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Diviccaro S, Cioffi L, Piazza R, Caruso D, Melcangi RC, Giatti S. Neuroactive Steroid-Gut Microbiota Interaction in T2DM Diabetic Encephalopathy. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1325. [PMID: 37759725 PMCID: PMC10527303 DOI: 10.3390/biom13091325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The pathological consequences of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) also involve the central nervous system; indeed, T2DM patients suffer from learning and memory disabilities with a higher risk of developing dementia. Although several factors have been proposed as possible contributors, how neuroactive steroids and the gut microbiome impact brain pathophysiology in T2DM remain unexplored. On this basis, in male Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats, we studied whether T2DM alters memory abilities using the novel object recognition test, neuroactive steroid levels by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, hippocampal parameters using molecular assessments, and gut microbiome composition using 16S next-generation sequencing. Results obtained reveal that T2DM worsens memory abilities and that these are correlated with increased levels of corticosterone in plasma and with a decrease in allopregnanolone in the hippocampus, where neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction were reported. Interestingly, our analysis highlighted a small group of taxa strictly related to both memory impairment and neuroactive steroid levels. Overall, the data underline an interesting role for allopregnanolone and microbiota that may represent candidates for the development of therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Diviccaro
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy; (S.D.); (L.C.); (D.C.); (R.C.M.)
| | - Lucia Cioffi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy; (S.D.); (L.C.); (D.C.); (R.C.M.)
| | - Rocco Piazza
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università di Milano—Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy;
| | - Donatella Caruso
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy; (S.D.); (L.C.); (D.C.); (R.C.M.)
| | - Roberto Cosimo Melcangi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy; (S.D.); (L.C.); (D.C.); (R.C.M.)
| | - Silvia Giatti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy; (S.D.); (L.C.); (D.C.); (R.C.M.)
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2
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Diviccaro S, Falvo E, Piazza R, Cioffi L, Herian M, Brivio P, Calabrese F, Giatti S, Caruso D, Melcangi RC. Gut microbiota composition is altered in a preclinical model of type 1 diabetes mellitus: Influence on gut steroids, permeability, and cognitive abilities. Neuropharmacology 2023; 226:109405. [PMID: 36572179 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2022.109405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Sex steroid hormones are not only synthesized from the gonads but also by other tissues, such as the brain (i.e., neurosteroids) and colon (i.e., gut steroids). Gut microbiota can be shaped from sex steroid hormones synthesized from the gonads and locally interacts with gut steroids as in turn modulates neurosteroids. Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is characterized by dysbiosis and also by diabetic encephalopathy. However, the interactions of players of gut-brain axis, such as gut steroids, gut permeability markers and microbiota, have been poorly explored in this pathology and, particularly in females. On this basis, we have explored, in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced adult female rats, whether one month of T1DM may alter (I) gut microbiome composition and diversity by 16S next-generation sequencing, (II) gut steroid levels by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, (III) gut permeability markers by gene expression analysis, (IV) cognitive behavior by the novel object recognition (NOR) test and whether correlations among these aspects may occur. Results obtained reveal that T1DM alters gut β-, but not α-diversity. The pathology is also associated with a decrease and an increase in colonic pregnenolone and allopregnanolone levels, respectively. Additionally, diabetes alters gut permeability and worsens cognitive behavior. Finally, we reported a significant correlation of pregnenolone with Blautia, claudin-1 and the NOR index and of allopregnanolone with Parasutterella, Gammaproteobacteria and claudin-1. Altogether, these results suggest new putative roles of these two gut steroids related to cognitive deficit and dysbiosis in T1DM female experimental model. This article is part of the Special Issue on "Microbiome & the Brain: Mechanisms & Maladies".
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Diviccaro
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Eva Falvo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Rocco Piazza
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università di Milano - Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Lucia Cioffi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Monika Herian
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Brivio
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Calabrese
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Giatti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Donatella Caruso
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberto Cosimo Melcangi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.
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3
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Diabetic Encephalopathy in a Preclinical Experimental Model of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: Observations in Adult Female Rat. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021196. [PMID: 36674713 PMCID: PMC9860834 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients affected by diabetes mellitus (DM) show diabetic encephalopathy with an increased risk of cognitive deficits, dementia and Alzheimer's disease, but the mechanisms are not fully explored. In the male animal models of DM, the development of cognitive impairment seems to be the result of the concomitance of different processes such as neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and aberrant synaptogenesis. However, even if diabetic encephalopathy shows some sex-dimorphic features, no observations in female rats have been so far reported on these aspects. Therefore, in an experimental model of type 1 DM (T1DM), we explored the impact of one month of pathology on memory abilities by the novel object recognition test and on neuroinflammation, synaptogenesis and mitochondrial functionality. Moreover, given that steroids are involved in memory and learning, we also analysed their levels and receptors. We reported that memory dysfunction can be associated with different features in the female hippocampus and cerebral cortex. Indeed, in the hippocampus, we observed aberrant synaptogenesis and neuroinflammation but not mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress, possibly due to the results of locally increased levels of progesterone metabolites (i.e., dihydroprogesterone and allopregnanolone). These observations suggest specific brain-area effects of T1DM since different alterations are observed in the cerebral cortex.
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Abe A, Maekawa M, Sato T, Sato Y, Kumondai M, Takahashi H, Kikuchi M, Higaki K, Ogura J, Mano N. Metabolic Alteration Analysis of Steroid Hormones in Niemann-Pick Disease Type C Model Cell Using Liquid Chromatography/Tandem Mass Spectrometry. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23084459. [PMID: 35457276 PMCID: PMC9025463 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23084459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Niemann–Pick disease type C (NPC) is an autosomal recessive disease caused by a functional deficiency of cholesterol-transporting proteins in lysosomes, and exhibits various clinical symptoms. Since mitochondrial dysfunction in NPC has recently been reported, cholesterol catabolism to steroid hormones may consequently be impaired. In this study, we developed a comprehensive steroid hormone analysis method using liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) and applied it to analyze changes in steroid hormone concentrations in NPC model cells. We investigated the analytical conditions for simultaneous LC–MS/MS analysis, which could be readily separated from each other and showed good reproducibility. The NPC phenotype was verified as an NPC model with mitochondrial abnormalities using filipin staining and organelle morphology observations. Steroid hormones in the cell suspension and cell culture medium were also analyzed. Steroid hormone analysis indicated that the levels of six steroid hormones were significantly decreased in the NPC model cell and culture medium compared to those in the wild-type cell and culture medium. These results indicate that some steroid hormones change during NPC pathophysiology and this change is accompanied by mitochondrial abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ai Abe
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8574, Japan; (A.A.); (M.K.); (N.M.)
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University Hospital, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8574, Japan; (T.S.); (Y.S.); (M.K.); (H.T.); (J.O.)
| | - Masamitsu Maekawa
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8574, Japan; (A.A.); (M.K.); (N.M.)
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University Hospital, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8574, Japan; (T.S.); (Y.S.); (M.K.); (H.T.); (J.O.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-22-717-7541
| | - Toshihiro Sato
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University Hospital, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8574, Japan; (T.S.); (Y.S.); (M.K.); (H.T.); (J.O.)
| | - Yu Sato
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University Hospital, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8574, Japan; (T.S.); (Y.S.); (M.K.); (H.T.); (J.O.)
| | - Masaki Kumondai
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University Hospital, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8574, Japan; (T.S.); (Y.S.); (M.K.); (H.T.); (J.O.)
| | - Hayato Takahashi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University Hospital, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8574, Japan; (T.S.); (Y.S.); (M.K.); (H.T.); (J.O.)
| | - Masafumi Kikuchi
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8574, Japan; (A.A.); (M.K.); (N.M.)
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University Hospital, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8574, Japan; (T.S.); (Y.S.); (M.K.); (H.T.); (J.O.)
| | - Katsumi Higaki
- Division of Functional Genomics, Research Centre for Bioscience and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, 86 Nishi-cho, Yonago 683-8503, Japan;
| | - Jiro Ogura
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University Hospital, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8574, Japan; (T.S.); (Y.S.); (M.K.); (H.T.); (J.O.)
| | - Nariyasu Mano
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8574, Japan; (A.A.); (M.K.); (N.M.)
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University Hospital, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8574, Japan; (T.S.); (Y.S.); (M.K.); (H.T.); (J.O.)
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Rossetti MF, Varayoud J, Ramos JG. Steroidogenic enzymes in the hippocampus: Transcriptional regulation aspects. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2022; 118:171-198. [PMID: 35180926 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2021.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Neurosteroids are steroids synthesized de novo from cholesterol in brain regions, and regulate processes associated with the development and functioning of the nervous system. Enzymes and proteins involved in the synthesis of these steroids have been detected in several brain regions, including hippocampus, hypothalamus, and cerebral cortex. Hippocampus has long been associated with learning and memory functions, while the loss of its functionality has been linked to neurodegenerative pathologies. In this sense, neurosteroids are critical for the maintenance of hippocampal functions and neuroprotective effects. Moreover, several factors have been shown to deregulate expression of steroidogenic enzymes in the rodent brain, including aging, enrichment experiences, diet habits, drug/alcohol consumption, hormone fluctuations, neurodegenerative processes and other diseases. These transcriptional deregulations are mediated mainly by transcription factors and epigenetic mechanisms. An epigenetic modification of chromatin involves changes in bases and associated proteins in the absence of changes in the DNA sequence. One of the most well-studied mechanisms related to gene silencing is DNA methylation, which involves a reversible addition of methyl groups in a cytosine base. Importantly, these epigenetic marks could be maintained over time and could be transmitted transgenerationally. The aim of this chapter is to present the most relevant steroidogenic enzymes described in rodent hippocampus; to discuss about their transcriptional regulation under different conditions; to show the main gene control regions and to propose DNA methylation as an epigenetic mechanism through which the expression of these enzymes could be controlled.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Florencia Rossetti
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica y Cuantitativa, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina; Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral-CONICET, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Jorgelina Varayoud
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral-CONICET, Santa Fe, Argentina; Cátedra de Fisiología Humana, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Jorge Guillermo Ramos
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica y Cuantitativa, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina; Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral-CONICET, Santa Fe, Argentina.
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6
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Diviccaro S, Cioffi L, Falvo E, Giatti S, Melcangi RC. Allopregnanolone: An overview on its synthesis and effects. J Neuroendocrinol 2022; 34:e12996. [PMID: 34189791 PMCID: PMC9285581 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Allopregnanolone, a 3α,5α-progesterone metabolite, acts as a potent allosteric modulator of the γ-aminobutyric acid type A receptor. In the present review, the synthesis of this neuroactive steroid occurring in the nervous system is discussed with respect to physiological and pathological conditions. In addition, its physiological and neuroprotective effects are also reported. Interestingly, the levels of this neuroactive steroid, as well as its effects, are sex-dimorphic, suggesting a possible gender medicine based on this neuroactive steroid for neurological disorders. However, allopregnanolone presents low bioavailability and extensive hepatic metabolism, limiting its use as a drug. Therefore, synthetic analogues or a different therapeutic strategy able to increase allopregnanolone levels have been proposed to overcome any pharmacokinetic issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Diviccaro
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e BiomolecolariUniversità degli Studi di MilanoMilanoItaly
| | - Lucia Cioffi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e BiomolecolariUniversità degli Studi di MilanoMilanoItaly
| | - Eva Falvo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e BiomolecolariUniversità degli Studi di MilanoMilanoItaly
| | - Silvia Giatti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e BiomolecolariUniversità degli Studi di MilanoMilanoItaly
| | - Roberto Cosimo Melcangi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e BiomolecolariUniversità degli Studi di MilanoMilanoItaly
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7
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Salahuddin MF, Qrareya AN, Mahdi F, Moss E, Akins NS, Li J, Le HV, Paris JJ. Allopregnanolone and neuroHIV: Potential benefits of neuroendocrine modulation in the era of antiretroviral therapy. J Neuroendocrinol 2022; 34:e13047. [PMID: 34651359 PMCID: PMC8866218 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Forty years into the HIV pandemic, approximately 50% of infected individuals still suffer from a constellation of neurological disorders collectively known as 'neuroHIV.' Although combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) has been a tremendous success, in its present form, it cannot eradicate HIV. Reservoirs of virus reside within the central nervous system, serving as sources of HIV virotoxins that damage mitochondria and promote neurotoxicity. Although understudied, there is evidence that HIV or the HIV regulatory protein, trans-activator of transcription (Tat), can dysregulate neurosteroid formation potentially contributing to endocrine dysfunction. People living with HIV commonly suffer from endocrine disorders, including hypercortisolemia accompanied by paradoxical adrenal insufficiency upon stress. Age-related comorbidities often onset sooner and with greater magnitude among people living with HIV and are commonly accompanied by hypogonadism. In the post-cART era, these derangements of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal and -gonadal axes are secondary (i.e., relegated to the brain) and indicative of neuroendocrine dysfunction. We review the clinical and preclinical evidence for neuroendocrine dysfunction in HIV, the capacity for hormone therapeutics to play an ameliorative role and the future steroid-based therapeutics that may have efficacy as novel adjunctives to cART.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed F. Salahuddin
- Department of BioMolecular SciencesSchool of PharmacyUniversity of MississippiUniversityMSUSA
| | - Alaa N. Qrareya
- Department of BioMolecular SciencesSchool of PharmacyUniversity of MississippiUniversityMSUSA
| | - Fakhri Mahdi
- Department of BioMolecular SciencesSchool of PharmacyUniversity of MississippiUniversityMSUSA
| | - Emaya Moss
- Department of BioMolecular SciencesSchool of PharmacyUniversity of MississippiUniversityMSUSA
| | - Nicholas S. Akins
- Department of BioMolecular SciencesSchool of PharmacyUniversity of MississippiUniversityMSUSA
| | - Jing Li
- Department of BioMolecular SciencesSchool of PharmacyUniversity of MississippiUniversityMSUSA
- Research Institute of Pharmaceutical SciencesSchool of PharmacyUniversity of MississippiUniversityMSUSA
| | - Hoang V. Le
- Department of BioMolecular SciencesSchool of PharmacyUniversity of MississippiUniversityMSUSA
- Research Institute of Pharmaceutical SciencesSchool of PharmacyUniversity of MississippiUniversityMSUSA
| | - Jason J. Paris
- Department of BioMolecular SciencesSchool of PharmacyUniversity of MississippiUniversityMSUSA
- Research Institute of Pharmaceutical SciencesSchool of PharmacyUniversity of MississippiUniversityMSUSA
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8
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Giatti S, Diviccaro S, Cioffi L, Falvo E, Caruso D, Melcangi RC. Effects of paroxetine treatment and its withdrawal on neurosteroidogenesis. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2021; 132:105364. [PMID: 34325207 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2021.105364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/18/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) show high efficacy in treating depression, however during treatment side effects, like for instance sexual dysfunction, may appear, decreasing compliance. In some cases, this condition will last after drug discontinuation, leading to the so-called post-SSRI sexual dysfunction (PSSD). The etiology of PSSD is still unknown, however a role for neuroactive steroids may be hypothesized. Indeed, these molecules are key physiological regulators of the nervous system, and their alteration has been associated with several neuropathological conditions, including depression. Additionally, neuroactive steroids are also involved in the control of sexual function. Interestingly, sexual dysfunction induced by SSRI treatment has been also observed in animal models. On this basis, we have here evaluated whether a subchronic treatment with paroxetine for two weeks and/or its withdrawal (i.e., a month) may affect the levels of neuroactive steroids in brain areas (i.e., hippocampus, hypothalamus, and cerebral cortex) and/or in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid of male rats. Data obtained indicate that the SSRI treatment alters neuroactive steroid levels and the expression of key enzymes of the steroidogenesis in a brain tissue- and time-dependent manner. Indeed, these observations with the finding that plasma levels of neuroactive steroids are not affected suggest that the effect of paroxetine treatment is directly on neurosteroidogenesis. In particular, a negative impact on the expression of steroidogenic enzymes was observed at the withdrawal. Therefore, it is possible to hypothesize that altered neurosteroidogenesis may also occur in PSSD and consequently it may represent a possible pharmacological target for this disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Giatti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Silvia Diviccaro
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Lucia Cioffi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Eva Falvo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Donatella Caruso
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Roberto C Melcangi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy.
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9
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Pagotto MA, Roldán ML, Molinas SM, Raices T, Pisani GB, Pignataro OP, Monasterolo LA. Impairment of renal steroidogenesis at the onset of diabetes. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2021; 524:111170. [PMID: 33482284 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2021.111170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Revised: 12/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Accumulating evidence indicates the association between changes in circulating sex steroid hormone levels and the development of diabetic nephropathy. However, the renal synthesis of steroid hormones during diabetes is essentially unknown. Male Wistar rats were injected with streptozotocin (STZ) or vehicle. After one week, no changes in functional or structural parameters related to kidney damage were observed in STZ group; however, a higher renal expression of proinflammatory cytokines and HSP70 was found. Expression of Steroidogenic Acute Regulatory protein (StAR) and P450scc (CYP11A1) was decreased in STZ kidneys. Incubation of isolated mitochondria with 22R-hydroxycholesterol revealed a marked inhibition in CYP11A1 function at the medullary level in STZ group. The inhibition of these first steps of renal steroidogenesis in early STZ-induced diabetes led to a decreased local synthesis of pregnenolone and progesterone. These findings stimulate investigation of the probable role of nephrosteroids in kidney damage associated with diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melina A Pagotto
- Institute of Experimental Physiology, National Scientific and Technical Research Council (IFISE-CONICET), Suipacha 531, PC 2000, Rosario, Argentina.
| | - María L Roldán
- Pharmacology, Faculty of Biochemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, National University of Rosario, Suipacha 531, PC 2000, Rosario, Argentina.
| | - Sara M Molinas
- Pharmacology, Faculty of Biochemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, National University of Rosario, Suipacha 531, PC 2000, Rosario, Argentina; National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Argentina.
| | - Trinidad Raices
- Laboratory of Molecular Endocrinology and Signal Transduction, Institute of Biology and Experimental Medicine (IBYME)- National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), PC C1428ADN, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Gerardo B Pisani
- Morphology, Faculty of Biochemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, National University of Rosario, Suipacha 531, PC 2000, Rosario, Argentina.
| | - Omar P Pignataro
- Laboratory of Molecular Endocrinology and Signal Transduction, Institute of Biology and Experimental Medicine (IBYME)- National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), PC C1428ADN, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Department of Biological Chemistry, School of Sciences, University of Buenos Aires (UBA), PC 1428, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Liliana A Monasterolo
- Pharmacology, Faculty of Biochemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, National University of Rosario, Suipacha 531, PC 2000, Rosario, Argentina; National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Argentina; Research Council of the National University of Rosario (CIC-UNR), Argentina.
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10
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Audano M, Pedretti S, Ligorio S, Giavarini F, Caruso D, Mitro N. Investigating metabolism by mass spectrometry: From steady state to dynamic view. JOURNAL OF MASS SPECTROMETRY : JMS 2021; 56:e4658. [PMID: 33084147 DOI: 10.1002/jms.4658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Metabolism is the set of life-sustaining reactions in organisms. These biochemical reactions are organized in metabolic pathways, in which one metabolite is converted through a series of steps catalyzed by enzymes in another chemical compound. Metabolic reactions are categorized as catabolic, the breaking down of metabolites to produce energy, and/or anabolic, the synthesis of compounds that consume energy. The balance between catabolism of the preferential fuel substrate and anabolism defines the overall metabolism of a cell or tissue. Metabolomics is a powerful tool to gain new insights contributing to the identification of complex molecular mechanisms in the field of biomedical research, both basic and translational. The enormous potential of this kind of analyses consists of two key aspects: (i) the possibility of performing so-called targeted and untargeted experiments through which it is feasible to verify or formulate a hypothesis, respectively, and (ii) the opportunity to run either steady-state analyses to have snapshots of the metabolome at a given time under different experimental conditions or dynamic analyses through the use of labeled tracers. In this review, we will highlight the most important practical (e.g., different sample extraction approaches) and conceptual steps to consider for metabolomic analysis, describing also the main application contexts in which it is used. In addition, we will provide some insights into the most innovative approaches and progress in the field of data analysis and processing, highlighting how this part is essential for the proper extrapolation and interpretation of data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Audano
- DiSFeB, Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, 20133, Italy
| | - Silvia Pedretti
- DiSFeB, Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, 20133, Italy
| | - Simona Ligorio
- DiSFeB, Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, 20133, Italy
| | - Flavio Giavarini
- DiSFeB, Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, 20133, Italy
| | - Donatella Caruso
- DiSFeB, Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, 20133, Italy
| | - Nico Mitro
- DiSFeB, Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, 20133, Italy
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11
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Giatti S, Rigolio R, Diviccaro S, Falvo E, Caruso D, Garcia-Segura LM, Cavaletti G, Melcangi RC. Sex dimorphism in an animal model of multiple sclerosis: Focus on pregnenolone synthesis. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2020; 199:105596. [PMID: 31958635 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2020.105596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Revised: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Neuroactive steroids, molecules produced from cholesterol in steroidogenic cells (i.e., peripheral glands and nervous system) are physiological modulators and protective agents of nervous function. A possible role for neuroactive steroids in the sex-dimorphic clinical manifestation, onset and progression of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) has been recently suggested. To explore this possibility, we assessed the synthesis of the first steroidogenic product (pregnenolone; PREG) in the spinal cord of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis rats, a MS model. Data obtained indicate that the synthesis of PREG in the spinal cord is altered by the pathology in a sex-dimorphic way and depending on the pathological progression. Indeed, in male spinal cord the synthesis was already decreased at the acute phase of the disease (i.e., 14 days post induction - dpi) and maintained low during the chronic phase (i.e., 45 dpi), while in females this effect was observed only at the chronic phase. Substrate availability had also a role in the sex-dimorphic kinetics. Indeed, at the chronic phase, male animals showed a reduction in the levels of free cholesterol coupled to alteration of cholesterol metabolism into oxysterols; these effects were not observed in female animals. These findings suggest that the comprehension of the neurosteroidogenic processes could be relevant to better understand the sexual dimorphism of MS and to possibly design sex-oriented therapeutic strategies based on neuroactive steroids.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Giatti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - R Rigolio
- Experimental Neurology Unit, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Italy
| | - S Diviccaro
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - E Falvo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - D Caruso
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - L M Garcia-Segura
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - G Cavaletti
- Experimental Neurology Unit, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Italy
| | - R C Melcangi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.
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12
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Giatti S, Diviccaro S, Falvo E, Garcia-Segura LM, Melcangi RC. Physiopathological role of the enzymatic complex 5α-reductase and 3α/β-hydroxysteroid oxidoreductase in the generation of progesterone and testosterone neuroactive metabolites. Front Neuroendocrinol 2020; 57:100836. [PMID: 32217094 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2020.100836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Revised: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The enzymatic complex 5α-reductase (5α-R) and 3α/3β-hydroxysteroid oxidoreductase (HSOR) is expressed in the nervous system, where it transforms progesterone (PROG) and testosterone (T) into neuroactive metabolites. These metabolites regulate myelination, brain maturation, neurotransmission, reproductive behavior and the stress response. The expression of 5α-R and 3α-HSOR and the levels of PROG and T reduced metabolites show regional and sex differences in the nervous system and are affected by changing physiological conditions as well as by neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders. A decrease in their nervous tissue levels may negatively impact the course and outcome of some pathological events. However, in other pathological conditions their increased levels may have a negative impact. Thus, the use of synthetic analogues of these steroids or 5α-R modulation have been proposed as therapeutic approaches for several nervous system pathologies. However, further research is needed to fully understand the consequences of these manipulations, in particular with 5α-R inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Giatti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Diviccaro
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Eva Falvo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Luis Miguel Garcia-Segura
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Roberto Cosimo Melcangi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.
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13
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Giatti S, Diviccaro S, Serafini MM, Caruso D, Garcia-Segura LM, Viviani B, Melcangi RC. Sex differences in steroid levels and steroidogenesis in the nervous system: Physiopathological role. Front Neuroendocrinol 2020; 56:100804. [PMID: 31689419 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2019.100804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Revised: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The nervous system, in addition to be a target for steroid hormones, is the source of a variety of neuroactive steroids, which are synthesized and metabolized by neurons and glial cells. Recent evidence indicates that the expression of neurosteroidogenic proteins and enzymes and the levels of neuroactive steroids are different in the nervous system of males and females. We here summarized the state of the art of neuroactive steroids, particularly taking in consideration sex differences occurring in the synthesis and levels of these molecules. In addition, we discuss the consequences of sex differences in neurosteroidogenesis for the function of the nervous system under healthy and pathological conditions and the implications of neuroactive steroids and neurosteroidogenesis for the development of sex-specific therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Giatti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Silvia Diviccaro
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Melania Maria Serafini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Donatella Caruso
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Luis Miguel Garcia-Segura
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Barbara Viviani
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Roberto C Melcangi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy.
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14
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Sun Y, Ma C, Sun H, Wang H, Peng W, Zhou Z, Wang H, Pi C, Shi Y, He X. Metabolism: A Novel Shared Link between Diabetes Mellitus and Alzheimer's Disease. J Diabetes Res 2020; 2020:4981814. [PMID: 32083135 PMCID: PMC7011481 DOI: 10.1155/2020/4981814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2019] [Revised: 12/29/2019] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
As a chronic metabolic disease, diabetes mellitus (DM) is broadly characterized by elevated levels of blood glucose. Novel epidemiological studies demonstrate that some diabetic patients have an increased risk of developing dementia compared with healthy individuals. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most frequent cause of dementia and leads to major progressive deficits in memory and cognitive function. Multiple studies have identified an increased risk for AD in some diabetic populations, but it is still unclear which diabetic patients will develop dementia and which biological characteristics can predict cognitive decline. Although few mechanistic metabolic studies have shown clear pathophysiological links between DM and AD, there are several plausible ways this may occur. Since AD has many characteristics in common with impaired insulin signaling pathways, AD can be regarded as a metabolic disease. We conclude from the published literature that the body's diabetic status under certain circumstances such as metabolic abnormalities can increase the incidence of AD by affecting glucose transport to the brain and reducing glucose metabolism. Furthermore, due to its plentiful lipid content and high energy requirement, the brain's metabolism places great demands on mitochondria. Thus, the brain may be more susceptible to oxidative damage than the rest of the body. Emerging evidence suggests that both oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction are related to amyloid-β (Aβ) pathology. Protein changes in the unfolded protein response or endoplasmic reticulum stress can regulate Aβ production and are closely associated with tau protein pathology. Altogether, metabolic disorders including glucose/lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and protein changes caused by DM are associated with an impaired insulin signal pathway. These metabolic factors could increase the prevalence of AD in diabetic patients via the promotion of Aβ pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanan Sun
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Cao Ma
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
- Department of Pathology, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Hui Sun
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Huan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Wei Peng
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Zibo Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Hongwei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Chenchen Pi
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
- The First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Yingai Shi
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Xu He
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
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15
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Oxidized cholesterol species as signaling molecules in the brain: diabetes and Alzheimer's disease. Neuronal Signal 2019; 3:NS20190068. [PMID: 32269839 PMCID: PMC7104322 DOI: 10.1042/ns20190068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Revised: 11/13/2019] [Accepted: 11/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes is associated with adverse central nervous system effects, including a doubled risk for Alzheimer's disease (AD) and increased risk of cognitive impairment, but the mechanisms connecting diabetes to cognitive decline and dementia are unknown. One possible link between these diseases may be the associated alterations to cholesterol oxidation and metabolism in the brain. We will survey evidence demonstrating alterations to oxysterols in the brain in AD and diabetes and how these oxysterols could contribute to pathology, as well as identifying research questions that have not yet been addressed to allow for a fuller understanding of the role of oxysterols in AD and diabetes.
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16
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Giatti S, Diviccaro S, Garcia-Segura LM, Melcangi RC. Sex differences in the brain expression of steroidogenic molecules under basal conditions and after gonadectomy. J Neuroendocrinol 2019; 31:e12736. [PMID: 31102564 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2019] [Revised: 05/09/2019] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The brain is a steroidogenic tissue. It expresses key molecules involved in the synthesis and metabolism of neuroactive steroids, such as steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), translocator protein 18 kDa (TSPO), cytochrome P450 cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme (P450scc), 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (3β-HSD), 5α-reductases (5α-R) and 3α-hydroxysteroid oxidoreductases (3α-HSOR). Previous studies have shown that the levels of brain steroids are different in male and female rats under basal conditions and after gonadectomy. In the present study, we assessed gene expression of key neurosteroidogenic molecules in the cerebral cortex and cerebellum of gonadally intact and gonadectomised adult male and female rats. In the cerebellum, the basal mRNA levels of StAR and 3α-HSOR were significantly higher in females than in males. By contrast, the mRNA levels of TSPO and 5α-R were significantly higher in males. In the cerebral cortex, all neurosteroidogenic molecules analysed showed similar mRNA levels in males and females. Gonadectomy increased the expression of 5α-R in the brain of both sexes, although it affected the brain expression of StAR, TSPO, P450scc and 3α-HSOR in females only and with regional differences. Although protein levels were not investigated in the present study, our findings indicate that mRNA expression of steroidogenic molecules in the adult rat brain is sexually dimorphic and presents regional specificity, both under basal conditions and after gonadectomy. Thus, local steroidogenesis may contribute to the reported sex and regional differences in the levels of brain neuroactive steroids and may be involved in the generation of sex differences in the adult brain function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Giatti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Diviccaro
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Luis Miguel Garcia-Segura
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES), Madrid, Spain
| | - Roberto Cosimo Melcangi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
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17
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Giatti S, Diviccaro S, Melcangi RC. Neuroactive Steroids and Sex-Dimorphic Nervous Damage Induced by Diabetes Mellitus. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2018; 39:493-502. [PMID: 30109515 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-018-0613-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2018] [Accepted: 08/09/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease where improper glycaemic control may induce severe complications in different organs. In this review, we will discuss alterations occurring in peripheral and central nervous system of patients with type 1 (i.e., insulin dependent diabetes mellitus,) or type 2 diabetes (i.e., non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus), as well as related experimental models. A particular focus will be on the role exerted by neuroactive steroids (i.e., important regulators of nervous functions) in the nervous damage induced by diabetes. Indeed, the nervous levels of these molecules are affected by the pathology and, in agreement, their neuroprotective effects have been reported. Interestingly, the sex is another important variable. As discussed, nervous diabetic complications show sex dimorphic features in term of incidence, functional outcomes and neuroactive steroid levels. Therefore, these features represent an interesting background for possible sex-oriented therapies with neuroactive steroids aimed to counteract nervous damage observed in diabetic pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Giatti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Silvia Diviccaro
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Roberto Cosimo Melcangi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy.
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18
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Giatti S, Garcia-Segura LM, Barreto GE, Melcangi RC. Neuroactive steroids, neurosteroidogenesis and sex. Prog Neurobiol 2018; 176:1-17. [PMID: 29981391 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2018.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2018] [Revised: 05/25/2018] [Accepted: 06/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The nervous system is a target and a source of steroids. Neuroactive steroids are steroids that target neurons and glial cells. They include hormonal steroids originated in the peripheral glands, steroids locally synthesized by the neurons and glial cells (neurosteroids) and synthetic steroids, some of them used in clinical practice. Here we review the mechanisms of synthesis, metabolism and action of neuroactive steroids, including the role of epigenetic modifications and the mitochondria in their sex specific actions. We examine sex differences in neuroactive steroid levels under physiological conditions and their role in the establishment of sex dimorphic structures in the nervous system and sex differences in its function. In addition, particular attention is paid to neuroactive steroids under pathological conditions, analyzing how pathology alters their levels and their role as neuroprotective factors, considering the influence of sex in both cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Giatti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Luis M Garcia-Segura
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - George E Barreto
- Departamento de Nutrición y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
| | - Roberto C Melcangi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy.
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19
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Romano S, Mitro N, Giatti S, Diviccaro S, Pesaresi M, Spezzano R, Audano M, Garcia-Segura LM, Caruso D, Melcangi RC. Diabetes induces mitochondrial dysfunction and alters cholesterol homeostasis and neurosteroidogenesis in the rat cerebral cortex. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2018; 178:108-116. [PMID: 29183767 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2017.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2017] [Revised: 11/21/2017] [Accepted: 11/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The nervous system synthesizes and metabolizes steroids (i.e., neurosteroidogenesis). Recent observations indicate that neurosteroidogenesis is affected by different nervous pathologies. Among these, long-term type 1 diabetes, together with other functional and biochemical changes, has been shown to alter neuroactive steroid levels in the nervous system. Using an experimental model of type 1 diabetes (i.e., streptozotocin injection) we here show that the levels of these molecules are already decreased in the rat cerebral cortex after one month of the initiation of the pathology. Moreover, decreased levels of free cholesterol, together with alterations in the expression of molecules involved in cholesterol biosynthesis, bioavailability, trafficking and metabolism were detected in the rat cerebral cortex after one month of diabetes. Furthermore, mitochondrial functionality was also affected in the cerebral cortex and consequently may also contribute to the decrease in neuroactive steroid levels. Altogether, these results indicate that neurosteroidogenesis is an early target for the effect of type 1 diabetes in the cerebral cortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Romano
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Nico Mitro
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Silvia Giatti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Silvia Diviccaro
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Marzia Pesaresi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Roberto Spezzano
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Matteo Audano
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Luis Miguel Garcia-Segura
- Instituto Cajal, CSIC, Madrid, Spain; CIBER de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Donatella Caruso
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Roberto Cosimo Melcangi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy.
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20
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Pesaresi M, Giatti S, Spezzano R, Romano S, Diviccaro S, Borsello T, Mitro N, Caruso D, Garcia-Segura LM, Melcangi RC. Axonal transport in a peripheral diabetic neuropathy model: sex-dimorphic features. Biol Sex Differ 2018; 9:6. [PMID: 29351809 PMCID: PMC5775621 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-018-0164-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2017] [Accepted: 01/02/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Disruption of axonal transport plays a pivotal role in diabetic neuropathy. A sex-dimorphism exists in the incidence and symptomatology of diabetic neuropathy; however, no studies so far have addressed sex differences in axonal motor proteins expression in early diabetes as well as the possible involvement of neuroactive steroids. Interestingly, recent data point to a role for mitochondria in the sexual dimorphism of neurodegenerative diseases. Mitochondria have a fundamental role in axonal transport by producing the motors’ energy source, ATP. Moreover, neuroactive steroids can also regulate mitochondrial function. Methods Here, we investigated the impact of short-term diabetes in the peripheral nervous system of male and female rats on key motor proteins important for axonal transport, mitochondrial function, and neuroactive steroids levels. Results We show that short-term diabetes alters mRNA levels and axoplasm protein contents of kinesin family member KIF1A, KIF5B, KIF5A and Myosin Va in male but not in female rats. Similarly, the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ co-activator-1α, a subunit of the respiratory chain complex IV, ATP levels and the key regulators of mitochondrial dynamics were affected in males but not in females. Concomitant analysis of neuroactive steroid levels in sciatic nerve showed an alteration of testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, and allopregnanolone in diabetic males, whereas no changes were observed in female rats. Conclusions These findings suggest that sex-specific decrease in neuroactive steroid levels in male diabetic animals may cause an alteration in their mitochondrial function that in turn might impact in axonal transport, contributing to the sex difference observed in diabetic neuropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marzia Pesaresi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Silvia Giatti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Roberto Spezzano
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Simone Romano
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Silvia Diviccaro
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Tiziana Borsello
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy.,Department of Neuroscience, IRCCS-Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research, Milano, Italy
| | - Nico Mitro
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Donatella Caruso
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Luis Miguel Garcia-Segura
- Instituto Cajal, CSIC, CIBER de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Roberto Cosimo Melcangi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy.
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21
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Tobiansky DJ, Korol AM, Ma C, Hamden JE, Jalabert C, Tomm RJ, Soma KK. Testosterone and Corticosterone in the Mesocorticolimbic System of Male Rats: Effects of Gonadectomy and Caloric Restriction. Endocrinology 2018; 159:450-464. [PMID: 29069423 DOI: 10.1210/en.2017-00704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2017] [Accepted: 10/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Steroid hormones can modulate motivated behaviors through the mesocorticolimbic system. Gonadectomy (GDX) is a common method to determine how steroids influence the mesocorticolimbic system, and caloric restriction (CR) is often used to invigorate motivated behaviors. A common assumption is that the effects of these manipulations on brain steroid levels reflects circulating steroid levels. We now know that the brain regulates local steroid levels in a region-specific manner; however, previous studies have low spatial resolution. Using ultrasensitive liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry, we examined steroids in microdissected regions of the mesocorticolimbic system (ventral tegmental area, nucleus accumbens, medial prefrontal cortex). We examined whether GDX or CR influences systemic and local steroids, particularly testosterone (T) and steroidogenic enzyme transcripts. Adult male rats underwent a GDX surgery and/or CR for either 2 or 6 weeks. Levels of T, the primary steroid of interest, were higher in all brain regions than in the blood, whereas corticosterone (CORT) was lower in the brain than in the blood. Importantly, GDX completely eliminated T in the blood and lowered T in the brain. Yet, T remained present in the brain, even 6 weeks after GDX. CR decreased both T and CORT in the blood and brain. Steroidogenic enzyme (Cyp17a1, 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, aromatase) transcripts and androgen receptor transcripts were expressed in the mesocorticolimbic system and differentially affected by GDX and CR. Together, these results suggest that T is synthesized within the mesocorticolimbic system. These results provide a foundation for future studies examining how neurosteroids influence behaviors mediated by the mesocorticolimbic system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Tobiansky
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Anastasia M Korol
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Chunqi Ma
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Jordan E Hamden
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Cecilia Jalabert
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Ryan J Tomm
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Kiran K Soma
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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22
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Giatti S, Mastrangelo R, D'Antonio M, Pesaresi M, Romano S, Diviccaro S, Caruso D, Mitro N, Melcangi RC. Neuroactive steroids and diabetic complications in the nervous system. Front Neuroendocrinol 2018; 48:58-69. [PMID: 28739507 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2017.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2017] [Revised: 07/19/2017] [Accepted: 07/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Important complications of diabetes mellitus in the nervous system are represented by diabetic peripheral neuropathy and diabetic encephalopathy. In this context, an important link is represented by neuroactive steroids (i.e., steroids coming from peripheral glands and affecting nervous functionality as well as directly synthesized in the nervous system). Indeed, diabetes does not only affect the reproductive axis and consequently the levels of sex steroid hormones, but also those of neuroactive steroids. Indeed, as will be here summarized, the levels of these neuromodulators present in the central and peripheral nervous system are affected by the pathology in a sex-dimorphic way. In addition, some of these neuroactive steroids, such as the metabolites of progesterone or testosterone, as well as pharmacological tools able to increase their levels have been demonstrated, in experimental models, to be promising protective agents against diabetic peripheral neuropathy and diabetic encephalopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Giatti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - R Mastrangelo
- Division of Genetic and Cell Biology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, DIBIT, Milano, Italy
| | - M D'Antonio
- Division of Genetic and Cell Biology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, DIBIT, Milano, Italy
| | - M Pesaresi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - S Romano
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - S Diviccaro
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - D Caruso
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - N Mitro
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - R C Melcangi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy.
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