Fig. 4: Exercise-induced changes in neuroendocrine markers.
From: Aerobic exercise-induced changes in fluid biomarkers in Parkinson’s disease
In PD, there is persistent elevation of stress hormone cortisol, increased insulin resistance, and reduction in klotho levels. These abnormalities have been linked to increased neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, neurodegeneration, and aging. Chronic aerobic exercise can help lower blood cortisol levels, reduce insulin resistance, and increase blood klotho levels, which may counter these pathological pathways. While cortisol and insulin can cross the BBB, klotho cannot cross the BBB and has two distinct pools (CNS and periphery). PD Parkinson’s disease, BBB blood brain barrier, CNS central nervous system. Created in BioRender. Mehta, N. (2025) https://BioRender.com/j77o278.
