1
|
Cioffi L, Diviccaro S, Chrostek G, Caruso D, Garcia-Segura LM, Melcangi RC, Giatti S. Neuroactive steroids fluctuate with regional specificity in the central and peripheral nervous system across the rat estrous cycle. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2024; 243:106590. [PMID: 39053702 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2024.106590] [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: 06/25/2024] [Revised: 07/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
Neuroactive steroids (i.e., sex steroid hormones and neurosteroids) are important physiological regulators of nervous function and potential neuroprotective agents for neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders. Sex is an important component of such effects. However, even if fluctuations in sex steroid hormone level during the menstrual cycle are associated with neuropathological events in some women, the neuroactive steroid pattern in the brain across the ovarian cycle has been poorly explored. Therefore, we assessed the levels of pregnenolone, progesterone, and its metabolites (i.e., dihydroprogesterone, allopregnanolone and isoallopregnanolone), dehydroepiandrosterone, testosterone and its metabolites (i.e., dihydrotestosterone, 3α-diol and 17β-estradiol) across the rat ovarian cycle to determine whether their plasma fluctuations are similar to those occurring in the central (i.e., hippocampus and cerebral cortex) and peripheral (i.e., sciatic nerve) nervous system. Data obtained indicate that the plasma pattern of these molecules generally does not fully reflect the events occurring in the nervous system. In addition, for some neuroactive steroid levels, the pattern is not identical between the two brain regions and between the brain and peripheral nerves. Indeed, with the exception of progesterone, all other neuroactive steroids assessed here showed peculiar regional differences in their pattern of fluctuation in the nervous system during the estrous cycle. These observations may have important diagnostic and therapeutic consequences for neuropathological events influenced by the menstrual cycle.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Cioffi
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences "Rodolfo Paoletti", Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano 20133, Italy
| | - Silvia Diviccaro
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences "Rodolfo Paoletti", Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano 20133, Italy
| | - Gabriela Chrostek
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences "Rodolfo Paoletti", Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano 20133, Italy
| | - Donatella Caruso
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences "Rodolfo Paoletti", Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano 20133, Italy
| | - Luis Miguel Garcia-Segura
- Cajal Institute, CSIC, Avenida Doctor Arce 37, 28002 Madrid, Spain and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid 28029, Spain
| | - Roberto Cosimo Melcangi
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences "Rodolfo Paoletti", Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano 20133, Italy.
| | - Silvia Giatti
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences "Rodolfo Paoletti", Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano 20133, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Okechukwu NG, Klein C, Jamann H, Maitre M, Patte-Mensah C, Mensah-Nyagan AG. Monomeric Amyloid Peptide-induced Toxicity in Human Oligodendrocyte Cell Line and Mouse Brain Primary Mixed-glial Cell Cultures: Evidence for a Neuroprotective Effect of Neurosteroid 3α-O-allyl-allopregnanolone. Neurotox Res 2024; 42:37. [PMID: 39102123 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-024-00715-1] [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: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024]
Abstract
Amyloid-peptide (Aβ) monomeric forms (ABM) occurring in presymptomatic Alzheimer's disease (AD) brain are thought to be devoid of neurotoxicity while the transition/aggregation of ABM into oligomers is determinant for Aβ-induced toxicity since Aβ is predominantly monomeric up to 3 µM and aggregates over this concentration. However, recent imaging and/or histopathological investigations revealed alterations of myelin in prodromal AD brain in absence of aggregated Aβ oligomers, suggesting that ABM may induce toxicity in myelin-producing cells in early AD-stages. To check this hypothesis, here we studied ABM effects on the viability of the Human oligodendrocyte cell line (HOG), a reliable oligodendrocyte model producing myelin proteins. Furthermore, to mimic closely interactions between oligodendrocytes and other glial cells regulating myelination, we investigated also ABM effects on mouse brain primary mixed-glial cell cultures. Various methods were combined to show that ABM concentrations (600 nM-1 µM), extremely lower than 3 µM, significantly decreased HOG cell and mouse brain primary mixed-glial cell survival. Interestingly, flow-cytometry studies using specific cell-type markers demonstrated that oligodendrocytes represent the most vulnerable glial cell population affected by ABM toxicity. Our work also shows that the neurosteroid 3α-O-allyl-allopregnanolone BR351 (250 and 500 nM) efficiently prevented ABM-induced HOG and brain primary glial cell toxicity. Bicuculline (50-100 nM), the GABA-A-receptor antagonist, was unable to block/reduce BR351 effect against ABM-induced HOG and primary glial cell toxicity, suggesting that BR351-evoked neuroprotection of these cells may not depend on GABA-A-receptor allosterically modulated by neurosteroids. Altogether, our results suggest that further exploration of BR351 therapeutic potential may offer interesting perspectives to develop effective neuroprotective strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nwife Getrude Okechukwu
- Biopathologie de la Myéline, Neuroprotection et Stratégies Thérapeutiques, INSERM U1119, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Université de Strasbourg, Bâtiment CRBS de la Faculté de Médecine, 1 rue Eugène Boeckel, 67 000, Strasbourg, France
| | - Christian Klein
- Biopathologie de la Myéline, Neuroprotection et Stratégies Thérapeutiques, INSERM U1119, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Université de Strasbourg, Bâtiment CRBS de la Faculté de Médecine, 1 rue Eugène Boeckel, 67 000, Strasbourg, France
- Centre d'Investigation Clinique de Strasbourg (CIC), Equipe CIC-Recherche Translationnelle Neuro, INSERM 1434, Université de Strasbourg, Bâtiment CRBS, 1 rue Eugène Boeckel, 67000, Strasbourg, France
| | - Hélène Jamann
- Biopathologie de la Myéline, Neuroprotection et Stratégies Thérapeutiques, INSERM U1119, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Université de Strasbourg, Bâtiment CRBS de la Faculté de Médecine, 1 rue Eugène Boeckel, 67 000, Strasbourg, France
- Centre d'Investigation Clinique de Strasbourg (CIC), Equipe CIC-Recherche Translationnelle Neuro, INSERM 1434, Université de Strasbourg, Bâtiment CRBS, 1 rue Eugène Boeckel, 67000, Strasbourg, France
| | - Michel Maitre
- Biopathologie de la Myéline, Neuroprotection et Stratégies Thérapeutiques, INSERM U1119, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Université de Strasbourg, Bâtiment CRBS de la Faculté de Médecine, 1 rue Eugène Boeckel, 67 000, Strasbourg, France
- Centre d'Investigation Clinique de Strasbourg (CIC), Equipe CIC-Recherche Translationnelle Neuro, INSERM 1434, Université de Strasbourg, Bâtiment CRBS, 1 rue Eugène Boeckel, 67000, Strasbourg, France
| | - Christine Patte-Mensah
- Biopathologie de la Myéline, Neuroprotection et Stratégies Thérapeutiques, INSERM U1119, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Université de Strasbourg, Bâtiment CRBS de la Faculté de Médecine, 1 rue Eugène Boeckel, 67 000, Strasbourg, France
- Centre d'Investigation Clinique de Strasbourg (CIC), Equipe CIC-Recherche Translationnelle Neuro, INSERM 1434, Université de Strasbourg, Bâtiment CRBS, 1 rue Eugène Boeckel, 67000, Strasbourg, France
| | - Ayikoé-Guy Mensah-Nyagan
- Biopathologie de la Myéline, Neuroprotection et Stratégies Thérapeutiques, INSERM U1119, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Université de Strasbourg, Bâtiment CRBS de la Faculté de Médecine, 1 rue Eugène Boeckel, 67 000, Strasbourg, France.
- Centre d'Investigation Clinique de Strasbourg (CIC), Equipe CIC-Recherche Translationnelle Neuro, INSERM 1434, Université de Strasbourg, Bâtiment CRBS, 1 rue Eugène Boeckel, 67000, Strasbourg, France.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Gray SL, Lam EK, Henao-Diaz LF, Jalabert C, Soma KK. Effect of a Territorial Challenge on the Steroid Profile of a Juvenile Songbird. Neuroscience 2024; 541:118-132. [PMID: 38301739 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2024.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Aggression is a social behavior that is critical for survival and reproduction. In adults, circulating gonadal hormones, such as androgens, act on neural circuits to modulate aggressive interactions, especially in reproductive contexts. In many species, individuals also demonstrate aggression before reaching gonadal maturation. Adult male song sparrows, Melospiza melodia, breed seasonally but maintain territories year-round. Juvenile (hatch-year) males aggressively compete for territory ownership during their first winter when circulating testosterone is low. Here, we characterized the relationship between the steroid milieu and aggressive behavior in free-living juvenile male song sparrows in winter. We investigated the effect of a 10 min simulated territorial intrusion (STI) on behavior and steroid levels in blood, 10 microdissected brain regions, and four peripheral tissues (liver, pectoral muscle, adrenal glands, and testes). Using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), we quantified 12 steroids: pregnenolone, progesterone, corticosterone, 11-dehydrocorticosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone, androstenedione, testosterone, 5α-dihydrotestosterone, 17β-estradiol, 17α-estradiol, estrone, and estriol. We found that juvenile males are robustly aggressive, like adult males. An STI increases progesterone and corticosterone levels in blood and brain and increases 11-dehydrocorticosterone levels in blood only. Pregnenolone, androgens, and estrogens are generally non-detectable and are not affected by an STI. In peripheral tissues, steroid concentrations are very high in the adrenals. These data suggest that adrenal steroids, such as progesterone and corticosterone, might promote juvenile aggression and that juvenile and adult songbirds might rely on distinct neuroendocrine mechanisms to support similar aggressive behaviors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sofia L Gray
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
| | - Emma K Lam
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - L Francisco Henao-Diaz
- Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Biodiversity Research Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Cecilia Jalabert
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Kiran K Soma
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Singh M, Krishnamoorthy VR, Kim S, Khurana S, LaPorte HM. Brain-derived neuerotrophic factor and related mechanisms that mediate and influence progesterone-induced neuroprotection. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1286066. [PMID: 38469139 PMCID: PMC10925611 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1286066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Historically, progesterone has been studied significantly within the context of reproductive biology. However, there is now an abundance of evidence for its role in regions of the central nervous system (CNS) associated with such non-reproductive functions that include cognition and affect. Here, we describe mechanisms of progesterone action that support its brain-protective effects, and focus particularly on the role of neurotrophins (such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor, BDNF), the receptors that are critical for their regulation, and the role of certain microRNA in influencing the brain-protective effects of progesterone. In addition, we describe evidence to support the particular importance of glia in mediating the neuroprotective effects of progesterone. Through this review of these mechanisms and our own prior published work, we offer insight into why the effects of a progestin on brain protection may be dependent on the type of progestin (e.g., progesterone versus the synthetic, medroxyprogesterone acetate) used, and age, and as such, we offer insight into the future clinical implication of progesterone treatment for such disorders that include Alzheimer's disease, stroke, and traumatic brain injury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meharvan Singh
- Department of Cell and Molecular Physiology, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, United States
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Valerio E, Stocchero M, Pirillo P, D'Errico I, Bonadies L, Galderisi A, Giordano G, Baraldi E. Neurosteroid pathway derangement in asphyctic infants treated with hypothermia: an untargeted metabolomic approach. EBioMedicine 2023; 92:104636. [PMID: 37257315 PMCID: PMC10244906 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2023.104636] [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: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The pathobiological mechanisms associated with perinatal asphyxia and hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy are complex and poorly understood. The metabolic effects of therapeutic hypothermia have been partially explored. METHODS We conducted a single-center longitudinal study to investigate the metabolic effects of perinatal asphyxia and hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy on the urinary metabolome of a group of 12 asphyctic infants over time compared to 22 matched healthy newborns, using untargeted metabolomics based on mass spectrometry. FINDINGS Over-representation pathway analysis identified the steroidogenesis pathway as being significantly disrupted, with reduced steroid levels in the first three days of life despite treatment with hypothermia. Comparison with matched healthy newborns showed that the urinary steroid content was lower in asphyctic infants before hypothermia. The lysine degradation and carnitine synthesis pathways were also significantly affected. INTERPRETATION Steroidogenesis is significantly disrupted in asphyctic infants compared to healthy newborns. Given how neurosteroids are involved in neuromodulation and neuroprotection, translational research is warranted on the potential role of neurosteroid-based intervention in asphyctic infants. FUNDING None.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Valerio
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Department of Woman's and Child's Health, Azienda Ospedale-Università di Padova, Italy; Institute of Pediatric Research "Città Della Speranza", Padova, Italy
| | - Matteo Stocchero
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Department of Woman's and Child's Health, Azienda Ospedale-Università di Padova, Italy; Institute of Pediatric Research "Città Della Speranza", Padova, Italy
| | - Paola Pirillo
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Department of Woman's and Child's Health, Azienda Ospedale-Università di Padova, Italy; Institute of Pediatric Research "Città Della Speranza", Padova, Italy
| | - Ignazio D'Errico
- Department of Neuroradiology, Azienda Ospedale-Università di Padova, Italy
| | - Luca Bonadies
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Department of Woman's and Child's Health, Azienda Ospedale-Università di Padova, Italy; Institute of Pediatric Research "Città Della Speranza", Padova, Italy
| | - Alfonso Galderisi
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Department of Woman's and Child's Health, Azienda Ospedale-Università di Padova, Italy; Department of Pediatrics, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Giuseppe Giordano
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Department of Woman's and Child's Health, Azienda Ospedale-Università di Padova, Italy; Institute of Pediatric Research "Città Della Speranza", Padova, Italy
| | - Eugenio Baraldi
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Department of Woman's and Child's Health, Azienda Ospedale-Università di Padova, Italy; Institute of Pediatric Research "Città Della Speranza", Padova, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Frau R, Traccis F, Concas L, Cadeddu R, Mosher LJ, Nordkild P, Gaikwad NW, Bortolato M. Prefrontal allopregnanolone synergizes with D 1 receptor activation to disrupt sensorimotor gating in male Sprague-Dawley rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2023; 240:1359-1372. [PMID: 37129616 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-023-06375-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE The prepulse inhibition (PPI) of the startle reflex is the best-established index of sensorimotor gating. We documented that the neurosteroid allopregnanolone (AP) is necessary to reduce PPI in response to D1 dopamine receptor agonists. Since Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats are poorly sensitive to the PPI-disrupting effects of these drugs, we hypothesized that AP might increase this susceptibility. OBJECTIVES We tested whether AP is sufficient to increase the vulnerability of SD rats to PPI deficits in response to the D1 receptor full agonist SKF82958. METHODS SD rats were tested for PPI after treatment with SKF82958 (0.05-0.3 mg/kg, SC) in combination with either intraperitoneal (1-10 mg/kg) or intracerebral (0.5 μg/μl/side) AP administration into the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) or nucleus accumbens shell. To rule out potential confounds, we measured whether SKF82958 affected the endogenous mPFC levels of AP. RESULTS SD rats exhibited marked PPI deficits in response to the combination of systemic and intra-mPFC AP with SKF82958 but not with the D2 receptor agonist quinpirole (0.3-0.6 mg/kg, SC). SKF82958 did not elevate mPFC levels of AP but enhanced the content of its precursor progesterone. The PPI deficits caused by SKF82958 in combination with AP were opposed by the AP antagonist isoallopregnanolone (10 mg/kg, IP) and the glutamate NMDA receptor positive modulator CIQ (5 mg/kg, IP). CONCLUSION These results suggest that AP enables the detrimental effects of D1 receptor activation on sensorimotor gating. AP antagonism or glutamatergic modulation counters these effects and may have therapeutic potential for neuropsychiatric disorders characterized by gating deficits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Frau
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
- Guy Everett Laboratory, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
| | - Francesco Traccis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Luca Concas
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Roberto Cadeddu
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Laura J Mosher
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | | | | | - Marco Bortolato
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Valerio E, Mardegan V, Stocchero M, Cavicchiolo ME, Pirillo P, Poloniato G, D’Onofrio G, Bonadies L, Giordano G, Baraldi E. Urinary metabotypes of newborns with perinatal asphyxia undergoing therapeutic hypothermia. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0273175. [PMID: 35972970 PMCID: PMC9380923 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0273175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Perinatal asphyxia (PA) still occurs in about three to five per 1,000 deliveries in developed countries; 20% of these infants show hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The aim of our study was to apply metabolomic analysis to newborns undergoing therapeutic hypothermia (TH) after PA to identify a distinct metabotype associated with the development of HIE on brain MRI. We enrolled 53 infants born at >35 weeks of gestation with PA: 21 of them showed HIE on brain MRI (the “HIE” group), and 32 did not (the “no HIE” group). Urine samples were collected at 24, 48 and 72 hours of TH. Metabolomic data were acquired using high-resolution mass spectrometry and analyzed with univariate and multivariate methods. Considering the first urines collected during TH, untargeted analysis found 111 relevant predictors capable of discriminating between the two groups. Of 35 metabolites showing independent discriminatory power, four have been well characterized: L-alanine, Creatine, L-3-methylhistidine, and L-lysine. The first three relate to cellular energy metabolism; their involvement suggests a multimodal derangement of cellular energy metabolism during PA/HIE. In addition, seven other metabolites with a lower annotation level (proline betaine, L-prolyl-L-phenylalanine, 2-methyl-dodecanedioic acid, S-(2-methylpropionyl)-dihydrolipoamide-E, 2,6 dimethylheptanoyl carnitine, Octanoylglucuronide, 19-hydroxyandrost-4-ene-3,17-dione) showed biological consistency with the clinical picture of PA. Moreover, 4 annotated metabolites (L-lysine, L-3-methylhistidine, 2-methyl-dodecanedioic acid, S-(2-methylpropionyl)-dihydrolipoamide-E) retained a significant difference between the “HIE” and “no HIE” groups during all the TH treatment. Our analysis identified a distinct urinary metabotype associated with pathological findings on MRI, and discovered 2 putative markers (L-lysine, L-3-methylhistidine) which may be useful for identifying neonates at risk of developing HIE after PA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Valerio
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Department of Womens’ and Childrens’ Health, University Hospital of Padua, Padova, Italy
- * E-mail:
| | - Veronica Mardegan
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Department of Womens’ and Childrens’ Health, University Hospital of Padua, Padova, Italy
| | - Matteo Stocchero
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Department of Womens’ and Childrens’ Health, University Hospital of Padua, Padova, Italy
- Institute of Pediatric Research (IRP), Fondazione Istituto di Ricerca Pediatrica Città della Speranza, Padova, Italy
| | - Maria Elena Cavicchiolo
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Department of Womens’ and Childrens’ Health, University Hospital of Padua, Padova, Italy
| | - Paola Pirillo
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Department of Womens’ and Childrens’ Health, University Hospital of Padua, Padova, Italy
- Institute of Pediatric Research (IRP), Fondazione Istituto di Ricerca Pediatrica Città della Speranza, Padova, Italy
| | - Gabriele Poloniato
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Department of Womens’ and Childrens’ Health, University Hospital of Padua, Padova, Italy
- Institute of Pediatric Research (IRP), Fondazione Istituto di Ricerca Pediatrica Città della Speranza, Padova, Italy
| | - Gianluca D’Onofrio
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Department of Womens’ and Childrens’ Health, University Hospital of Padua, Padova, Italy
| | - Luca Bonadies
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Department of Womens’ and Childrens’ Health, University Hospital of Padua, Padova, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Giordano
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Department of Womens’ and Childrens’ Health, University Hospital of Padua, Padova, Italy
- Institute of Pediatric Research (IRP), Fondazione Istituto di Ricerca Pediatrica Città della Speranza, Padova, Italy
| | - Eugenio Baraldi
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Department of Womens’ and Childrens’ Health, University Hospital of Padua, Padova, Italy
- Institute of Pediatric Research (IRP), Fondazione Istituto di Ricerca Pediatrica Città della Speranza, Padova, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Qrareya AN, Mahdi F, Kaufman MJ, Ashpole NM, Paris JJ. Age-related neuroendocrine, cognitive, and behavioral co-morbidities are promoted by HIV-1 Tat expression in male mice. Aging (Albany NY) 2022; 14:5345-5365. [PMID: 35830469 PMCID: PMC9320553 DOI: 10.18632/aging.204166] [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: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
In the U.S. about half of the HIV-infected individuals are aged 50 and older. In men living with HIV, secondary hypogonadism is common and occurs earlier than in seronegative men, and its prevalence increases with age. While the mechanisms(s) are unknown, the HIV-1 trans-activator of transcription (Tat) protein disrupts neuroendocrine function in mice partly by dysregulating mitochondria and neurosteroidogenesis. We hypothesized that conditional Tat expression in middle-aged male transgenic mice [Tat(+)] would promote age-related comorbidities compared to age-matched controls [Tat(−)]. We expected Tat to alter steroid hormone milieu consistent with behavioral deficits. Middle-aged Tat(+) mice had lower circulating testosterone and progesterone than age-matched controls and greater circulating corticosterone and central allopregnanolone than other groups. Young Tat(+) mice had greater circulating progesterone and estradiol-to-testosterone ratios. Older age or Tat exposure increased anxiety-like behavior (open field; elevated plus-maze), increased cognitive errors (radial arm water maze), and reduced grip strength. Young Tat(+), or middle-aged Tat(−), males had higher mechanical nociceptive thresholds than age-matched counterparts. Steroid levels correlated with behaviors. Thus, Tat may contribute to HIV-accelerated aging.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alaa N Qrareya
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677, USA
| | - Fakhri Mahdi
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677, USA
| | - Marc J Kaufman
- Department of Psychiatry, McLean Imaging Center, McLean Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Belmont, MA 02478, USA
| | - Nicole M Ashpole
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677, USA.,Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677, USA
| | - Jason J Paris
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677, USA.,Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Sheibani V, Rajizadeh MA, Bejeshk MA, Haghparast E, Nozari M, Esmaeili-Mahani S, Nezhadi A. The effects of neurosteroid allopregnanolone on synaptic dysfunction in the hippocampus in experimental parkinsonism rats: An electrophysiological and molecular study. Neuropeptides 2022; 92:102229. [PMID: 35158223 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2022.102229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The dopaminergic system is a powerful candidate targeted for changes of synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus. Higher incidence of Parkinson's disease (PD) in men than women indicates the influence of sex hormones on the PD development. Previous studies have shown that neurodegenerative diseases such as PD are related to the decline of Allopregnanolon (Allo), a metabolite of progesterone; it is also well known that learning and memory are influenced by oscillations in steroidal hormones. Although abnormalities in hippocampal plasticity have been observed in the toxic models of PD, effects of Allo on hippocampal LTP and hippocampal synaptic protein levels, which play an important role in maintaining the integrity of neural connections, have never been analyzed thus far. Experimental groups subjected to the long-term potentiation (LTP) were studied in the CA1 area of the hippocampus. In addition, the levels of hippocampal postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD-95), neurexin-1 (Nrxn1) and neuroligin (Nlgn) as synaptic molecular components were determined by immunoblotting. Although dopamine denervation did not alter basal synaptic transmission and pair-pulse facilitation of field excitatory postsynaptic potentials (fEPSPs), the induction and maintenance of LTP were impaired in the CA1 region. In addition, the levels of PSD-95, Nrxn1 and Nlgn were significantly decreased in the hippocampus of 6-OHDA-treated animals. Such abnormalities in synaptic electrophysiological aspects and protein levels were abolished by the treatment with Allo. These findings showed that partial dopamine depletion led to unusual synaptic plasticity in the CA1 as well as the decrease in synaptic proteins in the hippocampus. Our results demonstrated that Allo ameliorated these deficits and preserved pre- and post-synaptic proteins. Therefore, Allo may be an effective factor in maintaining synaptic integrity in the mesolimbic pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vahid Sheibani
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mohammad Amin Rajizadeh
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran; Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mohammad Abbas Bejeshk
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Elham Haghparast
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran; Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
| | - Masoumeh Nozari
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran; Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Saeed Esmaeili-Mahani
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran; Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
| | - Akram Nezhadi
- Trauma Research Center, Aja University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Diviccaro S, Cioffi L, Falvo E, Giatti S, Melcangi RC. Allopregnanolone: An overview on its synthesis and effects. J Neuroendocrinol 2022; 34:e12996. [PMID: 34189791 PMCID: PMC9285581 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Allopregnanolone, a 3α,5α-progesterone metabolite, acts as a potent allosteric modulator of the γ-aminobutyric acid type A receptor. In the present review, the synthesis of this neuroactive steroid occurring in the nervous system is discussed with respect to physiological and pathological conditions. In addition, its physiological and neuroprotective effects are also reported. Interestingly, the levels of this neuroactive steroid, as well as its effects, are sex-dimorphic, suggesting a possible gender medicine based on this neuroactive steroid for neurological disorders. However, allopregnanolone presents low bioavailability and extensive hepatic metabolism, limiting its use as a drug. Therefore, synthetic analogues or a different therapeutic strategy able to increase allopregnanolone levels have been proposed to overcome any pharmacokinetic issues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Diviccaro
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e BiomolecolariUniversità degli Studi di MilanoMilanoItaly
| | - Lucia Cioffi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e BiomolecolariUniversità degli Studi di MilanoMilanoItaly
| | - Eva Falvo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e BiomolecolariUniversità degli Studi di MilanoMilanoItaly
| | - Silvia Giatti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e BiomolecolariUniversità degli Studi di MilanoMilanoItaly
| | - Roberto Cosimo Melcangi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e BiomolecolariUniversità degli Studi di MilanoMilanoItaly
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Schwartzer JJ, Garcia-Arocena D, Jamal A, Izadi A, Willemsen R, Berman RF. Allopregnanolone Improves Locomotor Activity and Arousal in the Aged CGG Knock-in Mouse Model of Fragile X-Associated Tremor/Ataxia Syndrome. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:752973. [PMID: 34924931 PMCID: PMC8678485 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.752973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Carriers of the fragile X premutation (PM) can develop a variety of early neurological symptoms, including depression, anxiety and cognitive impairment as well as being at risk for developing the late-onset fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS). The absence of effective treatments for FXTAS underscores the importance of developing efficacious therapies to reduce the neurological symptoms in elderly PM carriers and FXTAS patients. A recent preliminary study reported that weekly infusions of Allopregnanolone (Allop) may improve deficits in executive function, learning and memory in FXTAS patients. Based on this study we examined whether Allop would improve neurological function in the aged CGG knock-in (CGG KI) dutch mouse, B6.129P2(Cg)-Fmr1tm2Cgr/Cgr, that models much of the symptomatology in PM carriers and FXTAS patients. Wild type and CGG KI mice received 10 weekly injections of Allop (10 mg/kg, s.c.), followed by a battery of behavioral tests of motor function, anxiety, and repetitive behavior, and 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) labeling to examine adult neurogenesis. The results provided evidence that Allop in CGG KI mice normalized motor performance and reduced thigmotaxis in the open field, normalized repetitive digging behavior in the marble burying test, but did not appear to increase adult neurogenesis in the hippocampus. Considered together, these results support further examination of Allop as a therapeutic strategy in patients with FXTAS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jared J Schwartzer
- Program in Neuroscience and Behavior, Department of Psychology and Education, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, MA, United States
| | | | - Amanda Jamal
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Ali Izadi
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Rob Willemsen
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Robert F Berman
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States.,M.I.N.D. Institute, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Giatti S, Diviccaro S, Serafini MM, Caruso D, Garcia-Segura LM, Viviani B, Melcangi RC. Sex differences in steroid levels and steroidogenesis in the nervous system: Physiopathological role. Front Neuroendocrinol 2020; 56:100804. [PMID: 31689419 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2019.100804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Revised: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The nervous system, in addition to be a target for steroid hormones, is the source of a variety of neuroactive steroids, which are synthesized and metabolized by neurons and glial cells. Recent evidence indicates that the expression of neurosteroidogenic proteins and enzymes and the levels of neuroactive steroids are different in the nervous system of males and females. We here summarized the state of the art of neuroactive steroids, particularly taking in consideration sex differences occurring in the synthesis and levels of these molecules. In addition, we discuss the consequences of sex differences in neurosteroidogenesis for the function of the nervous system under healthy and pathological conditions and the implications of neuroactive steroids and neurosteroidogenesis for the development of sex-specific therapeutic interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Giatti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Silvia Diviccaro
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Melania Maria Serafini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Donatella Caruso
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Luis Miguel Garcia-Segura
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Barbara Viviani
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Roberto C Melcangi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
GABA-A receptor modulating steroids in acute and chronic stress; relevance for cognition and dementia? Neurobiol Stress 2019; 12:100206. [PMID: 31921942 PMCID: PMC6948369 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2019.100206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Revised: 11/13/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Cognitive dysfunction, dementia and Alzheimer's disease (AD) are increasing as the population worldwide ages. Therapeutics for these conditions is an unmet need. This review focuses on the role of the positive GABA-A receptor modulating steroid allopregnanolone (APα), it's role in underlying mechanisms for impaired cognition and of AD, and to determine options for therapy of AD. On one hand, APα given intermittently promotes neurogenesis, decreases AD-related pathology and improves cognition. On the other, continuous exposure of APα impairs cognition and deteriorates AD pathology. The disparity between these two outcomes led our groups to analyze the mechanisms underlying the difference. We conclude that the effects of APα depend on administration pattern and that chronic slightly increased APα exposure is harmful to cognitive function and worsens AD pathology whereas single administrations with longer intervals improve cognition and decrease AD pathology. These collaborative assessments provide insights for the therapeutic development of APα and APα antagonists for AD and provide a model for cross laboratory collaborations aimed at generating translatable data for human clinical trials.
Collapse
|
14
|
Giatti S, Garcia-Segura LM, Barreto GE, Melcangi RC. Neuroactive steroids, neurosteroidogenesis and sex. Prog Neurobiol 2018; 176:1-17. [PMID: 29981391 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2018.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2018] [Revised: 05/25/2018] [Accepted: 06/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The nervous system is a target and a source of steroids. Neuroactive steroids are steroids that target neurons and glial cells. They include hormonal steroids originated in the peripheral glands, steroids locally synthesized by the neurons and glial cells (neurosteroids) and synthetic steroids, some of them used in clinical practice. Here we review the mechanisms of synthesis, metabolism and action of neuroactive steroids, including the role of epigenetic modifications and the mitochondria in their sex specific actions. We examine sex differences in neuroactive steroid levels under physiological conditions and their role in the establishment of sex dimorphic structures in the nervous system and sex differences in its function. In addition, particular attention is paid to neuroactive steroids under pathological conditions, analyzing how pathology alters their levels and their role as neuroprotective factors, considering the influence of sex in both cases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Giatti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Luis M Garcia-Segura
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - George E Barreto
- Departamento de Nutrición y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
| | - Roberto C Melcangi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Schverer M, Lanfumey L, Baulieu EE, Froger N, Villey I. Neurosteroids: non-genomic pathways in neuroplasticity and involvement in neurological diseases. Pharmacol Ther 2018; 191:190-206. [PMID: 29953900 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2018.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Neurosteroids are neuroactive brain-born steroids. They can act through non-genomic and/or through genomic pathways. Genomic pathways are largely described for steroid hormones: the binding to nuclear receptors leads to transcription regulation. Pregnenolone, Dehydroepiandrosterone, their respective sulfate esters and Allopregnanolone have no corresponding nuclear receptor identified so far whereas some of their non-genomic targets have been identified. Neuroplasticity is the capacity that neuronal networks have to change their structure and function in response to biological and/or environmental signals; it is regulated by several mechanisms, including those that involve neurosteroids. In this review, after a description of their biosynthesis, the effects of Pregnenolone, Dehydroepiandrosterone, their respective sulfate esters and Allopregnanolone on their targets will be exposed. We then shall highlight that neurosteroids, by acting on these targets, can regulate neurogenesis, structural and functional plasticity. Finally, we will discuss the therapeutic potential of neurosteroids in the pathophysiology of neurological diseases in which alterations of neuroplasticity are associated with changes in neurosteroid levels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marina Schverer
- Inserm U894, Centre de Psychiatrie et Neurosciences, Université Paris Descartes, 75014 Paris, France
| | - Laurence Lanfumey
- Inserm U894, Centre de Psychiatrie et Neurosciences, Université Paris Descartes, 75014 Paris, France.
| | - Etienne-Emile Baulieu
- MAPREG SAS, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France; Inserm UMR 1195, Université Paris-Saclay, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Neural mechanisms underlying GABAergic regulation of adult hippocampal neurogenesis. Cell Tissue Res 2017; 371:33-46. [PMID: 28948349 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-017-2668-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2017] [Accepted: 07/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Within the dentate gyrus of the adult hippocampus is the subgranular zone, which contains a neurogenic niche for radial-glia like cells, the most primitive neural stem cells in the adult brain. The quiescence of neural stem cells is maintained by tonic gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) released from local interneurons. Once these cells differentiate into neural progenitor cells, GABA continues to regulate their development into mature granule cells, the principal cell type of the dentate gyrus. Here, we review the role of GABA circuits, signaling, and receptors in regulating development of adult-born cells, as well as the molecular players that modulate GABA signaling. Furthermore, we review recent findings linking dysregulation of adult hippocampal neurogenesis to the altered GABAergic circuitry and signaling under various pathological conditions.
Collapse
|
18
|
Melcangi RC, Santi D, Spezzano R, Grimoldi M, Tabacchi T, Fusco ML, Diviccaro S, Giatti S, Carrà G, Caruso D, Simoni M, Cavaletti G. Neuroactive steroid levels and psychiatric and andrological features in post-finasteride patients. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2017; 171:229-235. [PMID: 28408350 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2017.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2016] [Revised: 02/22/2017] [Accepted: 04/06/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Recent reports show that, in patients treated with finasteride for male pattern hair loss, persistent side effects including sexual side effects, depression, anxiety and cognitive complaints may occur. We here explored the psychiatric and andrological features of patients affected by post-finasteride syndrome (PFS) and verified whether the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma levels of neuroactive steroids (i.e., important regulators of nervous function) are modified. We found that eight out of sixteen PFS male patients considered suffered from a DSM-IV major depressive disorder (MDD). In addition, all PFS patients showed erectile dysfunction (ED); in particular, ten patients showed a severe and six a mild-moderate ED. We also reported abnormal somatosensory evoked potentials of the pudendal nerve in PFS patients with severe ED, the first objective evidence of a neuropathy involving peripheral neurogenic control of erection. Testicular volume by ultrasonography was normal in PFS patients. Data obtained on neuroactive steroid levels also indicate interesting features. Indeed, decreased levels of pregnenolone, progesterone and its metabolite (i.e., dihydroprogesterone), dihydrotestosterone and 17beta-estradiol and increased levels of dehydroepiandrosterone, testosterone and 5alpha-androstane-3alpha,17beta-diol were observed in CSF of PFS patients. Neuroactive steroid levels were also altered in plasma of PFS patients, however these changes did not reflect exactly what occurs in CSF. Finally, finasteride did not only affect, as expected, the levels of 5alpha-reduced metabolites of progesterone and testosterone, but also the further metabolites and precursors suggesting that this drug has broad consequence on neuroactive steroid levels of PFS patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Cosimo Melcangi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.
| | - Daniele Santi
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Roberto Spezzano
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Grimoldi
- Experimental Neurology Unit and Milan Center for Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Tommaso Tabacchi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Maria Letizia Fusco
- Experimental Neurology Unit and Milan Center for Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Silvia Diviccaro
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Giatti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Carrà
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Donatella Caruso
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Manuela Simoni
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Guido Cavaletti
- Experimental Neurology Unit and Milan Center for Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Tolcos M, Petratos S, Hirst JJ, Wong F, Spencer SJ, Azhan A, Emery B, Walker DW. Blocked, delayed, or obstructed: What causes poor white matter development in intrauterine growth restricted infants? Prog Neurobiol 2017; 154:62-77. [PMID: 28392287 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2017.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2016] [Revised: 03/17/2017] [Accepted: 03/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Poor white matter development in intrauterine growth restricted (IUGR) babies remains a major, untreated problem in neonatology. New therapies, guided by an understanding of the mechanisms that underlie normal and abnormal oligodendrocyte development and myelin formation, are required. Much of our knowledge of the mechanisms that underlie impaired myelination come from studies in adult demyelinating disease, preterm brain injury, or experimental models of hypoxia-ischemia. However, relatively less is known for IUGR which is surprising because IUGR is a leading cause of perinatal mortality and morbidity, second only to premature birth. IUGR is also a significant risk factor for the later development of cerebral palsy, and is a greater risk compared to some of the more traditionally researched antecedents - asphyxia and inflammation. Recent evidence suggests that the white matter injury and reduced myelination in the brains of some preterm babies is due to impaired maturation of oligodendrocytes thereby resulting in the reduced capacity to synthesize myelin. Therefore, it is not surprising that the hypomyelination observable in the central nervous system of IUGR infants has similarly lead to investigations identifying a delay or blockade in the progress of maturation of oligodendrocytes in these infants. This review will discuss current ideas thought to account for the poor myelination often present in the neonate's brain following IUGR, and discuss novel interventions that are promising as treatments that promote oligodendrocyte maturation, and thereby repair the myelination deficits that otherwise persist into infancy and childhood and lead to neurodevelopmental abnormalities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mary Tolcos
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria, 3083, Australia.
| | - Steven Petratos
- Department of Medicine, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Prahran, Victoria, 3004, Australia
| | - Jonathan J Hirst
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Flora Wong
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia; Monash Newborn and Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia
| | - Sarah J Spencer
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria, 3083, Australia
| | - Aminath Azhan
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia
| | - Ben Emery
- Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, 97239-3098, USA
| | - David W Walker
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria, 3083, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Rasmusson AM, Marx CE, Pineles SL, Locci A, Scioli-Salter ER, Nillni YI, Liang JJ, Pinna G. Neuroactive steroids and PTSD treatment. Neurosci Lett 2017; 649:156-163. [PMID: 28215878 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2017.01.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2016] [Revised: 01/22/2017] [Accepted: 01/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
This review highlights early efforts to translate pre-clinical and clinical findings regarding the role of neuroactive steroids in stress adaptation and PTSD into new therapeutics for PTSD. Numerous studies have demonstrated PTSD-related alterations in resting levels or the reactivity of neuroactive steroids and their targets. These studies also have demonstrated substantial variability in the dysfunction of specific neuroactive steroid systems among PTSD subpopulations. These variabilities have been related to the developmental timing of trauma, severity and type of trauma, genetic background, sex, reproductive state, lifestyle influences such as substance use and exercise, and the presence of comorbid conditions such as depression and chronic pain. Nevertheless, large naturalistic studies and a small placebo-controlled interventional study have revealed generally positive effects of glucocorticoid administration in preventing PTSD after trauma, possibly mediated by glucocorticoid receptor-mediated effects on other targets that impact PTSD risk, including other neuroactive steroid systems. In addition, clinical and preclinical studies show that administration of glucocorticoids, 17β-estradiol, and GABAergic neuroactive steroids or agents that enhance their synthesis can facilitate extinction and extinction retention, depending on dose and timing of dose in relation to these complex PTSD-relevant recovery processes. This suggests that clinical trials designed to test neuroactive steroid therapeutics in PTSD may benefit from such considerations; typical continuous dosing regimens may not be optimal. In addition, validated and clinically accessible methods for identifying specific neuroactive steroid system abnormalities at the individual level are needed to optimize both clinical trial design and precision medicine based treatment targeting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ann M Rasmusson
- National Center for PTSD, Women's Health Science Division, Department of Veterans Affairs 150 South Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02135, USA; VA Boston Healthcare System 150 South Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02135, USA; Boston University School of Medicine 72 E Concord St, Boston, MA 02118, USA.
| | - Christine E Marx
- Durham VA Medical Center, VA Mid-Atlantic MIRECC,and Duke University Medical Center, 508 Fulton Street, Durham, NC 27705, USA
| | - Suzanne L Pineles
- National Center for PTSD, Women's Health Science Division, Department of Veterans Affairs 150 South Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02135, USA; Boston University School of Medicine 72 E Concord St, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Andrea Locci
- The Psychiatric Institute, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1601 W. Taylor Str., Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Erica R Scioli-Salter
- VA Boston Healthcare System 150 South Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02135, USA; Boston University School of Medicine 72 E Concord St, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Yael I Nillni
- National Center for PTSD, Women's Health Science Division, Department of Veterans Affairs 150 South Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02135, USA; Boston University School of Medicine 72 E Concord St, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Jennifer J Liang
- Boston University School of Medicine 72 E Concord St, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Graziano Pinna
- The Psychiatric Institute, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1601 W. Taylor Str., Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Lejri I, Grimm A, Miesch M, Geoffroy P, Eckert A, Mensah-Nyagan AG. Allopregnanolone and its analog BR 297 rescue neuronal cells from oxidative stress-induced death through bioenergetic improvement. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2016; 1863:631-642. [PMID: 27979708 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2016.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2016] [Revised: 11/10/2016] [Accepted: 12/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Allopregnanolone (AP) is supposed to exert beneficial actions including anxiolysis, analgesia, neurogenesis and neuroprotection. However, although mitochondrial dysfunctions are evidenced in neurodegenerative diseases, AP actions against neurodegeneration-induced mitochondrial deficits have never been investigated. Also, the therapeutic exploitation of AP is limited by its difficulty to pass the liver and its rapid clearance after sulfation or glucuronidation of its 3-hydroxyl group. Therefore, the characterization of novel potent neuroprotective analogs of AP may be of great interest. Thus, we synthesized a set of AP analogs (ANS) and investigated their ability to counteract APP-overexpression-evoked bioenergetic deficits and to protect against oxidative stress-induced death of control and APP-transfected SH-SY5Y cells known as a reliable cellular model of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Especially, we examined whether ANS were more efficient than AP to reduce mitochondrial dysfunctions or bioenergetic decrease leading to neuronal cell death. Our results showed that the ANS BR 297 exhibits notable advantages over AP with regards to both protection of mitochondrial functions and reduction of oxidative stress. Indeed, under physiological conditions, BR 297 does not promote cell proliferation but efficiently ameliorates the bioenergetics by increasing cellular ATP level and mitochondrial respiration. Under oxidative stress situations, BR 297 treatment, which decreases ROS levels, improves mitochondrial respiration and cell survival, appears more potent than AP to protect control and APP-transfected cells against H2O2-induced death. Our findings lend further support to the neuroprotective effects of BR 297 emphasizing this analog as a promising therapeutic tool to counteract age- and AD-related bioenergetic deficits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Imane Lejri
- Biopathologie de la Myéline, Neuroprotection et Stratégies Thérapeutiques, INSERM U1119, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Université de Strasbourg, Bâtiment 3 de la Faculté de Médecine, 11 rue Humann, 67 000 Strasbourg, France; Neurobiology Laboratory for Brain Aging and Mental Health, Transfaculty Research Platform, Molecular and Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Basel, Wilhelm Klein-Str. 27, 4012 Basel, Switzerland; Psychiatric University Clinics, University of Basel, Wilhelm Klein-Str. 27, 4012 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Amandine Grimm
- Neurobiology Laboratory for Brain Aging and Mental Health, Transfaculty Research Platform, Molecular and Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Basel, Wilhelm Klein-Str. 27, 4012 Basel, Switzerland; Psychiatric University Clinics, University of Basel, Wilhelm Klein-Str. 27, 4012 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Michel Miesch
- Université de Strasbourg, Institut de Chimie - UMR 7177, 1 rue Blaise Pascal, 67008 Strasbourg, France
| | - Philippe Geoffroy
- Université de Strasbourg, Institut de Chimie - UMR 7177, 1 rue Blaise Pascal, 67008 Strasbourg, France
| | - Anne Eckert
- Neurobiology Laboratory for Brain Aging and Mental Health, Transfaculty Research Platform, Molecular and Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Basel, Wilhelm Klein-Str. 27, 4012 Basel, Switzerland; Psychiatric University Clinics, University of Basel, Wilhelm Klein-Str. 27, 4012 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ayikoe-Guy Mensah-Nyagan
- Biopathologie de la Myéline, Neuroprotection et Stratégies Thérapeutiques, INSERM U1119, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Université de Strasbourg, Bâtiment 3 de la Faculté de Médecine, 11 rue Humann, 67 000 Strasbourg, France.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Gonzalez Deniselle MC, Liere P, Pianos A, Meyer M, Aprahamian F, Cambourg A, Di Giorgio NP, Schumacher M, De Nicola AF, Guennoun R. Steroid Profiling in Male Wobbler Mouse, a Model of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Endocrinology 2016; 157:4446-4460. [PMID: 27571131 DOI: 10.1210/en.2016-1244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The Wobbler mouse is an animal model for human motoneuron diseases, especially amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), used in the investigation of both pathology and therapeutic treatment. ALS is a fatal neurodegenerative disease, characterized by the selective and progressive death of motoneurons, leading to progressive paralysis. Previous limited studies have reported steroidal hormone dysregulation in Wobbler mouse and in ALS patients, suggesting endocrine dysfunctions which may be involved in the pathogenesis of the disease. In this study, we established a steroid profiling in brain, spinal cord, plasma, adrenal glands, and testes in 2-month-old male Wobbler mice and their littermates by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. Our results show in Wobbler mice the following: 1) a marked up-regulation of corticosterone levels in adrenal glands, plasma, spinal cord regions (cervical, thoracic, lumbar) and brain; 2) a strong decrease in T levels in the testis, plasma, spinal cord, and brain; and 3) increased levels of progesterone and especially of its reduced metabolites 5α-dihydroprogesterone, allopregnanolone, and 20α-dihydroprogesterone in the brain, spinal cord, and adrenal glands. Furthermore, Wobbler mice showed a hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal hypoactivity. Interestingly, plasma concentrations of corticosterone and T correlate well with their respective levels in cervical spinal cord in both control and Wobbler mice. T down-regulation is probably the consequence of adrenal hyperactivity, and the up-regulation of progesterone and its reduced metabolites may correspond to an endogenous protective mechanism in response to motoneuron degeneration. Our findings suggest that increased levels of corticosterone and decreased levels of T in plasma could be a signature of motoneuron degeneration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Claudia Gonzalez Deniselle
- Unité 1195 INSERM and University Paris-Sud and University Paris Saclay (P.L., A.P., F.A., A.C., M.S., R.G.), 94276 Kremlin-Bicêtre, France; Laboratory of Neuroendocrine Biochemistry (M.C.G.-D., M.M., A.F.D.N.) and Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology (N.P.D.G.), Instituto de Biologia y Medicina Experimental-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Técnicas, 1428 Buenos Aires, Argentina; and Departamento de Ciencias Fisiológicas (M.C.G.-D.), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, 1121 Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Philippe Liere
- Unité 1195 INSERM and University Paris-Sud and University Paris Saclay (P.L., A.P., F.A., A.C., M.S., R.G.), 94276 Kremlin-Bicêtre, France; Laboratory of Neuroendocrine Biochemistry (M.C.G.-D., M.M., A.F.D.N.) and Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology (N.P.D.G.), Instituto de Biologia y Medicina Experimental-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Técnicas, 1428 Buenos Aires, Argentina; and Departamento de Ciencias Fisiológicas (M.C.G.-D.), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, 1121 Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Antoine Pianos
- Unité 1195 INSERM and University Paris-Sud and University Paris Saclay (P.L., A.P., F.A., A.C., M.S., R.G.), 94276 Kremlin-Bicêtre, France; Laboratory of Neuroendocrine Biochemistry (M.C.G.-D., M.M., A.F.D.N.) and Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology (N.P.D.G.), Instituto de Biologia y Medicina Experimental-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Técnicas, 1428 Buenos Aires, Argentina; and Departamento de Ciencias Fisiológicas (M.C.G.-D.), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, 1121 Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Maria Meyer
- Unité 1195 INSERM and University Paris-Sud and University Paris Saclay (P.L., A.P., F.A., A.C., M.S., R.G.), 94276 Kremlin-Bicêtre, France; Laboratory of Neuroendocrine Biochemistry (M.C.G.-D., M.M., A.F.D.N.) and Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology (N.P.D.G.), Instituto de Biologia y Medicina Experimental-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Técnicas, 1428 Buenos Aires, Argentina; and Departamento de Ciencias Fisiológicas (M.C.G.-D.), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, 1121 Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Fanny Aprahamian
- Unité 1195 INSERM and University Paris-Sud and University Paris Saclay (P.L., A.P., F.A., A.C., M.S., R.G.), 94276 Kremlin-Bicêtre, France; Laboratory of Neuroendocrine Biochemistry (M.C.G.-D., M.M., A.F.D.N.) and Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology (N.P.D.G.), Instituto de Biologia y Medicina Experimental-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Técnicas, 1428 Buenos Aires, Argentina; and Departamento de Ciencias Fisiológicas (M.C.G.-D.), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, 1121 Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Annie Cambourg
- Unité 1195 INSERM and University Paris-Sud and University Paris Saclay (P.L., A.P., F.A., A.C., M.S., R.G.), 94276 Kremlin-Bicêtre, France; Laboratory of Neuroendocrine Biochemistry (M.C.G.-D., M.M., A.F.D.N.) and Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology (N.P.D.G.), Instituto de Biologia y Medicina Experimental-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Técnicas, 1428 Buenos Aires, Argentina; and Departamento de Ciencias Fisiológicas (M.C.G.-D.), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, 1121 Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Noelia P Di Giorgio
- Unité 1195 INSERM and University Paris-Sud and University Paris Saclay (P.L., A.P., F.A., A.C., M.S., R.G.), 94276 Kremlin-Bicêtre, France; Laboratory of Neuroendocrine Biochemistry (M.C.G.-D., M.M., A.F.D.N.) and Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology (N.P.D.G.), Instituto de Biologia y Medicina Experimental-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Técnicas, 1428 Buenos Aires, Argentina; and Departamento de Ciencias Fisiológicas (M.C.G.-D.), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, 1121 Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Michael Schumacher
- Unité 1195 INSERM and University Paris-Sud and University Paris Saclay (P.L., A.P., F.A., A.C., M.S., R.G.), 94276 Kremlin-Bicêtre, France; Laboratory of Neuroendocrine Biochemistry (M.C.G.-D., M.M., A.F.D.N.) and Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology (N.P.D.G.), Instituto de Biologia y Medicina Experimental-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Técnicas, 1428 Buenos Aires, Argentina; and Departamento de Ciencias Fisiológicas (M.C.G.-D.), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, 1121 Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Alejandro F De Nicola
- Unité 1195 INSERM and University Paris-Sud and University Paris Saclay (P.L., A.P., F.A., A.C., M.S., R.G.), 94276 Kremlin-Bicêtre, France; Laboratory of Neuroendocrine Biochemistry (M.C.G.-D., M.M., A.F.D.N.) and Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology (N.P.D.G.), Instituto de Biologia y Medicina Experimental-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Técnicas, 1428 Buenos Aires, Argentina; and Departamento de Ciencias Fisiológicas (M.C.G.-D.), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, 1121 Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Rachida Guennoun
- Unité 1195 INSERM and University Paris-Sud and University Paris Saclay (P.L., A.P., F.A., A.C., M.S., R.G.), 94276 Kremlin-Bicêtre, France; Laboratory of Neuroendocrine Biochemistry (M.C.G.-D., M.M., A.F.D.N.) and Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology (N.P.D.G.), Instituto de Biologia y Medicina Experimental-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Técnicas, 1428 Buenos Aires, Argentina; and Departamento de Ciencias Fisiológicas (M.C.G.-D.), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, 1121 Buenos Aires, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Bennett GA, Palliser HK, Walker D, Hirst J. Severity and timing: How prenatal stress exposure affects glial developmental, emotional behavioural and plasma neurosteroid responses in guinea pig offspring. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2016; 70:47-57. [PMID: 27155257 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2016.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2015] [Revised: 04/13/2016] [Accepted: 04/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Prenatal stress has been associated with a variety of developmental changes in offspring, notably those associated with brain development and subsequent risk for neuropathologies later in life. Recently, the importance of the timing and the severity of the stressor during pregnancy has been emphasized with neurosteroids including allopregnanolone implicated in the regulation of stress and also for endogenous neuroprotection in offspring. Prenatal stress was induced using strobe light exposure in pregnant guinea pigs (term 71days) in three defined stress exposure groups (Gestational Age (GA)35-65, GA50-65 and GA60-65). Stress was induced for 2h (9-11am) every 5days via strobe light exposure. A fetal cohort were euthanased at term with fetal brains and plasma collected. Anxiety-like behaviour was evaluated at 18 days of age in a separate cohort of offspring with brains and plasma collected at 21days of age. Markers for mature oligodendrocytes and reactive astrocytes were measured in the CA1 region of the hippocampus and the subcortical white matter. The neurosteroid allopregnanolone was measured by radioimmunoassay in offspring plasma. In the CA1 region of the hippocampus, fetuses from all stress groups showed reduced expression of mature oligodendrocytes and reactive astrocytes. By juvenility, all male stress exposure groups had recovered to levels of unaffected controls with the exception of the GA35-65 stress group. In juvenile females, mature oligodendrocyte marker expression was reduced in all stress groups and reactive astrocyte expression was reduced in the GA35-65 and GA60-65 stress groups by juvenility. Increased reactive astrocyte expression was also apparent in the subcortical white matter in both sexes both at term and at juvenility. Prenatally stressed offspring spent less time exploring in the object exploration test and also entered the inner zone of the open field less than controls at 18days of age. Circulating allopregnanolone concentrations were significantly reduced in GA35-65 and GA 60-65 stress exposed fetuses with those in the GA35-65 stress group remaining reduced by juvenility. This study has shown the effects of differing levels of prenatal stress severity and timing on glial development, emotional behaviour and plasma allopregnanolone concentrations in offspring.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Greer A Bennett
- Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, NSW, Australia; School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia.
| | - Hannah K Palliser
- Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, NSW, Australia; School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - David Walker
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Jonathan Hirst
- Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, NSW, Australia; School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Levels and actions of neuroactive steroids in the nervous system under physiological and pathological conditions: Sex-specific features. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2016; 67:25-40. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2015.09.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2015] [Revised: 09/15/2015] [Accepted: 09/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
|
25
|
Giatti S, Melcangi RC, Pesaresi M. The other side of progestins: effects in the brain. J Mol Endocrinol 2016; 57:R109-26. [PMID: 27339142 DOI: 10.1530/jme-16-0061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2016] [Accepted: 06/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Progestins are a broad class of progestational agents widely differing in their chemical structures and pharmacological properties. Despite emerging data suggest that progestins, besides their action as endometrial protection, can also have multiple nonreproductive functions, much remains to be discovered regarding the actions exerted by these molecules in the nervous system. Here, we report the role exerted by different progestins, currently used for contraception or in postmenopausal hormone replacement therapies, in regulating cognitive functions as well as social behavior and mood. We provide evidence that the effects and mechanisms underlying their actions are still confusing due to the use of different estrogens and progestins as well as different doses, duration of exposure, route of administration, baseline hormonal status and age of treated women. We also discuss the emerging issue concerning the relevant increase of these substances in the environment, able to deeply affect aquatic wildlife as well as to exert a possible influence in humans, which may be exposed to these compounds via contaminated drinking water and seafood. Finally, we report literature data showing the neurobiological action of progestins and in particular their importance during neurodegenerative events. This is extremely interesting, since some of the progestins currently used in clinical practice exert neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects in the nervous system, opening new promising opportunities for the use of these molecules as therapeutic agents for trauma and neurodegenerative disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Giatti
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular SciencesCenter of Excellence on Neurodegenerative Diseases, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberto Cosimo Melcangi
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular SciencesCenter of Excellence on Neurodegenerative Diseases, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Marzia Pesaresi
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular SciencesCenter of Excellence on Neurodegenerative Diseases, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Hirst JJ, Cumberland AL, Shaw JC, Bennett GA, Kelleher MA, Walker DW, Palliser HK. Loss of neurosteroid-mediated protection following stress during fetal life. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2016; 160:181-8. [PMID: 26365557 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2015.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2015] [Revised: 09/01/2015] [Accepted: 09/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Elevated levels of neurosteroids during late gestation protect the fetal brain from hypoxia/ischaemia and promote neurodevelopment. Suppression of allopregnanolone production during pregnancy leads to the onset of seizure-like activity and potentiates hypoxia-induced brain injury. Markers of myelination are reduced and astrocyte activation is increased. The placenta has a key role in maintaining allopregnanolone concentrations in the fetal circulation and brain during gestation and levels decline markedly after both normal and preterm birth. This leads to the preterm neonate developing in a neurosteroid deficient environment between delivery and term equivalence. The expression of 5α-reductases is also lower in the fetus prior to term. These deficiencies in neurosteroid exposure may contribute to the increase in incidence of the adverse patterns of behaviour seen in children that are born preterm. Repeated exposure to glucocorticoid stimulation suppresses 5α-reductase expression and allopregnanolone levels in the fetus and results in reduced myelination. Both fetal growth restriction and prenatal maternal stress lead to increased cortisol concentrations in the maternal and fetal circulation. Prenatal stress results in reduced expression of key GABAA receptor subunits that normally heighten neurosteroid sensitivity. These stressors also result in altered placental allopregnanolone metabolism pathways. These findings suggest that reduced neurosteroid production and action in the perinatal period may contribute to some of the adverse neurodevelopmental and behavioural outcomes that result from these pregnancy compromises. Studies examining perinatal steroid supplementation therapy with non-metabolisable neurosteroid analogues to improve these outcomes are warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan J Hirst
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia.
| | - Angela L Cumberland
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Julia C Shaw
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Greer A Bennett
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | | | - David W Walker
- Ritchie Centre for Baby Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Hannah K Palliser
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Neurosteroid allopregnanolone attenuates cognitive dysfunctions in 6-OHDA-induced rat model of Parkinson’s disease. Behav Brain Res 2016; 305:258-64. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2016.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2015] [Revised: 02/18/2016] [Accepted: 03/06/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
|
28
|
Soens M, Wang JCF, Berta T, Strichartz G. Systemic Progesterone Administration in Early Life Alters the Hyperalgesic Responses to Surgery in the Adult: A Study on Female Rats. Anesth Analg 2015; 121:545-55. [PMID: 26076389 DOI: 10.1213/ane.0000000000000800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There has recently been a substantial increase in the survival of prematurely born neonates and an increase of in utero surgeries. Noxious stimulation in the newborn alters the pain response to injury in adult life. Progesterone, an effective antihyperalgesic agent in the adult, is at high concentration in the pregnant mother. Therefore, we investigated the effects of early-life progesterone on postsurgical outcomes in adult rats. METHODS Female rat pups were administered progesterone or vehicle during the first 7 days postpartum (P1-P7). A second control group had no injections. Half of each of these groups received an incision of the hindpaw at P3 and the other half did not. At P60, all groups of these now adult rats received a second paw incision. Tactile sensitivity and thermal sensitivity were measured weekly at P14-P42 (period I), at P60 (just before the second incision), and every 2 days of P61-P70 (period II). At P67, rats were fixed by systemic paraformaldehyde perfusion and their spinal cords taken for staining and immunocytochemical analysis of activated p-p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase. RESULTS Rats with surgery at P3 had greater tactile and thermal hyperalgesia in period I than the nonoperated rats, a difference abolished by progesterone treatment. P3 incision also resulted in long-lasting tactile and thermal hyperalgesia after the P60 incision (period II), both of which were markedly smaller in degree and faster to resolve in rats receiving early progesterone. Even in rats that were not operated on in period I, neonatal progesterone lessened the tactile hyperalgesia in period II. More spinal cells showed p-p38 staining in vehicle-treated rats as a result of the early-life incision but not in those treated with progesterone. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that endogenously high progesterone in utero may have a similarly protective action and that the development of nociceptive circuitry can be strongly influenced by neonatal progesterone.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mieke Soens
- From the *Women's Pain Group and the †Pain Research Center, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; and ‡Pain Signaling and Plasticity Laboratory, Departments of Anesthesiology and Neurobiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Rossetti MF, Varayoud J, Moreno-Piovano GS, Luque EH, Ramos JG. Environmental enrichment attenuates the age-related decline in the mRNA expression of steroidogenic enzymes and reduces the methylation state of the steroid 5α-reductase type 1 gene in the rat hippocampus. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2015; 412:330-8. [PMID: 26021641 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2015.05.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2015] [Revised: 05/20/2015] [Accepted: 05/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
We analyzed the effects of aging and environmental enrichment on the mRNA expression and DNA methylation state of steroidogenic enzymes in the hippocampus. The effects of aging were evaluated by comparing young adult (90-day-old) and middle-aged (450-day-old) female Wistar rats. To elucidate the effects of environmental enrichment, a subgroup of middle-aged rats exposed to sensory and social stimulation for 105 days was compared to rats housed under standard laboratory conditions. Aging decreased the transcription of neurosteroidogenic-related genes and increased the promoter methylation state of cytochrome P450 side chain cleavage, 3α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3α-HSD) and 5α-reductase-1. Exposure of middle-aged rats to environmental enrichment increased mRNA levels of 5α-reductase-1, 3α-HSD and cytochrome P450 17α-hydroxylase/c17,20-lyase and decreased the methylation state of the 5α-reductase-1 gene. Thus, sensory and social stimulation attenuate the age-related decline in the mRNA expression of hippocampal steroidogenic enzymes. Epigenetic mechanisms associated with differential promoter methylation could be involved.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- María F Rossetti
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica y Cuantitativa, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina; Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral-CONICET, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Jorgelina Varayoud
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral-CONICET, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Guillermo S Moreno-Piovano
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral-CONICET, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Enrique H Luque
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral-CONICET, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Jorge G Ramos
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica y Cuantitativa, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina; Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral-CONICET, Santa Fe, Argentina.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Progesterone Exerts a Neuromodulatory Effect on Turning Behavior of Hemiparkinsonian Male Rats: Expression of 3 α -Hydroxysteroid Oxidoreductase and Allopregnanolone as Suggestive of GABAA Receptors Involvement. PARKINSONS DISEASE 2015; 2015:431690. [PMID: 25918669 PMCID: PMC4396568 DOI: 10.1155/2015/431690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2014] [Accepted: 03/12/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
There is a growing amount of evidence for a neuroprotective role of progesterone and its neuroactive metabolite, allopregnanolone, in animal models of neurodegenerative diseases. By using a model of hemiparkinsonism in male rats, injection of the neurotoxic 6-OHDA in left striatum, we studied progesterone's effects on rotational behavior induced by amphetamine or apomorphine. Also, in order to find potential explanatory mechanisms, we studied expression and activity of nigrostriatal 3α-hydroxysteroid oxidoreductase, the enzyme that catalyzes progesterone to its active metabolite allopregnanolone. Coherently, we tested allopregnanolone for a possible neuromodulatory effect on rotational behavior. Also, since allopregnanolone is known as a GABAA modulator, we finally examined the action of GABAA antagonist bicuculline. We found that progesterone, in addition to an apparent neuroprotective effect, also increased ipsilateral expression and activity of 3α-hydroxysteroid oxidoreductase. It was interesting to note that ipsilateral administration of allopregnanolone reversed a clear sign of motor neurodegeneration, that is, contralateral rotational behavior. A possible GABAA involvement modulated by allopregnanolone was shown by the blocking effect of bicuculline. Our results suggest that early administration of progesterone possibly activates genomic mechanisms that promote neuroprotection subchronically. This, in turn, could be partially mediated by fast, nongenomic, actions of allopregnanolone acting as an acute modulator of GABAergic transmission.
Collapse
|
31
|
Abstract
Neurosteroids, like allopregnanolone and pregnanolone, are endogenous regulators of neuronal excitability. Inside the brain, they are highly selective and potent modulators of GABAA receptor activity. Their anticonvulsant, anesthetics and anxiolytic properties are useful for the treatments of several neurological and psychiatric disorders via reducing the risks of side effects obtained with the commercial drugs. The principal disadvantages of endogenous neurosteroids administration are their rapid metabolism and their low oral bioavailability. Synthetic steroids analogues with major stability or endogenous neurosteroids stimulation synthesis might constitute promising novel strategies for the treatment of several disorders. Numerous studies indicate that the 3α-hydroxyl configuration is the key for binding and activity, but modifications in the steroid nucleus may emphasize different pharmacophores. So far, several synthetic steroids have been developed with successful neurosteroid-like effects. In this work, we summarize the properties of various synthetic steroids probed in trials throughout the analysis of several neurosteroids-like actions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Rey
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME-CONICET), Vuelta de Obligado 2490, (C1428ADN) Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Héctor Coirini
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME-CONICET), Vuelta de Obligado 2490, (C1428ADN) Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina ; Departamento de Bioquímica Humana, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Paraguay 2155, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Guennoun R, Labombarda F, Gonzalez Deniselle MC, Liere P, De Nicola AF, Schumacher M. Progesterone and allopregnanolone in the central nervous system: response to injury and implication for neuroprotection. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2015; 146:48-61. [PMID: 25196185 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2014.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2014] [Revised: 08/29/2014] [Accepted: 09/02/2014] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Progesterone is a well-known steroid hormone, synthesized by ovaries and placenta in females, and by adrenal glands in both males and females. Several tissues are targets of progesterone and the nervous system is a major one. Progesterone is also locally synthesized by the nervous system and qualifies, therefore, as a neurosteroid. In addition, the nervous system has the capacity to bio-convert progesterone into its active metabolite allopregnanolone. The enzymes required for progesterone and allopregnanolone synthesis are widely distributed in brain and spinal cord. Increased local biosynthesis of pregnenolone, progesterone and 5α-dihydroprogesterone may be a part of an endogenous neuroprotective mechanism in response to nervous system injuries. Progesterone and allopregnanolone neuroprotective effects have been widely recognized. Multiple receptors or associated proteins may contribute to the progesterone effects: classical nuclear receptors (PR), membrane progesterone receptor component 1 (PGRMC1), membrane progesterone receptors (mPR), and γ-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptors after conversion to allopregnanolone. In this review, we will succinctly describe progesterone and allopregnanolone biosynthetic pathways and enzyme distribution in brain and spinal cord. Then, we will summarize our work on progesterone receptor distribution and cellular expression in brain and spinal cord; neurosteroid stimulation after nervous system injuries (spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, and stroke); and on progesterone and allopregnanolone neuroprotective effects in different experimental models including stroke and spinal cord injury. We will discuss in detail the neuroprotective effects of progesterone on the nervous system via PR, and of allopregnanolone via its modulation of GABAA receptors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R Guennoun
- UMR 788, Inserm and University Paris-Sud, 80 rue du Général Leclerc, 94276 Bicêtre, Kremlin-Bicêtre, France.
| | - F Labombarda
- Instituto de Biologia y Medicina Experimental and University of Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - P Liere
- UMR 788, Inserm and University Paris-Sud, 80 rue du Général Leclerc, 94276 Bicêtre, Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - A F De Nicola
- Instituto de Biologia y Medicina Experimental and University of Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - M Schumacher
- UMR 788, Inserm and University Paris-Sud, 80 rue du Général Leclerc, 94276 Bicêtre, Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
GABAA receptor-acting neurosteroids: a role in the development and regulation of the stress response. Front Neuroendocrinol 2015; 36:28-48. [PMID: 24929099 PMCID: PMC4349499 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2014.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2014] [Revised: 05/26/2014] [Accepted: 06/01/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Regulation of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis activity by stress is a fundamental survival mechanism and HPA-dysfunction is implicated in psychiatric disorders. Adverse early life experiences, e.g. poor maternal care, negatively influence brain development and programs an abnormal stress response by encoding long-lasting molecular changes, which may extend to the next generation. How HPA-dysfunction leads to the development of affective disorders is complex, but may involve GABAA receptors (GABAARs), as they curtail stress-induced HPA axis activation. Of particular interest are endogenous neurosteroids that potently modulate the function of GABAARs and exhibit stress-protective properties. Importantly, neurosteroid levels rise rapidly during acute stress, are perturbed in chronic stress and are implicated in the behavioural changes associated with early-life adversity. We will appraise how GABAAR-active neurosteroids may impact on HPA axis development and the orchestration of the stress-evoked response. The significance of these actions will be discussed in the context of stress-associated mood disorders.
Collapse
|
34
|
Lee RJ, Kim JK, Chao D, Kuo L, Mally A, McClean ME, Pemberton HE, Wilmington AR, Wong J, Murphy SP. Progesterone and allopregnanolone improves stroke outcome in male mice via distinct mechanisms but neither promotes neurogenesis. J Neurochem 2014; 132:32-7. [PMID: 25376903 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.12990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2014] [Revised: 11/03/2014] [Accepted: 11/05/2014] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Based on the outcome of a number of experimental studies, progesterone (PROG) holds promise as a new therapy for stroke. To understand more about the mechanisms involved, we administered PROG (or the major metabolite, allopregnanolone, ALLO), intra-peritoneally, for a period of 24 h after transient middle cerebral artery occlusion to male mice variably expressing intracellular progesterone receptors (iPR) A/B. Effects on infarct volume and neurogenesis were then assessed up to 1 month later. Predictably, infarct volume in wild-type mice receiving either drug was significantly smaller. However, mice heterozygous for iPRs A/B showed protection by ALLO but not by PROG. There was robust amplification of cell division in the wall of the lateral ventricle on the injured side of the brain, these cells migrated into the striatum and lateral cortex, and a significant number survived for at least 3 weeks. However, very few doublecortin-positive cells emerged from the subventricular zone and subsequent expression of NeuN in these newborn neurons was extremely rare. Neither PROG nor ALLO amplified the rate of neurogenesis, suggesting that the long-term benefits of acute drug administration results from tissue preservation. Male mice derive long-lasting benefit from progesterone and allopregnanolone after ischemic stroke. In mice heterozygous for iPRs, only allopregnanolone proved effective, suggesting distinct mechanisms. Abundant newborn cells were found in the wall of the lateral ventricle on the injured side (many doublecortin-positive), some migrated into the striatum and lateral cortex, but very few survived as mature neurons. Neurosteroid administration did not amplify this process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rona J Lee
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Nie H, Peng Z, Lao N, Wang H, Chen Y, Fang Z, Hou W, Gao F, Li X, Xiong L, Tan Q. Rosmarinic acid ameliorates PTSD-like symptoms in a rat model and promotes cell proliferation in the hippocampus. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2014; 51:16-22. [PMID: 24418162 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2014.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2013] [Revised: 01/03/2014] [Accepted: 01/03/2014] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Rosmarinic acid (RA) is an important component of Chinese herbal medicine treatments and has been demonstrated to exert therapeutic effects in mood disorders. The present study was designed to assess the effects of RA on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)-like symptoms, hippocampal cell proliferation and phosphorylation extracellular regulated protein kinases (pERK1/2) expression. We found that administration of RA (10mg/kg) alleviated PTSD-like symptoms in rats exposed to an enhanced single prolonged stress (ESPS) paradigm and restored hippocampal proliferation and pERK1/2 expression. Interestingly, the effects of RA were inhibited by the blockage of the ERK signaling. These data support the use of RA for treating PTSD and indicate that the ERK1/2 signaling cascade may play a critical role in the therapeutic efficacy of RA in treating such conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huang Nie
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China; Department of Anesthesiology, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Zhengwu Peng
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China; Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Ning Lao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Huaning Wang
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Yihuan Chen
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Zongping Fang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Wugang Hou
- Department of Anesthesiology, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Fang Gao
- Institute of Neuroscience, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Xia Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Lize Xiong
- Department of Anesthesiology, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China.
| | - Qingrong Tan
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Selective Effect of Allopregnanolone on Corticoliberin-Induced Anxiety. Bull Exp Biol Med 2014; 156:722-5. [DOI: 10.1007/s10517-014-2433-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2012] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
|
37
|
Melcangi RC, Giatti S, Calabrese D, Pesaresi M, Cermenati G, Mitro N, Viviani B, Garcia-Segura LM, Caruso D. Levels and actions of progesterone and its metabolites in the nervous system during physiological and pathological conditions. Prog Neurobiol 2014; 113:56-69. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2013.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2013] [Revised: 07/17/2013] [Accepted: 07/31/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
|
38
|
Brunton PJ, Russell JA, Hirst JJ. Allopregnanolone in the brain: protecting pregnancy and birth outcomes. Prog Neurobiol 2014; 113:106-36. [PMID: 24012715 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2013.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2013] [Revised: 08/12/2013] [Accepted: 08/25/2013] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
A successful pregnancy requires multiple adaptations in the mother's brain that serve to optimise foetal growth and development, protect the foetus from adverse prenatal programming and prevent premature delivery of the young. Pregnancy hormones induce, organise and maintain many of these adaptations. Steroid hormones play a critical role and of particular importance is the progesterone metabolite and neurosteroid, allopregnanolone. Allopregnanolone is produced in increasing amounts during pregnancy both in the periphery and in the maternal and foetal brain. This review critically examines a role for allopregnanolone in both the maternal and foetal brain during pregnancy and development in protecting pregnancy and birth outcomes, with particular emphasis on its role in relation to stress exposure at this time. Late pregnancy is associated with suppressed stress responses. Thus, we begin by considering what is known about the central mechanisms in the maternal brain, induced by allopregnanolone, that protect the foetus(es) from exposure to harmful levels of maternal glucocorticoids as a result of stress during pregnancy. Next we discuss the central mechanisms that prevent premature secretion of oxytocin and consider a role for allopregnanolone in minimising the risk of preterm birth. Allopregnanolone also plays a key role in the foetal brain, where it promotes development and is neuroprotective. Hence we review the evidence about disruption to neurosteroid production in pregnancy, through prenatal stress or other insults, and the immediate and long-term adverse consequences for the offspring. Finally we address whether progesterone or allopregnanolone treatment can rescue some of these deficits in the offspring.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paula J Brunton
- Division of Neurobiology, The Roslin Institute, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Scotland, UK.
| | - John A Russell
- Centre for Integrative Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
| | - Jonathan J Hirst
- Mothers and Babies Research Centre, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, N.S.W., Australia
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
|
40
|
Monasterio N, Vergara E, Morales T. Hormonal influences on neuroimmune responses in the CNS of females. Front Integr Neurosci 2014; 7:110. [PMID: 24478642 PMCID: PMC3894525 DOI: 10.3389/fnint.2013.00110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2013] [Accepted: 12/25/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Particular reproductive stages such as lactation impose demands on the female. To cope with these demands, her physiology goes through numerous adaptations, for example, attenuation of immune and stress responses. Hormonal fluctuation during lactation exerts a strong influence, inducing neuroplasticity in the hypothalamus and extrahypothalamic regions, and diminishing the stress and inflammatory responses. Thus, hormones confer decreased vulnerability to the female brain. This mini-review focuses on the adaptations of the immune and stress response during maternity, and on the neuroprotective actions of progesterone and prolactin and their effects on inflammation. The importance of pregnancy and lactation as experimental models to study immune responses and disease is also highlighted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nela Monasterio
- Departamento de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México Santiago de Querétaro, México
| | - Edgar Vergara
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México Ciudad de México, México
| | - Teresa Morales
- Departamento de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México Santiago de Querétaro, México
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Hirst JJ, Kelleher MA, Walker DW, Palliser HK. Neuroactive steroids in pregnancy: key regulatory and protective roles in the foetal brain. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2014; 139:144-53. [PMID: 23669456 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2013.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2012] [Revised: 04/05/2013] [Accepted: 04/09/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Neuroactive steroid concentrations are remarkably high in the foetal brain during late gestation. These concentrations are maintained by placental progesterone synthesis and the interaction of enzymes in the placenta and foetal brain. 5α-Pregnane-3α-ol-20-one (allopregnanolone) is a key neuroactive steroid during foetal life, although other 3α-hydroxy-pregnanes may make an additional contribution to neuroactive steroid action. Allopregnanolone modulates GABAergic inhibition to maintain a suppressive action on the foetal brain during late gestation. This action suppresses foetal behaviour and maintains the appropriate balance of foetal sleep-like behaviours, which in turn are important to normal neurodevelopment. Neuroactive steroid-induced suppression of excitability has a key role in protecting the foetal brain from acute hypoxia/ischaemia insults. Hypoxia-induced brain injury is markedly increased if neuroactive steroid levels are suppressed and there is increased seizure activity. There is also a rapid increase in allopregnanolone synthesis and hence levels in response to acute stress that acts as an endogenous protective mechanism. Allopregnanolone has a trophic role in regulating development, maintaining normal levels of apoptosis and increasing myelination during late gestation in the brain. In contrast, chronic foetal stressors, including intrauterine growth restriction, do not increase neuroactive steroid levels in the brain and exposure to repeated synthetic corticosteroids reduce neuroactive steroid levels. The reduced availability of neuroactive steroids may contribute to the adverse effects of chronic stressors on the foetal and newborn brain. Preterm birth also deprives the foetus of neuroactive steroid mediated protection and may increase vulnerability to brain injury and suboptimal development. These finding suggest replacement therapies should be explored. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled 'Pregnancy and steroids'.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan J Hirst
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
Curia G, Lucchi C, Vinet J, Gualtieri F, Marinelli C, Torsello A, Costantino L, Biagini G. Pathophysiogenesis of mesial temporal lobe epilepsy: is prevention of damage antiepileptogenic? Curr Med Chem 2014; 21:663-88. [PMID: 24251566 PMCID: PMC4101766 DOI: 10.2174/0929867320666131119152201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 152] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2013] [Revised: 07/04/2013] [Accepted: 08/29/2013] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is frequently associated with hippocampal sclerosis, possibly caused by a primary brain injury that occurred a long time before the appearance of neurological symptoms. This type of epilepsy is characterized by refractoriness to drug treatment, so to require surgical resection of mesial temporal regions involved in seizure onset. Even this last therapeutic approach may fail in giving relief to patients. Although prevention of hippocampal damage and epileptogenesis after a primary event could be a key innovative approach to TLE, the lack of clear data on the pathophysiological mechanisms leading to TLE does not allow any rational therapy. Here we address the current knowledge on mechanisms supposed to be involved in epileptogenesis, as well as on the possible innovative treatments that may lead to a preventive approach. Besides loss of principal neurons and of specific interneurons, network rearrangement caused by axonal sprouting and neurogenesis are well known phenomena that are integrated by changes in receptor and channel functioning and modifications in other cellular components. In particular, a growing body of evidence from the study of animal models suggests that disruption of vascular and astrocytic components of the blood-brain barrier takes place in injured brain regions such as the hippocampus and piriform cortex. These events may be counteracted by drugs able to prevent damage to the vascular component, as in the case of the growth hormone secretagogue ghrelin and its analogues. A thoroughly investigation on these new pharmacological tools may lead to design effective preventive therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - G Biagini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche, Metaboliche e Neuroscienze, Laboratorio di Epilettologia Sperimentale, Universita di Modena e Reggio Emilia, Via Campi, 287, 41125 Modena, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Schumacher M, Mattern C, Ghoumari A, Oudinet JP, Liere P, Labombarda F, Sitruk-Ware R, De Nicola AF, Guennoun R. Revisiting the roles of progesterone and allopregnanolone in the nervous system: resurgence of the progesterone receptors. Prog Neurobiol 2013; 113:6-39. [PMID: 24172649 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2013.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 245] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2013] [Revised: 09/15/2013] [Accepted: 09/21/2013] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Progesterone is commonly considered as a female reproductive hormone and is well-known for its role in pregnancy. It is less well appreciated that progesterone and its metabolite allopregnanolone are also male hormones, as they are produced in both sexes by the adrenal glands. In addition, they are synthesized within the nervous system. Progesterone and allopregnanolone are associated with adaptation to stress, and increased production of progesterone within the brain may be part of the response of neural cells to injury. Progesterone receptors (PR) are widely distributed throughout the brain, but their study has been mainly limited to the hypothalamus and reproductive functions, and the extra-hypothalamic receptors have been neglected. This lack of information about brain functions of PR is unexpected, as the protective and trophic effects of progesterone are much investigated, and as the therapeutic potential of progesterone as a neuroprotective and promyelinating agent is currently being assessed in clinical trials. The little attention devoted to the brain functions of PR may relate to the widely accepted assumption that non-reproductive actions of progesterone may be mainly mediated by allopregnanolone, which does not bind to PR, but acts as a potent positive modulator of γ-aminobutyric acid type A (GABA(A) receptors. The aim of this review is to critically discuss effects of progesterone on the nervous system via PR, and of allopregnanolone via its modulation of GABA(A) receptors, with main focus on the brain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Schumacher
- UMR 788 Inserm and University Paris-Sud, Kremlin-Bicêtre, France.
| | - C Mattern
- M et P Pharma AG, Emmetten, Switzerland
| | - A Ghoumari
- UMR 788 Inserm and University Paris-Sud, Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - J P Oudinet
- UMR 788 Inserm and University Paris-Sud, Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - P Liere
- UMR 788 Inserm and University Paris-Sud, Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - F Labombarda
- Instituto de Biologia y Medicina Experimental and University of Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - R Sitruk-Ware
- Population Council and Rockefeller University, New York, USA
| | - A F De Nicola
- Instituto de Biologia y Medicina Experimental and University of Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - R Guennoun
- UMR 788 Inserm and University Paris-Sud, Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Singh M, Su C, Ng S. Non-genomic mechanisms of progesterone action in the brain. Front Neurosci 2013; 7:159. [PMID: 24065876 PMCID: PMC3776940 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2013.00159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2013] [Accepted: 08/19/2013] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Progesterone is a gonadal steroid hormone whose physiological effects extend well beyond the strict confines of reproductive function. In fact, progesterone can have important effects on a variety of tissues, including the bone, the heart and the brain. Mechanistically, progesterone has been thought to exert its effects through the progesterone receptor (PR), a member of the nuclear steroid hormone superfamily, and as such, acts through specific progesterone response elements (PRE) within the promoter region of target genes to regulate transcription of such genes. This has been often described as the “genomic” mechanism of progesterone action. However, just as progesterone has a diverse range of tissue targets, the mechanisms through which progesterone elicits its effects are equally diverse. For example, progesterone can activate alternative receptors, such as membrane-associated PRs (distinct from the classical PR), to elicit the activation of several signaling pathways that in turn, can influence cell function. Here, we review various non-nuclear (i.e., non-genomic) signaling mechanisms that progesterone can recruit to elicit its effects, focusing our discussion primarily on those signaling mechanisms by which progesterone influences cell viability in the brain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meharvan Singh
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Center FOR HER, Institute for Aging and Alzheimer's Disease Research, University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth Fort Worth, TX, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
45
|
Sánchez P, Torres JM, Castro B, Del Moral RG, de Dios Luna J, Ortega E. Steroid 5α-reductase in adult rat brain after neonatal dihydrotestosterone administration. Neurochem Res 2012; 38:557-63. [PMID: 23229791 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-012-0948-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2012] [Revised: 10/22/2012] [Accepted: 12/01/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Testosterone (T) is known to play an important masculinizing role in the developing brain of rat, including the regulation of 5α-reductase (5α-R) isozymes. However, the effects of dihydrotesterone (DHT), a more potent androgen than T, have not been elucidated. In this study, DHT was administered from day 5 through day 20 of postnatal life (period of postnatal sexual differentiation of the central nervous system) at doses of: 12 mg/kg/d on days 5, 6, 7, 8, 19, and 20; 15 mg/kg/d on days 9, 10, 11, 12, 16, 17, and 18; and 18 mg/kg/d on days 13, 14, and 15. In adulthood, quantitative RT-PCR was used to measure mRNA levels of 5α-R1 and 5α-R2 isozymes in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of male and female rats with varied androgenic status. Under our study conditions, neonatal DHT administration influenced on adult PFC 5α-R isozymes levels and their regulation pattern by androgens, and this pattern was the inverse of that reported in adult neonatally T-treated rats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P Sánchez
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, University of Granada, Avda. de Madrid s/n, 18012, Granada, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
Adeosun SO, Hou X, Jiao Y, Zheng B, Henry S, Hill R, He Z, Pani A, Kyle P, Ou X, Mosley T, Farley JM, Stockmeier C, Paul I, Bigler S, Brinton RD, Smeyne R, Wang JM. Allopregnanolone reinstates tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactive neurons and motor performance in an MPTP-lesioned mouse model of Parkinson's disease. PLoS One 2012; 7:e50040. [PMID: 23209637 PMCID: PMC3510204 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0050040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2012] [Accepted: 10/15/2012] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Restorative/protective therapies to restore dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) are greatly needed to effectively change the debilitating course of Parkinson's disease. In this study, we tested the therapeutic potential of a neurogenic neurosteroid, allopregnanolone, in the restoration of the components of the nigrostriatal pathway in MPTP-lesioned mice by measuring striatal dopamine levels, total and tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactive neuron numbers and BrdU-positive cells in the SNpc. An acute treatment (once/week for two weeks) with allopregnanolone restored the number of tyrosine hydroxylase-positive and total cell numbers in the SNpc of MPTP-lesioned mice, even though this did not increase striatal dopamine. It was also noted that MPTP treated mice to which allopregnanolone was administered had an increase in BrdU-positive cells in the SNpc. The effects of allopregnanolone in MPTP-lesioned mice were more apparent in mice that underwent behavioral tests. Interestingly, mice treated with allopregnanolone after MPTP lesion were able to perform at levels similar to that of non-lesioned control mice in a rotarod test. These data demonstrate that allopregnanolone promotes the restoration of tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactive neurons and total cells in the nigrostriatal tract, improves the motor performance in MPTP-treated mice, and may serve as a therapeutic strategy for Parkinson's disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samuel O. Adeosun
- Program in Neuroscience, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi, United States of America
| | - Xu Hou
- Program in Neuroscience, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi, United States of America
| | - Yun Jiao
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Baoying Zheng
- Department of Pathology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi, United States of America
| | - Sherry Henry
- Department of Pathology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi, United States of America
| | - Rosanne Hill
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi, United States of America
| | - Zhi He
- Department of Pathology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi, United States of America
| | - Amar Pani
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Patrick Kyle
- Department of Pathology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi, United States of America
| | - Xiaoming Ou
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi, United States of America
- Program in Neuroscience, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi, United States of America
| | - Thomas Mosley
- The Memory Impairment Neurodegenerative Dementia Research Center, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi, United States of America
| | - Jerry M. Farley
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi, United States of America
- Program in Neuroscience, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi, United States of America
| | - Craig Stockmeier
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi, United States of America
- Program in Neuroscience, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi, United States of America
| | - Ian Paul
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi, United States of America
- Program in Neuroscience, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi, United States of America
| | - Steven Bigler
- Department of Pathology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi, United States of America
| | - Roberta Diaz Brinton
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Richard Smeyne
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Jun Ming Wang
- Department of Pathology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi, United States of America
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi, United States of America
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi, United States of America
- Program in Neuroscience, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi, United States of America
- The Memory Impairment Neurodegenerative Dementia Research Center, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Dubal DB, Broestl L, Worden K. Sex and gonadal hormones in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease: what is relevant to the human condition? Biol Sex Differ 2012; 3:24. [PMID: 23126652 PMCID: PMC3524653 DOI: 10.1186/2042-6410-3-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2012] [Accepted: 09/27/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Biologic sex and gonadal hormones matter in human aging and diseases of aging such as Alzheimer's - and the importance of studying their influences relates directly to human health. The goal of this article is to review the literature to date on sex and hormones in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease (AD) with an exclusive focus on interpreting the relevance of findings to the human condition. To this end, we highlight advances in AD and in sex and hormone biology, discuss what these advances mean for merging the two fields, review the current mouse model literature, raise major unresolved questions, and offer a research framework that incorporates human reproductive aging for future studies aimed at translational discoveries in this important area. Unraveling human relevant pathways in sex and hormone-based biology may ultimately pave the way to novel and urgently needed treatments for AD and other neurodegenerative diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dena B Dubal
- Laboratory of Neuroscience and Aging Research, Department of Neurology, Sandler Neurosciences Center, Room 212B, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
48
|
Progesterone, brain-derived neurotrophic factor and neuroprotection. Neuroscience 2012; 239:84-91. [PMID: 23036620 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2012.09.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2012] [Revised: 09/20/2012] [Accepted: 09/23/2012] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
While the effects of progesterone in the CNS, like those of estrogen, have generally been considered within the context of reproductive function, growing evidence supports its importance in regulating non-reproductive functions including cognition and affect. In addition, progesterone has well-described protective effects against numerous insults in a variety of cell models, animal models and in humans. While ongoing research in several laboratories continues to shed light on the mechanism(s) by which progesterone and its related progestins exert their effects in the CNS, our understanding is still incomplete. Among the key mediators of progesterone's beneficial effects is the family of growth factors called neurotrophins. Here, we review the mechanisms by which progesterone regulates one important member of the neurotrophin family, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and provides support for its pivotal role in the protective program elicited by progesterone in the brain.
Collapse
|
49
|
Kaore SN, Langade DK, Yadav VK, Sharma P, Thawani VR, Sharma R. Novel actions of progesterone: what we know today and what will be the scenario in the future? J Pharm Pharmacol 2012; 64:1040-62. [DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-7158.2012.01464.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
Objectives
This article is aimed to review the novel actions of progesterone, which otherwise is considered as a female reproductive hormone. The article focuses on its important physiological actions in males too and gives an overview of its novel perspectives in disorders of central and peripheral nervous system.
Key findings
Progesterone may have a potential benefit in treatment of traumatic brain injury, various neurological disorders and male related diseases like benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), prostate cancer and osteoporosis. Norethisterone (NETA), a progesterone derivative, decreases bone mineral loss in male castrated mice suggesting its role in osteoporosis. In the future, progesterone may find use as a male contraceptive too, but still needs confirmatory trials for safety, tolerability and acceptability. Megestrol acetate, a progesterone derivative is preferred in prostatic cancer. Further, it may find utility in nicotine addiction, traumatic brain injury (recently entered Phase III trial) and Alzheimer's disease, diabetic neuropathy and crush injuries. Studies also suggest role of progesterone in stroke, for which further clinical trials are needed. The non genomic actions of progesterone may be in part responsible for these novel actions.
Summary
Although progesterone has shown promising role in various non-hormonal benefits, further clinical studies are needed to prove its usefulness in conditions like stroke, traumatic brain injury, neuropathy and crush injury. In male related illnesses like BPH and prostatic Ca, it may prove a boon in near future. New era of hormonal male contraception may be initiated by use of progesterone along with testosterone.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shilpa N Kaore
- Department of Pharmacology, Peoples College of Medical Sciences & Research Center, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Deepak Kumar Langade
- Department of Pharmacology, Peoples College of Medical Sciences & RC, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Vijay Kumar Yadav
- Department of Pharmacology, Peoples College of Medical Sciences & RC, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Parag Sharma
- Department of Pharmacology, Peoples College of Medical Sciences & RC, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Vijay R Thawani
- Department of Pharmacology, VCSG GMSRI, Srinagar and Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Raj Sharma
- Department of Pharmacology, Govt medical College, Jagdalpur, Chhatisgarh, India
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Schumacher M, Hussain R, Gago N, Oudinet JP, Mattern C, Ghoumari AM. Progesterone synthesis in the nervous system: implications for myelination and myelin repair. Front Neurosci 2012; 6:10. [PMID: 22347156 PMCID: PMC3274763 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2012.00010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2011] [Accepted: 01/16/2012] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Progesterone is well known as a female reproductive hormone and in particular for its role in uterine receptivity, implantation, and the maintenance of pregnancy. However, neuroendocrine research over the past decades has established that progesterone has multiple functions beyond reproduction. Within the nervous system, its neuromodulatory and neuroprotective effects are much studied. Although progesterone has been shown to also promote myelin repair, its influence and that of other steroids on myelination and remyelination is relatively neglected. Reasons for this are that hormonal influences are still not considered as a central problem by most myelin biologists, and that neuroendocrinologists are not sufficiently concerned with the importance of myelin in neuron functions and viability. The effects of progesterone in the nervous system involve a variety of signaling mechanisms. The identification of the classical intracellular progesterone receptors as therapeutic targets for myelin repair suggests new health benefits for synthetic progestins, specifically designed for contraceptive use and hormone replacement therapies. There are also major advantages to use natural progesterone in neuroprotective and myelin repair strategies, because progesterone is converted to biologically active metabolites in nervous tissues and interacts with multiple target proteins. The delivery of progesterone however represents a challenge because of its first-pass metabolism in digestive tract and liver. Recently, the intranasal route of progesterone administration has received attention for easy and efficient targeting of the brain. Progesterone in the brain is derived from the steroidogenic endocrine glands or from local synthesis by neural cells. Stimulating the formation of endogenous progesterone is currently explored as an alternative strategy for neuroprotection, axonal regeneration, and myelin repair.
Collapse
|