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Riebel M, Brunner LM, Nothdurfter C, Wein S, Schwarzbach J, Liere P, Schumacher M, Rupprecht R. Neurosteroids and translocator protein 18 kDa (TSPO) ligands as novel treatment options in depression. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2024:10.1007/s00406-024-01843-7. [PMID: 38976049 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-024-01843-7] [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: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
Recently, the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) system has come into focus for the treatment of anxiety, postpartum depression, and major depressive disorder. Endogenous 3α-reduced steroids such as allopregnanolone are potent positive allosteric modulators of GABAA receptors and have been known for decades. Current industry developments and first approvals by the U.S. food and drug administration (FDA) for the treatment of postpartum depression with exogenous analogues of these steroids represent a major step forward in the field. 3α-reduced steroids target both synaptic and extrasynaptic GABAA receptors, unlike benzodiazepines, which bind to synaptic receptors. The first FDA-approved 3α-reduced steroid for postpartum depression is brexanolone, an intravenous formulation of allopregnanolone. It has been shown to provide rapid relief of depressive symptoms. An orally available 3α-reduced steroid is zuranolone, which also received FDA approval in 2023 for the treatment of postpartum depression. Although a number of studies have been conducted, the efficacy data were not sufficient to achieve approval of zuranolone in major depressive disorder by the FDA in 2023. The most prominent side effects of these 3α-reduced steroids are somnolence, dizziness and headache. In addition to the issue of efficacy, it should be noted that current data limit the use of these compounds to two weeks. An alternative to exogenous 3α-reduced steroids may be the use of substances that induce endogenous neurosteroidogenesis, such as the translocator protein 18 kDa (TSPO) ligand etifoxine. TSPO has been extensively studied for its role in steroidogenesis, in addition to other functions such as anti-inflammatory and neuroregenerative properties. Currently, etifoxine is the only clinically available TSPO ligand in France for the treatment of anxiety disorders. Studies are underway to evaluate its antidepressant potential. Hopefully, neurosteroid research will lead to the development of fast-acting antidepressants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Riebel
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Regensburg, Universitätsstrasse 84, 93053, Regensburg, Germany.
| | - Lisa-Marie Brunner
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Regensburg, Universitätsstrasse 84, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Caroline Nothdurfter
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Regensburg, Universitätsstrasse 84, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Simon Wein
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Regensburg, Universitätsstrasse 84, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Jens Schwarzbach
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Regensburg, Universitätsstrasse 84, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Philippe Liere
- U1195 Inserm and University Paris-Saclay, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, Paris, 94276, France
| | - Michael Schumacher
- U1195 Inserm and University Paris-Saclay, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, Paris, 94276, France
| | - Rainer Rupprecht
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Regensburg, Universitätsstrasse 84, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
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2
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Cioffi L, Grassi D, Diviccaro S, Caruso D, Pinto-Benito D, Arevalo MA, Garcia-Segura LM, Melcangi RC, Giatti S. Sex chromosome complement interacts with gonadal hormones in determining regional-specific neuroactive steroid levels in plasma, hippocampus, and hypothalamus. A study using the four core genotype mouse model. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2024; 241:106514. [PMID: 38554982 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2024.106514] [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: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
An important aspect of the neuromodulatory and neuroprotective actions exerted by neuroactive steroids is that they are sex-specific, as determined by the sexually dimorphic levels of these molecules in plasma and the nervous tissue. Thus, the identification of the factors that generate the sex-dimorphic levels of neuroactive steroids may be crucial from a neuroprotectant perspective. The main driver for sex determination in mammals is the SRY gene and the subsequent presence of a specific gonad: testes for males and ovaries for females, thus producing hormonal compounds, primarily androgens and estrogens, respectively. Nowadays, it is well established that despite the relevance of gonads, other factors control sexual features, and, among them, sex chromosome complement is highly relevant. In this study, neuroactive steroids were evaluated by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry in the hypothalamus, the hippocampus, and plasma of the four core genotype mouse model, to determine the relative contribution of sex chromosome complement and gonads in determining their sex dimorphic levels. The data obtained reveal that although gonads are the main contributing factor for sex differences in neuroactive steroid levels, the levels of some neuroactive steroids, including testosterone, are also influenced in brain and plasma by tissue-specific actions of sex chromosomes. The data presented here adds a new piece to the puzzle of steroid level regulation, which may be useful in designing sex-specific neuroprotective approaches to pathological conditions affecting the nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Cioffi
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences "Rodolfo Paoletti", Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano 20133, Itlay
| | - Daniela Grassi
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Autonoma University of Madrid, Calle Arzobispo Morcillo 4, Madrid 28029, Spain
| | - Silvia Diviccaro
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences "Rodolfo Paoletti", Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano 20133, Itlay
| | - Donatella Caruso
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences "Rodolfo Paoletti", Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano 20133, Itlay
| | - Daniel Pinto-Benito
- Cajal Institute, CSIC, Avenida Doctor Arce 37, 28002 Madrid, Spain and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid 28029, Spain
| | - Maria-Angeles Arevalo
- Cajal Institute, CSIC, Avenida Doctor Arce 37, 28002 Madrid, Spain and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid 28029, Spain
| | - Luis Miguel Garcia-Segura
- Cajal Institute, CSIC, Avenida Doctor Arce 37, 28002 Madrid, Spain and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid 28029, Spain
| | - Roberto Cosimo Melcangi
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences "Rodolfo Paoletti", Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano 20133, Itlay
| | - Silvia Giatti
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences "Rodolfo Paoletti", Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano 20133, Itlay
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3
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Oakley J, Hill M, Giess A, Tanguy M, Elgar G. Long read sequencing characterises a novel structural variant, revealing underactive AKR1C1 with overactive AKR1C2 as a possible cause of severe chronic fatigue. J Transl Med 2023; 21:825. [PMID: 37978513 PMCID: PMC10655400 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04711-5] [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: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Causative genetic variants cannot yet be found for many disorders with a clear heritable component, including chronic fatigue disorders like myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). These conditions may involve genes in difficult-to-align genomic regions that are refractory to short read approaches. Structural variants in these regions can be particularly hard to detect or define with short reads, yet may account for a significant number of cases. Long read sequencing can overcome these difficulties but so far little data is available regarding the specific analytical challenges inherent in such regions, which need to be taken into account to ensure that variants are correctly identified. Research into chronic fatigue disorders faces the additional challenge that the heterogeneous patient populations likely encompass multiple aetiologies with overlapping symptoms, rather than a single disease entity, such that each individual abnormality may lack statistical significance within a larger sample. Better delineation of patient subgroups is needed to target research and treatment. METHODS We use nanopore sequencing in a case of unexplained severe fatigue to identify and fully characterise a large inversion in a highly homologous region spanning the AKR1C gene locus, which was indicated but could not be resolved by short-read sequencing. We then use GC-MS/MS serum steroid analysis to investigate the functional consequences. RESULTS Several commonly used bioinformatics tools are confounded by the homology but a combined approach including visual inspection allows the variant to be accurately resolved. The DNA inversion appears to increase the expression of AKR1C2 while limiting AKR1C1 activity, resulting in a relative increase of inhibitory GABAergic neurosteroids and impaired progesterone metabolism which could suppress neuronal activity and interfere with cellular function in a wide range of tissues. CONCLUSIONS This study provides an example of how long read sequencing can improve diagnostic yield in research and clinical care, and highlights some of the analytical challenges presented by regions containing tandem arrays of genes. It also proposes a novel gene associated with a novel disease aetiology that may be an underlying cause of complex chronic fatigue. It reveals biomarkers that could now be assessed in a larger cohort, potentially identifying a subset of patients who might respond to treatments suggested by the aetiology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Martin Hill
- Department of Steroids and Proteofactors, Institute of Endocrinology, Národni 8, 11694, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Adam Giess
- Scientific Research and Development, Genomics England, London, UK
| | - Mélanie Tanguy
- Scientific Research and Development, Genomics England, London, UK
| | - Greg Elgar
- Scientific Research and Development, Genomics England, London, UK.
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4
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Abramova V, Leal Alvarado V, Hill M, Smejkalova T, Maly M, Vales K, Dittert I, Bozikova P, Kysilov B, Hrcka Krausova B, Vyklicky V, Balik A, Fili K, Korinek M, Chodounska H, Kudova E, Ciz D, Martinovic J, Cerny J, Bartunek P, Vyklicky L. Effects of Pregnanolone Glutamate and Its Metabolites on GABA A and NMDA Receptors and Zebrafish Behavior. ACS Chem Neurosci 2023; 14:1870-1883. [PMID: 37126803 PMCID: PMC10198160 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.3c00131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple molecular targets have been identified to mediate membrane-delimited and nongenomic effects of natural and synthetic steroids, but the influence of steroid metabolism on neuroactive steroid signaling is not well understood. To begin to address this question, we set out to identify major metabolites of a neuroprotective synthetic steroid 20-oxo-5β-pregnan-3α-yl l-glutamyl 1-ester (pregnanolone glutamate, PAG) and characterize their effects on GABAA and NMDA receptors (GABARs, NMDARs) and their influence on zebrafish behavior. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to assess concentrations of PAG and its metabolites in the hippocampal tissue of juvenile rats following intraperitoneal PAG injection. PAG is metabolized in the peripheral organs and nervous tissue to 20-oxo-17α-hydroxy-5β-pregnan-3α-yl l-glutamyl 1-ester (17-hydroxypregnanolone glutamate, 17-OH-PAG), 3α-hydroxy-5β-pregnan-20-one (pregnanolone, PA), and 3α,17α-dihydroxy-5β-pregnan-20-one (17-hydroxypregnanolone, 17-OH-PA). Patch-clamp electrophysiology experiments in cultured hippocampal neurons demonstrate that PA and 17-OH-PA are potent positive modulators of GABARs, while PAG and 17-OH-PA have a moderate inhibitory effect at NMDARs. PAG, 17-OH-PA, and PA diminished the locomotor activity of zebrafish larvae in a dose-dependent manner. Our results show that PAG and its metabolites are potent modulators of neurotransmitter receptors with behavioral consequences and indicate that neurosteroid-based ligands may have therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera Abramova
- Laboratory
of Cellular Neurophysiology, Institute of
Physiology CAS, Videnska 1083, 142 20 Prague 4, Czech Republic
- Charles
University, Third Faculty of Medicine, Ruska 87, 100 00 Prague 10,Czech Republic
| | - Vanessa Leal Alvarado
- Laboratory
of Cellular Neurophysiology, Institute of
Physiology CAS, Videnska 1083, 142 20 Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Hill
- Institute
of Endocrinology, Narodni
8, 116 94 Prague
1, Czech Republic
| | - Tereza Smejkalova
- Laboratory
of Cellular Neurophysiology, Institute of
Physiology CAS, Videnska 1083, 142 20 Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Michal Maly
- Laboratory
of Cellular Neurophysiology, Institute of
Physiology CAS, Videnska 1083, 142 20 Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Karel Vales
- Institute
of Physiology CAS, Videnska 1083, 142 20 Prague 4, Czech Republic
- National
Institute of Mental Health, Topolova 748, 250 67 Klecany, Czech Republic
| | - Ivan Dittert
- Laboratory
of Cellular Neurophysiology, Institute of
Physiology CAS, Videnska 1083, 142 20 Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Paulina Bozikova
- Institute
of Biotechnology CAS, Prumyslova 595, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Bohdan Kysilov
- Laboratory
of Cellular Neurophysiology, Institute of
Physiology CAS, Videnska 1083, 142 20 Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Barbora Hrcka Krausova
- Laboratory
of Cellular Neurophysiology, Institute of
Physiology CAS, Videnska 1083, 142 20 Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Vojtech Vyklicky
- Laboratory
of Cellular Neurophysiology, Institute of
Physiology CAS, Videnska 1083, 142 20 Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Ales Balik
- Laboratory
of Cellular Neurophysiology, Institute of
Physiology CAS, Videnska 1083, 142 20 Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Klevinda Fili
- Laboratory
of Cellular Neurophysiology, Institute of
Physiology CAS, Videnska 1083, 142 20 Prague 4, Czech Republic
- Charles
University, Third Faculty of Medicine, Ruska 87, 100 00 Prague 10,Czech Republic
| | - Miloslav Korinek
- Laboratory
of Cellular Neurophysiology, Institute of
Physiology CAS, Videnska 1083, 142 20 Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Hana Chodounska
- Institute
of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry CAS, Flemingovo nam. 2, 166 10 Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Eva Kudova
- Institute
of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry CAS, Flemingovo nam. 2, 166 10 Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - David Ciz
- IT4Innovations
National Supercomputing Center, Studentska 6231/1B, 708 00 Ostrava-Poruba, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Martinovic
- IT4Innovations
National Supercomputing Center, Studentska 6231/1B, 708 00 Ostrava-Poruba, Czech Republic
| | - Jiri Cerny
- Laboratory
of Cellular Neurophysiology, Institute of
Physiology CAS, Videnska 1083, 142 20 Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Bartunek
- Institute
of Molecular Genetics CAS, Videnska 1083, 142 20 Prague, Czech Republic
- CZ-OPENSCREEN, Institute of
Molecular Genetics CAS, Videnska 1083, 142
20 Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Ladislav Vyklicky
- Laboratory
of Cellular Neurophysiology, Institute of
Physiology CAS, Videnska 1083, 142 20 Prague 4, Czech Republic
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5
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Vitku J, Hill M, Kolatorova L, Kubala Havrdova E, Kancheva R. Steroid Sulfation in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:839887. [PMID: 35281259 PMCID: PMC8904904 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.839887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Steroid sulfation and desulfation participates in the regulation of steroid bioactivity, metabolism and transport. The authors focused on sulfation and desulfation balance in three neurodegenerative diseases: Alzheimer´s disease (AD), Parkinson´s disease (PD), and multiple sclerosis (MS). Circulating steroid conjugates dominate their unconjugated counterparts, but unconjugated steroids outweigh their conjugated counterparts in the brain. Apart from the neurosteroid synthesis in the central nervous system (CNS), most brain steroids cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) from the periphery and then may be further metabolized. Therefore, steroid levels in the periphery partly reflect the situation in the brain. The CNS steroids subsequently influence the neuronal excitability and have neuroprotective, neuroexcitatory, antidepressant and memory enhancing effects. They also exert anti-inflammatory and immunoprotective actions. Like the unconjugated steroids, the sulfated ones modulate various ligand-gated ion channels. Conjugation by sulfotransferases increases steroid water solubility and facilitates steroid transport. Steroid sulfates, having greater half-lives than their unconjugated counterparts, also serve as a steroid stock pool. Sulfotransferases are ubiquitous enzymes providing massive steroid sulfation in adrenal zona reticularis and zona fasciculata.. Steroid sulfatase hydrolyzing the steroid conjugates is exceedingly expressed in placenta but is ubiquitous in low amounts including brain capillaries of BBB which can rapidly hydrolyze the steroid sulfates coming across the BBB from the periphery. Lower dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) plasma levels and reduced sulfotransferase activity are considered as risk factors in AD patients. The shifted balance towards unconjugated steroids can participate in the pathophysiology of PD and anti-inflammatory effects of DHEAS may counteract the MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Vitku
- Department of Steroids and Proteofactors, Institute of Endocrinology, Prague, Czechia
- *Correspondence: Jana Vitku,
| | - Martin Hill
- Department of Steroids and Proteofactors, Institute of Endocrinology, Prague, Czechia
| | - Lucie Kolatorova
- Department of Steroids and Proteofactors, Institute of Endocrinology, Prague, Czechia
| | - Eva Kubala Havrdova
- Department of Neurology and Center of Clinical Neuroscience, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Prague, Czechia
| | - Radmila Kancheva
- Department of Steroids and Proteofactors, Institute of Endocrinology, Prague, Czechia
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So SY, Savidge TC. Gut feelings: the microbiota-gut-brain axis on steroids. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2022; 322:G1-G20. [PMID: 34730020 PMCID: PMC8698538 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00294.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The intricate connection between central and enteric nervous systems is well established with emerging evidence linking gut microbiota function as a significant new contributor to gut-brain axis signaling. Several microbial signals contribute to altered gut-brain communications, with steroids representing an important biological class that impacts central and enteric nervous system function. Neuroactive steroids contribute pathologically to neurological disorders, including dementia and depression, by modulating the activity of neuroreceptors. However, limited information is available on the influence of neuroactive steroids on the enteric nervous system and gastrointestinal function. In this review, we outline how steroids can modulate enteric nervous system function by focusing on their influence on different receptors that are present in the intestine in health and disease. We also highlight the potential role of the gut microbiota in modulating neuroactive steroid signaling along the gut-brain axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sik Yu So
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Tor C Savidge
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- Department of Pathology, Texas Children's Microbiome Center, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas
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7
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The Neuroactive Steroid Pregnanolone Glutamate: Anticonvulsant Effect, Metabolites and Its Effect on Neurosteroid Levels in Developing Rat Brains. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 15:ph15010049. [PMID: 35056106 PMCID: PMC8780580 DOI: 10.3390/ph15010049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Pregnanolone glutamate (PA-G) is a neuroactive steroid that has been previously demonstrated to be a potent neuroprotective compound in several biological models in vivo. Our in vitro experiments identified PA-G as an inhibitor of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors and a potentiator of γ-aminobutyric acid receptors (GABAARs). In this study, we addressed the hypothesis that combined GABAAR potentiation and NMDAR antagonism could afford a potent anticonvulsant effect. Our results demonstrated the strong age-related anticonvulsive effect of PA-G in a model of pentylenetetrazol-induced seizures. PA-G significantly decreased seizure severity in 12-day-old animals, but only after the highest dose in 25-day-old animals. Interestingly, the anticonvulsant effect of PA-G differed both qualitatively and quantitatively from that of zuranolone, an investigational neurosteroid acting as a potent positive allosteric modulator of GABAARs. Next, we identified 17-hydroxy-pregnanolone (17-OH-PA) as a major metabolite of PA-G in 12-day-old animals. Finally, the administration of PA-G demonstrated direct modulation of unexpected neurosteroid levels, namely pregnenolone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate. These results suggest that compound PA-G might be a pro-drug of 17-OH-PA, a neurosteroid with a promising neuroprotective effect with an unknown mechanism of action that may represent an attractive target for studying perinatal neural diseases.
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8
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Rustichelli C, Monari E, Avallone R, Bellei E, Bergamini S, Tomasi A, Ferrari A. Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, dehydroepiandrosterone, 5α-dihydroprogesterone and pregnenolone in women with migraine: Analysis of serum levels and correlation with age, migraine years and frequency. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2021; 206:114388. [PMID: 34597839 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2021.114388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Migraine is a very painful, disabling and extremely common disorder among the world's adult population, especially women, and it is associated with a variety of comorbidities. Neuroactive steroids exhibit pleiotropic actions on the nervous system. Alterations in their peripheral and central levels could be involved in the pathogenesis, still not fully understood, of migraine and its comorbidities. The purpose of our exploratory study was to determine and compare the serum levels of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), 5α-dihydroprogesterone (DHP) and pregnenolone (PREGNE) between women suffering from migraine without aura (MO group, n = 30) and age-matched non-headache women as controls (C group, n = 30). Correlations with age, migraine years and frequency were also analyzed. The patients were enrolled at a headache center; controls were patients' contacts. Calibrators and serum samples were spiked with the internal standards (ISs) solution and treated to deplete proteins and phospholipids. The obtained extracts were evaporated to dryness, derivatized and analyzed by LC-MS/MS in multiple reaction monitoring mode. Analytes' levels were determined by interpolation on the regression curves, generated from the analyte quantifier ion peak area to the corresponding IS. MO group presented significantly lower levels of DHEAS, DHEA and DHP compared to C group (P < 0.05, Student't-test) and the neurosteroid levels negatively correlated with years of migraine and migraine days/3 months (P < 0.05, linear regression analysis). These results parallel to previous studies showing reduced serum levels of allopregnanolone and pregnenolone sulfate in women with migraine. The low serum levels found for both excitatory and inhibitory neurosteroids suggested that women with migraine might suffer from inadequate neuroprotection, anti-inflammation activity and pain modulation. These deficits might underlie the migraine chronification process and represent the link between migraine and its various comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Rustichelli
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, via Campi, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Emanuela Monari
- Department of Surgery, Medicine, Dentistry and Morphological Sciences with Transplant Surgery, Oncology and Regenerative Medicine Relevance, Proteomic Lab, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, via del Pozzo, 41124 Modena, Italy
| | - Rossella Avallone
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, via Campi, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Elisa Bellei
- Department of Surgery, Medicine, Dentistry and Morphological Sciences with Transplant Surgery, Oncology and Regenerative Medicine Relevance, Proteomic Lab, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, via del Pozzo, 41124 Modena, Italy
| | - Stefania Bergamini
- Department of Surgery, Medicine, Dentistry and Morphological Sciences with Transplant Surgery, Oncology and Regenerative Medicine Relevance, Proteomic Lab, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, via del Pozzo, 41124 Modena, Italy
| | - Aldo Tomasi
- Department of Surgery, Medicine, Dentistry and Morphological Sciences with Transplant Surgery, Oncology and Regenerative Medicine Relevance, Proteomic Lab, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, via del Pozzo, 41124 Modena, Italy
| | - Anna Ferrari
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Unit of Medical Toxicology, Headache Centre and Drug Abuse, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, via del Pozzo, 41124 Modena, Italy
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Developmental variation in testosterone:cortisol ratio alters cortical- and amygdala-based cognitive processes. J Dev Orig Health Dis 2021; 13:310-321. [PMID: 34321135 DOI: 10.1017/s2040174421000362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Testosterone (T) and cortisol (C) are the end products of neuroendocrine axes that interact with the process of shaping brain structure and function. Relative levels of T:C (TC ratio) may alter prefrontal-amygdala functional connectivity in adulthood. What remains unclear is whether TC-related effects are rooted to childhood and adolescence. We used a healthy cohort of 4-22-year-olds to test for associations between TC ratios, brain structure (amygdala volume, cortical thickness (CTh), and their coordinated growth), as well as cognitive and behavioral development. We found greater TC ratios to be associated with the growth of specific brain structures: 1) parietal CTh; 2) covariance of the amygdala with CTh in visual and somatosensory areas. These brain parameters were in turn associated with lower verbal/executive function and higher spatial working memory. In sum, individual TC profiles may confer a particular brain phenotype and set of cognitive strengths and vulnerabilities, prior to adulthood.
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10
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North KC, Bukiya AN, Dopico AM. BK channel-forming slo1 proteins mediate the brain artery constriction evoked by the neurosteroid pregnenolone. Neuropharmacology 2021; 192:108603. [PMID: 34023335 PMCID: PMC8274572 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2021.108603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Pregnenolone is a neurosteroid that modulates glial growth and differentiation, neuronal firing, and several brain functions, these effects being attributed to pregnenolone actions on the neurons and glial cells themselves. Despite the vital role of the cerebral circulation for brain function and the fact that pregnenolone is a vasoactive agent, pregnenolone action on brain arteries remain unknown. Here, we obtained in vivo concentration response curves to pregnenolone on middle cerebral artery (MCA) diameter in anesthetized male and female C57BL/6J mice. In both male and female animals, pregnenolone (1 nM-100 μM) constricted MCA in a concentration-dependent manner, its maximal effect reaching ~22-35% decrease in diameter. Pregnenolone action was replicated in intact and de-endothelialized, in vitro pressurized MCA segments with pregnenolone evoking similar constriction in intact and de-endothelialized MCA. Neurosteroid action was abolished by 1 μM paxilline, a selective blocker of Ca2+ - and voltage-gated K+ channels of large conductance (BK). Cell-attached, patch-clamp recordings on freshly isolated smooth muscle cells from mouse MCAs demonstrated that pregnenolone at concentrations that constricted MCAs in vitro and in vivo (10 μM), reduced BK activity (NPo), with an average decrease in NPo reaching 24.2%. The concentration-dependence of pregnenolone constriction of brain arteries and inhibition of BK activity in intact cells were paralleled by data obtained in cell-free, inside-out patches, with maximal inhibition reached at 10 μM pregnenolone. MCA smooth muscle BKs include channel-forming α (slo1 proteins) and regulatory β1 subunits, encoded by KCNMA1 and KCNMB1, respectively. However, pregnenolone-driven decrease in NPo was still evident in MCA myocytes from KCNMB1-/- mice. Following reconstitution of slo1 channels into artificial, binary phospholipid bilayers, 10 μM pregnenolone evoked slo1 NPo inhibition which was similar to that seen in native membranes. Lastly, pregnenolone failed to constrict MCA from KCNMA1-/- mice. In conclusion, pregnenolone constricts MCA independently of neuronal, glial, endothelial and circulating factors, as well as of cell integrity, organelles, complex membrane cytoarchitecture, and the continuous presence of cytosolic signals. Rather, this action involves direct inhibition of SM BK channels, which does not require β1 subunits but is mediated through direct sensing of the neurosteroid by the channel-forming α subunit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey C North
- Department of Pharmacology, Addiction Science and Toxicology, College of Medicine, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38103, USA
| | - Anna N Bukiya
- Department of Pharmacology, Addiction Science and Toxicology, College of Medicine, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38103, USA
| | - Alex M Dopico
- Department of Pharmacology, Addiction Science and Toxicology, College of Medicine, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38103, USA.
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11
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Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) Serum Levels Indicate Cerebrospinal Fluid Levels of DHEA and Estradiol (E2) in Women at Term Pregnancy. Reprod Sci 2021; 28:2823-2829. [PMID: 33772479 PMCID: PMC8523509 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-021-00541-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Neuroactive steroids such as dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), estradiol (E2), and progesterone (P4) are associated with structural and functional changes in the central nervous system (CNS). Measurement of steroid levels in the CNS compartments is restricted in accessibility. Consequently, there is only limited human data on the distributional equilibrium for steroid levels between peripheral and central compartments. While some neuroactive steroids including DHEA and E2 have been reported to convey excitatory and proconvulsant properties, the opposite was demonstrated for P4. We aimed to elucidate the correlation between peripheral and central DHEA, E2, and P4 levels in women at term pregnancy. CSF and serum samples of 27 healthy pregnant women (22–39 years) at term pregnancy were collected simultaneously under combined spinal and epidural anesthesia and used for DHEA ELISA and E2, and P4 ECLIA. All three neuroactive steroids were detected at markedly lower levels in CSF compared to their corresponding serum concentrations (decrease, mean ± SD, 97.66 ± 0.83%). We found a strong correlation for DHEA between its serum and the corresponding CSF levels (r = 0.65, p = 0.003). Serum and CSF levels of E2 (r = 0.31, p = 0.12) appeared not to correlate in the investigated cohort. DHEA serum concentration correlated significantly with E2 (r = 0.58, p = 0.0016) in CSF. In addition, a strong correlation was found between DHEA and E2, both measured in CSF (r = 0.65, p = 0.0002). Peripheral DHEA levels might serve as an indicator for central nervous levels of the neuroactive steroids DHEA and E2 in pregnant women.
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Rustichelli C, Bellei E, Bergamini S, Monari E, Lo Castro F, Baraldi C, Tomasi A, Ferrari A. Comparison of pregnenolone sulfate, pregnanolone and estradiol levels between patients with menstrually-related migraine and controls: an exploratory study. J Headache Pain 2021; 22:13. [PMID: 33757421 PMCID: PMC7989028 DOI: 10.1186/s10194-021-01231-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurosteroids affect the balance between neuroexcitation and neuroinhibition but have been little studied in migraine. We compared the serum levels of pregnenolone sulfate, pregnanolone and estradiol in women with menstrually-related migraine and controls and analysed if a correlation existed between the levels of the three hormones and history of migraine and age. METHODS Thirty women (mean age ± SD: 33.5 ± 7.1) with menstrually-related migraine (MM group) and 30 aged- matched controls (mean age ± SD: 30.9 ± 7.9) participated in the exploratory study. Pregnenolone sulfate and pregnanolone serum levels were analysed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, while estradiol levels by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS Serum levels of pregnenolone sulfate and pregnanolone were significantly lower in the MM group than in controls (pregnenolone sulfate: P = 0.0328; pregnanolone: P = 0.0271, Student's t-test), while estradiol levels were similar. In MM group, pregnenolone sulfate serum levels were negatively correlated with history of migraine (R2 = 0.1369; P = 0.0482) and age (R2 = 0.2826, P = 0.0025) while pregnenolone sulfate levels were not age-related in the control group (R2 = 0.04436, P = 0.4337, linear regression analysis). CONCLUSION Low levels of both pregnanolone, a positive allosteric modulator of the GABAA receptor, and pregnenolone sulfate, a positive allosteric modulator of the NMDA receptor, involved in memory and learning, could contribute either to headache pain or the cognitive dysfunctions reported in migraine patients. Overall, our results agree with the hypothesis that migraine is a disorder associated with a loss of neurohormonal integrity, thus supporting the therapeutic potential of restoring low neurosteroid levels in migraine treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Rustichelli
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Elisa Bellei
- Department of Surgery, Medicine, Dentistry and Morphological Sciences with Transplant Surgery, Oncology and Regenerative Medicine Relevance, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Stefania Bergamini
- Department of Surgery, Medicine, Dentistry and Morphological Sciences with Transplant Surgery, Oncology and Regenerative Medicine Relevance, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Emanuela Monari
- Department of Surgery, Medicine, Dentistry and Morphological Sciences with Transplant Surgery, Oncology and Regenerative Medicine Relevance, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Flavia Lo Castro
- School of Pharmacology and Clinical Toxicology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Carlo Baraldi
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Unit of Medical Toxicology, Headache Centre and Drug Abuse; University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via del Pozzo, 71, 41124, Modena, Italy
| | - Aldo Tomasi
- Department of Surgery, Medicine, Dentistry and Morphological Sciences with Transplant Surgery, Oncology and Regenerative Medicine Relevance, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Anna Ferrari
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Unit of Medical Toxicology, Headache Centre and Drug Abuse; University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via del Pozzo, 71, 41124, Modena, Italy.
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Culbert BM, Ligocki IY, Salena MG, Wong MYL, Bernier NJ, Hamilton IM, Balshine S. Glucocorticoids do not promote prosociality in a wild group-living fish. Horm Behav 2021; 127:104879. [PMID: 33121993 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2020.104879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2020] [Revised: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Individuals often respond to social disturbances by increasing prosociality, which can strengthen social bonds, buffer against stress, and promote overall group cohesion. Given their importance in mediating stress responses, glucocorticoids have received considerable attention as potential proximate regulators of prosocial behaviour during disturbances. However, previous investigations have largely focused on mammals and our understanding of the potential prosocial effects of glucocorticoids across vertebrates more broadly is still lacking. Here, we assessed whether experimentally elevated glucocorticoid levels (simulating endogenous cortisol responses mounted following disturbances) promote prosocial behaviours in wild groups of the cichlid fish, Neolamprologus pulcher. Using SCUBA in Lake Tanganyika, we observed how subordinate group members adjusted affiliation, helping, and submission (all forms of prosocial behaviour) following underwater injections of either cortisol or saline. Cortisol treatment reduced affiliative behaviours-but only in females-suggesting that glucocorticoids may reduce overall prosociality. Fish with elevated glucocorticoid levels did not increase performance of submission or helping behaviours. Taken together, our results do not support a role for glucocorticoids in promoting prosocial behaviour in this species and emphasize the complexity of the proximate mechanisms that underlie prosociality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett M Culbert
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Isaac Y Ligocki
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA; Department of Biology, Millersville University, Millersville, PA, USA
| | - Matthew G Salena
- Department of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Marian Y L Wong
- School of Earth, Atmospheric and Life Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Nicholas J Bernier
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ian M Hamilton
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA; Department of Mathematics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Sigal Balshine
- Department of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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Ji E, Weickert CS, Purves-Tyson T, White C, Handelsman DJ, Desai R, O'Donnell M, Liu D, Galletly C, Lenroot R, Weickert TW. Cortisol-dehydroepiandrosterone ratios are inversely associated with hippocampal and prefrontal brain volume in schizophrenia. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2021; 123:104916. [PMID: 33169678 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2020.104916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Revised: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
While high levels of glucocorticoids are generally neuro-damaging, a related adrenal steroid, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), has anti-glucocorticoid and neuroprotective properties. Previous work has shown increased circulating levels of DHEA and abnormal cortisol/DHEA ratios in people with schizophrenia, however reports are limited and their relationship to neuropathology is unclear. We performed the largest study to date to compare levels of serum DHEA and cortisol/DHEA ratios in people with schizophrenia and healthy controls, and investigated the extent to which cortisol/DHEA ratios predict brain volume. Serum cortisol and DHEA were assayed in 94 people with schizophrenia and 81 healthy controls. T1-weighted high-resolution anatomical scans were obtained using a 3 T Achieva scanner on a subset of 59 people with schizophrenia and 60 healthy controls. Imaging data were preprocessed and analyzed using SPM12. People with schizophrenia had significantly increased serum DHEA levels (p = 0.002), decreased cortisol/DHEA ratios (p = 0.02) and no difference in cortisol levels compared to healthy controls. Cortisol/DHEA ratios were inversely correlated with hippocampal (r = -0.33 p = 0.01) and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (r = -0.30, p = 0.02) volumes in patients. Our findings suggest that the cortisol/DHEA ratio may be a molecular blood signature of hippocampal and cortical damage. These results further implicate the role of DHEA and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis dysfunction in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Ji
- University of Zurich Psychiatric Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland; Schizophrenia Research Laboratory, Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, NSW 2031, Australia; School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
| | - Cynthia Shannon Weickert
- Schizophrenia Research Laboratory, Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, NSW 2031, Australia; School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia; Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, 13210, New York, USA
| | - Tertia Purves-Tyson
- Schizophrenia Research Laboratory, Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, NSW 2031, Australia; School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Christopher White
- Department of Endocrinology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia
| | - David J Handelsman
- ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, Concord Hospital, NSW, Australia
| | - Reena Desai
- ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, Concord Hospital, NSW, Australia
| | - Maryanne O'Donnell
- School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Dennis Liu
- Discipline of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia; Northern Adelaide Local Health Network, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Cherrie Galletly
- Discipline of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia; Northern Adelaide Local Health Network, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia; Ramsay Health Care (SA) Mental Health Services, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Rhoshel Lenroot
- School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Thomas W Weickert
- Schizophrenia Research Laboratory, Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, NSW 2031, Australia; School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia; Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, 13210, New York, USA
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15
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Gabai G, Mongillo P, Giaretta E, Marinelli L. Do Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and Its Sulfate (DHEAS) Play a Role in the Stress Response in Domestic Animals? Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:588835. [PMID: 33195624 PMCID: PMC7649144 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.588835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In animal husbandry, stress is often associated with poor health and welfare. Stress occurs when a physiological control system detects a state of real or presumptive threat to the animal's homeostasis or a failure to control a fitness-critical variable. The definition of stress has mostly relied on glucocorticoids measurement, even though glucocorticoids represent one stress-response system, the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenocortical axis, which is not precise enough as it is also related to metabolic regulation and activated in non-stressful situations (pleasure, excitement, and arousal). The mammal adrenal can synthesize the androgenic steroid dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulfate metabolite (DHEAS), which have been associated to the stress response in several studies performed mostly in humans and laboratory animals. Although the functions of these steroids are not fully understood, available data suggest their antagonistic effects on glucocorticoids and, in humans, their secretion is affected by stress. This review explores the scientific literature on DHEA and DHEAS release in domestic animals in response to stressors of different nature (inflammatory, physical, or social) and duration, and the extra-adrenal contribution to circulating DHEA. Then, the potential use of DHEA in conjunction with cortisol to improve the definition of the stress phenotype in farmed animals is discussed. Although the focus of this review is on farmed animals, examples from other species are reported when available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianfranco Gabai
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Paolo Mongillo
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Elisa Giaretta
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Lieta Marinelli
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, Legnaro, Italy
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Steroids and Alzheimer's Disease: Changes Associated with Pathology and Therapeutic Potential. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21134812. [PMID: 32646017 PMCID: PMC7370115 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21134812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2020] [Revised: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a multifactorial age-related neurodegenerative disease that today has no effective treatment to prevent or slow its progression. Neuroactive steroids, including neurosteroids and sex steroids, have attracted attention as potential suitable candidates to alleviate AD pathology. Accumulating evidence shows that they exhibit pleiotropic neuroprotective properties that are relevant for AD. This review focuses on the relationship between selected neuroactive steroids and the main aspects of AD disease, pointing out contributions and gaps with reference to sex differences. We take into account the regulation of brain steroid concentrations associated with human AD pathology. Consideration is given to preclinical studies in AD models providing current knowledge on the neuroprotection offered by neuroactive (neuro)steroids on major AD pathogenic factors, such as amyloid-β (Aβ) and tau pathology, mitochondrial impairment, neuroinflammation, neurogenesis and memory loss. Stimulating endogenous steroid production opens a new steroid-based strategy to potentially overcome AD pathology. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Steroids and the Nervous System.
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Mäntyselkä A, Haapala EA, Lindi V, Häkkinen MR, Auriola S, Jääskeläinen J, Lakka TA. Associations of IGF-1 and Adrenal Androgens with Cognition in Childhood. Horm Res Paediatr 2020; 91:329-335. [PMID: 31401625 DOI: 10.1159/000501719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little is known about the association between adrenarche and cognition in general populations of children. We therefore studied the associations of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), androstenedione (A4), testosterone, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), and adrenarche with cognition among prepubertal children. METHODS These cross-sectional analyses are based on baseline data of the Physical Activity and Nutrition in Children Study. A total of 387 children (183 girls, 204 boys) were included in the analyses. Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices (CPM) score was used to assess nonverbal reasoning. Serum adrenal androgens and IGF-1 concentrations were measured and clinical signs of androgen action were evaluated. RESULTS Higher IGF-1 among boys (β = 0.149, p =0.033) was related to a better Raven's CPM score after adjustment for age and parental education. Adrenal androgens in girls or boys or IGF-1 in girls were not associated with the score. There were no differences in Raven's CPM score between children with biochemical adrenarche (DHEAS ≥1.08 µmol/L; ≥40 µg/dL) or with clinical signs of androgen action and children without them. CONCLUSION The results suggest that higher serum IGF-1 among boys is related to better cognition in prepubertal children. We could not provide evidence for the associations of adrenal maturation with cognition in prepubertal children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aino Mäntyselkä
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Kuopio University Hospital, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland,
| | - Eero A Haapala
- Institute of Biomedicine, School of Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland.,Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Virpi Lindi
- Institute of Biomedicine, School of Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland.,University of Eastern Finland Library, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Merja R Häkkinen
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Seppo Auriola
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Jarmo Jääskeläinen
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Kuopio University Hospital, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Timo A Lakka
- Institute of Biomedicine, School of Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland.,Department of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine, School of Medicine, Kuopio University Hospital, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland.,Kuopio Research Institute of Exercise Medicine, Kuopio, Finland
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18
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The allopregnanolone to progesterone ratio across the menstrual cycle and in menopause. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2020; 112:104512. [PMID: 31780185 PMCID: PMC6935417 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2019.104512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Revised: 10/01/2019] [Accepted: 11/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The neuroactive steroid 3α-5α-tetrahydroprogesterone (allopregnanolone), a metabolite of progesterone, is a positive allosteric modulator of GABAA receptors, and low levels have been implicated in the etiology of mood disorders. However, it is not known whether metabolism of progesterone to allopregnanolone varies across the menstrual cycle or is low after menopause. We hypothesized that the allopregnanolone/progesterone ratio would decrease from the follicular to luteal phase. We also hypothesized that postmenopausal women would have lower levels of progesterone and allopregnanolone but similar allopregnanolone/progesterone ratios as premenopausal women in the follicular phase. Serum fasting allopregnanolone and progesterone levels were measured by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry in ten premenopausal women at the follicular, mid-cycle, and luteal phases of the menstrual cycle and in twenty-four postmenopausal women. Although allopregnanolone and progesterone levels increased from the follicular to luteal phase, the allopregnanolone/progesterone ratio decreased 8-fold [0.33 ± 0.08 (follicular) vs 0.16 ± 0.09 (mid-cycle) vs 0.04 ± 0.007 (luteal), p = 0.0003]. Mean allopregnanolone and progesterone levels were lower in postmenopausal than premenopausal women at all menstrual cycle phases (p < 0.01). The mean allopregnanolone/progesterone ratio was similar in postmenopausal and premenopausal women in the follicular phase (0.39 ± 0.08 vs 0.33 ± 0.08, p = 0.94) but was significantly lower at mid-cycle and in the luteal phase than in postmenopausal women (p < 0.01). In conclusion, the serum allopregnanolone/progesterone ratio decreases 8-fold from the follicular to luteal phase and is lower at mid-cycle and the luteal phase than in postmenopausal women. Whether these data have implications for luteal phase and other mood disorders merits further study.
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19
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Giatti S, Diviccaro S, Serafini MM, Caruso D, Garcia-Segura LM, Viviani B, Melcangi RC. Sex differences in steroid levels and steroidogenesis in the nervous system: Physiopathological role. Front Neuroendocrinol 2020; 56:100804. [PMID: 31689419 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2019.100804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Revised: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The nervous system, in addition to be a target for steroid hormones, is the source of a variety of neuroactive steroids, which are synthesized and metabolized by neurons and glial cells. Recent evidence indicates that the expression of neurosteroidogenic proteins and enzymes and the levels of neuroactive steroids are different in the nervous system of males and females. We here summarized the state of the art of neuroactive steroids, particularly taking in consideration sex differences occurring in the synthesis and levels of these molecules. In addition, we discuss the consequences of sex differences in neurosteroidogenesis for the function of the nervous system under healthy and pathological conditions and the implications of neuroactive steroids and neurosteroidogenesis for the development of sex-specific therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Giatti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Silvia Diviccaro
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Melania Maria Serafini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Donatella Caruso
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Luis Miguel Garcia-Segura
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Barbara Viviani
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Roberto C Melcangi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy.
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Hill M, Hána V, Velíková M, Pařízek A, Kolátorová L, Vítků J, Škodová T, Šimková M, Šimják P, Kancheva R, Koucký M, Kokrdová Z, Adamcová K, Černý A, Hájek Z, Dušková M, Bulant J, Stárka L. A method for determination of one hundred endogenous steroids in human serum by gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Physiol Res 2019; 68:179-207. [PMID: 31037947 DOI: 10.33549/physiolres.934124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Steroid profiling helps various pathologies to be rapidly diagnosed. Results from analyses investigating steroidogenic pathways may be used as a tool for uncovering pathology causations and proposals of new therapeutic approaches. The purpose of this study was to address still underutilized application of the advanced GC-MS/MS platform for the multicomponent quantification of endogenous steroids. We developed and validated a GC-MS/MS method for the quantification of 58 unconjugated steroids and 42 polar conjugates of steroids (after hydrolysis) in human blood. The present method was validated not only for blood of men and non-pregnant women but also for blood of pregnant women and for mixed umbilical cord blood. The spectrum of analytes includes common hormones operating via nuclear receptors as well as other bioactive substances like immunomodulatory and neuroactive steroids. Our present results are comparable with those from our previously published GC-MS method as well as the results of others. The present method was extended for corticoids and 17alpha-hydroxylated 5alpha/ß-reduced pregnanes, which are useful for the investigation of alternative "backdoor" pathway. When comparing the analytical characteristics of the present and previous method, the first exhibit by far higher selectivity, and generally higher sensitivity and better precision particularly for 17alpha-hydroxysteroids.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Hill
- Department of Steroid Hormones and Proteohormones, Institute of Endocrinology, Národní 8, 116 94, Prague, Czech Republic.
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Morey RA, Davis SL, Haswell CC, Naylor JC, Kilts JD, Szabo ST, Shampine LJ, Parke GJ, Sun D, Swanson CA, Wagner HR, Marx CE. Widespread Cortical Thickness Is Associated With Neuroactive Steroid Levels. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:1118. [PMID: 31798395 PMCID: PMC6862925 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.01118] [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: 06/13/2019] [Accepted: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Neuroactive steroids are endogenous molecules with regenerative and neuroprotective actions. Both cortical thickness and many neuroactive steroid levels decline with age and are decreased in several neuropsychiatric disorders. However, a systematic examination of the relationship between serum neuroactive steroid levels and in vivo measures of cortical thickness in humans is lacking. Methods Peripheral serum levels of seven neuroactive steroids were assayed in United States military veterans. All (n = 143) subsequently underwent high-resolution structural MRI, followed by parcellelation of the cortical surface into 148 anatomically defined regions. Regression modeling was applied to test the association between neuroactive steroid levels and hemispheric total gray matter volume as well as region-specific cortical thickness. False discovery rate (FDR) correction was used to control for Type 1 error from multiple testing. Results Neuroactive steroid levels of allopregnanolone and pregnenolone were positively correlated with gray matter thickness in multiple regions of cingulate, parietal, and occipital association cortices (r = 0.20–0.47; p < 0.05; FDR-corrected). Conclusion Positive associations between serum neuroactive steroid levels and gray matter cortical thickness are found in multiple brain regions. If these results are confirmed, neuroactive steroid levels and cortical thickness may help in monitoring the clinical response in future intervention studies of neuroregenerative therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajendra A Morey
- Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, Durham VA Medical Center, U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, Durham, NC, United States.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States.,Brain Imaging and Analysis Center, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Sarah L Davis
- Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, Durham VA Medical Center, U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, Durham, NC, United States.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Courtney C Haswell
- Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, Durham VA Medical Center, U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, Durham, NC, United States.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Jennifer C Naylor
- Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, Durham VA Medical Center, U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, Durham, NC, United States.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Jason D Kilts
- Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, Durham VA Medical Center, U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, Durham, NC, United States.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Steven T Szabo
- Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, Durham VA Medical Center, U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, Durham, NC, United States.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Larry J Shampine
- Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, Durham VA Medical Center, U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, Durham, NC, United States.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Gillian J Parke
- Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, Durham VA Medical Center, U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, Durham, NC, United States.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Delin Sun
- Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, Durham VA Medical Center, U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, Durham, NC, United States.,Brain Imaging and Analysis Center, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Chelsea A Swanson
- Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, Durham VA Medical Center, U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, Durham, NC, United States.,Brain Imaging and Analysis Center, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Henry R Wagner
- Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, Durham VA Medical Center, U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, Durham, NC, United States.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States.,Brain Imaging and Analysis Center, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | | | - Christine E Marx
- Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, Durham VA Medical Center, U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, Durham, NC, United States.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
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22
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Martin J, Plank E, Jungwirth B, Hapfelmeier A, Podtschaske A, Kagerbauer SM. Weak correlations between serum and cerebrospinal fluid levels of estradiol, progesterone and testosterone in males. BMC Neurosci 2019; 20:53. [PMID: 31619164 PMCID: PMC6794746 DOI: 10.1186/s12868-019-0535-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 10/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Neuroactive steroids seem to be implicated in a variety of neurophysiological and behavioral processes, such as sleep, learning, memory, stress, feeding and aging. Numerous studies have also addressed this implication in various cerebral disorders and diseases. Yet, the correlation and association between steroids in the periphery, e.g. blood, and the central compartments, e.g. cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), have not yet been comprehensively assessed. As the brain is not directly accessible, and the collection of human CSF usually requires invasive procedures, easier accessible compartments, such as blood, have always attracted attention. However, studies in humans are scarce. In the present study we determined estradiol, progesterone and testosterone levels in CSF and serum of 22 males without cerebral disorders or diseases. Results Samples were taken under conditions corresponding closest to basal conditions with patients expecting only spinal anesthesia and minor surgery. All samples per patient were collected concomitantly. Total estradiol, progesterone and testosterone concentrations were measured by electro-chemiluminescence immunoassay. The strength of correlation was assessed by Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient. Correlation analysis revealed merely weak to very weak correlations for estradiol, progesterone and testosterone respectively between the CSF and serum compartments. Conclusions Total steroid levels of estradiol, progesterone and testosterone in CSF and serum of males without neurological disorders were determined. Weak to very weak correlations between CSF and serum were found thus suggesting that concentrations in the periphery do not parallel concentrations in the central compartments. Further research is needed to clarify to what extent and under which conditions serum levels of estradiol, progesterone and testosterone may possibly serve as a biomarker reflecting the respective concentrations in the CSF or in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Martin
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Ismaninger Strasse 22, 81675, Munich, Germany.
| | - Eva Plank
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Ismaninger Strasse 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Bettina Jungwirth
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Ismaninger Strasse 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Alexander Hapfelmeier
- Institute of Medical Informatics, Statistics und Epidemiology, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Armin Podtschaske
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Ismaninger Strasse 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Simone M Kagerbauer
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Ismaninger Strasse 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
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23
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Linz R, Puhlmann LMC, Apostolakou F, Mantzou E, Papassotiriou I, Chrousos GP, Engert V, Singer T. Acute psychosocial stress increases serum BDNF levels: an antagonistic relation to cortisol but no group differences after mental training. Neuropsychopharmacology 2019; 44:1797-1804. [PMID: 30991416 PMCID: PMC6785147 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-019-0391-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2018] [Revised: 03/24/2019] [Accepted: 04/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is an essential facilitator of neuronal plasticity. By counteracting the adverse effects of excessive stress-induced glucocorticoid signaling, BDNF has been implicated as a resilience factor to psychopathology caused by chronic stress. Insights into the effects of acute stress on peripheral BDNF levels in humans are inconclusive. The short-term interplay between BDNF and cortisol in response to acute psychosocial stress remains unexplored. Furthermore, it is unknown whether mental training that is effective at reducing cortisol reactivity can also influence BDNF during acute stress. In the current study, we investigated serum BDNF levels during an acute psychosocial stress paradigm, the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST), in 301 healthy participants (178 women, mean age = 40.65) recruited as part of the ReSource Project, a large-scale mental training study consisting of three distinct 3-month training modules. Using a cross-sectional study design, we first examined the relationship between BDNF and salivary cortisol in a control group with no mental training. Subsequent analyses focused on differences in BDNF stress levels between control and mental training groups. We show that serum BDNF is indeed stress-sensitive, characterized by a significant post-stress increase and subsequent decline to recovery. While respective increases in BDNF and cortisol were not associated, we found two indications for an antagonistic relationship. Higher BDNF peaks after stress were associated with steeper cortisol recovery. On the other hand, the magnitude of the cortisol stress response was linked to steeper BDNF recovery after stress. BDNF levels were not modulated by any of the mental training modules. Providing novel evidence for the dynamics of BDNF and cortisol during acute stress, our findings may further inform research on the physiological mechanisms involved in stress chronification and the associated health risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Linz
- Research Group "Social Stress and Family Health", Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany.
- Department of Social Neuroscience, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany.
| | - L M C Puhlmann
- Research Group "Social Stress and Family Health", Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
- Department of Social Neuroscience, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
| | - F Apostolakou
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, "Aghia Sophia" Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - E Mantzou
- First Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Athens, "Aghia Sophia" Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - I Papassotiriou
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, "Aghia Sophia" Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - G P Chrousos
- First Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - V Engert
- Research Group "Social Stress and Family Health", Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
- Department of Social Neuroscience, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
| | - T Singer
- Department of Social Neuroscience, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
- Social Neuroscience Lab, Max Planck Society, Berlin, Germany
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24
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Honců P, Hill M, Bičíková M, Jandová D, Velíková M, Kajzar J, Kolátorová L, Bešťák J, Máčová L, Kancheva R, Krejčí M, Novotný J, Stárka Ľ. Activation of Adrenal Steroidogenesis and an Improvement of Mood Balance in Postmenopausal Females after Spa Treatment Based on Physical Activity. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20153687. [PMID: 31357645 PMCID: PMC6695846 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20153687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Revised: 07/12/2019] [Accepted: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Spa treatment can effectively reestablish mood balance in patients with psychiatric disorders. In light of the adrenal gland’s role as a crossroad of psychosomatic medicine, this study evaluated changes in 88 circulating steroids and their relationships with a consolidation of somatic, psychosomatic and psychiatric components from a modified N-5 neurotic questionnaire in 46 postmenopausal 50+ women with anxiety-depressive complaints. The patients underwent a standardized one-month intervention therapy with physical activity and an optimized daily regimen in a spa in the Czech Republic. All participants were on medication with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. An increase of adrenal steroidogenesis after intervention indicated a reinstatement of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. The increases of many of these steroids were likely beneficial to patients, including immunoprotective adrenal androgens and their metabolites, neuroactive steroids that stimulate mental activity but protect from excitotoxicity, steroids that suppress pain perception and fear, steroids that consolidate insulin secretion, and steroids that improve xenobiotic clearance. The positive associations between the initial values of neurotic symptoms and their declines after the intervention, as well as between initial adrenal activity and the decline of neurotic symptoms, indicate that neurotic impairment may be alleviated by such therapy provided that the initial adrenal activity is not seriously disrupted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavla Honců
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, 3rd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 12808 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Hill
- Institute of Endocrinology, 11694 Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Marie Bičíková
- Institute of Endocrinology, 11694 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Dobroslava Jandová
- College of Physical Education and Sport Palestra, 19700 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Marta Velíková
- Institute of Endocrinology, 11694 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jiří Kajzar
- College of Physical Education and Sport Palestra, 19700 Prague, Czech Republic
| | | | - Jiří Bešťák
- Institute of Endocrinology, 11694 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Ludmila Máčová
- Institute of Endocrinology, 11694 Prague, Czech Republic
| | | | - Milada Krejčí
- College of Physical Education and Sport Palestra, 19700 Prague, Czech Republic
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25
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Ullah MF, Ahmad A, Bhat SH, Abu-Duhier FM, Barreto GE, Ashraf GM. Impact of sex differences and gender specificity on behavioral characteristics and pathophysiology of neurodegenerative disorders. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2019; 102:95-105. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2019.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2018] [Revised: 01/24/2019] [Accepted: 04/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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26
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Farooqi NAI, Scotti M, Yu A, Lew J, Monnier P, Botteron KN, Campbell BC, Booij L, Herba CM, Séguin JR, Castellanos-Ryan N, McCracken JT, Nguyen TV. Sex-specific contribution of DHEA-cortisol ratio to prefrontal-hippocampal structural development, cognitive abilities and personality traits. J Neuroendocrinol 2019; 31:e12682. [PMID: 30597689 PMCID: PMC6394408 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2018] [Revised: 11/29/2018] [Accepted: 12/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Although dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) may exert neuroprotective effects in the developing brain, prolonged or excessive elevations in cortisol may exert neurotoxic effects. The ratio between DHEA and cortisol (DC ratio) has been linked to internalising and externalising disorders, as well as cognitive performance, supporting the clinical relevance of this hormonal ratio during development. However, the brain mechanisms by which these effects may be mediated have not yet been identified. Furthermore, although there is evidence that the effects of cortisol in the central nervous system may be sexually dimorphic in humans, the opposite is true for DHEA, with human studies showing no sex-specific associations in cortical thickness, cortico-amygdalar or cortico-hippocampal structural covariance. Therefore, it remains unclear whether sex moderates the developmental associations between DC ratio, brain structure, cognition and behaviour. In the present study, we examined the associations between DC ratio, structural covariance of the hippocampus with whole-brain cortical thickness, and measures of personality, behaviour and cognition in a longitudinal sample of typically developing children, adolescents and young adults aged 6-22 years (N = 225 participants [F = 128]; 355 scans [F = 208]), using mixed effects models that accounted for both within- and between-subject variances. We found sex-specific interactions between DC ratio and anterior cingulate cortex-hippocampal structural covariance, with higher DC ratios being associated with a more negative covariance between these structures in girls, and a more positive covariance in boys. Furthermore, the negative prefrontal-hippocampal structural covariance found in girls was associated with higher verbal memory and mathematical ability, whereas the positive covariance found in boys was associated with lower cooperativeness and reward dependence personality traits. These findings support the notion that the ratio between DHEA and cortisol levels may contribute, at least in part, to the development of sex differences in cognitive abilities, as well as risk for internalising/externalising disorders, via an alteration in prefrontal-hippocampal structure during the transition from childhood to adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nasr A. I. Farooqi
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC,
Canada, H3A1A1
| | - Martina Scotti
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC,
Canada, H3A1A1
| | - Ally Yu
- Department of Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, QC,
Canada, H4A 3J1
| | - Jimin Lew
- Department of Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, QC,
Canada, H4A 3J1
| | - Patricia Monnier
- Department of Obstetrics-Gynecology, McGill University
Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada, H4A 3J1
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center,
Montreal, QC, Canada, H4A 3J1
| | - Kelly N Botteron
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of
Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA, 63110
- Brain Development Cooperative Group
| | - Benjamin C. Campbell
- Department of Anthropology, University of
Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, USA, 53211
| | - Linda Booij
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC,
Canada, H3A1A1
- Department of Psychology, Concordia University, Montreal,
QC, Canada, H4B 1R6
- CHU Sainte Justine Hospital Research Centre, University of
Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada, H3T1C5
| | - Catherine M. Herba
- CHU Sainte Justine Hospital Research Centre, University of
Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada, H3T1C5
- Department of Psychology, Université du
Québec à Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Jean R. Séguin
- CHU Sainte Justine Hospital Research Centre, University of
Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada, H3T1C5
- Department of Psychiatry and Addiction, University of
Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada, H3T1C5
| | - Natalie Castellanos-Ryan
- CHU Sainte Justine Hospital Research Centre, University of
Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada, H3T1C5
- School of Psychoeducation, University of Montreal,
Montreal QC, Canada, H2V 2S9
| | - James T McCracken
- Brain Development Cooperative Group
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University
of California in Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA, 90024
| | - Tuong-Vi Nguyen
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC,
Canada, H3A1A1
- Department of Obstetrics-Gynecology, McGill University
Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada, H4A 3J1
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center,
Montreal, QC, Canada, H4A 3J1
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27
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Grube M, Hagen P, Jedlitschky G. Neurosteroid Transport in the Brain: Role of ABC and SLC Transporters. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:354. [PMID: 29695968 PMCID: PMC5904994 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.00354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2017] [Accepted: 03/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurosteroids, comprising pregnane, androstane, and sulfated steroids can alter neuronal excitability through interaction with ligand-gated ion channels and other receptors and have therefore a therapeutic potential in several brain disorders. They can be formed in brain cells or are synthesized by an endocrine gland and reach the brain by penetrating the blood–brain barrier (BBB). Especially sulfated steroids such as pregnenolone sulfate (PregS) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) depend on transporter proteins to cross membranes. In this review, we discuss the involvement of ATP-binding cassette (ABC)- and solute carrier (SLC)-type membrane proteins in the transport of these compounds at the BBB and in the choroid plexus (CP), but also in the secretion from neurons and glial cells. Among the ABC transporters, especially BCRP (ABCG2) and several MRP/ABCC subfamily members (MRP1, MRP4, MRP8) are expressed in the brain and known to efflux conjugated steroids. Furthermore, several SLC transporters have been shown to mediate cellular uptake of steroid sulfates. These include members of the OATP/SLCO subfamily, namely OATP1A2 and OATP2B1, as well as OAT3 (SLC22A3), which have been reported to be expressed at the BBB, in the CP and in part in neurons. Furthermore, a role of the organic solute transporter OSTα-OSTβ (SLC51A/B) in brain DHEAS/PregS homeostasis has been proposed. This transporter was reported to be localized especially in steroidogenic cells of the cerebellum and hippocampus. To date, the impact of transporters on neurosteroid homeostasis is still poorly understood. Further insights are desirable also with regard to the therapeutic potential of these compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Grube
- Department of Pharmacology, Center of Drug Absorption and Transport, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Paul Hagen
- Department of Pharmacology, Center of Drug Absorption and Transport, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Gabriele Jedlitschky
- Department of Pharmacology, Center of Drug Absorption and Transport, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
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28
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do Vale S, Escera C. Dehydroepiandrosterone and Dehydroepiandrosterone-Sulfate and Emotional Processing. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2018; 108:413-441. [PMID: 30029737 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2018.01.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Steroid hormones are important regulators of brain development, physiological function, and behavior. Among them, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEAS) also do modulate emotional processing and may have mood enhancement effects. This chapter reviews the studies that bear relation to DHEA and DHEAS [DHEA(S)] and brain emotional processing and behavior. A brief introduction to the mechanisms of action and variations of DHEA(S) levels throughout life has also been forward in this chapter. Higher DHEA(S) levels may reduce activity in brain regions involved in the generation of negative emotions and modulate activity in regions involved in regulatory processes. At the electrophysiological level, higher DHEA-to-cortisol and DHEAS-to-DHEA ratios were related to shorter P300 latencies and shorter P300 amplitudes during the processing of negative stimuli, suggesting less interference of negative stimuli with the task and less processing of the negative information, which in turn may suggest a protective mechanism against negative information overload. Present knowledge indicates that DHEA(S) may play a role in cortical development and plasticity, protecting against negative affect and depression, and at the same time enhancing attention and overall working memory, possibly at the cost of a reduction in emotional processing, emotional memory, and social understanding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sónia do Vale
- Hospital de Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Lisboa Norte, EPE, Lisboa, Portugal; Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Carles Escera
- Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Brainlab-Cognitive Neuroscience Research Group, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
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29
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Nguyen TV. Developmental effects of androgens in the human brain. J Neuroendocrinol 2018; 30. [PMID: 28489322 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2017] [Revised: 05/03/2017] [Accepted: 05/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Neuroendocrine theories of brain development posit that androgens play a crucial role in sex-specific cortical growth, although little is known about the differential effects of testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) on cortico-limbic development and cognition during adolescence. In this context, the National Institutes of Health Study of Normal Brain Development, a longitudinal study of typically developing children and adolescents aged 4-24 years (n=433), offers a unique opportunity to examine the developmental effects of androgens on cortico-limbic maturation and cognition. Using data from this sample, our group found that higher testosterone levels were associated with left-sided decreases in cortical thickness (CTh) in post-pubertal boys, particularly in the prefrontal cortex, compared to right-sided increases in CTh in somatosensory areas in pre-pubertal girls. Prefrontal-amygdala and prefrontal-hippocampal structural covariance (considered to reflect structural connectivity) also varied according to testosterone levels, with the testosterone-related brain phenotype predicting higher aggression levels and lower executive function, particularly in boys. By contrast, DHEA was associated with a pre-pubertal increase in CTh of several regions involved in cognitive control in both boys and girls. Covariance within several cortico-amygdalar structural networks also varied as a function of DHEA levels, with the DHEA-related brain phenotype predicting improvements in visual attention in both boys and girls. DHEA-related cortico-hippocampal structural covariance, on the other hand, predicted higher scores on a test of working memory. Interestingly, there were significant interactions between testosterone and DHEA, such that DHEA tended to mitigate the anti-proliferative effects of testosterone on brain structure. In sum, testosterone-related effects on the developing brain may lead to detrimental effects on cortical functions (ie, higher aggression and lower executive function), whereas DHEA-related effects may optimise cortical functions (ie, better attention and working memory), perhaps by decreasing the influence of amygdalar and hippocampal afferents on cortical functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- T-V Nguyen
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics-Gynecology, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
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30
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Chen CY, Wu CC, Huang YC, Hung CF, Wang LJ. Gender differences in the relationships among neurosteroid serum levels, cognitive function, and quality of life. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2018; 14:2389-2399. [PMID: 30275693 PMCID: PMC6157536 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s176047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), its sulfate ester (DHEA-S), and pregnenolone are neurosteroids that can be synthesized in the brain. Previous studies have hypothesized that these neurosteroids have antiaging, mood-enhancing, and cognitive-preserving effects; however, these effects may be gender-specific. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the gender differences in the relationships among neurosteroids (DHEA, DHEA-S, and pregnenolone), cognitive function, and quality of life in healthy individuals. METHOD In this cross-sectional study, we enrolled 47 men (mean age: 32.8 years) and 75 women (mean age: 35.4 years) who had no major physical or psychiatric illnesses and measured their serum DHEA, DHEA-S, and pregnenolone. Furthermore, we evaluated the subjects' cognitive function and quality of life using the Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale, respectively. RESULTS The serum levels of DHEA and DHEA-S demonstrated significant gender differences, even after controlling for age effect. In the male subjects, the DHEA serum levels were positively correlated with three domains of the World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale, including physical health, social relations, and environmental dimensions. Meanwhile, the DHEA-S levels positively correlated with the performance of working memory, and pregnenolone levels had a positive correlation with working memory, verbal fluency, and Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia composite score. However, in the female subjects, we observed a correlation only between the serum levels of DHEA-S and working memory. CONCLUSION The findings of our study indicate that neurosteroids play a vital role in cognitive function and quality of life among men but less so among women. Nevertheless, the underlying mechanisms of the gender-specific effect of neurosteroids require further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chien-Yu Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Ching Wu
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Chang Gung University, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan.,Department of Medical Biotechnology and Laboratory Science, Chang Gung University, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chi Huang
- Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Fa Hung
- Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Liang-Jen Wang
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan,
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Abstract
PURPOSE/BACKGROUND In animal models, levels of the neurosteroid pregnenolone increase after tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) administration and pregnenolone appears to attenuate the brain effects of THC. Given these interactions between pregnenolone and THC, we evaluated baseline neurosteroid levels in participants with a history of a cannabis use disorders (CUDs). METHODS/PROCEDURES Bipolar depressed participants were enrolled in a randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy of add-on pregnenolone for depression and before receiving pregnenolone or placebo. Baseline serum levels of neurosteroids (pregnenolone, allopregnanolone, pregnanolone, and androsterone) were analyzed in 53 participants with highly sensitive and specific gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Current, active substance use disorders, or a positive baseline urine drug screen, were exclusionary. Participants were classified by past cannabis abuse or dependence diagnosis using the structured clinical interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition. Data were analyzed by independent t tests for separate neurosteroids. FINDINGS/RESULTS Participants with a history of CUD had higher serum pregnanolone, lower allopregnanolone, a higher pregnanolone to allopregnanolone ratio, and a lower pregnenolone to pregnanolone ratio compared with those without a history of cannabis use. Similar findings were not observed based on a history of other substance use disorders with the exception of lower allopregnanolone in those with opioid use disorders. Notably, the majority of those with an opioid use disorder also had a CUD (75%). IMPLICATIONS/CONCLUSIONS These findings potentially suggest either enduring changes in neurosteroids in people with past CUDs or represent a vulnerability marker for a CUD.
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32
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Nguyen TV, Wu M, Lew J, Albaugh MD, Botteron KN, Hudziak JJ, Fonov VS, Collins DL, Campbell BC, Booij L, Herba C, Monnier P, Ducharme S, McCracken JT. Dehydroepiandrosterone impacts working memory by shaping cortico-hippocampal structural covariance during development. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2017; 86:110-121. [PMID: 28946055 PMCID: PMC5659912 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2017.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2017] [Revised: 09/08/2017] [Accepted: 09/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Existing studies suggest that dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) may be important for human brain development and cognition. For example, molecular studies have hinted at the critical role of DHEA in enhancing brain plasticity. Studies of human brain development also support the notion that DHEA is involved in preserving cortical plasticity. Further, some, though not all, studies show that DHEA administration may lead to improvements in working memory in adults. Yet these findings remain limited by an incomplete understanding of the specific neuroanatomical mechanisms through which DHEA may impact the CNS during development. Here we examined associations between DHEA, cortico-hippocampal structural covariance, and working memory (216 participants [female=123], age range 6-22 years old, mean age: 13.6 +/-3.6 years, each followed for a maximum of 3 visits over the course of 4 years). In addition to administering performance-based, spatial working memory tests to these children, we also collected ecological, parent ratings of working memory in everyday situations. We found that increasingly higher DHEA levels were associated with a shift toward positive insular-hippocampal and occipito-hippocampal structural covariance. In turn, DHEA-related insular-hippocampal covariance was associated with lower spatial working memory but higher overall working memory as measured by the ecological parent ratings. Taken together with previous research, these results support the hypothesis that DHEA may optimize cortical functions related to general attentional and working memory processes, but impair the development of bottom-up, hippocampal-to-cortical connections, resulting in impaired encoding of spatial cues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuong-Vi Nguyen
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3A1A1, Canada; Department of Obstetrics-Gynecology, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada; Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada.
| | - Mia Wu
- Department of Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Jimin Lew
- Department of Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Matthew D Albaugh
- Department of Psychology, University of Vermont, College of Medicine, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Kelly N Botteron
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA; Brain Development Cooperative Group, United States
| | - James J Hudziak
- Department of Psychology, University of Vermont, College of Medicine, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA; Brain Development Cooperative Group, United States
| | - Vladimir S Fonov
- McConnell Brain imaging Centre, Montreal Neurological Institute, Montreal, QC, H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - D Louis Collins
- McConnell Brain imaging Centre, Montreal Neurological Institute, Montreal, QC, H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Benjamin C Campbell
- Department of Anthropology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, 53211, USA
| | - Linda Booij
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3A1A1, Canada; Department of Psychology, Concordia University, Montreal, QC, H4B 1R6, Canada; CHU Sainte Justine Hospital Research Centre, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, H3T1C5, Canada
| | - Catherine Herba
- CHU Sainte Justine Hospital Research Centre, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, H3T1C5, Canada; Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Patricia Monnier
- Department of Obstetrics-Gynecology, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada; Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Simon Ducharme
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3A1A1, Canada; McConnell Brain imaging Centre, Montreal Neurological Institute, Montreal, QC, H3A 2B4, Canada; Department of Neurology & Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3A 1A1, Canada
| | - James T McCracken
- Brain Development Cooperative Group, United States; Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of California in Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90024, USA
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STÁRKA L. The Origin of 7α-Hydroxy-Dehydroepiandrosterone and Its Physiological Role: a History of Discoveries. Physiol Res 2017; 66:S285-S294. [DOI: 10.33549/physiolres.933717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Nearly 60 years has elapsed since the first isolation and identification of 7α-hydroxy-dehydroepiandrosterone, and in that time much information has been gained on its occurrence, metabolism, ontogeny, immunomodulatory activity, cell proliferation, cortisol control in local tissues and neuroactivity. Additional knowledge about this steroid may elucidate its role in obesity, neurodegenerative disturbances such as Alzheimer’s disease, or psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia or depression. This review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of the available literature on 7α-hydroxy-dehydroepiandrosterone.
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Affiliation(s)
- L. STÁRKA
- Institute of Endocrinology, Prague, Czech Republic
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34
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Chrbolka P, Palúch Z, Hill M, Alušík Š. Circulating steroids negatively correlate with tinnitus. Steroids 2017; 123:37-42. [PMID: 28450069 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2017.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2017] [Revised: 04/13/2017] [Accepted: 04/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
While not a disease entity in itself; symptoms of tinnitus (from Latin tinnio - clink) accompany a number of diseases. Tinnitus prevalence increases with age, deteriorates one's quality of life, and may even result in suicidal behavior. Tinnitus develops in response to a variety of risk factors, otoxic substances, noise exposure, hearing disorders, and psychological alterations. Tinnitus is closely related to mood, depression, and psychological state. In the present study, we focused on alterations of the steroid metabolome and particularly neuroactive, neuroprotective, and immunomodulatory steroids in patients with tinnitus. The study group consisted of 28 patients without evidence of an organic cause of tinnitus as well as without associated diseases or the effect of ototoxic medications. All patients underwent a complete audiological assessment and laboratory tests including routine biochemical markers and quantification of circulating steroids using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and immunoassays. To rule out a pathology in the cerebellopontine angle area, CT scan or MRI were performed. To diagnose stem lesions, evoked potentials were also measured. Pearson's correlations and multivariate regression were used to assess any links between tinnitus intensity and frequency on the one hand, and steroid levels on the other. Results indicated a significant and consistent negative correlation between tinnitus indices and intensity of adrenal steroidogenesis. The circulating steroid metabolome including hormones and neuroactive, neuroprotective, and immunomodulatory steroids negatively correlates with the degree of tinnitus due to hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis malfunction. Our results may help explain the pathophysiology of tinnitus and improve its diagnosis. However, further studies are needed to verify our postulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavel Chrbolka
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Thomayer Hospital, Czech Republic.
| | - Zoltán Palúch
- Institute of Pharmacology, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Martin Hill
- Institute of Endocrinology, Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Štefan Alušík
- Department of Internal Medicine, Institute for Postgraduate Medical Education, Prague, Czech Republic.
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35
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Hill M, Řípová D, Mohr P, Kratochvílová Z, Velíková M, Dušková M, Bičíková M, Stárka L. Circulating C19 steroids and progesterone metabolites in women with acute depression and anxiety disorders. Horm Mol Biol Clin Investig 2017; 26:153-64. [PMID: 27092655 DOI: 10.1515/hmbci-2016-0002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2016] [Accepted: 03/02/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Depression and anxiety disorders are highly prevalent in women. Although several studies have reported altered circulating steroids accompanying various mental disturbances, knowledge about alterations in the peripheral steroid pattern in such pathologies is incomplete. Therefore, we attempted to add to this knowledge using the simultaneous quantification of circulating steroids by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) in groups of premenopausal women in the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle (22 women with depression, 17 with anxiety disorders, 17 healthy controls). In addition to age-adjusted analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) followed by multiple comparisons, we developed models to successfully discriminate these groups from each other on the basis of steroid levels. Women with depression showed a reduced sulfoconjugation of steroids as well as lower levels of 7α-, 7β- and 16α-hydroxy-metabolites of C19 Δ5 steroids. Women with depression have significantly lower circulating levels of 5α/β-reduced pregnane steroids (with exception of free isopregnanolone) than women with anxiety or controls. Finally, our data indicate higher levels of estrogens in women with anxiety disorders when compared to women with depression.
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36
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Ke Y, Gonthier R, Labrie F. A sensitive and accurate LC-MS/MS assay with the derivatization of 1-Amino-4-methylpiperazine applied to serum allopregnanolone, pregnenolone and androsterone in pre- and postmenopausal women. Steroids 2017; 118:25-31. [PMID: 27913096 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2016.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2016] [Revised: 11/23/2016] [Accepted: 11/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The concentrations of allopregnanolone (Allopreg), pregnenolone (Preg) and androsterone (ADT) are very low in the circulation, especially in postmenopausal women, resulting in a considerable challenge for their accurate measurements in serum or plasma. In this report, a sensitive and reliable LC-MS/MS assay method has been developed using a simple sample preparation and the 1-Amino-4-methylpiperazine (AMP) derivatization procedure. A 5pg/ml (0.1pg on column) of low limit of quantitation has been achieved for Allopreg, Preg and ADT, with a sensitivity comparable to data obtained with the commercial reagent. The major benefit of this reagent is to limit the matrix effect since the excess amount of reagent can be removed during the reaction. Multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) from the derivatization of AMP not only increases the detection of these compounds but also provides a good resolution for Allopreg, Preg and ADT from interferences, especially for Allopreg from its isomers. Within the calibration range of 5pg/ml to 2000pg/ml, a good linearity was obtained with R>0.99 where the weighing factor is 1/X. Bias and coefficients of variance are within 15% for all QC levels. The matrix effect has been evaluated, well meeting the acceptance criteria according to the FDA guidelines. With this method, the concentrations of Allopreg, Preg and ADT in postmenopausal serum are in the range of 6.4-53.6pg/ml, 16.2-68.0pg/ml and 23.9-114.0pg/ml, respectively, while the ranges in premenopausal serum are 8.2-701.5pg/ml, 31.2-135.2pg/ml and 47.8-310.0pg/ml, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuyong Ke
- EndoCeutics Inc., 2795 Laurier Blvd, Suite 500, Quebec City, QC G1V 4M7, Canada.
| | - Renaud Gonthier
- EndoCeutics Inc., 2795 Laurier Blvd, Suite 500, Quebec City, QC G1V 4M7, Canada
| | - Fernand Labrie
- EndoCeutics Inc., 2795 Laurier Blvd, Suite 500, Quebec City, QC G1V 4M7, Canada.
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37
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Nguyen TV, Ducharme S, Karama S. Effects of Sex Steroids in the Human Brain. Mol Neurobiol 2016; 54:7507-7519. [PMID: 27822715 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-016-0198-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2016] [Accepted: 10/11/2016] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Sex steroids are thought to play a critical developmental role in shaping both cortical and subcortical structures in the human brain. Periods of profound changes in sex steroids invariably coincide with the onset of sex differences in mental health vulnerability, highlighting the importance of sex steroids in determining sexual differentiation of the brain. Yet, most of the evidence for the central effects of sex steroids relies on non-human studies, as several challenges have limited our understanding of these effects in humans: the lack of systematic assessment of the human sex steroid metabolome, the different developmental trajectories of specific sex steroids, the impact of genetic variation and epigenetic changes, and the plethora of interactions between sex steroids, sex chromosomes, neurotransmitters, and other hormonal systems. Here we review how multimodal strategies may be employed to bridge the gap between the basic and clinical understanding of sex steroid-related changes in the human brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuong-Vi Nguyen
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3A 1A1, Canada.,Department of Obstetrics-Gynecology, McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3A 1A1, Canada
| | - Simon Ducharme
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3A 1A1, Canada.,McConnell Brain Imaging Center, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Sherif Karama
- McConnell Brain Imaging Center, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3A 2B4, Canada. .,Department of Psychiatry, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, 6875 Boulevard LaSalle, Montreal, QC, H4H 1R3, Canada.
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38
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Kanceva R, Stárka L, Kancheva L, Hill M, Veliková M, Havrdová E. Increased serum levels of C21 steroids in female patients with multiple sclerosis. Physiol Res 2016; 64:S247-54. [PMID: 26680486 DOI: 10.33549/physiolres.933145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is one of the most common neurological diseases. This neurodegenerative autoimmune disease manifests as inflammatory and demyelinating impairment of the central nervous system (CNS). Although some studies demonstrated associations between altered steroidogenesis and pathophysiology of MS as well as the importance of steroids in the pathophysiology of MS, the knowledge concerning the steroid metabolome in female patients is limited. Hence, 51 steroids and steroid polar conjugates were measured in the serum of 12 women with MS, untreated with steroids and 6 age-corresponding female controls with the use of gas chromatography - mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The data were processed using age adjusted ANCOVA, receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis and orthogonal projections to latent structures (OPLS). Our data show higher levels of circulating C21 steroids including steroid modulators of ionotropic type A gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA A) receptors and glutamate receptors. Furthermore, the levels of GABAergic androsterone and 5-androsten-3beta,7alpha,17beta-triol were also higher in the female MS patients. In conclusion, the data demonstrate higher levels of circulating C21 steroids and their polar conjugates and some bioactive C19 steroids in women with MS, which may influence neuronal activity and affect the balance between neuroprotection and excitotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Kanceva
- Institute of Endocrinology, Prague, Czech Republic.
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39
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Nguyen TV, Gower P, Albaugh MD, Botteron KN, Hudziak JJ, Fonov VS, Collins L, Ducharme S, McCracken JT. The developmental relationship between DHEA and visual attention is mediated by structural plasticity of cortico-amygdalar networks. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2016; 70:122-33. [PMID: 27236606 PMCID: PMC4907862 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2016.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2016] [Revised: 03/25/2016] [Accepted: 05/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Humans and the great apes are the only species demonstrated to exhibit adrenarche, a key developmental event leading to increased production of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), suggesting that this hormone may play an important evolutionary role. Similarly, visual attention networks have been shown to evolve in a human-specific manner, with some anatomical connections and elements of cortical organization exclusive to our species. Existing studies of human brain development support the notion that DHEA shows significant uptake in cortical structures and the amygdala, and as such, could be involved in the bottom-up regulation of visual attention. Here we examined associations between DHEA, structural covariance of the amygdala with whole-brain cortical thickness, and tests of visual attention, in a longitudinal sample of typically developing children and adolescents 6-22 years of age. We found that DHEA predicted covariance between amygdalar volume and the left occipital pole, right somatosensory parietal cortex and right anterior cingulate cortex. Amygdala-occipital covariance predicted visual awareness; amygdala-parietal covariance predicted visuo-motor dexterity and processing speed; amygdala-prefrontal covariance predicted global attentional impairment. Further, effects of DHEA were above and beyond those of age and sex, as well as distinct from those of pubertal stage, estradiol and testosterone. These findings support the notion that DHEA may play a unique role in shaping amygdala-dependent cortical plasticity and in regulating 'bottom-up' visual attention processes from childhood to young adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuong-Vi Nguyen
- Department of Psychiatry and Department of Obstetrics-Gynecology, McGill University Health Center (Royal Victoria Hospital at the Glen site), McGill University, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada.
| | - Patricia Gower
- Department of Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada, H4A 3J1
| | - Matthew D Albaugh
- University of Vermont, College of Medicine, Burlington, VT, USA, 05405
| | - Kelly N Botteron
- Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA, 63110,Brain Development Cooperative Group
| | - James J Hudziak
- University of Vermont, College of Medicine, Burlington, VT, USA, 05405,Brain Development Cooperative Group
| | - Vladimir S Fonov
- McConnell Brain imaging Centre, Montreal Neurological Institute, Montreal, QC Canada H3A 2B4
| | - Louis Collins
- McConnell Brain imaging Centre, Montreal Neurological Institute, Montreal, QC Canada H3A 2B4
| | - Simon Ducharme
- McConnell Brain imaging Centre, Montreal Neurological Institute, Montreal, QC Canada H3A 2B4,McGill University Health Centre, Department of Psychiatry and Department of Neurology & Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada, H3A 1A1
| | - James T McCracken
- Brain Development Cooperative Group,Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of California in Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA, 90024
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40
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Orefice N, Carotenuto A, Mangone G, Bues B, Rehm R, Cerillo I, Saccà F, Calignano A, Orefice G. Assessment of neuroactive steroids in cerebrospinal fluid comparing acute relapse and stable disease in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2016; 159:1-7. [PMID: 26892094 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2016.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2015] [Revised: 02/09/2016] [Accepted: 02/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies have reported an involvement of neuroactive steroids as neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory agents in neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis (MS); an analysis of their profile during a specific clinical phase of MS is largely unknown. The pregnenolone (PREG), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and allopregnanolone (ALLO) profile was evaluated in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RR-MS) patients as well as those in patients affected by non-inflammatory neurological (control group I) and without neurological disorders (control group II). An increase of PREG and DHEA values was shown in CSF of male and female RR-MS patients compared to those observed in both control groups. The ALLO values were significantly lower in female RR-MS patients than those found in male RR-MS patients and in female without neurological disorder. During the clinical relapse, we observed female RR-MS patients showing significantly increased PREG values compared to female RR-MS patients in stable phase, while their ALLO values showed a significant decrease compared to male RR-MS patients of the same group. Male RR-MS patients with gadolinium-enhanced lesions showed PREG and DHEA values higher than those found in female RR-MS patients with gadolinium-enhanced lesions. Similary, male RR-MS patients with gadolinium-enhanced lesions showed PREG and DHEA values higher than male without gadolinium-enhanced lesions. Female RR-MS patients with gadolinium-enhanced lesions showed DHEA values higher than those found in female RR-MS patients with gadolinium-enhanced lesions. Male and female RR-MS patients with gadolinium-enhanced lesions showed ALLO values higher than those found in respective gender groups without gadolinium-enhanced lesions. ALLO values were lower in male than in female RR-MS patients without gadolinium-enhanced lesions. Considering the pharmacological properties of neuroactive steroids and the observation that neurological disorders influence their concentrations, these endogenous compounds may have an important role as prognostic factors of the disease and used as markers of MS activity such as relapses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ns Orefice
- Department of Pharmacy, "Federico II" University, Naples, Italy.
| | - A Carotenuto
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, "Federico II" University, Naples, Italy.
| | - G Mangone
- Clinical Investigation Center for Neurosciences, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris, France.
| | - B Bues
- University Medical Center, Göttingen, Germany.
| | - R Rehm
- University Medical Center, Göttingen, Germany.
| | - I Cerillo
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, "Federico II" University, Naples, Italy.
| | - F Saccà
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, "Federico II" University, Naples, Italy.
| | - A Calignano
- Department of Pharmacy, "Federico II" University, Naples, Italy.
| | - G Orefice
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, "Federico II" University, Naples, Italy.
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Exposure to acute stress enhances decision-making competence: Evidence for the role of DHEA. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2016; 67:51-60. [PMID: 26874561 PMCID: PMC4808381 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2016.01.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2015] [Revised: 01/30/2016] [Accepted: 01/31/2016] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to acute stress can impact performance on numerous cognitive abilities, but little is known about how acute stress affects real-world decision-making ability. In the present study, we induced acute stress with a standard laboratory task involving uncontrollable socio-evaluative stress and subsequently assessed decision-making ability using the Adult Decision Making Competence index. In addition, we took baseline and post-test saliva samples from participants to examine associations between decision-making competence and adrenal hormones. Participants in the stress induction group showed enhanced decision-making competence, relative to controls. Further, although both cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) reactivity predicted decision-making competence when considered in isolation, DHEA was a significantly better predictor than cortisol when both hormones were considered simultaneously. Thus, our results show that exposure to acute stress can have beneficial effects on the cognitive ability underpinning real-world decision-making and that this effect relates to DHEA reactivity more than cortisol.
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42
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Vaňková M, Hill M, Velíková M, Včelák J, Vacínová G, Dvořáková K, Lukášová P, Vejražková D, Rusina R, Holmerová I, Jarolímová E, Vaňková H, Kancheva R, Bendlová B, Stárka L. Preliminary evidence of altered steroidogenesis in women with Alzheimer's disease: Have the patients "OLDER" adrenal zona reticularis? J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2016; 158:157-177. [PMID: 26704533 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2015.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2015] [Revised: 12/07/2015] [Accepted: 12/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) represents more than half of total dementias. Various factors including altered steroid biosynthesis may participate in its pathophysiology. We investigated how the circulating steroids (measured by GC-MS and RIA) may be altered in the presence of AD. Sixteen women with AD and 22 age- and BMI-corresponding controls aged over 65 years were enrolled in the study. The steroid levels (47 steroids and steroid polar conjugates) and their ratios in AD female patients indicated increased CYP11A1 activity, weakened activity of the CYP17A1C17,20 lyase metabolic step and attenuated sulfotransferase SULT2A1 activity at higher activity of the CYP17A1 17-hydroxylase step. The patients showed diminished HSD3B2 activity for C21 steroids, abated conversion of 17-hydroxyprogesterone to cortisol, and significantly elevated cortisol. The women with AD had also attenuated steroid 7α-hydroxylation forming immunoprotective Δ(5)-C19 steroids, attenuated aromatase activity forming estradiol that induces autoimmunity and a shift from the 3β-hydroxy-5α/β-reduced C19 steroids to their neuroinhibitory and antiinflammatory GABAergic 3α-hydroxy- counterparts and showed higher levels of the 3α-hydroxy-5α/β-reduced C21 steroids and pregnenolone sulfate (improves cognitive abilities but may be both protective and excitotoxic). Our preliminary data indicated functioning of alternative "backdoor" pathway in women with AD showing higher levels of both 5α/β-reduced C21 steroids but reduced levels of both 5α/β-reduced C21 steroids, which implied that the alternative "backdoor" pathway might include both 5α- and 5β-reduced steroids. Our study suggested relationships between AD status in women based on the age of subjects and levels of 10 steroids measured by GC-MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markéta Vaňková
- Institute of Endocrinology, Národní 8, Prague 116 94, Czech Republic.
| | - Martin Hill
- Institute of Endocrinology, Národní 8, Prague 116 94, Czech Republic.
| | - Marta Velíková
- Institute of Endocrinology, Národní 8, Prague 116 94, Czech Republic.
| | - Josef Včelák
- Institute of Endocrinology, Národní 8, Prague 116 94, Czech Republic.
| | - Gabriela Vacínová
- Institute of Endocrinology, Národní 8, Prague 116 94, Czech Republic.
| | | | - Petra Lukášová
- Institute of Endocrinology, Národní 8, Prague 116 94, Czech Republic.
| | | | - Robert Rusina
- Department of Neurology, Thomayer's Hospital, Vídeňská 800, Prague 140 59, Czech Republic.
| | - Iva Holmerová
- Faculty of Humanities, Charles University in Prague, Ovocný trh 5, Prague 110 00, Czech Republic.
| | - Eva Jarolímová
- Faculty of Humanities, Charles University in Prague, Ovocný trh 5, Prague 110 00, Czech Republic.
| | - Hana Vaňková
- Faculty of Humanities, Charles University in Prague, Ovocný trh 5, Prague 110 00, Czech Republic; Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague, Ovocný trh 5, Prague 110 00, Czech Republic.
| | - Radmila Kancheva
- Institute of Endocrinology, Národní 8, Prague 116 94, Czech Republic.
| | - Běla Bendlová
- Institute of Endocrinology, Národní 8, Prague 116 94, Czech Republic.
| | - Luboslav Stárka
- Institute of Endocrinology, Národní 8, Prague 116 94, Czech Republic.
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Schumacher M, Guennoun R, Mattern C, Oudinet JP, Labombarda F, De Nicola AF, Liere P. Analytical challenges for measuring steroid responses to stress, neurodegeneration and injury in the central nervous system. Steroids 2015; 103:42-57. [PMID: 26301525 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2015.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2015] [Revised: 08/17/2015] [Accepted: 08/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Levels of steroids in the adult central nervous system (CNS) show marked changes in response to stress, degenerative disorders and injury. However, their analysis in complex matrices such as fatty brain and spinal cord tissues, and even in plasma, requires accurate and precise analytical methods. Radioimmunoassays (RIA) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, even with prepurification steps, do not provide sufficient specificity, and they are at the origin of many inconsistent results in the literature. The analysis of steroids by mass spectrometric methods has become the gold standard for accurate and sensitive steroid analysis. However, these technologies involve multiple purification steps prone to errors, and they only provide accurate reference values when combined with careful sample workup. In addition, the interpretation of changes in CNS steroid levels is not an easy task because of their multiple sources: the endocrine glands and the local synthesis by neural cells. In the CNS, decreased steroid levels may reflect alterations of their biosynthesis, as observed in the case of chronic stress, post-traumatic stress disorders or depressive episodes. In such cases, return to normalization by administering exogenous hormones or by stimulating their endogenous production may have beneficial effects. On the other hand, increases in CNS steroids in response to acute stress, degenerative processes or injury may be part of endogenous protective or rescue programs, contributing to the resistance of neural cells to stress and insults. The aim of this review is to encourage a more critical reading of the literature reporting steroid measures, and to draw attention to the absolute need for well-validated methods. We discuss reported findings concerning changing steroid levels in the nervous system by insisting on methodological issues. An important message is that even recent mass spectrometric methods have their limits, and they only become reliable tools if combined with careful sample preparation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Florencia Labombarda
- Instituto de Biologia y Medicina Experimental and University of Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Alejandro F De Nicola
- Instituto de Biologia y Medicina Experimental and University of Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Philippe Liere
- U1195 Inserm and University Paris-Sud, Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
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MacKenzie G, Maguire J. Neurosteroids and GABAergic signaling in health and disease. Biomol Concepts 2015; 4:29-42. [PMID: 25436563 DOI: 10.1515/bmc-2012-0033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2012] [Accepted: 10/12/2012] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Endogenous neurosteroids such as allopregnanolone, allotetrahydrodeoxycorticosterone, and androstanediol are synthesized either de novo in the brain from cholesterol or are generated from the local metabolism of peripherally derived progesterone or corticosterone. Fluctuations in neurosteroid concentrations are important in the regulation of a number of physiological responses including anxiety and stress, reproductive, and sexual behaviors. These effects are mediated in part by the direct binding of neurosteroids to γ-aminobutyric acid type-A receptors (GABAARs), resulting in the potentiation of GABAAR-mediated currents. Extrasynaptic GABAARs containing the δ subunit, which contribute to the tonic conductance, are particularly sensitive to low nanomolar concentrations of neurosteroids and are likely their preferential target. Considering the large charge transfer generated by these persistently open channels, even subtle changes in neurosteroid concentrations can have a major impact on neuronal excitability. Consequently, aberrant levels of neurosteroids have been implicated in numerous disorders, including, but not limited to, anxiety, neurodegenerative diseases, alcohol abuse, epilepsy, and depression. Here we review the modulation of GABAAR by neurosteroids and the consequences for health and disease.
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Sosvorova L, Vitku J, Chlupacova T, Mohapl M, Hampl R. Determination of seven selected neuro- and immunomodulatory steroids in human cerebrospinal fluid and plasma using LC-MS/MS. Steroids 2015; 98:1-8. [PMID: 25676787 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2015.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2014] [Revised: 12/31/2014] [Accepted: 01/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its 7-oxo- and 7-hydroxy-metabolites occurring in the brain are considered neurosteroids. Metabolism of the latter is catalysed by 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11β-HSD) which also interconverts cortisol and cortisone. The concurrent metabolic reaction to DHEA 7-hydroxylation is the formation of 16α-hydroxy-DHEA. The LC-MS/MS method using triple stage quadrupole-mass spectrometer was developed for simultaneous quantification of free DHEA, 7α-hydroxy-DHEA, 7β-hydroxy-DHEA, 7-oxo-DHEA, 16α-hydroxy-DHEA, cortisol and cortisone in human plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The method employs 500 μL of human plasma and 3000 μL of CSF extracted with diethyl ether and derivatized with 2-hydrazinopyridine. It has been validated in terms of sensitivity, precision and recovery. In plasma, the following values were obtained: limit of detection: 2-50p g/mL; limit of quantification: 5-140 pg/mL; within-day precision 0.58-14.58%; between-day precision: 1.24-13.89% and recovery: 85-113.2%). For CSF, the values of limit of detection: 2-28 pg/mL; limit of quantification: 6-94 pg/mL; within-day precision; 0.63-5.48%; between-day precision: 0.88-14.59% and recovery: 85.1-109.4% were acquired. Medians and concentration ranges of detected steroids in plasma and CSF are given in subjects with excluded normal pressure hydrocephalus (n=37; 65-80 years). The method enables simultaneous quantification of steroids important for the estimation of 11β-HSD activity in human plasma and CSF. It will be helpful in better understanding various degenerative diseases development and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucie Sosvorova
- Institute of Endocrinology, Department of Steroids and Proteofactors, Narodni 8, 11694 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Vitku
- Institute of Endocrinology, Department of Steroids and Proteofactors, Narodni 8, 11694 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Tereza Chlupacova
- Institute of Endocrinology, Department of Steroids and Proteofactors, Narodni 8, 11694 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Milan Mohapl
- Military University Hospital Prague, Department of Neurosurgery, U Vojenske nemocnice 1200, 16902 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Richard Hampl
- Institute of Endocrinology, Department of Steroids and Proteofactors, Narodni 8, 11694 Prague, Czech Republic.
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Pöllänen E, Kangas R, Horttanainen M, Niskala P, Kaprio J, Butler-Browne G, Mouly V, Sipilä S, Kovanen V. Intramuscular sex steroid hormones are associated with skeletal muscle strength and power in women with different hormonal status. Aging Cell 2015; 14:236-48. [PMID: 25645687 PMCID: PMC4364836 DOI: 10.1111/acel.12309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/08/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Estrogen (E2)-responsive peripheral tissues, such as skeletal muscle, may suffer from hormone deficiency after menopause potentially contributing to the aging of muscle. However, recently E2 was shown to be synthesized by muscle and its systemic and intramuscular hormone levels are unequal. The objective of the study was to examine the association between intramuscular steroid hormones and muscle characteristics in premenopausal women (n = 8) and in postmenopausal monozygotic twin sister pairs (n = 16 co-twins from eight pairs) discordant for the use of E2-based hormone replacement. Isometric skeletal muscle strength was assessed by measuring knee extension strength. Explosive lower body muscle power was assessed as vertical jump height. Due to sequential nature of enzymatic conversion of biologically inactive dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) to testosterone (T) and subsequently to E2 or dihydrotestosterone (DHT), separate linear regression models were used to estimate the association of each hormone with muscle characteristics. Intramuscular E2, T, DHT, and DHEA proved to be significant, independent predictors of strength and power explaining 59–64% of the variation in knee extension strength and 80–83% of the variation of vertical jumping height in women (P < 0.005 for all models). The models were adjusted for age, systemic E2, and total body fat mass. The statistics used took into account the lack of statistical independence of twin sisters. Furthermore, muscle cells were shown to take up and actively synthesize hormones. Present study suggests intramuscular sex steroids to associate with strength and power regulation in female muscle providing novel insight to the field of muscle aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eija Pöllänen
- Department of Health Sciences; Gerontology Research Center; University of Jyväskylä; Jyväskylä Finland
| | - Reeta Kangas
- Department of Health Sciences; Gerontology Research Center; University of Jyväskylä; Jyväskylä Finland
| | - Mia Horttanainen
- Department of Health Sciences; Gerontology Research Center; University of Jyväskylä; Jyväskylä Finland
| | - Paula Niskala
- Department of Health Sciences; Gerontology Research Center; University of Jyväskylä; Jyväskylä Finland
| | - Jaakko Kaprio
- Department of Public Health; University of Helsinki; Helsinki Finland
- Institute for Molecular Medicine; University of Helsinki; Helsinki Finland
- National Institute for Health and Welfare; Helsinki Finland
| | - Gillian Butler-Browne
- Myology Research Center; Institut de Myologie; Sorbonne Universités; UPMC University Paris 06; UMR974; INSERM U974; CNRS FRE 3617; F-75013 Paris France
| | - Vincent Mouly
- Myology Research Center; Institut de Myologie; Sorbonne Universités; UPMC University Paris 06; UMR974; INSERM U974; CNRS FRE 3617; F-75013 Paris France
| | - Sarianna Sipilä
- Department of Health Sciences; Gerontology Research Center; University of Jyväskylä; Jyväskylä Finland
| | - Vuokko Kovanen
- Department of Health Sciences; Gerontology Research Center; University of Jyväskylä; Jyväskylä Finland
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Conti E, Nacinovich R, Bomba M, Uccellini O, Rossi MS, Casati M, Neri F, Ferrarese C, Tremolizzo L. Diazepam binding inhibitor and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate plasma levels in borderline personality disorder adolescents. Neuropsychobiology 2015; 69:19-24. [PMID: 24401326 DOI: 10.1159/000356227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2013] [Accepted: 10/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Borderline personality disorder (BPD) patients display a complex and heterogeneous clinical phenotype that plausibly implies variable underlying pathogenic mechanisms. A dysregulation of peripheral benzodiazepine receptors has previously been shown in BPD peripheral tissues, implying possible alterations of its ligand, the diazepam binding inhibitor (DBI) or of the downstream products of its activation, i.e. neuroactive steroids. METHODS The aim of this work consisted in assessing, by ELISA, fasting plasma levels of DBI and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEA-S), including cortisol and the cortisol-to-DHEA-S molar ratio (CDR), in 17 BPD adolescents versus 13 healthy controls, testing the possibility that clinical scales related to depressive or anxious traits (CDI, STAI-Y) or to disease severity (BPDCL) might be associated with a selective dysregulation of these parameters. RESULTS DBI plasma levels were unchanged, while DHEA-S ones were significantly increased (approx. 70%) and the CDR decreased in BPD patients. No meaningful correlations with clinical variables emerged. CONCLUSION Our results indicate that a dysfunction of the neurosteroid system might be operative in BPD in spite of unchanged DBI plasma levels and that DHEA-S might represent a generalized trait marker for the altered stress response that is associated with this disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Conti
- Neurology, San Gerardo Hospital, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
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48
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Stárka L, Dušková M, Hill M. Dehydroepiandrosterone: a neuroactive steroid. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2015; 145:254-60. [PMID: 24704258 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2014.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2014] [Revised: 03/20/2014] [Accepted: 03/24/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulfate bound form (DHEAS) are important steroids of mainly adrenal origin. They are produced also in gonads and in the brain. Dehydroepiandrosterone easily crosses the brain-blood barrier and in part is also produced locally in the brain tissue. In the brain, DHEA exerts its effects after conversion to either testosterone and dihydrotestosterone or estradiol via androgen and estrogen receptors present in the most parts of the human brain, through mainly non-genomic mechanisms, or eventually indirectly via the effects of its metabolites formed locally in the brain. As a neuroactive hormone, DHEA in co-operation with other hormones and transmitters significantly affects some aspects of human mood, and modifies some features of human emotions and behavior. It has been reported that its administration can increase feelings of well-being and is useful in ameliorating atypical depressive disorders. It has neuroprotective and antiglucocorticoid activity and modifies immune reactions, and some authors have also reported its role in degenerative brain diseases. Here we present a short overview of the possible actions of dehydroepiandrosterone and its sulfate in the brain, calling attention to various mechanisms of their action as neurosteroids and to prospects for the knowledge of their role in brain disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luboslav Stárka
- Institute of Endocrinology, Národní 8, 11694 Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Michaela Dušková
- Institute of Endocrinology, Národní 8, 11694 Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Martin Hill
- Institute of Endocrinology, Národní 8, 11694 Prague, Czech Republic.
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Witt KA, Sandoval KE. Steroids and the blood-brain barrier: therapeutic implications. ADVANCES IN PHARMACOLOGY (SAN DIEGO, CALIF.) 2014; 71:361-390. [PMID: 25307223 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apha.2014.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Steroids have a wide spectrum of impact, serving as fundamental regulators of nearly every physiological process within the human body. Therapeutic applications of steroids are equally broad, with a diverse range of medications and targets. Within the central nervous system (CNS), steroids influence development, memory, behavior, and disease outcomes. Moreover, steroids are well recognized as to their impact on the vascular endothelium. The blood-brain barrier (BBB) at the level of the brain microvascular endothelium serves as the principle interface between the peripheral circulation and the brain. Steroids have been identified to impact several critical properties of the BBB, including cellular efflux mechanisms, nutrient uptake, and tight junction integrity. Such actions not only influence brain homeostasis but also the delivery of CNS-targeted therapeutics. A greater understanding of the respective steroid-BBB interactions may shed further light on the differential treatment outcomes observed across CNS pathologies. In this chapter, we examine the current therapeutic implications of steroids respective to BBB structure and function, with emphasis on glucocorticoids and estrogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken A Witt
- Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville, Illinois, USA.
| | - Karin E Sandoval
- Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville, Illinois, USA
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50
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Li R, Cui J, Shen Y. Brain sex matters: estrogen in cognition and Alzheimer's disease. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2014; 389:13-21. [PMID: 24418360 PMCID: PMC4040318 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2013.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2013] [Revised: 12/31/2013] [Accepted: 12/31/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Estrogens are the primary female sex hormones and play important roles in both reproductive and non-reproductive systems. Estrogens can be synthesized in non-reproductive tissues such as liver, heart, muscle, bone and the brain. During the past decade, increasing evidence suggests that brain estrogen can not only be synthesized by neurons, but also by astrocytes. Brain estrogen also works locally at the site of synthesis in paracrine and/or intracrine fashion to maintain important tissue-specific functions. Here, we will focus on the biology of brain estrogen and its impact on cognitive function and Alzheimer's disease. This comprehensive review provides new insights into brain estrogens by presenting a better understanding of the tissue-specific estrogen effects and their roles in healthy ageing and cognitive function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rena Li
- Center for Hormone Advanced Science and Education (CHASE), Roskamp Institute, Sarasota, FL 34243, United States.
| | - Jie Cui
- Center for Hormone Advanced Science and Education (CHASE), Roskamp Institute, Sarasota, FL 34243, United States
| | - Yong Shen
- Center for Advanced Therapeutic Strategies for Brain Disorders (CATSBD), Roskamp Institute, Sarasota, FL 34243, United States
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