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Bendis PC, Zimmerman S, Onisiforou A, Zanos P, Georgiou P. The impact of estradiol on serotonin, glutamate, and dopamine systems. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1348551. [PMID: 38586193 PMCID: PMC10998471 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1348551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Estradiol, the most potent and prevalent member of the estrogen class of steroid hormones and is expressed in both sexes. Functioning as a neuroactive steroid, it plays a crucial role in modulating neurotransmitter systems affecting neuronal circuits and brain functions including learning and memory, reward and sexual behaviors. These neurotransmitter systems encompass the serotonergic, dopaminergic, and glutamatergic signaling pathways. Consequently, this review examines the pivotal role of estradiol and its receptors in the regulation of these neurotransmitter systems in the brain. Through a comprehensive analysis of current literature, we investigate the multifaceted effects of estradiol on key neurotransmitter signaling systems, namely serotonin, dopamine, and glutamate. Findings from rodent models illuminate the impact of hormone manipulations, such as gonadectomy, on the regulation of neuronal brain circuits, providing valuable insights into the connection between hormonal fluctuations and neurotransmitter regulation. Estradiol exerts its effects by binding to three estrogen receptors: estrogen receptor alpha (ERα), estrogen receptor beta (ERβ), and G protein-coupled receptor (GPER). Thus, this review explores the promising outcomes observed with estradiol and estrogen receptor agonists administration in both gonadectomized and/or genetically knockout rodents, suggesting potential therapeutic avenues. Despite limited human studies on this topic, the findings underscore the significance of translational research in bridging the gap between preclinical findings and clinical applications. This approach offers valuable insights into the complex relationship between estradiol and neurotransmitter systems. The integration of evidence from neurotransmitter systems and receptor-specific effects not only enhances our understanding of the neurobiological basis of physiological brain functioning but also provides a comprehensive framework for the understanding of possible pathophysiological mechanisms resulting to disease states. By unraveling the complexities of estradiol's impact on neurotransmitter regulation, this review contributes to advancing the field and lays the groundwork for future research aimed at refining understanding of the relationship between estradiol and neuronal circuits as well as their involvement in brain disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peyton Christine Bendis
- Psychoneuroendocrinology Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Sydney Zimmerman
- Psychoneuroendocrinology Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Anna Onisiforou
- Translational Neuropharmacology Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Panos Zanos
- Translational Neuropharmacology Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Polymnia Georgiou
- Psychoneuroendocrinology Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, United States
- Laboratory of Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
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Wnuk A, Przepiórska K, Pietrzak BA, Kajta M. Emerging Evidence on Membrane Estrogen Receptors as Novel Therapeutic Targets for Central Nervous System Pathologies. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24044043. [PMID: 36835454 PMCID: PMC9968034 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24044043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Nuclear- and membrane-initiated estrogen signaling cooperate to orchestrate the pleiotropic effects of estrogens. Classical estrogen receptors (ERs) act transcriptionally and govern the vast majority of hormonal effects, whereas membrane ERs (mERs) enable acute modulation of estrogenic signaling and have recently been shown to exert strong neuroprotective capacity without the negative side effects associated with nuclear ER activity. In recent years, GPER1 was the most extensively characterized mER. Despite triggering neuroprotective effects, cognitive improvements, and vascular protective effects and maintaining metabolic homeostasis, GPER1 has become the subject of controversy, particularly due to its participation in tumorigenesis. This is why interest has recently turned toward non-GPER-dependent mERs, namely, mERα and mERβ. According to available data, non-GPER-dependent mERs elicit protective effects against brain damage, synaptic plasticity impairment, memory and cognitive dysfunctions, metabolic imbalance, and vascular insufficiency. We postulate that these properties are emerging platforms for designing new therapeutics that may be used in the treatment of stroke and neurodegenerative diseases. Since mERs have the ability to interfere with noncoding RNAs and to regulate the translational status of brain tissue by affecting histones, non-GPER-dependent mERs appear to be attractive targets for modern pharmacotherapy for nervous system diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Wnuk
- Correspondence: (A.W.); (M.K.); Tel.: +48-12-662-3339 (A.W.); +48-12-662-3235 (M.K.); Fax: +48-12-637-4500 (A.W. & M.K.)
| | | | | | - Małgorzata Kajta
- Correspondence: (A.W.); (M.K.); Tel.: +48-12-662-3339 (A.W.); +48-12-662-3235 (M.K.); Fax: +48-12-637-4500 (A.W. & M.K.)
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Mei X, Yin C, Pan Y, Chen L, Wu C, Li X, Feng Z. The role of ectopic P granules protein 5 homolog (EPG5) in DHPG-induced pain sensitization in mice. J Neurochem 2023; 165:196-210. [PMID: 36748629 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Nociplastic pain is a severe health problem, while its mechanisms are still unclear. (R, S)-3,5-Dihydroxyphenylglycine (DHPG) is a group I metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR) agonist that can cause central sensitization, which plays a role in nociplastic pain. In this study, after intrathecal injection of 25 nmol DHPG for three consecutive days, whole proteins were extracted from the L4~6 lumbar spinal cord of mice 2 h after intrathecal administration on the third day for proteomics analysis. Based on the results, 15 down-regulated and 20 up-regulated proteins were identified in mice. Real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and western blotting (WB) revealed that the expression of ectopic P granules protein 5 homolog (EPG5) mRNA and protein were significantly up-regulated compared with the control group, which was consistent with the proteomics results. Originally identified in the genetic screening of Caenorhabditis elegans, EPG5 is mainly involved in regulating autophagy in the body, and in our study, it was mainly expressed in spinal neurons, as revealed by immunohistochemistry staining. After the intrathecal injection of 8 μL adeno-associated virus (AAV)-EPG5 short hairpin RNA (shRNA) to knock down spinal EPG5, the hyperalgesia caused by DHPG was relieved. Altogether, these results suggest that EPG5 plays an important role in DHPG-induced pain sensitization in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangyang Mei
- Department of Pain Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chengyu Yin
- Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yushuang Pan
- Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lei Chen
- Department of Pain Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Cheng Wu
- Institute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology of the Ministry of Health of China, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiangyao Li
- Institute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology of the Ministry of Health of China, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhiying Feng
- Department of Pain Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
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Sepulveda DE, Morris DP, Raup-Konsavage WM, Sun D, Vrana KE, Graziane NM. Evaluating the Antinociceptive Efficacy of Cannabidiol Alone or in Combination with Morphine Using the Formalin Test in Male and Female Mice. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2022; 7:648-657. [PMID: 34846928 PMCID: PMC9587782 DOI: 10.1089/can.2021.0108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Phytocannabinoids have emerged as a potential alternative treatment option for individuals experiencing persistent pain. However, evidence-based research regarding their clinical utility in both males and females remains incomplete. In addition, it is unknown whether combining readily available cannabinoids with opioids has a synergistic or subadditive effect on pain modulation. To begin to fill this knowledge gap, we investigated the antinociceptive effects of the phytocannabinoid, CBD, either alone or in combination with opioids in male and female C57BL/6J mice. Results: Using the formalin test, our results show that CBD (10 mg/kg, i.p.) treatment evoked antinociception in phase I, but not in phase II, of the formalin test in male mice. However, in female mice, CBD showed no significant antinociceptive effect. In addition, a direct sex comparison showed that CBD evoked a significant increase in nociceptive behaviors in female versus male mice during phase I of the formalin test. Furthermore, we show that CBD (10 mg/kg, i.p.) in combination with low-dose morphine (1 mg/kg, i.p.) was ineffective at eliciting a synergistic antinociceptive response in both male and female mice. Lastly, consistent with previous literature, we showed that females treated with a relatively higher dose of morphine (10 mg/kg, i.p.) displayed a significant increase in the variability of nociceptive behaviors compared to morphine-treated male mice. Conclusion: Overall, our results suggest that CBD treatment may have beneficial antinociceptive effects during the acute phase of persistent pain, but these effects are more beneficial to males than females. We provide further pre-clinical support that treatments geared toward reducing nociceptive behaviors differentially affect males and females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana E. Sepulveda
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Wesley M. Raup-Konsavage
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Dongxiao Sun
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Kent E. Vrana
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Nicholas M. Graziane
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
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Arbiters of endogenous opioid analgesia: role of CNS estrogenic and glutamatergic systems. Transl Res 2021; 234:31-42. [PMID: 33567346 PMCID: PMC8217383 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2021.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Nociception and opioid antinociception in females are pliable processes, varying qualitatively and quantitatively over the reproductive cycle. Spinal estrogenic signaling via membrane estrogen receptors (mERs), in combination with multiple other signaling molecules [spinal dynorphin, kappa-opioid receptors (KOR), glutamate and metabotropic glutamate receptor 1 (mGluR1)], appears to function as a master coordinator, parsing functionality between pronociception and antinociception. This provides a window into pharmacologically accessing intrinsic opioid analgesic/anti-allodynic systems. In diestrus, membrane estrogen receptor alpha (mERα) signals via mGluR1 to suppress spinal endomorphin 2 (EM2) analgesia. Strikingly, in the absence of exogenous opioids, interfering with this suppression in a chronic pain model elicits opioid anti-allodynia, revealing contributions of endogenous opioid(s). In proestrus, robust spinal EM2 analgesia is manifest but this requires spinal dynorphin/KOR and glutamate-activated mGluR1. Furthermore, spinal mGluR1 blockade in a proestrus chronic pain animal (eliminating spinal EM2 analgesia) exacerbates mechanical allodynia, revealing tempering by endogenous opioid(s). A complex containing mu-opioid receptor, KOR, aromatase, mGluRs, and mERα are foundational to eliciting endogenous opioid anti-allodynia. Aromatase-mERα oligomers are also plentiful, in a central nervous system region-specific fashion. These can be independently regulated and allow estrogens to act intracellularly within the same signaling complex in which they are synthesized, explaining asynchronous relationships between circulating estrogens and central nervous system estrogen functionalities. Observations with EM2 highlight the translational relevance of extensively characterizing exogenous responsiveness to endogenous opioids and the neuronal circuits that mediate them along with the multiplicity of estrogenic systems that concomitantly function in phase and out-of-phase with the reproductive cycle.
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Abstract
This paper is the forty-second consecutive installment of the annual anthological review of research concerning the endogenous opioid system, summarizing articles published during 2019 that studied the behavioral effects of molecular, pharmacological and genetic manipulation of opioid peptides and receptors as well as effects of opioid/opiate agonists and antagonists. The review is subdivided into the following specific topics: molecular-biochemical effects and neurochemical localization studies of endogenous opioids and their receptors (1), the roles of these opioid peptides and receptors in pain and analgesia in animals (2) and humans (3), opioid-sensitive and opioid-insensitive effects of nonopioid analgesics (4), opioid peptide and receptor involvement in tolerance and dependence (5), stress and social status (6), learning and memory (7), eating and drinking (8), drug abuse and alcohol (9), sexual activity and hormones, pregnancy, development and endocrinology (10), mental illness and mood (11), seizures and neurologic disorders (12), electrical-related activity and neurophysiology (13), general activity and locomotion (14), gastrointestinal, renal and hepatic functions (15), cardiovascular responses (16), respiration and thermoregulation (17), and immunological responses (18).
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Bodnar
- Department of Psychology and Neuropsychology Doctoral Sub-Program, Queens College, City University of New York, 65-30 Kissena Blvd., Flushing, NY, 11367, United States.
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Pain Relief and Kaempferol: Activation of Transient Receptors Potential Vanilloid Type 1 in Male Rats. PAJOUHAN SCIENTIFIC JOURNAL 2020. [DOI: 10.52547/psj.18.2.81] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
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Gintzler AR, Liu NJ, Storman EM, Wessendorf MW. Exploiting endogenous opioids: Lessons learned from endomorphin 2 in the female rat. Peptides 2019; 112:133-138. [PMID: 30557590 PMCID: PMC7173356 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2018.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2018] [Revised: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 12/03/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Effective management of chronic pain is demanded by ethical as well as medical considerations. Although opioid analgesics remain among the most effective pharmacotherapies for ameliorating many types of pain, their use is clouded by concerns regarding their addictive properties, underscored by the current epidemic of prescription opioid abuse and attendant deaths. Medicinal harnessing of endogenous opioid antinociception could provide a strategy for continuing to take advantage of the powerful antinociceptive properties of opioids while avoiding their abuse potential. Based on our studies of endogenous mechanism that suppress and facilitate spinal endomorphin 2 antinociception over the rat reproductive cycle, we identified multiple signaling molecules that could serve as targets for activating endogenous opioid analgesia for chronic pain management in women. Our findings emphasize the need for a precision medicine approach that includes stage of menstrual cycle as an important determinant of drug targets for (activating/harnessing) endogenous opioid antinociceptive systems/ capabilities. Utilization of drugs that harness endogenous opioid antinociception in accordance with varying physiological states represents a novel approach for effective pain management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan R Gintzler
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, State University of New York, Downstate Medical Center, 450 Clarkson Ave, Brooklyn, NY, 11203, USA.
| | - Nai-Jiang Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, State University of New York, Downstate Medical Center, 450 Clarkson Ave, Brooklyn, NY, 11203, USA
| | - Emiliya M Storman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, State University of New York, Downstate Medical Center, 450 Clarkson Ave, Brooklyn, NY, 11203, USA
| | - Martin W Wessendorf
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
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Gintzler AR, Liu NJ. Harnessing endogenous opioids for pain relief: Fantasy vs reality. J Opioid Manag 2019; 16:67-72. [PMID: 32091619 PMCID: PMC8244826 DOI: 10.5055/jom.2020.0552] [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] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To review evidence demonstrating efficacy and feasibility of harnessing the activity of endogenous opioid analgesic systems for pain management. METHODS The authors sought to summarize a wealth of data that establish proof of concept that the analgesic activity of endogenous opioids can be exploited to clinically benefit from the enormous pain-relieving abilities of these peptides without contributing to the current crisis of death by synthetic opioid overdose. RESULTS There is a plethora of studies demonstrating that not only can endogenous opioids mediate placebo-induced antinociception but they are also active in modulating clinical pain. Earlier studies convincingly demonstrate the effec-tiveness of psychological strategies to coopt endogenous opioid analgesic systems to produce pain relief. The challenge is to define pharmacological targets for activating endogenous opioid analgesia reliably in a clinical setting. Based on insights gleaned from mechanisms underlying the ebb and flow of analgesic responsiveness to the spinal application of endomorphin 2, multiple signaling proteins were identified that activate endogenous spinal opioid analgesia. Notably, this was achieved in the absence of any exogenous synthetic opioid. CONCLUSIONS Utilization of drugs that harness endogenous opioid antinociception in accordance with varying physiological states represents a novel approach for effective pain management while mitigating the present epidemic of death by synthetic opioid overdose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan R Gintzler
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, State University of New York, Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, New York
| | - Nai-Jiang Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, State University of New York, Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, New York
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