Impact of exercise on mitochondrial transcription factor expression and damage in the striatum of a chronic mouse model of Parkinson's disease

► Cytochrome c is depleted and p53 level is elevated in chronic Parkinson's mice. ► Long-term exercise prevents cytochrome c release and p53 elevation. ► TFAM and PGC-1α transcriptional activities are upregulated in Parkinson's mice. ► Long-term exercise brings TFAM and PGC-1α levels down closer to normal ranges. ► Exercise reduces mitochondrial damage and prevents neurodegenerative process.