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Gharat R, Dixit G, Khambete M, Prabhu A. Targets, trials and tribulations in Alzheimer therapeutics. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 962:176230. [PMID: 38042464 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.176230] [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: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/04/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by abnormal accumulation of extracellular amyloid beta senile plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles in the parts of the brain responsible for cognition. The therapeutic burden for the management of AD relies solely on cholinesterase inhibitors that provide only symptomatic relief. The urgent need for disease-modifying drugs has resulted in intensive research in this domain, which has led to better understanding of the disease pathology and identification of a plethora of new pathological targets. Currently, there are over a hundred and seventy clinical trials exploring disease modification, cognitive enhancement, and reduction of neuro-psychiatric complications. However, the path to developing safe and efficacious AD therapeutics has not been without challenges. Several clinical trials have been terminated in advanced stages due to lack of therapeutic translation or increased incidence of adverse events. This review presents an in-depth look at the various therapeutic targets of AD and the lessons learnt during their clinical assessment. Comprehensive understanding of the implication of modulating various aspects of Alzheimer brain pathology is crucial for development of drugs with potential to halt disease progression in Alzheimer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruchita Gharat
- SVKM's Dr. Bhanuben Nanavati College of Pharmacy, VM Road, Vile Parle (West), Mumbai, 400056, Maharashtra, India
| | - Gargi Dixit
- SVKM's Dr. Bhanuben Nanavati College of Pharmacy, VM Road, Vile Parle (West), Mumbai, 400056, Maharashtra, India
| | - Mihir Khambete
- Department of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Arati Prabhu
- SVKM's Dr. Bhanuben Nanavati College of Pharmacy, VM Road, Vile Parle (West), Mumbai, 400056, Maharashtra, India.
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2
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Wickramasuriya N, Hawkins R, Atwood C, Butler T. The roles of GnRH in the human central nervous system. Horm Behav 2022; 145:105230. [PMID: 35809386 PMCID: PMC9990468 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2022.105230] [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: 09/25/2021] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
It is widely known that GnRH plays a role in facilitating reproductive function via the HPG axis, and this was once believed to be its only function. However, over the last several decades important neuromodulatory roles of GnRH in multiple brain functions have been elucidated. Multiple GnRH isoforms and receptors have been detected outside the HPG-axis across different species. In this review, we focus on the human CNS where GnRH I and II isoforms and a functional GnRH I receptor have been isolated. We first describe the traditional understanding of GnRH within the hypothalamus and the pituitary and current clinical use of GnRH analogues. We then review the location and function of GnRH-producing neurons and receptors located outside the HPG axis. We next review the GnRH I and II neuron location and quantity and GnRH I receptor gene expression throughout the human brain, using the Allen Brain Map Atlas. This analysis demonstrates a wide expression of GnRH throughout the brain, including prominent expression in the basal forebrain and cerebellum. Lastly, we examine the potential role of GnRH in aging and inflammation and its therapeutic potential for neurodegenerative disease and spinal cord lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nimmi Wickramasuriya
- Weill Cornell Medicine, Department of Radiology, 1305 York Ave #3F, New York, NY 1002, USA
| | - Robert Hawkins
- Weill Cornell Medicine, Department of Radiology, 1305 York Ave #3F, New York, NY 1002, USA
| | - Craig Atwood
- University of Wisconsin, Department of Medicine, 2500 Overlook Tce, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Tracy Butler
- Weill Cornell Medicine, Department of Radiology, 1305 York Ave #3F, New York, NY 1002, USA.
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3
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Bhandari A, Sunkaria A, Kaur G. Dietary Supplementation With Tinospora cordifolia Improves Anxiety-Type Behavior and Cognitive Impairments in Middle-Aged Acyclic Female Rats. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:944144. [PMID: 35966795 PMCID: PMC9366175 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.944144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The midlife transition period in women marks the progressive flattening of neurological health along with increased adiposity, dyslipidemia, frailty, and inflammatory responses mainly attributed to the gradual decline in estrogen levels. Conflicting reports of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) necessitate the exploration of novel therapeutic interventions using bioactive natural products having the least toxicity and a holistic mode of action for the preservation of metabolic homeodynamics with aging in women. The present study was planned to investigate the effects of aging and/or a high-fat diet (HFD) on cognitive impairments and anxiety and further their management by dietary supplement with the Tinospora cordifolia stem powder (TCP). Acyclic female rats were included in this study as the model system of the perimenopause phase of women along with young 3-4 months old rats as controls. Rats were fed on with and without TCP supplemented normal chow or HFD for 12 weeks. Animals fed on a TCP supplemented normal chow showed consistent management of body weight over a 12-week regimen although their calorie intake was much higher in comparison to their age-matched controls. Post-regimen, neurobehavioral tests, such as novel object recognition and elevated plus maze, performed on these animals showed improvement in their learning and memory abilities as well as the anxiety-like behavior. Furthermore, due to the presence of multiple components, TCP was observed to modulate the expression of key marker proteins to ameliorate neuroinflammation and apoptosis and promote cell survival and synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus and the prefrontal cortex (PFC) regions of the brain. These findings suggest that TCP supplementation in diet during the midlife transition period in women may be a potential interventional strategy for the management of menopause-associated anxiety and cognitive impairments and healthy aging.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Gurcharan Kaur
- Department of Biotechnology, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, India
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Kettunen P, Koistinen E, Hintikka J, Perheentupa A. Oestrogen therapy for postpartum depression: efficacy and adverse effects. A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled pilot study. Nord J Psychiatry 2022; 76:348-357. [PMID: 34533410 DOI: 10.1080/08039488.2021.1974556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Postpartum depression (PPD) is detrimental to the mother and the family as a whole. Early initiation of appropriate treatment is important. The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the efficacy and adverse effects of oestradiol treatment. METHODS We performed a pilot double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Major depression was diagnosed using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders (SCID-I), and the severity of depression was evaluated using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). The duration of treatment with sublingual oestradiol hemihydrate (1-3 mg/day) was 12 weeks. RESULTS The treatment group consisted of 16 mothers and the placebo group of 14 mothers. Thirteen mothers in the treatment group and ten in the placebo group recovered from depression during the treatment period as measured with the EPDS (<10). There was no evidence to suggest that oestradiol was more effective than placebo. More mothers in the treatment group than in the placebo group (eight vs. one) received gestagen treatment for irregular bleeding. Oestradiol did not disturb breastfeeding. The mean number of other adverse effects per mother was lower in the treatment group, and these were mostly somatic symptoms. CONCLUSION Our findings warrant further studies on oestrogen therapy for PPD with and without antidepressant and gestagen therapy, and on adverse effects (including effects on vaginal bleeding and breastfeeding).
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Affiliation(s)
- Pirjo Kettunen
- Department of General Hospital Psychiatry, North Karelia Central Hospital, Joensuu, Finland
| | - Eeva Koistinen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, North Karelia Central Hospital, Joensuu, Finland
| | - Jukka Hintikka
- Faculty of Medicine and Biotechnology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland.,Department of Psychiatry, Päijät-Häme Central Hospital, Lahti, Finland
| | - Antti Perheentupa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland.,Institute of Biomedicine, Research Center for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
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5
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Azar J, Salama M, Chidambaram SB, Al‐Balushi B, Essa MM, Qoronfleh MW. Precision health in Alzheimer disease: Risk assessment‐based strategies. PRECISION MEDICAL SCIENCES 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/prm2.12036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jihan Azar
- Institute of Global Health and Human Ecology (I‐GHHE) The American University in Cairo (AUC) Cairo Egypt
| | - Mohamed Salama
- Institute of Global Health and Human Ecology (I‐GHHE) The American University in Cairo (AUC) Cairo Egypt
- Faculty of Medicine Mansoura University Mansoura Egypt
| | - Saravana Babu Chidambaram
- Department of Pharmacology JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research Mysuru India
| | - Buthaina Al‐Balushi
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition CAMS, Sultan Qaboos University Muscat Oman
| | - Musthafa Mohamed Essa
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition CAMS, Sultan Qaboos University Muscat Oman
- Ageing and Dementia Research Group Sultan Qaboos University Muscat Oman
| | - M. Walid Qoronfleh
- Q3CG Research Institute (QRI) Research & Policy Division Ypsilanti Michigan USA
- 21 Health Street, Consulting Services London UK
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Rajizadeh MA, Esmaeilpour K, Motamedy S, Mohtashami Borzadaranb F, Sheibani V. Cognitive Impairments of Sleep-Deprived Ovariectomized (OVX) Female Rats by Voluntary Exercise. Basic Clin Neurosci 2020; 11:573-586. [PMID: 33643551 PMCID: PMC7878057 DOI: 10.32598/bcn.9.10.505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2019] [Revised: 08/25/2019] [Accepted: 11/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Previous studies demonstrated that forced and voluntary exercise had ameliorative effects on behavioral tasks followed by Sleep Deprivation (SD) in intact female rats. The main goal of this research was evaluating the impact of voluntary exercise on cognitive functions while SD and ovariectomization is induced in female wistar rats. Methods: The rats were anesthesized combining dosage of ketamine and xylazine. Then, both ovaries were eliminated and 3 weeks after surgery the animals entered the study. The exercise protocol took 4 weeks of voluntary exercise in a wheel which was connected to home cage. For inducing a 72 hours deprivation the multiple platforms was applied. The cognitive functions were studied by exploiting the Morris Water Maze (MWM) and Novel object recognition tests. Anxiety was evaluated by open field test and corticostrone measurement was carried out by ELISA method. One-way and two-way ANOVA and repeated measures were utilized for data analysis and P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: We observed significant spatial and recognition learning and memory impairments in OVX sleep-deprived rats compared to the control group and voluntary exercise alleviated the SD-induced learning and memory defects. Conclusion: We concluded that voluntary exercise can improve cognitive impairments followed by SD in OVX female rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Amin Rajizadeh
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.,Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Khadijeh Esmaeilpour
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Sina Motamedy
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | | | - Vahid Sheibani
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.,Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
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7
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Chen Y, Li YQ, Fang JY, Li P, Li F. Establishment of the concurrent experimental model of osteoporosis combined with Alzheimer's disease in rat and the dual-effects of echinacoside and acteoside from Cistanche tubulosa. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2020; 257:112834. [PMID: 32278031 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2020.112834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Revised: 03/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Cistanche tubulosa is a precious traditional Chinese medicine that has been widely used in the treatment of osteoporosis and Alzheimer's disease. Echinacoside and acteoside are the main active constituents in Cistanche tubulosa that have the pharmacological activities with research value. It has been reported that echinacoside and acteoside could improve the learning and memory ability, promote the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblast. AIM OF STUDY Echinacoside and acteoside from Cistanche tubulosa have shown significant activities of anti-osteoporosis and anti-Alzheimer's disease, while these effects have not been studied concurrently in a rat model. The aim of this study was to establish and verify the model of osteoporosis combined with Alzheimer's disease in rat, and to investigate the double effects of echinacoside and acteoside on this concurrent model. MATERIALS AND METHODS Three model groups of ovariectomy (OVX), sham surgery with D-galactose and AlCl3 (D), ovariectomy with D-galactose and AlCl3 (OVX + D) were set at the same time. The rats in drug treatment groups were ovariectomized. While conducting the intraperitoneal injection of D-galactose and intragastric administration of AlCl3 in the rats of drug treatment groups, the rats were orally administered echinacoside (90 mg/kg/d), acteoside (90 mg/kg/d) and the positive control drugs of estradiol valerate (0.6 mg/kg/d), donepezil HCl (0.8 mg/kg/d), respectively. After the drug treatment of 8 weeks, Morris Water Maze (MWM) test for 6 days was firstly performed. The rats were then sacrificed to harvest the blood, uteri, femora, tibiae and brain tissues. The serum was used for biochemical tests. The uteri were used for histomorphometry. The right femora were used for Micro-CT and histomorphometry, respectively. The right tibiae were used for biomechanical test. The hippocampus collected on ice box was used for biochemical tests. The brain collected by perfusion was used for histomorphometry. RESULTS Compared with Sham group, OVX + D group could significantly reduce the learning and memory ability by causing oxidative damage, impairing neurons in hippocampus and affecting the hydrolysis and synthesis of acetylcholine. Meanwhile, the activities of BALP and TRAP in OVX + D group increased significantly (P < 0.001) as compared to Sham group. In addition, compared with Sham group, the mean bone mineral density obviously decreased (P < 0.05), the trabecular bone mass and microarchitecture were also destroyed significantly in OVX + D group. Furthermore, the maximum load and maximum stress significantly reduced (P < 0.01) and the energy absorption also decreased greatly as compared to Sham group. After administrated with echinacoside and acteoside, the typical pathological features of osteoporosis and Alzheimer's disease were ameliorated. CONCLUSIONS The model of osteoporosis combined with Alzheimer's disease in rat was feasible and successfully established. Echinacoside and acteoside also showed some significant effects on this concurrent model, and they could be potential candidates from Cistanche tubulosa with double effects for further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Ying-Qi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Jia-Yi Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Ping Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
| | - Fei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China; College of Pharmacy, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, 830011, China.
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8
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Yoo JE, Shin DW, Han K, Kim D, Won HS, Lee J, Kim SY, Nam GE, Park HS. Female reproductive factors and the risk of dementia: a nationwide cohort study. Eur J Neurol 2020; 27:1448-1458. [PMID: 32396982 DOI: 10.1111/ene.14315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2020] [Revised: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The aim was to investigate whether female reproductive factors are associated with dementia. METHODS In all, 4 696 633 post-menopausal women without dementia were identified using the Korean National Health Insurance System database. Data on reproductive factors were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Dementia was determined using dementia diagnosis codes and anti-dementia drug prescription. Cox proportional hazards regression was conducted to assess the hazard ratio (HR) for dementia according to reproductive factors. RESULTS During a median follow-up of 5.74 years, there were 212 227 new cases of all-cause dementia (4.5%), 162 901 cases of Alzheimer's disease (3.5%) and 24 029 cases of vascular dementia (0.5%). The HR of dementia was 1.15 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03-1.16] for menarcheal age ≥17 years compared with menarcheal age 13-14 years, 0.79 (0.77-0.81) for menopausal age ≥55 years compared with menopausal age <40 years, and 0.81 (0.79-0.82) for fertility duration ≥40 years compared with fertility duration <30 years. Whilst being of parity one (HR 0.89, 95% CI 0.85-0.94) and breastfeeding <6 months (HR 0.92, 95% CI 0.88-0.95) was associated with lower risk of dementia, being of parity two or more (HR 1.04, 95% CI 0.99-1.05) and breastfeeding ≥12 months (HR 1.14, 95% CI 1.01-1.07) was associated with a higher risk of dementia than women without parity or breastfeeding history. Use of hormone replacement therapy and oral contraceptives independently reduced the dementia risk by 15% and 10%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Female reproductive factors are independent risk factors for dementia incidence, with higher risk associated with shorter lifetime endogenous estrogen exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- J E Yoo
- Department of Family Medicine, Healthcare System Gangnam Center, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - D W Shin
- Department of Family Medicine and Supportive Care Center, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Department of Clinical Research Design and Evaluation, Samsung Advanced Institute for Health Sciences and Technology (SAIHST), Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, Korea
| | - K Han
- Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science, Soongsil University, Seoul, Korea
| | - D Kim
- Department of Medical Statistics, Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - H-S Won
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - J Lee
- Department of Economics and Center for Economic and Social Research, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,RANC Corporation, Santa Monica, CA, USA
| | - S Y Kim
- Department of Neurology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital and Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam, Korea
| | - G E Nam
- Department of Family Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - H S Park
- Department of Family Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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9
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Eid A, Mhatre I, Richardson JR. Gene-environment interactions in Alzheimer's disease: A potential path to precision medicine. Pharmacol Ther 2019; 199:173-187. [PMID: 30877021 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2019.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the leading cause of dementia in the United States and afflicts >5.7 million Americans in 2018. Therapeutic options remain extremely limited to those that are symptom targeting, while no drugs have been approved for the modification or reversal of the disease itself. Risk factors for AD including aging, the female sex, as well as carrying an APOE4 genotype. These risk factors have been extensively examined in the literature, while less attention has been paid to modifiable risk factors, including lifestyle, and environmental risk factors such as exposures to air pollution and pesticides. This review highlights the most recent data on risk factors in AD and identifies gene by environment interactions that have been investigated. It also provides a suggested framework for a personalized therapeutic approach to AD, by combining genetic, environmental and lifestyle risk factors. Understanding modifiable risk factors and their interaction with non-modifiable factors (age, susceptibility alleles, and sex) is paramount for designing personalized therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aseel Eid
- Department of Environmental Health, Robert Stempel School of Public Health and Social Work, Florida International University, Miami, FL, United States of America
| | - Isha Mhatre
- Department of Environmental Health, Robert Stempel School of Public Health and Social Work, Florida International University, Miami, FL, United States of America; Department of Neurosciences, School of Biomedical Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH
| | - Jason R Richardson
- Department of Environmental Health, Robert Stempel School of Public Health and Social Work, Florida International University, Miami, FL, United States of America.
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10
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Rezzani R, Franco C, Rodella LF. Sex differences of brain and their implications for personalized therapy. Pharmacol Res 2019; 141:429-442. [PMID: 30659897 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2019.01.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2018] [Revised: 01/14/2019] [Accepted: 01/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Nowadays, it is known that the sex differences regard many organs, e.g., liver, vessels, pancreas, lungs, bronchi and also the brain. Sex differences are not just a matter of ethical and moral principles, as they are central to explain many still unknown diseases and their understanding is a prerequisite to develop an effective therapy for each individual. This review reports on those sex differences that are not only macroscopic and morphological, but also involve molecular and functional dimorphism in the brain. It will recapitulate the main structural differences between male and female brain including the neurotransmission systems; in particular, the main objective is to identify a correlation, already known or to be investigated in the future, between the differences that characterize male and female brains from a morphological and biochemical point of view and neurological syndromes. This correlation could provide a starting point for future scientific research aimed to investigate and define a personalized therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Rezzani
- Anatomy and Physiopathology Division, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy; Interdipartimental University Center of Research "Adaption and Regeneration of Tissues and Organs-(ARTO)", University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy.
| | - Caterina Franco
- Anatomy and Physiopathology Division, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Luigi F Rodella
- Anatomy and Physiopathology Division, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy; Interdipartimental University Center of Research "Adaption and Regeneration of Tissues and Organs-(ARTO)", University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
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11
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Mukli P, Nagy Z, Racz FS, Herman P, Eke A. Impact of Healthy Aging on Multifractal Hemodynamic Fluctuations in the Human Prefrontal Cortex. Front Physiol 2018; 9:1072. [PMID: 30147657 PMCID: PMC6097581 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.01072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2018] [Accepted: 07/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Fluctuations in resting-state cerebral hemodynamics show scale-free behavior over two distinct scaling ranges. Changes in such bimodal (multi) fractal pattern give insight to altered cerebrovascular or neural function. Our main goal was to assess the distribution of local scale-free properties characterizing cerebral hemodynamics and to disentangle the influence of aging on these multifractal parameters. To this end, we obtained extended resting-state records (N = 214) of oxyhemoglobin (HbO), deoxyhemoglobin (HbR) and total hemoglobin (HbT) concentration time series with continuous-wave near-infrared spectroscopy technology from the brain cortex. 52 healthy volunteers were enrolled in this study: 24 young (30.6 ± 8.2 years), and 28 elderly (60.5 ± 12.0 years) subjects. Using screening tests on power-law, multifractal noise, and shuffled data sets we evaluated the presence of true multifractal hemodynamics reflecting long-range correlation (LRC). Subsequently, scaling-range adaptive bimodal signal summation conversion (SSC) was performed based on standard deviation (σ) of signal windows across a range of temporal scales (s). Building on moments of different order (q) of the measure, σ(s), multifractal SSC yielded generalized Hurst exponent function, H(q), and singularity spectrum, D(h) separately for a fast and slow component (the latter dominating the highest temporal scales). Parameters were calculated reflecting the estimated measure at s = N (focus), degree of LRC [Hurst exponent, H(2) and maximal Hölder exponent, hmax] and measuring strength of multifractality [full-width-half-maximum of D(h) and ΔH15 = H(−15)−H(15)]. Correlation-based signal improvement (CBSI) enhanced our signal in terms of interpreting changes due to neural activity or local/systemic hemodynamic influences. We characterized the HbO-HbR relationship with the aid of fractal scale-wise correlation coefficient, rσ(s) and SSC-based multifractal covariance analysis. In the majority of subjects, cerebral hemodynamic fluctuations proved bimodal multifractal. In case of slow component of raw HbT, hmax, and Ĥ(2) were lower in the young group explained by a significantly increased rσ(s) among elderly at high temporal scales. Regarding the fast component of CBSI-pretreated HbT and that of HbO-HbR covariance, hmax, and focus were decreased in the elderly group. These observations suggest an attenuation of neurovascular coupling reflected by a decreased autocorrelation of the neuronal component concomitant with an accompanying increased autocorrelation of the non-neuronal component in the elderly group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Mukli
- Institute of Clinical Experimental Research, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.,Department of Physiology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zoltan Nagy
- Institute of Clinical Experimental Research, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Frigyes S Racz
- Department of Physiology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Peter Herman
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Andras Eke
- Institute of Clinical Experimental Research, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.,Department of Physiology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
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12
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Ciappolino V, Mazzocchi A, Enrico P, Syrén ML, Delvecchio G, Agostoni C, Brambilla P. N-3 Polyunsatured Fatty Acids in Menopausal Transition: A Systematic Review of Depressive and Cognitive Disorders with Accompanying Vasomotor Symptoms. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:E1849. [PMID: 29937484 PMCID: PMC6073395 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19071849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2018] [Revised: 06/15/2018] [Accepted: 06/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Depression is one of the most important health problems worldwide. Women are 2.5 times more likely to experience major depression than men. Evidence suggests that some women might experience an increased risk for developing depression during “windows of vulnerability”, i.e., when exposed to intense hormone fluctuations, such as the menopause transition. Indeed, this period is associated with different symptoms, including vasomotor, depressive, and cognitive symptoms, which have all been shown to worsen as women approach menopause. Even though hormonal therapy represents the most effective treatment, side effects have been reported by several studies. Therefore, an increased number of women might prefer the use of alternative medicine for treating menopausal symptoms. N-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LCPUFAs) are included among these alternative treatments. We here provide a review of studies investigating the effects of n-3 LCPUFAs on hot flashes and depressive and cognitive disorders in menopausal women. The reported results are scattered and heterogeneous. In conclusion, a beneficial role of n-3 LCPUFAs in hot flashes, and depressive and cognitive symptoms related to menopausal transition is still far from conclusive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Ciappolino
- Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy.
| | - Alessandra Mazzocchi
- Pediatric Intermediate Care Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda-Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy.
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy.
| | - Paolo Enrico
- Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy.
| | - Marie-Louise Syrén
- Pediatric Intermediate Care Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda-Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy.
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Delvecchio
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy.
| | - Carlo Agostoni
- Pediatric Intermediate Care Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda-Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy.
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy.
- SIGENP (Italian Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition), via Libero Temolo 4 (Torre U8), 20126 Milan, Italy.
| | - Paolo Brambilla
- Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy.
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, University of Texas at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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Kwakowsky A, Milne MR, Waldvogel HJ, Faull RL. Effect of Estradiol on Neurotrophin Receptors in Basal Forebrain Cholinergic Neurons: Relevance for Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2016; 17:E2122. [PMID: 27999310 PMCID: PMC5187922 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17122122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2016] [Revised: 12/05/2016] [Accepted: 12/12/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The basal forebrain is home to the largest population of cholinergic neurons in the brain. These neurons are involved in a number of cognitive functions including attention, learning and memory. Basal forebrain cholinergic neurons (BFCNs) are particularly vulnerable in a number of neurological diseases with the most notable being Alzheimer's disease, with evidence for a link between decreasing cholinergic markers and the degree of cognitive impairment. The neurotrophin growth factor system is present on these BFCNs and has been shown to promote survival and differentiation on these neurons. Clinical and animal model studies have demonstrated the neuroprotective effects of 17β-estradiol (E2) on neurodegeneration in BFCNs. It is believed that E2 interacts with neurotrophin signaling on cholinergic neurons to mediate these beneficial effects. Evidence presented in our recent study confirms that altering the levels of circulating E2 levels via ovariectomy and E2 replacement significantly affects the expression of the neurotrophin receptors on BFCN. However, we also showed that E2 differentially regulates neurotrophin receptor expression on BFCNs with effects depending on neurotrophin receptor type and neuroanatomical location. In this review, we aim to survey the current literature to understand the influence of E2 on the neurotrophin system, and the receptors and signaling pathways it mediates on BFCN. In addition, we summarize the physiological and pathophysiological significance of E2 actions on the neurotrophin system in BFCN, especially focusing on changes related to Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Kwakowsky
- Centre for Brain Research, Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, New Zealand.
| | - Michael R Milne
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland Brain Institute, Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4072, QLD, Australia.
| | - Henry J Waldvogel
- Centre for Brain Research, Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, New Zealand.
| | - Richard L Faull
- Centre for Brain Research, Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, New Zealand.
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Depypere H, Vierin A, Weyers S, Sieben A. Alzheimer’s disease, apolipoprotein E and hormone replacement therapy. Maturitas 2016; 94:98-105. [DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2016.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2016] [Revised: 08/05/2016] [Accepted: 09/13/2016] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
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15
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Hejazian SH, Karimi S, Hosseini M, Mousavi SM, Soukhtanloo M. Protection against brain tissues oxidative damage as a possible mechanism for improving effects of low doses of estradiol on scopolamine-induced learning and memory impairments in ovariectomized rats. Adv Biomed Res 2016; 5:123. [PMID: 27563633 PMCID: PMC4976525 DOI: 10.4103/2277-9175.186981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2016] [Accepted: 05/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Regarding the anti-oxidative effects on the central nervous system, the possible protection against brain tissues oxidative damage as a possible mechanism for improving effects of low doses of estradiol on scopolamine-induced learning and memory impairments was investigated in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. Materials and Methods: The OVX rats treated by (1) vehicle, (2) scopolamine, and (3–4) scopolamine plus estradiol (20 or 20 or 60 μg/kg). Estradiol was administered (20 or 60 μg/kg, intraperitoneally) daily for 6 weeks after ovariectomy. The rats were examined for learning and memory using passive avoidance test. Scopolamine (2 mg/kg) was injected 30 min after training in the test. The brains were then removed to determine malondialdehyde (MDA) and thiol contents. Results: Scopolamine shortened the time latency to enter the dark compartment in (P < 0.01). Compared to scopolamine, pretreatment by both doses of estradiol prolonged the latency to enter the dark compartment (P < 0.01). The brain tissues MDA concentration as an index of lipid peroxidation was decreased (P < 0.05). Pretreatment by estradiol lowered the concentration of MDA, while it increased thiol content compared to scopolamine (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01). Conclusions: These results allow us to suggest a protection against brain tissues oxidative damage as a possible mechanism for improving effects of low doses of estradiol on scopolamine-induced learning and memory impairments in OVX rats.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sareh Karimi
- Neurocognitive Research Center, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mahmoud Hosseini
- Neurocognitive Research Center, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Seyed Mojtaba Mousavi
- Neurogenic Inflammation Research Center, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mohammad Soukhtanloo
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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16
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Ortiz-Pérez A, Espinosa-Raya J, Picazo O. An enriched environment and 17-beta estradiol produce similar pro-cognitive effects on ovariectomized rats. Cogn Process 2016; 17:15-25. [DOI: 10.1007/s10339-015-0746-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2015] [Accepted: 12/11/2015] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
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17
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Neuroprotection of medial septal cholinergic neurons by memantine after intralateral septal injection of Aβ1-40. Neuroreport 2016; 26:450-4. [PMID: 25919992 DOI: 10.1097/wnr.0000000000000364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive disorder of the brain that leads to memory loss, dementia, and death. Several lines of evidence suggest that the accumulation of amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides may trigger the dysfunction and degeneration observed in the AD brain. The basal forebrain, including the septal region, which regulates the excitability of the hippocampus and neocortex, is affected early in AD because its neurons are vulnerable to Aβ peptides. In addition, connections between lateral and medial septal regions (medial septum and diagonal band of Broca) have been demonstrated in previous studies. To demonstrate the involvement of excitotoxicity in Aβ-induced septal damage, we compared rats injected with Aβ1-40 into the lateral septal region structure with rats treated with memantine (a noncompetitive NMDA receptor antagonist), before, during, and after Aβ1-40 injection. Medial septal cholinergic neurons were immunochemically identified and their numbers were estimated using Image J cell count. Our results show that Aβ1-40-treated animals have a significantly low number of medial septum and diagonal band of Broca cholinergic neurons compared with the Aβ/memantine-treated group.
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18
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Nabavi SF, Braidy N, Orhan IE, Badiee A, Daglia M, Nabavi SM. Rhodiola rosea L. and Alzheimer's Disease: From Farm to Pharmacy. Phytother Res 2016; 30:532-9. [PMID: 27059687 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.5569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2015] [Revised: 12/07/2015] [Accepted: 12/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Rhodiola rosea L. (roseroot) is a common member of the family Crassulaceae, known as one of the most important popular medicinal plants in the northern region of Europe. The roots of R. rosea possess a wide range of pharmacological activities such as antioxidant, antiinflammatory, anticancer, cardioprotective, and neuroprotective effects that are because of the presence of different phytochemicals such as phenols and flavonoids. In addition, the presence of salidroside, rosavins, and p-tyrosol are responsible for its beneficial effects for the treatment of on depression, fatigue, and cognitive dysfunction. A plethora of studies report that R. rosea has potent neuroprotective effects through the suppression of oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and excitotoxicity in brain tissues and antagonism of oncogenic p21-activated kinase. However, to our knowledge, no review articles have been published addressing the neuroprotective effects of R. rosea. Therefore, the present article aims at critically reviewing the available literature on the beneficial effects of R. rosea on as a therapeutic strategy for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative diseases where oxidative stress plays a major role in disease development and progression. We also discuss the cultivation, phytochemistry, clinical impacts, and adverse effects of R. rosea to provide a broader insight on the therapeutic potential for this plant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyed Fazel Nabavi
- Applied Biotechnology Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nady Braidy
- Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing, School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Ilkay Erdogan Orhan
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Arash Badiee
- Deputy of Food and Drug, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Maria Daglia
- Department of Drug Sciences, Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Technology Section, University of Pavia, Italy
| | - Seyed Mohammad Nabavi
- Applied Biotechnology Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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19
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Differential role of estrogen receptor modulators in depression-like behavior and memory impairment in rats with postmenopausal diabetes. Menopause 2015; 22:1117-24. [DOI: 10.1097/gme.0000000000000435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
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20
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Salari M, Sheibani V, Saadati H, Pourrahimi A, khaksarihadad M, Esmaeelpour K, Khodamoradi M. The compensatory effect of regular exercise on long-term memory impairment in sleep deprived female rats. Behav Processes 2015; 119:50-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2015.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2015] [Revised: 06/20/2015] [Accepted: 06/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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21
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Li FD, He F, Chen TR, Xiao YY, Lin ST, Shen W, Wang XY, Zhai YJ, Shang XP, Lin JF. Reproductive History and Risk of Cognitive Impairment in Elderly Women: A Cross-Sectional Study in Eastern China. J Alzheimers Dis 2015; 49:139-47. [DOI: 10.3233/jad-150444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Fu-Dong Li
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Fan He
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ting-Rui Chen
- Cangnan Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Xiao
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Shang-Tong Lin
- Cangnan Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wei Shen
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xin-Yi Wang
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yu-Jia Zhai
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiao-Peng Shang
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jun-Fen Lin
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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22
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Lin KA, Choudhury KR, Rathakrishnan BG, Marks DM, Petrella JR, Doraiswamy PM. Marked gender differences in progression of mild cognitive impairment over 8 years. ALZHEIMERS & DEMENTIA-TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH & CLINICAL INTERVENTIONS 2015; 1:103-110. [PMID: 26451386 PMCID: PMC4593067 DOI: 10.1016/j.trci.2015.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 238] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Introduction This study examined whether, among subjects with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), women progressed at faster rates than men. Methods We examine longitudinal rates of change from baseline in 398 MCI subjects (141 females and 257 males) in the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative-1, followed for up to 8 years (mean, 4.1 ± 2.5 years) using mixed-effects models incorporating all follow-ups (mean, 8 ± 4 visits). Results Women progressed at faster rates than men on the Alzheimer's disease assessment scale-cognitive subscale (ADAS-Cog; P = .001) and clinical dementia rating-sum of boxes (CDR-SB; P = .003). Quadratic fit for change over time was significant for both ADAS-Cog (P = .001) and CDR-SB (P = .004), and the additional acceleration in women was 100% for ADAS-Cog and 143% for CDR-SB. The variability of change was greater in women. The gender effect was greater in apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 carriers. Discussion Women with MCI have greater longitudinal rates of cognitive and functional progression than men. Studies to confirm and uncover potential mechanisms appear to be warranted. Trial Registration ADNI ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00106899.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine A Lin
- Department of Psychiatry, Duke University Medical Center, 2301 Erwin Road, Durham, NC 27710 ; Duke Institute for Brain Sciences, Duke University, Box 91003, Levine Science Research Center, Room B107, 450 Research Drive, Durham, North Carolina 27708
| | - Kingshuk Roy Choudhury
- Department of Radiology, Duke University Medical Center, Box 3808, 2301 Erwin Road, Durham, NC 27710
| | | | - David M Marks
- Department of Psychiatry, Duke University Medical Center, 2301 Erwin Road, Durham, NC 27710
| | - Jeffrey R Petrella
- Department of Radiology, Duke University Medical Center, Box 3808, 2301 Erwin Road, Durham, NC 27710
| | - P Murali Doraiswamy
- Department of Psychiatry, Duke University Medical Center, 2301 Erwin Road, Durham, NC 27710 ; Duke Institute for Brain Sciences, Duke University, Box 91003, Levine Science Research Center, Room B107, 450 Research Drive, Durham, North Carolina 27708
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23
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Mennenga SE, Gerson JE, Koebele SV, Kingston ML, Tsang CWS, Engler-Chiurazzi EB, Baxter LC, Bimonte-Nelson HA. Understanding the cognitive impact of the contraceptive estrogen Ethinyl Estradiol: tonic and cyclic administration impairs memory, and performance correlates with basal forebrain cholinergic system integrity. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2015; 54:1-13. [PMID: 25679306 PMCID: PMC4433884 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2015.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2014] [Revised: 12/30/2014] [Accepted: 01/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Ethinyl Estradiol (EE), a synthetic, orally bio-available estrogen, is the most commonly prescribed form of estrogen in oral contraceptives, and is found in at least 30 different contraceptive formulations currently prescribed to women as well as hormone therapies prescribed to menopausal women. Thus, EE is prescribed clinically to women at ages ranging from puberty to reproductive senescence. Here, in two separate studies, the cognitive effects of cyclic or tonic EE administration following ovariectomy (Ovx) were evaluated in young female rats. Study I assessed the cognitive effects of low and high doses of EE, delivered tonically via a subcutaneous osmotic pump. Study II evaluated the cognitive effects of low, medium, and high doses of EE administered via a daily subcutaneous injection, modeling the daily rise and fall of serum EE levels with oral regimens. Study II also investigated the impact of low, medium and high doses of EE on the basal forebrain cholinergic system. The low and medium doses utilized here correspond to the range of doses currently used in clinical formulations, and the high dose corresponds to doses prescribed to a generation of women between 1960 and 1970, when oral contraceptives first became available. We evaluate cognition using a battery of maze tasks tapping several domains of spatial learning and memory as well as basal forebrain cholinergic integrity using immunohistochemistry and unbiased stereology to estimate the number of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT)-producing cells in the medial septum and vertical/diagonal bands. At the highest dose, EE treatment impaired multiple domains of spatial memory relative to vehicle treatment, regardless of administration method. When given cyclically at the low and medium doses, EE did not impact working memory, but transiently impaired reference memory during the learning phase of testing. Of the doses and regimens tested here, only EE at the highest dose impaired several domains of memory; tonic delivery of low EE, a dose that corresponds to the most popular doses used in the clinic today, did not impact cognition on any measure. Both medium and high injection doses of EE reduced the number of ChAt-immunoreactive cells in the basal forebrain, and cell population estimates in the vertical/diagonal bands negatively correlated with working memory errors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E Mennenga
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA; Arizona Alzheimer's Consortium, Phoenix, AZ 85006, USA
| | - Julia E Gerson
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA; Arizona Alzheimer's Consortium, Phoenix, AZ 85006, USA
| | - Stephanie V Koebele
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA; Arizona Alzheimer's Consortium, Phoenix, AZ 85006, USA
| | - Melissa L Kingston
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA; Arizona Alzheimer's Consortium, Phoenix, AZ 85006, USA
| | - Candy W S Tsang
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA; Arizona Alzheimer's Consortium, Phoenix, AZ 85006, USA
| | - Elizabeth B Engler-Chiurazzi
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA; Arizona Alzheimer's Consortium, Phoenix, AZ 85006, USA
| | - Leslie C Baxter
- Arizona Alzheimer's Consortium, Phoenix, AZ 85006, USA; Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ 85013, USA
| | - Heather A Bimonte-Nelson
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA; Arizona Alzheimer's Consortium, Phoenix, AZ 85006, USA.
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Kaur SP, Bansal S, Chopra K. 17α-Estradiol: a candidate neuroserm and non-feminizing estrogen for postmenopausal neuronal complications. Steroids 2015; 96:7-15. [PMID: 25595449 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2015.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2014] [Revised: 09/02/2014] [Accepted: 01/06/2015] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Extensive evidence suggests that decline in ovarian function with menopause is associated with neuronal dysfunction. Major cause of this is rise in oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokines because of estrogen deficiency. 17β-Estradiol (E2, hormone with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity) has profound protective actions on multiple organ systems, but feminizing side effects of β-estradiol limits its clinical efficacy. 17α-Estradiol (E2α), a non feminizing congener, gives a ray of hope to the scientific community as an alternative strategy to treat menopause associated neuronal pathologies. We assessed the protective actions of 17α-estradiol (5, 10μg/kg) against cognitive deficits, depression and motor coordination after 4weeks of ovariectomy in rats and compared its efficacy with E2 at same doses. After the behavioral assay animals were sacrificed and their brains were harvested for biochemical studies. Uterine weights were also assessed. E2 and E2α (5, 10μg/kg) were equally protective against attenuating cognitive deficits, depressive symptoms and motor incoordination in OVX rats. Both demonstrated significant antioxidant activity and E2, but not E2α, increased serum estradiol levels and proliferated uterine weights, markers of feminizing action. It can thus be concluded that E2α offers safe alternative to E2 in protecting against menopausal neuropathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sukhneeraj Pal Kaur
- University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Panjab University, Chandigarh 160014, India
| | - Seema Bansal
- University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Panjab University, Chandigarh 160014, India
| | - Kanwaljit Chopra
- University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Panjab University, Chandigarh 160014, India.
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Milne MR, Haug CA, Ábrahám IM, Kwakowsky A. Estradiol modulation of neurotrophin receptor expression in female mouse basal forebrain cholinergic neurons in vivo. Endocrinology 2015; 156:613-26. [PMID: 25415243 DOI: 10.1210/en.2014-1669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The neuroprotective effect of estradiol (E2) on basal forebrain cholinergic neurons (BFCNs) has been suggested to occur as a result of E2 modulation of the neurotrophin system on these neurons. The present study provides a comprehensive examination of the relationship between E2 and neurotrophin signaling on BFCNs by investigating the effect of E2 deficiency on the expression levels of neurotrophin receptors (NRs), TrkA, TrkB, and p75 on BFCNs. The number of TrkA receptor-expressing choline acetyltransferase-positive neurons was significantly reduced in the medial septum (MS) in the absence of E2. A significant reduction in TrkB-expressing choline acetyltransferase-positive cells was also observed in ovariectomized mice in the MS and nucleus basalis magnocellularis (NBM). p75 receptor expression was reduced in the NBM and striatum but not in the MS. We also showed that estrogen receptor (ER)-α was expressed by a small percentage of TrkA- and TrkB-positive neurons in the MS (12%) and NBM (19%) and by a high percentage of TrkB-positive neurons in the striatum (69%). Similarly, ERα was expressed at low levels by p75 neurons in the MS (6%) and NBM (9%) but was not expressed on striatal neurons. Finally, ERα knockout using neuron-specific estrogen receptor-α knockout transgenic mice abolished all E2-mediated changes in the NR expression on BFCNs. These results indicate that E2 differentially regulates NR expression on BFCNs, with effects depending on the NR type and neuroanatomical location, and also provide some evidence that alterations in the NR expression are, at least in part, mediated via ERα.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael R Milne
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology and Department of Physiology, Otago School of Medical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
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de Macêdo Medeiros A, Izídio GS, Sousa DS, Macedo PT, Silva AF, Shiramizu VKM, Cabral A, Ribeiro AM, Silva RH. Estrogen levels modify scopolamine-induced amnesia in gonadally intact rats. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2014; 53:99-108. [PMID: 24657885 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2014.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2013] [Revised: 02/24/2014] [Accepted: 03/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies suggested that estrogen plays a role in cognitive function by modulating the cholinergic transmission. However, most of the studies dealing with this subject have been conducted using ovariectomized rats. In the present study we evaluated the effects of physiological and supra-physiological variation of estrogen levels on scopolamine-induced amnesia in gonadally intact female rats. We used the plus-maze discriminative avoidance task (PMDAT) in order to evaluate anxiety levels and motor activity concomitantly to the memory performance. In experiment 1, female Wistar rats in each estrous cycle phase received scopolamine (1 mg/kg) or saline i.p. 20 min before the training session in the PMDAT. In experiment 2, rats in diestrus received estradiol valerate (1 mg/kg) or sesame oil i.m., and scopolamine (1 mg/kg) or saline i.p., 45 min and 20 min before the training, respectively. In experiment 3, rats in diestrus received scopolamine (1 mg/kg) or saline i.p. 20 min before the training, and estradiol valerate (1 mg/kg) or sesame oil i.m. immediately after the training session. In all experiments, a test session was performed 24 h later. The main results showed that: (1) scopolamine impaired retrieval and induced anxiolytic and hyperlocomotor effects in all experiments; (2) this cholinergic antagonist impaired acquisition only in animals in diestrus; (3) acute administration of estradiol valerate prevented the learning impairment induced by scopolamine and (4) interfered with memory consolidation process. The results suggest that endogenous variations in estrogen levels across the estrous cycle modulate some aspects of memory mediated by the cholinergic system. Indeed, specifically in diestrus, a stage with low estrogen levels, the impairment produced by scopolamine on the acquisition was counteracted by exogenous administration of the hormone, whereas the posttraining treatment potentiated the negative effects of scopolamine during the consolidation phase of memory.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Geison Souza Izídio
- Behavioral Genetics Laboratory, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Diego Silveira Sousa
- Memory Studies Laboratory, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Alicia Cabral
- Memory Studies Laboratory, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | | | - Regina Helena Silva
- Memory Studies Laboratory, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil.
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Weber MT, Maki PM, McDermott MP. Cognition and mood in perimenopause: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2014; 142:90-8. [PMID: 23770320 PMCID: PMC3830624 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2013.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 172] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2012] [Revised: 04/07/2013] [Accepted: 06/04/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE It is suggested that declines in estrogen around menopause are associated with declines in cognitive functioning as well as increased risk of depressive symptoms and depressive disorders. Existing studies of objective cognitive function and mood have differed in the criteria used to stage the menopausal transition and in the outcome measures used. The purpose of this review was to synthesize the existing studies of the relationship between menopausal stage and neuropsychological performance and depression. DESIGN A search of the literature of observational studies was performed using PubMed. Four cross-sectional studies on menopausal transition stage and cognitive function and four longitudinal studies on menopausal transition stage and risk of depression, as measured by symptom inventories and structured clinical interviews, were selected. For the cognitive outcomes, fixed effects models were used to estimate overall standardized effect sizes. For the depression outcomes, the results of group comparisons were summarized using the log odds ratio and its estimated standard error. RESULTS Postmenopausal women performed significantly worse than pre- and perimenopausal women on delayed verbal memory tasks, and significantly worse than perimenopausal women on phonemic verbal fluency tasks. Peri- and postmenopausal women were at significantly increased risk of depression, as measured by standard symptom inventories and structured clinical interviews, than premenopausal women. CONCLUSIONS The menopausal transition is a time of increased vulnerability to cognitive declines and increased risk of depressive symptoms and depressive disorders. However, these results cannot necessarily be generalized beyond the studies included in this review. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled 'Menopause'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam T Weber
- Department of Neurology, University of Rochester, Box 673, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester, NY 14642, United States.
| | - Pauline M Maki
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, 912 South Wood Street, Chicago, IL 60612, United States; Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Chicago, 912 South Wood Street, Chicago, IL 60612, United States.
| | - Michael P McDermott
- Department of Neurology, University of Rochester, Box 673, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester, NY 14642, United States; Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology, University of Rochester, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Box 630, Rochester, NY 14642, United States.
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Mielke MM, Vemuri P, Rocca WA. Clinical epidemiology of Alzheimer's disease: assessing sex and gender differences. Clin Epidemiol 2014; 6:37-48. [PMID: 24470773 PMCID: PMC3891487 DOI: 10.2147/clep.s37929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 610] [Impact Index Per Article: 61.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
With the aging of the population, the burden of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is rapidly expanding. More than 5 million people in the US alone are affected with AD and this number is expected to triple by 2050. While men may have a higher risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), an intermediate stage between normal aging and dementia, women are disproportionally affected with AD. One explanation is that men may die of competing causes of death earlier in life, so that only the most resilient men may survive to older ages. However, many other factors should also be considered to explain the sex differences. In this review, we discuss the differences observed in men versus women in the incidence and prevalence of MCI and AD, in the structure and function of the brain, and in the sex-specific and gender-specific risk and protective factors for AD. In medical research, sex refers to biological differences such as chromosomal differences (eg, XX versus XY chromosomes), gonadal differences, or hormonal differences. In contrast, gender refers to psychosocial and cultural differences between men and women (eg, access to education and occupation). Both factors play an important role in the development and progression of diseases, including AD. Understanding both sex- and gender-specific risk and protective factors for AD is critical for developing individualized interventions for the prevention and treatment of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle M Mielke
- Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA ; Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | - Walter A Rocca
- Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA ; Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
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Abstract
AbstractStudies in both rodents and humans have made much progress in shedding light on how fluctuations in ovarian hormones can affect memory in women across the lifespan. Specifically, advances in neuroscience have identified multiple memory systems that are each mediated by different brain areas. Two memory systems used to navigate an environment are ‘place’ and ‘response’ memory. They are defined as either using an allocentric strategy: using a spatial or cognitive map of the surroundings, or an egocentric strategy: using habitual-turns/movements, respectively. Studies in neuroendocrinology have shown that estrogen levels can bias a female to use one memory system over another to solve a task, such that high estrogen levels are associated with using place memory and low levels with using response memory. Furthermore, recent advances in identifying and localizing estrogen receptors in the rodent brain are uncovering which brain regions are affected by estrogen and providing insight into how hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause might affect which memory system is facilitated or impaired in women at different life stages. These studies can help point the way to improving cognitive health in women.
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Banerjee SB, Liu RC. Storing maternal memories: hypothesizing an interaction of experience and estrogen on sensory cortical plasticity to learn infant cues. Front Neuroendocrinol 2013; 34:300-14. [PMID: 23916405 PMCID: PMC3788048 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2013.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2013] [Revised: 07/18/2013] [Accepted: 07/22/2013] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Much of the literature on maternal behavior has focused on the role of infant experience and hormones in a canonical subcortical circuit for maternal motivation and maternal memory. Although early studies demonstrated that the cerebral cortex also plays a significant role in maternal behaviors, little has been done to explore what that role may be. Recent work though has provided evidence that the cortex, particularly sensory cortices, contains correlates of sensory memories of infant cues, consistent with classical studies of experience-dependent sensory cortical plasticity in non-maternal paradigms. By reviewing the literature from both the maternal behavior and sensory cortical plasticity fields, focusing on the auditory modality, we hypothesize that maternal hormones (predominantly estrogen) may act to prime auditory cortical neurons for a longer-lasting neural trace of infant vocal cues, thereby facilitating recognition and discrimination. This couldthen more efficiently activate the subcortical circuit to elicit and sustain maternal behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunayana B. Banerjee
- Department of Biology, Emory University, 1510 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30322
| | - Robert C. Liu
- Department of Biology, Emory University, 1510 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30322
- Center for Translational Social Neuroscience, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322
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Wang X, Wang LP, Tang H, Shan WY, Wang X, Liu D, Wu YY, Tian Q, Wang JZ, Zhu LQ. Acetyl-L-carnitine rescues scopolamine-induced memory deficits by restoring insulin-like growth factor II via decreasing p53 oxidation. Neuropharmacology 2013; 76 Pt A:80-7. [PMID: 24012657 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2013.08.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2013] [Revised: 08/19/2013] [Accepted: 08/22/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by the cholinergic neurons loss and impairments of learning and memory. Scopolamine is common used to imitate AD pathological features and also causes an obvious oxidative stress. In this study, we found that intraperitoneal administration of supplementary acetyl-L-carnitine partially reverses the learning and memory defects induced by scopolamine. We also found that acetyl-L-carnitine reverses the impairment of long-term potentiation, dendritic abnormalities, and the impaired recruitment of synaptic protein. The beneficial effects of acetyl-L-carnitine may occur through amelioration of oxidative stress because it effectively decreases the levels of oxidative products and increases the activity of superoxide dismutase; this leads to a recovery in the suppressed activity of p53 caused oxidative stimuli, which in turn restores levels of insulin-like growth factor II, an important hormone for learning and memory. Our study provides the first evidence of the potential utility of acetyl-L-carnitine in treating the synaptic disorders prevalent in AD and other neurodegenerative diseases. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'The Synaptic Basis of Neurodegenerative Disorders'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, PR China
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Mood and memory function in ovariectomised rats exposed to social instability stress. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2013; 2013:493643. [PMID: 23841073 PMCID: PMC3697241 DOI: 10.1155/2013/493643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2013] [Accepted: 05/25/2013] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
This study aims to compare the effects of social instability stress on memory and anxiety- and depressive-like behaviour between sham-operated controls and ovariectomised (OVX) rats. Forty adult female Sprague-Dawley rats (8 weeks old) were randomly divided into four groups, (n = 10 per group). These were non-stressed sham-operated control rats, stressed sham-operated control rats, non-stressed OVX rats, and stressed OVX rats. The rats were subjected to social instability stress procedure for 15 days. Novel object recognition, open field, and forced swim tests were conducted after the stress procedure. Serum estradiol, ACTH and corticosterone levels were measured using commercially available ELISA kits. Lower serum estradiol level and uterine weight with higher weight gain were observed in OVX rats compared to sham-operated controls. Serum ACTH, and corticosterone levels were higher in stressed compared to non-stressed groups. Memory deficit and anxiety- and depressive-like behaviour were significantly increased in stressed compared to non-stressed OVX rats but these changes were not seen in sham-operated controls. These results suggest that the high circulating corticosterone acts synergistically with low circulating estradiol to exert negative effects on mood and memory function.
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Miller VM, Garovic VD, Kantarci K, Barnes JN, Jayachandran M, Mielke MM, Joyner MJ, Shuster LT, Rocca WA. Sex-specific risk of cardiovascular disease and cognitive decline: pregnancy and menopause. Biol Sex Differ 2013; 4:6. [PMID: 23537114 PMCID: PMC3623746 DOI: 10.1186/2042-6410-4-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2012] [Accepted: 03/05/2013] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the biology of sex differences is integral to personalized medicine. Cardiovascular disease and cognitive decline are two related conditions, with distinct sex differences in morbidity and clinical manifestations, response to treatments, and mortality. Although mortality from all-cause cardiovascular diseases has declined in women over the past five years, due in part to increased educational campaigns regarding the recognition of symptoms and application of treatment guidelines, the mortality in women still exceeds that of men. The physiological basis for these differences requires further research, with particular attention to two physiological conditions which are unique to women and associated with hormonal changes: pregnancy and menopause. Both conditions have the potential to impact life-long cardiovascular risk, including cerebrovascular function and cognition in women. This review draws on epidemiological, translational, clinical, and basic science studies to assess the impact of hypertensive pregnancy disorders on cardiovascular disease and cognitive function later in life, and examines the effects of post-menopausal hormone treatments on cardiovascular risk and cognition in midlife women. We suggest that hypertensive pregnancy disorders and menopause activate vascular components, i.e., vascular endothelium and blood elements, including platelets and leukocytes, to release cell-membrane derived microvesicles that are potential mediators of changes in cerebral blood flow, and may ultimately affect cognition in women as they age. Research into specific sex differences for these disease processes with attention to an individual's sex chromosomal complement and hormonal status is important and timely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia M Miller
- Departments of Surgery and Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, 200 1st St SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Vesna D Garovic
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, 200 1st St SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Kejal Kantarci
- Department of Radiology, 200 1st St SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Jill N Barnes
- Department of Anesthesiology, 200 1st St SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Muthuvel Jayachandran
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, 200 1st St SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Michelle M Mielke
- Department of Health Science Research, Division of Epidemiology, 200 1st St SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Michael J Joyner
- Department of Anesthesiology, 200 1st St SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Lynne T Shuster
- Department of Internal Medicine, Women’s Health Clinic, 200 1st St SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Walter A Rocca
- Department of Health Science Research, Division of Epidemiology, and Neurology, College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 1st St SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
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Reconciling subjective memory complaints with objective memory performance in the menopausal transition. Menopause 2012; 19:735-41. [PMID: 22415562 DOI: 10.1097/gme.0b013e318241fd22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The overall aim of this study was to examine the relationship between subjective memory complaints and objective cognitive performance in perimenopausal women. The specific aims were to determine (1) if subjective complaints of memory problems relate to objective performance on memory tests, (2) if subjective complaints of memory problems relate to other domains of cognitive function, and (3) if subjective memory complaints relate to other noncognitive factors, such as depression, anxiety, and sleep quality. METHODS Seventy-five perimenopausal women completed a comprehensive neuropsychological battery, which included measures of attention, working memory, verbal memory, verbal fluency, visuospatial skill, and fine motor dexterity; completed self-report inventories of their perceived memory and menopausal symptoms; and provided serum levels of estradiol and follicle-stimulating hormone. RESULTS Memory complaints were not associated with verbal learning or verbal memory but were associated with working memory and complex attention/vigilance. Memory complaints were also associated with symptoms of depression, anxiety, somatic complaints, and sleep disturbance. Regression analyses revealed that memory complaints were best predicted by depressive symptoms, somatic complaints, and working memory performance. CONCLUSIONS Memory complaints in the menopausal transition may reflect true difficulties with attentionally mediated cognitive processes. Memory complaints may also be associated with other menopausal-related symptoms.
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Unal D, Halici Z, Altunkaynak Z, Keles ON, Oral E, Unal B. A New Hypothesis about Neuronal Degeneration Appeared after a Rat Model of Menopause. NEURODEGENER DIS 2012; 9:25-30. [DOI: 10.1159/000329721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2011] [Accepted: 05/30/2011] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
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Martins DB, Mazzanti CM, França RT, Pagnoncelli M, Costa MM, de Souza EM, Gonçalves J, Spanevello R, Schmatz R, da Costa P, Mazzanti A, Beckmann DV, Cecim MDS, Schetinger MR, Lopes STDA. 17-β estradiol in the acetylcholinesterase activity and lipid peroxidation in the brain and blood of ovariectomized adult and middle-aged rats. Life Sci 2011; 90:351-9. [PMID: 22227472 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2011.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2011] [Revised: 12/04/2011] [Accepted: 12/13/2011] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
AIMS To investigate the 17-β estradiol in the acetylcholinesterase activity and lipid peroxidation in the brain and blood of ovariectomized rats of different ages. MAIN METHODS Animals were randomly assigned into three experimental groups of each age (n=6). Control groups consisted of adult (sham-A) and middle-aged (sham-MA) female rats, ovariectomized adult (OVX-A) and middle-aged (OVX-MA) rats without estrogen therapy reposition, and ovariectomized adult (OVX+E2-A) and middle-aged (OVX+E2-MA) rats treated with 17-β estradiol for 30days. After this period, AChE activity and lipid peroxidation were measured in the brain and blood. KEY FINDINGS The AChE activity increased (p<0.05) in striatum (ST) in OVX-A, OVX+E2-A and OVX-MA, and hippocampus (HP) in OVX-MA. The enzyme activity decreased (p<0.05) in ST of OVX+E2-MA, and cerebral cortex (CC) in OVX+E2-A, OVX-MA and OVX+E2-MA. Blood AChE activity increased (p<0.05) in OVX+E2-A and decreased (p<0.05) in OVX-MA. Lymphocyte AChE activity increased (p<0.05) in OVX-A and OVX+E2-A and decreased (p<0.05) in OVX-MA. Lipid peroxidation increased (p<0.05) in ST of OVX-A, CC of OVX-A and OVX-MA, HP of OVX-A, and cerebellum (CE) of OVX-A, OVX-MA, and OVX+E2-MA. Lipid peroxidation decreased (p<0.05) in ST, CC and CE of OVX+E2-A, and ST and HP of OVX+E2-MA. Similar values of lipid peroxidation to control groups were found in ST and HP of OVX-MA, HP of OVX+E2-A and CC of OVX+E2-MA. SIGNIFICANCE 17-β estradiol is able to modulate the AChE activity and non-neuronal cholinergic response as well as to reduce lipid peroxidation. Its response is dependent on the age and brain structure analyzed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danieli Brolo Martins
- Departamento de Clínica de Pequenos Animais, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Brazil
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Higaki S, Takumi K, Itoh M, Watanabe G, Taya K, Shimizu K, Hayashi M, Oishi T. Response of ERβ and aromatase expression in the monkey hippocampal formation to ovariectomy and menopause. Neurosci Res 2011; 72:148-54. [PMID: 22051040 DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2011.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2011] [Revised: 09/15/2011] [Accepted: 10/16/2011] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Changes in the expression of estrogen-related substances in monkeys' brains at the menopausal transition, when estrogen deficit starts to occur, have not yet been examined thoroughly. In the present study, we immunohistochemically investigated the expression levels of estrogen receptor beta (ERβ) and aromatase (local estrogen synthesizing enzyme) in the hippocampal formation of premenopausal, menopausal, and ovariectomized premenopausal monkeys. In all monkeys tested, ERβ immunoreactivity was observed in interneurons located in the subiculum and the Ammon's horn, and most of these ERβ-immunoreactive neurons coexpressed a GABAergic neuron marker, parvalbumin. In the menopausal monkeys who exhibited a decline in estrogen concentration, hippocampal ERβ was highly upregulated, while aromatase expression was not markedly changed. By contrast, aromatase in the ovariectomized monkeys was significantly upregulated, while ERβ expression was not changed. In the brains of ovariectomized and menopausal monkeys, depletion of ovary-derived estrogen brought about different reactions which may be attributed to the senescence of brain aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayuri Higaki
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Primate Research Institute, Kyoto University, Aichi 484-8506, Japan
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Abstract
Oestrogens regulate normal behaviour and have been implicated in modulating pathological behaviour such as obsessive compulsive disorder and neurological disorder such as Parkinsonism. Therefore, by regulating the expression of the oestrogen-synthesising enzyme, aromatase, we may identify what behaviour is regulated by oestrogen. Inhibition of aromatase either genetically or pharmacologically has been reported to induce sexual behaviour impairment, compulsive behaviour and susceptibility to neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wah Chin Boon
- Florey Neuroscience Institutes, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia.
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Capettini SB, Moraes MF, Prado VF, Prado MA, Pereira GS. Vesicular acetylcholine transporter knock-down mice show sexual dimorphism on memory. Brain Res Bull 2011; 85:54-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2011.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2010] [Revised: 02/04/2011] [Accepted: 02/07/2011] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Effects of short-term hormonal replacement on learning and on basal forebrain ChAT and TrkA content in ovariectomized rats. Brain Res 2011; 1375:77-84. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2010.12.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2010] [Revised: 12/10/2010] [Accepted: 12/11/2010] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
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Boulware MI, Kent BA, Frick KM. The impact of age-related ovarian hormone loss on cognitive and neural function. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2011; 10:165-84. [PMID: 21533680 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2011_122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
On average, women now live one-third of their lives after menopause. Because menopause has been associated with an elevated risk of dementia, an increasing body of research has studied the effects of reproductive senescence on cognitive function. Compelling evidence from humans, nonhuman primates, and rodents suggests that ovarian sex-steroid hormones can have rapid and profound effects on memory, attention, and executive function, and on regions of the brain that mediate these processes, such as the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. This chapter will provide an overview of studies in humans, nonhuman primates, and rodents that examine the effects of ovarian hormone loss and hormone replacement on cognitive functions mediated by the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. For humans and each animal model, we outline the effects of aging on reproductive function, describe how ovarian hormones (primarily estrogens) modulate hippocampal and prefrontal physiology, and discuss the effects of both reproductive aging and hormone treatment on cognitive function. Although this review will show that much has been learned about the effects of reproductive senescence on cognition, many critical questions remain for future investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marissa I Boulware
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, 2441 E. Hartford Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53211, USA
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Grover S, Talwar P, Baghel R, Kaur H, Gupta M, Gourie-Devi M, Bala K, Sharma S, Kukreti R. Genetic variability in estrogen disposition: Potential clinical implications for neuropsychiatric disorders. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet 2010; 153B:1391-410. [PMID: 20886541 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.b.31119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2010] [Accepted: 08/03/2010] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Variability in the physiological levels of neuroactive estrogens is widely believed to play a role in predisposition to several disorders of the central nervous system. Local biosynthesis of estrogens in the brain as well as their circulating serum levels are known to contribute to this pool of neuroactive steroids. It has been well accepted that estrogens modulate neuronal functions by affecting genesis, differentiation, excitability, and degeneration of nerve cells. These actions of estrogens appear to be more prominent in females with higher concentrations and marked variability of circulating serum levels occurring over a woman's lifetime. However, our knowledge regarding the variability of neuroactive steroid levels is very limited. Furthermore, several studies have recently reported differences in the synchronization of circulating and neuronal levels of estradiol. In the absence of reliable circulating steroid levels, knowledge of genetic variability in estrogen disposition may play a determining factor in predicting altered susceptibility or severity of neuropsychiatric disorders in women. Over the past decade, several genetic variants have been linked to both differential serum estrogen levels and predisposition to diverse types of neuropsychiatric disorders in women. Polymorphisms in genes encoding estrogen-metabolizing enzymes as well as estrogen receptors may account for this phenotypic variability. In this review, we attempt to show the contribution of genetics in determining estrogenicity in females with a particular emphasis on the central nervous system. This knowledge will further provide a driving force for unearthing the novel field of "Estrogen Pharmacogenomics." © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandeep Grover
- Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, Delhi, India
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Walf AA, Paris JJ, Rhodes ME, Simpkins JW, Frye CA. Divergent mechanisms for trophic actions of estrogens in the brain and peripheral tissues. Brain Res 2010; 1379:119-36. [PMID: 21130078 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2010.11.081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2010] [Revised: 11/23/2010] [Accepted: 11/23/2010] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
17β-estradiol (E(2)) can enhance reproductive, cognitive, and affective functions; however, the mechanisms by which E(2) has these effects need to be better understood. Pleiotrophic effects of E(2) can occur via traditional and novel actions at various forms of estrogen receptors (ERs). In the central nervous system, trophic effects of E(2) may be related to beneficial effects of hormone replacement therapy (HRT). However, in peripheral reproductive tissues, E(2)'s capacity to evoke growth can increase risk of cancers. This review focuses on investigations aimed at elucidating divergent mechanisms of steroids to promote trophic effects in the brain, independent of effects on peripheral reproductive tissues. First, actions of estrogens via ERα or ERβ for peripheral growth (carcinogen-induced tumors, uterine growth) and hippocampus-dependent behaviors (affect, cognition) are described. Second, factors that influence these effects of estrogens are described (e.g. experience, timing/critical windows, non-ER mechanisms). Third, effects of estrogens at ERβ related to actions of progestogens, such as 5α-pregnan-3α-ol-20-one (3α,5α-THP) are described. In summary, effects of E(2) may occur via multiple mechanisms, which may underlie favorable effects in the brain with minimal peripheral trophic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia A Walf
- Life Sciences Research, University at Albany, Albany, NY 12222, USA
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Young coconut juice, a potential therapeutic agent that could significantly reduce some pathologies associated with Alzheimer's disease: novel findings. Br J Nutr 2010; 105:738-46. [DOI: 10.1017/s0007114510004241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Brains from ovariectomised (ovx) rats can display features similar to those observed in menopausal women with Alzheimer's disease (AD), and oestrogen seems to play a key role. Preliminary studies on young coconut juice (YCJ) have reported the presence of oestrogen-like components in it. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of YCJ on the AD pathological changes in the brains of ovx rats. Rat groups included sham-operated, ovx, ovx+oestradiol benzoate (EB) and ovx+YCJ. Brain sections (4 μm) were taken and were immunostained with β-amyloid (Aβ) 1–42, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) (an intermediate neurofilament of astrocytes) and Tau-1 antibodies. Aβ 1–42, GFAP and Tau-1 are considered as reliable biomarkers of amyloidosis, astrogliosis and tauopathy (neurofibrillary tangles), respectively, which in turn are characteristic features associated with AD. The serum oestradiol (E2) level was measured using a chemiluminescent immunoassay technique. YCJ restored the serum E2 to levels significantly (P < 0·001) higher than that of the ovx group, and even that of the sham group. Aβ deposition was significantly (P < 0·0001) reduced in the cerebral cortex of the YCJ group, as compared with the ovx group and with the sham and ovx+EB groups (P < 0·01). A similar trend was observed in relation to GFAP expression in the cerebral cortex and to Tau-1 expression in the hippocampus. This is a novel study demonstrating that YCJ could have positive future implications in the prevention and treatment of AD in menopausal women.
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Oophorectomy, menopause, estrogen treatment, and cognitive aging: clinical evidence for a window of opportunity. Brain Res 2010; 1379:188-98. [PMID: 20965156 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2010.10.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 197] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2010] [Revised: 09/29/2010] [Accepted: 10/11/2010] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The neuroprotective effects of estrogen have been demonstrated consistently in cellular and animal studies but the evidence in women remains conflicted. We explored the window of opportunity hypothesis in relation to cognitive aging and dementia. In particular, we reviewed existing literature, reanalyzed some of our data, and combined results graphically. Current evidence suggests that estrogen may have beneficial, neutral, or detrimental effects on the brain depending on age at the time of treatment, type of menopause (natural versus medically or surgically induced), or stage of menopause. The comparison of women who underwent bilateral oophorectomy with referent women provided evidence for a sizeable neuroprotective effect of estrogen before age 50 years. Several case-control studies and cohort studies also showed neuroprotective effects in women who received estrogen treatment (ET) in the early postmenopausal stage (most commonly at ages 50-60 years). The majority of women in those observational studies had undergone natural menopause and were treated for the relief of menopausal symptoms. However, recent clinical trials by the Women's Health Initiative showed that women who initiated ET alone or in combination with a progestin in the late postmenopausal stage (ages 65-79 years) experienced an increased risk of dementia and cognitive decline regardless of the type of menopause. The current conflicting data can be explained by the window of opportunity hypothesis suggesting that the neuroprotective effects of estrogen depend on age at the time of administration, type of menopause, and stage of menopause. Therefore, women who underwent bilateral oophorectomy before the onset of menopause or women who experienced premature or early natural menopause should be considered for hormonal treatment until approximately age 51 years.
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Parker WH, Jacoby V, Shoupe D, Rocca W. Effect of bilateral oophorectomy on women's long-term health. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010; 5:565-76. [PMID: 19702455 DOI: 10.2217/whe.09.42] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Bilateral oophorectomy at the time of hysterectomy for benign disease is commonly practiced in order to prevent the subsequent development of ovarian cancer or other ovarian pathology that might require additional surgery. At present, bilateral oophorectomy is performed in 78% of women aged between 45 and 64 years having a hysterectomy, and a total of approximately 300,000 prophylactic oophorectomies are performed in the USA every year. Estrogen deficiency resulting from pre- and post-menopausal oophorectomies has been associated with higher risks of coronary heart disease, stroke, hip fracture, Parkinsonism, dementia, cognitive impairment, depression and anxiety in many studies. While ovarian cancer accounts for 14,800 deaths per year in the USA, coronary heart disease accounts for 350,000 deaths per year. In addition, 100,000 cases of dementia may be attributable annually to prior bilateral oophorectomy. At present, observational studies suggest that bilateral oophorectomy may do more harm than good. In women who are not at high risk of developing ovarian or breast cancer, removing the ovaries at the time of hysterectomy should be approached with caution.
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Affiliation(s)
- William H Parker
- John Wayne Cancer Institute at Saint John's Medical Center, 2200 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90404, USA.
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Ishunina TA. The α and β estrogen receptors in the human hypothalamus and basal forebrain in Alzheimer’s disease. NEUROCHEM J+ 2010. [DOI: 10.1134/s1819712410010022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Erickson KI, Voss MW, Prakash RS, Chaddock L, Kramer AF. A cross-sectional study of hormone treatment and hippocampal volume in postmenopausal women: evidence for a limited window of opportunity. Neuropsychology 2010; 24:68-76. [PMID: 20063947 DOI: 10.1037/a0017292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The influence of hormone treatment on brain and cognition in postmenopausal women has been a controversial topic. Contradictory patterns of results have prompted speculation that a critical period, or limited window of opportunity, exists for hormone treatment to protect against neurocognitive. In this cross-sectional study of 102 postmenopausal women, we examined whether hippocampal, amygdala, or caudate nucleus volumes and spatial memory performance were related to the interval between menopause and the initiation of hormone treatment. Consistent with a critical period hypothesis, we found that shorter intervals between menopause and the initiation of hormone treatment were associated with larger hippocampal volumes compared with longer intervals between menopause and treatment initiation. Initiation of hormone treatment at the time of menopause was also associated with larger hippocampal volumes when compared with peers who had never used hormone treatment. Furthermore, these effects were independent from potentially confounding factors such as age, years of education, the duration of hormone treatment, current or past use of hormone therapy, the type of therapy, and age at menopause. Larger hippocampal volumes in women who initiated hormone treatment at the time of menopause failed to translate to improved spatial memory performance. There was no relationship between timing of hormone initiation, spatial memory performance, and amygdala or caudate nucleus volume. Our results provide support for a limited window of opportunity for hormone treatment to influence hippocampal volume, yet the degree to which these effects translate to improved memory performance is uncertain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirk I Erickson
- Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, USA.
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Rocca WA, Grossardt BR, Shuster LT. Oophorectomy, menopause, estrogen, and cognitive aging: the timing hypothesis. NEURODEGENER DIS 2010; 7:163-6. [PMID: 20197698 DOI: 10.1159/000289229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The concept of neuroprotective effects of estrogen in women remains controversial. OBJECTIVE To explore the timing hypothesis in relation to cognitive aging and dementia. METHODS We reviewed existing literature, conducted some reanalyses, and combined results graphically. RESULTS Current evidence suggests that estrogen may have either protective effects or harmful effects on the brain depending on age, type of menopause (natural versus surgical), or stage of menopause. The comparison of women with ovarian conservation versus women who underwent bilateral oophorectomy provided evidence for a sizeable neuroprotective effect of estrogen in women in the premenopausal years (most commonly before age 50 years). Several case-control studies and cohort studies also showed a neuroprotective effect in women who received estrogen treatment in the early postmenopausal phase (most commonly at ages 50-60 years). However, recent clinical trials showed that women who initiated estrogen treatment in the late postmenopausal phase (ages 65-79 years) experienced an increased risk of dementia and cognitive decline. CONCLUSION The neuroprotective effects of estrogen depend on age, type of menopause, and stage of menopause (timing hypothesis).
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Affiliation(s)
- Walter A Rocca
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
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