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Zhdanova DY, Kovalev VI, Chaplygina AV, Bobkova NV, Poltavtseva RA, Sukhikh GT. YB-1 Protein Prevents Age-Related Decline in Plasma Estradiol in Aging Female 5xFAD Transgenic Mice. J EVOL BIOCHEM PHYS+ 2023. [DOI: 10.1134/s0022093023010192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
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2
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Fernandez N, Petit A, Pianos A, Haddad L, Schumacher M, Liere P, Guennoun R. Aging Is Associated With Lower Neuroactive Steroids and Worsened Outcomes Following Cerebral Ischemia in Male Mice. Endocrinology 2022; 164:6779564. [PMID: 36306407 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqac183] [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: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Ischemic stroke is a leading cause of disability and death, and aging is the main nonmodifiable risk factor. Following ischemia, neuroactive steroids have been shown to play a key role in cerebroprotection. Thus, brain steroid concentrations at the time of injury as well as their regulation after stroke are key factors to consider. Here, we investigated the effects of age and cerebral ischemia on steroid levels, behavioral outcomes, and neuronal degeneration in 3- and 18-month-old C57BL/6JRj male mice. Ischemia was induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion for 1 hour followed by reperfusion (MCAO/R) and analyses were performed at 6 hours after MCAO. Extended steroid profiles established by gas chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry revealed that (1) brain and plasma concentrations of the main 5α-reduced metabolites of progesterone, 11-deoxycorticosterone, and corticosterone were lower in old than in young mice; (2) after MCAO/R, brain concentrations of progesterone, 5α-dihydroprogesterone, and corticosterone increased in young mice; and (3) after MCAO/R, brain concentrations of 5α-reduced metabolites of progesterone, 3α5α-tetrahydrodeoxycorticosterone, and 3β5α-tetrahydrodeoxycorticosterone were lower in old than in young mice. After ischemia, old mice showed increased sensori-motor deficits and more degenerating neurons in the striatum than young mice. Altogether, these findings strongly suggest that the decreased capacity of old mice to metabolize steroids toward the 5α-reduction pathway comparatively to young mice may contribute to the worsening of their stroke outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neïké Fernandez
- U1195 Inserm and University Paris-Saclay, 94276 Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Anthony Petit
- U1195 Inserm and University Paris-Saclay, 94276 Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Antoine Pianos
- U1195 Inserm and University Paris-Saclay, 94276 Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Léna Haddad
- U1195 Inserm and University Paris-Saclay, 94276 Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Michael Schumacher
- U1195 Inserm and University Paris-Saclay, 94276 Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Philippe Liere
- U1195 Inserm and University Paris-Saclay, 94276 Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Rachida Guennoun
- U1195 Inserm and University Paris-Saclay, 94276 Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
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Chowen JA, Garcia-Segura LM. Role of glial cells in the generation of sex differences in neurodegenerative diseases and brain aging. Mech Ageing Dev 2021; 196:111473. [PMID: 33766745 DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2021.111473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 03/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Diseases and aging-associated alterations of the nervous system often show sex-specific characteristics. Glial cells play a major role in the endogenous homeostatic response of neural tissue, and sex differences in the glial transcriptome and function have been described. Therefore, the possible role of these cells in the generation of sex differences in pathological alterations of the nervous system is reviewed here. Studies have shown that glia react to pathological insults with sex-specific neuroprotective and regenerative effects. At least three factors determine this sex-specific response of glia: sex chromosome genes, gonadal hormones and neuroactive steroid hormone metabolites. The sex chromosome complement determines differences in the transcriptional responses in glia after brain injury, while gonadal hormones and their metabolites activate sex-specific neuroprotective mechanisms in these cells. Since the sex-specific neuroprotective and regenerative activity of glial cells causes sex differences in the pathological alterations of the nervous system, glia may represent a relevant target for sex-specific therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie A Chowen
- Department of Endocrinology, Hospital Infantil Universitario Niño Jesús, Instituto de Investigación la Princesa, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutriciόn (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, and IMDEA Food Institute, CEIUAM+CSIC, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Luis M Garcia-Segura
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
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4
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Zárate S, Stevnsner T, Gredilla R. Role of Estrogen and Other Sex Hormones in Brain Aging. Neuroprotection and DNA Repair. Front Aging Neurosci 2018. [PMID: 29311911 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2017.00430/xml/nlm] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Aging is an inevitable biological process characterized by a progressive decline in physiological function and increased susceptibility to disease. The detrimental effects of aging are observed in all tissues, the brain being the most important one due to its main role in the homeostasis of the organism. As our knowledge about the underlying mechanisms of brain aging increases, potential approaches to preserve brain function rise significantly. Accumulating evidence suggests that loss of genomic maintenance may contribute to aging, especially in the central nervous system (CNS) owing to its low DNA repair capacity. Sex hormones, particularly estrogens, possess potent antioxidant properties and play important roles in maintaining normal reproductive and non-reproductive functions. They exert neuroprotective actions and their loss during aging and natural or surgical menopause is associated with mitochondrial dysfunction, neuroinflammation, synaptic decline, cognitive impairment and increased risk of age-related disorders. Moreover, loss of sex hormones has been suggested to promote an accelerated aging phenotype eventually leading to the development of brain hypometabolism, a feature often observed in menopausal women and prodromal Alzheimer's disease (AD). Although data on the relation between sex hormones and DNA repair mechanisms in the brain is still limited, various investigations have linked sex hormone levels with different DNA repair enzymes. Here, we review estrogen anti-aging and neuroprotective mechanisms, which are currently an area of intense study, together with the effect they may have on the DNA repair capacity in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Zárate
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED, UBA-CONICET), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Departamento de Histología, Embriología, Biología Celular y Genética, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Tinna Stevnsner
- Danish Center for Molecular Gerontology and Danish Aging Research Center, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, University of Aarhus, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Ricardo Gredilla
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
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5
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Zárate S, Stevnsner T, Gredilla R. Role of Estrogen and Other Sex Hormones in Brain Aging. Neuroprotection and DNA Repair. Front Aging Neurosci 2017; 9:430. [PMID: 29311911 PMCID: PMC5743731 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2017.00430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 162] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2017] [Accepted: 12/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Aging is an inevitable biological process characterized by a progressive decline in physiological function and increased susceptibility to disease. The detrimental effects of aging are observed in all tissues, the brain being the most important one due to its main role in the homeostasis of the organism. As our knowledge about the underlying mechanisms of brain aging increases, potential approaches to preserve brain function rise significantly. Accumulating evidence suggests that loss of genomic maintenance may contribute to aging, especially in the central nervous system (CNS) owing to its low DNA repair capacity. Sex hormones, particularly estrogens, possess potent antioxidant properties and play important roles in maintaining normal reproductive and non-reproductive functions. They exert neuroprotective actions and their loss during aging and natural or surgical menopause is associated with mitochondrial dysfunction, neuroinflammation, synaptic decline, cognitive impairment and increased risk of age-related disorders. Moreover, loss of sex hormones has been suggested to promote an accelerated aging phenotype eventually leading to the development of brain hypometabolism, a feature often observed in menopausal women and prodromal Alzheimer's disease (AD). Although data on the relation between sex hormones and DNA repair mechanisms in the brain is still limited, various investigations have linked sex hormone levels with different DNA repair enzymes. Here, we review estrogen anti-aging and neuroprotective mechanisms, which are currently an area of intense study, together with the effect they may have on the DNA repair capacity in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Zárate
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED, UBA-CONICET), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Departamento de Histología, Embriología, Biología Celular y Genética, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Tinna Stevnsner
- Danish Center for Molecular Gerontology and Danish Aging Research Center, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, University of Aarhus, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Ricardo Gredilla
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
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6
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Hadem IKH, Majaw T, Kharbuli B, Sharma R. Beneficial effects of dietary restriction in aging brain. J Chem Neuroanat 2017; 95:123-133. [PMID: 29031555 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2017.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2017] [Revised: 09/14/2017] [Accepted: 10/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Aging is a multifactorial complex process that leads to the deterioration of biological functions wherein its underlying mechanism is not fully elucidated. It affects the organism at the molecular and cellular level that contributes to the deterioration of structural integrity of the organs. The central nervous system is the most vulnerable organ affected by aging and its effect is highly heterogeneous. Aging causes alteration in the structure, metabolism and physiology of the brain leading to impaired cognitive and motor-neural functions. Dietary restriction (DR), a robust mechanism that extends lifespan in various organisms, ameliorates brain aging by reducing oxidative stress, improving mitochondrial function, activating anti-inflammatory responses, promoting neurogenesis and increasing synaptic plasticity. It also protects and prevents age-related structural changes. DR alleviates many age-associated diseases including neurodegeneration and improves cognitive functions. DR inhibits/activates nutrient signaling cascades such as insulin/IGF-1, mTOR, AMPK and sirtuins. Because of its sensitivity to energy status and hormones, AMPK is considered as the global nutrient sensor. This review will present an elucidative potential role of dietary restriction in the prevention of phenotypic features during aging in brain and its diverse mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Teikur Majaw
- Department of Biochemistry, North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong 793022, Meghalaya, India
| | - Babiangshisha Kharbuli
- Department of Biochemistry, North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong 793022, Meghalaya, India
| | - Ramesh Sharma
- Department of Biochemistry, North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong 793022, Meghalaya, India.
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7
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Borbélyová V, Domonkos E, Csongová M, Kačmárová M, Ostatníková D, Celec P, Hodosy J. Sex-dependent effects of letrozole on anxiety in middle-aged rats. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2017; 44 Suppl 1:93-98. [DOI: 10.1111/1440-1681.12731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2016] [Revised: 01/04/2017] [Accepted: 01/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Veronika Borbélyová
- Institute of Molecular Biomedicine; Faculty of Medicine; Comenius University; Bratislava Slovakia
| | - Emese Domonkos
- Institute of Molecular Biomedicine; Faculty of Medicine; Comenius University; Bratislava Slovakia
| | - Melinda Csongová
- Institute of Molecular Biomedicine; Faculty of Medicine; Comenius University; Bratislava Slovakia
| | - Mária Kačmárová
- Department of Animal Physiology and Ethology; Faculty of Natural Sciences; Comenius University; Bratislava Slovakia
| | - Daniela Ostatníková
- Institute of Physiology; Faculty of Medicine; Comenius University; Bratislava Slovakia
| | - Peter Celec
- Institute of Molecular Biomedicine; Faculty of Medicine; Comenius University; Bratislava Slovakia
- Institute of Pathophysiology; Faculty of Medicine; Comenius University; Bratislava Slovakia
- Department of Molecular Biology; Faculty of Natural Sciences; Comenius University; Bratislava Slovakia
| | - Július Hodosy
- Institute of Molecular Biomedicine; Faculty of Medicine; Comenius University; Bratislava Slovakia
- Institute of Physiology; Faculty of Medicine; Comenius University; Bratislava Slovakia
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8
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Umeano O, Wang H, Dawson H, Lei B, Umeano A, Kernagis D, James ML. Female gonadal hormone effects on microglial activation and functional outcomes in a mouse model of moderate traumatic brain injury. World J Crit Care Med 2017; 6:107-115. [PMID: 28529912 PMCID: PMC5415850 DOI: 10.5492/wjccm.v6.i2.107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2016] [Revised: 09/30/2016] [Accepted: 01/14/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To address the hypothesis that young, gonad-intact female mice have improved long-term recovery associated with decreased neuroinflammation compared to male mice.
METHODS Eight to ten week-old male, female, and ovariectomized (OVX) mice underwent closed cranial impact. Gonad-intact female mice were injured only in estrus state. After injury, between group differences were assessed using complementary immunohistochemical staining for microglial cells at 1 h, mRNA polymerase chain reaction for inflammatory markers at 1 h after injury, Rotarod over days 1-7, and water maze on days 28-31 after injury.
RESULTS Male mice had a greater area of injury (P = 0.0063), F4/80-positive cells (P = 0.032), and up regulation of inflammatory genes compared to female mice. Male and OVX mice had higher mortality after injury when compared to female mice (P = 0.043). No group differences were demonstrated in Rotarod latencies (P = 0.62). OVX mice demonstrated decreased water maze latencies compared to other groups (P = 0.049).
CONCLUSION Differences in mortality, long-term neurological recovery, and markers of neuroinflammation exist between female and male mice after moderate traumatic brain injury (MTBI). Unexpectedly, OVX mice have decreased long term neurological function after MTBI when compared to gonad intact male and female mice. As such, it can be concluded that the presence of female gonadal hormones may influence behavioural outcomes after MTBI, though mechanisms involved are unclear.
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9
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Konar A, Singh P, Thakur MK. Age-associated Cognitive Decline: Insights into Molecular Switches and Recovery Avenues. Aging Dis 2016; 7:121-9. [PMID: 27114845 PMCID: PMC4809604 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2015.1004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2015] [Accepted: 10/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-associated cognitive decline is an inevitable phenomenon that predisposes individuals for neurological and psychiatric disorders eventually affecting the quality of life. Scientists have endeavored to identify the key molecular switches that drive cognitive decline with advancing age. These newly identified molecules are then targeted as recovery of cognitive aging and related disorders. Cognitive decline during aging is multi-factorial and amongst several factors influencing this trajectory, gene expression changes are pivotal. Identifying these genes would elucidate the neurobiological underpinnings as well as offer clues that make certain individuals resilient to withstand the inevitable age-related deteriorations. Our laboratory has focused on this aspect and investigated a wide spectrum of genes involved in crucial brain functions that attribute to senescence induced cognitive deficits. We have recently identified master switches in the epigenome regulating gene expression alteration during brain aging. Interestingly, these factors when manipulated by chemical or genetic strategies successfully reverse the age-related cognitive impairments. In the present article, we review findings from our laboratory and others combined with supporting literary evidences on molecular switches of brain aging and their potential as recovery targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arpita Konar
- Department of Zoology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India; CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, New Delhi 110025, India
| | - Padmanabh Singh
- Department of Zoology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Mahendra K Thakur
- Department of Zoology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India
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10
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Balietti M, Giannubilo SR, Giorgetti B, Solazzi M, Turi A, Casoli T, Ciavattini A, Fattorettia P. The effect of astaxanthin on the aging rat brain: gender-related differences in modulating inflammation. JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE 2016; 96:615-618. [PMID: 25678261 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.7131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2014] [Revised: 01/18/2015] [Accepted: 02/04/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Astaxanthin (Ax) is a ketocarotenoid of the xanthophyll family with activities such as antioxidation, preservation of the integrity of cell membranes and protection of the redox state and functional integrity of mitochondria. The aim of this study was to investigate potential gender-related differences in the effect of Ax on the aging rat brain. RESULTS In females, interleukin 1 beta (IL1β) was significantly lower in treated rats in both cerebral areas, and in the cerebellum, treated animals also had significantly higher IL10. In males, no differences were found in the cerebellum, but in the hippocampus, IL1β and IL10 were significantly higher in treated rats. CONCLUSION These are the first results to show gender-related differences in the effect of Ax on the aging brain, emphasizing the necessity to carefully analyze female and male peculiarities when the anti-aging potentialities of this ketocarotenoid are evaluated. The observations lead to the hypothesis that Ax exerts different anti-inflammatory effects in female and male brains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Balietti
- Neurobiology of Aging Centre, INRCA, Ancona, Italy
- Cellular Bioenergetics Laboratory, INRCA, Ancona, Italy
| | - Stefano R Giannubilo
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Salesi Hospital, Ancona, Italy
| | | | | | - Angelo Turi
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Salesi Hospital, Ancona, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Ciavattini
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Salesi Hospital, Ancona, Italy
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11
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Peri A. Neuroprotective effects of estrogens: the role of cholesterol. J Endocrinol Invest 2016; 39:11-8. [PMID: 26084445 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-015-0332-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2015] [Accepted: 06/01/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Experimental and clinical evidence suggests that estrogens have protective effects in the brain. Nevertheless, their potential role against neurodegenerative diseases, in particular Alzheimer's disease (AD), is still a matter of debate. The identification of the seladin-1 gene (for SELective Alzheimer's Disease INdicator-1), which appeared to be significantly less expressed in brain region affected in AD, opened a new scenario in the field of neuroprotective mechanisms. Seladin-1 was found to have neuroprotective properties through its anti-apoptotic activity. In addition, it was subsequently demonstrated that seladin-1 also has enzymatic activity, because it catalyzes the conversion of desmosterol into cholesterol. Several studies have shown that an appropriate amount of membrane cholesterol plays a pivotal role to protect nerve cells against β-amyloid toxicity in AD and to counteract the synthesis of β-amyloid. METHODS AND RESULTS We demonstrated that the expression of seladin-1, as well as the synthesis of cell cholesterol, is stimulated by estrogens in human neuronal precursor cells. Cholesterol enriched cells became more resistant against oxidative stress and β-amyloid toxicity. We thus hypothesized that seladin-1 might be a mediator of the neuroprotective effects of estrogens. Indeed, in cells in which seladin-1 gene expression had been silenced by siRNA the protective effects of estrogens were lost. This finding indicates that seladin-1 is a crucial mediator of the neuroprotective effects of these hormones, at least in our cell model. CONCLUSIONS In summary, these results establish a new link between estrogens and cholesterol, which is represented by the neuroprotective factor seladin-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Peri
- Endocrine Unit, Department of Experimental and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", Center for Research, Transfer and High Education on Chronic, Inflammatory, Degenerative and Neoplastic Disorders for the Development of Novel Therapies, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini, 6, 50139, Florence, Italy.
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12
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Fokidis HB, Adomat HH, Kharmate G, Hosseini-Beheshti E, Guns ES, Soma KK. Regulation of local steroidogenesis in the brain and in prostate cancer: lessons learned from interdisciplinary collaboration. Front Neuroendocrinol 2015; 36:108-29. [PMID: 25223867 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2014.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2014] [Revised: 08/28/2014] [Accepted: 08/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Sex steroids play critical roles in the regulation of the brain and many other organs. Traditionally, researchers have focused on sex steroid signaling that involves travel from the gonads via the circulation to intracellular receptors in target tissues. This classic concept has been challenged, however, by the growing number of cases in which steroids are synthesized locally and act locally within diverse tissues. For example, the brain and prostate carcinoma were previously considered targets of gonadal sex steroids, but under certain circumstances, these tissues can upregulate their steroidogenic potential, particularly when circulating sex steroid concentrations are low. We review some of the similarities and differences between local sex steroid synthesis in the brain and prostate cancer. We also share five lessons that we have learned during the course of our interdisciplinary collaboration, which brought together neuroendocrinologists and cancer biologists. These lessons have important implications for future research in both fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Bobby Fokidis
- Department of Biology, Rollins College, Winter Park, FL 37289, USA; Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada; Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada.
| | - Hans H Adomat
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada
| | | | | | - Emma S Guns
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada; Department of Urological Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada
| | - Kiran K Soma
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada; Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada; Brain Research Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada; Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada.
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13
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Pekary AE, Sattin A. Increased TRH and TRH-like peptide release in rat brain and peripheral tissues during proestrus/estrus. Peptides 2014; 52:1-10. [PMID: 24296042 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2013.11.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2013] [Revised: 11/21/2013] [Accepted: 11/21/2013] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Women are at greater risk for major depression, PTSD, and other anxiety disorders. ERβ-selective agonists for the treatment of these disorders are the focus of pharmacologic development and clinical testing. Estradiol and its metabolites contribute to the neuroprotective effects of this steroid class, particularly in men, due to local conversion of testosterone to estiradiol in key brain regions which are predisposed to neurodegenerative diseases. We have used young adult female Sprague-Dawley rats to assess the role of TRH and TRH-like peptides, with the general structure pGlu-X-Pro-NH2 where "X" can be any amino acid residue, as mediators of the neurobiochemical effects of estradiol. The neuroprotective TRH and TRH-like peptides are coreleased with excitotoxic glutamate by glutamatergic neurons which contribute importantly to the regulation of the estrus cycle. The levels of TRH and TRH-like peptides during proestrus and/or estrus in the 12 brain regions analyzed were significantly decreased (due to accelerated release) 106 times but increased only 25 times when compared to the corresponding levels during diestrus days 1 and 2. These changes, listed by brain region in the order of decreasing number of significant decreases (↓) and/or increases (↑), were: striatum (20↓,1↑), medulla oblongata (16↓,2↑), amygdala (14↓,1↑), cerebellum (13↓,1↑), hypothalamus (12↓,1↑), entorhinal cortex (6↓,6↑), posterior cingulate (10↓,1↑), frontal cortex (3↓,5↑), nucleus accumbens (5↓,3↑), hippocampus (5↓,2↑), anterior cingulate (2↓,1↑), and piriform cortex (1↑). In peripheral tissues the corresponding changes were: ovaries (23↓), uterus (16↓,1↑), adrenals (11↓,3↑), and pancreas (1↓,6↑). We conclude that these peptides may be downstream mediators of some of the therapeutic effects of estrogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- A E Pekary
- Research Service, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, United States; Center for Ulcer Research and Education, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, United States; Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90073, United States.
| | - Albert Sattin
- Research Service, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, United States; Psychiatry Service, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, United States; Department of Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90073, United States; Brain Research Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90073, United States
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14
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Panizzon MS, Hauger R, Xian H, Vuoksimaa E, Spoon KM, Mendoza SP, Jacobson KC, Vasilopoulos T, Rana BK, McKenzie R, McCaffery JM, Lyons MJ, Kremen WS, Franz CE. Interaction of APOE genotype and testosterone on episodic memory in middle-aged men. Neurobiol Aging 2013; 35:1778.e1-8. [PMID: 24444806 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2013.12.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2013] [Revised: 12/19/2013] [Accepted: 12/21/2013] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Age-related changes in testosterone are believed to be a key component of the processes that contribute to cognitive aging in men. The APOE-ε4 allele may interact with testosterone and moderate the hormone's association with cognition. The goals of the present study were to examine the degree to which free testosterone is associated with episodic memory in a community-based sample of middle-aged men, and examine the potential interaction between free testosterone and the APOE-ε4 allele. Data were used from 717 participants in the Vietnam Era Twin Study of Aging. Average age was 55.4 years (standard deviation = 2.5). Significant positive associations were observed between free testosterone level and verbal episodic memory, as well as a significant interaction between free testosterone and APOE-ε4 status. In ε4 carriers free testosterone was positively associated with verbal episodic memory performance (story recall), whereas no association was observed in ε4 noncarriers. Results support the hypothesis that APOE-ε4 status increases susceptibility to other risk factors, such as low testosterone, which may ultimately contribute to cognitive decline or dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew S Panizzon
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA; Twin Research Laboratory, Center for Behavioral Genomics, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA.
| | - Richard Hauger
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA; VA San Diego Healthcare System, CA, USA; Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Hong Xian
- Department of Biostatistics, St. Louis University, College for Public Health & Social Justice, St. Louis, MO, USA; Research Service, St. Louis Veterans Affairs Medical Center, St. Louis, MO
| | - Eero Vuoksimaa
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA; Twin Research Laboratory, Center for Behavioral Genomics, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA; Department of Public Health, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kelly M Spoon
- Computational Science Research Center, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Sally P Mendoza
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Brinda K Rana
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA; Twin Research Laboratory, Center for Behavioral Genomics, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Ruth McKenzie
- Department of Psychology, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jeanne M McCaffery
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, The Miriam Hospital and Warren Alpert School of Medicine at Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Michael J Lyons
- Department of Psychology, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - William S Kremen
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA; Twin Research Laboratory, Center for Behavioral Genomics, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA; VA San Diego Healthcare System, CA, USA; Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Carol E Franz
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA; Twin Research Laboratory, Center for Behavioral Genomics, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
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15
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Cansino S, Hernández-Ramos E, Estrada-Manilla C, Torres-Trejo F, Martínez-Galindo JG, Ayala-Hernández M, Gómez-Fernández T, Osorio D, Cedillo-Tinoco M, Garcés-Flores L, Beltrán-Palacios K, García-Lázaro HG, García-Gutiérrez F, Cadena-Arenas Y, Fernández-Apan L, Bärtschi A, Rodríguez-Ortiz MD. The decline of verbal and visuospatial working memory across the adult life span. AGE (DORDRECHT, NETHERLANDS) 2013; 35:2283-302. [PMID: 23558670 PMCID: PMC3825012 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-013-9531-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2012] [Accepted: 03/21/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
It has been well established that working memory abilities decrease with advancing age; however, the specific time point in the adult life span at which this deficit begins and the rate at which it advances are still controversial. There is no agreement on whether working memory declines equally for visuospatial and verbal information, and the literature disagrees on how task difficulty may influence this decay. We addressed these questions in a lifespan sample of 1,500 participants between 21 and 80 years old. The n-back task was used, with letters and circles presented at different positions around an imaginary circle, to evaluate working memory in the verbal and visuospatial domains, respectively. The participants' task was to judge whether the current stimulus matched a stimulus that was shown n trials prior. Both domains were evaluated in two levels of difficulty: 1-back and 2-back. The comparison across decades showed that discrimination in the visuospatial and 1-back tasks started to decline earlier in women than in men; however, discrimination was equal between the sexes in the verbal and 2-back tasks. Performance on tasks in the visuospatial domain exhibited more pronounced decline than in those in the verbal domain. The rate of decline in working memory accuracy was superior in 2-back tasks than in 1-back tasks, independent of the domain. These results revealed that the effects of aging on working memory are less dependent on the type of information and more reliant on the resources demanded by the task.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selene Cansino
- Laboratory of NeuroCognition, Faculty of Psychology, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Avenida Universidad 3004, Colonia Copilco Universidad, Building D, Second floor, Room 12, 04510, Mexico City, Mexico,
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16
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Velíšková J, Desantis KA. Sex and hormonal influences on seizures and epilepsy. Horm Behav 2013; 63:267-77. [PMID: 22504305 PMCID: PMC3424285 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2012.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2012] [Revised: 03/28/2012] [Accepted: 03/29/2012] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Epilepsy is the third most common chronic neurological disorder. Clinical and experimental evidence supports the role of sex and influence of sex hormones on seizures and epilepsy as well as alterations of the endocrine system and levels of sex hormones by epileptiform activity. Conversely, seizures are sensitive to changes in sex hormone levels, which in turn may affect the seizure-induced neuronal damage. The effects of reproductive hormones on neuronal excitability and seizure-induced damage are complex to contradictory and depend on different mechanisms, which have to be accounted for in data interpretation. Both estradiol and progesterone/allopregnanolone may have beneficial effects for patients with epilepsy. Individualized hormonal therapy should be considered as adjunctive treatment in patients with epilepsy to improve seizure control as well as quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Velíšková
- Department of Cell Biology & Anatomy, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA.
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17
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Meyer K, Korz V. Age dependent differences in the regulation of hippocampal steroid hormones and receptor genes: relations to motivation and cognition in male rats. Horm Behav 2013; 63:376-84. [PMID: 23238103 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2012.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2012] [Revised: 11/28/2012] [Accepted: 12/03/2012] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Estrogen and estrogenic functions are age-dependently involved in the modulation of learning, memory and mood in female humans and animals. However, the investigation of estrogenic effects in males has been largely neglected. Therefore, we investigated the hippocampal gene expression of estrogen receptors α and β (ERα, β) in 8-week-old, 12-week-old and 24-week-old male rats. To control for possible interactions between the expression of the estrogen receptor genes and other learning-related steroid receptors, androgen receptors (AR), corticosterone-binding glucocorticoid receptors (GR) and mineralocorticoid receptors (MR) were also measured. Furthermore, the concentrations of the ligands 17β-estradiol, testosterone and corticosterone were measured. The spatial training was conducted in a hole-board. The 8-week-old rats exhibited higher levels of general activity and exploration during the training and performed best with respect to spatial learning and memory, whereas no difference was found between the 12-week-old and 24-week-old rats. The trained 8-week-old rats exhibited increased gene expression of ERα compared with the untrained rats in this age group as well as the trained 12-week-old and 24-week-old rats. The concentrations of estradiol and testosterone, however, were generally higher in the 24-week-old rats than in the 8-week-old and 12-week-old rats. The ERα mRNA concentrations correlated positively with behavior that indicate general learning motivation. These results suggest a specific role of ERα in the age-related differences in motivation and subsequent success in the task. Thus, estrogen and estrogenic functions may play a more prominent role in young male behavior and development than has been previously assumed.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Meyer
- Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Brenneckestr. 6, 39118 Magdeburg, Germany.
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18
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19
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Long J, He P, Shen Y, Li R. New evidence of mitochondria dysfunction in the female Alzheimer's disease brain: deficiency of estrogen receptor-β. J Alzheimers Dis 2012; 30:545-58. [PMID: 22451324 DOI: 10.3233/jad-2012-120283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Accumulating evidence suggests that mitochondria are important targets for the actions of estrogens and studies indicated that localization of estrogen receptor β (ERβ) in neuronal mitochondrial (mtERβ) might directly affect neuronal mitochondrial function in vitro. However, it is unknown what expression levels and how important mtERβ is in the human brain, particularly in a brain with Alzheimer's disease (AD). In the present study, using rapidly autopsied human brain tissue, we found that the frontal cortices of female AD patients exhibited significantly reduced mtERβ, along with reduced mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase activity, and increased protein carbonylation compared to that in normal controls. The correlation between mtERβ expression and mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase activity in the female human brain is significant. To understand the possible mechanisms of mtERβ in AD-related mitochondrial dysfunction, using ERβKO mice as a model, we found that lack of ERβ enhanced brain reactive oxygen species generation and reduced mitochondrial membrane potential under Aβ peptide insult compared to brain mitochondria from wild-type control mice. Our studies, for the first time, demonstrated neuronal mtERβ expression in the human brain and the deficiency of mtERβ in the female AD brain is associated with the dysfunction of mitochondria. Our results from ERβKO mice demonstrated that ERβ depletion-induced mitochondrial dysfunction is mediated through increasing reactive oxygen generation and reduction of mitochondria membrane potential. These results indicate that ERβ depletion impairs mitochondrial function in mice, and reduction of brain mtERβ may significantly contribute to the mitochondrial dysfunction involved in AD pathogenesis in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiangang Long
- Laboratory of Molecular Endocrinology, Sun Health Research Institute, Sun City, AZ, USA
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20
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Barha CK, Galea LAM. The hormone therapy, Premarin, impairs hippocampus-dependent spatial learning and memory and reduces activation of new granule neurons in response to memory in female rats. Neurobiol Aging 2012; 34:986-1004. [PMID: 22938820 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2012.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2012] [Revised: 06/29/2012] [Accepted: 07/11/2012] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Estrogens have been implicated as possible therapeutic agents for improving cognition in postmenopausal women and have been linked to neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease. However, the utility of Premarin (Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, Markham, ON, Canada), a conjugated equine estrogen and the most commonly prescribed hormone therapy, has recently been questioned. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Premarin at 2 different doses (10 or 20 μg) on hippocampus-dependent spatial learning and memory, hippocampal neurogenesis, and new neuronal activation using a rodent model of surgical menopause. Rats were treated daily with subcutaneous injections of Premarin and trained on the spatial working/reference memory version of the radial arm maze. Premarin impaired spatial reference and working learning and memory, increased hippocampal neurogenesis, but either decreased or increased activation of new neurons in response to memory retrieval as indexed by the expression of the immediate early gene product zif268, depending on the maturity of cells examined. This activation of new neurons was related to impaired performance in Premarin-treated but not control-treated female rats. These results indicate that Premarin may be impairing hippocampus-dependent learning and memory by negatively altering the neurogenic environment in the dentate gyrus thus disrupting normal activity of new neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cindy K Barha
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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21
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Peri A, Benvenuti S, Luciani P, Deledda C. Hormonal modulation of cholesterol: experimental evidence and possible translational impact. Expert Rev Endocrinol Metab 2012; 7:309-318. [PMID: 30780846 DOI: 10.1586/eem.12.12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is still an incurable condition. There is in vitro evidence that estrogens exert neuroprotective effects; however, their role in the treatment of AD is still controversial. Approximately 10 years ago, a new gene, named seladin-1 (for selective AD indicator-1), was identified and found to be downregulated in brain regions affected by AD. Seladin-1 has neuroprotective properties, which have been associated, at least in part, with its anti-apoptotic activity. Estrogens stimulate the expression of the seladin-1 gene. Seladin-1 also has enzymatic activity (3-β-hydroxysterol Δ-24-reductase), which is involved in the synthesis of cholesterol from desmosterol. The amount of membrane cholesterol appears to play an important role in conferring protection to brain cells. This review focuses on the relationship between estrogens (and IGF-1, another hormone with neuroprotective properties), cholesterol and seladin-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Peri
- b Department of Clinical Physiopathology, Endocrine Unit, Center for Research, Transfer and High Education on Chronic, Inflammatory, Degenerative and Neoplastic Disorders for the Development of Novel Therapies (DENOThe), University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
| | - Susanna Benvenuti
- a Department of Clinical Physiopathology, Endocrine Unit, Center for Research, Transfer and High Education on Chronic, Inflammatory, Degenerative and Neoplastic Disorders for the Development of Novel Therapies (DENOThe), University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Paola Luciani
- a Department of Clinical Physiopathology, Endocrine Unit, Center for Research, Transfer and High Education on Chronic, Inflammatory, Degenerative and Neoplastic Disorders for the Development of Novel Therapies (DENOThe), University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Cristiana Deledda
- a Department of Clinical Physiopathology, Endocrine Unit, Center for Research, Transfer and High Education on Chronic, Inflammatory, Degenerative and Neoplastic Disorders for the Development of Novel Therapies (DENOThe), University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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22
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Janmaat S, Akwa Y, Doulazmi M, Bakouche J, Gautheron V, Liere P, Eychenne B, Pianos A, Luiten P, Groothuis T, Baulieu EE, Mariani J, Sherrard RM, Frédéric F. Age-related Purkinje cell death is steroid dependent: RORα haplo-insufficiency impairs plasma and cerebellar steroids and Purkinje cell survival. AGE (DORDRECHT, NETHERLANDS) 2011; 33:565-578. [PMID: 21222044 PMCID: PMC3220403 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-010-9203-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2010] [Accepted: 12/16/2010] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
A major problem of ageing is progressive impairment of neuronal function and ultimately cell death. Since sex steroids are neuroprotective, their decrease with age may underlie age-related neuronal degeneration. To test this, we examined Purkinje cell numbers, plasma sex steroids and cerebellar neurosteroid concentrations during normal ageing (wild-type mice, WT), in our model of precocious ageing (Rora(+/sg), heterozygous staggerer mice in which expression of the neuroprotective factor RORα is disrupted) and after long-term hormone insufficiency (WT post-gonadectomy). During normal ageing (WT), circulating sex steroids declined prior to or in parallel with Purkinje cell loss, which began at 18 months of age. Although Purkinje cell death was advanced in WT long-term steroid deficiency, this premature neuronal loss did not begin until 9 months, indicating that vulnerability to sex steroid deficiency is a phenomenon of ageing Purkinje neurons. In precocious ageing (Rora(+/sg)), circulating sex steroids decreased prematurely, in conjunction with marked Purkinje cell death from 9 months. Although Rora(+/sg) Purkinje cells are vulnerable through their RORα haplo-insufficiency, it is only as they age (after 9 months) that sex steroid failure becomes critical. Finally, cerebellar neurosteroids did not decrease with age in either genotype or gender; but were profoundly reduced by 3 months in male Rora(+/sg) cerebella, which may contribute to the fragility of their Purkinje neurons. These data suggest that ageing Purkinje cells are maintained by circulating sex steroids, rather than local neurosteroids, and that in Rora(+/sg) their age-related death is advanced by premature sex steroid loss induced by RORα haplo-insufficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja Janmaat
- UMR7102 Neurobiologie des Processus Adaptatifs, UPMC Univ Paris 6, 75005 Paris, France
- UMR7102 Neurobiologie des Processus Adaptatifs, CNRS, 75005 Paris, France
- Molecular Imaging and Electron Microscopy, University Medical Centre, Groningen, 9700 AD The Netherlands
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology and Biological Psychiatry, University of Groningen, 9750 AA Haren, The Netherlands
| | - Yvette Akwa
- INSERM U788 and Université Paris-Sud, Faculté de Médecine, UMR-S788, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, 94276 France
| | - Mohamed Doulazmi
- UMR7102 Neurobiologie des Processus Adaptatifs, UPMC Univ Paris 6, 75005 Paris, France
- UMR7102 Neurobiologie des Processus Adaptatifs, CNRS, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Joëlle Bakouche
- UMR7102 Neurobiologie des Processus Adaptatifs, UPMC Univ Paris 6, 75005 Paris, France
- UMR7102 Neurobiologie des Processus Adaptatifs, CNRS, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Vanessa Gautheron
- UMR7102 Neurobiologie des Processus Adaptatifs, UPMC Univ Paris 6, 75005 Paris, France
- UMR7102 Neurobiologie des Processus Adaptatifs, CNRS, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Philippe Liere
- INSERM U788 and Université Paris-Sud, Faculté de Médecine, UMR-S788, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, 94276 France
| | - Bernard Eychenne
- INSERM U788 and Université Paris-Sud, Faculté de Médecine, UMR-S788, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, 94276 France
| | - Antoine Pianos
- INSERM U788 and Université Paris-Sud, Faculté de Médecine, UMR-S788, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, 94276 France
| | - Paul Luiten
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology and Biological Psychiatry, University of Groningen, 9750 AA Haren, The Netherlands
| | - Ton Groothuis
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology and Biological Psychiatry, University of Groningen, 9750 AA Haren, The Netherlands
| | - Etienne-Emile Baulieu
- INSERM U788 and Université Paris-Sud, Faculté de Médecine, UMR-S788, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, 94276 France
| | - Jean Mariani
- UMR7102 Neurobiologie des Processus Adaptatifs, UPMC Univ Paris 6, 75005 Paris, France
- UMR7102 Neurobiologie des Processus Adaptatifs, CNRS, 75005 Paris, France
- AP-HP, Hôpital Charles Foix, UEF, 94200 Ivry-sur-Seine, France
| | - Rachel M. Sherrard
- UMR7102 Neurobiologie des Processus Adaptatifs, UPMC Univ Paris 6, 75005 Paris, France
- UMR7102 Neurobiologie des Processus Adaptatifs, CNRS, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Florence Frédéric
- UMR7102 Neurobiologie des Processus Adaptatifs, UPMC Univ Paris 6, 75005 Paris, France
- UMR7102 Neurobiologie des Processus Adaptatifs, CNRS, 75005 Paris, France
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23
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Barha CK, Galea LA. Motherhood alters the cellular response to estrogens in the hippocampus later in life. Neurobiol Aging 2011; 32:2091-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2009.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2009] [Revised: 11/10/2009] [Accepted: 12/04/2009] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Genetic influences on hippocampal volume differ as a function of testosterone level in middle-aged men. Neuroimage 2011; 59:1123-31. [PMID: 21983185 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2011.09.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2011] [Revised: 09/18/2011] [Accepted: 09/19/2011] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The hippocampus expresses a large number of androgen receptors; therefore, in men it is potentially vulnerable to the gradual age-related decline of testosterone levels. In the present study we sought to elucidate the nature of the relationship between testosterone and hippocampal volume in a sample of middle-aged male twins (average age 55.8 years). We found no evidence for a correlation between testosterone level and hippocampal volume, as well as no indication of shared genetic influences. However, a significant moderating effect of testosterone on the genetic and environmental determinants of hippocampal volume was observed. Genetic influences on hippocampal volume increased substantially as a function of increasing testosterone level, while environmental influences either decreased or remained stable. These findings provide evidence for an apparent gene-by-hormone interaction on hippocampal volume. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate that the heritability of a brain structure in adults may be modified by an endogenous biological factor.
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25
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Peri A, Benvenuti S, Luciani P, Deledda C, Cellai I. Membrane cholesterol as a mediator of the neuroprotective effects of estrogens. Neuroscience 2011; 191:107-17. [PMID: 21396986 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2011.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2010] [Revised: 03/03/2011] [Accepted: 03/04/2011] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common neurodegenerative disease associated with aging, is still an incurable condition. Although in vitro evidence strongly indicates that estrogens exert neurotrophic and neuroprotective effects, the role of this class of hormones in the treatment of AD is still a debated issue. In 2000 a new gene, named seladin-1 (for SELective Alzheimer's Disease INdicator-1), was identified and found to be down regulated in vulnerable brain regions in AD. Seladin-1 was considered a novel neuroprotective factor, because of its anti-apoptotic activity. Subsequently, it was demonstrated that seladin-1 has also enzymatic activity [3-β-hydroxysterol delta-24-reductase, (DHCR24)], which catalyzes the synthesis of cholesterol from desmosterol. The amount of membrane cholesterol may play an important role both in protecting neuronal cells against toxic insults and in inhibiting the production of β-amyloid. We demonstrated that seladin-1 overexpression increases the amount of membrane cholesterol and induces resistance against β-amyloid aggregates in neuroblastoma cells, whereas a specific inhibitor of DHCR24 increased cell vulnerability. We also hypothesized that seladin-1 might be a mediator of the neuroprotective effects of estrogens. We first demonstrated that, in human fetal neuroepithelial cells (FNC), 17β-estradiol, raloxifene, and tamoxifen exert protective effects against β-amyloid toxicity and oxidative stress. In addition, these molecules significantly increased the expression of seladin-1 and the amount of cell cholesterol. Then, we showed that, upon seladin-1 silencing, the protective effects of estrogens were abolished, thus indicating this factor as a fundamental mediator of estrogen-mediated neuroprotection, at least in FNC cells. Furthermore, we detected the presence of functionally active half-palindromic estrogen responsive elements upstream the coding region of the seladin-1 gene. Overall, our results indicate that seladin-1 may be viewed as a multi-faceted protein, which conjugates both the neuroprotective properties of estrogens and the important functions of cholesterol in maintaining brain homeostasis. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Neuroactive Steroids: Focus on Human Brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Peri
- Department of Clinical Physiopathology, Endocrine Unit, Center for Research, Transfer and High Education on Chronic, Inflammatory, Degenerative and Neoplastic Disorders for the Development of Novel Therapies (DENOThe), University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
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26
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Kumar P, Taha A, Kale RK, Cowsik SM, Baquer NZ. Physiological and biochemical effects of 17β estradiol in aging female rat brain. Exp Gerontol 2011; 46:597-605. [PMID: 21377519 DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2011.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2010] [Revised: 01/13/2011] [Accepted: 02/22/2011] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Aging in females and males is considered as the end of natural protection against age related diseases like osteoporosis, coronary heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. These changes increase during menopausal condition in females when the level of estradiol is decreased. The objective of this study was to observe the changes in activities of monoamine oxidase, glucose transporter-4 levels, membrane fluidity, lipid peroxidation levels and lipofuscin accumulation occurring in brains of female rats of 3 months (young), 12 months (adult) and 24 months (old) age groups, and to see whether these changes are restored to normal levels after exogenous administration of estradiol (0.1 μg/g body weight for 1 month). The results obtained in the present work revealed that normal aging was associated with significant increases in the activity of monoamine oxidase, lipid peroxidation levels and lipofuscin accumulation in the brains of aging female rats, and a decrease in glucose transporter-4 level and membrane fluidity. Our data showed that estradiol treatment significantly decreased monoamine oxidase activity, lipid peroxidation and lipofuscin accumulation in brain regions of aging rats, and a reversal of glucose transporter-4 levels and membrane fluidity was achieved, therefore it can be concluded from the present findings that estradiol's beneficial effects seemed to arise from its antilipofuscin, antioxidant and antilipidperoxidative effects, implying an overall anti-aging action. The results of this study will be useful for pharmacological modification of the aging process and applying new strategies for control of age related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pardeep Kumar
- School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, 110067, New Delhi, India
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27
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Di Domenico F, Casalena G, Sultana R, Cai J, Pierce WM, Perluigi M, Cini C, Baracca A, Solaini G, Lenaz G, Jia J, Dziennis S, Murphy SJ, Alkayed NJ, Butterfield DA. Involvement of Stat3 in mouse brain development and sexual dimorphism: a proteomics approach. Brain Res 2010; 1362:1-12. [PMID: 20875800 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2010.09.074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2010] [Revised: 09/16/2010] [Accepted: 09/20/2010] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Although the role of STAT3 in cell physiology and tissue development has been largely investigated, its involvement in the development and maintenance of nervous tissue and in the mechanisms of neuroprotection is not yet known. The potentially wide range of STAT3 activities raises the question of tissue- and gender-specificity as putative mechanisms of regulation. To explore the function of STAT3 in the brain and the hypothesis of a gender-linked modulation of STAT3, we analyzed a neuron-specific STAT3 knockout mouse model investigating the influence of STAT3 activity in brain protein expression pattern in both males and females in the absence of neurological insult. We performed a proteomic study aimed to reveal the molecular pathways directly or indirectly controlled by STAT3 underscoring its role in brain development and maintenance. We identified several proteins, belonging to different neuronal pathways such as energy metabolism or synaptic transmission, controlled by STAT3 that confirm its crucial role in brain development and maintenance. Moreover, we investigated the different processes that could contribute to the sexual dimorphic behavior observed in the incidence of neurological and mental disease. Interestingly both STAT3 KO and gender factors influence the expression of several mitochondrial proteins conferring to mitochondrial activity high importance in the regulation of brain physiology and conceivable relevance as therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Di Domenico
- Department of Chemistry, Center of Membrane Sciences, and Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506-0055, USA
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28
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Blanc F, Poisbeau P, Sellal F, Tranchant C, de Seze J, André G. [Alzheimer disease, memory and estrogen]. Rev Neurol (Paris) 2010; 166:377-88. [PMID: 19836813 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurol.2009.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2008] [Revised: 04/18/2009] [Accepted: 07/15/2009] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Epidemiological studies of Alzheimer disease have shown a higher prevalence of women. Some data argue for a link between Alzheimer disease and the decrease of estrogen in post-menopausal women. Animal studies have shown a beneficial effect of estrogen on memory with a decrease of amyloid deposition in models of AD, whereas estrogen has a positive effect on BDNF. Six studies have shown a positive effect of estrogen therapy on memory and studies on structural and functional imaging have shown a beneficial effect of estrogens but the largest study on prevention of dementia with estrogens (WHI) showed a deleterious effect. To better understand this paradoxical situation, we reviewed the literature on estrogens, memory and Alzheimer disease. We first discuss the promnesic effect of estrogen on mice and rats, second the neuroprotector effect of estrogen on animal models of Alzheimer disease, and third the available human studies. We hypothesize a link with the time of instauration of the estrogen treatment. Nevertheless this hypothesis remains to be demonstrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Blanc
- Service de Neuropsychologie, Département de Neurologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
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Seegal RF, Marek KL, Seibyl JP, Jennings DL, Molho ES, Higgins DS, Factor SA, Fitzgerald EF, Hills EA, Korrick SA, Wolff MS, Haase RF, Todd AC, Parsons P, McCaffrey RJ. Occupational exposure to PCBs reduces striatal dopamine transporter densities only in women: a beta-CIT imaging study. Neurobiol Dis 2010; 38:219-25. [PMID: 20096358 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2010.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2009] [Revised: 01/11/2010] [Accepted: 01/12/2010] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
We hypothesize that occupational exposure to PCBs is associated with a reduction in central dopamine (DA) similar to changes previously seen in PCB exposed adult non-human primates. To test that hypothesis, we used [(123)I]beta-CIT SPECT imaging to estimate basal ganglia DA transporter density in former capacitor workers. Women, but not men, showed an inverse relationship between lipid-adjusted total serum PCB concentrations and DA transporter densities in the absence of differences in serum PCB concentrations. These sex differences may reflect age-related reductions in the levels of gonadal hormones since these hormones have been shown experimentally to alter response to DA neurotoxicants. These findings may aid in better understanding the roles that sex and age play in modifying central DA function following exposure, not only to PCBs, but also to other DA neurotoxicants as well as further elucidating the role of gonadal hormones in influencing the initiation and/or progression of neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard F Seegal
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY 12201-0509, USA.
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30
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Asymmetric connectivity reduction and its relationship to "HAROLD" in aging brain. Brain Res 2009; 1295:149-58. [PMID: 19666011 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2009.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2009] [Revised: 07/02/2009] [Accepted: 08/03/2009] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Hemispheric asymmetry reduction in older adults (HAROLD) has been frequently reported in studies of functional brain aging. It is commonly considered to be a plastic brain reorganization that provides compensation for declining unilateral neural efficiency. However, plastic functional alterations may also be associated with neural connectivity changes. Using activation and resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) as well as diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), we examined whether functional and structural connectivity related to prefrontal working memory function is asymmetrically reduced in the two hemispheres of the aging brain; and if yes, whether these asymmetric connectivity declines are correlated with asymmetry reduction in functional activation. With regions of interests defined by verbal working memory activations, it is revealed that although neural connectivity is generally reduced in the aging brain, prefrontal-parietal resting functional connectivity is better preserved in the left hemisphere while prefrontal DTI fiber pathways are better preserved in the right hemisphere. In addition, the laterality change of the functional activation is negatively correlated with that of the resting connectivity and positively correlated with that of the structural connectivity. These results reveal additional aspects of the neuronal alterations of aging and suggest a link between asymmetric connectivity reduction and HAROLD.
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31
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Colciago A, Casati L, Mornati O, Vergoni A, Santagostino A, Celotti F, Negri-Cesi P. Chronic treatment with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) during pregnancy and lactation in the rat. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2009; 239:46-54. [DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2009.04.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2009] [Revised: 04/01/2009] [Accepted: 04/14/2009] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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32
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van der Burg JMM, Björkqvist M, Brundin P. Beyond the brain: widespread pathology in Huntington's disease. Lancet Neurol 2009; 8:765-74. [DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(09)70178-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 199] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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33
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Peri A, Danza G, Benvenuti S, Luciani P, Deledda C, Rosati F, Cellai I, Serio M. New insights on the neuroprotective role of sterols and sex steroids: the seladin-1/DHCR24 paradigm. Front Neuroendocrinol 2009; 30:119-29. [PMID: 19351544 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2009.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2009] [Revised: 03/23/2009] [Accepted: 03/26/2009] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
In 2000 a new gene, i.e. seladin-1 (for selective Alzheimer's disease indicator-1) was identified and found to be down regulated in vulnerable brain regions in Alzheimer's disease. Seladin-1 was considered a novel neuroprotective factor, because of its anti-apoptotic properties. Subsequently, it has been demonstrated that seladin-1 corresponds to the gene that encodes 3-beta-hydroxysterol delta-24-reductase (DHCR24), that catalyzes the synthesis of cholesterol from desmosterol. There is evidence that cholesterol plays a fundamental role in maintaining brain homeostasis. Because of its enzymatic activity, seladin-1/DHCR24 has been considered the human homolog of the plant protein DIMINUTO/DWARF1, that is involved in the synthesis of sterol plant hormones. We have recently demonstrated that seladin-1/DHCR24 is a fundamental mediator of the protective effects of estrogens in the brain. This review describes how this protein interacts with cholesterol and estrogens, thus generating a neuroprotective network, that might open new possibilities in the prevention/treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Peri
- Department of Clinical Physiopathology, Endocrine Unit, Center for Research, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
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34
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A metabolic and functional overview of brain aging linked to neurological disorders. Biogerontology 2009; 10:377-413. [DOI: 10.1007/s10522-009-9226-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2009] [Accepted: 04/02/2009] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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35
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Muller M, van den Beld AW, Grobbee DE, de Jong FH, Lamberts SWJ. Sex hormones and cognitive decline in elderly men. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2009; 34:27-31. [PMID: 18845400 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2008.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2007] [Revised: 05/08/2008] [Accepted: 08/11/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Decline of cognitive function with age may be due, in part, to hormonal changes and it has been hypothesized that higher levels of endogenous sex hormones preserve brain function. The aim of this prospective cohort study was to determine the relative contribution of endogenous sex hormones to cognitive decline in a population-based sample of 242 elderly men aged 73-91 at baseline. Endogenous sex hormone levels were measured at baseline and participants underwent a cognitive assessment at baseline and at follow-up after 4 years. Higher estradiol (total and bioavailable) and estrone levels were associated with an increased risk of cognitive decline in elderly men independent of age, cardiovascular risk factors, atherosclerosis, and APOE genotype. These findings do not support the hypotheses that higher levels of endogenous sex hormones preserve brain function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Majon Muller
- Department of Geriatrics, University Medical Center Utrecht, The Netherlands
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36
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Muller M, Schupf N, Manly JJ, Mayeux R, Luchsinger JA. Sex hormone binding globulin and incident Alzheimer's disease in elderly men and women. Neurobiol Aging 2008; 31:1758-65. [PMID: 19022535 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2008.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2008] [Revised: 09/23/2008] [Accepted: 10/02/2008] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
It has been suggested that low levels of estradiol and testosterone increase dementia risk. However, results of the existing observational studies examining associations of endogenous sex hormones with cognition and dementia are conflicting. A possible explanation for these inconsistent findings could be the involvement of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) in regulating sex hormone levels. In the present study, we examined whether SHBG levels were associated with development of AD and overall dementia in a cohort of elderly men and women free of dementia at baseline. We observed that in both men and women higher levels of SHBG were associated with an increased risk for AD and overall dementia. These results were independent of vascular risk factors and bioactive hormone levels. Whether SHBG is causally related to dementia or whether it is a surrogate marker for rate of biological aging and increased risk or for preclinical stage of dementia has to be elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Majon Muller
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, University Medical Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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37
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Caspase inhibitor infusion protects an avian song control circuit from seasonal-like neurodegeneration. J Neurosci 2008; 28:7130-6. [PMID: 18614682 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0663-08.2008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Sex steroids such as androgens and estrogens have trophic effects on the brain and can ameliorate neurodegeneration, and the withdrawal of circulating steroids induces neurodegeneration in several hormone-sensitive brain areas. Very little is known about the underlying molecular mechanisms that mediate neuronal regression caused by hormone-withdrawal, however. Here we show that reduction of programmed cell death by local infusion of caspase inhibitors rescues a telencephalic nucleus in the adult avian song control system from neurodegeneration that is induced by hormone withdrawal. This treatment also has trans-synaptic effects that provide some protection of an efferent target region. We found that unilateral infusion of caspase inhibitors in vivo in adult white-crowned sparrows rescued neurons within the hormone-sensitive song nucleus HVC (used as a proper name) from programmed cell death for as long as seven days after withdrawal of testosterone and a shift to short-day photoperiod and that the activation of caspase-3 was reduced by 59% on average in the ipsilateral HVC compared with the unmanipulated contralateral HVC. Caspase inhibitor infusion near HVC was sufficient to preserve neuron size ipsilaterally in a downstream nucleus, the robust nucleus of the arcopallium. This is the first report that sustained local application of caspase inhibitors can protect a telencephalic brain area from neurodegeneration in vivo and that a degenerating neural circuit rescued with caspase inhibitors produces sufficient trophic support to protect attributes of a downstream target that would otherwise degenerate. These results strengthen the case for the possible therapeutic use of caspase inhibitors under certain neurodegenerative conditions.
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38
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Park SK, Page GP, Kim K, Allison DB, Meydani M, Weindruch R, Prolla TA. alpha- and gamma-Tocopherol prevent age-related transcriptional alterations in the heart and brain of mice. J Nutr 2008; 138:1010-8. [PMID: 18492827 PMCID: PMC2768425 DOI: 10.1093/jn/138.6.1010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
We used high-density oligonucleotide arrays to measure transcriptional alterations in the heart and brain (neocortex) of 30-mo-old B6C3F(1) mice supplemented with alpha-tocopherol (alphaT) and gamma-tocopherol (gammaT) since middle age (15 mo). Gene expression profiles were obtained from 5- and 30-mo-old control mice and 30-mo-old mice supplemented with alphaT (1 g/kg) or a mixture of alphaT and gammaT (500 mg/kg of each tocopherol) from middle age (15 mo). In the heart, both tocopherol-supplemented diets were effective in inhibiting the expression of genes previously associated with cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and increased innate immunity. In the brain, induction of genes encoding ribosomal proteins and proteins involved in ATP biosynthesis was observed with aging and was markedly prevented by the mixture of alphaT and gammaT supplementation but not by alphaT alone. These results demonstrate that middle age-onset dietary supplementation with alphaT and gammaT can partially prevent age-associated transcriptional changes and that these effects are tissue and tocopherol specific.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang-Kyu Park
- Department of Genetics and Medical Genetics, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706
| | - Grier P. Page
- Department of Biostatistics, Section on Statistical Genetics and Clinical Nutrition Research Center, University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL 35294
| | - Kyoungmi Kim
- Department of Biostatistics, Section on Statistical Genetics and Clinical Nutrition Research Center, University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL 35294
| | - David B. Allison
- Department of Biostatistics, Section on Statistical Genetics and Clinical Nutrition Research Center, University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL 35294
| | - Mohsen Meydani
- Vascular Biology Laboratory, Jean Mayer USDA HNRCA at Tufts University, Boston, MA 02111
| | - Richard Weindruch
- Veterans Administration Hospital, Department of Medicine and Wisconsin Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706
| | - Tomas A. Prolla
- Department of Genetics and Medical Genetics, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706
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39
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Estradiol valerate and tibolone: effects upon brain oxidative stress and blood biochemistry during aging in female rats. Biogerontology 2008; 9:285-98. [DOI: 10.1007/s10522-008-9137-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2007] [Accepted: 03/10/2008] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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40
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Yague JG, Wang ACJ, Janssen WGM, Hof PR, Garcia-Segura LM, Azcoitia I, Morrison JH. Aromatase distribution in the monkey temporal neocortex and hippocampus. Brain Res 2008; 1209:115-27. [PMID: 18402929 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2008.02.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2008] [Revised: 02/13/2008] [Accepted: 02/15/2008] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Numerous studies have shown that neuronal plasticity in the hippocampus and neocortex is regulated by estrogen and that aromatase, the key enzyme for estrogen biosynthesis, is present in cerebral cortex. Although the expression pattern of aromatase mRNA has been described in the monkey brain, its precise cellular distribution has not been determined. In addition, the degree to which neuronal aromatase is affected by gonadal estrogen has not been investigated. In this study, we examined the immunohistochemical distribution of aromatase in young ovariectomized female rhesus monkeys with or without long-term cyclic estradiol treatment. Both experimental groups showed that aromatase is localized in a large population of CA1-3 pyramidal cells, in granule cells of the dentate gyrus and in some interneurons in which it was co-expressed with the calcium-binding proteins calbindin, calretinin, and parvalbumin. Moreover, numerous pyramidal cells were immunoreactive for aromatase in the neocortex, whereas only small subpopulations of neocortical interneurons were immunoreactive for aromatase. The widespread expression of the protein in a large neuronal population suggests that local intraneuroral estrogen synthesis may contribute to estrogen-induced synaptic plasticity in monkey hippocampus and neocortex of female rhesus monkeys. In addition, the apparent absence of obvious differences in aromatase distribution between the two experimental groups suggests that these localization patterns are not dependent on plasma estradiol levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josue G Yague
- Fishberg Department of Neuroscience, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York 10029, USA
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41
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Siegenthaler MM, Berchtold NC, Cotman CW, Keirstead HS. Voluntary running attenuates age-related deficits following SCI. Exp Neurol 2007; 210:207-16. [PMID: 18164294 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2007.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2007] [Revised: 10/26/2007] [Accepted: 10/27/2007] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Over the past few decades, the average age at time of spinal cord injury (SCI) has increased. Here we examined locomotor recovery and myelin pathology in both young and aged adult rats following contusion SCI. Our assessment indicates that the rate of locomotor recovery following SCI is significantly delayed in aged rats as compared to young rats, and is associated with a greater degree of pathology and demyelination. Additionally, we examined the effect of voluntary exercise, pre- and post-injury, on locomotor recovery and myelin pathology following contusion SCI. Our data indicate that exercise improves the locomotor recovery of injured aged rats such that it is comparable to the recovery rate of injured young rats, and is associated with a decreased area of pathology and amount of demyelination. Interestingly, the rate of locomotor recovery and myelin pathology in the aged exercised rats was similar to that of the young sedentary rats after injury, indicating that exercise attenuates the delayed recovery of function and associated histopathology in aged rats. These data indicate that there is an age-related delay in locomotor recovery following SCI, and an age-related increase in histopathology following SCI. Importantly, our data indicate that exercise attenuates these age-related deficits following SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica M Siegenthaler
- Reeve-Irvine Research Center, Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Medicine, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697-4292, USA
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42
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Schumacher M, Guennoun R, Ghoumari A, Massaad C, Robert F, El-Etr M, Akwa Y, Rajkowski K, Baulieu EE. Novel perspectives for progesterone in hormone replacement therapy, with special reference to the nervous system. Endocr Rev 2007; 28:387-439. [PMID: 17431228 DOI: 10.1210/er.2006-0050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The utility and safety of postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy has recently been put into question by large clinical trials. Their outcome has been extensively commented upon, but discussions have mainly been limited to the effects of estrogens. In fact, progestagens are generally only considered with respect to their usefulness in preventing estrogen stimulation of uterine hyperplasia and malignancy. In addition, various risks have been attributed to progestagens and their omission from hormone replacement therapy has been considered, but this may underestimate their potential benefits and therapeutic promises. A major reason for the controversial reputation of progestagens is that they are generally considered as a single class. Moreover, the term progesterone is often used as a generic one for the different types of both natural and synthetic progestagens. This is not appropriate because natural progesterone has properties very distinct from the synthetic progestins. Within the nervous system, the neuroprotective and promyelinating effects of progesterone are promising, not only for preventing but also for reversing age-dependent changes and dysfunctions. There is indeed strong evidence that the aging nervous system remains at least to some extent sensitive to these beneficial effects of progesterone. The actions of progesterone in peripheral target tissues including breast, blood vessels, and bones are less well understood, but there is evidence for the beneficial effects of progesterone. The variety of signaling mechanisms of progesterone offers exciting possibilities for the development of more selective, efficient, and safe progestagens. The recognition that progesterone is synthesized by neurons and glial cells requires a reevaluation of hormonal aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Schumacher
- INSERM UMR 788, 80, rue du Général Leclerc, 94276 Kremlin-Bicêtre, France.
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43
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Cooper RL, Laws SC, Das PC, Narotsky MG, Goldman JM, Lee Tyrey E, Stoker TE. Atrazine and reproductive function: mode and mechanism of action studies. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007; 80:98-112. [PMID: 17443714 DOI: 10.1002/bdrb.20110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Atrazine, a chlorotriazine herbicide, is used to control annual grasses and broadleaf weeds. In this review, we summarize our laboratory's work evaluating the neuroendocrine toxicity of atrazine (and related chlorotriazines) from an historic perspective. We provide the rationale for our work as we have endeavored to determine: 1) the underlying reproductive changes leading to the development of mammary gland tumors in the atrazine-exposed female rat; 2) the cascade of physiological events that are responsible for these changes (i.e., the mode of action for mammary tumors); 3) the potential cellular mechanisms involving adverse effects of atrazine; and 4) the range of reproductive alterations associated with this pesticide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralph L Cooper
- Endocrinology Branch, Reproductive Toxicology Division, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711, USA.
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44
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Haining RL, Nichols-Haining M. Cytochrome P450-catalyzed pathways in human brain: Metabolism meets pharmacology or old drugs with new mechanism of action? Pharmacol Ther 2007; 113:537-45. [PMID: 17270273 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2006.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2006] [Accepted: 11/21/2006] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The true importance of cytochrome P450 enzymes, not just in drug metabolism but also in pharmacology, is only beginning to be appreciated. Though originally discovered through their role in the biotransformation of xenobiotics, the P450 enzyme super family is ubiquitous in nature and necessarily evolved around endogenous pathways. The extent of tissue- and cell-specific expression of individual P450 isoforms has led many investigators to hypothesize localized roles in endogenous biochemical pathways for isoforms traditionally thought of as drug-metabolizing. In some cases, direct evidence from humanized transgenic animal models can confirm the degree to which such enzymes modulate endogenous pathways. However, overlapping P450 substrate specificities may mask genetic or biochemical deficiencies, such that many of these reactions appear nonessential. Nonetheless, the drug-induced alteration of local biochemical concentrations in extrahepatic tissues due to metabolism by and inhibition of P450 isoforms has tremendous potential for introducing unexpected pharmacological effects. Nowhere is this truer than in the CNS. On the other hand, if we can harness the power of in silico modeling to create highly specific inhibitors of identified brain isoforms, a novel avenue for drug design using P450 as drug targets may be at hand. This article highlights some notable examples in which the catalytic state of specific P450 isoforms involved in endogenous biochemical reaction pathways are influenced by pharmacological agents. The implications of inhibition of P450-catalzyed oxidation steps that are known or speculated to influence arachadonic acid, cholesterol, and catecholamine neurotransmitters pathways in human brain will be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert L Haining
- West Virginia University, Department of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, Morgantown, WV 26505, United States.
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45
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Meyer RP, Hagemeyer CE, Knoth R, Kaufmann MR, Volk B. Anti-epileptic drug phenytoin enhances androgen metabolism and androgen receptor expression in murine hippocampus. J Neurochem 2006; 96:460-72. [PMID: 16336225 DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2005.03555.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Epilepsy is very often related to strong impairment of neuronal networks, particularly in the hippocampus. Previous studies of brain tissue have demonstrated that long-term administration of the anti-epileptic drug (AED) phenytoin leads to enhanced metabolism of testosterone mediated by cytochrome P450 (CYP) isoforms. Thus, we speculate that AEDs affect androgen signalling in the hippocampus. In the present study, we investigated how the AED phenytoin influences the levels of testosterone, 17beta-oestradiol, and androgen receptor (AR) in the hippocampus of male C57Bl/6J mice. Phenytoin administration led to a 61.24% decreased hippocampal testosterone level as compared with controls, while serum levels were slightly enhanced. 17beta-Oestradiol serum level was elevated 2.6-fold. Concomitantly, the testosterone metabolizing CYP isoforms CYP3A11 and CYP19 (aromatase) have been found to be induced 2.4- and 4.2-fold, respectively. CYP3A-mediated depletion of testosterone-forming 2beta-, and 6beta-hydroxytestosterone was significantly enhanced. Additionally, AR expression was increased 2-fold (mRNA) and 1.8-fold (protein), predominantly in the CA1 region. AR was shown to concentrate in nuclei of CA1 pyramidal neurons. We conclude that phenytoin affects testosterone metabolism via induction of CYP isoforms. The increased metabolism of testosterone leading to augmented androgen metabolite formation most likely led to enhanced expression of CYP19 and AR in hippocampus. Phenytoin obviously modulates the androgen signalling in the hippocampus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralf Peter Meyer
- Pathologisches Institut, Abt. Neuropathologie, Neurozentrum, Universitätsklinik Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
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46
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Melcangi RC, Panzica GC. Neuroactive steroids: old players in a new game. Neuroscience 2005; 138:733-9. [PMID: 16343786 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2005.10.066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2005] [Revised: 09/14/2005] [Accepted: 10/21/2005] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
It is now clear that the study of the effects exerted by steroids on the nervous system may be considered as one of the most interesting and promising topics for biomedical research. Indeed, new effects, mechanisms of action and targets are becoming more and more evident suggesting that steroids are not only important key regulators of nervous system function but they may also represent a new therapeutic tool to combat certain diseases of the nervous system. The present review summarizes recent observations on this topic indicating that while the concept of the nervous system as a target for steroid hormones has been appreciated for decades, a promising new era for the study of these molecules and their actions in the nervous system has been initiated in the last few years.
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Affiliation(s)
- R C Melcangi
- Department of Endocrinology, University of Milan, Milano, Italy.
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47
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Abstract
The important role of IGF and insulin-related signaling pathways in the control of longevity of worms and insects is very well documented. In the mouse, several spontaneous or experimentally induced mutations that interfere with GH biosynthesis, GH actions, or sensitivity to IGF-I lead to extended longevity. Increases in the average life span in these mutants range from approximately 20-70% depending on the nature of the endocrine defect, gender, diet, and/or genetic background. Extended longevity of hypopituitary and GH-resistant mice appears to be due to multiple mechanisms including reduced insulin levels, enhanced insulin sensitivity, alterations in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, reduced generation of reactive oxygen species, enhanced resistance to stress, reduced oxidative damage, and delayed onset of age-related disease. There is considerable evidence to suggest that the genetic and endocrine mechanisms that influence aging and longevity in mice may play a similar role in other mammalian species, including the human.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrzej Bartke
- Department of Physiology and Internal Medicine, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, P.O. Box 19628, 801 North Rutledge, Room 4389, Springfield, Illinois 62794-9628, USA.
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48
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Abstract
Neuroimaging studies continue to provide important insights into the central nervous system disease pathology of multiple sclerosis (MS). Although conventional magnetic resonance imaging remains the mainstay of diagnosis and laboratory assessment of therapeutic response in MS, quantitative techniques continue to extend our understanding of both macroscopic and microscopic disease processes. Over the past year, many published studies have investigated measures of brain atrophy, gray matter involvement, vascular properties, and myelin and neuronal loss and have examined their relationship to clinical disease expression, genotype, and therapy. An important trend continuing over the past year is the development of targeted agents to improve the pathologic specificity of imaging measures. Specific disease measures such as endothelial activation, microglial activation, and cell trafficking are accessible to neuroimaging and offer significant promise for improved characterization of central nervous system involvement in MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- William D Rooney
- Chemistry Department, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY 11973, USA.
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