impairments."