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Johnson CE, Duncan MJ, Murphy MP. Sex and Sleep Disruption as Contributing Factors in Alzheimer's Disease. J Alzheimers Dis 2024; 97:31-74. [PMID: 38007653 PMCID: PMC10842753 DOI: 10.3233/jad-230527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) affects more women than men, with women throughout the menopausal transition potentially being the most under researched and at-risk group. Sleep disruptions, which are an established risk factor for AD, increase in prevalence with normal aging and are exacerbated in women during menopause. Sex differences showing more disrupted sleep patterns and increased AD pathology in women and female animal models have been established in literature, with much emphasis placed on loss of circulating gonadal hormones with age. Interestingly, increases in gonadotropins such as follicle stimulating hormone are emerging to be a major contributor to AD pathogenesis and may also play a role in sleep disruption, perhaps in combination with other lesser studied hormones. Several sleep influencing regions of the brain appear to be affected early in AD progression and some may exhibit sexual dimorphisms that may contribute to increased sleep disruptions in women with age. Additionally, some of the most common sleep disorders, as well as multiple health conditions that impair sleep quality, are more prevalent and more severe in women. These conditions are often comorbid with AD and have bi-directional relationships that contribute synergistically to cognitive decline and neuropathology. The association during aging of increased sleep disruption and sleep disorders, dramatic hormonal changes during and after menopause, and increased AD pathology may be interacting and contributing factors that lead to the increased number of women living with AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carrie E. Johnson
- University of Kentucky, College of Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Marilyn J. Duncan
- University of Kentucky, College of Medicine, Department of Neuroscience, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - M. Paul Murphy
- University of Kentucky, College of Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, Lexington, KY, USA
- University of Kentucky, Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, Lexington, KY, USA
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Vinklarova L, Schmidt M, Benek O, Kuca K, Gunn-Moore F, Musilek K. Friend or enemy? Review of 17β-HSD10 and its role in human health or disease. J Neurochem 2020; 155:231-249. [PMID: 32306391 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Revised: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17β-HSD10) is a multifunctional human enzyme with important roles both as a structural component and also as a catalyst of many metabolic pathways. This mitochondrial enzyme has important functions in the metabolism, development and aging of the neural system, where it is involved in the homeostasis of neurosteroids, especially in regard to estradiol, changes in which make it an essential part of neurodegenerative pathology. These roles therefore, indicate that 17β-HSD10 may be a possible druggable target for neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's disease (AD), and in hormone-dependent cancer. The objective of this review was to provide a summary about physiological functions and pathological roles of 17β-HSD10 and the modulators of its activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucie Vinklarova
- Faculty of Science, Department of Chemistry, University of Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Monika Schmidt
- Faculty of Science, Department of Chemistry, University of Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Ondrej Benek
- Faculty of Science, Department of Chemistry, University of Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Kamil Kuca
- Faculty of Science, Department of Chemistry, University of Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | | | - Kamil Musilek
- Faculty of Science, Department of Chemistry, University of Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
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Ferrari R, Dawoodi S, Raju M, Thumma A, Hynan LS, Maasumi SH, Reisch JS, O'Bryant S, Jenkins M, Barber R, Momeni P. Androgen receptor gene and sex-specific Alzheimer's disease. Neurobiol Aging 2013; 34:2077.e19-20. [PMID: 23545426 PMCID: PMC4012749 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2013.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2013] [Accepted: 02/22/2013] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Women are at a 2-fold risk of developing late-onset Alzheimer's disease (AD) (onset at 65 years of age or older) compared with men. During perimenopausal years, women undergo hormonal changes that are accompanied by metabolic, cardiovascular, and inflammatory changes. These all together have been suggested as risk factors for late-onset AD. However, not all perimenopausal women develop AD; we hypothesize that certain genetic factors might underlie the increased susceptibility for developing AD in postmenopausal women. We investigated the Androgen Receptor gene (AR) in a clinical cohort of male and female AD patients and normal control subjects by sequencing all coding exons and evaluating the length and distribution of the CAG repeat in exon 1. We could not establish a correlation between the repeat length, sex, and the disease status, nor did we identify possible pathogenic variants. AR is located on the X chromosome; to assess its role in AD, X-inactivation patterns will need to be studied to directly correlate the actual expressed repeat length to a possible sex-specific phenotypic effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raffaele Ferrari
- Texas Tech University, Health Sciences Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
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Jayaraman A, Carroll JC, Morgan TE, Lin S, Zhao L, Arimoto JM, Murphy MP, Beckett TL, Finch CE, Brinton RD, Pike CJ. 17β-estradiol and progesterone regulate expression of β-amyloid clearance factors in primary neuron cultures and female rat brain. Endocrinology 2012; 153:5467-79. [PMID: 22962256 PMCID: PMC3473201 DOI: 10.1210/en.2012-1464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2012] [Accepted: 08/06/2012] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The accumulation of β-amyloid protein (Aβ) is a key risk factor in the development of Alzheimer's disease. The ovarian sex steroid hormones 17β-estradiol (E(2)) and progesterone (P(4)) have been shown to regulate Aβ accumulation, although the underlying mechanism(s) remain to be fully elucidated. In this study, we investigate the effects of E(2) and P(4) treatment on the expression levels of Aβ clearance factors including insulin-degrading enzyme, neprilysin, endothelin-converting enzyme 1 and 2, angiotensin-converting enzyme, and transthyretin, both in primary neuron cultures and female rat brains. Our results show that E(2) and P(4) affect the expression levels of several Aβ clearance factors in dose- and time-dependent manners. Most notably, expression of insulin-degrading enzyme is significantly increased by both hormones in cultured neurons and in vivo and is inversely associated with the soluble Aβ levels in vivo. These findings further define sex steroid hormone actions involved in regulation of Aβ, a relationship potentially important to therapeutic approaches aimed at reducing risk of Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anusha Jayaraman
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089, USA
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Quinlan P, Nordlund A, Lind K, Gustafson D, Edman Å, Wallin A. Thyroid hormones are associated with poorer cognition in mild cognitive impairment. Dement Geriatr Cogn Disord 2010; 30:205-11. [PMID: 20798541 PMCID: PMC2948659 DOI: 10.1159/000319746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/24/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alterations in interrelated endocrine axes may be related to the pathogenesis of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia. METHODS Salivary cortisol before and after a 0.5-mg dexamethasone test, and serum levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone, total thyroxine (T(4)), free T(4), total triiodothyronine (TT(3)), estradiol, testosterone and insulin-like growth factor 1 were measured in 43 MCI cases and 26 healthy controls. All participants underwent a comprehensive neuropsychological test battery covering the cognitive domains of speed/attention, memory, visuospatial functions, language and executive functions. RESULTS The MCI group did not differ in basal levels of endocrine markers compared to controls. Among those with MCI, TT(3) levels were inversely associated with cognitive performance across all domains. After stratifying MCI cases according to TT(3) levels, those with relatively high TT(3) levels showed impairment in memory as well as in visuospatial and executive functions. Those with TT(3) levels at or below the lower boundary of the normal range performed comparably to healthy controls. Other endocrine markers were not related to cognitive performance. CONCLUSIONS Among those with MCI, TT(3) was associated with a neuropsychological profile typical of prodromal Alzheimer's disease. While the mechanisms remain unclear, optimal levels of thyroid hormone under a compromising condition such as MCI and related neuropathology need reconsideration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Quinlan
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden.
| | - Arto Nordlund
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden, USA
| | - Karin Lind
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden, USA
| | - Deborah Gustafson
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden, USA,Departments of Neurology and Medicine, State University of New York, Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, N.Y., USA
| | - Åke Edman
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden, USA
| | - Anders Wallin
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden, USA
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Abstract
We first proposed the mitochondrial cascade hypothesis of sporadic Alzheimer's disease (AD) in 2004. Our core assumptions were a person's genes determine baseline mitochondrial function and durability, this durability determines how mitochondria change with advancing age, and critical changes in mitochondrial function initiate other pathologies characteristic of AD. Since then several lines of investigation report data consistent with or supportive of our hypothesis. In particular, AD endophenotype studies suggest a strong maternal genetic contribution, and links between mitochondrial function, tau phosphorylation, and amyloid-beta (Abeta) amyloidosis are increasingly recognized. As predicted, AD therapies designed to reduce Abeta thus far have had at best very limited clinical benefits; our hypothesis identifies alternative therapeutic targets. While placing mitochondria at the apex of an AD cascade certainly remains controversial, it is increasingly accepted by the AD research community that mitochondria play an important role in the late-onset forms of the disease. Even if the mitochondrial cascade hypothesis proves incorrect, considering its assumptions could potentially advance our understanding of sporadic, late-onset AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Russell H Swerdlow
- Departments of Neurology and Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Kansas School of Medicine, Kansas City, KS, USA.
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Pike CJ, Carroll JC, Rosario ER, Barron AM. Protective actions of sex steroid hormones in Alzheimer's disease. Front Neuroendocrinol 2009; 30:239-58. [PMID: 19427328 PMCID: PMC2728624 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2009.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 361] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2009] [Revised: 04/25/2009] [Accepted: 04/28/2009] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Risk for Alzheimer's disease (AD) is associated with age-related loss of sex steroid hormones in both women and men. In post-menopausal women, the precipitous depletion of estrogens and progestogens is hypothesized to increase susceptibility to AD pathogenesis, a concept largely supported by epidemiological evidence but refuted by some clinical findings. Experimental evidence suggests that estrogens have numerous neuroprotective actions relevant to prevention of AD, in particular promotion of neuron viability and reduction of beta-amyloid accumulation, a critical factor in the initiation and progression of AD. Recent findings suggest neural responsiveness to estrogen can diminish with age, reducing neuroprotective actions of estrogen and, consequently, potentially limiting the utility of hormone therapies in aged women. In addition, estrogen neuroprotective actions are also modulated by progestogens. Specifically, continuous progestogen exposure is associated with inhibition of estrogen actions whereas cyclic delivery of progestogens may enhance neural benefits of estrogen. In recent years, emerging literature has begun to elucidate a parallel relationship of sex steroid hormones and AD risk in men. Normal age-related testosterone loss in men is associated with increased risk to several diseases including AD. Like estrogen, testosterone has been established as an endogenous neuroprotective factor that not only increases neuronal resilience against AD-related insults, but also reduces beta-amyloid accumulation. Androgen neuroprotective effects are mediated both directly by activation of androgen pathways and indirectly by aromatization to estradiol and initiation of protective estrogen signaling mechanisms. The successful use of hormone therapies in aging men and women to delay, prevent, and or treat AD will require additional research to optimize key parameters of hormone therapy and may benefit from the continuing development of selective estrogen and androgen receptor modulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian J Pike
- Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA.
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Verdile G, Gandy SE, Martins RN. The role of presenilin and its interacting proteins in the biogenesis of Alzheimer's beta amyloid. Neurochem Res 2007; 32:609-23. [PMID: 16944319 PMCID: PMC1832151 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-006-9131-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/01/2006] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The biogenesis and accumulation of the beta amyloid protein (Abeta) is a key event in the cascade of oxidative and inflammatory processes that characterises Alzheimer's disease. The presenilins and its interacting proteins play a pivotal role in the generation of Abeta from the amyloid precursor protein (APP). In particular, three proteins (nicastrin, aph-1 and pen-2) interact with presenilins to form a large multi-subunit enzymatic complex (gamma-secretase) that cleaves APP to generate Abeta. Reconstitution studies in yeast and insect cells have provided strong evidence that these four proteins are the major components of the gamma-secretase enzyme. Current research is directed at elucidating the roles that each of these protein play in the function of this enzyme. In addition, a number of presenilin interacting proteins that are not components of gamma-secretase play important roles in modulating Abeta production. This review will discuss the components of the gamma-secretase complex and the role of presenilin interacting proteins on gamma-secretase activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Verdile
- Centre of Excellence for Alzheimer’s disease Research and Care, and the Sir James McCusker Alzheimer’s Disease Research Unit, School of Exercise, Biomedical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, 100 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, 6027 WA Australia
- Hollywood Private Hospital, Nedlands, WA Australia
- School of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA Australia
| | - Samuel E Gandy
- Farber Institute for Neurosciences, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA USA
| | - Ralph N. Martins
- Centre of Excellence for Alzheimer’s disease Research and Care, and the Sir James McCusker Alzheimer’s Disease Research Unit, School of Exercise, Biomedical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, 100 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, 6027 WA Australia
- Hollywood Private Hospital, Nedlands, WA Australia
- School of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA Australia
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Casadesus G, Webber KM, Atwood CS, Pappolla MA, Perry G, Bowen RL, Smith MA. Luteinizing hormone modulates cognition and amyloid-beta deposition in Alzheimer APP transgenic mice. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2006; 1762:447-52. [PMID: 16503402 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2006.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2005] [Revised: 01/17/2006] [Accepted: 01/18/2006] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Until recently, the study of hormonal influences in Alzheimer disease was limited to the role of sex steroids. Despite numerous epidemiological studies supporting a protective role for estrogen in Alzheimer disease, recent studies show that estrogen administration in elderly women increases the risk of disease. Reconciling these contradictory reports, we previously hypothesized that other hormones of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, such as luteinizing hormone, may be involved in the onset and development of the disease. In this regard, luteinizing hormone is elevated in Alzheimer disease and is known to modulate amyloidogenic processing of amyloid-beta protein precursor. Therefore, in this study, to evaluate the therapeutic potential of luteinizing hormone ablation, we administered a gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogue, leuprolide acetate, to an aged transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer disease (Tg 2576) and measured cognitive Y-maze performance and amyloid-beta deposition after 3 months of treatment. Our data indicate that luteinizing hormone ablation significantly attenuated cognitive decline and decreased amyloid-beta deposition as compared to placebo-treated animals. Importantly, leuprolide acetate-mediated reduction of amyloid-beta correlated with improved cognition. Since both cognitive loss and amyloid-beta deposition are features of Alzheimer disease, leuprolide acetate treatment may prove to be a useful therapeutic strategy for this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gemma Casadesus
- Institute of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, 2085 Adelbert Road, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
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