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Sheibani V, Rajizadeh MA, Bejeshk MA, Haghparast E, Nozari M, Esmaeili-Mahani S, Nezhadi A. The effects of neurosteroid allopregnanolone on synaptic dysfunction in the hippocampus in experimental parkinsonism rats: An electrophysiological and molecular study. Neuropeptides 2022; 92:102229. [PMID: 35158223 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2022.102229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The dopaminergic system is a powerful candidate targeted for changes of synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus. Higher incidence of Parkinson's disease (PD) in men than women indicates the influence of sex hormones on the PD development. Previous studies have shown that neurodegenerative diseases such as PD are related to the decline of Allopregnanolon (Allo), a metabolite of progesterone; it is also well known that learning and memory are influenced by oscillations in steroidal hormones. Although abnormalities in hippocampal plasticity have been observed in the toxic models of PD, effects of Allo on hippocampal LTP and hippocampal synaptic protein levels, which play an important role in maintaining the integrity of neural connections, have never been analyzed thus far. Experimental groups subjected to the long-term potentiation (LTP) were studied in the CA1 area of the hippocampus. In addition, the levels of hippocampal postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD-95), neurexin-1 (Nrxn1) and neuroligin (Nlgn) as synaptic molecular components were determined by immunoblotting. Although dopamine denervation did not alter basal synaptic transmission and pair-pulse facilitation of field excitatory postsynaptic potentials (fEPSPs), the induction and maintenance of LTP were impaired in the CA1 region. In addition, the levels of PSD-95, Nrxn1 and Nlgn were significantly decreased in the hippocampus of 6-OHDA-treated animals. Such abnormalities in synaptic electrophysiological aspects and protein levels were abolished by the treatment with Allo. These findings showed that partial dopamine depletion led to unusual synaptic plasticity in the CA1 as well as the decrease in synaptic proteins in the hippocampus. Our results demonstrated that Allo ameliorated these deficits and preserved pre- and post-synaptic proteins. Therefore, Allo may be an effective factor in maintaining synaptic integrity in the mesolimbic pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vahid Sheibani
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mohammad Amin Rajizadeh
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran; Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mohammad Abbas Bejeshk
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Elham Haghparast
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran; Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
| | - Masoumeh Nozari
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran; Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Saeed Esmaeili-Mahani
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran; Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
| | - Akram Nezhadi
- Trauma Research Center, Aja University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Raux PL, Drutel G, Revest JM, Vallée M. New perspectives on the role of the neurosteroid pregnenolone as an endogenous regulator of type-1 cannabinoid receptor (CB1R) activity and function. J Neuroendocrinol 2022; 34:e13034. [PMID: 34486765 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Pregnenolone is a steroid with specific characteristics, being the first steroid to be synthesised from cholesterol at all sites of steroidogenesis, including the brain. For many years, pregnenolone was defined as an inactive precursor of all steroids because no specific target had been discovered. However, over the last decade, it has become a steroid of interest because it has been recognised as being a biomarker for brain-related disorders through the development of metabolomic approaches and advanced analytical methods. In addition, physiological roles for pregnenolone emerged when specific targets were discovered. In this review, we highlight the discovery of the selective interaction of pregnenolone with the type-1 cannabinoid receptor (CB1R). After describing the specific characteristic of CB1Rs, we discuss the newly discovered mechanisms of their regulation by pregnenolone. In particular, we describe the action of pregnenolone as a negative allosteric modulator and a specific signalling inhibitor of the CB1R. These particular characteristics of pregnenolone provide a great strategic opportunity for therapeutic development in CB1-related disorders. Finally, we outline new perspectives using innovative genetic tools for the discovery of original regulatory mechanisms of pregnenolone on CB1-related functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre-Louis Raux
- INSERM U1215, Neurocentre Magendie, Group "Physiopathology and Therapeutic Approaches of Stress-Related Disease", Bordeaux, France
- University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Guillaume Drutel
- INSERM U1215, Neurocentre Magendie, Group "Physiopathology and Therapeutic Approaches of Stress-Related Disease", Bordeaux, France
- University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Jean-Michel Revest
- INSERM U1215, Neurocentre Magendie, Group "Physiopathology and Therapeutic Approaches of Stress-Related Disease", Bordeaux, France
- University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Monique Vallée
- INSERM U1215, Neurocentre Magendie, Group "Physiopathology and Therapeutic Approaches of Stress-Related Disease", Bordeaux, France
- University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
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3
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Translocator Protein Ligand PIGA1138 Reduces Disease Symptoms and Severity in Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis Model of Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis. Mol Neurobiol 2022; 59:1744-1765. [PMID: 35018577 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-022-02737-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune and demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS) caused by CNS infiltration of peripheral immune cells, immune-mediated attack of the myelin sheath, neuroinflammation, and/or axonal/neuronal dysfunctions. Some drugs are available to cope with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) but there is no therapy for the primary progressive MS (PPMS). Because growing evidence supports a regulatory role of the translocator protein (TSPO) in neuroinflammatory, demyelinating, and neurodegenerative processes, we investigated the therapeutic potential of phenylindolyilglyoxylamydes (PIGAs) TSPO ligands in myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG)-induced experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mice mimicking the human PPMS. MOG-EAE C57Bl/6-mice were treated by TSPO ligands PIGA839, PIGA1138, or the vehicle. Several methods were combined to evaluate PIGAs-TSPO ligand effects on MOG-EAE symptoms, CNS infiltration by immune cells, demyelination, and axonal damages. PIGA1138 (15 mg/kg) drastically reduced MOG-EAE mice clinical scores, ameliorated motor dysfunctions assessed with the Catwalk device, and counteracted MOG-EAE-induced demyelination by preserving Myelin basic protein (MBP) expression in the CNS. Furthermore, PIGA1138-treatment prevented EAE-evoked decreased neurofilament-200 expression in spinal and cerebellar axons. Moreover, PIGA1138 inhibited peripheral immune-CD45 + cell infiltration in the CNS, suggesting that it may control inflammatory mechanisms involved in PPMS. Concordantly, PIGA1138 enhanced anti-inflammatory interleukin-10 serum level in MOG-EAE mice. PIGA1138-treatment, which increased neurosteroid allopregnanolone production, ameliorated all pathological biomarkers, while PIGA839, unable to activate neurosteroidogenesis in vivo, exerted only moderate/partial effects in MOG-EAE mice. Altogether, our results suggest that PIGA1138-based treatment may represent an interesting possibility to be explored for the innovation of effective therapies against PPMS.
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Wei CW, Chen YQ, Ma M, Xiu MH, Zhang XY. Sex differences in the association of body mass index with symptoms and cognitive deficits in Chinese patients with chronic schizophrenia. Transl Psychiatry 2020; 10:18. [PMID: 32066717 PMCID: PMC7026182 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-020-0717-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Revised: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 11/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulating studies have revealed gender differences in many aspects of schizophrenia (SZ), including obesity and cognitive function. The relationship between obesity and cognitive impairment in SZ has been studied before; however, the results are inconsistent. This study was designed to examine the sex differences in the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and cognitive deficits in Chinese patients with chronic SZ, which have not been investigated yet. 176 chronic patients with SZ (male/female = 108/68) and 200 controls (male/female = 120/80) were enrolled to compare the sex differences in cognitive functions measured by the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS), BMI, and their associations. The clinical symptoms were evaluated using the positive and negative syndrome scales (PANSS). Our results showed that male patients had lower BMI and more negative symptoms but fewer positive symptoms than female patients (all p < 0.05). However, there was no significant sex difference in RBANS scores. In male patients, BMI was correlated with age of onset, PANSS general psychopathology, total score, negative symptom, together with RBANS language, visuospatial/construction, and attention. Further regression analysis showed that in male patients, BMI was significantly associated with RBANS language, PANSS general psychopathology, PANSS total score, and age of onset, with adjusted R2 = 0.22. These findings revealed significant sex differences in BMI, cognitive dysfunctions and their association in SZ. Nonetheless, these results should only be considered as preliminary because of the cross-sectional design, which will deserve further replication in first-episode patients using a prospective longitudinal design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Wei Wei
- grid.24696.3f0000 0004 0369 153XDepartment of Anesthesiology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Ying Qi Chen
- grid.24696.3f0000 0004 0369 153XDepartment of Anesthesiology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Mi Ma
- grid.452792.fQingdao Mental Health Center, Qingdao, P. R. China
| | - Mei Hong Xiu
- Peking University HuiLongGuan Clinical Medical School, Beijing HuiLongGuan Hospital, Beijing, P. R. China.
| | - Xiang Yang Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P. R. China. .,Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P. R. China.
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GABA-A receptor modulating steroids in acute and chronic stress; relevance for cognition and dementia? Neurobiol Stress 2019; 12:100206. [PMID: 31921942 PMCID: PMC6948369 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2019.100206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Revised: 11/13/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Cognitive dysfunction, dementia and Alzheimer's disease (AD) are increasing as the population worldwide ages. Therapeutics for these conditions is an unmet need. This review focuses on the role of the positive GABA-A receptor modulating steroid allopregnanolone (APα), it's role in underlying mechanisms for impaired cognition and of AD, and to determine options for therapy of AD. On one hand, APα given intermittently promotes neurogenesis, decreases AD-related pathology and improves cognition. On the other, continuous exposure of APα impairs cognition and deteriorates AD pathology. The disparity between these two outcomes led our groups to analyze the mechanisms underlying the difference. We conclude that the effects of APα depend on administration pattern and that chronic slightly increased APα exposure is harmful to cognitive function and worsens AD pathology whereas single administrations with longer intervals improve cognition and decrease AD pathology. These collaborative assessments provide insights for the therapeutic development of APα and APα antagonists for AD and provide a model for cross laboratory collaborations aimed at generating translatable data for human clinical trials.
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Wu D, Carillo KJD, Tsai S, Shie J, Tzou DM. Solid‐state nuclear magnetic resonance investigation of neurosteroid compounds and magnesium interactions. J CHIN CHEM SOC-TAIP 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/jccs.201800458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Danni Wu
- Chemical Engineering Department, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology Taipei Taiwan
| | - Kathleen Joyce D. Carillo
- Taiwan International Graduate Program of Sustainable Chemical Science and Technology Taipei Taiwan
- Department of Applied ChemistryNational Chiao Tung University Hsinchu Taiwan
- Institute of ChemistryAcademia Sinica, Nankang Taipei Taiwan
| | - Shen‐Long Tsai
- Chemical Engineering Department, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology Taipei Taiwan
| | - Jiun‐Jie Shie
- Taiwan International Graduate Program of Sustainable Chemical Science and Technology Taipei Taiwan
- Institute of ChemistryAcademia Sinica, Nankang Taipei Taiwan
| | - Der‐Lii M. Tzou
- Institute of ChemistryAcademia Sinica, Nankang Taipei Taiwan
- Department of Applied ChemistryNational Chia‐Yi University Chia‐Yi Taiwan
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7
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Tomaselli G, Vallée M. Stress and drug abuse-related disorders: The promising therapeutic value of neurosteroids focus on pregnenolone-progesterone-allopregnanolone pathway. Front Neuroendocrinol 2019; 55:100789. [PMID: 31525393 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2019.100789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2019] [Revised: 08/14/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The pregnenolone-progesterone-allopregnanolone pathway is receiving increasing attention in research on the role of neurosteroids in pathophysiology, particularly in stress-related and drug use disorders. These disorders involve an allostatic change that may result from deficiencies in allostasis or adaptive responses, and may be downregulated by adjustments in neurotransmission by neurosteroids. The following is an overview of findings that assess how pregnenolone and/or allopregnanolone concentrations are altered in animal models of stress and after consumption of alcohol or cannabis-type drugs, as well as in patients with depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder or psychosis and/or in those diagnosed with alcohol or cannabis use disorders. Preclinical and clinical evidence shows that pregnenolone and allopregnanolone, operating according to a different or common pharmacological profile involving GABAergic and/or endocannabinoid system, may be relevant biomarkers of psychiatric disorders for therapeutic purposes. Hence, ongoing clinical trials implicate synthetic analogs of pregnenolone or allopregnanolone, and also modulators of neurosteroidogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Tomaselli
- INSERM U1215, Neurocentre Magendie, Group "Physiopathology and Therapeutic Approaches of Stress-Related Disease", 146 Rue Léo Saignat, 33000 Bordeaux, France; University of Bordeaux, 33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Monique Vallée
- INSERM U1215, Neurocentre Magendie, Group "Physiopathology and Therapeutic Approaches of Stress-Related Disease", 146 Rue Léo Saignat, 33000 Bordeaux, France; University of Bordeaux, 33000 Bordeaux, France.
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Belelli D, Brown AR, Mitchell SJ, Gunn BG, Herd MB, Phillips GD, Seifi M, Swinny JD, Lambert JJ. Endogenous neurosteroids influence synaptic GABA A receptors during postnatal development. J Neuroendocrinol 2018; 30. [PMID: 28905487 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2017] [Revised: 08/22/2017] [Accepted: 09/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
GABA plays a key role in both embryonic and neonatal brain development. For example, during early neonatal nervous system maturation, synaptic transmission, mediated by GABAA receptors (GABAA Rs), undergoes a temporally specific form of synaptic plasticity to accommodate the changing requirements of maturing neural networks. Specifically, the duration of miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents (mIPSCs), resulting from vesicular GABA activating synaptic GABAA Rs, is reduced, permitting neurones to appropriately influence the window for postsynaptic excitation. Conventionally, programmed expression changes to the subtype of synaptic GABAA R are primarily implicated in this plasticity. However, it is now evident that, in developing thalamic and cortical principal- and inter-neurones, an endogenous neurosteroid tone (eg, allopregnanolone) enhances synaptic GABAA R function. Furthermore, a cessation of steroidogenesis, as a result of a lack of substrate, or a co-factor, appears to be primarily responsible for early neonatal changes to GABAergic synaptic transmission, followed by further refinement, which results from subsequent alterations of the GABAA R subtype. The timing of this cessation of neurosteroid influence is neurone-specific, occurring by postnatal day (P)10 in the thalamus but approximately 1 week later in the cortex. Neurosteroid levels are not static and change dynamically in a variety of physiological and pathophysiological scenarios. Given that GABA plays an important role in brain development, abnormal perturbations of neonatal GABAA R-active neurosteroids may have not only a considerable immediate, but also a longer-term impact upon neural network activity. Here, we review recent evidence indicating that changes in neurosteroidogenesis substantially influence neonatal GABAergic synaptic transmission. We discuss the physiological relevance of these findings and how the interference of neurosteroid-GABAA R interaction early in life may contribute to psychiatric conditions later in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Belelli
- Division of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - A R Brown
- Division of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - S J Mitchell
- Division of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - B G Gunn
- Division of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - M B Herd
- Division of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - G D Phillips
- Division of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - M Seifi
- Institute for Biomedical & Biomolecular Sciences, School of Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, UK
| | - J D Swinny
- Institute for Biomedical & Biomolecular Sciences, School of Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, UK
| | - J J Lambert
- Division of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
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Song J, Jung C, Kim OY. The Novel Implication of Androgen in Diabetes-induced Alzheimer's Disease. J Lipid Atheroscler 2017. [DOI: 10.12997/jla.2017.6.2.66] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Juhyun Song
- Department of Anatomy, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Chaeyong Jung
- Department of Anatomy, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Oh Yoen Kim
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Dong-A University, Busan, Korea
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Taleb O, Bouzobra F, Tekin-Pala H, Meyer L, Mensah-Nyagan AG, Patte-Mensah C. Behavioral and electromyographic assessment of oxaliplatin-induced motor dysfunctions: Evidence for a therapeutic effect of allopregnanolone. Behav Brain Res 2016; 320:440-449. [PMID: 27789344 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2016.10.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2016] [Revised: 10/20/2016] [Accepted: 10/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The antineoplastic oxaliplatin (OXAL) is pivotal for metastatic cancer treatments. However, OXAL evokes sensory and motor side-effects including pain, muscle weakness, motor nerve fiber dysfunctions/neuropathies that significantly impact patients' lives. Therefore, preclinical investigations are struggling to characterize effective analgesics against OXAL-induced painful/sensory symptoms but surprisingly, OXAL-evoked motor dysfunctions received little attention although these neurological symptoms are also disabling for patients. Here, we validated a rat model of OXAL-induced motor neuropathy by using (i) behavioral methods as the wire suspension and balance beam tests to assess muscle weakness and (ii) electrophysiological techniques to record the gastrocnemius electromyography (EMG). The conductance velocity of motor fibers was reduced and compound muscle action potential (CMAP) duration increased in OXAL-treated rats, leading to CMAP dispersion with no modification of the area under the curve, reflecting a heterogeneous demyelination of motor fibers. Functional motor unit analysis revealed a 50 % decrease of their estimated number which was compensated by a motor unit size increase. OXAL-induced motor weakness appeared as a combined consequence of motor fiber demyelination and motor axonopathy. Because we previously observed that allopregnanolone (AP) counteracted OXAL-evoked painful/sensory symptoms, we evaluated its action against OXAL-induced motor neurological dysfunctions. AP treatment successfully corrected motor behaviors, conductance velocity, CMAP duration, motor unit number (MUN) and motor unit size altered by OXAL-chemotherapy. These results, which are the first to show that AP efficiently rescues OXAL-induced motor neuropathy, consolidate the idea that AP-based therapy may be relevant for the treatment of both sensory and motor peripheral neuropathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Taleb
- Biopathologie de la Myéline, Neuroprotection et Stratégies Thérapeutiques, INSERM U1119, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Université de Strasbourg, Bâtiment 3 de la Faculté de Médecine, 11 rue Humann, 67 000 Strasbourg, France
| | - F Bouzobra
- Biopathologie de la Myéline, Neuroprotection et Stratégies Thérapeutiques, INSERM U1119, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Université de Strasbourg, Bâtiment 3 de la Faculté de Médecine, 11 rue Humann, 67 000 Strasbourg, France
| | - H Tekin-Pala
- Biopathologie de la Myéline, Neuroprotection et Stratégies Thérapeutiques, INSERM U1119, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Université de Strasbourg, Bâtiment 3 de la Faculté de Médecine, 11 rue Humann, 67 000 Strasbourg, France
| | - L Meyer
- Biopathologie de la Myéline, Neuroprotection et Stratégies Thérapeutiques, INSERM U1119, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Université de Strasbourg, Bâtiment 3 de la Faculté de Médecine, 11 rue Humann, 67 000 Strasbourg, France
| | - A G Mensah-Nyagan
- Biopathologie de la Myéline, Neuroprotection et Stratégies Thérapeutiques, INSERM U1119, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Université de Strasbourg, Bâtiment 3 de la Faculté de Médecine, 11 rue Humann, 67 000 Strasbourg, France
| | - C Patte-Mensah
- Biopathologie de la Myéline, Neuroprotection et Stratégies Thérapeutiques, INSERM U1119, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Université de Strasbourg, Bâtiment 3 de la Faculté de Médecine, 11 rue Humann, 67 000 Strasbourg, France.
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Vallée M. Neurosteroids and potential therapeutics: Focus on pregnenolone. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2016; 160:78-87. [PMID: 26433186 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2015.09.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2015] [Revised: 09/18/2015] [Accepted: 09/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Considerable evidence from preclinical and clinical studies shows that steroids and in particular neurosteroids are important endogenous modulators of several brain-related functions. In this context, it remains to be elucidated whether neurosteroids may serve as biomarkers in the diagnosis of disorders and might have therapeutic potential for the treatment of these disorders. Pregnenolone (PREG) is the main steroid synthesized from cholesterol in mammals and invertebrates. PREG has three main sources of synthesis, the gonads, adrenal glands and brain and is submitted to various metabolizing pathways which are modulated depending on various factors including species, steroidogenic tissues and steroidogenic enzymes. Looking at the whole picture of steroids, PREG is often known as the precursor to other steroids and not as an active steroid per se. Actually, physiological and brain functions have been studied mainly for steroids that are very active either binding to specific intracellular receptors, or modulating with high affinity the abundant membrane receptors, GABAA or NMDA receptors. However, when high sensitive and specific methodological approaches were available to analyze low concentrations of steroids and then match endogenous levels of different steroid metabolomes, several studies have reported more significant alterations in PREG than in other steroids in extraphysiological or pathological conditions, suggesting that PREG could play a functional role as well. Additionally, several molecular targets of PREG were revealed in the mammalian brain and beneficial effects of PREG have been demonstrated in preclinical and clinical studies. On this basis, this review will be divided into three parts. The first provides a brief overview of the molecular targets of PREG and the pharmacological effects observed in animal and human studies. The second will focus on the possible functional role of PREG with an outline of the modulation of PREG levels in animal and in human research. Finally, the review will highlight the possible therapeutic uses of PREG that point towards the development of pregnenolone-like molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monique Vallée
- INSERM U862, Neurocentre Magendie, Pathophysiology of Addiction, Bordeaux F33077, France; Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux F33077, France.
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Lipids in the nervous system: from biochemistry and molecular biology to patho-physiology. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Biol Lipids 2014; 1851:51-60. [PMID: 25150974 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2014.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2014] [Revised: 08/08/2014] [Accepted: 08/12/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Lipids in the nervous system accomplish a great number of key functions, from synaptogenesis to impulse conduction, and more. Most of the lipids of the nervous system are localized in myelin sheaths. It has long been known that myelin structure and brain homeostasis rely on specific lipid-protein interactions and on specific cell-to-cell signaling. In more recent years, the growing advances in large-scale technologies and genetically modified animal models have provided valuable insights into the role of lipids in the nervous system. Key findings recently emerged in these areas are here summarized. In addition, we briefly discuss how this new knowledge can open novel approaches for the treatment of diseases associated with alteration of lipid metabolism/homeostasis in the nervous system. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Linking transcription to physiology in lipidomics.
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Casas S, Giuliani F, Cremaschi F, Yunes R, Cabrera R. Neuromodulatory effect of progesterone on the dopaminergic, glutamatergic, and GABAergic activities in a male rat model of Parkinson's disease. Neurol Res 2013; 35:719-25. [PMID: 23561326 DOI: 10.1179/1743132812y.0000000142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Progesterone has been reported to have a neuroprotective role in depression-like rats in a hemiparkinsonian model of the disease. In this work, we investigate if this hormone affects the three principal neurochemicals striatal systems (dopaminergic, glutamatergic, and GABAergic) that are involved in the physiopathology of the disease in a hemiparkinsonim male rat model at 8 weeks post-chemical injury. METHODS For this purpose, we design three experimental groups: (1) sham group; (2) hemiparkinsonian group; and (3) hemiparkinsonian group subcutaneously injected with progesterone at 7 days post-chemical injury. Animals were tested in an automated rotational device at 8 weeks post-chemical injury. After behavioral test, K(+)-evoked [(3)H]-dopamine, [(3)H]-glutamate, and [(3)H]-gamma aminobutyric acid release from striatum slices were analyzed by superfusion experiments. RESULTS The hemiparkinsonian group showed distinctive alterations that are produced by neurodegeneration of left nigrostriatal dopaminergic pathway by 6-hydroxydopamine hydrobromide (6-OHDA). On the other hand, the administration of progesterone 7 days after the injection of the neurotoxin was able to (1) improve the K(+)-evoked [(3)H]-dopamine release from the damaged striata (left); (2) avoid significant increase in the K(+)-evoked [(3)H]-glutamate release from the left striata; and (3) progesterone does not modify the K(+)-evoked [(3)H]-gamma aminobutyric acid release from the left striata. DISCUSSION These results suggest that progesterone does have neuroprotective and neuromodulatory effects on striatal neurotransmission systems in the hemiparkinsonian male rats. The possible mechanisms would involve genomic and non-genomic actions of this neuroactive steroid which would modulate the activity of dopaminergic, glutamatergic, and GABAergic pathways.
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Kaore SN, Langade DK, Yadav VK, Sharma P, Thawani VR, Sharma R. Novel actions of progesterone: what we know today and what will be the scenario in the future? J Pharm Pharmacol 2012; 64:1040-62. [DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-7158.2012.01464.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
Objectives
This article is aimed to review the novel actions of progesterone, which otherwise is considered as a female reproductive hormone. The article focuses on its important physiological actions in males too and gives an overview of its novel perspectives in disorders of central and peripheral nervous system.
Key findings
Progesterone may have a potential benefit in treatment of traumatic brain injury, various neurological disorders and male related diseases like benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), prostate cancer and osteoporosis. Norethisterone (NETA), a progesterone derivative, decreases bone mineral loss in male castrated mice suggesting its role in osteoporosis. In the future, progesterone may find use as a male contraceptive too, but still needs confirmatory trials for safety, tolerability and acceptability. Megestrol acetate, a progesterone derivative is preferred in prostatic cancer. Further, it may find utility in nicotine addiction, traumatic brain injury (recently entered Phase III trial) and Alzheimer's disease, diabetic neuropathy and crush injuries. Studies also suggest role of progesterone in stroke, for which further clinical trials are needed. The non genomic actions of progesterone may be in part responsible for these novel actions.
Summary
Although progesterone has shown promising role in various non-hormonal benefits, further clinical studies are needed to prove its usefulness in conditions like stroke, traumatic brain injury, neuropathy and crush injury. In male related illnesses like BPH and prostatic Ca, it may prove a boon in near future. New era of hormonal male contraception may be initiated by use of progesterone along with testosterone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shilpa N Kaore
- Department of Pharmacology, Peoples College of Medical Sciences & Research Center, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Deepak Kumar Langade
- Department of Pharmacology, Peoples College of Medical Sciences & RC, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Vijay Kumar Yadav
- Department of Pharmacology, Peoples College of Medical Sciences & RC, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Parag Sharma
- Department of Pharmacology, Peoples College of Medical Sciences & RC, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Vijay R Thawani
- Department of Pharmacology, VCSG GMSRI, Srinagar and Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Raj Sharma
- Department of Pharmacology, Govt medical College, Jagdalpur, Chhatisgarh, India
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Escudero C, Casas S, Giuliani F, Bazzocchini V, García S, Yunes R, Cabrera R. Allopregnanolone prevents memory impairment: Effect on mRNA expression and enzymatic activity of hippocampal 3-α hydroxysteroid oxide-reductase. Brain Res Bull 2012; 87:280-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2011.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2011] [Revised: 11/03/2011] [Accepted: 11/25/2011] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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16
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Panzica GC, Balthazart J, Frye CA, Garcia-Segura LM, Herbison AE, Mensah-Nyagan AG, McCarthy MM, Melcangi RC. Milestones on Steroids and the Nervous System: 10 years of basic and translational research. J Neuroendocrinol 2012; 24:1-15. [PMID: 22188420 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2826.2011.02265.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
During the last 10 years, the conference on 'Steroids and Nervous System' held in Torino (Italy) has been an important international point of discussion for scientists involved in this exciting and expanding research field. The present review aims to recapitulate the main topics that have been presented through the various meetings. Two broad areas have been explored: the impact of gonadal hormones on brain circuits and behaviour, as well as the mechanism of action of neuroactive steroids. Relationships among steroids, brain and behaviour, the sexual differentiation of the brain and the impact of gonadal hormones, the interactions of exogenous steroidal molecules (endocrine disrupters) with neural circuits and behaviour, and how gonadal steroids modulate the behaviour of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone neurones, have been the topics of several lectures and symposia during this series of meetings. At the same time, many contributions have been dedicated to the biosynthetic pathways, the physiopathological relevance of neurosteroids, the demonstration of the cellular localisation of different enzymes involved in neurosteroidogenesis, the mechanisms by which steroids may exert some of their effects, both the classical and nonclassical actions of different steroids, the role of neuroactive steroids on neurodegeneration, neuroprotection, and the response of the neural tissue to injury. In these 10 years, this field has significantly advanced and neuroactive steroids have emerged as new potential therapeutic tools to counteract neurodegenerative events.
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Affiliation(s)
- G C Panzica
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology, Department of Anatomy, Pharmacology and Forensic Medicine, Neuroscience Institute of Turin (NIT), University of Torino, Torino, Italy.
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Activation of the liver X receptor increases neuroactive steroid levels and protects from diabetes-induced peripheral neuropathy. J Neurosci 2010; 30:11896-901. [PMID: 20826654 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1898-10.2010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroactive steroids act in the peripheral nervous system as physiological regulators and as protective agents for acquired or inherited peripheral neuropathy. In recent years, modulation of neuroactive steroids levels has been studied as a potential therapeutic approach to protect peripheral nerves from damage induced by diabetes. Nuclear receptors of the liver X receptor (LXR) family regulate adrenal steroidogenesis via their ability to control cholesterol homeostasis. Here we show that rat sciatic nerve expresses both LRXα and β isoforms and that these receptors are functional. Activation of liver X receptors using a synthetic ligand results in increased levels of neurosteroids and protection of the sciatic nerve from neuropathy induced by diabetes. LXR ligand treatment of streptozotocin-treated rats increases expression in the sciatic nerve of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (a molecule involved in the transfer of cholesterol into mitochondria), of the enzyme P450scc (responsible for conversion of cholesterol into pregnenolone), of 5α-reductase (an enzyme involved in the generation of neuroactive steroids) and of classical LXR targets involved in cholesterol efflux, such as ABCA1 and ABCG1. These effects were associated with increased levels of neuroactive steroids (e.g., pregnenolone, progesterone, dihydroprogesterone and 3α-diol) in the sciatic nerve, and with neuroprotective effects on thermal nociceptive activity, nerve conduction velocity, and Na(+), K(+)-ATPase activity. These results suggest that LXR activation may represent a new pharmacological avenue to increase local neuroactive steroid levels that exert neuroprotective effects in diabetic neuropathy.
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Zheng P. Neuroactive steroid regulation of neurotransmitter release in the CNS: Action, mechanism and possible significance. Prog Neurobiol 2009; 89:134-52. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2009.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 177] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2008] [Revised: 03/11/2009] [Accepted: 07/02/2009] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Saldanha CJ, Duncan KA, Walters BJ. Neuroprotective actions of brain aromatase. Front Neuroendocrinol 2009; 30:106-18. [PMID: 19450619 PMCID: PMC2700852 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2009.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2009] [Revised: 04/02/2009] [Accepted: 04/14/2009] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The steroidal regulation of vertebrate neuroanatomy and neurophysiology includes a seemingly unending list of brain areas, cellular structures and behaviors modulated by these hormones. Estrogens, in particular have emerged as potent neuromodulators, exerting a range of effects including neuroprotection and perhaps neural repair. In songbirds and mammals, the brain itself appears to be the site of injury-induced estrogen synthesis via the rapid transcription and translation of aromatase (estrogen synthase) in astroglia. This induction seems to occur regardless of the nature and location of primary brain damage. The induced expression of aromatase apparently elevates local estrogen levels enough to interfere with apoptotic pathways, thereby decreasing secondary degeneration and ultimately lessening the extent of damage. There is even evidence suggesting that aromatization may affect injury-induced cytogenesis. Thus, aromatization in the brain appears to confer neuroprotection by an array of mechanisms that involve the deceleration and acceleration of degeneration and repair, respectively. We are only beginning to understand the factors responsible for the injury-induced transcription of aromatase in astroglia. In contrast, much of the manner in which local and circulating estrogens may achieve their neuroprotective effects has been elucidated. However, gaps in our knowledge include issues about the cell-specific regulation of aromatase expression, steroidal influences of aromatization distinct from estrogen formation, and questions about the role of constitutive aromatase in neuroprotection. Here we describe the considerable consensus and some interesting differences in knowledge gained from studies conducted on diverse animal models, experimental paradigms and preparations towards understanding the neuroprotective actions of brain aromatase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin J Saldanha
- Department of Biological Sciences, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA 18015, United States.
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Fukui H, Toyoshima K. Music facilitate the neurogenesis, regeneration and repair of neurons. Med Hypotheses 2008; 71:765-9. [PMID: 18692321 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2008.06.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2008] [Revised: 05/29/2008] [Accepted: 06/13/2008] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Experience has shown that therapy using music for therapeutic purposes has certain effects on neuropsychiatric disorders (both functional and organic disorders). However, the mechanisms of action underlying music therapy remain unknown, and scientific clarification has not advanced. While that study disproved the Mozart effect, the effects of music on the human body and mind were not disproved. In fact, more scientific studies on music have been conducted in recent years, mainly in the field of neuroscience, and the level of interest among researchers is increasing. The results of past studies have clarified that music influences and affects cranial nerves in humans from fetus to adult. The effects of music at a cellular level have not been clarified, and the mechanisms of action for the effects of music on the brain have not been elucidated. We propose that listening to music facilitates the neurogenesis, the regeneration and repair of cerebral nerves by adjusting the secretion of steroid hormones, ultimately leading to cerebral plasticity. Music affects levels of such steroids as cortisol (C), testosterone (T) and estrogen (E), and we believe that music also affects the receptor genes related to these substances, and related proteins. In the prevention of Alzheimer's disease and dementia, hormone replacement therapy has been shown to be effective, but at the same time, side effects have been documented, and the clinical application of hormone replacement therapy is facing a serious challenge. Conversely, music is noninvasive, and its existence is universal and mundane. Thus, if music can be used in medical care, the application of such a safe and inexpensive therapeutic option is limitless.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hajime Fukui
- Department of Education, Nara University of Education, Takabatake, Nara 630 8528, Japan.
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