Peer-reviewed journal just speedran the "bro science" pipeline

A scholarly academic journal comment/article discussing the combined therapeutic potential of exercise and psychedelics for treating major depressive disorder. The piece presents peer-reviewed research analysis with biological mechanisms, neurological effects, and behavioral synergies between the two interventions. Extracted text: COMMENT Open Access The combination of exercise and psychedelics for the treatment of major depressive disorder Nicholas Fabiano1*, Brendon Stubbs2,13,14, David W. Lawrence3,4,5, Joshua D. Rosenblat6,7,8, Pedro J. Teixeira9,10, Stanley Wong8, Carl Zhou11 and Robin Carhart-Harris1,12 *Correspondence: Nicholas Fabiano nfab@u2604.educ.net Full list of author information is available at the end of the article Abstract Upwards of 50% of people do not respond to the primary treatment modalities for major depressive disorder (MDD), which has led to increased attention and use of alternative methods, including exercise and psychedelics. While interventions using either exercise or psychedelics have demonstrated largely positive results in isolation, their synergistic potential has yet to be explored. As such, this commentary provides an overview of exercise/psychedelics as a treatment for depression and their potential synergy and/or complementarity. From a biological perspective, psychedelics acutely enhance brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signalling, while exercise provides sustained BDNF elevation; psychedelics enhance neuroplasticity largely in the cortex (with only modest effects in the hippocampus), while exercise boosts hippocampal neurogenesis; psychedelics increase glutamate release via stimulation of 5-HT2A receptors on pyramidal neurons, while exercise enhances glutamatergic transmission via the endocannabinoid system and reduction of systemic inflammation; both boost serotonin release; and psychedelics disrupt functional connectivity between the hippocampus and default mode network (DMN), while exercise normalizes this connectivity, which may sustain post-psychedelic gains. Through the lens of psychological and behaviour change, psychedelics appear to facilitate the adoption or maintenance of physical activity habits, increase psychological flexibility, and since exercise is associated with emotional resilience to acute stress, this may allow users to experience deeper immersion and exploration during their psychedelic experience, improving antidepressant outcomes. In summary, exercise and psychedelics have numerous potential complementary mechanisms, therefore, future research is warranted to explore the efficacy, tolerability, safety, and neurobiology of this combination. Keywords Physical activity, Exercise, Psychedelic, Psilocybin, Major depressive disorder, Depression