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Tremolanti C, Angeloni E, Da Pozzo E, Germelli L, Giacomelli C, Scalzi E, Taliani S, Da Settimo F, Mensah-Nyagan AG, Martini C, Costa B. Human oligodendrocyte-like cell differentiation is promoted by TSPO-mediated endogenous steroidogenesis. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2024; 1870:167174. [PMID: 38631406 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2024.167174] [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] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Mature oligodendrocytes (OLs) arise from oligodendrocyte precursor cells that, in case of demyelination, are recruited at the lesion site to remyelinate the axons and therefore restore the transmission of nerve impulses. It has been widely documented that exogenously administered steroid molecules are potent inducers of myelination. However, little is known about how neurosteroids produced de novo by OLs can impact this process. Here, we employed a human OL precursor cell line to investigate the role of de novo neurosteroidogenesis in the regulation of OLs differentiation, paying particular attention to the 18 kDa Translocator Protein (TSPO) which controls the rate-limiting step of the neurosteroidogenic process. Our results showed that, over the time of OL maturation, the availability of cholesterol, which is the neurosteroidogenesis initial substrate, and key members of the neurosteroidogenic machinery, including TSPO, were upregulated. In addition, OLs differentiation was impaired following neurosteroidogenesis inhibition and TSPO silencing. On the contrary, TSPO pharmacological stimulation promoted neurosteroidogenic function and positively impacted differentiation. Collectively, our results suggest that de novo neurosteroidogenesis is actively involved in the autocrine and paracrine regulation of human OL differentiation. Moreover, since TSPO was able to promote OL differentiation through a positive modulation of the neurosteroid biosynthetic process, it could be exploited as a promising target to tackle demyelinating diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Tremolanti
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Elisa Angeloni
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Eleonora Da Pozzo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy; Center for Instrument Sharing of the University of Pisa (CISUP), Via Santa Maria 53, 56126 Pisa. Italy.
| | - Lorenzo Germelli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Chiara Giacomelli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy; Center for Instrument Sharing of the University of Pisa (CISUP), Via Santa Maria 53, 56126 Pisa. Italy.
| | - Eduardo Scalzi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Sabrina Taliani
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Federico Da Settimo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy; Center for Instrument Sharing of the University of Pisa (CISUP), Via Santa Maria 53, 56126 Pisa. Italy.
| | - Ayikoé-Guy Mensah-Nyagan
- Biopathologie de la Myéline, Neuroprotection et Stratégies Thérapeutiques, INSERM U1119, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Université de Strasbourg, Bâtiment CRBS de la Faculté de Médecine, 1 rue Eugène Boeckel, 67 000 Strasbourg, France.
| | - Claudia Martini
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy; Center for Instrument Sharing of the University of Pisa (CISUP), Via Santa Maria 53, 56126 Pisa. Italy.
| | - Barbara Costa
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy; Center for Instrument Sharing of the University of Pisa (CISUP), Via Santa Maria 53, 56126 Pisa. Italy.
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2
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Sitruk-Ware R, Sussman H, Brinton R, Schumacher M, Singer P, Kumar N, De Nicola AF, El-Etr M, Guennoun R, V Borlongan C. Nestorone (segesterone acetate) effects on neuroregeneration. Front Neuroendocrinol 2024; 73:101136. [PMID: 38670433 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2024.101136] [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: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Nestorone® (segesterone acetate) is a progestin with a chemical structure closely related to progesterone with high affinity and selectivity for the progesterone receptor without significant interaction with other steroid receptors. It has been developed for female and male contraception and is FDA-approved in a first long-acting contraceptive vaginal system for female contraception. Its safety has been extensively demonstrated in both preclinical and clinical studies for contraceptive indications. Nestorone was found to display neuroprotective and neuroregenerative activity in animal models of various central nervous system diseases, including multiple sclerosis, stroke, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Reviewed herein are neuroprotective and myelin- regenerating properties of Nestorone in various animal models and its translational potential as a therapeutic agent for debilitating neurological diseases for which limited therapeutic options are available (Table 1).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Roberta Brinton
- Center for Innovation in Brain Science, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | | | | | | | | | - Martine El-Etr
- U1195 Inserm and University Paris-Saclay Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France
| | - Rachida Guennoun
- U1195 Inserm and University Paris-Saclay Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France
| | - Cesar V Borlongan
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA
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3
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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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4
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Ozcan E, Akduman RC, Eyupoglu S, Bingol A, Balci Ekmekci O, Hatipoglu E. 5 -Alpha-dihydroxyprogesterone may contribute to perceptual processing and attention of the cases with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis. Neurol Res 2024; 46:132-138. [PMID: 37733038 DOI: 10.1080/01616412.2023.2258040] [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] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
Neurosteroids (NSs) are endogenous steroid hormones, which are synthesised and metabolised within the central nervous system (CNS). NSs aid myelination and glial differentiation and modulate cognitive functions. Herein, we aim to investigate the relationship between NS levels, 5-alpha-dihydroxyprogesterone (5-α-DHP) and allopregnanolone (ALPG), and their relationship with cognitive changes in relapsing remitting MS patients.A total of 43 cases with well controlled, relapsing remitting MS composed the study group. The control group included 21 age and gender matched healthy controls (HC). MS patients were assessed by calculating Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores, and the Brief Repeatable Battery of Neuropsychological Tests (BRBNT) was performed in both MS group and HC. Levels of 5-α-DHP and ALPG levels were also evaluated for each participant.The median level of 5-α-DHP was 48 [IQR: 39.2-144.2] pg/mcgL in the MS group and 68.4 [IQR: 57.1-365.9] pg/mcgL in HC (p = 0.02). The median ALPG level was found to be 56.5 [IQR: 37.7-75.4] pg/mcgL in the MS group and 43.9 [IQR: 29.4-70.2] pg/mcgL in HC (p = 0.1). In both groups 5-α-DHP levels were positively correlated with Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) scores (HC: p = 0.01, r = 0.3 and MS: p = 0.03, r = 0.3). In the MS group, higher EDSS scores were associated with lower scores on Spatial Recall Test (SPART)-Delayed (p = 0.009, r= -0.4) and SDMT (p = 0.01, r= -0.4). The disease duration was negatively correlated with the scores on SPART-Immediate, SPART-Delayed and SDMT (p = 0.02, r= -0.4; p = 0.005, r= -0.4 and p = 0.05, r= -0.3).5-α-DHP may be lower even in well-controlled cases. 5-α-DHP may contribute to better perceptual processing and attention in cases with MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emin Ozcan
- Department of Neurology, Yeditepe University Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | | | - Sevim Eyupoglu
- Department of Psychology, Davranis Degisim Akademisi, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ayhan Bingol
- Department of Psychology, Davranis Degisim Akademisi, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ozlem Balci Ekmekci
- Department of Biochemistry, Istanbul University, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Esra Hatipoglu
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Health Sciences, Basaksehir Cam and Sakura City Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
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Schwarz KG, Vicencio SC, Inestrosa NC, Villaseca P, Del Rio R. Autonomic nervous system dysfunction throughout menopausal transition: A potential mechanism underpinning cardiovascular and cognitive alterations during female ageing. J Physiol 2024; 602:263-280. [PMID: 38064358 DOI: 10.1113/jp285126] [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: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), are highly prevalent conditions in middle-aged women that severely impair quality of life. Recent evidence suggests the existence of an intimate cross-talk between the heart and the brain, resulting from a complex network of neurohumoral circuits. From a pathophysiological perspective, the higher prevalence of AD in women may be explained, at least in part, by sex-related differences in the incidence/prevalence of CVD. Notably, the autonomic nervous system, the main heart-brain axis physiological orchestrator, has been suggested to play a role in the incidence of adverse cardiovascular events in middle-aged women because of decreases in oestrogen-related signalling during transition into menopause. Despite its overt relevance for public health, this hypothesis has not been thoroughly tested. Accordingly, in this review, we aim to provide up to date evidence supporting how changes in circulating oestrogen levels during transition to menopause may trigger autonomic dysfunction, thus promoting cardiovascular and cognitive decline in women. A main focus on the effects of oestrogen-mediated signalling at CNS structures related to autonomic regulation is provided, particularly on the role of oestrogens in sympathoexcitation. Improving the understanding of the contribution of the autonomic nervous system on the development, maintenance and/or progression of both cardiovascular and cognitive dysfunction during the transition to menopause should help improve the clinical management of elderly women, with the outcome being an improved life quality during the natural ageing process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karla G Schwarz
- Laboratory of Cardiorespiratory Control, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Sinay C Vicencio
- Laboratory of Cardiorespiratory Control, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Nibaldo C Inestrosa
- Centro de Excelencia en Biomedicina de Magallanes (CEBIMA), Universidad de Magallanes, Punta Arenas, Chile
| | - Paulina Villaseca
- Centro de Excelencia en Biomedicina de Magallanes (CEBIMA), Universidad de Magallanes, Punta Arenas, Chile
| | - Rodrigo Del Rio
- Laboratory of Cardiorespiratory Control, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Centro de Excelencia en Biomedicina de Magallanes (CEBIMA), Universidad de Magallanes, Punta Arenas, Chile
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
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Abe J, Jafarpour S, Vu MH, O'Brien D, Boyd NK, Vogel BN, Nguyen L, Paulsen KC, Saucier LE, Ahsan N, Mitchell WG, Santoro JD. Impact of endocrine dysregulation on disability and non-motor symptoms in pediatric onset multiple sclerosis. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1304610. [PMID: 38130835 PMCID: PMC10733457 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1304610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Pediatric onset multiple sclerosis (POMS) commonly occurs at the time of various endocrine changes. Evaluation of the impact of endocrine status on disease severity in POMS has not been previously explored. Objective This study sought to evaluate if sex and stress hormones in children with POMS impact motor and non-motor diseases severity. Methods A single-center case control study was performed. Individuals with POMS were compared to individuals without neurologic disease. Each individual had three blood draws assessing stress and sex hormones between 07:00 and 09:00. Measures of fatigue (Epworth sleepiness scale), depression (PHQ-9), and quality of life (PedsQL) assessed at each visit. Results Forty individuals with POMS and 40 controls were enrolled. Individuals with POMS had lower free testosterone (p = 0.003), cortisol (p < 0.001), and ACTH (p < 0.001) and had higher progesterone (p = 0.025) levels than controls. Relapses and EDSS were not impacted by endocrine variables. The POMS cohort had a significantly higher Epworth score (p < 0.001), PHQ-9 score (p < 0.001), and lower PQL score (p < 0.001) than controls. Non-motor measures were not associated with endocrine status. Conclusion Free testosterone, cortisol, ACTH, and progesterone were abnormal in children with POMS although there was no association between endocrine status and markers of disease severity or non-motor symptoms of MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Abe
- John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI, United States
| | - Saba Jafarpour
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - My H. Vu
- Biostatistics and Data Management Core, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Devon O'Brien
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Natalie K. Boyd
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Benjamin N. Vogel
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Lina Nguyen
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Kelli C. Paulsen
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Laura E. Saucier
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Neurology, Keck School of Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Nusrat Ahsan
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Neurology, Keck School of Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Wendy G. Mitchell
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Neurology, Keck School of Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Jonathan D. Santoro
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Neurology, Keck School of Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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7
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Bernaud VE, Koebele SV, Northup-Smith SN, Willeman MN, Barker C, Schatzki-Lumpkin A, Sanchez MV, Bimonte-Nelson HA. Evaluations of memory, anxiety, and the growth factor IGF-1R after post-surgical menopause treatment with a highly selective progestin. Behav Brain Res 2023; 448:114442. [PMID: 37085118 PMCID: PMC11105077 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2023.114442] [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: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023]
Abstract
Progestogens are a key component of menopausal hormone therapies. While some progestogens can be detrimental to cognition, there is preclinical evidence that progestogens with a strong progesterone-receptor affinity benefit some molecular mechanisms believed to underlie cognitive function. Thus, a progestin that maximizes progesterone-receptor affinity and minimizes affinities to other receptors may be cognitively beneficial. We evaluated segesterone-acetate (SGA), a 19-norprogesterone derivative with a strong progesterone-receptor affinity and no androgenic or estrogenic-receptor activity, hypothesizing that it would enhance cognition. Middle-aged rats underwent Sham or Ovariectomy (Ovx) surgery followed by administration of medroxyprogesterone-acetate (MPA; used as a positive control as we have previously shown MPA-induced cognitive deficits), SGA (low or high dose), or vehicle (one Sham and one Ovx group). Spatial working and reference memory, delayed retention, and anxiety-like behavior were assessed, as were memory- and hormone- related protein assays within the frontal cortex, dorsal hippocampus, and entorhinal cortex. Low-dose SGA impaired spatial working memory, while high-dose SGA had a more extensive detrimental impact, negatively affecting spatial reference memory and delayed retention. Replicating previous findings, MPA impaired spatial reference memory and delayed retention. SGA, but not MPA, alleviated Ovx-induced anxiety-like behaviors. On two working memory measures, IGF-1R expression correlated with better working memory only in rats without hormone manipulation; any hormone manipulation or combination of hormone manipulations used herein altered this relationship. These findings suggest that SGA impairs spatial cognition after surgical menopause, and that surgical menopause with or without progestin administration disrupts relationships between a growth factor critical to neuroplasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria E Bernaud
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, 950 S. McAllister Ave., Tempe, AZ 85287, USA; Arizona Alzheimer's Consortium, 4745 N 7th St, Phoenix, AZ 85014, USA
| | - Stephanie V Koebele
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, 950 S. McAllister Ave., Tempe, AZ 85287, USA; Arizona Alzheimer's Consortium, 4745 N 7th St, Phoenix, AZ 85014, USA
| | - Steven N Northup-Smith
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, 950 S. McAllister Ave., Tempe, AZ 85287, USA; Arizona Alzheimer's Consortium, 4745 N 7th St, Phoenix, AZ 85014, USA
| | - Mari N Willeman
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, 950 S. McAllister Ave., Tempe, AZ 85287, USA; Arizona Alzheimer's Consortium, 4745 N 7th St, Phoenix, AZ 85014, USA; TGen Institute, 445 N 5th St, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA
| | - Charlotte Barker
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, 950 S. McAllister Ave., Tempe, AZ 85287, USA; Arizona Alzheimer's Consortium, 4745 N 7th St, Phoenix, AZ 85014, USA
| | - Alex Schatzki-Lumpkin
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, 950 S. McAllister Ave., Tempe, AZ 85287, USA; Arizona Alzheimer's Consortium, 4745 N 7th St, Phoenix, AZ 85014, USA
| | - Maria Valenzuela Sanchez
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, 950 S. McAllister Ave., Tempe, AZ 85287, USA; Arizona Alzheimer's Consortium, 4745 N 7th St, Phoenix, AZ 85014, USA
| | - Heather A Bimonte-Nelson
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, 950 S. McAllister Ave., Tempe, AZ 85287, USA; Arizona Alzheimer's Consortium, 4745 N 7th St, Phoenix, AZ 85014, USA.
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8
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Liu X, Gu C, Lv J, Jiang Q, Ding W, Huang Z, Liu Y, Su Y, Zhang C, Xu Z, Wang X, Su W. Progesterone attenuates Th17-cell pathogenicity in autoimmune uveitis via Id2/Pim1 axis. J Neuroinflammation 2023; 20:144. [PMID: 37344856 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-023-02829-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autoimmune uveitis (AU) is the most common ophthalmic autoimmune disease (AD) and is characterized by a complex etiology, high morbidity, and high rate of blindness. AU remission has been observed in pregnant female patients. However, the effects of progesterone (PRG), a critical hormone for reproduction, on the treatment of AU and the regulatory mechanisms remain unclear. METHODS To this end, we established experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU) animal models and constructed a high-dimensional immune atlas of EAU-model mice undergoing PRG treatment to explore the underlying therapeutic mechanisms of PRG using single-cell RNA sequencing. RESULTS We found that PRG ameliorated retinal lesions and inflammatory infiltration in EAU-model mice. Further single-cell analysis indicated that PRG reversed the EAU-induced expression of inflammatory genes (AP-1 family, S100a family, and Cxcr4) and pathological processes related to inflammatory cell migration, activation, and differentiation. Notably, PRG was found to regulate the Th17/Treg imbalance by increasing the reduced regulatory functional mediators of Tregs and diminishing the overactivation of pathological Th17 cells. Moreover, the Id2/Pim1 axis, IL-23/Th17/GM-CSF signaling, and enhanced Th17 pathogenicity during EAU were reversed by PRG treatment, resulting in the alleviation of EAU inflammation and treatment of AD. CONCLUSIONS Our study provides a comprehensive single-cell map of the immunomodulatory effects of PRG therapy on EAU and elaborates on the possible therapeutic mechanisms, providing novel insights into its application for treating autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuxing Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Chenyang Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Jianjie Lv
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Qi Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Wen Ding
- Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510623, China
| | - Zhaohao Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Yidan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Yuhan Su
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, 510060, China
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Chun Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhuping Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Xianggui Wang
- Eye Center of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China.
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China.
| | - Wenru Su
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, 510060, China.
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9
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He Q, Wu KCH, Bennett AN, Fan B, Liu J, Huang R, Kong APS, Tian X, Kwok MKM, Chan KHK. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug target gene associations with major depressive disorders: a Mendelian randomisation study integrating GWAS, eQTL and mQTL Data. THE PHARMACOGENOMICS JOURNAL 2023:10.1038/s41397-023-00302-1. [PMID: 36966195 PMCID: PMC10382318 DOI: 10.1038/s41397-023-00302-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/27/2023]
Abstract
Previous observational studies reported associations between non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and major depressive disorder (MDD), however, these associations are often inconsistent and underlying biological mechanisms are still poorly understood. We conducted a two-sample Mendelian randomisation (MR) study to examine relationships between genetic variants and NSAID target gene expression or DNA methylation (DNAm) using publicly available expression, methylation quantitative trait loci (eQTL or mQTL) data and genetic variant-disease associations from genome-wide association studies (GWAS of MDD). We also assessed drug exposure using gene expression and DNAm levels of NSAID targets as proxies. Genetic variants were robustly adjusted for multiple comparisons related to gene expression, DNAm was used as MR instrumental variables and GWAS statistics of MDD as the outcome. A 1-standard deviation (SD) lower expression of NEU1 in blood was related to lower C-reactive protein (CRP) levels of -0.215 mg/L (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.128-0.426) and a decreased risk of MDD (odds ratio [OR] = 0.806; 95% CI: 0.735-0.885; p = 5.36 × 10-6). A concordant direction of association was also observed for NEU1 DNAm levels in blood and a risk of MDD (OR = 0.886; 95% CI: 0.836-0.939; p = 4.71 × 10-5). Further, the genetic variants associated with MDD were mediated by NEU1 expression via DNAm (β = -0.519; 95% CI: -0.717 to -0.320256; p = 3.16 × 10-7). We did not observe causal relationships between inflammatory genetic marker estimations and MDD risk. Yet, we identified a concordant association of NEU1 messenger RNA and an adverse direction of association of higher NEU1 DNAm with MDD risk. These results warrant increased pharmacovigilance and further in vivo or in vitro studies to investigate NEU1 inhibitors or supplements for MDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian He
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Kevin Chun Hei Wu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Adam N Bennett
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Beifang Fan
- Department of Mental Health, Shenzhen Nanshan Centre for Chronic Disease Control, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jundong Liu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ruixuan Huang
- Department of Electrical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Alice P S Kong
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Hong Kong Institute of Diabetes and Obesity, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Xiaoyu Tian
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Heart and Vascular Institute and Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Man Ki Maggie Kwok
- School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Kei Hang Katie Chan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
- Department of Electrical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
- Department of Epidemiology, Centre for Global Cardiometabolic Health, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.
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10
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Pletzer B, Winkler-Crepaz K, Hillerer K. Progesterone and contraceptive progestin actions on the brain: A systematic review of animal studies and comparison to human neuroimaging studies. Front Neuroendocrinol 2023; 69:101060. [PMID: 36758768 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2023.101060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
In this review we systematically summarize the effects of progesterone and synthetic progestins on neurogenesis, synaptogenesis, myelination and six neurotransmitter systems. Several parallels between progesterone and older generation progestin actions emerged, suggesting actions via progesterone receptors. However, existing results suggest a general lack of knowledge regarding the effects of currently used progestins in hormonal contraception regarding these cellular and molecular brain parameters. Human neuroimaging studies were reviewed with a focus on randomized placebo-controlled trials and cross-sectional studies controlling for progestin type. The prefrontal cortex, amygdala, salience network and hippocampus were identified as regions of interest for future preclinical studies. This review proposes a series of experiments to elucidate the cellular and molecular actions of contraceptive progestins in these areas and link these actions to behavioral markers of emotional and cognitive functioning. Emotional effects of contraceptive progestins appear to be related to 1) alterations in the serotonergic system, 2) direct/indirect modulations of inhibitory GABA-ergic signalling via effects on the allopregnanolone content of the brain, which differ between androgenic and anti-androgenic progestins. Cognitive effects of combined oral contraceptives appear to depend on the ethinylestradiol dose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belinda Pletzer
- Department of Psychology & Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience, Paris-Lodron-University Salzburg, Salzburg Austria.
| | | | - Katharina Hillerer
- Department of Gynaecology & Obstetrics, Private Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
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11
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Barateiro A, Barros C, Pinto MV, Ribeiro AR, Alberro A, Fernandes A. Women in the field of multiple sclerosis: How they contributed to paradigm shifts. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1087745. [PMID: 36818652 PMCID: PMC9937661 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1087745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
History is full of women who made enormous contributions to science. While there is little to no imbalance at the early career stage, a decreasing proportion of women is found as seniority increases. In the multiple sclerosis (MS) field, 44% of first authors and only 35% of senior authors were female. So, in this review, we highlight ground-breaking research done by women in the field of MS, focusing mostly on their work as principal investigators. MS is an autoimmune disorder of the central nervous system (CNS), with evident paradigm shifts in the understating of its pathophysiology. It is known that the immune system becomes overactivated and attacks myelin sheath surrounding axons. The resulting demyelination disrupts the communication signals to and from the CNS, which causes unpredictable symptoms, depending on the neurons that are affected. Classically, MS was reported to cause mostly physical and motor disabilities. However, it is now recognized that cognitive impairment affects more than 50% of the MS patients. Another shifting paradigm was the involvement of gray matter in MS pathology, formerly considered to be a white matter disease. Additionally, the identification of different T cell immune subsets and the mechanisms underlying the involvement of B cells and peripheral macrophages provided a better understanding of the immunopathophysiological processes present in MS. Relevantly, the gut-brain axis, recognized as a bi-directional communication system between the CNS and the gut, was found to be crucial in MS. Indeed, gut microbiota influences not only different susceptibilities to MS pathology, but it can also be modulated in order to positively act in MS course. Also, after the identification of the first microRNA in 1993, the role of microRNAs has been investigated in MS, either as potential biomarkers or therapeutic agents. Finally, concerning MS therapeutical approaches, remyelination-based studies have arisen on the spotlight aiming to repair myelin loss/neuronal connectivity. Altogether, here we emphasize the new insights of remarkable women that have voiced the impact of cognitive impairment, white and gray matter pathology, immune response, and that of the CNS-peripheral interplay on MS diagnosis, progression, and/or therapy efficacy, leading to huge breakthroughs in the MS field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreia Barateiro
- Central Nervous System, Blood and Peripheral Inflammation Lab, Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal,Andreia Barateiro,
| | - Catarina Barros
- Central Nervous System, Blood and Peripheral Inflammation Lab, Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Maria V. Pinto
- Central Nervous System, Blood and Peripheral Inflammation Lab, Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ana Rita Ribeiro
- Central Nervous System, Blood and Peripheral Inflammation Lab, Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ainhoa Alberro
- Central Nervous System, Blood and Peripheral Inflammation Lab, Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal,Multiple Sclerosis Group, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Adelaide Fernandes
- Central Nervous System, Blood and Peripheral Inflammation Lab, Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal,*Correspondence: Adelaide Fernandes,
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12
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Zalewska T, Pawelec P, Ziabska K, Ziemka-Nalecz M. Sexual Dimorphism in Neurodegenerative Diseases and in Brain Ischemia. Biomolecules 2022; 13:26. [PMID: 36671411 PMCID: PMC9855831 DOI: 10.3390/biom13010026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Epidemiological studies and clinical observations show evidence of sexual dimorphism in brain responses to several neurological conditions. It is suggested that sex-related differences between men and women may have profound effects on disease susceptibility, pathophysiology, and progression. Sexual differences of the brain are achieved through the complex interplay of several factors contributing to this phenomenon, such as sex hormones, as well as genetic and epigenetic differences. Despite recent advances, the precise link between these factors and brain disorders is incompletely understood. This review aims to briefly outline the most relevant aspects that differ between men and women in ischemia and neurodegenerative disorders (AD, PD, HD, ALS, and SM). Recognition of disparities between both sexes could aid the development of individual approaches to ameliorate or slow the progression of intractable disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Zalewska
- NeuroRepair Department, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, 5 A. Pawinskiego Str., 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
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13
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Intestinal Flora Affect Alzheimer's Disease by Regulating Endogenous Hormones. Neurochem Res 2022; 47:3565-3582. [DOI: 10.1007/s11064-022-03784-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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14
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Zorrilla Veloz RI, McKenzie T, Palacios BE, Hu J. Nuclear hormone receptors in demyelinating diseases. J Neuroendocrinol 2022; 34:e13171. [PMID: 35734821 PMCID: PMC9339486 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Demyelination results from the pathological loss of myelin and is a hallmark of many neurodegenerative diseases. Despite the prevalence of demyelinating diseases, there are no disease modifying therapies that prevent the loss of myelin or promote remyelination. This review aims to summarize studies in the field that highlight the importance of nuclear hormone receptors in the promotion and maintenance of myelination and the relevance of nuclear hormone receptors as potential therapeutic targets for demyelinating diseases. These nuclear hormone receptors include the estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, androgen receptor, vitamin D receptor, thyroid hormone receptor, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor, liver X receptor, and retinoid X receptor. Pre-clinical studies in well-established animal models of demyelination have shown a prominent role of these nuclear hormone receptors in myelination through their promotion of oligodendrocyte maturation and development. The activation of the nuclear hormone receptors by their ligands also promotes the synthesis of myelin proteins and lipids in mouse models of demyelination. There are limited clinical studies that focus on how the activation of these nuclear hormone receptors could alleviate demyelination in patients with diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS). However, the completed clinical trials have reported improved clinical outcome in MS patients treated with the ligands of some of these nuclear hormone receptors. Together, the positive results from both clinical and pre-clinical studies point to nuclear hormone receptors as promising therapeutic targets to counter demyelination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rocío I Zorrilla Veloz
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Cancer Biology Program, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Takese McKenzie
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Neuroscience Program, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Bridgitte E Palacios
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Cancer Biology Program, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX, USA
- Neuroscience Program, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jian Hu
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Cancer Biology Program, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX, USA
- Neuroscience Program, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX, USA
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15
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Lee JY, Castelli V, Kumar N, Sitruk-Ware R, Borlongan CV. Contraceptive drug, Nestorone, enhances stem cell-mediated remodeling of the stroke brain by dampening inflammation and rescuing mitochondria. Free Radic Biol Med 2022; 183:138-145. [PMID: 35341914 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2022.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Ischemic stroke remains a significant unmet need causing massive mortality and morbidity due to few treatment options with limited therapeutic window. The progestin Nestorone® (segesterone acetate) displays high affinity for the progesterone receptor in exerting its potent birth control and hormone replacement therapy. Accumulating evidence implicates a new utility of Nestorone in affording neuroprotection in a variety of central nervous system diseases, including stroke. However, the mechanism of action mediating Nestorone's neuroprotection in stroke remains unknown. Here, we showed that stand-alone treatments of Nestorone or human amniotic fluid-derived stem cells (hAFSc), but more pronounced with their combined treatment, led to significant improvements in behavioral function and reductions in infarction and peri-infarct cell loss in adult rats with ischemic stroke. We detected significantly lower levels of pro-inflammatory signals (OX6 and IBA1) coupled with enhanced levels of stem cell proliferation (Ki67) and differentiation (DCX and MAP2) in both brain and spleen of stroke rats that received stand-alone or combined treatments of Nestorone and hAFSc. In concert, the in vitro oxygen-glucose deprivation stroke model revealed that neural stem cells treated with Nestorone exhibited increased stem cell proliferation and differentiation that was accompanied by rescue of the mitochondrial respiratory activity characterized by reduced mitochondrial reactive oxygen species, increased ATP, elevated mitochondrial deacetylase Sirtuin 3 (SIRT3), and a normalized ratio of acetyl-superoxide dismutase 2 (Ac-SOD2)/SOD2, suggesting the key role of mitochondrial metabolism and oxidative protection in Nestorone's therapeutic effects in stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jea-Young Lee
- Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair, Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida College of Medicine, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
| | - Vanessa Castelli
- Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair, Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida College of Medicine, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
| | - Narender Kumar
- Population Council, Center for Biomedical Research, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Regine Sitruk-Ware
- Population Council, Center for Biomedical Research, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Cesario V Borlongan
- Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair, Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida College of Medicine, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA.
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16
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Liu C, Gao W, Zhao L, Cao Y. Progesterone attenuates neurological deficits and exerts a protective effect on damaged axons via the PI3K/AKT/mTOR-dependent pathway in a mouse model of intracerebral hemorrhage. Aging (Albany NY) 2022; 14:2574-2589. [PMID: 35305084 PMCID: PMC9004566 DOI: 10.18632/aging.203954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a devastating event with high disability and fatality rates. However, there is a lack of effective treatments for this condition. We aimed to investigate the neuroprotective and axonal regenerative effects of progesterone after ICH. For this purpose, an ICH model was established in adult mice by injecting type VII collagenase into the striatum; the mice were then treated with progesterone (8 mg/kg). Hematoma absorption, neurological scores, and brain water content were evaluated on days one, three, and seven after the ICH. The effect of progesterone on inflammation and axonal regeneration was examined on day three after the ICH using western blotting, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, as well as hematoxylin-eosin, Nissl, and Luxol fast blue staining. In addition, we combined progesterone with the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/serine/threonine-specific protein kinase (PI3K/AKT) inhibitor, LY294002, to explore its potential neuroprotective mechanisms. Administration of progesterone attenuated the neurological deficits and expression of inflammatory cytokines and promoted axonal regeneration after ICH, this effect was blocked by LY294002. Collectively, these results suggest that progesterone could reduce axonal damage and produced partial neuroprotective effects after ICH through the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, providing a new therapeutic target and basis for the treatment of ICH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Medical School, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan Province, P.R. China
| | - Weina Gao
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, The Affiliated Chengdu 363 Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan Province, P.R. China
| | - Long Zhao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong 637002, Sichuan Province, P.R. China
| | - Yi Cao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Chengdu Second People's Hospital, Chengdu 610021, Sichuan Province, P.R. China
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17
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Sex Hormones and Their Effects on Ocular Disorders and Pathophysiology: Current Aspects and Our Experience. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23063269. [PMID: 35328690 PMCID: PMC8949880 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23063269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex hormones are molecules produced by the gonads and to a small extent by the adrenal gland, which not only determine the primary and secondary sexual characteristics of an individual, differentiating man from woman, but also participate in the functioning of the various systems of the body. The evidence that many eye diseases differ in terms of prevalence between men and women has allowed us, in recent years, to carry out several studies that have investigated the association between sex hormones and the pathophysiology of eye tissues. Specific receptors for sex hormones have been found on the lacrimal and meibomian glands, conjunctiva, cornea, lens, retina, and choroid. This work summarizes the current knowledge on the role that sex hormones play in the pathogenesis of the most common ocular disorders and indicates our clinical experience in these situations. The aim is to stimulate an interdisciplinary approach between endocrinology, neurology, molecular biology, and ophthalmology to improve the management of these diseases and to lay the foundations for new therapeutic strategies.
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18
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Kawadkar M, Mandloi AS, Singh N, Mukharjee R, Dhote VV. Combination therapy for cerebral ischemia: do progesterone and noscapine provide better neuroprotection than either alone in the treatment? NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2022; 395:167-185. [PMID: 34988596 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-021-02187-y] [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: 07/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/20/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Ischemic stroke presents multifaceted pathological outcomes with overlapping mechanisms of cerebral injury. High mortality and disability with stroke warrant a novel multi-targeted therapeutic approach. The neuroprotection with progesterone (PG) and noscapine (NOS) on cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (I-R) injury was demonstrated individually, but the outcome of combination treatment to alleviate cerebral damage is still unexplored. Randomly divided groups of rats (n = 6) were Sham-operated, I-R, PG (8 mg/kg), NOS (10 mg/kg), and PG + NOS (8 mg/kg + 10 mg/kg). The rats were exposed to bilateral common carotid artery occlusion, except Sham-operated, to investigate the therapeutic outcome of PG and NOS alone and in combination on I-R injury. Besides the alterations in cognitive and motor abilities, we estimated infarct area, oxidative stress, blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability, and histology after treatment. Pharmacokinetic parameters like Cmax, Tmax, half-life, and AUC0-t were estimated in biological samples to substantiate the therapeutic outcomes of the combination treatment. We report PG and NOS prevent loss of motor ability and improve spatial memory after cerebral I-R injury. Combination treatment significantly reduced inflammation and restricted infarction; it attenuated oxidative stress and BBB damage and improved grip strength. Histopathological analysis demonstrated a significant reduction in leukocyte infiltration with the most profound effect in the combination group. Simultaneous analysis of PG and NOS in plasma revealed enhanced peak drug concentration, improved AUC, and prolonged half-life; the drug levels in the brain have increased significantly for both. We conclude that PG and NOS have beneficial effects against brain damage and the co-administration further reinforced neuroprotection in the cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manisha Kawadkar
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, VNS Group of Institutions, Vidya Vihar, Neelbud, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, 462044, India
| | - Avinash S Mandloi
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, VNS Group of Institutions, Vidya Vihar, Neelbud, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, 462044, India
| | - Nidhi Singh
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, VNS Group of Institutions, Vidya Vihar, Neelbud, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, 462044, India
| | - Rajesh Mukharjee
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, VNS Group of Institutions, Vidya Vihar, Neelbud, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, 462044, India
| | - Vipin V Dhote
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, VNS Group of Institutions, Vidya Vihar, Neelbud, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, 462044, India.
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19
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Villaverde-González R. Updated Perspectives on the Challenges of Managing Multiple Sclerosis During Pregnancy. Degener Neurol Neuromuscul Dis 2022; 12:1-21. [PMID: 35023987 PMCID: PMC8743861 DOI: 10.2147/dnnd.s203406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic immune-mediated, inflammatory, and degenerative disease that is up to three times more frequent in young women. MS does not alter fertility and has no impact on fetal development, the course of pregnancy, or childbirth. The Pregnancy in Multiple Sclerosis Study in 1998 showed that pregnancy, mostly in untreated women, did not adversely affect MS, as disease activity decreased during pregnancy (although it significantly increased in the first trimester postpartum). These findings, together with the limited information available on the potential risks of fetal exposure to disease modifying treatments (DMTs), meant that women were advised to delay the onset of DMTs, stop them prior to conception, or, in case of unplanned pregnancy, discontinue them when pregnancy was confirmed. Now, many women with MS receive DMTs before pregnancy and, despite being considered a period of MS stability, up to 30% of patients could relapse in the first trimester postpartum. Factors associated with an increased risk of relapse and disability during pregnancy and postpartum include relapses before and during pregnancy, a greater disability at the time of conception, the occurrence of relapses after DMT cessation before conception, and the use of high-efficacy DMTs before conception, especially natalizumab or fingolimod. Strategies to prevent postpartum activity are needed in some patients, but consensus is lacking regarding the therapeutic strategies for women with MS of a fertile age. This, along with the increasing number of DMTs, means that the decision-making processes in aspects related to family planning and therapeutic strategies before, during, and after pregnancy are increasingly more complex. The purpose of this review is to provide an update on pregnancy-related issues in women with MS, including recommendations for counseling, general management, use of DMTs in pre-pregnancy, pregnancy, and postpartum periods, and breastfeeding-related aspects of DMTs.
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20
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Fréchou M, Zhu X, Kumar N, Sitruk-Ware R, Schumacher M, Mattern C, Guennoun R. Sex differences in the cerebroprotection by Nestorone intranasal delivery following stroke in mice. Neuropharmacology 2021; 198:108760. [PMID: 34437904 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2021.108760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Our previous studies showed that intranasal delivery of progesterone offers a good bioavailability and neuroprotective efficacy after experimental stroke. We have also demonstrated that progesterone receptors (PR) are essential for cerebroprotection by endogenous progesterone and by progesterone treatment. The identification of PR as a potential drug target for stroke therapy opens new therapeutic indications for selective synthetic progestins. Nestorone® (16-methylene-17α-acetoxy-19-nor-pregn-4-ene-3, 20-dione, also known as segesterone acetate) is a 19-norprogesterone derivative that more potently targets PR than progesterone. The objective of this study was to evaluate the cerebroprotective efficiency of intranasal administration of Nestorone after middle cerebral occlusion (MCAO) in mice. We show here that intranasal administration is a very efficient route to achieve a preferential delivery of Nestorone to the brain and confers a slow elimination and a sustained bioavailability. Furthermore, intranasal administration of Nestorone (at 0.08 mg/kg) improved the functional outcomes and decreased the ischemic lesion in male but not in female mice at 48 h post MCAO. Use of PRNesCre mice, selectively lacking expression of PR in neural cells, and their control PRloxP/loxP littermates showed that the cerebroprotective effects of Nestorone in male mice depended on neural PR as they were not observed in PRNesCre mice. Our findings show that intranasal delivery of Nestorone may be an efficient strategy to promote recovery after stroke in males and confirm the key role of PR in cerebroprotection. Furthermore, they point to sex differences in the response to Nestorone treatment and emphasize the necessity to include males and females in experimental studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magalie Fréchou
- U1195 Inserm and University Paris-Saclay, 80 Rue Du Général Leclerc, 94276, Kremlin-Bicêtre, France.
| | - Xiaoyan Zhu
- U1195 Inserm and University Paris-Saclay, 80 Rue Du Général Leclerc, 94276, Kremlin-Bicêtre, France.
| | - Narender Kumar
- Population Council, Rockefeller University, New York, USA.
| | | | - Michael Schumacher
- U1195 Inserm and University Paris-Saclay, 80 Rue Du Général Leclerc, 94276, Kremlin-Bicêtre, France.
| | - Claudia Mattern
- M et P Pharma AG, Schynweg 7, P.O.Box 11, 6376, Emmetten, Switzerland.
| | - Rachida Guennoun
- U1195 Inserm and University Paris-Saclay, 80 Rue Du Général Leclerc, 94276, Kremlin-Bicêtre, France.
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21
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From Menopause to Neurodegeneration-Molecular Basis and Potential Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22168654. [PMID: 34445359 PMCID: PMC8395405 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The impacts of menopause on neurodegenerative diseases, especially the changes in steroid hormones, have been well described in cell models, animal models, and humans. However, the therapeutic effects of hormone replacement therapy on postmenopausal women with neurodegenerative diseases remain controversial. The steroid hormones, steroid hormone receptors, and downstream signal pathways in the brain change with aging and contribute to disease progression. Estrogen and progesterone are two steroid hormones which decline in circulation and the brain during menopause. Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), which plays an import role in neuroprotection, is rapidly decreased in serum after menopause. Here, we summarize the actions of estrogen, progesterone, and IGF-1 and their signaling pathways in the brain. Since the incidence of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is higher in women than in men, the associations of steroid hormone changes and AD are emphasized. The signaling pathways and cellular mechanisms for how steroid hormones and IGF-1 provide neuroprotection are also addressed. Finally, the molecular mechanisms of potential estrogen modulation on N-methyl-d-aspartic acid receptors (NMDARs) are also addressed. We provide the viewpoint of why hormone therapy has inconclusive results based on signaling pathways considering their complex response to aging and hormone treatments. Nonetheless, while diagnosable AD may not be treatable by hormone therapy, its preceding stage of mild cognitive impairment may very well be treatable by hormone therapy.
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22
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Meknatkhah S, Mousavi MS, Sharif Dashti P, Azizzadeh Pormehr L, Riazi GH. The brain 3β-HSD up-regulation in response to deteriorating effects of background emotional stress: an animal model of multiple sclerosis. Metab Brain Dis 2021; 36:1253-1258. [PMID: 33721183 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-021-00708-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The brain 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD), is the enzyme that catalyzes the biosynthesis of a neuroprotective factor, progesterone. The regulation of 3β-HSD in response to stress exposure in the cuprizone-induced model of Multiple Sclerosis was investigated and the reaction related to the demyelination extremity. 32 female Wistar rats divided into four groups (i.e., control group (Cont), non-stress cuprizone treated (N-CPZ), physical stress- cuprizone treated (P-CPZ) and emotional stress- cuprizone treated (E-CPZ). A witness foot-shock model used to induce background stress for 5 days. An elevated-plus maze applied to validate the stress induction. Followed by 6 weeks of cuprizone treatment, the Y-maze test performed to confirm brain demyelination. 3β-HSD gene expression as an indicator of progesterone synthesis examined. At the behavioral level, both stressed groups reflected more impaired spatial memory compared to the N-CPZ group (p < 0.01), with more severe results in the E-CPZ group (p < 0.01). The results of mRNA expression of 3β-HSD illustrated significant elevation in all cuprizone treated groups (p < 0.001) with a higher up-regulation (p < 0.001) in the E-CPZ group. Background stress -particularly emotional type- exacerbates the demyelination caused by cuprizone treatment. The brain up-regulates the 3β-HSD gene expression as a protective response relative to the myelin degradation extent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sogol Meknatkhah
- Laboratory of Neuro-Organic Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics (IBB), University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Monireh-Sadat Mousavi
- Laboratory of Neuro-Organic Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics (IBB), University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Pouya Sharif Dashti
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Leila Azizzadeh Pormehr
- Laboratory of Neuro-Organic Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics (IBB), University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Gholam Hossein Riazi
- Laboratory of Neuro-Organic Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics (IBB), University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
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Gutzeit O, Segal L, Korin B, Iluz R, Khatib N, Dabbah-Assadi F, Ginsberg Y, Fainaru O, Ross MG, Weiner Z, Beloosesky R. Progesterone Attenuates Brain Inflammatory Response and Inflammation-Induced Increase in Immature Myeloid Cells in a Mouse Model. Inflammation 2021; 44:956-964. [PMID: 33405022 PMCID: PMC8139904 DOI: 10.1007/s10753-020-01390-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2020] [Revised: 11/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Progesterone has been shown to regulate immunity during pregnancy, and progesterone administration may reduce inflammation-induced preterm labor. We sought to determine the maternal brain immune response to LPS-induced inflammation in pregnant and non-pregnant mice and whether additional progesterone supplementation attenuates this response. Pregnant (P: n = 9) and non-pregnant mice (NP: n = 9) were randomized to pretreatment with vaginal progesterone/carrier (Replens), daily from days 13 to 16. On days 15 and 16, LPS/saline was administered by intraperitoneal injection (Replens + saline n = 3; Replens + LPS n = 3; progesterone + LPS n = 3). Mice were sacrificed on day 16 and maternal serum analyzed for IL-6 levels and brains analyzed for nNOS, NF-kB, IL-6 protein levels and for immature myeloid cells (IMCs) and microglial activity. LPS significantly increased brain nNOS, NF-kB, and IL-6 in both NP and P mice, with significantly greater responses in P mice. In both NP and P groups, progesterone significantly attenuated LPS-induced increase of nNOS and NF-kB, however with no effect on serum IL-6. In the NP brains, LPS significantly increased IMC population and progesterone reduced the IMC phenotype to levels similar to controls. In P mice, neither LPS nor LPS + progesterone altered the brain IMC population. LPS significantly increased the microglial activity in both NP and P groups, which was attenuated by progesterone. Progesterone attenuates brain inflammatory response to LPS in both NP and P mice although it has no effect on systemic inflammation. In NP mice, progesterone attenuated the increase in brain IMC following LPS administration. Our results suggest that endogenous progesterone during pregnancy may protect the brain from LPS-induced inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ola Gutzeit
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rambam Health Care Campus, Rambam Medical Center, 8 Ha'alya St., 3109601, Haifa, Israel
| | - Linoy Segal
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rambam Health Care Campus, Rambam Medical Center, 8 Ha'alya St., 3109601, Haifa, Israel
| | - Ben Korin
- Department of Neuroscience, Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
- Department of Immunology, Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Roee Iluz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rambam Health Care Campus, Rambam Medical Center, 8 Ha'alya St., 3109601, Haifa, Israel
| | - Nizar Khatib
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rambam Health Care Campus, Rambam Medical Center, 8 Ha'alya St., 3109601, Haifa, Israel
| | - Fadwa Dabbah-Assadi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rambam Health Care Campus, Rambam Medical Center, 8 Ha'alya St., 3109601, Haifa, Israel
| | - Yuval Ginsberg
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rambam Health Care Campus, Rambam Medical Center, 8 Ha'alya St., 3109601, Haifa, Israel
| | - Ofer Fainaru
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rambam Health Care Campus, Rambam Medical Center, 8 Ha'alya St., 3109601, Haifa, Israel
| | - Michael G Ross
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, USA
| | - Zeev Weiner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rambam Health Care Campus, Rambam Medical Center, 8 Ha'alya St., 3109601, Haifa, Israel
| | - Ron Beloosesky
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rambam Health Care Campus, Rambam Medical Center, 8 Ha'alya St., 3109601, Haifa, Israel.
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Kim YJ, Soto M, Branigan GL, Rodgers K, Brinton RD. Association between menopausal hormone therapy and risk of neurodegenerative diseases: Implications for precision hormone therapy. ALZHEIMER'S & DEMENTIA (NEW YORK, N. Y.) 2021; 7:e12174. [PMID: 34027024 PMCID: PMC8118114 DOI: 10.1002/trc2.12174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The impact of menopausal hormone therapy (HT) on age-associated Alzheimer's and neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) remains unresolved. To determine the effect of HT, formulation, type, and duration on risk of NDDs, a retrospective analysis was performed using a 10-year Humana claims dataset. METHODS Study population included women aged 45 years or older with or without claim records of HT medications. Patients diagnosed with NDDs including Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), dementia, multiple sclerosis (MS), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) were identified. Relative risk (RR) ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for combined NDDs, or AD, PD, dementia, MS, and ALS were determined. Cumulative hazard ratios were determined to investigate the association between HT and NDDs at different age groups. RESULTS In 379,352 women with or without claim records of HT, use of HT was associated with significantly reduced risk for combined NDDs (RR 0.42, 95% CI 0.40-0.43, P < 0.001). Average follow-up time was 5.1 [2.3] years. Formulations containing natural steroids 17β-estradiol and/or progesterone were associated with greater reduction in NDD risk. Oral- HT users showed significantly reduced RRs (0.42, 0.41-0.44, P < 0.001) for combined NDDs compared to non-HT users. The RRs for transdermal-HT users were significantly decreased for all-cause dementia (0.73, 0.60-0.88, P = 0.001) and MS (0.55, 0.36-0.84, P = 0.005). Greatest reduction in risk of NDD, AD, and dementia emerged in patients aged 65 years or older. Further, the protective effect of long-term therapy (>1 year) on combined NDDs, AD, PD, and dementia was greater compared to short-term therapy (≤1 year). DISCUSSION HT was associated with reduced risk of all NDDs including AD and dementia, with greater duration of therapy and natural steroid formulations associated with greater efficacy. These findings advance precision HT to prevent NDDs including AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Jin Kim
- Center for Innovation in Brain ScienceUniversity of ArizonaTucsonArizonaUSA
| | - Maira Soto
- Center for Innovation in Brain ScienceUniversity of ArizonaTucsonArizonaUSA
- College of Medicine, Department of PharmacologyUniversity of ArizonaTucsonArizonaUSA
| | - Gregory L Branigan
- Center for Innovation in Brain ScienceUniversity of ArizonaTucsonArizonaUSA
- College of Medicine, Department of PharmacologyUniversity of ArizonaTucsonArizonaUSA
- College of MedicineMD‐PhD Training ProgramUniversity of ArizonaTucsonArizonaUSA
| | - Kathleen Rodgers
- Center for Innovation in Brain ScienceUniversity of ArizonaTucsonArizonaUSA
- College of Medicine, Department of PharmacologyUniversity of ArizonaTucsonArizonaUSA
| | - Roberta Diaz Brinton
- Center for Innovation in Brain ScienceUniversity of ArizonaTucsonArizonaUSA
- College of Medicine, Department of PharmacologyUniversity of ArizonaTucsonArizonaUSA
- College of Medicine, Department of NeurologyUniversity of ArizonaTucsonArizonaUSA
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25
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Manousi A, Göttle P, Reiche L, Cui QL, Healy LM, Akkermann R, Gruchot J, Schira-Heinen J, Antel JP, Hartung HP, Küry P. Identification of novel myelin repair drugs by modulation of oligodendroglial differentiation competence. EBioMedicine 2021; 65:103276. [PMID: 33714029 PMCID: PMC7970057 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2021.103276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In multiple sclerosis loss of myelin and oligodendrocytes impairs saltatory signal transduction and leads to neuronal loss and functional deficits. Limited capacity of oligodendroglial precursor cells to differentiate into mature cells is the main reason for inefficient myelin repair in the central nervous system. Drug repurposing constitutes a powerful approach for identification of pharmacological compounds promoting this process. METHODS A phenotypic compound screening using the subcellular distribution of a potent inhibitor of oligodendroglial cell differentiation, namely p57kip2, as differentiation competence marker was conducted. Hit compounds were validated in terms of their impact on developmental cell differentiation and myelination using both rat and human primary cell cultures and organotypic cerebellar slice cultures, respectively. Their effect on spontaneous remyelination was then investigated following cuprizone-mediated demyelination of the corpus callosum. FINDINGS A number of novel small molecules able to promote oligodendroglial cell differentiation were identified and a subset was found to foster human oligodendrogenesis as well as myelination ex vivo. Among them the steroid danazol and the anthelminthic parbendazole were found to increase myelin repair. INTERPRETATION We provide evidence that early cellular processes involved in differentiation decisions are applicable for the identification of regeneration promoting drugs and we suggest danazol and parbendazole as potent therapeutic candidates for demyelinating diseases. FUNDING This work was supported by the Jürgen Manchot Foundation, Düsseldorf; Research Commission of the Medical Faculty of Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf; Christiane and Claudia Hempel Foundation; Stifterverband/Novartisstiftung; James and Elisabeth Cloppenburg, Peek and Cloppenburg Düsseldorf Stiftung and International Progressive MS Alliance (BRAVEinMS).
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Manousi
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, 40225, Germany
| | - Peter Göttle
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, 40225, Germany
| | - Laura Reiche
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, 40225, Germany
| | - Qiao-Ling Cui
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4A 3K9, Canada
| | - Luke M Healy
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4A 3K9, Canada
| | - Rainer Akkermann
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, 40225, Germany
| | - Joel Gruchot
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, 40225, Germany
| | - Jessica Schira-Heinen
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, 40225, Germany
| | - Jack P Antel
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4A 3K9, Canada
| | - Hans-Peter Hartung
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, 40225, Germany; Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Camperdown NSW 2050, Australia
| | - Patrick Küry
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, 40225, Germany.
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26
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Breton JM, Long KLP, Barraza MK, Perloff OS, Kaufer D. Hormonal Regulation of Oligodendrogenesis II: Implications for Myelin Repair. Biomolecules 2021; 11:290. [PMID: 33669242 PMCID: PMC7919830 DOI: 10.3390/biom11020290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Alterations in myelin, the protective and insulating sheath surrounding axons, affect brain function, as is evident in demyelinating diseases where the loss of myelin leads to cognitive and motor dysfunction. Recent evidence suggests that changes in myelination, including both hyper- and hypo-myelination, may also play a role in numerous neurological and psychiatric diseases. Protecting myelin and promoting remyelination is thus crucial for a wide range of disorders. Oligodendrocytes (OLs) are the cells that generate myelin, and oligodendrogenesis, the creation of new OLs, continues throughout life and is necessary for myelin plasticity and remyelination. Understanding the regulation of oligodendrogenesis and myelin plasticity within disease contexts is, therefore, critical for the development of novel therapeutic targets. In our companion manuscript, we review literature demonstrating that multiple hormone classes are involved in the regulation of oligodendrogenesis under physiological conditions. The majority of hormones enhance oligodendrogenesis, increasing oligodendrocyte precursor cell differentiation and inducing maturation and myelin production in OLs. Thus, hormonal treatments present a promising route to promote remyelination. Here, we review the literature on hormonal regulation of oligodendrogenesis within the context of disorders. We focus on steroid hormones, including glucocorticoids and sex hormones, peptide hormones such as insulin-like growth factor 1, and thyroid hormones. For each hormone, we describe whether they aid in OL survival, differentiation, or remyelination, and we discuss their mechanisms of action, if known. Several of these hormones have yielded promising results in both animal models and in human conditions; however, a better understanding of hormonal effects, interactions, and their mechanisms will ultimately lead to more targeted therapeutics for myelin repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jocelyn M Breton
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Kimberly L P Long
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Matthew K Barraza
- Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Olga S Perloff
- Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Daniela Kaufer
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
- Integrative Biology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
- Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, Toronto, ON M5G1M1, Canada
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27
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El-Etr M, Akwa Y, Rame M, Schumacher M, Sitruk-Ware R. Nestorone ® , a 19nor-progesterone derivative boosts remyelination in an animal model of demyelination. CNS Neurosci Ther 2020; 27:464-469. [PMID: 33369182 PMCID: PMC7941173 DOI: 10.1111/cns.13538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We previously showed that Nestorone® (NES), a synthetic progestin structurally related to progesterone, stimulated remyelination of the corpus callosum in a Cuprizone (CUP) mouse model of demyelination in intact females by promoting replenishment with mature oligodendrocytes (OL) (Glia. 2015;63:104-117). Here, we further investigated the underlying mechanisms of this promyelinating effect. METHODS We explored whether NES, applied subcutaneously through Alzet mini-osmotic pumps, regulates specific transcription factors involved in oligodendrocyte progenitor cell (OPC) proliferation and their differentiation into mature OL, using RT-qPCR and Western Blot analysis. RESULTS Our present data show that in comparison to controls, a one-week treatment with NES, through Alzet mini-osmotic pumps, enhanced the production of three relevant transcription factor mRNAs encoding Olig2, Myt1, and Sox17. After 3 weeks, NES treatment reversed the effect of CUP on the levels of corresponding Olig2, Myt1, and Sox17 proteins. Moreover, in mice receiving NES + Estradiol (E2) co-treatment, levels of Olig2, Myt1, and Sox17 proteins did not change as compared to NES alone. CONCLUSION NES alone or with E2 increased the levels of transcription factors, essential for myelin synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martine El-Etr
- Disease and Hormones of the Nervous System", U1195 Inserm-Université Paris Saclay, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Yvette Akwa
- Disease and Hormones of the Nervous System", U1195 Inserm-Université Paris Saclay, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Marion Rame
- Disease and Hormones of the Nervous System", U1195 Inserm-Université Paris Saclay, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Michael Schumacher
- Disease and Hormones of the Nervous System", U1195 Inserm-Université Paris Saclay, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
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Sitruk-Ware R, Bonsack B, Brinton R, Schumacher M, Kumar N, Lee JY, Castelli V, Corey S, Coats A, Sadanandan N, Gonzales-Portillo B, Heyck M, Shear A, Blaise C, Zhang H, Sheyner M, García-Sánchez J, Navarro L, El-Etr M, De Nicola AF, Borlongan CV. Progress in progestin-based therapies for neurological disorders. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 122:38-65. [PMID: 33359391 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2020] [Revised: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 12/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Hormone therapy, primarily progesterone and progestins, for central nervous system (CNS) disorders represents an emerging field of regenerative medicine. Following a failed clinical trial of progesterone for traumatic brain injury treatment, attention has shifted to the progestin Nestorone for its ability to potently and selectively transactivate progesterone receptors at relatively low doses, resulting in robust neurogenetic, remyelinating, and anti-inflammatory effects. That CNS disorders, including multiple sclerosis (MS), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), spinal cord injury (SCI), and stroke, develop via demyelinating, cell death, and/or inflammatory pathological pathways advances Nestorone as an auspicious candidate for these disorders. Here, we assess the scientific and clinical progress over decades of research into progesterone, progestins, and Nestorone as neuroprotective agents in MS, ALS, SCI, and stroke. We also offer recommendations for optimizing timing, dosage, and route of the drug regimen, and identifying candidate patient populations, in advancing Nestorone to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Brooke Bonsack
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA
| | | | | | | | - Jea-Young Lee
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Vanessa Castelli
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Sydney Corey
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Alexandreya Coats
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Nadia Sadanandan
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Bella Gonzales-Portillo
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Matt Heyck
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Alex Shear
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Cozene Blaise
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Henry Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Michael Sheyner
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Julián García-Sánchez
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Lisset Navarro
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA
| | | | | | - Cesar V Borlongan
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA.
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Shakkour Z, Habashy KJ, Berro M, Takkoush S, Abdelhady S, Koleilat N, Eid AH, Zibara K, Obeid M, Shear D, Mondello S, Wang KK, Kobeissy F. Drug Repurposing in Neurological Disorders: Implications for Neurotherapy in Traumatic Brain Injury. Neuroscientist 2020; 27:620-649. [PMID: 33089741 DOI: 10.1177/1073858420961078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) remains a significant leading cause of death and disability among adults and children globally. To date, there are no Food and Drug Administration-approved drugs that can substantially attenuate the sequelae of TBI. The innumerable challenges faced by the conventional de novo discovery of new pharmacological agents led to the emergence of alternative paradigm, which is drug repurposing. Repurposing of existing drugs with well-characterized mechanisms of action and human safety profiles is believed to be a promising strategy for novel drug use. Compared to the conventional discovery pathways, drug repurposing is less costly, relatively rapid, and poses minimal risk of the adverse outcomes to study on participants. In recent years, drug repurposing has covered a wide range of neurodegenerative diseases and neurological disorders including brain injury. This review highlights the advances in drug repurposing and presents some of the promising candidate drugs for potential TBI treatment along with their possible mechanisms of neuroprotection. Edaravone, glyburide, ceftriaxone, levetiracetam, and progesterone have been selected due to their potential role as putative TBI neurotherapeutic agents. These drugs are Food and Drug Administration-approved for purposes other than brain injuries; however, preclinical and clinical studies have shown their efficacy in ameliorating the various detrimental outcomes of TBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zaynab Shakkour
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | | | - Moussa Berro
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Samira Takkoush
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Samar Abdelhady
- Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Nadia Koleilat
- Division of Child Neurology, Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Ali H Eid
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Kazem Zibara
- PRASE and Biology Department, Faculty of Sciences-I, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Makram Obeid
- Division of Child Neurology, Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon.,Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Deborah Shear
- Brain Trauma Neuroprotection/Neurorestoration, Center for Military Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Stefania Mondello
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Messina, Sicilia, Italy
| | - Kevin K Wang
- Program for Neurotrauma, Neuroproteomics & Biomarkers Research, Departments of Emergency Medicine, Psychiatry, Neuroscience and Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Firas Kobeissy
- Program for Neurotrauma, Neuroproteomics & Biomarkers Research, Departments of Emergency Medicine, Psychiatry, Neuroscience and Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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Chen S, Wang T, Yao J, Brinton RD. Allopregnanolone Promotes Neuronal and Oligodendrocyte Differentiation In Vitro and In Vivo: Therapeutic Implication for Alzheimer's Disease. Neurotherapeutics 2020; 17:1813-1824. [PMID: 32632771 PMCID: PMC7851314 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-020-00874-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies demonstrated that the endogenous neurosteroid allopregnanolone (Allo) promotes regeneration of rodent and human neural progenitor/neural stem cells (NSCs) in vitro and in vivo, and restores neurogenesis and cognitive function in the male triple transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer's disease (3xTgAD). In this study, we investigated Allo regulation of neuronal differentiation of adult mouse neural stem cells from both sexes. Outcomes indicated that the age-dependent shift from neuronal to glial differentiation was accelerated and magnified in 3xTgAD adult NSCs compared to that in age-matched non-Tg NSCs. Coincident with the decline in neuronal differentiation, the number of immature neurons declined earlier in 3xTgAD mice, which was consistent with observations in the aged Alzheimer's human brain. Allo treatment restored the neuron/astrocyte ratio derived from adult 3xTgAD NSCs and increased both NSC proliferation and differentiation in the 3xTgAD brain. Allo treatment also significantly increased expression of Olig2, an oligodendrocyte precursor cell marker, as well as Olig2-positive cells in the corpus callosum of 3xTgAD mice. Increased neuronal and oligodendrocyte differentiation was paralleled by an increase in the expression levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R). Collectively, these findings are consistent with Allo acting as a pleiotropic therapeutic to promote regeneration of gray and white matter in the Alzheimer's brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuhua Chen
- Center for Innovation in Brain Science, University of Arizona, 1230 N Cherry Avenue, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA
| | - Tian Wang
- Center for Innovation in Brain Science, University of Arizona, 1230 N Cherry Avenue, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA
| | - Jia Yao
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Science, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Roberta Diaz Brinton
- Center for Innovation in Brain Science, University of Arizona, 1230 N Cherry Avenue, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA.
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA.
- Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA.
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Schumacher M, Liere P, Ghoumari A. Progesterone and fetal-neonatal neuroprotection. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 2020; 69:50-61. [PMID: 33039311 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2020.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The role of progesterone goes beyond the maintenance of pregnancy. The hormone, indeed, protects the developing fetal brain and influences its maturation. Metabolomes analyzed by mass spectrometric methods have revealed the great diversity of steroids in maternal plasma and fetal fluids, but their developmental significance remains to be investigated. Progesterone and its metabolites reach highest levels during the third trimester, when the brain growth spurt occurs: its volume triples, synaptogenesis is particularly active, and axons start to be myelinated. This developmental stage coincides with a period of great vulnerability. Studies in sheep have shown that progesterone and its metabolite allopregnanolone protect the vulnerable fetal brain. Work in rats and mice have demonstrated that progesterone plays an important role in myelin formation. These experimental studies are discussed in relation to preterm birth. Influences of progesterone on very early stages of neural development at the beginning of pregnancy are yet to be explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Schumacher
- U1195 "Diseases and Hormones of the Nervous System", Inserm and University Paris-Saclay, 80, Rue Du Général Leclerc, 94276, Kremlin-Bicêtre, France.
| | - Philippe Liere
- U1195 "Diseases and Hormones of the Nervous System", Inserm and University Paris-Saclay, 80, Rue Du Général Leclerc, 94276, Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Abdelmoumen Ghoumari
- U1195 "Diseases and Hormones of the Nervous System", Inserm and University Paris-Saclay, 80, Rue Du Général Leclerc, 94276, Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
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Guennoun R. Progesterone in the Brain: Hormone, Neurosteroid and Neuroprotectant. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21155271. [PMID: 32722286 PMCID: PMC7432434 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21155271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Progesterone has a broad spectrum of actions in the brain. Among these, the neuroprotective effects are well documented. Progesterone neural effects are mediated by multiple signaling pathways involving binding to specific receptors (intracellular progesterone receptors (PR); membrane-associated progesterone receptor membrane component 1 (PGRMC1); and membrane progesterone receptors (mPRs)) and local bioconversion to 3α,5α-tetrahydroprogesterone (3α,5α-THPROG), which modulates GABAA receptors. This brief review aims to give an overview of the synthesis, metabolism, neuroprotective effects, and mechanism of action of progesterone in the rodent and human brain. First, we succinctly describe the biosynthetic pathways and the expression of enzymes and receptors of progesterone; as well as the changes observed after brain injuries and in neurological diseases. Then, we summarize current data on the differential fluctuations in brain levels of progesterone and its neuroactive metabolites according to sex, age, and neuropathological conditions. The third part is devoted to the neuroprotective effects of progesterone and 3α,5α-THPROG in different experimental models, with a focus on traumatic brain injury and stroke. Finally, we highlight the key role of the classical progesterone receptors (PR) in mediating the neuroprotective effects of progesterone after stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachida Guennoun
- U 1195 Inserm and University Paris Saclay, University Paris Sud, 94276 Le kremlin Bicêtre, France
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33
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Gilli F, DiSano KD, Pachner AR. SeXX Matters in Multiple Sclerosis. Front Neurol 2020; 11:616. [PMID: 32719651 PMCID: PMC7347971 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.00616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common chronic inflammatory and neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system (CNS). An interesting feature that this debilitating disease shares with many other inflammatory disorders is that susceptibility is higher in females than in males, with the risk of MS being three times higher in women compared to men. Nonetheless, while men have a decreased risk of developing MS, many studies suggest that males have a worse clinical outcome. MS exhibits an apparent sexual dimorphism in both the immune response and the pathophysiology of the CNS damage, ultimately affecting disease susceptibility and progression differently. Overall, women are predisposed to higher rates of inflammatory relapses than men, but men are more likely to manifest signs of disease progression and worse CNS damage. The observed sexual dimorphism in MS may be due to sex hormones and sex chromosomes, acting in parallel or combination. In this review, we outline current knowledge on the sexual dimorphism in MS and discuss the interplay of sex chromosomes, sex hormones, and the immune system in driving MS disease susceptibility and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Gilli
- Department of Neurology, Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, United States
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34
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Nir A, Barak B. White matter alterations in Williams syndrome related to behavioral and motor impairments. Glia 2020; 69:5-19. [PMID: 32589817 DOI: 10.1002/glia.23868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Revised: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Myelin is the electrical insulator surrounding the neuronal axon that makes up the white matter (WM) of the brain. It helps increase axonal conduction velocity (CV) by inducing saltatory conduction. Damage to the myelin sheath and WM is associated with many neurological and psychiatric disorders. Decreasing myelin deficits, and thus improving axonal conduction, has the potential to serve as a therapeutic mechanism for reducing the severity of some of these disorders. Myelin deficits have been previously linked to abnormalities in social behavior, suggesting an interplay between brain connectivity and sociability. This review focuses on Williams syndrome (WS), a genetic disorder characterized by neurocognitive characteristics and motor abnormalities, mainly known for its hypersociability characteristic. We discuss fundamental aspects of WM in WS and how its alterations can affect motor abilities and social behavior. Overall, findings regarding changes in myelin genes and alterations in WM structure in WS suggest new targets for drug therapy aimed at improving conduction properties and altering brain-activity synchronization in this disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariel Nir
- The Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Boaz Barak
- The Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.,The School of Psychological Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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35
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Roles of Progesterone, Testosterone and Their Nuclear Receptors in Central Nervous System Myelination and Remyelination. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21093163. [PMID: 32365806 PMCID: PMC7246940 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21093163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Progesterone and testosterone, beyond their roles as sex hormones, are neuroactive steroids, playing crucial regulatory functions within the nervous system. Among these, neuroprotection and myelin regeneration are important ones. The present review aims to discuss the stimulatory effects of progesterone and testosterone on the process of myelination and remyelination. These effects have been demonstrated in vitro (i.e., organotypic cultures) and in vivo (cuprizone- or lysolecithin-induced demyelination and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE)). Both steroids stimulate myelin formation and regeneration by acting through their respective intracellular receptors: progesterone receptors (PR) and androgen receptors (AR). Activation of these receptors results in multiple events involving direct transcription and translation, regulating general homeostasis, cell proliferation, differentiation, growth and myelination. It also ameliorates immune response as seen in the EAE model, resulting in a significant decrease in inflammation leading to a fast recovery. Although natural progesterone and testosterone have a therapeutic potential, their synthetic derivatives—the 19-norprogesterone (nestorone) and 7α-methyl-nortestosterone (MENT), already used as hormonal contraception or in postmenopausal hormone replacement therapies, may offer enhanced benefits for myelin repair. We summarize here a recent advancement in the field of myelin biology, to treat demyelinating disorders using the natural as well as synthetic analogs of progesterone and testosterone.
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36
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Levin S, Rimmer K, Vargas WS. Neuroimmunologic disorders in pregnancy. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2020; 172:105-123. [PMID: 32768083 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-64240-0.00006-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Pregnancy influences the course of neuroimmunologic conditions, which include multiple sclerosis (MS), neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder, and autoimmune encephalitis. The outcomes differ significantly for each disorder, reflecting the impact of hormonal changes, T-cell subsets, and placental factors on disease pathogenesis. In recent years, numerous data have emerged regarding MS activity throughout pregnancy and postpartum. Historically, the misconception that pregnancy worsens MS outcomes led patients to abstain from childbearing. Now, more women with these disorders, empowered by up-to-date information and better baseline disease control, are choosing to conceive. Nevertheless, the management of MS and related disorders in the pregnancy and postpartum period is complicated and requires a nuanced approach. Since standardized treatment guidelines around pregnancy are currently lacking, neurologists, together with obstetricians, must engage patients in a shared decision-making process that weighs the benefits to the mother and risks to the fetus. This chapter outlines the pathophysiology of neuroimmunologic disorders during pregnancy and postpartum, the impact of these diseases on childbearing, including fertility, pregnancy, delivery, and peurperium, as well as existing recommendations for treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seth Levin
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Multiple Sclerosis Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Kathryn Rimmer
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Multiple Sclerosis Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Wendy S Vargas
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Multiple Sclerosis Center, New York, NY, United States; Department of Neurology, Division of Child Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States.
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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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González SL, Coronel MF, Raggio MC, Labombarda F. Progesterone receptor-mediated actions and the treatment of central nervous system disorders: An up-date of the known and the challenge of the unknown. Steroids 2020; 153:108525. [PMID: 31634489 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2019.108525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Revised: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Progesterone has been shown to exert a wide range of remarkable protective actions in experimental models of central nervous system injury or disease. However, the intimate mechanisms involved in each of these beneficial effects are not fully depicted. In this review, we intend to give the readers a thorough revision on what is known about the participation of diverse receptors and signaling pathways in progesterone-mediated neuroprotective, pro-myelinating and anti-inflammatory outcomes, as well as point out to novel regulatory mechanisms that could open new perspectives in steroid-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susana L González
- Laboratorio de Nocicepción y Dolor Neuropático, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, CONICET, Vuelta de Obligado 2490, C1428ADN Buenos Aires, Argentina; Departamento de Bioquímica Humana, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Paraguay 2155, C1121ABG Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - María F Coronel
- Laboratorio de Nocicepción y Dolor Neuropático, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, CONICET, Vuelta de Obligado 2490, C1428ADN Buenos Aires, Argentina; Facultad de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Austral, Presidente Perón 1500, B1629AHJ Pilar, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María C Raggio
- Laboratorio de Nocicepción y Dolor Neuropático, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, CONICET, Vuelta de Obligado 2490, C1428ADN Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Florencia Labombarda
- Laboratorio de Bioquímica Neuroendócrina, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, CONICET, Vuelta de Obligado 2490, C1428ADN, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Departamento de Bioquímica Humana, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Paraguay 2155, C1121ABG Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Yilmaz C, Karali K, Fodelianaki G, Gravanis A, Chavakis T, Charalampopoulos I, Alexaki VI. Neurosteroids as regulators of neuroinflammation. Front Neuroendocrinol 2019; 55:100788. [PMID: 31513776 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2019.100788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2019] [Revised: 08/12/2019] [Accepted: 09/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Neuroinflammation is a physiological protective response in the context of infection and injury. However, neuroinflammation, especially if chronic, may also drive neurodegeneration. Neurodegenerative diseases, such as multiple sclerosis (MS), Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI), display inflammatory activation of microglia and astrocytes. Intriguingly, the central nervous system (CNS) is a highly steroidogenic environment synthesizing steroids de novo, as well as metabolizing steroids deriving from the circulation. Neurosteroid synthesis can be substantially affected by neuroinflammation, while, in turn, several steroids, such as 17β-estradiol, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and allopregnanolone, can regulate neuroinflammatory responses. Here, we review the role of neurosteroids in neuroinflammation in the context of MS, AD, PD and TBI and describe underlying molecular mechanisms. Moreover, we introduce the concept that synthetic neurosteroid analogues could be potentially utilized for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Canelif Yilmaz
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Clinic Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Kanelina Karali
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece; Institute of Molecular Biology & Biotechnology, Foundation of Research & Technology-Hellas, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Georgia Fodelianaki
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Clinic Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Achille Gravanis
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece; Institute of Molecular Biology & Biotechnology, Foundation of Research & Technology-Hellas, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Triantafyllos Chavakis
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Clinic Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany; Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Ioannis Charalampopoulos
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece; Institute of Molecular Biology & Biotechnology, Foundation of Research & Technology-Hellas, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Vasileia Ismini Alexaki
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Clinic Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany.
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Tuazon JP, Sitruk-Ware R, Borlongan CV. Reprint of: Beyond contraception and hormone replacement therapy: Advancing Nestorone to a neuroprotective drug in the clinic. Brain Res 2019; 1719:285-287. [PMID: 31213288 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2019.05.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Neurological diseases such as ischemic stroke can be debilitating and have limited treatments available. The progestin Nestorone® (segesterone acetate) has been evaluated for use in birth control and hormone replacement therapy due to its potency and high affinity for the progesterone receptor. Interestingly, Nestorone also exerts neuroprotection in animals afflicted with various central nervous system diseases, including stroke, which implicates its potential for treating these maladies in clinical settings. In fact, a recent Brain Research paper by Tanaka and colleagues demonstrates Nestorone's ability to reduce infarct sizes and preclude functional impairments in rats subjected to ischemic stroke. This commentary highlights Nestorone's properties as a progestin, its neuroprotective capabilities in animal studies, and how the Tanaka team's findings and previous clinical trials contribute to Nestorone's translation into a therapeutic agent for stroke and other neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian P Tuazon
- Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair, Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida College of Medicine, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Regine Sitruk-Ware
- Population Council, Center for Biomedical Research, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Cesario V Borlongan
- Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair, Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida College of Medicine, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL 33612, USA.
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41
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Tanaka M, Ogaeri T, Samsonov M, Sokabe M. Nestorone exerts long-term neuroprotective effects against transient focal cerebral ischemia in adult male rats. Brain Res 2019; 1719:288-296. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2018.09.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2018] [Revised: 09/18/2018] [Accepted: 09/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Theis V, Theiss C. Progesterone Effects in the Nervous System. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2019; 302:1276-1286. [PMID: 30951258 DOI: 10.1002/ar.24121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2018] [Revised: 11/12/2018] [Accepted: 12/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The sex hormone progesterone is mainly known as a key factor in establishing and maintaining pregnancy. In addition, progesterone has been shown to induce morphological changes in the central and peripheral nervous system by increasing dendrito-, spino-, and synaptogenesis in Purkinje cells (Wessel et al.: Cell Mol Life Sci (2014a) 1723-1740) and increasing axonal outgrowth in dorsal root ganglia (Olbrich et al.: Endocrinology (2013) 3784-3795). These effects mediated mainly by the classical progesterone receptors (PRs) A and B seem to be limited to young neurons. It may be assumed that microRNAs (miRNAs), which are potent regulators of nervous system maturation and degeneration, are also involved in the regulation of progesterone-mediated neuronal plasticity by altering the expression patterns of the corresponding PR A/B receptors (Theis and Theiss: Neural Regen Res (2015) 547-549, Pieczora et al.: Cerebellum (2017) 376-387). This review critically discusses current data on the neuroprotective effect of progesterone and its corresponding receptors in the nervous system, with possible regulatory processes by miRNAs. Preclinical studies on stroke and traumatic brain injury revealed neuroprotective and neuroregenerative effects of progesterone in the treatment of severe neurological diseases in animal models, but have so far failed in humans. In this context, the identification of specific miRNAs that regulate the expression of progesterone and PR could help to exploit the neuroprotective potential of progesterone for the treatment of various neurological disorders. Anat Rec, 302:1276-1286, 2019. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verena Theis
- Department of Cytology, Institute of Anatomy, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Carsten Theiss
- Department of Cytology, Institute of Anatomy, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
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43
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Nuzzi R, Scalabrin S, Becco A, Panzica G. Sex Hormones and Optic Nerve Disorders: A Review. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:57. [PMID: 30804741 PMCID: PMC6378504 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2018] [Accepted: 01/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim: This review article presents a comprehensive overview of the literature on sex hormones (estrogens, androgens, progesterone) and optic nerve disorders, with a discussion of the implications for therapy and prevention. Methods: Epidemiological, pre-clinical and clinical studies were reviewed. Results: Analysis of the biological basis for a relationship between eye diseases and sex hormones showed that some types of hormones can exert a protective effect either directly on the retina and optic nerve or indirectly by modulating ocular blood flow. For example, it seems that estrogen exposure has a protective effect against glaucoma, whereas its deficit may lead to early onset of the disease. If further studies confirm the data in the literature, estrogen therapy, because of its antioxidant action, may be effective in the treatment of Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy, whereas, in the light of current studies, there does not seem to be an influence of estrogen on non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuritis (NAION). Conclusions: Although there is some evidence that in some optic nerve pathologies the sex hormones seem to play an important role there are still too few studies providing evidence for its wider use in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raffaele Nuzzi
- Eye Clinic, Department of Surgical Sciences, AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza, Ophtalmic Clinic, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Simona Scalabrin
- Eye Clinic, Department of Surgical Sciences, AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza, Ophtalmic Clinic, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Alice Becco
- Eye Clinic, Department of Surgical Sciences, AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza, Ophtalmic Clinic, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Panzica
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology, Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi-Montalcini, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.,Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri-Ottolenghi, Orbassano, Italy
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Tuazon JP, Sitruk-Ware R, Borlongan CV. Beyond contraception and hormone replacement therapy: Advancing Nestorone to a neuroprotective drug in the clinic. Brain Res 2019; 1704:161-163. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2018.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2018] [Accepted: 10/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
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45
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Zhu X, Fréchou M, Schumacher M, Guennoun R. Cerebroprotection by progesterone following ischemic stroke: Multiple effects and role of the neural progesterone receptors. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2019; 185:90-102. [PMID: 30031789 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2018.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2018] [Revised: 07/17/2018] [Accepted: 07/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Treatment with progesterone limits brain damage after stroke. However, the cellular bases of the cerebroprotective effects of progesterone are not well documented. The aims of this study were to determine neural cells and functions that are affected by progesterone treatment and the role of neural progesterone receptors (PR) after stroke. Adult male PRNesCre mice, selectively lacking PR in the central nervous system, and their control PRloxP/loxP littermates were subjected to transient ischemia by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) for 30 min. Mice received either progesterone (8 mg/kg) or vehicle at 1-, 6- and 24- hrs post-MCAO and outcomes were analyzed at 48 h post-MCAO. In PRloxP/loxP mice, progesterone exerted multiple effects on different neural cell types, improved motor functional outcomes and reduced total infarct volumes. In the peri-infarct, progesterone increased the density of neurons (NeuN+ cells), of cells of the oligodendroglial lineage (Olig2+ cells) and of oligodendrocyte progenitors (OP, NG2+ cells). Progesterone decreased the density of activated astrocytes (GFAP+ cells) and reactive microglia (Iba1+ cells) coexpressing the mannose receptor type 1 CD206 marker. Progesterone also reduced the expression of aquaporin 4 (AQP4), the water channel involved in both edema formation and resorption. The beneficial effects of progesterone were not observed in PRNesCre mice. Our findings show that progesterone treatment exerts beneficial effects on neurons, oligodendroglial cells and neuroinflammatory responses via PR. These findings demonstrate that progesterone is a pleiotropic cerebroprotective agent and that neural PR represent a therapeutic target for stroke cerebroprotection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Zhu
- U1195 Inserm and University Paris-Sud and University Paris-Saclay, 80 rue du Général Leclerc, 94276 Kremlin-Bicêtre, France.
| | - Magalie Fréchou
- U1195 Inserm and University Paris-Sud and University Paris-Saclay, 80 rue du Général Leclerc, 94276 Kremlin-Bicêtre, France.
| | - Michael Schumacher
- U1195 Inserm and University Paris-Sud and University Paris-Saclay, 80 rue du Général Leclerc, 94276 Kremlin-Bicêtre, France.
| | - Rachida Guennoun
- U1195 Inserm and University Paris-Sud and University Paris-Saclay, 80 rue du Général Leclerc, 94276 Kremlin-Bicêtre, France.
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Jure I, De Nicola AF, Labombarda F. Progesterone effects on the oligodendrocyte linage: all roads lead to the progesterone receptor. Neural Regen Res 2019; 14:2029-2034. [PMID: 31397329 PMCID: PMC6788243 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.262570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
A new role has emerged for progesterone after discovering its potent actions away from reproduction in both the central and the peripheral nervous system. The aim of the present report is to discuss progesterone’s mechanisms of action involved in myelination, remyelination and neuroinflammation. The pivotal role of the classic progesterone receptor is described and evidence is compiled about progesterone’s direct effects on oligodendrocyte linage and its indirect effects on oligodendrocyte precursor cell differentiation by decreasing the neuroinflammatory environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ignacio Jure
- Laboratorio de Bioquímica Neuroendocrina, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Alejandro F De Nicola
- Laboratorio de Bioquímica Neuroendocrina, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, CONICET; Departamento de Bioquímica Humana, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Florencia Labombarda
- Laboratorio de Bioquímica Neuroendocrina, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, CONICET; Departamento de Bioquímica Humana, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Jure I, De Nicola AF, Labombarda F. Progesterone effects on oligodendrocyte differentiation in injured spinal cord. Brain Res 2018; 1708:36-46. [PMID: 30527678 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2018.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2018] [Revised: 11/27/2018] [Accepted: 12/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Spinal cord lesions result in chronic demyelination as a consequence of secondary injury. Although oligodendrocyte precursor cells proliferate the differentiation program fails. Successful differentiation implies progressive decrease of transcriptional inhibitors followed by upregulation of activators. Progesterone emerges as an anti-inflammatory and pro-myelinating agent which improves locomotor outcome after spinal cord injury. In this study, we have demonstrated that spinal cord injury enhanced oligodendrocyte precursor cell number and decreased mRNA expression of transcriptional inhibitors (Id2, Id4, hes5). However, mRNA expression of transcriptional activators (Olig2, Nkx2.2, Sox10 and Mash1) was down-regulated 3 days post injury. Interestingly, a differentiation factor such as progesterone increased transcriptional activator mRNA levels and the density of Olig2- expressing oligodendrocyte precursor cells. The differentiation program is regulated by extracellular signals which modify transcriptional factors and epigenetic players. As TGFβ1 is a known oligodendrocyte differentiation factor which is regulated by progesterone in reproductive tissues, we assessed whether TGFβ1 could mediate progesterone remyelinating actions after the lesion. Notwithstanding that astrocyte, oligodendrocyte precursor and microglial cell density increased after spinal cord injury, the number of these cells which expressed TGFβ1 remained unchanged regarding sham operated rats. However, progesterone treatment increased TGFβ1 mRNA expression and the number of astrocytes and microglial TGFβ1 expressing cells which would indirectly enhance oligodendrocyte differentiation. Therefore, TGFβ1 arises as a potential mediator of progesterone differentiating effects on oligodendrocyte linage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ignacio Jure
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrine Biochemistry, Instituto de Biologia y Medicina Experimental, Vuelta de Obligado 2490, 1428 Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Alejandro F De Nicola
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrine Biochemistry, Instituto de Biologia y Medicina Experimental, Vuelta de Obligado 2490, 1428 Buenos Aires, Argentina; Dept. of Human Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires, Paraguay 2155 C1121, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Florencia Labombarda
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrine Biochemistry, Instituto de Biologia y Medicina Experimental, Vuelta de Obligado 2490, 1428 Buenos Aires, Argentina; Dept. of Human Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires, Paraguay 2155 C1121, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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Leicaj ML, Pasquini LA, Lima A, Gonzalez Deniselle MC, Pasquini JM, De Nicola AF, Garay LI. Changes in neurosteroidogenesis during demyelination and remyelination in cuprizone-treated mice. J Neuroendocrinol 2018; 30:e12649. [PMID: 30303567 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [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: 05/30/2018] [Revised: 09/20/2018] [Accepted: 10/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Changes of neurosteroids may be involved in the pathophysiology of multiple sclerosis (MS). The present study investigated whether changes of neurosteroidogenesis also occurred in the grey and white matter regions of the brain in mice subjected to cuprizone-induced demyelination. Accordingly, we compared the expression of neurosteroidogenic proteins, including steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC) and 18 kDa translocator protein (TSPO), as well as neurosteroidogenic enzymes, including the side chain cleavage enzyme (P450scc), 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/isomerase and 5α-reductase (5α-R), during the demyelination and remyelination periods. Using immunohistochemistry and a quantitative polymerase chain reaction, we demonstrated a decreased expression of StAR, P450scc and 5α-R with respect to an increase astrocytic and microglial reaction and elevated levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)α during the cuprizone demyelination period in the hippocampus, cortex and corpus callosum. These parameters, as well as the glial reaction, were normalised after 2 weeks of spontaneous remyelination in regions containing grey matter. Conversely, persistent elevated levels of TNFα and low levels of StAR and P450scc were observed during remyelination in corpus callosum white matter. We conclude that neurosteroidogenesis/myelination status and glial reactivity are inversely related in the hippocampus and neocortex. Establishing a cause and effect relationship for the measured variables remains a future challenge for understanding the pathophysiology of MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- María L Leicaj
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrine Biochemistry, Instituto de Biologia y Medicina Experimental and National Research Council (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Laura A Pasquini
- Department of Biological Chemistry, School of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry and Biological Physicochemistry (IQUIFIB), University of Buenos Aires and National Research Council (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Analia Lima
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrine Biochemistry, Instituto de Biologia y Medicina Experimental and National Research Council (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Maria C Gonzalez Deniselle
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrine Biochemistry, Instituto de Biologia y Medicina Experimental and National Research Council (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Juana M Pasquini
- Department of Biological Chemistry, School of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry and Biological Physicochemistry (IQUIFIB), University of Buenos Aires and National Research Council (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Alejandro F De Nicola
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrine Biochemistry, Instituto de Biologia y Medicina Experimental and National Research Council (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Department of Human Biochemistry, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Laura I Garay
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrine Biochemistry, Instituto de Biologia y Medicina Experimental and National Research Council (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Department of Human Biochemistry, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Dubessy AL, Stankoff B. Is it time to conduct phase 3 clinical trials of sex hormones in MS – Commentary. Mult Scler 2018; 24:1417-1418. [DOI: 10.1177/1352458518786071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Laure Dubessy
- Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière (ICM), Sorbonne Universités, Hôpital de la Pitié Salpêtrière, Inserm UMR S 1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Paris, France/AP-HP, Hôpital de la Pitié Salpêtrière and Hôpital Saint Antoine, Paris, France
| | - Bruno Stankoff
- Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière (ICM), Sorbonne Universités, Hôpital de la Pitié Salpêtrière, Inserm UMR S 1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Paris, France/AP-HP, Hôpital de la Pitié Salpêtrière and Hôpital Saint Antoine, Paris, France
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Chen S, Kumar N, Mao Z, Sitruk-Ware R, Brinton RD. Therapeutic progestin segesterone acetate promotes neurogenesis: implications for sustaining regeneration in female brain. Menopause 2018; 25:1138-1151. [PMID: 29846284 PMCID: PMC7731586 DOI: 10.1097/gme.0000000000001135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Neurogenesis is the principal regenerative mechanism to sustain the plasticity potential in adult brains. Decreased neurogenesis parallels the cognition decline with aging, and has been suggested as a common hallmark in the progression of many neurodegeneration diseases. We previously reported that acute exposure to segesterone acetate (ST-1435; Nestorone), alone or in combination with 17β-estradiol (E2), increased human neural stem cells proliferation and survival both in vitro and in vivo. The present study expanded our previous findings to investigate the more clinical related chronic exposure in combination with E2 on the regenerative capacity of adult brain. METHODS To mimic the chronic contraception exposure in women, 3-month old female mice (n = 110) were treated with ST-1435, with or without co-administration of E2, for 4 weeks. Neural cell proliferation and survival, and oligodendrocyte generation were assessed. The involvement of insulin-like growth factor 1 signaling was studied. RESULTS Our results demonstrated that chronic ST-1435 and E2 alone or in combination increased neurogenesis by a comparable magnitude, with minimum to no antagonistic or additive effects between ST-1435 and E2. In addition, chronic exposure of ST-1435 or ST-1435 + E2 stimulated oligodendrocyte generation, indicating potential elevated myelination. Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R) were also up-regulated after chronic ST-1435 and E2 exposure, suggesting the involvement of IGF-1 signaling as the potential underlined regulatory pathway transducing ST-1435 effect. CONCLUSION These findings provide preclinical evidence and mechanistic insights for the development of ST-1435 as a neuroregenerative therapy to promote intrinsic regenerative capacity in female brains against aging and neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuhua Chen
- Center for Innovation in Brain Science, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Narendar Kumar
- Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council,, New York, NY, USA
| | - Zisu Mao
- Center for Innovation in Brain Science, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | | | - Roberta Diaz Brinton
- Center for Innovation in Brain Science, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
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