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Ambikairajah A, Khondoker M, Morris E, de Lange AG, Saleh RNM, Minihane AM, Hornberger M. Investigating the synergistic effects of hormone replacement therapy, apolipoprotein E and age on brain health in the UK Biobank. Hum Brain Mapp 2024; 45:e26612. [PMID: 38339898 PMCID: PMC10836173 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.26612] [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: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Global prevalence of Alzheimer's Disease has a strong sex bias, with women representing approximately two-thirds of the patients. Yet, the role of sex-specific risk factors during midlife, including hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and their interaction with other major risk factors for Alzheimer's Disease, such as apolipoprotein E (APOE)-e4 genotype and age, on brain health remains unclear. We investigated the relationship between HRT (i.e., use, age of initiation and duration of use) and brain health (i.e., cognition and regional brain volumes). We then consider the multiplicative effects of HRT and APOE status (i.e., e2/e2, e2/e3, e3/e3, e3/e4 and e4/e4) via a two-way interaction and subsequently age of participants via a three-way interaction. Women from the UK Biobank with no self-reported neurological conditions were included (N = 207,595 women, mean age = 56.25 years, standard deviation = 8.01 years). Generalised linear regression models were computed to quantify the cross-sectional association between HRT and brain health, while controlling for APOE status, age, time since attending centre for completing brain health measure, surgical menopause status, smoking history, body mass index, education, physical activity, alcohol use, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, vascular/heart problems and diabetes diagnosed by doctor. Analyses of structural brain regions further controlled for scanner site. All brain volumes were normalised for head size. Two-way interactions between HRT and APOE status were modelled, in addition to three-way interactions including age. Results showed that women with the e4/e4 genotype who have used HRT had 1.82% lower hippocampal, 2.4% lower parahippocampal and 1.24% lower thalamus volumes than those with the e3/e3 genotype who had never used HRT. However, this interaction was not detected for measures of cognition. No clinically meaningful three-way interaction between APOE, HRT and age was detected when interpreted relative to the scales of the cognitive measures used and normative models of ageing for brain volumes in this sample. Differences in hippocampal volume between women with the e4/e4 genotype who have used HRT and those with the e3/e3 genotype who had never used HRT are equivalent to approximately 1-2 years of hippocampal atrophy observed in typical health ageing trajectories in midlife (i.e., 0.98%-1.41% per year). Effect sizes were consistent within APOE e4/e4 group post hoc sensitivity analyses, suggesting observed effects were not solely driven by APOE status and may, in part, be attributed to HRT use. Although, the design of this study means we cannot exclude the possibility that women who have used HRT may have a predisposition for poorer brain health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ananthan Ambikairajah
- Discipline of Psychology, Faculty of HealthUniversity of CanberraCanberraAustralian Capital TerritoryAustralia
- Centre for Ageing Research and Translation, Faculty of HealthUniversity of CanberraCanberraAustralian Capital TerritoryAustralia
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population HealthAustralian National UniversityCanberraAustralian Capital TerritoryAustralia
| | | | | | - Ann‐Marie G. de Lange
- Department of Clinical NeurosciencesLausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of LausanneLausanneSwitzerland
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of OsloOsloNorway
- Department of PsychiatryUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - Rasha N. M. Saleh
- Norwich Medical SchoolUniversity of East AngliaNorwichUK
- Department of Clinical and Chemical Pathology, Faculty of MedicineAlexandria UniversityAlexandriaEgypt
| | - Anne Marie Minihane
- Norwich Medical SchoolUniversity of East AngliaNorwichUK
- Norwich Institute of Healthy AgeingNorwichUK
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Brown A, Gervais NJ, Rieck J, Almey A, Gravelsins L, Reuben R, Karkaby L, Rajah MN, Grady C, Einstein G. Women's Brain Health: Midlife Ovarian Removal Affects Associative Memory. Mol Neurobiol 2023; 60:6145-6159. [PMID: 37423941 PMCID: PMC10533588 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03424-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Women with early bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (BSO; removal of ovaries and fallopian tubes) have greater Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk than women in spontaneous/natural menopause (SM), but early biomarkers of this risk are not well-characterized. Considering associative memory deficits may presage preclinical AD, we wondered if one of the earliest changes might be in associative memory and whether younger women with BSO had changes similar to those observed in SM. Women with BSO (with and without 17β-estradiol replacement therapy (ERT)), their age-matched premenopausal controls (AMC), and older women in SM completed a functional magnetic resonance imaging face-name associative memory task shown to predict early AD. Brain activation during encoding was compared between groups: AMC (n=25), BSO no ERT (BSO; n=15), BSO+ERT (n=16), and SM without hormone therapy (n=16). Region-of-interest analyses revealed AMC did not contribute to functional group differences. BSO+ERT had higher hippocampal activation than BSO and SM. This hippocampal activation correlated positively with urinary metabolite levels of 17β-estradiol. Multivariate partial least squares analyses showed BSO+ERT had a different network-level activation pattern than BSO and SM. Thus, despite being approximately 10 years younger, women with BSO without ERT had similar brain function to those with SM, suggesting early 17β-estradiol loss may lead to an altered functional brain phenotype which could influence late-life AD risk, making face-name encoding a potential biomarker for midlife women with increased AD risk. Despite similarities in activation, BSO and SM groups showed opposite within-hippocampus connectivity, suggesting menopause type is an important consideration when assessing brain function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alana Brown
- Psychology, University of Toronto, 100 St. George Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 3G3, Canada.
| | - Nicole J Gervais
- Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest Health Sciences, Toronto, M6A 2E1, Canada
| | - Jenny Rieck
- Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest Health Sciences, Toronto, M6A 2E1, Canada
| | - Anne Almey
- Psychology, University of Toronto, 100 St. George Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 3G3, Canada
| | - Laura Gravelsins
- Psychology, University of Toronto, 100 St. George Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 3G3, Canada
| | - Rebekah Reuben
- Psychology, University of Toronto, 100 St. George Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 3G3, Canada
| | - Laurice Karkaby
- Psychology, University of Toronto, 100 St. George Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 3G3, Canada
| | - M Natasha Rajah
- Departments of Psychiatry and Douglas Research Centre, McGill University, Montreal, H4H 1R3, Canada
| | - Cheryl Grady
- Psychology, University of Toronto, 100 St. George Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 3G3, Canada
- Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest Health Sciences, Toronto, M6A 2E1, Canada
- Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5T 1R8, Canada
| | - Gillian Einstein
- Psychology, University of Toronto, 100 St. George Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 3G3, Canada
- Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest Health Sciences, Toronto, M6A 2E1, Canada
- Linköping University, 581 83, Linköping, Sweden
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Isoflavone-Enriched Soybean Leaves (Glycine Max) Alleviate Cognitive Impairment Induced by Ovariectomy and Modulate PI3K/Akt Signaling in the Hippocampus of C57BL6 Mice. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14224753. [PMID: 36432439 PMCID: PMC9697522 DOI: 10.3390/nu14224753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: The estrogen decline during perimenopause can induce various disorders, including cognitive impairment. Phytoestrogens, such as isoflavones, lignans, and coumestans, have been tried as a popular alternative to avoid the side effects of conventional hormone replacement therapy, but their exact mechanisms and risk are not fully elucidated. In this study, we investigated the effects of isoflavone-enriched soybean leaves (IESLs) on the cognitive impairment induced by ovariectomy in female mice. (2) Methods: Ovariectomy was performed at 9 weeks of age to mimic menopausal women, and the behavior tests for cognition were conducted 15 weeks after the first administration. IESLs were administered for 18 weeks. (3) Results: The present study showed the effects of IESLs on the cognitive function in the OVX (ovariectomized) mice. Ovariectomy markedly increased the body weight and fat accumulation in the liver and perirenal fat, but IESL treatment significantly inhibited them. In the behavioral tests, ovariectomy impaired cognitive functions, but administration of IESLs restored it. In addition, in the OVX mice, administration of IESLs restored decreased estrogen receptor (ER) β and PI3K/Akt expression in the hippocampus. (4) Conclusions: The positive effects of IESLs on cognitive functions may be closely related to the ER-mediated PI3/Akt signaling pathway in the hippocampus.
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Fraser MA, Walsh EI, Shaw ME, Anstey KJ, Cherbuin N. Longitudinal Effects of Physical Activity Change on Hippocampal Volumes over up to 12 Years in Middle and Older Age Community-Dwelling Individuals. Cereb Cortex 2021; 32:2705-2716. [PMID: 34671805 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhab375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The objectives of this study were to investigate the long-term associations between changes in physical activity levels and hippocampal volumes over time, while considering the influence of age, sex, and APOE-ε4 genotype. We investigated the effects of change in physical activity on hippocampal volumes in 411 middle age (mean age = 47.2 years) and 375 older age (mean age = 63.1 years) adults followed up to 12 years. An annual volume decrease was observed in the left (middle age: 0.46%; older age: 0.51%) but not in the right hippocampus. Each additional 10 metabolic equivalents (METs, ~2 h of moderate exercise) increase in weekly physical activity was associated with 0.33% larger hippocampal volume in middle age (equivalent to ~1 year of typical aging). In older age, each additional MET was associated with 0.05% larger hippocampal volume; however, the effects declined with time by 0.005% per year. For older age APOE-ε4 carriers, each additional MET was associated with a 0.10% increase in hippocampal volume. No sex effects of physical activity change were found. Increasing physical activity has long-term positive effects on hippocampal volumes and appears especially beneficial for older APOE-ε4 carriers. To optimize healthy brain aging, physical activity programs should focus on creating long-term exercise habits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark A Fraser
- Centre for Research on Ageing, Health and Wellbeing, Research School of Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 2601, Australia
| | - Erin I Walsh
- Centre for Research on Ageing, Health and Wellbeing, Research School of Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 2601, Australia.,Population Health Exchange, Research School of Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 2601, Australia
| | - Marnie E Shaw
- ANU College of Engineering & Computer Science, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 2600, Australia
| | - Kaarin J Anstey
- Centre for Research on Ageing, Health and Wellbeing, Research School of Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 2601, Australia.,Ageing Futures Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia.,Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, New South Wales 2031, Australia
| | - Nicolas Cherbuin
- Centre for Research on Ageing, Health and Wellbeing, Research School of Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 2601, Australia
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Rehbein E, Hornung J, Sundström Poromaa I, Derntl B. Shaping of the Female Human Brain by Sex Hormones: A Review. Neuroendocrinology 2021; 111:183-206. [PMID: 32155633 DOI: 10.1159/000507083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Traditionally sex hormones have been associated with reproductive and developmental processes only. Since the 1950s we know that hormones can have organizational effects on the developing brain and initiate hormonal transition periods such as puberty. However, recent evidence shows that sex hormones additionally structure the brain during important hormonal transition periods across a woman's life including short-term fluctuations during the menstrual cycle. However, a comprehensive review focusing on structural changes during all hormonal transition phases of women is still missing. Therefore, in this review structural changes across hormonal transition periods (i.e., puberty, menstrual cycle, oral contraceptive intake, pregnancy and menopause) were investigated in a structured way and correlations with sex hormones evaluated. Results show an overall reduction in grey matter and region-specific decreases in prefrontal, parietal and middle temporal areas during puberty. Across the menstrual cycle grey matter plasticity in the hippocampus, the amygdala as well as temporal and parietal regions were most consistently reported. Studies reporting on pre- and post-pregnancy measurements revealed volume reductions in midline structures as well as prefrontal and temporal cortices. During perimenopause, the decline in sex hormones was paralleled with a reduction in hippocampal and parietal cortex volume. Brain volume changes were significantly correlated with estradiol, testosterone and progesterone levels in some studies, but directionality remains inconclusive between studies. These results indicate that sex hormones play an important role in shaping women's brain structure during different transition periods and are not restricted to specific developmental periods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Rehbein
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Innovative Neuroimaging, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany,
| | - Jonas Hornung
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Innovative Neuroimaging, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | | | - Birgit Derntl
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Innovative Neuroimaging, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Werner Reichardt Centre for Integrative Neuroscience, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Lead Graduate School, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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Boyle CP, Raji CA, Erickson KI, Lopez OL, Becker JT, Gach HM, Kuller LH, Longstreth W, Carmichael OT, Riedel BC, Thompson PM. Estrogen, brain structure, and cognition in postmenopausal women. Hum Brain Mapp 2021; 42:24-35. [PMID: 32910516 PMCID: PMC7721237 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.25200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Declining estrogen levels before, during, and after menopause can affect memory and risk for Alzheimer's disease. Undesirable side effects of hormone variations emphasize a role for hormone therapy (HT) where possible benefits include a delay in the onset of dementia-yet findings are inconsistent. Effects of HT may be mediated by estrogen receptors found throughout the brain. Effects may also depend on lifestyle factors, timing of use, and genetic risk. We studied the impact of self-reported HT use on brain volume in 562 elderly women (71-94 years) with mixed cognitive status while adjusting for aforementioned factors. Covariate-adjusted voxelwise linear regression analyses using a model with 16 predictors showed HT use as positively associated with regional brain volumes, regardless of cognitive status. Examinations of other factors related to menopause, oophorectomy and hysterectomy status independently yielded positive effects on brain volume when added to our model. One interaction term, HTxBMI, out of several examined, revealed significant negative association with overall brain volume, suggesting a greater reduction in brain volume than BMI alone. Our main findings relating HT to regional brain volume were as hypothesized, but some exploratory analyses were not in line with existing hypotheses. Studies suggest lower levels of estrogen resulting from oophorectomy and hysterectomy affect brain volume negatively, and the addition of HT modifies the relation between BMI and brain volume positively. Effects of HT may depend on the age range assessed, motivating studies with a wider age range as well as a randomized design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina P. Boyle
- Imaging Genetics Center, Mark & Mary Stevens Institute for Neuroimaging & Informatics, Keck School of MedicineUniversity of Southern CaliforniaMarina del ReyCaliforniaUSA
| | - Cyrus A. Raji
- Mallinckrodt Institute of RadiologyWashington UniversitySt. LouisMissouriUSA
| | - Kirk I. Erickson
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical CenterPittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Oscar L. Lopez
- Department of NeurologyUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical CenterPittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - James T. Becker
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical CenterPittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
- Department of NeurologyUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical CenterPittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
- Department of PsychiatryUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical CenterPittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - H. Michael Gach
- Departments of Radiation Oncology, Radiology, and Biomedical EngineeringWashington UniversitySt. LouisMissouriUSA
| | - Lewis H. Kuller
- Department of EpidemiologyUniversity of Pittsburgh, Graduate School of Public HealthPittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - William Longstreth
- Departments of Neurology and EpidemiologyUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | | | - Brandalyn C. Riedel
- Imaging Genetics Center, Mark & Mary Stevens Institute for Neuroimaging & Informatics, Keck School of MedicineUniversity of Southern CaliforniaMarina del ReyCaliforniaUSA
- Department of Radiology and Imaging SciencesIndiana University School of MedicineIndianapolisIndianaUSA
| | - Paul M. Thompson
- Imaging Genetics Center, Mark & Mary Stevens Institute for Neuroimaging & Informatics, Keck School of MedicineUniversity of Southern CaliforniaMarina del ReyCaliforniaUSA
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Conley AC, Albert KM, Boyd BD, Kim SG, Shokouhi S, McDonald BC, Saykin AJ, Dumas JA, Newhouse PA. Cognitive complaints are associated with smaller right medial temporal gray-matter volume in younger postmenopausal women. Menopause 2020; 27:1220-1227. [PMID: 33110037 PMCID: PMC9153070 DOI: 10.1097/gme.0000000000001613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Menopause is associated with increasing cognitive complaints and older women are at increased risk of developing Alzheimer disease compared to men. However, there is difficulty in early markers of risk using objective performance measures. We investigated the impact of subjective cognitive complaints on the cortical structure in a sample of younger postmenopausal women. METHODS Data for this cross-sectional study were drawn from the baseline visit of a longer double-blind study examining estrogen-cholinergic interactions in normal postmenopausal women. Structural Magnetic Resonance Imaging was acquired on 44 women, aged 50-60 years and gray-matter volume was defined by voxel-based morphometry. Subjective measures of cognitive complaints and postmenopausal symptoms were obtained as well as tests of verbal episodic and working memory performance. RESULTS Increased levels of cognitive complaints were associated with lower gray-matter volume in the right medial temporal lobe (r = -0.445, P < 0.002, R = 0.2). Increased depressive symptoms and somatic complaints were also related to increased cognitive complaints and smaller medial temporal volumes but did not mediate the effect of cognitive complaints. In contrast, there was no association between performance on the memory tasks and subjective cognitive ratings, or medial temporal lobe volume. CONCLUSIONS The findings of the present study indicate that the level of reported cognitive complaints in postmenopausal women may be associated with reduced gray-matter volume which may be associated with cortical changes that may increase risk of future cognitive decline. : Video Summary:http://links.lww.com/MENO/A626.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander C. Conley
- Center for Cognitive Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Kimberly M. Albert
- Center for Cognitive Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Brian D. Boyd
- Center for Cognitive Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Shin-Gyeom Kim
- Center for Cognitive Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Soonchunhyang University, Bucheon Hospital, Republic of Korea
| | - Sepideh Shokouhi
- Center for Cognitive Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Brenna C. McDonald
- Center for Neuroimaging, Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Andrew J. Saykin
- Center for Neuroimaging, Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Julie A. Dumas
- Clinical Neuroscience Research Unit, Department of Psychiatry, University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, VT
| | - Paul A. Newhouse
- Center for Cognitive Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
- Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Tennessee Valley Health System, Nashville, TN
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the cross-sectional association between measures of menstruation history (including menopausal status, age of menopause, age of menarche, and duration of reproductive stage) and brain volume. METHODS Women (aged 45 to 79 years) from the UK Biobank were included (n = 5,072) after excluding those who had (1) hysterectomy or bilateral oophorectomy, (2) ever used menopausal hormone therapy, (3) ever had a stroke, or (4) were perimenopausal. Multiple linear hierarchical regression models were computed to quantify the cross-sectional association between measures of menstruation history and brain volume. Sensitivity analysis based on propensity matching for age (and other demographic/health covariates) were applied to estimate differences in brain volumes between matched premenopausal and postmenopausal women. RESULTS Postmenopausal women had 1.06% (95% confidence interval [CI]; 1.05-1.06) and 2.17% (95% CI, 2.12-2.22) larger total brain volume (TBV) and hippocampal volumes (HV), respectively, than premenopausal women. Sensitivity analysis with age matched samples produced consistent results (TBV: 0.82%, 95% CI, 0.25-1.38; HV: 1.33%, 95% CI, 0.01-2.63). For every year increase in age above 45 years, postmenopausal women experienced 0.23% greater reduction in TBV than premenopausal women (95% CI, -0.60 to -0.14), which was not observed for HV. Moreover, every 1 year delayed onset of menopause after 45 was associated with 0.32% (95% CI, -0.35 to -0.28) and 0.31% (95% CI, -0.40 to -0.22) smaller TBV and HV, respectively. Every additional year in age of menarche was associated with 0.10% (95% CI, 0.04-0.16) larger TBV, which was not detected for HV. Similarly, every 1 year increase in duration of reproductive stage was associated with 0.09% smaller TBV (95% CI, -0.15 to -0.03), which was not detected for HV. CONCLUSIONS Menopause may contribute to brain volume beyond typical aging effects. Furthermore, early age of menarche, delayed age of menopause and increasing duration of reproductive stage were negatively associated with brain volume. Further research is required to determine whether the negative association between age of menopause and HV is potentially an indicator of future vulnerability for dementia.
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Fraser MA, Walsh EI, Shaw ME, Abhayaratna WP, Anstey KJ, Sachdev PS, Cherbuin N. Longitudinal trajectories of hippocampal volume in middle to older age community dwelling individuals. Neurobiol Aging 2020; 97:97-105. [PMID: 33190123 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2020.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Understanding heterogeneity in brain aging trajectories is important to estimate the extent to which aging outcomes can be optimized. Although brain changes in late life are well-characterized, brain changes in middle age are not well understood. In this study, we investigated hippocampal change in a generally healthy community-living population of middle (n = 421, mean age 47.2 years) and older age (n = 411, mean age 63.0 years) individuals, over a follow-up of up to 12 years. Manually traced hippocampal volumes were analyzed using multilevel models and latent class analysis to investigate longitudinal aging trajectories and laterality and sex effects, and to identify subgroups that follow different aging trajectories. Hippocampal volumes decreased on average by 0.18%/year in middle age and 0.3%/year in older age. Men tended to experience steeper declines than women in middle age only. Three subgroups of individuals following different trajectories were identified in middle age and 2 in older age. Contrary to expectations, the subgroup containing two-thirds of older age participants maintained stable hippocampal volumes across the follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark A Fraser
- Centre for Research on Ageing, Health and Wellbeing, Research School of Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia.
| | - Erin I Walsh
- Centre for Research on Ageing, Health and Wellbeing, Research School of Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia; Population Health Exchange, Research School of Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Marnie E Shaw
- ANU College of Engineering & Computer Science, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Walter P Abhayaratna
- College of Health & Medicine, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Kaarin J Anstey
- Centre for Research on Ageing, Health and Wellbeing, Research School of Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia; Ageing Futures Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Perminder S Sachdev
- Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA), School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Nicolas Cherbuin
- Centre for Research on Ageing, Health and Wellbeing, Research School of Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
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Cognitive markers of dementia risk in middle-aged women with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy prior to menopause. Neurobiol Aging 2020; 94:1-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2020.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Revised: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Reding KM, Styner MM, Wilson ME, Toufexis D, Sanchez MM. Social subordination alters estradiol-induced changes in cortico-limbic brain volumes in adult female rhesus monkeys. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2020; 114:104592. [PMID: 32023501 PMCID: PMC7178918 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2020.104592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Revised: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Women have a higher risk of developing stress-related disorders compared to men and the experience of a stressful life event is a potent risk-factor. The rodent literature suggests that chronic exposure to stressors as well as 17β-estradiol (E2) can result in alterations in neuronal structure in corticolimbic brain regions, however the translation of these data to humans is limited by the nature of the stressor experienced and issues of brain homology. To address these limitations, we used a well-validated rhesus monkey model of social subordination to examine effects of E2 treatment on subordinate (high stress) and dominant (low stress) female brain structure, including regional gray matter and white matter volumes using structural magnetic resonance imaging. Our results show that one month of E2 treatment in ovariectomized females, compared to control (no) treatment, decreased frontal cortex gray matter volume regardless of social status. In contrast, in the cingulate cortex, an area associated with stress-induced emotional processing, E2 decreased grey matter volume in subordinates but increased it in dominant females. Together these data suggest that physiologically relevant levels of E2 alter cortical gray matter volumes in females after only one month of treatment and interact with chronic social stress to modulate these effects on brain structure.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Martin M. Styner
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill
| | - Mark E. Wilson
- Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University,,Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Emory University
| | - Donna Toufexis
- Department of Psychological Science, University of Vermont
| | - Mar M. Sanchez
- Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University,,Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Emory University
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12
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Li M, Hung A, Li H, Yang AWH. A Classic Herbal Formula Guizhi Fuling Wan for Menopausal Hot Flushes: From Experimental Findings to Clinical Applications. Biomedicines 2019; 7:biomedicines7030060. [PMID: 31426588 PMCID: PMC6783937 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines7030060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2019] [Revised: 08/10/2019] [Accepted: 08/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
A classic herbal formula Guizhi Fuling Wan (GFW) has been used for managing menopausal hot flushes (MHFs), but the evidence across different study types has not been systematically summarized. This project investigated the clinical effects, phytochemistry, pharmacodynamics, and potential mechanisms of actions of GFW on the causative target proteins potentially driving MHFs. Twenty English and Chinese databases were searched for relevant clinical and experimental studies. A total of 12,988 studies were identified, of which 46 were included. Seven clinical studies demonstrated GFW had no statistically significant changes in the frequency and severity of MHFs; however, it could improve peripheral blood flow in the fingertips, jaw, and toes. Thirty-five studies on phytochemistry identified 169 chemical compounds of GFW. Four experimental studies revealed GFW's therapeutic effects (e.g., normalize calcitonin gene-related peptide [CGRP] level) and potential target protein/cytokine (estrogen receptor beta [ESR2] with genetic variation, CGRP receptor, and interleukin-8) on MHFs. Therapeutic effects across different study types were inconsistent, possibly due to the dose difference and genotype variety of ESR2 in the human population. Further clinical and experimental studies, as well as biochemical investigation on the mechanisms of actions of GFW, are recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingdi Li
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC 3083, Australia
| | - Andrew Hung
- School of Science, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3001, Australia
| | - Hong Li
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC 3083, Australia
| | - Angela Wei Hong Yang
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC 3083, Australia.
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13
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Yagi S, Galea LAM. Sex differences in hippocampal cognition and neurogenesis. Neuropsychopharmacology 2019; 44:200-213. [PMID: 30214058 PMCID: PMC6235970 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-018-0208-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 191] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2018] [Revised: 08/29/2018] [Accepted: 08/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Sex differences are reported in hippocampal plasticity, cognition, and in a number of disorders that target the integrity of the hippocampus. For example, meta-analyses reveal that males outperform females on hippocampus-dependent tasks in rodents and in humans, furthermore women are more likely to experience greater cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease and depression, both diseases characterized by hippocampal dysfunction. The hippocampus is a highly plastic structure, important for processing higher order information and is sensitive to the environmental factors such as stress. The structure retains the ability to produce new neurons and this process plays an important role in pattern separation, proactive interference, and cognitive flexibility. Intriguingly, there are prominent sex differences in the level of neurogenesis and the activation of new neurons in response to hippocampus-dependent cognitive tasks in rodents. However, sex differences in spatial performance can be nuanced as animal studies have demonstrated that there are task, and strategy choice dependent sex differences in performance, as well as sex differences in the subregions of the hippocampus influenced by learning. This review discusses sex differences in pattern separation, pattern completion, spatial learning, and links between adult neurogenesis and these cognitive functions of the hippocampus. We emphasize the importance of including both sexes when studying genomic, cellular, and structural mechanisms of the hippocampal function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunya Yagi
- Department of Psychology, Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Liisa A M Galea
- Department of Psychology, Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada.
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14
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Seitz J, Kubicki M, Jacobs EG, Cherkerzian S, Weiss BK, Papadimitriou G, Mouradian P, Buka S, Goldstein JM, Makris N. Impact of sex and reproductive status on memory circuitry structure and function in early midlife using structural covariance analysis. Hum Brain Mapp 2018; 40:1221-1233. [PMID: 30548738 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.24441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2018] [Revised: 10/11/2018] [Accepted: 10/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Research on age-related memory alterations traditionally targets individuals aged ≥65 years. However, recent studies emphasize the importance of early aging processes. We therefore aimed to characterize variation in brain gray matter structure in early midlife as a function of sex and menopausal status. Subjects included 94 women (33 premenopausal, 29 perimenopausal, and 32 postmenopausal) and 99 demographically comparable men from the New England Family Study. Subjects were scanned with a high-resolution T1 sequence on a 3 T whole body scanner. Sex and reproductive-dependent structural differences were evaluated using Box's M test and analysis of covariances (ANCOVAs) for gray matter volumes. Brain regions of interest included dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), inferior parietal lobule (iPAR), anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), hippocampus (HIPP), and parahippocampus. While we observed expected significant sex differences in volume of hippocampus with women of all groups having higher volumes than men relative to cerebrum size, we also found significant differences in the covariance matrices of perimenopausal women compared with postmenopausal women. Associations between ACC and HIPP/iPAR/DLPFC were higher in postmenopausal women and correlated with better memory performance. Findings in this study underscore the importance of sex and reproductive status in early midlife for understanding memory function with aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Seitz
- Psychiatry Neuroimaging Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Marek Kubicki
- Psychiatry Neuroimaging Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.,Departments of Psychiatry, Neurology and Radiology, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Center for Morphometric Analysis, Center for Neural Systems Investigations, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts.,Department of Psychiatry, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts
| | - Emily G Jacobs
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.,Division of Women's Health, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Sara Cherkerzian
- Department of Psychiatry, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts.,Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.,Division of Women's Health, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Blair K Weiss
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.,Division of Women's Health, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - George Papadimitriou
- Departments of Psychiatry, Neurology and Radiology, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Center for Morphometric Analysis, Center for Neural Systems Investigations, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts
| | - Palig Mouradian
- Departments of Psychiatry, Neurology and Radiology, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Center for Morphometric Analysis, Center for Neural Systems Investigations, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts
| | - Stephen Buka
- Department of Community Health, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Jill M Goldstein
- Departments of Psychiatry, Neurology and Radiology, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Center for Morphometric Analysis, Center for Neural Systems Investigations, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts.,Department of Psychiatry, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts.,Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.,Division of Women's Health, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Nikos Makris
- Psychiatry Neuroimaging Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.,Departments of Psychiatry, Neurology and Radiology, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Center for Morphometric Analysis, Center for Neural Systems Investigations, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts
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15
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Baker FC, Sattari N, de Zambotti M, Goldstone A, Alaynick WA, Mednick SC. Impact of sex steroids and reproductive stage on sleep-dependent memory consolidation in women. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2018; 160:118-131. [PMID: 29574082 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2018.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2017] [Revised: 03/12/2018] [Accepted: 03/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Age and sex are two of the three major risk factors for Alzheimer's disease (ApoE-e4 allele is the third), with women having a twofold greater risk for Alzheimer's disease after the age of 75 years. Sex differences have been shown across a wide range of cognitive skills in young and older adults, and evidence supports a role for sex steroids, especially estradiol, in protecting against the development of cognitive decline in women. Sleep may also be a protective factor against age-related cognitive decline, since specific electrophysiological sleep events (e.g. sleep spindle/slow oscillation coupling) are critical for offline memory consolidation. Furthermore, studies in young women have shown fluctuations in sleep events and sleep-dependent memory consolidation during different phases of the menstrual cycle that are associated with the levels of sex steroids. An under-appreciated possibility is that there may be an important interaction between these two protective factors (sex steroids and sleep) that may play a role in daily fluctuations in cognitive processing, in particular memory, across a woman's lifespan. Here, we summarize the current knowledge of sex steroid-dependent influences on sleep and cognition across the lifespan in women, with special emphasis on sleep-dependent memory processing. We further indicate gaps in knowledge that require further experimental examination in order to fully appreciate the complex and changing landscape of sex steroids and cognition. Lastly, we propose a series of testable predictions for how sex steroids impact sleep events and sleep-dependent cognition across the three major reproductive stages in women (reproductive years, menopause transition, and post-menopause).
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona C Baker
- Center for Health Sciences, SRI International, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA; Brain Function Research Group, School of Physiology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Negin Sattari
- UC Irvine, Department of Cognitive Sciences, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | | | - Aimee Goldstone
- Center for Health Sciences, SRI International, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA
| | | | - Sara C Mednick
- UC Irvine, Department of Cognitive Sciences, Irvine, CA 92697, USA.
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16
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Sundström-Poromaa I. The Menstrual Cycle Influences Emotion but Has Limited Effect on Cognitive Function. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2018; 107:349-376. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2018.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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17
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Albert K, Hiscox J, Boyd B, Dumas J, Taylor W, Newhouse P. Estrogen enhances hippocampal gray-matter volume in young and older postmenopausal women: a prospective dose-response study. Neurobiol Aging 2017; 56:1-6. [PMID: 28478324 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2017.03.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2016] [Revised: 03/28/2017] [Accepted: 03/31/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Estrogen administration following menopause has been shown to support hippocampally mediated cognitive processes. A number of previous studies have examined the effect of estrogen on hippocampal structure to determine the mechanism underlying estrogen effects on hippocampal function. However, these studies have been largely observational and provided inconsistent results. We examined the effect of short-term estradiol administration on hippocampal gray-matter volume in a prospective study with multiple doses of estradiol (placebo, 1 mg, and 2 mg). Following 3 months of estradiol administration, bilateral posterior hippocampal voxel-based gray-matter volume was increased in women who received 2-mg estradiol. There were no significant differences in total hippocampal volume and no significant effects on gray-matter volume in women who received placebo or 1-mg estradiol. These findings accord with previous animal studies and provide evidence of estrogen effects on hippocampal morphology that may represent a neurobiological mechanism for estrogen effects on cognition in postmenopausal women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly Albert
- The Center for Cognitive Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Jessica Hiscox
- The Center for Cognitive Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Brian Boyd
- The Center for Cognitive Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Julie Dumas
- Clinical Neuroscience Research Unit, Department of Psychiatry, University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, Vermont, USA
| | - Warren Taylor
- The Center for Cognitive Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA; The Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Paul Newhouse
- The Center for Cognitive Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA; The Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville, Tennessee, USA.
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18
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Laudisio A, Fontana DO, Rivera C, Ruggiero C, Bandinelli S, Gemma A, Ferrucci L, Antonelli Incalzi R. Bone Mineral Density and Cognitive Decline in Elderly Women: Results from the InCHIANTI Study. Calcif Tissue Int 2016; 98:479-88. [PMID: 26713334 PMCID: PMC6117833 DOI: 10.1007/s00223-015-0102-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2015] [Accepted: 12/13/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Osteoporosis and cognitive impairment, which are highly prevalent conditions in elderly populations, share several risk factors. This study aims at evaluating the association of bone mineral density (BMD) with prevalent and incident cognitive impairment after a 3-year follow-up. We studied 655 community-dwelling women aged 65+ participating in the InCHIANTI study, who had been followed for 3 years. Total, trabecular, and cortical BMD were estimated by peripheral quantitative computed tomography using standard transverse scans at 4 and 38 % of the tibial length. Cognitive performance was evaluated using the Mini-Mental State Examination and the Trail Making Tests (TMT) A and B; a MMSE score <24 was adopted to define cognitive impairment. The TMT A-B score was calculated as the difference between TMT-A and TMT-B times (ΔTMT). The association of cognitive performance after 3 years with baseline indices of BMD was assessed by logistic and linear regression analyses. Cortical, but not trabecular, BMD was independently associated with incident cognitive impairment (OR 0.93, 95 % CI 0.88-0.98; P = 0.012), worsening cognitive performance (OR 0.96, 95 % CI 0.92-0.98; P = 0.039), and worsening performance in ΔTMT (OR 0.96, 95 % CI 0.92-0.99; P = 0.047). Increasing cortical BMD tertiles was associated with decreasing probability of incident cognitive impairment (P for linear trend =0.001), worsening cognitive performance (P = 0.013), and a worsening performance below the median value (P for linear trend <0.0001). In older women, low BMD might represent an independent and early marker of subsequent cognitive impairment. Physicians should assess and monitor cognitive performance in the routine management of elderly women with osteoporosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Laudisio
- Unit of Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, Campus Bio-Medico di Roma University, via Álvaro del Portillo 21, 00128, Rome, Italy.
| | - Davide Onofrio Fontana
- Unit of Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, Campus Bio-Medico di Roma University, via Álvaro del Portillo 21, 00128, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Rivera
- Unit of Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, Campus Bio-Medico di Roma University, via Álvaro del Portillo 21, 00128, Rome, Italy
| | - Carmelinda Ruggiero
- Department of Medicine Institute of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Ospedale S. Maria della Misericordia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Stefania Bandinelli
- Geriatric Rehabilitation Unit, Azienda Sanitaria di Firenze, Florence, Italy
| | - Antonella Gemma
- Department of Homecare Service, Azienda Sanitaria Locale Roma E, Rome, Italy
| | - Luigi Ferrucci
- Longitudinal Studies Section, Clinical Research Branch, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Raffaele Antonelli Incalzi
- Unit of Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, Campus Bio-Medico di Roma University, via Álvaro del Portillo 21, 00128, Rome, Italy
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19
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Neuroplasticity and MRI: A perfect match. Neuroimage 2016; 131:13-28. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2015.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2015] [Revised: 08/03/2015] [Accepted: 08/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
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20
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Comasco E, Sundström-Poromaa I. Neuroimaging the Menstrual Cycle and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder. Curr Psychiatry Rep 2015; 17:77. [PMID: 26272540 DOI: 10.1007/s11920-015-0619-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Knowledge of gonadal hormone-related influences on human brain anatomy, function, and chemistry is scarce. The present review scrutinized organizational and functional neuroimaging correlates of the menstrual cycle and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Supportive evidence of cyclic short-term structural and functional brain plasticity in response to gonadal hormonal modulation is provided. The paucity of studies, sparsity and discordance of findings, and weaknesses in study design at present hinder the drawing of firm conclusions. Ideal study designs should comprise high-resolution multimodal neuroimaging (e.g., MRI, DTI, rs-fMRI, fMRI, PET), hormones, genetic, and behavioral longitudinal assessments of healthy women and PMDD patients at critical time points of the menstrual cycle phase (i.e., early follicular phase, late follicular phase, mid-luteal phase) in a counter-balanced setup. Studies integrating large-scale brain network structural, functional, and molecular neuroimaging, as well as treatment data, will deepen the understanding of neural state, disorder, and treatment markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Comasco
- Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, BMC, Box 593, 751 24, Uppsala, Sweden,
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21
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Pintzka CW, Håberg AK. Perimenopausal hormone therapy is associated with regional sparing of the CA1 subfield: a HUNT MRI study. Neurobiol Aging 2015; 36:2555-62. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2015.05.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2015] [Revised: 05/05/2015] [Accepted: 05/31/2015] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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22
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Espeland MA, Brinton RD, Manson JE, Yaffe K, Hugenschmidt C, Vaughan L, Craft S, Edwards BJ, Casanova R, Masaki K, Resnick SM. Postmenopausal hormone therapy, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and brain volumes. Neurology 2015; 85:1131-8. [PMID: 26163429 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000001816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2015] [Accepted: 06/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine whether the effect of postmenopausal hormone therapy (HT) on brain volumes in women aged 65-79 years differs depending on type 2 diabetes status during postintervention follow-up of a randomized controlled clinical trial. METHODS The Women's Health Initiative randomized clinical trials assigned women to HT (0.625 mg/day conjugated equine estrogens with or without 2.5 mg/day medroxyprogesterone acetate) or placebo for an average of 5.6 years. A total of 1,402 trial participants underwent brain MRI 2.4 years after the trials; these were repeated in 699 women 4.7 years later. General linear models were used to assess the interaction between diabetes status and HT assignment on brain volumes. RESULTS Women with diabetes at baseline or during follow-up who had been assigned to HT compared to placebo had mean decrement in total brain volume of -18.6 mL (95% confidence interval [CI] -29.6, -7.6). For women without diabetes, this mean decrement was -0.4 (95% CI -3.8, 3.0) (interaction p=0.002). This interaction was evident for total gray matter (p<0.001) and hippocampal (p=0.006) volumes. It was not evident for changes in brain volumes over follow-up or for ischemic lesion volumes and was not influenced by diabetes duration or oral medications. CONCLUSIONS For women aged 65 years or older who are at increased risk for brain atrophy due to type 2 diabetes, prescription of postmenopausal HT is associated with lower gray matter (total and hippocampal) volumes. Interactions with diabetes and insulin resistance may explain divergent findings on how estrogen influences brain volume among older women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark A Espeland
- From the Departments of Biostatistical Sciences (M.A.E., R.C.), Internal Medicine (C.H., S.C.), and Social Sciences and Health Policy (L.V.), Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC; Departments of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, and Neurology (R.D.B.), University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA; Division of Preventive Medicine (J.E.M.), Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; Departments of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Psychiatry, and Neurology (K.Y.), University of California, San Francisco; Department of Internal Medicine (B.J.E.), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX; Department of Geriatric Medicine (K.M.), University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI; and Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience (S.M.R.), Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, NIH, Baltimore, MD.
| | - Roberta Diaz Brinton
- From the Departments of Biostatistical Sciences (M.A.E., R.C.), Internal Medicine (C.H., S.C.), and Social Sciences and Health Policy (L.V.), Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC; Departments of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, and Neurology (R.D.B.), University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA; Division of Preventive Medicine (J.E.M.), Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; Departments of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Psychiatry, and Neurology (K.Y.), University of California, San Francisco; Department of Internal Medicine (B.J.E.), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX; Department of Geriatric Medicine (K.M.), University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI; and Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience (S.M.R.), Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, NIH, Baltimore, MD
| | - JoAnn E Manson
- From the Departments of Biostatistical Sciences (M.A.E., R.C.), Internal Medicine (C.H., S.C.), and Social Sciences and Health Policy (L.V.), Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC; Departments of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, and Neurology (R.D.B.), University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA; Division of Preventive Medicine (J.E.M.), Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; Departments of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Psychiatry, and Neurology (K.Y.), University of California, San Francisco; Department of Internal Medicine (B.J.E.), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX; Department of Geriatric Medicine (K.M.), University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI; and Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience (S.M.R.), Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, NIH, Baltimore, MD
| | - Kristine Yaffe
- From the Departments of Biostatistical Sciences (M.A.E., R.C.), Internal Medicine (C.H., S.C.), and Social Sciences and Health Policy (L.V.), Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC; Departments of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, and Neurology (R.D.B.), University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA; Division of Preventive Medicine (J.E.M.), Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; Departments of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Psychiatry, and Neurology (K.Y.), University of California, San Francisco; Department of Internal Medicine (B.J.E.), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX; Department of Geriatric Medicine (K.M.), University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI; and Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience (S.M.R.), Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, NIH, Baltimore, MD
| | - Christina Hugenschmidt
- From the Departments of Biostatistical Sciences (M.A.E., R.C.), Internal Medicine (C.H., S.C.), and Social Sciences and Health Policy (L.V.), Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC; Departments of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, and Neurology (R.D.B.), University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA; Division of Preventive Medicine (J.E.M.), Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; Departments of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Psychiatry, and Neurology (K.Y.), University of California, San Francisco; Department of Internal Medicine (B.J.E.), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX; Department of Geriatric Medicine (K.M.), University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI; and Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience (S.M.R.), Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, NIH, Baltimore, MD
| | - Leslie Vaughan
- From the Departments of Biostatistical Sciences (M.A.E., R.C.), Internal Medicine (C.H., S.C.), and Social Sciences and Health Policy (L.V.), Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC; Departments of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, and Neurology (R.D.B.), University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA; Division of Preventive Medicine (J.E.M.), Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; Departments of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Psychiatry, and Neurology (K.Y.), University of California, San Francisco; Department of Internal Medicine (B.J.E.), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX; Department of Geriatric Medicine (K.M.), University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI; and Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience (S.M.R.), Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, NIH, Baltimore, MD
| | - Suzanne Craft
- From the Departments of Biostatistical Sciences (M.A.E., R.C.), Internal Medicine (C.H., S.C.), and Social Sciences and Health Policy (L.V.), Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC; Departments of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, and Neurology (R.D.B.), University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA; Division of Preventive Medicine (J.E.M.), Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; Departments of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Psychiatry, and Neurology (K.Y.), University of California, San Francisco; Department of Internal Medicine (B.J.E.), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX; Department of Geriatric Medicine (K.M.), University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI; and Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience (S.M.R.), Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, NIH, Baltimore, MD
| | - Beatrice J Edwards
- From the Departments of Biostatistical Sciences (M.A.E., R.C.), Internal Medicine (C.H., S.C.), and Social Sciences and Health Policy (L.V.), Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC; Departments of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, and Neurology (R.D.B.), University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA; Division of Preventive Medicine (J.E.M.), Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; Departments of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Psychiatry, and Neurology (K.Y.), University of California, San Francisco; Department of Internal Medicine (B.J.E.), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX; Department of Geriatric Medicine (K.M.), University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI; and Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience (S.M.R.), Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, NIH, Baltimore, MD
| | - Ramon Casanova
- From the Departments of Biostatistical Sciences (M.A.E., R.C.), Internal Medicine (C.H., S.C.), and Social Sciences and Health Policy (L.V.), Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC; Departments of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, and Neurology (R.D.B.), University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA; Division of Preventive Medicine (J.E.M.), Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; Departments of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Psychiatry, and Neurology (K.Y.), University of California, San Francisco; Department of Internal Medicine (B.J.E.), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX; Department of Geriatric Medicine (K.M.), University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI; and Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience (S.M.R.), Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, NIH, Baltimore, MD
| | - Kamal Masaki
- From the Departments of Biostatistical Sciences (M.A.E., R.C.), Internal Medicine (C.H., S.C.), and Social Sciences and Health Policy (L.V.), Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC; Departments of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, and Neurology (R.D.B.), University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA; Division of Preventive Medicine (J.E.M.), Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; Departments of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Psychiatry, and Neurology (K.Y.), University of California, San Francisco; Department of Internal Medicine (B.J.E.), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX; Department of Geriatric Medicine (K.M.), University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI; and Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience (S.M.R.), Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, NIH, Baltimore, MD
| | - Susan M Resnick
- From the Departments of Biostatistical Sciences (M.A.E., R.C.), Internal Medicine (C.H., S.C.), and Social Sciences and Health Policy (L.V.), Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC; Departments of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, and Neurology (R.D.B.), University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA; Division of Preventive Medicine (J.E.M.), Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; Departments of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Psychiatry, and Neurology (K.Y.), University of California, San Francisco; Department of Internal Medicine (B.J.E.), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX; Department of Geriatric Medicine (K.M.), University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI; and Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience (S.M.R.), Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, NIH, Baltimore, MD
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Bastos CP, Pereira LM, Ferreira-Vieira TH, Drumond LE, Massensini AR, Moraes MFD, Pereira GS. Object recognition memory deficit and depressive-like behavior caused by chronic ovariectomy can be transitorialy recovered by the acute activation of hippocampal estrogen receptors. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2015; 57:14-25. [PMID: 25867995 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2015.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2015] [Revised: 03/18/2015] [Accepted: 03/21/2015] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
It is well known that estradiol (E2) replacement therapy is effective on restoring memory deficits and mood disorders that may occur during natural menopause or after surgical ovarian removal (ovariectomy, OVX). However, it is still unknown the effectiveness of acute and localized E2 administration on the effects of chronic OVX. Here we tested the hypothesis that the intra-hippocampal E2 infusion, as well as specific agonists of estrogen receptors (ERs) alpha (ERα) and beta (ERβ), are able to mend novel object recognition (NOR) memory deficit and depressive-like behavior caused by 12 weeks of OVX. We found that both ERα and ERβ activation, at earlier stages of consolidation, recovered the NOR memory deficit caused by 12 w of OVX. Conversely, only the ERβ activation was effective in decreasing the depressive-like behavior caused by 12 w of OVX. Furthermore, we investigated the effect of OVX on hippocampal volume and ERs expression. The structural MRI showed no alteration in the hippocampus volume of 12 w OVX animals. Interestingly, ERα expression in the hippocampus decreased after one week of OVX, but increased in 12 w OVX animals. Overall, we may conclude that the chronic estrogen deprivation, induced by 12 weeks of OVX, modulates the hippocampal ERα expression and induces NOR memory deficit and depressive-like behaviors. Nonetheless, it is noteworthy that the acute effects of E2 on NOR memory and depressive-like behavior are still apparent even after 12 weeks of OVX.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristiane P Bastos
- Núcleo de Neurociências, Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Brazil
| | - Luciana M Pereira
- Núcleo de Neurociências, Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Brazil
| | - Talita H Ferreira-Vieira
- Núcleo de Neurociências, Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Brazil
| | - Luciana E Drumond
- Centro de Tecnologia e Pesquisa em Magneto-Ressonância, CTPMAG, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil; Universidade Federal de São João Del Rey, Brazil
| | - André R Massensini
- Núcleo de Neurociências, Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Brazil
| | - Márcio F D Moraes
- Núcleo de Neurociências, Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Brazil; Centro de Tecnologia e Pesquisa em Magneto-Ressonância, CTPMAG, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Grace S Pereira
- Núcleo de Neurociências, Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Brazil.
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24
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Mintziori G, Lambrinoudaki I, Goulis DG, Ceausu I, Depypere H, Erel CT, Pérez-López FR, Schenck-Gustafsson K, Simoncini T, Tremollieres F, Rees M. EMAS position statement: Non-hormonal management of menopausal vasomotor symptoms. Maturitas 2015; 81:410-3. [DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2015.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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25
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Thurston RC, Maki PM, Derby CA, Sejdić E, Aizenstein HJ. Menopausal hot flashes and the default mode network. Fertil Steril 2015; 103:1572-8.e1. [PMID: 25910572 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2015.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2014] [Revised: 03/12/2015] [Accepted: 03/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To test whether more physiologically assessed hot flashes were associated with more connectivity in the default mode network (DMN), the network of brain regions active during rest. We particularly focus on DMN networks supporting the hippocampus as this region is rich in estrogen (E) receptors (ER) and has previously been linked to hot flashes. DESIGN Women underwent 24 hours of physiologic and diary hot flash monitoring, functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), 72 hours of sleep actigraphy monitoring, a blood draw, questionnaires, and physical measures. SETTING University medical center. PATIENT(S) Twenty midlife women aged 40-60 years who had their uterus and both ovaries and were not taking hormone therapy (HT). INTERVENTION(S) None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) The DMN functional connectivity. RESULT(S) Controlling for age, race, and education, more physiologically-monitored hot flashes were associated with greater DMN connectivity (beta, B [SE] = 0.004 [0.002]), particularly hippocampal DMN connectivity (B [SE] = 0.005 [0.002]). Findings were most pronounced for sleep physiologic hot flashes (with hippocampal DMN, B [SE] = 0.02 [0.007]). Associations also persisted controlling for sleep, depressive symptoms, and serum E2 concentrations. CONCLUSION(S) More physiologically-monitored hot flashes were associated with more DMN connectivity, particularly networks supporting the hippocampus. Findings were most pronounced for sleep hot flashes. Findings underscore the importance of continued investigation of the central nervous system in efforts to understand this classic menopausal phenomenon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca C Thurston
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
| | - Pauline M Maki
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Carol A Derby
- Department of Neurology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
| | - Ervin Sejdić
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Howard J Aizenstein
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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26
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Drollette ES, Scudder MR, Raine LB, Davis Moore R, Pontifex MB, Erickson KI, Hillman CH. The sexual dimorphic association of cardiorespiratory fitness to working memory in children. Dev Sci 2015; 19:90-108. [DOI: 10.1111/desc.12291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2014] [Accepted: 12/22/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Eric S. Drollette
- Department of Kinesiology and Community Health; University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; USA
| | - Mark R. Scudder
- Department of Kinesiology and Community Health; University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; USA
| | - Lauren B. Raine
- Department of Kinesiology and Community Health; University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; USA
| | - R. Davis Moore
- Department of Kinesiology and Community Health; University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; USA
| | | | - Kirk I. Erickson
- Department of Psychology; University of Pittsburgh; USA
- The Center for the Neural Basis of Cognition; University of Pittsburgh; USA
| | - Charles H. Hillman
- Department of Kinesiology and Community Health; University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; USA
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27
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Comasco E, Frokjaer VG, Sundström-Poromaa I. Functional and molecular neuroimaging of menopause and hormone replacement therapy. Front Neurosci 2014; 8:388. [PMID: 25538545 PMCID: PMC4259109 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2014.00388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2014] [Accepted: 11/12/2014] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The level of gonadal hormones to which the female brain is exposed considerably changes across the menopausal transition, which in turn, is likely to be of great relevance for neurodegenerative diseases and psychiatric disorders. However, the neurobiological consequences of these hormone fluctuations and of hormone replacement therapy in the menopause have only begun to be understood. The present review summarizes the findings of thirty-five studies of human brain function, including functional magnetic resonance imaging, positron and single-photon computed emission tomography studies, in peri- and postmenopausal women treated with estrogen, or estrogen-progestagen replacement therapy. Seven studies using gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist intervention as a model of hormonal withdrawal are also included. Cognitive paradigms are employed by the majority of studies evaluating the effect of unopposed estrogen or estrogen-progestagen treatment on peri- and postmenopausal women's brain. In randomized-controlled trials, estrogen treatment enhances activation of fronto-cingulate regions during cognitive functioning, though in many cases no difference in cognitive performance was present. Progestagens seems to counteract the effects of estrogens. Findings on cognitive functioning during acute ovarian hormone withdrawal suggest a decrease in activation of the left inferior frontal gyrus, thus essentially corroborating the findings in postmenopausal women. Studies of the cholinergic and serotonergic systems indicate these systems as biological mediators of hormonal influences on the brain. More, hormonal replacement appears to increase cerebral blood flow in several cortical regions. On the other hand, studies on emotion processing in postmenopausal women are lacking. These results call for well-powered randomized-controlled multi-modal prospective neuroimaging studies as well as investigation on the related molecular mechanisms of effects of menopausal hormonal variations on the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Comasco
- Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University Uppsala, Sweden ; Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Vibe G Frokjaer
- Department of Neurology, Center for Integrated Molecular Brain Imaging and Neurobiology Research Unit 6931, Copenhagen University Hospital Copenhagen, Denmark
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Trifunović S, Manojlović-Stojanoski M, Ristić N, Nestorović N, Medigović I, Živanović J, Milošević V. Changes of growth hormone-releasing hormone and somatostatin neurons in the rat hypothalamus induced by genistein: a stereological study. Nutr Neurosci 2014; 19:467-474. [PMID: 25087680 DOI: 10.1179/1476830514y.0000000143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Genistein is a plant-derived estrogenic isoflavone commonly found in dietary and therapeutic supplements, due to its potential health benefits. Growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) and somatostatin (SS) are neurosecretory peptides synthesized in neurons of the hypothalamus and regulate the growth hormone secretion. Early reports indicate that estrogens have highly involved in the regulation of GHRH and SS secretions. Since little is known about the potential effects of genistein on GHRH and SS neurons, we exposed rats to genistein. METHODS Genistein were administered to adult rats in dose of 30 mg/kg, for 3 weeks. The estradiol-dipropionate treatment was used as the adequate controls to genistein. Using applied stereology on histological sections of hypothalamus, we obtained the quantitative information on arcuate (Arc) and periventricular (Pe) nucleus volume and volume density of GHRH neurons and SS neurons. Image analyses were used to obtain GHRH and SS contents in the median eminence (ME). RESULTS Administration of estradiol-dipropionate caused the increase of Arc and Pe nucleus volume, SS neuron volume density, GHRH and SS staining intensity in the ME, when compared with control. Genistein treatment increased: Arc nucleus volume and the volume density of GHRH neurons (by 26%) and SS neurons (1.5 fold), accompanied by higher GHRH and SS staining intensity in the ME, when compared to the orhidectomized group. DISCUSSION These results suggest that genistein has a significant effect on hypothalamic region, involved in the regulation of somatotropic system function, and could contribute to the understanding of genistein as substance that alter the hormonal balance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svetlana Trifunović
- a Department of Cytology , Institute for Biological Research 'Siniša Stanković', University of Belgrade , Belgrade , Serbia
| | - Milica Manojlović-Stojanoski
- a Department of Cytology , Institute for Biological Research 'Siniša Stanković', University of Belgrade , Belgrade , Serbia
| | - Nataša Ristić
- a Department of Cytology , Institute for Biological Research 'Siniša Stanković', University of Belgrade , Belgrade , Serbia
| | - Nataša Nestorović
- a Department of Cytology , Institute for Biological Research 'Siniša Stanković', University of Belgrade , Belgrade , Serbia
| | - Ivana Medigović
- a Department of Cytology , Institute for Biological Research 'Siniša Stanković', University of Belgrade , Belgrade , Serbia
| | - Jasmina Živanović
- a Department of Cytology , Institute for Biological Research 'Siniša Stanković', University of Belgrade , Belgrade , Serbia
| | - Verica Milošević
- a Department of Cytology , Institute for Biological Research 'Siniša Stanković', University of Belgrade , Belgrade , Serbia
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29
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Marabotti C, Venturini E, Marabotti A, Pingitore A. Delayed multifocal recurrent stress-induced cardiomyopathy after antidepressants withdrawal. Heart Lung 2014; 43:225-30. [PMID: 24794783 DOI: 10.1016/j.hrtlng.2014.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2014] [Revised: 03/03/2014] [Accepted: 03/04/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Stress-induced cardiomyopathy is an acute disease characterized by a large left ventricular apical dyskinesia ("apical ballooning"), triggered by intense emotional or physical stress, acute illnesses or, rarely, by alcohol or opiates withdrawal. Connection to stress and apical asynergy suggest a catecholamine-mediated pathogenesis. We recently observed a typical apical stress-induced cardiomyopathy, arising two weeks after a long-lasting antidepressant treatment withdrawal and recurring, a week later, with evidence of inferior wall akinesia. The reported case has several unusual features: 1) both episodes were not preceded by relevant triggering event (except antidepressant discontinuation); 2) early heterozonal relapse was observed; 3) the latency between antidepressant discontinuation and stress-induced cardiomyopathy onset is unusually long. The lack of relevant triggering stress and the evidence of multifocal asynergies could support the hypothesis of a non-catecholaminergic pathogenesis. Moreover, the long latency after antidepressant withdrawal may suggest that prolonged antidepressant treatments may have delayed pathological consequences, possibly related to their known neuroplastic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Marabotti
- CNR Institute of Clinical Physiology, Pisa, Italy; EXTREME CENTRE, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy.
| | - Elio Venturini
- UO Cardiovascolare - UTIC, Ospedale della Bassa val di Cecina, Cecina, Italy
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30
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Coker LH, Espeland MA, Hogan PE, Resnick SM, Bryan RN, Robinson JG, Goveas JS, Davatzikos C, Kuller LH, Williamson JD, Bushnell CD, Shumaker SA. Change in brain and lesion volumes after CEE therapies: the WHIMS-MRI studies. Neurology 2014; 82:427-34. [PMID: 24384646 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000000079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine whether smaller brain volumes in older women who had completed Women's Health Initiative (WHI)-assigned conjugated equine estrogen-based hormone therapy (HT), reported by WHI Memory Study (WHIMS)-MRI, correspond to a continuing increased rate of atrophy an average of 6.1 to 7.7 years later in WHIMS-MRI2. METHODS A total of 1,230 WHI participants were contacted: 797 (64.8%) consented, and 729 (59%) were rescanned an average of 4.7 years after the initial MRI scan. Mean annual rates of change in total brain volume, the primary outcome, and rates of change in ischemic lesion volumes, the secondary outcome, were compared between treatment groups using mixed-effect models with adjustment for trial, clinical site, age, intracranial volumes, and time between MRI measures. RESULTS Total brain volume decreased an average of 3.22 cm(3)/y in the active arm and 3.07 cm(3)/y in the placebo arm (p = 0.53). Total ischemic lesion volumes increased in both arms at a rate of 0.12 cm(3)/y (p = 0.88). CONCLUSIONS Conjugated equine estrogen-based postmenopausal HT, previously assigned at WHI baseline, did not affect rates of decline in brain volumes or increases in brain lesion volumes during the 4.7 years between the initial and follow-up WHIMS-MRI studies. Smaller frontal lobe volumes were observed as persistent group differences among women assigned to active HT compared with placebo. Women with a history of cardiovascular disease treated with active HT, compared with placebo, had higher rates of accumulation in white matter lesion volume and total brain lesion volume. Further study may elucidate mechanisms that explain these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura H Coker
- From the Division of Public Health Sciences (L.H.C., M.A.E., P.E.H., S.A.S.), and Departments of Internal Medicine and Geriatrics (J.D.W.) and Neurology (C.D.B.), Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC; Intramural Research Program (S.M.R.), National Institute on Aging, NIH, Baltimore, MD; Department of Radiology (R.N.B., C.D.), University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia; Department of Internal Medicine and Epidemiology (J.G.R.), University of Iowa, Iowa City; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine (J.S.G.), Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee; and Department of Epidemiology (L.H.K.), University of Pittsburgh, PA
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Estrogen-dependent changes in estrogen receptor-β mRNA expression in middle-aged female rat brain. Brain Res 2013; 1543:49-57. [PMID: 24239930 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2013.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2013] [Revised: 11/06/2013] [Accepted: 11/07/2013] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
During aging, estrogen production and circulating levels of estrogen are markedly decreased in females. Although several differences exist in the process of reproductive aging between women and female rats, the results of many studies suggest that the female rat, especially the middle-aged or aged ovariectomized female, is an important animal model of hormone loss in women. In target tissues including the brain, the actions of estrogen are mediated mainly via the alpha and beta subtypes of the estrogen receptor (ER-α and ER-β). Estrogen treatment is known to change the expression of ER-α mRNA and protein in specific regions of the brain in middle-aged female rodents. In contrast, we do not know if estrogen regulates the expression of ER-β in the brain at this stage of life. In the present study, we performed in situ hybridization on brain sections of ovariectomized and estrogen-treated middle-aged female rats to reveal the effects of estrogen on the expression of ER-β throughout the brain. Our results showed that estrogen treatment decreased the number of ER-β mRNA-positive cells in the mitral cell and external plexiform layers of the olfactory bulb, central amygdaloid nucleus, medial geniculate nucleus, posterior hypothalamic nucleus, suprachiasmatic nucleus, and reticular part of the substantia nigra. As compared to the results of previous studies of young females, our data revealed that the regions in which expression of ER-β mRNA expression is affected by estrogen differ in middle age. These results suggest that the effects of estrogen on ER-β expression change with age.
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32
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Pines A. Climacteric Commentaries. Climacteric 2013; 16:293-302. [DOI: 10.3109/13697137.2013.769834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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