Influence of Quadrato Motor Training on Salivary proNGF and proBDNF

Previous studies demonstrated exercise-induced modulation of neurotrophins, such as Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF). Yet, no study that we are aware of has examined their change as a function of different training paradigms. In addition, the understanding of the possible training-induced relationship between NGF and BDNF change is still lacking. Consequently, in the current study we examined the effect of a Walking Training (WT) and of Quadrato Motor Training (QMT) on NGF and BDNF precursors (proNGF and proBDNF). QMT is a specifically structured sensorimotor training that involves sequences of movements based on verbal commands, that was previously reported to improve spatial cognition, reflectivity, creativity as well as emotion regulation and general self-efficacy. In addition, QMT was reported to induce electrophysiological and morphological changes, suggesting stimulation of neuroplasticity processes. In two previous independent studies we reported QMT-induced changes in the salivary proNGF and proBDNF levels. Our present results demonstrate that following 12 weeks of daily QMT practice, proNGF level increases while proBDNF showed no significant change. More importantly, while no correlation between the two neurotrophins prior to training was detectable, there was a significant correlation between change in proNGF and proBDNF levels. Taken together the current results suggest that the two neurotrophins undergo a complex modulation, likely related to the different pathways by which they are produced and regulated. Since variations of these neurotrophins have been previously linked to depression, stress and anxiety, the current study may have practical implications and aid in understanding the possible physiological mechanisms that mediate improved well-being, and the dynamic change of neurotrophins as a result of training

Quadrato Motor Training (QMT) is associated with DNA methylation changes at DNA repeats: A pilot study

The control of non-coding repeated DNA by DNA methylation plays an important role in genomic stability, contributing to health and healthy aging. Mind-body practices can elicit psychophysical wellbeing via epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA methylation. However, in this context the effects of movement meditations have rarely been examined. Consequently, the current study investigates the effects of a specifically structured movement meditation, called the Quadrato Motor Training (QMT) on psychophysical wellbeing and on the methylation level of repeated sequences. An 8-week daily QMT program was administered to healthy women aged 40-60 years and compared with a passive control group matched for gender and age. Psychological well-being was assessed within both groups by using self-reporting scales, including the Meaning in Life Questionnaire [MLQ] and Psychological Wellbeing Scale [PWB]). DNA methylation profiles of repeated sequences (ribosomal DNA, LINE-1 and Alu) were determined in saliva samples by deep-sequencing. In contrast to controls, the QMT group exhibited increased Search for Meaning, decreased Presence of Meaning and increased Positive Relations, suggesting that QMT may lessen the automatic patterns of thinking. In the QMT group, we also found site-specific significant methylation variations in ribosomal DNA and LINE-1 repeats, consistent with increased genome stability. Finally, the correlations found between changes in methylation and psychometric indices (MLQ and PWB) suggest that the observed epigenetic and psychological changes are interrelated. Collectively, the current results indicate that QMT may improve psychophysical health trajectories by influencing the DNA methylation of specific repetitive sequences

The molecular side of Quadrato Motor Training: implications for mental health

Neurotrophins are closely related to stress, mental health and well-being. Initially synthesized as precursor proteins (proneurotrophins), they can influence both developing and mature neural circuits. For example, while pro Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (proBDNF) and Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) are related to learning and neuronal plasticity, proNGF is related to nociception and neuro-degeneration. Levels of pro-neurotrophins are considerably changed in neurodegenerative pathologies such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. In addition, stress was shown to suppress BDNF synthesis and exogenous administration of BDNF may produce an opposing response in some cases, emphasizing the importance of activating the body’s own resources. To this aim, we utilized the Quadrato Motor Training (QMT), a specifically-structured sensorimotor training, which was found to increase alpha synchronization and improve spatial cognition, reflectivity, creativity, as well as emotion regulation and general selfefficacy. Our studies demonstrated that proNGF and proBDNF vary following several weeks of QMT practice and are correlated with improved creativity, which is closely related to mental well-being. Together, these results support the idea that QMT is a useful integrated training that may aid in enhancing physical and mental well-being. In the current talk, we will discuss the implications of combining cognitively challenging physical training for healthy development and aging

Molecular and cognitive effects of Quadrato Motor Training in adult dyslexia: a longitudinal case study

Dyslexia is a complex neurodevelopmental deficit characterized by impaired reading, which has been previously linked to both genetic and neurological components. Quadrato Motor Training (QMT), a structured sensorimotor training that involves sequences of movements based on verbal commands, was shown to improve reading in dyslexic adults, in parallel to a significant increase of cerebellar oscillatory alpha power. QMT was further shown to induce neurotrophin changes, specifically Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) and Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) in healthy adults, which in turn correlated with improved attention and working memory, that are known to be lacking in dyslexia. Yet, so far studies on QMT in the context of dyslexia were conducted solely on adults. Consequently, in the current case study, we conducted a longitudinal study examining the cognitive and molecular effects of QMT on a 20-year old dyslexic young adult. Reading, verbal fluency and molecular examination of BDNF and NGF were performed before, after 4 and 10 weeks of daily training, using a 1 Minute Reading and Alternate Uses tests and western blot analysis, respectively. Following 10 weeks of training, the subject showed improved reading revealed by the reading task. In parallel, salivary proBDNF and proNGF increased following the training. Changes in verbal fluency were also observed. The current results are consistent with previous ones demonstrating that QMT is an effective training to treat dyslexia and improve reading. Longitudinal examination of neurotrophic change as it unfolds through time following training can substantially have both theoretical and practical implications, first involving change in proNGF and subsequently in proBDNF

Physical control of the spatial and temporal diversity of microbial mats at a shallow water hydrothermal vent

Shallow-water hydrothermal vents are ubiquitous but poorly studied geothermal environments. The active hydrothermal emissions of the Milos hydrothermal system support complex microbial mats, which are fundamental in engineering the environmental niche in which extremophiles thrive. Because of the shallow depth, the mat community is wiped out during every major storm, when swell and wave action increase, and then it reconstitutes itself over a brief period of time (days). Here we report the results of a joint geochemical and microbiological survey of the microbial mats of Milos Island, and analyze the spatial and temporal evolution of the mat community following a major storm. Our results show that Epsilonproteobacteria dominate the mat community, although significant variability is present within the system. The observed variability correlates with spatial profiles and in situ measurement of temperature and sulfide carried out over a 6 days periods, showing that tides, winds, and abrupt geodynamic events generate intermittent mixing conditions lasting for several hours to days. Microbiological analyses and computer models show that the fine scale spatial variability of the microbial community is ultimately controlled by the geochemistry of the hydrothermal fluids and the physical interaction of the seawater with the benthic boundary layer. Diversity and metagenomic analyses of the mature mat provide further information on the metabolic potential of the community and on the influence of environmental factors on ecosystem functioning

Quadrato motor training (QMT) influences IL-1β expression and creativity: Implications for inflammatory state reduction and cognitive enhancement

Mind-body practices and meditation have been increasingly studied in recent years due to their beneficial effects on cognition, and physical and psychological health. Growing evidence suggests that these practices could be utilized as interventions to impact age-related biological processes, such as cognitive decline, inflammation, and homeostatic dysregulation. Indeed, it has been reported that mindful meditation may induce neuroplasticity in brain regions involved in control of attention, emotional regulation, and self-awareness. In the current research we studied the effects of a recently developed movement meditation, named the Quadrato Motor Training (QMT), on the proinflammatory cytokine Interleukin- 1beta (IL-1β), utilizing a pre-post design. In addition to its role in the immune system, IL-1β is also an important mediator of neuroimmune responses related to sickness behavior, and plays a role in complex cognitive processes, such as synaptic plasticity, neurogenesis, and neuromodulation. Thirty healthy participants were divided in two groups, one performing QMT for 2 months, and one passive control group. Salivary IL-1β expression was examined by ELISA to measure protein levels and by qRT-PCR to quantify mRNA. In addition, the methylation profile of the IL-1β promoter was examined. All participants further conducted the Alternate Uses Task (AUT) and Hidden Figure Test (HFT), to measure their creativity and spatial cognition. The results showed that, following QMT practice, IL-1β protein level decreased and creativity increased, compared to the control group. These data demonstrate that QMT may help reduce inflammatory states and promote cognitive improvement, highlighting the importance of nonpharmacological approaches to health and well-being