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Calhoun CA, Lattouf C, Lewis V, Barrientos H, Donaldson ST. Chronic mild stress induces differential depression-like symptoms and c-Fos and 5HT1A protein levels in high-anxiety female Long Evans rats. Behav Brain Res 2023; 438:114202. [PMID: 36343695 PMCID: PMC9990717 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2022.114202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Depression and anxiety disorders overlap in clinical populations, suggesting common mechanisms that may be further investigated in reliable animal models. We used filial 8 female Long-Evans rats bred for high (HAn; n = 19) and low anxiety (LAn)-like behavior (n = 21) to assess forced swim test mobility strategies and chronic mild stress (CMS)-induced depression-like symptoms. We measured (1) weight, (2) fur piloerection, (3) sweet food consumption, (4) grooming behavior, and (5) circulating estradiol (E2). One month after CMS terminated and following a terminal forced swim test, brains were processed for immunohistochemistry targeting c-Fos and serotonin 1 A receptor (5-HT1AR) protein in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus. HAn female rats showed increased anxiety-like behavior (i.e., lower open to closed arm ratios, increased closed arm entries), more swimming (i.e., mobility), and less floating (i.e., immobility) behavior in the forced swim test. Overall, HAn females weighed less than their LAn counterparts. After chronic mild stress, HAn lines displayed even greater mobility and consumed fewer Froot Loops™. Fur and grooming analyses indicated no significant differences in mean counts across experimental groups. One month after CMS, cycling E2 concentrations (pg/ml) did not differ between HAn and LAn animals. Elevated c-Fos and 5-HT1AR expression were observed in the PVN, where HAn CMS rats expressed the most c-Fos and 5-HT1AR immunoreactivity. In summary, outbred HAn rats show robust anxiety-like behavior, exhibit more mobility in the forced swim test, and are more sensitive to chronic mild stress-induced grooming and decline in palatable food ingestion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corey A Calhoun
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Christine Lattouf
- Developmental and Brain Sciences Program, Department of Psychology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Victoria Lewis
- Developmental and Brain Sciences Program, Department of Psychology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Heidi Barrientos
- Developmental and Brain Sciences Program, Department of Psychology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, USA
| | - S Tiffany Donaldson
- Developmental and Brain Sciences Program, Department of Psychology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, USA.
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Tongta S, Daendee S, Kalandakanond-Thongsong S. Effects of estrogen receptor β or G protein-coupled receptor 30 activation on anxiety-like behaviors in relation to GABAergic transmission in stress-ovariectomized rats. Neurosci Lett 2022; 789:136885. [PMID: 36152742 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2022.136885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
For mental disorders such as anxiety and depression, stress and stressful events are considered as precipitating causes that may be enhanced by estrogen variability. This condition is proven by the higher vulnerability of women than men. Despite the complexity of underlying mechanisms, the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) system piques interest as its receptor contains multiple psychoactive modulatory sites including neurosteroids. Moreover, according to clinical and experimental reports, GABA-associated genes can be altered by stress and hormonal status. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of estrogen receptor β (ERβ) or G protein-coupled receptor 30 (GPR30) activation on anxiety/depression-like behaviors and the alterations in the GABA-associated gene of ovariectomized rats under chronic mild stress (CMS). Mild stressors were focused on because they represent a realistic simulation of daily life stress. In this study, ovariectomized rats were treated with vehicle, estradiol (E2), diarylpropionitrile (DPN; ERβ agonist) or G1 (GPR30 agonist) and exposed to 4-week CMS. The results showed that E2, DPN, and G1 treatments reduced anxiety-like behaviors without affecting depression-like behaviors. Concurrently, the GABA level and most GABA- and neurosteroid-associated mRNAs were altered by E2. Similar mRNA profiles were observed in DPN- and E2-administrations but not in G1 treatment. Collectively, these data suggest that estrogen exerts an anxiolytic-like action through either ERβ and/or GPR30 activation, and the modulatory effects of estrogen on GABAergic system are likely to be modulated through ERβ. The findings of this study therefore further provide insights into the roles of estrogen and daily mild stressors in GABA-related activity and behavioral responses, especially anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sushawadee Tongta
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Suwaporn Daendee
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Ubon Ratchathani University, Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand
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Prescribing Tamoxifen in Patients With Mood Disorders: A Systematic Review of Potential Antimanic Versus Depressive Effects. J Clin Psychopharmacol 2021; 41:450-460. [PMID: 34166298 DOI: 10.1097/jcp.0000000000001412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE/BACKGROUND Tamoxifen is a selective estrogen receptor modulator widely used for treatment and prevention of estrogenic receptor-positive breast cancer. Tamoxifen is an object of growing interest in psychopharmacology as an antimanic drug, because it inhibits the protein kinase C, a molecular target of bipolar disorder. Consistently, the potential depressive effect of tamoxifen has been repeatedly reported. METHODS/PROCEDURES This article systematically reviews studies examining tamoxifen impact on mood, exploring either its potential therapeutic use as antimanic agent or its potential depressive effect. FINDINGS Eight studies explored tamoxifen antimanic properties, all, but one, reported a rapid and efficacious antimanic action. As to the depressive effect, 9 cohort studies emerged among which 4 pointed out an increased risk of depression. Seven case reports described the onset or exacerbation of depressive episodes besides 1 case series study reported a high rate of depressive symptoms. In addition, 1 case report study described a tamoxifen-induced manic episode. IMPLICATIONS/CONCLUSIONS The present review highlights tamoxifen treatment as a possible trigger of mood symptoms onset or exacerbation in vulnerable patients. Accordingly, patients with a history of mood disorders may require a close clinical surveillance during tamoxifen use. At the same time, the use of tamoxifen as an antimanic agent in psychiatric settings requires caution, as available evidence came from small-sample studies with short observation time. More studies are needed to define how long-term tamoxifen use may affect the course of bipolar disorder.
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Carmassi C, Pardini F, Dell'Oste V, Cordone A, Pedrinelli V, Simoncini M, Dell'Osso L. Suicidality and Illness Course Worsening in a Male Patient with Bipolar Disorder during Tamoxifen Treatment for ER+/HER2+ Breast Cancer. Case Rep Psychiatry 2021; 2021:5547649. [PMID: 33833890 PMCID: PMC8012138 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5547649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Revised: 03/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Tamoxifen is a selective estrogenic receptor modulator (SERM) drug. In addition to its common use in breast cancer ER+, Tamoxifen has been object of growing interest in psychiatry as antimanic drug. At the same time, clinical concerns about Tamoxifen's depressogenic effect have been repeatedly raised even without reaching univocal conclusions. We discuss the case of a 45-year-old-male with a diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder type II, treated with Tamoxifen as relapse prevention treatment after surgery for a ER+/HER2+ breast cancer. The patient required two psychiatric admissions in a few-month time span since he showed a progressive worsening of both depressive and anxiety symptoms, with the onset of delusional ideas of hopelessness and failure up to suicidal thoughts. The clinical picture showed poor response to treatment trials based on various associations of mood-stabilising, antidepressants, and antipsychotic drugs. During the second hospitalization, after a multidisciplinary evaluation, the oncologists agreed on Tamoxifen discontinuation upon the severity of the psychiatric condition. The patient underwent a close oncological and psychiatric follow-up during the following 12 months. METHODS Psychiatric assessments included the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), the Hamilton Depression Scale (HAM-D), the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS), and the Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire Short Form (Q-LES-Q-SF). All questionnaires were administered at the time of the second hospitalization and in a one-year follow-up. RESULTS Suicidal ideation fully remitted and depressive symptoms markedly and rapidly improved in the aftermath of Tamoxifen discontinuation. The symptomatological improvement remained stable across one-year follow-up. CONCLUSIONS Male patients with a mood disorder history constitute a high-risk group as to Tamoxifen psychiatric side effects. The onset or worsening of depressive symptoms or suicidality should be carefully addressed and promptly treated, and clinicians should be encouraged to consider the possibility of discontinue or reduce Tamoxifen therapy after a multidisciplinary evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Carmassi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesco Pardini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Valerio Dell'Oste
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Annalisa Cordone
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Virginia Pedrinelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Marly Simoncini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Liliana Dell'Osso
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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The short-term effects of estradiol, raloxifene, and a phytoestrogen in women with perimenopausal depression. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 28:369-383. [PMID: 33470755 DOI: 10.1097/gme.0000000000001724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We examined the short-term efficacies of three estrogen-like compounds under placebo-controlled conditions in women with perimenopause-related depression (PMD). METHODS Women with PMD were randomized in a double-blind parallel design to one of four treatments: transdermal 17-beta estradiol (TE) (100 mcg/d); oral raloxifene (60 mg/d); a proprietary phytoestrogen compound, Rimostil (1,000 mg twice/d); or placebo for 8 weeks. The main outcome measures were the Center for Epidemiology Studies Depression Scale, 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD), and the Beck Depression Inventory completed at each clinic visit. Secondary outcomes included a visual analogue self-rating completed at each clinic visit, and daily self-ratings of hot flush severity. Cognitive tests were performed at pretreatment baseline and at the end of the trial. In the primary analysis, we obtained four repeated measures in each woman in the four treatment arms. Analyses were done with SAS Version 9.4 software (SAS Institute, Inc, Cary, NC), using PROC MIXED (for mixed models). All models included the following four explanatory variables, regardless of whether they were statistically significant: 1) treatment group (TE, raloxifene, Rimostil, placebo); 2) week (W2, W4, W6, W8); 3) treatment group-by-week interaction; and 4) baseline value of the measure being analyzed. The inclusion of additional variables was evaluated individually for each outcome measure. RESULTS Sixty-six women were randomized into the trial, four women dropped out of the trial, and 62 women were included in the final data analysis. No effect of treatment group was observed in either the Center for Epidemiology Studies Depression Scale (P = 0.34) or Beck Depression Inventory (P = 0.27) scores; however, there was a difference in HRSD scores between treatment groups (P = 0.0037) that pair-wise comparisons of the combined weekly scores in each treatment demonstrated TE's beneficial effects on HRSD scores compared with Rimostil (P = 0.0005), and less consistently with placebo (P = 0.099). The average (SD) of the baseline scores for each treatment group on the HRSD was as follows: TE-15.3 (4.5), raloxifene-16.0 (3.7), Rimostil-14.0 (2.7), and placebo-15.2 (3.0). Whereas the HRSD scores after 8 weeks of treatment (least-square means) were TE-5.2(1.1), raloxifene-5.8(1.2), Rimostil-11.2(1.4), and placebo-7.8(1.1). No differences were observed between raloxifene and either TE or placebo in any scale score. HRSD scores in women assigned to TE were improved compared with those on Rimostil during weeks 6 and 8 (P values = 0.0008, 0.0011, respectively). Cognitive testing at week 8 showed that none of the three active treatment groups performed better than placebo. CONCLUSIONS This study did not identify significant therapeutic benefits of TE, Rimostil, or raloxifene compared with placebo in PMD. However, improvements in depression ratings were observed between TE compared with Rimostil. Thus, our findings do not support the role of ERbeta compounds in the treatment of PMD (and indeed could suggest a more important role of ERalpha).
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Michaud JM, Price JC, Deane HV, Concepcion HA, Coronella JA, DeCourcey H, Seggio JA. The effects of ovariectomy on the behavioral and physiological responses to constant light in C57BL6/J Mice. BIOL RHYTHM RES 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/09291016.2020.1842970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Julie M. Michaud
- Department of Biological Sciences, Bridgewater State University, Bridgewater, Massachusetts, USA
| | - John C. Price
- Department of Biological Sciences, Bridgewater State University, Bridgewater, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Hannah V. Deane
- Department of Biological Sciences, Bridgewater State University, Bridgewater, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Holly A. Concepcion
- Department of Biological Sciences, Bridgewater State University, Bridgewater, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jason A. Coronella
- Department of Biological Sciences, Bridgewater State University, Bridgewater, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Holly DeCourcey
- Department of Biological Sciences, Bridgewater State University, Bridgewater, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Joseph A. Seggio
- Department of Biological Sciences, Bridgewater State University, Bridgewater, Massachusetts, USA
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Novick AM, Scott AT, Neill Epperson C, Schneck CD. Neuropsychiatric effects of tamoxifen: Challenges and opportunities. Front Neuroendocrinol 2020; 59:100869. [PMID: 32822707 PMCID: PMC7669724 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2020.100869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Revised: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 08/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Epidemiological, clinical, and basic research over the past thirty years have described the benefits of estrogen on cognition, mood, and brain health. Less is known about tamoxifen, a selective estrogen receptor modifier (SERM) commonly used in breast cancer which is able to cross the blood-brain barrier. In this article, we review the basic pharmacology of tamoxifenas well as its effects on cognition and mood. The literature reveals an overall impairing effect of tamoxifen on cognition in breast cancer patients, hinting at central antiestrogen activity. On the other hand, tamoxifen demonstrates promising effects in psychiatric disorders, like bipolar disorder, where its therapeutic action may be independent of interaction with estrogen receptors. Understanding the neuropsychiatric properties of SERMs like tamoxifen can guide future research to ameliorate unwanted side-effects and provide novel options for difficult to treat disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew M Novick
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado School of Medicine, 13001 E 17th Place, Campus Box F546, Aurora, CO 80045, United States.
| | - Anthony T Scott
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado School of Medicine, 13001 E 17th Place, Campus Box F546, Aurora, CO 80045, United States
| | - C Neill Epperson
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado School of Medicine, 13001 E 17th Place, Campus Box F546, Aurora, CO 80045, United States
| | - Christopher D Schneck
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado School of Medicine, 13001 E 17th Place, Campus Box F546, Aurora, CO 80045, United States
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Zhang K, Wang Z, Pan X, Yang J, Wu C. Antidepressant-like effects of Xiaochaihutang in perimenopausal mice. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2020; 248:112318. [PMID: 31629860 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2019.112318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2019] [Revised: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Xiaochaihutang (XCHT) is a traditional Chinese medicine prescription for thousand years in China. Our previous researches show that XCHT has antidepressant-like effects in several depression models, but effect and mechanism of XCHT in perimenopausal depression are still vague. AIM OF THE STUDY To reveal the antidepressant-like effect and mechanism of XCHT in perimenopausal mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS Perimenopausal depression model is executed by ovariectomy combined with chronic unpredictable mild stress (OVX-CUMS). Tail suspension test (TST), forced swim test (FST), elevated plus-maze (EPM), novelty suppressed feeding (NSF) and locomotor activity are used to assess antidepressant-like effects of XCHT. The Level of estradiol (E2), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH), corticosterone (CORT), adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) and corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) are evaluated by ELISA. Antidepressant mechanisms of XCHT in OVX-CUMS mice are analyzed by 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), tryptophan hydroxylase 2 (TPH2) and estrogen receptor α and β (ERα/β). RESULTS The results show that OVX-CUMS significantly increases the immobility time in TST and FST, increases latency to feed, decreases food consumption in NSF and both the time spend and number of entries in open arms in EPM. While, oral administration of XCHT can significantly normalize above depression-like behaviors in OVX-CUMS mice. Moreover, XCHT also remarkably normalized levels of 5-HT, 5-HIAA, E2, GnRH, CORT, ACTH and CRH in OVX-CUMS mice. Finally, the expression of ERβ and TPH2 are decreased by OVX-CUMS in prefrontal cortex and hypothalamus, and XCHT can restore these decrease. CONCLUSION Current findings suggest XCHT can alleviate perimenopausal depression-like behaviors, restore 5-HT and hormones in OVX-CUMS mice, which may be related to normalizing the functions of HPA/HPO axis and enhancing expression of ERβ and TPH2 in prefrontal cortex and hypothalamus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuo Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 110016, Shenyang, PR China
| | - Zhiqian Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 110016, Shenyang, PR China
| | - Xing Pan
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 110016, Shenyang, PR China
| | - Jingyu Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 110016, Shenyang, PR China
| | - Chunfu Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 110016, Shenyang, PR China.
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Giatti S, Diviccaro S, Serafini MM, Caruso D, Garcia-Segura LM, Viviani B, Melcangi RC. Sex differences in steroid levels and steroidogenesis in the nervous system: Physiopathological role. Front Neuroendocrinol 2020; 56:100804. [PMID: 31689419 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2019.100804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Revised: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The nervous system, in addition to be a target for steroid hormones, is the source of a variety of neuroactive steroids, which are synthesized and metabolized by neurons and glial cells. Recent evidence indicates that the expression of neurosteroidogenic proteins and enzymes and the levels of neuroactive steroids are different in the nervous system of males and females. We here summarized the state of the art of neuroactive steroids, particularly taking in consideration sex differences occurring in the synthesis and levels of these molecules. In addition, we discuss the consequences of sex differences in neurosteroidogenesis for the function of the nervous system under healthy and pathological conditions and the implications of neuroactive steroids and neurosteroidogenesis for the development of sex-specific therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Giatti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Silvia Diviccaro
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Melania Maria Serafini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Donatella Caruso
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Luis Miguel Garcia-Segura
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Barbara Viviani
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Roberto C Melcangi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy.
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Cao LH, Qiao JY, Huang HY, Fang XY, Zhang R, Miao MS, Li XM. PI3K-AKT Signaling Activation and Icariin: The Potential Effects on the Perimenopausal Depression-Like Rat Model. Molecules 2019; 24:E3700. [PMID: 31618892 PMCID: PMC6832648 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24203700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Revised: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Icariin is a prenylated flavonol glycoside isolated from Epimedium herb, and has been shown to be its main bioactive component. Recently, the antidepressant-like mechanism of icariin has been increasingly evaluated and demonstrated. However, there are few studies that have focused on the involvement of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/serine-threonine protein kinase (AKT) signaling in mediating the perimenopausal depression effects of icariin. Perimenopausal depression is a chronic recurrent disease that leads to an increased risk of suicide, and poses a significant risk to public health. The aim of the present study was to explore the effect of icariin on the expression of the PI3K-AKT pathway related to proteins in a rat model of perimenopausal depression. Eighty percent of the left ovary and the entire right ovary were removed from the model rats. A perimenopausal depression model was created through 18 days of chronic unpredictable stimulation, followed by the gavage administration of target drugs for 30 consecutive days. We found that icariin administered at various doses significantly improved the apparent symptoms in the model rats, increased the organ indices of the uterus, spleen, and thymus, and improved the pathological changes in the ovaries. Moreover, icariin administration elevated the serum levels of female hormone estradiol (E2), testosterone (T), and interleukin (IL)-2, decreased those of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteotropic hormone (LH), promoted the expression levels of estrogen receptor (ER) and ERα in the hypothalamus, and increased those of serotonin (5-HT), dopamine (DA), and noradrenaline (NA) in the brain homogenate. Furthermore, icariin elevated the expression levels of AKT, phosphorylation-akt (p-AKT), PI3K (110 kDa), PI3K (85 kDa), and B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) in the ovaries, and inhibited those of Bax. These results show that icariin administration rebalanced the disordered sex hormones in perimenopausal depression rats, regulated the secretion of neurotransmitters in the brain, boosted immune function, and improved the perimenopausal syndrome. The mechanism of action may be related to the regulation of the expression of PI3K-AKT pathway-related proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Hua Cao
- International TCM Immunopharmacology Research Center, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, China.
| | - Jing-Yi Qiao
- International TCM Immunopharmacology Research Center, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, China.
- Department of Pharmacology, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, China.
| | - Hui-Yuan Huang
- Department of Pharmacology, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, China.
| | - Xiao-Yan Fang
- Department of Pharmacology, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, China.
| | - Rui Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, China.
| | - Ming-San Miao
- International TCM Immunopharmacology Research Center, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, China.
- Department of Pharmacology, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, China.
| | - Xiu-Min Li
- Microbiology and Immunology Department, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY 10595, USA.
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Deficiency in Androgen Receptor Aggravates the Depressive-Like Behaviors in Chronic Mild Stress Model of Depression. Cells 2019; 8:cells8091021. [PMID: 31480771 PMCID: PMC6769639 DOI: 10.3390/cells8091021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Revised: 08/22/2019] [Accepted: 08/28/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
While androgen receptor (AR) and stress may influence the development of the major depressive disorder (MDD), the detailed relationship, however, remains unclear. Here we found loss of AR accelerated development of depressive-like behaviors in mice under chronic mild stress (CMS). Mechanism dissection indicated that AR might function via altering the expression of miR-204-5p to modulate the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression to influence the depressive-like behaviors in the mice under the CMS. Adding the antiandrogen flutamide with the stress hormone corticosterone can additively decrease BDNF mRNA in mouse hippocampus mHippoE-14 cells, which can then be reversed via down-regulating the miR-204-5p expression. Importantly, targeting this newly identified AR-mediated miR-204-5p/BDNF/AKT/MAPK signaling with small molecules including 7,8-DHF and fluoxetine, all led to alter the depressive-like behavior in AR knockout mice under CMS exposure. Together, results from these preclinical studies conclude that decreased AR may accelerate the stress-induced MDD via altering miR-204-5p/BDNF/AKT/MAPK signaling, and targeting this newly identified signaling may help in the development of better therapeutic approaches to reduce the development of MDD.
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Zhou XD, Shi DD, Wang HN, Tan QR, Zhang ZJ. Aqueous extract of lily bulb ameliorates menopause-like behavior in ovariectomized mice with novel brain-uterus mechanisms distinct from estrogen therapy. Biomed Pharmacother 2019; 117:109114. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2019.109114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Revised: 05/27/2019] [Accepted: 06/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
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Estrogenic Regulation of Neuroprotective and Neuroinflammatory Mechanisms: Implications for Depression and Cognition. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-11355-1_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Giatti S, Garcia-Segura LM, Barreto GE, Melcangi RC. Neuroactive steroids, neurosteroidogenesis and sex. Prog Neurobiol 2018; 176:1-17. [PMID: 29981391 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2018.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2018] [Revised: 05/25/2018] [Accepted: 06/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The nervous system is a target and a source of steroids. Neuroactive steroids are steroids that target neurons and glial cells. They include hormonal steroids originated in the peripheral glands, steroids locally synthesized by the neurons and glial cells (neurosteroids) and synthetic steroids, some of them used in clinical practice. Here we review the mechanisms of synthesis, metabolism and action of neuroactive steroids, including the role of epigenetic modifications and the mitochondria in their sex specific actions. We examine sex differences in neuroactive steroid levels under physiological conditions and their role in the establishment of sex dimorphic structures in the nervous system and sex differences in its function. In addition, particular attention is paid to neuroactive steroids under pathological conditions, analyzing how pathology alters their levels and their role as neuroprotective factors, considering the influence of sex in both cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Giatti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Luis M Garcia-Segura
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - George E Barreto
- Departamento de Nutrición y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
| | - Roberto C Melcangi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy.
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15
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Fan J, Li BJ, Wang XF, Zhong LL, Cui RJ. Ghrelin produces antidepressant-like effect in the estrogen deficient mice. Oncotarget 2017; 8:58964-58973. [PMID: 28938610 PMCID: PMC5601706 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.19768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2017] [Accepted: 07/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent evidence shows that ghrelin plays an important role in depression. However, it was little known whether ghrelin produces antidepressant-like effect in the ovariectomized mice. The present study was aimed to investigate the antidepressant-like effects of the ghrelin in ovariectomized mice. In the forced swim test, ghrelin significantly decreased immobility time, reversing the “depressive-like” effect observed in ovariectomized mice, and this effect was reversed by the tamoxifen. In addition, immunohistochemical study indicated that ghrelin treatment reversed the reductions in c-Fos expression induced by ovariectomy. An estrogen antagonist tamoxifen also antagonized the effect of ghrelin on the c-Fos expression. Furthermore, the western blotting indicated that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the hippocampus, but not phosphorylated cAMP response element-binding protein (pCREB)/CREB in the frontal cortex, were affected by ghrelin treatment. Ghrelin treatment significantly increased BrdU expression. Therefore, these findings suggest that ghrelin produces antidepressant-like effects in ovariectomized mice, and estrogen receptor may be involved in the antidepressant-like effects of the ghrelin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Fan
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetics, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130041, P.R. China
| | - Bing Jin Li
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetics, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130041, P.R. China
| | - Xue Feng Wang
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetics, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130041, P.R. China
| | - Li Li Zhong
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetics, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130041, P.R. China
| | - Ran Ji Cui
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetics, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130041, P.R. China
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Evidence for an expanded time-window to mitigate a reactivated fear memory by tamoxifen. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2016; 26:1601-9. [PMID: 27554635 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2016.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2016] [Revised: 07/25/2016] [Accepted: 08/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The mechanisms underpinning the persistence of emotional memories are inaccurately understood. Advancing the current level of understanding with regards to this aspect is of potential translational value for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which stems from an abnormal aversive memory formation. Tamoxifen (TMX) is a drug used in chemotherapy for breast cancer and associated with poor cognitive performances. The present study investigated whether the systemic administration of TMX (1.0-50mg/kg) during and/or beyond the reconsolidation time-window could attenuate a reactivated contextual fear memory in laboratory animals. When administered 0, 6 or 9h (but not 12h) post-memory retrieval and reactivation, TMX (50mg/kg) reduced the freezing behavior in male rats re-exposed to the paired context on day 7, but not on day 1, suggesting a specific impairing effect on memory persistence. Importantly, this effect lasts up to 21 days, but it is prevented by omitting the memory retrieval or memory reactivation. When female rats in the diestrous or proestrous phase were used, the administration of TMX 6h after retrieving and reactivating the fear memory also impaired its persistence. Altogether, regardless of the gender, the present results indicate that the TMX is able to disrupt the persistence of reactivated fear memories in an expanded time-window, which could shed light on a new promising therapeutic strategy for PTSD.
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17
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Levels and actions of neuroactive steroids in the nervous system under physiological and pathological conditions: Sex-specific features. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2016; 67:25-40. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2015.09.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2015] [Revised: 09/15/2015] [Accepted: 09/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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18
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BE360, a new selective estrogen receptor modulator, produces antidepressant and antidementia effects through the enhancement of hippocampal cell proliferation in olfactory bulbectomized mice. Behav Brain Res 2016; 297:315-22. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2015.10.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2015] [Revised: 09/02/2015] [Accepted: 10/15/2015] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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19
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Grassi D, Ghorbanpoor S, Acaz-Fonseca E, Ruiz-Palmero I, Garcia-Segura LM. The Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator Raloxifene Regulates Arginine-Vasopressin Gene Expression in Human Female Neuroblastoma Cells Through G Protein-Coupled Estrogen Receptor and ERK Signaling. Endocrinology 2015. [PMID: 26200092 DOI: 10.1210/en.2014-2010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The selective estrogen receptor modulator raloxifene reduces blood pressure in hypertensive postmenopausal women. In the present study we have explored whether raloxifene regulates gene expression of arginine vasopressin (AVP), which is involved in the pathogenesis of hypertension. The effect of raloxifene was assessed in human female SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells, which have been recently identified as a suitable cellular model to study the estrogenic regulation of AVP. Raloxifene, within a concentration ranging from 10(-10) M to 10(-6) M, decreased the mRNA levels of AVP in SH-SY5Y cells with maximal effect at 10(-7) M. This effect of raloxifene was imitated by an agonist (±)-1-[(3aR*,4S*,9bS*)-4-(6-bromo-1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-3a,4,5,9b-tetrahydro-3H-cyclopenta[c]quinolin-8-yl]-ethanone of G protein-coupled estrogen receptor-1 (GPER) and blocked by an antagonist (3aS*,4R*,9bR*)-4-(6-bromo-1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-3a,4,5,9b-3H-cyclopenta[c]quinoline of GPER and by GPER silencing. Raloxifene induced a time-dependent increase in the level of phosphorylated ERK1 and ERK2, by a mechanism blocked by the GPER antagonist. The treatment of SH-SY5Y cells with either a MAPK/ERK kinase 1/2-specific inhibitor (1,4-diamino-2, 3-dicyano-1,4-bis(2-aminophenylthio)butadine) or a protein kinase C inhibitor (sotrastaurin) blocked the effects of raloxifene on the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and the regulation of AVP mRNA levels. These results reveal a mechanism mediating the regulation of AVP expression by raloxifene, involving the activation of GPER, which in turn activates protein kinase C, MAPK/ERK kinase, and ERK. The regulation of AVP by raloxifene and GPER may have implications for the treatment of blood hypertension(.).
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Grassi
- Instituto Cajal (D.G., S.G., E.A.-F., I.R.P., L.M.G.-S.), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, E-28002 Madrid, Spain; Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology (D.G.), Department of Molecular Embryology, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, D-79104 Freiburg, Germany; and Department of Cell and Molecular Biology (S.G.), School of Biology, College of Science, University of Tehran, 14155-6455 Tehran, Iran
| | - Samar Ghorbanpoor
- Instituto Cajal (D.G., S.G., E.A.-F., I.R.P., L.M.G.-S.), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, E-28002 Madrid, Spain; Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology (D.G.), Department of Molecular Embryology, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, D-79104 Freiburg, Germany; and Department of Cell and Molecular Biology (S.G.), School of Biology, College of Science, University of Tehran, 14155-6455 Tehran, Iran
| | - Estefania Acaz-Fonseca
- Instituto Cajal (D.G., S.G., E.A.-F., I.R.P., L.M.G.-S.), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, E-28002 Madrid, Spain; Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology (D.G.), Department of Molecular Embryology, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, D-79104 Freiburg, Germany; and Department of Cell and Molecular Biology (S.G.), School of Biology, College of Science, University of Tehran, 14155-6455 Tehran, Iran
| | - Isabel Ruiz-Palmero
- Instituto Cajal (D.G., S.G., E.A.-F., I.R.P., L.M.G.-S.), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, E-28002 Madrid, Spain; Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology (D.G.), Department of Molecular Embryology, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, D-79104 Freiburg, Germany; and Department of Cell and Molecular Biology (S.G.), School of Biology, College of Science, University of Tehran, 14155-6455 Tehran, Iran
| | - Luis M Garcia-Segura
- Instituto Cajal (D.G., S.G., E.A.-F., I.R.P., L.M.G.-S.), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, E-28002 Madrid, Spain; Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology (D.G.), Department of Molecular Embryology, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, D-79104 Freiburg, Germany; and Department of Cell and Molecular Biology (S.G.), School of Biology, College of Science, University of Tehran, 14155-6455 Tehran, Iran
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20
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Abstract
Postpartum depression occurs in 14.5% of women in the first 3 months after birth. This study was an 8-week acute phase randomized trial with 3 cells (transdermal estradiol [E2], sertraline [SERT], and placebo [PL]) for the treatment of postpartum major depressive disorder. However, the study was stopped after batch analysis revealed that the E2 serum concentrations were lower than prestudy projections. This paper explores our experiences that will inform future investigations of therapeutic E2 use. Explanations for the low E2 concentrations were as follows: (1) study patch nonadhesion, which did not explain the low concentrations across the entire sample. (2) Ineffective transdermal patch preparations, although 2 different patch preparations were used and no significant main effect of patch type on E2 concentrations was found. (3) Obesity, at study entry, E2-treated women had body mass index of 32.9 (7.4) (mean [SD]). No pharmacokinetic data comparing E2 concentrations from transdermal patches in obese women versus normal weight controls are available. (4) Induction of cytochrome P450 (CYP450) 3A4 and other E2 elimination pathways in pregnancy. CYP4503A4 is induced in pregnancy and is a pathway for the metabolism of E2. Conversion to estrone and phase II metabolism via glucuronidation and sulfation, which also increase in pregnancy, are routes of E2 elimination. The time required for these pathways to normalize after delivery has not been elucidated. The observation that transdermal E2 doses greater than 100 μg/d did not increase serum concentrations was unexpected. Another hypothesis consistent with this observation is suppression of endogenous E2 secretion with increasing exogenous E2 dosing.
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21
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Abstract
A large volume of clinical and experimental evidence documents sex differences in brain anatomy, chemistry, and function, as well as in stress and drug responses. The chronic mild stress model (CMS) is one of the most extensively investigated animal models of chronic stress. However, only a limited number of studies have been conducted in female rodents despite the markedly higher prevalence of major depression among women. Herein, we review CMS studies conducted in rats and mice of both sexes and further discuss intriguing sex-dependent behavioral and neurobiological findings. The PubMed literature search engine was used to find and collect all relevant articles analyzed in this review. Specifically, a multitermed search was performed with 'chronic mild stress', 'chronic unpredictable stress' and 'chronic variable stress' as base terms and 'sex', 'gender', 'females' and 'depression' as secondary terms in various combinations. Male and female rodents appear to be differentially affected by CMS application, depending on the behavioral, physiological, and neurobiological indices that are being measured. Importantly, the CMS paradigm, despite its limitations, has been successfully used to assess a constellation of interdisciplinary research questions in the sex differences field and has served as a 'silver bullet' in assessing the role of sex in the neurobiology of major depression.
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22
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Sharma HR, Thakur MK. Correlation of ERα/ERβ expression with dendritic and behavioural changes in CUMS mice. Physiol Behav 2015; 145:71-83. [PMID: 25837835 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2015.03.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2014] [Revised: 02/24/2015] [Accepted: 03/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In response to chronic stress, oestrogen receptor (ER)α acts as an anxiogenic agent as opposed to ERβ which predominantly acts as an anxiolytic agent. These properties of ER play an important role in mediating anxiety- and depression-like behaviour and physiological responses. However, the precise underlying mechanism remains unclear. In particular, not much is known about the expression of ERα and ERβ in the stress-sensitive brain regions such as the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus and amygdala. Using a rodent model of chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS), we report that two weeks of CUMS in young male mice (10±2weeks) induces noteworthy changes in the ratio of ERα/ERβ in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. While we observed a significant (P<0.05) increase in ERα mRNA and protein expression levels, the expression of ERβ in the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus and amygdala was significantly reduced. This increase in ERα expression with concomitant decrease in ERβ expression was associated with increased anxiety- and depression-like behaviour as observed in elevated plus maze test, open field test, forced swim test and sucrose preference test. In addition to these behavioural changes, we report the decrease of dendritic complexity with concomitant increase in spine density in the medial prefrontal cortex, dorsohippocampal CA3 region and basolateral complex of amygdala (BLA). Taken together, these results suggest that the CUMS-induced increase in the ratio of ERα/ERβ causes dendritic remodeling, which in turn might be responsible for increase in anxiety- and depression-like behaviour in young male mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Himanshu R Sharma
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Brain Research Centre, Department of Zoology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221 005, India
| | - Mahendra K Thakur
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Brain Research Centre, Department of Zoology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221 005, India.
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23
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Arevalo MA, Azcoitia I, Garcia-Segura LM. The neuroprotective actions of oestradiol and oestrogen receptors. Nat Rev Neurosci 2014; 16:17-29. [PMID: 25423896 DOI: 10.1038/nrn3856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 305] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Hormones regulate homeostasis by communicating through the bloodstream to the body's organs, including the brain. As homeostatic regulators of brain function, some hormones exert neuroprotective actions. This is the case for the ovarian hormone 17β-oestradiol, which signals through oestrogen receptors (ERs) that are widely distributed in the male and female brain. Recent discoveries have shown that oestradiol is not only a reproductive hormone but also a brain-derived neuroprotective factor in males and females and that ERs coordinate multiple signalling mechanisms that protect the brain from neurodegenerative diseases, affective disorders and cognitive decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria-Angeles Arevalo
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, E-28002 Madrid, Spain
| | - Iñigo Azcoitia
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biology, Universidad Complutense, E-28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis M Garcia-Segura
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, E-28002 Madrid, Spain
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24
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Acaz-Fonseca E, Sanchez-Gonzalez R, Azcoitia I, Arevalo MA, Garcia-Segura LM. Role of astrocytes in the neuroprotective actions of 17β-estradiol and selective estrogen receptor modulators. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2014; 389:48-57. [PMID: 24444786 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2014.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2013] [Revised: 01/08/2014] [Accepted: 01/08/2014] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Neuroprotective actions of 17β-estradiol (estradiol) are in part mediated by direct actions on neurons. Astrocytes, which play an essential role in the maintenance of the homeostasis of neural tissue, express estrogen receptors and are also involved in the neuroprotective actions of estradiol in the brain. Estradiol controls gliosis and regulates neuroinflammation, edema and glutamate transport acting on astrocytes. In addition, the hormone regulates the release of neurotrophic factors and other neuroprotective molecules by astrocytes. In addition, reactive astrocytes are a local source of neuroprotective estradiol for the injured brain. Since estradiol therapy is not free from peripheral risks, alternatives for the hormone have been explored. Some selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), which are already in use in clinical practice for the treatment of breast cancer, osteoporosis or menopausal symptoms, exert similar actions to estradiol on astrocytes. Therefore, SERMs represent therapeutic alternatives to estradiol for the activation of astroglia-mediated neuroprotective mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Iñigo Azcoitia
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Facultad de Biología, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, E-28040 Madrid, Spain
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Chen S, Asakawa T, Ding S, Liao L, Zhang L, Shen J, Yu J, Sugiyama K, Namba H, Li C. Chaihu-Shugan-San administration ameliorates perimenopausal anxiety and depression in rats. PLoS One 2013; 8:e72428. [PMID: 24015243 PMCID: PMC3754981 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0072428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2013] [Accepted: 07/10/2013] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Chaihu-Shugan-San (CSS) is a traditional Chinese herbal formula that is widely used for treating perimenopausal symptoms in China; however, its mechanisms remain unknown. The present study was designed to investigate potential CSS mechanisms in rats with unpredicted chronic mild stress (UCMS) and normally aging rats (52 weeks of age). We performed the sucrose consumption test along with the forced swimming test to confirm depression-like behavior and the open field test (OFT) to confirm anxiety-like behavior in the animals. In addition, we used an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to measure serum and hippocampal estradiol (E2) levels and a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction to assess hippocampal mRNA levels of estrogen receptors (ERs) α and β as well as G protein-coupled receptor 30 (GPR30). We found that CSS administration resulted in a significant increase in the ratio of hippocampal ERα and ERβ mRNA (ERα/ERβ ratio) in UCMS rats (p<0.001). However, no significant changes were observed in E2 levels, ERα mRNA expression, and GPR30 mRNA expression. In contrast, changes in ERα/ERβ mRNA ratio were sensitively associated with changes in mood states in the animal models. These findings suggest that enhancement of ERα/ERβ ratio may play a role in the pharmacological mechanisms of CSS. Furthermore, this ratio can be employed as a potential index for evaluating mood states in animal models and can be considered as a therapeutic target for perimenopausal anxiety and depression in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shujiao Chen
- Research base of TCM syndrome, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Minhou Fuzhou City, P.R of China
| | - Tetsuya Asakawa
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu-city, Japan
- * E-mail: (TA); (CL)
| | - Shanshan Ding
- Research base of TCM syndrome, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Minhou Fuzhou City, P.R of China
| | - Linghong Liao
- Research base of TCM syndrome, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Minhou Fuzhou City, P.R of China
| | - Lingyuan Zhang
- Research base of TCM syndrome, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Minhou Fuzhou City, P.R of China
| | - Jianying Shen
- Research base of TCM syndrome, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Minhou Fuzhou City, P.R of China
| | - Jie Yu
- Research base of TCM syndrome, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Minhou Fuzhou City, P.R of China
| | - Kenji Sugiyama
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu-city, Japan
| | - Hiroki Namba
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu-city, Japan
| | - Candong Li
- Research base of TCM syndrome, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Minhou Fuzhou City, P.R of China
- * E-mail: (TA); (CL)
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Velázquez-Zamora DA, Garcia-Segura LM, González-Burgos I. Effects of selective estrogen receptor modulators on allocentric working memory performance and on dendritic spines in medial prefrontal cortex pyramidal neurons of ovariectomized rats. Horm Behav 2012; 61:512-7. [PMID: 22285935 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2012.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2011] [Revised: 01/12/2012] [Accepted: 01/14/2012] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Estradiol and some selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) are neuroprotective in a variety of experimental models of neurodegeneration, reduce the inflammatory response of glial cells, reduce anxiety and depression, promote cognition and modulate synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus of rodents. In this study we have assessed whether estradiol and two SERMs currently used in clinics, tamoxifen and raloxifene, affect medial prefrontal cortex function and morphology. Rats were ovariectomized and six days later some animals received a subcutaneous injection of the estrogenic compounds. In a first experiment animals were treated with estradiol benzoate or sesame oil vehicle. In a second experiment animals received raloxifene, tamoxifen or dimethyl sulfoxide as vehicle. Twenty four hours after the pharmacological treatment, animals were challenged to solve an allocentric working memory paradigm in a "Y" maze. Twenty trials consisting of a study phase and a test phase were conducted according to a delayed match-to-sample procedure in a single one-day session. Animals that were not submitted to behavioral test were used for Golgi analysis of the prefrontal cortex. Rats treated with estradiol benzoate, tamoxifen or raloxifene performed better in the Y maze and showed a significant increase in the numerical density of dendritic spines in secondary apical dendrites of layer III pyramidal neurons from the prelimbic/infralimbic prefrontal cortex, compared to their respective control groups. These findings suggest that estradiol, tamoxifen and raloxifene improve prefrontal cortex-related cognitive performance and modulate prefrontal cortex morphology in ovariectomized rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- D A Velázquez-Zamora
- Laboratorio de Psicobiología, División de Neurociencias, CIBO, IMSS, Guadalajara, Jal, Mexico
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