EXERCÍCIO FÍSICO, EPIGENÉTICA E SISTEMA NERVOSO CENTRAL: UMA REVISÃO INTEGRATIVA.

Resumo (EN)

Introduction: Epigenetics represents an emerging field in neuroscience that investigates how environmental factors, such as physical exercise, modulate gene expression without altering the DNA sequence. Evidence suggests that physical exercise positively influences synaptic plasticity, neurogenesis, and cognitive function through epigenetic mechanisms in the central nervous system (CNS).Objective: This integrative review aimed to analyze the epigenetic effects of physical exercise on the CNS, highlighting molecular changes, brain regions involved, and possible therapeutic implications.Methods: A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Lilacs, and Scielo databases using the descriptors “exercise,” “epigenetics,” and “central nervous system.” Articles published between 2020 and 2025 addressing the epigenetic effects of exercise on the CNS in both animal and human models were included. After applying eligibility criteria, 21 studies were selected for analysis. Results: The studies included were of a preclinical/experimental nature. Findings demonstrate that physical exercise promotes relevant epigenetic changes, such as DNA methylation and demethylation, histone acetylation, regulation of miRNAs, and modulation of enzymes such as TET3 and FTO. These changes were observed in regions such as the hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, hypothalamus, and motor cortex, influencing genes such as BDNF, IGF-1, and VEGF. The effects were associated with improvements in synaptic plasticity, cognitive function, neurogenesis, and stress response.Conclusion: Physical exercise stands out as a promising non-pharmacological intervention in the epigenetic modulation of the CNS, with potential therapeutic implications for the prevention and treatment of neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders.