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Wang X, Pang Q, Hu J, Luo B, Lu Y, Sun X, Meng S, Jiang Q. Cognitive decline in Sprague-Dawley rats induced by neuroplasticity changes after occlusal support loss. CNS Neurosci Ther 2024; 30:e14750. [PMID: 38898731 PMCID: PMC11187409 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14750] [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: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tooth loss is closely related to cognitive impairment, especially affecting cognitive functions involving hippocampus. The most well-known function of the hippocampus is learning and memory, and the mechanism behind is neuroplasticity, which strongly depends on the level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). While research has delved into the possible mechanisms behind the loss of teeth leading to cognitive dysfunction, there are few studies on the plasticity of sensory neural pathway after tooth loss, and the changes in related indicators of synaptic plasticity still need to be further explored. METHODS In this study, the bilateral maxillary molars were extracted in Sprague-Dawley rats of two age ranges (young and middle age) to establish occlusal support loss model; then, the spatial cognition was tested by Morris Water Maze (MWM). Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and Western Blotting (WB) were used to detect BDNF, AKT, and functional proteins (viz., PSD95 and NMDAR) of hippocampal synapses. Golgi staining was used to observe changes in ascending nerve pathway. IF was used to confirm the location of BDNF and AKT expressed in hippocampus. RESULTS MWM showed that the spatial cognitive level of rats dropped after occlusal support loss. qPCR, WB, and IF suggested that the BDNF/AKT pathway was down-regulated in the hippocampus. Golgi staining showed the neurons of ascending sensory pathway decreased in numbers. CONCLUSION Occlusal support loss caused plastic changes in ascending nerve pathway and induced cognitive impairment in rats by down-regulating BDNF and synaptic plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Wang
- School of StomatologyCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Qian Pang
- Department of Prosthodontics, Beijing Stomatological HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Jiangqi Hu
- Department of Prosthodontics, Beijing Stomatological HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Bin Luo
- Department of Prosthodontics, Beijing Stomatological HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Yunping Lu
- Department of Prosthodontics, Beijing Stomatological HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Xu Sun
- School of StomatologyCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Shixiang Meng
- School of StomatologyCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Qingsong Jiang
- Department of Prosthodontics, Beijing Stomatological HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
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2
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Grotzinger H, Pritschet L, Shapturenka P, Santander T, Murata EM, Jacobs EG. Diurnal Fluctuations in Steroid Hormones Tied to Variation in Intrinsic Functional Connectivity in a Densely Sampled Male. J Neurosci 2024; 44:e1856232024. [PMID: 38627091 PMCID: PMC11140665 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1856-23.2024] [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: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Most of mammalian physiology is under the control of biological rhythms, including the endocrine system with time-varying hormone secretion. Precision neuroimaging studies provide unique insights into how the endocrine system dynamically regulates aspects of the human brain. Recently, we established estrogen's ability to drive widespread patterns of connectivity and enhance the global efficiency of large-scale brain networks in a woman sampled every 24 h across 30 consecutive days, capturing a complete menstrual cycle. Steroid hormone production also follows a pronounced sinusoidal pattern, with a peak in testosterone between 6 and 7 A.M. and nadir between 7 and 8 P.M. To capture the brain's response to diurnal changes in hormone production, we carried out a companion precision imaging study of a healthy adult man who completed MRI and venipuncture every 12-24 h across 30 consecutive days. Results confirmed robust diurnal fluctuations in testosterone, 17β-estradiol-the primary form of estrogen-and cortisol. Standardized regression analyses revealed widespread associations between testosterone, estradiol, and cortisol concentrations and whole-brain patterns of coherence. In particular, functional connectivity in the Dorsal Attention Network was coupled with diurnally fluctuating hormones. Further, comparing dense-sampling datasets between a man and a naturally cycling woman revealed that fluctuations in sex hormones are tied to patterns of whole-brain coherence in both sexes and to a heightened degree in the male. Together, these findings enhance our understanding of steroid hormones as rapid neuromodulators and provide evidence that diurnal changes in steroid hormones are associated with patterns of whole-brain functional connectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Grotzinger
- Departments of Psychological & Brain Sciences, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106
| | - Laura Pritschet
- Departments of Psychological & Brain Sciences, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106
| | - Pavel Shapturenka
- Chemical Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106
| | - Tyler Santander
- Departments of Psychological & Brain Sciences, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106
| | - Elle M Murata
- Departments of Psychological & Brain Sciences, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106
| | - Emily G Jacobs
- Departments of Psychological & Brain Sciences, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106
- Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106
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3
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Zamir A, Ben Zeev T, Levi C, Einstein O, Ratamess NA, van Praag H, Hoffman JR. The effect of supraphysiological dose of nandrolone decanoate administration on the inflammatory, neurotrophin and behavioral response in adult and old male mice. Horm Behav 2023; 156:105444. [PMID: 38344953 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2023.105444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
This study examined the effect of 6 weeks of supraphysiological nandrolone decanoate (ND) administration in adult mice (7 months) on cognitive function and neuroinflammation during aging. Male C57BL/6 mice were randomized into ND (10 mg·kg-1·wk-1) or control (CTL) groups. Half of the mice were tested at a young (Y) age (ND-Y and CTL-Y), 1 week following final ND administration, while the remaining mice were tested at 16 months (O) (ND-O and CTL-O). Learning and memory were better in young mice compared to older mice, regardless of treatment. ND-O displayed decreased anxiety as compared to all other groups. TNFα and IL1β expression were higher in older mice, regardless of treatment. ND administration in young mice appeared to attenuate the neuroinflammatory response in aging mice as evidenced by decreased COX2, IL-4 and increased IL-10 expression in ND-O compared to CTL-O. BDNF AR and ER expression increased in ND-O compared to CTL-O. Results of the study indicated that supraphysiological ND administration had no negative effect on learning and memory but may attenuate anxiety in older mice. In addition, ND administration in young adult mice may attenuate the inflammatory response during aging, which may be related to elevations in both AR and ER expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Zamir
- Department of Physical Therapy, School of Health Sciences, Ariel University, Israel
| | - T Ben Zeev
- Department of Physical Therapy, School of Health Sciences, Ariel University, Israel
| | - C Levi
- Department of Physical Therapy, School of Health Sciences, Ariel University, Israel
| | - O Einstein
- Department of Physical Therapy, School of Health Sciences, Ariel University, Israel
| | - N A Ratamess
- Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences, The College of New Jersey, USA
| | - H van Praag
- Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, USA
| | - J R Hoffman
- Department of Physical Therapy, School of Health Sciences, Ariel University, Israel.
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4
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Grotzinger H, Pritschet L, Shapturenka P, Santander T, Murata E, Jacobs EG. Diurnal fluctuations in steroid hormones tied to variation in intrinsic functional connectivity in a densely sampled male. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.16.562607. [PMID: 37905054 PMCID: PMC10614853 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.16.562607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Most of mammalian physiology is under the control of biological rhythms, including the endocrine system with time-varying hormone secretion. Precision neuroimaging studies provide unique insights into the means through which our endocrine system regulates dynamic properties of the human brain. Recently, we established estrogen's ability to drive widespread patterns of connectivity and enhance the functional efficiency of large-scale brain networks in a woman sampled every 24h across 30 consecutive days, capturing a complete menstrual cycle. Steroid hormone production also follows a pronounced sinusoidal pattern, with a peak in testosterone between 6-7am and nadir between 7-8pm. To capture the brain's response to diurnal changes in hormone production, we carried out a companion precision imaging study of a healthy adult man who completed MRI and venipuncture every 12-24 hours across 30 consecutive days. Results confirmed robust diurnal fluctuations in testosterone, cortisol, and estradiol. Standardized regression analyses revealed predominantly positive associations between testosterone, cortisol, and estradiol concentrations and whole-brain patterns of coherence. In particular, functional connectivity in Dorsal Attention and Salience/Ventral Attention Networks were coupled with diurnally fluctuating hormones. Further, comparing dense-sampling datasets between a man and naturally-cycling woman revealed that fluctuations in sex hormones are tied to patterns of whole-brain coherence to a comparable degree in both sexes. Together, these findings enhance our understanding of steroid hormones as rapid neuromodulators and provide evidence that diurnal changes in steroid hormones are tied to patterns of whole-brain functional connectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Grotzinger
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA
| | - Laura Pritschet
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA
| | - Pavel Shapturenka
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA
| | - Tyler Santander
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA
| | - Elle Murata
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA
| | - Emily G. Jacobs
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA
- Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA
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5
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Killanin AD, Taylor BK, Embury CM, Picci G, Wang YP, Calhoun VD, Stephen JM, Heinrichs-Graham E, Wilson TW. Testosterone levels mediate the dynamics of motor oscillatory coding and behavior in developing youth. Dev Cogn Neurosci 2023; 61:101257. [PMID: 37236034 PMCID: PMC10232658 DOI: 10.1016/j.dcn.2023.101257] [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: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent investigations have studied the development of motor-related oscillatory responses to delineate maturational changes from childhood to young adulthood. While these studies included youth during the pubertal transition period, none have probed the impact of testosterone levels on motor cortical dynamics and performance. We collected salivary testosterone samples and recorded magnetoencephalography during a complex motor sequencing task in 58 youth aged 9-15 years old. The relationships between testosterone, age, task behavior, and beta (15-23 Hz) oscillatory dynamics were examined using multiple mediation modeling. We found that testosterone mediated the effect of age on movement-related beta activity. We also found that the effect of age on movement duration was mediated by testosterone and reaction time. Interestingly, the relationships between testosterone and motor performance were not mediated by beta activity in the left primary motor cortex, which may indicate the importance of higher-order motor regions. Overall, our results suggest that testosterone has unique associations with neural and behavioral indices of complex motor performance, beyond those already characterized in the literature. These findings are the first to link developmental changes in testosterone levels to maturation of beta oscillatory dynamics serving complex motor planning and execution, and specific measures of motor performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abraham D Killanin
- Institute for Human Neuroscience, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Boys Town, NE, USA; Center for Pediatric Brain Health, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Boys Town, NE, USA; College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Brittany K Taylor
- Institute for Human Neuroscience, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Boys Town, NE, USA; Center for Pediatric Brain Health, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Boys Town, NE, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Creighton University, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Christine M Embury
- Institute for Human Neuroscience, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Boys Town, NE, USA; Center for Pediatric Brain Health, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Boys Town, NE, USA
| | - Giorgia Picci
- Institute for Human Neuroscience, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Boys Town, NE, USA; Center for Pediatric Brain Health, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Boys Town, NE, USA
| | - Yu-Ping Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Vince D Calhoun
- Tri-Institutional Center for Translational Research in Neuroimaging and Data Science (TReNDS), Georgia State University, Georgia Institute of Technology, and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Elizabeth Heinrichs-Graham
- Institute for Human Neuroscience, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Boys Town, NE, USA; Center for Pediatric Brain Health, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Boys Town, NE, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Creighton University, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Tony W Wilson
- Institute for Human Neuroscience, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Boys Town, NE, USA; Center for Pediatric Brain Health, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Boys Town, NE, USA; College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Creighton University, Omaha, NE, USA.
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6
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Kovacs-Balint ZA, Raper J, Richardson R, Gopakumar A, Kettimuthu KP, Higgins M, Feczko E, Earl E, Ethun KF, Li L, Styner M, Fair D, Bachevalier J, Sanchez MM. The role of puberty on physical and brain development: A longitudinal study in male Rhesus Macaques. Dev Cogn Neurosci 2023; 60:101237. [PMID: 37031512 PMCID: PMC10114189 DOI: 10.1016/j.dcn.2023.101237] [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: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
This study examined the role of male pubertal maturation on physical growth and development of neurocircuits that regulate stress, emotional and cognitive control using a translational nonhuman primate model. We collected longitudinal data from male macaques between pre- and peri-puberty, including measures of physical growth, pubertal maturation (testicular volume, blood testosterone -T- concentrations) and brain structural and resting-state functional MRI scans to examine developmental changes in amygdala (AMY), hippocampus (HIPPO), prefrontal cortex (PFC), as well as functional connectivity (FC) between those regions. Physical growth and pubertal measures increased from pre- to peri-puberty. The indexes of pubertal maturation -testicular size and T- were correlated at peri-puberty, but not at pre-puberty (23 months). Our findings also showed ICV, AMY, HIPPO and total PFC volumetric growth, but with region-specific changes in PFC. Surprisingly, FC in these neural circuits only showed developmental changes from pre- to peri-puberty for HIPPO-orbitofrontal FC. Finally, testicular size was a better predictor of brain structural maturation than T levels -suggesting gonadal hormones-independent mechanisms-, whereas T was a strong predictor of functional connectivity development. We expect that these neural circuits will show more drastic pubertal-dependent maturation, including stronger associations with pubertal measures later, during and after male puberty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z A Kovacs-Balint
- Emory National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA.
| | - J Raper
- Emory National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA; Dept. of Pediatrics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - R Richardson
- Emory National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | - A Gopakumar
- Emory National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | - K P Kettimuthu
- Emory National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | - M Higgins
- Office of Nursing Research, Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - E Feczko
- Dept. of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55414, USA; Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55414, USA
| | - E Earl
- Dept. of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Sciences University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - K F Ethun
- Emory National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | - L Li
- Dept. of Pediatrics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; Marcus Autism Center; Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - M Styner
- Dept. of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA
| | - D Fair
- Dept. of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55414, USA; Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55414, USA
| | - J Bachevalier
- Emory National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | - M M Sanchez
- Emory National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA; Dept. of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
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7
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Fleming B, Edison P, Kenny L. Cognitive impairment after cancer treatment: mechanisms, clinical characterization, and management. BMJ 2023; 380:e071726. [PMID: 36921926 DOI: 10.1136/bmj-2022-071726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Cognitive impairment is a debilitating side effect experienced by patients with cancer treated with systemically administered anticancer therapies. With around 19.3 million new cases of cancer worldwide in 2020 and the five year survival rate growing from 50% in 1970 to 67% in 2013, an urgent need exists to understand enduring side effects with severe implications for quality of life. Whereas cognitive impairment associated with chemotherapy is recognized in patients with breast cancer, researchers have started to identify cognitive impairment associated with other treatments such as immune, endocrine, and targeted therapies only recently. The underlying mechanisms are diverse and therapy specific, so further evaluation is needed to develop effective therapeutic interventions. Drug and non-drug management strategies are emerging that target mechanistic pathways or the cognitive deficits themselves, but they need to be rigorously evaluated. Clinically, consistent use of objective diagnostic tools is necessary for accurate diagnosis and clinical characterization of cognitive impairment in patients treated with anticancer therapies. This should be supplemented with clinical guidelines that could be implemented in daily practice. This review summarizes the recent advances in the mechanisms, clinical characterization, and novel management strategies of cognitive impairment associated with treatment of non-central nervous system cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben Fleming
- Department of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Paul Edison
- Department of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
- College of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Laura Kenny
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
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Bednarova A, Habalova V, Iannaccone SF, Tkac I, Jarcuskova D, Krivosova M, Marcatili M, Hlavacova N. Association of HTTLPR, BDNF, and FTO Genetic Variants with Completed Suicide in Slovakia. J Pers Med 2023; 13:jpm13030501. [PMID: 36983683 PMCID: PMC10059737 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13030501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Since suicide and suicidal behavior are considered highly heritable phenotypes, the identification of genetic markers that can predict suicide risk is a clinically important topic. Several genes studied for possible associations between genetic polymorphisms and suicidal behaviors had mostly inconsistent and contradictory findings. The aim of this case-control study was to evaluate the associations between completed suicide and polymorphisms in genes BDNF (rs6265, rs962369), SLC6A4 (5-HTTLPR), and FTO (rs9939609) in relation to sex and BMI. We genotyped 119 completed suicide victims and 137 control subjects that were age, sex, and ethnicity matched. A significant association with completed suicide was found for BDNF rs962369. This variant could play a role in completed suicide, as individuals with the CC genotype were more often found among suicides than in control subjects. After sex stratification, the association remained significant only in males. A nominally significant association between the gene variant and BMI was observed for BDNF rs962369 under the overdominant model. Heterozygotes with the TC genotype showed a lower average BMI than homozygotes with TT or CC genotypes. FTO polymorphism (rs9939609) did not affect BMI in the group of Slovak suicide completers, but our findings follow an inverse association between BMI and completed suicide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aneta Bednarova
- 2nd Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Safarik University, University Hospital of Louis Pasteur, 041 90 Kosice, Slovakia
- Correspondence: ; Tel./Fax: +421-55-615-27-22
| | - Viera Habalova
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Safarik University, 040 11 Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Silvia Farkasova Iannaccone
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Safarik University, 040 11 Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Ivan Tkac
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Safarik University, University Hospital of Louis Pasteur, 041 90 Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Dominika Jarcuskova
- 1st Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Safarik University, University Hospital of Louis Pasteur, 040 11 Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Michaela Krivosova
- Biomedical Centre Martin, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, 036 01 Martin, Slovakia
| | - Matteo Marcatili
- Department of Mental Health and Addiction, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, 209 00 Monza, Italy
| | - Natasa Hlavacova
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
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9
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Frankfurt M, Nassrallah Z, Luine V. Steroid Hormone Interaction with Dendritic Spines: Implications for Neuropsychiatric Disease. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2023; 34:349-366. [PMID: 37962800 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-36159-3_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Dendritic spines, key sites for neural plasticity, are influenced by gonadal steroids. In this chapter, we review the effects of gonadal steroids on dendritic spine density in areas important to cognitive function, the hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex. Most of these animal model studies investigated the effects of estrogen in females, but we also include more recent data on androgen effects in both males and females. The underlying genomic and non-genomic mechanisms related to gonadal steroid-induced spinogenesis are also reviewed. Subsequently, we discuss possible reasons for the observed sex differences in many neuropsychiatric diseases, which appear to be caused, in part, by aberrant synaptic connections that may involve dendritic spine pathology. Overall, knowledge concerning the regulation of dendritic spines by gonadal hormones has grown since the initial discoveries in the 1990s, and current research points to a potential role for aberrant spine functioning in many neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya Frankfurt
- Hofstra Northwell School of Nursing and Physician Assistant Studies, Hempstead, NY, USA.
| | - Zeinab Nassrallah
- Department of Science Education Zucker School of Medicine, 500 Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY, USA
| | - Victoria Luine
- Department of Psychology, Hunter College, New York, NY, USA
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10
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Bowman R, Frankfurt M, Luine V. Sex differences in cognition following variations in endocrine status. Learn Mem 2022; 29:234-245. [PMID: 36206395 PMCID: PMC9488023 DOI: 10.1101/lm.053509.121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Spatial memory, mediated primarily by the hippocampus, is responsible for orientation in space and retrieval of information regarding location of objects and places in an animal's environment. Since the hippocampus is dense with steroid hormone receptors and is capable of robust neuroplasticity, it is not surprising that changes in spatial memory performance occur following a variety of endocrine alterations. Here, we review cognitive changes in both spatial and nonspatial memory tasks following manipulations of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal and gonadal axes and after exposure to endocrine disruptors in rodents. Chronic stress impairs male performance on numerous behavioral cognitive tasks and enhances or does not impact female cognitive function. Sex-dependent changes in cognition following stress are influenced by both organizational and activational effects of estrogen and vary depending on the developmental age of the stress exposure, but responses to gonadal hormones in adulthood are more similar than different in the sexes. Also discussed are possible underlying neural mechanisms for these steroid hormone-dependent, cognitive effects. Bisphenol A (BPA), an endocrine disruptor, given at low levels during adolescent development, impairs spatial memory in adolescent male and female rats and object recognition memory in adulthood. BPA's negative effects on memory may be mediated through alterations in dendritic spine density in areas that mediate these cognitive tasks. In summary, this review discusses the evidence that endocrine status of an animal (presence or absence of stress hormones, gonadal hormones, or endocrine disruptors) impacts cognitive function and, at times, in a sex-specific manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Bowman
- Department of Psychology, Sacred Heart University, Fairfield, Connecticut 06825, USA
| | - Maya Frankfurt
- Department of Psychology, Sacred Heart University, Fairfield, Connecticut 06825, USA
- Hofstra Northwell School of Nursing and Physician Assistant Studies, Hofstra University, Hempstead, New York 11549, USA
| | - Victoria Luine
- Department of Psychology, Hunter College of City University of New York, New York, New York 10065, USA
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11
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Saleki K, Banazadeh M, Saghazadeh A, Rezaei N. Aging, testosterone, and neuroplasticity: friend or foe? Rev Neurosci 2022; 34:247-273. [PMID: 36017670 DOI: 10.1515/revneuro-2022-0033] [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: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Neuroplasticity or neural plasticity implicates the adaptive potential of the brain in response to extrinsic and intrinsic stimuli. The concept has been utilized in different contexts such as injury and neurological disease. Neuroplasticity mechanisms have been classified into neuroregenerative and function-restoring processes. In the context of injury, neuroplasticity has been defined in three post-injury epochs. Testosterone plays a key yet double-edged role in the regulation of several neuroplasticity alterations. Research has shown that testosterone levels are affected by numerous factors such as age, stress, surgical procedures on gonads, and pharmacological treatments. There is an ongoing debate for testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) in aging men; however, TRT is more useful in young individuals with testosterone deficit and more specific subgroups with cognitive dysfunction. Therefore, it is important to pay early attention to testosterone profile and precisely uncover its harms and benefits. In the present review, we discuss the influence of environmental factors, aging, and gender on testosterone-associated alterations in neuroplasticity, as well as the two-sided actions of testosterone in the nervous system. Finally, we provide practical insights for further study of pharmacological treatments for hormonal disorders focusing on restoring neuroplasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiarash Saleki
- Student Research Committee, Babol University of Medical Sciences, 47176 47745 Babol, Iran.,USERN Office, Babol University of Medical Sciences, 47176 47745 Babol, Iran.,Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Expert Group (SRMEG), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), 14197 33151 Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Banazadeh
- Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Expert Group (SRMEG), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), 14197 33151 Tehran, Iran.,Pharmaceutical Sciences and Cosmetic Products Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, 76169 13555 Kerman, Iran
| | - Amene Saghazadeh
- Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Expert Group (SRMEG), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), 14197 33151 Tehran, Iran.,Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, 14197 33151 Tehran, Iran
| | - Nima Rezaei
- Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, 14197 33151 Tehran, Iran.,Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, 14176 13151 Tehran, Iran.,Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), 14197 33151 Tehran, Iran
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12
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The role of ciliopathy-associated type 3 adenylyl cyclase in infanticidal behavior in virgin adult male mice. iScience 2022; 25:104534. [PMID: 35754726 PMCID: PMC9218507 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Virgin adult male mice often display killing of alien newborns, defined as infanticide, and this behavior is dependent on olfactory signaling. Olfactory perception is achieved by the main olfactory system (MOS) or vomeronasal system (VNS). Although it has been established that the VNS is crucial for infanticide in male mice, the role of the MOS in infanticide remains unknown. Herein, by producing lesions via ZnSO4 perfusion and N-methyl-D-aspartic acid stereotactic injection, we demonstrated that the main olfactory epithelium (MOE), anterior olfactory nucleus (AON), or ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) is crucial for infanticide in adult males. By using CRISPR-Cas9 coupled with adeno-associated viruses to induce specific knockdown of type 3 adenylyl cyclase (AC3) in these tissues, we further demonstrated that AC3, a ciliopathy-associated protein, in the MOE and the expression of related proteins in the AON or VMH are necessary for infanticidal behavior in virgin adult male mice. MOE lesions and knockdown of AC3 in the MOE result in abnormal infanticidal behavior The infanticidal behavior of male mice is impaired by lesioning of the AON or VMH AC3 knockdown in the AON or VMH affects the infanticidal behavior of male mice
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13
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Karimi N, Ashourizadeh H, Akbarzadeh Pasha B, Haghshomar M, Jouzdani T, Shobeiri P, Teixeira AL, Rezaei N. Blood levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in people with multiple sclerosis (MS): A systematic review and meta-analysis. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2022; 65:103984. [PMID: 35749959 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2022.103984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune demyelinating disease marked by the involvement of multiple pathophysiological pathways, including BDNF. BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) is one of the main neurotrophic factors in the adult brain. The amount of BDNF in the blood can be utilized as a surrogate for the central expression of this marker. Given contradicting reports, we set out to answer the question, "How do blood levels of BDNF differ in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) compared to controls?" METHODS We performed a thorough search in MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library databases, resulting in 13 eligible investigations. Eleven studies compared BDNF in serum of PwMS versus healthy controls (HC), and two studies provided BDNF levels in the plasma of PwMs. R version 4.0.4 was used for meta-analysis and visualizations. Mean difference (MD) was used for the measurement of effect size. RESULTS The final analysis included thirteen studies with 689 patients with MS and 583 controls. The preliminary results indicated that MS patients had statistically significant lower levels of BDNF than controls: SMD -5.1992 (95% CI [-8.4488; -1.9496], p-value < 0.0001. Additionally, subgroup analysis revealed a statistically significant difference in serum and plasma levels (p-value=0.01). Performing univariate meta-regression, disease duration and the proportion of males had, respectively, a significant negative and positive correlation with BDNF levels. CONCLUSION Circulating levels of BDNF are decreased in MS. Future studies should investigate the role of BDNF as a biomarker of disease severity and/or progression for a personalized approach to MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nastaran Karimi
- School of Medicine, Sari Branch, Islamic Azad University, Sari, Iran
| | - Helia Ashourizadeh
- Functional Neurosurgery Research Center, Shohada Tajrish Neurosurgical Center of Excellence, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Boshra Akbarzadeh Pasha
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Children's Medical Center Hospital, Dr. Qarib St., Keshavarz Blvd, Tehran 14194, Iran
| | - Maryam Haghshomar
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Children's Medical Center Hospital, Dr. Qarib St., Keshavarz Blvd, Tehran 14194, Iran; Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Tahmineh Jouzdani
- School of Medicine, Sari Branch, Islamic Azad University, Sari, Iran
| | - Parnian Shobeiri
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Children's Medical Center Hospital, Dr. Qarib St., Keshavarz Blvd, Tehran 14194, Iran; Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran; Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Population Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Pediatrics Center of Excellence, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Antônio L Teixeira
- Neuropsychiatry Program, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Nima Rezaei
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Children's Medical Center Hospital, Dr. Qarib St., Keshavarz Blvd, Tehran 14194, Iran; Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran; Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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14
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Luine V, Mohan G, Attalla S, Jacome L, Frankfurt M. Androgens Enhance Recognition Memory and Dendritic Spine Density in the Hippocampus and Prefrontal Cortex of Ovariectomized Female Rats. Neuroscience 2022:S0306-4522(22)00287-1. [PMID: 35671881 PMCID: PMC9719572 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2022.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Revised: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Estrogen replacement has been repeatedly shown to enhance memory and increase dendritic spine density in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex of ovariectomized (OVX) female rats. Given the potential deleterious effects of chronic estrogen administration, the present study assessed cognitive function using recognition memory tasks and measured dendritic spine density in the CA1 region of the hippocampus and medial prefrontal cortex after subchronic androgen replacement to adult OVX female rats. All androgens enhanced recognition memory in OVX rats, but object placement (OP) and object recognition (OR) results differed. Only testosterone enhanced OR. Testosterone had no effect on OP while dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and androstenedione (AD) enhanced OP. Dendritic spine density was increased by both TP and DHEA in both brain areas (DHT and AD were not tested). Lastly, we used the aromatase inhibitor, letrozole, to discriminate between potential androgenic and estrogenic effects of androgens on behavior. Letrozole alone did not alter recognition memory in OVX rats and did not block the effects of either TP or DHEA on recognition memory suggesting that effects were mediated via androgenic mechanisms. The present results expand previous information on gonadal hormone actions and show that, in addition to estrogens, androgens also improve memory and increase spine density in brains of OVX female rats. While requiring further investigation, these observations provide a basis for therapeutic interventions in the treatment of menopausal, age or disease related memory loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Luine
- Department of Psychology, Hunter College, 695 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10065, United States.
| | - Govini Mohan
- Department of Psychology, Hunter College, 695 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10065, United States
| | - Sara Attalla
- Department of Psychology, Hunter College, 695 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10065, United States
| | - Luis Jacome
- Department of Psychology, Hunter College, 695 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10065, United States
| | - Maya Frankfurt
- Hofstra Northwell School of Nursing and Physician Assistant Studies, 160 Hofstra University, 400A Shapiro Family Hall, Hempstead, NY 11549, United States
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15
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Evaluation of the effect of nicotine and O-acetyl-L-carnitine on testosterone-induced spatial learning impairment in Morris water maze and assessment of protein markers. LEARNING AND MOTIVATION 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lmot.2022.101810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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16
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Brökling J, Brunne B, Rune GM. Sex-dependent responsiveness of hippocampal neurons to sex neurosteroids: A role of Arc/Arg3.1. J Neuroendocrinol 2022; 34:e13090. [PMID: 35081672 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Sex steroids, such as estradiol (E2 ) and dihydrotestosterone (DHT), regulate hippocampal plasticity and memory in a sex-dependent manner. Because the activity-regulated cytoskeleton protein Arc/Arg3.1 is essential for long-term memory formation and synaptic plasticity, we investigated the expression of Arc/Arg3.1 with respect to its responsiveness to E2 and DHT in male and female hippocampal neurons. For the first time, we show that, in hippocampal neurons, Arc/Arg3.1 expression is sex-dependently regulated by sex steroids. No difference in the expression between sexes was observed under control conditions. Using a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, western blot analysis and quantitative immunoreactivity, upregulation of Arc/Arg3.1 protein expression was observed in specifically female hippocampal neurons after application of E2 to the cultures. Conversely, upregulation of Arc/Arg3.1 was seen in specifically male neurons after application of DHT. A quantitative real-time PCR revealed that the sex-dependency was most pronounced on the mRNA level. Most importantly, the effects of E2 in cultures of female animals were abolished when neuron-derived E2 synthesis was inhibited. Our results point to a potentially important role of Arc/Arg3.1 regarding sex-dependency in sex steroid-induced synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janina Brökling
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Bianka Brunne
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Gabriele M Rune
- Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Universitätsmedizin Charité Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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17
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McLeod VM, Chiam MDF, Perera ND, Lau CL, Boon WC, Turner BJ. Mapping Motor Neuron Vulnerability in the Neuraxis of Male SOD1 G93A Mice Reveals Widespread Loss of Androgen Receptor Occurring Early in Spinal Motor Neurons. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:808479. [PMID: 35273564 PMCID: PMC8902593 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.808479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex steroid hormones have been implicated as disease modifiers in the neurodegenerative disorder amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Androgens, signalling via the androgen receptor (AR), predominate in males, and have widespread actions in the periphery and the central nervous system (CNS). AR translocates to the cell nucleus when activated upon binding androgens, whereby it regulates transcription of target genes via the classical genomic signalling pathway. We previously reported that AR protein is decreased in the lumbar spinal cord tissue of symptomatic male SOD1G93A mice. Here, we further explored the changes in AR within motor neurons (MN) of the CNS, assessing their nuclear AR content and propensity to degenerate by endstage disease in male SOD1G93A mice. We observed that almost all motor neuron populations had undergone significant loss in nuclear AR in SOD1G93A mice. Interestingly, loss of nuclear AR was evident in lumbar spinal MNs as early as the pre-symptomatic age of 60 days. Several MN populations with high AR content were identified which did not degenerate in SOD1G93A mice. These included the brainstem ambiguus and vagus nuclei, and the sexually dimorphic spinal MNs: cremaster, dorsolateral nucleus (DLN) and spinal nucleus of bulbocavernosus (SNB). In conclusion, we demonstrate that AR loss directly associates with MN vulnerability and disease progression in the SOD1G93A mouse model of ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria M. McLeod
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Mathew D. F. Chiam
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Nirma D. Perera
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Chew L. Lau
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Wah Chin Boon
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Bradley J. Turner
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Queen Elizabeth Medical Centre, Nedlands, WA, Australia
- *Correspondence: Bradley J. Turner,
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18
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Kuwahara N, Nicholson K, Isaacs L, MacLusky NJ. Androgen Effects on Neural Plasticity. ANDROGENS: CLINICAL RESEARCH AND THERAPEUTICS 2021; 2:216-230. [PMID: 35024693 PMCID: PMC8744448 DOI: 10.1089/andro.2021.0022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Androgens are synthesized in the brain, gonads, and adrenal glands, in both sexes, exerting physiologically important effects on the structure and function of the central nervous system. These effects may contribute to the incidence and progression of neurological disorders such as autism spectrum disorder, schizophrenia, and Alzheimer's disease, which occur at different rates in males and females. This review briefly summarizes the current state of knowledge with respect to the neuroplastic effects of androgens, with particular emphasis on the hippocampus, which has been the focus of much of the research in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nariko Kuwahara
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Kate Nicholson
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Lauren Isaacs
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Neil J. MacLusky
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada
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19
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Christian CA, Reddy DS, Maguire J, Forcelli PA. Sex Differences in the Epilepsies and Associated Comorbidities: Implications for Use and Development of Pharmacotherapies. Pharmacol Rev 2021; 72:767-800. [PMID: 32817274 DOI: 10.1124/pr.119.017392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The epilepsies are common neurologic disorders characterized by spontaneous recurrent seizures. Boys, girls, men, and women of all ages are affected by epilepsy and, in many cases, by associated comorbidities as well. The primary courses of treatment are pharmacological, dietary, and/or surgical, depending on several factors, including the areas of the brain affected and the severity of the epilepsy. There is a growing appreciation that sex differences in underlying brain function and in the neurobiology of epilepsy are important factors that should be accounted for in the design and development of new therapies. In this review, we discuss the current knowledge on sex differences in epilepsy and associated comorbidities, with emphasis on those aspects most informative for the development of new pharmacotherapies. Particular focus is placed on sex differences in the prevalence and presentation of various focal and generalized epilepsies; psychiatric, cognitive, and physiologic comorbidities; catamenial epilepsy in women; sex differences in brain development; the neural actions of sex and stress hormones and their metabolites; and cellular mechanisms, including brain-derived neurotrophic factor signaling and neuronal-glial interactions. Further attention placed on potential sex differences in epilepsies, comorbidities, and drug effects will enhance therapeutic options and efficacy for all patients with epilepsy. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder that often presents together with various comorbidities. The features of epilepsy and seizure activity as well as comorbid afflictions can vary between men and women. In this review, we discuss sex differences in types of epilepsies, associated comorbidities, pathophysiological mechanisms, and antiepileptic drug efficacy in both clinical patient populations and preclinical animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine A Christian
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, Neuroscience Program, and Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois (C.A.C.); Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, Texas (D.S.R.); Neuroscience Department, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts (J.M.); and Departments of Pharmacology and Physiology and Neuroscience, Georgetown University, Washington, D.C. (P.A.F.)
| | - Doodipala Samba Reddy
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, Neuroscience Program, and Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois (C.A.C.); Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, Texas (D.S.R.); Neuroscience Department, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts (J.M.); and Departments of Pharmacology and Physiology and Neuroscience, Georgetown University, Washington, D.C. (P.A.F.)
| | - Jamie Maguire
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, Neuroscience Program, and Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois (C.A.C.); Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, Texas (D.S.R.); Neuroscience Department, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts (J.M.); and Departments of Pharmacology and Physiology and Neuroscience, Georgetown University, Washington, D.C. (P.A.F.)
| | - Patrick A Forcelli
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, Neuroscience Program, and Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois (C.A.C.); Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, Texas (D.S.R.); Neuroscience Department, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts (J.M.); and Departments of Pharmacology and Physiology and Neuroscience, Georgetown University, Washington, D.C. (P.A.F.)
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20
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Chunchai T, Keawtep P, Arinno A, Saiyasit N, Prus D, Apaijai N, Pratchayasakul W, Chattipakorn N, Chattipakorn SC. A combination of an antioxidant with a prebiotic exerts greater efficacy than either as a monotherapy on cognitive improvement in castrated-obese male rats. Metab Brain Dis 2020; 35:1263-1278. [PMID: 32676884 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-020-00603-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies by ourselves and others have demonstrated that both obesity and testosterone deprivation have been related to cognitive decline. We have also shown that a prebiotic and n-acetyl cysteine (NAC) improved cognitive dysfunction in obese rats and castrated-male rats. However, the effects of NAC, a prebiotic (inulin), and a combination of the two on cognition in castrated-obese rats has never been investigated. The hypothesis was that NAC and inulin attenuated cognitive decline in castrated-obese rats by improving gut dysbiosis, and decreasing oxidative stress, glial activation and apoptosis. Male Wistar rats (n = 36) were fed with either a normal diet (ND: n = 6) or a high-fat diet (HFD: n = 30) for twenty-eight weeks. The resultant obese rats had a bilateral orchiectomy (ORX) and were randomly divided into five subgroups (n = 6/ subgroup). Each subgroup was treated with one of five therapies: a vehicle; testosterone replacement (2 mg/kg/day); NAC (100 mg/kg); inulin (10%, w/w), or a combination of the NAC and inulin for four weeks. The results demonstrated that castrated-obese rats developed gut dysbiosis, metabolic disturbance, brain pathologies, and cognitive decline. All of the pathological conditions in the brain were ameliorated to an equal extent by testosterone replacement, NAC, and inulin supplementation. Interestingly, a combination of NAC and inulin had the greatest beneficial effect on cognitive function by synergistically reducing hippocampal inflammation and ameliorating glial dysmorphology. These findings suggest that a combination of NAC and inulin may confer the greatest benefits in improving cognitive function in castrated-obese male rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Titikorn Chunchai
- Neurophysiology Unit, Cardiac Electrophysiology Research and Training Center, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
- Cardiac Electrophysiology Unit, Department of Physiology Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
| | - Puntarik Keawtep
- Neurophysiology Unit, Cardiac Electrophysiology Research and Training Center, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
- Cardiac Electrophysiology Unit, Department of Physiology Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
| | - Apiwan Arinno
- Neurophysiology Unit, Cardiac Electrophysiology Research and Training Center, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
- Cardiac Electrophysiology Unit, Department of Physiology Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
| | - Napatsorn Saiyasit
- Neurophysiology Unit, Cardiac Electrophysiology Research and Training Center, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
- Cardiac Electrophysiology Unit, Department of Physiology Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
| | - Dillon Prus
- Neurophysiology Unit, Cardiac Electrophysiology Research and Training Center, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
| | - Nattayaporn Apaijai
- Neurophysiology Unit, Cardiac Electrophysiology Research and Training Center, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
- Cardiac Electrophysiology Unit, Department of Physiology Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
| | - Wasana Pratchayasakul
- Neurophysiology Unit, Cardiac Electrophysiology Research and Training Center, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
- Cardiac Electrophysiology Unit, Department of Physiology Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
| | - Nipon Chattipakorn
- Neurophysiology Unit, Cardiac Electrophysiology Research and Training Center, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
- Cardiac Electrophysiology Unit, Department of Physiology Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
| | - Siriporn C Chattipakorn
- Neurophysiology Unit, Cardiac Electrophysiology Research and Training Center, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand.
- Department of Oral Biology and Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand.
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21
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Huang W, Li YH, Huang SQ, Chen H, Li ZF, Li XX, Li XS, Cheng Y. Serum Progesterone and Testosterone Levels in Schizophrenia Patients at Different Stages of Treatment. J Mol Neurosci 2020; 71:1168-1173. [PMID: 33159671 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-020-01739-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
It has been suggested that dysregulation of hormones is associated with schizophrenia (SCZ). This study aimed to measure the serum levels of progesterone and testosterone in 125 SCZ patients at different stages of treatment and 96 healthy control (HC) subjects. Our results showed that first-episode drug-free SCZ patients had significantly increased testosterone levels when compared with HC subjects, and chronic medication, but not short-term medication, further increased the serum testosterone levels in the patients. Further analysis suggested that the sex of the patients did not affect testosterone levels. In contrast, serum progesterone levels did not show significant differences between first-episode, drug-free SCZ patients and controls, and the antipsychotics increased progesterone levels in the male SCZ patients, but not female patients. Interestingly, our analyses demonstrated that the serum progesterone levels were negatively correlated with PANSS total score and PNASS positive score, suggesting a correlation between blood hormone levels and disease severity in SCZ patients. Taken together, our data showed differential changes in serum testosterone and progesterone levels in SCZ patients with or without antipsychotics, and our results suggest that increased sex hormone levels may be a defensive response to protect the human body under stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Huang
- The Third People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, Guangdong, China
| | - Yong-Hang Li
- The Third People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, Guangdong, China
| | - Shi-Qing Huang
- The Third People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, Guangdong, China
| | - Hui Chen
- The Third People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, Guangdong, China
| | - Zai-Fang Li
- The Third People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, Guangdong, China
| | - Xi-Xi Li
- Center on Translational Neuroscience, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Minzu University of China, Beijing, China
| | - Xue-Song Li
- The Third People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, Guangdong, China.
| | - Yong Cheng
- The Third People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, Guangdong, China. .,Center on Translational Neuroscience, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Minzu University of China, Beijing, China.
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22
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Zhang KJ, Ramdev RA, Tuta NJ, Spritzer MD. Dose-dependent effects of testosterone on spatial learning strategies and brain-derived neurotrophic factor in male rats. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2020; 121:104850. [PMID: 32892065 PMCID: PMC7572628 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2020.104850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Studies suggest that males outperform females on some spatial tasks. This may be due to the effects of sex steroids on spatial strategy preferences. Past experiments with male rats have demonstrated that low doses of testosterone bias them toward a response strategy, whereas high doses of testosterone bias them toward a place strategy. We investigated the effect of different testosterone doses on the ability of male rats to effectively employ these two spatial learning strategies. Furthermore, we quantified concentrations of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (pro-, mature-, and total BDNF) in the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and striatum. All rats were bilaterally castrated and assigned to one of three daily injection doses of testosterone propionate (0.125, 0.250, or 0.500 mg/rat) or a control injection of the drug vehicle. Using a plus-maze protocol, we found that a lower testosterone dose (0.125 mg) significantly improved rats' performance on a response task, whereas a higher testosterone dose (0.500 mg) significantly improved rats' performance on a place task. In addition, we found that a low dose of testosterone (0.125 mg) increased total BDNF in the striatum, while a high dose (0.500 mg) increased total BDNF in the hippocampus. Taken altogether, these results suggest that high and low levels of testosterone enhance performance on place and response spatial tasks, respectively, and this effect is associated with changes in BDNF levels within relevant brain regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin J. Zhang
- Department of Biology, Middlebury College, Middlebury, VT 05753, U.S.A
| | - Rajan A. Ramdev
- Program in Neuroscience, Middlebury College, Middlebury, VT 05753, U.S.A
| | - Nicholas J. Tuta
- Program in Neuroscience, Middlebury College, Middlebury, VT 05753, U.S.A
| | - Mark D. Spritzer
- Department of Biology, Middlebury College, Middlebury, VT 05753, U.S.A.,Program in Neuroscience, Middlebury College, Middlebury, VT 05753, U.S.A.,Corresponding author: Mark Spritzer, Department of Biology, McCardell Bicentennial Hall, Middlebury College, Middlebury, VT 05753, USA, phone: 802-443-5676, FAX: 802-443-2072,
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23
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Hoffman JR, Zuckerman A, Ram O, Sadot O, Cohen H. Changes in Hippocampal Androgen Receptor Density and Behavior in Sprague-Dawley Male Rats Exposed to a Low-Pressure Blast Wave. Brain Plast 2020; 5:135-145. [PMID: 33282677 PMCID: PMC7685673 DOI: 10.3233/bpl-200107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of exposure of a low-intensity blast wave on androgen receptor (AR) density in the hippocampus and the potential influence on behavioral and cognitive responses. Methods Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to either a blast exposed group (n = 27) or an unexposed (control) group (n = 10). Animals were treated identically, except that rats within the control group were not exposed to any of the characteristics of the blast wave. Behavior measures were conducted on day seven post-exposure. The rats were initially assessed in the elevated plus maze followed by the acoustic startle response paradigm. Spatial memory performance using the Morris water-maze test was assessed at 8-days post-exposure, for seven consecutive days. Following all behavioral tests AR immunofluorescence staining was performed in different hippocampal subregions. Results A significant elevation in anxiety index (p < 0.001) and impaired learning (p < 0.015) and spatial memory (p < 0.0015) were noted in exposed rats. In addition, a significant attenuation of the AR was noted in the CA1 (p = 0.006) and dentate gyrus (p = 0.031) subregions of the hippocampus in blast exposed animals. Correlational analyses revealed significant associations between AR and both anxiety index (r = -.36, p = 0.031) and memory (r = -0.38, p = 0.019). Conclusions The results of this study demonstrate that exposure to a low-pressure blast wave resulted in a decrease in AR density, which was associated with significant behavioral and cognitive changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jay R Hoffman
- Department of Physical Therapy, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
| | - Amitai Zuckerman
- Anxiety and Stress Research Unit, Beer-Sheva Mental Health Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, Division of Psychiatry, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Omri Ram
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Oren Sadot
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Ben-Gurion University, Israel
| | - Hagit Cohen
- Anxiety and Stress Research Unit, Beer-Sheva Mental Health Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, Division of Psychiatry, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
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24
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Bianchi VE, Rizzi L, Bresciani E, Omeljaniuk RJ, Torsello A. Androgen Therapy in Neurodegenerative Diseases. J Endocr Soc 2020; 4:bvaa120. [PMID: 33094209 PMCID: PMC7568521 DOI: 10.1210/jendso/bvaa120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer disease (AD), Parkinson disease (PD), multiple sclerosis (MS), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and Huntington disease, are characterized by the loss of neurons as well as neuronal function in multiple regions of the central and peripheral nervous systems. Several studies in animal models have shown that androgens have neuroprotective effects in the brain and stimulate axonal regeneration. The presence of neuronal androgen receptors in the peripheral and central nervous system suggests that androgen therapy might be useful in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. To illustrate, androgen therapy reduced inflammation, amyloid-β deposition, and cognitive impairment in patients with AD. As well, improvements in remyelination in MS have been reported; by comparison, only variable results are observed in androgen treatment of PD. In ALS, androgen administration stimulated motoneuron recovery from progressive damage and regenerated both axons and dendrites. Only a few clinical studies are available in human individuals despite the safety and low cost of androgen therapy. Clinical evaluations of the effects of androgen therapy on these devastating diseases using large populations of patients are strongly needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vittorio Emanuele Bianchi
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Clinical Center Stella Maris, Strada Rovereta, Falciano, San Marino
| | - Laura Rizzi
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Elena Bresciani
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | | | - Antonio Torsello
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
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25
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Chunchai T, Keawtep P, Arinno A, Saiyasit N, Prus D, Apaijai N, Pratchayasakul W, Chattipakorn N, Chattipakorn SC. N-acetyl cysteine, inulin and the two as a combined therapy ameliorate cognitive decline in testosterone-deprived rats. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 11:3445-3462. [PMID: 31160542 PMCID: PMC6594791 DOI: 10.18632/aging.101989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2018] [Accepted: 05/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Our previous studies reported that testosterone-deprived rats developed cognitive decline as a result of increased brain oxidative stress, microglia hyperactivity, and hippocampal dysplasticity. In addition, gut dysbiosis occurred in these rats. Previous studies demonstrated that n-acetyl cysteine (NAC) and a prebiotic (inulin) improved cognition in several pathological conditions. However, its effects on cognition in the testosterone-deprived condition have never been investigated. This study hypothesized that the administration of NAC, inulin, and a combined therapy improved cognition in castrated rats. Here we report that metabolic disturbance was not observed in the ORX rats, but gut dysbiosis was found in these rats. ORX rats developed blood-brain-barrier (BBB) breakdown, and increased brain oxidative stress as indicated by increased hippocampal production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and an increase in brain malondialdehyde level. ORX rats also demonstrated glia hyperactivation, resulting in hippocampal apoptosis, hippocampal dysplasticity, and cognitive decline. All treatments equally ameliorated cognitive decline by improving gut dysbiosis, alleviating BBB dysfunction, decreasing hippocampal ROS production, decreasing hippocampal apoptosis, and reducing microglia and astrocyte activity. These findings suggest that NAC, inulin, and the combined therapy ameliorated the deleterious effects on the brain in castrated male rats similar to those treated with testosterone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Titikorn Chunchai
- Neurophysiology Unit, Cardiac Electrophysiology Research and Training Center, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand.,Cardiac Electrophysiology Unit, Department of Physiology Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Puntarik Keawtep
- Neurophysiology Unit, Cardiac Electrophysiology Research and Training Center, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand.,Cardiac Electrophysiology Unit, Department of Physiology Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Apiwan Arinno
- Neurophysiology Unit, Cardiac Electrophysiology Research and Training Center, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand.,Cardiac Electrophysiology Unit, Department of Physiology Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Napatsorn Saiyasit
- Neurophysiology Unit, Cardiac Electrophysiology Research and Training Center, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand.,Cardiac Electrophysiology Unit, Department of Physiology Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Dillon Prus
- Neurophysiology Unit, Cardiac Electrophysiology Research and Training Center, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Nattayaporn Apaijai
- Neurophysiology Unit, Cardiac Electrophysiology Research and Training Center, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand.,Cardiac Electrophysiology Unit, Department of Physiology Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Wasana Pratchayasakul
- Neurophysiology Unit, Cardiac Electrophysiology Research and Training Center, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand.,Cardiac Electrophysiology Unit, Department of Physiology Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Nipon Chattipakorn
- Neurophysiology Unit, Cardiac Electrophysiology Research and Training Center, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand.,Cardiac Electrophysiology Unit, Department of Physiology Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Siriporn C Chattipakorn
- Neurophysiology Unit, Cardiac Electrophysiology Research and Training Center, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand.,Department of Oral Biology and Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
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26
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Brandt N, Löffler T, Fester L, Rune GM. Sex-specific features of spine densities in the hippocampus. Sci Rep 2020; 10:11405. [PMID: 32647191 PMCID: PMC7347548 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-68371-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2018] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Previously, we found that in dissociated hippocampal cultures the proportion of large spines (head diameter ≥ 0.6 μm) was larger in cultures from female than from male animals. In order to rule out that this result is an in vitro phenomenon, we analyzed the density of large spines in fixed hippocampal vibratome sections of Thy1-GFP mice, in which GFP is expressed only in subpopulations of neurons. We compared spine numbers of the four estrus cycle stages in females with those of male mice. Remarkably, total spine numbers did not vary during the estrus cycle, while estrus cyclicity was evident regarding the number of large spines and was highest during diestrus, when estradiol levels start to rise. The average total spine number in females was identical with the spine number in male animals. The density of large spines, however, was significantly lower in male than in female animals in each stage of the estrus cycle. Interestingly, the number of spine apparatuses, a typical feature of large spines, did not differ between the sexes. Accordingly, NMDA-R1 and NMDA-R2A/B expression were lower in the hippocampus and in postsynaptic density fractions of adult male animals than in those of female animals. This difference could already be observed at birth for NMDA-R1, but not for NMDA-R2A/B expression. In dissociated embryonic hippocampal cultures, no difference was seen after 21 days in culture, while the difference was evident in postnatal cultures. Our data indicate that hippocampal neurons are differentiated in a sex-dependent manner, this differentiation being likely to develop during the perinatal period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Brandt
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, Center for Experimental Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany.,Department of Human Medicine, Division of Anatomy, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Carl Von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Carl-von-Ossietzky Str. 9-11, 26129, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Tobias Löffler
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, Center for Experimental Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Lars Fester
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, Center for Experimental Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany.,Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, Krankenhausstr. 9, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Gabriele M Rune
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, Center for Experimental Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany.
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27
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Jaeger ECB, Miller LE, Goins EC, Super CE, Chyr CU, Lower JW, Honican LS, Morrison DE, Ramdev RA, Spritzer MD. Testosterone replacement causes dose-dependent improvements in spatial memory among aged male rats. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2020; 113:104550. [PMID: 31901624 PMCID: PMC7080566 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2019.104550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2019] [Revised: 11/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Testosterone has been shown to have dose-dependent effects on spatial memory in males, but the effects of aging upon this relationship remain unclear. Additionally, the mechanism by which testosterone regulates memory is unknown, but may involve changes in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) within specific brain regions. We tested the effects of age and testosterone on spatial memory among male rats using two spatial memory tasks: an object-location memory task (OLMT) and the radial-arm maze (RAM). Castration had minimal effect on performance on the RAM, but young rats (2 months) performed significantly fewer working memory errors than aged rats (20 months), and aged rats performed significantly fewer reference memory errors. Both age and castration impaired performance on the OLMT, with only the young rats with intact gonads successfully performing the task. Subsequent experiments involved daily injections of either drug vehicle or one of four doses of testosterone propionate (0.125, 0.250, 0.500, and 1.00 mg/rat) given to castrated aged males. On the RAM, a low physiological dose (0.125 mg) and high doses (0.500-1.000 mg) of testosterone improved working memory, while an intermediate dose (0.250 mg) did not. On the OLMT, only the 0.250 mg T group showed a significant increase in exploration ratios from the exposure trials to the testing trials, indicating that this group remembered the position of the objects. Brain tissue (prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and striatum) was collected from all subjects to assay BDNF. We found no evidence that testosterone influenced BDNF, indicating that it is unlikely that testosterone regulates spatial memory through changes in BDNF levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliza C B Jaeger
- Program in Neuroscience, Middlebury College, Middlebury, VT, 05753, USA.
| | - L Erin Miller
- Program in Neuroscience, Middlebury College, Middlebury, VT, 05753, USA.
| | - Emily C Goins
- Program in Neuroscience, Middlebury College, Middlebury, VT, 05753, USA.
| | - Chloe E Super
- Program in Neuroscience, Middlebury College, Middlebury, VT, 05753, USA.
| | - Christina U Chyr
- Department of Biology, Middlebury College, Middlebury, VT, 05753, USA.
| | - John W Lower
- Program in Neuroscience, Middlebury College, Middlebury, VT, 05753, USA.
| | - Lauren S Honican
- Program in Neuroscience, Middlebury College, Middlebury, VT, 05753, USA.
| | - Daryl E Morrison
- Department of Biology, Middlebury College, Middlebury, VT, 05753, USA.
| | - Rajan A Ramdev
- Program in Neuroscience, Middlebury College, Middlebury, VT, 05753, USA.
| | - Mark D Spritzer
- Program in Neuroscience, Middlebury College, Middlebury, VT, 05753, USA; Department of Biology, Middlebury College, Middlebury, VT, 05753, USA.
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28
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Spritzer MD, Roy EA. Testosterone and Adult Neurogenesis. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10020225. [PMID: 32028656 PMCID: PMC7072323 DOI: 10.3390/biom10020225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Revised: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
It is now well established that neurogenesis occurs throughout adulthood in select brain regions, but the functional significance of adult neurogenesis remains unclear. There is considerable evidence that steroid hormones modulate various stages of adult neurogenesis, and this review provides a focused summary of the effects of testosterone on adult neurogenesis. Initial evidence came from field studies with birds and wild rodent populations. Subsequent experiments with laboratory rodents have tested the effects of testosterone and its steroid metabolites upon adult neurogenesis, as well as the functional consequences of induced changes in neurogenesis. These experiments have provided clear evidence that testosterone increases adult neurogenesis within the dentate gyrus region of the hippocampus through an androgen-dependent pathway. Most evidence indicates that androgens selectively enhance the survival of newly generated neurons, while having little effect on cell proliferation. Whether this is a result of androgens acting directly on receptors of new neurons remains unclear, and indirect routes involving brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and glucocorticoids may be involved. In vitro experiments suggest that testosterone has broad-ranging neuroprotective effects, which will be briefly reviewed. A better understanding of the effects of testosterone upon adult neurogenesis could shed light on neurological diseases that show sex differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark D. Spritzer
- Department of Biology, Middlebury College, Middlebury, VT 05753, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: 802-443-5676
| | - Ethan A. Roy
- Graduate School of Education, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA;
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29
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Pompili A, Iorio C, Gasbarri A. Effects of sex steroid hormones on memory. Acta Neurobiol Exp (Wars) 2020. [DOI: 10.21307/ane-2020-012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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30
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Herrera-Morales WV, Herrera-Solís A, Núñez-Jaramillo L. Sexual Behavior and Synaptic Plasticity. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2019; 48:2617-2631. [PMID: 31270644 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-019-01483-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2017] [Revised: 05/30/2019] [Accepted: 06/01/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Although sex drive is present in many animal species, sexual behavior is not static and, like many other behaviors, can be modified by experience. This modification relies on synaptic plasticity, a sophisticated mechanism through which neurons change how they process a given stimulus, and the neurophysiological basis of learning. This review addresses the main plastic effects of steroid sex hormones in the central nervous system (CNS) and the effects of sexual experience on the CNS, including effects on neurogenesis, intracellular signaling, gene expression, and changes in dendritic spines, as well as behavioral changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendy Verónica Herrera-Morales
- División de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Quintana Roo, Av. Erick Paolo Martínez S/N esquina Av 4 de marzo. Colonia Magisterial, 77039, Chetumal, Quintana Roo, Mexico
| | - Andrea Herrera-Solís
- Laboratorio Efectos Terapéuticos de los Canabinoides, Subdirección de Investigación Biomédica, Hospital General Dr. Manuel Gea González, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Luis Núñez-Jaramillo
- División de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Quintana Roo, Av. Erick Paolo Martínez S/N esquina Av 4 de marzo. Colonia Magisterial, 77039, Chetumal, Quintana Roo, Mexico.
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31
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Fattoretti P, Malatesta M, Mariotti R, Zancanaro C. Testosterone administration increases synaptic density in the gyrus dentatus of old mice independently of physical exercise. Exp Gerontol 2019; 125:110664. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2019.110664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2019] [Revised: 05/17/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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32
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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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33
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Brandt N, Rune GM. Sex-dependency of oestrogen-induced structural synaptic plasticity: Inhibition of aromatase versus application of estradiol in rodents. Eur J Neurosci 2019; 52:2548-2559. [PMID: 31403726 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.14541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2019] [Revised: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Sex-dependent differences in learning and memory formation in humans have been frequently shown. The mechanisms underlying the formation and retention of memories are assumed to involve synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus. Estradiol was shown to effect synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus of rodents. The effects after exogenous application of estradiol to animals frequently produce inconsistent results, in particular, if sex is not considered in the studies. Recently we provided evidence that locally synthesized estradiol plays an essential role on synaptic connectivity in the hippocampus of females but not of male mice. In females, inhibition of local estradiol synthesis leads to synapse loss, which results from impairment of long-term potentiation and dephosphorylation of cofilin, and thereby the destabilization of postsynaptic dendritic spines. This sex-dependency was also seen in the classical aromatase knock-out mouse. Intriguingly, no differences between sexes have been found in a conditional forebrain-specific aromatase knock-out mouse. Altogether, the findings underscore the necessity of including 'Sex as a Biological Variable' in studies of sex steroid-induced synaptic plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Brandt
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Gabriele M Rune
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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34
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Kipnis PA, Sullivan BJ, Kadam SD. Sex-Dependent Signaling Pathways Underlying Seizure Susceptibility and the Role of Chloride Cotransporters. Cells 2019; 8:cells8050448. [PMID: 31085988 PMCID: PMC6562404 DOI: 10.3390/cells8050448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2019] [Revised: 05/04/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Seizure incidence, severity, and antiseizure medication (ASM) efficacy varies between males and females. Differences in sex-dependent signaling pathways that determine network excitability may be responsible. The identification and validation of sex-dependent molecular mechanisms that influence seizure susceptibility is an emerging focus of neuroscience research. The electroneutral cation-chloride cotransporters (CCCs) of the SLC12A gene family utilize Na+-K+-ATPase generated electrochemical gradients to transport chloride into or out of neurons. CCCs regulate neuronal chloride gradients, cell volume, and have a strong influence over the electrical response to the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA. Acquired or genetic causes of CCCs dysfunction have been linked to seizures during early postnatal development, epileptogenesis, and refractoriness to ASMs. A growing number of studies suggest that the developmental expression of CCCs, such as KCC2, is sex-dependent. This review will summarize the reports of sexual dimorphism in epileptology while focusing on the role of chloride cotransporters and their associated modulators that can influence seizure susceptibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavel A Kipnis
- Neuroscience Laboratory, Hugo Moser Research Institute at Kennedy Krieger, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
| | - Brennan J Sullivan
- Neuroscience Laboratory, Hugo Moser Research Institute at Kennedy Krieger, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
| | - Shilpa D Kadam
- Neuroscience Laboratory, Hugo Moser Research Institute at Kennedy Krieger, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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35
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Chunchai T, Apaijai N, Keawtep P, Mantor D, Arinno A, Pratchayasakul W, Chattipakorn N, Chattipakorn SC. Testosterone deprivation intensifies cognitive decline in obese male rats via glial hyperactivity, increased oxidative stress, and apoptosis in both hippocampus and cortex. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2019; 226:e13229. [PMID: 30506942 DOI: 10.1111/apha.13229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2018] [Revised: 11/24/2018] [Accepted: 11/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
AIM The study hypothesized that testosterone deprivation aggravates cognitive decline in obesity through increasing oxidative stress, glial activation, and apoptosis. METHODS Male Wistar rats (n = 24) were fed with either normal-diet (ND) or high-fat diet (HFD) for 24 weeks. At week 13, ND-fed rats and HFD-fed rats were randomly assigned to two subgroups to receive either a sham-operation or bilateral-orchiectomy (ORX). Rats were evaluated for metabolic parameters and cognition at 4, 8, and 12 weeks after the operation. At the end of protocol, the reactive oxygen species (ROS), glial morphology, and cell apoptosis were determined in hippocampus and cortex. RESULTS Both HFD-fed groups developed obese-insulin resistance, but ND-fed rats did not. HFD-fed rats with sham-operation showed cognitive decline, when compared to ND-fed rats with sham-operation at all time points. At 4- and 8-week after ORX, the cognitive impairment of ND-fed rats and both HFD-fed groups was not different. However, 12-week after ORX, cognitive decline and of glial hyperactivity of HFD-fed rats had the greatest increase among all groups. Hippocampal ROS levels and apoptotic cells in both HFD-fed groups were equally increased, but the cortical ROS levels and apoptotic cells of HFD-fed rats with ORX were the highest ones. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that testosterone deprivation aggravates cognitive decline in obesity via increasing oxidative stress, glial activity and apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Titikorn Chunchai
- Neurophysiology Unit, Cardiac Electrophysiology Research and Training Center, Faculty of Medicine Chiang Mai University Chiang Mai Thailand
- Cardiac Electrophysiology Unit, Department of Physiology Faculty of Medicine Chiang Mai University Chiang Mai Thailand
| | - Nattayaporn Apaijai
- Neurophysiology Unit, Cardiac Electrophysiology Research and Training Center, Faculty of Medicine Chiang Mai University Chiang Mai Thailand
- Cardiac Electrophysiology Unit, Department of Physiology Faculty of Medicine Chiang Mai University Chiang Mai Thailand
| | - Puntarik Keawtep
- Neurophysiology Unit, Cardiac Electrophysiology Research and Training Center, Faculty of Medicine Chiang Mai University Chiang Mai Thailand
- Cardiac Electrophysiology Unit, Department of Physiology Faculty of Medicine Chiang Mai University Chiang Mai Thailand
| | - Duangkamol Mantor
- Neurophysiology Unit, Cardiac Electrophysiology Research and Training Center, Faculty of Medicine Chiang Mai University Chiang Mai Thailand
- Cardiac Electrophysiology Unit, Department of Physiology Faculty of Medicine Chiang Mai University Chiang Mai Thailand
| | - Apiwan Arinno
- Neurophysiology Unit, Cardiac Electrophysiology Research and Training Center, Faculty of Medicine Chiang Mai University Chiang Mai Thailand
- Cardiac Electrophysiology Unit, Department of Physiology Faculty of Medicine Chiang Mai University Chiang Mai Thailand
| | - Wasana Pratchayasakul
- Neurophysiology Unit, Cardiac Electrophysiology Research and Training Center, Faculty of Medicine Chiang Mai University Chiang Mai Thailand
- Cardiac Electrophysiology Unit, Department of Physiology Faculty of Medicine Chiang Mai University Chiang Mai Thailand
| | - Nipon Chattipakorn
- Neurophysiology Unit, Cardiac Electrophysiology Research and Training Center, Faculty of Medicine Chiang Mai University Chiang Mai Thailand
- Cardiac Electrophysiology Unit, Department of Physiology Faculty of Medicine Chiang Mai University Chiang Mai Thailand
| | - Siriporn C. Chattipakorn
- Neurophysiology Unit, Cardiac Electrophysiology Research and Training Center, Faculty of Medicine Chiang Mai University Chiang Mai Thailand
- Department of Oral Biology and Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry Chiang Mai University Chiang Mai Thailand
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36
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Gao S, Chen S, Chen L, Zhao Y, Sun L, Cao M, Huang Y, Niu Q, Wang F, Yuan C, Li C, Zhou X. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor: A steroidogenic regulator of Leydig cells. J Cell Physiol 2019; 234:14058-14067. [PMID: 30628054 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.28095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2018] [Accepted: 12/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) was first recognized for its roles in the peripheral and central nervous systems, and its complex functions on mammalian organs have been extended constantly. However, to date, little is known about its effects on the male reproductive system, including the steroidogenesis of mammals. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the effects of BDNF on testosterone generation of Leydig cells and the underlying mechanisms. We found that BDNF-induced proliferation of TM3 Leydig cells via upregulation of proliferating cell nuclear antigen ( Pcna) and promoted testosterone generation as a result of upregulation of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein ( Star), 3b-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase ( Hsd3b1), and cytochrome P450 side-chain cleavage enzyme ( Cyp11a1) both in primary Leydig cells and TM3 Leydig cells, which were all attenuated in Bdnf knockdown TM3 Leydig cells. Furthermore, the possible mechanism of testosterone synthesis was explored in TM3 Leydig cells. The results showed that BDNF enhanced extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) phosphorylation, and the effect was disrupted by Bdnf deletion. Moreover, PD98059, a potent selective inhibitor of ERK1/2 activation, compromised BDNF-induced testosterone generation and upregulation of Star, Hsd3b1, and Cyp11a1. The Bdnf knockdown assay, on the other hand, indicated the autocrine effect of BDNF on steroidogenesis in TM3 Leydig cells. On the basis of these results, we concluded that BDNF, acting as an autocrine factor, induced testosterone generation as a result of the upregulation of Star, Hsd3b1, and Cyp11a1 via stimulation of the ERK1/2 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Gao
- College of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Shuxiong Chen
- College of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Lu Chen
- College of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yun Zhao
- College of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Liting Sun
- College of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Maosheng Cao
- College of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yuwen Huang
- College of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Qiaoge Niu
- College of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Fengge Wang
- College of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Chenfeng Yuan
- College of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Chunjin Li
- College of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xu Zhou
- College of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China
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Estumano DP, Ferreira LO, Bezerra PAL, da Silva MCP, Jardim GC, Santos GFS, Gustavo KS, Mattos BG, Ramos JAB, Jóia de Mello V, da Costa ET, Lopes DCF, Hamoy M. Alteration of Testosterone Levels Changes Brain Wave Activity Patterns and Induces Aggressive Behavior in Rats. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:654. [PMID: 31616380 PMCID: PMC6768956 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Testosterone is responsible for several changes in the brain, including behavioral and emotional responses, memory, and cognition. Given this, we investigated changes in the brain wave profile caused by supplementation with exogenous testosterone in both castrated and non-castrated rats. We also investigated the serum testosterone levels, renal and hepatic function, and the lipid and behavioral profiles. We found changes in the spectral wave power in both groups (castrated and non-castrated animals) supplemented with exogenous testosterone, consistent with an aggressive/hostile profile. These changes were observed in the electrocorticographic evaluation associated with increased power in low-frequency (delta and theta) and high-frequency (beta and gamma) activity in the supplemented animals. The castrated animals presented a significant decrease of wave power in the alpha frequency. This correlated with a decrease of the performance of the animals in the elevated plus-maze evaluation, given that the alpha wave is linked to the execution and visualization of motor processes. In the behavioral evaluation, the castrated animals presented a reduced permanence time in the elevated-plus maze, although this was prevented by the supplementation of testosterone. Testosterone supplementation induced aggressive behavior in non-castrated animals, but not in castrated ones. Supplemented animals had significantly elevated serum testosterone levels, while their urea levels were significantly lower, but without clinical significance. Our data indicate that testosterone supplementation in non-castrated rats, but not in castrated ones, causes electrocorticographic changes that could be associated with more aggressive and hostile behavior, in addition to indicating a potential for personality disorder. However, further studies are required to elucidate the cellular and molecular changes caused by acute testosterone supplementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Pantoja Estumano
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology of Natural Products, Institute Biological Science, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - Luan Oliveira Ferreira
- Laboratory of Experimental Neuropathology, João de Barros Barreto University Hospital, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - Paulo Augusto Lima Bezerra
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology of Natural Products, Institute Biological Science, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - Maria Clara Pinheiro da Silva
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology of Natural Products, Institute Biological Science, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - Giovanna Coutinho Jardim
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology of Natural Products, Institute Biological Science, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - George Francisco Souza Santos
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology of Natural Products, Institute Biological Science, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - Kayo Silva Gustavo
- Laboratory of Experimental Neuropathology, João de Barros Barreto University Hospital, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - Bruna Gerrits Mattos
- Laboratory of Experimental Neuropathology, João de Barros Barreto University Hospital, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - Jorge Amando Batista Ramos
- Laboratory of Human Cytogenetic, Institute Biological Science, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - Vanessa Jóia de Mello
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology of Natural Products, Institute Biological Science, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - Edmar Tavares da Costa
- Laboratory of Experimental Neuropathology, João de Barros Barreto University Hospital, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - Dielly Catrina Favacho Lopes
- Laboratory of Experimental Neuropathology, João de Barros Barreto University Hospital, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Dielly Catrina Favacho Lopes
| | - Moisés Hamoy
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology of Natural Products, Institute Biological Science, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
- Moisés Hamoy
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Binti Mohd Yusuf Yeo NA, Muthuraju S, Wong JH, Mohammed FR, Senik MH, Zhang J, Yusof SR, Jaafar H, Adenan ML, Mohamad H, Tengku Muhammad TS, Abdullah JM. Hippocampal amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid GluA1 (AMPA GluA1) receptor subunit involves in learning and memory improvement following treatment with Centella asiatica extract in adolescent rats. Brain Behav 2018; 8:e01093. [PMID: 30105867 PMCID: PMC6160644 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.1093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2017] [Revised: 07/02/2018] [Accepted: 07/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Centella asiatica is an herbal plant that contains phytochemicals that are widely believed to have positive effects on cognitive function. The adolescent stage is a critical development period for the maturation of brain processes that encompass changes in physical and psychological systems. However, the effect of C. asiatica has not been extensively studied in adolescents. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate the effects of a C. asiatica extract on the enhancement of learning and memory in adolescent rats. METHODS The locomotor activity, learning, and memory were assessed by using open field test and water T-maze test. This study also examined changes in neuronal cell morphology using cresyl violet and apoptosis staining. We also performed immunohistochemical study to analyse the expression of the glutamate AMPA receptor (α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid) GluA1 subunit and the GABA receptor (γ-Aminobutyric Acid) subtype GABAA α1 subunit in the hippocampus of the same animals. RESULTS We found no significant changes in locomotor activity (p > 0.05). The water T-maze data showed that 30 mg/kg dose significantly (p < 0.05) improved learning, memory, and the memory consolidation phase but had no effect on reversal learning (p > 0.05). Histological data revealed no neuronal morphological changes. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed increased expression of the AMPA GluA1 receptor subunit but there was no effect on GABAA receptor α1 subunit expression in the CA1 and CA2 subregions of the hippocampus. CONCLUSIONS The C. asiatica extract therefore improved hippocampus-dependent spatial learning and memory in a dose-dependent manner in rats through the GluA1-containing AMPA receptor in the CA1 and CA2 sub regions of the hippocampus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nor Aqilah Binti Mohd Yusuf Yeo
- Center for Neuroscience Services and Research(P3Neuro), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Jalan Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia.,Department of Neurosciences, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Jalan Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia.,Department of Neurosciences, Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Jalan Hospital USM, Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Sangu Muthuraju
- Center for Neuroscience Services and Research(P3Neuro), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Jalan Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia.,Department of Neurosciences, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Jalan Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia.,Department of Neurosciences, Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Jalan Hospital USM, Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Jia Hui Wong
- Center for Neuroscience Services and Research(P3Neuro), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Jalan Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia.,Department of Neurosciences, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Jalan Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia.,Department of Neurosciences, Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Jalan Hospital USM, Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Faruque Reza Mohammed
- Center for Neuroscience Services and Research(P3Neuro), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Jalan Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia.,Department of Neurosciences, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Jalan Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia.,Department of Neurosciences, Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Jalan Hospital USM, Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Harizal Senik
- Center for Neuroscience Services and Research(P3Neuro), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Jalan Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia.,Department of Neurosciences, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Jalan Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia.,Department of Neurosciences, Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Jalan Hospital USM, Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Jingli Zhang
- Center for Neuroscience Services and Research(P3Neuro), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Jalan Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia.,Department of Neurosciences, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Jalan Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia.,Department of Neurosciences, Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Jalan Hospital USM, Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | | | - Hasnan Jaafar
- Department of Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Jalan Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Llham Adenan
- Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Habsah Mohamad
- Institute of Marine Biotechnology, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | | | - Jafri Malin Abdullah
- Center for Neuroscience Services and Research(P3Neuro), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Jalan Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia.,Department of Neurosciences, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Jalan Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia.,Department of Neurosciences, Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Jalan Hospital USM, Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia
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Faw TD, Lerch JK, Thaxton TT, Deibert RJ, Fisher LC, Basso DM. Unique Sensory and Motor Behavior in Thy1-GFP-M Mice before and after Spinal Cord Injury. J Neurotrauma 2018; 35:2167-2182. [PMID: 29385890 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2017.5395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Sensorimotor recovery after spinal cord injury (SCI) is of utmost importance to injured individuals and will rely on improved understanding of SCI pathology and recovery. Novel transgenic mouse lines facilitate discovery, but must be understood to be effective. The purpose of this study was to characterize the sensory and motor behavior of a common transgenic mouse line (Thy1-GFP-M) before and after SCI. Thy1-GFP-M positive (TG+) mice and their transgene negative littermates (TG-) were acquired from two sources (in-house colony, n = 32, Jackson Laboratories, n = 4). C57BL/6J wild-type (WT) mice (Jackson Laboratories, n = 10) were strain controls. Moderate-severe T9 contusion (SCI) or transection (TX) occurred in TG+ (SCI, n = 25, TX, n = 5), TG- (SCI, n = 5), and WT (SCI, n = 10) mice. To determine responsiveness to rehabilitation, a cohort of TG+ mice with SCI (n = 4) had flat treadmill (TM) training 42-49 days post-injury (dpi). To characterize recovery, we performed Basso Mouse Scale, Grid Walk, von Frey Hair, and Plantar Heat Testing before and out to day 42 post-SCI. Open field locomotion was significantly better in the Thy1 SCI groups (TG+ and TG-) compared with WT by 7 dpi (p < 0.01) and was maintained through 42 dpi (p < 0.01). These unexpected locomotor gains were not apparent during grid walking, indicating severe impairment of precise motor control. Thy1 derived mice were hypersensitive to mechanical stimuli at baseline (p < 0.05). After SCI, mechanical hyposensitivity emerged in Thy1 derived groups (p < 0.001), while thermal hyperalgesia occurred in all groups (p < 0.001). Importantly, consistent findings across TG+ and TG- groups suggest that the effects are mediated by the genetic background rather than transgene manipulation itself. Surprisingly, TM training restored mechanical and thermal sensation to baseline levels in TG+ mice with SCI. This behavioral profile and responsiveness to chronic training will be important to consider when choosing models to study the mechanisms underlying sensorimotor recovery after SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy D Faw
- 1 Neuroscience Graduate Program, The Ohio State University , Columbus, Ohio.,2 School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The Ohio State University , Columbus, Ohio.,3 Center for Brain and Spinal Cord Repair, The Ohio State University , Columbus, Ohio
| | - Jessica K Lerch
- 3 Center for Brain and Spinal Cord Repair, The Ohio State University , Columbus, Ohio.,4 Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University , Columbus, Ohio
| | - Tyler T Thaxton
- 2 School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The Ohio State University , Columbus, Ohio.,3 Center for Brain and Spinal Cord Repair, The Ohio State University , Columbus, Ohio
| | - Rochelle J Deibert
- 2 School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The Ohio State University , Columbus, Ohio.,3 Center for Brain and Spinal Cord Repair, The Ohio State University , Columbus, Ohio
| | - Lesley C Fisher
- 2 School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The Ohio State University , Columbus, Ohio.,3 Center for Brain and Spinal Cord Repair, The Ohio State University , Columbus, Ohio
| | - D Michele Basso
- 2 School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The Ohio State University , Columbus, Ohio.,3 Center for Brain and Spinal Cord Repair, The Ohio State University , Columbus, Ohio
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40
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Brague JC, Lenchur CN, Hayden JM, Davidson RH, Corrigan K, Santini GT, Swann JM. BDNF infusion into the MPN mag is sufficient to restore copulatory behavior in the castrated Syrian hamster. Horm Behav 2018; 102:69-75. [PMID: 29750970 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2018.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2018] [Revised: 05/03/2018] [Accepted: 05/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Testosterone plays a key role in the expression of male sex behavior by influencing cellular activity and synapses within the magnocellular medial preoptic nucleus (MPN mag), a sub-nucleus of the medial preoptic area (MPOA) in the Syrian hamster. Although the mechanisms underlying hormonally-induced synaptic plasticity in this region remain elusive, the data suggests that an increase in synaptic density may mediate testosterone's effects on copulation. As brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays an integral role in regulating synaptic plasticity and gonadal steroids regulate the levels of BDNF, we hypothesize that BDNF may mediate the effects of gonadal hormones on copulatory behavior. To test this hypothesis, we infused BDNF or controls into the MPN mag of long-term castrates. Our results indicate that BDNF, but not the controls, restored copulatory behavior in castrated male Syrian hamsters. Furthermore, the rise of BDNF expression in the MPOA preceded the rise of synaptophysin following testosterone replacement in castrated males. These data are consistent with our hypothesis, implicating a role for BDNF in mediating testosterone's action on copulation and suggest that the delay in testosterone's restoration of copulation is, in part, due to the delay in the increase of BDNF and synaptophysin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joe C Brague
- Lsehigh University, Department of Biological Sciences, Iacocca Hall, 111 Research Dr., Bethlehem, PA 18015, United States.
| | - Christine N Lenchur
- Lsehigh University, Department of Biological Sciences, Iacocca Hall, 111 Research Dr., Bethlehem, PA 18015, United States.
| | - Julia M Hayden
- Lsehigh University, Department of Biological Sciences, Iacocca Hall, 111 Research Dr., Bethlehem, PA 18015, United States.
| | - Rachel H Davidson
- Lsehigh University, Department of Biological Sciences, Iacocca Hall, 111 Research Dr., Bethlehem, PA 18015, United States.
| | - Kelly Corrigan
- Lsehigh University, Department of Biological Sciences, Iacocca Hall, 111 Research Dr., Bethlehem, PA 18015, United States.
| | - Garrett T Santini
- Lsehigh University, Department of Biological Sciences, Iacocca Hall, 111 Research Dr., Bethlehem, PA 18015, United States.
| | - Jennifer M Swann
- Lsehigh University, Department of Biological Sciences, Iacocca Hall, 111 Research Dr., Bethlehem, PA 18015, United States.
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Tsai SJ. Critical Issues in BDNF Val66Met Genetic Studies of Neuropsychiatric Disorders. Front Mol Neurosci 2018; 11:156. [PMID: 29867348 PMCID: PMC5962780 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2018.00156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2018] [Accepted: 04/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurotrophins have been implicated in the pathophysiology of many neuropsychiatric diseases. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is the most abundant and widely distributed neurotrophin in the brain. Its Val66Met polymorphism (refSNP Cluster Report: rs6265) is a common and functional single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) affecting the activity-dependent release of BDNF. BDNF Val66Met transgenic mice have been generated, which may provide further insight into the functional impact of this polymorphism in the brain. Considering the important role of BDNF in brain function, more than 1,100 genetic studies have investigated this polymorphism in the past 15 years. Although these studies have reported some encouraging positive findings initially, most of the findings cannot be replicated in following studies. These inconsistencies in BDNF Val66Met genetic studies may be attributed to many factors such as age, sex, environmental factors, ethnicity, genetic model used for analysis, and gene–gene interaction, which are discussed in this review. We also discuss the results of recent studies that have reported the novel functions of this polymorphism. Because many BDNF polymorphisms and non-genetic factors have been implicated in the complex traits of neuropsychiatric diseases, the conventional genetic association-based method is limited to address these complex interactions. Future studies should apply data mining and machine learning techniques to determine the genetic role of BDNF in neuropsychiatric diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shih-Jen Tsai
- Department of Psychiatry, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Institute of Brain Science, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Zhao J, Bian C, Liu M, Zhao Y, Sun T, Xing F, Zhang J. Orchiectomy and letrozole differentially regulate synaptic plasticity and spatial memory in a manner that is mediated by SRC-1 in the hippocampus of male mice. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2018; 178:354-368. [PMID: 29452160 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2018.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2017] [Revised: 02/07/2018] [Accepted: 02/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Hippocampal synaptic plasticity is the basis of spatial memory and cognition and is strongly regulated by both testicular androgens (testosterone, T) and hippocampal estrogens (17β-estradiol, E2) converted from T by aromatase, which is inhibited by letrozole (LET), but the contribution of each pathway to spatial memory and the associated mechanisms are unclear. In this study, we first used orchiectomy (ORX) and LET injection to investigate the effects of T and hippocampal E2 on spatial memory and hippocampal synaptic plasticity. Next, we examined the changes in steroid receptors and steroid receptor coactivator-1 (SRC-1) under these treatments. Finally, we constructed an SRC-1 RNA interference lentivirus and an AROM overexpression lentivirus to explore the roles of SRC-1 under T replacement and AROM overexpression. The results revealed spatial memory impairment only after LET. LET induced more actin depolymerization and greater losses of spines, synapses, and postsynaptic proteins compared with ORX. Moreover, although ERα and ERβ were affected by LET and ORX at similar levels, AR, GPR30, and SRC-1 were dramatically decreased by LET compared with ORX. Finally, the T and AROM overexpression-induced changes in synaptic proteins and actin polymerization were blocked by SRC-1 inhibition. These results demonstrate that testicular androgens play a limited role, whereas local E2 is more important for cognition, which may explain why castrated men such as eunuchs usually do not have cognitive disorders. These results also suggest a pivotal role of SRC-1 in the action of steroids; thus, SRC-1 may serve as a novel therapeutic target for cognitive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jikai Zhao
- Department of Neurobiology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Chen Bian
- Department of Military Psychology, College of Psychology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Mengying Liu
- Department of Neurobiology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Yangang Zhao
- Department of Neurobiology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Tao Sun
- Department of Neurobiology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Fangzhou Xing
- Department of Neurobiology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China; School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Jiqiang Zhang
- Department of Neurobiology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China.
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Adhya D, Annuario E, Lancaster MA, Price J, Baron‐Cohen S, Srivastava DP. Understanding the role of steroids in typical and atypical brain development: Advantages of using a "brain in a dish" approach. J Neuroendocrinol 2018; 30:e12547. [PMID: 29024164 PMCID: PMC5838783 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2017] [Revised: 09/14/2017] [Accepted: 10/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Steroids have an important role in growth, development, sexual differentiation and reproduction. All four classes of steroids, androgens, oestrogens, progestogens and glucocorticoids, have varying effects on the brain. Androgens and oestrogens are involved in the sexual differentiation of the brain, and also influence cognition. Progestogens such as progesterone and its metabolites have been shown to be involved in neuroprotection, although their protective effects are timing-dependent. Glucocorticoids are linked with stress and memory performance, also in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Importantly, dysfunction in steroid function has been implicated in the pathogenesis of disease. Moreover, regulating steroid-signalling has been suggested as potential therapeutic avenue for the treatment of a number of neurodevelopmental, psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. Therefore, clarifying the role of steroids in typical and atypical brain function is essential for understanding typical brain functions, as well as determining their potential use for pharmacological intervention in the atypical brain. However, the majority of studies have thus far have been conducted using animal models, with limited work using native human tissue or cells. Here, we review the effect of steroids in the typical and atypical brain, focusing on the cellular, molecular functions of these molecules determined from animal models, and the therapeutic potential as highlighted by human studies. We further discuss the promise of human-induced pluripotent stem cells, including advantages of using three-dimensional neuronal cultures (organoids) in high-throughput screens, in accelerating our understanding of the role of steroids in the typical brain, and also with respect to their therapeutic value in the understanding and treatment of the atypical brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- D. Adhya
- Department of PsychiatryAutism Research CentreUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
- Department of Basic and Clinical NeuroscienceMaurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience InstituteInstitute of Psychiatry, Psychology and NeuroscienceKing's College LondonLondonUK
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular BiologyCambridgeUK
| | - E. Annuario
- Department of Basic and Clinical NeuroscienceMaurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience InstituteInstitute of Psychiatry, Psychology and NeuroscienceKing's College LondonLondonUK
| | | | - J. Price
- Department of Basic and Clinical NeuroscienceMaurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience InstituteInstitute of Psychiatry, Psychology and NeuroscienceKing's College LondonLondonUK
- MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental DisordersKing's College LondonLondonUK
- National Institute for Biological Standards and ControlSouth MimmsUK
| | - S. Baron‐Cohen
- Department of PsychiatryAutism Research CentreUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | - D. P. Srivastava
- Department of Basic and Clinical NeuroscienceMaurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience InstituteInstitute of Psychiatry, Psychology and NeuroscienceKing's College LondonLondonUK
- MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental DisordersKing's College LondonLondonUK
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44
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Zárate S, Stevnsner T, Gredilla R. Role of Estrogen and Other Sex Hormones in Brain Aging. Neuroprotection and DNA Repair. Front Aging Neurosci 2018. [PMID: 29311911 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2017.00430/xml/nlm] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Aging is an inevitable biological process characterized by a progressive decline in physiological function and increased susceptibility to disease. The detrimental effects of aging are observed in all tissues, the brain being the most important one due to its main role in the homeostasis of the organism. As our knowledge about the underlying mechanisms of brain aging increases, potential approaches to preserve brain function rise significantly. Accumulating evidence suggests that loss of genomic maintenance may contribute to aging, especially in the central nervous system (CNS) owing to its low DNA repair capacity. Sex hormones, particularly estrogens, possess potent antioxidant properties and play important roles in maintaining normal reproductive and non-reproductive functions. They exert neuroprotective actions and their loss during aging and natural or surgical menopause is associated with mitochondrial dysfunction, neuroinflammation, synaptic decline, cognitive impairment and increased risk of age-related disorders. Moreover, loss of sex hormones has been suggested to promote an accelerated aging phenotype eventually leading to the development of brain hypometabolism, a feature often observed in menopausal women and prodromal Alzheimer's disease (AD). Although data on the relation between sex hormones and DNA repair mechanisms in the brain is still limited, various investigations have linked sex hormone levels with different DNA repair enzymes. Here, we review estrogen anti-aging and neuroprotective mechanisms, which are currently an area of intense study, together with the effect they may have on the DNA repair capacity in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Zárate
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED, UBA-CONICET), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Departamento de Histología, Embriología, Biología Celular y Genética, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Tinna Stevnsner
- Danish Center for Molecular Gerontology and Danish Aging Research Center, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, University of Aarhus, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Ricardo Gredilla
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
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45
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Brague JC, Zinn CR, Granot DY, Feathers CT, Swann JM. TrkB is necessary for male copulatory behavior in the Syrian Hamster (Mesocricetus auratus). Horm Behav 2018; 97:162-169. [PMID: 29092774 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2017.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2017] [Revised: 10/23/2017] [Accepted: 10/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The magnocellular medial preoptic nucleus (MPN mag), a subdivision of the medial preoptic area (MPOA), plays a critical role in the regulation of copulation in the male Syrian hamster; in part by mediating the effects of gonadal steroids. For example, ablation of the MPN mag eliminates mating and testosterone placed in the MPN mag restores mating in castrated males. Furthermore, testosterone treatment enhances synaptic density and dendritic spines in the MPN mag. Thus, copulatory behaviors are correlated with increases in synaptic morphology in the MPN mag. As brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its receptor, tyrosine receptor kinase-B (TrkB), effect neuronal growth and synaptic plasticity, this study explored the role of TrkB and BDNF in mediating testosterone's effects on the MPN mag and behavior. Testosterone treatment increased BDNF expression and conversely lowered TrkB expression in the MPOA. siRNA-mediated TrkB knockdown in the MPN mag eliminated copulation two-days post injection and the behavior was restored one week later. These data indicate that testosterone influences the expression of BDNF and TrkB in the MPOA and that expression of copulation is dependent on the presence of TrkB. Taken together our findings support a role for TrkB and BDNF in mediating the effects of testosterone on copulatory behavior in the Syrian hamster.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joe C Brague
- Lehigh University, Department of Biological Sciences, Iacocca Hall, 111 Research Dr., Bethlehem, PA 18015, United States..
| | - Clifford R Zinn
- Lehigh University, Department of Biological Sciences, Iacocca Hall, 111 Research Dr., Bethlehem, PA 18015, United States
| | - Dean Y Granot
- Lehigh University, Department of Biological Sciences, Iacocca Hall, 111 Research Dr., Bethlehem, PA 18015, United States
| | - Cameron T Feathers
- Lehigh University, Department of Biological Sciences, Iacocca Hall, 111 Research Dr., Bethlehem, PA 18015, United States
| | - Jennifer M Swann
- Lehigh University, Department of Biological Sciences, Iacocca Hall, 111 Research Dr., Bethlehem, PA 18015, United States..
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McCarthny CR, Du X, Wu YC, Hill RA. Investigating the Interactive Effects of Sex Steroid Hormones and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor during Adolescence on Hippocampal NMDA Receptor Expression. Int J Endocrinol 2018; 2018:7231915. [PMID: 29666640 PMCID: PMC5831834 DOI: 10.1155/2018/7231915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2017] [Revised: 10/05/2017] [Accepted: 10/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex steroid hormones have neuroprotective properties which may be mediated by brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). This study sought to determine the interactive effects of preadolescent hormone manipulation and BDNF heterozygosity (+/-) on hippocampal NMDA-R expression. Wild-type and BDNF+/- mice were gonadectomised, and females received either 17β-estradiol or progesterone treatment, while males received either testosterone or dihydrotestosterone (DHT) treatment. Dorsal (DHP) and ventral hippocampus (VHP) were dissected, and protein expression of GluN1, GluN2A, GluN2B, and PSD-95 was assessed by Western blot analysis. Significant genotype × OVX interactions were found for GluN1 and GluN2 expression within the DHP of female mice, suggesting modulation of select NMDA-R levels by female sex hormones is mediated by BDNF. Furthermore, within the DHP BDNF+/- mice show a hypersensitive response to hormone treatment on GluN2 expression which may result from upstream alterations in TrkB phosphorylation. In contrast to the DHP, the VHP showed no effects of hormone manipulation but significant effects of genotype on NMDA-R expression. Castration had no effect on NMDA-R expression; however, androgen treatment had selective effects on GluN2B. These data show case distinct, interactive roles for sex steroid hormones and BDNF in the regulation of NMDA-R expression that are dependent on dorsal versus ventral hippocampal region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cushla R. McCarthny
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash Medical Centre, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Xin Du
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash Medical Centre, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - YeeWen Candace Wu
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Rachel A. Hill
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash Medical Centre, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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47
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Zárate S, Stevnsner T, Gredilla R. Role of Estrogen and Other Sex Hormones in Brain Aging. Neuroprotection and DNA Repair. Front Aging Neurosci 2017; 9:430. [PMID: 29311911 PMCID: PMC5743731 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2017.00430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 159] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2017] [Accepted: 12/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Aging is an inevitable biological process characterized by a progressive decline in physiological function and increased susceptibility to disease. The detrimental effects of aging are observed in all tissues, the brain being the most important one due to its main role in the homeostasis of the organism. As our knowledge about the underlying mechanisms of brain aging increases, potential approaches to preserve brain function rise significantly. Accumulating evidence suggests that loss of genomic maintenance may contribute to aging, especially in the central nervous system (CNS) owing to its low DNA repair capacity. Sex hormones, particularly estrogens, possess potent antioxidant properties and play important roles in maintaining normal reproductive and non-reproductive functions. They exert neuroprotective actions and their loss during aging and natural or surgical menopause is associated with mitochondrial dysfunction, neuroinflammation, synaptic decline, cognitive impairment and increased risk of age-related disorders. Moreover, loss of sex hormones has been suggested to promote an accelerated aging phenotype eventually leading to the development of brain hypometabolism, a feature often observed in menopausal women and prodromal Alzheimer's disease (AD). Although data on the relation between sex hormones and DNA repair mechanisms in the brain is still limited, various investigations have linked sex hormone levels with different DNA repair enzymes. Here, we review estrogen anti-aging and neuroprotective mechanisms, which are currently an area of intense study, together with the effect they may have on the DNA repair capacity in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Zárate
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED, UBA-CONICET), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Departamento de Histología, Embriología, Biología Celular y Genética, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Tinna Stevnsner
- Danish Center for Molecular Gerontology and Danish Aging Research Center, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, University of Aarhus, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Ricardo Gredilla
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
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48
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Chan CB, Ye K. Sex differences in brain-derived neurotrophic factor signaling and functions. J Neurosci Res 2017; 95:328-335. [PMID: 27870419 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.23863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2016] [Revised: 05/27/2016] [Accepted: 07/11/2016] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a member of the neurotrophin family that plays a critical role in numerous neuronal activities. Recent studies have indicated that some functions or action mechanisms of BDNF vary in a sex-dependent manner. In particular, BDNF content in some brain parts and the tendency to develop BDNF deficiency-related diseases such as depression are greater in female animals. With the support of relevant studies, it has been suggested that sex hormones or steroids can modulate the activities of BDNF, which may account for its functional discrepancy in different sexes. Indeed, the cross-talk between BDNF and sex steroids has been detected for decades, and some sex steroids, such as estrogen, have a positive regulatory effect on BDNF expression and signaling. Thus, the sex of animal models that are used in studying the functions of BDNF is critical. This Mini-Review summarizes our current findings on the differences in expression, signaling, and functions of BDNF between sexes. We also discuss the potential mechanisms for mediating these differential responses, with a specific emphasis on sex steroids. By presenting and discussing these findings, we seek to encourage researchers to take sex influences into consideration when designing experiments, interpreting results, and drawing conclusions. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi Bun Chan
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Keqiang Ye
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, USA
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49
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Matsuo S, Matsuda KI, Takanami K, Mori T, Tanaka M, Kawata M, Kitawaki J. Decrease in neuronal spine density in the postpartum period in the amygdala and bed nucleus of the stria terminalis in rat. Neurosci Lett 2017; 641:21-25. [PMID: 28115236 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2017.01.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2016] [Revised: 12/28/2016] [Accepted: 01/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
In pregnancy and the postpartum period, many women have emotional instability and some suffer from depression. The ovarian steroid hormone milieu is markedly changed during these periods, and this hormonal change may be an important cause of peripartum emotional instability. The amygdala is a central region of emotion, and the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST), which is considered to be the extended amygdala, is also involved in the emotional response. The amygdala and BNST are well characterized as target brain regions for ovarian steroid hormones, and this suggests that the functional response of neurons in these regions to hormonal fluctuation is affected in the peripartum period. In this study, we investigated the neuronal morphology in the central (CeA) and basolateral (BLA) nucleus of the amygdala and BNST on gestational days 15 (G15) (mid-gestation) and 20 (G20) (late gestation) and 4days after delivery (P4) (early postpartum) in rat. Golgi staining showed that the dendritic spine density, and particularly the number of mature mushroom-type spines, in the CeA, BLA and BNST was significantly decreased at P4, compared with G15 and G20 and with virgin females in the estrous phase in the normal estrous cycle (Est). Interestingly, the presence of pups after delivery influenced the spine density in the BNST. The density was significantly decreased with pup presence compared with pup absence at P4, and compared with G15, G20 and Est. These results provide fundamental insights into the neuronal basis underlying emotional instability during pregnancy and postpartum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seiki Matsuo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Ken Ichi Matsuda
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan.
| | - Keiko Takanami
- Ushimado Marine Institute, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, Ushimado, Setouchi, Okayama, Japan
| | - Taisuke Mori
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Masaki Tanaka
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | | | - Jo Kitawaki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
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50
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Mendell AL, Atwi S, Bailey CDC, McCloskey D, Scharfman HE, MacLusky NJ. Expansion of mossy fibers and CA3 apical dendritic length accompanies the fall in dendritic spine density after gonadectomy in male, but not female, rats. Brain Struct Funct 2017; 222:587-601. [PMID: 27283589 PMCID: PMC5337402 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-016-1237-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2015] [Accepted: 05/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Androgen loss is an important clinical concern because of its cognitive and behavioral effects. Changes in androgen levels are also suspected to contribute to neurological disease. However, the available data on the effects of androgen deprivation in areas of the brain that are central to cognition, like the hippocampus, are mixed. In this study, morphological analysis of pyramidal cells was used to investigate if structural changes could potentially contribute to the mixed cognitive effects that have been observed after androgen loss in males. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were orchidectomized or sham-operated. Two months later, their brains were Golgi-impregnated for morphological analysis. Morphological endpoints were studied in areas CA3 and CA1, with comparisons to females either intact or 2 months after ovariectomy. CA3 pyramidal neurons of orchidectomized rats exhibited marked increases in apical dendritic arborization. There were increases in mossy fiber afferent density in area CA3, as well as robust enhancements to dendritic structure in area CA3 of orchidectomized males, but not in CA1. Remarkably, apical dendritic length of CA3 pyramidal cells increased, while spine density declined. By contrast, in females overall dendritic structure was minimally affected by ovariectomy, while dendritic spine density was greatly reduced. Sex differences and subfield-specific effects of gonadal hormone deprivation on the hippocampal circuitry may help explain the different behavioral effects reported in males and females after gonadectomy, or other conditions associated with declining gonadal hormone secretion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ari L Mendell
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Sarah Atwi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Craig D C Bailey
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Dan McCloskey
- Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Center of Dementia Research, Orangeburg, NY, 10962, USA
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, 10016, USA
- Department of Physiology and Neuroscience, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, 10016, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, 10016, USA
- Department of Psychology, College of Staten Island, City University of New York, New York, 10314, USA
| | - Helen E Scharfman
- Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Center of Dementia Research, Orangeburg, NY, 10962, USA
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, 10016, USA
- Department of Physiology and Neuroscience, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, 10016, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Neil J MacLusky
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada.
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