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Jacob SM, Lee S, Kim SH, Sharkey KA, Pfeffer G, Nguyen MD. Brain-body mechanisms contribute to sexual dimorphism in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Nat Rev Neurol 2024; 20:475-494. [PMID: 38965379 DOI: 10.1038/s41582-024-00991-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most common form of human motor neuron disease. It is characterized by the progressive degeneration of upper and lower motor neurons, leading to generalized motor weakness and, ultimately, respiratory paralysis and death within 3-5 years. The disease is shaped by genetics, age, sex and environmental stressors, but no cure or routine biomarkers exist for the disease. Male individuals have a higher propensity to develop ALS, and a different manifestation of the disease phenotype, than female individuals. However, the mechanisms underlying these sex differences remain a mystery. In this Review, we summarize the epidemiology of ALS, examine the sexually dimorphic presentation of the disease and highlight the genetic variants and molecular pathways that might contribute to sex differences in humans and animal models of ALS. We advance the idea that sexual dimorphism in ALS arises from the interactions between the CNS and peripheral organs, involving vascular, metabolic, endocrine, musculoskeletal and immune systems, which are strikingly different between male and female individuals. Finally, we review the response to treatments in ALS and discuss the potential to implement future personalized therapeutic strategies for the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M Jacob
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Sukyoung Lee
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Seung Hyun Kim
- Department of Neurology, Hanyang University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Keith A Sharkey
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Gerald Pfeffer
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
- Department of Medical Genetics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
| | - Minh Dang Nguyen
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
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Kalakh S, Mouihate A. The Effects of Neuroactive Steroids on Myelin in Health and Disease. Med Princ Pract 2024; 33:198-214. [PMID: 38350432 PMCID: PMC11175611 DOI: 10.1159/000537794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Myelin plays a pivotal role in the efficient transmission of nerve impulses. Disruptions in myelin integrity are associated with numerous neurological disorders, including multiple sclerosis. In the central nervous system (CNS), myelin is formed by oligodendrocytes. Remyelination refers to the re-formation of the damaged myelin sheath by newly formed oligodendrocytes. Steroids have gained attention for their potential modulatory effects on myelin in both health and disease. Steroids are traditionally associated with endocrine functions, but their local synthesis within the nervous system has generated significant interest. The term "neuroactive steroids" refers to steroids that can act on cells of the nervous system. In the healthy state, neuroactive steroids promote myelin formation, maintenance, and repair by enhancing oligodendrocyte differentiation and maturation. In pathological conditions, such as demyelination injury, multiple neuroactive steroids have shown promise in promoting remyelination. Understanding the effects of neuroactive steroids on myelin could lead to novel therapeutic approaches for demyelinating diseases and neurodegenerative disorders. This review highlights the potential therapeutic significance of neuroactive steroids in myelin-related health and diseases. We review the synthesis of steroids by neurons and glial cells and discuss the roles of neuroactive steroids on myelin structure and function in health and disease. We emphasize the potential promyelinating effects of the varying levels of neuroactive steroids during different female physiological states such as the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, lactation, and postmenopause.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samah Kalakh
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Kuwait University, Kuwait City, Kuwait
- School of Engineering and Computing, American International University, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Abdeslam Mouihate
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Kuwait University, Kuwait City, Kuwait
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Biechele G, Rauchmann BS, Janowitz D, Buerger K, Franzmeier N, Weidinger E, Guersel S, Schuster S, Finze A, Harris S, Lindner S, Albert NL, Wetzel C, Rupprecht R, Rominger A, Palleis C, Katzdobler S, Burow L, Kurz C, Zaganjori M, Trappmann LK, Goldhardt O, Grimmer T, Haeckert J, Keeser D, Stoecklein S, Morenas-Rodriguez E, Bartenstein P, Levin J, Höglinger GU, Simons M, Perneczky R, Brendel M. Associations between sex, body mass index and the individual microglial response in Alzheimer's disease. J Neuroinflammation 2024; 21:30. [PMID: 38263017 PMCID: PMC10804830 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-024-03020-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES 18-kDa translocator protein position-emission-tomography (TSPO-PET) imaging emerged for in vivo assessment of neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's disease (AD) research. Sex and obesity effects on TSPO-PET binding have been reported for cognitively normal humans (CN), but such effects have not yet been systematically evaluated in patients with AD. Thus, we aimed to investigate the impact of sex and obesity on the relationship between β-amyloid-accumulation and microglial activation in AD. METHODS 49 patients with AD (29 females, all Aβ-positive) and 15 Aβ-negative CN (8 female) underwent TSPO-PET ([18F]GE-180) and β-amyloid-PET ([18F]flutemetamol) imaging. In 24 patients with AD (14 females), tau-PET ([18F]PI-2620) was additionally available. The brain was parcellated into 218 cortical regions and standardized-uptake-value-ratios (SUVr, cerebellar reference) were calculated. Per region and tracer, the regional increase of PET SUVr (z-score) was calculated for AD against CN. The regression derived linear effect of regional Aβ-PET on TSPO-PET was used to determine the Aβ-plaque-dependent microglial response (slope) and the Aβ-plaque-independent microglial response (intercept) at the individual patient level. All read-outs were compared between sexes and tested for a moderation effect of sex on associations with body mass index (BMI). RESULTS In AD, females showed higher mean cortical TSPO-PET z-scores (0.91 ± 0.49; males 0.30 ± 0.75; p = 0.002), while Aβ-PET z-scores were similar. The Aβ-plaque-independent microglial response was stronger in females with AD (+ 0.37 ± 0.38; males with AD - 0.33 ± 0.87; p = 0.006), pronounced at the prodromal stage. On the contrary, the Aβ-plaque-dependent microglial response was not different between sexes. The Aβ-plaque-independent microglial response was significantly associated with tau-PET in females (Braak-II regions: r = 0.757, p = 0.003), but not in males. BMI and the Aβ-plaque-independent microglial response were significantly associated in females (r = 0.44, p = 0.018) but not in males (BMI*sex interaction: F(3,52) = 3.077, p = 0.005). CONCLUSION While microglia response to fibrillar Aβ is similar between sexes, women with AD show a stronger Aβ-plaque-independent microglia response. This sex difference in Aβ-independent microglial activation may be associated with tau accumulation. BMI is positively associated with the Aβ-plaque-independent microglia response in females with AD but not in males, indicating that sex and obesity need to be considered when studying neuroinflammation in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gloria Biechele
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, University of Munich, Marchioninstraße 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
- Department of Radiology, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Boris-Stephan Rauchmann
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Institute of Neuroradiology, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Daniel Janowitz
- Institute for Stroke and Dementia Research, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Katharina Buerger
- Institute for Stroke and Dementia Research, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany
| | - Nicolai Franzmeier
- Institute for Stroke and Dementia Research, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, The Sahlgrenska Academy, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Endy Weidinger
- Department of Neurology, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Selim Guersel
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Sebastian Schuster
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, University of Munich, Marchioninstraße 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Anika Finze
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, University of Munich, Marchioninstraße 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Stefanie Harris
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, University of Munich, Marchioninstraße 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Simon Lindner
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, University of Munich, Marchioninstraße 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Nathalie L Albert
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, University of Munich, Marchioninstraße 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Christian Wetzel
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Rainer Rupprecht
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Axel Rominger
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, University of Munich, Marchioninstraße 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University of Bern, Inselspital, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Carla Palleis
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany
- Department of Neurology, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Sabrina Katzdobler
- Department of Neurology, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Lena Burow
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Carolin Kurz
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Mirlind Zaganjori
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, University of Munich, Marchioninstraße 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Lena-Katharina Trappmann
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Oliver Goldhardt
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, School of Medicine and Health, Technical University Munich, Klinikum Rechts Der Isar, Munich, Germany
| | - Timo Grimmer
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, School of Medicine and Health, Technical University Munich, Klinikum Rechts Der Isar, Munich, Germany
| | - Jan Haeckert
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Medical Faculty, University of Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Daniel Keeser
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Sophia Stoecklein
- Department of Radiology, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Peter Bartenstein
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, University of Munich, Marchioninstraße 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany
| | - Johannes Levin
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany
- Department of Neurology, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany
| | - Günter U Höglinger
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany
- Department of Neurology, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany
| | - Mikael Simons
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany
- Institute of Neuronal Cell Biology, TU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Robert Perneczky
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
- Ageing Epidemiology (AGE) Research Unit, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Matthias Brendel
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, University of Munich, Marchioninstraße 15, 81377, Munich, Germany.
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany.
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany.
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Barth C, Crestol A, de Lange AMG, Galea LAM. Sex steroids and the female brain across the lifespan: insights into risk of depression and Alzheimer's disease. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol 2023; 11:926-941. [PMID: 37865102 DOI: 10.1016/s2213-8587(23)00224-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023]
Abstract
Despite widespread sex differences in prevalence and presentation of numerous illnesses affecting the human brain, there has been little focus on the effect of endocrine ageing. Most preclinical studies have focused on males only, and clinical studies often analyse data by covarying for sex, ignoring relevant differences between the sexes. This sex- (and gender)-neutral approach is biased and contributes to the absence of targeted treatments and services for all sexes (and genders). Female health has been historically understudied, with grave consequences for their wellbeing and health equity. In this Review, we spotlight female brain health across the lifespan by informing on the role of sex steroids, particularly oestradiol, on the female brain and on risk for diseases more prevalent in females, such as depression and Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Barth
- Department of Psychiatric Research, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway; NORMENT, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Arielle Crestol
- Department of Psychiatric Research, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway; NORMENT, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ann-Marie G de Lange
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Liisa A M Galea
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Karaca E, Yarim M. Naringenin stimulates aromatase expression and alleviates the clinical and histopathological findings of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in C57bl6 mice. Histochem Cell Biol 2023; 160:477-490. [PMID: 37378907 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-023-02217-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
This study was conducted to demonstrate the possible protective and therapeutic effects of naringenin, an estrogenically effective flavonoid, in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), which is the rodent model of multiple sclerosis. For this purpose, 50 12-week-old C57BL6 male mice were divided into five groups; control, naringenin, EAE, prophylactic naringenin + EAE, and EAE + therapeutic naringenin. The EAE model was induced with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein(35-55), and naringenin (50 mg/kg) was administered by oral gavage. The prophylactic and therapeutic effects of naringenin were examined according to clinical, histopathological, immunohistochemical, electron microscopic, and RT-PCR (aromatase, 3βHSD, estrogen receptors, and progesterone receptor expression) parameters. The acute EAE model was successfully induced, along with its clinical and histopathological findings. RT-PCR showed that expression of aromatase, 3βHSD, estrogen receptor-β, and progesterone receptor gene decreased, while estrogen receptor-α increased after EAE induction. Electron microscopic analysis showed mitochondrial damage and degenerative changes in myelinated axons and neurons in EAE, which could be behind the downregulation in the expressions of neurosteroid enzymes. Aromatase immunopositivity rates also decreased in EAE, while estrogen receptor α and β, and progesterone receptor immunopositivity rates increased. Naringenin improved aromatase immunopositivity rates and gene expression in both prophylactic and therapeutic use. Clinical and histopathological findings revealed that EAE findings were alleviated in both prophylactic and therapeutic groups, along with significantly decreased inflammatory cell infiltrations in the white matter of the spinal cords. In conclusion, naringenin could provide long-term beneficial effects even in prophylactic use due to stimulating aromatase expression, but it could not prevent or eliminate the EAE model's lesions completely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Efe Karaca
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ondokuz Mayıs University, 55200, Atakum, Samsun, Turkey.
| | - Murat Yarim
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ondokuz Mayıs University, 55200, Atakum, Samsun, Turkey
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Szychowski KA, Skóra B. Disruption of neurosteroid synthesis and release by tris(2,3-dibromopropyl)isocyanurate in primary mouse cortical astrocytes in vitro. J Appl Toxicol 2023; 43:1604-1612. [PMID: 37254606 DOI: 10.1002/jat.4498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Neurosteroidogenesis in astrocytes is crucial for the proper development and functioning of the brain. During this process, key neurohormones such as progesterone (P4 ), testosterone (T), and estradiol (E2 ) are produced. Proper production and release of neurosteroids can be affected by substances referred to as endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs). Tris-(2,3-dibromopropyl)isocyanurate (TBC) is a representative of novel brominated flame retardants used to stop ignition or reduce fire-related property damage to plastics, polyolefin, polyphenyl alkene, unsaturated polyester, synthetic rubber, and fibers. Interestingly, previous studies have shown that TBC can enhance the proliferation of estradiol-sensitive breast cancers in vitro, which suggests that TBC has EDC properties. Therefore, given the suspected endocrine-disrupting properties of TBC, the aim of the present study was to determine the impact of TBC on the neurosteroid (P4 , T, and E2 ) production and secretion as well as the mRNA expression of key enzymes involved in its production in mouse astrocytes in vitro. Our paper shows that TBC increases P4 production with a strong decrease in T production, which is accompanied by a decrease in Cyp17a1 mRNA expression, that is, the main enzyme metabolizing P4 to T. Moreover, TBC in both studied concentrations increases P4 secretion in the culture medium. Finally, our studies have demonstrated an increase in the expression of Cyp19a1 mRNA, an enzyme metabolizing T to E2 , with a simultaneous increase in the amount of E2 in cells. Our data clearly show that TBC in an in vitro environment acts as EDCs, which may lead to serious consequences for the proper development and functioning of the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konrad A Szychowski
- Department of Biotechnology and Cell Biology, Medical College, University of Information Technology and Management in Rzeszow, Rzeszow, Poland
| | - Bartosz Skóra
- Department of Biotechnology and Cell Biology, Medical College, University of Information Technology and Management in Rzeszow, Rzeszow, Poland
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Hidalgo-Lopez E, Noachtar I, Pletzer B. Hormonal contraceptive exposure relates to changes in resting state functional connectivity of anterior cingulate cortex and amygdala. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1131995. [PMID: 37522123 PMCID: PMC10374315 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1131995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Hormonal contraceptives (HCs), nowadays one of the most used contraceptive methods, downregulate endogenous ovarian hormones, which have multiple plastic effects in the adult brain. HCs usually contain a synthetic estrogen, ethinyl-estradiol, and a synthetic progestin, which can be classified as androgenic or anti-androgenic, depending on their interaction with androgen receptors. Both the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and the amygdala express steroid receptors and have shown differential functionality depending on the hormonal status of the participant and the use of HC. In this work, we investigated for the first time the relationship between ACC and amygdala resting state functional connectivity (rs-FC) and HC use duration, while controlling for progestin androgenicity. Methods A total of 231 healthy young women participated in five different magnetic resonance imaging studies and were included in the final analysis. The relation between HC use duration and (i) gray matter volume, (ii) fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations, and (iii) seed-based connectivity during resting state in the amygdalae and ACC was investigated in this large sample of women. Results In general, rs-FC of the amygdalae with frontal areas, and between the ACC and temporoparietal areas, decreased the longer the HC exposure and independently of the progestin's androgenicity. The type of HC's progestin did show a differential effect in the gray matter volume of left ACC and the connectivity between bilateral ACC and the right inferior frontal gyrus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esmeralda Hidalgo-Lopez
- Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
- Department of Psychology, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Isabel Noachtar
- Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
- Department of Psychology, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Belinda Pletzer
- Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
- Department of Psychology, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
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8
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Heller C, Kimmig ACS, Kubicki MR, Derntl B, Kikinis Z. Imaging the human brain on oral contraceptives: A review of structural imaging methods and implications for future research goals. Front Neuroendocrinol 2022; 67:101031. [PMID: 35998859 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2022.101031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Worldwide over 150 million women use oral contraceptives (OCs), which are the most prescribed form of contraception in both the United States and in European countries. Sex hormones, such as estradiol and progesterone, are important endogenous hormones known for shaping the brain across the life span. Synthetic hormones, which are present in OCs, interfere with the natural hormonal balance by reducing the endogenous hormone levels. Little is known how this affects the brain, especially during the most vulnerable times of brain maturation. Here, we review studies that investigate differences in brain gray and white matter in women using OCs in comparison to naturally cycling women. We focus on two neuroimaging methods used to quantify structural gray and white matter changes, namely structural MRI and diffusion MRI. Finally, we discuss the potential of these imaging techniques to advance knowledge about the effects of OCs on the brain and wellbeing in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carina Heller
- Psychiatry Neuroimaging Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Jena University Hospital, Germany; Department of Clinical Psychology, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Germany.
| | - Ann-Christin S Kimmig
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Innovative Neuroimaging, Tübingen Center for Mental Health (TüCMH), University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; Graduate Training Centre of Neuroscience, International Max Planck Research School, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Marek R Kubicki
- Psychiatry Neuroimaging Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Birgit Derntl
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Innovative Neuroimaging, Tübingen Center for Mental Health (TüCMH), University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; Lead Graduate School, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Zora Kikinis
- Psychiatry Neuroimaging Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Huo D, Su F, Cui W, Liu S, Zhang L, Yang H, Sun L. Heat stress and evisceration caused lipid metabolism and neural transduction changes in sea cucumber: Evidence from metabolomics. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 182:113993. [PMID: 35952546 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
When encountering adverse environmental conditions, some holothurians can eject their internal organs in a process called evisceration. As global warming intensified, eviscerated and intact sea cucumbers both experience heat stress, but how they performed was uncertain. We constructed 24 metabolomics profiles to reveal the metabolite changes of eviscerated and intact sea cucumbers under normal and high temperature conditions, respectively. Carboxylic acids and fatty acyls were the most abundant metabolic categories in evisceration and heat stress treatments, respectively. Neural transduction was involved in sea cucumber evisceration and stress response, and the commonly enriched pathway was "neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction". Lipid metabolism in eviscerated sea cucumbers differed from those of intact individuals and was more seriously affected by heat stress. Choline is a key metabolite for revealing the evisceration mechanism. Our results contribute to understanding the mechanisms of evisceration in sea cucumbers, and how sea cucumbers might respond to increasingly warming ocean conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Da Huo
- CAS Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266237, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Fang Su
- CAS Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266237, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Wei Cui
- CAS Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266237, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Shilin Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266237, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Libin Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266237, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Hongsheng Yang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266237, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Lina Sun
- CAS Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266237, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Qingdao 266071, China.
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10
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Grassi D, Marraudino M, Garcia-Segura LM, Panzica GC. The hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus as a central hub for the estrogenic modulation of neuroendocrine function and behavior. Front Neuroendocrinol 2022; 65:100974. [PMID: 34995643 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2021.100974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2021] [Revised: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Estradiol and hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) help coordinate reproduction with body physiology, growth and metabolism. PVN integrates hormonal and neural signals originating in the periphery, generating an output mediated both by its long-distance neuronal projections, and by a variety of neurohormones produced by its magnocellular and parvocellular neurosecretory cells. Here we review the cyto-and chemo-architecture, the connectivity and function of PVN and the sex-specific regulation exerted by estradiol on PVN neurons and on the expression of neurotransmitters, neuromodulators, neuropeptides and neurohormones in PVN. Classical and non-classical estrogen receptors (ERs) are expressed in neuronal afferents to PVN and in specific PVN interneurons, projecting neurons, neurosecretory neurons and glial cells that are involved in the input-output integration and coordination of neurohormonal signals. Indeed, PVN ERs are known to modulate body homeostatic processes such as autonomic functions, stress response, reproduction, and metabolic control. Finally, the functional implications of the estrogenic modulation of the PVN for body homeostasis are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Grassi
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Neuroscience, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - M Marraudino
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), Orbassano, Torino, Italy
| | - L M Garcia-Segura
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid, Spain
| | - G C Panzica
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), Orbassano, Torino, Italy; Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi Montalcini, University of Torino, Torino, Italy.
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11
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Wareham LK, Liddelow SA, Temple S, Benowitz LI, Di Polo A, Wellington C, Goldberg JL, He Z, Duan X, Bu G, Davis AA, Shekhar K, Torre AL, Chan DC, Canto-Soler MV, Flanagan JG, Subramanian P, Rossi S, Brunner T, Bovenkamp DE, Calkins DJ. Solving neurodegeneration: common mechanisms and strategies for new treatments. Mol Neurodegener 2022; 17:23. [PMID: 35313950 PMCID: PMC8935795 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-022-00524-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 49.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Across neurodegenerative diseases, common mechanisms may reveal novel therapeutic targets based on neuronal protection, repair, or regeneration, independent of etiology or site of disease pathology. To address these mechanisms and discuss emerging treatments, in April, 2021, Glaucoma Research Foundation, BrightFocus Foundation, and the Melza M. and Frank Theodore Barr Foundation collaborated to bring together key opinion leaders and experts in the field of neurodegenerative disease for a virtual meeting titled "Solving Neurodegeneration". This "think-tank" style meeting focused on uncovering common mechanistic roots of neurodegenerative disease and promising targets for new treatments, catalyzed by the goal of finding new treatments for glaucoma, the world's leading cause of irreversible blindness and the common interest of the three hosting foundations. Glaucoma, which causes vision loss through degeneration of the optic nerve, likely shares early cellular and molecular events with other neurodegenerative diseases of the central nervous system. Here we discuss major areas of mechanistic overlap between neurodegenerative diseases of the central nervous system: neuroinflammation, bioenergetics and metabolism, genetic contributions, and neurovascular interactions. We summarize important discussion points with emphasis on the research areas that are most innovative and promising in the treatment of neurodegeneration yet require further development. The research that is highlighted provides unique opportunities for collaboration that will lead to efforts in preventing neurodegeneration and ultimately vision loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren K Wareham
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Shane A Liddelow
- Neuroscience Institute, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sally Temple
- Neural Stem Cell Institute, NY, 12144, Rensselaer, USA
| | - Larry I Benowitz
- Department of Neurosurgery and F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Adriana Di Polo
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Cheryl Wellington
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Jeffrey L Goldberg
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University, CA, Palo Alto, USA
| | - Zhigang He
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, MA, Boston, USA
| | - Xin Duan
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Guojun Bu
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Albert A Davis
- Department of Neurology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Karthik Shekhar
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Anna La Torre
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - David C Chan
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, CA, 91125, Pasadena, USA
| | - M Valeria Canto-Soler
- CellSight Ocular Stem Cell and Regeneration Research Program, Department of Ophthalmology, Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - John G Flanagan
- Herbert Wertheim School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - David J Calkins
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
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12
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Zhang Q, Gu S, Yu C, Cao R, Xu Y, Fu L, Wang C. Integrated assessment of endocrine disrupting potential of four novel brominated flame retardants. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2022; 232:113206. [PMID: 35085884 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.113206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Novel brominated flame retardants (NBFRs) have emerged as alternatives to the legacy BFRs due to BFRs' persistence, bioaccumulation and evidence of adverse health effects. The increasing production of NBFRs has led to the frequent detection in environmental media and even in organisms. Thus the potential health risks of these novel NBFRs need to be taken into account. Herein, the endocrine disrupting effects of the four NBFRs (α/β-TBCO, PBEB, EHTBB and BEHTBP) were evaluated by constructing an estrogen receptor (ERα), glucocorticoid receptor (GR), and mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) mediated dual-luciferase reporter gene assays on the CHO cells, in combination with steroid experiments on the H295R cells and molecular docking. The results revealed that α/β-TBCO, PBEB and EHTBB induced anti-estrogenic activity at certain concentrations while none of the four NBFRs was agonistic to ERα. For reporter gene assay, only PBEB exhibited GR antagonistic effects. Notably, none of the four NBFRs possess neither agonistic nor antagonistic activity of MR. The molecular docking results were generally consistent with the reporter gene assay, which showed the different binding affinities between NBFRs and the receptors. For steroidogenesis, α/β-TBCO, PBEB, and EHTBB all upregulated genes encoding for steroid synthesis enzymes, including 17βHSD, CYP11B1 and CYP17. Altogether, the data clarified that NBFRs may pose risks of endocrine disruption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310032, China.
| | - Sijia Gu
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310032, China
| | - Chang Yu
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310032, China
| | - Rui Cao
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310032, China
| | - Yitian Xu
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310032, China
| | - Lili Fu
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310032, China
| | - Cui Wang
- School of Life Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
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13
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Domínguez-Ordoñez R, Garcia-Juárez M, Tapia-Hernández S, Luna-Hernández A, Galindo-Madrid ME, Tecamachaltzi-Silvarán MB, Hoffman KL, Pfaus JG, González-Flores O. Oxytocin induces lordosis behavior in female rats through the prostaglandin E2/GnRH signaling system. Horm Behav 2021; 136:105081. [PMID: 34710777 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2021.105081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Intracerebroventricular (icv) administration of oxytocin (OT) induces robust lordosis behavior (lordosis quotient and lordosis intensity) in estrogen-primed rats. The present study explored the hypothesis that the OT-Prostaglandin E2-GnRH pathway (a pathway produced in astrocytes) is involved in the facilitation of lordosis behavior by icv infusion of OT (2 μg). In Experiment 1, we tested the involvement of the OT receptor (OTR) by infusion of the OTR antagonist, atosiban (ATO). OT-induced lordosis was significantly reduced at both 30 and 120 min by prior infusion of ATO. In Experiment 2, we studied the effects of aspirin (COX2 inhibitor) and ONO-AE3-208 (ONO; EP4 prostaglandin receptor antagonist) on OT-induced lordosis. Infusions of both compounds diminished OT-induced lordosis at both 120 and 240 min. In Experiment 3, the involvement of the GnRH-1 receptor inhibitor antide on OT-induced lordosis was evaluated. Antide significantly inhibited OT-induced lordosis at all times tested. These data indicate that the OT/PGE2/GnRH pathway is involved in the expression of OT-induced lordosis behavior, an effect that may be occurring directly in hypothalamic astrocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raymundo Domínguez-Ordoñez
- Centro de Investigación en Reproducción Animal, Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala-CINVESTAV, Tlaxcala, Mexico
| | - Marcos Garcia-Juárez
- Centro de Investigación en Reproducción Animal, Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala-CINVESTAV, Tlaxcala, Mexico
| | - Sandra Tapia-Hernández
- Centro de Investigación en Reproducción Animal, Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala-CINVESTAV, Tlaxcala, Mexico
| | - Ailyn Luna-Hernández
- Centro de Investigación en Reproducción Animal, Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala-CINVESTAV, Tlaxcala, Mexico
| | - Miriam Eli Galindo-Madrid
- Centro de Investigación en Reproducción Animal, Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala-CINVESTAV, Tlaxcala, Mexico
| | | | - Kurt L Hoffman
- Centro de Investigación en Reproducción Animal, Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala-CINVESTAV, Tlaxcala, Mexico
| | - James G Pfaus
- Department of Psychology and Life Sciences, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic; Czech National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic
| | - Oscar González-Flores
- Centro de Investigación en Reproducción Animal, Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala-CINVESTAV, Tlaxcala, Mexico.
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Effect of 17β-Estradiol, Progesterone, and Tamoxifen on Neurons Infected with Toxoplasma gondii In Vitro. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9102174. [PMID: 34683495 PMCID: PMC8541540 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9102174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is the causal agent of toxoplasmosis, which produces damage in the central nervous system (CNS). Toxoplasma-CNS interaction is critical for the development of disease symptoms. T. gondii can form cysts in the CNS; however, neurons are more resistant to this infection than astrocytes. The probable mechanism for neuron resistance is a permanent state of neurons in the interface, avoiding the replication of intracellular parasites. Steroids regulate the formation of Toxoplasma cysts in mice brains. 17β-estradiol and progesterone also participate in the control of Toxoplasma infection in glial cells in vitro. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of 17β-estradiol, progesterone, and their specific agonists-antagonists on Toxoplasma infection in neurons in vitro. Neurons cultured were pretreated for 48 h with 17β-estradiol or progesterone at 10, 20, 40, 80, or 160 nM/mL or tamoxifen 1 μM/mL plus 17β-estradiol at 10, 20, 40, 80, and 160 nM/mL. In other conditions, the neurons were pretreated during 48 h with 4,4',4″-(4-propyl-[1H] pyrozole-1,3,5-triyl) trisphenol or 23-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl) propionitrile at 1 nM/mL, and mifepristone 1 µM/mL plus progesterone at 10, 20, 40, 80, and 160 nM/mL. Neurons were infected with 5000 tachyzoites of the T. gondii strain RH. The effect of 17β estradiol, progesterone, their agonists, or antagonists on Toxoplasma infection in neurons was evaluated at 24 and 48 h by immunocytochemistry. T. gondii replication was measured with the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide reduction assay. 17β-Estradiol alone or plus tamoxifen reduced infected neurons (50%) compared to the control at 48 h. Progesterone plus estradiol decreased the number of intracellular parasites at 48 h of treatment compared to the control (p < 0.001). 4,4',4″-(4-propyl-[1H] pyrozole-1,3,5-triyl) trisphenol and 23-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl) propionitrile reduced infected neurons at 48 h of treatment significantly compared to the control (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001, respectively). The Toxoplasma infection process was decreased by the effect of 17β-estradiol alone or combined with tamoxifen or progesterone in neurons in vitro. These results suggest the essential participation of progesterone and estradiol and their classical receptors in the regulation of T. gondii neuron infection.
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15
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Mondragón JA, Serrano Y, Torres A, Orozco M, Segovia J, Manjarrez G, Romano MC. Glioblastoma cells express crucial enzymes involved in androgen synthesis: 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, 17-20α-hydroxylase, 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and 5α-reductase. ENDOCRINOLOGY DIABETES & METABOLISM 2021; 4:e00289. [PMID: 34505421 PMCID: PMC8502219 DOI: 10.1002/edm2.289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GB) is the most common and aggressive primary brain tumour in adult humans. Therapeutic resistance and tumour recurrence after surgical removal contribute to poor prognosis for glioblastoma patients. Men are known to be more likely than women to develop an aggressive form of GB, and differences in sex steroids have emerged as a leading explanation for this finding. Studies indicate that the metabolism and proliferation of GB‐derived cells are increased by sex steroids, the expression of androgen receptors (ARs) and the synthesis of androgens and oestrogens, suggesting that these hormones have a role in the tumour pathogenesis. The expression of aromatase, the enzyme that converts androgens to oestrogens, has been reported in glial cells and GB cell lines. Thus, it was necessary to test whether the steroidogenic enzymes involved in androgen synthesis are expressed in GB cells. Therefore, here, we investigated the expression of four key enzymes involved in androgen synthesis in human‐derived GB cells. U87 cells were cultured in Dulbecco's modified Eagle medium plus foetal bovine serum and antibiotics on slides for immunocytochemistry or immunofluorescence. U87, LN229 and C6 cells were also cultured in multi‐well chambers to obtain proteins for Western blotting. We used primary antibodies against 3β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β‐HSD), 17α‐hydroxilase/17,20‐lyase (P450c17), 17β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17β‐HSD) and 5α‐reductase. Immunocytochemistry, and immunofluorescence results revealed that glioblastoma cells express 3β‐HSD, P450c17, 17β‐HSD and 5α‐reductase proteins in their cytoplasm. Moreover, Western blot analyses revealed bands corresponding to the molecular weight of these four enzymes in the three GB cell lines. Thus, glioblastoma cells have the key enzymatic machinery necessary to synthesize androgens, and these enzymes might be useful targets for new therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose Antonio Mondragón
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biofísica y Neurociencias, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico.,Unidad de Enfermedades Neurológicas, Hospital de Especialidades, México City, México
| | - Yesenia Serrano
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biofísica y Neurociencias, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
| | - Andrea Torres
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biofísica y Neurociencias, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
| | - Martin Orozco
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biofísica y Neurociencias, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
| | - Jose Segovia
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biofísica y Neurociencias, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
| | - Gabriel Manjarrez
- Unidad de Enfermedades Neurológicas, Hospital de Especialidades, México City, México
| | - Marta Catalina Romano
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biofísica y Neurociencias, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
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Sex-dependent effects of amyloid precursor-like protein 2 in the SOD1-G37R transgenic mouse model of MND. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:6605-6630. [PMID: 34476545 PMCID: PMC8558206 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-03924-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Motor neurone disease (MND) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterised by progressive destruction of motor neurons, muscle paralysis and death. The amyloid precursor protein (APP) is highly expressed in the central nervous system and has been shown to modulate disease outcomes in MND. APP is part of a gene family that includes the amyloid precursor-like protein 1 (APLP1) and 2 (APLP2) genes. In the present study, we investigated the role of APLP2 in MND through the examination of human spinal cord tissue and by crossing APLP2 knockout mice with the superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1-G37R) transgenic mouse model of MND. We found the expression of APLP2 is elevated in the spinal cord from human cases of MND and that this feature of the human disease is reproduced in SOD1-G37R mice at the End-stage of their MND-like phenotype progression. APLP2 deletion in SOD1-G37R mice significantly delayed disease progression and increased the survival of female SOD1-G37R mice. Molecular and biochemical analysis showed female SOD1-G37R:APLP2-/- mice displayed improved innervation of the neuromuscular junction, ameliorated atrophy of muscle fibres with increased APP protein expression levels in the gastrocnemius muscle. These results indicate a sex-dependent role for APLP2 in mutant SOD1-mediated MND and further support the APP family as a potential target for further investigation into the cause and regulation of MND.
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17
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Elastin-Derived Peptides in the Central Nervous System: Friend or Foe. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2021; 42:2473-2487. [PMID: 34374904 PMCID: PMC9560920 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-021-01140-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Elastin is one of the main structural matrix proteins of the arteries, lung, cartilage, elastic ligaments, brain vessels, and skin. These elastin fibers display incredible resilience and structural stability with long half-life. However, during some physiological and pathophysiological conditions, elastin is prone to proteolytic degradation and, due to the extremely low turnover rate, its degradation is practically an irreversible and irreparable phenomenon. As a result of elastin degradation, new peptides called elastin-derived peptides (EDPs) are formed. A growing body of evidence suggests that these peptides play an important role in the development of age-related vascular disease. They are also detected in the cerebrospinal fluid of healthy people, and their amount increases in patients after ischemic stroke. Recently, elastin-like polypeptides have been reported to induce overproduction of beta-amyloid in a model of Alzheimer's disease. Nevertheless, the role and mechanism of action of EDPs in the nervous system is largely unknown and limited to only a few studies. The article summarizes the current state of knowledge on the role of EDPs in the nervous system.
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18
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Mogali S, Askalsky P, Madera G, Jones JD, Comer SD. Minocycline attenuates oxycodone-induced positive subjective responses in non-dependent, recreational opioid users. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2021; 209:173241. [PMID: 34298029 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2021.173241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent data suggest that glial cells may be involved in the analgesic effects and abuse liability of opioids. Preclinical studies have demonstrated that mu-opioid-receptor-selective agonists, such as oxycodone, activate glia and increase the release of cytokines, causing a suppression of opioid-induced analgesic effects. Preclinical studies also show that certain medications, such as the broad-spectrum tetracycline antibiotic minocycline, inhibit opioid-induced glial activation and thereby enhance the analgesic effects of opioids. Importantly, minocycline reduces the rewarding effects of opioids at the same doses that it enhances opioid-induced analgesia. AIMS The purpose of the present study was to assess the effects of acute administration of minocycline on the subjective, physiological, and analgesic effects of oxycodone in human research volunteers. DESIGN This study was a within-subject, randomized, double-blind outpatient study. Participants completed five separate sessions in which they received 0, 100, or 200 mg minocycline (MINO) simultaneously with either 0 or 40 mg oxycodone (OXY). The subjective, physiological, and analgesic effects of OXY were measured before and repeatedly after drug administration. SETTINGS AND PARTICIPANTS Participants were between 21 and 45 years of age, non-treatment seeking, non-dependent recreational opioid users (N = 12). This study was conducted between 2013 and 2014 at the New York State Psychiatric Institute in New York, NY. FINDINGS MINO 100 and 200 mg were safe and well-tolerated in combination with OXY 40 mg. MINO 200 mg administered with OXY 40 mg attenuated OXY-induced positive subjective effects such as "Good Effect" and "Liking" compared to OXY alone. MINO did not alter the physiological or analgesic effects of OXY. CONCLUSIONS MINO may attenuate the abuse liability of mu-opioid-receptor-selective agonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Mogali
- Division on Substance Use Disorders, New York State Psychiatric Institute, Department of Psychiatry, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University, 1051 Riverside Dr., Unit 66, New York, NY 10032, United States of America.
| | - P Askalsky
- NYU Langone School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, New York, NY 10016, United States of America
| | - G Madera
- Weill Cornell Medical College, 515 East 71st Street, New York, NY 10021, United States of America
| | - J D Jones
- Division on Substance Use Disorders, New York State Psychiatric Institute, Department of Psychiatry, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University, 1051 Riverside Dr., Unit 66, New York, NY 10032, United States of America
| | - S D Comer
- Division on Substance Use Disorders, New York State Psychiatric Institute, Department of Psychiatry, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University, 1051 Riverside Dr., Unit 66, New York, NY 10032, United States of America
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19
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An LC-APCI +-MS/MS-based method for determining the concentration of neurosteroids in the brain of male mice with different gut microbiota. J Neurosci Methods 2021; 360:109268. [PMID: 34171313 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2021.109268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although the interaction between the gut microbiota and central nervous system (CNS) is well-known, the effects of gut microbiota on different brain regions remain obscure. NEW METHOD In present study, we developed a simple and sensitive high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry with atmospheric pressure chemical ionization in positive mode (LC-APCI+-MS/MS) for simultaneous detection of 12 analytes in the rodent' brain with different housing conditions RESULTS: The results showed that male mice in XZ group had significantly higher brain levels of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), androstenedione (A4), testosterone (T), progesterone (P), corticosterone (CORT), aldosterone (ALD) and 11-dehydrocorticosterone (11-DHC) than those in SPF group. CORT level was higher in the left prefrontal cortex, whereas ALD and 11-DHC levels were higher in the left hypothalamus than in the right symmetrical areas in both groups. DHEA and CORT levels were highest in the striatum than in the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, hypothalamus, regardless of the region and group (XZ and SPF). COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHODS These results demonstrated that the method developed in this study provides, for the first time, direct quantitation of neurosteroids in male mice brain. CONCLUSIONS DHEA levels showed a left-lateralized pattern in the hippocampus and hypothalamus. Mice in the XZ group showed significantly elevated levels of CORT and/or its metabolites, ALD and 11-DHC in brain than mice in the SPF group. Insanitation living conditions increased more diverse gut microbiota.
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20
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Chowen JA, Garcia-Segura LM. Role of glial cells in the generation of sex differences in neurodegenerative diseases and brain aging. Mech Ageing Dev 2021; 196:111473. [PMID: 33766745 DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2021.111473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 03/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Diseases and aging-associated alterations of the nervous system often show sex-specific characteristics. Glial cells play a major role in the endogenous homeostatic response of neural tissue, and sex differences in the glial transcriptome and function have been described. Therefore, the possible role of these cells in the generation of sex differences in pathological alterations of the nervous system is reviewed here. Studies have shown that glia react to pathological insults with sex-specific neuroprotective and regenerative effects. At least three factors determine this sex-specific response of glia: sex chromosome genes, gonadal hormones and neuroactive steroid hormone metabolites. The sex chromosome complement determines differences in the transcriptional responses in glia after brain injury, while gonadal hormones and their metabolites activate sex-specific neuroprotective mechanisms in these cells. Since the sex-specific neuroprotective and regenerative activity of glial cells causes sex differences in the pathological alterations of the nervous system, glia may represent a relevant target for sex-specific therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie A Chowen
- Department of Endocrinology, Hospital Infantil Universitario Niño Jesús, Instituto de Investigación la Princesa, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutriciόn (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, and IMDEA Food Institute, CEIUAM+CSIC, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Luis M Garcia-Segura
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
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21
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Rehbein E, Hornung J, Sundström Poromaa I, Derntl B. Shaping of the Female Human Brain by Sex Hormones: A Review. Neuroendocrinology 2021; 111:183-206. [PMID: 32155633 DOI: 10.1159/000507083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Traditionally sex hormones have been associated with reproductive and developmental processes only. Since the 1950s we know that hormones can have organizational effects on the developing brain and initiate hormonal transition periods such as puberty. However, recent evidence shows that sex hormones additionally structure the brain during important hormonal transition periods across a woman's life including short-term fluctuations during the menstrual cycle. However, a comprehensive review focusing on structural changes during all hormonal transition phases of women is still missing. Therefore, in this review structural changes across hormonal transition periods (i.e., puberty, menstrual cycle, oral contraceptive intake, pregnancy and menopause) were investigated in a structured way and correlations with sex hormones evaluated. Results show an overall reduction in grey matter and region-specific decreases in prefrontal, parietal and middle temporal areas during puberty. Across the menstrual cycle grey matter plasticity in the hippocampus, the amygdala as well as temporal and parietal regions were most consistently reported. Studies reporting on pre- and post-pregnancy measurements revealed volume reductions in midline structures as well as prefrontal and temporal cortices. During perimenopause, the decline in sex hormones was paralleled with a reduction in hippocampal and parietal cortex volume. Brain volume changes were significantly correlated with estradiol, testosterone and progesterone levels in some studies, but directionality remains inconclusive between studies. These results indicate that sex hormones play an important role in shaping women's brain structure during different transition periods and are not restricted to specific developmental periods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Rehbein
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Innovative Neuroimaging, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany,
| | - Jonas Hornung
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Innovative Neuroimaging, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | | | - Birgit Derntl
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Innovative Neuroimaging, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Werner Reichardt Centre for Integrative Neuroscience, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Lead Graduate School, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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22
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Ahmadpour D, Grange-Messent V. Involvement of Testosterone Signaling in the Integrity of the Neurovascular Unit in the Male: Review of Evidence, Contradictions, and Hypothesis. Neuroendocrinology 2021; 111:403-420. [PMID: 32512571 DOI: 10.1159/000509218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Age-related central nervous system function decline and increased susceptibility of females compared to males with respect to prevalence of several neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric diseases are both based on the principle that hormonal factors could be involved. These cerebral disorders are characterized by an alteration of blood-brain barrier (BBB) properties and chronic neuroinflammation, which lead to disease progression. Neuroinflammation, in turn, contributes to BBB dysfunction. The BBB and its environment, called the neurovascular unit (NVU), are crucial for cerebral homeostasis and neuronal function. Interestingly, sex steroids influence BBB properties and modulate neuroinflammatory responses. To date however, the majority of work reported has focused on the effects of estrogens on BBB function and neuroinflammation in female mammals. In contrast, the effects of testosterone signaling on the NVU in males are still poorly studied. The aim of this review was to summarize and discuss the literature, providing insights and contradictions to highlight hypothesis and the need for further investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delnia Ahmadpour
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM U1130, CNRS UMR 8246, Neuroscience Paris-Seine, Institut de Biologie Paris-Seine, Paris, France
| | - Valérie Grange-Messent
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM U1130, CNRS UMR 8246, Neuroscience Paris-Seine, Institut de Biologie Paris-Seine, Paris, France,
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23
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Corrigan NM, Yarnykh VL, Hippe DS, Owen JP, Huber E, Zhao TC, Kuhl PK. Myelin development in cerebral gray and white matter during adolescence and late childhood. Neuroimage 2020; 227:117678. [PMID: 33359342 PMCID: PMC8214999 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2020.117678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Myelin development during adolescence is becoming an area of growing interest in view of its potential relationship to cognition, behavior, and learning. While recent investigations suggest that both white matter (WM) and gray matter (GM) undergo protracted myelination during adolescence, quantitative relations between myelin development in WM and GM have not been previously studied. We quantitatively characterized the dependence of cortical GM, WM, and subcortical myelin density across the brain on age, gender, and puberty status during adolescence with the use of a novel macromolecular proton fraction (MPF) mapping method. Whole-brain MPF maps from a cross-sectional sample of 146 adolescents (age range 9–17 years) were collected. Myelin density was calculated from MPF values in GM and WM of all brain lobes, as well as in subcortical structures. In general, myelination of cortical GM was widespread and more significantly correlated with age than that of WM. Myelination of GM in the parietal lobe was found to have a significantly stronger age dependence than that of GM in the frontal, occipital, temporal and insular lobes. Myelination of WM in the temporal lobe had the strongest association with age as compared to WM in other lobes. Myelin density was found to be higher in males as compared to females when averaged across all cortical lobes, as well as in a bilateral subcortical region. Puberty stage was significantly correlated with myelin density in several cortical areas and in the subcortical GM. These findings point to significant differences in the trajectories of myelination of GM and WM across brain regions and suggest that cortical GM myelination plays a dominant role during adolescent development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neva M Corrigan
- Institute for Learning & Brain Sciences, University of Washington, Box 357988, Portage Bay Building, Seattle WA 98195, United States.
| | - Vasily L Yarnykh
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle WA 98195, United States
| | - Daniel S Hippe
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle WA 98195, United States
| | - Julia P Owen
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle WA 98195, United States
| | - Elizabeth Huber
- Institute for Learning & Brain Sciences, University of Washington, Box 357988, Portage Bay Building, Seattle WA 98195, United States
| | - T Christina Zhao
- Institute for Learning & Brain Sciences, University of Washington, Box 357988, Portage Bay Building, Seattle WA 98195, United States
| | - Patricia K Kuhl
- Institute for Learning & Brain Sciences, University of Washington, Box 357988, Portage Bay Building, Seattle WA 98195, United States
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24
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Biechele G, Franzmeier N, Blume T, Ewers M, Luque JM, Eckenweber F, Sacher C, Beyer L, Ruch-Rubinstein F, Lindner S, Gildehaus FJ, von Ungern-Sternberg B, Cumming P, Bartenstein P, Rominger A, Höglinger GU, Herms J, Brendel M. Glial activation is moderated by sex in response to amyloidosis but not to tau pathology in mouse models of neurodegenerative diseases. J Neuroinflammation 2020; 17:374. [PMID: 33317543 PMCID: PMC7737385 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-020-02046-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In vivo assessment of neuroinflammation by 18-kDa translocator protein positron-emission-tomography (TSPO-PET) ligands receives growing interest in preclinical and clinical research of neurodegenerative disorders. Higher TSPO-PET binding as a surrogate for microglial activation in females has been reported for cognitively normal humans, but such effects have not yet been evaluated in rodent models of neurodegeneration and their controls. Thus, we aimed to investigate the impact of sex on microglial activation in amyloid and tau mouse models and wild-type controls. Methods TSPO-PET (18F-GE-180) data of C57Bl/6 (wild-type), AppNL-G-F (β-amyloid model), and P301S (tau model) mice was assessed longitudinally between 2 and 12 months of age. The AppNL-G-F group also underwent longitudinal β-amyloid-PET imaging (Aβ-PET; 18F-florbetaben). PET results were confirmed and validated by immunohistochemical investigation of microglial (Iba-1, CD68), astrocytic (GFAP), and tau (AT8) markers. Findings in cerebral cortex were compared by sex using linear mixed models for PET data and analysis of variance for immunohistochemistry. Results Wild-type mice showed an increased TSPO-PET signal over time (female +23%, male +4%), with a significant sex × age interaction (T = − 4.171, p < 0.001). The Aβ model AppNL-G-F mice also showed a significant sex × age interaction (T = − 2.953, p = 0.0048), where cortical TSPO-PET values increased by 31% in female AppNL-G-F mice, versus only 6% in the male mice group from 2.5 to 10 months of age. Immunohistochemistry for the microglial markers Iba-1 and CD68 confirmed the TSPO-PET findings in male and female mice aged 10 months. Aβ-PET in the same AppNL-G-F mice indicated no significant sex × age interaction (T = 0.425, p = 0.673). The P301S tau model showed strong cortical increases of TSPO-PET from 2 to 8.5 months of age (female + 32%, male + 36%), without any significant sex × age interaction (T = − 0.671, p = 0.504), and no sex differences in Iba-1, CD68, or AT8 immunohistochemistry. Conclusion Female mice indicate sex-dependent microglia activation in aging and in response to amyloidosis but not in response to tau pathology. This calls for consideration of sex difference in TSPO-PET studies of microglial activation in mouse models of neurodegeneration and by extension in human studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gloria Biechele
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Marchioninstraße 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Nicolai Franzmeier
- Institute for Stroke and Dementia Research, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Tanja Blume
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Marchioninstraße 15, 81377, Munich, Germany.,DZNE - German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Munich, Germany
| | - Michael Ewers
- Institute for Stroke and Dementia Research, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.,DZNE - German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Munich, Germany
| | - Jose Medina Luque
- DZNE - German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Munich, Germany
| | - Florian Eckenweber
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Marchioninstraße 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Christian Sacher
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Marchioninstraße 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Leonie Beyer
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Marchioninstraße 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Francois Ruch-Rubinstein
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Marchioninstraße 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Simon Lindner
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Marchioninstraße 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Franz-Josef Gildehaus
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Marchioninstraße 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Barbara von Ungern-Sternberg
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Marchioninstraße 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Paul Cumming
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Inselspital, University Hospital Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,School of Psychology and Counselling, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Peter Bartenstein
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Marchioninstraße 15, 81377, Munich, Germany.,Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Axel Rominger
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Marchioninstraße 15, 81377, Munich, Germany.,Department of Nuclear Medicine, Inselspital, University Hospital Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Günter U Höglinger
- Institute for Stroke and Dementia Research, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.,Department of Neurology, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany.,Center of Neuropathology and Prion Research, University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Jochen Herms
- Institute for Stroke and Dementia Research, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.,Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany.,Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Matthias Brendel
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Marchioninstraße 15, 81377, Munich, Germany. .,Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.
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25
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Smedlund KB, Hill JW. The role of non-neuronal cells in hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2020; 518:110996. [PMID: 32860862 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2020.110996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Revised: 08/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis is controlled by gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) released by the hypothalamus. Disruption of this system leads to impaired reproductive maturation and function, a condition known as hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH). Most studies to date have focused on genetic causes of HH that impact neuronal development and function. However, variants may also impact the functioning of non-neuronal cells known as glia. Glial cells make up 50% of brain cells of humans, primates, and rodents. They include radial glial cells, microglia, astrocytes, tanycytes, oligodendrocytes, and oligodendrocyte precursor cells. Many of these cells influence the hypothalamic neuroendocrine system controlling fertility. Indeed, glia regulate GnRH neuronal activity and secretion, acting both at their cell bodies and their nerve endings. Recent work has also made clear that these interactions are an essential aspect of how the HPG axis integrates endocrine, metabolic, and environmental signals to control fertility. Recognition of the clinical importance of interactions between glia and the GnRH network may pave the way for the development of new treatment strategies for dysfunctions of puberty and adult fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn B Smedlund
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Medicine and Life Sciences, The University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, 43614, USA; Center for Diabetes and Endocrine Research, College of Medicine and Life Sciences, The University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, 43614, USA
| | - Jennifer W Hill
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Medicine and Life Sciences, The University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, 43614, USA; Center for Diabetes and Endocrine Research, College of Medicine and Life Sciences, The University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, 43614, USA.
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26
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Physiopathological Role of Neuroactive Steroids in the Peripheral Nervous System. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21239000. [PMID: 33256238 PMCID: PMC7731236 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21239000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 11/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Peripheral neuropathy (PN) refers to many conditions involving damage to the peripheral nervous system (PNS). Usually, PN causes weakness, numbness and pain and is the result of traumatic injuries, infections, metabolic problems, inherited causes, or exposure to chemicals. Despite the high prevalence of PN, available treatments are still unsatisfactory. Neuroactive steroids (i.e., steroid hormones synthesized by peripheral glands as well as steroids directly synthesized in the nervous system) represent important physiological regulators of PNS functionality. Data obtained so far and here discussed, indeed show that in several experimental models of PN the levels of neuroactive steroids are affected by the pathology and that treatment with these molecules is able to exert protective effects on several PN features, including neuropathic pain. Of note, the observations that neuroactive steroid levels are sexually dimorphic not only in physiological status but also in PN, associated with the finding that PN show sex dimorphic manifestations, may suggest the possibility of a sex specific therapy based on neuroactive steroids.
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27
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Diviccaro S, Giatti S, Borgo F, Falvo E, Caruso D, Garcia-Segura LM, Melcangi RC. Steroidogenic machinery in the adult rat colon. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2020; 203:105732. [PMID: 32777355 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2020.105732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2020] [Revised: 07/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Gastrointestinal function is known to be regulated by steroid molecules produced by the gonads, the adrenal glands and the gut microbiota. However, we have a limited knowledge on the functional significance of local steroid production by gastrointestinal tract tissue. On this basis, we have here evaluated, as a first methodological approach, the expression of steroidogenic molecules and the local levels of key steroids in the male rat colon. Our findings indicate that the colon tissue expresses molecules involved in the early steps of steroidogenesis and in the consecutive synthesis and metabolism of steroid hormones, such as progesterone, testosterone and 17β-estradiol. In addition, the levels of the steroid hormone precursor pregnenolone and the levels of active metabolites of progesterone and testosterone, such as dihydroprogesterone, tetrahydroprogesterone, dihydrotestosterone and 17β-estradiol, were higher in colon than in plasma. Higher levels of the androgen metabolite 3α-diol were detected in the colon in comparison with another non-classical steroidogenic tissue, such as the cerebral cortex. These findings suggest the existence of local steroid synthesis and metabolism in the colon, with the production of active steroid metabolites that may impact on the activity of the enteric nervous system and on the composition of the gut microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Diviccaro
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - S Giatti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - F Borgo
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - E Falvo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - D Caruso
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - L M Garcia-Segura
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - R C Melcangi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy,.
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28
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Song J, Cao C, Wang Y, Yao S, Catalino MP, Yan D, Xu G, Ma L. Response Activation and Inhibition in Patients With Prolactinomas: An Electrophysiological Study. Front Hum Neurosci 2020; 14:170. [PMID: 32848659 PMCID: PMC7396600 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2020.00170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Impairment of executive function has been reported in patients with prolactinomas. However, few studies have investigated the electrophysiological mechanisms of response activation and response inhibition in these patients. In this study, we employ an event-related potentials (ERPs) technique to quantitatively assess response activation and inhibition before and after the surgical treatment of prolactinomas. A 64-electrode electroencephalogram (EEG) skullcap was used to record the brain activity in 20 pre-operative patients, 20 follow-up post-operative patients, and 20 healthy controls (HCs) while performing the visual Go/Nogo task. As expected, we identified P300 across all study populations that could reflect response activation and inhibition. Across the three groups, the Nogo stimuli evoked larger frontal-central P300 than the Go stimuli did. In contrast, the Go trials elicited larger parietal P300 than the Nogo trials did. The peak latency of P300 was significantly delayed in both the pre-operative and the post-operative groups compared to the HCs. The amplitude of P300 in both the Go and the Nogo conditions was significantly decreased in the pre-operative patients compared with that of the HCs. At 6 months post-operatively, the prolactinoma patients showed an increase in amplitude of P300 during both the Go and the Nogo tasks. These findings indicate that the prolactinoma patients suffer from deficits in response activation and inhibition, which could be improved by surgical treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Song
- Department of Neurosurgery, The General Hospital of Chinese People's Liberation Army Central Theater Command, Wuhan, China
| | - Chenglong Cao
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Cognitive Science, College of Biomedical Engineering, South- Central University for Nationalities, Wuhan, China
| | - Shun Yao
- Center for Pituitary Tumor Surgery, Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Michael P Catalino
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.,Department of Neurosurgery, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Deqi Yan
- Traditional Chinese Medicine College, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Guozheng Xu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The General Hospital of Chinese People's Liberation Army Central Theater Command, Wuhan, China
| | - Lianting Ma
- Department of Neurosurgery, The General Hospital of Chinese People's Liberation Army Central Theater Command, Wuhan, China
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29
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Li X, Li M, Tian L, Chen J, Liu R, Ning B. Reactive Astrogliosis: Implications in Spinal Cord Injury Progression and Therapy. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2020; 2020:9494352. [PMID: 32884625 PMCID: PMC7455824 DOI: 10.1155/2020/9494352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Revised: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes are the most populous glial cells in the central nervous system (CNS). They are essential to CNS physiology and play important roles in the maintenance of homeostasis, development of synaptic plasticity, and neuroprotection. Nevertheless, under the influence of certain factors, astrocytes may also exert detrimental effects through a process of reactive astrogliosis. Previous studies have shown that astrocytes have more than one type of polarization. Two types have been extensively researched. One is a damaging change that occurs under inflammation and has been termed A1 astrocyte, while the other is a restorative change that occurs under ischemic induction and was termed A2 astrocyte. Researchers are now increasingly paying attention to the role of astrocytes in spinal cord injury (SCI), degenerative diseases, chronic pain, neurological tumors, and other CNS disorders. In this review, we discuss (a) the characteristics of polarized astrocytes, (b) the relationship between astrocyte polarization and SCI, and (c) new implications of reactive astrogliosis for future SCI therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Li
- Jinan Central Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, No. 105, Jiefang Road, Jinan, Shandong 250013, China
| | - Meng Li
- Jinan Central Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, No. 105, Jiefang Road, Jinan, Shandong 250013, China
| | - Lige Tian
- Jinan Central Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, No. 105, Jiefang Road, Jinan, Shandong 250013, China
| | - Jianan Chen
- Jinan Central Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, No. 105, Jiefang Road, Jinan, Shandong 250013, China
| | - Ronghan Liu
- Jinan Central Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, No. 105, Jiefang Road, Jinan, Shandong 250013, China
| | - Bin Ning
- Jinan Central Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, No. 105, Jiefang Road, Jinan, Shandong 250013, China
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Saldanha CJ. Estrogen as a Neuroprotectant in Both Sexes: Stories From the Bird Brain. Front Neurol 2020; 11:497. [PMID: 32655477 PMCID: PMC7324752 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.00497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Estrogens such as estradiol (E2) are potent effectors of neural structure and function via peripheral and central synthesis. In the zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata), neural E2 synthesis is among the highest reported in homeotherms due to the abundant constitutive expression of aromatase (E-synthase) in discrete neuronal pools across the forebrain. Following penetrating or concussive trauma, E2 synthesis increases even further via the induced expression of aromatase in reactive astrocytes around the site of damage. Injury-associated astrocytic aromatization occurs in the brains of both sexes regardless of the site of injury and can remain elevated for weeks following trauma. Interestingly, penetrating injury induces astrocytic aromatase more rapidly in females compared to males, but this sex difference is not detectable 24 h posttrauma. Indeed, unilateral penetrating injury can increase E2 content 4-fold relative to the contralateral uninjured hemisphere, suggesting that glial aromatization may be a powerful source of neural E2 available to circuits. Glial aromatization is neuroprotective as inhibition of injury-induced aromatase increases neuroinflammation, gliosis, necrosis, apoptosis, and infarct size. These effects are ameliorated upon replacement with E2, suggesting that the songbird may have evolved a rapidly responsive neurosteroidogenic system to protect vulnerable brain circuits. The precise signals that induce aromatase expression in astrocytes include elements of the inflammatory cascade and underscore the sentinel role of the innate immune system as a crucial effector of trauma-associated E2 provision in the vertebrate brain. This review will describe the inductive signals of astroglial aromatase and the neuroprotective role for glial E2 synthesis in the adult songbird brains of both sexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin J Saldanha
- Departments of Neuroscience, Biology, Psychology & The Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, American University, Washington, DC, United States
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Ho TC, Colich NL, Sisk LM, Oskirko K, Jo B, Gotlib IH. Sex differences in the effects of gonadal hormones on white matter microstructure development in adolescence. Dev Cogn Neurosci 2020; 42:100773. [PMID: 32452463 PMCID: PMC7058897 DOI: 10.1016/j.dcn.2020.100773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2019] [Revised: 01/27/2020] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Adolescence is characterized by rapid brain development in white matter (WM) that is attributed in part to surges in gonadal hormones. To date, however, there have been few longitudinal investigations relating changes in gonadal hormones and WM development in adolescents. We acquired diffusion-weighted MRI to estimate mean fractional anisotropy (FA) from 10 WM tracts and salivary testosterone from 51 females and 29 males (ages 9-14 years) who were matched on pubertal stage and followed, on average, for 2 years. We tested whether interactions between sex and changes in testosterone levels significantly explained changes in FA. We found positive associations between changes in testosterone and changes in FA within the corpus callosum, cingulum cingulate, and corticospinal tract in females (all ps<0.05, corrected) and non-significant associations in males. We also collected salivary estradiol from females and found that increases in estradiol were associated with increases in FA in the left uncinate fasciculus (p = 0.04, uncorrected); however, this effect was no longer significant after accounting for changes in testosterone. Our findings indicate there are sex differences in how changes in testosterone relate to changes in WM microstructure of tracts that support impulse control and emotion regulation across the pubertal transition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany C Ho
- Stanford University, Department of Psychology, Stanford, CA, United States; Stanford University, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford, CA, United States; University of California, San Francisco, Department of Psychiatry & Weill Institute for Neurosciences, San Francisco, CA, United States.
| | - Natalie L Colich
- University of Washington, Department of Psychology, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Lucinda M Sisk
- Stanford University, Department of Psychology, Stanford, CA, United States; Yale University, Department of Psychology, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Kira Oskirko
- Stanford University, Department of Psychology, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Booil Jo
- Stanford University, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Ian H Gotlib
- Stanford University, Department of Psychology, Stanford, CA, United States
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Almuslehi MSM, Sen MK, Shortland PJ, Mahns DA, Coorssen JR. CD8 T-cell Recruitment Into the Central Nervous System of Cuprizone-Fed Mice: Relevance to Modeling the Etiology of Multiple Sclerosis. Front Cell Neurosci 2020; 14:43. [PMID: 32210765 PMCID: PMC7076139 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.00043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 02/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cuprizone (CPZ)-feeding in mice induces atrophy of peripheral immune organs (thymus and spleen) and suppresses T-cell levels, thereby limiting its use as a model for studying the effects of the immune system in demyelinating diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS). To investigate whether castration (Cx) can protect the peripheral immune organs from CPZ-induced atrophy and enable T-cell recruitment into the central nervous system (CNS) following a breach of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), three related studies were carried out. In Study 1, Cx prevented the dose-dependent reductions (0.1% < 0.2% CPZ) in thymic and splenic weight, size of the thymic medulla and splenic white pulp, and CD4 and CD8 (CD4/8) levels remained comparable to gonadally intact (Gi) control males. Importantly, 0.1% and 0.2% CPZ were equipotent at inducing central demyelination and glial activation. In Study 2, combining Cx with 0.1% CPZ-feeding and BBB disruption with pertussis toxin (PT) enhanced CD8+ T-cell recruitment into the CNS. The increased CD8+ T-cell level observed in the parenchyma of the cerebrum, cerebellum, brainstem and spinal cord were confirmed by flow cytometry and western blot analyses of CNS tissue. In Study 3, PT+0.1% CPZ-feeding to Gi female mice resulted in similar effects on the peripheral immune organs, CNS demyelination, and gliosis comparable to Gi males, indicating that testosterone levels alone were not responsible for the immune response seen in Study 2. The combination of Cx+0.1% CPZ-feeding+PT indicates that CPZ-induced demyelination can trigger an “inside-out” immune response when the peripheral immune system is spared and may provide a better model to study the initiating events in demyelinating conditions such as MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed S M Almuslehi
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia.,Department of Physiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Diyala University, Diyala, Iraq
| | - Monokesh K Sen
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia
| | - Peter J Shortland
- School of Science, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia
| | - David A Mahns
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia
| | - Jens R Coorssen
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, St. Catharines, ON, Canada.,Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Mathematics and Science, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON, Canada
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Giatti S, Diviccaro S, Serafini MM, Caruso D, Garcia-Segura LM, Viviani B, Melcangi RC. Sex differences in steroid levels and steroidogenesis in the nervous system: Physiopathological role. Front Neuroendocrinol 2020; 56:100804. [PMID: 31689419 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2019.100804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Revised: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The nervous system, in addition to be a target for steroid hormones, is the source of a variety of neuroactive steroids, which are synthesized and metabolized by neurons and glial cells. Recent evidence indicates that the expression of neurosteroidogenic proteins and enzymes and the levels of neuroactive steroids are different in the nervous system of males and females. We here summarized the state of the art of neuroactive steroids, particularly taking in consideration sex differences occurring in the synthesis and levels of these molecules. In addition, we discuss the consequences of sex differences in neurosteroidogenesis for the function of the nervous system under healthy and pathological conditions and the implications of neuroactive steroids and neurosteroidogenesis for the development of sex-specific therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Giatti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Silvia Diviccaro
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Melania Maria Serafini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Donatella Caruso
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Luis Miguel Garcia-Segura
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Barbara Viviani
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Roberto C Melcangi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy.
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Imamura O, Arai M, Dateki M, Oishi K, Takishima K. Donepezil-induced oligodendrocyte differentiation is mediated through estrogen receptors. J Neurochem 2019; 155:494-507. [PMID: 31778582 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.14927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Revised: 11/21/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Loss of oligodendrocytes, the myelin-forming cells of the central nervous system, and subsequent failure of myelin development result in serious neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis. Using primary mouse embryonic neural stem cells (NSCs), we previously demonstrated that donepezil, an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor developed for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, stimulates the differentiation of NSCs into oligodendrocytes and neurons, albeit at the expense of astrogenesis. However, the precise mechanisms underlying donepezil-induced differentiation remain unclear. In this study, we aimed at elucidating the molecular pathways contributing to donepezil-induced differentiation of mouse-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neural stem cells (miPSC-NSCs). We used cell-based reporter gene arrays to investigate effects of donepezil on differentiation of miPSC-NSCs. Subsequently, we assessed the molecular pathway underlying donepezil action on differentiation of miPSC-NSCs into mature oligodendrocytes. Donepezil increased the transcriptional activity of estrogen response element under differentiating conditions. Moreover, estrogen receptors α (ERα) and β (ERβ) were highly expressed in MBP-positive mature oligodendrocytes. The ER antagonist ICI 182,780 abrogated the number of MBP-positive oligodendrocytes induced by donepezil, but showed no effect on the differentiation of miPSC-NSCs into Tuj1-positive neurons and GFAP-positive astrocytes. Furthermore, the donepezil-induced generation of mature oligodendrocytes from miPSC-NSC was significantly attenuated by antagonists and siRNA targeting ERα and ERβ. In conclusion, we demonstrated, for the first time, that donepezil-induced oligodendrogenesis is mediated through both ER subtypes, ERα and ERβ. Cover Image for this issue: https://doi.org/10.1111/jnc.14771.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osamu Imamura
- Department of Biochemistry, National Defense Medical College, Tokorozawa, Saitama, Japan
| | - Masaaki Arai
- Department of Biochemistry, National Defense Medical College, Tokorozawa, Saitama, Japan
| | - Minori Dateki
- Department of Biochemistry, National Defense Medical College, Tokorozawa, Saitama, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Oishi
- Department of Pharmacology, Meiji Pharmaceutical University, Kiyose, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kunio Takishima
- Department of Biochemistry, National Defense Medical College, Tokorozawa, Saitama, Japan
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Choi SR, Beitz AJ, Lee JH. Inhibition of Cytochrome P450 Side-Chain Cleavage Attenuates the Development of Mechanical Allodynia by Reducing Spinal D-Serine Production in a Murine Model of Neuropathic Pain. Front Pharmacol 2019; 10:1439. [PMID: 31866864 PMCID: PMC6908476 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.01439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Research indicates that neurosteroids are locally synthesized in the central nervous system and play an important modulatory role in nociception. While the neurosteroidogenic enzyme, cytochrome P450 side-chain cleavage enzyme (P450scc), is the initiating enzyme of steroidogenesis, P450scc has not been examined under the pathophysiological conditions associated with peripheral neuropathy. Thus, we investigated whether chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve increases the expression of P450scc in the spinal cord and whether this increase modulates serine racemase (Srr) expression and D-serine production contributing to the development of neuropathic pain. CCI increased the immunoreactivity of P450scc in astrocytes of the ipsilateral lumbar spinal cord dorsal horn. Intrathecal administration of the P450scc inhibitor, aminoglutethimide, during the induction phase of neuropathic pain (days 0 to 3 post-surgery) significantly suppressed the CCI-induced development of mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia, the increased expression of astrocyte Srr in both the total and cytosol levels, and the increases in D-serine immunoreactivity at day 3 post-surgery. By contrast, intrathecal administration of aminoglutethimide during the maintenance phase of pain (days 14 to 17 post-surgery) had no effect on the developed neuropathic pain nor the expression of spinal Srr and D-serine immunoreactivity at day 17 post-surgery. Intrathecal administration of exogenous D-serine during the induction phase of neuropathic pain (days 0 to 3 post-surgery) restored the development of mechanical allodynia, but not the thermal hyperalgesia, that were suppressed by aminoglutethimide administration. Collectively, these results demonstrate that spinal P450scc increases the expression of astrocyte Srr and D-serine production, ultimately contributing to the development of mechanical allodynia induced by peripheral nerve injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheu-Ran Choi
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, BK21 PLUS Program for Creative Veterinary Science Research, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Alvin J Beitz
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St Paul, MN, United States
| | - Jang-Hern Lee
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, BK21 PLUS Program for Creative Veterinary Science Research, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
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Elastin-Derived Peptide VGVAPG Affects Production and Secretion of Testosterone in Mouse Astrocyte In Vitro. Neurochem Res 2019; 45:385-394. [PMID: 31776971 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-019-02920-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Revised: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 11/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes play many distinct roles in the nervous system providing structural support for neurons and maintaining blood-brain barrier integrity. Steroid hormones exhibit a broad spectrum of actions in the central and peripheral nervous system, acting as trophic factors affecting cell differentiation and synaptic plasticity. In steroidogenesis, astrocytes play a key role by producing cholesterol, progesterone (P4), testosterone (T), and estradiol (E2). Currently there are only few studies which show that the Gly-Val-Ala-Pro-Gly (VGVAPG) peptide may affect the metabolism of astrocytes. Therefore, due to the role of neurosteroids, it is necessary to determine whether VGVAPG affects the level of E2, P4, and T in astrocytes. Primary mouse astrocytes were maintained in DMEM/F12 without phenol red, and supplemented with 10% charcoal/dextran-treated fetal bovine serum. Cells were exposed to 10 nM and 1 µM VGVAPG peptide and co-treated with cSrc kinase inhibitor I. After cell stimulation, we measured the Ki67 protein level and the production and secretion of P4, T, and E2. Our report presents the novel finding that the VGVAPG peptide affects the production and secretion of neurosteroids in astrocytes in vitro. The VGVAPG peptide increases the production of P4; however, at the same time, it decreases the secretion of P4 by astrocytes. On the other hand, it stimulates the production and secretion of T. Interestingly, the production of E2 did not change in any studied time interval. The expression of Ki67 protein increased after 48 h of exposition to the VGVAPG peptide. The cSrc kinase inhibitor I prevented most of the effects of VGVAPG peptide. Therefore, we postulate that T and cSrc kinase may be responsible for increasing astrocyte proliferation.
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Elastin-derived peptide VGVAPG affects the proliferation of mouse cortical astrocytes with the involvement of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (Ahr), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (Pparγ), and elastin-binding protein (EBP). Cytokine 2019; 126:154930. [PMID: 31760184 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2019.154930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Revised: 11/13/2019] [Accepted: 11/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
During aging and ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, elastin molecules are degraded and elastin-derived peptides are released into the brain microenvironment. Val-Gly-Val-Ala-Pro-Gly (VGVAPG) is a repeating hexapeptide in the elastin molecule. It is well documented that the peptide sequence binds with high affinity to elastin-binding protein (EBP) located on the cell surface, thereby transducing a molecular signal into the cell. The aim of our study was to investigate whether EBP, aryl hydrocarbon receptor (Ahr), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (Pparγ) are involved in VGVAPG-stimulated proliferation. Primary astrocytes were maintained in DMEM/F12 medium without phenol red, supplemented with 10 or 1% charcoal/dextran-treated fetal bovine serum (FBS). The cells were exposed to increasing concentrations of VGVAPG peptide, and resazurin reduction was measured. In addition, Glb1, Pparγ, and Ahr genes were silenced. After 48 h of exposure to 10 nM and 1 µM of VGVAPG peptide, the level of estradiol (E2) and the expression of Ki67 and S100B proteins were measured. The results showed that at a wide range of concentrations, VGVAPG peptide increased the metabolism of astrocytes depending on the concentration of FBS. After silencing of Glb1, Pparγ, and Ahr genes, VGVAPG peptide did not affect the cell metabolism which suggests the involvement of all the mentioned receptors in its mechanism of action. Interestingly, in the low-FBS medium, the silencing of Glb1 gene did not result in complete inhibition of VGVAPG-stimulated proliferation. On the other hand, in the medium with 10% FBS VGVAPG increased Ki67 expression after Pparγ silencing, whereas in the medium with 1% FBS VGVAPG decreased Ki67 expression. Following the application of Ahr siRNA, VGVAPG peptide decreased the production of E2 and increased the expression of Ki67 and S100B proteins.
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Howard SR, Dunkel L. Delayed Puberty-Phenotypic Diversity, Molecular Genetic Mechanisms, and Recent Discoveries. Endocr Rev 2019; 40:1285-1317. [PMID: 31220230 PMCID: PMC6736054 DOI: 10.1210/er.2018-00248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2018] [Accepted: 01/31/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
This review presents a comprehensive discussion of the clinical condition of delayed puberty, a common presentation to the pediatric endocrinologist, which may present both diagnostic and prognostic challenges. Our understanding of the genetic control of pubertal timing has advanced thanks to active investigation in this field over the last two decades, but it remains in large part a fascinating and mysterious conundrum. The phenotype of delayed puberty is associated with adult health risks and common etiologies, and there is evidence for polygenic control of pubertal timing in the general population, sex-specificity, and epigenetic modulation. Moreover, much has been learned from comprehension of monogenic and digenic etiologies of pubertal delay and associated disorders and, in recent years, knowledge of oligogenic inheritance in conditions of GnRH deficiency. Recently there have been several novel discoveries in the field of self-limited delayed puberty, encompassing exciting developments linking this condition to both GnRH neuronal biology and metabolism and body mass. These data together highlight the fascinating heterogeneity of disorders underlying this phenotype and point to areas of future research where impactful developments can be made.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sasha R Howard
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Leo Dunkel
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
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Inhibition of cytochrome P450c17 reduces spinal astrocyte activation in a mouse model of neuropathic pain via regulation of p38 MAPK phosphorylation. Biomed Pharmacother 2019; 118:109299. [PMID: 31387001 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2019.109299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2019] [Revised: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/31/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
We have recently demonstrated that the neurosteroid-metabolizing enzyme, cytochrome P450c17 is increased in spinal astrocytes contributing to the development of mechanical allodynia in chronic constriction injury (CCI)-induced neuropathic mice. However, the mechanisms by which spinal P450c17 modulates pathological changes in astrocytes remain unclear. In this study we investigated whether P450c17 modulates astrocyte activation and whether this process is mediated by spinal p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphorylation ultimately leading to the development of mechanical allodynia in CCI mice. Sciatic nerve injury induced a significant increase in glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression in the superficial dorsal horn (SDH, laminae I-II) and nucleus proprius (NP, laminae III-IV) regions of the spinal cord dorsal horn. Repeated daily (from days 0-3 post-surgery) intrathecal administration of the P450c17 inhibitor, ketoconazole (10 nmol) significantly inhibited the CCI-induced increase in GFAP-immunoreactivity, but had no effect on the CCI-induced increase in Iba-1-immunoreactivity. In addition, intrathecal administration of ketoconazole significantly inhibited the CCI-induced increase in p38 phosphorylation, while the levels of ERK and JNK phosphorylation remained unchanged. The CCI-induced development of mechanical allodynia was attenuated by administration of either ketoconazole (10 nmol) or the p38 MAPK inhibitor, SB203580 (5 nmol). Administration of a sub-effective dose of SB203580 (0.5 nmol) potentiated the pharmacological effect of ketoconazole (1 nmol) on spinal GFAP-immunostaining, as well as, the development of mechanical allodynia following CCI. Collectively these data suggest that spinal P450c17 activates astrocytes via p38 phosphorylation, ultimately leading to the development of mechanical allodynia in a model of peripheral neuropathy.
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40
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Milenkovic VM, Slim D, Bader S, Koch V, Heinl ES, Alvarez-Carbonell D, Nothdurfter C, Rupprecht R, Wetzel CH. CRISPR-Cas9 Mediated TSPO Gene Knockout alters Respiration and Cellular Metabolism in Human Primary Microglia Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20133359. [PMID: 31323920 PMCID: PMC6651328 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20133359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Revised: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 07/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The 18 kDa translocator protein (TSPO) is an evolutionary conserved cholesterol binding protein localized in the outer mitochondrial membrane. It has been implicated in the regulation of various cellular processes including oxidative stress, proliferation, apoptosis, and steroid hormone biosynthesis. Since the expression of TSPO in activated microglia is upregulated in various neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative disorders, we set out to examine the role of TSPO in an immortalized human microglia C20 cell line. To this end, we performed a dual approach and used (i) lentiviral shRNA silencing to reduce TSPO expression, and (ii) the CRISPR/Cas9 technology to generate complete TSPO knockout microglia cell lines. Functional characterization of control and TSPO knockdown as well as knockout cells, revealed only low de novo steroidogenesis in C20 cells, which was not dependent on the level of TSPO expression or influenced by the treatment with TSPO-specific ligands. In contrast to TSPO knockdown C20 cells, which did not show altered mitochondrial function, the TSPO deficient knockout cells displayed a significantly decreased mitochondrial membrane potential and cytosolic Ca2+ levels, as well as reduced respiratory function. Performing the rescue experiment by lentiviral overexpression of TSPO in knockout cells, increased oxygen consumption and restored respiratory function. Our study provides further evidence for a significant role of TSPO in cellular and mitochondrial metabolism and demonstrates that different phenotypes of mitochondrial function are dependent on the level of TSPO expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir M Milenkovic
- Molecular Neurosciences, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Dounia Slim
- Molecular Neurosciences, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Stefanie Bader
- Molecular Neurosciences, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Victoria Koch
- Molecular Neurosciences, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Elena-Sofia Heinl
- Molecular Neurosciences, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - David Alvarez-Carbonell
- Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Caroline Nothdurfter
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Rainer Rupprecht
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Christian H Wetzel
- Molecular Neurosciences, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany.
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41
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Giatti S, Diviccaro S, Garcia-Segura LM, Melcangi RC. Sex differences in the brain expression of steroidogenic molecules under basal conditions and after gonadectomy. J Neuroendocrinol 2019; 31:e12736. [PMID: 31102564 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2019] [Revised: 05/09/2019] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The brain is a steroidogenic tissue. It expresses key molecules involved in the synthesis and metabolism of neuroactive steroids, such as steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), translocator protein 18 kDa (TSPO), cytochrome P450 cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme (P450scc), 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (3β-HSD), 5α-reductases (5α-R) and 3α-hydroxysteroid oxidoreductases (3α-HSOR). Previous studies have shown that the levels of brain steroids are different in male and female rats under basal conditions and after gonadectomy. In the present study, we assessed gene expression of key neurosteroidogenic molecules in the cerebral cortex and cerebellum of gonadally intact and gonadectomised adult male and female rats. In the cerebellum, the basal mRNA levels of StAR and 3α-HSOR were significantly higher in females than in males. By contrast, the mRNA levels of TSPO and 5α-R were significantly higher in males. In the cerebral cortex, all neurosteroidogenic molecules analysed showed similar mRNA levels in males and females. Gonadectomy increased the expression of 5α-R in the brain of both sexes, although it affected the brain expression of StAR, TSPO, P450scc and 3α-HSOR in females only and with regional differences. Although protein levels were not investigated in the present study, our findings indicate that mRNA expression of steroidogenic molecules in the adult rat brain is sexually dimorphic and presents regional specificity, both under basal conditions and after gonadectomy. Thus, local steroidogenesis may contribute to the reported sex and regional differences in the levels of brain neuroactive steroids and may be involved in the generation of sex differences in the adult brain function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Giatti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Diviccaro
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Luis Miguel Garcia-Segura
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES), Madrid, Spain
| | - Roberto Cosimo Melcangi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
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Karch JD, Filevich E, Wenger E, Lisofsky N, Becker M, Butler O, Mårtensson J, Lindenberger U, Brandmaier AM, Kühn S. Identifying predictors of within-person variance in MRI-based brain volume estimates. Neuroimage 2019; 200:575-589. [PMID: 31108215 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2019.05.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2019] [Revised: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Adequate reliability of measurement is a precondition for investigating individual differences and age-related changes in brain structure. One approach to improve reliability is to identify and control for variables that are predictive of within-person variance. To this end, we applied both classical statistical methods and machine-learning-inspired approaches to structural magnetic resonance imaging (sMRI) data of six participants aged 24-31 years gathered at 40-50 occasions distributed over 6-8 months from the Day2day study. We explored the within-person associations between 21 variables covering physiological, affective, social, and environmental factors and global measures of brain volume estimated by VBM8 and FreeSurfer. Time since the first scan was reliably associated with Freesurfer estimates of grey matter volume and total cortex volume, in line with a rate of annual brain volume shrinkage of about 1 percent. For the same two structural measures, time of day also emerged as a reliable predictor with an estimated diurnal volume decrease of, again, about 1 percent. Furthermore, we found weak predictive evidence for the number of steps taken on the previous day and testosterone levels. The results suggest a need to control for time-of-day effects in sMRI research. In particular, we recommend that researchers interested in assessing longitudinal change in the context of intervention studies or longitudinal panels make sure that, at each measurement occasion, (a) a given participant is measured at the same time of day; (b) all participants are measured at about the same time of day. Furthermore, the potential effects of physical activity, including moderate amounts of aerobic exercise, and testosterone levels on MRI-based measures of brain structure deserve further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian D Karch
- Center for Lifespan Psychology, Max Planck Institute for Human Development, Lentzeallee 94, 14195, Berlin, Germany; Psychological Institute, Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Leiden University, Wassenaarseweg 52, 2333, AK Leiden, the Netherlands.
| | - Elisa Filevich
- Center for Lifespan Psychology, Max Planck Institute for Human Development, Lentzeallee 94, 14195, Berlin, Germany; Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience Berlin, Philippstr. 13, 10115, Berlin, Germany; Institute for Psychology, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Rudower Chaussee 18, 12489, Berlin, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Wenger
- Center for Lifespan Psychology, Max Planck Institute for Human Development, Lentzeallee 94, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - Nina Lisofsky
- Clinic and Policlinic for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Clinic Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Maxi Becker
- Clinic and Policlinic for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Clinic Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Oisin Butler
- Center for Lifespan Psychology, Max Planck Institute for Human Development, Lentzeallee 94, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - Johan Mårtensson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Box 117, 221 00, Lund, Sweden
| | - Ulman Lindenberger
- Center for Lifespan Psychology, Max Planck Institute for Human Development, Lentzeallee 94, 14195, Berlin, Germany; Max Planck UCL Centre for Computational Psychiatry and Ageing Research, Lentzeallee 94, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - Andreas M Brandmaier
- Center for Lifespan Psychology, Max Planck Institute for Human Development, Lentzeallee 94, 14195, Berlin, Germany; Max Planck UCL Centre for Computational Psychiatry and Ageing Research, Lentzeallee 94, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - Simone Kühn
- Clinic and Policlinic for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Clinic Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany; Lise Meitner Group for Environmental Neuroscience, Max Planck Institute for Human Development, Lentzeallee 94, 14195 Berlin, Germany
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43
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Sex-Dependent Effects of Perinatal Inflammation on the Brain: Implication for Neuro-Psychiatric Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20092270. [PMID: 31071949 PMCID: PMC6539135 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20092270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2019] [Revised: 05/03/2019] [Accepted: 05/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Individuals born preterm have higher rates of neurodevelopmental disorders such as schizophrenia, autistic spectrum, and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorders. These conditions are often sexually dimorphic and with different developmental trajectories. The etiology is likely multifactorial, however, infections both during pregnancy and in childhood have emerged as important risk factors. The association between sex- and age-dependent vulnerability to neuropsychiatric disorders has been suggested to relate to immune activation in the brain, including complex interactions between sex hormones, brain transcriptome, activation of glia cells, and cytokine production. Here, we will review sex-dependent effects on brain development, including glia cells, both under normal physiological conditions and following perinatal inflammation. Emphasis will be given to sex-dependent effects on brain regions which play a role in neuropsychiatric disorders and inflammatory reactions that may underlie early-life programming of neurobehavioral disturbances later in life.
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44
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Mohajeri M, Martín-Jiménez C, Barreto GE, Sahebkar A. Effects of estrogens and androgens on mitochondria under normal and pathological conditions. Prog Neurobiol 2019; 176:54-72. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2019.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2018] [Revised: 02/23/2019] [Accepted: 03/05/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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45
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Choi SR, Roh DH, Yoon SY, Choi HS, Kang SY, Han HJ, Beitz AJ, Lee JH. Spinal cytochrome P450c17 plays a key role in the development of neuropathic mechanical allodynia: Involvement of astrocyte sigma-1 receptors. Neuropharmacology 2019; 149:169-180. [PMID: 30797030 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2019.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2018] [Revised: 01/13/2019] [Accepted: 02/10/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
While evidence indicates that sigma-1 receptors (Sig-1Rs) play an important role in the induction of peripheral neuropathic pain, there is limited understanding of the role that the neurosteroidogenic enzymes, which produce Sig-1R endogenous ligands, play during the development of neuropathic pain. We examined whether sciatic nerve injury upregulates the neurosteroidogenic enzymes, cytochrome P450c17 and 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD), which modulate the expression and/or activation of Sig-1Rs leading to the development of peripheral neuropathic pain. Chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve induced a significant increase in the expression of P450c17, but not 3β-HSD, in the ipsilateral lumbar spinal cord dorsal horn at postoperative day 3. Intrathecal administration of the P450c17 inhibitor, ketoconazole during the induction phase of neuropathic pain (day 0 to day 3 post-surgery) significantly reduced the development of mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia in the ipsilateral hind paw. However, administration of the 3β-HSD inhibitor, trilostane had no effect on the development of neuropathic pain. Sciatic nerve injury increased astrocyte Sig-1R expression as well as dissociation of Sig-1Rs from BiP in the spinal cord. These increases were suppressed by administration of ketoconazole, but not by administration of trilostane. Co-administration of the Sig-1R agonist, PRE084 restored the development of mechanical allodynia originally suppressed by the ketoconazole administration. However, ketoconazole-induced inhibition of thermal hyperalgesia was not affected by co-administration of PRE084. Collectively these results demonstrate that early activation of P450c17 modulates the expression and activation of astrocyte Sig-1Rs, ultimately contributing to the development of mechanical allodynia induced by peripheral nerve injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheu-Ran Choi
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, BK21 PLUS Program for Creative Veterinary Science Research, Research Institute for Veterinary Science and College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Dae-Hyun Roh
- Department of Maxillofacial Tissue Regeneration and Research Center for Tooth and Periodontal Tissue Regeneration, School of Dentistry, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Seo-Yeon Yoon
- College of Korean Medicine, Dongshin University, Naju, 58245, Republic of Korea
| | - Hoon-Seong Choi
- Research Animal Resource Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Suk-Yun Kang
- KM Fundamental Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon, 34054, Republic of Korea
| | - Ho-Jae Han
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, BK21 PLUS Program for Creative Veterinary Science Research, Research Institute for Veterinary Science and College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Alvin J Beitz
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St Paul, MN, 55108, USA
| | - Jang-Hern Lee
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, BK21 PLUS Program for Creative Veterinary Science Research, Research Institute for Veterinary Science and College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea.
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46
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Progesterone, Lipoic Acid, and Sulforaphane as Promising Antioxidants for Retinal Diseases: A Review. Antioxidants (Basel) 2019; 8:antiox8030053. [PMID: 30832304 PMCID: PMC6466531 DOI: 10.3390/antiox8030053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Revised: 02/21/2019] [Accepted: 02/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress has been documented to be a key factor in the cause and progression of different retinal diseases. Oxidative cellular unbalance triggers a sequence of reactions which prompt cell degeneration and retinal dysfunction, both hallmarks of several retinal pathologies. There is no effective treatment, yet, for many retinal diseases. Antioxidant treatment have been pointed out to be an encouraging palliative treatment; the beneficial effects documented involve slowing the progression of the disease, a reduction of cell degeneration, and improvement of retinal functions. There is a vast information corpus on antioxidant candidates. In this review, we expose three of the main antioxidant treatments, selected for their promising results that has been reported to date. Recently, the sulforaphane, an isothiocyanate molecule, has been unveiled as a neuroprotective candidate, by its antioxidant properties. Progesterone, a neurosteroid has been proposed to be a solid and effective neuroprotective agent. Finally, the lipoic acid, an organosulfur compound, is a well-recognized antioxidant. All of them, have been tested and studied on different retinal disease models. In this review, we summarized the published results of these works, to offer a general view of the current antioxidant treatment advances, including the main effects and mechanisms described.
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47
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Manaserh IH, Chikkamenahalli L, Ravi S, Dube PR, Park JJ, Hill JW. Ablating astrocyte insulin receptors leads to delayed puberty and hypogonadism in mice. PLoS Biol 2019; 17:e3000189. [PMID: 30893295 PMCID: PMC6443191 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3000189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2018] [Revised: 04/01/2019] [Accepted: 03/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Insulin resistance and obesity are associated with reduced gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) release and infertility. Mice that lack insulin receptors (IRs) throughout development in both neuronal and non-neuronal brain cells are known to exhibit subfertility due to hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. However, attempts to recapitulate this phenotype by targeting specific neurons have failed. To determine whether astrocytic insulin sensing plays a role in the regulation of fertility, we generated mice lacking IRs in astrocytes (astrocyte-specific insulin receptor deletion [IRKOGFAP] mice). IRKOGFAP males and females showed a delay in balanopreputial separation or vaginal opening and first estrous, respectively. In adulthood, IRKOGFAP female mice also exhibited longer, irregular estrus cycles, decreased pregnancy rates, and reduced litter sizes. IRKOGFAP mice show normal sexual behavior but hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadotropin (HPG) axis dysregulation, likely explaining their low fecundity. Histological examination of testes and ovaries showed impaired spermatogenesis and ovarian follicle maturation. Finally, reduced prostaglandin E synthase 2 (PGES2) levels were found in astrocytes isolated from these mice, suggesting a mechanism for low GnRH/luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion. These findings demonstrate that insulin sensing by astrocytes is indispensable for the function of the reproductive axis. Additional work is needed to elucidate the role of astrocytes in the maturation of hypothalamic reproductive circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iyad H Manaserh
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio, United States of America
- Center for Diabetes and Endocrine Research, University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Lakshmikanth Chikkamenahalli
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Samyuktha Ravi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Prabhatchandra R Dube
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Joshua J Park
- Center for Diabetes and Endocrine Research, University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio, United States of America
- Department of Neurosciences, College of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Jennifer W Hill
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio, United States of America
- Center for Diabetes and Endocrine Research, University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio, United States of America
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48
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Carmona S, Martínez-García M, Paternina-Die M, Barba-Müller E, Wierenga LM, Alemán-Gómez Y, Pretus C, Marcos-Vidal L, Beumala L, Cortizo R, Pozzobon C, Picado M, Lucco F, García-García D, Soliva JC, Tobeña A, Peper JS, Crone EA, Ballesteros A, Vilarroya O, Desco M, Hoekzema E. Pregnancy and adolescence entail similar neuroanatomical adaptations: A comparative analysis of cerebral morphometric changes. Hum Brain Mapp 2019; 40:2143-2152. [PMID: 30663172 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.24513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2018] [Revised: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 01/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Mapping the impact of pregnancy on the human brain is essential for understanding the neurobiology of maternal caregiving. Recently, we found that pregnancy leads to a long-lasting reduction in cerebral gray matter volume. However, the morphometric features behind the volumetric reductions remain unexplored. Furthermore, the similarity between these reductions and those occurring during adolescence, another hormonally similar transitional period of life, still needs to be investigated. Here, we used surface-based methods to analyze the longitudinal magnetic resonance imaging data of a group of 25 first-time mothers (before and after pregnancy) and compare them to those of a group of 25 female adolescents (during 2 years of pubertal development). For both first-time mothers and adolescent girls, a monthly rate of volumetric reductions of 0.09 mm3 was observed. In both cases, these reductions were accompanied by decreases in cortical thickness, surface area, local gyrification index, sulcal depth, and sulcal length, as well as increases in sulcal width. In fact, the changes associated with pregnancy did not differ from those that characterize the transition during adolescence in any of these measures. Our findings are consistent with the notion that the brain morphometric changes associated with pregnancy and adolescence reflect similar hormonally primed biological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanna Carmona
- Sección de Neuroimagen, Laboratorio de Imagen Médica, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, Madrid, Spain.,Sección de Neuroimagen, Laboratorio de Imagen Médica, Unidad de Medicina y Cirugía Experimental, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain.,Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitat Oberta de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Magdalena Martínez-García
- Sección de Neuroimagen, Laboratorio de Imagen Médica, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, Madrid, Spain.,Sección de Neuroimagen, Laboratorio de Imagen Médica, Unidad de Medicina y Cirugía Experimental, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Paternina-Die
- Sección de Neuroimagen, Laboratorio de Imagen Médica, Unidad de Medicina y Cirugía Experimental, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain.,Departamento de Bioingeniería e Ingeniería Aeroespacial, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Leganés, Spain
| | - Erika Barba-Müller
- Institute of Mental Health Vidal i Barraquer, Ramon Llull University, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lara M Wierenga
- Brain and Development Laboratory, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Yasser Alemán-Gómez
- Center for Psychiatric Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.,Department of Radiology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Clara Pretus
- Neuroimaging of mental disorders group, Hospital del Mar Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain.,Unitat de Recerca en Neurociència Cognitiva, Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain
| | - Luis Marcos-Vidal
- Sección de Neuroimagen, Laboratorio de Imagen Médica, Unidad de Medicina y Cirugía Experimental, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain.,Departamento de Bioingeniería e Ingeniería Aeroespacial, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Leganés, Spain
| | - Laura Beumala
- Unitat de Recerca en Neurociència Cognitiva, Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain
| | - Romina Cortizo
- Unitat de Recerca en Neurociència Cognitiva, Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cristina Pozzobon
- Assisted Medicine Reproduction, IVI Clinic Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marisol Picado
- Neuroimaging of mental disorders group, Hospital del Mar Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain.,Unitat de Recerca en Neurociència Cognitiva, Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain
| | - Florencio Lucco
- Assisted Medicine Reproduction, IVI Clinic Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - David García-García
- Sección de Neuroimagen, Laboratorio de Imagen Médica, Unidad de Medicina y Cirugía Experimental, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Carlos Soliva
- Unitat de Recerca en Neurociència Cognitiva, Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain
| | - Adolf Tobeña
- Unitat de Recerca en Neurociència Cognitiva, Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jiska S Peper
- Brain and Development Laboratory, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Eveline A Crone
- Brain and Development Laboratory, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Oscar Vilarroya
- Neuroimaging of mental disorders group, Hospital del Mar Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain.,Unitat de Recerca en Neurociència Cognitiva, Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain
| | - Manuel Desco
- Sección de Neuroimagen, Laboratorio de Imagen Médica, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, Madrid, Spain.,Sección de Neuroimagen, Laboratorio de Imagen Médica, Unidad de Medicina y Cirugía Experimental, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain.,Departamento de Bioingeniería e Ingeniería Aeroespacial, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Leganés, Spain.,Unidad de Imagen Avanzada, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P), Madrid, Spain
| | - Elseline Hoekzema
- Brain and Development Laboratory, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
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49
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Chew C, Kiley BJ, Sengelaub DR. Neuroprotective Effects on the Morphology of Somatic Motoneurons Following the Death of Neighboring Motoneurons: A Role for Microglia? Dev Neurobiol 2019; 79:131-154. [PMID: 30430756 DOI: 10.1002/dneu.22652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2018] [Revised: 10/19/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Partial depletion of spinal motoneuron populations induces dendritic atrophy in neighboring motoneurons, and treatment with testosterone protects motoneurons from induced dendritic atrophy. We explored a potential mechanism for this induced atrophy and protection by testosterone, examining the microglial response to partial depletion of motoneurons. Motoneurons innervating the vastus medialis muscles of adult male rats were killed by intramuscular injection of cholera toxin-conjugated saporin; some saporin-injected rats were treated with testosterone. Microglia were later visualized via immunohistochemical staining, classified as monitoring or activated, and counted stereologically. Partial motoneuron depletion increased the number of activated microglia in the quadriceps motor pool, and this increase was attenuated with testosterone treatment. The attenuation in microglial response could reflect an effect of testosterone on suppressing microglia activation, potentially sparing motoneuron dendrites. Alternatively, testosterone could be neuroprotective, sparing motoneuron dendrites, secondarily resulting in reduced microglial activation. To discriminate between these hypotheses, following partial motoneuron depletion, rats were treated with minocycline to inhibit microglial activation. Motoneurons innervating the ipsilateral vastus lateralis muscle were later labeled with cholera toxin-conjugated horseradish peroxidase, and dendritic arbors were reconstructed. Reduction of microglial activation by minocycline did not prevent induced dendritic atrophy following partial motoneuron depletion. Further, reduction of microglial activation by minocycline treatment resulted in dendritic atrophy in intact animals. Together, these findings indicate that the neuroprotective effect of testosterone on dendrites following motoneuron death is not due to inhibiting microglial activation, and that microglial activity contributes to the normal maintenance of dendritic arbors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cory Chew
- Program in Neuroscience and Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, 47405
| | - Brandon J Kiley
- Program in Neuroscience and Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, 47405
| | - Dale R Sengelaub
- Program in Neuroscience and Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, 47405
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50
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Baud O, Berkane N. Hormonal Changes Associated With Intra-Uterine Growth Restriction: Impact on the Developing Brain and Future Neurodevelopment. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:179. [PMID: 30972026 PMCID: PMC6443724 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2018] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The environment in which a fetus develops is not only important for its growth and maturation but also for its long-term postnatal health and neurodevelopment. Several hormones including glucocorticosteroids, estrogens and progesterone, insulin growth factor and thyroid hormones, carefully regulate the growth of the fetus and its metabolism during pregnancy by controlling the supply of nutrients crossing the placenta. In addition to fetal synthesis, hormones regulating fetal growth are also expressed and regulated in the placenta, and they play a key role in the vulnerability of the developing brain and its maturation. This review summarizes the current understanding and evidence regarding the involvement of hormonal dysregulation associated with intra-uterine growth restriction and its consequences on brain development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Baud
- Division of Neonatology and Pediatric Intensive Care, Department of Women-Children-Teenagers, University Hospitals Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Inserm U1141, Sorbonne, Paris Diderot University, Paris, France
- *Correspondence: Olivier Baud
| | - Nadia Berkane
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Women-Children-Teenagers, University Hospitals Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
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