National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health 5K08AT012477-03

Network models to capture multiple outcomes resulting from multi-component, salutogenic interventions

The award funds a research project at Oregon Health & Science University to develop computational network models capturing multiple health outcomes from multi-component interventions aimed at reversing age-related cognitive decline in mice, using exercise and botanical extracts.

Description

This project will examine biochemical and functional changes associated with the reversal of age-related cognitive decline in mice, as a result of treatment with exercise and/or a botanical extract. Results will be used to design a computational model for future application to the study of multiple interventions on multiple body systems in animal or human studies. The project aims to develop methods to study multisystem signatures of health restoration obtained through multiple interventions both at the level of the organ and the whole organism. It will evaluate two interventions: exercise (voluntary access to a running wheel) and a water extract (CAW) of Centella asiatica, administered over 35 days to 18-month-old mice. The impact on cognition, inflammation, oxidative stress, and mobility will be assessed. Molecular signatures will be identified through transcriptomics and metabolomics, and integrated with behavioral and blood data to create computational models. These models will help identify optimal intervention timing and types for restoring cognitive health.

View original record