Lactate links exercise to synaptic protection and cognitive enhancement in Alzheimer's disease models.

BACKGROUND

Physical exercise is known to promote cognitive resilience in aging and Alzheimer's disease (AD), but the underlying mechanisms remain incompletely understood. Lactate, a metabolic byproduct elevated during exercise, has recently emerged as a potential neuromodulator of brain function.

METHODS

Three AD-like mouse models (SAMP8, Aβ1-42 injection, and 5xFAD) were used to evaluate the effects of treadmill exercise on cognitive function and synaptic plasticity. Serum lactate levels were assessed, and sodium L-lactate (NaLA) was administered to determine its neuroprotective effects. Transcriptomic analysis was performed on hippocampal tissue to explore lactate-regulated pathways. Lactate transport was pharmacologically inhibited using 4-CIN for mechanistic validation.

RESULTS

Treadmill exercise significantly improved cognitive performance and increased synapse-associated protein expression in AD models. Exercise elevated serum lactate levels, and exogenous NaLA administration recapitulated the cognitive and synaptic benefits of exercise. Transcriptomic profiling revealed enrichment of genes involved in axon guidance and synaptic organization, including upregulation of multiple Eph receptor family genes. α-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid (4-CIN) administration abolished the exercise-induced neuroprotective effects, confirming the essential role of lactate transport in mediating these benefits.

CONCLUSIONS

This study identifies lactate as a critical mediator linking exercise to enhanced synaptic function and cognitive improvement in AD-like models, providing mechanistic insights and highlighting lactate metabolism as a potential therapeutic target for AD.