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Altaee R, Gibson CL. Sexual dimorphism following in vitro ischemia in the response to neurosteroids and mechanisms of injury. BMC Neurosci 2020; 21:5. [PMID: 31996121 PMCID: PMC6988201 DOI: 10.1186/s12868-020-0553-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 01/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Cerebral ischemic stroke is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. Sex differences exist following stroke in terms of incidence, symptoms, outcomes and response to some treatments. Importantly, molecular mechanisms of injury, activated following ischemia may differ between the sexes and if so may account, at least in part, for sex differences seen in treatment response. Here we aimed to determine, using single-sex organotypic hippocampal slice cultures, whether the effectiveness of a potential treatment option, i.e. sex steroids, exhibited any sexual dimorphism and whether sex affected the mechanisms of apoptosis activated following ischemia. Results Following exposure to ischemia, male-derived tissue exhibited higher levels of cell death than female-derived tissue. Various sex steroid hormones, i.e. progesterone, allopregnanolone, and estradiol, were protective in terms of reducing the amount of cell death in male- and female-derived tissue whereas medoxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) was only protective in female-derived tissue. The protective effect of progesterone was abolished in the presence of finasteride, a 5α-reductase inhibitor, suggesting it was largely mediated via its conversion to allopregnanolone. To test the hypothesis that sex differences exist in the activation of specific elements of the apoptotic pathway activated following ischemia we administered Q-VD-OPH, a caspase inhibitor, or PJ34, an inhibitor of poly (ADP ribose) polymerase (PARP). Caspase inhibition was only effective, in terms of reducing cell death, in female-derived tissue, whereas PARP inhibition was only protective in male-derived tissue. However, in both sexes, the protective effects of progesterone and estradiol were not observed in the presence of either caspase or PARP inhibition. Conclusions Sex differences exist in both the amount of cell death produced and those elements of the cell death pathway activated following an ischemic insult. There are also some sex differences in the effectiveness of steroid hormones to provide neuroprotection following an ischemic insult—namely MPA was only protective in female-derived tissue. This adds further support to the notion sex is an important factor to consider when investigating future drug targets for CNS disorders, such as ischemic stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raeed Altaee
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology & Behaviour, University of Leicester, Leicester, LE1 9HN, UK.,Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Karbala, Karbala, Iraq
| | - Claire L Gibson
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology & Behaviour, University of Leicester, Leicester, LE1 9HN, UK. .,School of Psychology, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK.
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Chang Y, Hsieh HL, Huang SK, Wang SJ. Neurosteroid allopregnanolone inhibits glutamate release from rat cerebrocortical nerve terminals. Synapse 2018; 73:e22076. [PMID: 30362283 DOI: 10.1002/syn.22076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2018] [Revised: 10/17/2018] [Accepted: 10/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Allopregnanolone, an active metabolite of progesterone, has been reported to exhibit neuroprotective activity in several preclinical models. Considering that the excitotoxicity caused by excessive glutamate is implicated in many brain disorders, the effect of allopregnanolone on glutamate release in rat cerebrocortical nerve terminals and possible underlying mechanism were investigated. We observed that allopregnanolone inhibited 4-aminopyridine (4-AP)-evoked glutamate release, and this inhibition was prevented by chelating the extracellular Ca2+ ions and the vesicular transporter inhibitor. Allopregnanolone reduced the elevation of 4-AP-evoked intrasynaptosomal Ca2+ levels, but did not affect the synaptosomal membrane potential. In the presence of N-, P/Q-, and R-type channel blockers, allopregnanolone-mediated inhibition of 4-AP-evoked glutamate release was markedly reduced; however, the intracellular Ca2+ -release inhibitors did not affect the allopregnanolone effect. Furthermore, allopregnanolone-mediated inhibition of 4-AP-evoked glutamate release was completely abolished in the synaptosomes pretreated with inhibitors of Ca2+ /calmodulin, adenylate cyclase, and protein kinase A (PKA), namely calmidazolium, MDL12330A, and H89, respectively. Additionally, the allopregnanolone effect on evoked glutamate release was antagonized by the GABAA receptor antagonist SR95531. Our data are the first to suggest that allopregnanolone reduce the Ca2+ influx through N-, P/Q-, and R-type Ca2+ channels, through the activation of GABAA receptors present on cerebrocortical nerve terminals, subsequently suppressing the Ca2+ -calmodulin/PKA cascade and decreasing 4-AP-evoked glutamate release.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Chang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,School of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Hsi Lung Hsieh
- Department of Nursing, Division of Basic Medical Sciences, Research Center for Chinese Herbal Medicine, and Graduate Institute of Health Industry Technology, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan
| | - Shu Kuei Huang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Far-Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Su Jane Wang
- School of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan.,Research Center for Chinese Herbal Medicine, College of Human Ecology, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Taoyuan, Taiwan
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Bourque M, Morissette M, Di Paolo T. Repurposing sex steroids and related drugs as potential treatment for Parkinson's disease. Neuropharmacology 2018; 147:37-54. [PMID: 29649433 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2018.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2018] [Revised: 03/27/2018] [Accepted: 04/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder for which a greater prevalence and incidence is described in men. This suggests a protective effect of sex hormones in the brain. Therefore, steroids and drugs to treat endocrine conditions could have additional application for PD. Here, we review the protective effect of sex hormones, particularly estrogens, progesterone, androgens and dehydroepiandrosterone, in animal models of PD and also in human studies. Data also support that drugs affecting estrogen neurotransmission such as selective estrogen receptor modulators or affecting steroid metabolism with 5α-reductase inhibitors could be repositioned for treatment of PD. Sex steroids are also modulator of neurotransmission, thus they could repurposed to treat PD motor symptoms and to modulate the response to PD medication. No drug is yet available to limit PD progression. PD is a complex disease implicating multiple pathological processes and a therapeutic strategy using drugs with several mechanisms of action, such as sex steroids and endocrine drugs are interesting repositioning options for symptomatic treatment and disease-modifying activity for PD. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'Drug Repurposing: old molecules, new ways to fast track drug discovery and development for CNS disorders'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mélanie Bourque
- Neuroscience Research Unit, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec, CHUL, Quebec City, G1V 4G2, Canada; Faculty of Pharmacy, Université Laval, Quebec City, G1K 7P4, Canada
| | - Marc Morissette
- Neuroscience Research Unit, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec, CHUL, Quebec City, G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Thérèse Di Paolo
- Neuroscience Research Unit, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec, CHUL, Quebec City, G1V 4G2, Canada; Faculty of Pharmacy, Université Laval, Quebec City, G1K 7P4, Canada.
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Zhang B, Yang Y, Tang J, Tao Y, Jiang B, Chen Z, Feng H, Yang L, Zhu G. Establishment of mouse neuron and microglial cell co-cultured models and its action mechanism. Oncotarget 2017; 8:43061-43067. [PMID: 28574841 PMCID: PMC5522127 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.17898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2017] [Accepted: 04/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study is to establish a co-culture model of mouse neurons and microglial cells, and to analyze the mechanism of action of oxygen glucose deprivation (OGD) and transient oxygen glucose deprivation (tOGD) preconditioning cell models. RESULTS Mouse primary neurons and BV2 microglial cells were successfully cultured, and the OGD and tOGD models were also established. In the co-culture of mouse primary neurons and microglial cells, the cell number of tOGD mouse neurons and microglial cells was larger than the OGD cell number, observed by a microscope. CCK-8 assay result showed that at 1h after treatment, the OD value in the control group is lower compared to all the other three groups (P < 0.05). The treatment group exhibited the highest OD value among the four groups. The results observed at 5h were consistent with the results at 1 h. Flow cytometry results showed that at 1h after treatment the apoptosis percentages is higher in the control group compared to other three groups (P < 0.05). MATERIALS AND METHODS Mouse brain tissues were collected and primary neurons cells were cultured. In the meantime mouse BV2 microglia cells were cultured. Two types of cells were co-cultured, and OGD and tOGD cell models were established. There were four groups in the experiment: control group (OGD), treatment group (tOGD+OGD), placebo group (tOGD+OGD+saline) and minocycline intervention group (tOGD+OGD+minocycline). CCK-8 kit was used to detect cell viability and flow cytometry was used to detect apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS In this study, mouse primary neurons and microglial cells were co-cultured. The OGD and tOGD models were established successfully. tOGD was able to effectively protect neurons and microglial cells from damage, and inhibit the apoptosis caused by oxygen glucose deprivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Southwest Hospital,Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yunfeng Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Southwest Hospital,Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jun Tang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Southwest Hospital,Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yihao Tao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Southwest Hospital,Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Bing Jiang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Southwest Hospital,Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhi Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Southwest Hospital,Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hua Feng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Southwest Hospital,Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Liming Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Southwest Hospital,Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Gang Zhu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Southwest Hospital,Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Ishihara Y, Fujitani N, Sakurai H, Takemoto T, Ikeda-Ishihara N, Mori-Yasumoto K, Nehira T, Ishida A, Yamazaki T. Effects of sex steroid hormones and their metabolites on neuronal injury caused by oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation in organotypic hippocampal slice cultures. Steroids 2016; 113:71-7. [PMID: 27389922 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2016.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2015] [Revised: 04/22/2016] [Accepted: 06/08/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
In this study, protective actions of the sex steroid hormones, progesterone, testosterone, and 17β-estradiol, against oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD)/reoxygenation-induced neuronal cell death were examined using rat organotypic hippocampal slice cultures. Progesterone, testosterone, and 17β-estradiol significantly attenuated neuronal cell death elicited by OGD/reoxygenation. While the neuroprotection conferred by progesterone was not affected by SU-10603, an inhibitor of cytochrome P45017α, finasteride, a 5α-reductase inhibitor that blocks the conversion of progesterone to allopregnanolone, partially reversed the neuroprotection induced by progesterone. The progesterone metabolite, allopregnanolone attenuated neuronal injury induced by OGD/reoxygenation. Pretreatment with letrozole, a cytochrome P450 aromatase inhibitor or 4-hydroxyphenyl-1-naphthol, a 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 2 inhibitor showed no effect on testosterone-mediated neuroprotection, while finasteride completely abolished the protective action of testosterone. Treatment with 5α-dihydrotestosterone significantly suppressed neuronal injury. Pretreatment with mifepristone, a progesterone receptor antagonist and hydroxyflutamid, an androgen receptor antagonist significantly diminished the neuroprotective effects of progesterone and testosterone, respectively. ICI182,780, an estrogen receptor antagonist, showed no effect on neuroprotection mediated by 17β-estradiol. Pretreatment with actinomycin D or cycloheximide clearly abolished the neuroprotective effects of progesterone and testosterone, while actinomycin D and cycloheximide did not show any effect on neuroprotection mediated by 17β-estradiol. Taken together, progesterone protects neurons via progesterone receptor-dependent genomic pathway, and allopregnanolone is involved in progesterone-mediated neuroprotection. Testosterone and its metabolite 5α-dihydrotestosterone protect neurons via the genomic pathway of the androgen receptor. Metabolism of sex steroid hormones in the brain might complicate their protective actions in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuhiro Ishihara
- Laboratory of Molecular Brain Science, Graduate School of Integrated Arts and Sciences, Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima 739-8521, Japan.
| | - Noriko Fujitani
- Laboratory of Molecular Brain Science, Graduate School of Integrated Arts and Sciences, Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima 739-8521, Japan
| | - Hikaru Sakurai
- Laboratory of Molecular Brain Science, Graduate School of Integrated Arts and Sciences, Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima 739-8521, Japan
| | - Takuya Takemoto
- Laboratory of Molecular Brain Science, Graduate School of Integrated Arts and Sciences, Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima 739-8521, Japan
| | - Nami Ikeda-Ishihara
- Division of Gene Research, Natural Science Center for Basic Research and Development, Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima 739-8527, Japan
| | - Kanami Mori-Yasumoto
- Laboratory of Pharmacognosy and Natural Products Chemistry, Kagawa School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokushima Bunri University, Kagawa 769-2193, Japan
| | - Tatsuo Nehira
- Laboratory of Molecular Brain Science, Graduate School of Integrated Arts and Sciences, Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima 739-8521, Japan
| | - Atsuhiko Ishida
- Laboratory of Molecular Brain Science, Graduate School of Integrated Arts and Sciences, Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima 739-8521, Japan
| | - Takeshi Yamazaki
- Laboratory of Molecular Brain Science, Graduate School of Integrated Arts and Sciences, Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima 739-8521, Japan
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6
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Arbo BD, Benetti F, Ribeiro MF. Astrocytes as a target for neuroprotection: Modulation by progesterone and dehydroepiandrosterone. Prog Neurobiol 2016; 144:27-47. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2016.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2015] [Revised: 01/14/2016] [Accepted: 03/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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Happ DF, Tasker RA. A method for objectively quantifying propidium iodide exclusion in organotypic hippocampal slice cultures. J Neurosci Methods 2016; 269:1-5. [PMID: 27179931 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2016.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2016] [Revised: 05/04/2016] [Accepted: 05/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Organotypic hippocampal slice cultures (OHSCs) are an attractive in vitro model to examine mechanisms of neuronal injury, because the normal hippocampal architecture, function and cellular diversity are mostly preserved. The effects of exposure to excitotoxins such as N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) on cell viability can be determined by propidium iodide (PI) staining. NEW METHOD We describe a simple method to objectively quantify cell death in NMDA exposed slice cultures using PI that provides a standardized means of quantifying cell death in hippocampal subfields without the need to induce maximal cell death in each slice. The method employs separation of subfields using simple landmarks and densitometric quantification of PI intensity in 10 template-oriented counting fields. RESULTS We show that exposure to increasing concentrations of NMDA results in a dose-dependent increase in PI uptake. Additionally, our method facilitates the comparison of cell death in different hippocampal subfields, such as dentate gyrus, CA1 and CA3. Our results show marked differences of PI uptake in the hippocampal regions with the CA1 area being most sensitive to NMDA-induced injury. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHOD(S) The method provides a standardized format for quantifying PI exclusion in OHSCs that can be applied to cultures of differing shapes and sizes, permits comparisons between hippocampal subfields and does not require induction of maximal cell death. CONCLUSION The method of quantifying PI uptake described herein allows for an objective, quantitative and reproducible analysis and comparison of cell death in distinct regions of OHSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise F Happ
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, PEI, Canada
| | - R Andrew Tasker
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, PEI, Canada; Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
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Bourque M, Morissette M, Al Sweidi S, Caruso D, Melcangi RC, Di Paolo T. Neuroprotective Effect of Progesterone in MPTP-Treated Male Mice. Neuroendocrinology 2016; 103:300-14. [PMID: 26227546 DOI: 10.1159/000438789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2015] [Accepted: 07/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Numerous studies have reported on the neuroprotective activity of estradiol, whereas the effect of the other ovarian steroid, progesterone, is much less documented. METHODS This study sought to investigate neuroprotection with a low dose of progesterone (1 µg) in 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-treated male mice to model Parkinson's disease and compare it to the effect of this steroid in intact mice (experiment 1). We also investigated if high doses of progesterone could protect dopaminergic neurons already exposed to MPTP (experiment 2). We measured progesterone effects on various dopaminergic markers [dopamine and its metabolites, dopamine transporter (DAT) and vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2)] and on neuroactive steroids in both plasma and the brain. RESULTS For experiment 1, our results showed that progesterone completely prevented the effect of MPTP toxicity on dopamine concentrations, on the increase in the 3-methoxytyramine/dopamine ratio, as well as on VMAT2-specific binding in the striatum and the substantia nigra. Progesterone decreased MPTP effects on 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid concentrations and DAT-specific binding in the lateral part of the anterior striatum and in the middle striatum (medial and lateral parts). Progesterone treatment of intact mice had no effect on the markers investigated. For experiment 2, measures of dopaminergic markers in the striatum showed that 8 mg/kg of progesterone was the most effective dose to reduce MPTP effects, and more limited effects were observed with 16 mg/kg. We found that progesterone treatment increases the levels of brain progesterone itself as well as of its metabolites. CONCLUSION Our result showed that progesterone has neuroprotective effects on dopaminergic neurons in MPTP-treated male mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mélanie Bourque
- Neuroscience Research Unit, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Qux00E9;bec, Centre Hospitalier de l'Universitx00E9; Laval, Quebec City, Que., Canada
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Role of sex steroids and their receptors in human preterm infants: Impacts on future treatment strategies for cerebral development. Biochem Pharmacol 2015; 98:556-63. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2015.08.093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2015] [Accepted: 08/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Gao XY, Huang JO, Hu YF, Gu Y, Zhu SZ, Huang KB, Chen JY, Pan SY. Combination of mild hypothermia with neuroprotectants has greater neuroprotective effects during oxygen-glucose deprivation and reoxygenation-mediated neuronal injury. Sci Rep 2014; 4:7091. [PMID: 25404538 PMCID: PMC4665348 DOI: 10.1038/srep07091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2014] [Accepted: 10/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Co-treatment of neuroprotective reagents may improve the therapeutic efficacy of hypothermia in protecting neurons during ischemic stroke. This study aimed to find promising drugs that enhance the neuroprotective effect of mild hypothermia (MH). 26 candidate drugs were selected based on different targets. Primary cultured cortical neurons were exposed to oxygen-glucose deprivation and reoxygenation (OGD/R) to induce neuronal damage, followed by either single treatment (a drug or MH) or a combination of a drug and MH. Results showed that, compared with single treatment, combination of MH with brain derived neurotrophic factor, glibenclamide, dizocilpine, human urinary kallidinogenase or neuroglobin displayed higher proportion of neuronal cell viability. The latter three drugs also caused less apoptosis rate in combined treatment. Furthermore, co-treatment of those three drugs and MH decreased the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and intracellular calcium accumulation, as well as stabilized mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), indicating the combined neuroprotective effects are probably via inhibiting mitochondrial apoptosis pathway. Taken together, the study suggests that combined treatment with hypothermia and certain neuroprotective reagents provide a better protection against OGD/R-induced neuronal injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Ya Gao
- 1] Department of Neurology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P. R. China [2] Department of Neurology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Jian-Ou Huang
- 1] Department of Neurology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P. R. China [2] Department of Neurology, the 421 Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Ya-Fang Hu
- Department of Neurology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Yong Gu
- Department of Neurology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Shu-Zhen Zhu
- Department of Neurology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Kai-Bin Huang
- Department of Neurology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Jin-Yu Chen
- Department of Neurology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Su-Yue Pan
- Department of Neurology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P. R. China
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Marx CE, Lee J, Subramaniam M, Rapisarda A, Bautista DCT, Chan E, Kilts JD, Buchanan RW, Wai EP, Verma S, Sim K, Hariram J, Jacob R, Keefe RSE, Chong SA. Proof-of-concept randomized controlled trial of pregnenolone in schizophrenia. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2014; 231:3647-62. [PMID: 25030803 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-014-3673-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2014] [Accepted: 06/22/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Preclinical and clinical data suggest that pregnenolone may be a promising therapeutic in schizophrenia. Pregnenolone is neuroprotective and enhances learning and memory, myelination, and microtubule polymerization. Treatment with pregnenolone elevates allopregnanolone (a neurosteroid that enhances GABAA receptor responses) and pregnenolone sulfate (a positive NMDA receptor modulator). Pregnenolone could thus potentially mitigate GABA dysregulation and/or NMDA receptor hypofunction in schizophrenia via metabolism to other neurosteroids. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study is to conduct a randomized controlled trial of adjunctive pregnenolone in schizophrenia. METHODS Following a placebo lead-in, 120 participants were randomized to pregnenolone or placebo for 8 weeks (Institute for Mental Health, Singapore). Primary endpoints were changes in MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB) composite scores (cognitive symptoms), UCSD Performance-based Skills Assessment-Brief (UPSA-B) composite scores (functional capacity), and Scale for Assessment of Negative Symptoms (SANS) total scores (negative symptoms). A modified intent-to-treat analysis approach was utilized. RESULTS No significant changes compared to placebo were demonstrated in composite MCCB scores. In contrast, participants randomized to pregnenolone (n = 56) demonstrated greater improvements in functional capacity (UPSA-B composite changes) compared to placebo (n = 55), p = 0.03. Pregnenolone was also superior to placebo in the communication subscale of the UPSA-B (p < 0.001). Serum pregnenolone changes post-treatment were correlated with UPSA-B composite score changes in females (r s = 0.497, p < 0.042, n = 17) but not in males. Mean total SANS scores were very low at baseline and did not improve further post-treatment. Pregnenolone was well-tolerated. CONCLUSIONS Pregnenolone improved functional capacity in participants with schizophrenia, but did not improve cognitive symptoms over an 8-week treatment period. Neurosteroid changes correlated with functional improvements in female participants. Neurosteroid interventions may exhibit promise as new therapeutic leads for schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine E Marx
- Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA,
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Guo WZ, Miao YL, An LN, Wang XY, Pan NL, Ma YQ, Chen HX, Zhao N, Zhang H, Li YF, Mi WD. Midazolam provides cytoprotective effect during corticosterone-induced damages in rat astrocytes by stimulating steroidogenesis. Neurosci Lett 2013; 547:53-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2013.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2013] [Revised: 04/30/2013] [Accepted: 05/03/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Neuritogenic and neuroprotective effects of polar steroids from the Far East starfishes Patiria pectinifera and Distolasterias nipon. Mar Drugs 2013; 11:1440-55. [PMID: 23644925 PMCID: PMC3707153 DOI: 10.3390/md11051440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2013] [Revised: 04/18/2013] [Accepted: 04/22/2013] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The neuritogenic and neuroprotective activities of six starfish polar steroids, asterosaponin Р1, (25S)-5α-cholestane-3β,4β,6α,7α,8,15α,16β,26-octaol, and (25S)-5α-cholestane-3β,6α,7α,8,15α,16β,26-heptaol (1–3) from the starfish Patiria pectinifera and distolasterosides D1–D3 (4–6) from the starfish Distolasterias nipon were analyzed using the mouse neuroblastoma (NB) C-1300 cell line and an organotypic rat hippocampal slice culture (OHSC). All of these compounds enhanced neurite outgrowth in NB cells. Dose-dependent responses to compounds 1–3 were observed within the concentration range of 10–100 nM, and dose-dependent responses to glycosides 4–6 were observed at concentrations of 1–50 nM. All the tested substances exhibited notable synergistic effects with trace amounts of nerve growth factor (NGF, 1 ng/mL) or brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF, 0.1 ng/mL). Using NB cells and OHSCs, it was shown for the first time that starfish steroids 1–6 act as neuroprotectors against oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) by increasing the number of surviving cells. Altogether, these results suggest that neurotrophin-like neuritogenic and neuroprotective activities are most likely common properties of starfish polyhydroxysteroids and the related glycosides, although the magnitude of the effect depended on the particular compound structure.
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Ishihara Y, Kawami T, Ishida A, Yamazaki T. Allopregnanolone-mediated protective effects of progesterone on tributyltin-induced neuronal injury in rat hippocampal slices. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2013; 135:1-6. [PMID: 23280249 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2012.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2012] [Revised: 12/20/2012] [Accepted: 12/20/2012] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Increasing evidence shows that progesterone, a neuroactive steroid, has protective actions in central nervous system, but there is little evidence to show the protective mechanism of progesterone on neurotoxicity induced by environmental chemicals. In this study, we examined the effects of progesterone on neuronal injury induced by tributyltin (TBT) in rat hippocampal slices. Treatment with progesterone dose-dependently suppressed hippocampal neuronal injury induced by TBT. The neuroprotective action of progesterone was completely canceled with pretreatment by finasteride, a 5α-reductase inhibitor, but it was not affected by mifepristone, a progesterone receptor antagonist, or by SU-10603, a cytochrome P450 17α inhibitor. The content of allopregnanolone in the slices was significantly increased by treatment with progesterone, and this increment was greatly suppressed with a pretreatment of finasteride. Treatment with allopregnanolone attenuated neuronal injury induced by TBT in a dose-dependent manner. The neuroprotective effects not only of progesterone but also of allopregnanolone were canceled by bicuculline, a potent gamma-aminobutyric acid A (GABAA) receptor antagonist. Pretreatment with muscimol, a GABAA receptor agonist, attenuated hippocampal neuronal injury elicited by TBT. Taken together, allopregnanolone converted from progesterone in hippocampal slices could protect neurons from TBT-induced neurotoxicity due to a GABAA receptor-dependent mechanism. One of the physiological roles of neuroactive steroids might be neuroprotection from environmental chemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuhiro Ishihara
- Laboratory of Molecular Brain Science, Graduate School of Integrated Arts and Sciences, Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima 739-8521, Japan
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Qin Z, Luo J, VandeVrede L, Tavassoli E, Fa' M, Teich AF, Arancio O, Thatcher GRJ. Design and synthesis of neuroprotective methylthiazoles and modification as NO-chimeras for neurodegenerative therapy. J Med Chem 2012; 55:6784-801. [PMID: 22779770 DOI: 10.1021/jm300353r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Learning and memory deficits in Alzheimer's disease (AD) result from synaptic failure and neuronal loss, the latter caused in part by excitotoxicity and oxidative stress. A therapeutic approach is described that uses NO-chimeras directed at restoration of both synaptic function and neuroprotection. 4-Methylthiazole (MZ) derivatives were synthesized, based upon a lead neuroprotective pharmacophore acting in part by GABA(A) receptor potentiation. MZ derivatives were assayed for protection of primary neurons against oxygen-glucose deprivation and excitotoxicity. Selected neuroprotective derivatives were incorporated into NO-chimera prodrugs, coined nomethiazoles. To provide proof of concept for the nomethiazole drug class, selected examples were assayed for restoration of synaptic function in hippocampal slices from AD-transgenic mice, reversal of cognitive deficits, and brain bioavailability of the prodrug and its neuroprotective MZ metabolite. Taken together, the assay data suggest that these chimeric nomethiazoles may be of use in treatment of multiple components of neurodegenerative disorders, such as AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihui Qin
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, University of Illinois College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago , 833 S. Wood Street, Chicago, Illinois 60612-7231, United States
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