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Dratva MA, Banks SJ, Panizzon MS, Galasko D, Sundermann EE. Low testosterone levels relate to poorer cognitive function in women in an APOE-ε4-dependant manner. Biol Sex Differ 2024; 15:45. [PMID: 38835072 PMCID: PMC11151480 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-024-00620-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Past research suggests that low testosterone levels relate to poorer cognitive function and higher Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk; however, these findings are inconsistent and are mostly derived from male samples, despite similar age-related testosterone decline in females. Both animal and human studies demonstrate that testosterone's effects on brain health may be moderated by apolipoprotein E ε4 allele (APOE-ε4) carrier status, which may explain some previous inconsistencies. We examined how testosterone relates to cognitive function in older women versus men across healthy aging and the AD continuum and the moderating role of APOE-ε4 genotype. METHODS Five hundred and sixty one participants aged 55-90 (155 cognitively normal (CN), 294 mild cognitive impairment (MCI), 112 AD dementia) from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI), who had baseline cognitive and plasma testosterone data, as measured by the Rules Based Medicine Human DiscoveryMAP Panel were included. There were 213 females and 348 males (self-reported sex assigned at birth), and 52% of the overall sample were APOE-ε4 carriers. We tested the relationship of plasma testosterone levels and its interaction with APOE-ε4 status on clinical diagnostic group (CN vs. MCI vs. AD), global, and domain-specific cognitive performance using ANOVAs and linear regression models in sex-stratified samples. Cognitive domains included verbal memory, executive function, processing speed, and language. RESULTS We did not observe a significant difference in testosterone levels between clinical diagnostic groups in either sex, regrardless of APOE-ε4 status. Across clinical diagnostic group, we found a significant testosterone by APOE-ε4 interaction in females, such that lower testosterone levels related to worse global cognition, processing speed, and verbal memory in APOE-ε4 carriers only. We did not find that testosterone, nor its interaction with APOE-ε4, related to cognitive outcomes in males. CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest that low testosterone levels in older female APOE-ε4 carriers across the aging-MCI-AD continuum may have deleterious, domain-specific effects on cognitive performance. Although future studies including additional sex hormones and longitudinal cognitive trajectories are needed, our results highlight the importance of including both sexes and considering APOE-ε4 carrier status when examining testosterone's role in cognitive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie A Dratva
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
- UCSD ACTRI Building, 2W502-B8, 9452 Medical Center Drive (MC-0841), La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA.
| | - Sarah J Banks
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Matthew S Panizzon
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Center for Behavior Genetics of Aging, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, CA, 92092, USA
| | - Douglas Galasko
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Erin E Sundermann
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
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Caldarelli M, Rio P, Marrone A, Ocarino F, Chiantore M, Candelli M, Gasbarrini A, Gambassi G, Cianci R. Gut-Brain Axis: Focus on Sex Differences in Neuroinflammation. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5377. [PMID: 38791415 PMCID: PMC11120930 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2024] [Revised: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the concept of the "gut-brain axis". In addition to well-studied diseases associated with an imbalance in gut microbiota, such as cancer, chronic inflammation, and cardiovascular diseases, research is now exploring the potential role of gut microbial dysbiosis in the onset and development of brain-related diseases. When the function of the intestinal barrier is altered by dysbiosis, the aberrant immune system response interacts with the nervous system, leading to a state of "neuroinflammation". The gut microbiota-brain axis is mediated by inflammatory and immunological mechanisms, neurotransmitters, and neuroendocrine pathways. This narrative review aims to illustrate the molecular basis of neuroinflammation and elaborate on the concept of the gut-brain axis by virtue of analyzing the various metabolites produced by the gut microbiome and how they might impact the nervous system. Additionally, the current review will highlight how sex influences these molecular mechanisms. In fact, sex hormones impact the brain-gut microbiota axis at different levels, such as the central nervous system, the enteric nervous one, and enteroendocrine cells. A deeper understanding of the gut-brain axis in human health and disease is crucial to guide diagnoses, treatments, and preventive interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Caldarelli
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Catholic University of Rome, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Pierluigi Rio
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Catholic University of Rome, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Marrone
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Catholic University of Rome, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Ocarino
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Catholic University of Rome, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Monica Chiantore
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Catholic University of Rome, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Marcello Candelli
- Department of Emergency, Anesthesiological and Reanimation Sciences, Catholic University of Rome, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Gasbarrini
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Catholic University of Rome, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Gambassi
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Catholic University of Rome, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Rossella Cianci
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Catholic University of Rome, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
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Shaik SM, Cao Y, Gogola JV, Dodiya HB, Zhang X, Boutej H, Han W, Kriz J, Sisodia SS. Translational profiling identifies sex-specific metabolic and epigenetic reprogramming of cortical microglia/macrophages in APPPS1-21 mice with an antibiotic-perturbed-microbiome. Mol Neurodegener 2023; 18:95. [PMID: 38104136 PMCID: PMC10725591 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-023-00668-7] [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: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microglia, the brain-resident macrophages perform immune surveillance and engage with pathological processes resulting in phenotype changes necessary for maintaining homeostasis. In preceding studies, we showed that antibiotic-induced perturbations of the gut microbiome of APPPS1-21 mice resulted in significant attenuation in Aβ amyloidosis and altered microglial phenotypes that are specific to male mice. The molecular events underlying microglial phenotypic transitions remain unclear. Here, by generating 'APPPS1-21-CD11br' reporter mice, we investigated the translational state of microglial/macrophage ribosomes during their phenotypic transition and in a sex-specific manner. METHODS Six groups of mice that included WT-CD11br, antibiotic (ABX) or vehicle-treated APPPS1-21-CD11br males and females were sacrificed at 7-weeks of age (n = 15/group) and used for immunoprecipitation of microglial/macrophage polysomes from cortical homogenates using anti-FLAG antibody. Liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry and label-free quantification was used to identify newly synthesized peptides isolated from polysomes. RESULTS We show that ABX-treatment leads to decreased Aβ levels in male APPPS1-21-CD11br mice with no significant changes in females. We identified microglial/macrophage polypeptides involved in mitochondrial dysfunction and altered calcium signaling that are associated with Aβ-induced oxidative stress. Notably, female mice also showed downregulation of newly-synthesized ribosomal proteins. Furthermore, male mice showed an increase in newly-synthesized polypeptides involved in FcγR-mediated phagocytosis, while females showed an increase in newly-synthesized polypeptides responsible for actin organization associated with microglial activation. Next, we show that ABX-treatment resulted in substantial remodeling of the epigenetic landscape, leading to a metabolic shift that accommodates the increased bioenergetic and biosynthetic demands associated with microglial polarization in a sex-specific manner. While microglia in ABX-treated male mice exhibited a metabolic shift towards a neuroprotective phenotype that promotes Aβ clearance, microglia in ABX-treated female mice exhibited loss of energy homeostasis due to persistent mitochondrial dysfunction and impaired lysosomal clearance that was associated with inflammatory phenotypes. CONCLUSIONS Our studies provide the first snapshot of the translational state of microglial/macrophage cells in a mouse model of Aβ amyloidosis that was subject to ABX treatment. ABX-mediated changes resulted in metabolic reprogramming of microglial phenotypes to modulate immune responses and amyloid clearance in a sex-specific manner. This microglial plasticity to support neuro-energetic homeostasis for its function based on sex paves the path for therapeutic modulation of immunometabolism for neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shabana M Shaik
- Dept. of Neurobiology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Yajun Cao
- Dept. of Neurobiology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Joseph V Gogola
- Dept. of Neurobiology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Hemraj B Dodiya
- Dept. of Neurobiology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Xulun Zhang
- Dept. of Neurobiology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Hejer Boutej
- CERVO Brain Research Centre and Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Laval University, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Weinong Han
- Dept. of Neurobiology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jasna Kriz
- CERVO Brain Research Centre and Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Laval University, Québec, QC, Canada
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Nemes S, Logan PE, Manchella MK, Mundada NS, Joie RL, Polsinelli AJ, Hammers DB, Koeppe RA, Foroud TM, Nudelman KN, Eloyan A, Iaccarino L, Dorsant-Ardón V, Taurone A, Maryanne Thangarajah, Dage JL, Aisen P, Grinberg LT, Jack CR, Kramer J, Kukull WA, Murray ME, Rumbaugh M, Soleimani-Meigooni DN, Toga A, Touroutoglou A, Vemuri P, Atri A, Day GS, Duara R, Graff-Radford NR, Honig LS, Jones DT, Masdeu J, Mendez MF, Musiek E, Onyike CU, Riddle M, Rogalski E, Salloway S, Sha SJ, Turner RS, Wingo TS, Womack KB, Wolk DA, Rabinovici GD, Carrillo MC, Dickerson BC, Apostolova LG. Sex and APOE ε4 carrier effects on atrophy, amyloid PET, and tau PET burden in early-onset Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimers Dement 2023; 19 Suppl 9:S49-S63. [PMID: 37496307 PMCID: PMC10811272 DOI: 10.1002/alz.13403] [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: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We used sex and apolipoprotein E ε4 (APOE ε4) carrier status as predictors of pathologic burden in early-onset Alzheimer's disease (EOAD). METHODS We included baseline data from 77 cognitively normal (CN), 230 EOAD, and 70 EO non-Alzheimer's disease (EOnonAD) participants from the Longitudinal Early-Onset Alzheimer's Disease Study (LEADS). We stratified each diagnostic group by males and females, then further subdivided each sex by APOE ε4 carrier status and compared imaging biomarkers in each stratification. Voxel-wise multiple linear regressions yielded statistical brain maps of gray matter density, amyloid, and tau PET burden. RESULTS EOAD females had greater amyloid and tau PET burdens than males. EOAD female APOE ε4 non-carriers had greater amyloid PET burdens and greater gray matter atrophy than female ε4 carriers. EOnonAD female ε4 non-carriers also had greater gray matter atrophy than female ε4 carriers. DISCUSSION The effects of sex and APOE ε4 must be considered when studying these populations. HIGHLIGHTS Novel analysis examining the effects of biological sex and apolipoprotein E ε4 (APOE ε4) carrier status on neuroimaging biomarkers among early-onset Alzheimer's disease (EOAD), early-onset non-AD (EOnonAD), and cognitively normal (CN) participants. Female sex is associated with greater pathology burden in the EOAD cohort compared to male sex. The effect of APOE ε4 carrier status on pathology burden was the most impactful in females across all cohorts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sára Nemes
- Department of Neurology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46202, USA
| | - Paige E. Logan
- Department of Neurology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46202, USA
| | - Mohit K. Manchella
- Department of Neurology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46202, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Southern Indiana, Evansville, Indiana, 47712, USA
| | - Nidhi S. Mundada
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, California, 94158, USA
| | - Renaud La Joie
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, California, 94158, USA
| | - Angelina J. Polsinelli
- Department of Neurology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46202, USA
- Indiana Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46202 USA
| | - Dustin B. Hammers
- Department of Neurology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46202, USA
| | - Robert A. Koeppe
- Department of Radiology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, USA
| | - Tatiana M. Foroud
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46202, USA
| | - Kelly N. Nudelman
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46202, USA
| | - Ani Eloyan
- Department of Biostatistics, Center for Statistical Sciences, Brown University, Providence, RI, 02912, USA
| | - Leonardo Iaccarino
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, California, 94158, USA
| | - Valérie Dorsant-Ardón
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46202, USA
| | - Alexander Taurone
- Department of Biostatistics, Center for Statistical Sciences, Brown University, Providence, RI, 02912, USA
| | - Maryanne Thangarajah
- Department of Biostatistics, Center for Statistical Sciences, Brown University, Providence, RI, 02912, USA
| | - Jeffery L. Dage
- Department of Neurology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46202, USA
| | - Paul Aisen
- Alzheimer’s Therapeutic Research Institute, University of Southern California, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA
| | - Lea T. Grinberg
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, California, 94158, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
| | - Clifford R. Jack
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, 55905, USA
| | - Joel Kramer
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, California, 94158, USA
| | - Walter A. Kukull
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA, 98195, USA
| | - Melissa E. Murray
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, 32224, USA
| | - Malia Rumbaugh
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46202, USA
| | | | - Arthur Toga
- Laboratory of Neuro Imaging, USC Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute, Keck School of Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, California, 90033, USA
| | - Alexandra Touroutoglou
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, 02114, USA
| | - Prashanthi Vemuri
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, 55905, USA
| | - Alireza Atri
- Banner Sun Health Research Institute, Sun City, Arizona, 85315, USA
| | - Gregory S. Day
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, 32224, USA
| | - Ranjan Duara
- Department of Neurology, Center for Mind/Brain Medicine, Brigham & Women’s Hospital & Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, USA
- Wein Center for Alzheimer’s Disease and Memory Disorders, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami, FL, 33140, USA
| | | | - Lawrence S. Honig
- Taub Institute and Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, 10032, USA
| | - David T. Jones
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, 55905, USA
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 559095, USA
| | - Joseph Masdeu
- Nantz National Alzheimer Center, Houston Methodist and Weill Cornell Medicine, Houston, Texas, 77030, USA
| | - Mario F. Mendez
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, 90095, USA
| | - Erik Musiek
- Department of Neurology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, 63110, USA
| | - Chiadi U. Onyike
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21205, USA
| | - Meghan Riddle
- Department of Neurology, Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, 02906, USA
| | - Emily Rogalski
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer’s Disease, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, 60611, USA
| | - Stephen Salloway
- Department of Neurology, Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, 02906, USA
| | - Sharon J. Sha
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, 94304, USA
| | - Raymond S. Turner
- Department of Neurology, Georgetown Universit, Washington, DC, 20007, USA
| | - Thomas S. Wingo
- Department of Neurology and Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Kyle B. Womack
- Department of Neurology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, 63110, USA
| | - David A. Wolk
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
- Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA,19104, USA
| | - Gil D. Rabinovici
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, California, 94158, USA
| | - Maria C. Carrillo
- Medical & Scientific Relations Division, Alzheimer’s Association, Chicago, Illinois, 60603, USA
| | - Bradford C. Dickerson
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, 02114, USA
| | - Liana G. Apostolova
- Department of Neurology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46202, USA
- Indiana Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46202 USA
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46202, USA
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Behringer EJ. Impact of aging on vascular ion channels: perspectives and knowledge gaps across major organ systems. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2023; 325:H1012-H1038. [PMID: 37624095 PMCID: PMC10908410 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00288.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Individuals aged ≥65 yr will comprise ∼20% of the global population by 2030. Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in the world with age-related endothelial "dysfunction" as a key risk factor. As an organ in and of itself, vascular endothelium courses throughout the mammalian body to coordinate blood flow to all other organs and tissues (e.g., brain, heart, lung, skeletal muscle, gut, kidney, skin) in accord with metabolic demand. In turn, emerging evidence demonstrates that vascular aging and its comorbidities (e.g., neurodegeneration, diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease, heart failure, and cancer) are "channelopathies" in large part. With an emphasis on distinct functional traits and common arrangements across major organs systems, the present literature review encompasses regulation of vascular ion channels that underlie blood flow control throughout the body. The regulation of myoendothelial coupling and local versus conducted signaling are discussed with new perspectives for aging and the development of chronic diseases. Although equipped with an awareness of knowledge gaps in the vascular aging field, a section has been included to encompass general feasibility, role of biological sex, and additional conceptual and experimental considerations (e.g., cell regression and proliferation, gene profile analyses). The ultimate goal is for the reader to see and understand major points of deterioration in vascular function while gaining the ability to think of potential mechanistic and therapeutic strategies to sustain organ perfusion and whole body health with aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik J Behringer
- Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, California, United States
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Hu J, Huang Y, Gao F, Sun W, Liu H, Ma H, Yuan T, Liu Z, Tang L, Ma Y, Zhang X, Bai J, Wang R. Brain-derived estrogen: a critical player in maintaining cognitive health of aged female rats, possibly involving GPR30. Neurobiol Aging 2023; 129:15-27. [PMID: 37257405 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2023.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Brain-derived estrogen is an endogenous neuroprotective agent, whether and how might this protective function with aging, especially postmenopausal drops in circulating estrogen, remain unclear. We herein subjected 6, 14, and 18 Mon female rats to mimic natural aging, and found that estrogen synthesis is more active in the healthy aged brain, as evidenced by the highest levels of mRNA and protein expression of aromatase, the key enzyme of E2 biosynthesis, among the three groups. Aromatase knockout in forebrain neurons (FBN-Aro-/-) impaired hippocampal and cortical neurons, and cognitive function in 18 Mon rats, compared to wild-type controls. Furthermore, estrogen nuclear receptors (ERα/β) displayed opposite changes, with a significant ERα decrease and ERβ increase, while membrane receptor GPR30 expressed stably in hippocampus during aging. Intriguingly, GPR30, but not ERα and ERβ, was decreased by FBN-Aro-/-. The results indicate that GPR30 is more sensitive to brain local E2 synthesis. Our findings provide evidence of a critical role for brain-derived estrogen in maintaining healthy brain function in older individuals, possibly involving GPR30.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiewei Hu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei, China; International Science & Technology Cooperation Base of Geriatric Medicine, Tangshan, Hebei, China.
| | - Yuanyuan Huang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei, China; International Science & Technology Cooperation Base of Geriatric Medicine, Tangshan, Hebei, China.
| | - Fujia Gao
- Neurobiology Institute, Key Laboratory of Dementia and Cognitive Dysfunction, School of Public Health of North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei, China; International Science & Technology Cooperation Base of Geriatric Medicine, Tangshan, Hebei, China.
| | - Wuxiang Sun
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei, China; International Science & Technology Cooperation Base of Geriatric Medicine, Tangshan, Hebei, China.
| | - Huiyu Liu
- Neurobiology Institute, Key Laboratory of Dementia and Cognitive Dysfunction, School of Public Health of North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei, China; International Science & Technology Cooperation Base of Geriatric Medicine, Tangshan, Hebei, China.
| | - Haoran Ma
- Neurobiology Institute, Key Laboratory of Dementia and Cognitive Dysfunction, School of Public Health of North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei, China; International Science & Technology Cooperation Base of Geriatric Medicine, Tangshan, Hebei, China.
| | - Tao Yuan
- Neurobiology Institute, Key Laboratory of Dementia and Cognitive Dysfunction, School of Public Health of North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei, China; International Science & Technology Cooperation Base of Geriatric Medicine, Tangshan, Hebei, China.
| | - Zixuan Liu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei, China; International Science & Technology Cooperation Base of Geriatric Medicine, Tangshan, Hebei, China.
| | - Lei Tang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei, China; International Science & Technology Cooperation Base of Geriatric Medicine, Tangshan, Hebei, China.
| | - Yuxuan Ma
- Neurobiology Institute, Key Laboratory of Dementia and Cognitive Dysfunction, School of Public Health of North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei, China; International Science & Technology Cooperation Base of Geriatric Medicine, Tangshan, Hebei, China.
| | - Xin Zhang
- Neurobiology Institute, Key Laboratory of Dementia and Cognitive Dysfunction, School of Public Health of North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei, China; International Science & Technology Cooperation Base of Geriatric Medicine, Tangshan, Hebei, China.
| | - Jing Bai
- Neurobiology Institute, Key Laboratory of Dementia and Cognitive Dysfunction, School of Public Health of North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei, China; School of Basic Medical Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei, China; International Science & Technology Cooperation Base of Geriatric Medicine, Tangshan, Hebei, China.
| | - Ruimin Wang
- Neurobiology Institute, Key Laboratory of Dementia and Cognitive Dysfunction, School of Public Health of North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei, China; School of Basic Medical Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei, China; International Science & Technology Cooperation Base of Geriatric Medicine, Tangshan, Hebei, China.
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Knight EL, Graham-Engeland JE, Sliwinski MJ, Engeland CG. Greater Ecologically Assessed Positive Experiences Predict Heightened Sex Hormone Concentrations Across Two Weeks in Older Adults. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2023; 78:1007-1017. [PMID: 36715104 PMCID: PMC10214649 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbad015] [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: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Sex hormones are important components of healthy aging, with beneficial effects on physical and mental health. Positive experiences such as elevated mood, lowered stress, and higher well-being also contribute to health outcomes and, in younger adults, may be associated with elevated sex hormone levels. However, little is known about the association between positive experiences and sex hormones in older adults. METHODS In this study, older men and women (N = 224, 70+ years of age) provided blood samples before and after a 2-week period of ecological momentary assessment (EMA) of positive and negative experiences (assessed based on self-reporting items related to affect, stress, and well-being). Concentrations of a panel of steroid sex hormones and glucocorticoids were determined in blood. RESULTS Higher levels of positive experiences reported in daily life across 2 weeks were associated with increases in free (biologically active) levels of testosterone (B = 0.353 [0.106, 0.601], t(221.3) = 2.801, p = .006), estradiol (B = 0.373 [0.097, 0.649], t(225.1) = 2.645, p = .009), and estrone (B = 0.468 [0.208, 0.727], t(224.3) = 3.535, p < .001) between the start and the end of the 2-week EMA period. DISCUSSION These findings suggest that sex hormones may be a pathway linking positive experiences to health in older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik L Knight
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, USA
| | - Jennifer E Graham-Engeland
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Martin J Sliwinski
- Center for Healthy Aging, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
- Human Development and Family Studies, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Christopher G Engeland
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
- Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
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Willson C. Misadventures in Toxicology: Concentration Matters for Testosterone-Induced Neurotoxicity. TOXICS 2023; 11:258. [PMID: 36977023 PMCID: PMC10057866 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11030258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Testosterone is the predominant androgen in men and has important physiological functions. Due to declining testosterone levels from a variety of causes, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is increasingly utilized, while testosterone is also abused for aesthetic and performance-enhancing purposes. It has been increasingly speculated that aside from more well-established side effects, testosterone may cause neurological damage. However, the in vitro data utilized to support such claims is limited due to the high concentrations used, lack of consideration of tissue distribution, and species differences in sensitivity to testosterone. In most cases, the concentrations studied in vitro are unlikely to be reached in the human brain. Observational data in humans concerning the potential for deleterious changes in brain structure and function are limited by their inherent design as well as significant potential confounders. More research is needed as the currently available data are limited; however, what is available provides rather weak evidence to suggest that testosterone use or abuse has neurotoxic potential in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cyril Willson
- EuSci LLC, 1309 S 204th St, #293, Elkhorn, NE 68022, USA
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9
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Cui SS, Jiang QW, Chen SD. Sex difference in biological change and mechanism of Alzheimer’s disease: from macro- to micro-landscape. Ageing Res Rev 2023; 87:101918. [PMID: 36967089 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2023.101918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia and numerous studies reported a higher prevalence and incidence of AD among women. Although women have longer lifetime, longevity does not wholly explain the higher frequency and lifetime risk in women. It is important to understand sex differences in AD pathophysiology and pathogenesis, which could provide foundation for future clinical AD research. Here, we reviewed the most recent and relevant literature on sex differences in biological change of AD from macroscopical neuroimaging to microscopical pathologic change (neuronal degeneration, synaptic dysfunction, amyloid-beta and tau accumulation). We also discussed sex differences in cellular mechanisms related to AD (neuroinflammation, mitochondria dysfunction, oxygen stress, apoptosis, autophagy, blood-brain-barrier dysfunction, gut microbiome alteration, bulk and single cell/nucleus omics) and possible causes underlying these differences including sex-chromosome, sex hormone and hypothalamic-pituitary- adrenal (HPA) axis effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi-Shuang Cui
- Department of Neurology & Institute of Neurology, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China; Department of Geriatrics, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Qian-Wen Jiang
- Department of Neurology & Institute of Neurology, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China; Department of Geriatrics, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Sheng-Di Chen
- Department of Neurology & Institute of Neurology, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China.
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10
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Tecalco-Cruz AC, López-Canovas L, Azuara-Liceaga E. Estrogen signaling via estrogen receptor alpha and its implications for neurodegeneration associated with Alzheimer's disease in aging women. Metab Brain Dis 2023; 38:783-793. [PMID: 36640216 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-023-01161-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) is a transcription factor activated by estrogenic hormones to regulate gene expression in certain organs, including the brain. In the brain, estrogen signaling pathways are central for maintaining cognitive functions. Herein, we review the neuroprotective effects of estrogens mediated by ERα. The estrogen/ERα pathways are affected by the reduction of estrogens in menopause, and this event may be a risk factor for neurodegeneration associated with Alzheimer's disease in women. Thus, developing a better understanding of estrogen/ERα signaling may be critical for defining new biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets for Alzheimer's disease in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angeles C Tecalco-Cruz
- Posgrado en Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Autónoma de la Ciudad de México (UACM), Apdo, Postal 03100, Ciudad de México, Mexico.
| | - Lilia López-Canovas
- Posgrado en Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Autónoma de la Ciudad de México (UACM), Apdo, Postal 03100, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Elisa Azuara-Liceaga
- Posgrado en Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Autónoma de la Ciudad de México (UACM), Apdo, Postal 03100, Ciudad de México, Mexico
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11
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Lee HW, Kim S, Jo Y, Kim Y, Ye BS, Yu YM. Neuroprotective effect of angiotensin II receptor blockers on the risk of incident Alzheimer's disease: A nationwide population-based cohort study. Front Aging Neurosci 2023; 15:1137197. [PMID: 36949774 PMCID: PMC10025478 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2023.1137197] [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: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Recent studies on renin-angiotensin system (RAS) inhibitors have reported a reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Nevertheless, the effect of RAS inhibitor type and blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability on the risk of AD is still unknown. Objectives To assess the effects of RAS inhibitors on the risk of AD based on the type and BBB permeability and investigate the cumulative duration-response relationship. Methods This was a population-based retrospective cohort study using the Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment database records from 2008 to 2019. The data of patients diagnosed with ischemic heart disease between January 2009 and June 2009 were identified for inclusion in the analyses. Propensity score matching was used to balance RAS inhibitor users with non-users. The association between the use of RAS inhibitors and incident AD was evaluated using a multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression model. The results are presented in adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results Among the 57,420 matched individuals, 7,303 developed AD within the follow-up period. While the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) was not significantly associated with AD risk, the use of angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) showed a significant association with reduced risk of incident AD (aHR = 0.94; 95% CI = 0.90-0.99). Furthermore, the use of BBB-crossing ARBs was associated with a lower risk of AD (aHR = 0.83; 95% CI = 0.78-0.88) with a cumulative duration-response relationship. A higher cumulative dose or duration of BBB-crossing ARBs was associated with a gradual decrease in AD risk (P for trend < 0.001). No significant association between the use of ACEIs and the risk of AD was observed regardless of BBB permeability. Conclusion Long-term use of BBB-crossing ARBs significantly reduced the risk of AD development. The finding may provide valuable insight into disease-modifying drug options for preventing AD in patients with cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun Woo Lee
- Department of Pharmaceutical Medicine and Regulatory Sciences, Colleges of Medicine and Pharmacy, Yonsei University, Incheon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Pharmacy and Yonsei Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Yonsei University, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Seungyeon Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Dankook University, Cheonan, Republic of Korea
| | - Youngkwon Jo
- Department of Pharmacy and Yonsei Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Yonsei University, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Youjin Kim
- Department of Pharmacy and Yonsei Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Yonsei University, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Byoung Seok Ye
- Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yun Mi Yu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Medicine and Regulatory Sciences, Colleges of Medicine and Pharmacy, Yonsei University, Incheon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Pharmacy and Yonsei Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Yonsei University, Incheon, Republic of Korea
- *Correspondence: Yun Mi Yu,
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12
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Sun J, Harrington MA, Porter B. Sex Difference in Spinal Muscular Atrophy Patients - are Males More Vulnerable? J Neuromuscul Dis 2023; 10:847-867. [PMID: 37393514 PMCID: PMC10578261 DOI: 10.3233/jnd-230011] [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] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sex is a significant risk factor in many neurodegenerative disorders. A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms behind sex differences could help develop more targeted therapies that would lead to better outcomes. Untreated spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is the leading genetic motor disorder causing infant mortality. SMA has a broad spectrum of severity ranging from prenatal death to infant mortality to normal lifespan with some disability. Scattered evidence points to a sex-specific vulnerability in SMA. However, the role of sex as a risk factor in SMA pathology and treatment has received limited attention. OBJECTIVE Systematically investigate sex differences in the incidence, symptom severity, motor function of patients with different types of SMA, and in the development of SMA1 patients. METHODS Aggregated data of SMA patients were obtained from the TREAT-NMD Global SMA Registry and the Cure SMA membership database by data enquiries. Data were analyzed and compared with publicly available standard data and data from published literature. RESULTS The analysis of the aggregated results from the TREAT-NMD dataset revealed that the male/female ratio was correlated to the incidence and prevalence of SMA from different countries; and for SMA patients, more of their male family members were affected by SMA. However, there was no significant difference of sex ratio in the Cure SMA membership dataset. As quantified by the clinician severity scores, symptoms were more severe in males than females in SMA types 2 and 3b. Motor function scores measured higher in females than males in SMA types 1, 3a and 3b. The head circumference was more strongly affected in male SMA type 1 patients. CONCLUSIONS The data in certain registry datasets suggest that males may be more vulnerable to SMA than females. The variability observed indicates that more investigation is necessary to fully understand the role of sex differences in SMA epidemiology, and to guide development of more targeted treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianli Sun
- Delaware Center for Neuroscience Research, Delaware State University, Dover, DE, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Delaware State University, Dover, DE, USA
| | - Melissa A. Harrington
- Delaware Center for Neuroscience Research, Delaware State University, Dover, DE, USA
| | - Ben Porter
- TREAT-NMD Services Limited, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - on behalf of the TREAT-NMD Global Registry Network for SMA
- Delaware Center for Neuroscience Research, Delaware State University, Dover, DE, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Delaware State University, Dover, DE, USA
- TREAT-NMD Services Limited, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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13
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Gamal Ramadan A, Ahmed Mohamed MM, Ahmed Rifaai R, Mohamed Ali D. Role of glandular hormones in estimating time passed since death: histological and biochemical examination (an experimental study). AUST J FORENSIC SCI 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/00450618.2022.2149856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Aya Gamal Ramadan
- Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Minia University-faculty of medicine-Egypt, Minya, Egypt
| | | | - Rehab Ahmed Rifaai
- Histology and Cell Biology, Minia University-faculty of medicine-Egypt, Minya, Egypt
| | - Dalia Mohamed Ali
- Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Minia University-faculty of medicine-Egypt, Minya, Egypt
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14
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Abstract
As men grow older, circulating testosterone concentrations decline, while prevalence of cognitive impairment and dementia increase. Epidemiological studies of middle-aged and older men have demonstrated associations of lower testosterone concentrations with higher prevalence and incidence of cognitive decline and dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. In observational studies, men with prostate cancer treated by androgen deprivation therapy had a higher risk of dementia. Small intervention studies of testosterone using different measures of cognitive function have provided inconsistent results, with some suggesting improvement. A randomised placebo-controlled trial of one year's testosterone treatment conducted in 788 men aged ≥ 65 years, baseline testosterone < 9.54 nmol/L, showed an improvement in sexual function, but no improvement in cognitive function. There is a known association between diabetes and dementia risk. A randomised placebo-controlled trial of two year's testosterone treatment in 1,007 men aged 50-74 years, waist circumference ≥ 95 cm, baseline testosterone ≤ 14 nmol/L, showed an effect of testosterone in reducing type 2 diabetes risk. There were no cognitive endpoints in that trial. Additional research is warranted but at this stage lower testosterone concentrations in ageing men should be regarded as a biomarker rather than a proven therapeutic target for risk reduction of cognitive decline and dementia, including Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bu B Yeap
- Medical School, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia.
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Perth, Australia.
| | - Leon Flicker
- Medical School, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
- Western Australian Centre for Health and Ageing, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Royal Perth Hospital, Perth, Australia
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15
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Fernandez N, Petit A, Pianos A, Haddad L, Schumacher M, Liere P, Guennoun R. Aging Is Associated With Lower Neuroactive Steroids and Worsened Outcomes Following Cerebral Ischemia in Male Mice. Endocrinology 2022; 164:6779564. [PMID: 36306407 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqac183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Ischemic stroke is a leading cause of disability and death, and aging is the main nonmodifiable risk factor. Following ischemia, neuroactive steroids have been shown to play a key role in cerebroprotection. Thus, brain steroid concentrations at the time of injury as well as their regulation after stroke are key factors to consider. Here, we investigated the effects of age and cerebral ischemia on steroid levels, behavioral outcomes, and neuronal degeneration in 3- and 18-month-old C57BL/6JRj male mice. Ischemia was induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion for 1 hour followed by reperfusion (MCAO/R) and analyses were performed at 6 hours after MCAO. Extended steroid profiles established by gas chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry revealed that (1) brain and plasma concentrations of the main 5α-reduced metabolites of progesterone, 11-deoxycorticosterone, and corticosterone were lower in old than in young mice; (2) after MCAO/R, brain concentrations of progesterone, 5α-dihydroprogesterone, and corticosterone increased in young mice; and (3) after MCAO/R, brain concentrations of 5α-reduced metabolites of progesterone, 3α5α-tetrahydrodeoxycorticosterone, and 3β5α-tetrahydrodeoxycorticosterone were lower in old than in young mice. After ischemia, old mice showed increased sensori-motor deficits and more degenerating neurons in the striatum than young mice. Altogether, these findings strongly suggest that the decreased capacity of old mice to metabolize steroids toward the 5α-reduction pathway comparatively to young mice may contribute to the worsening of their stroke outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neïké Fernandez
- U1195 Inserm and University Paris-Saclay, 94276 Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Anthony Petit
- U1195 Inserm and University Paris-Saclay, 94276 Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Antoine Pianos
- U1195 Inserm and University Paris-Saclay, 94276 Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Léna Haddad
- U1195 Inserm and University Paris-Saclay, 94276 Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Michael Schumacher
- U1195 Inserm and University Paris-Saclay, 94276 Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Philippe Liere
- U1195 Inserm and University Paris-Saclay, 94276 Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Rachida Guennoun
- U1195 Inserm and University Paris-Saclay, 94276 Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
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16
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Intestinal Flora Affect Alzheimer's Disease by Regulating Endogenous Hormones. Neurochem Res 2022; 47:3565-3582. [DOI: 10.1007/s11064-022-03784-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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17
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Sehar U, Rawat P, Reddy AP, Kopel J, Reddy PH. Amyloid Beta in Aging and Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:12924. [PMID: 36361714 PMCID: PMC9655207 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232112924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD), is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects behavior, thinking, learning, and memory in elderly individuals. AD occurs in two forms, early onset familial and late-onset sporadic; genetic mutations in PS1, PS2, and APP genes cause early onset familial AD, and a combination of lifestyle, environment and genetic factors causes the late-onset sporadic form of the disease. However, accelerated disease progression is noticed in patients with familial AD. Disease-causing pathological changes are synaptic damage, and mitochondrial structural and functional changes, in addition to increased production and accumulation of phosphorylated tau (p-tau), and amyloid beta (Aβ) in the affected brain regions in AD patients. Aβ is a peptide derived from amyloid precursor protein (APP) by proteolytic cleavage of beta and gamma secretases. APP is a glycoprotein that plays a significant role in maintaining neuronal homeostasis like signaling, neuronal development, and intracellular transport. Aβ is reported to have both protective and toxic effects in neurons. The purpose of our article is to summarize recent developments of Aβ and its association with synapses, mitochondria, microglia, astrocytes, and its interaction with p-tau. Our article also covers the therapeutic strategies that reduce Aβ toxicities in disease progression and discusses the reasons for the failures of Aβ therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ujala Sehar
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
| | - Priyanka Rawat
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
| | - Arubala P. Reddy
- Nutritional Sciences Department, College of Human Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA
| | - Jonathan Kopel
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
| | - P. Hemachandra Reddy
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
- Nutritional Sciences Department, College of Human Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA
- Neurology, Departments of School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
- Public Health Department of Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
- Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, School Health Professions, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
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18
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Espeland MA, Howard M, Bennett W, Robusto BA, Yasar S, Hugenschmidt CE, Luchsinger JA, Bahnson J, Yassine H, Johnson KC, Cook D, Hayden KM. Associations between cognitive function and endogenous levels of estradiol and testosterone in adults with type 2 diabetes. J Diabetes Complications 2022; 36:108268. [PMID: 35926332 PMCID: PMC10162709 DOI: 10.1016/j.jdiacomp.2022.108268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To assess associations that endogenous estradiol and testosterone levels have with cognitive function in older adults with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). METHODS We use data from the Look AHEAD clinical trial of behavioral weight loss. Endogenous estradiol and total testosterone levels were determined using stored serum from 996 individuals, mean age 69 years, at two times (averaging 4 years apart) during years 8-18 of follow-up. One to four standardized assessments of attention, executive function, memory, and verbal fluency were collected during this follow-up. Mixed effects models and multiple imputation were used to assess associations that estradiol and total testosterone levels had with body mass index and cognitive function. RESULTS Estradiol levels were not associated with cognitive function in either sex. Total testosterone levels were not associated with cognitive function in women, but greater total testosterone levels were associated with better verbal fluency in men (p < 0.001), most strongly among those carrying the APOE-e4 allele (interaction p = 0.02). The weight loss intervention left a legacy of relatively lower cognitive functioning among women, which was not mediated by current levels of sex hormones. CONCLUSIONS Behavioral weight loss intervention does not affect cognitive functioning through mechanisms related to estradiol or testosterone. CLINICALTRIALS gov Identifier: NCT00017953.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark A Espeland
- Sticht Center for Healthy Aging and Alzheimer's Prevention, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA; Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA; Department of Social Sciences and Health Policy, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.
| | - Marjorie Howard
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.
| | - Wendy Bennett
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Brian A Robusto
- Sticht Center for Healthy Aging and Alzheimer's Prevention, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.
| | - Sevil Yasar
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Christina E Hugenschmidt
- Sticht Center for Healthy Aging and Alzheimer's Prevention, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.
| | - Jose A Luchsinger
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Judy Bahnson
- Sticht Center for Healthy Aging and Alzheimer's Prevention, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.
| | - Hussein Yassine
- Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Karen C Johnson
- Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA.
| | - Delilah Cook
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Kathleen M Hayden
- Department of Social Sciences and Health Policy, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.
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19
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Sato K, Takayama KI, Hashimoto M, Inoue S. Transcriptional and Post-Transcriptional Regulations of Amyloid-β Precursor Protein (APP ) mRNA. FRONTIERS IN AGING 2022; 2:721579. [PMID: 35822056 PMCID: PMC9261399 DOI: 10.3389/fragi.2021.721579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is an age-associated neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive impairment of memory, thinking, behavior, and dementia. Based on ample evidence showing neurotoxicity of amyloid-β (Aβ) aggregates in AD, proteolytically derived from amyloid precursor protein (APP), it has been assumed that misfolding of Aβ plays a crucial role in the AD pathogenesis. Additionally, extra copies of the APP gene caused by chromosomal duplication in patients with Down syndrome can promote AD pathogenesis, indicating the pathological involvement of the APP gene dose in AD. Furthermore, increased APP expression due to locus duplication and promoter mutation of APP has been found in familial AD. Given this background, we aimed to summarize the mechanism underlying the upregulation of APP expression levels from a cutting-edge perspective. We first reviewed the literature relevant to this issue, specifically focusing on the transcriptional regulation of APP by transcription factors that bind to the promoter/enhancer regions. APP expression is also regulated by growth factors, cytokines, and hormone, such as androgen. We further evaluated the possible involvement of post-transcriptional regulators of APP in AD pathogenesis, such as RNA splicing factors. Indeed, alternative splicing isoforms of APP are proposed to be involved in the increased production of Aβ. Moreover, non-coding RNAs, including microRNAs, post-transcriptionally regulate the APP expression. Collectively, elucidation of the novel mechanisms underlying the upregulation of APP would lead to the development of clinical diagnosis and treatment of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaoru Sato
- Department of Systems Aging Science and Medicine, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ken-Ichi Takayama
- Department of Systems Aging Science and Medicine, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Makoto Hashimoto
- Department of Basic Technology, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Satoshi Inoue
- Department of Systems Aging Science and Medicine, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology, Tokyo, Japan
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20
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Yao M, Rosario ER, Soper JC, Pike CJ. Androgens Regulate Tau Phosphorylation Through Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase-Protein Kinase B-Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3β Signaling. Neuroscience 2022:S0306-4522(22)00335-9. [PMID: 35777535 PMCID: PMC9797620 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2022.06.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Age-related testosterone depletion in men is a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD). How testosterone modulates AD risk remains to be fully elucidated, although regulation of tau phosphorylation has been suggested as a contributing protective action. To investigate the relationship between testosterone and tau phosphorylation, we first evaluated the effect of androgen status on tau phosphorylation in 3xTg-AD mice. Depletion of endogenous androgens via gonadectomy resulted in increased tau phosphorylation that was prevented by acute testosterone treatment. Parallel alterations in the phosphorylation of both glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β) and protein kinase B (Akt) suggest possible components of the underlying signaling pathway. To further explore mechanism, primary cultured neurons were treated with a physiological concentration of testosterone or its active metabolite dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Results showed that testosterone and DHT induced significant decreases in phosphorylated tau and significant increases in phosphorylation of Akt and GSK3β. Pharmacological inhibition of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) effectively inhibited androgen-induced increases in Akt and GSK3β phosphorylation, and decreases in tau phosphorylation. In addition, androgen receptor (AR) knock-down by small interfering RNA prevented androgen-induced changes in the phosphorylation of Akt, GSK3β and tau, suggesting an AR-dependent mechanism. Additional experiments demonstrated androgen-induced changes in Akt, GSK3β and tau phosphorylation in AR-expressing PC12 cells but not in AR-negative PC12 cells. Together, these results suggest an AR-dependent pathway involving PI3K-Akt-GSK3β signaling through which androgens can reduce tau phosphorylation. These findings identify an additional protective mechanism of androgens that can improve neural health and inhibit development of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingzhong Yao
- Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Emily R Rosario
- Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Jenna Carroll Soper
- Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Christian J Pike
- Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA.
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21
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Кузнецов КО, Хайдарова РР, Хабибуллина РХ, Стыценко ЕС, Философова ВИ, Нуриахметова ИР, Хисамеева ЭМ, Важоров ГС, Хайбуллин ФР, Иванова ЕА, Горбатова КВ. [Testosterone and Alzheimer's disease]. PROBLEMY ENDOKRINOLOGII 2022; 68:97-107. [PMID: 36337024 PMCID: PMC9762454 DOI: 10.14341/probl13136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease that causes dementia in half of the cases. Asthma is usually found in people over 65 years of age. The etiopathogenesis of the disease is multifactorial and includes genetic factors, nutritional disorders, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and aging. Sex hormones have an important influence on the development of AD, as evidenced by a higher incidence in women than in men. Considering the significant influence of T on the maintenance of normal brain function, the present study is aimed at evaluating the impact of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), as well as testosterone therapy, on the risk of AD development and progression. Although there is some clinical inconsistency between studies, androgens have a significant effect on brain function and are beneficial for AD patients. Low levels of circulating androgens should be considered as a significant risk factor for the development of AD and memory loss. With a reduced level of T in the plasma of men, its administration improves cognitive performance and memory, treatment should be started at an early stage of the disease. In men and women with AD, androgens improve mental state and slow the progression of the disease, providing a protective effect. In the future, it is necessary to conduct studies on a large population, taking into account personality factors and a more specific approach to assessing cognitive functions and the causal relationship of T administration in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- К. О. Кузнецов
- Российский национальный исследовательский медицинский университет им. Н.И. Пирогова
| | | | - Р. Х. Хабибуллина
- Первый Санкт-Петербургский государственный медицинский университет им. акад. И.П. Павлова
| | - Е. С. Стыценко
- Санкт-Петербургский государственный педиатрический медицинский университет
| | - В. И. Философова
- Первый Санкт-Петербургский государственный медицинский университет им. акад. И.П. Павлова
| | | | | | - Г. С. Важоров
- Чувашский государственный университет им. И.Н. Ульянова
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22
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Wrigglesworth J, Harding IH, Ward P, Woods RL, Storey E, Fitzgibbon B, Egan G, Murray A, Shah RC, Trevaks RE, Ward S, McNeil JJ, Ryan J. Factors Influencing Change in Brain-Predicted Age Difference in a Cohort of Healthy Older Individuals. J Alzheimers Dis Rep 2022; 6:163-176. [PMID: 35591948 PMCID: PMC9108625 DOI: 10.3233/adr-220011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: There is considerable variability in the rate at which we age biologically, and the brain is particularly susceptible to the effects of aging. Objective: We examined the test-retest reliability of brain age at one- and three-year intervals and identified characteristics that predict the longitudinal change in brain-predicted age difference (brain-PAD, defined by deviations of brain age from chronological age). Methods: T1-weighted magnetic resonance images were acquired at three timepoints from 497 community-dwelling adults (73.8±3.5 years at baseline, 48% were female). Brain age was estimated from whole brain volume, using a publicly available algorithm trained on an independent dataset. Linear mixed models were used, adjusting for sex, age, and age2. Results: Excellent retest reliability of brain age was observed over one and three years. We identified a significant sex difference in brain-PAD, where a faster rate of brain aging (worsening in brain age relative to chronological age) was observed in men, and this finding replicated in secondary analyses. The effect size, however, was relatively weak, equivalent to 0.16 years difference per year. A higher score in physical health related quality of life and verbal fluency were associated with a faster rate of brain aging, while depression was linked to a slower rate of brain aging, but these findings were not robust. Conclusion: Our study provides consistent evidence that older men have slightly faster brain atrophy than women. Given the sparsity of longitudinal research on brain age in older populations, future prospective studies are needed to confirm our findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jo Wrigglesworth
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Ian H. Harding
- Monash Biomedical Imaging, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Phillip Ward
- Monash Biomedical Imaging, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Integrative Brain Function, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Robyn L. Woods
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Elsdon Storey
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Bernadette Fitzgibbon
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Gary Egan
- Monash Biomedical Imaging, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Integrative Brain Function, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Anne Murray
- Berman Center for Outcomes & Clinical Research, Hennepin Healthcare Research Institute, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Geriatrics, Hennepin Healthcare, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Raj C. Shah
- Department of Family Medicine and the Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ruth E. Trevaks
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Stephanie Ward
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA), University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, NSW, Australia
| | - John J. McNeil
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Joanne Ryan
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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23
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Arbo BD, Schimith LE, Goulart dos Santos M, Hort MA. Repositioning and development of new treatments for neurodegenerative diseases: Focus on neuroinflammation. Eur J Pharmacol 2022; 919:174800. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2022.174800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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24
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Luo W, Wen H, Ge S, Tang C, Liu X, Lu L. Development of a Sex-Specific Risk Scoring System for the Prediction of Cognitively Normal People to Patients With Mild Cognitive Impairment (SRSS-CNMCI). Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 13:774804. [PMID: 35145390 PMCID: PMC8823413 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2021.774804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We aimed to develop a sex-specific risk scoring system, abbreviated as SRSS-CNMCI, for the prediction of the conversion of cognitively normal (CN) people into patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) to provide a reliable tool for the prevention of MCI. METHODS CN at baseline participants 61-90 years of age were selected from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) database with at least one follow-up. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were used to identify the major risk factors associated with the conversion from CN to MCI and to develop the SRSS-CNMCI. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to determine risk cutoff points corresponding to an optimal prediction. The results were externally validated, including evaluation of the discrimination and calibration in the Harvard Aging Brain Study (HABS) database. RESULTS A total of 471 participants, including 240 female (51%) and 231 male participants (49%) aged from 61 to 90 years, were included in the study cohort. The final multivariable models and the SRSS-CNMCI included age, APOE e4, mini mental state examination (MMSE) and clinical dementia rating (CDR). The C-statistics of the SRSS-CNMCI were 0.902 in the female subgroup and 0.911 in the male subgroup. The cutoff point of high and low risks was 33% in the female subgroup, indicating that more than 33% female participants were considered to have a high risk, and more than 9% participants were considered to have a high risk in the male subgroup. The SRSS-CNMCI performed well in the external cohort: the C-statistics were 0.950 in the female subgroup and 0.965 in the male subgroup. CONCLUSION The SRSS-CNMCI performs well in various cohorts and provides an accurate prediction and a generalization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Luo
- School of Medical Information Engineering, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- Evidence-Based Medicine and Data Science Centre, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hao Wen
- Department of Neurology, The Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuqi Ge
- Evidence-Based Medicine and Data Science Centre, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- South China Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Medical College of Acu-Moxi and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chunzhi Tang
- Evidence-Based Medicine and Data Science Centre, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- South China Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Medical College of Acu-Moxi and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiufeng Liu
- School of Medical Information Engineering, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liming Lu
- Evidence-Based Medicine and Data Science Centre, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- South China Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Medical College of Acu-Moxi and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
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25
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Ren P, Xiao B, Wang LP, Li YS, Jin H, Jin QH. Nitric oxide impairs spatial learning and memory in a rat model of Alzheimer's disease via disturbance of glutamate response in the hippocampal dentate gyrus during spatial learning. Behav Brain Res 2022; 422:113750. [PMID: 35033612 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2022.113750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Nitric oxide (NO)-dependent pathways may play a significant role in the decline of synaptic and cognitive functions in Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, whether NO in the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG) is involved in the spatial learning and memory impairments of AD by affecting the glutamate (Glu) response during these processes is not well-understood. Here, we prepared an AD rat model by long-term i.p. of D-galactose into ovariectomized rats, and then the effects of L-NMMA (a NO synthase inhibitor) on Glu concentration and amplitude of field excitatory postsynaptic potential (fEPSP) were measured in the DG region during the Morris water maze (MWM) test in freely-moving rats. During the MWM test, compared with the sham group, the escape latency was increased in the place navigation trial, and the percentage of time spent in target quadrant and the number of platform crossings were decreased in the spatial probe trial, in addition, the increase of fEPSP amplitude in the DG was significantly attenuated in AD group rats. L-NMMA significantly attenuated the spatial learning and memory impairment in AD rats, and reversed the inhibitory effect of AD on increase of fEPSP amplitude in the DG during the MWM test. In sham group rats, the Glu level in the DG increased significantly during the MWM test, and this response was markedly enhanced in AD rats. Furthermore, the response of Glu in the DG during spatial learning was recovered by microinjection of L-NMMA into the DG. Our results suggest that NO in the DG impairs spatial learning and memory and related synaptic plasticity in AD rats, by disturbing the Glu response during spatial learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Ren
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, College of Medicine, Yanbian University, Yanji, China
| | - Bin Xiao
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, College of Medicine, Yanbian University, Yanji, China
| | - Lin-Ping Wang
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, College of Medicine, Yanbian University, Yanji, China
| | - Ying-Shun Li
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, College of Medicine, Yanbian University, Yanji, China
| | - Hua Jin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yanbian University Hospital, Yanji, China.
| | - Qing-Hua Jin
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, College of Medicine, Yanbian University, Yanji, China
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26
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Bianchi VE. Impact of Testosterone on Alzheimer's Disease. World J Mens Health 2022; 40:243-256. [PMID: 35021306 PMCID: PMC8987133 DOI: 10.5534/wjmh.210175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease responsible for almost half of all dementia cases in the world and progressively increasing. The etiopathology includes heritability, genetic factors, aging, nutrition, but sex hormones play a relevant role. Animal models demonstrated that testosterone (T) exerted a neuroprotective effect reducing the production of amyloid-beta (Aβ), improving synaptic signaling, and counteracting neuronal death. This study aims to evaluate the impact of T deprivation and T administration in humans on the onset of dementia and AD. A search was conducted on MEDLINE and Scopus for the “androgen deprivation therapy” and “testosterone therapy” with “dementia” and “Alzheimer’s.” Studies lasting twenty years with low risk of bias, randomized clinical trial, and case-controlled studies were considered. Twelve articles on the effect of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) and AD and seventeen on T therapy and AD were retrieved. Men with prostate cancer under ADT showed a higher incidence of dementia and AD. The effect of T administration in hypogonadal men with AD and cognitive impairment has evidenced some positive results. The majority of studies showed the T administration improved memory and cognition in AD while others did not find any benefit. Although some biases in the studies are evident, T therapy for AD patients may represent an essential clinical therapy to reduce dementia incidence and AD progression. However, more specific case-controlled trials on the effect of androgens therapy in men and women to reducing the onset of AD are necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vittorio Emanuele Bianchi
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Clinical Research Center Stella Maris, Falciano, San Marino, Italy.
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27
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Human-Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Based Models for Studying Sex-Specific Differences in Neurodegenerative Diseases. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1387:57-88. [PMID: 34921676 DOI: 10.1007/5584_2021_683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases is steadily increasing worldwide, and epidemiological studies strongly suggest that many of the diseases are sex-biased. It has long been suggested that biological sex differences are crucial for neurodegenerative diseases; however, how biological sex affects disease initiation, progression, and severity is not well-understood. Sex is a critical biological variable that should be taken into account in basic research, and this review aims to highlight the utility of human-induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC)-derived models for studying sex-specific differences in neurodegenerative diseases, with advantages and limitations. In vitro systems utilizing species-specific, renewable, and physiologically relevant cell sources can provide powerful platforms for mechanistic studies, toxicity testings, and drug discovery. Matched healthy, patient-derived, and gene-corrected human iPSCs, from both sexes, can be utilized to generate neuronal and glial cell types affected by specific neurodegenerative diseases to study sex-specific differences in two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) human culture systems. Such relatively simple and well-controlled systems can significantly contribute to the elucidation of molecular mechanisms underlying sex-specific differences, which can yield effective, and potentially sex-based strategies, against neurodegenerative diseases.
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28
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Marko KI, Simon JA. Androgen therapy for women after menopause. Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab 2021; 35:101592. [PMID: 34674962 DOI: 10.1016/j.beem.2021.101592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Androgens are essential hormones in women. Yet, androgen therapy is understudied and underutilized despite showing improvement in postmenopausal hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) and the genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM). Additionally, regulatory concerns have left a significant gap in commercially available testosterone preparations, formulated specifically for women, in most countries. This has led to off-label use of male formulations and compounded therapies which are under-regulated. Beyond HSDD and GSM, testosterone likely influences the brain, breast, cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems. These effects are not well studied, and therefore it is difficult to counsel patients on testosterone therapy when used for these endpoints. Ultimately, further study is needed to elucidate these effects, create a fuller picture of the risks and benefits, and encourage product development specifically designed for women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn I Marko
- The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, USA.
| | - James A Simon
- The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, USA.
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29
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Azcoitia I, Mendez P, Garcia-Segura LM. Aromatase in the Human Brain. ANDROGENS: CLINICAL RESEARCH AND THERAPEUTICS 2021; 2:189-202. [PMID: 35024691 PMCID: PMC8744447 DOI: 10.1089/andro.2021.0007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The aromatase cytochrome P450 (P450arom) enzyme, or estrogen synthase, which is coded by the CYP19A1 gene, is widely expressed in a subpopulation of excitatory and inhibitory neurons, astrocytes, and other cell types in the human brain. Experimental studies in laboratory animals indicate a prominent role of brain aromatization of androgens to estrogens in regulating different brain functions. However, the consequences of aromatase expression in the human brain remain poorly understood. Here, we summarize the current knowledge about aromatase expression in the human brain, abundant in the thalamus, amygdala, hypothalamus, cortex, and hippocampus and discuss its role in the regulation of sensory integration, body homeostasis, social behavior, cognition, language, and integrative functions. Since brain aromatase is affected by neurodegenerative conditions and may participate in sex-specific manifestations of autism spectrum disorders, major depressive disorder, multiple sclerosis, stroke, and Alzheimer's disease, we discuss future avenues for research and potential clinical and therapeutic implications of the expression of aromatase in the human brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iñigo Azcoitia
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biology, Universidad Complutense de Madrid and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pablo Mendez
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis M. Garcia-Segura
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biology, Universidad Complutense de Madrid and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
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30
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Blankers SA, Galea LA. Androgens and Adult Neurogenesis in the Hippocampus. ANDROGENS: CLINICAL RESEARCH AND THERAPEUTICS 2021; 2:203-215. [PMID: 35024692 PMCID: PMC8744005 DOI: 10.1089/andro.2021.0016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Adult neurogenesis in the hippocampus is modulated by steroid hormones, including androgens, in male rodents. In this review, we summarize research showing that chronic exposure to androgens, such as testosterone and dihydrotestosterone, enhances the survival of new neurons in the dentate gyrus of male, but not female, rodents, via the androgen receptor. However, the neurogenesis promoting the effect of androgens in the dentate gyrus may be limited to younger adulthood as it is not evident in middle-aged male rodents. Although direct exposure to androgens in adult or middle age does not significantly influence neurogenesis in female rodents, the aromatase inhibitor letrozole enhances neurogenesis in the hippocampus of middle-aged female mice. Unlike other androgens, androgenic anabolic steroids reduce neurogenesis in the hippocampus of male rodents. Collectively, the research indicates that the ability of androgens to enhance hippocampal neurogenesis in adult rodents is dependent on dose, androgen type, sex, duration, and age. We discuss these findings and how androgens may be influencing neuroprotection, via neurogenesis in the hippocampus, in the context of health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha A. Blankers
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Liisa A.M. Galea
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- Department of Psychology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
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31
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Navakkode S, Gaunt JR, Pavon MV, Bansal VA, Abraham RP, Chong YS, Ch'ng TH, Sajikumar S. Sex-specific accelerated decay in time/activity-dependent plasticity and associative memory in an animal model of Alzheimer's disease. Aging Cell 2021; 20:e13502. [PMID: 34796608 PMCID: PMC8672784 DOI: 10.1111/acel.13502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinical studies have shown that female brains are more predisposed to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), but the cellular and molecular mechanisms behind this disparity remain unknown. In several mouse models of AD, synaptic plasticity dysfunction is an early event and appears before significant accumulation of amyloid plaques and neuronal degeneration. However, it is unclear whether sexual dimorphism at the synaptic level contributes to the higher risk and prevalence of AD in females. Our studies on APP/PS1 (APPSwe/PS1dE9) mouse model show that AD impacts hippocampal long‐term plasticity in a sex‐specific manner. Long‐term potentiation (LTP) induced by strong tetanic stimulation (STET), theta burst stimulation (TBS) and population spike timing‐dependent plasticity (pSTDP) show a faster decay in AD females compared with age‐matched AD males. In addition, behavioural tagging (BT), a model of associative memory, is specifically impaired in AD females with a faster decay in memory compared with males. Together with the plasticity and behavioural data, we also observed an upregulation of neuroinflammatory markers, along with downregulation of transcripts that regulate cellular processes associated with synaptic plasticity and memory in females. Immunohistochemistry of AD brains confirms that female APP/PS1 mice carry a higher amyloid plaque burden and have enhanced microglial activation compared with male APP/PS1 mice. Their presence in the diseased mice also suggests a link between the impairment of LTP and the upregulation of the inflammatory response. Overall, our data show that synaptic plasticity and associative memory impairments are more prominent in females and this might account for the faster progression of AD in females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheeja Navakkode
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine Nanyang Technological University Singapore Singapore
- Department of Physiology National University of Singapore Singapore Singapore
| | - Jessica Ruth Gaunt
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine Nanyang Technological University Singapore Singapore
| | - Maria Vazquez Pavon
- Department of Physiology National University of Singapore Singapore Singapore
| | | | - Riya Prasad Abraham
- Department of Physiology National University of Singapore Singapore Singapore
| | - Yee Song Chong
- Department of Physiology National University of Singapore Singapore Singapore
| | - Toh Hean Ch'ng
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine Nanyang Technological University Singapore Singapore
- School of Biological Science Nanyang Technological University Singapore Singapore
| | - Sreedharan Sajikumar
- Department of Physiology National University of Singapore Singapore Singapore
- Healthy Longevity Translational Research Programme Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine National University of Singapore Singapore Singapore
- Life Sciences Institute Neurobiology Programme National University of Singapore Singapore Singapore
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32
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Udeh-Momoh C, Watermeyer T. Female specific risk factors for the development of Alzheimer's disease neuropathology and cognitive impairment: Call for a precision medicine approach. Ageing Res Rev 2021; 71:101459. [PMID: 34508876 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2021.101459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) includes a long asymptomatic stage, which precedes the formal diagnosis of dementia. AD biomarker models provide a framework for precision medicine approaches during this stage. However, such approaches have ignored the possible influence of sex on cognition and brain health, despite female sex noted as a major risk factor. Since AD-related changes may emerge in midlife, intervention efforts are being redirected around this period. Midlife coincides with several endocrinological changes, such as the menopausal transition experienced by women. In this narrative review, we discuss evidence for sex-differences in AD neuropathological burden and outline key endocrinological mechanisms for both sexes, focussing on hormonal events throughout the lifespan that may influence female susceptibility to AD neuropathology and dementia onset. We further consider common non-modifiable (genetic) and modifiable (lifestyle and health) risk factors, highlighting possible sex-dependent differential effects for the AD disease course. Finally, we evaluate the studies selected for this review demonstrating sex-differences in cognitive, pathological and health factors, summarising the state of sex differences in AD risk factors. We further provide recommendations for targeted research on female-specific risk factors, to inform personalised strategies for AD-prevention and the promotion of female brain health.
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Sumien N, Cunningham JT, Davis DL, Engelland R, Fadeyibi O, Farmer GE, Mabry S, Mensah-Kane P, Trinh OTP, Vann PH, Wilson EN, Cunningham RL. Neurodegenerative Disease: Roles for Sex, Hormones, and Oxidative Stress. Endocrinology 2021; 162:6360925. [PMID: 34467976 PMCID: PMC8462383 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqab185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases cause severe impairments in cognitive and motor function. With an increasing aging population and the onset of these diseases between 50 and 70 years, the consequences are bound to be devastating. While age and longevity are the main risk factors for neurodegenerative diseases, sex is also an important risk factor. The characteristic of sex is multifaceted, encompassing sex chromosome complement, sex hormones (estrogens and androgens), and sex hormone receptors. Sex hormone receptors can induce various signaling cascades, ranging from genomic transcription to intracellular signaling pathways that are dependent on the health of the cell. Oxidative stress, associated with aging, can impact the health of the cell. Sex hormones can be neuroprotective under low oxidative stress conditions but not in high oxidative stress conditions. An understudied sex hormone receptor that can induce activation of oxidative stress signaling is the membrane androgen receptor (mAR). mAR can mediate nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide-phosphate (NADPH) oxidase (NOX)-generated oxidative stress that is associated with several neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer disease. Further complicating this is that aging can alter sex hormone signaling. Prior to menopause, women experience more estrogens than androgens. During menopause, this sex hormone profile switches in women due to the dramatic ovarian loss of 17β-estradiol with maintained ovarian androgen (testosterone, androstenedione) production. Indeed, aging men have higher estrogens than aging women due to aromatization of androgens to estrogens. Therefore, higher activation of mAR-NOX signaling could occur in menopausal women compared with aged men, mediating the observed sex differences. Understanding of these signaling cascades could provide therapeutic targets for neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Sumien
- Department of Pharmacology & Neuroscience, Center for Healthy Aging, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
| | - J Thomas Cunningham
- Department of Physiology & Anatomy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
| | - Delaney L Davis
- Department of Pharmacology & Neuroscience, Center for Healthy Aging, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
| | - Rachel Engelland
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
| | - Oluwadarasimi Fadeyibi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
| | - George E Farmer
- Department of Physiology & Anatomy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
| | - Steve Mabry
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
| | - Paapa Mensah-Kane
- Department of Pharmacology & Neuroscience, Center for Healthy Aging, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
| | - Oanh T P Trinh
- Department of Pharmacology & Neuroscience, Center for Healthy Aging, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
| | - Philip H Vann
- Department of Pharmacology & Neuroscience, Center for Healthy Aging, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
| | - E Nicole Wilson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
| | - Rebecca L Cunningham
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
- Correspondence: Rebecca L. Cunningham, PhD, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3400 Camp Bowie Boulevard, Fort Worth, TX, USA, 76107-2699.
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Panossian A, Abdelfatah S, Efferth T. Network Pharmacology of Red Ginseng (Part I): Effects of Ginsenoside Rg5 at Physiological and Sub-Physiological Concentrations. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14100999. [PMID: 34681222 PMCID: PMC8537973 DOI: 10.3390/ph14100999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Numerous in vitro studies on isolated cells have been conducted to uncover the molecular mechanisms of action of Panax ginseng Meyer root extracts and purified ginsenosides. However, the concentrations of ginsenosides and the extracts used in these studies were much higher than those detected in pharmacokinetic studies in humans and animals orally administered with ginseng preparations at therapeutic doses. Our study aimed to assess: (a) the effects of ginsenoside Rg5, the major “rare” ginsenoside of Red Ginseng, on gene expression in the murine neuronal cell line HT22 in a wide range of concentrations, from 10−4 to 10−18 M, and (b) the effects of differentially expressed genes on cellular and physiological functions in organismal disorders and diseases. Gene expression profiling was performed by transcriptome-wide mRNA microarray analyses in HT22 cells after treatment with ginsenoside Rg5. Ginsenoside Rg5 exhibits soft-acting effects on gene expression of neuronal cells in a wide range of physiological concentrations and strong reversal impact at high (toxic) concentration: significant up- or downregulation of expression of about 300 genes at concentrations from 10−6 M to 10−18 M, and dramatically increased both the number of differentially expressed target genes (up to 1670) and the extent of their expression (fold changes compared to unexposed cells) at a toxic concentration of 10−4 M. Network pharmacology analyses of genes’ expression profiles using ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA) software showed that at low physiological concentrations, ginsenoside Rg5 has the potential to activate the biosynthesis of cholesterol and to exhibit predictable effects in senescence, neuroinflammation, apoptosis, and immune response, suggesting soft-acting, beneficial effects on organismal death, movement disorders, and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sara Abdelfatah
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University, 55131 Mainz, Germany;
| | - Thomas Efferth
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University, 55131 Mainz, Germany;
- Correspondence: (A.P.); (T.E.)
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Jayaraman A, Htike TT, James R, Picon C, Reynolds R. TNF-mediated neuroinflammation is linked to neuronal necroptosis in Alzheimer's disease hippocampus. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2021; 9:159. [PMID: 34625123 PMCID: PMC8501605 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-021-01264-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The pathogenetic mechanisms underlying neuronal death and dysfunction in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) remain unclear. However, chronic neuroinflammation has been implicated in stimulating or exacerbating neuronal damage. The tumor necrosis factor (TNF) superfamily of cytokines are involved in many systemic chronic inflammatory and degenerative conditions and are amongst the key mediators of neuroinflammation. TNF binds to the TNFR1 and TNFR2 receptors to activate diverse cellular responses that can be either neuroprotective or neurodegenerative. In particular, TNF can induce programmed necrosis or necroptosis in an inflammatory environment. Although activation of necroptosis has recently been demonstrated in the AD brain, its significance in AD neuron loss and the role of TNF signaling is unclear. We demonstrate an increase in expression of multiple proteins in the TNF/TNF receptor-1-mediated necroptosis pathway in the AD post-mortem brain, as indicated by the phosphorylation of RIPK3 and MLKL, predominantly observed in the CA1 pyramidal neurons. The density of phosphoRIPK3 + and phosphoMLKL + neurons correlated inversely with total neuron density and showed significant sexual dimorphism within the AD cohort. In addition, apoptotic signaling was not significantly activated in the AD brain compared to the control brain. Exposure of human iPSC-derived glutamatergic neurons to TNF increased necroptotic cell death when apoptosis was inhibited, which was significantly reversed by small molecule inhibitors of RIPK1, RIPK3, and MLKL. In the post-mortem AD brain and in human iPSC neurons, in response to TNF, we show evidence of altered expression of proteins of the ESCRT III complex, which has been recently suggested as an antagonist of necroptosis and a possible mechanism by which cells can survive after necroptosis has been triggered. Taken together, our results suggest that neuronal loss in AD is due to TNF-mediated necroptosis rather than apoptosis, which is amenable to therapeutic intervention at several points in the signaling pathway.
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Mason JB, Habermehl TL, Underwood KB, Schneider A, Brieño-Enriquez MA, Masternak MM, Parkinson KC. The interrelationship between female reproductive aging and survival. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2021; 77:75-83. [PMID: 34528058 DOI: 10.1093/gerona/glab252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The link between survival and reproductive function is demonstrated across many species and is under both long-term evolutionary pressures and short-term environmental pressures. Loss of reproductive function is common in mammals and is strongly correlated with increased rates of disease in both males and females. However, the reproduction-associated change in disease rates is more abrupt and more severe in women, who benefit from a significant health advantage over men until the age of menopause. Young women with early ovarian failure also suffer from increased disease risks, further supporting the role of ovarian function in female health. Contemporary experiments where the influence of young ovarian tissue has been restored in post-reproductive-aged females with surgical manipulation were found to increase survival significantly. In these experiments, young, intact ovaries were used to replace the aged ovaries of females that had already reached reproductive cessation. As has been seen previously in primitive species, when the young mammalian ovaries were depleted of germ cells prior to transplantation to the post-reproductive female, survival was increased even further than with germ cell-containing young ovaries. Thus, extending reproductive potential significantly increases survival and appears to be germ cell and ovarian hormone-independent. The current review will discuss historical and contemporary observations and theories that support the link between reproduction and survival and provide hope for future clinical applications to decrease menopause-associated increases in disease risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey B Mason
- Department of Animal, Dairy and Veterinary Sciences, Center for Integrated BioSystems, School of Veterinary Medicine, Utah State University, 4700 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322, USA
| | - Tracy L Habermehl
- Department of Animal, Dairy and Veterinary Sciences, Center for Integrated BioSystems, School of Veterinary Medicine, Utah State University, 4700 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322, USA
| | - Kaden B Underwood
- Department of Animal, Dairy and Veterinary Sciences, Center for Integrated BioSystems, School of Veterinary Medicine, Utah State University, 4700 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322, USA
| | - Augusto Schneider
- Departmento de Nutrição, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, RS, Pelotas, Brazil
| | - Miguel A Brieño-Enriquez
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Michal M Masternak
- College of Medicine, Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA.,Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Kate C Parkinson
- Department of Animal, Dairy and Veterinary Sciences, Center for Integrated BioSystems, School of Veterinary Medicine, Utah State University, 4700 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322, USA
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Conde DM, Verdade RC, Valadares ALR, Mella LFB, Pedro AO, Costa-Paiva L. Menopause and cognitive impairment: A narrative review of current knowledge. World J Psychiatry 2021; 11:412-428. [PMID: 34513605 PMCID: PMC8394691 DOI: 10.5498/wjp.v11.i8.412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
A severe impairment of cognitive function characterizes dementia. Mild cognitive impairment represents a transition between normal cognition and dementia. The frequency of cognitive changes is higher in women than in men. Based on this fact, hormonal factors likely contribute to cognitive decline. In this sense, cognitive complaints are more common near menopause, a phase marked by a decrease in hormone levels, especially estrogen. Additionally, a tendency toward worsened cognitive performance has been reported in women during menopause. Vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes, sweating, and dizziness), vaginal dryness, irritability and forgetfulness are common and associated with a progressive decrease in ovarian function and a subsequent reduction in the serum estrogen concentration. Hormone therapy (HT), based on estrogen with or without progestogen, is the treatment of choice to relieve menopausal symptoms. The studies conducted to date have reported conflicting results regarding the effects of HT on cognition. This article reviews the main aspects of menopause and cognition, including the neuroprotective role of estrogen and the relationship between menopausal symptoms and cognitive function. We present and discuss the findings of the central observational and interventional studies on HT and cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Délio Marques Conde
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia 74605-050, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Roberto Carmignani Verdade
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-881, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ana L R Valadares
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-881, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lucas F B Mella
- Department of Medical Psychology and Psychiatry-Geriatric Psychiatry and Neuropsychiatric Division, State University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-887, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Adriana Orcesi Pedro
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-881, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lucia Costa-Paiva
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-881, São Paulo, Brazil
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Scassellati C, Galoforo AC, Esposito C, Ciani M, Ricevuti G, Bonvicini C. Promising Intervention Approaches to Potentially Resolve Neuroinflammation And Steroid Hormones Alterations in Alzheimer's Disease and Its Neuropsychiatric Symptoms. Aging Dis 2021; 12:1337-1357. [PMID: 34341712 PMCID: PMC8279527 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2021.0122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroinflammation is a biological process by which the central nervous system responds to stimuli/injuries affecting its homeostasis. So far as this reactive response becomes exacerbated and uncontrolled, it can lead to neurodegeneration, compromising the cognitive and neuropsychiatric domains. Parallelly, modifications in the hypothalamic signaling of neuroprotective hormones linked also to the inflammatory responses of microglia and astrocytes can exacerbate these processes. To complicate the picture, modulations in the gut microbiota (GM) can induce changes in neuroinflammation, altering cognitive and neuropsychiatric functioning. We conducted a web-based search on PubMed. We described studies regarding the cross-talk among microglia and astrocytes in the neuroinflammation processes, along with the role played by the steroid hormones, and how this can reflect on cognitive decline/neurodegeneration, in particular on Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and its neuropsychiatric manifestations. We propose and support the huge literature showing the potentiality of complementary/alternative therapeutic approaches (nutraceuticals) targeting the sustained inflammatory response, the dysregulation of hypothalamic system and the GM composition. NF-κB and Keap1/Nrf2 are the main molecular targets on which a list of nutraceuticals can modulate the altered processes. Since there are some limitations, we propose a new intervention natural treatment in terms of Oxygen-ozone (O2-O3) therapy that could be potentially used for AD pathology. Through a meta-analytic approach, we found a significant modulation of O3 on inflammation-NF-κB/NLRP3 inflammasome/Toll-Like Receptor 4 (TLR4)/Interleukin IL-17α signalling, reducing mRNA (p<0.00001 Odd Ratio (OR)=-5.25 95% CI:-7.04/-3.46) and protein (p<0.00001 OR=-4.85 95%CI:-6.89/-2.81) levels, as well as on Keap1/Nrf2 pathway. Through anti-inflammatory, immune, and steroid hormones modulation and anti-microbial activities, O3 at mild therapeutic concentrations potentiated with nutraceuticals and GM regulators could determine combinatorial effects impacting on cognitive and neurodegenerative domains, neuroinflammation and neuroendocrine signalling, directly or indirectly through the mediation of GM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catia Scassellati
- Biological Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy.
| | - Antonio Carlo Galoforo
- Oxygen-Ozone Therapy Scientific Society (SIOOT), Gorle, Italy.
- University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.
| | - Ciro Esposito
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Italy.
- Nephrology and dialysis unit, ICS S. Maugeri SPA SB Hospital, Pavia, Italy.
- P.D. High School in Geriatrics, University of Pavia, Italy.
| | - Miriam Ciani
- Molecular Markers Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy.
| | - Giovanni Ricevuti
- P.D. High School in Geriatrics, University of Pavia, Italy.
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Italy.
- St. Camillus Medical University, Rome, Italy.
| | - Cristian Bonvicini
- Molecular Markers Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy.
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Luckey AM, Robertson IH, Lawlor B, Mohan A, Vanneste S. Sex Differences in Locus Coeruleus: A Heuristic Approach That May Explain the Increased Risk of Alzheimer's Disease in Females. J Alzheimers Dis 2021; 83:505-522. [PMID: 34334399 DOI: 10.3233/jad-210404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
This article aims to reevaluate our approach to female vulnerability to Alzheimer's disease (AD) and put forth a new hypothesis considering how sex differences in the locus coeruleus-noradrenaline (LC-NA) structure and function could account for why females are more likely to develop AD. We specifically focus our attention on locus coeruleus (LC) morphology, the paucity of estrogens, neuroinflammation, blood-brain barrier permeability, apolipoprotein ɛ4 polymorphism (APOEɛ4), and cognitive reserve. The role of the LC-NA system and sex differences are two of the most rapidly emerging topics in AD research. Current literature either investigates the LC due to it being one of the first brain areas to develop AD pathology or acknowledges the neuroprotective effects of estrogens and how the loss of these female hormones have the capacity to contribute to the sex differences seen in AD; however, existing research has neglected to concurrently examine these two rationales and therefore leaving our hypothesis undetermined. Collectively, this article should assist in alleviating current challenges surrounding female AD by providing thought-provoking connections into the interrelationship between the disruption of the female LC-NA system, the decline of estrogens, and AD vulnerability. It is therefore likely that treatment for this heterogeneous disease may need to be distinctly developed for females and males separately, and may require a precision medicine approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison M Luckey
- Lab for Clinical & Integrative Neuroscience, School of Psychology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Ian H Robertson
- Global Brain Health Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Brian Lawlor
- Global Brain Health Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Anusha Mohan
- Lab for Clinical & Integrative Neuroscience, School of Psychology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sven Vanneste
- Lab for Clinical & Integrative Neuroscience, School of Psychology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,Global Brain Health Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,Trinity College Institute for Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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Bianchi VE, Bresciani E, Meanti R, Rizzi L, Omeljaniuk RJ, Torsello A. The role of androgens in women's health and wellbeing. Pharmacol Res 2021; 171:105758. [PMID: 34242799 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Androgens in women, as well as in men, are intrinsic to maintenance of (i) reproductive competency, (ii) cardiac health, (iii) appropriate bone remodeling and mass retention, (iii) muscle tone and mass, and (iv) brain function, in part, through their mitigation of neurodegenerative disease effects. In recognition of the pluripotency of endogenous androgens, exogenous androgens, and selected congeners, have been prescribed off-label for several decades to treat low libido and sexual dysfunction in menopausal women, as well as, to improve physical performance. However, long-term safety and efficacy of androgen administration has yet to be fully elucidated. Side effects often observed include (i) hirsutism, (ii) acne, (iii) deepening of the voice, and (iv) weight gain but are associated most frequently with supra-physiological doses. By contrast, short-term clinical trials suggest that the use of low-dose testosterone therapy in women appears to be effective, safe and economical. There are, however, few clinical studies, which have focused on effects of androgen therapy on pre- and post-menopausal women; moreover, androgen mechanisms of action have not yet been thoroughly explained in these subjects. This review considers clinical effects of androgens on women's health in order to prevent chronic diseases and reduce cancer risk in gynecological tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vittorio E Bianchi
- Endocrinology and Metabolism, Clinical Center Stella Maris, Strada Rovereta 42, Falciano 47891, San Marino.
| | - Elena Bresciani
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Via Cadore 48, Monza 20900, Italy.
| | - Ramona Meanti
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Via Cadore 48, Monza 20900, Italy.
| | - Laura Rizzi
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Via Cadore 48, Monza 20900, Italy.
| | - Robert J Omeljaniuk
- Department of Biology, Lakehead University, 955 Oliver Rd, Thunder Bay, Ontario P7B 5E1, Canada.
| | - Antonio Torsello
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Via Cadore 48, Monza 20900, Italy.
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41
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Hakim MA, Behringer EJ. Development of Alzheimer's Disease Progressively Alters Sex-Dependent KCa and Sex-Independent KIR Channel Function in Cerebrovascular Endothelium. J Alzheimers Dis 2021; 76:1423-1442. [PMID: 32651315 DOI: 10.3233/jad-200085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Development of Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology is associated with impaired blood flow delivery of oxygen and nutrients throughout the brain. Cerebrovascular endothelium regulates vasoreactivity of blood vessel networks for optimal cerebral blood flow. OBJECTIVE We tested the hypothesis that cerebrovascular endothelial Gq-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR; purinergic and muscarinic) and K+ channel [Ca2+-activated (KCa2.3/SK3 and KCa3.1/IK1) and inward-rectifying (KIR2.x)] function declines during progressive AD pathology. METHODS We applied simultaneous measurements of intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) and membrane potential (Vm) in freshly isolated endothelium from posterior cerebral arteries of 3×Tg-AD mice [young, no pathology (1- 2 mo), cognitive impairment (CI; 4- 5 mo), extracellular Aβ plaques (Aβ; 6- 8 mo), and Aβ plaques + neurofibrillary tangles (AβT; 12- 15 mo)]. RESULTS The coupling of ΔVm-to-Δ[Ca2+]i during AβT pathology was lowest for both sexes but, overall, ATP-induced purinergic receptor function was stable throughout AD pathology. SKCa/IKCa channel function itself was enhanced by ∼20% during AD (Aβ+ AβT) versus pre-AD (Young + CI) in males while steady in females. Accordingly, hyperpolarization-induced [Ca2+]i increases following SKCa/IKCa channel activation and Δ[Ca2+]i-to-ΔVm coupling was enhanced by ≥two-fold during AD pathology in males but not females. Further, KIR channel function decreased by ∼50% during AD conditions versus young regardless of sex. Finally, other than a ∼40% increase in females versus males during Aβ pathology, [Ca2+]i responses to the mitochondrial uncoupler FCCP were similar among AD versus pre-AD conditions. CONCLUSION Altogether, AD pathology represents a condition of altered KCa and KIR channel function in cerebrovascular endothelium in a sex-dependent and sex-independent manner respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md A Hakim
- Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA
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Zhu D, Montagne A, Zhao Z. Alzheimer's pathogenic mechanisms and underlying sex difference. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:4907-4920. [PMID: 33844047 PMCID: PMC8720296 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-03830-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
AD is a neurodegenerative disease, and its frequency is often reported to be higher for women than men: almost two-thirds of patients with AD are women. One prevailing view is that women live longer than men on average of 4.5 years, plus there are more women aged 85 years or older than men in most global subpopulations; and older age is the greatest risk factor for AD. However, the differences in the actual risk of developing AD for men and women of the same age is difficult to assess, and the findings have been mixed. An increasing body of evidence from preclinical and clinical studies as well as the complications in estimating incidence support the sex-specific biological mechanisms in diverging AD risk as an important adjunct explanation to the epidemiologic perspective. Although some of the sex differences in AD prevalence are due to differences in longevity, other distinct biological mechanisms increase the risk and progression of AD in women. These risk factors include (1) deviations in brain structure and biomarkers, (2) psychosocial stress responses, (3) pregnancy, menopause, and sex hormones, (4) genetic background (i.e., APOE), (5) inflammation, gliosis, and immune module (i.e., TREM2), and (6) vascular disorders. More studies focusing on the underlying biological mechanisms for this phenomenon are needed to better understand AD. This review presents the most recent data in sex differences in AD-the gateway to precision medicine, therefore, shaping expert perspectives, inspiring researchers to go in new directions, and driving development of future diagnostic tools and treatments for AD in a more customized way.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donghui Zhu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA.
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA.
| | - Axel Montagne
- UK Dementia Research Institute, Edinburgh Medical School, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Zhen Zhao
- Department of Physiology and Neuroscience, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Piscopo P, Bellenghi M, Manzini V, Crestini A, Pontecorvi G, Corbo M, Ortona E, Carè A, Confaloni A. A Sex Perspective in Neurodegenerative Diseases: microRNAs as Possible Peripheral Biomarkers. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22094423. [PMID: 33922607 PMCID: PMC8122918 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex is a significant variable in the prevalence and incidence of neurological disorders. Sex differences exist in neurodegenerative disorders (NDs), where sex dimorphisms play important roles in the development and progression of Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. In the last few years, some sex specific biomarkers for the identification of NDs have been described and recent studies have suggested that microRNA (miRNA) could be included among these, as influenced by the hormonal and genetic background. Failing to consider the possible differences between males and females in miRNA evaluation could introduce a sex bias in studies by not considering some of these sex-related biomarkers. In this review, we recapitulate what is known about the sex-specific differences in peripheral miRNA levels in neurodegenerative diseases. Several studies have reported sex-linked disparities, and from the literature analysis miR-206 particularly has been shown to have a sex-specific involvement. Hopefully, in the near future, patient stratification will provide important additional clues in diagnosis, prognosis, and tailoring of the best therapeutic approaches for each patient. Sex-specific biomarkers, such as miRNAs, could represent a useful tool for characterizing subgroups of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Piscopo
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy; (V.M.); (A.C.); (A.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-064-990-3538
| | - Maria Bellenghi
- Center of Gender Specific Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.B.); (G.P.); (E.O.); (A.C.)
| | - Valeria Manzini
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy; (V.M.); (A.C.); (A.C.)
| | - Alessio Crestini
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy; (V.M.); (A.C.); (A.C.)
| | - Giada Pontecorvi
- Center of Gender Specific Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.B.); (G.P.); (E.O.); (A.C.)
| | - Massimo Corbo
- Department of Neurorehabilitation Sciences, Casa Cura Policlinico, Via Dezza 48, 20144 Milano, Italy;
| | - Elena Ortona
- Center of Gender Specific Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.B.); (G.P.); (E.O.); (A.C.)
| | - Alessandra Carè
- Center of Gender Specific Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.B.); (G.P.); (E.O.); (A.C.)
| | - Annamaria Confaloni
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy; (V.M.); (A.C.); (A.C.)
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Shim M, Bang WJ, Oh CY, Lee YS, Cho JS. Androgen deprivation therapy and risk of cognitive dysfunction in men with prostate cancer: is there a possible link? Prostate Int 2021; 10:68-74. [PMID: 35510099 PMCID: PMC9042678 DOI: 10.1016/j.prnil.2021.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The expansion of the indication to use androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) to treat patients with advanced or metastatic prostate cancer has dramatically increased over the recent decades, resulting in the progress of patients’ survival. However, chronic health implications can become more apparent as the number of long-term cancer survivors is expected to be increased along with the adverse effect of ADT. In particular, interest in investigating ADT, especially luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonist association with cognitive dysfunction has been growing. Previous studies in animals and humans suggest that the level of androgen decreases with age and that cognitive decline occurs with decreases in androgen. Correspondingly, some of the extensive studies using common neurocognitive tests have shown that LHRH agonists may affect specific domains of cognitive function (e.g., visuospatial abilities and executive function). However, the results from these studies have not consistently demonstrated the association because of its intrinsic limitations. Large-scale studies based on electronic databases have also failed to show consistent results to make decisive conclusions because of its heterogeneity, complexity of covariates, and possible risk of biases. Thus, this review article summarizes key findings and discusses the results of several studies investigating the ADT association with cognitive dysfunction and risk of dementia from various perspectives.
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Gurvich C, Le J, Thomas N, Thomas EHX, Kulkarni J. Sex hormones and cognition in aging. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2021; 115:511-533. [PMID: 33706960 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2020.12.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Hormones of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis that regulate reproductive function are also potent neurosteriods that have multiple effects on the development, maintenance and function of the brain. There is a growing body of evidence linking sex hormones to cognitive functioning across the lifespan. Both subjective and objective cognitive changes can occur with aging. For women, cognitive complains are commonly associated with the menopause transition-a time of significant hormone flux. Sex differences in neurodegenerative conditions associated with cognitive dysfunction, such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease, suggest a potential link between sex hormones and cognitive decline. Evidence for the effects of hormone therapy on cognition is growing, but remains inconclusive. This chapter provides an overview of sex hormones and cognition in association with healthy aging, including a focus on the menopause transition, as well as reviewing findings linking sex hormones to cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. An overview of hormone therapy and cognition is also provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Gurvich
- Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre, Monash University Central Clinical School and The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| | - Jessica Le
- Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre, Monash University Central Clinical School and The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Natalie Thomas
- Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre, Monash University Central Clinical School and The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Elizabeth H X Thomas
- Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre, Monash University Central Clinical School and The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Jayashri Kulkarni
- Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre, Monash University Central Clinical School and The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Marbouti L, Zahmatkesh M, Riahi E, Shafiee Sabet M. GnRH protective effects against amyloid β-induced cognitive decline: A potential role of the 17β-estradiol. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2020; 518:110985. [PMID: 32805333 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2020.110985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [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: 04/24/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The 17β-estradiol (E2) enhances hippocampal dendritic spine synapses, facilitates learning processes, and exerts neuroprotection. Brain estrogen decline has been reported in Alzheimer's disease. The role of GnRH in modulating steroid biosynthesis convinced us to examine whether hippocampal GnRH administration could enhance the local E2 levels and overcome the development of cognition decline in amyloid β (Aβ) neurotoxicity. To explore if GnRH acts through regulating E2 synthesis, letrozole, an aromatase inhibitor, has been applied in combination with GnRH. METHODS Female rats received an intracerebroventricular injection of Aβ. The GnRH and, or letrozole were injected into the CA1 for 14 consecutive days. Working memory, novel object recognition memory, and anxiety-like behavior were evaluated. Serum and hippocampal E2 levels were measured. Hippocampal mRNA expression of GnRH (GnRH-R) and E2 (ERα and ERβ) receptors was assessed. GnRH effect on the excitability of pyramidal cells was studied by in vivo single-unit recording. RESULTS GnRH increased hippocampal E2 levels, evoked an increase in the spontaneous firing of pyramidal neurons, and caused mRNA overexpression of hippocampal GnRH receptors. GnRH prevented the adverse effects of Aβ on working memory, NOR index, and anxiogenic behavior. Letrozole did not reverse GnRH modulatory effects on hippocampal E2 levels and neuroprotection. CONCLUSION GnRH prevented the Aβ-induced memory deficit, which may be mediated through hippocampal E2 levels enhancement. The electrophysiological analysis revealed the enhanced neuronal excitability in the CA1 region. All these data suggest that GnRH might be a promising candidate that reduces anxiety and improves memory indices in the context of Aβ neurotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ladan Marbouti
- Neuroscience and Addiction Studies Department, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Zahmatkesh
- Neuroscience and Addiction Studies Department, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Electrophysiology Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Cognitive and Behavioral Sciences Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Esmail Riahi
- Physiology Department, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahdi Shafiee Sabet
- Family Medicine Department, Ziaeian Hospital, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Alia-Klein N, Preston-Campbell RN, Kim SW, Pareto D, Logan J, Wang GJ, Moeller SJ, Fowler JS, Biegon A. Human Cognitive Ability Is Modulated by Aromatase Availability in the Brain in a Sex-Specific Manner. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:565668. [PMID: 33192252 PMCID: PMC7604391 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.565668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The enzyme aromatase catalyzes the final step in estrogen biosynthesis, converting testosterone to estradiol, and is expressed in the brain of all mammals. Estrogens are thought to be important for maintenance of cognitive function in women, whereas testosterone is thought to modulate cognitive abilities in men. Here, we compare differences in cognitive performance in relation to brain aromatase availability in healthy men and women. Twenty-seven healthy participants were administered tests of verbal learning and memory and perceptual/abstract reasoning. In vivo images of brain aromatase availability were acquired in this sample using positron emission tomography (PET) with the validated aromatase radiotracer [11C]vorozole. Regions of interest were placed bilaterally on the amygdala and thalamus where aromatase availability is highest in the human brain. Though cognitive performance and aromatase availability did not differ as a function of sex, higher availability of aromatase in the amygdala was associated with lower cognitive performance in men. No such relationship was found in women; and the corresponding regression slopes were significantly different between the sexes. Thalamic aromatase availability was not significantly correlated with cognitive performance in either sex. These findings suggest that the effects of brain aromatase on cognitive performance are both region- and sex-specific and may explain some of the normal variance seen in verbal and nonverbal cognitive abilities in men and women as well as sex differences in the trajectory of cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nelly Alia-Klein
- Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | | | - Sung Won Kim
- National Institute on Alcohol and Alcohol Abuse, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Deborah Pareto
- Neuroradiology Unit, Vall d’Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jean Logan
- New York University, Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Gene-Jack Wang
- National Institute on Alcohol and Alcohol Abuse, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Scott J. Moeller
- Stony Brook University School of Medicine, Stony Brook, NY, United States
| | | | - Anat Biegon
- Stony Brook University School of Medicine, Stony Brook, NY, United States
- *Correspondence: Anat Biegon,
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Guo Y, Li P, Ma X, Huang X, Liu Z, Ren X, Yang Y, Halm-Lutterodt NV, Yuan L. Association of Circulating Cholesterol Level with Cognitive Function and Mild Cognitive Impairment in the Elderly: A Community-based Population Study. Curr Alzheimer Res 2020; 17:556-565. [DOI: 10.2174/1567205017666200810165758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Revised: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Background:
The present study was designed to examine the association of circulating cholesterol
with cognitive function in non-demented community aging adults.
Methods:
This was a cross-sectional study including 1754 Chinese adults aged 55-80 years. The association
between serum cholesterol levels and cognitive function was examined. Participants were categorized
into four groups according to the quartile of circulating TC (total cholesterol), High Density
Lipoprotein Cholesterol (HDL-c), Low Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (LDL-c) levels and HDLc/
LDL-c ratio. The difference in cognitive performance among the groups was compared. Logistic regression
model was used to determine the association of circulating cholesterol level with the risk of
Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI).
Results:
Mild increase of serum LDL-c level correlated with better visual and executive, language,
memory and delayed recall abilities. Higher circulating TC and HDL-c levels were found to be associated
with poorer cognitive function, especially in aging female subjects. Higher circulating TC, HDL-c
and HDL/LDL ratio indicated an increased risk of MCI, especially in female subjects.
Conclusion:
Slight increase in circulating LDL-c level might benefit cognitive function in aging adults.
However, higher circulating TC and HDL-c levels might indicate a decline of cognitive function, especially
in aging female subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujie Guo
- School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Pengfei Li
- School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Xiaojun Ma
- School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Xiaochen Huang
- School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Zhuoheng Liu
- School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Xiuwen Ren
- School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Yuhui Yang
- School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | | | - Linhong Yuan
- School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
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Gamache J, Yun Y, Chiba-Falek O. Sex-dependent effect of APOE on Alzheimer's disease and other age-related neurodegenerative disorders. Dis Model Mech 2020; 13:dmm045211. [PMID: 32859588 PMCID: PMC7473656 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.045211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The importance of apolipoprotein E (APOE) in late-onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD) has been firmly established, but the mechanisms through which it exerts its pathogenic effects remain elusive. In addition, the sex-dependent effects of APOE on LOAD risk and endophenotypes have yet to be explained. In this Review, we revisit the different aspects of APOE involvement in neurodegeneration and neurological diseases, with particular attention to sex differences in the contribution of APOE to LOAD susceptibility. We discuss the role of APOE in a broader range of age-related neurodegenerative diseases, and summarize the biological factors linking APOE to sex hormones, drawing on supportive findings from rodent models to identify major mechanistic themes underlying the exacerbation of LOAD-associated neurodegeneration and pathology in the female brain. Additionally, we list sex-by-genotype interactions identified across neurodegenerative diseases, proposing APOE variants as a shared etiology for sex differences in the manifestation of these diseases. Finally, we present recent advancements in 'omics' technologies, which provide a new platform for more in-depth investigations of how dysregulation of this gene affects the development and progression of neurodegenerative diseases. Collectively, the evidence summarized in this Review highlights the interplay between APOE and sex as a key factor in the etiology of LOAD and other age-related neurodegenerative diseases. We emphasize the importance of careful examination of sex as a contributing factor in studying the underpinning genetics of neurodegenerative diseases in general, but particularly for LOAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Gamache
- Division of Translational Brain Sciences, Department of Neurology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
- Center for Genomic and Computational Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Young Yun
- Division of Translational Brain Sciences, Department of Neurology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
- Center for Genomic and Computational Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Ornit Chiba-Falek
- Division of Translational Brain Sciences, Department of Neurology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
- Center for Genomic and Computational Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27708, USA
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Bianchi VE, Rizzi L, Bresciani E, Omeljaniuk RJ, Torsello A. Androgen Therapy in Neurodegenerative Diseases. J Endocr Soc 2020; 4:bvaa120. [PMID: 33094209 PMCID: PMC7568521 DOI: 10.1210/jendso/bvaa120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer disease (AD), Parkinson disease (PD), multiple sclerosis (MS), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and Huntington disease, are characterized by the loss of neurons as well as neuronal function in multiple regions of the central and peripheral nervous systems. Several studies in animal models have shown that androgens have neuroprotective effects in the brain and stimulate axonal regeneration. The presence of neuronal androgen receptors in the peripheral and central nervous system suggests that androgen therapy might be useful in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. To illustrate, androgen therapy reduced inflammation, amyloid-β deposition, and cognitive impairment in patients with AD. As well, improvements in remyelination in MS have been reported; by comparison, only variable results are observed in androgen treatment of PD. In ALS, androgen administration stimulated motoneuron recovery from progressive damage and regenerated both axons and dendrites. Only a few clinical studies are available in human individuals despite the safety and low cost of androgen therapy. Clinical evaluations of the effects of androgen therapy on these devastating diseases using large populations of patients are strongly needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vittorio Emanuele Bianchi
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Clinical Center Stella Maris, Strada Rovereta, Falciano, San Marino
| | - Laura Rizzi
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Elena Bresciani
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | | | - Antonio Torsello
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
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