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Dratva MA, Banks SJ, Panizzon MS, Galasko D, Sundermann EE. Low testosterone levels relate to poorer cognitive function in women in an APOE-ε4-dependant manner. Biol Sex Differ 2024; 15:45. [PMID: 38835072 PMCID: PMC11151480 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-024-00620-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Past research suggests that low testosterone levels relate to poorer cognitive function and higher Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk; however, these findings are inconsistent and are mostly derived from male samples, despite similar age-related testosterone decline in females. Both animal and human studies demonstrate that testosterone's effects on brain health may be moderated by apolipoprotein E ε4 allele (APOE-ε4) carrier status, which may explain some previous inconsistencies. We examined how testosterone relates to cognitive function in older women versus men across healthy aging and the AD continuum and the moderating role of APOE-ε4 genotype. METHODS Five hundred and sixty one participants aged 55-90 (155 cognitively normal (CN), 294 mild cognitive impairment (MCI), 112 AD dementia) from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI), who had baseline cognitive and plasma testosterone data, as measured by the Rules Based Medicine Human DiscoveryMAP Panel were included. There were 213 females and 348 males (self-reported sex assigned at birth), and 52% of the overall sample were APOE-ε4 carriers. We tested the relationship of plasma testosterone levels and its interaction with APOE-ε4 status on clinical diagnostic group (CN vs. MCI vs. AD), global, and domain-specific cognitive performance using ANOVAs and linear regression models in sex-stratified samples. Cognitive domains included verbal memory, executive function, processing speed, and language. RESULTS We did not observe a significant difference in testosterone levels between clinical diagnostic groups in either sex, regrardless of APOE-ε4 status. Across clinical diagnostic group, we found a significant testosterone by APOE-ε4 interaction in females, such that lower testosterone levels related to worse global cognition, processing speed, and verbal memory in APOE-ε4 carriers only. We did not find that testosterone, nor its interaction with APOE-ε4, related to cognitive outcomes in males. CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest that low testosterone levels in older female APOE-ε4 carriers across the aging-MCI-AD continuum may have deleterious, domain-specific effects on cognitive performance. Although future studies including additional sex hormones and longitudinal cognitive trajectories are needed, our results highlight the importance of including both sexes and considering APOE-ε4 carrier status when examining testosterone's role in cognitive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie A Dratva
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
- UCSD ACTRI Building, 2W502-B8, 9452 Medical Center Drive (MC-0841), La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA.
| | - Sarah J Banks
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Matthew S Panizzon
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Center for Behavior Genetics of Aging, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, CA, 92092, USA
| | - Douglas Galasko
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Erin E Sundermann
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
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Tsiknia AA, Reas E, Bangen KJ, Sundermann EE, McEvoy L, Brewer JB, Edland SD, Banks SJ. Sex and APOE ε4 modify the effect of cardiovascular risk on tau in cognitively normal older adults. Brain Commun 2022; 4:fcac035. [PMID: 35233525 PMCID: PMC8882003 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcac035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
The interaction between APOE ε4 and vascular risk factors on cognitive function is stronger in women than in men. These effects may be mediated by the amount of tau pathology in the brain. Therefore, we examined whether APOE ε4 and sex modify cross-sectional associations between cardiovascular risk and tau deposition in cognitively normal older adults from the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative. We calculated the Framingham Heart Study cardiovascular disease risk score for 141 participants (74 women, 47 APOE ε4 carriers) with complete medical history data, processed tau PET data and a Clinical Dementia Rating global score of 0.0 at the time of the tau PET scan, implying no significant cognitive or functional impairment. We used linear regression models to examine the effects of sex, APOE ε4, cardiovascular risk and their interactions on tau deposition in the entorhinal cortex, inferior temporal cortex and a composite meta-region of interest of temporal lobe areas. We found a significant three-way interaction among sex, APOE ε4 status, and cardiovascular disease risk on tau deposition in the entorhinal cortex (β = 0.04; 95% CI, 0.01 to 0.07; P =0.008), inferior temporal cortex (β = 0.02; 95% CI, 0.0 to 0.05; P =0.029) and meta-region (β = 0.02; 95% CI, 0.0–0.04; P = 0.042). After stratifying by APOE ε4 status to examine interactions between sex and cardiovascular disease risk on tau in APOE ε4 carriers and non-carriers, we found a significant two-way interaction between sex and cardiovascular disease risk on tau in the entorhinal cortex (β = 0.05; 95% CI, 0.02 to 0.08; P =0.001), inferior temporal cortex (β = 0.03; 95% CI, 0.01 to 0.05; P =0.009) and meta-region (β = 0.02; 95% CI, 0.01 to 0.04; P =0.008) only among APOE ε4 carriers. In analyses stratified by sex, higher cardiovascular risk scores were associated with higher levels of tau in the entorhinal cortex (β = 0.05; 95% CI, 0.02 to 0.08; P =0.002), inferior temporal cortex (β = 0.02; 95% CI, 0.0 to 0.05; P =0.023) and meta-region (β = 0.02; 95% CI, 0.01 to 0.04; P =0.013) in female APOE ε4 carriers but not in male carriers. Our findings suggest that cognitively normal older women carrying at least one APOE ε4 allele, may be particularly vulnerable to the effects of cardiovascular disease risk on early tau deposition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amaryllis A. Tsiknia
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Emilie Reas
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Katherine J. Bangen
- Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Erin E. Sundermann
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Linda McEvoy
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - James B. Brewer
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Steven D. Edland
- Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Sarah J. Banks
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
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Boutros SW, Zimmerman B, Nagy SC, Lee JS, Perez R, Raber J. Amifostine (WR-2721) Mitigates Cognitive Injury Induced by Heavy Ion Radiation in Male Mice and Alters Behavior and Brain Connectivity. Front Physiol 2021; 12:770502. [PMID: 34867479 PMCID: PMC8637850 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.770502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The deep space environment contains many risks to astronauts during space missions, such as galactic cosmic rays (GCRs) comprised of naturally occurring heavy ions. Heavy ion radiation is increasingly being used in cancer therapy, including novel regimens involving carbon therapy. Previous investigations involving simulated space radiation have indicated a host of detrimental cognitive and behavioral effects. Therefore, there is an increasing need to counteract these deleterious effects of heavy ion radiation. Here, we assessed the ability of amifostine to mitigate cognitive injury induced by simulated GCRs in C57Bl/6J male and female mice. Six-month-old mice received an intraperitoneal injection of saline, 107 mg/kg, or 214 mg/kg of amifostine 1 h prior to exposure to a simplified five-ion radiation (protons, 28Si, 4He, 16O, and 56Fe) at 500 mGy or sham radiation. Mice were behaviorally tested 2-3 months later. Male mice that received saline and radiation exposure failed to show novel object recognition, which was reversed by both doses of amifostine. Conversely, female mice that received saline and radiation exposure displayed intact object recognition, but those that received amifostine prior to radiation did not. Amifostine and radiation also had distinct effects on males and females in the open field, with amifostine affecting distance moved over time in both sexes, and radiation affecting time spent in the center in females only. Whole-brain analysis of cFos immunoreactivity in male mice indicated that amifostine and radiation altered regional connectivity in areas involved in novel object recognition. These data support that amifostine has potential as a countermeasure against cognitive injury following proton and heavy ion irradiation in males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sydney Weber Boutros
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Benjamin Zimmerman
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
- Advanced Imaging Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
| | - Sydney C. Nagy
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Joanne S. Lee
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Ruby Perez
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Jacob Raber
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
- Departments of Neurology and Radiation Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Portland, OR, United States
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Sundermann EE, Panizzon MS, Chen X, Andrews M, Galasko D, Banks SJ. Sex differences in Alzheimer's-related Tau biomarkers and a mediating effect of testosterone. Biol Sex Differ 2020; 11:33. [PMID: 32560743 PMCID: PMC7304096 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-020-00310-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Women show greater pathological Tau biomarkers than men along the Alzheimer's disease (AD) continuum, particularly among apolipoprotein ε-E4 (APOE4) carriers; however, the reason for this sex difference in unknown. Sex differences often indicate an underlying role of sex hormones. We examined whether testosterone levels might influence this sex difference and the modifying role of APOE4 status. Analyses included 172 participants (25 cognitively normal, 97 mild cognitive impairment, 50 AD participants) from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (34% female, 54% APOE4 carriers, aged 55-90). We examined the separate and interactive effects of plasma testosterone levels and APOE4 on cerebrospinal fluid phosphorylated-tau181 (p-Tau) levels in the overall sample and the sex difference in p-Tau levels before and after adjusting for testosterone. A significant APOE4-by-testosterone interaction revealed that lower testosterone levels related to higher p-Tau levels among APOE4 carriers regardless of sex. As expected, women had higher p-Tau levels than men among APOE4 carriers only, yet this difference was eliminated upon adjustment for testosterone. Results suggest that testosterone is protective against p-Tau particularly among APOE4 carriers. The lower testosterone levels that typically characterize women may predispose them to pathological Tau, particularly among female APOE4 carriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin E. Sundermann
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, CA 92093 USA
| | - Matthew S. Panizzon
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, CA 92093 USA
| | - Xu Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, CA 92093 USA
| | - Murray Andrews
- Department of Neuroscience, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr, La Jolla, CA 92093 USA
| | - Douglas Galasko
- Department of Neuroscience, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr, La Jolla, CA 92093 USA
| | - Sarah J. Banks
- Department of Neuroscience, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr, La Jolla, CA 92093 USA
| | - for the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, CA 92093 USA
- Department of Neuroscience, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr, La Jolla, CA 92093 USA
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Buckley RF, Mormino EC, Chhatwal J, Schultz AP, Rabin JS, Rentz DM, Acar D, Properzi MJ, Dumurgier J, Jacobs H, Gomez-Isla T, Johnson KA, Sperling RA, Hanseeuw BJ. Associations between baseline amyloid, sex, and APOE on subsequent tau accumulation in cerebrospinal fluid. Neurobiol Aging 2019; 78:178-185. [PMID: 30947113 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2019.02.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2019] [Revised: 02/25/2019] [Accepted: 02/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
We investigated the effect of baseline Aβ, sex, and APOE on longitudinal tau accumulation in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in clinically normal older adults. Two hundred thirty-nine participants (aged 56-89 years, clinical dementia rating = 0) underwent serial CSF collection for Aβ1-42, total-tau (t-tau) and phospho-tau181P (p-tau). We used preprocessed data from fully automated Roche Elecsys immunoassays. A series of linear regressions were used to examine cross-sectional effects of Aβ1-42, sex, and APOEε4 on baseline CSF tau and linear mixed models for longitudinal changes in CSF tau. Cross-sectionally, CSF t-tau and p-tau were associated with abnormal Aβ1-42 and APOEε4 but not with sex. Longitudinally, low baseline CSF Aβ1-42 levels, but not APOEε4 or sex, predicted faster p-tau accumulation. The relationship between baseline CSF Aβ1-42 and tau accumulation was strongest in APOEε4 carriers, and particularly female carriers, relative to other groups. The current findings support an association between baseline CSF Aβ1-42 and changes in CSF tau. Elevated risk in females, apparent only in carriers, reinforces findings of sex-related vulnerability in those with genetic predisposition for Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel F Buckley
- Florey Institutes of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Melbourne School of Psychological Science, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Elizabeth C Mormino
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Santa Clara County, CA, USA
| | - Jasmeer Chhatwal
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Center for Alzheimer Research and Treatment, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Aaron P Schultz
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jennifer S Rabin
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Dorene M Rentz
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Center for Alzheimer Research and Treatment, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Diler Acar
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michael J Properzi
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Julien Dumurgier
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Heidi Jacobs
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Teresa Gomez-Isla
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Massachusetts Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Keith A Johnson
- Center for Alzheimer Research and Treatment, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Reisa A Sperling
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Center for Alzheimer Research and Treatment, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Bernard J Hanseeuw
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Gordon Center for Medical Imaging, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Neurology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
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Precision medicine and drug development in Alzheimer's disease: the importance of sexual dimorphism and patient stratification. Front Neuroendocrinol 2018; 50:31-51. [PMID: 29902481 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2018.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2018] [Revised: 05/29/2018] [Accepted: 06/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases (ND) are among the leading causes of disability and mortality. Considerable sex differences exist in the occurrence of the various manifestations leading to cognitive decline. Alzheimer's disease (AD) exhibits substantial sexual dimorphisms and disproportionately affects women. Women have a higher life expectancy compared to men and, consequently, have more lifespan to develop AD. The emerging precision medicine and pharmacology concepts - taking into account the individual genetic and biological variability relevant for disease risk, prevention, detection, diagnosis, and treatment - are expected to substantially enhance our knowledge and management of AD. Stratifying the affected individuals by sex and gender is an important basic step towards personalization of scientific research, drug development, and care. We hypothesize that sex and gender differences, extending from genetic to psychosocial domains, are highly relevant for the understanding of AD pathophysiology, and for the conceptualization of basic/translational research and for clinical therapy trial design.
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Trim9 Deletion Alters the Morphogenesis of Developing and Adult-Born Hippocampal Neurons and Impairs Spatial Learning and Memory. J Neurosci 2017; 36:4940-58. [PMID: 27147649 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.3876-15.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2015] [Accepted: 03/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED During hippocampal development, newly born neurons migrate to appropriate destinations, extend axons, and ramify dendritic arbors to establish functional circuitry. These developmental stages are recapitulated in the dentate gyrus of the adult hippocampus, where neurons are continuously generated and subsequently incorporate into existing, local circuitry. Here we demonstrate that the E3 ubiquitin ligase TRIM9 regulates these developmental stages in embryonic and adult-born mouse hippocampal neurons in vitro and in vivo Embryonic hippocampal and adult-born dentate granule neurons lacking Trim9 exhibit several morphological defects, including excessive dendritic arborization. Although gross anatomy of the hippocampus was not detectably altered by Trim9 deletion, a significant number of Trim9(-/-) adult-born dentate neurons localized inappropriately. These morphological and localization defects of hippocampal neurons in Trim9(-/-) mice were associated with extreme deficits in spatial learning and memory, suggesting that TRIM9-directed neuronal morphogenesis may be involved in hippocampal-dependent behaviors. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Appropriate generation and incorporation of adult-born neurons in the dentate gyrus are critical for spatial learning and memory and other hippocampal functions. Here we identify the brain-enriched E3 ubiquitin ligase TRIM9 as a novel regulator of embryonic and adult hippocampal neuron shape acquisition and hippocampal-dependent behaviors. Genetic deletion of Trim9 elevated dendritic arborization of hippocampal neurons in vitro and in vivo Adult-born dentate granule cells lacking Trim9 similarly exhibited excessive dendritic arborization and mislocalization of cell bodies in vivo These cellular defects were associated with severe deficits in spatial learning and memory.
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Bojar I, Pinkas J, Gujski M, Owoc A, Raczkiewicz D, Gustaw-Rothenberg K. Postmenopausal cognitive changes and androgen levels in the context of apolipoprotein E polymorphism. Arch Med Sci 2017; 13:1148-1159. [PMID: 28883857 PMCID: PMC5575214 DOI: 10.5114/aoms.2016.62869] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2016] [Accepted: 07/25/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The focus of this study was to assess cognitive functions in relation to androgens and specifically testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone in postmenopausal women as well as the correlation between cognitive functions and these two androgens according to polymorphism of the apolipoprotein E gene (APOE). MATERIAL AND METHODS A group of 402 women was recruited to the study (minimum 2 years after the last menstruation, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) more than 30 U/ml and no dementia signs on Montreal Cognitive Assessment). The computerized battery of the Central Nervous System Vital Signs test was used to diagnose cognitive functions. APOE genotyping was performed by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Testosterone (TTE) and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in the blood serum were assessed for further statistical correlations analysis. RESULTS In the group of postmenopausal women, higher testosterone concentration was associated with lower scores for Neurocognition Index (NCI) (p = 0.028), memory (p = 0.008) and psychomotor speed (p < 0.001). Presence of at least one APOE ε4 allele potentiated testosterone's negative influence on cognitive functions (p < 0.05). Woman with a high normal level of DHEA scored significantly better in verbal (p = 0.027) and visual memory (p < 0.001) than other participants. APOE polymorphism did not modify the relationship between DHEA concentration and scores for cognitive functions. CONCLUSIONS Hormonal balance variations after menopause may influence brain processes concerned with cognition, especially memory and psychomotor speed. The observed effects may be related to androgens' influence on higher cortical functions in the changed hormonal dynamics of the postmenopausal period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iwona Bojar
- Department for Women Health, Institute of Rural Health, Lublin, Poland
| | - Jarosław Pinkas
- School of Public Health, Center of Postgraduate Medical Education, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Mariusz Gujski
- Department of Prevention of Environmental Hazards and Allergology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Alfred Owoc
- Center for Public Health and Health Promotion, Institute of Rural Health, Lublin, Poland
| | - Dorota Raczkiewicz
- Institute of Statistics and Demography, Warsaw School of Economics, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Kasia Gustaw-Rothenberg
- Lou Ruvo Brain Wellness Center, Neurological Institute, The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Institute of Rural Health, Lublin, Poland
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Asih PR, Tegg ML, Sohrabi H, Carruthers M, Gandy SE, Saad F, Verdile G, Ittner LM, Martins RN. Multiple Mechanisms Linking Type 2 Diabetes and Alzheimer's Disease: Testosterone as a Modifier. J Alzheimers Dis 2017; 59:445-466. [PMID: 28655134 PMCID: PMC6462402 DOI: 10.3233/jad-161259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Evidence in support of links between type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) has increased considerably in recent years. AD pathological hallmarks include the accumulation of extracellular amyloid-β (Aβ) and intracellular hyperphosphorylated tau in the brain, which are hypothesized to promote inflammation, oxidative stress, and neuronal loss. T2DM exhibits many AD pathological features, including reduced brain insulin uptake, lipid dysregulation, inflammation, oxidative stress, and depression; T2DM has also been shown to increase AD risk, and with increasing age, the prevalence of both conditions increases. In addition, amylin deposition in the pancreas is more common in AD than in normal aging, and although there is no significant increase in cerebral Aβ deposition in T2DM, the extent of Aβ accumulation in AD correlates with T2DM duration. Given these similarities and correlations, there may be common underlying mechanism(s) that predispose to both T2DM and AD. In other studies, an age-related gradual loss of testosterone and an increase in testosterone resistance has been shown in men; low testosterone levels can also occur in women. In this review, we focus on the evidence for low testosterone levels contributing to an increased risk of T2DM and AD, and the potential of testosterone treatment in reducing this risk in both men and women. However, such testosterone treatment may need to be long-term, and would need regular monitoring to maintain testosterone at physiological levels. It is possible that a combination of testosterone therapy together with a healthy lifestyle approach, including improved diet and exercise, may significantly reduce AD risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prita R. Asih
- Department of Anatomy, Dementia Research Unit, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- KaRa Institute of Neurological Diseases, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Michelle L. Tegg
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Hamid Sohrabi
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Perth, WA, Australia
- Australian Alzheimer’s Research Foundation Perth, WA, Australia
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- School of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | | | - Samuel E. Gandy
- Departments of Neurology and Psychiatry and the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L Levy Place, New York, NY, USA
| | - Farid Saad
- Bayer Pharma AG, Global Medical Affairs Andrology, Berlin, Germany
- Gulf Medical University School of Medicine, Ajman, UAE
| | - Giuseppe Verdile
- Australian Alzheimer’s Research Foundation Perth, WA, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Curtin University of Technology, Bentley, WA, Australia
| | - Lars M. Ittner
- Department of Anatomy, Dementia Research Unit, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Ralph N. Martins
- KaRa Institute of Neurological Diseases, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Perth, WA, Australia
- Australian Alzheimer’s Research Foundation Perth, WA, Australia
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- School of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
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Uchoa MF, Moser VA, Pike CJ. Interactions between inflammation, sex steroids, and Alzheimer's disease risk factors. Front Neuroendocrinol 2016; 43:60-82. [PMID: 27651175 PMCID: PMC5123957 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2016.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2016] [Revised: 09/10/2016] [Accepted: 09/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an age-related neurodegenerative disorder for which there are no effective strategies to prevent or slow its progression. Because AD is multifactorial, recent research has focused on understanding interactions among the numerous risk factors and mechanisms underlying the disease. One mechanism through which several risk factors may be acting is inflammation. AD is characterized by chronic inflammation that is observed before clinical onset of dementia. Several genetic and environmental risk factors for AD increase inflammation, including apolipoprotein E4, obesity, and air pollution. Additionally, sex steroid hormones appear to contribute to AD risk, with age-related losses of estrogens in women and androgens in men associated with increased risk. Importantly, sex steroid hormones have anti-inflammatory actions and can interact with several other AD risk factors. This review examines the individual and interactive roles of inflammation and sex steroid hormones in AD, as well as their relationships with the AD risk factors apolipoprotein E4, obesity, and air pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana F Uchoa
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - V Alexandra Moser
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Christian J Pike
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA; Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA.
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Moser VA, Pike CJ. Obesity and sex interact in the regulation of Alzheimer's disease. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2015; 67:102-18. [PMID: 26708713 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2015.08.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2015] [Revised: 08/01/2015] [Accepted: 08/03/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, for which a number of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle risk factors have been identified. A significant modifiable risk factor is obesity in mid-life. Interestingly, both obesity and AD exhibit sex differences and are regulated by sex steroid hormones. Accumulating evidence suggests interactions between obesity and sex in regulation of AD risk, although the pathways underlying this relationship are unclear. Inflammation and the E4 allele of apolipoprotein E have been identified as independent risk factors for AD and both interact with obesity and sex steroid hormones. We review the individual and cooperative effects of obesity and sex on development of AD and examine the potential contributions of apolipoprotein E, inflammation, and their interactions to this relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Alexandra Moser
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA.
| | - Christian J Pike
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA; Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA.
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12
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Stening E, Persson J, Eriksson E, Wahlund LO, Zetterberg H, Söderlund H. Apolipoprotein E ϵ4 is positively related to spatial performance but unrelated to hippocampal volume in healthy young adults. Behav Brain Res 2015; 299:11-8. [PMID: 26581118 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2015.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2015] [Revised: 10/17/2015] [Accepted: 11/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The apolipoprotein E (APOE) ϵ4 allele is known to be a major genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD). It has been linked to especially episodic memory decline and hippocampal atrophy in both healthy and demented elderly populations. In young adults, ϵ4 carriers have shown better performance in episodic memory compared to non-carriers. Spatial memory, however, has not been thoroughly assessed in relation to APOE in spite of its dependence on the hippocampus. In this study, we assessed the effect of APOE genotype on a variety of spatial and episodic memory tasks as well as hippocampal volume assessed through manual tracing in a sample of young adults (N=123). We also assessed whether potential effects were modulated by sex. The presence of one or more ϵ4 alleles had positive effects on spatial function and memory and object location memory, but no effect on word recognition. Men were superior to women in spatial function and memory but there were no sex differences in the other tasks. In spite of APOE ϵ4 carriers having superior performance in several memory tasks, no difference was found as a function of APOE genotype in hippocampal volume. To our knowledge, this study is the first to show that APOE ϵ4 has a positive effect on spatial ability in young adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Stening
- Department of Psychology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Jonas Persson
- Department of Psychology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Elias Eriksson
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Physiology and Neuroscience, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Lars-Olof Wahlund
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Henrik Zetterberg
- Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden; Department of Molecular Neuroscience, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, UK
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13
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Raber J. Novel images and novel locations of familiar images as sensitive translational cognitive tests in humans. Behav Brain Res 2015; 285:53-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2015.01.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2014] [Revised: 01/21/2015] [Accepted: 01/26/2015] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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14
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Reverte I, Pujol A, Domingo JL, Colomina MT. Thyroid hormones and fear learning but not anxiety are affected in adult apoE transgenic mice exposed postnatally to decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209). Physiol Behav 2014; 133:81-91. [DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2014.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2014] [Revised: 04/14/2014] [Accepted: 05/14/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Abstract
Obesity, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes (T2D) are related disorders with widespread deleterious effects throughout the body. One important target of damage is the brain. Persons with metabolic disorders are at significantly increased risk for cognitive decline and the development of vascular dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Our review of available evidence from epidemiologic, clinical, and basic research suggests that neural dysfunction from T2D-related disease results from several underlying mechanisms, including metabolic, inflammatory, vascular, and oxidative changes. The relationships between T2D and neural dysfunction are regulated by several modifiers. We emphasize 2 such modifiers, the genetic risk factor apolipoprotein E and an age-related endocrine change, low testosterone. Both factors are independent risk factors for Alzheimer's disease that may also cooperatively regulate pathologic interactions between T2D and dementia. Continued elucidation of the links between metabolic disorders and neural dysfunction promises to foster the development of effective therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anusha Jayaraman
- 3715 McClintock Avenue, Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0191 USA, , (213) 740-8244
| | - Christian J. Pike
- 3715 McClintock Avenue, Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0191 USA, , (213) 740-4205
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George S, Petit GH, Gouras GK, Brundin P, Olsson R. Nonsteroidal selective androgen receptor modulators and selective estrogen receptor β agonists moderate cognitive deficits and amyloid-β levels in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. ACS Chem Neurosci 2013; 4:1537-48. [PMID: 24020966 DOI: 10.1021/cn400133s] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Decreases of the sex steroids, testosterone and estrogen, are associated with increased risk of Alzheimer's disease. Testosterone and estrogen supplementation improves cognitive deficits in animal models of Alzheimer's disease. Sex hormones play a role in the regulation of amyloid-β via induction of the amyloid-β degrading enzymes neprilysin and insulin-degrading enzyme. To mimic the effect of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), we administered a selective androgen receptor agonist, ACP-105, alone and in combination with the selective estrogen receptor β (ERβ) agonist AC-186 to male gonadectomized triple transgenic mice. We assessed long-term spatial memory in the Morris water maze, spontaneous locomotion, and anxiety-like behavior in the open field and in the elevated plus maze. We found that ACP-105 given alone decreases anxiety-like behavior. Furthermore, when ACP-105 is administered in combination with AC-186, they increase the amyloid-β degrading enzymes neprilysin and insulin-degrading enzyme and decrease amyloid-β levels in the brain as well as improve cognition. Interestingly, the androgen receptor level in the brain was increased by chronic treatment with the same combination treatment, ACP-105 and AC-186, not seen with DHT or ACP-105 alone. Based on these results, the beneficial effect of the selective ERβ agonist as a potential therapeutic for Alzheimer's disease warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia George
- Neuronal Survival
Unit, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Wallenberg Neuroscience
Center, Lund University, Lund S-22184, Sweden
- Chemical Biology & Therapeutics, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund S-22184, Sweden
| | - Géraldine H. Petit
- Neuronal Survival
Unit, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Wallenberg Neuroscience
Center, Lund University, Lund S-22184, Sweden
| | - Gunnar K. Gouras
- Experimental Dementia Research Unit, Department
of Experimental Medical Science, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Lund University, Lund S-22184, Sweden
| | - Patrik Brundin
- Neuronal Survival
Unit, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Wallenberg Neuroscience
Center, Lund University, Lund S-22184, Sweden
- Center for Neurodegenerative Science, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand
Rapids, Michigan 49503, United States
| | - Roger Olsson
- Chemical Biology & Therapeutics, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund S-22184, Sweden
- ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc, San Diego, California 92121, United States
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Reverte I, Klein AB, Domingo JL, Colomina MT. Long term effects of murine postnatal exposure to decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209) on learning and memory are dependent upon APOE polymorphism and age. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2013; 40:17-27. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2013.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2013] [Revised: 08/10/2013] [Accepted: 08/22/2013] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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18
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Leung L, Andrews-Zwilling Y, Yoon SY, Jain S, Ring K, Dai J, Wang MM, Tong L, Walker D, Huang Y. Apolipoprotein E4 causes age- and sex-dependent impairments of hilar GABAergic interneurons and learning and memory deficits in mice. PLoS One 2012; 7:e53569. [PMID: 23300939 PMCID: PMC3534053 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0053569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2012] [Accepted: 12/03/2012] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Apolipoprotein (apo) E4 is the major genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD). ApoE4 has sex-dependent effects, whereby the risk of developing AD is higher in apoE4-expressing females than males. However, the mechanism underlying the sex difference, in relation to apoE4, is unknown. Previous findings indicate that apoE4 causes age-dependent impairments of hilar GABAergic interneurons in female mice, leading to learning and memory deficits. Here, we investigate whether the detrimental effects of apoE4 on hilar GABAergic interneurons are sex-dependent using apoE knock-in (KI) mice across different ages. We found that in female apoE-KI mice, there was an age-dependent depletion of hilar GABAergic interneurons, whereby GAD67- or somatostatin-positive–but not NPY- or parvalbumin-positive–interneuron loss was exacerbated by apoE4. Loss of these neuronal populations was correlated with the severity of spatial learning deficits at 16 months of age in female apoE4-KI mice; however, this effect was not observed in female apoE3-KI mice. In contrast, we found an increase in the numbers of hilar GABAergic interneurons with advancing age in male apoE-KI mice, regardless of apoE genotype. Moreover, male apoE-KI mice showed a consistent ratio of hilar inhibitory GABAergic interneurons to excitatory mossy cells approximating 1.5 that is independent of apoE genotype and age, whereas female apoE-KI mice exhibited an age-dependent decrease in this ratio, which was exacerbated by apoE4. Interestingly, there are no apoE genotype effects on GABAergic interneurons in the CA1 and CA3 subregions of the hippocampus as well as the entorhinal and auditory cortexes. These findings suggest that the sex-dependent effects of apoE4 on developing AD is in part attributable to inherent sex-based differences in the numbers of hilar GABAergic interneurons, which is further modulated by apoE genotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Leung
- Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Yaisa Andrews-Zwilling
- Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Seo Yeon Yoon
- Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Sachi Jain
- Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Karen Ring
- Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Jessica Dai
- Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Max Mu Wang
- Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Leslie Tong
- Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - David Walker
- Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Gladstone Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Yadong Huang
- Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Gladstone Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Reverte I, Klein AB, Ratner C, Domingo JL, Colomina MT. Behavioral phenotype and BDNF differences related to apoE isoforms and sex in young transgenic mice. Exp Neurol 2012; 237:116-25. [DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2012.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2012] [Revised: 06/14/2012] [Accepted: 06/16/2012] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Panizzon MS, Hauger R, Dale AM, Eaves LJ, Eyler LT, Fischl B, Fennema-Notestine C, Franz CE, Grant MD, Jak AJ, Jacobson KC, Lyons MJ, Mendoza SP, Neale MC, Prom-Wormley EC, Seidman LJ, Tsuang MT, Xian H, Kremen WS. Testosterone modifies the effect of APOE genotype on hippocampal volume in middle-aged men. Neurology 2010; 75:874-80. [PMID: 20819998 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0b013e3181f11deb] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The APOE epsilon4 allele is an established risk factor for Alzheimer disease (AD), yet findings are mixed for how early its effects are manifest. One reason for the mixed results could be the presence of interaction effects with other AD risk factors. Increasing evidence indicates that testosterone may play a significant role in the development of AD. The aim of the present study was to examine the potential interaction of testosterone and APOE genotype with respect to hippocampal volume in middle age. METHODS Participants were men from the Vietnam Era Twin Study of Aging (n = 375). The mean age was 55.9 years (range 51-59). Between-group comparisons were performed utilizing a hierarchical linear mixed model that adjusted for the nonindependence of twin data. RESULTS A significant interaction was observed between testosterone and APOE genotype (epsilon4-negative vs epsilon4-positive). Those with both low testosterone (> or =1 SD below the mean) and an epsilon4-positive status had the smallest hippocampal volumes, although comparisons with normal testosterone groups were not significant. However, individuals with low testosterone and epsilon4-negative status had significantly larger hippocampal volumes relative to all other groups. A main effect of APOE genotype on hippocampal volume was observed, but only when the APOE-by-testosterone interaction was present. CONCLUSIONS These findings demonstrate an interaction effect between testosterone and the APOE epsilon4 allele on hippocampal volume in middle-aged men, and they may suggest 2 low testosterone subgroups. Furthermore, these results allude to potential gene-gene interactions between APOE and either androgen receptor polymorphisms or genes associated with testosterone production.
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Affiliation(s)
- M S Panizzon
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California-San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 9293-0738, USA.
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Learning impairment caused by intra-CA1 microinjection of testosterone increases the number of astrocytes. Behav Brain Res 2010; 208:30-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2009.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2009] [Revised: 10/26/2009] [Accepted: 11/01/2009] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Benice TS, Raber J. Dihydrotestosterone modulates spatial working-memory performance in male mice. J Neurochem 2009; 110:902-11. [PMID: 19457060 DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2009.06183.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Androgens affect cognitive processes in both humans and animals. The effects of androgens may be limited to certain cognitive domains, specifically spatial memory, but this hypothesis remains elusive. Here, we tested castrated and sham-operated mice in various behavioral tasks to ask whether androgens affect multiple or specific cognitive domains in male mice. Castration impaired spatial working memory performance in the delayed matching to place water maze task following a 1-h, but not a 1-min, retention interval, as has been reported for rats. In contrast, castration had no effect on novel object recognition memory, spatial reference memory in the water maze, motor coordination, or passive avoidance memory. Castration increased anxiety-like behavior in the open field test, but not the elevated zero maze. Finally, we assessed the effects of androgen replacement with non-aromatizable dihydrotestosterone on spatial working memory following various retention intervals. Dihydrotestosterone recovered spatial memory performance following a 24-h, but not a 1-h retention interval, and had no effect at other retention intervals. These data support that in male mice androgens specifically affect spatial working memory performance, and that the neurobiological processes underlying spatial memory formation may be differentially affected by androgens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ted S Benice
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239, USA
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23
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Using the MATRICS to guide development of a preclinical cognitive test battery for research in schizophrenia. Pharmacol Ther 2009; 122:150-202. [PMID: 19269307 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2009.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 257] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2009] [Accepted: 02/17/2009] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Cognitive deficits in schizophrenia are among the core symptoms of the disease, correlate with functional outcome, and are not well treated with current antipsychotic therapies. In order to bring together academic, industrial, and governmental bodies to address this great 'unmet therapeutic need', the NIMH sponsored the Measurement and Treatment Research to Improve Cognition in Schizophrenia (MATRICS) initiative. Through careful factor analysis and consensus of expert opinion, MATRICS identified seven domains of cognition that are deficient in schizophrenia (attention/vigilance, working memory, reasoning and problem solving, processing speed, visual learning and memory, verbal learning and memory, and social cognition) and recommended a specific neuropsychological test battery to probe these domains. In order to move the field forward and outline an approach for translational research, there is a need for a "preclinical MATRICS" to develop a rodent test battery that is appropriate for drug development. In this review, we outline such an approach and review current rodent tasks that target these seven domains of cognition. The rodent tasks are discussed in terms of their validity for probing each cognitive domain as well as a brief overview of the pharmacology and manipulations relevant to schizophrenia for each task.
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Bour A, Grootendorst J, Vogel E, Kelche C, Dodart JC, Bales K, Moreau PH, Sullivan PM, Mathis C. Middle-aged human apoE4 targeted-replacement mice show retention deficits on a wide range of spatial memory tasks. Behav Brain Res 2008; 193:174-82. [PMID: 18572260 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2008.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2008] [Accepted: 05/12/2008] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Apolipoprotein (apo) E4, one of three human apoE (h-apoE) isoforms, has been identified as a major genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease and for cognitive deficits associated with aging. However, the biological mechanisms involving apoE in learning and memory processes are unclear. A potential isoform-dependent role of apoE in cognitive processes was studied in human apoE targeted-replacement (TR) mice. These mice express either the human apoE3 or apoE4 gene under the control of endogenous murine apoE regulatory sequences, resulting in physiological expression of h-apoE in both a temporal and spatial pattern similar to humans. Male and female apoE3-TR, apoE4-TR, apoE-knockout and C57BL/6J mice (15-18 months) were tested with spatial memory and avoidance conditioning tasks. Compared to apoE3-TR mice, spatial memory in female apoE4-TR mice was impaired based on their poor performances in; (i) the probe test of the water-maze reference memory task, (ii) the water-maze working memory task and (iii) an active avoidance Y-maze task. Retention performance on a passive avoidance task was also impaired in apoE4-TR mice, but not in other genotypes. These deficits in both spatial and avoidance memory tasks may be related to the anatomical and functional abnormalities previously reported in the hippocampus and the amygdala of apoE4-TR mice. We conclude that the apoE4-TR mice provide an excellent model for understanding the mechanisms underlying apoE4-dependent susceptibility to cognitive decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Bour
- Laboratoire de Neurosciences Comportementales et Cognitives, Université Louis Pasteur, CNRS-UMR 7191, IFR 37, GDR CNRS 2905, 12 rue Goethe, 67000 Strasbourg, France
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25
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Abstract
Reduced androgen levels in aged men and women might be risk factors for age-related cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Ongoing clinical trials are designed to evaluate the potential benefit of estrogen in women and of testosterone in men. In this review, we discuss the potential beneficial effects of androgens and androgen receptors (ARs) in males and females. In addition, we discuss the hypothesis that AR interacts with apolipoprotein (apoE)4, encoded by epsilon4 and a risk factor for age-related cognitive decline and AD, and the potential consequences of this interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Raber
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Division of Neuroscience, ONPRC, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR 97239, USA.
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26
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Benice TS, Raber J. Object recognition analysis in mice using nose-point digital video tracking. J Neurosci Methods 2007; 168:422-30. [PMID: 18096240 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2007.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2007] [Revised: 10/26/2007] [Accepted: 11/07/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Preferential exploration of novel locations and objects by rodents has been used to test the effects of various manipulations on object recognition memory. However, manual scoring is time-consuming, requires extensive training, and is subject to inter-observer variability. Since rodents explore primarily by sniffing, we assessed the ability of new nose-point video tracking software (NPVT) to automatically collect object recognition data. Mice performed a novel object/novel location task and data collected by NPVT, two expert observers, and one inexperienced observer were compared. Percent time spent exploring the objects were correlated between the two expert observers and between NPVT and the two expert observers. In contrast, the inexperienced observer showed no correlation with either expert observer or NPVT. NPVT collected more reliable data compared to the inexperienced observer. NPVT and the expert observers gave similar group averages for arbitrarily assigned groups of mice, whereas the analysis of the inexperienced observer gave different results. Finally, NPVT generated valid results in a NO/NL experiment comparing mice expressing human apolipoprotein E3 versus E4, a risk factor for age-related cognitive decline. Video tracking with nose-point detection generates useful analyses of rodent object recognition task performance and possibly for other behavioral tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- T S Benice
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
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27
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Bracchi-Ricard V, Brambilla R, Levenson J, Hu WH, Bramwell A, Sweatt JD, Green EJ, Bethea JR. Astroglial nuclear factor-kappaB regulates learning and memory and synaptic plasticity in female mice. J Neurochem 2007; 104:611-23. [PMID: 17953667 DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2007.04993.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes play a pivotal role in regulating synaptic plasticity and synapse formation. The nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB) family of transcription factors has recently been demonstrated to be an important modulator of synaptic plasticity and learning/memory. In this study, we investigated the role of astroglial NF-kappaB in synaptic plasticity and learning/memory using transgenic mice over-expressing an N-terminal truncated form of inhibitor of NF-kappaB alpha (IkappaBalpha) in astrocytes (GFAP-IkappaBetaalpha-dn). We demonstrated that female transgenic mice, but not males, have robust deficits in hippocampal and extra-hippocampal-dependent learning and memory. We also determined that there are significant deficits in LTP and expression of metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 and post-synaptic density protein 95 (PSD95) in female transgenic mice. These findings indicate that astroglial NF-kappaB is an important regulator of learning/memory and synaptic plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerie Bracchi-Ricard
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, Florida 33136, USA.
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Berteau-Pavy F, Park B, Raber J. Effects of sex and APOE epsilon4 on object recognition and spatial navigation in the elderly. Neuroscience 2007; 147:6-17. [PMID: 17509769 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2007.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2007] [Revised: 02/16/2007] [Accepted: 03/08/2007] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
To determine effects of APOE epsilon4 (epsilon4) on cognitive performance of healthy elderly, 116 nondemented elders (mean age 81 years) were cognitive tested. The established tests Faces, Family Pictures, Spatial Span Forward and Backward, and the object recognition and spatial navigation tests developed in our laboratory were used as cognitive tests. Salivary samples were collected to determine APOE genotype and salivary testosterone and cortisol levels. Non-epsilon4- and epsilon4-carrying men and women did not differ in age, Mini-Mental State Examination, Wide Range Achievement Test-Reading, Beck Anxiety Inventory, or reaction time scores. There was an effect of epsilon4 on the object recognition and spatial navigation tests, with non-epsilon4 carriers outperforming epsilon4 carriers, but not in the other cognitive tests. No relationship was found for sex and epsilon4 status or sex and performance during the hidden session of Memory Island. In men, salivary cortisol levels correlated with object recognition. These results show that object recognition and spatial navigation tests are useful to assess cognitive function in the elderly.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Berteau-Pavy
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, L470, Oregon Health and Science University, 3181 Southwest Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR 97239, USA
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29
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Rosario ER, Carroll JC, Oddo S, LaFerla FM, Pike CJ. Androgens regulate the development of neuropathology in a triple transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. J Neurosci 2007; 26:13384-9. [PMID: 17182789 PMCID: PMC6674990 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2514-06.2006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Normal age-related testosterone depletion in men is a recently identified risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD), but how androgen loss affects the development of AD is unclear. To investigate the relationship between androgen depletion and AD, we compared how androgen status affects the progression of neuropathology in the triple transgenic mouse model of AD (3xTg-AD). Adult male 3xTg-AD mice were sham gonadectomized (GDX) or GDX to deplete endogenous androgens and then exposed for 4 months to either the androgen dihydrotestosterone (DHT) or to placebo. In comparison to gonadally intact 3xTg-AD mice, GDX mice exhibited robust increases in the accumulation of beta-amyloid (Abeta), the protein implicated as the primary causal factor in AD pathogenesis, in both hippocampus and amygdala. In parallel to elevated levels of Abeta, GDX mice exhibited significantly impaired spontaneous alternation behavior, indicating deficits in hippocampal function. Importantly, DHT treatment of GDX 3xTg-AD mice attenuated both Abeta accumulation and behavioral deficits. These data demonstrate that androgen depletion accelerates the development of AD-like neuropathology, suggesting that a similar mechanism may underlie the increased risk for AD in men with low testosterone. In addition, our finding that DHT protects against acceleration of AD-like neuropathology predicts that androgen-based hormone therapy may be a useful strategy for the prevention and treatment of AD in aging men.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Salvatore Oddo
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697
| | - Frank M. LaFerla
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697
| | - Christian J. Pike
- Neuroscience Graduate Program and
- Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089, and
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van Meer P, Acevedo S, Raber J. Impairments in spatial memory retention of GFAP-apoE4 female mice. Behav Brain Res 2006; 176:372-5. [PMID: 17126420 PMCID: PMC1950679 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2006.10.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2006] [Revised: 10/23/2006] [Accepted: 10/24/2006] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The human apolipoprotein E isoforms, apoE2, apoE3, and apoE4, have differential effects on brain function. Compared to apoE3, apoE4 increases the risk of age-related cognitive decline in humans and female mice expressing apoE in neurons. Here, we show impaired spatial memory retention in female mice expressing apoE4 in astrocytes compared to those expressing apoE3 in astrocytes or lacking apoE. Thus, apoE4 impairs cognition whether expressed in neurons or astrocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter van Meer
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239
| | - Summer Acevedo
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239
| | - Jacob Raber
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239
- Department of Neurology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239
- Division of Neuroscience, ONPRC, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239
- Address for correspondence: Jacob Raber, Departments of Behavioral Neuroscience and Neurology, L470, Oregon Health and Science University, 3181 S.W. Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR97201., Office: (503) 494-1524, Lab: (503) 494-1431, Fax: (503) 494-6877, e-mail:
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31
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Arbiza L, Dopazo J, Dopazo H. Positive selection, relaxation, and acceleration in the evolution of the human and chimp genome. PLoS Comput Biol 2006; 2:e38. [PMID: 16683019 PMCID: PMC1447656 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.0020038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2005] [Accepted: 03/15/2006] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
For years evolutionary biologists have been interested in searching for the genetic bases underlying humanness. Recent efforts at a large or a complete genomic scale have been conducted to search for positively selected genes in human and in chimp. However, recently developed methods allowing for a more sensitive and controlled approach in the detection of positive selection can be employed. Here, using 13,198 genes, we have deduced the sets of genes involved in rate acceleration, positive selection, and relaxation of selective constraints in human, in chimp, and in their ancestral lineage since the divergence from murids. Significant deviations from the strict molecular clock were observed in 469 human and in 651 chimp genes. The more stringent branch-site test of positive selection detected 108 human and 577 chimp positively selected genes. An important proportion of the positively selected genes did not show a significant acceleration in rates, and similarly, many of the accelerated genes did not show significant signals of positive selection. Functional differentiation of genes under rate acceleration, positive selection, and relaxation was not statistically significant between human and chimp with the exception of terms related to G-protein coupled receptors and sensory perception. Both of these were over-represented under relaxation in human in relation to chimp. Comparing differences between derived and ancestral lineages, a more conspicuous change in trends seems to have favored positive selection in the human lineage. Since most of the positively selected genes are different under the same functional categories between these species, we suggest that the individual roles of the alternative positively selected genes may be an important factor underlying biological differences between these species. Since the publication of the human and the chimp genomes, one of the major challenges in evolutionary biology has begun to be deciphered: namely, the search for positively selected genes that have shaped humanness. Arbiza and colleagues undertake a genomic-scale search for the genes that have been positively selected in human, in chimp, and in their common ancestral lineage. They conclude that events of positive selection were six times more frequent in chimp than in human, although they do not group under specific functional classes that have been preferentially selected in either species. However, in the comparisons of the evolutionary trends between the ancestral and the descendant lineages, they found that most of the relative differences in common classes show an abundance of positive selection on the human branch. By differentiating positive selection from a relaxation of selective constraints, both producing analogous footprints in the genome, they demonstrate that many of the genes previously thought to have been positively selected correspond to likely cases of relaxation. Finally, they quantify the bias produced by the use of average rate–based approaches to concentrate cases of adaptive evolution in these species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Arbiza
- Pharmacogenomics and Comparative Genomics Unit, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe (CIPF), Valencia, Spain
| | - Joaquín Dopazo
- Functional Genomics Unit, Bioinformatics Department, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe (CIPF), Valencia, Spain
| | - Hernán Dopazo
- Pharmacogenomics and Comparative Genomics Unit, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe (CIPF), Valencia, Spain
- * To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail:
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