Physical activity may protect myelin via modulation of high-density lipoprotein

Abstract

Introduction: Physical activity is associated with greater myelin content in older individuals with cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD), a condition marked by demyelination. However, potential mechanisms underlying this relationship remain understudied.

Methods: We assessed cross-sectionally whether serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein, and triglycerides moderated the association between physical activity and in vivo myelin in older individuals with CSVD and mild cognitive impairment.

Results: We included 81 highly educated, community-dwelling older individuals (mean age 74.57 years), 64% of whom were female. Regression models revealed that HDL levels significantly moderated the relationship between physical activity and myelin in the sagittal stratum, wherein higher physical activity levels were linked to greater myelin levels for those with average or high HDL (standardized B [95% CI] = 0.289 [0.087 to 0.491], p = 0.006).

Discussion: Physical activity may promote myelin health partly through HDL. Data from longitudinal studies are needed to confirm our findings.

Highlights: Myelin loss is common in individuals with cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD). Physical activity was positively associated with myelin in older adults with CSVD. High-density lipoproteins (HDL) levels were also positively related to myelin. Physical activity effects on myelin were moderated by HDL levels.

Keywords: aging; cerebrovascular health; exercise; fitness; lipids; neurodegeneration; white matter.

FIGURE 1

High‐density lipoprotein levels are positively associated myelin content across several white matter regions. Data were converted to z‐scores prior to analysis. Data displayed as model residuals accounting for the influence of age, sex, education, body mass index, total cholesterol, estimated total intracranial volume, and whole‐brain white matter lesions. Relevant regions of interest are depicted within a standard magnetic rosonance imaging template used in the study.

FIGURE 2

High‐density lipoprotein (HDL) levels moderate the association between physical activity and myelin in the sagittal stratum such that higher physical activity levels are associated with higher myelin content in individuals with average or high HDL levels, but not in those with low HDL levels. Data were converted to z‐scores prior to analysis. Associations are adjusted for age, sex, education, body mass index, total cholesterol, estimated total intracranial volume, and whole‐brain white matter lesions. The sagittal stratum is depicted in orange within a standard magnetic resonance imaging template used in the study.