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Niu H, Li C, Zhang H, Liu H, Shang C, Jia Y, Wuenjiya, Li Z, Wang A, Jin Y, Lin P. Androgen synthesis cell-specific CREBZF deficiency alters adrenal cortex steroid secretion and develops behavioral abnormalities in adult male mice. FASEB J 2024; 38:e23650. [PMID: 38696238 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202400130r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024]
Abstract
The global challenge of male infertility is escalating, notably due to the decreased testosterone (T) synthesis in testicular Leydig cells under stress, underscoring the critical need for a more profound understanding of its regulatory mechanisms. CREBZF, a novel basic region-leucine zipper transcription factor, regulates testosterone synthesis in mouse Leydig cells in vitro; however, further validation through in vivo experiments is essential. Our study utilized Cyp17a1-Cre to knock out CREBZF in androgen-synthesis cells and explored the physiological roles of CREBZF in fertility, steroid hormone synthesis, and behaviors in adult male mice. Conditional knockout (cKO) CREBZF did not affect fertility and serum testosterone level in male mice. Primary Leydig cells isolated from CREBZF-cKO mice showed impaired testosterone secretion and decreased mRNA levels of Star, Cyp17a1, and Hsd3b1. Loss of CREBZF resulted in thickening of the adrenal cortex, especially X-zone, with elevated serum corticosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone levels and decreased serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate levels. Immunohistochemical staining revealed increased expression of StAR, Cyp11a1, and 17β-Hsd3 in the adrenal cortex of CREBZF-cKO mice, while the expression of AR was significantly reduced. Along with the histological changes and abnormal steroid levels in the adrenal gland, CREBZF-cKO mice showed higher anxiety-like behavior and impaired memory in the elevated plus maze and Barnes maze, respectively. In summary, CREBZF is dispensable for fertility, and CREBZF deficiency in Leydig cells promotes adrenal function in adult male mice. These results shed light on the requirement of CREBZF for fertility, adrenal steroid synthesis, and stress response in adult male mice, and contribute to understanding the crosstalk between testes and adrenal glands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyu Niu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Chao Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Hexin Zhang
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Haokun Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Chunmei Shang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yanni Jia
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Wuenjiya
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Zuhui Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Aihua Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yaping Jin
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Pengfei Lin
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
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Wang M, Hu S, Fu X, Zhou H, Yang S, Yang C. Neurosteroids: A potential target for neuropsychiatric disorders. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2024; 239:106485. [PMID: 38369032 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2024.106485] [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: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Neurosteroids are steroids produced by endocrine glands and subsequently entering the brain, and also include steroids synthesis in the brain. It has been widely known that neurosteroids influence many neurological functions, including neuronal signaling, synaptic adaptations, and neuroprotective effects. In addition, abnormality in the synthesis and function of neurosteroids has been closely linked to neuropsychiatric disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), schizophrenia (SZ), and epilepsy. Given their important role in brain pathophysiology and disorders, neurosteroids offer potential therapeutic targets for a variety of neuropsychiatric diseases, and that therapeutic strategies targeting neurosteroids probably exert beneficial effects. We therefore summarized the role of neurosteroids in brain physiology and neuropsychiatric disorders, and introduced the recent findings of synthetic neurosteroid analogues for potential treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders, thereby providing insights for further research in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyu Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Suwan Hu
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Xinghuo Fu
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Huixuan Zhou
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Siqi Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China.
| | - Chun Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China.
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Guzman JM, Boone MH, Suarez GL, Mitchell C, Monk CS, Hyde LW, Lopez-Duran NL. Relationship between COVID-related stressors and internalizing symptoms: Gendered neuroendocrine risk profiles. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2024; 159:106668. [PMID: 37944209 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2023.106668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic generated significant life stress and increases in internalizing disorders. Moreover, COVID-related stressors disproportionately impacted women, consistent with outcomes showing a gender gap in stress-related disorders. Gender-related stress vulnerability emerges in adolescence alongside gender-specific changes in neuroendocrine signaling. Most research on the neuroendocrinology of stress-related disorders has focused on differences in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis effector hormone cortisol. More recent studies, however, emphasize dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a neuroprotective and neuroactive hormone released concurrently with cortisol that balances its biobehavioral actions during stress. Notably, women show lower cortisol responses and higher DHEA responses to stress. However, lower cortisol and higher DHEA are associated with internalizing disorders in women, while those associations are opposite in men. Thus, gender-specific factors perhaps result in a neuroendocrine profile that places women at greater risk for stress-related disorders. The current study prospectively examined socially evaluated cold-pressor task (SECPT) induced neuroendocrine responses at age 15 and internalizing symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic at age 21 in a cohort of 175 primarily Black low-socioeconomic status participants, while controlling for internalizing symptoms at age 15. The association between COVID-related stress and internalizing symptoms was not stronger in women. Lower DHEA-cortisol ratios were associated with a weaker relationship between COVID-related stress and internalizing symptoms in women, while higher ratios were associated with a weaker relationship in men. These findings suggest gender differences in the relationship between DHEA and cortisol and internalizing outcomes during a stressful period, and support differential neuroendocrine protective and risk pathways for young men and women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose M Guzman
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Montana H Boone
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Gabriela L Suarez
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Colter Mitchell
- Survey Research Center, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Christopher S Monk
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Survey Research Center, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Luke W Hyde
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Survey Research Center, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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SUZUKI TOSHIHITO. A Personal Historical Perspective on Psychiatry in Japan During the Last 4 Decades. JUNTENDO IJI ZASSHI = JUNTENDO MEDICAL JOURNAL 2023; 69:284-292. [PMID: 38846630 PMCID: PMC10984359 DOI: 10.14789/jmj.jmj23-0021-r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
After graduating from University of Tsukuba in 1982, I joined the Department of Psychiatry at the same university. Due to the anti-psychiatry social movement and reports of incidents involving violence against in-hospital patients at psychiatric hospitals, psychiatric associations in Japan faced questions related to ethical awareness, making it a challenging environment for conducting clinical research. For this reason, the first half of my journey─my 20 years at the University of Tsukuba─was spent conducting basic research on animal models of schizophrenia. With respect to the onset of schizophrenia, I studied dopamine and related neuropeptides in the brain, as well as abnormalities in neurotransmission in the excitatory and inhibitory amino acid neurotransmission systems. In April 2002, I was appointed as a Department Chair at Juntendo University Koshigaya Hospital. I was responsible for overseeing many medical staff, including the clinical education of practicum students and resident physicians, as well as the training of psychiatric specialists. I was also involved in the management and operation of medical services provided at the mental health clinic that had 350 outpatients per day and saw the admission and discharge of 500 patients annually. Meanwhile, I became actively involved in activities related to perinatal mental health. In 2018, I was appointed as the Director of the Japanese Society of Perinatal Mental Health and worked diligently to improve medical care related to perinatal mental health in Japan through the development of perinatal mental health guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- TOSHIHITO SUZUKI
- Corresponding author: Toshihito Suzuki, Department of Psychiatry, Juntendo University Koshigaya Hospital, 560 Fukuroyama, Koshigaya, Saitama, 343-0032, Japan, TEL: +81-48-975-0321 E-mail:
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Lin J, Kao TW, Cheng YC, Fan KC, Huang YC, Liu CW. Dehydroepiandrosterone status and efficacy of dehydroepiandrosterone supplementation for bone health in anorexia nervosa: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Eat Disord 2022; 55:733-746. [PMID: 35460091 DOI: 10.1002/eat.23714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study was designed to determine the status of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in women with anorexia nervosa (AN) and to assess the efficacy of DHEA supplementation as a treatment for bone health in women with AN. METHOD Studies were retrieved from the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, and Scopus databases from inception to February 14, 2022. Observational studies that compared serum DHEA levels between women with AN and healthy controls were included for meta-analysis, and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated the effects of DHEA supplementation on bone mass were reviewed. RESULTS Meta-analysis of 15 cross-sectional studies revealed that patients with AN had significantly elevated serum DHEA levels (mean difference (MD) = 311.63 ng/dl; 95% confidence interval (CI), 78.01-545.25) and reduced DHEAS levels (MD = -24.90 μg/dl; 95% CI, -41.72 to -8.07) compared with healthy controls. A systematic review of seven RCTs found that DHEA monotherapy does not improve bone mineral density (BMD) compared with placebo after adjusting for weight gain. While the combination of DHEA and conjugated oral contraceptives has led to increased bone strength and decreased bone loss, the beneficial effect appears to be limited to older adolescents and adults with closed physes. Potential detrimental effects on BMD were identified in younger adolescents with open physes in one study. DISCUSSION Due to the lack of apparent benefit of DHEA in women with AN and its potential detrimental effect on BMD in young patients with AN, current evidence does not support the use of DHEA. PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE This study demonstrates that women with anorexia nervosa have abnormal levels of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), which have been suggested by previous studies to play a role in the development of low bone density in this condition. However, current evidence does not support the use of DHEA as a treatment to preserve bone health in patients with anorexia nervosa given the lack of clear benefit following its use and also because of a potential detrimental effect on bone mineral density in young patients with anorexia nervosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Lin
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ting-Wan Kao
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ying-Chih Cheng
- Research center of big data and meta-analysis, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Psychiatry, China Medical University Hsinchu Hospital, China Medical University, Hsinchu, Taiwan.,Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Public Health, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kang-Chih Fan
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital Hsinchu Branch, Hsinchu, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chen Huang
- Research center of big data and meta-analysis, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Dermatology, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Che-Wei Liu
- Research center of big data and meta-analysis, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Orthopedics, Cathay General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan.,School of Medicine, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
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Souza-Teodoro LH, Andrade LHS, Carvalho LA. Could be dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) a novel target for depression? JOURNAL OF AFFECTIVE DISORDERS REPORTS 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jadr.2022.100340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
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The Utilization of Dehydroepiandrosterone as a Sexual Hormone Precursor in Premenopausal and Postmenopausal Women: An Overview. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 15:ph15010046. [PMID: 35056103 PMCID: PMC8781653 DOI: 10.3390/ph15010046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and its metabolite, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate ester (DHEAS), are the most abundant circulating steroid hormones, and are synthesized in the zona reticularis of the adrenal cortex, in the gonads, and in the brain. The precise physiological role of DHEA and DHEAS is not yet fully understood, but these steroid hormones can act as androgens, estrogens, and neurosteroids, and perform many roles in the human body. Since both levels decline with age, use of DHEA supplements have gained more attention due to being advertised as an antidote to aging in postmenopausal women, who may have concerns on age-related diseases and overall well-being. However, current research has not reached an overall consensus on the effects of DHEA on postmenopausal women. This overview is a summary of the current literature, addressing the metabolic pathway for DHEA synthesis and utilization, as well as the effects of DHEA on premenopausal and postmenopausal women with disease states and other factors. As for the therapeutic effects on menopausal syndrome and other age-related diseases, several studies have found that DHEA supplementations can alleviate vasomotor symptoms, preserve the integrity of the immune system, reduce bone loss, and increase muscle mass. Intravaginal DHEA has shown significant beneficial effects in menopausal women with severe vulvovaginal symptoms. On the other hand, DHEA supplements have not shown definitive effects in cardiovascular disease, adrenal insufficiency, insulin sensitivity, and cognition. Due to inadequate sample sizes and treatment durations of current studies, it is difficult to assess the safety and efficacy of DHEA and draw reliable conclusions for the physiological role, the optimal dosage, and the effects on premenopausal and postmenopausal women; therefore, the study of DHEA warrants future investigation. Further research into the roles of these steroid hormones may bring us closer to a therapeutic option in the future.
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Duarte-Silva E, Maes M, Macedo D, Savino W, Peixoto CA. Shared neuroimmune and oxidative pathways underpinning Chagas disease and major depressive disorder. Transl Psychiatry 2020; 10:419. [PMID: 33268766 PMCID: PMC7710744 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-020-01105-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2020] [Revised: 10/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The cellular and molecular basis to understand the relationship between Chagas disease (CD), a infection caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, and depression, a common psychiatric comorbidity in CD patients, is largely unknown. Clinical studies show an association between CD and depression and preclinical evidence suggests that depressive-like behaviors in T. cruzi infected mice are due, at least partially, to immune dysregulation. However, mechanistic studies regarding this issue are still lacking. Herein, we present and discuss the state of art of data on CD and depression, and revise the mechanisms that may explain the development of depression in CD. We also discuss how the knowledge generated by current and future data may contribute to the discovery of new mechanisms underlying depressive symptoms associated with CD and, hence, to the identification of new therapeutic targets, which ultimately may change the way we see and treat CD and its psychiatric comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Duarte-Silva
- Laboratory of Ultrastructure. Aggeu Magalhães Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Recife, Brazil.
- Postgraduate Program in Biosciences and Biotechnology for Health (PPGBBS), Aggeu Magalhães Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Recife, Brazil.
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Recife, Brazil.
| | - Michael Maes
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Danielle Macedo
- Neuropsychopharmacology Laboratory, Drug Research and Development Center, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology on Translational Medicine (INCT-TM, CNPq), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Wilson Savino
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Rio de Janeiro Research Network on Neuroinflammation, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Christina Alves Peixoto
- Laboratory of Ultrastructure. Aggeu Magalhães Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Recife, Brazil.
- National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Apter-Levy Y, Zagoory-Sharon O, Feldman R. Chronic Depression Alters Mothers' DHEA and DEHA-to-Cortisol Ratio: Implications for Maternal Behavior and Child Outcomes. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:728. [PMID: 32793012 PMCID: PMC7387697 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2019] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Maternal depression is a major public health problem that typically occurs in the period surrounding childbirth. The neurobiological mechanisms underlying maternal depression have been the focus of increasing research and studies pointed to the crucial role of the HPA axis in this disorder. However, most studies focused on cortisol expression and regulation while recent attention has shifted to include the sulfate steroids DHEA and DHEA-S. A community cohort of 1,983 women with no comorbid risk was recruited at birth and depression was assessed periodically across the first postpartum year. At 6 years, 156 families were re-visited: 46 mothers were defined as chronically-depressed and 103 controls reported no depression from birth to six years. Mothers and children were diagnosed by structured psychiatric interviews and mother-child interactions were observed. Maternal diurnal cortisol (CT) and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) were assessed. Depressed mothers had lower levels of DHEA (AUCg), flattened DHEA diurnal variability (AUCi), and smaller DHEA-to-CT Ratio. Regression analysis demonstrated that maternal sensitivity during mother-child interaction was independently predicted by maternal depression, DHEA levels, child CT, and child social withdrawal. Results underscore the need for multi-level understanding of the dynamic interplay between maternal psychopathology, mother-child relationship, and pituitary-adrenal-cortex-to-medulla balance in studying the cross generational transfer of psychiatric vulnerability from depressed mothers to their children.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ruth Feldman
- The Center for Developmental Social Neuroscience, Interdisciplinary Center Herzliya, Herzliya, Israel
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van Dammen L, de Rooij SR, Behnsen PM, Huizink AC. Sex-specific associations between person and environment-related childhood adverse events and levels of cortisol and DHEA in adolescence. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0233718. [PMID: 32497103 PMCID: PMC7272021 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0233718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2019] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Person and environment-related childhood adverse events have been demonstrated to increase the risk of impaired mental health in later life differently for boys and girls. Altered hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA)-axis functioning has been suggested as a key mechanism underlying this association. Cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) are both output hormones of the HPA-axis. DHEA may have a protective function against long-term exposure to increased levels of cortisol, but has been little investigated in relation to childhood adversity. OBJECTIVE We aimed to test the associations between person-, and environment-related childhood adversity and levels of cortisol, DHEA and cortisol/DHEA ratio in adolescent boys and girls. METHODS A total of 215 Dutch adolescents participated in the study and filled out the 27-item Adverse Life Events Questionnaire for the assessment of childhood adversity, which was split up in separate scores for person-related and environment-related events. Cortisol and DHEA concentrations and cortisol/DHEA ratio were determined in proximal 3 cm long hair segments. Additionally, saliva samples were collected immediately and 30 minutes after waking up, at noon and at 8 pm. Multiple linear regression analyses were used to test associations between childhood adversity and cortisol and DHEA concentrations, for boys and girls separately, with age, BMI and pubertal development as covariates. RESULTS Data were available for 74 boys and 116 girls with a mean age of 15.7 years (SD = 2.0). Higher levels of person-related childhood adversity were associated with higher hair DHEA levels in girls and with higher hair cortisol levels in boys. A trend towards a significant association was observed between higher levels of environment-related childhood adversity and higher DHEA levels in boys. Neither person- nor environment related childhood adversity was associated with cortisol/DHEA ratio. A trend was observed for environment-related childhood adversity and lower daily cortisol output in boys. CONCLUSION We found differential associations between childhood adversity and cortisol and DHEA levels in girls and boys, for respectively person-related and environment-related childhood adversity. Our findings suggest that different types of childhood adversity are not only linked to levels of cortisol, but also to DHEA concentrations, in a sex-specific manner, with possible future implications for mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lotte van Dammen
- Department of Human Development & Family Studies, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
- * E-mail:
| | - Susanne R. de Rooij
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Amsterdam UMC, location AMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Developmental Psychology, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Pia M. Behnsen
- Department of Developmental Psychology, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Anja C. Huizink
- Department of Developmental Psychology, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- School of Health and Learning, University of Skövde, Skövde, Sweden
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Fang YH, Hsieh MJ, Hung MS, Lin YC, Kuo LT, Lu ML, Tzang BS, Chen VCH. Low Concentrations of Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate are Associated with Depression and Fatigue in Patients with Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer After Chemotherapy. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2020; 16:2103-2109. [PMID: 32982248 PMCID: PMC7505722 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s265182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and DHEA sulfate (DHEAS) concentrations were reported to decrease in patients with advanced cancer. However, the clinical significance of DHEA and DHEAS concentrations in patients with NSCLC receiving chemotherapy (CT) has not been sufficiently documented. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the correlation between mental health and hormone concentrations on patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). MATERIALS AND METHODS The present study was a cross-sectional analysis based on a self-reported psychological investigation. Salivary samples were collected from 22 patients with advanced NSCLC after CT and 17 healthy controls. The concentrations of DHEA, DHEAS, and cortisol were analyzed to investigate their associations with the results of self-reported questionnaires on psychological health. RESULTS Patients with advanced NSCLC exhibited significantly higher Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and Startle, Physiological arousal, Anger, and Numbness-Chinese version (SPAN-C) scores, poorer health conditions, lower sleep quality, and more severe fatigue after CT than did healthy controls, and salivary concentrations of DHEA and DHEAS were significantly lower among patients after CT than among controls. DHEAS concentrations were negatively associated with depression scores (PHQ-9, r = -0.496, P = 0.019) and fatigue scores (Brief Fatigue Inventory-Taiwan, r = -0.562, P = 0.006). CONCLUSION Patients with advanced NSCLC after CT had lower DHEA and DHEAS concentrations than did controls. Lower DHEAS concentrations were associated with higher fatigue and depression scores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Hung Fang
- Division of Thoracic Oncology, Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Meng-Jer Hsieh
- Department of Respiratory Therapy, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Chiayi, Taiwan.,Division of Pulmonary Infection and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Szu Hung
- Division of Thoracic Oncology, Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan.,Department of Respiratory Care, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Chiayi, Taiwan.,Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Ching Lin
- Division of Thoracic Oncology, Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan.,Division of Pulmonary Infection and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan.,Department of Respiratory Care, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Chiayi, Taiwan.,Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Liang-Tseng Kuo
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.,Division of Sports Medicine, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Mong-Liang Lu
- Department of Psychiatry, Wan Fang Hospital, and School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Bor-Show Tzang
- Institute of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Clinical Laboratory, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.,Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Vincent Chin-Hung Chen
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.,Department of Psychiatry, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan
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12
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Schindler L, Shaheen M, Saar-Ashkenazy R, Bani Odeh K, Sass SH, Friedman A, Kirschbaum C. Victims of War: Dehydroepiandrosterone Concentrations in Hair and Their Associations with Trauma Sequelae in Palestinian Adolescents Living in the West Bank. Brain Sci 2019; 9:brainsci9020020. [PMID: 30678071 PMCID: PMC6406342 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci9020020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Revised: 01/17/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to its anti-glucocorticoid properties, the steroid hormone dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) might play a role for coping with traumatic stress and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The majority of studies report elevated DHEA secretion and decreased cortisol/DHEA ratio associated with traumatic stress, however, contrasting results have also been published. One reason for this heterogeneity might be that in past studies, DHEA has been measured in plasma or saliva samples reflecting acute hormone levels. In comparison, the current study assessed the hair levels of DHEA and cortisol as long-term markers along with self-reported data on psychopathology and coping in 92 female adolescents aged 11–16 from the West Bank affected by the Israeli–Palestinian conflict. Results showed that trauma-exposed individuals had significantly higher DHEA levels (p = 0.013) and lower cortisol/DHEA ratios (p = 0.036) than participants from the non-trauma group. Furthermore, DHEA and cortisol/DHEA ratio emerged as associated with trauma load and timing, but not with coping. By applying the novel method of DHEA analysis from hair samples, this study adds to the growing literature on the interplay of DHEA, cortisol, traumatic stress and coping, and provides valuable starting points for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Schindler
- Faculty of Psychology, Technische Universität Dresden, 01069 Dresden, Germany.
| | - Mohammed Shaheen
- Faculty of Public Health, Al-Quds University, P.O. Box 4006, 90612 Abu Dees, West Bank, Palestine.
| | - Rotem Saar-Ashkenazy
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience and Zlotowski Center for Neuroscience, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O. Box 653, 8410501 Beer-Sheva, Israel.
- Faculty of Social Work, Ashkelon Academic College, 7821100 Ashkelon, Israel.
| | - Kifah Bani Odeh
- Faculty of Public Health, Al-Quds University, P.O. Box 4006, 90612 Abu Dees, West Bank, Palestine.
| | - Sophia-Helen Sass
- Faculty of Psychology, Technische Universität Dresden, 01069 Dresden, Germany.
| | - Alon Friedman
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience and Zlotowski Center for Neuroscience, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O. Box 653, 8410501 Beer-Sheva, Israel.
- Department of Medical Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, P.O. Box 15000, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada.
| | - Clemens Kirschbaum
- Faculty of Psychology, Technische Universität Dresden, 01069 Dresden, Germany.
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13
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Li LL, Wang D, Ge CY, Yu L, Zhao JL, Ma HT. Dehydroepiandrosterone reduced lipid droplet accumulation via inhibiting cell proliferation and improving mitochondrial function in primary chicken hepatocytes. Physiol Res 2018. [PMID: 29527919 DOI: 10.33549/physiolres.933769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) possesses fat-reducing effect, while little information is available on whether DHEA regulates cell proliferation and mitochondrial function, which would, in turn, affect lipid droplet accumulation in the broiler. In the present study, the lipid droplet accumulation, cell proliferation, cell cycle and mitochondrial membrane potential were analysis in primary chicken hepatocytes after DHEA treated. The results showed that total area and counts of lipid droplets were significantly decreased in hepatocytes treated with DHEA. The cell viability was significantly increased, while cell proliferation was significantly inhibited in a dose dependent manner in primary chicken hepatocytes after DHEA treated. DHEA treatment significantly increased the cell population in S phase and decreased the population in G2/M in primary chicken hepatocytes. Meanwhile, the cyclin A and cyclin-dependent kinases 2 (CDK2) mRNA abundance were significantly decreased in hepatocytes after DHEA treated. No significant differences were observed in the number of mitochondria, while the mitochondrial membrane permeability and succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) activity were significantly increased in hepatocytes after DHEA treated. In conclusion, our results demonstrated that DHEA reduced lipid droplet accumulation by inhibiting hepatocytes proliferation and enhancing mitochondrial function in primary chicken hepatocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- L L Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China; College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
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14
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Usta MB, Gumus YY, Say GN, Bozkurt A, Şahin B, Karabekiroğlu K. Basal blood DHEA-S/cortisol levels predicts EMDR treatment response in adolescents with PTSD. Nord J Psychiatry 2018; 72:164-172. [PMID: 29171317 DOI: 10.1080/08039488.2017.1406984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In literature, recent evidence has shown that the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis can be dysregulated in patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and HPA axis hormones may predict the psychotherapy treatment response in patients with PTSD. In this study, it was aimed to investigate changing cortisol and DHEA-S levels post-eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy and the relationship between treatment response and basal cortisol, and DHEA-S levels before treatment. METHOD The study group comprised 40 adolescents (age, 12-18 years) with PTSD. The PTSD symptoms were assessed using the Child Depression Inventory (CDI) and Child Post-traumatic Stress Reaction Index (CPSRI) and the blood cortisol and DHEA-S were measured with the chemiluminescence method before and after treatment. A maximum of six sessions of EMDR therapy were conducted by an EMDR level-1 trained child psychiatry resident. Treatment response was measured by the pre- to post-treatment decrease in self-reported and clinical PTSD severity. RESULTS Pre- and post-treatment DHEA-S and cortisol levels did not show any statistically significant difference. Pre-treatment CDI scores were negatively correlated with pre-treatment DHEA-S levels (r: -0.39). ROC analysis demonstrated that the DHEA-S/cortisol ratio predicts treatment response at a medium level (AUC: 0.703, p: .030, sensitivity: 0.65, specificity: 0.86). CONCLUSION The results of this study suggested that the DHEA-S/cortisol ratio may predict treatment response in adolescents with PTSD receiving EMDR therapy. The biochemical parameter of HPA-axis activity appears to be an important predictor of positive clinical response in adolescent PTSD patients, and could be used in clinical practice to predict PTSD treatment in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirac Baris Usta
- a Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, School of Medicine , Ondokuz Mayıs University , Samsun , Turkey
| | - Yusuf Yasin Gumus
- a Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, School of Medicine , Ondokuz Mayıs University , Samsun , Turkey
| | - Gokce Nur Say
- a Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, School of Medicine , Ondokuz Mayıs University , Samsun , Turkey
| | - Abdullah Bozkurt
- a Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, School of Medicine , Ondokuz Mayıs University , Samsun , Turkey
| | - Berkan Şahin
- a Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, School of Medicine , Ondokuz Mayıs University , Samsun , Turkey
| | - Koray Karabekiroğlu
- a Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, School of Medicine , Ondokuz Mayıs University , Samsun , Turkey
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15
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Ding X, Yu L, Ge C, Ma H. Protective effect of DHEA on hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative damage and apoptosis in primary rat Leydig cells. Oncotarget 2017; 8:16158-16169. [PMID: 28212544 PMCID: PMC5369954 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.15300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2016] [Accepted: 01/07/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is widely used as a nutritional supplement due to its putative anti-aging properties. However, the effect of DHEA in Leydig cells, a major target cell of DHEA biotransformation in male, are not clear. The present study aimed to investigate the preventative effect of DHEA on oxidative damage and apoptosis after H2O2 treatment in Leydig cells. The results showed that DHEA treatment attenuated the reduction of cell viability induced by H2O2. No differences were observed on the superoxide anion (O2-) content, while DHEA treatment decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and hydroxyl radical (OH) content in H2O2-treated Leydig cells. Pre-treatment with DHEA increased peroxidase (POD) activity and decreased glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity in H2O2-treated Leydig cell. DHEA treatment attenuated DNA damage as indicated by the decreasing of tail moment, comet length and olive tail moment. Total apoptosis ratio and early apoptosis ratio were significantly decreased in H2O2-treated Leydig cell that were pre-treatment with DHEA. DHEA treatment decreased Bax, capase-9 and capase-3 mRNA levels in H2O2-treated Leydig cells. Our results demonstrated that pre-treatment with DHEA prevented the Leydig cells oxidative damage caused by H2O2 through increasing POD activity, which resulted in inhibition of OH generation. Meanwhile, pre-treatment with DHEA inhibited H2O2-induced Leydig cells early apoptosis which mainly by reducing the pro-apoptotic protein Bax and caspases-9, caspases-3 mRNA levels. This information is important to understand the molecular mechanism of anti-ageing effect and potential application in treatment of oxidative stress induced related diseases of DHEA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Ding
- Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology and Biochemistry, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lei Yu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology and Biochemistry, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chongyang Ge
- Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology and Biochemistry, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Haitian Ma
- Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology and Biochemistry, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
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16
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Jiang X, Zhong W, An H, Fu M, Chen Y, Zhang Z, Xiao Z. Attenuated DHEA and DHEA-S response to acute psychosocial stress in individuals with depressive disorders. J Affect Disord 2017; 215:118-124. [PMID: 28319688 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2017.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2016] [Revised: 01/12/2017] [Accepted: 03/05/2017] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In recent years, a relationship between depression and basal dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) levels has frequently been suggested, but responses of these adrenal steroids to psychosocial stress have not been examined in individuals with depressive disorders. In this study, we examined salivary DHEA, DHEA-S, and cortisol/DHEA response to the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) in individuals with depressive disorders and in healthy controls to discover whether the responses of DHEA and DHEA-S to acute psychosocial stress could be a more sensitive marker of HPA dysfunction in depressive disorders. METHODS We compared salivary cortisol, DHEA, DHEA-S, and cortisol/DHEA levels to the TSST tests between 38 individuals with depression and 43 healthy controls aged 18.4-25.9 years. Depression severity was assessed by the self-reported Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II). Salivary samples were evaluated at four time points: the baseline (-10 time point), before the TSST started (0 time point), the end of the TSST (+20 time point), and the recovery (+50 time points). RESULTS No significant differences existed in the basal adrenal hormonal levels between subjects with depressive disorders and controls; however, at the end of TSST, attenuated DHEA and DHEA-S response was identified in subjects with depressive disorders compared to that found in healthy subjects. The differences in the DHEA and DHEA-S levels at the +20 time point, as well as the differences in the cortisol/DHEA at the +50 time point, exhibited negative correlations with depression severity. CONCLUSION Attenuated DHEA and DHEA-S response to acute psychosocial stress was identified in subjects with depressive disorders. These findings help us to discover the bi-directional relationship between depression and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis function, hence furthering our understanding of whether altered DHEA and DHEA-S response to psychosocial stress may be a more sensitive method than basal adrenal steroid analysis for detecting HPA axis dysfunction in depressive disorders. LIMITATIONS As this is a case control study, we could only draw the conclusion of the bi-directional relationship between the depression and the altered DHEA (S) response to stress, and could not identify whether depression was due to the HPA dysfunction, or vice versa. Prospective studies such as such as cohort studies or epidemiology experiments are needed to further test the cause of depression or HPA dysfunction; and the mechanisms responsible for altered DHEA and DHEA-S in response to acute psychosocial stress in individuals with depressive disorders are also needed to be clarified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoling Jiang
- Department of Epidemiology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangdong 510515, China.
| | - Wen Zhong
- Department of Physiology, Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders of Guangdong Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangdong 510515, China
| | - Haiyan An
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China
| | - Mingyu Fu
- Department of Physiology, Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders of Guangdong Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangdong 510515, China
| | - Yuanyuan Chen
- Department of Epidemiology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangdong 510515, China
| | - Zhenggang Zhang
- Department of Physiology, Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders of Guangdong Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangdong 510515, China
| | - Zhongju Xiao
- Department of Physiology, Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders of Guangdong Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangdong 510515, China.
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17
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Uh D, Jeong HG, Choi KY, Oh SY, Lee S, Kim SH, Joe SH. Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate Level Varies Nonlinearly with Symptom Severity in Major Depressive Disorder. CLINICAL PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY AND NEUROSCIENCE 2017; 15:163-169. [PMID: 28449564 PMCID: PMC5426487 DOI: 10.9758/cpn.2017.15.2.163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2016] [Revised: 09/14/2016] [Accepted: 12/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Objective The pathophysiology of major depressive disorder (MDD) is still not well understood. Conflicting results for surrogate. biomarkers in MDD have been reported, which might be a consequence of the heterogeneity of MDD patients. Therefore, we aim to investigate how the severity of depression and various symptom domains are related to the levels of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-s) in MDD patients. Methods We recruited 117 subjects from a general practice. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Depressive symptoms were divided into three subdomains according to BDI items; somatic symptoms, guilt and failure, and mood and inhibition. Results In subjects with very-mild-to-moderate depression, the DHEA-s level increased as BDI score did. However, the DHEA-s levels in the subjects with severe depression were significantly lower than in subjects with moderate depression (p=0.003). DHEA-s level was correlated with the BDI subscore for guilt and failure in very-mild-to-moderate depression (r=0.365, p=0.006). Conclusion The DHEA-s level appears to be indicative of MDD severity with respect to depressive symptoms, especially regarding guilt and failure. Our findings suggest that the upregulation of DHEA-s may be a part of a compensatory process in very-mild-to-moderate depression, and the failure of this compensation mechanism may underlie the development of severe depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dasom Uh
- Department of Psychiatry, Korea University Guro Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyun-Ghang Jeong
- Department of Psychiatry, Korea University Guro Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Research Institute of Mental Health, Korea University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kwang-Yeon Choi
- Department of Psychiatry, Korea University Guro Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - So-Young Oh
- Department of Psychiatry, Seoul Metropolitan Eunpyeong Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Suji Lee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University Graduate School, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seung-Hyun Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Korea University Guro Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sook-Haeng Joe
- Department of Psychiatry, Korea University Guro Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Research Institute of Mental Health, Korea University, Seoul, Korea
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18
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Hough CM, Lindqvist D, Epel ES, Denis MS, Reus VI, Bersani FS, Rosser R, Mahan L, Burke HM, Wolkowitz OM, Mellon SH. Higher serum DHEA concentrations before and after SSRI treatment are associated with remission of major depression. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2017; 77:122-130. [PMID: 28038403 PMCID: PMC5336487 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2016.11.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2016] [Revised: 11/18/2016] [Accepted: 11/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulfated ester DHEA-sulfate (DHEA-S), (together DHEA[S]), are the most abundant adrenal steroids in humans and are found in blood and the brain, where they function as neurosteroids with direct receptor affinities. Preclinical studies suggest that DHEA(S) has antidepressant/neuroprotective properties, and exogenously administered DHEA has shown antidepressant efficacy in humans. Nonetheless, the role of endogenous DHEA(S) levels in major depressive disorder (MDD) and antidepressant outcomes remains unclear. METHODS Morning fasting serum DHEA(S) concentrations were determined in 36 healthy, unmedicated MDD adults with Hamilton Depression (HDRS) ratings ≥17, and 75 healthy controls. MDD participants then completed eight weeks of open-label SSRI treatment before DHEA(S) levels were re-sampled; those with post-treatment HDRS ratings ≤7 were classified as "Remitters." Pre- and post-treatment DHEA(S) levels of Remitters and Non-remitters were compared, controlling for age, sex, and BMI. RESULTS Pre-treatment HDRS ratings did not differ between Remitters and Non-remitters (p=0.179). Baseline DHEA levels of Remitters were significantly higher than both Non-remitters (p=0.008) and controls (p=0.004); baseline DHEA-S levels of Remitters were also higher than Non-remitters (p=0.040) but did not significantly differ from controls (p=0.096). Non-remitters did not significantly differ from controls. Post-treatment DHEA(S) levels remained higher in Remitters compared to Non-remitters (DHEA: p=0.013; DHEA-S: p=0.040). CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that higher circulating DHEA(S) levels (while unmedicated and after eight weeks of SSRI treatment) predict SSRI-associated remission in MDD. This raises the possibility that endogenous DHEA(S) abundance is a physiological adjunct to SSRI efficacy, as suggested by prior preclinical and clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina M Hough
- Department of Psychiatry, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Daniel Lindqvist
- Department of Psychiatry, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, USA; Department of Clinical Sciences, Section for Psychiatry, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Elissa S Epel
- Department of Psychiatry, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Molly St Denis
- Department of Psychiatry, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Victor I Reus
- Department of Psychiatry, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - F Saverio Bersani
- Department of Psychiatry, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, USA; Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Rebecca Rosser
- Department of Psychiatry, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Laura Mahan
- Department of Psychiatry, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Heather M Burke
- Department of Psychiatry, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Owen M Wolkowitz
- Department of Psychiatry, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Synthia H Mellon
- Department of OB/GYN and Reproductive Sciences, UCSF School of Medicine, San Francisco, 513 Parnassus Ave., San Francisco, CA 94143-0556, USA.
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19
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Buoli M, Caldiroli A, Serati M, Grassi S, Altamura AC. Sex Steroids and Major Psychoses: Which Role for DHEA-S and Progesterone. Neuropsychobiology 2017; 73:178-83. [PMID: 27100685 DOI: 10.1159/000444922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2015] [Accepted: 02/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Endocrine pathways seem to play a role in the etiology of major psychoses. The identification of biomarkers associated with psychotic symptoms in schizophrenia (SKZ) and mood disorders would allow the identification of high-risk subjects for delusions and hallucinations. The aim of this study was to evaluate dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) and progesterone plasma levels in drug-free patients with major psychoses and their relation with the diagnosis and history of psychotic symptoms. METHODS Eighty-nine consecutive drug-free male inpatients with SKZ or mood disorders were recruited, and DHEA-S and progesterone plasma levels were measured. The groups, divided according to pathological/normal-range hormone levels, were compared in terms of clinical variables using x03C7;2 tests with Bonferroni's corrections or multivariate analyses of variance. The same analyses were performed for groups divided according to the presence/absence of lifetime psychotic symptoms. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed using hormone levels as independent variables and history of lifetime psychotic symptoms as a dependent one. RESULTS A higher number of patients with abnormal DHEA-S levels was found to have a family history of major depressive disorder (p < 0.05). Higher DHEA-S levels (F = 8.31; p = 0.005) were found in patients with a history of psychotic symptoms. In addition, binary logistic regression confirmed that DHEA-S levels were associated with a higher probability of lifetime psychotic symptoms (p = 0.037). CONCLUSIONS Our results confirm previous data about the role of endocrine factors in the etiology of major psychoses. A high DHEA-S level might be a risk factor for psychotic symptoms. Studies with larger samples are needed to confirm these data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimiliano Buoli
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Milan, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
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20
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Dušková M, Hill M, Bičíková M, Šrámková M, Řípová D, Mohr P, Stárka L. The steroid metabolome in men with mood and anxiety disorders. Physiol Res 2016; 64:S275-82. [PMID: 26680490 DOI: 10.33549/physiolres.933067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The mood and behavior of individuals result from an orchestra of many factors. Among them steroids play an important role; however, only several common hormones have been investigated in this respect. It has been demonstrated that some steroid metabolites long considered merely the products of steroid hormone metabolism in fact possess considerable activity in the CNS. For this reason we studied the steroid metabolome including 50 analytes in 20 men with depression, 20 men with anxiety and 30 healthy controls. Significant differences were found not only between controls and men with either depression or anxiety, but also between men with depression and anxiety. Particularly striking were those steroids until now not generally associated with depression or anxiety, namely conjugated steroid forms, especially sulfates.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Dušková
- Institute of Endocrinology, Prague, Czech Republic.
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21
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Liu L, Wang D, Li L, Ding X, Ma H. Dehydroepiandrosterone inhibits cell proliferation and improves viability by regulating S phase and mitochondrial permeability in primary rat Leydig cells. Mol Med Rep 2016; 14:705-14. [PMID: 27220727 PMCID: PMC4918596 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2016.5343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2015] [Accepted: 05/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is widely used as a nutritional supplement and exhibits putative anti-aging properties. However, the molecular basis of the actions of DHEA, particularly on the biological characteristics of target cells, remain unclear. The aim of the current study was to investigate the effects of DHEA on cell viability, cell proliferation, cell cycle and mitochondrial function in primary rat Leydig cells. Adult Leydig cells were purified by Percoll gradient centrifugation, and cell proliferation was detected using a Click-iT® EdU Assay kit and cell cycle assessment performed using flow cytometry. Mitochondrial membrane potential was detected using JC-1 staining assay. The results of the current study demonstrate that DHEA decreased cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner, whereas it improved cell viability in a time-dependent and dose-dependent manner. Flow cytometry analysis demonstrated that DHEA treatment increased the S phase cell population and decreased the G2/M cell population. Cyclin A and CDK2 mRNA levels were decreased in primary rat Leydig cells following DHEA treatment. DHEA treatment decreased the transmembrane electrical gradient in primary Leydig cells, whereas treatment significantly increased succinate dehydrogenase activity. These results indicated that DHEA inhibits primary rat Leydig cell proliferation by decreasing cyclin mRNA level, whereas it improves cells viability by modulating the permeability of the mitochondrial membrane and succinate dehydrogenase activity. These findings may demonstrate an important molecular mechanism by which DHEA activity is mediated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Liu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology and Biochemistry, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210095, P.R. China
| | - Dian Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology and Biochemistry, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210095, P.R. China
| | - Longlong Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology and Biochemistry, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210095, P.R. China
| | - Xiao Ding
- Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology and Biochemistry, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210095, P.R. China
| | - Haitian Ma
- Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology and Biochemistry, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210095, P.R. China
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Souza-Teodoro LH, de Oliveira C, Walters K, Carvalho LA. Higher serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate protects against the onset of depression in the elderly: Findings from the English Longitudinal Study of Aging (ELSA). Psychoneuroendocrinology 2016; 64:40-6. [PMID: 26600009 PMCID: PMC4712651 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2015.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2015] [Revised: 11/05/2015] [Accepted: 11/07/2015] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Depression is one of the major causes of disability worldwide, but the complete etiology of depression is not fully understood. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulphated form DHEA(S) have been associated with mood and healthy aging. Associations with mental illness over the middle to late years of life have not yet been extensively investigated in large, western community-dwelling samples. The aim of this study was to investigate whether low DHEA(S) levels are associated with the development of depressive symptoms in a large longitudinal cohort study of older men and women. We assessed data from English Longitudinal Study of Aging (ELSA) to evaluate the association of DHEA(S) levels and depressive symptoms measured by Center for Epidemiologic Studies Scale (CES-D) at baseline (n=3083) and at 4-year follow-up (n=3009). At baseline, there was an inverse association between DHEA(S) and depressive symptoms (B=-0.252, p=0.014). Adjustments for physical illnesses, impairments in cognitive function and health behaviors abolished this association (p=0.109) at baseline. Decreased DHEA(S) levels at baseline also predicted incident depression at 4-year follow-up (B=-0.332, p<0.001). In conclusion, higher DHEA(S) levels were associated with reduced risk of developing depressive symptoms in both men and women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis H Souza-Teodoro
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, London, UK,Chronopharmacology Laboratory, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Cesar de Oliveira
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Kate Walters
- Research Department of Primary Care and Population Health, UCL and Medical Research Council General Practice Research Framework, London, UK
| | - Livia A Carvalho
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, London, UK.
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Zhu G, Yin Y, Xiao CL, Mao RJ, Shi BH, Jie Y, Wang ZW. Serum DHEAS levels are associated with the development of depression. Psychiatry Res 2015. [PMID: 26205628 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2015.05.093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The aim of study was to evaluate the association between serum DHEAS levels and depression with a case-control study together with a meta-analysis. Radioimmunoassay (RIA) was performed to measure the serum DHEAS levels of all participants before and after treatment. Depression Patients were divided into mild depression and severe depression based on Hamilton depression scale (HAMD24) and received 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and citalopram (20mg/d) for 8 weeks. Case-control studies related to our study theme were enrolled for meta-analysis and Comprehensive Meta-analysis 2.0 (CMA 2.0) was used for statistical analysis. After treatment, DHEAS levels in depression patients were significantly increased, while before and after treatment, DHEAS levels were all lower in depression patients than in controls (all P<0.001); further analysis on age revealed that DHEAS levels were decreased with the rising of age. Meta-analysis results suggested that serum DHEAS levels (ng/mL) were significantly higher in healthy controls compared to depression patients (SMD=0.777, 95%CI=0.156-1.399, P=0.014). In conclusion, our study suggests that serum DHEAS levels are associated with the development of depression and it decreased with the rising of age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guang Zhu
- Department of Psychiatry, Shanghai Hongkou District Mental Health Center, Shanghai 200083, PR China.
| | - You Yin
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, Secondary Military Medical University, Shanghai 200003, PR China
| | - Chun-Lan Xiao
- Department of Psychiatry, Shanghai Hongkou District Mental Health Center, Shanghai 200083, PR China
| | - Rong-Jie Mao
- Department of Psychiatry, Shanghai Hongkou District Mental Health Center, Shanghai 200083, PR China
| | - Bo-Hai Shi
- Department of Psychiatry, Shanghai Hongkou District Mental Health Center, Shanghai 200083, PR China
| | - Yong Jie
- Department of Psychiatry, Shanghai Hongkou District Mental Health Center, Shanghai 200083, PR China
| | - Zuo-Wei Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, Shanghai Hongkou District Mental Health Center, Shanghai 200083, PR China
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24
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Mocking RJT, Pellikaan CM, Lok A, Assies J, Ruhé HG, Koeter MW, Visser I, Bockting CL, Olff M, Schene AH. DHEAS and cortisol/DHEAS-ratio in recurrent depression: State, or trait predicting 10-year recurrence? Psychoneuroendocrinology 2015; 59:91-101. [PMID: 26036454 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2015.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2015] [Revised: 05/12/2015] [Accepted: 05/12/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Major depressive disorder (MDD) has been associated with low dehydroepiandrosterone-sulphate (DHEAS), - particularly relative to high cortisol - although conflicting findings exist. Moreover, it is unclear whether low DHEAS is only present during the depressive state, or manifests as a trait that may reflect vulnerability for recurrence. Therefore, we longitudinally tested whether low DHEAS and high cortisol/DHEAS-ratio in recurrent MDD (I) reflects a trait, and/or (II) varies with depressive state. In addition, we tested associations with (III) previous MDD-episodes, (IV) prospective recurrence, and (V) effects of cognitive therapy. METHODS At study-entry, we cross-sectionally compared morning and evening salivary DHEAS and molar cortisol/DHEAS-ratio of 187 remitted recurrent MDD-patients with 72 matched controls. Subsequently, patients participated in an 8-week randomized controlled cognitive therapy trial. We repeated salivary measures after 3 months and 2 years. We measured clinical symptoms during a 10-year follow-up. RESULTS Remitted patients showed steeper diurnal DHEAS-decline (p<.005) and a flatter diurnal profile of cortisol/DHEAS-ratio (p<.001) than controls. We found no state-effect in DHEAS or cortisol/DHEAS-ratio throughout follow-up and no association with number of previous episodes. Higher morning cortisol/DHEAS-ratio predicted shorter time till recurrence over the 10-year follow-up in interaction with the effects of cognitive therapy (p<.05). Finally, cognitive therapy did not influence DHEAS or cortisol/DHEAS-ratio. CONCLUSIONS Diurnal profiles of DHEAS and cortisol/DHEAS-ratio remain equally altered in between depressive episodes, and may predict future recurrence. This suggests they represent an endophenotypic vulnerability trait rather than a state-effect, which provides a new road to understand recurrent depression and its prevention. TRIAL REGISTRATION www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN68246470.
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Affiliation(s)
- R J T Mocking
- Program for Mood disorders, Department of Psychiatry, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - C M Pellikaan
- Program for Mood disorders, Department of Psychiatry, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - A Lok
- Program for Mood disorders, Department of Psychiatry, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Arq Psychotrauma Expert Group, Diemen, The Netherlands
| | - J Assies
- Program for Mood disorders, Department of Psychiatry, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - H G Ruhé
- Program for Mood disorders, Department of Psychiatry, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands; University Medical Center Groningen, Program for Mood and Anxiety Disorders, Department of Psychiatry, The Netherlands
| | - M W Koeter
- Program for Mood disorders, Department of Psychiatry, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - I Visser
- Program for Mood disorders, Department of Psychiatry, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - C L Bockting
- Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Groningen, The Netherlands; Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, Utrecht University, The Netherlands
| | - M Olff
- Arq Psychotrauma Expert Group, Diemen, The Netherlands; Center for Psychological Trauma, Department of Psychiatry, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - A H Schene
- Program for Mood disorders, Department of Psychiatry, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Psychiatry, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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25
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DHEA metabolism to the neurosteroid androsterone: a possible mechanism of DHEA's antidepressant action. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2015; 232:3375-83. [PMID: 26105109 PMCID: PMC6309885 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-015-3991-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2015] [Accepted: 06/04/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alterations in neurosteroid secretion have been implicated in the efficacy of antidepressants. In a previous study, the adrenal androgen DHEA, a precursor of the neurosteroid androsterone, produced antidepressant and libido-enhancing effects in patients with midlife depression. To investigate the mechanisms underlying DHEA's behavioral effects in this same patient group, we examined plasma levels of four additional neurosteroids implicated in the regulation of affective behavior. METHODS Blood samples were assayed for neurosteroids in men (n = 13) and women (n = 10) with midlife depression who previously participated in a crossover study in which DHEA and placebo were administered for 6 weeks each. Depression severity was measured by the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). Plasma levels of androsterone (ADT), allopregnanolone, pregnanolone, and pregnenolone were measured by GC-MS at baseline and week 6 of each treatment phase. Data were analyzed with repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA-R) and Bonferroni t tests. RESULTS ADT levels (but not allopregnanolone, pregnanolone, and pregnenolone) increased after DHEA but not after placebo (F 2,42 = 3.3, p < 0.05). Post-DHEA ADT levels were higher in women than men [t 63 = 2.9, p < 0.05]. However, in both men and women who met criteria for clinical response on the CES-D, baseline ADT levels significantly increased post-DHEA, and the magnitude of the ADT increase post-DHEA treatment was similar in men and women. Consequently, it was the non-responders who accounted for the sex difference in post-DHEA plasma ADT levels, a difference that was driven by values in two women (the only female non-responders). CONCLUSIONS The small sample size notwithstanding, these data emphasize the potential behavioral relevance of ADT in humans, which may include contribution to the antidepressant effects of DHEA.
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26
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Zhou Y, Kang J, Chen D, Han N, Ma H. Ample Evidence: Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) Conversion into Activated Steroid Hormones Occurs in Adrenal and Ovary in Female Rat. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0124511. [PMID: 25962158 PMCID: PMC4427309 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0124511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2014] [Accepted: 03/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is important for human health, especially for women. All estrogens and practically half of androgens are synthesized from DHEA in peripheral tissues. However, the mechanism and exact target tissues of DHEA biotransformation in the female are not fully clear. The present study showed that maximal content of androstenedione (AD) and testosterone (T) were observed at 3h after DHEA administration in female rats, which was 264% and 8000% above the control, respectively. Estradiol (E2) content significantly increased at 6h after DHEA administration, which was 113% higher than that in control group. Gavage with DHEA could significantly reduce 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD) mRNA level at 3-12h and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17β-HSD) mRNA level at 12h in ovary, while increasing aromatase mRNA levels at 6, 24, and 48h. It is interesting that administration of DHEA caused a significant increase of 17β-HSD, 3β-HSD and aromatase mRNA levels in adrenal. The AD and T contents also markedly increased by 537% and 2737% after DHEA administration in ovariectomised rats, in company with a significant increase in 17β-HSD and 3β-HSD mRNA levels and decreased aromatase mRNA level in adrenal. However, DHEA administration did not restore the decreased E2, estrone (E1), and progesterone (P) caused by the removal of the ovaries in females. These results clearly illustrated that exogenous DHEA is preferentially converted into androgens in adrenal, while its conversion to estrogens mainly happens in the ovary through steroidogenic enzyme in female rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingqiao Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology and Biochemistry, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jian Kang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology and Biochemistry, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Di Chen
- Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology and Biochemistry, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ningning Han
- Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology and Biochemistry, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Haitian Ma
- Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology and Biochemistry, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- * E-mail:
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27
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Serum levels of neurosteroids in patients with affective disorders. Bull Exp Biol Med 2015; 158:638-40. [PMID: 25778650 DOI: 10.1007/s10517-015-2825-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2014] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
According modern biological hypotheses of the pathogenesis of affective disorders, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis dysfunction play a special role in the pathogenesis of this condition. Our study shows that the range of neuroprotective neurosteroids is gender- and nosology-dependent. Patients with affective disorders have reduced levels of dehydroepiandrosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate; the most pronounced deficiency of neuroprotective neurosteroids is typical of patients with a single depressive episode. Reduced levels of neurosteroids producing an anabolic effect probably indicate depletion of adaptive capacities of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal system in affective disorders.
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28
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Hu Q, Zhang SY, Liu F, Zhang YL, Zhu DM, Zang YY. Clinical significance of decreased protein expression of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate in the development of depression: a meta-analysis. J Affect Disord 2015; 174:416-23. [PMID: 25553402 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2014.11.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2014] [Revised: 11/24/2014] [Accepted: 11/25/2014] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous evidence has shown that adrenal androgens, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulfate derivative (DHEAS) have significant functions related to the control of mood, affect, and anxiety. Changes in their expression levels are reportedly related to several psychiatric disorders. The objective of this meta-analysis was to explore the role of DHEAS protein expression in patients with depression. METHOD Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CISCOM, CINAHL, Google Scholar, China BioMedicine (CBM) and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) were electronically searched. Only those studies that analyzing DHEAS expression in depression patients were considered eligible for inclusion. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) were pooled with a 95% confidence interval (CI) in accordance with the random-effects model. RESULTS Ten clinical case-control studies, consisting of 4496 subjects (493 patients with depression and 4003 healthy controls) were incorporated for analysis. Results revealed a lower DHEAS protein expression level in patients with depression than in normal controls (SMD=0.17, 95% CI: 0.06-0.27, P=0.002). Ethnicity-stratified analysis indicated that lower levels of DHEAS expression in depression patients were not observed in Caucasians or Asians (both P>0.05). CONCLUSION Elevated DHEAS protein expression may be correlated with the biological pathophysiology of depression, indicating that checking DHEAS levels and administration of DHEAS could contribute to the effective treatment of depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Hu
- Department of Psychology, Qiqihar Mental Health Center, Qiqihar 161000, PR China.
| | - Sheng-Yu Zhang
- Institute of Forensic Science, Ministry of Justice, Shanghai Key Lab of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai 200063, PR China.
| | - Fei Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai 200000, PR China
| | - Yan-Li Zhang
- Department of Psychology, Qiqihar Mental Health Center, Qiqihar 161000, PR China
| | - Dian-Ming Zhu
- Department of Psychiatry, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai 200000, PR China
| | - Yin-Yin Zang
- Center for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety, University of Pennsylva, Philadelphia 19104, United States
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29
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Turan Ş, Yıldırım A, Aksoy-Poyraz C, Bolayırlı M, Savrun M. Effects of electroconvulsive therapy on plasma levels of neuroactive steroids in inpatients with major depression. Int J Psychiatry Clin Pract 2014; 18:261-4. [PMID: 25000174 DOI: 10.3109/13651501.2014.941880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Neuroactive steroids (NAS) are neuroactive molecules that have been shown to be associated with various psychiatric disorders. There are some inconclusive findings about the alteration in neuroactive steroid levels after the treatment of depression and ECT is still one of the most effective treatment choices for treatment resistant depression. Thus, we aimed to investigate the alterations of several NAS in plasma after ECT in inpatients with treatment resistant depression. METHODS In this study we enrolled 19 consecutive patients, 12 female and 7 male inpatients with major depression, who were not responding to medication, for whom ECT was Indicated, and were not taking any antidepressant treatment for at least a week prior to enrolment. We measured plasma progesterone, testosterone, pregnenolone, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, and estradiol levels before and after ECT. RESULTS The mean age of the participants was 38.3 ± 9.4 years. The mean plasma neuroactive steroid levels were insignificant between baseline and post ECT in patients with treatment resistant depression. CONCLUSIONS ECT does not seem to influence plasma neuroactive steroid levels in patients with treatment resistant depression. Additionally, plasma dehydroepiandrosterone and pregnenolone levels might be associated with improvement in depressive symptoms after ECT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Şenol Turan
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical School of Cerrahpasa, Istanbul University , Istanbul , Turkey
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30
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Matsuzaka H, Maeshima H, Kida S, Kurita H, Shimano T, Nakano Y, Baba H, Suzuki T, Arai H. Gender differences in serum testosterone and cortisol in patients with major depressive disorder compared with controls. Int J Psychiatry Med 2014; 46:203-21. [PMID: 24552043 DOI: 10.2190/pm.46.2.g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Testosterone may have a role distinct from cortisol in the pathophysiology of depression. The hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis affects the functions of sex steroid hormones through interaction with corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). The objective of this study was to investigate differences in serum levels of testosterone and cortisol in male and female patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). METHODS Participants included 87 inpatients with MDD at Juntendo University Koshigaya Hospital. Serum levels of testosterone and cortisol were assessed at admission. Matched controls included 128 healthy individuals. Data from MDD patients and controls were compared separately for men and women. Correlations between serum hormone levels and scores on the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D) of patients were assessed by sex. Effects of various factors on testosterone and cortisol were analyzed using multiple regression analysis. RESULTS In male patients with MDD, a significant negative correlation was seen between testosterone levels and the "retardation" score of HAM-D. However, serum testosterone levels were not significantly different in either male or female MDD patients compared with controls. Serum testosterone was negatively associated with the number of depressive episodes in male patients with MDD. Serum cortisol levels in female patients were significantly increased compared with female controls with no significant correlations between cortisol levels and HAM-D scores. CONCLUSIONS The negative correlation between the sub-score of the HAM-D and testosterone may be associated with the biological pathophysiology of male depression. Findings of serum cortisol levels in women may suggest distinct characteristics of these hormones in men and women with MDD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sayaka Kida
- Juntendo University Koshigaya Hospital, Japan
| | | | | | | | - Hajime Baba
- Juntendo University Koshigaya Hospital, Japan
| | - Toshihito Suzuki
- Department of Psychiatry, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine and Juntendo University Koshigaya Hospital, Japan
| | - Heii Arai
- Department of Psychiatry, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine and Juntendo University Koshigaya Hospital, Japan
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31
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Kato TA, Hayakawa K, Monji A, Kanba S. Missing and Possible Link between Neuroendocrine Factors, Neuropsychiatric Disorders, and Microglia. Front Integr Neurosci 2013; 7:53. [PMID: 23874274 PMCID: PMC3711058 DOI: 10.3389/fnint.2013.00053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2012] [Accepted: 07/02/2013] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Endocrine systems have long been suggested to be one of the important factors in neuropsychiatric disorders, while the underlying mechanisms have not been well understood. Traditionally, neuropsychiatric disorders have been mainly considered the consequence of abnormal conditions in neural circuitry. Beyond the neuronal doctrine, microglia, one of the glial cells with inflammatory/immunological functions in the central nervous system (CNS), have recently been suggested to play important roles in neuropsychiatric disorders. However, the crosstalk between neuroendocrine factors, neuropsychiatric disorders, and microglia has been unsolved. Therefore, we herein introduce and discuss a missing and possible link between these three factors; especially highlighting the following hormones; (1) Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis-related hormones such as corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and glucocorticoids, (2) sex-related hormones such as estrogen and progesterone, and (3) oxytocin. A growing body of evidence has suggested that these hormones have a direct effect on microglia. We hypothesize that hormone-induced microglial activation and the following microglia-derived mediators may lead to maladaptive neuronal networks including synaptic dysfunctions, causing neuropsychiatric disorders. Future investigations to clarify the correlation between neuroendocrine factors and microglia may contribute to a novel understanding of the pathophysiology of neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takahiro A Kato
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University , Fukuoka , Japan ; Innovation Center for Medical Redox Navigation, Kyushu University , Fukuoka , Japan
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Tarín JJ, Hermenegildo C, García-Pérez MA, Cano A. Endocrinology and physiology of pseudocyesis. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2013; 11:39. [PMID: 23672289 PMCID: PMC3674939 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-11-39] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2013] [Accepted: 05/02/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
This literature review on pseudocyesis or false pregnancy aims to find epidemiological, psychiatric/psychologic, gynecological and endocrine traits associated with this condition in order to propose neuroendocrine/endocrine mechanisms leading to the emergence of pseudocyetic traits. Ten women from 5 selected studies were analyzed after applying stringent criteria to discriminate between cases of true pseudocyesis (pseudocyesis vera) versus delusional, simulated or erroneous pseudocyesis. The analysis of the reviewed studies evidenced that pseudocyesis shares many endocrine traits with both polycystic ovarian syndrome and major depressive disorder, although the endocrine traits are more akin to polycystic ovarian syndrome than to major depressive disorder. Data support the notion that pseudocyetic women may have increased sympathetic nervous system activity, dysfunction of central nervous system catecholaminergic pathways and decreased steroid feedback inhibition of gonadotropin-releasing hormone. Although other neuroendocrine/endocrine pathways may be involved, the neuroendocrine/endocrine mechanisms proposed in this review may lead to the development of pseudocyetic traits including hypomenorrhea or amenorrhea, galactorrhea, diurnal and/or nocturnal hyperprolactinemia, abdominal distension and apparent fetal movements and labor pains at the expected date of delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan J Tarín
- Department of Functional Biology and Physical Anthropology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Valencia, Burjassot, Valencia 46100, Spain
| | - Carlos Hermenegildo
- Research Unit-INCLIVA, Hospital Clínico de Valencia, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valencia, Valencia 46100, Spain
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valencia, Valencia 46100, Spain
| | - Miguel A García-Pérez
- Research Unit-INCLIVA, Hospital Clínico de Valencia, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valencia, Valencia 46100, Spain
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Valencia, Burjassot, Valencia 46100, Spain
| | - Antonio Cano
- Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valencia, Valencia 46100, Spain
- Service of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Dr. Peset, Valencia 46017, Spain
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