51
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Pallotta MM, Turano M, Ronca R, Mezzasalma M, Petraccioli A, Odierna G, Capriglione T. Brain Gene Expression is Influenced by Incubation Temperature During Leopard Gecko (Eublepharis macularius) Development. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY PART B-MOLECULAR AND DEVELOPMENTAL EVOLUTION 2017; 328:360-370. [DOI: 10.1002/jez.b.22736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2016] [Revised: 02/09/2017] [Accepted: 02/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Mimmo Turano
- Dipartimento di Biologia; Università di Napoli Federico II; Napoli Italy
| | - Raffaele Ronca
- Dipartimento di Biologia; Università di Napoli Federico II; Napoli Italy
| | | | - Agnese Petraccioli
- Dipartimento di Biologia; Università di Napoli Federico II; Napoli Italy
| | - Gaetano Odierna
- Dipartimento di Biologia; Università di Napoli Federico II; Napoli Italy
| | - Teresa Capriglione
- Dipartimento di Biologia; Università di Napoli Federico II; Napoli Italy
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Huffman J, Hoffmann C, Taylor GT. Integrating insulin-like growth factor 1 and sex hormones into neuroprotection: Implications for diabetes. World J Diabetes 2017; 8:45-55. [PMID: 28265342 PMCID: PMC5320748 DOI: 10.4239/wjd.v8.i2.45] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2016] [Revised: 09/24/2016] [Accepted: 11/22/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain integrity and cognitive aptitude are often impaired in patients with diabetes mellitus, presumably a result of the metabolic complications inherent to the disease. However, an increasing body of evidence has demonstrated the central role of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) and its relation to sex hormones in many neuroprotective processes. Both male and female patients with diabetes display abnormal IGF1 and sex-hormone levels but the comparison of these fluctuations is seldom a topic of interest. It is interesting to note that both IGF1 and sex hormones have the ability to regulate phosphoinositide 3-kinase-Akt and mitogen-activated protein kinases-extracellular signal-related kinase signaling cascades in animal and cell culture models of neuroprotection. Additionally, there is considerable evidence demonstrating the neuroprotective coupling of IGF1 and estrogen. Androgens have also been implicated in many neuroprotective processes that operate on similar signaling cascades as the estrogen-IGF1 relation. Yet, androgens have not been directly linked to the brain IGF1 system and neuroprotection. Despite the sex-specific variations in brain integrity and hormone levels observed in diabetic patients, the IGF1-sex hormone relation in neuroprotection has yet to be fully substantiated in experimental models of diabetes. Taken together, there is a clear need for the comprehensive analysis of sex differences on brain integrity of diabetic patients and the relationship between IGF1 and sex hormones that may influence brain-health outcomes. As such, this review will briefly outline the basic relation of diabetes and IGF1 and its role in neuroprotection. We will also consider the findings on sex hormones and diabetes as a basis for separately analyzing males and females to identify possible hormone-induced brain abnormalities. Finally, we will introduce the neuroprotective interplay of IGF1 and estrogen and how androgen-derived neuroprotection operates through similar signaling cascades. Future research on both neuroprotection and diabetes should include androgens into the interplay of IGF1 and sex hormones.
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Xing L, Venables MJ, Trudeau VL. Role of aromatase and radial glial cells in neurotoxin-induced dopamine neuron degeneration and regeneration. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2017; 241:69-79. [PMID: 26873632 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2016.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2015] [Revised: 02/04/2016] [Accepted: 02/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Radial glial cells (RGCs) in teleost brain are progenitor cells that express aromatase B and produce estrogens. Controversial data suggest that estrogens are critical for brain repair and neurogenesis in teleosts. Using a goldfish model for neurotoxin-induced Parkinson-like syndrome, we investigated the possible roles of RGCs, especially estrogen synthetic function, in the processes underlying dopamine neuron regeneration. The data indicate that dopamine neuron degeneration and aromatase activity inhibition could be respectively achieved in vivo with treatments with the neurotoxin 1-methyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) and fadrozole in female goldfish. The expression of genes in the telencephalon and hypothalamus related to RGC functions including gfap, gdnf and bdnf as well as genes related to mature dopamine neuron functions including th, slc6a3 and pitx3 are under modulation of estrogens. Together these results revealed that the activation of radial glial cells and dopamine neuron recovery after MPTP insult is aromatase-dependent. Findings in this study provide support for the hypothesis that endogenous estrogens are neuroprotective in goldfish. Future studies focus on the molecular pathways for enhancing protective functions of estrogens and understanding global effects of estrogens in the central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Xing
- Centre for Advanced Research in Environmental Genomics, Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Maddie J Venables
- Centre for Advanced Research in Environmental Genomics, Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Vance L Trudeau
- Centre for Advanced Research in Environmental Genomics, Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6N5, Canada.
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54
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Expression of glial CBP in steroid mediated neuroprotection in male and female zebra finches. J Chem Neuroanat 2017; 79:32-37. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2016.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2016] [Revised: 11/03/2016] [Accepted: 11/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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Prolonged day length exposure improves circadian deficits and survival in a transgenic mouse model of Huntington's disease. Neurobiol Sleep Circadian Rhythms 2016; 2:27-38. [PMID: 31236493 PMCID: PMC6575567 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbscr.2016.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2016] [Revised: 10/25/2016] [Accepted: 11/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The circadian disruption seen in patients of Huntington's disease (HD) is recapitulated in the R6/2 mouse model. As the disease progresses, the activity of R6/2 mice increases dramatically during the rest (light) period and decreases during the active (dark) period, eventually leading to a complete disintegration of rest-activity rhythms by the age of ~16 weeks. The suprachiasmatic nucleus controls circadian rhythms by entraining the rest-activity rhythms to the environmental light-dark cycle. Since R6/2 mice can shift their rest-activity rhythms in response to a jet-lag paradigm and also respond positively to bright light therapy (1000 lx), we investigated whether or not a prolonged day length exposure could reduce their daytime activity and improve their behavioural circadian rhythms. We found that a long-day photoperiod (16 h light/8 h dark cycle; 100 lx) significantly improved the survival of R6/2 female mice by 2.4 weeks, compared to mice kept under standard conditions (12 h light/12 h dark cycle). Furthermore, a long-day photoperiod improved the nocturnality of R6/2 female mice. Mice kept under long-day photoperiod also maintained acrophase in activity rhythms (a parameter of rhythmicity strength) in phase with that of WT mice, even if they were symptomatic. By contrast, a short-day photoperiod (8 h light/16 h dark cycle) was deleterious to R6/2 female mice and further reduced the survival by ~1 week. Together, our results support the idea that light therapy may be beneficial for improving circadian dysfunction in HD patients. Chronic exposure to a long day (16:8 LD) is beneficial to R6/2 female mice. The 16:8 LD cycle slowed body weight loss and improved survival of R6/2 mice. Lifespan of R6/2 female mice was extended by ~2.4 weeks under 16:8 LD cycle. R6/2 female mice under 16:8 LD had stabilised acrophase in activity rhythms. Lifespan of R6/2 female mice was reduced by chronic exposure to a short day (8:16 LD).
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Key Words
- ANOVA, analysis of variance
- DD, constant darkness
- Depression
- EEG, electroencephalography
- Estrogen
- HD, Huntington's disease
- HPA axis, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis
- L-DOPA, levodopa
- LD, light-dark
- Lifespan
- REM sleep, rapid eye movement sleep
- SCN, suprachiasmatic nucleus
- Sleep
- Transgenic mouse
- WT, wild type
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56
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Song J, Wu Z, Wangtrakuldee B, Choi SR, Zha Z, Ploessl K, Mach RH, Kung H. 4-(((4-Iodophenyl)methyl)-4H-1,2,4-triazol-4-ylamino)-benzonitrile: A Potential Imaging Agent for Aromatase. J Med Chem 2016; 59:9370-9380. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.6b00849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jin Song
- Beijing
Institute for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
- Department
of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, 3700 Market Street, Suite 305, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Zehui Wu
- Beijing
Institute for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
- Department
of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, 3700 Market Street, Suite 305, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Beau Wangtrakuldee
- Department
of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics and the Center
for Excellence in Environmental Toxicology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 1315 BRBII/III, 421 Curie Boulevard, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104-6160, United States
| | - Seok Rye Choi
- Department
of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, 3700 Market Street, Suite 305, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
- Five Eleven Pharma Inc., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Zhihao Zha
- Department
of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, 3700 Market Street, Suite 305, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Karl Ploessl
- Department
of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, 3700 Market Street, Suite 305, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
- Five Eleven Pharma Inc., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Robert H Mach
- Department
of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, 3700 Market Street, Suite 305, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Hank Kung
- Beijing
Institute for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
- Department
of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, 3700 Market Street, Suite 305, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
- Five Eleven Pharma Inc., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
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57
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Pietranera L, Correa J, Brocca ME, Roig P, Lima A, Di Giorgio N, Garcia-Segura LM, De Nicola AF. Selective Oestrogen Receptor Agonists Rescued Hippocampus Parameters in Male Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats. J Neuroendocrinol 2016; 28. [PMID: 27517478 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2016] [Revised: 08/09/2016] [Accepted: 08/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) show pronounced hippocampus alterations, including low brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression, reduced neurogenesis, astrogliosis and increased aromatase expression. These changes are reverted by treatment with 17β-oestradiol. To determine which oestradiol receptor (ER) type is involved in these neuroprotective effects, we used agonists of the ERα [propylpyrazole triol (PPT)] and the ERβ [diarylpropionitrite (DPN)] given over 2 weeks to 4-month-old male SHR. Wistar Kyoto normotensive rats served as controls. Using immunocytochemistry, we determined glial fibrillary protein (GFAP)+ astrocytes in the CA1, CA3 and hilus of the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus, aromatase immunostaining in the hilus, and doublecortin (DCX)+ neuronal progenitors in the inner granular zone of the dentate gyrus. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor mRNA was also measured in the hippocampus by the quantitative polymerase chain reaction. In SHR, PPT had no effect on blood pressure, decreased astrogliosis, slightly increased BDNF mRNA, had no effect on the number of DCX+ progenitors, and increased aromatase staining. Treatment with DPN decreased blood pressure, decreased astrogliosis, increased BDNF mRNA and DCX+ progenitors, and did not modify aromatase staining. We hypothesise that, although both receptor types may participate in the previously reported beneficial effects of 17β-oestradiol in SHR, receptor activation with DPN may preferentially facilitate BDNF mRNA expression and neurogenesis. The results of the present study may help in the design of ER-based neuroprotection for the encephalopathy of hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Pietranera
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrine Biochemistry, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Department of Human Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - J Correa
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrine Biochemistry, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - M E Brocca
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrine Biochemistry, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - P Roig
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrine Biochemistry, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - A Lima
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrine Biochemistry, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - N Di Giorgio
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - L M Garcia-Segura
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas, Madrid, Spain
| | - A F De Nicola
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrine Biochemistry, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- Department of Human Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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58
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Acaz-Fonseca E, Avila-Rodriguez M, Garcia-Segura LM, Barreto GE. Regulation of astroglia by gonadal steroid hormones under physiological and pathological conditions. Prog Neurobiol 2016; 144:5-26. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2016.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2015] [Accepted: 06/05/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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59
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de Bournonville C, Balthazart J, Ball GF, Cornil CA. Non-ovarian aromatization is required to activate female sexual motivation in testosterone-treated ovariectomized quail. Horm Behav 2016; 83:45-59. [PMID: 27189762 PMCID: PMC4916015 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2016.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2015] [Revised: 04/27/2016] [Accepted: 05/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Although aromatase is expressed in both male and female brains, its functional significance in females remains poorly understood. In female quail, sexual receptivity is activated by estrogens. However it is not known whether sexual motivation is similarly estrogen-dependent and whether estrogens locally produced in the brain contribute to these behavioral responses. Four main experiments were designed to address these questions. In Experiment 1 chronic treatment of females with the anti-estrogen tamoxifen decreased their receptivity, confirming that this response is under the control of estrogens. In Experiment 2 chronic treatment with tamoxifen significantly decreased sexual motivation as treated females no longer approached a sexual partner. In Experiment 3 (a) ovariectomy (OVX) induced a significant decrease of time spent near the male and a significantly decreased receptivity compared to gonadally intact females, (b) treatment with testosterone (OVX+T) partially restored these responses and (c) this effect of T was prevented when estradiol synthesis was inhibited by the potent aromatase inhibitor Vorozole (OVX+T+VOR). Serum estradiol concentration was significantly higher in OVX+T than in OVX or OVX+T+VOR females. Together these data demonstrate that treatment of OVX females with T increases sexual motivation and that these effects are mediated at least in part by non-gonadal aromatization of the androgen. Finally, assays of aromatase activity on brain and peripheral tissues (Experiment 4) strongly suggest that brain aromatization contributes to behavioral effects observed here following T treatment but alternative sources of estrogens (e.g. liver) should also be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine de Bournonville
- GIGA Neurosciences, Research Group in Behavioral Neuroendocrinology, University of Liège, Avenue Hippocrate 15 (B36), 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Jacques Balthazart
- GIGA Neurosciences, Research Group in Behavioral Neuroendocrinology, University of Liège, Avenue Hippocrate 15 (B36), 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Gregory F Ball
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, 2141 Tydings Hall, College Park MD20742-7201, USA
| | - Charlotte A Cornil
- GIGA Neurosciences, Research Group in Behavioral Neuroendocrinology, University of Liège, Avenue Hippocrate 15 (B36), 4000 Liège, Belgium.
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60
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Pellegrini E, Diotel N, Vaillant-Capitaine C, Pérez Maria R, Gueguen MM, Nasri A, Cano Nicolau J, Kah O. Steroid modulation of neurogenesis: Focus on radial glial cells in zebrafish. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2016; 160:27-36. [PMID: 26151741 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2015.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2015] [Revised: 06/01/2015] [Accepted: 06/16/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Estrogens are known as steroid hormones affecting the brain in many different ways and a wealth of data now document effects on neurogenesis. Estrogens are provided by the periphery but can also be locally produced within the brain itself due to local aromatization of circulating androgens. Adult neurogenesis is described in all vertebrate species examined so far, but comparative investigations have brought to light differences between vertebrate groups. In teleost fishes, the neurogenic activity is spectacular and adult stem cells maintain their mitogenic activity in many proliferative areas within the brain. Fish are also quite unique because brain aromatase expression is limited to radial glia cells, the progenitor cells of adult fish brain. The zebrafish has emerged as an interesting vertebrate model to elucidate the cellular and molecular mechanisms of adult neurogenesis, and notably its modulation by steroids. The main objective of this review is to summarize data related to the functional link between estrogens production in the brain and neurogenesis in fish. First, we will demonstrate that the brain of zebrafish is an endogenous source of steroids and is directly targeted by local and/or peripheral steroids. Then, we will present data demonstrating the progenitor nature of radial glial cells in the brain of adult fish. Next, we will emphasize the role of estrogens in constitutive neurogenesis and its potential contribution to the regenerative neurogenesis. Finally, the negative impacts on neurogenesis of synthetic hormones used in contraceptive pills production and released in the aquatic environment will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Pellegrini
- Inserm U1085, Université de Rennes 1, Research Institute in Health, Environment and Occupation, 35000 Rennes, France.
| | - Nicolas Diotel
- Inserm U1085, Université de Rennes 1, Research Institute in Health, Environment and Occupation, 35000 Rennes, France; Inserm UMR 1188, Diabète athérothrombose Thérapies Réunion Océan Indien (DéTROI), plateforme CYROI, Sainte-Clotilde F-97490, France; Université de La Réunion, UMR 1188, Sainte-Clotilde F-97490, France
| | - Colette Vaillant-Capitaine
- Inserm U1085, Université de Rennes 1, Research Institute in Health, Environment and Occupation, 35000 Rennes, France
| | - Rita Pérez Maria
- Inserm U1085, Université de Rennes 1, Research Institute in Health, Environment and Occupation, 35000 Rennes, France; Laboratorio de Ictiología, Instituto Nacional de Limnología (INALI. CONICET-UNL), Paraje El Pozo, Ciudad Universitaria UNL, 3000 Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Marie-Madeleine Gueguen
- Inserm U1085, Université de Rennes 1, Research Institute in Health, Environment and Occupation, 35000 Rennes, France
| | - Ahmed Nasri
- Inserm U1085, Université de Rennes 1, Research Institute in Health, Environment and Occupation, 35000 Rennes, France; Laboratoire de Biosurveillance de l'Environnement, Unité d'Ecologie côtière et d'Ecotoxicologie, Faculté des Sciences de Bizerte, Zarzouna 7021, Tunisia
| | - Joel Cano Nicolau
- Inserm U1085, Université de Rennes 1, Research Institute in Health, Environment and Occupation, 35000 Rennes, France
| | - Olivier Kah
- Inserm U1085, Université de Rennes 1, Research Institute in Health, Environment and Occupation, 35000 Rennes, France
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Prange-Kiel J, Dudzinski DA, Pröls F, Glatzel M, Matschke J, Rune GM. Aromatase Expression in the Hippocampus of AD Patients and 5xFAD Mice. Neural Plast 2016; 2016:9802086. [PMID: 27298742 PMCID: PMC4889864 DOI: 10.1155/2016/9802086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2015] [Revised: 03/26/2016] [Accepted: 04/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Numerous studies show that 17β-estradiol (E2) protects against Alzheimer's disease (AD) induced neurodegeneration. The E2-synthesizing enzyme aromatase is expressed in healthy hippocampi, but although the hippocampus is severely affected in AD, little is known about the expression of hippocampal aromatase in AD. To better understand the role of hippocampal aromatase in AD, we studied its expression in postmortem material from patients with AD and in a mouse model for AD (5xFAD mice). In human hippocampi, aromatase-immunoreactivity was observed in the vast majority of principal neurons and signal quantification revealed higher expression of aromatase protein in AD patients compared to age- and sex-matched controls. The tissue-specific first exons of aromatase I.f, PII, I.3, and I.6 were detected in hippocampi of controls and AD patients by RT-PCR. In contrast, 3-month-old, female 5xFAD mice showed lower expression of aromatase mRNA and protein (measured by qRT-PCR and semiquantitative immunohistochemistry) than WT controls; no such differences were observed in male mice. Our findings stress the importance of hippocampal aromatase expression in neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janine Prange-Kiel
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Danuta A. Dudzinski
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Felicitas Pröls
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Markus Glatzel
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jakob Matschke
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Gabriele M. Rune
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
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62
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Zhang F, Wang J, Jiao Y, Zhang L, Zhang H, Sheng X, Han Y, Yuan Z, Weng Q. Seasonal changes of androgen receptor, estrogen receptors and aromatase expression in the medial preoptic area of the wild male ground squirrels (Citellus dauricus Brandt). Eur J Histochem 2016; 60:2621. [PMID: 27349316 PMCID: PMC4933827 DOI: 10.4081/ejh.2016.2621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2016] [Revised: 04/10/2016] [Accepted: 04/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The wild ground squirrel is a typical seasonal breeder. In this study, using RT-PCR, western blot and immunohistochemistry, we investigated the mRNA and protein expressions of androgen receptor (AR), estrogen receptors a and β (ERα and ERβ) and aromatase cytochrome P450 (P450arom) in the medial preoptic area (MPOA) of hypothalamus of the wild male ground squirrel during the breeding season (April), the non-breeding season (June) and pre-hibernation (September). AR, ERα, ERβ and P450arom protein/mRNA were present in the MPOA of all seasons detected. The immunostaining of AR and ERα showed no significant changes in different periods, whereas ERβ and P450arom had higher immunoreactivities during the breeding season and pre-hibernation when compared to those of the non-breeding season. Consistently, both the protein and mRNA levels of P450arom and ERβ were higher in the MPOA of pre-hibernation and the breeding season than in the non-breeding season, whereas no significant difference amongst the three periods was observed for AR and ERα levels. These findings suggested that the MPOA of hypothalamus may be a direct target of androgen and estrogen. Androgen may play important regulatory roles through its receptor and/or the aromatized estrogen in the MPOA of hypothalamus of the wild male ground squirrels.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Zhang
- Beijing Forestry University.
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63
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Xing L, Esau C, Trudeau VL. Direct Regulation of Aromatase B Expression by 17β-Estradiol and Dopamine D1 Receptor Agonist in Adult Radial Glial Cells. Front Neurosci 2016; 9:504. [PMID: 26793050 PMCID: PMC4709857 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2015.00504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2015] [Accepted: 12/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Aromatase cytochrome P450arom (cyp19) is the only enzyme that has the ability to convert androgens into estrogens. Estrogens, which are produced locally in the vertebrate brain play many fundamental roles in neuroendocrine functions, reproductive functions, socio-sexual behaviors, and neurogenesis. Radial glial cells (RGCs) are neuronal progenitor cells that are abundant in fish brains and are the exclusive site of aromatase B expression and neuroestrogen synthesis. Using a novel in vitro RGC culture preparation we studied the regulation of aromatase B by 17β-estradiol (E2) and dopamine (DA). We have established that activation of the dopamine D1 receptor (D1R) by SKF 38393 up-regulates aromatase B gene expression most likely through the phosphorylation of cyclic AMP response element binding protein (CREB). This up-regulation can be enhanced by low concentration of E2 (100 nM) through increasing the expression of D1R and the level of p-CREB protein. However, a high concentration of E2 (1 μM) and D1R agonist together failed to up-regulate aromatase B, potentially due to attenuation of esr2b expression and p-CREB levels. Furthermore, we found the up-regulation of aromatase B by E2 and DA both requires the involvement of esr1 and esr2a. The combined effect of E2 and DA agonist indicates that aromatase B in the adult teleost brain is under tight control by both steroids and neurotransmitters to precisely regulate neuroestrogen levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Xing
- Department of Biology, Centre for Advanced Research in Environmental Genomics, University of Ottawa Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Crystal Esau
- Department of Biology, Centre for Advanced Research in Environmental Genomics, University of Ottawa Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Vance L Trudeau
- Department of Biology, Centre for Advanced Research in Environmental Genomics, University of Ottawa Ottawa, ON, Canada
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Mapping of brain lipid binding protein (Blbp) in the brain of adult zebrafish, co-expression with aromatase B and links with proliferation. Gene Expr Patterns 2016; 20:42-54. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gep.2015.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2015] [Revised: 09/25/2015] [Accepted: 11/10/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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Biegon A. In vivo visualization of aromatase in animals and humans. Front Neuroendocrinol 2016; 40:42-51. [PMID: 26456904 PMCID: PMC4783227 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2015.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2015] [Revised: 09/29/2015] [Accepted: 10/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Aromatase catalyzes the last and obligatory step in the biosynthesis of estrogens across species. In vivo visualization of aromatase can be performed using positron emission tomography (PET) with radiolabeled aromatase inhibitors such as [(11)C]vorozole. PET studies in rats, monkeys and healthy human subjects demonstrate widespread but heterogeneous aromatase availability in brain and body, which appears to be regulated in a species, sex and region-specific manner. Thus, aromatase availability is high in brain amygdala and in ovaries of all species examined to date, with males demonstrating higher levels than females in all comparable organs. However, the highest concentrations of aromatase in the human brain are found in specific nuclei of the thalamus while the highest levels in rats and monkeys are found in the amygdala. Regional brain aromatase availability is increased by androgens and inhibited by nicotine. Future studies may improve diagnosis and treatment in brain disorders and cancers overexpressing aromatase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anat Biegon
- Department of Neurology, Stony Brook University School of Medicine, Stony Brook, NY 11794-2565, United States.
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Park SJ, Yi B, Lee HS, Oh WY, Na HK, Lee M, Yang M. To quit or not: Vulnerability of women to smoking tobacco. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART C, ENVIRONMENTAL CARCINOGENESIS & ECOTOXICOLOGY REVIEWS 2016; 34:33-56. [PMID: 26669465 DOI: 10.1080/10590501.2015.1131539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Tobacco smoking is currently on the rise among women, and can pose a greater health risk. In order to understand the nature of the increase in smoking prevalence among women, we focused on the vulnerability of women to smoking behaviors--smoking cessation or tobacco addiction--and performed a systematic review of the socioeconomic and intrinsic factors as well as tobacco ingredients that affect women's susceptibility to smoking tobacco. We observed that nicotine and other tobacco components including cocoa-relatives, licorice products, and menthol aggravate tobacco addiction in women rather than in men. Various genetic and epigenetic alterations in dopamine pathway and the pharmaco-kinetics and -dynamic factors of nicotine also showed potential evidences for high susceptibility to tobacco addiction in women. Therefore, we suggest systemic approaches to prevent tobacco smoking-related health risks, considering gene-environment-gender interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Se-Jung Park
- a Research Center for Cell Fate Control, College of Pharmacy, Sookmyung Women's University , Seoul , Republic of Korea
| | - Bitna Yi
- b Department of Neurosurgery , Stanford University School of Medicine , Stanford , California , USA
| | - Ho-Sun Lee
- a Research Center for Cell Fate Control, College of Pharmacy, Sookmyung Women's University , Seoul , Republic of Korea
| | - Woo-Yeon Oh
- a Research Center for Cell Fate Control, College of Pharmacy, Sookmyung Women's University , Seoul , Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun-Kyung Na
- a Research Center for Cell Fate Control, College of Pharmacy, Sookmyung Women's University , Seoul , Republic of Korea
| | - Minjeong Lee
- a Research Center for Cell Fate Control, College of Pharmacy, Sookmyung Women's University , Seoul , Republic of Korea
| | - Mihi Yang
- a Research Center for Cell Fate Control, College of Pharmacy, Sookmyung Women's University , Seoul , Republic of Korea
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Climbing experience in glass eels: A cognitive task or a matter of physical capacities? Physiol Behav 2015; 151:448-55. [PMID: 26260433 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2015.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2015] [Revised: 07/28/2015] [Accepted: 08/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The European eel is a panmictic species, whose decline has been recorded since the last 30 years. Among human-induced environmental factors of decline, the impact of water dams during species migration is questioned. Indeed, water impoundments can be a severe obstacle for young eels trying to reach the upstream freshwater zones, even if they are equipped with fish-friendly passes. The passage by such devices could be an important event shaping the outcome of the future life and life history traits of eels. We studied what phenotypic traits were associated with the event of experience of passage by water obstacles. We analyzed specific enzyme activities and/or gene transcription levels in the muscle and brain to test whether the obstacle passage is rather a physical or cognitive task. We found that after a long period of maintenance under homogenous conditions, transcription levels of several genes linked to synaptic plasticity, neurogenesis and thyroid activity differed among the field-experience groups. In contrast, muscle gene transcription levels or enzymatic activities did not show any differences among fish groups. We suggest that cognitive processes such as learning and memory acquisition rather than swimming-related metabolic capacities are involved in passage of water obstacles by young eels.
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68
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Kuhn C. Emergence of sex differences in the development of substance use and abuse during adolescence. Pharmacol Ther 2015; 153:55-78. [PMID: 26049025 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2015.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2015] [Accepted: 04/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Substance use and abuse begin during adolescence. Male and female adolescent humans initiate use at comparable rates, but males increase use faster. In adulthood, more men than women use and abuse addictive drugs. However, some women progress more rapidly from initiation of use to entry into treatment. In animal models, adolescent males and females consume addictive drugs similarly. However, reproductively mature females acquire self-administration faster, and in some models, escalate use more. Sex/gender differences exist in neurobiologic factors mediating both reinforcement (dopamine, opioids) and aversiveness (CRF, dynorphin), as well as intrinsic factors (personality, psychiatric co-morbidities) and extrinsic factors (history of abuse, environment especially peers and family) which influence the progression from initial use to abuse. Many of these important differences emerge during adolescence, and are moderated by sexual differentiation of the brain. Estradiol effects which enhance both dopaminergic and CRF-mediated processes contribute to the female vulnerability to substance use and abuse. Testosterone enhances impulsivity and sensation seeking in both males and females. Several protective factors in females also influence initiation and progression of substance use including hormonal changes of pregnancy as well as greater capacity for self-regulation and lower peak levels of impulsivity/sensation seeking. Same sex peers represent a risk factor more for males than females during adolescence, while romantic partners increase risk for women during this developmental epoch. In summary, biologic factors, psychiatric co-morbidities as well as personality and environment present sex/gender-specific risks as adolescents begin to initiate substance use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia Kuhn
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Box 3813, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, United States.
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69
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Hu VW, Sarachana T, Sherrard RM, Kocher KM. Investigation of sex differences in the expression of RORA and its transcriptional targets in the brain as a potential contributor to the sex bias in autism. Mol Autism 2015; 6:7. [PMID: 26056561 PMCID: PMC4459681 DOI: 10.1186/2040-2392-6-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2014] [Accepted: 01/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by significant impairment in reciprocal social interactions and communication coupled with stereotyped, repetitive behaviors and restricted interests. Although genomic and functional studies are beginning to reveal some of the genetic complexity and underlying pathobiology of ASD, the consistently reported male bias of ASD remains an enigma. We have recently proposed that retinoic acid-related orphan receptor alpha (RORA), which is reduced in the brain and lymphoblastoid cell lines of multiple cohorts of individuals with ASD and oppositely regulated by male and female hormones, might contribute to the sex bias in autism by differentially regulating target genes, including CYP19A1 (aromatase), in a sex-dependent manner that can also lead to elevated testosterone levels, a proposed risk factor for autism. Methods In this study, we examine sex differences in RORA and aromatase protein levels in cortical tissues of unaffected and affected males and females by re-analyzing pre-existing confocal immunofluorescence data from our laboratory. We further investigated the expression of RORA and its correlation with several of its validated transcriptional targets in the orbital frontal cortex and cerebellum as a function of development using RNAseq data from the BrainSpan Atlas of the Developing Human Brain. In a pilot study, we also analyzed the expression of Rora and the same transcriptional targets in the cortex and cerebellum of adult wild-type male and female C57BL/6 mice. Results Our findings suggest that Rora/RORA and several of its transcriptional targets may exhibit sexually dimorphic expression in certain regions of the brain of both mice and humans. Interestingly, the correlation coefficients between Rora expression and that of its targets are much higher in the cortex of male mice relative to that of female mice. A strong positive correlation between the levels of RORA and aromatase proteins is also seen in the cortex of control human males and females as well as ASD males, but not ASD females. Conclusions Based on these studies, we suggest that disruption of Rora/RORA expression may have a greater impact on males, since sex differences in the correlation of RORA and target gene expression indicate that RORA-deficient males may experience greater dysregulation of genes relevant to ASD in certain brain regions during development. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/2040-2392-6-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerie W Hu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2300 Eye St. NW, Washington, DC 20037 USA
| | - Tewarit Sarachana
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2300 Eye St. NW, Washington, DC 20037 USA ; Department of Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Rachel M Sherrard
- Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06 & CNRS, UMR 8256 Biological Adaptation and Ageing, F-75005 Paris, France
| | - Kristen M Kocher
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2300 Eye St. NW, Washington, DC 20037 USA
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Leyendecker G, Wildt L. A new concept of endometriosis and adenomyosis: tissue injury and repair (TIAR). Horm Mol Biol Clin Investig 2015; 5:125-42. [PMID: 25961248 DOI: 10.1515/hmbci.2011.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2011] [Accepted: 01/12/2011] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Pelvic endometriosis, deeply infiltrating endometriosis and uterine adenomyosis share a common pathophysiology and may be integrated into the physiological mechanism and new nosological concept of 'tissue injury and repair' (TIAR) and may, in this context, just represent the extreme of a basically physiological, estrogen-related mechanism that is pathologically exaggerated in an extremely estrogen-sensitive reproductive organ. The acronym TIAR describes a fundamental and apparently ubiquitous biological system that becomes operative in mesenchymal tissues following tissue injury and, upon activation, results in the local production of estradiol. Endometriosis and adenomyosis are caused by trauma. In the spontaneously developing disease, chronic uterine peristaltic activity or phases of hyperperistalsis induce, at the endometrial-myometrial interface near the fundo-cornual raphe, microtraumatisations, with activation of the TIAR mechanism. With ongoing traumatisations, such sites of inflammation might accumulate and the increasingly produced estrogens interfere in a paracrine fashion with ovarian control over uterine peristaltic activity, resulting in permanent hyperperistalsis and a self-perpetuation of the disease process. Overt autotraumatisation of the uterus with dislocation of fragments of basal endometrium into the peritoneal cavity and infiltration of basal endometrium into the depth of the myometrial wall ensues. In most cases of endometriosis/adenomyosis a causal event early in the reproductive period of life must be postulated, rapidly leading to archimetral hyperestrogenism and uterine hyperperistalsis. In late premenopausal adenomyosis such an event might not have occurred. However, as indicated by the high prevalence of the disease, it appears to be unavoidable that, with time, chronic normoperistalsis throughout the reproductive period of life accumulates to the same extent of microtraumatisation. With activation of the TIAR mechanism followed by chronic inflammation and infiltrative growth, endometriosis/adenomyosis of the younger woman and premenopausal adenomyosis share in principal the same pathophysiology.
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71
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Biegon A, Alexoff DL, Kim SW, Logan J, Pareto D, Schlyer D, Wang GJ, Fowler JS. Aromatase imaging with [N-methyl-11C]vorozole PET in healthy men and women. J Nucl Med 2015; 56:580-5. [PMID: 25698781 DOI: 10.2967/jnumed.114.150383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2014] [Accepted: 01/19/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Aromatase, the last and obligatory enzyme catalyzing estrogen biosynthesis from androgenic precursors, can be labeled in vivo with (11)C-vorozole. Aromatase inhibitors are widely used in breast cancer and other endocrine conditions. The present study aimed to provide baseline information defining aromatase distribution in healthy men and women, against which its perturbation in pathologic situations can be studied. METHODS (11)C-vorozole (111-296 MBq/subject) was injected intravenously in 13 men and 20 women (age range, 23-67 y). PET data were acquired over a 90-min period. Each subject had 4 scans, 2 per day separated by 2-6 wk, including brain and torso or pelvis scans. Young women were scanned at 2 discrete phases of the menstrual cycle (midcycle and late luteal). Men and postmenopausal women were also scanned after pretreatment with a clinical dose of the aromatase inhibitor letrozole. Time-activity curves were obtained, and standardized uptake values (SUV) were calculated for major organs including brain, heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, spleen, muscle, bone, and male and female reproductive organs (penis, testes, uterus, ovaries). Organ and whole-body radiation exposures were calculated using OLINDA software. RESULTS Liver uptake was higher than uptake in any other organ but was not blocked by pretreatment with letrozole. Mean SUVs were higher in men than in women, and brain uptake was blocked by letrozole. Male brain SUVs were also higher than SUVs in any other organ (ranging from 0.48 ± 0.05 in lungs to 1.5 ± 0.13 in kidneys). Mean ovarian SUVs (3.08 ± 0.7) were comparable to brain levels and higher than in any other organ. Furthermore, ovarian SUVs in young women around the time of ovulation (midcycle) were significantly higher than those measured in the late luteal phase, whereas aging and cigarette smoking reduced (11)C-vorozole uptake. CONCLUSION PET with (11)C-vorozole is useful for assessing physiologic changes in estrogen synthesis capacity in the human body. Baseline levels in breasts, lungs, and bones are low, supporting further investigation of this tracer as a new tool for detection of aromatase-overexpressing primary tumors or metastases in these organs and optimization of treatment in cancer and other disorders in which aromatase inhibitors are useful.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anat Biegon
- Stony Brook University School of Medicine, Stony Brook, New York Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, New York
| | | | - Sung Won Kim
- National Institute on Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Jean Logan
- New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Deborah Pareto
- Institut de Recerca Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Alta Tecnologia, Barcelona, Spain; and
| | | | - Gene-Jack Wang
- National Institute on Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Joanna S Fowler
- Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, New York State University of New York at Stony Brook, Stony Brook, New York
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Dave N, Chow LML, Gudelsky GA, LaSance K, Qi X, Desai PB. Preclinical pharmacological evaluation of letrozole as a novel treatment for gliomas. Mol Cancer Ther 2015; 14:857-64. [PMID: 25695958 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-14-0743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2014] [Accepted: 02/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
We present data that letrozole, an extensively used aromatase inhibitor in the treatment of estrogen receptor-positive breast tumors in postmenopausal women, may be potentially used in the treatment of glioblastomas. First, we measured the in vitro cytotoxicity of letrozole and aromatase (CYP19A1) expression and activity in human LN229, T98G, U373MG, U251MG, and U87MG, and rat C6 glioma cell lines. Estrogen receptor (ER)-positive MCF-7 and ER-negative MDA-MB-231 cells served as controls. Cytotoxicity was determined employing the MTT assay, and aromatase activity using an immunoassay that measures the conversion of testosterone to estrogen. Second, in vivo activity of letrozole was assessed in Sprague-Dawley rats orthotopically implanted with C6 gliomas. The changes in tumor volume with letrozole treatment (4 mg/kg/day) were assessed employing μPET/CT imaging, employing [(18)F]-fluorodeoxyglucose (F18-FDG) as the radiotracer. Brain tissues were collected for histologic evaluations. All glioma cell lines included here expressed CYP19A1 and letrozole exerted considerable cytotoxicity and decrease in aromatase activity against these cells (IC50, 0.1-3.5 μmol/L). Imaging analysis employing F18-FDG μPET/CT demonstrated a marked reduction of active tumor volume (>75%) after 8 days of letrozole treatment. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed marked reduction in aromatase expression in tumoral regions of the brain after letrozole treatment. Thus, employing multifaceted tools, we demonstrate that aromatase may be a novel target for the treatment of gliomas and that letrozole, an FDA-approved drug with an outstanding record of safety may be repurposed for the treatment of such primary brain tumors, which currently have few therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nimita Dave
- The James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Lionel M L Chow
- Cancer and Blood Disease Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Gary A Gudelsky
- The James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Kathleen LaSance
- Vontz Core Imaging Lab, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Xiaoyang Qi
- Internal Medicine, Department of Hematology/Oncology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Pankaj B Desai
- The James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio.
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Pietranera L, Brocca ME, Roig P, Lima A, Garcia-Segura LM, De Nicola AF. Estrogens are neuroprotective factors for hypertensive encephalopathy. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2015; 146:15-25. [PMID: 24736028 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2014.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2014] [Revised: 04/04/2014] [Accepted: 04/07/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Estrogens are neuroprotective factors for brain diseases, including hypertensive encephalopathy. In particular, the hippocampus is highly damaged by high blood pressure, with several hippocampus functions being altered in humans and animal models of hypertension. Working with a genetic model of primary hypertension, the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR), we have shown that SHR present decreased dentate gyrus neurogenesis, astrogliosis, low expression of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), decreased number of neurons in the hilus of the dentate gyrus, increased basal levels of the estrogen-synthesizing enzyme aromatase, and atrophic dendritic arbor with low spine density in the CA1 region compared to normotensive Wistar Kyoto (WKY) ratsl. Changes also occur in the hypothalamus of SHR, with increased expression of the hypertensinogenic peptide arginine vasopressin (AVP) and its V1b receptor. Following chronic estradiol treatment, SHR show decreased blood pressure, enhanced hippocampus neurogenesis, decreased the reactive astrogliosis, increased BDNF mRNA and protein expression in the dentate gyrus, increased neuronal number in the hilus of the dentate gyrus, further increased the hyperexpression of aromatase and replaced spine number with remodeling of the dendritic arbor of the CA1 region. We have detected by qPCR the estradiol receptors ERα and ERβ in hippocampus from both SHR and WKY rats, suggesting direct effects of estradiol on brain cells. We hypothesize that a combination of exogenously given estrogens plus those locally synthesized by estradiol-stimulated aromatase may better alleviate the hippocampal and hypothalamic encephalopathy of SHR. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled "Sex steroids and brain disorders".
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciana Pietranera
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrine Biochemistry, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Obligado 2490, 1428 Buenos Aires, Argentina; Department of Human Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires, Paraguay 2155, 1425 Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Maria Elvira Brocca
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrine Biochemistry, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Obligado 2490, 1428 Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Paulina Roig
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrine Biochemistry, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Obligado 2490, 1428 Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Analia Lima
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrine Biochemistry, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Obligado 2490, 1428 Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Luis Miguel Garcia-Segura
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas, Avenida Doctor Arce 37, E-28002 Madrid, Spain
| | - Alejandro F De Nicola
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrine Biochemistry, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Obligado 2490, 1428 Buenos Aires, Argentina; Department of Human Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires, Paraguay 2155, 1425 Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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Ransome MI. Could androgens maintain specific domains of mental health in aging men by preserving hippocampal neurogenesis? Neural Regen Res 2014; 7:2227-39. [PMID: 25538744 PMCID: PMC4268723 DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1673-5374.2012.028.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2012] [Accepted: 07/10/2012] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Interest surrounds the role of sex-hormones in regulating brain function outside of reproductive behaviour. Declining androgen production in aging males has been associated with cognitive impairment, depression and increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. Indication for testosterone replacement therapy is based on biochemically determined low circulating testosterone combined with manifest symptoms. However, which aspects of age-related cognitive decline are attributable to low circulating testosterone remain ambiguous. Studies examining cognition in aging men receiving testosterone replacement therapy have yielded equivocal results. The exact role of testosterone in maintaining cognitive function and the underlying neural mechanisms are largely unknown, though it would appear to be domain specific. Clarity in this area will provide clinical direction toward addressing an increasing healthcare burden of mental health decline coincident with increasing longevity. The premise that androgens contribute to maintaining aspects of mental health in aging men by preserving hippocampal neurogenesis will be used as a forum in this review to discuss current knowledge and the need for further studies to better define testosterone replacement strategies for aging male health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark I Ransome
- Florey Neurosciences Institute, Melbourne Brain Centre, the University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
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Sadasivam M, Ramatchandirin B, Balakrishnan S, Selvaraj K, Prahalathan C. The role of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase in neuronal steroidogenesis under acute inflammation. Gene 2014; 552:249-54. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2014.09.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2014] [Revised: 09/10/2014] [Accepted: 09/19/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Li X, Jiang L, Cheng L, Chen H. Dibutyl phthalate-induced neurotoxicity in the brain of immature and mature rat offspring. Brain Dev 2014; 36:653-60. [PMID: 24075507 DOI: 10.1016/j.braindev.2013.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2013] [Revised: 08/16/2013] [Accepted: 09/09/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE We aim to investigate the neurotoxicity induced by perinatal exposure of dibutyl phthalate (DBP) on the immature and mature offspring animals using a rodent model. METHODS Pregnant rats were given intragastric administration of 500mg/kg body weight DBP daily from gestational day 6 to postnatal day 21 while control animals received the same volume of edible corn oil. Serum estradiol and testosterone levels of the offspring were evaluated. Protein levels of AROM, ER-β, BDNF and p-CREB in the hippocampus were also measured. RESULTS Perinatal exposure of DBP significantly up-regulated the serum estradiol levels in both immature and mature offspring rats. DBP exposure also significantly down-regulated the testosterone levels in immature male and female rats and mature male rats but had no influence on the testosterone levels in mature female rats. DBP exposure up-regulated AROM, but down-regulated ER-β, BDNF and p-CREB expression in the hippocampus of immature rat offspring, while it had no influence on the levels of these proteins in the mature animals. CONCLUSIONS Perinatal exposure of DBP could induce neurotoxicity in immature offspring rats through regulation of AROM, ER-β, BDNF and p-CREB expression, while it has no influence on mature offspring animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiujuan Li
- Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, China; Lab of Pediatric Neurology, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Key Laboratory of Pediatrics in Chongqing, Chongqing International Science and Technology Cooperation Center for Child Development and Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Li Jiang
- Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, China; Lab of Pediatric Neurology, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Key Laboratory of Pediatrics in Chongqing, Chongqing International Science and Technology Cooperation Center for Child Development and Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
| | - Li Cheng
- Lab of Pediatric Neurology, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Key Laboratory of Pediatrics in Chongqing, Chongqing International Science and Technology Cooperation Center for Child Development and Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hengsheng Chen
- Lab of Pediatric Neurology, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Key Laboratory of Pediatrics in Chongqing, Chongqing International Science and Technology Cooperation Center for Child Development and Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Aromatase, estrogen receptors and brain development in fish and amphibians. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2014; 1849:152-62. [PMID: 25038582 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2014.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2014] [Revised: 06/19/2014] [Accepted: 07/07/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Estrogens affect brain development of vertebrates, not only by impacting activity and morphology of existing circuits, but also by modulating embryonic and adult neurogenesis. The issue is complex as estrogens can not only originate from peripheral tissues, but also be locally produced within the brain itself due to local aromatization of androgens. In this respect, teleost fishes are quite unique because aromatase is expressed exclusively in radial glial cells, which represent pluripotent cells in the brain of all vertebrates. Expression of aromatase in the brain of fish is also strongly stimulated by estrogens and some androgens. This creates a very intriguing positive auto-regulatory loop leading to dramatic aromatase expression in sexually mature fish with elevated levels of circulating steroids. Looking at the effects of estrogens or anti-estrogens in the brain of adult zebrafish showed that estrogens inhibit rather than stimulate cell proliferation and newborn cell migration. The functional meaning of these observations is still unclear, but these data suggest that the brain of fish is experiencing constant remodeling under the influence of circulating steroids and brain-derived neurosteroids, possibly permitting a diversification of sexual strategies, notably hermaphroditism. Recent data in frogs indicate that aromatase expression is limited to neurons and do not concern radial glial cells. Thus, until now, there is no other example of vertebrates in which radial progenitors express aromatase. This raises the question of when and why these new features were gained and what are their adaptive benefits. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Nuclear receptors in animal development.
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Duarte-Guterman P, Navarro-Martín L, Trudeau VL. Mechanisms of crosstalk between endocrine systems: regulation of sex steroid hormone synthesis and action by thyroid hormones. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2014; 203:69-85. [PMID: 24685768 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2014.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2013] [Revised: 03/15/2014] [Accepted: 03/17/2014] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Thyroid hormones (THs) are well-known regulators of development and metabolism in vertebrates. There is increasing evidence that THs are also involved in gonadal differentiation and reproductive function. Changes in TH status affect sex ratios in developing fish and frogs and reproduction (e.g., fertility), hormone levels, and gonad morphology in adults of species of different vertebrates. In this review, we have summarized and compared the evidence for cross-talk between the steroid hormone and thyroid axes and present a comparative model. We gave special attention to TH regulation of sex steroid synthesis and action in both the brain and gonad, since these are important for gonad development and brain sexual differentiation and have been studied in many species. We also reviewed research showing that there is a TH system, including receptors and enzymes, in the brains and gonads in developing and adult vertebrates. Our analysis shows that THs influences sex steroid hormone synthesis in vertebrates, ranging from fish to pigs. This concept of crosstalk and conserved hormone interaction has implications for our understanding of the role of THs in reproduction, and how these processes may be dysregulated by environmental endocrine disruptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Duarte-Guterman
- Centre for Advanced Research in Environmental Genomics, Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
| | - Laia Navarro-Martín
- Centre for Advanced Research in Environmental Genomics, Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Vance L Trudeau
- Centre for Advanced Research in Environmental Genomics, Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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79
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Abstract
Emerging research has demonstrated that the sex hormone estradiol regulates fear extinction in female rodents and women. Estradiol may also regulate fear extinction in males, given its role in synaptic plasticity in both sexes. Here we report that inhibition of estradiol synthesis during extinction training, via the aromatase inhibitor fadrozole, significantly impairs extinction recall in male rats. This deficit in extinction recall is not due to state-dependent memory formation and is completely abolished by coadministration of estradiol. Our data suggest that estradiol may be just as important in the regulation of fear extinction in males as it is in females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bronwyn M Graham
- Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts 02129, USA
| | - Mohammed R Milad
- Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts 02129, USA
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80
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Acaz-Fonseca E, Sanchez-Gonzalez R, Azcoitia I, Arevalo MA, Garcia-Segura LM. Role of astrocytes in the neuroprotective actions of 17β-estradiol and selective estrogen receptor modulators. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2014; 389:48-57. [PMID: 24444786 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2014.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2013] [Revised: 01/08/2014] [Accepted: 01/08/2014] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Neuroprotective actions of 17β-estradiol (estradiol) are in part mediated by direct actions on neurons. Astrocytes, which play an essential role in the maintenance of the homeostasis of neural tissue, express estrogen receptors and are also involved in the neuroprotective actions of estradiol in the brain. Estradiol controls gliosis and regulates neuroinflammation, edema and glutamate transport acting on astrocytes. In addition, the hormone regulates the release of neurotrophic factors and other neuroprotective molecules by astrocytes. In addition, reactive astrocytes are a local source of neuroprotective estradiol for the injured brain. Since estradiol therapy is not free from peripheral risks, alternatives for the hormone have been explored. Some selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), which are already in use in clinical practice for the treatment of breast cancer, osteoporosis or menopausal symptoms, exert similar actions to estradiol on astrocytes. Therefore, SERMs represent therapeutic alternatives to estradiol for the activation of astroglia-mediated neuroprotective mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Iñigo Azcoitia
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Facultad de Biología, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, E-28040 Madrid, Spain
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81
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Zhang QG, Wang R, Tang H, Dong Y, Chan A, Sareddy GR, Vadlamudi RK, Brann DW. Brain-derived estrogen exerts anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective actions in the rat hippocampus. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2014; 389:84-91. [PMID: 24508637 PMCID: PMC4040313 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2013.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2013] [Revised: 12/30/2013] [Accepted: 12/31/2013] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
17β-estradiol (E2) has been implicated to play a critical role in neuroprotection, synaptic plasticity, and cognitive function. Classically, the role of gonadal-derived E2 in these events is well established, but the role of brain-derived E2 is less clear. To address this issue, we investigated the expression, localization, and modulation of aromatase and local E2 levels in the hippocampus following global cerebral ischemia (GCI) in adult ovariectomized rats. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) revealed that the hippocampal regions CA1, CA3 and dentate gyrus (DG) exhibited high levels of immunoreactive aromatase staining, with aromatase being co-localized primarily in neurons in non-ischemic animals. Following GCI, aromatase became highly expressed in GFAP-positive astrocytes in the hippocampal CA1 region at 2-3 days post GCI reperfusion. An ELISA for E2 and IHC for E2 confirmed the GCI-induced elevation of local E2 in the CA1 region and that the increase in local E2 occurred in astrocytes. Furthermore, central administration of aromatase antisense (AS) oligonucleotides, but not missense (MS) oligonucleotides, blocked the increase in aromatase and local E2 in astrocytes after GCI, and resulted in a significant increase in GCI-induced hippocampal CA1 region neuronal cell death and neuroinflammation. As a whole, these results suggest that brain-derived E2 exerts important neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory actions in the hippocampal CA1 region following GCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quan-Guang Zhang
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Medical College of Georgia at Georgia Regents University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA.
| | - Ruimin Wang
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Medical College of Georgia at Georgia Regents University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA; Neurobiology Institute of Medical Research Centre, Hebei United University, Tangshan, Hebei 063000, PR China
| | - Hui Tang
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Medical College of Georgia at Georgia Regents University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA; Neurobiology Institute of Medical Research Centre, Hebei United University, Tangshan, Hebei 063000, PR China
| | - Yan Dong
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Medical College of Georgia at Georgia Regents University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Alice Chan
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Medical College of Georgia at Georgia Regents University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Gangadhara Reddy Sareddy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Ratna K Vadlamudi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Darrell W Brann
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Medical College of Georgia at Georgia Regents University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA.
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82
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Bhatia H, Kumar A, Ogino Y, Du J, Gregg A, Chapman J, McLaughlin MJ, Iguchi T. Effects of the commercial antiandrogen flutamide on the biomarkers of reproduction in male Murray rainbowfish (Melanotaenia fluviatilis). ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2014; 33:1098-1107. [PMID: 24453069 DOI: 10.1002/etc.2524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2013] [Revised: 11/13/2013] [Accepted: 01/10/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The endocrine responses in male Murray rainbowfish (Melanotaenia fluviatilis) were evaluated after exposures to biologically active concentrations of the nonsteroidal pharmaceutical, flutamide. Fish were exposed to nominal concentrations of 125 µg/L, 250 µg/L, 500 µg/L, and 1000 µg/L of flutamide for 7 d, after which plasma vitellogenin concentration; brain aromatase activity; and hepatic expression of the genes for vitellogenin, choriogenin, and androgen and estrogen receptors were assessed. Qualitative assessment of the testes of the fish exposed to flutamide exhibited hindrance in the transformation of spermatogonia to spermatozoa and increased testicular anomalies, such as multinucleated and pyknotic cells and interstitial fibrosis. An increase in the hepatosomatic index with respect to the controls was noted after treating the fish with flutamide at all concentrations. Vitellogenin was induced in plasma in the 1000 µg/L flutamide group. The activity of aromatase in the brain declined significantly after exposures to flutamide at all concentrations. Males exposed to 1000 µg/L of flutamide showed a downregulation in the genes encoding androgen receptors α and β. The expression of the gene for the estrogen receptor α was induced and of vitellogenin was downregulated after treatment with 250 µg/L to 1000 µg/L of flutamide. The results suggest that 7-d exposures to 125 µg/L to 1000 µg/L flutamide can impair the reproductive endocrine system in male Murray rainbowfish at multiple levels by an antiandrogenic mode of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harpreet Bhatia
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation Land and Water, Glen Osmond, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia; School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, Waite Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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83
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Pietranera L, Brocca ME, Roig P, Lima A, Garcia-Segura LM, De Nicola AF. 17α-Oestradiol-induced neuroprotection in the brain of spontaneously hypertensive rats. J Neuroendocrinol 2014; 26:310-20. [PMID: 24730417 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2013] [Revised: 02/20/2014] [Accepted: 03/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
17β-oestradiol is a powerful neuroprotective factor for the brain abnormalities of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). 17α-Oestradiol, a nonfeminising isomer showing low affinity for oestrogen receptors, is also endowed with neuroprotective effects in vivo and in vitro. We therefore investigated whether treatment with 17α-oestradiol prevented pathological changes of the hippocampus and hypothalamus of SHR. We used 20-week-old male SHR with a blood pressure of approximately 170 mmHg receiving s.c. a single 800 μg pellet of 17α-oestradiol dissolved in cholesterol or vehicle only for 2 weeks Normotensive Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats were used as controls. 17α-Oestradiol did not modify blood pressure, serum prolactin, 17β-oestradiol levels or the weight of the testis and pituitary of SHR. In the brain, we analysed steroid effects on hippocampus Ki67+ proliferating cells, doublecortin (DCX) positive neuroblasts, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)+ astrocyte density, aromatase immunostaining and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mRNA. In the hypothalamus, we determined arginine vasopressin (AVP) mRNA. Treatment of SHR with 17α-oestradiol enhanced the number of Ki67+ in the subgranular zone and DCX+ cells in the inner granule cell layer of the dentate gyrus, increased BDNF mRNA in the CA1 region and gyrus dentatus, decreased GFAP+ astrogliosis in the CA1 subfield, and decreased hypothalamic AVP mRNA. Aromatase expression was unmodified. By contrast to SHR, normotensive WKY rats were unresponsive to 17α-oestradiol. These data indicate a role for 17α-oestradiol as a protective factor for the treatment of hypertensive encephalopathy. Furthermore, 17α-oestradiol is weakly oestrogenic in the periphery and can be used in males.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Pietranera
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrine Biochemistry, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Department of Human Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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84
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Coumailleau P, Kah O. Cyp19a1 (aromatase) expression in the Xenopus brain at different developmental stages. J Neuroendocrinol 2014; 26:226-36. [PMID: 24612124 PMCID: PMC4238815 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2013] [Revised: 02/17/2014] [Accepted: 02/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Cytochrome P450 aromatase (P450arom; aromatase) is a microsomal enzyme involved in the production of endogeneous sex steroids by converting testosterone into oestradiol. Aromatase is the product of the cyp19a1 gene and plays a crucial role in the sexual differentiation of the brain and in the regulation of reproductive functions. In the brain of mammals and birds, expression of cyp19a1 has been demonstrated in neuronal populations of the telencephalon and diencephalon. By contrast, a wealth of evidence established that, in teleost fishes, aromatase expression in the brain is restricted to radial glial cells. The present study investigated the precise neuroanatomical distribution of cyp19a1 mRNA during brain development in Xenopus laevis (late embryonic to juvenile stages). For this purpose, we used in situ hybridisation alone or combined with the detection of a proliferative (proliferating cell nuclear antigen), glial (brain lipid binding protein, Vimentin) or neuronal (acetylated tubulin; HuC/D; NeuroβTubulin) markers. We provide evidence that cyp19a1 expression in the brain is initiated from the very early larval stage and remains strongly detected until the juvenile and adult stages. At all stages analysed, we found the highest expression of cyp19a1 in the preoptic area and the hypothalamus compared to the rest of the brain. In these two brain regions, cyp19a1-positive cells were never detected in the ventricular layers. Indeed, no co-labelling could be observed with radial glial (brain lipid binding protein, Vimentin) or dividing progenitors (proliferating cell nuclear antigen) markers. By contrast, cyp19a1-positive cells perfectly matched with the distribution of post-mitotic neurones as shown by the use of specific markers (HuC/D, acetylated tubulin and NeuroβTubulin). These data suggest that, similar to that found in other tetrapods, aromatase in the brain of amphibians is found in post-mitotic neurones and not in radial glia as reported in teleosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Coumailleau
- Neuroendocrine Effects of Endocrine Disruptors, IRSET, INSERM U1085, SFR Biosit, Université de Rennes 1, Rennes, France
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85
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Takahashi K, Hosoya T, Onoe K, Doi H, Nagata H, Hiramatsu T, Li XL, Watanabe Y, Wada Y, Takashima T, Suzuki M, Onoe H, Watanabe Y. 11C-cetrozole: an improved C-11C-methylated PET probe for aromatase imaging in the brain. J Nucl Med 2014; 55:852-7. [PMID: 24676756 DOI: 10.2967/jnumed.113.131474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Aromatase (an enzyme that converts androgens to estrogens) in the brain is involved in neuroprotection, synaptic plasticity, and regulation of sexual and emotional behaviors. To investigate the physiologic and pathologic importance of aromatase in the brain, including in humans, we here report the development of a novel PET probe for aromatase, (11)C-cetrozole, which allows noninvasive quantification of aromatase expression. METHODS (11)C-cetrozole was synthesized by the C-(11)C-methylation method developed by our group. In vitro autoradiography of frozen sections and a binding study with rat brain homogenates were conducted to demonstrate the specific binding and the dissociation constant. PET studies with anesthetized rhesus monkeys were performed to analyze the dynamics in the brain. RESULTS In vitro and in vivo studies using (11)C-cetrozole showed its superiority in brain aromatase imaging in terms of specificity and selectivity, compared with previously developed (11)C-vorozole. PET studies showed that (11)C-cetrozole had a higher signal-to-noise ratio, providing a sharper image than (11)C-vorozole, because the radioactive metabolite of (11)C-vorozole was taken up into the brain. High specific binding of (11)C-cetrozole was observed in the amygdala and hypothalamus, and we also noted binding in the nucleus accumbens of rhesus monkeys for the first time. CONCLUSION These results suggest that PET imaging with newly developed (11)C-cetrozole is suitable for quantifying the expression of brain aromatase in vivo, possibly providing critical information regarding the functional roles of aromatase in human neurologic and emotional disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayo Takahashi
- RIKEN Center for Life Science Technologies, Hyogo, Japan
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86
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Sadasivam M, Ramatchandirin B, Ayyanar A, Prahalathan C. Bacterial lipopolysaccharide differently modulates steroidogenic enzymes gene expressions in the brain and testis in rats. Neurosci Res 2014; 83:81-8. [PMID: 24594480 DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2014.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2013] [Revised: 01/30/2014] [Accepted: 02/12/2014] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a major component of the cell wall of gram negative bacteria contributing to the pathogenesis of bacterial infection, in particular in those diseases affecting central nervous system and reproductive tissues. The present work is an attempt to study the regulation of steroidogenic enzymes gene expression in the brain and testis in LPS induced rats. Adult male albino rats were administered LPS (5mg/kg BW) to induce acute inflammation. LPS administration induced severe oxidative damage in the brain and testicular tissue which was evident from decreased activities of enzymic antioxidants and increased lipid peroxidation levels. The mRNA expression of 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD), 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17β-HSD) and androgen receptor corepressor-19kDa (ARR19) in the brain and testis were determined. The mRNA expression of 3β-HSD and 17β-HSD was increased in the brain with significant decrease in the testis at 24h and 48h in LPS treated animals. The results also demonstrated an interesting finding that LPS treatment completely represses ARR19 in the brain, while not in the testis. These findings show ARR19 might play a crucial role in regulation of neuronal and testicular steroidogenesis in inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohanraj Sadasivam
- Department of Biochemistry, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli 620 024, India
| | | | - Ananth Ayyanar
- Department of Biochemistry, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli 620 024, India
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87
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Dickens MJ, de Bournonville C, Balthazart J, Cornil CA. Relationships between rapid changes in local aromatase activity and estradiol concentrations in male and female quail brain. Horm Behav 2014; 65:154-64. [PMID: 24368290 PMCID: PMC3932376 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2013.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2013] [Revised: 12/12/2013] [Accepted: 12/15/2013] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Estradiol-17β (E2) synthesized in the brain plays a critical role in the activation of sexual behavior in many vertebrate species. Because E2 concentrations depend on aromatization of testosterone, changes in aromatase enzymatic activity (AA) are often utilized as a proxy to describe E2 concentrations. Utilizing two types of stimuli (sexual interactions and acute restraint stress) that have been demonstrated to reliably alter AA within minutes in opposite directions (sexual interactions=decrease, stress=increase), we tested in Japanese quail whether rapid changes in AA are paralleled by changes in E2 concentrations in discrete brain areas. In males, E2 in the pooled medial preoptic nucleus/medial portion of the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (POM/BST) positively correlated with AA following sexual interactions. However, following acute stress, E2 decreased significantly (approximately 2-fold) in the male POM/BST despite a significant increase in AA. In females, AA positively correlated with E2 in both the POM/BST and mediobasal hypothalamus supporting a role for local, as opposed to ovarian, production regulating brain E2 concentrations. In addition, correlations of individual E2 in POM/BST and measurements of female sexual behavior suggested a role for local E2 synthesis in female receptivity. These data demonstrate that local E2 in the male brain changes in response to stimuli on a time course suggestive of potential non-genomic effects on brain and behavior. Overall, this study highlights the complex mechanisms regulating local E2 concentrations including rapid stimulus-driven changes in production and stress-induced changes in catabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- M J Dickens
- GIGA Neurosciences, University of Liege, 1 Avenue de l'Hôpital (Bat. B36), B-4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - C de Bournonville
- GIGA Neurosciences, University of Liege, 1 Avenue de l'Hôpital (Bat. B36), B-4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - J Balthazart
- GIGA Neurosciences, University of Liege, 1 Avenue de l'Hôpital (Bat. B36), B-4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - C A Cornil
- GIGA Neurosciences, University of Liege, 1 Avenue de l'Hôpital (Bat. B36), B-4000 Liège, Belgium.
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88
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Gestational methyl donor deficiency alters key proteins involved in neurosteroidogenesis in the olfactory bulbs of newborn female rats and is associated with impaired olfactory performance. Br J Nutr 2013; 111:1021-31. [DOI: 10.1017/s0007114513003553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Gestational methyl donor deficiency (MDD) leads to growth retardation as well as to cognitive and motor disorders in 21-d-old rat pups. These disorders are related to impaired neurogenesis in the cerebral neurogenic areas. Olfactory bulbs (OB), the main target of neuronal progenitors originating from the subventricular zone, play a critical role during the postnatal period by allowing the pups to identify maternal odour. We hypothesised that growth retardation could result from impaired suckling due to impaired olfactory discrimination through imbalanced apoptosis/neurogenesis in the OB. Since neurosteroidogenesis modulates neurogenesis in OB, in the present study, we investigated whether altered neurosteroidogenesis could explain some these effects. Pups born to dams fed a normal diet (n 24) and a MDD diet (n 27) were subjected to olfactory tests during the lactation and weaning periods (n 24 and 20, respectively). We studied the markers of apoptosis/neurogenesis and the expression levels of the key neurosteroidogenic enzyme aromatase, the cholesterol-transfer protein StAR (steroidogenic acute regulatory protein) and the ERα oestrogen receptor and the content of oestradiol in OB. The 21-d-old MDD female pups displayed lower body weight and impaired olfactory discrimination when compared with the control pups. MDD led to greater homocysteine accumulation and more pronounced apoptosis, along with impaired cell proliferation in the OB of female pups. The expression levels of aromatase, StAR and ERα as well as the content of oestradiol were lower in the OB of the MDD female pups than in those of the control female pups. In conclusion, gestational MDD may alter olfactory discrimination performances by affecting neurogenesis, apoptosis and neurosteroidogenesis in OB in a sex-dependent manner. It may be involved in growth retardation through impaired suckling.
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89
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Scarduzio M, Panichi R, Pettorossi VE, Grassi S. Synaptic long-term potentiation and depression in the rat medial vestibular nuclei depend on neural activation of estrogenic and androgenic signals. PLoS One 2013; 8:e80792. [PMID: 24265837 PMCID: PMC3827183 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0080792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2013] [Accepted: 10/07/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Estrogenic and androgenic steroids can be synthesised in the brain and rapidly modulate synaptic transmission and plasticity through direct interaction with membrane receptors for estrogens (ERs) and androgens (ARs). We used whole cell patch clamp recordings in brainstem slices of male rats to explore the influence of ER and AR activation and local synthesis of 17β-estradiol (E2) and 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) on the long-term synaptic changes induced in the neurons of the medial vestibular nucleus (MVN). Long-term depression (LTD) and long-term potentiation (LTP) caused by different patterns of high frequency stimulation (HFS) of the primary vestibular afferents were assayed under the blockade of ARs and ERs or in the presence of inhibitors for enzymes synthesizing DHT (5α-reductase) and E2 (P450-aromatase) from testosterone (T). We found that LTD is mediated by interaction of locally produced androgens with ARs and LTP by interaction of locally synthesized E2 with ERs. In fact, the AR block with flutamide prevented LTD while did not affect LTP, and the blockade of ERs with ICI 182,780 abolished LTP without influencing LTD. Moreover, the block of P450-aromatase with letrozole not only prevented the LTP induction, but inverted LTP into LTD. This LTD is likely due to the local activation of androgens, since it was abolished under blockade of ARs. Conversely, LTD was still induced in the presence of finasteride the inhibitor of 5α-reductase demonstrating that T is able to activate ARs and induce LTD even when DHT is not synthesized. This study demonstrates a key and opposite role of sex neurosteroids in the long-term synaptic changes of the MVN with a specific role of T-DHT for LTD and of E2 for LTP. Moreover, it suggests that different stimulation patterns can lead to LTD or LTP by specifically activating the enzymes involved in the synthesis of androgenic or estrogenic neurosteroids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariangela Scarduzio
- Dipartimento di Medicina Interna, Sezione di Fisiologia Umana, Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università di Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Roberto Panichi
- Dipartimento di Medicina Interna, Sezione di Fisiologia Umana, Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università di Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Vito Enrico Pettorossi
- Dipartimento di Medicina Interna, Sezione di Fisiologia Umana, Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università di Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Silvarosa Grassi
- Dipartimento di Medicina Interna, Sezione di Fisiologia Umana, Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università di Perugia, Perugia, Italy
- * E-mail:
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90
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Sarachana T, Hu VW. Differential recruitment of coregulators to the RORA promoter adds another layer of complexity to gene (dys) regulation by sex hormones in autism. Mol Autism 2013; 4:39. [PMID: 24119295 PMCID: PMC4016566 DOI: 10.1186/2040-2392-4-39] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2013] [Accepted: 09/19/2013] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Our independent cohort studies have consistently shown the reduction of the nuclear receptor RORA (retinoic acid-related orphan receptor-alpha) in lymphoblasts as well as in brain tissues from individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Moreover, we have found that RORA regulates the gene for aromatase, which converts androgen to estrogen, and that male and female hormones regulate RORA in opposite directions, with androgen suppressing RORA, suggesting that the sexually dimorphic regulation of RORA may contribute to the male bias in ASD. However, the molecular mechanisms through which androgen and estrogen differentially regulate RORA are still unknown. METHODS Here we use functional knockdown of hormone receptors and coregulators with small interfering RNA (siRNA) to investigate their involvement in sex hormone regulation of RORA in human neuronal cells. Luciferase assays using a vector containing various RORA promoter constructs were first performed to identify the promoter regions required for inverse regulation of RORA by male and female hormones. Sequential chromatin immunoprecipitation methods followed by quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analyses of RORA expression in hormone-treated SH-SY5Y cells were then utilized to identify coregulators that associate with hormone receptors on the RORA promoter. siRNA-mediated knockdown of interacting coregulators was performed followed by qRT-PCR analyses to confirm the functional requirement of each coregulator in hormone-regulated RORA expression. RESULTS Our studies demonstrate the direct involvement of androgen receptor (AR) and estrogen receptor (ER) in the regulation of RORA by male and female hormones, respectively, and that the promoter region between -10055 bp and -2344 bp from the transcription start site of RORA is required for the inverse hormonal regulation. We further show that AR interacts with SUMO1, a reported suppressor of AR transcriptional activity, whereas ERα interacts with the coactivator NCOA5 on the RORA promoter. siRNA-mediated knockdown of SUMO1 and NCOA5 attenuate the sex hormone effects on RORA expression. CONCLUSIONS AR and SUMO1 are involved in the suppression RORA expression by androgen, while ERα and NCOA5 collaborate in the up-regulation of RORA by estrogen. While this study offers a better understanding of molecular mechanisms involved in sex hormone regulation of RORA, it also reveals another layer of complexity with regard to gene regulation in ASD. Inasmuch as coregulators are capable of interacting with a multitude of transcription factors, aberrant expression of coregulator proteins, as we have seen previously in lymphoblasts from individuals with ASD, may contribute to the polygenic nature of gene dysregulation in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tewarit Sarachana
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2300 I Street NW, Washington, DC 20037, USA.
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91
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Srivastava DP, Woolfrey KM, Penzes P. Insights into rapid modulation of neuroplasticity by brain estrogens. Pharmacol Rev 2013; 65:1318-50. [PMID: 24076546 PMCID: PMC3799233 DOI: 10.1124/pr.111.005272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Converging evidence from cellular, electrophysiological, anatomic, and behavioral studies suggests that the remodeling of synapse structure and function is a critical component of cognition. This modulation of neuroplasticity can be achieved through the actions of numerous extracellular signals. Moreover, it is thought that it is the integration of different extracellular signals regulation of neuroplasticity that greatly influences cognitive function. One group of signals that exerts powerful effects on multiple neurologic processes is estrogens. Classically, estrogens have been described to exert their effects over a period of hours to days. However, there is now increasing evidence that estrogens can rapidly influence multiple behaviors, including those that require forebrain neural circuitry. Moreover, these effects are found in both sexes. Critically, it is now emerging that the modulation of cognition by rapid estrogenic signaling is achieved by activation of specific signaling cascades and regulation of synapse structure and function, cumulating in the rewiring of neural circuits. The importance of understanding the rapid effects of estrogens on forebrain function and circuitry is further emphasized as investigations continue to consider the potential of estrogenic-based therapies for neuropathologies. This review focuses on how estrogens can rapidly influence cognition and the emerging mechanisms that underlie these effects. We discuss the potential sources and the biosynthesis of estrogens within the brain and the consequences of rapid estrogenic-signaling on the remodeling of neural circuits. Furthermore, we argue that estrogens act via distinct signaling pathways to modulate synapse structure and function in a manner that may vary with cell type, developmental stage, and sex. Finally, we present a model in which the coordination of rapid estrogenic-signaling and activity-dependent stimuli can result in long-lasting changes in neural circuits, contributing to cognition, with potential relevance for the development of novel estrogenic-based therapies for neurodevelopmental or neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepak P Srivastava
- Department of Neuroscience & Centre for the Cellular Basis of Behaviour, 125 Coldharbour Lane, The James Black Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, London, SE5 9NU, UK.
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92
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Zhang J, Zuo Z, Zhu W, Sun P, Wang C. Sex-different effects of tributyltin on brain aromatase, estrogen receptor and retinoid X receptor gene expression in rockfish (Sebastiscus marmoratus). MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2013; 90:113-118. [PMID: 23850073 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2013.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2013] [Revised: 06/12/2013] [Accepted: 06/22/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Since the brain plays important roles in reproduction, the brain aromatase (Cyp19b), estrogen receptor (ER), retinoid X receptor (RXR) α and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ were examined in rockfish after TBT exposure (1, 10, and 100 ng L(-1)). The results showed that the Cyp19b expression was elevated in the male rockfish, while no effect was produced in the females. Inconsistently, serum testosterone and 17β-estradiol showed no change in the males, while an increase of testosterone and a decrease of 17β-estradiol were observed in the females. TBT affected the ER expression in the males depending on the concentrations, however, no change was observed in the females. In addition, TBT elevated the RXRα expression in the males but produced an opposite effect in the females. In conclusion, TBT might have had sex-different effects on the brain Cyp19b, ER and RXR expression in rockfish, indicating a complex endocrine disrupting effect of TBT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiliang Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, PR China
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93
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Grassi D, Lagunas N, Amorin M, Pinos H, Panzica G, Garcia-Segura L, Collado P. Estrogenic regulation of NADPH-diaphorase in the supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei under acute osmotic stress. Neuroscience 2013; 248:127-35. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2013.05.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2013] [Revised: 04/30/2013] [Accepted: 05/14/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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94
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Astiz M, Acaz-Fonseca E, Garcia-Segura LM. Sex Differences and Effects of Estrogenic Compounds on the Expression of Inflammatory Molecules by Astrocytes Exposed to the Insecticide Dimethoate. Neurotox Res 2013; 25:271-85. [DOI: 10.1007/s12640-013-9417-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2013] [Revised: 07/26/2013] [Accepted: 08/03/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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95
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de Bournonville C, Dickens MJ, Ball GF, Balthazart J, Cornil CA. Dynamic changes in brain aromatase activity following sexual interactions in males: where, when and why? Psychoneuroendocrinology 2013; 38:789-99. [PMID: 22999655 PMCID: PMC3534822 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2012.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2012] [Revised: 09/01/2012] [Accepted: 09/03/2012] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
It is increasingly recognized that estrogens produce rapid and transient effects at many neural sites ultimately impacting physiological and behavioral endpoints. The ability of estrogens to acutely regulate cellular processes implies that their concentration should also be rapidly fine-tuned. Accordingly, rapid changes in the catalytic activity of aromatase, the limiting enzyme for estrogen synthesis, have been identified that could serve as a regulatory mechanism of local estrogen concentrations. However, the precise anatomical localization, time-course, triggering stimuli and functional significance of these enzymatic changes in vivo are not well understood. To address these issues as to where, when and why aromatase activity (AA) rapidly changes after sexual interactions, AA was assayed in six populations of aromatase-expressing cells microdissected from the brain of male quail that experienced varying durations of visual exposure to or copulation with a female. Sexual interactions resulted in a rapid AA inhibition. This inhibition occurred in specific brain regions (including the medial preoptic nucleus), in a context-dependent fashion and time-scale suggestive of post-translational modifications of the enzyme. Interestingly, the enzymatic fluctuations occurring in the preoptic area followed rather than preceded copulation and were tied specifically to the female's presence. This pattern of enzymatic changes suggests that rapid estrogen effects are important during the motivational phase of the behavior to trigger physiological events essential to activate mate search and copulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine de Bournonville
- GIGA Neurosciences, Research Group in Behavioral Neuroendocrinology, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Molly J. Dickens
- GIGA Neurosciences, Research Group in Behavioral Neuroendocrinology, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Gregory F. Ball
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jacques Balthazart
- GIGA Neurosciences, Research Group in Behavioral Neuroendocrinology, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Charlotte A. Cornil
- GIGA Neurosciences, Research Group in Behavioral Neuroendocrinology, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
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96
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Sarachana T, Hu VW. Genome-wide identification of transcriptional targets of RORA reveals direct regulation of multiple genes associated with autism spectrum disorder. Mol Autism 2013; 4:14. [PMID: 23697635 PMCID: PMC3665583 DOI: 10.1186/2040-2392-4-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2013] [Accepted: 04/24/2013] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We have recently identified the nuclear hormone receptor RORA (retinoic acid-related orphan receptor-alpha) as a novel candidate gene for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Our independent cohort studies have consistently demonstrated the reduction of RORA transcript and/or protein levels in blood-derived lymphoblasts as well as in the postmortem prefrontal cortex and cerebellum of individuals with ASD. Moreover, we have also shown that RORA has the potential to be under negative and positive regulation by androgen and estrogen, respectively, suggesting the possibility that RORA may contribute to the male bias of ASD. However, little is known about transcriptional targets of this nuclear receptor, particularly in humans. METHODS Here we identify transcriptional targets of RORA in human neuronal cells on a genome-wide level using chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) with an anti-RORA antibody followed by whole-genome promoter array (chip) analysis. Selected potential targets of RORA were then validated by an independent ChIP followed by quantitative PCR analysis. To further demonstrate that reduced RORA expression results in reduced transcription of RORA targets, we determined the expression levels of the selected transcriptional targets in RORA-deficient human neuronal cells, as well as in postmortem brain tissues from individuals with ASD who exhibit reduced RORA expression. RESULTS The ChIP-on-chip analysis reveals that RORA1, a major isoform of RORA protein in human brain, can be recruited to as many as 2,764 genomic locations corresponding to promoter regions of 2,544 genes across the human genome. Gene ontology analysis of this dataset of genes that are potentially directly regulated by RORA1 reveals statistically significant enrichment in biological functions negatively impacted in individuals with ASD, including neuronal differentiation, adhesion and survival, synaptogenesis, synaptic transmission and plasticity, and axonogenesis, as well as higher level functions such as development of the cortex and cerebellum, cognition, memory, and spatial learning. Independent ChIP-quantitative PCR analyses confirm binding of RORA1 to promoter regions of selected ASD-associated genes, including A2BP1, CYP19A1, ITPR1, NLGN1, and NTRK2, whose expression levels (in addition to HSD17B10) are also decreased in RORA1-repressed human neuronal cells and in prefrontal cortex tissues from individuals with ASD. CONCLUSIONS Findings from this study indicate that RORA transcriptionally regulates A2BP1, CYP19A1, HSD17B10, ITPR1, NLGN1, and NTRK2, and strongly suggest that reduction of this sex hormone-sensitive nuclear receptor in the brain causes dysregulated expression of these ASD-relevant genes as well as their associated pathways and functions which, in turn, may contribute to the underlying pathobiology of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tewarit Sarachana
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2300 I Street NW, Washington, DC, 20037, USA.
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97
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Diotel N, Vaillant C, Gabbero C, Mironov S, Fostier A, Gueguen MM, Anglade I, Kah O, Pellegrini E. Effects of estradiol in adult neurogenesis and brain repair in zebrafish. Horm Behav 2013; 63:193-207. [PMID: 22521210 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2012.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2011] [Revised: 04/03/2012] [Accepted: 04/04/2012] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The brain of the adult teleost fish exhibits intense neurogenic activity and an outstanding capability for brain repair. Remarkably, the brain estrogen-synthesizing enzyme, aromatase B, is strongly expressed, particularly in adult fishes, in radial glial cells, which act as progenitors. Using zebrafish, we tested the hypothesis that estrogens affect adult neurogenesis and brain regeneration by modulating the neurogenic activity of radial glial cells. To investigate this, the estrogenic environment was modified through inhibition of aromatase activity, blockade of nuclear estrogen receptors, or estrogenic treatments. Estrogens significantly decreased cell proliferation and migration at the olfactory bulbs/telencephalon junction and in the mediobasal hypothalamus. It also appears that cell survival is reduced at the olfactory bulbs/telencephalon junction. We also developed a model of telencephalic lesion to assess the role of aromatase and estrogens in brain repair. Proliferation increased rapidly immediately after the lesion in the parenchyma of the injured telencephalon, while proliferation at the ventricular surface appeared after 48 h and peaked at 7 days. At this time, most proliferative cells express Sox2, however, none of these Sox2 positive cells correspond to aromatase B-positive radial glial cells. Interestingly, aromatase B expression was significantly reduced 48 h and 7 days after the injury, but surprisingly, at 72 h after lesion, aromatase B expression appeared de novo expressed in parenchyma cells, suggesting a role for this ectopic expression of aromatase in brain repair mechanisms. Altogether these data suggest that estrogens modulate adult, but not reparative neurogenesis, in zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Diotel
- Neuroendocrine Effects of Endocrine Disruptors, Inserm, IRSET, U1085, Université de Rennes 1, Rennes, France
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98
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Meyer K, Korz V. Age dependent differences in the regulation of hippocampal steroid hormones and receptor genes: relations to motivation and cognition in male rats. Horm Behav 2013; 63:376-84. [PMID: 23238103 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2012.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2012] [Revised: 11/28/2012] [Accepted: 12/03/2012] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Estrogen and estrogenic functions are age-dependently involved in the modulation of learning, memory and mood in female humans and animals. However, the investigation of estrogenic effects in males has been largely neglected. Therefore, we investigated the hippocampal gene expression of estrogen receptors α and β (ERα, β) in 8-week-old, 12-week-old and 24-week-old male rats. To control for possible interactions between the expression of the estrogen receptor genes and other learning-related steroid receptors, androgen receptors (AR), corticosterone-binding glucocorticoid receptors (GR) and mineralocorticoid receptors (MR) were also measured. Furthermore, the concentrations of the ligands 17β-estradiol, testosterone and corticosterone were measured. The spatial training was conducted in a hole-board. The 8-week-old rats exhibited higher levels of general activity and exploration during the training and performed best with respect to spatial learning and memory, whereas no difference was found between the 12-week-old and 24-week-old rats. The trained 8-week-old rats exhibited increased gene expression of ERα compared with the untrained rats in this age group as well as the trained 12-week-old and 24-week-old rats. The concentrations of estradiol and testosterone, however, were generally higher in the 24-week-old rats than in the 8-week-old and 12-week-old rats. The ERα mRNA concentrations correlated positively with behavior that indicate general learning motivation. These results suggest a specific role of ERα in the age-related differences in motivation and subsequent success in the task. Thus, estrogen and estrogenic functions may play a more prominent role in young male behavior and development than has been previously assumed.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Meyer
- Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Brenneckestr. 6, 39118 Magdeburg, Germany.
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99
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Santillo A, Pinelli C, Burrone L, Chieffi Baccari G, Di Fiore MM. D-Aspartic acid implication in the modulation of frog brain sex steroid levels. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2013; 181:72-6. [PMID: 23153651 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2012.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2012] [Revised: 10/26/2012] [Accepted: 11/02/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
There is evidence that D-aspartate (D-Asp) modulates sex hormone levels in frog testis by regulating the activity of P450 aromatase (P450 aro), the key enzyme which converts Testosterone (T) in 17ß-Estradiol (E2). Here we report, for the first time, that there is a direct correlation among brain levels of D-Asp, P450 aro, E2 and Estradiol Receptor (ERα) in the male frogs during the reproductive as well as the post-reproductive phases of the breeding cycle, with highest levels being observed in the post-reproductive period. D-Asp i.p. administration to frogs ready for reproduction, induced an increase of brain P450 aro protein expression with concomitant enhancement of both E2 levels and ERα expression; at the same time, brain T levels and Androgen receptor expression decreased. In contrast, in the post-reproductive frogs, D-Asp treatment did not modify any of these parameters. Taken together, these results imply that the regulation of P450 aro expression by D-Asp could be an important step in the control of E2 levels in the frog brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Santillo
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita, Seconda Università di Napoli, Via Vivaldi 43, 81100 Caserta, Italy
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100
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Flutamide Enhances Neuroprotective Effects of Testosterone during Experimental Cerebral Ischemia in Male Rats. ISRN NEUROLOGY 2012; 2013:592398. [PMID: 23401794 PMCID: PMC3562684 DOI: 10.1155/2013/592398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2012] [Accepted: 12/18/2012] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Testosterone has been shown to worsen histological and neurological impairment during cerebral ischemia in animal models. Cell culture studies revealed that testosterone is implicated in protecting neural and glial cells against insults, and they started to elucidate testosterone pathways that underlie these protective effects. These studies support the hypothesis that testosterone can be neuroprotective throughout an episode of cerebral ischemia. Therefore, we evaluated the mechanisms underlying the shift between testosterone protective and deleterious effects via block testosterone aromatization and androgen receptors in rats subjected to 60-minute middle cerebral artery occlusion. Fifty rats were divided into five equal groups: gonadally intact male; castrated male; intact male + flutamide; intact male + letrozole; intact male + combination flutamide and letrozole. Our results indicated that castration has the ability to reduce histological damage and to improve neurological score 24 hours after middle cerebral artery occlusion. Moreover, flutamide improved histologic and neurological impairment better than castration. Letrozole induced increases in striatal infarct volume and seizures in gonadally intact rats. Combination of flutamide and letrozole showed that letrozole can reverse beneficial effects of flutamide. In conclusion, it seems that the beneficial effects of flutamide are the prevention of the deleterious effects and enhancement of neuroprotective effects of testosterone during cerebral ischemia.
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