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Abstract
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) comprises emotional and physical symptoms and functional impairment that lie on the severe end of the continuum of premenstrual symptoms. Women with PMDD have a differential response to normal hormonal fluctuations. This susceptibility may involve the serotonin system, altered sensitivity of the GABAA receptor to the neurosteroid allopregnanalone, and altered brain circuitry involving emotional and cognitive functions. Serotonin reuptake inhibitors are considered the first-line treatment. Second-line treatments include oral contraceptives containing drospirenone, other ovulation suppression methods, calcium, chasteberry, and cognitive-behavioral therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Lanza di Scalea
- Department of Psychiatry, Rhode Island Hospital and Miriam Hospital, 593 Eddy Street, Providence, RI 02903, USA.
| | - Teri Pearlstein
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Women's Behavioral Medicine, Women's Medicine Collaborative, Miriam Hospital, 146 West River Street, Providence, RI 02904, USA
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152
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Osborne LM, Gispen F, Sanyal A, Yenokyan G, Meilman S, Payne JL. Lower allopregnanolone during pregnancy predicts postpartum depression: An exploratory study. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2017; 79:116-121. [PMID: 28278440 PMCID: PMC5420429 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2017.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2016] [Revised: 01/08/2017] [Accepted: 02/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Current evidence is mixed on the role of progesterone and its metabolites in perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. We measured second and third trimester (T2 and T3) progesterone (PROG) and allopregnanolone (ALLO) levels by ELISA and postpartum depression (PPD) by clinician interview (DSM-IV criteria) in 60 pregnant women with a prior diagnosis of a mood disorder. Methods included multivariate and logistic regression with general linear mixed effect models. We found that, after adjustment, every additional ng/mL of T2 ALLO resulted in a 63% (95% CI 13% to 84%, p=0.022) reduction in the risk of developing PPD. Our findings extend previous work connecting ALLO and depression within pregnancy, and indicate that the relationship between pregnancy ALLO and PPD is worth further exploration in a larger sample.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren M Osborne
- Women's Mood Disorders Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, United States.
| | - Fiona Gispen
- Women's Mood Disorders Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, United States
| | - Abanti Sanyal
- Women's Mood Disorders Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, United States
| | - Gayane Yenokyan
- Women's Mood Disorders Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, United States
| | - Samantha Meilman
- Women's Mood Disorders Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, United States
| | - Jennifer L Payne
- Women's Mood Disorders Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, United States
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153
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Zhang M, Liu J, Zhou MM, Wu H, Hou Y, Li YF, Yin Y, Zheng L, Cai J, Liao FF, Liu FY, Yi M, Wan Y. Anxiolytic effects of hippocampal neurosteroids in normal and neuropathic rats with spared nerve injury. J Neurochem 2017; 141:137-150. [PMID: 28129443 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.13965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2016] [Revised: 12/16/2016] [Accepted: 01/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Meng Zhang
- Neuroscience Research Institute; Peking University; Beijing China
- Department of Pathology; Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University; Beijing China
| | - Jia Liu
- Institute of Systems Biomedicine; Peking University; Beijing China
| | - Meng-Meng Zhou
- Neuroscience Research Institute; Peking University; Beijing China
| | - Honghai Wu
- Department of Pharmacy; Bethune International Peace Hospital; Shijiazhuang China
| | - Yanning Hou
- Department of Pharmacy; Bethune International Peace Hospital; Shijiazhuang China
| | - Yun-Feng Li
- Department of New Drug Evaluation; Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology; Beijing China
| | - Yuxin Yin
- Institute of Systems Biomedicine; Peking University; Beijing China
| | - Lemin Zheng
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Institute of Systems Biomedicine; Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Sciences of the Ministry of Education; Peking University; Beijing China
| | - Jie Cai
- Neuroscience Research Institute; Peking University; Beijing China
| | - Fei-Fei Liao
- Neuroscience Research Institute; Peking University; Beijing China
| | - Feng-Yu Liu
- Neuroscience Research Institute; Peking University; Beijing China
| | - Ming Yi
- Neuroscience Research Institute; Peking University; Beijing China
| | - You Wan
- Neuroscience Research Institute; Peking University; Beijing China
- Key Laboratory for Neuroscience; Ministry of Education/National Health and Family Planning Commission; Peking University; Beijing China
- Department of Neurobiology; School of Basic Medical Sciences; Peking University; Beijing China
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154
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Kanes SJ, Colquhoun H, Doherty J, Raines S, Hoffmann E, Rubinow DR, Meltzer‐Brody S. Open-label, proof-of-concept study of brexanolone in the treatment of severe postpartum depression. Hum Psychopharmacol 2017; 32:e2576. [PMID: 28370307 PMCID: PMC5396368 DOI: 10.1002/hup.2576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2016] [Revised: 11/03/2016] [Accepted: 02/02/2017] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Preclinical evidence indicates that rapid changes in levels of allopregnanolone, the predominant metabolite of progesterone, confer dramatic behavioral changes and may trigger postpartum depression (PPD) in some women. Considering the pathophysiology of PPD (i.e., triggered by reproductive steroids), the need for fast-acting, efficacious treatments and the negative consequences of untreated PPD, there is an increasing focus on developing PPD therapies. Brexanolone (USAN; formerly SAGE-547 Injection), a proprietary injectable allopregnanolone formulation, was evaluated as a treatment for severe PPD in a proof-of-concept, open-label study. METHODS Four women with severe PPD, defined as a baseline 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAMD) score of ≥20, received brexanolone, titrated to a dose reflecting third-trimester allopregnanolone levels. After a 36-hour maintenance infusion, tapering occurred over 12 hours. Primary outcomes were measures of safety. Secondary outcomes were assessments of efficacy, including HAMD. RESULTS All enrolled patients completed the study. Fourteen adverse events were reported, of which none was severe. Starting at the first measure after infusion initiation and continuing through Hour 84, mean HAMD total scores were reduced to levels consistent with remission of symptoms. All other efficacy assessments showed similar improvements. CONCLUSIONS Brexanolone was well tolerated and demonstrated activity in severe PPD. Larger, double-blind trials are needed for further evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - David R. Rubinow
- Department of PsychiatryUniversity of North CarolinaChapel HillNCUSA
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155
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Romano S, Mitro N, Diviccaro S, Spezzano R, Audano M, Garcia-Segura LM, Caruso D, Melcangi RC. Short-term effects of diabetes on neurosteroidogenesis in the rat hippocampus. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2017; 167:135-143. [PMID: 27890531 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2016.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2016] [Revised: 11/12/2016] [Accepted: 11/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Diabetes may induce neurophysiological and structural changes in the central nervous system (i.e., diabetic encephalopathy). We here explored whether the levels of neuroactive steroids (i.e., neuroprotective agents) in the hippocampus may be altered by short-term diabetes (i.e., one month). To this aim, by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry we observed that in the experimental model of the rat raised diabetic by streptozotocin injection, one month of pathology induced changes in the levels of several neuroactive steroids, such as pregnenolone, progesterone and its metabolites (i.e., tetrahydroprogesterone and isopregnanolone) and testosterone and its metabolites (i.e., dihydrotestosterone and 3α-diol). Interestingly these brain changes were not fully reflected by the plasma level changes, suggesting that early phase of diabetes directly affects steroidogenesis and/or steroid metabolism in the hippocampus. These concepts are also supported by the findings that crucial steps of steroidogenic machinery, such as the gene expression of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (i.e., molecule involved in the translocation of cholesterol into mitochondria) and cytochrome P450 side chain cleavage (i.e., enzyme converting cholesterol into pregnenolone) and 5α-reductase (enzyme converting progesterone and testosterone into their metabolites) are also affected in the hippocampus. In addition, cholesterol homeostasis as well as the functionality of mitochondria, a key organelle in which the limiting step of neuroactive steroid synthesis takes place, are also affected. Data obtained indicate that short-term diabetes alters hippocampal steroidogenic machinery and that these changes are associated with impaired cholesterol homeostasis and mitochondrial dysfunction in the hippocampus, suggesting them as relevant factors for the development of diabetic encephalopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Romano
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Nico Mitro
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Diviccaro
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Roberto Spezzano
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Audano
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | | | - Donatella Caruso
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy.
| | - Roberto Cosimo Melcangi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy.
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156
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Karnaukhov VK, Lukyanova AA, Lukashina MI, Vorobeva ES, Afanasov IM. Тіе Modern treatment of androgenetic alopecia. VESTNIK DERMATOLOGII I VENEROLOGII 2017. [DOI: 10.25208/0042-4609-2017-93-1-21-30] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most common reason for hair loss. Its frequency in Caucasian population is up to 80% in men and 42% in women. Current gold standard for AGA treatment includes minoxidil and/or finasteride. Both drugs have moderate treatment efficacy and can cause significant side effects. Minoxidil is the only option for treatment of AGA in women since finasteride has no efficacy. This review considers actual concepts of molecular mechanisms of pathogenesis and current treatment options of AGA with their limitations and shortcomings. Current state and perspectives of novel approaches to AGA treatment, potentially more effective and safe than minoxidil and finasteride, are described. The review discusses growth factors and cytokines, topical 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors, androgen receptor antagonists, prostaglandin analogs and antagonists, Wnt signaling activators and platelet-rich plasma injections.
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157
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Chen CJ, Zhong ZF, Xin ZM, Hong LH, Su YP, Yu CX. Koumine exhibits anxiolytic properties without inducing adverse neurological effects on functional observation battery, open-field and Vogel conflict tests in rodents. J Nat Med 2017; 71:397-408. [DOI: 10.1007/s11418-017-1070-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2016] [Accepted: 01/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
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158
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Kumar N, Fagart J, Liere P, Mitchell SJ, Knibb AR, Petit-Topin I, Rame M, El-Etr M, Schumacher M, Lambert JJ, Rafestin-Oblin ME, Sitruk-Ware R. Nestorone® as a Novel Progestin for Nonoral Contraception: Structure-Activity Relationships and Brain Metabolism Studies. Endocrinology 2017; 158:170-182. [PMID: 27824503 PMCID: PMC5412978 DOI: 10.1210/en.2016-1426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2016] [Accepted: 11/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Nestorone® (NES) is a potent nonandrogenic progestin being developed for contraception. NES is a synthetic progestin that may possess neuroprotective and myelin regenerative potential as added health benefits. In receptor transactivation experiments, NES displayed greater potency than progesterone to transactivate the human progesterone receptor (PR). This was confirmed by docking experiments where NES adopts the same docking position within the PR ligand-binding domain (LBD) as progesterone and forms additional stabilizing contacts between 17α-acetoxy and 16-methylene groups and PR LBD, supporting its higher potency than progesterone. The analog 13-ethyl NES also establishes similar contacts as NES with Met909, leading to comparable potency as NES. In contrast, NES is not stabilized within the human androgen receptor LBD, leading to negligible androgen receptor transactivation. Because progesterone acts in the brain by both PR binding and indirectly via binding of the metabolite allopregnanolone to γ-aminobutyric acid type A receptor (GABAAR), we investigated if NES is metabolized to 3α, 5α-tetrahydronestorone (3α, 5α-THNES) in the brain and if this metabolite could interact with GABAAR. In female mice, low concentrations of reduced NES metabolites were identified by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry in both plasma and brain. Electrophysiological studies showed that 3α, 5α-THNES exhibited only limited activity to enhance GABAAR-evoked responses with WSS-1 cells and did not modulate synaptic GABAARs of mouse cortical neurons. Thus, the inability of reduced metabolite of NES (3α, 5α-THNES) to activate GABAAR suggests that the neuroprotective and myelin regenerative effects of NES are mediated via PR binding and not via its interaction with the GABAAR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narender Kumar
- Population Council, Center for Biomedical Research, New York, New York 10065
| | | | - Philippe Liere
- U1195 INSERM, University Paris Sud, Le Kremlin Bicêtre 94276, France; and
| | - Scott J. Mitchell
- Division of Neuroscience, Ninewells Hospital & Medical School, Dundee University, Dundee DD1 9SY, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Alanah R. Knibb
- Division of Neuroscience, Ninewells Hospital & Medical School, Dundee University, Dundee DD1 9SY, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | | | - Marion Rame
- U1195 INSERM, University Paris Sud, Le Kremlin Bicêtre 94276, France; and
| | - Martine El-Etr
- U1195 INSERM, University Paris Sud, Le Kremlin Bicêtre 94276, France; and
| | - Michael Schumacher
- U1195 INSERM, University Paris Sud, Le Kremlin Bicêtre 94276, France; and
| | - Jeremy J. Lambert
- Division of Neuroscience, Ninewells Hospital & Medical School, Dundee University, Dundee DD1 9SY, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | | | - Regine Sitruk-Ware
- Population Council, Center for Biomedical Research, New York, New York 10065
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159
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Li SH, Graham BM. Why are women so vulnerable to anxiety, trauma-related and stress-related disorders? The potential role of sex hormones. Lancet Psychiatry 2017; 4:73-82. [PMID: 27856395 DOI: 10.1016/s2215-0366(16)30358-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 301] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2016] [Revised: 07/25/2016] [Accepted: 07/26/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Increased prevalence, severity, and burden of anxiety, trauma-related and stress-related disorders in women compared with men has been well documented. Evidence from a variety of fields has emerged suggesting that sex hormones, particularly oestradiol and progesterone, play a significant part in generation of these sex differences. In this Series paper, we aim to integrate the literature reporting on the effects of sex hormones on biological, behavioural, and cognitive pathways, to propose two broad mechanisms by which oestradiol and progesterone influence sex differences in anxiety disorders: augmentation of vulnerability factors associated with anxiety disorder development; and facilitation of the maintenance of anxious symptoms post-development. The implications for future research, along with novel approaches to psychological and pharmacological treatment of anxiety disorders, are also considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie H Li
- School of Psychology, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Bronwyn M Graham
- School of Psychology, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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160
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Depression in midlife women. Maturitas 2016; 94:149-154. [DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2016.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2016] [Revised: 08/30/2016] [Accepted: 09/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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161
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Dušková M, Hill M, Bičíková M, Šrámková M, Řípová D, Mohr P, Stárka L. The steroid metabolome in men with mood and anxiety disorders. Physiol Res 2016; 64:S275-82. [PMID: 26680490 DOI: 10.33549/physiolres.933067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The mood and behavior of individuals result from an orchestra of many factors. Among them steroids play an important role; however, only several common hormones have been investigated in this respect. It has been demonstrated that some steroid metabolites long considered merely the products of steroid hormone metabolism in fact possess considerable activity in the CNS. For this reason we studied the steroid metabolome including 50 analytes in 20 men with depression, 20 men with anxiety and 30 healthy controls. Significant differences were found not only between controls and men with either depression or anxiety, but also between men with depression and anxiety. Particularly striking were those steroids until now not generally associated with depression or anxiety, namely conjugated steroid forms, especially sulfates.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Dušková
- Institute of Endocrinology, Prague, Czech Republic.
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162
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Klump KL, O'Connor SM, Hildebrandt BA, Keel PK, Neale M, Sisk CL, Boker S, Burt SA. Differential Effects of Estrogen and Progesterone on Genetic and Environmental Risk for Emotional Eating in Women. Clin Psychol Sci 2016; 4:895-908. [PMID: 27747142 DOI: 10.1177/2167702616641637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Recent data show shifts in genetic and environmental influences on emotional eating across the menstrual cycle, with significant shared environmental influences during pre-ovulation, and primarily genetic effects during post-ovulation. Factors driving differential effects are unknown, although increased estradiol during pre-ovulation and increased progesterone during post-ovulation are thought to play a role. We indirectly investigated this possibility by examining whether overall levels of estradiol and progesterone differentially impact genetic and environmental risk for emotional eating in adult female twins (N = 571) drawn from the MSU Twin Registry. Emotional eating, estradiol levels, and progesterone levels were assessed daily and then averaged to create aggregate measures for analysis. As predicted, shared environmental influences were significantly greater in twins with high estradiol levels, whereas additive genetic effects increased substantially across low versus high progesterone groups. Results highlight significant and differential effects of ovarian hormones on etiologic risk for emotional eating in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly L Klump
- Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Shannon M O'Connor
- Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | | | - Pamela K Keel
- Department of Psychology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Michael Neale
- Departments of Psychiatry, Human Genetics, and Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Cheryl L Sisk
- Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA; Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Steven Boker
- Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - S Alexandra Burt
- Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
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163
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Kim T, Pae AN. Translocator protein (TSPO) ligands for the diagnosis or treatment of neurodegenerative diseases: a patent review (2010-2015; part 1). Expert Opin Ther Pat 2016; 26:1325-1351. [PMID: 27607364 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2016.1230606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The translocator protein (TSPO) is an emerging target in diverse neurodegenerative diseases. Up-regulated TSPO in the central nervous system (CNS) appears to be involved in neuroinflammatory processes; therefore, the development of potent TSPO ligands is a promising method for alleviating or imaging patients with neurodegenerative diseases. Areas covered: This review will provide an overview of recently developed TSPO ligands patented from 2010 to 2015. Part 1 will present a summary focusing on TSPO ligands other than indole-based or cholesterol-like compounds, which will be discussed in part 2. Part 1 covers diverse benzodiazepine-derived analogues such as isoquinoline carboxamides and aryloxyanilides. Moreover, bicyclic ring structures such as imidazopyridine, pyrazolopyrimidine, and phenylpurine will be highlighted as promising scaffolds for TSPO ligands. A brief analysis of currently reported TSPO structures will also be covered in part 1. Expert opinion: Although the underlying pharmacological mechanism of TSPO remains to be elucidated, several TSPO ligands have shown therapeutic efficacy in experimental animal models of neurodegenerative diseases. In addition, radioactive TSPO ligands have been extensively studied for the diagnosis of neurodegenerative processes. Thus, further studies on both the basic and applied mechanisms of TSPO are warranted in the pursuit of successful pharmacological applications of TSPO ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- TaeHun Kim
- a Convergence Research Center for Diagnosis, Treatment and Care System of Dementia , Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) , Seongbuk-Gu , Seoul , Republic of Korea.,b Biological Chemistry , Korea University of Science and Technology , Yuseong-Gu , Daejon , Republic of Korea
| | - Ae Nim Pae
- a Convergence Research Center for Diagnosis, Treatment and Care System of Dementia , Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) , Seongbuk-Gu , Seoul , Republic of Korea.,b Biological Chemistry , Korea University of Science and Technology , Yuseong-Gu , Daejon , Republic of Korea
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164
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Gudasheva TA, Deeva OA, Yarkova MA, Seredenin SB. Dependence of anxiolytic effects of the dipeptide TSPO ligand GD-23 on neurosteroid biosynthesis. DOKL BIOCHEM BIOPHYS 2016; 469:298-301. [DOI: 10.1134/s1607672916040165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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165
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Servatius RJ, Marx CE, Sinha S, Avcu P, Kilts JD, Naylor JC, Pang KCH. Brain and Serum Androsterone Is Elevated in Response to Stress in Rats with Mild Traumatic Brain Injury. Front Neurosci 2016; 10:379. [PMID: 27616978 PMCID: PMC4999428 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2016.00379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2016] [Accepted: 08/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Exposure to lateral fluid percussion (LFP) injury consistent with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) persistently attenuates acoustic startle responses (ASRs) in rats. Here, we examined whether the experience of head trauma affects stress reactivity. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were matched for ASRs and randomly assigned to receive mTBI through LFP or experience a sham surgery (SHAM). ASRs were measured post injury days (PIDs) 1, 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28. To assess neurosteroids, rats received a single 2.0 mA, 0.5 s foot shock on PID 34 (S34), PID 35 (S35), on both days (2S), or the experimental context (CON). Levels of the neurosteroids pregnenolone (PREG), allopregnanolone (ALLO), and androsterone (ANDRO) were determined for the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and cerebellum. For 2S rats, repeated blood samples were obtained at 15, 30, and 60 min post-stressor for determination of corticosterone (CORT) levels after stress or context on PID 34. Similar to earlier work, ASRs were severely attenuated in mTBI rats without remission for 28 days after injury. No differences were observed between mTBI and SHAM rats in basal CORT, peak CORT levels or its recovery. In serum and brain, ANDRO levels were the most stress-sensitive. Stress-induced ANDRO elevations were greater than those in mTBI rats. As a positive allosteric modulator of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABAA) receptors, increased brain ANDRO levels are expected to be anxiolytic. The impact of brain ANDRO elevations in the aftermath of mTBI on coping warrants further elaboration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Servatius
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Syracuse Veterans Affairs Medical CenterSyracuse, NY, USA; Rutgers Biomedical Health Sciences, Stress and Motivated Behavior Institute, Rutgers UniversityNewark, NJ, USA; Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Rutgers UniversityNewark, NJ, USA
| | - Christine E Marx
- Veterans Affairs Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness, Research Education and Clinical Center, Durham Veterans Affairs Medical CenterDurham, NC, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of MedicineDurham, NC, USA
| | - Swamini Sinha
- Rutgers Biomedical Health Sciences, Stress and Motivated Behavior Institute, Rutgers UniversityNewark, NJ, USA; Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Rutgers UniversityNewark, NJ, USA
| | - Pelin Avcu
- Rutgers Biomedical Health Sciences, Stress and Motivated Behavior Institute, Rutgers UniversityNewark, NJ, USA; Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Rutgers UniversityNewark, NJ, USA
| | - Jason D Kilts
- Veterans Affairs Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness, Research Education and Clinical Center, Durham Veterans Affairs Medical CenterDurham, NC, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of MedicineDurham, NC, USA
| | - Jennifer C Naylor
- Veterans Affairs Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness, Research Education and Clinical Center, Durham Veterans Affairs Medical CenterDurham, NC, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of MedicineDurham, NC, USA
| | - Kevin C H Pang
- Rutgers Biomedical Health Sciences, Stress and Motivated Behavior Institute, Rutgers UniversityNewark, NJ, USA; Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Rutgers UniversityNewark, NJ, USA; Department of Veterans Affairs, New Jersey Health Care SystemEast Orange, NJ, USA
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166
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Levels and actions of neuroactive steroids in the nervous system under physiological and pathological conditions: Sex-specific features. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2016; 67:25-40. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2015.09.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2015] [Revised: 09/15/2015] [Accepted: 09/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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167
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Karout M, Miesch M, Geoffroy P, Kraft S, Hofmann HD, Mensah-Nyagan AG, Kirsch M. Novel analogs of allopregnanolone show improved efficiency and specificity in neuroprotection and stimulation of proliferation. J Neurochem 2016; 139:782-794. [PMID: 27256158 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.13693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2015] [Revised: 05/04/2016] [Accepted: 05/24/2016] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The natural neurosteroid allopregnanolone exerts beneficial effects in animal models of neurodegenerative diseases, nervous system injury and peripheral neuropathies. It not only has anti-apoptotic activity, but also promotes proliferation of progenitor cells. With respect to using it as a therapeutic tool, such pleiotropic actions might create unwanted side effects. Therefore, we have synthesized allopregnanolone analogs and analyzed their neuroprotective and proliferative effects to identify compounds with higher efficiency and less ambiguous biological actions. Proliferation-promoting effects of 3α and 3β isomers of 3-O-allyl-allopregnanolone and 12 oxo-allopregnanolone were studied in adult subventricular zone stem cell cultures and in primary hippocampal cultures by measuring 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine incorporation. Neuroprotective activity against amyloid beta 42-induced cell death was determined by quantifying caspase 3/7 activity. The 3α isomers significantly stimulated proliferation in all culture systems, whereas the 3β isomers were ineffective. The stimulatory effect of 3α-O-allyl-allopregnanolone was significantly higher than that of allopregnanolone. In neural stem cell cultures, 3α-O-allyl-allopregnanolone specifically enhanced proliferation of Nestin-positive progenitors. In addition, it promoted the differentiation of doublecortin-positive neurons. In neural stem cell cultures treated with amyloid beta 42, both the α and β isomers of O-allyl- allopregnanolone showed increased neuroprotective activity as compared to allopregnanolone, completely preventing amyloid-induced caspase 3/7 activation. The 12 oxo-allopregnanolone analogs were ineffective. These results identify structural allopregnanolone analogs with higher anti-apoptotic and proliferation-promoting activity than the natural neurosteroid. Interestingly, stereoisomers of the analogs were found to have distinct profiles of activity raising the possibility of exploiting the neuroprotective properties of neurosteroids with or without simultaneously stimulating neurogenesis. Cover Image for this issue: doi: 10.1111/jnc.13344.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona Karout
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Department of Neuroanatomy, ZfN, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Albertstr. 23, D-79104, Freiburg, Germany.,Biopathologie de la Myéline, Neuroprotection et Stratégies Thérapeutiques, INSERM U1119, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Michel Miesch
- Laboratoire de Chimie Organique Synthétique, UMR 7177, Institut de Chimie de l'Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Philippe Geoffroy
- Laboratoire de Chimie Organique Synthétique, UMR 7177, Institut de Chimie de l'Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Stephanie Kraft
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Department of Neuroanatomy, ZfN, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Albertstr. 23, D-79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Hans-Dieter Hofmann
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Department of Neuroanatomy, ZfN, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Albertstr. 23, D-79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ayikoe Guy Mensah-Nyagan
- Biopathologie de la Myéline, Neuroprotection et Stratégies Thérapeutiques, INSERM U1119, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Matthias Kirsch
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Department of Neuroanatomy, ZfN, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Albertstr. 23, D-79104, Freiburg, Germany
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168
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Hirst JJ, Cumberland AL, Shaw JC, Bennett GA, Kelleher MA, Walker DW, Palliser HK. Loss of neurosteroid-mediated protection following stress during fetal life. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2016; 160:181-8. [PMID: 26365557 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2015.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2015] [Revised: 09/01/2015] [Accepted: 09/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Elevated levels of neurosteroids during late gestation protect the fetal brain from hypoxia/ischaemia and promote neurodevelopment. Suppression of allopregnanolone production during pregnancy leads to the onset of seizure-like activity and potentiates hypoxia-induced brain injury. Markers of myelination are reduced and astrocyte activation is increased. The placenta has a key role in maintaining allopregnanolone concentrations in the fetal circulation and brain during gestation and levels decline markedly after both normal and preterm birth. This leads to the preterm neonate developing in a neurosteroid deficient environment between delivery and term equivalence. The expression of 5α-reductases is also lower in the fetus prior to term. These deficiencies in neurosteroid exposure may contribute to the increase in incidence of the adverse patterns of behaviour seen in children that are born preterm. Repeated exposure to glucocorticoid stimulation suppresses 5α-reductase expression and allopregnanolone levels in the fetus and results in reduced myelination. Both fetal growth restriction and prenatal maternal stress lead to increased cortisol concentrations in the maternal and fetal circulation. Prenatal stress results in reduced expression of key GABAA receptor subunits that normally heighten neurosteroid sensitivity. These stressors also result in altered placental allopregnanolone metabolism pathways. These findings suggest that reduced neurosteroid production and action in the perinatal period may contribute to some of the adverse neurodevelopmental and behavioural outcomes that result from these pregnancy compromises. Studies examining perinatal steroid supplementation therapy with non-metabolisable neurosteroid analogues to improve these outcomes are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan J Hirst
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia.
| | - Angela L Cumberland
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Julia C Shaw
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Greer A Bennett
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | | | - David W Walker
- Ritchie Centre for Baby Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Hannah K Palliser
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
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169
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Johansson M, Strömberg J, Ragagnin G, Doverskog M, Bäckström T. GABAA receptor modulating steroid antagonists (GAMSA) are functional in vivo. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2016; 160:98-105. [PMID: 26523675 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2015.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2015] [Revised: 10/16/2015] [Accepted: 10/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
GABAA receptor modulating steroid antagonists (GAMSA) selectively inhibit neurosteroid-mediated enhancement of GABA-evoked currents at the GABAA receptor. 3α-hydroxy-neurosteroids, notably allopregnanolone and tetrahydrodeoxycorticosterone (THDOC), potentiate GABAA receptor-mediated currents. On the contrary, various 3β-hydroxy-steroids antagonize this positive neurosteroid-mediated modulation. Importantly, GAMSAs are specific antagonists of the positive neurosteroid-modulation of the receptor and do not inhibit GABA-evoked currents. Allopregnanolone and THDOC have both negative and positive actions. Allopregnanolone can impair encoding/consolidation and retrieval of memories. Chronic administration of a physiological allopregnanolone concentration reduces cognition in mice models of Alzheimer's disease. In humans an allopregnanolone challenge impairs episodic memory and in hepatic encephalopathy cognitive deficits are accompanied by increased brain ammonia and allopregnanolone. Hippocampal slices react in vitro to ammonia by allopregnanolone synthesis in CA1 neurons, which blocks long-term potentiation (LTP). Thus, allopregnanolone may impair learning and memory by interfering with hippocampal LTP. Contrary, pharmacological treatment with allopregnanolone can promote neurogenesis and positively influence learning and memory of trace eye-blink conditioning in mice. In rat the GAMSA UC1011 inhibits an allopregnanolone-induced learning impairment and the GAMSA GR3027 restores learning and motor coordination in rats with hepatic encephalopathy. In addition, the GAMSA isoallopregnanolone antagonizes allopregnanolone-induced anesthesia in rats, and in humans it antagonizes allopregnanolone-induced sedation and reductions in saccadic eye velocity. 17PA is also an effective GAMSA in vivo, as it antagonizes allopregnanolone-induced anesthesia and spinal analgesia in rats. In vitro the allopregnanolone/THDOC-increased GABA-mediated GABAA receptor activity is antagonized by isoallopregnanolone, UC1011, GR3027 and 17PA, while the effect of GABA itself is not affected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maja Johansson
- Umeå Neurosteroid research center, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Clinical Sciences at Umeå University, Building 6M, 4th floor at NUS, SE-901 85 Umeå, Sweden; Umecrine Cognition AB, Sweden.
| | - Jessica Strömberg
- Umeå Neurosteroid research center, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Clinical Sciences at Umeå University, Building 6M, 4th floor at NUS, SE-901 85 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Gianna Ragagnin
- Umeå Neurosteroid research center, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Clinical Sciences at Umeå University, Building 6M, 4th floor at NUS, SE-901 85 Umeå, Sweden
| | | | - Torbjörn Bäckström
- Umeå Neurosteroid research center, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Clinical Sciences at Umeå University, Building 6M, 4th floor at NUS, SE-901 85 Umeå, Sweden
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170
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Osborne L, Clive M, Kimmel M, Gispen F, Guintivano J, Brown T, Cox O, Judy J, Meilman S, Braier A, Beckmann MW, Kornhuber J, Fasching PA, Goes F, Payne JL, Binder EB, Kaminsky Z. Replication of Epigenetic Postpartum Depression Biomarkers and Variation with Hormone Levels. Neuropsychopharmacology 2016; 41:1648-58. [PMID: 26503311 PMCID: PMC4832028 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2015.333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2015] [Revised: 09/02/2015] [Accepted: 09/18/2015] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
DNA methylation variation at HP1BP3 and TTC9B is modified by estrogen exposure in the rodent hippocampus and was previously shown to be prospectively predictive of postpartum depression (PPD) when modeled in antenatal blood. The objective of this study was to replicate the predictive efficacy of the previously established model in women with and without a previous psychiatric diagnosis and to understand the effects of changing hormone levels on PPD biomarker loci. Using a statistical model trained on DNA methylation data from N=51 high-risk women, we prospectively predicted PPD status in an independent N=51 women using first trimester antenatal gene expression levels of HP1BP3 and TTC9B, with an area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.81 (95% CI: 0.69-0.92, p<5 × 10(-4)). Modeling DNA methylation of these genes in N=240 women without a previous psychiatric diagnosis resulted in a cross-sectional prediction of PPD status with an AUC of 0.81 (95% CI: 0.68-0.93, p=0.01). TTC9B and HP1BP3 DNA methylation at early antenatal time points showed moderate evidence for association to the change in estradiol and allopregnanolone over the course of pregnancy, suggesting that epigenetic variation at these loci may be important for mediating hormonal sensitivity. In addition both loci showed PPD-specific trajectories with age, possibly mediated by age-associated hormonal changes. The data add to the growing body of evidence suggesting that PPD is mediated by differential gene expression and epigenetic sensitivity to pregnancy hormones and that modeling proxies of this sensitivity enable accurate prediction of PPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Osborne
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Makena Clive
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Mary Kimmel
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Fiona Gispen
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jerry Guintivano
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Tori Brown
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Olivia Cox
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jennifer Judy
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Samantha Meilman
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Aviva Braier
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Matthias W Beckmann
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Johannes Kornhuber
- Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Peter A Fasching
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Fernando Goes
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jennifer L Payne
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Elisabeth B Binder
- Department of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
| | - Zachary Kaminsky
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA,Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA,The Mood Disorder Center, Johns Hopkins University, 720 Rutland Avenue, Ross Research Building 1070, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA, Tel: +1 443 287 0093, Fax: +1 410 502 0065,E-mail:
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171
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Porcu P, Barron AM, Frye CA, Walf AA, Yang SY, He XY, Morrow AL, Panzica GC, Melcangi RC. Neurosteroidogenesis Today: Novel Targets for Neuroactive Steroid Synthesis and Action and Their Relevance for Translational Research. J Neuroendocrinol 2016; 28:12351. [PMID: 26681259 PMCID: PMC4769676 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2015] [Revised: 12/12/2015] [Accepted: 12/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Neuroactive steroids are endogenous neuromodulators synthesised in the brain that rapidly alter neuronal excitability by binding to membrane receptors, in addition to the regulation of gene expression via intracellular steroid receptors. Neuroactive steroids induce potent anxiolytic, antidepressant, anticonvulsant, sedative, analgesic and amnesic effects, mainly through interaction with the GABAA receptor. They also exert neuroprotective, neurotrophic and antiapoptotic effects in several animal models of neurodegenerative diseases. Neuroactive steroids regulate many physiological functions, such as the stress response, puberty, the ovarian cycle, pregnancy and reward. Their levels are altered in several neuropsychiatric and neurological diseases and both preclinical and clinical studies emphasise a therapeutic potential of neuroactive steroids for these diseases, whereby symptomatology ameliorates upon restoration of neuroactive steroid concentrations. However, direct administration of neuroactive steroids has several challenges, including pharmacokinetics, low bioavailability, addiction potential, safety and tolerability, which limit its therapeutic use. Therefore, modulation of neurosteroidogenesis to restore the altered endogenous neuroactive steroid tone may represent a better therapeutic approach. This review summarises recent approaches that target the neuroactive steroid biosynthetic pathway at different levels aiming to promote neurosteroidogenesis. These include modulation of neurosteroidogenesis through ligands of the translocator protein 18 kDa and the pregnane xenobiotic receptor, as well as targeting of specific neurosteroidogenic enzymes such as 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 10 or P450 side chain cleavage. Enhanced neurosteroidogenesis through these targets may be beneficial not only for neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease and age-related dementia, but also for neuropsychiatric diseases, including alcohol use disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrizia Porcu
- Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Cagliari, Italy
| | - Anna M. Barron
- Molecular Imaging Center, National Institute of Radiological Sciences, Anagawa, Inage-ku, Chiba, Japan
| | - Cheryl Anne Frye
- Institute of Arctic Biology, The University of Alaska–Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK, USA
- The University at Albany, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Alicia A. Walf
- Institute of Arctic Biology, The University of Alaska–Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK, USA
- The University at Albany, Albany, NY, USA
- Department of Cognitive Science, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, USA
| | - Song-Yu Yang
- Department of Developmental Biochemistry, NYS Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, NY, USA
| | - Xue-Ying He
- Department of Developmental Biochemistry, NYS Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, NY, USA
| | - A. Leslie Morrow
- Departments of Psychiatry and Pharmacology, Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Gian Carlo Panzica
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, and NICO - Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, Orbassano, Italy
| | - Roberto C. Melcangi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
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172
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Abstract
Recently designated as a disorder in the DSM-5, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) presents an array of avenues for further research. PMDD's profile, characterized by cognitive-affective symptoms during the premenstruum, is unique from that of other affective disorders in its symptoms and cyclicity. Neurosteroids may be a key contributor to PMDD's clinical presentation and etiology, and represent a potential avenue for drug development. This review will present recent literature on potential contributors to PMDD's pathophysiology, including neurosteroids and stress, and explore potential treatment targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liisa Hantsoo
- Department of Psychiatry, Penn Center for Women's Behavioral Wellness, 3535 Market Street, 3rd Floor, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
| | - C. Neill Epperson
- Department of Psychiatry, Penn Center for Women's Behavioral Wellness, 3535 Market Street, 3rd Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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173
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Schumacher M, Guennoun R, Mattern C, Oudinet JP, Labombarda F, De Nicola AF, Liere P. Analytical challenges for measuring steroid responses to stress, neurodegeneration and injury in the central nervous system. Steroids 2015; 103:42-57. [PMID: 26301525 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2015.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2015] [Revised: 08/17/2015] [Accepted: 08/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Levels of steroids in the adult central nervous system (CNS) show marked changes in response to stress, degenerative disorders and injury. However, their analysis in complex matrices such as fatty brain and spinal cord tissues, and even in plasma, requires accurate and precise analytical methods. Radioimmunoassays (RIA) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, even with prepurification steps, do not provide sufficient specificity, and they are at the origin of many inconsistent results in the literature. The analysis of steroids by mass spectrometric methods has become the gold standard for accurate and sensitive steroid analysis. However, these technologies involve multiple purification steps prone to errors, and they only provide accurate reference values when combined with careful sample workup. In addition, the interpretation of changes in CNS steroid levels is not an easy task because of their multiple sources: the endocrine glands and the local synthesis by neural cells. In the CNS, decreased steroid levels may reflect alterations of their biosynthesis, as observed in the case of chronic stress, post-traumatic stress disorders or depressive episodes. In such cases, return to normalization by administering exogenous hormones or by stimulating their endogenous production may have beneficial effects. On the other hand, increases in CNS steroids in response to acute stress, degenerative processes or injury may be part of endogenous protective or rescue programs, contributing to the resistance of neural cells to stress and insults. The aim of this review is to encourage a more critical reading of the literature reporting steroid measures, and to draw attention to the absolute need for well-validated methods. We discuss reported findings concerning changing steroid levels in the nervous system by insisting on methodological issues. An important message is that even recent mass spectrometric methods have their limits, and they only become reliable tools if combined with careful sample preparation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Florencia Labombarda
- Instituto de Biologia y Medicina Experimental and University of Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Alejandro F De Nicola
- Instituto de Biologia y Medicina Experimental and University of Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Philippe Liere
- U1195 Inserm and University Paris-Sud, Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
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174
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Arbo BD, Benetti F, Garcia-Segura LM, Ribeiro MF. Therapeutic actions of translocator protein (18 kDa) ligands in experimental models of psychiatric disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2015. [PMID: 26200949 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2015.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Translocator protein (TSPO) is an 18kDa protein located at contact sites between the outer and the inner mitochondrial membrane. Numerous studies have associated TSPO with the translocation of cholesterol across the aqueous mitochondrial intermembrane space and the regulation of steroidogenesis, as well as with the control of some other mitochondrial functions, such as mitochondrial respiration, mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening, apoptosis and cell proliferation. In the brain, changes in TSPO expression occur in several neuropathological conditions including neurodegenerative diseases and psychiatric disorders. Furthermore, TSPO ligands have been shown to promote neuroprotection in animal models of brain pathology. At least in some cases, the mechanisms of neuroprotection are associated with modifications in brain steroidogenesis. In addition, regulation of neuroinflammation seems to be a common mechanism in the neuroprotective actions of TSPO ligands in different animal models of brain pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- B D Arbo
- Laboratório de Interação Neuro-Humoral, Department of Physiology, ICBS, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Rua Sarmento Leite, 500, CEP 90050-170 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Cajal Institute, CSIC, Avenida Doctor Arce, 37, 28002 Madrid, Spain.
| | - F Benetti
- Laboratório de Neurofisiologia Cognitiva e do Desenvolvimento, Department of Physiology, ICBS, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Rua Sarmento Leite, 500, CEP 90050-170 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | | | - M F Ribeiro
- Laboratório de Interação Neuro-Humoral, Department of Physiology, ICBS, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Rua Sarmento Leite, 500, CEP 90050-170 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
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175
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Giatti S, Romano S, Pesaresi M, Cermenati G, Mitro N, Caruso D, Tetel MJ, Garcia-Segura LM, Melcangi RC. Neuroactive steroids and the peripheral nervous system: An update. Steroids 2015; 103:23-30. [PMID: 25824325 PMCID: PMC6314841 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2015.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2014] [Revised: 03/14/2015] [Accepted: 03/17/2015] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
In the present review we summarize observations to date supporting the concept that neuroactive steroids are synthesized in the peripheral nervous system, regulate the physiology of peripheral nerves and exert notable neuroprotective actions. Indeed, neuroactive steroids have been recently proposed as therapies for different types of peripheral neuropathy, like for instance those occurring during aging, chemotherapy, physical injury and diabetes. Moreover, pharmacological tools able to increase the synthesis of neuroactive steroids might represent new interesting therapeutic strategy to be applied in case of peripheral neuropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Giatti
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Simone Romano
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Marzia Pesaresi
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Gaia Cermenati
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Nico Mitro
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Donatella Caruso
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Marc J Tetel
- Neuroscience Program, Wellesley College, Wellesley, MA, USA
| | | | - Roberto C Melcangi
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.
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176
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Shimizu H, Ishizuka Y, Yamazaki H, Shirao T. Allopregnanolone increases mature excitatory synapses along dendrites via protein kinase A signaling. Neuroscience 2015; 305:139-45. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2015.07.079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2015] [Revised: 07/15/2015] [Accepted: 07/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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177
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Why may allopregnanolone help alleviate loneliness? Med Hypotheses 2015; 85:947-52. [PMID: 26365247 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2015.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2015] [Revised: 08/03/2015] [Accepted: 09/04/2015] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Impaired biosynthesis of Allopregnanolone (ALLO), a brain endogenous neurosteroid, has been associated with numerous behavioral dysfunctions, which range from anxiety- and depressive-like behaviors to aggressive behavior and changes in responses to contextual fear conditioning in rodent models of emotional dysfunction. Recent animal research also demonstrates a critical role of ALLO in social isolation. Although there are likely aspects of perceived social isolation that are uniquely human, there is also continuity across species. Both human and animal research show that perceived social isolation (which can be defined behaviorally in animals and humans) has detrimental effects on physical health, such as increased hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) activity, decreased brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression, and increased depressive behavior. The similarities between animal and human research suggest that perceived social isolation (loneliness) may also be associated with a reduction in the synthesis of ALLO, potentially by reducing BDNF regulation and increasing HPA activity through the hippocampus, amygdala, and bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST), especially during social threat processing. Accordingly, exogenous administration of ALLO (or ALLO precursor, such as pregnenolone), in humans may help alleviate loneliness. Congruent with our hypothesis, exogenous administration of ALLO (or ALLO precursors) in humans has been shown to improve various stress-related disorders that show similarities between animals and humans i.e., post-traumatic stress disorders, traumatic brain injuries. Because a growing body of evidence demonstrates the benefits of ALLO in socially isolated animals, we believe our ALLO hypothesis can be applied to loneliness in humans, as well.
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178
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Fatemi SH, Folsom TD. GABA receptor subunit distribution and FMRP-mGluR5 signaling abnormalities in the cerebellum of subjects with schizophrenia, mood disorders, and autism. Schizophr Res 2015; 167:42-56. [PMID: 25432637 PMCID: PMC5301472 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2014.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2014] [Revised: 10/06/2014] [Accepted: 10/08/2014] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. GABAergic receptor abnormalities have been documented in several major psychiatric disorders including schizophrenia, mood disorders, and autism. Abnormal expression of mRNA and protein for multiple GABA receptors has also been observed in multiple brain regions leading to alterations in the balance between excitatory/inhibitory signaling in the brain with potential profound consequences for normal cognition and maintenance of mood and perception. Altered expression of GABAA receptor subunits has been documented in fragile X mental retardation 1 (FMR1) knockout mice, suggesting that loss of its protein product, fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP), impacts GABAA subunit expression. Recent postmortem studies from our laboratory have shown reduced expression of FMRP in the brains of subjects with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression, and autism. FMRP acts as a translational repressor and, under normal conditions, inhibits metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5)-mediated signaling. In fragile X syndrome (FXS), the absence of FMRP is hypothesized to lead to unregulated mGluR5 signaling, ultimately resulting in the behavioral and intellectual impairments associated with this disorder. Our laboratory has identified changes in mGluR5 expression in autism, schizophrenia, and mood disorders. In the current review article, we discuss our postmortem data on GABA receptors, FMRP, and mGluR5 levels and compare our results with other laboratories. Finally, we discuss the interactions between these molecules and the potential for new therapeutic interventions that target these interconnected signaling systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Hossein Fatemi
- Department of Psychiatry, Division of Neuroscience Research, University of Minnesota Medical School, 420 Delaware St SE, MMC 392, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota Medical School, 321 Church St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
| | - Timothy D Folsom
- Department of Psychiatry, Division of Neuroscience Research, University of Minnesota Medical School, 420 Delaware St SE, MMC 392, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
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179
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Giatti S, Garcia-Segura LM, Melcangi RC. New steps forward in the neuroactive steroid field. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2015; 153:127-34. [PMID: 25797031 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2015.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2015] [Revised: 03/07/2015] [Accepted: 03/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Evidence accumulated in recent years suggests that the systemic treatment with neuroactive steroids, or the pharmacological modulation of its production by brain cells, represent therapeutic options to promote neuroprotection. However, new findings, which are reviewed in this paper, suggest that the factors to be considered for the design of possible therapies based on neuroactive steroids are more complex than previously thought. Thus, although as recently reported, the nervous system regulates neuroactive steroid synthesis and metabolism in adaptation to modifications in peripheral steroidogenesis, the neuroactive steroid levels in the brain do not fully reflect its levels in plasma. Even, in some cases, neuroactive steroid level modifications occurring in the nervous tissues, under physiological and pathological conditions, are in the opposite direction than in the periphery. This suggests that the systemic treatment with these molecules may have unexpected outcomes on neural steroid levels. In addition, the multiple metabolic pathways and signaling mechanisms of neuroactive steroids, which may change from one brain region to another, together with the existence of regional and sex differences in its neural levels are additional sources of complexity that should be clarified. This complexity in the levels and actions of these molecules may explain why in some cases these molecules have detrimental rather than beneficial actions for the nervous system. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled 'Steroid Perspectives'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Giatti
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Roberto Cosimo Melcangi
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.
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180
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Martin BS, Martinez-Botella G, Loya CM, Salituro FG, Robichaud AJ, Huntsman MM, Ackley MA, Doherty JJ, Corbin JG. Rescue of deficient amygdala tonic γ-aminobutyric acidergic currents in the Fmr-/y mouse model of fragile X syndrome by a novel γ-aminobutyric acid type A receptor-positive allosteric modulator. J Neurosci Res 2015; 94:568-78. [PMID: 26308557 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.23632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2015] [Revised: 08/01/2015] [Accepted: 08/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Alterations in the ratio of excitatory to inhibitory transmission are emerging as a common component of many nervous system disorders, including autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Tonic γ-aminobutyric acidergic (GABAergic) transmission provided by peri- and extrasynaptic GABA type A (GABAA ) receptors powerfully controls neuronal excitability and plasticity and, therefore, provides a rational therapeutic target for normalizing hyperexcitable networks across a variety of disorders, including ASDs. Our previous studies revealed tonic GABAergic deficits in principal excitatory neurons in the basolateral amygdala (BLA) in the Fmr1(-/y) knockout (KO) mouse model fragile X syndrome. To correct amygdala deficits in tonic GABAergic neurotransmission in Fmr1(-/y) KO mice, we developed a novel positive allosteric modulator of GABAA receptors, SGE-872, based on endogenously active neurosteroids. This study shows that SGE-872 is nearly as potent and twice as efficacious for positively modulating GABAA receptors as its parent molecule, allopregnanolone. Furthermore, at submicromolar concentrations (≤1 μM), SGE-872 is selective for tonic, extrasynaptic α4β3δ-containing GABAA receptors over typical synaptic α1β2γ2 receptors. We further find that SGE-872 strikingly rescues the tonic GABAergic transmission deficit in principal excitatory neurons in the Fmr1(-/y) KO BLA, a structure heavily implicated in the neuropathology of ASDs. Therefore, the potent and selective action of SGE-872 on tonic GABAA receptors containing α4 subunits may represent a novel and highly useful therapeutic avenue for ASDs and related disorders involving hyperexcitability of neuronal networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon S Martin
- Center for Neuroscience Research, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, DC
| | | | - Carlos M Loya
- SAGE Therapeutics, 215 First Street, Cambridge, MA 0214243
| | | | | | - Molly M Huntsman
- Pharmaceutical Sciences and Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Mike A Ackley
- SAGE Therapeutics, 215 First Street, Cambridge, MA 0214243
| | | | - Joshua G Corbin
- Center for Neuroscience Research, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, DC
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181
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Miczek KA, DeBold JF, Hwa LS, Newman EL, de Almeida RMM. Alcohol and violence: neuropeptidergic modulation of monoamine systems. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2015; 1349:96-118. [PMID: 26285061 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.12862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Neurobiological processes underlying the epidemiologically established link between alcohol and several types of social, aggressive, and violent behavior remain poorly understood. Acute low doses of alcohol, as well as withdrawal from long-term alcohol use, may lead to escalated aggressive behavior in a subset of individuals. An urgent task will be to disentangle the host of interacting genetic and environmental risk factors in individuals who are predisposed to engage in escalated aggressive behavior. The modulation of 5-hydroxytryptamine impulse flow by gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate, acting via distinct ionotropic and metabotropic receptor subtypes in the dorsal raphe nucleus during alcohol consumption, is of critical significance in the suppression and escalation of aggressive behavior. In anticipation and reaction to aggressive behavior, neuropeptides such as corticotropin-releasing factor, neuropeptide Y, opioid peptides, and vasopressin interact with monoamines, GABA, and glutamate to attenuate and amplify aggressive behavior in alcohol-consuming individuals. These neuromodulators represent novel molecular targets for intervention that await clinical validation. Intermittent episodes of brief social defeat during aggressive confrontations are sufficient to cause long-lasting neuroadaptations that can lead to the escalation of alcohol consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klaus A Miczek
- Departments of Pharmacology, Psychiatry, and Neuroscience, Tufts University, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Psychology, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts
| | - Joseph F DeBold
- Department of Psychology, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts
| | - Lara S Hwa
- Department of Psychology, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts
| | - Emily L Newman
- Department of Psychology, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts
| | - Rosa M M de Almeida
- Department of Psychology, LPNeC, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
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182
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi Nagaya
- Department of Psychology and Institute for Neuroscience, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Stephen Maren
- Department of Psychology and Institute for Neuroscience, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas..
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183
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Brunton PJ. Programming the brain and behaviour by early-life stress: a focus on neuroactive steroids. J Neuroendocrinol 2015; 27:468-80. [PMID: 25688636 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2014] [Revised: 02/11/2015] [Accepted: 02/11/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Animal studies have amply demonstrated that stress exposure during pregnancy or in early postnatal life can adversely influence brain development and have long-term 'programming' effects on future brain function and behaviour. Furthermore, a growing body of evidence from human studies supports the hypothesis that some psychiatric disorders may have developmental origins. Here, the focus is on three adverse consequences of early-life stress: dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, heightened anxiety behaviour and cognitive impairments, with review of what is known about the underlying central mechanisms. Neuroactive steroids modulate neuronal activity and play a key role in neurodevelopment. Moreover they can negatively modulate activity of the HPA axis, exert anxiolytic actions and influence cognitive performance. Thus, neuroactive steroids may provide a link between early-life stress and the resultant adverse effects on the brain and behaviour. Here, a role for neuroactive steroids, in particular the 5α-reduced/3α-hydroxylated metabolites of progesterone, testosterone and deoxycorticosterone, is discussed in the context of early-life stress. Furthermore, the impact of early-life stress on the brain's capacity to generate neurosteroids is considered and the evidence for an ability of neuroactive steroids to over-write the negative effects of early-life stress on the brain and behaviour is examined. An enhanced understanding of the influence of early-life stress on brain neurosteroid systems could aid the identification of new targets for developing treatments for stress-related conditions in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- P J Brunton
- Division of Neurobiology, The Roslin Institute & R(D)SVS, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, UK
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184
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Qiu ZK, He JL, Liu X, Lai S, Ma JC, Zeng J, Li Y, Wu HW, Chen Y, Shen YG, Chen JS, Luo M. The role of allopregnanolone in the anxiolytic-like effect of free and easy wanderer plus (FEWP), a polyherbal preparation. Neurosci Lett 2015; 595:94-8. [PMID: 25800108 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2015.03.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2015] [Revised: 03/10/2015] [Accepted: 03/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/08/2022]
Abstract
Anxiety disorders are the serious and burdensome psychiatric illnesses, which are closely correlated with allopregnanolone. The down-regulation of allopregnanolone biosynthesis has been implicated as the possible contributor to the aetiology of anxiety disorders. Free and easy wanderer plus (FEWP) is a well-known traditional Chinese medicine that had been shown to be effective in various mood disorders. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the anxiolytic-like effect of FEWP and its association with the level of allopregnanolone in the brain. The animal behavioral tests were processed by the acute FEWP (2.5, 5 and 10mg/kg, p.o.) treatment. It had been shown that FEWP produced anxiolytic-like effects in behavioral models, including novelty suppressed feeding (5, 10mg/kg, p.o.), Vogel-type conflict test (10mg/kg, p.o.), elevated plus-maze test (5, 10mg/kg, p.o.). The animals were decapitated after the end of the behavioral tests and measured the allopregnanolone level of the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The allopregnanolone level of the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus was increased by administration of FEWP (5, 10mg/kg, p.o.). Overall, these results indicated that FEWP exerts anxiolytic-like effects that were associated with the stiumlation of the allopregnanolone biosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Kun Qiu
- Pharmaceutical Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Clinical Pharmacy Department of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510080, PR China
| | - Jia-Li He
- Department of Endocrinology, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510120, PR China
| | - Xu Liu
- Pharmacy Department of General Hospital of Chinese People's Armed Police Forces, Beijing 100039, PR China
| | - Sha Lai
- Pharmaceutical Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Clinical Pharmacy Department of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510080, PR China
| | - Jian-Chun Ma
- Pharmaceutical Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Clinical Pharmacy Department of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510080, PR China
| | - Jia Zeng
- Pharmaceutical Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Clinical Pharmacy Department of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510080, PR China
| | - Yan Li
- Pharmaceutical Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Clinical Pharmacy Department of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510080, PR China
| | - Hong-Wei Wu
- Pharmaceutical Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Clinical Pharmacy Department of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510080, PR China
| | - Yong Chen
- Pharmaceutical Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Clinical Pharmacy Department of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510080, PR China
| | - Yong-Gang Shen
- Pharmaceutical Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Clinical Pharmacy Department of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510080, PR China
| | - Ji-Sheng Chen
- Pharmaceutical Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Clinical Pharmacy Department of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510080, PR China.
| | - Min Luo
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515,PR China.
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185
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Temperament type specific metabolite profiles of the prefrontal cortex and serum in cattle. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0125044. [PMID: 25927228 PMCID: PMC4416037 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0125044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2014] [Accepted: 03/08/2015] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
In the past decade the number of studies investigating temperament in farm animals has increased greatly because temperament has been shown not only to affect handling but also reproduction, health and economically important production traits. However, molecular pathways underlying temperament and molecular pathways linking temperament to production traits, health and reproduction have yet to be studied in full detail. Here we report the results of metabolite profiling of the prefrontal cortex and serum of cattle with distinct temperament types that were performed to further explore their molecular divergence in the response to the slaughter procedure and to identify new targets for further research of cattle temperament. By performing an untargeted comprehensive metabolite profiling, 627 and 1097 metabolite features comprising 235 and 328 metabolites could be detected in the prefrontal cortex and serum, respectively. In total, 54 prefrontal cortex and 51 serum metabolite features were indicated to have a high relevance in the classification of temperament types by a sparse partial least square discriminant analysis. A clear discrimination between fearful/neophobic-alert, interested-stressed, subdued/uninterested-calm and outgoing/neophilic-alert temperament types could be observed based on the abundance of the identified relevant prefrontal cortex and serum metabolites. Metabolites with high relevance in the classification of temperament types revealed that the main differences between temperament types in the response to the slaughter procedure were related to the abundance of glycerophospholipids, fatty acyls and sterol lipids. Differences in the abundance of metabolites related to C21 steroid metabolism and oxidative stress indicated that the differences in the metabolite profiles of the four extreme temperament types could be the result of a temperament type specific regulation of molecular pathways that are known to be involved in the stress and fear response.
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186
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Abstract
Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is a condition characterized by pervasiveness and impairment in social functioning, with a prevalence in the general population between 1.9% and 12.1%. The most consistent findings on its neurobiological underpinnings involve a wide range of neurotransmitters (serotonin, norepinephrine, glutamate, and GABA) and neuropeptides (oxytocin), but no comprehensive hypothesis is yet available. In particular, oxytocin is becoming increasingly established as a "prosocial neuropeptide" and, as such, is a major focus of current research, with a great range of therapeutic applications including SAD treatment. Specifically, the amygdala plays a pivotal role in conditioning and processing of fear, and exaggerated amygdala responses in SAD patients have been observed during various social-emotional stimuli. In addition to the amygdala, other brain areas of interest in SAD-related circuitry are represented by the medial prefrontal cortex, dorsal raphe, striatum, locus coeruleus, prefrontal cortex, insular cortex, and anterior cingulate cortex. The aim of this review is to provide an update on neurobiological correlates of SAD, with a special focus on neurotransmitters and brain areas possibly involved, and suggestions for future research that could lead to more specific therapeutic interventions.
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187
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Aghazadeh Y, Zirkin BR, Papadopoulos V. Pharmacological regulation of the cholesterol transport machinery in steroidogenic cells of the testis. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2015; 98:189-227. [PMID: 25817870 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2014.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Reduced serum testosterone (T), or hypogonadism, is estimated to affect about 5 million American men, including both aging and young men. Low serum T has been linked to mood changes, worsening cognition, fatigue, depression, decreased lean body mass and bone mineral density, increased visceral fat, metabolic syndrome, decreased libido, and sexual dysfunction. Administering exogenous T, known as T-replacement therapy (TRT), reverses many of the symptoms of low T levels. However, this treatment can result in luteinizing hormone suppression which, in turn, can lead to reduced sperm numbers and infertility, making TRT inappropriate for men who wish to father children. Additionally, TRT may result in supraphysiologic T levels, skin irritation, and T transfer to others upon contact; and there may be increased risk of prostate cancer and cardiovascular disease, particularly in aging men. Therefore, the development of alternate therapies for treating hypogonadism would be highly desirable. To do so requires greater understanding of the series of steps leading to T formation and how they are regulated, and the identification of key steps that are amenable to pharmacological modulation so as to induce T production. We review herein our current understanding of mechanisms underlying the pharmacological induction of T formation in hypogonadal testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasaman Aghazadeh
- The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Barry R Zirkin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Vassilios Papadopoulos
- The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
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188
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Caruso D, Abbiati F, Giatti S, Romano S, Fusco L, Cavaletti G, Melcangi RC. Patients treated for male pattern hair with finasteride show, after discontinuation of the drug, altered levels of neuroactive steroids in cerebrospinal fluid and plasma. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2015; 146:74-9. [PMID: 24717976 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2014.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2014] [Revised: 03/28/2014] [Accepted: 03/31/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Observations performed in a subset of patients treated for male pattern hair loss indicate that persistent sexual side effects as well as anxious/depressive symptomatology have been reported even after discontinuation of finasteride treatment. Due to the capability of finasteride to block the metabolism of progesterone (PROG) and/or testosterone (T) we have evaluated, by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, the levels of several neuroactive steroids in paired plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples obtained from post-finasteride patients and in healthy controls. At the examination, post-finasteride patients reported muscular stiffness, cramps, tremors and chronic fatigue in the absence of clinical evidence of any muscular disorder or strength reduction. Although severity of the anxious/depressive symptoms was quite variable in their frequency, overall all the subjects had a fairly complex and constant neuropsychiatric pattern. Assessment of neuroactive steroid levels in CSF showed a decrease of PROG and its metabolites, dihydroprogesterone (DHP) and tetrahydroprogesterone (THP), associated with an increase of its precursor pregnenolone (PREG). Altered levels were also observed for T and its metabolites. Thus, a significant decrease of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) associated with an increase of T as well as of 3α-diol was detected. Changes in neuroactive steroid levels also occurred in plasma. An increase of PREG, T, 3α-diol, 3β-diol and 17β-estradiol was associated with decreased levels of DHP and THP. The present observations show that altered levels of neuroactive steroids, associated with depression symptoms, are present in androgenic alopecia patients even after discontinuation of the finasteride treatment. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled 'Sex steroids and brain disorders'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donatella Caruso
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences - Center of Excellence on Neurodegenerative Diseases, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Federico Abbiati
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences - Center of Excellence on Neurodegenerative Diseases, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Silvia Giatti
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences - Center of Excellence on Neurodegenerative Diseases, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Simone Romano
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences - Center of Excellence on Neurodegenerative Diseases, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Letizia Fusco
- Department of Surgery and Translational Medicine, University of Milan-Bicocca, Monza, Italy; Department of Neurology, S. Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Italy
| | - Guido Cavaletti
- Department of Surgery and Translational Medicine, University of Milan-Bicocca, Monza, Italy; Department of Neurology, S. Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Italy
| | - Roberto Cosimo Melcangi
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences - Center of Excellence on Neurodegenerative Diseases, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy.
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189
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GABAA receptor-acting neurosteroids: a role in the development and regulation of the stress response. Front Neuroendocrinol 2015; 36:28-48. [PMID: 24929099 PMCID: PMC4349499 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2014.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2014] [Revised: 05/26/2014] [Accepted: 06/01/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Regulation of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis activity by stress is a fundamental survival mechanism and HPA-dysfunction is implicated in psychiatric disorders. Adverse early life experiences, e.g. poor maternal care, negatively influence brain development and programs an abnormal stress response by encoding long-lasting molecular changes, which may extend to the next generation. How HPA-dysfunction leads to the development of affective disorders is complex, but may involve GABAA receptors (GABAARs), as they curtail stress-induced HPA axis activation. Of particular interest are endogenous neurosteroids that potently modulate the function of GABAARs and exhibit stress-protective properties. Importantly, neurosteroid levels rise rapidly during acute stress, are perturbed in chronic stress and are implicated in the behavioural changes associated with early-life adversity. We will appraise how GABAAR-active neurosteroids may impact on HPA axis development and the orchestration of the stress-evoked response. The significance of these actions will be discussed in the context of stress-associated mood disorders.
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190
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Arevalo MA, Azcoitia I, Garcia-Segura LM. The neuroprotective actions of oestradiol and oestrogen receptors. Nat Rev Neurosci 2014; 16:17-29. [PMID: 25423896 DOI: 10.1038/nrn3856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 305] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Hormones regulate homeostasis by communicating through the bloodstream to the body's organs, including the brain. As homeostatic regulators of brain function, some hormones exert neuroprotective actions. This is the case for the ovarian hormone 17β-oestradiol, which signals through oestrogen receptors (ERs) that are widely distributed in the male and female brain. Recent discoveries have shown that oestradiol is not only a reproductive hormone but also a brain-derived neuroprotective factor in males and females and that ERs coordinate multiple signalling mechanisms that protect the brain from neurodegenerative diseases, affective disorders and cognitive decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria-Angeles Arevalo
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, E-28002 Madrid, Spain
| | - Iñigo Azcoitia
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biology, Universidad Complutense, E-28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis M Garcia-Segura
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, E-28002 Madrid, Spain
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191
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Fry JP, Li KY, Devall AJ, Cockcroft S, Honour JW, Lovick TA. Fluoxetine elevates allopregnanolone in female rat brain but inhibits a steroid microsomal dehydrogenase rather than activating an aldo-keto reductase. Br J Pharmacol 2014; 171:5870-80. [PMID: 25161074 PMCID: PMC4290723 DOI: 10.1111/bph.12891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2014] [Revised: 07/03/2014] [Accepted: 08/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Purpose Fluoxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, elevates brain concentrations of the neuroactive progesterone metabolite allopregnanolone, an effect suggested to underlie its use in the treatment of premenstrual dysphoria. One report showed fluoxetine to activate the aldo-keto reductase (AKR) component of 3α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3α-HSD), which catalyses production of allopregnanolone from 5α-dihydroprogesterone. However, this action was not observed by others. The present study sought to clarify the site of action for fluoxetine in elevating brain allopregnanolone. Experimental Approach Adult male rats and female rats in dioestrus were treated with fluoxetine and their brains assayed for allopregnanolone and its precursors, progesterone and 5α-dihydroprogesterone. Subcellular fractions of rat brain were also used to investigate the actions of fluoxetine on 3α-HSD activity in both the reductive direction, producing allopregnanolone from 5α-dihydroprogesterone, and the reverse oxidative direction. Fluoxetine was also tested on these recombinant enzyme activities expressed in HEK cells. Key Results Short-term treatment with fluoxetine increased brain allopregnanolone concentrations in female, but not male, rats. Enzyme assays on native rat brain fractions and on activities expressed in HEK cells showed fluoxetine did not affect the AKR producing allopregnanolone from 5α-dihydroprogesterone but did inhibit the microsomal dehydrogenase oxidizing allopregnanolone to 5α-dihydroprogesterone. Conclusions and Implications Fluoxetine elevated allopregnanolone in female rat brain by inhibiting its oxidation to 5α-dihydroprogesterone by a microsomal dehydrogenase. This is a novel site of action for fluoxetine, with implications for the development of new agents and/or dosing regimens to raise brain allopregnanolone.
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Affiliation(s)
- J P Fry
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, University College London (UCL), London, UK
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Grimm A, Schmitt K, Lang UE, Mensah-Nyagan AG, Eckert A. Improvement of neuronal bioenergetics by neurosteroids: implications for age-related neurodegenerative disorders. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2014; 1842:2427-38. [PMID: 25281013 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2014.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2014] [Revised: 09/22/2014] [Accepted: 09/25/2014] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The brain has high energy requirements to maintain neuronal activity. Consequently impaired mitochondrial function will lead to disease. Normal aging is associated with several alterations in neurosteroid production and secretion. Decreases in neurosteroid levels might contribute to brain aging and loss of important nervous functions, such as memory. Up to now, extensive studies only focused on estradiol as a promising neurosteroid compound that is able to ameliorate cellular bioenergetics, while the effects of other steroids on brain mitochondria are poorly understood or not investigated at all. Thus, we aimed to characterize the bioenergetic modulating profile of a panel of seven structurally diverse neurosteroids (progesterone, estradiol, estrone, testosterone, 3α-androstanediol, DHEA and allopregnanolone), known to be involved in brain function regulation. Of note, most of the steroids tested were able to improve bioenergetic activity in neuronal cells by increasing ATP levels, mitochondrial membrane potential and basal mitochondrial respiration. In parallel, they modulated redox homeostasis by increasing antioxidant activity, probably as a compensatory mechanism to a slight enhancement of ROS which might result from the rise in oxygen consumption. Thereby, neurosteroids appeared to act via their corresponding receptors and exhibited specific bioenergetic profiles. Taken together, our results indicate that the ability to boost mitochondria is not unique to estradiol, but seems to be a rather common mechanism of different steroids in the brain. Thus, neurosteroids may act upon neuronal bioenergetics in a delicate balance and an age-related steroid disturbance might be involved in mitochondrial dysfunction underlying neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amandine Grimm
- Neurobiology Laboratory for Brain Aging and Mental Health, Transfaculty Research Platform, Molecular & Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Basel, Wilhelm Klein-Str. 27, CH-4012 Basel, Switzerland; Psychiatric University Clinics, University of Basel, Wilhelm Klein-Str. 27, CH-4012 Basel, Switzerland; Biopathologie de la Myéline, Neuroprotection et Stratégies Thérapeutiques, INSERM U1119, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Université de Strasbourg, Bâtiment 3 de la Faculté de Médecine, 11 rue Humann, 67 000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Karen Schmitt
- Neurobiology Laboratory for Brain Aging and Mental Health, Transfaculty Research Platform, Molecular & Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Basel, Wilhelm Klein-Str. 27, CH-4012 Basel, Switzerland; Psychiatric University Clinics, University of Basel, Wilhelm Klein-Str. 27, CH-4012 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Undine E Lang
- Psychiatric University Clinics, University of Basel, Wilhelm Klein-Str. 27, CH-4012 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ayikoe Guy Mensah-Nyagan
- Biopathologie de la Myéline, Neuroprotection et Stratégies Thérapeutiques, INSERM U1119, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Université de Strasbourg, Bâtiment 3 de la Faculté de Médecine, 11 rue Humann, 67 000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Anne Eckert
- Neurobiology Laboratory for Brain Aging and Mental Health, Transfaculty Research Platform, Molecular & Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Basel, Wilhelm Klein-Str. 27, CH-4012 Basel, Switzerland; Psychiatric University Clinics, University of Basel, Wilhelm Klein-Str. 27, CH-4012 Basel, Switzerland.
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193
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Rupprecht R. New perspectives in neurosteroid action: open questions for future research. Front Cell Neurosci 2014; 8:268. [PMID: 25285068 PMCID: PMC4168719 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2014.00268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2014] [Accepted: 08/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Rainer Rupprecht
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg Regensburg, Germany
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194
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Pinna G, Rasmusson AM. Ganaxolone improves behavioral deficits in a mouse model of post-traumatic stress disorder. Front Cell Neurosci 2014; 8:256. [PMID: 25309317 PMCID: PMC4161165 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2014.00256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2014] [Accepted: 08/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Allopregnanolone and its equipotent stereoisomer, pregnanolone (together termed ALLO), are neuroactive steroids that positively and allosterically modulate the action of gamma-amino-butyric acid (GABA) at GABAA receptors. Levels of ALLO are reduced in the cerebrospinal fluid of female premenopausal patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a severe, neuropsychiatric condition that affects millions, yet is without a consistently effective therapy. This suggests that restoring downregulated brain ALLO levels in PTSD may be beneficial. ALLO biosynthesis is also decreased in association with the emergence of PTSD-like behaviors in socially isolated (SI) mice. Similar to PTSD patients, SI mice also exhibit changes in the frontocortical and hippocampal expression of GABAA receptor subunits, resulting in resistance to benzodiazepine-mediated sedation and anxiolysis. ALLO acts at a larger spectrum of GABAA receptor subunits than benzodiazepines, and increasing corticolimbic ALLO levels in SI mice by injecting ALLO or stimulating ALLO biosynthesis with a selective brain steroidogenic stimulant, such as S-norfluoxetine, at doses far below those that block serotonin reuptake, reduces PTSD-like behavior in these mice. This suggests that synthetic analogs of ALLO, such as ganaxolone, may also improve anxiety, aggression, and other PTSD-like behaviors in the SI mouse model. Consistent with this hypothesis, ganaxolone (3.75–30 mg/kg, s.c.) injected 60 min before testing of SI mice, induced a dose-dependent reduction in aggression toward a same-sex intruder and anxiety-like behavior in an elevated plus maze. The EC50 dose of ganaxolone used in these tests also normalized exaggerated contextual fear conditioning and, remarkably, enhanced fear extinction retention in SI mice. At these doses, ganaxolone failed to change locomotion in an open field test. Therefore, unlike benzodiazepines, ganaxolone at non-sedating concentrations appears to improve dysfunctional emotional behavior associated with deficits in ALLO in mice and may provide an alternative treatment for PTSD patients with deficits in the synthesis of ALLO. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the only medications currently approved by the FDA for treatment of PTSD, although they are ineffective in a substantial proportion of PTSD patients. Hence, an ALLO analog such as ganaxolone may offer a therapeutic GABAergic alternative to SSRIs for the treatment of PTSD or other disorders in which ALLO biosynthesis may be impaired.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graziano Pinna
- The Psychiatric Institute, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ann M Rasmusson
- VA Boston Healthcare System, Women's Health Science Division of the VA National Center for PTSD, and Boston University School of Medicine Boston, MA, USA
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195
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5α-reductase type I expression is downregulated in the prefrontal cortex/Brodmann's area 9 (BA9) of depressed patients. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2014; 231:3569-80. [PMID: 24781515 PMCID: PMC6223254 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-014-3567-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2013] [Accepted: 03/28/2014] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE The implications of the neurosteroid 3α-hydroxy-5α-pregnan-20-one [allopregnanolone (Allo)] in neuropsychiatric disorders have been highlighted in several recent clinical investigations. For instance, Allo levels are decreased in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major unipolar depression. Neurosteroidogenic antidepressants [i.e., selective brain steroidogenic stimulants (SBSSs)], including fluoxetine and analogs, correct this decrease in a manner that correlates with improved depressive symptoms. Allo positively and allosterically modulates GABA action at postsynaptic and extrasynaptic GABAA receptors. It is synthesized in both the human and rodent brain cortices by principal glutamatergic pyramidal neurons from progesterone by the sequential action of 5α-reductase type I (5α-RI), which is the rate-limiting step enzyme in Allo biosynthesis, and 3α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3α-HSD), which converts 5α-dehydroprogesterone into Allo. HYPOTHESIS We thus hypothesized that decreased CSF levels of Allo in depressed patients could reflect a brain dysfunction of 5α-RI. METHODS In a pilot study of samples from six patients per group [six depressed patients and six nonpsychiatric subjects (NPS)], we studied the expression of 5α-RI messenger RNA (mRNA) in prefrontal cortex Brodmann's area 9 (BA9) and cerebellum from depressed patients obtained from the Maryland Brain Collection at the Maryland Psychiatric Research Center (Baltimore, MD) that were age-matched with NPS. RESULTS The levels of 5α-RI mRNA were decreased from 25 ± 5.8 in NPS to 9.1 ± 3.1 fmol/pmol neuronal specific enolase (NSE) (t1,10 = 2.7, P = 0.02) in depressed patients. These differences are absent in the cerebellum of the same patients. The levels of neurosteroids were determined in the prefrontal cortex BA9 of depressed patients obtained from the Stanley Foundation Brain Bank Neuropathology Consortium, Bethesda (MD). The BA9 levels of Allo in male depressed patients failed to reach statistical difference from the levels of NPS (1.63 ± 1.01 pg/mg, n = 8, in NPS and 0.82 ± 0.33 pg/mg, n = 5, in nontreated depressed patients). However, depressed patients who had received antidepressant treatment (three patients SSRI and one TCA) exhibited increased BA9 Allo levels (6.16 ± 2.5 pg/mg, n = 4, t1,9 = 2.4, P = 0.047) when compared with nontreated depressed patients. CONCLUSIONS Although in a small number of patients, this finding is in-line with previous reports in the field that have observed an increase of Allo levels in CSF and plasma of depressed patients following antidepressant treatment. Hence, the molecular mechanisms underlying major depression may include a GABAergic neurotransmission deficit caused by a brain Allo biosynthesis downregulation, which can be normalized by SBSSs.
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196
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Wang JM. Allopregnanolone and neurogenesis in the nigrostriatal tract. Front Cell Neurosci 2014; 8:224. [PMID: 25161608 PMCID: PMC4130099 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2014.00224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2014] [Accepted: 07/21/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Reinstalling the neurobiological circuits to effectively change the debilitating course of neurodegenerative diseases is of utmost importance. This reinstallation requires generation of new cells which are able to differentiate into specific types of neurons and modification of the local environment suitable for integration of these new neurons into the neuronal circuits. Allopregnanolone (APα) seems to be involved in both of these processes, and therefore, is a potential neurotrophic agent. Loss of dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra (SN) is one of the main pathological features of Parkinson’s and also in, at least, a subset of Alzheimer’s patients. Therefore, reinstallation of the dopamine neurons in nigrostriatal tract is of unique importance for these neurodegenerative diseases. However, for the neurogenic status and the roles of allopregnanolone in the nigrostriatal tract, the evidence is accumulating and debating. This review summarizes recent studies regarding the neurogenic status in the nigrostriatal tract. Furthermore, special attention is placed on evidence suggesting that reductions in allopregnenalone levels are one of the major pathological features in PD and AD. This evidence has also been confirmed in brains of mice that were lesioned with 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) or those bearing neurodegenerative mutations. Lastly, we highlight studies showing that allopregnanalone can augment the number of total cells and dopaminergic neurons via peripheral exogenous administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Ming Wang
- Departments of Pathology, Psychiatry and Human Behavior, and Pharmacology and Toxicology, Memory Impairment and Neurodegenerative Dementia Center, University Mississippi Medical Center Jackson, MS, USA
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197
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Eppolito AK, Kodeih HR, Gerak LR. Using drug combinations to assess potential contributions of non-GABAA receptors in the discriminative stimulus effects of the neuroactive steroid pregnanolone in rats. Physiol Behav 2014; 137:33-41. [PMID: 25072672 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2014.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2013] [Revised: 06/24/2014] [Accepted: 07/18/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Neuroactive steroids are increasingly implicated in the development of depression and anxiety and have been suggested as possible treatments for these disorders. While neuroactive steroids, such as pregnanolone, act primarily at γ-aminobutyric acidA (GABAA) receptors, other mechanisms might contribute to their behavioral effects and could increase their clinical effectiveness, as compared with drugs acting exclusively at GABAA receptors (e.g., benzodiazepines). The current study examined the role of non-GABAA receptors, including N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) and serotonin3 (5-HT3) receptors, in the discriminative stimulus effects of pregnanolone. Separate groups of rats discriminated either 3.2mg/kg pregnanolone from vehicle or 0.32mg/kg of the benzodiazepine midazolam from vehicle while responding under a fixed-ratio 10 schedule for food pellets. When administered alone in both groups, pregnanolone and midazolam produced ≥80% drug-lever responding, the NMDA receptor antagonists dizocilpine and phencyclidine produced ≥60 and ≥30% drug-lever responding, respectively, and the 5-HT3 receptor agonist 1-(m-chlorophenyl)-biguanide (CPBG) and morphine produced <20% drug-lever responding up to doses that markedly decreased response rates. When studied together, neither dizocilpine, phencyclidine, CPBG nor morphine significantly altered the midazolam dose-effect curve in either group. Given that CPBG is without effect, it is unlikely that 5-HT3 receptors contribute substantially to the discriminative stimulus effects of pregnanolone. Similarities across groups in effects of dizocilpine and phencyclidine suggest that NMDA receptors do not differentially contribute to the effects of pregnanolone. Thus, NMDA and 5-HT3 receptors are not involved in the discriminative stimulus effects of pregnanolone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy K Eppolito
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Dr.-mail code 7764, San Antonio, TX 78229-3900, USA
| | - Hanna R Kodeih
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Dr.-mail code 7764, San Antonio, TX 78229-3900, USA
| | - Lisa R Gerak
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Dr.-mail code 7764, San Antonio, TX 78229-3900, USA.
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198
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Morita T, Senzaki K, Ishihara R, Umeda K, Iwata N, Nagai T, Hida H, Nabeshima T, Yukawa K, Ozaki N, Noda Y. Plasma dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate levels in patients with major depressive disorder correlate with remission during treatment with antidepressants. Hum Psychopharmacol 2014; 29:280-6. [PMID: 24911578 DOI: 10.1002/hup.2400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2013] [Revised: 01/26/2014] [Accepted: 02/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We attempted to investigate whether dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) levels are associated with remission of major depressive disorder by assessing scores on the 17-Item Structured Interview Guide for the Hamilton Depression before and after antidepressant treatment. METHODS Plasma DHEA-S levels in 24 patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder on the basis of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition (text revision) before and after antidepressant treatment, and 24 healthy, gender-matched, and age-matched controls were measured using a radioimmunoassay kit. RESULTS Plasma DHEA-S levels in patients were significantly higher than those in healthy controls. In patients who achieved remission after antidepressant treatment, plasma DHEA-S levels significantly declined compared with the levels before treatment. A significant correlation was observed between changes in DHEA-S levels and Absence of Depressive and Anxious Mood scores, which are calculated from the 2-Item Structured Interview Guide for the Hamilton Depression rating as follows: severity of depressive mood and anxiety in patients before and after antidepressant treatment. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that plasma DHEA-S levels can be used as a putative indicator of the state of remission in patients with major depressive disorder. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tokiko Morita
- Department of Physiology, Meijo University, Graduate School of Pharmacy, Nagoya, Japan; Department of Psychiatry, Nagoya University, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
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Holubova K, Nekovarova T, Pistovcakova J, Sulcova A, Stuchlík A, Vales K. Pregnanolone Glutamate, a Novel Use-Dependent NMDA Receptor Inhibitor, Exerts Antidepressant-Like Properties in Animal Models. Front Behav Neurosci 2014; 8:130. [PMID: 24795582 PMCID: PMC3997017 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2014.00130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2013] [Accepted: 03/29/2014] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
A number of studies demonstrated a rapid onset of an antidepressant effect of non-competitive N-methyl-d-aspartic acid receptor (NMDAR) antagonists. Nonetheless, its therapeutic potential is rather limited, due to a high coincidence of negative side-effects. Therefore, the challenge seems to be in the development of NMDAR antagonists displaying antidepressant properties, and at the same time maintaining regular physiological function of the NMDAR. Previous results demonstrated that naturally occurring neurosteroid 3α5β-pregnanolone sulfate shows pronounced inhibitory action by a use-dependent mechanism on the tonically active NMDAR. The aim of the present experiments is to find out whether the treatment with pregnanolone 3αC derivatives affects behavioral response to chronic and acute stress in an animal model of depression. Adult male mice were used throughout the study. Repeated social defeat and forced swimming tests were used as animal models of depression. The effect of the drugs on the locomotor/exploratory activity in the open-field test was also tested together with an effect on anxiety in the elevated plus maze. Results showed that pregnanolone glutamate (PG) did not induce hyperlocomotion, whereas both dizocilpine and ketamine significantly increased spontaneous locomotor activity in the open field. In the elevated plus maze, PG displayed anxiolytic-like properties. In forced swimming, PG prolonged time to the first floating. Acute treatment of PG disinhibited suppressed locomotor activity in the repeatedly defeated group-housed mice. Aggressive behavior of isolated mice was reduced after the chronic 30-day administration of PG. PG showed antidepressant-like and anxiolytic-like properties in the used tests, with minimal side-effects. Since PG combines GABAA receptor potentiation and use-dependent NMDAR inhibition, synthetic derivatives of neuroactive steroids present a promising strategy for the treatment of mood disorders. Highlights:
3α5β-pregnanolone glutamate (PG) is a use-dependent antagonist of NMDA receptors. We demonstrated that PG did not induce significant hyperlocomotion. We showed that PG displayed anxiolytic-like and antidepressant-like properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Holubova
- Institute of Physiology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic , Prague , Czech Republic
| | - Tereza Nekovarova
- Institute of Physiology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic , Prague , Czech Republic
| | - Jana Pistovcakova
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, Masaryk University , Brno , Czech Republic
| | - Alexandra Sulcova
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University , Brno , Czech Republic
| | - Ales Stuchlík
- Institute of Physiology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic , Prague , Czech Republic
| | - Karel Vales
- Institute of Physiology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic , Prague , Czech Republic
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200
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Bristot G, Ascoli B, Gubert C, Panizzutti B, Kapczinski F, Rosa AR. Progesterone and its metabolites as therapeutic targets in psychiatric disorders. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2014; 18:679-90. [PMID: 24654651 DOI: 10.1517/14728222.2014.897329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Neurosteroids are molecules that regulate physiological functions of the CNS. There is increasing evidence suggesting that impaired neurosteroid biosynthesis has been associated with distinct psychiatric disorders. This review summarizes data from studies that have investigated the relationship between progesterone (PROG) and psychiatric disorders as well as the mechanisms potentially involved in PROG-induced neuroprotection. AREAS COVERED The review covers the role of PROG and its metabolites in psychiatric disorders, focusing on results from preclinical and some clinical studies that support the relationship between alterations on PROG levels and pathophysiology of psychiatric illness. We also discussed the main mechanisms underlying the neuroprotective effects of PROG metabolites. EXPERT OPINION Our review points out the possible relationship between PROG and its metabolites and the pathophysiology of psychiatric disorders. Furthermore, both preclinical and clinical studies show that certain treatments (antidepressants or antipsychotics) may normalize the levels of PROG, suggesting that the amelioration of psychiatric symptoms may occur due to upregulation of PROG metabolites. Therefore, these results give support to new possibilities of treatment for patients with psychiatric symptoms from anxiety- and depressive-like behaviors to aggressive behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovana Bristot
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, National Science and Technology Institute for Translational Medicine (INCT-TM), Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Laboratory of Molecular Psychiatry, Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) , Porto Alegre , Brazil +55 51 33598845 ; +55 51 33598846 ;
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