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Seckl J. 11β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and the brain: Not (yet) lost in translation. J Intern Med 2024; 295:20-37. [PMID: 37941106 DOI: 10.1111/joim.13741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (11β-HSDs) catalyse the conversion of active 11-hydroxy glucocorticoids (cortisol, corticosterone) and their inert 11-keto forms (cortisone, 11-dehydrocorticosterone). They were first reported in the body and brain 70 years ago, but only recently have they become of interest. 11β-HSD2 is a dehydrogenase, potently inactivating glucocorticoids. In the kidney, 11β-HSD2 generates the aldosterone-specificity of intrinsically non-selective mineralocorticoid receptors. 11β-HSD2 also protects the developing foetal brain and body from premature glucocorticoid exposure, which otherwise engenders the programming of neuropsychiatric and cardio-metabolic disease risks. In the adult CNS, 11β-HSD2 is confined to a part of the brain stem where it generates aldosterone-specific central control of salt appetite and perhaps blood pressure. 11β-HSD1 is a reductase, amplifying active glucocorticoid levels within brain cells, notably in the cortex, hippocampus and amygdala, paralleling its metabolic functions in peripheral tissues. 11β-HSD1 is elevated in the ageing rodent and, less certainly, human forebrain. Transgenic models show this rise contributes to age-related cognitive decline, at least in mice. 11β-HSD1 inhibition robustly improves memory in healthy and pathological ageing rodent models and is showing initial promising results in phase II studies of healthy elderly people. Larger trials are needed to confirm and clarify the magnitude of effect and define target populations. The next decade will be crucial in determining how this tale ends - in new treatments or disappointment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Seckl
- Centre for Cardiovascular Sciences, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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2
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Melief J, Huitinga I, Gold SM. The stress-axis in multiple sclerosis: Clinical, cellular, and molecular aspects. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2021; 181:119-126. [PMID: 34238451 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-820683-6.00008-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Altered activity of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) stress-axis has been implicated in the pathogenesis and progression of multiple sclerosis (MS) and linked to the development of specific symptoms and comorbidities such as mood disorders, fatigue, or cognitive dysfunction. Overall the HPA-axis is activated or hyperresponsive in MS, though a hyporesponsive HPA-axis has been observed in a subgroup of MS patients that has a more severe course of the disease. Here we provide an overview of the possible causes of HPA-axis activation, sex- and subtype dependent differences, pathological, cellular, and molecular effects, and the clinical correlates of HPA-axis activity in MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeroen Melief
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Inge Huitinga
- Department of Neuroimmunology, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Brain Plasticity Group, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Stefan M Gold
- Department of Psychiatry and Medical Department, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany; Institute for Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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3
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Teubel J, Parr MK. Determination of neurosteroids in human cerebrospinal fluid in the 21st century: A review. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2020; 204:105753. [PMID: 32937199 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2020.105753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Determination of steroid hormones synthesized by the human body plays an important role in various fields of endocrinology. Neurosteroids (NS) are steroids that are synthesized in the central (CNS) or peripheral nervous system (PNS), which is not only a source but also a target for neurosteroids. They are discussed as possible biomarkers in various cognitive disorders and research interest in this topic raises continuously. Nevertheless, knowledge on functions and metabolism is still limited, although the concept of neurosteroids was already introduced in the 1980s. Until today, the analysis of neurosteroids is truly challenging. The only accessible matrix for investigations of brain metabolism in living human beings is cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which therefore becomes a very interesting specimen for analysis. However, neurosteroid concentrations are expected to be very low and the available amount of cerebrospinal fluid is limited. Further, high structural similarities of endogenous neurosteroids challenges analysis. Therefore, comprehensive methods, highly selective and sensitive for a large range of concentrations for different steroids in one aliquot are required and under continuous development. Although research has been increasingly intensified, still only few data are available on reference levels of neurosteroids in human cerebrospinal fluid. In this review, published literature of the last twenty years, as a period with relatively contemporary analytical methods, was systematically investigated. Considerations on human cerebrospinal fluid, different analytical approaches, and available data on levels of in analogy to periphery conceivable occurring neurosteroids, including (pro-) gestagens, androgens, corticoids, estrogens, and steroid conjugates, and their interpretation are intensively discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliane Teubel
- Freie Universität Berlin, Institute of Pharmacy, Königin-Luise-Str. 2+4, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Maria Kristina Parr
- Freie Universität Berlin, Institute of Pharmacy, Königin-Luise-Str. 2+4, 14195 Berlin, Germany.
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4
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Ruiz F, Vigne S, Pot C. Resolution of inflammation during multiple sclerosis. Semin Immunopathol 2019; 41:711-726. [PMID: 31732775 PMCID: PMC6881249 DOI: 10.1007/s00281-019-00765-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 09/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a frequent autoimmune demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS). There are three clinical forms described: relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), the most common initial presentation (85%) among which, if not treated, about half will transform, into the secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS) and the primary progressive MS (PPMS) (15%) that is directly progressive without superimposed clinical relapses. Inflammation is present in all subsets of MS. The relapsing/remitting form could represent itself a particular interest for the study of inflammation resolution even though it remains incomplete in MS. Successful resolution of acute inflammation is a highly regulated process and dependent on mechanisms engaged early in the inflammatory response that are scarcely studied in MS. Moreover, recent classes of disease-modifying treatment (DMTs) that are effective against RRMS act by re-establishing the inflammatory imbalance, taking advantage of the pre-existing endogenous suppressor. In this review, we will discuss the active role of regulatory immune cells in inflammation resolution as well as the role of tissue and non-hematopoietic cells as contributors to inflammation resolution. Finally, we will explore how DMTs, more specifically induction therapies, impact the resolution of inflammation during MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Ruiz
- Laboratories of Neuroimmunology, Neuroscience Research Center and Service of Neurology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Chemin des Boveresses 155, 1066, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - S Vigne
- Laboratories of Neuroimmunology, Neuroscience Research Center and Service of Neurology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Chemin des Boveresses 155, 1066, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - C Pot
- Laboratories of Neuroimmunology, Neuroscience Research Center and Service of Neurology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Chemin des Boveresses 155, 1066, Epalinges, Switzerland.
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5
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Pereira GM, Soares NM, Souza ARD, Becker J, Finkelsztejn A, Almeida RMMD. Basal cortisol levels and the relationship with clinical symptoms in multiple sclerosis: a systematic review. ARQUIVOS DE NEURO-PSIQUIATRIA 2018; 76:622-634. [DOI: 10.1590/0004-282x20180091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2018] [Accepted: 06/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating, progressive and neurodegenerative disease. A disturbance on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis can be observed in patients with MS, showing altered cortisol levels. We aimed to identify basal cortisol levels and verify the relationship with clinical symptoms in patients with MS. A systematic search was conducted in the databases: Pubmed, Web of Science and SCOPUS. Both higher and lower cortisol levels were associated with MS. Higher cortisol levels were associated with depression and anxiety, while lower levels were associated with depression, fatigue and urinary dysfunction. Higher cortisol levels may be associated with the progression and severity of MS.
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De Somma E, Jain RW, Poon KW, Tresidder KA, Segal JP, Ghasemlou N. Chronobiological regulation of psychosocial and physiological outcomes in multiple sclerosis. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2018; 88:73-83. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2017] [Revised: 02/10/2018] [Accepted: 03/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Vallée A, Lecarpentier Y, Guillevin R, Vallée JN. Demyelination in Multiple Sclerosis: Reprogramming Energy Metabolism and Potential PPARγ Agonist Treatment Approaches. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19041212. [PMID: 29659554 PMCID: PMC5979570 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19041212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2018] [Revised: 04/09/2018] [Accepted: 04/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Demyelination in multiple sclerosis (MS) cells is the site of several energy metabolic abnormalities driven by dysregulation between the opposed interplay of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) and WNT/β-catenin pathways. We focus our review on the opposing interactions observed in demyelinating processes in MS between the canonical WNT/β-catenin pathway and PPARγ and their reprogramming energy metabolism implications. Demyelination in MS is associated with chronic inflammation, which is itself associated with the release of cytokines by CD4+ Th17 cells, and downregulation of PPARγ expression leading to the upregulation of the WNT/β-catenin pathway. Upregulation of WNT/β-catenin signaling induces activation of glycolytic enzymes that modify their energy metabolic behavior. Then, in MS cells, a large portion of cytosolic pyruvate is converted into lactate. This phenomenon is called the Warburg effect, despite the availability of oxygen. The Warburg effect is the shift of an energy transfer production from mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation to aerobic glycolysis. Lactate production is correlated with increased WNT/β-catenin signaling and demyelinating processes by inducing dysfunction of CD4+ T cells leading to axonal and neuronal damage. In MS, downregulation of PPARγ decreases insulin sensitivity and increases neuroinflammation. PPARγ agonists inhibit Th17 differentiation in CD4+ T cells and then diminish release of cytokines. In MS, abnormalities in the regulation of circadian rhythms stimulate the WNT pathway to initiate the demyelination process. Moreover, PPARγ contributes to the regulation of some key circadian genes. Thus, PPARγ agonists interfere with reprogramming energy metabolism by directly inhibiting the WNT/β-catenin pathway and circadian rhythms and could appear as promising treatments in MS due to these interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Vallée
- Délégation à la Recherche Clinique et à l'Innovation (DRCI), Hôpital Foch, 92150 Suresnes, France.
| | - Yves Lecarpentier
- Centre de Recherche Clinique, Grand Hôpital de l'Est Francilien (GHEF), 77100 Meaux, France.
| | - Rémy Guillevin
- Data Analysis and Computations Through Imaging Modeling-Mathématiques (DACTIM), Unité mixte de recherche (UMR), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) 7348 (Laboratoire de Mathématiques et Application), University of Poitiers, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) de Poitiers, 86000 Poitiers, France.
| | - Jean-Noël Vallée
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Amiens Picardie, University of Picardie Jules Verne (UPJV), 80000 Amiens, France.
- LMA (Laboratoire de Mathématiques et Applications), Unité mixte de recherche (UMR), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) 7348, Université de Poitiers, 86000 Poitiers, France.
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8
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Straub RH, Cutolo M. Glucocorticoids and chronic inflammation. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2016; 55:ii6-ii14. [DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kew348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2015] [Revised: 08/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
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9
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Melief J, Koper JW, Endert E, Møller HJ, Hamann J, Uitdehaag BM, Huitinga I. Glucocorticoid receptor haplotypes conferring increased sensitivity (BclI and N363S) are associated with faster progression of multiple sclerosis. J Neuroimmunol 2016; 299:84-89. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2016.08.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2016] [Revised: 08/19/2016] [Accepted: 08/31/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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10
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Almanzar G, Mayerl C, Seitz JC, Höfner K, Brunner A, Wild V, Jahn D, Geier A, Fassnacht M, Prelog M. Expression of 11beta-hydroxysteroid-dehydrogenase type 2 in human thymus. Steroids 2016; 110:35-40. [PMID: 27025972 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2016.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2015] [Revised: 03/18/2016] [Accepted: 03/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
11beta-hydroxysteroid-dehydrogenase type 2 (11β-HSD2) is a high affinity dehydrogenase which rapidly inactivates physiologically-active glucocorticoids to protect key tissues. 11β-HSD2 expression has been described in peripheral cells of the innate and the adaptive immune system as well as in murine thymus. In absence of knowledge of 11β-HSD2 expression in human thymus, the study aimed to localize 11β-HSD2 in human thymic tissue. Thymic tissue was taken of six healthy, non-immunologically impaired male infants below 12months of age with congenital heart defects who had to undergo correction surgery. 11β-HSD2 protein expression was analyzed by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. Kidney tissue, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were taken as positive controls. Significant expression of 11β-HSD2 protein was found at single cell level in thymus parenchyma, at perivascular sites of capillaries and small vessels penetrating the thymus lobuli and within Hassall's bodies. The present study demonstrates that 11β-HSD2 is expressed in human thymus with predominant perivascular expression and also within Hassall's bodies. To our knowledge, this is the first report confirming 11β-HSD2 expression at the protein level in human thymic tissue underlining a potential role of this enzyme in regulating glucocorticoid function at the thymic level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Almanzar
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Josef-Schneider-Str. 2, 97080 Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Christina Mayerl
- University Clinic of Internal Medicine III, Cardiology and Angiology, Medical University Innsbruck, Anichstr. 35, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Jan-Christoph Seitz
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Josef-Schneider-Str. 2, 97080 Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Kerstin Höfner
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Josef-Schneider-Str. 2, 97080 Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Andrea Brunner
- Department of Pathology, Medical University Innsbruck, Muellerstr. 41, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Vanessa Wild
- Institute of Pathology, University of Wuerzburg, and Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, Josef-Schneider-Str. 2, 97080 Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Daniel Jahn
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Josef-Schneider-Str. 2, 97080 Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Geier
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Josef-Schneider-Str. 2, 97080 Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Martin Fassnacht
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Josef-Schneider-Str. 2, 97080 Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Martina Prelog
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Josef-Schneider-Str. 2, 97080 Wuerzburg, Germany.
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Schumacher M, Guennoun R, Mattern C, Oudinet JP, Labombarda F, De Nicola AF, Liere P. Analytical challenges for measuring steroid responses to stress, neurodegeneration and injury in the central nervous system. Steroids 2015; 103:42-57. [PMID: 26301525 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2015.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2015] [Revised: 08/17/2015] [Accepted: 08/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Levels of steroids in the adult central nervous system (CNS) show marked changes in response to stress, degenerative disorders and injury. However, their analysis in complex matrices such as fatty brain and spinal cord tissues, and even in plasma, requires accurate and precise analytical methods. Radioimmunoassays (RIA) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, even with prepurification steps, do not provide sufficient specificity, and they are at the origin of many inconsistent results in the literature. The analysis of steroids by mass spectrometric methods has become the gold standard for accurate and sensitive steroid analysis. However, these technologies involve multiple purification steps prone to errors, and they only provide accurate reference values when combined with careful sample workup. In addition, the interpretation of changes in CNS steroid levels is not an easy task because of their multiple sources: the endocrine glands and the local synthesis by neural cells. In the CNS, decreased steroid levels may reflect alterations of their biosynthesis, as observed in the case of chronic stress, post-traumatic stress disorders or depressive episodes. In such cases, return to normalization by administering exogenous hormones or by stimulating their endogenous production may have beneficial effects. On the other hand, increases in CNS steroids in response to acute stress, degenerative processes or injury may be part of endogenous protective or rescue programs, contributing to the resistance of neural cells to stress and insults. The aim of this review is to encourage a more critical reading of the literature reporting steroid measures, and to draw attention to the absolute need for well-validated methods. We discuss reported findings concerning changing steroid levels in the nervous system by insisting on methodological issues. An important message is that even recent mass spectrometric methods have their limits, and they only become reliable tools if combined with careful sample preparation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Florencia Labombarda
- Instituto de Biologia y Medicina Experimental and University of Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Alejandro F De Nicola
- Instituto de Biologia y Medicina Experimental and University of Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Philippe Liere
- U1195 Inserm and University Paris-Sud, Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
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12
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Pradhan DS, Solomon-Lane TK, Grober MS. Contextual modulation of social and endocrine correlates of fitness: insights from the life history of a sex changing fish. Front Neurosci 2015; 9:8. [PMID: 25691855 PMCID: PMC4315020 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2015.00008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2014] [Accepted: 01/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Steroid hormones are critical regulators of reproductive life history, and the steroid sensitive traits (morphology, behavior, physiology) associated with particular life history stages can have substantial fitness consequences for an organism. Hormones, behavior and fitness are reciprocally associated and can be used in an integrative fashion to understand how the environment impacts organismal function. To address the fitness component, we highlight the importance of using reliable proxies of reproductive success when studying proximate regulation of reproductive phenotypes. To understand the mechanisms by which the endocrine system regulates phenotype, we discuss the use of particular endocrine proxies and the need for appropriate functional interpretation of each. Lastly, in any experimental paradigm, the responses of animals vary based on the subtle differences in environmental and social context and this must also be considered. We explore these different levels of analyses by focusing on the fascinating life history transitions exhibited by the bi-directionally hermaphroditic fish, Lythrypnus dalli. Sex changing fish are excellent models for providing a deeper understanding of the fitness consequences associated with behavioral and endocrine variation. We close by proposing that local regulation of steroids is one potential mechanism that allows for the expression of novel phenotypes that can be characteristic of specific life history stages. A comparative species approach will facilitate progress in understanding the diversity of mechanisms underlying the contextual regulation of phenotypes and their associated fitness correlates.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Matthew S Grober
- Department of Biology, Georgia State University Atlanta, GA, USA ; Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University Atlanta, GA, USA
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13
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Chapman K, Holmes M, Seckl J. 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases: intracellular gate-keepers of tissue glucocorticoid action. Physiol Rev 2013; 93:1139-206. [PMID: 23899562 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00020.2012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 542] [Impact Index Per Article: 49.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Glucocorticoid action on target tissues is determined by the density of "nuclear" receptors and intracellular metabolism by the two isozymes of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11β-HSD) which catalyze interconversion of active cortisol and corticosterone with inert cortisone and 11-dehydrocorticosterone. 11β-HSD type 1, a predominant reductase in most intact cells, catalyzes the regeneration of active glucocorticoids, thus amplifying cellular action. 11β-HSD1 is widely expressed in liver, adipose tissue, muscle, pancreatic islets, adult brain, inflammatory cells, and gonads. 11β-HSD1 is selectively elevated in adipose tissue in obesity where it contributes to metabolic complications. Similarly, 11β-HSD1 is elevated in the ageing brain where it exacerbates glucocorticoid-associated cognitive decline. Deficiency or selective inhibition of 11β-HSD1 improves multiple metabolic syndrome parameters in rodent models and human clinical trials and similarly improves cognitive function with ageing. The efficacy of inhibitors in human therapy remains unclear. 11β-HSD2 is a high-affinity dehydrogenase that inactivates glucocorticoids. In the distal nephron, 11β-HSD2 ensures that only aldosterone is an agonist at mineralocorticoid receptors (MR). 11β-HSD2 inhibition or genetic deficiency causes apparent mineralocorticoid excess and hypertension due to inappropriate glucocorticoid activation of renal MR. The placenta and fetus also highly express 11β-HSD2 which, by inactivating glucocorticoids, prevents premature maturation of fetal tissues and consequent developmental "programming." The role of 11β-HSD2 as a marker of programming is being explored. The 11β-HSDs thus illuminate the emerging biology of intracrine control, afford important insights into human pathogenesis, and offer new tissue-restricted therapeutic avenues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Chapman
- Endocrinology Unit, Centre for Cardiovascular Science, The Queen’s Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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14
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Melief J, de Wit SJ, van Eden CG, Teunissen C, Hamann J, Uitdehaag BM, Swaab D, Huitinga I. HPA axis activity in multiple sclerosis correlates with disease severity, lesion type and gene expression in normal-appearing white matter. Acta Neuropathol 2013; 126:237-49. [PMID: 23812288 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-013-1140-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2013] [Revised: 06/01/2013] [Accepted: 06/03/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is activated in most, but not all multiple sclerosis (MS) patients and is implicated in disease progression and comorbid mood disorders. In this post-mortem study, we investigated how HPA axis activity in MS is related to disease severity, neurodegeneration, depression, lesion pathology and gene expression in normal-appearing white matter (NAWM). In 42 MS patients, HPA axis activity was determined by measuring cortisol in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and counting hypothalamic corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH)-expressing neurons. Degree of neurodegeneration was based on levels of glutamate, tau and neurofilament in CSF. Duration of MS and time to EDSS 6 served as indicators of disease severity. Glutamate levels correlated with numbers of CRH-expressing neurons, most prominently in primary progressive MS patients, suggesting that neurodegeneration is a strong determinant of HPA axis activity. High cortisol levels were associated with slower disease progression, especially in females with secondary progressive MS. Patients with low cortisol levels had greater numbers of active lesions and tended towards having less remyelinated plaques than patients with high cortisol levels. Interestingly, NAWM of patients with high cortisol levels displayed elevated expression of glucocorticoid-responsive genes, such as CD163, and decreased expression of pro-inflammatory genes, such as tumor necrosis factor-α. Thus, HPA axis hyperactivity in MS coincides with low inflammation and/or high neurodegeneration, and may impact on lesion pathology and molecular mechanisms in NAWM and thereby be of great importance for suppression of disease activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeroen Melief
- Department of Neuroimmunology, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, an Institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, Meibergdreef 47, 1105 BA, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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15
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Fischer A, Otte C, Krieger T, Nicholls RA, Krüger S, Ziegler KJ, Schulz KH, Heesen C, Gold SM. Decreased hydrocortisone sensitivity of T cell function in multiple sclerosis-associated major depression. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2012; 37:1712-8. [PMID: 22455832 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2012.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2011] [Revised: 03/01/2012] [Accepted: 03/01/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory, demyelinating disease of the CNS with a high prevalence of depression. Both MS and depression have been linked to elevated cortisol levels and inflammation, indicating disturbed endocrine-immune regulation. An imbalance in mineralocorticoid versus glucocorticoid signaling in the CNS has been proposed as a pathogenetic mechanism of depression. Intriguingly, both receptors are also expressed in lymphocytes, but their role for 'escape' of the immune system from endocrine control is unknown. Using steroid sensitivity of T cell function as a read-out system, we here investigate a potential role of mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) versus glucocorticoid receptor (GR) regulation in the immune system as a biological mechanism underlying MS-associated major depression. Twelve female MS patients meeting diagnostic criteria for current major depressive disorder (MDD) were compared to twelve carefully matched MS patients without depression. We performed lymphocyte phenotyping by flow cytometry. In addition, steroid sensitivity of T cell proliferation was tested using hydrocortisone as well as MR (aldosterone) and GR (dexamethasone) agonists. Sensitivity to hydrocortisone was decreased in T cells from depressed MS patients. Experiments with agonists suggested disturbed MR regulation, but intact GR function. Importantly, there were no differences in lymphocyte composition and frequency of T cell subsets, indicating that the differences in steroid sensitivity are unlikely to be secondary to shifts in the immune compartment. To our knowledge, this study provides first evidence for altered steroid sensitivity of T cells from MS patients with comorbid MDD possibly due to MR dysregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Fischer
- Institute for Neuroimmunology and Clinical Multiple Sclerosis Research, Center for Molecular Neurobiology, University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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16
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Hurley J, Roberts D, Bond A, Keys D, Chen C. Stem-loop RT-qPCR for microRNA expression profiling. Methods Mol Biol 2012; 822:33-52. [PMID: 22144190 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-61779-427-8_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Quantification of the microRNAs (miRNAs) in cells or tissues is a crucial step in understanding their biological functions. Development of the stem-loop reverse transcription procedure and TaqMan(®) miRNA assays enables accurate detection of miRNA expression levels by quantitative PCR. Increased experimental throughput permits the expression screening of larger number of miRNAs with small amounts of sample. Here, we demonstrate the use of both TaqMan(®) Array Card and OpenArray(®) platforms to accurately determine the level of miRNA gene expression in biological samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Hurley
- Life Technologies Corporation, Foster City, CA, USA
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Pareek TK, Belkadi A, Kesavapany S, Zaremba A, Loh SL, Bai L, Cohen ML, Meyer C, Liby KT, Miller RH, Sporn MB, Letterio JJ. Triterpenoid modulation of IL-17 and Nrf-2 expression ameliorates neuroinflammation and promotes remyelination in autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Sci Rep 2011; 1:201. [PMID: 22355716 PMCID: PMC3242013 DOI: 10.1038/srep00201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2011] [Accepted: 11/18/2011] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory cytokines and endogenous anti-oxidants are variables affecting disease progression in multiple sclerosis (MS). Here we demonstrate the dual capacity of triterpenoids to simultaneously repress production of IL-17 and other pro-inflammatory mediators while exerting neuroprotective effects directly through Nrf2-dependent induction of anti-oxidant genes. Derivatives of the natural triterpene oleanolic acid, namely CDDO-trifluoroethyl-amide (CDDO-TFEA), completely suppressed disease in a murine model of MS, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), by inhibiting Th1 and Th17 mRNA and cytokine production. Encephalitogenic T cells recovered from treated mice were hypo-responsive to myelin antigen and failed to adoptively transfer the disease. Microarray analyses showed significant suppression of pro-inflammatory transcripts with concomitant induction of anti-inflammatory genes including Ptgds and Hsd11b1. Finally, triterpenoids induced oligodendrocyte maturation in vitro and enhanced myelin repair in an LPC-induced non-inflammatory model of demyelination in vivo. These results demonstrate the unique potential of triterpenoid derivatives for the treatment of neuroinflammatory disorders such as MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tej K. Pareek
- Department of Pediatrics/Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, University Hospitals Case Medical Center and The Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH44106
| | - Abdelmadjid Belkadi
- Centers for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Translational Neuroscience, Department of Neurosciences, Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine, Ohio 44106, Cleveland
| | - Sashi Kesavapany
- Department of Biochemistry, Neurobiology Program, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117597
| | - Anita Zaremba
- Centers for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Translational Neuroscience, Department of Neurosciences, Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine, Ohio 44106, Cleveland
| | - Sook L. Loh
- Department of Biochemistry, Neurobiology Program, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117597
| | - Lianhua Bai
- Centers for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Translational Neuroscience, Department of Neurosciences, Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine, Ohio 44106, Cleveland
| | - Mark L. Cohen
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, OH 44106
| | - Colin Meyer
- Reata Pharmaceuticals Inc., Irving, TX 75063
| | - Karen T. Liby
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Dartmouth Medical School, Hanover, NH 03755
| | - Robert H. Miller
- Centers for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Translational Neuroscience, Department of Neurosciences, Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine, Ohio 44106, Cleveland
| | - Michael B. Sporn
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Dartmouth Medical School, Hanover, NH 03755
| | - John J. Letterio
- Department of Pediatrics/Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, University Hospitals Case Medical Center and The Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH44106
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18
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Luchetti S, Huitinga I, Swaab DF. Neurosteroid and GABA-A receptor alterations in Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis. Neuroscience 2011; 191:6-21. [PMID: 21514366 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2011.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2010] [Revised: 04/03/2011] [Accepted: 04/05/2011] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Steroid hormones (e.g. estrogens, androgens, progestagens) which are synthesized de novo or metabolized within the CNS are called neurosteroids. There is substantial evidence from animal studies suggesting that these steroids can affect brain function by modulating neurotransmission, and influence neuronal survival, neuronal and glial differentiation and myelination in the CNS by regulating gene expression of neurotrophic factors and anti-inflammatory molecules. Indeed, evidence is emerging that expression of the enzymes responsible for the synthesis of neurosteroids changes in neurodegenerative diseases. Some of these changes may contribute to the pathology, while others, conversely, may represent an attempted rescue program in the diseased brain. Here we review the data on changes in neurosteroid levels and neurosteroid synthesis pathways in the human brain in three neurodegenerative conditions, Alzheimers's (AD) and Parkinson's (PD) diseases and Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and the extent to which these findings may implicate protective or pathological roles for neurosteroids in the course of these diseases.Some neurosteroids can modulate neurotransmitter activity, for example, the pregnane steroids allopregnanolone and 3α5α-tetrahydro-deoxycorticosterone which are potent positive allosteric modulators of ionotropic GABA-A receptors. Therefore, neurosteroid-modulated GABA-A receptor subunit alterations found in AD and PD will also be discussed. These data imply an involvement of neurosteroid changes in the neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory processes and suggest that they may deserve further investigation as potential therapeutic agents in AD, PD and MS. Finally, suggestions for therapeutic strategies will be included. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Neuroactive Steroids: Focus on Human Brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Luchetti
- Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience (NIN), an Institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, Meibergdreef 47, 1105 BA, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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