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Mamczarz J, Lane M, Merchenthaler I. Letrozole delays acquisition of water maze task in female BALB/c mice: Possible involvement of anxiety. Horm Behav 2024; 162:105524. [PMID: 38513526 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2024.105524] [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: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Letrozole, an aromatase inhibitor preventing estrogen synthesis from testosterone, is used as an adjuvant therapy in estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer patients. However, like other aromatase inhibitors, it induces many side effects, including impaired cognition. Despite its negative effect in humans, results from animal models are inconsistent and suggest that letrozole can either impair or improve cognition. Here, we studied the effects of chronic letrozole treatment on cognitive behavior of adult female BALB/c mice, a relevant animal model for breast cancer studies, to develop an appropriate animal model aimed at testing therapies to mitigate side effects of letrozole. In Morris water maze, letrozole 0.1 mg/kg impaired reference learning and memory. Interestingly, most of the letrozole 0.1 mg/kg-treated mice were able to learn the new platform position in reversal training and performed similar to control mice in a reversal probe test. Results of the reversal test suggest that letrozole did not completely disrupt spatial navigation, but rather delayed acquisition of spatial information. The delay might be related to increased anxiety as suggested by increased thigmotactic behavior during the reference memory training. The learning impairment was water maze-specific since we did not observe impairment in other spatial tasks such as in Y-maze or object location test. In contrast, the dose of 0.3 mg/kg did not have effect on water maze learning and facilitated locomotor habituation and recognition in novel object recognition test. The current study shows that letrozole dose-dependently modulates behavioral response and that its effects are task-dependent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacek Mamczarz
- Division of Translational Toxicology, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States of America.
| | - Malcolm Lane
- Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States of America
| | - Istvan Merchenthaler
- Division of Translational Toxicology, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States of America; Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States of America
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2
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Babu VS, Radhamany PM, Surumi B, Jayakumaran Nair A. Novel studies on Isolation, purification and characterization of dibenzonitro compound from Glycosmis pentaphylla (Retz.) DC. and effect in downregulating neuronal cancers. Steroids 2023; 198:109270. [PMID: 37414238 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2023.109270] [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: 02/19/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
To isolate Letrozole from Glycosmis pentaphylla (Retz.) DC. and to determine its effect on regulating the proliferation, cell cycle distribution, apoptosis and key mechanisms in human neuroblastoma cell lines. Letrozole was isolated through column chromatographic technique and its effect was checked on human neuroblastoma cell lines, IMR 32. The effects of Letrozole on cell viability were measured by MTT assay, and the cell cycle distribution was determined by flow cytometry. The expression changes in mRNA of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), cyclin D1 and Bcl-xL were taken from real-time PCR analysis and the protein levels were detected by Western blotting. The results of the present study showed that Letrozole, isolated from leaves of G. pentaphylla could cause significant inhibitory effect on proliferation of IMR 32 cells in a dose dependent manner. Cell arrest was obtained at S phase with the treatment of Letrozole. Apart from this, the expression of PCNA, cyclin D1 and Bcl-xL were decreased both at mRNA and protein levels for the same treatment. Letrozole can inhibit proliferation, induce cell arrest and cause apoptosis in IMR 32 cell lines. The decreased expression of PCNA, cyclin D1 and Bcl-xL induced by Letrozole contributes to the above effects in vitro. This is the first report on the isolation of Letrozole from G. pentaphylla.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinitha S Babu
- Department of Botany, University of Kerala, Kariavattom, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695581, India.
| | - P M Radhamany
- Department of Botany, University of Kerala, Kariavattom, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695581, India
| | - B Surumi
- Inter University Centre for Genomics and Gene Technology, Department of Biotechnology, University of Kerala, Kariavattom, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695581, India
| | - A Jayakumaran Nair
- Inter University Centre for Genomics and Gene Technology, Department of Biotechnology, University of Kerala, Kariavattom, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695581, India
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3
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Hassan N, Rashad M, Elleithy E, Sabry Z, Ali G, Elmosalamy S. L-Carnitine alleviates hepatic and renal mitochondrial-dependent apoptotic progression induced by letrozole in female rats through modulation of Nrf-2, Cyt c and CASP- 3 signaling. Drug Chem Toxicol 2023; 46:357-368. [PMID: 35176959 DOI: 10.1080/01480545.2022.2039180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Letrozole (LTZ) is a non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor that is commonly used in breast cancer therapy. It has several side effects that might lead to the drug's cessation and data of LTZ's potential adverse effects on the hepatorenal microenvironment was conflicting. In addition, searching for therapeutic interventions that could modulate its adverse effects will be very beneficial. So, this study aims to determine the impact of LTZ on the hepatorenal microenvironment in cyclic female rats with a proposed regulatory role of L-Carnitine (LC) supplementation giving molecular insights into its possible mechanism of action. LTZ (1 mg/kg using 0.5% carboxy methyl cellulose as a vehicle for 21 consecutive days orally) to assess its impact on hepatorenal microenvironment. After treatment with LC (100 mg/kg orally) for 14 days, hepatorenal redox state (lipid peroxides (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH) and catalase enzyme (CAT)), as well as relative gene expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf-2), cytochrome-c (Cyt c) and caspase-3 (CASP-3) were evaluated. Histopathological examination and immunohistochemical staining of CASP-3 in both liver and kidney were done. LTZ altered hepatic and renal functions. Relative gene expression of hepatorenal Nrf-2, Cyt c and CASP-3 as well as redox state revealed significant deterioration. Also, the liver and kidney tissues showed several micromorphological changes and intense reaction to CASP-3 upon immunohistochemical staining. It can be concluded that LC alleviates LTZ induced hepatorenal oxidative stress (OS) and mitochondrial-dependent apoptotic progression through modulation of Nrf-2, Cyt c, and CASP-3 signaling in female rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neven Hassan
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Cario, Egypt
| | - Maha Rashad
- Biochemistry and Chemistry of Nutrition, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Cario, Egypt
| | - Ebtihal Elleithy
- Department of Cytology and Histology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Cario, Egypt
| | - Zainab Sabry
- Department of Cytology and Histology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Cario, Egypt
| | - Ghada Ali
- Biochemistry and Chemistry of Nutrition, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Cario, Egypt
| | - Sherif Elmosalamy
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Cario, Egypt
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Moustafa NA, El-Sayed MA, Abdallah SH, Hazem NM, Aidaros MA, Abdelmoety DA. Effect of Letrozole on hippocampal Let-7 microRNAs and their correlation with working memory and phosphorylated Tau protein in an Alzheimer's disease-like rat model. THE EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY, PSYCHIATRY AND NEUROSURGERY 2022. [DOI: 10.1186/s41983-022-00504-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Let-7 microRNAs (miRNAs) may contribute to neurodegeneration, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), but, they were not investigated in Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced AD. Letrozole increases the expression of Let-7 in cell lines, with conflicting evidence regarding its effects on memory. This study examined Let-7 miRNAs in STZ-induced AD, their correlation with memory and hyperphosphorylated Tau (p-Tau) and the effects of Letrozole on them.
Methods
Seven groups of adult Sprague Dawley rats were used: Negative control, Letrozole, Letrozole Vehicle, STZ (with AD induced by intracerebroventricular injection of STZ in artificial cerebrospinal fluid (aCSF)), CSF Control, STZ + Letrozole (STZ-L), and CSF + Letrozole Vehicle. Alternation percentage in T-maze was used as a measure of working memory. Let-7a, b and e and p-Tau levels in the hippocampus were estimated using quantitative real-time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (qRT–PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively.
Results
Significant decreases in alternation percentage and increase in p-Tau concentration were found in the STZ, Letrozole and STZ-L groups. Expression levels of all studied microRNAs were significantly elevated in the Letrozole and the STZ-L groups, with no difference between the two, suggesting that this elevation might be linked to Letrozole administration. Negative correlations were found between alternation percentage and the levels of all studied microRNAs, while positive ones were found between p-Tau concentration and the levels of studied microRNAs.
Conclusions
This study shows changes in the expression of Let-7a, b and e miRNAs in association with Letrozole administration, and correlations between the expression of the studied Let-7 miRNAs and both the status of working memory and the hippocampal p-Tau levels. These findings might support the theory suggesting that Letrozole aggravates pre-existing lesions. They also add to the possibility of Let-7’s neurotoxicity.
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Collin A, Vein J, Wittrant Y, Pereira B, Amode R, Guillet C, Richard D, Eschalier A, Balayssac D. A new clinically-relevant rat model of letrozole-induced chronic nociceptive disorders. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2021; 425:115600. [PMID: 34081940 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2021.115600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2020] [Revised: 05/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Among postmenopausal women with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer, more than 80% receive hormone therapy including aromatase inhibitors (AIs). Half of them develop chronic arthralgia - characterized by symmetric articular pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, morning stiffness, myalgia and a decrease in grip strength - which is associated with treatment discontinuation. Only a few animal studies have linked AI treatment to nociception, and none to arthralgia. Thus, we developed a new chronic AI-induced nociceptive disorder model mimicking clinical symptoms induced by AIs, using subcutaneous letrozole pellets in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. Following plasma letrozole dosage at the end of the experiment (day 73), only rats with at least 90 ng/ml of letrozole were considered significantly exposed to letrozole (OVX + high LTZ group), whereas treated animals with less than 90 ng/ml were pooled in the OVX + low LTZ group. Chronic nociceptive disorder set in rapidly and was maintained for more than 70 days in the OVX + high LTZ group. Furthermore, OVX + high LTZ rats saw no alteration in locomotion, myalgia or experimental anxiety during this period. Bone parameters of the femora were significantly altered in all OVX rats compared to Sham+vehicle pellet. A mechanistic analysis focused on TRPA1, receptor suspected to mediate AI-evoked pain, and showed no modification in its expression in the DRG. This new long-lasting chronic rat model, efficiently reproduces the symptoms of AI-induced nociceptive disorder affecting patients' daily activities and quality-of-life. It should help to study the pathophysiology of this disorder and to promote the development of new therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurore Collin
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INSERM, U1107, NEURO-DOL, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France.
| | - Julie Vein
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INSERM, U1107, NEURO-DOL, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Yohann Wittrant
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRA, UNH, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France; INRAE, UMR 1019, UNH, 63122 Saint-Genès Champanelle, France
| | - Bruno Pereira
- CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Direction de la recherche clinique et de l'innovation, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Raalib Amode
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, University of East Anglia, UK
| | - Christelle Guillet
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRA, UMR1019, UNH, CRNH Auvergne, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Damien Richard
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INSERM U1107, NEURO-DOL, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Laboratoire de Pharmacologie et de Toxicologie, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Alain Eschalier
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INSERM, U1107, NEURO-DOL, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - David Balayssac
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INSERM U1107, NEURO-DOL, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Direction de la recherche clinique et de l'innovation, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France.
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Marbouti L, Zahmatkesh M, Riahi E, Sadr SS. Inhibition of brain 17β-estradiol synthesis by letrozole induces cognitive decline in male and female rats. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2020; 175:107300. [PMID: 32882397 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2020.107300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hippocampal aromatase is responsible for local synthesis of 17β-estradiol (E2) that has much higher concentrations than serum levels in males and females. Letrozole, an aromatase inhibitor, passes through the brain barriers, distributes to the brain, and affects local E2 synthesis. Here, the effects of intra-cerebroventricular (ICV) letrozole administration in the presence and absence of gonads were examined on the cognitive abilities of male and female rats. METHOD Animals received intra-ICV injection of letrozole or vehicle for 14 consecutive days. Spatial working memory, novel object recognition memory, and anxiety-related behavior, were evaluated using Y-maze, object recognition test, and elevated plus maze, respectively. The E2 levels in the serum and hippocampal tissue were measured by the ELISA technique. RT-PCR was performed to assess the hippocampal estrogen receptors (ER) expression. Moreover, letrozole effect on neuronal activity of CA1 pyramidal neurons was studied by in vivo single-unit recording. RESULTS Letrozole (0.2, 0.4, and 0.8 µg) significantly decreased the hippocampal E2 levels compared to the vehicle group. Letrozole caused cognitive impairments in a dose-dependent manner in male and female rats in the presence or absence of gonads. Dose-response analysis revealed that the minimum effective dose of letrozole on the behavioral measures was 0.4 μg. Letrozole also caused an up-regulation of ERα and ERβ and a down-regulation of GPR30 gene expression. The firing rate of pyramidal neurons was reduced by letrozole in gonadal-intact animals. CONCLUSION The detrimental effects of letrozole treatment on cognitive abilities in the presence and absence of gonads indicate that local E2 synthesis in the hippocampus is a crucial factor in normal cognitive performance. The suppressive effect of letrozole on hippocampal neuronal firing might alter synaptic plasticity that is critical for memory formation. These data potentially suggest that memory deficits following letrozole administration should be monitored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ladan Marbouti
- Electrophysiology Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Neuroscience and Addiction Studies Department, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Zahmatkesh
- Electrophysiology Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Neuroscience and Addiction Studies Department, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, 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
| | - Seyed Shahabeddin Sadr
- Electrophysiology Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Physiology Department, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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7
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Relationship of estrogen synthesis capacity in the brain with obesity and self-control in men and women. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:22962-22966. [PMID: 32868418 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2006117117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Gonadal hormones are linked to mechanisms that govern appetitive behavior and its suppression. Estrogens are synthesized from androgens by the enzyme aromatase, highly expressed in the ovaries of reproductive-aged women and in the brains of men and women of all ages. We measured aromatase availability in the amygdala using positron emission tomography (PET) with the aromatase inhibitor [11C]vorozole in a sample of 43 adult, normal-weight, overweight, or obese men and women. A subsample of 27 also completed personality measures to examine the relationship between aromatase and personality traits related to self-regulation and inhibitory control. Results indicated that aromatase availability in the amygdala was negatively associated with body mass index (BMI) (in kilograms per square meter) and positively correlated with scores of the personality trait constraint independent of sex or age. Individual variations in the brain's capacity to synthesize estrogen may influence the risk of obesity and self-control in men and women.
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8
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Ilie IR. Neurotransmitter, neuropeptide and gut peptide profile in PCOS-pathways contributing to the pathophysiology, food intake and psychiatric manifestations of PCOS. Adv Clin Chem 2019; 96:85-135. [PMID: 32362321 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acc.2019.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a major health problem with a heterogeneous hormone-imbalance and clinical presentation across the lifespan of women. Increased androgen production and abnormal gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) release and gonadotropin secretion, resulting in chronic anovulation are well-known features of the PCOS. The brain is both at the top of the neuroendocrine axis regulating ovarian function and a sensitive target of peripheral gonadal hormones and peptides. Current literature illustrates that neurotransmitters regulate various functions of the body, including reproduction, mood and body weight. Neurotransmitter alteration could be one of the reasons for disturbed GnRH release, consequently directing the ovarian dysfunction in PCOS, since there is plenty evidence for altered catecholamine metabolism and brain serotonin or opioid activity described in PCOS. Further, the dysregulated neurotransmitter and neuropeptide profile in PCOS could also be the reason for low self-esteem, anxiety, mood swings and depression or obesity, features closely associated with PCOS women. Can these altered central brain circuits, or the disrupted gut-brain axis be the tie that would both explain and link the pathogenesis of this disorder, the occurrence of depression, anxiety and other mood disorders as well as of obesity, insulin resistance and abnormal appetite in PCOS? This review intends to provide the reader with a comprehensive overview of what is known about the relatively understudied, but very complex role that neurotransmitters, neuropeptides and gut peptides play in PCOS. The answer to the above question may help the development of drugs to specifically target these central and peripheral circuits, thereby providing a valuable treatment for PCOS patients that present to the clinic with GnRH/LH hypersecretion, obesity or psychiatric manifestations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioana R Ilie
- Department of Endocrinology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy 'Iuliu-Hatieganu', Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
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9
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Rabizadeh H, Feizbakhsh A, Panahi HA, Konoz E. A convenient synthesis of NiO-CuS/molecularly imprinted polymer nanocomposites with highly enhanced adsorption activity and selectivity for removal of Letrozole. POLYM-PLAST TECH MAT 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/25740881.2019.1669658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hanieh Rabizadeh
- Department of chemistry, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Feizbakhsh
- Department of chemistry, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Homayon Ahmad Panahi
- Department of chemistry, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elaheh Konoz
- Department of chemistry, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
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10
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Chronic aromatase inhibition increases ventral hippocampal neurogenesis in middle-aged female mice. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2019; 106:111-116. [PMID: 30974324 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2019.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 04/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Letrozole, a third-generation aromatase inhibitor, prevents the production of estrogens in the final step in conversion from androgens. Due to its efficacy at suppressing estrogens, letrozole has recently taken favor as a first-line adjuvant treatment for hormone-responsive breast cancer in middle-aged women. Though patient response to letrozole has generally been positive, there is conflicting evidence surrounding its effects on the development of depression. It is possible that the potential adverse effects of letrozole on mood are a result of the impact of hormonal fluctuations on neurogenesis in the hippocampus. Thus, to clarify the effects of letrozole on the hippocampus and behavior, we examined how chronic administration affects hippocampal neurogenesis and depressive-like behavior in middle-aged, intact female mice. Mice were given either letrozole (1 mg/kg) or vehicle by injection (i.p.) daily for 3 weeks. Depressive-like behavior was assessed during the last 3 days of treatment using the forced swim test, tail suspension test, and sucrose preference test. The production of new neurons was quantified using the immature neuronal marker doublecortin (DCX), and cell proliferation was quantified using the endogenous marker Ki67. We found that letrozole increased DCX and Ki67 expression and maturation in the dentate gyrus, but had no significant effect on depressive-like behavior. Our findings suggest that a reduction in estrogens in middle-aged females increases hippocampal neurogenesis without any adverse impact on depressive-like behavior; as such, this furthers our understanding of how estrogens modulate neurogenesis, and to the rationale for the utilization of letrozole in the clinical management of breast cancer.
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11
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Barrientos RM, Brunton PJ, Lenz KM, Pyter L, Spencer SJ. Neuroimmunology of the female brain across the lifespan: Plasticity to psychopathology. Brain Behav Immun 2019; 79:39-55. [PMID: 30872093 PMCID: PMC6591071 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2019.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Revised: 02/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/09/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The female brain is highly dynamic and can fundamentally remodel throughout the normal ovarian cycle as well as in critical life stages including perinatal development, pregnancy and old-age. As such, females are particularly vulnerable to infections, psychological disorders, certain cancers, and cognitive impairments. We will present the latest evidence on the female brain; how it develops through the neonatal period; how it changes through the ovarian cycle in normal individuals; how it adapts to pregnancy and postpartum; how it responds to illness and disease, particularly cancer; and, finally, how it is shaped by old age. Throughout, we will highlight female vulnerability to and resilience against disease and dysfunction in the face of environmental challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- R M Barrientos
- Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research, Wexner Medical Centre, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, United States; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Wexner Medical Centre, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, United States; Chronic Brain Injury Program, Discovery Themes Initiative, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, United States
| | - P J Brunton
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building, George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, Scotland, UK; Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Joint Institute, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, International Campus, Haining, Zhejiang 314400, PR China
| | - K M Lenz
- Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research, Wexner Medical Centre, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, United States; Department of Psychology, Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, United States
| | - L Pyter
- Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research, Wexner Medical Centre, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, United States; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Wexner Medical Centre, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, United States
| | - S J Spencer
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Melbourne, Vic. 3083, Australia.
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12
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Liu M, Xing F, Bian C, Zhao Y, Zhao J, Liu Y, Zhang J. Letrozole induces worse hippocampal synaptic and dendritic changes and spatial memory impairment than ovariectomy in adult female mice. Neurosci Lett 2019; 706:61-67. [PMID: 31077740 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2019.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2018] [Revised: 04/28/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Estrogens (E2) derived from ovaries and/or local de novo synthesis in the hippocampus profoundly regulate hippocampal structure and function, but the importance of local E2 versus ovarian E2 on hippocampal synaptic plasticity and spatial memory has not been well elucidated. The present study used ovariectomy (OVX) and intraperitoneal injection of an E2 synthase inhibitor, letrozole (LET), in adult female mice to investigate changes in hippocampal steroid receptor coactivator-1 (SRC-1), postsynaptic proteins, and actin polymerization dynamics with these treatments. Changes in the CA1 spine density, synapse density and spatial learning and memory after OVX and LET were also investigated. As a result, OVX and LET showed similar regulation of the expression of GluR1, spinophilin and p-Cofilin, but LET tended to induce more significant changes in SRC-1, PSD95, Rictor, Cofilin and actin depolymerization. More significant decreases in F-actin/G-actin, CA1 spine density and synapse density were also observed after LET than after OVX. Notably, LET-treated mice showed worse learning and memory impairment than OVX mice. Taken together, these results demonstrated that circulating E2 played a limited role and that hippocampus-derived E2 played a more important role in the regulation of hippocampal synaptic plasticity and hippocampus-based spatial learning and memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengying Liu
- Department of Neurobiology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Fangzhou Xing
- School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Chen Bian
- Department of Military Psychology, College of Psychology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Yangang Zhao
- Department of Neurobiology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Jikai Zhao
- Department of Neurobiology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Yan Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.
| | - Jiqiang Zhang
- Department of Neurobiology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China.
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13
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Chronic Antipsychotic Treatment Modulates Aromatase (CYP19A1) Expression in the Male Rat Brain. J Mol Neurosci 2019; 68:311-317. [PMID: 30968339 PMCID: PMC6511348 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-019-01307-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2018] [Accepted: 03/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Antipsychotic drugs, known as the antagonists of dopaminergic receptors, may also affect a large spectrum of other molecular signaling pathways in the brain. Despite the numerous ongoing studies on neurosteroid action and regulation, there are no reports regarding the influence of extended treatment with typical and atypical neuroleptics on brain aromatase (CYP19A1) expression. In the present study, we assessed for the first time aromatase mRNA and protein levels in the brain of rats chronically (28 days) treated with olanzapine, clozapine, and haloperidol using quantitative real-time PCR, end-point RT-PCR, and Western blotting. Both clozapine and haloperidol, but not olanzapine treatment, led to an increase of aromatase mRNA expression in the rat brain. On the other hand, aromatase protein level remained unchanged after drug administration. These results cast a new light on the pharmacology of examined antipsychotics and contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms responsible for their action. The present report also underlines the complex nature of potential interactions between neuroleptic pharmacological effects and physiology of brain neurosteroid pathways.
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Chaudhari N, Dawalbhakta M, Nampoothiri L. GnRH dysregulation in polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a manifestation of an altered neurotransmitter profile. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2018; 16:37. [PMID: 29642911 PMCID: PMC5896071 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-018-0354-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Accepted: 04/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND GnRH is the master molecule of reproduction that is influenced by several intrinsic and extrinsic factors such as neurotransmitters and neuropeptides. Any alteration in these regulatory loops may result in reproductive-endocrine dysfunction such as the polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Although low dopaminergic tone has been associated with PCOS, the role of neurotransmitters in PCOS remains unknown. The present study was therefore aimed at understanding the status of GnRH regulatory neurotransmitters to decipher the neuroendocrine pathology in PCOS. METHODS PCOS was induced in rats by oral administration of letrozole (aromatase inhibitor). Following PCOS validation, animals were assessed for gonadotropin levels and their mRNA expression. Neurotrasnmitter status was evaluated by estimating their levels, their metabolism and their receptor expression in hypothalamus, pituitary, hippocampus and frontal cortex of PCOS rat model. RESULTS We demonstrate that GnRH and LH inhibitory neurotransmitters - serotonin, dopamine, GABA and acetylcholine - are reduced while glutamate, a major stimulator of GnRH and LH release, is increased in the PCOS condition. Concomitant changes were observed for neurotransmitter metabolising enzymes and their receptors as well. CONCLUSION Our results reveal that increased GnRH and LH pulsatility in PCOS condition likely result from the cumulative effect of altered GnRH stimulatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters in hypothalamic-pituitary centre. This, we hypothesise, is responsible for the depression and anxiety-like mood disorders commonly seen in PCOS women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nirja Chaudhari
- 0000 0001 2154 7601grid.411494.dReproductive-Neuro-Endocrinology Lab, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara, Gujarat India
| | - Mitali Dawalbhakta
- 0000 0001 2154 7601grid.411494.dReproductive-Neuro-Endocrinology Lab, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara, Gujarat India
| | - Laxmipriya Nampoothiri
- 0000 0001 2154 7601grid.411494.dReproductive-Neuro-Endocrinology Lab, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara, Gujarat India
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Zhao J, Bian C, Liu M, Zhao Y, Sun T, Xing F, Zhang J. Orchiectomy and letrozole differentially regulate synaptic plasticity and spatial memory in a manner that is mediated by SRC-1 in the hippocampus of male mice. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2018; 178:354-368. [PMID: 29452160 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2018.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2017] [Revised: 02/07/2018] [Accepted: 02/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Hippocampal synaptic plasticity is the basis of spatial memory and cognition and is strongly regulated by both testicular androgens (testosterone, T) and hippocampal estrogens (17β-estradiol, E2) converted from T by aromatase, which is inhibited by letrozole (LET), but the contribution of each pathway to spatial memory and the associated mechanisms are unclear. In this study, we first used orchiectomy (ORX) and LET injection to investigate the effects of T and hippocampal E2 on spatial memory and hippocampal synaptic plasticity. Next, we examined the changes in steroid receptors and steroid receptor coactivator-1 (SRC-1) under these treatments. Finally, we constructed an SRC-1 RNA interference lentivirus and an AROM overexpression lentivirus to explore the roles of SRC-1 under T replacement and AROM overexpression. The results revealed spatial memory impairment only after LET. LET induced more actin depolymerization and greater losses of spines, synapses, and postsynaptic proteins compared with ORX. Moreover, although ERα and ERβ were affected by LET and ORX at similar levels, AR, GPR30, and SRC-1 were dramatically decreased by LET compared with ORX. Finally, the T and AROM overexpression-induced changes in synaptic proteins and actin polymerization were blocked by SRC-1 inhibition. These results demonstrate that testicular androgens play a limited role, whereas local E2 is more important for cognition, which may explain why castrated men such as eunuchs usually do not have cognitive disorders. These results also suggest a pivotal role of SRC-1 in the action of steroids; thus, SRC-1 may serve as a novel therapeutic target for cognitive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jikai Zhao
- Department of Neurobiology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Chen Bian
- Department of Military Psychology, College of Psychology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Mengying Liu
- Department of Neurobiology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Yangang Zhao
- Department of Neurobiology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Tao Sun
- Department of Neurobiology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Fangzhou Xing
- Department of Neurobiology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China; School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Jiqiang Zhang
- Department of Neurobiology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China.
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Linear and inverted U-shaped dose-response functions describe estrogen effects on hippocampal activity in young women. Nat Commun 2018; 9:1220. [PMID: 29572476 PMCID: PMC5865215 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-03679-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2017] [Accepted: 03/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In animals, 17-beta-estradiol (E2) enhances hippocampal plasticity in a dose-dependent, monotonically increasing manner, but this relationship can also exhibit an inverted U-shaped function. To investigate E2’s dose-response function in the human hippocampus, we pharmacologically increased E2 levels in 125 naturally cycling women (who were in their low-hormone menstruation phase) to physiological (equivalent to menstrual cycle peak) and supraphysiological (equivalent to levels during early pregnancy) concentrations in a placebo-controlled design. Twenty-four hours after first E2 intake, we measured brain activity during encoding of neutral and negative pictures and then tested recognition memory 24 h after encoding. Here we report that E2 exhibits both a monotonically increasing relationship with hippocampal activity as well as an inverted U-shaped relationship, depending on the hippocampal region. Hippocampal activity exhibiting a U-shaped relationship inflects at supraphysiological E2 levels, suggesting that while E2 within physiological ranges stimulates hippocampal activity, supraphysiological ranges show opposite effects. While estrogen is known to change hippocampal activity in animals, it is not known if this effect extends to humans. Here, authors vary the doses of estrogen in young women and show that the effects on hippocampal activity can be described by linear and inverted-U shaped dose-response functions.
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Kokras N, Pastromas N, Papasava D, de Bournonville C, Cornil CA, Dalla C. Sex differences in behavioral and neurochemical effects of gonadectomy and aromatase inhibition in rats. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2018; 87:93-107. [PMID: 29054014 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2017.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2017] [Revised: 10/05/2017] [Accepted: 10/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Aromatase inhibitors, which are widely used for the treatment of estrogen-dependent cancers, have been associated with psychiatric side effects ranging from mania to depression. In the present study, we investigated sex differences in the behavioral and neurochemical effects of aromatase inhibition on male and female, sham-operated or gonadectomized adult rats. Three weeks after surgery, rats received chronic treatment with the aromatase inhibitor letrozole or vehicle and were then subjected to the open field test, which assesses general activity. Half of the subjects were subsequently exposed to the stressful procedure of the forced swim test (FST), which is also a test of antidepressant activity. Aromatase activity was analyzed in the hypothalamus and testosterone and corticosterone were assayed in the blood serum of all rats. The hippocampus and prefrontal cortex (PFC) were analyzed for monoamine (noradrenaline, dopamine and serotonin), as well as amino acid (GABA, glutamate, glycine, taurine, alanine and histidine) levels. The observed decrease in hypothalamic aromatase activity confirmed the efficacy of letrozole treatment in both sexes. Moreover, letrozole enhanced testosterone levels in sham-operated females. In the open field test, females were overall more active and explorative than males and gonadectomy eliminated this sex difference. In the FST, females exhibited overall higher immobility than males and gonadectomy further enhanced this passive behavior in both sexes. However, sustained aromatase inhibition had no effect on open field and FST behaviors. Head shakes during FST, which were fewer in females than in males, were reduced by castration in males and by letrozole treatment in ovariectomized females, suggesting a role of testosterone and extra-gonadal estrogens in the expression of this behavior. Sustained aromatase inhibition also decreased noradrenaline and the dopaminergic turnover rates [DOPAC/DA, HVA/DA] in the hippocampus and PFC of male and female rats, irrespectively of gonadectomy. Moreover, letrozole treatment enhanced the serotonergic turnover [5HIAA/5HT] rate in the hippocampus of males and females, irrespectively of gonadectomy. Amino acid levels were not influenced by letrozole, but sex differences were demonstrated with higher levels in the PFC of females vs. males. Present findings suggest that the neuropsychiatric effects of aromatase inhibition can be attributed to the inhibition of extragonadal estrogen synthesis, presumably in the brain, and could be further associated with serotonergic and catecholaminergic changes in brain regions involved in mood and cognition. Importantly, present data could be linked with the neurobiology of affective side-effects in post-menopausal women receiving aromatase inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Kokras
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece; First Department of Psychiatry, Eginition Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece
| | - N Pastromas
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece
| | - D Papasava
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece
| | - C de Bournonville
- Behavioral Neuroendocrinology Research Group, GIGA Neurosciences, University of Liège, Belgium
| | - C A Cornil
- Behavioral Neuroendocrinology Research Group, GIGA Neurosciences, University of Liège, Belgium
| | - C Dalla
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece.
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On the role of brain aromatase in females: why are estrogens produced locally when they are available systemically? J Comp Physiol A Neuroethol Sens Neural Behav Physiol 2017; 204:31-49. [PMID: 29086012 DOI: 10.1007/s00359-017-1224-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2017] [Revised: 10/12/2017] [Accepted: 10/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The ovaries are often thought of as the main and only source of estrogens involved in the regulation of female behavior. However, aromatase, the key enzyme for estrogen synthesis, although it is more abundant in males, is expressed and active in the brain of females where it is regulated by similar mechanisms as in males. Early work had shown that estrogens produced in the ventromedial hypothalamus are involved in the regulation of female sexual behavior in musk shrews. However, the question of the role of central aromatase in general had not received much attention until recently. Here, I will review the emerging concept that central aromatization plays a role in the regulation of physiological and behavioral endpoints in females. The data support the notion that in females, brain aromatase is not simply a non-functional evolutionary vestige, and provide support for the importance of locally produced estrogens for brain function in females. These observations should also have an impact for clinical research.
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Fabrication of magnetite nanoparticles modified with copper based metal organic framework for drug delivery system of letrozole. J Mol Liq 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molliq.2017.07.127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Taylor GT, Manzella FM, Huffman J, Cabrera OH, Hoffman J. Cognition in female rats after blocking conversion of androgens to estrogens. Horm Behav 2017; 90:84-89. [PMID: 28257758 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2017.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2016] [Revised: 11/22/2016] [Accepted: 02/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Women and non-human females have surprisingly high levels of circulating testosterone, yet the effects of androgens on non-reproductive behaviors, including cognition, of females are not well characterized. The current project used an aromatase inhibitor, letrozole, to block conversion of androgens to estrogens. Adult female rats were ovariectomized and administered either vehicle only, testosterone propionate only (400μg/kg, TP only), letrozole only (1mg/kg, Letro only), or the combination of letrozole and testosterone (TP+Letro) over 4weeks. A gonadally intact group was used for comparisons. During the last 3weeks, the animals were tested for working memory in both a spatial task (radial arm maze) and a non-spatial task (object recognition). At sacrifice, uterine weights and serum testosterone and estradiol were determined. Behavioral results were the intact animals showed better working memories on the object recognition task, but that there were no differences among the ovariectomized groups. In the radial arm maze task, groups with best to worst performance were TP only>Intact=TP+Letro>vehicle=Letro only. Highest to lowest serum titers, for testosterone, were TP+Letro>TP only>Intact=Letro only>vehicle and, for estradiol, Intact>TP only>Vehicle>Letro only=TP+Letro. Our interpretation is that testosterone enhanced spatial performance when bioavailability of both TP and E2 are high, and high testosterone can rescue spatial memory when E2 bioavailability is low.
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Affiliation(s)
- George T Taylor
- Behavioral Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Missouri - St. Louis, USA, St. Louis, MO 63121, USA; Interfakultäre Biomedizinische Forschungseinrichtung (IBF) der Universität Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Francesca M Manzella
- Behavioral Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Missouri - St. Louis, USA, St. Louis, MO 63121, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
| | - Jacob Huffman
- Behavioral Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Missouri - St. Louis, USA, St. Louis, MO 63121, USA
| | - Omar H Cabrera
- Behavioral Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Missouri - St. Louis, USA, St. Louis, MO 63121, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Jessica Hoffman
- Department of Psychology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, USA
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Li C, Zhou C, Li R. Can Exercise Ameliorate Aromatase Inhibitor-Induced Cognitive Decline in Breast Cancer Patients? Mol Neurobiol 2016; 53:4238-4246. [PMID: 26223800 PMCID: PMC5651179 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-015-9341-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2015] [Accepted: 07/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) have been commonly used as an effective adjuvant therapy in treatment of breast cancer, especially for menopausal women with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. Due to the nature of aromatase, the key enzyme for endogenous estrogen synthesis, inhibitory of aromatase-induced side effects, such as cognitive impairment has been reported in both human and animal studies. While extensive evidence suggested that physical exercises can improve learning and memory activity and even prevent age-related cognitive decline, basic research revealed some common pathways between exercise and estrogen signaling that affected cognitive function. This review draws on clinical and basic studies to assess the potential impact of exercise in cognitive function from women treated with AIs for breast cancer and explore the potential mechanism and effects of exercise on estrogen-related cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cuicui Li
- Department of Sport Psychology, School of Sport Science, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Chenglin Zhou
- Department of Sport Psychology, School of Sport Science, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, 200438, China.
| | - Rena Li
- Department of Sport Psychology, School of Sport Science, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, 200438, China.
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital and Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100012, China.
- Center for Hormone Advanced Science and Education, Roskamp Institute, Sarasota, FL, 34243, USA.
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Goswami AR, Dutta G, Ghosh T. Naproxen, a Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug, Can Affect Daily Hypobaric Hypoxia-Induced Alterations of Monoamine Levels in Different Areas of the Brain in Male Rats. High Alt Med Biol 2016; 17:133-40. [PMID: 26894935 DOI: 10.1089/ham.2015.0052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Goswami, Ananda Raj, Goutam Dutta, and Tusharkanti Ghosh. Naproxen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug can affect daily hypobaric hypoxia-induced alterations of monoamine levels in different areas of the brain in male rats. High Alt Med Biol. 17:133-140, 2016.-The oxidative stress (OS)-induced prostaglandin (PG) release, in hypobaric hypoxic (HHc) condition, may be linked with the changes of brain monoamines. The present study intends to explore the changes of monoamines in hypothalamus (H), cerebral cortex (CC), and cerebellum (CB) along with the motor activity in rats after exposing them to simulated hypobaric condition and the role of PGs on the daily hypobaric hypoxia (DHH)-induced alteration of brain monoamines by administering, an inhibitor of PG synthesis, naproxen. The rats were exposed to a decompression chamber at 18,000 ft for 8 hours per day for 6 days after administration of vehicle or naproxen (18 mg/kg body wt.). The monoamine levels (epinephrine, E; norepinephrine, NE; dopamine, DA; and 5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) in CC, CB, and H were assayed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with electrochemical detection, and the locomotor behavior was measured by open field test. The NE and DA levels were decreased in CC, CB, and H of the rat brain in HHc condition. The E and 5-HT levels were decreased in CC, but in H and CB, they remained unaltered in HHc condition. These DHH-induced changes of monoamines in brain areas were prevented after administration of naproxen in HHc condition. The locomotor behavior remained unaltered in HHc condition and after administration of naproxen in HHc condition. The DHH-induced changes of monoamines in the brain in HHc condition are probably linked with PGs that may be induced by OS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ananda Raj Goswami
- Department of Physiology, University College of Science and Technology, University of Calcutta , Kolkata, India
| | - Goutam Dutta
- Department of Physiology, University College of Science and Technology, University of Calcutta , Kolkata, India
| | - Tusharkanti Ghosh
- Department of Physiology, University College of Science and Technology, University of Calcutta , Kolkata, India
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Vierk R, Bayer J, Freitag S, Muhia M, Kutsche K, Wolbers T, Kneussel M, Sommer T, Rune GM. Structure-function-behavior relationship in estrogen-induced synaptic plasticity. Horm Behav 2015; 74:139-48. [PMID: 26012713 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2015.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2015] [Revised: 04/23/2015] [Accepted: 05/17/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
This article is part of a Special Issue "Estradiol and Cognition". In estrogen-induced synaptic plasticity, a correlation of structure, function and behavior in the hippocampus has been widely established. 17ß-estradiol has been shown to increase dendritic spine density on hippocampal neurons and is accompanied by enhanced long-term potentiation and improved performance of animals in hippocampus-dependent memory tests. After inhibition of aromatase, the final enzyme of estradiol synthesis, with letrozole we consistently found a strong and significant impairment of long-term potentiation (LTP) in female mice as early as after six hours of treatment. LTP impairment was followed by loss of hippocampal spine synapses in the hippocampal CA1 area. Interestingly, these effects were not found in male animals. In the Morris water maze test, chronic administration of letrozole did not alter spatial learning and memory in either female or male mice. In humans, analogous effects of estradiol on hippocampal morphology and physiology were observed using neuroimaging techniques. However, similar to our findings in mice, an effect of estradiol on memory performance has not been consistently observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Vierk
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - J Bayer
- Institute for Systems Neuroscience, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - S Freitag
- Department of Molecular Neurogenetics, Center for Molecular Neurobiology (ZMNH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Falkenried 94, 20151 Hamburg, Germany
| | - M Muhia
- Department of Molecular Neurogenetics, Center for Molecular Neurobiology (ZMNH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Falkenried 94, 20151 Hamburg, Germany
| | - K Kutsche
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - T Wolbers
- Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences, Leipziger Str. 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - M Kneussel
- Department of Molecular Neurogenetics, Center for Molecular Neurobiology (ZMNH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Falkenried 94, 20151 Hamburg, Germany
| | - T Sommer
- Institute for Systems Neuroscience, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany.
| | - G M Rune
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany.
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Wefel JS, Kesler SR, Noll KR, Schagen SB. Clinical characteristics, pathophysiology, and management of noncentral nervous system cancer-related cognitive impairment in adults. CA Cancer J Clin 2015; 65:123-38. [PMID: 25483452 PMCID: PMC4355212 DOI: 10.3322/caac.21258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 320] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Answer questions and earn CME/CNE Over the past few decades, a body of research has emerged confirming what many adult patients with noncentral nervous system cancer have long reported-that cancer and its treatment are frequently associated with cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI). The severity of CRCI varies, and symptoms can emerge early or late in the disease course. Nonetheless, CRCI is typically mild to moderate in nature and primarily involves the domains of memory, attention, executive functioning, and processing speed. Animal models and novel neuroimaging techniques have begun to unravel the pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying CRCI, including the role of inflammatory cascades, direct neurotoxic effects, damage to progenitor cells, white matter abnormalities, and reduced functional connectivity, among others. Given the paucity of research on CRCI with other cancer populations, this review synthesizes the current literature with a deliberate focus on CRCI within the context of breast cancer. A hypothetical case-study approach is used to illustrate how CRCI often presents clinically and how current science can inform practice. While the literature regarding intervention for CRCI is nascent, behavioral and pharmacologic approaches are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey S. Wefel
- Associate Professor, Department of Neuro-Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
- Corresponding author: Jeffrey S. Wefel, PhD, Department of Neuro-Oncology, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Unit 431, Houston, TX 77030;
| | - Shelli R. Kesler
- Associate Professor, Department of Neuro-Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Kyle R. Noll
- Associate Professor, Department of Neuro-Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Sanne B. Schagen
- Associate Professor, Division of Psychosocial Research and Epidemiology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Abstract
Aromatase inhibitors block the conversion of androgens to oestrogens and are used for the treatment of hormone-responsive breast cancer in menopause and recently also in premenopausal women. We investigate whether decreased oestrogen synthesis following aromatase inhibition leads to a depressive-like behavioural response in cycling female rats. Using the forced swim test (FST) we estimate the response of acute (three injections in 24 h) and sustained (7 d) letrozole and fluoxetine administration. Acute aromatase inhibition decreases immobility duration in the FST, indicating its antidepressant potential. Instead, sustained aromatase inhibition did not show such antidepressant potential. Testosterone elevation associates with the decreased depressive behaviour in the FST following acute letrozole treatment, but interestingly progesterone explains the increased swimming behaviour. Present findings may have potential implications for women treated with aromatase inhibitors, especially before menopause, as well as for the role of gonadal hormones in the expression of depressive symptoms and antidepressant response.
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Bian C, Zhao Y, Guo Q, Xiong Y, Cai W, Zhang J. Aromatase inhibitor letrozole downregulates steroid receptor coactivator-1 in specific brain regions that primarily related to memory, neuroendocrine and integration. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2014; 141:37-43. [PMID: 24434281 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2013.12.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2013] [Revised: 11/26/2013] [Accepted: 12/27/2013] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
As one of the third generation of aromatase inhibitors, letrozole is a favored drug for the treatment of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer with some adverse effects on the nervous system, but the knowledge is limited and the results are controversial, the mechanism underlying its central action is also unclear. Accumulated evidences have demonstrated that estrogens derived from androgens by aromatase play profound roles in the brain through their receptors, which needs coactivator for the transcription regulation, among which steroid receptor coactivator-1 (SRC-1) has been shown to be multifunctional potentials in the brain, but whether it is regulated by letrozole is currently unknown. In this study, we examined letrozole regulation on SRC-1 expression in adult mice brain using immunohistochemistry. The results showed that letrozole induced dramatic decrease of SRC-1 in the medial septal, hippocampus, medial habenular nucleus, arcuate hypothalamic nucleus and superior colliculus (p<0.01). Significant decrease was detected in the dorsal lateral septal nucleus, bed nucleus of stria terminalis, ventral taenia tecta, dorsomedial and ventromedial hypothalamic nuclei, dorsomedial periaqueductal gray, superior paraolivary nucleus and pontine nucleus (p<0.05). In the hippocampus, levels of estradiol content, androgen receptor, estrogen receptor α and β also decreased significantly after letrozole injection. The above results demonstrated letrozole downregulation of SRC-1 in specific regions that are primarily related to learning and memory, cognition and mood, neuroendocrine as well as information integration, indicating that SRC-1 may be one important downstream central target of letrozole. Furthermore, these potential central adverse effects of letrozole should be taken into serious considerations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Bian
- Department of Neurobiology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Yangang Zhao
- Department of Neurobiology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Qiang Guo
- Department of Neurobiology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Ying Xiong
- Department of Neurobiology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Wenqin Cai
- Department of Neurobiology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China.
| | - Jiqiang Zhang
- Department of Neurobiology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China.
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Ahmad Panahi H, Reza Soltani E, Moniri E, Tamadon A. Synthesis and characterization of poly[1-(N,N-bis-carboxymethyl)amino-3-allylglycerol-co-dimethylacrylamide] grafted to magnetic nano-particles for extraction and determination of letrozole in biological and pharmaceutical samples. Talanta 2013; 117:511-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2013.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2013] [Revised: 09/06/2013] [Accepted: 09/10/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Buwalda B, Schagen SB. Is basic research providing answers if adjuvant anti-estrogen treatment of breast cancer can induce cognitive impairment? Life Sci 2013; 93:581-8. [PMID: 23353876 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2012.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2012] [Revised: 11/27/2012] [Accepted: 12/21/2012] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Adjuvant treatment of cancer by chemotherapy is associated with cognitive impairment in some cancer survivors. Breast cancer patients are frequently also receiving endocrine therapy with selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) and/or aromatase inhibitors (AIs) to suppress the growth of estradiol sensitive breast tumors. Estrogens are well-known, however, to target brain areas involved in the regulation of cognitive behavior. In this review clinical and basic preclinical research is reviewed on the actions of estradiol, SERMs and AIs on brain and cognitive functioning to see if endocrine therapy potentially induces cognitive impairment and in that respect may contribute to the detrimental effects of chemotherapy on cognitive performance in breast cancer patients. Although many clinical studies may be underpowered to detect changes in cognitive function, current basic and clinical reports suggest that there is little evidence that AIs may have a lasting detrimental effect on cognitive performance in breast cancer patients. The clinical data on SERMs are not conclusive, but some studies do suggest that tamoxifen administration may form a risk for cognitive functioning particularly in older women. An explanation may come from basic preclinical research which indicates that tamoxifen often acts agonistic in the absence of estradiol but antagonistic in the presence of endogenous estradiol. It could be hypothesized that the negative effects of tamoxifen in older women is related to the so-called window of opportunity for estrogen. Administration of SERMs beyond this so-called window of opportunity may not be effective or might even have detrimental effects similar to estradiol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bauke Buwalda
- Behavioral Physiology, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands.
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Swithers SE, Sample CH, Katz DP. Influence of ovarian and non-ovarian estrogens on weight gain in response to disruption of sweet taste--calorie relations in female rats. Horm Behav 2013; 63:40-8. [PMID: 23146838 PMCID: PMC3540164 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2012.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2012] [Revised: 10/26/2012] [Accepted: 11/02/2012] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Regulation of energy balance in female rats is known to differ along a number of dimensions compared to male rats. Previous work from our lab has demonstrated that in female rats fed dietary supplements containing high-intensity sweeteners that may disrupt a predictive relation between sweet tastes and calories, excess weight gain is demonstrated only when females are also fed a diet high in fat and sugar, and is evidenced primarily in animals already prone to gain excess weight. In contrast, male rats show excess weight gain when fed saccharin-sweetened yogurt supplements when fed both standard chow diets and diets high in fat and sugar, and regardless of their proneness to excess weight gain. The goal of the present experiments was to determine whether ovarian, or other sources of estrogens, contributes to the resistance to excess weight gain in female rats fed standard chow diets along with dietary supplements sweetened with yogurt. Results of the first experiment indicated that when the ovaries were removed surgically in adult female rats, patterns of weight gain were similar in animals fed saccharin-sweetened compared to glucose-sweetened yogurt supplements. In the second experiment, when the ovaries were surgically removed in adult female rats, and local production of estrogens was suppressed with the aromatase inhibitor anastrozole, females fed the saccharin-sweetened yogurt consumed more energy and gained more weight than females fed the glucose-sweetened yogurt. However, when the ovaries were surgically removed prior to the onset of puberty (at 24-25 days of age), females given saccharin-sweetened yogurt along with vehicle gained excess weight. In contrast, weight gain was similar in those given saccharin-sweetened and glucose-sweetened yogurt along with anastrozole. The results suggest that behavioral differences between males and females in response to disruption of sweet→calorie relations may result from differences in patterns of local estrogen production. These differences may be established developmentally during the pubertal period in females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan E Swithers
- Department of Psychological Sciences and Ingestive Behavior Research Center, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA.
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Lyle N, Chakrabarti S, Sur T, Gomes A, Bhattacharyya D. Nardostachys jatamansi Protects Against Cold Restraint Stress Induced Central Monoaminergic and Oxidative Changes in Rats. Neurochem Res 2012; 37:2748-57. [DOI: 10.1007/s11064-012-0867-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2012] [Revised: 07/28/2012] [Accepted: 08/01/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Meng FT, Ni RJ, Zhang Z, Zhao J, Liu YJ, Zhou JN. Inhibition of oestrogen biosynthesis induces mild anxiety in C57BL/6J ovariectomized female mice. Neurosci Bull 2011; 27:241-50. [PMID: 21788995 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-011-1014-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Letrozole, a next-generation aromatase inhibitor, has become a favored drug for the treatment of breast cancer in postmenopausal women. Although letrozole is generally well tolerated, its adverse effects on the central nervous system have been reported. The present study aimed to assess the behavioural outcomes of letrozole administration in mice to determine its side effects. METHODS C57BL/6J female ovariectomized mice received administration of letrozole (2.5 mg/kg per day) or vehicle by gavage for 3 weeks. Behavioural tasks were used to assess anxiety, depression, as well as learning and memory in mice. RESULTS Letrozole-treated mice showed an increased latency to enter the inner area of the chamber on the third day of the open field test, and traveled a shorter distance in the open arms of the elevated plus maze. No significant difference was found in the light-dark box or forced swimming task between letrozole-treated and vehicle-treated mice. Besides, letrozole did not change the spontaneous alternation behaviour of mice in the Y-maze. In the Morris water maze, mice administered with letrozole exhibited an improvement in spatial learning and memory compared with the vehicle-treated mice. CONCLUSION Our results indicate that the inhibition of oestrogen biosynthesis results in mild anxious behaviour, which may be a consideration in the treatment of breast cancer in postmenopausal women using aromatase inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan-Tao Meng
- Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Diseases, School of Life Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, China
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Abstract
Oestrogens regulate normal behaviour and have been implicated in modulating pathological behaviour such as obsessive compulsive disorder and neurological disorder such as Parkinsonism. Therefore, by regulating the expression of the oestrogen-synthesising enzyme, aromatase, we may identify what behaviour is regulated by oestrogen. Inhibition of aromatase either genetically or pharmacologically has been reported to induce sexual behaviour impairment, compulsive behaviour and susceptibility to neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wah Chin Boon
- Florey Neuroscience Institutes, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia.
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Aenlle KK, Foster TC. Aging alters the expression of genes for neuroprotection and synaptic function following acute estradiol treatment. Hippocampus 2011; 20:1047-60. [PMID: 19790252 DOI: 10.1002/hipo.20703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
This study used microarray analysis to examine age-related changes in gene expression 6 and 12 h following a single estradiol injection in ovariectomized mice. Estradiol-responsive gene expression at the 6 h time point was reduced in aged (18 months) animals compared with young (4 months) and middle-aged (MA, 12 months) mice. Examination of gene clustering within biological and functional pathways indicated that young and MA mice exhibited increased expression of genes for cellular components of the synapse and decreased expression of genes related to oxidative phosphorylation and mitochondrial dysfunction. At the 12 h time point, estradiol-responsive gene expression increased in aged animals and decreased in young and MA mice compared with the 6 h time point. Gene clustering analysis indicated that aged mice exhibited increased expression of genes for signaling pathways that are rapidly influenced by estradiol. The age differences in gene expression for rapid signaling pathways may relate to disparity in basal pathway activity and estradiol mediated activation of rapid signaling cascades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina K Aenlle
- Department of Neuroscience, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
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Phillips KA, Ribi K, Fisher R. Do aromatase inhibitors have adverse effects on cognitive function? Breast Cancer Res 2011; 13:203. [PMID: 21392408 PMCID: PMC3109568 DOI: 10.1186/bcr2806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Aromatase inhibitors are an important component of treatment for most postmenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive, early-stage breast cancer. Women taking aromatase inhibitors experience very low levels of circulating estrogen. This might be expected to result in cognitive dysfunction given the important relationship between estrogen and cognition in the basic science literature. Several studies have examined the cognitive effects of aromatase inhibitors, including two within large randomized trials which were adequately powered to detect moderate (but not small) effects. With this caveat, the available data do not support the hypothesis that aromatase inhibitors adversely affect cognitive function or that aromatase inhibitors might have a more adverse effect on cognitive function in comparison with tamoxifen. Further research is needed for confirmation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly Anne Phillips
- Division of Cancer Medicine, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, St Andrew's Place, East Melbourne, Victoria, 3002, Australia.
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Increase in formalin-induced tonic pain by 5alpha-reductase and aromatase inhibition in female rats. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2010; 98:62-6. [PMID: 21184774 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2010.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2010] [Revised: 12/10/2010] [Accepted: 12/14/2010] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Little is known about the role of steroidogenic enzymes in pain modulation. This study examined the effects of 5α-reductase and aromatase inhibition on formalin-induced tonic pain (FITP) in adult female rats. The animals received subcutaneous injection (5 mg/kg) of finasteride (an inhibitor of 5α-reductase) and letrozole (an inhibitor of aromatase), either separately or in combination, 15 min before formalin injection at a low (0.25%) and high (2.5%) concentration. Pretreatment with inhibitors increased FITP evoked by injection of 0.25% formalin, but they were not effective on 2.5% formalin pain. The enhancing effects of finasteride and letrozole on FITP induced by 2.5% formalin was demonstrated by inhibitory actions of these drugs on morphine (7 and 10 mg/kg, intraperitoneal) induced antinociception. The nervous system could be considered as the main target of the enzymes inhibition, since the pronociceptive effect was also observed after administration of inhibitors to ovariectomized rats. Altogether, these findings suggest that the biological activity of the enzymes 5α-reductase and aromatase modulates FITP and may help to develop effective therapeutic strategies to counteract pain.
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Phillips KA, Ribi K, Sun Z, Stephens A, Thompson A, Harvey V, Thürlimann B, Cardoso F, Pagani O, Coates AS, Goldhirsch A, Price KN, Gelber RD, Bernhard J. Cognitive function in postmenopausal women receiving adjuvant letrozole or tamoxifen for breast cancer in the BIG 1-98 randomized trial. Breast 2010; 19:388-95. [PMID: 20385495 DOI: 10.1016/j.breast.2010.03.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2010] [Revised: 03/17/2010] [Accepted: 03/18/2010] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Cognitive function in postmenopausal women receiving letrozole or tamoxifen as adjuvant endocrine treatment was compared during the fifth year of treatment in a substudy of the BIG 1-98 trial. In BIG 1-98 patients were randomized to receive adjuvant (A) 5-years tamoxifen, (B) 5-years letrozole, (C) 2-years tamoxifen followed by 3-years letrozole, or (D) 2-years letrozole followed by 3-years tamoxifen. The primary comparison was the difference in composite score for patients taking letrozole (B+C; N=65) vs. tamoxifen (A+D; N=55). The patients taking letrozole had better overall cognitive function than those taking tamoxifen (difference in mean composite z-scores=0.28, P=0.04, 95% CI: 0.02, 0.54, Cohen's D=0.40 indicating small to moderate effect). In this substudy, breast cancer patients taking adjuvant letrozole during the fifth year of treatment had better cognitive function than those taking tamoxifen, suggesting aromatase inhibitors do not adversely impact cognition compared with tamoxifen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly-Anne Phillips
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
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Yonden Z, Aydin M, Alcin E, Kelestemur MH, Kutlu S, Yilmaz B. Effects of letrozole on bone biomarkers and femur fracture in female rats. J Physiol Biochem 2009; 65:267-75. [DOI: 10.1007/bf03180579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2009] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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