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Talwalkar A, Haden G, Duncan KA. Chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans mRNA expression and degradation in the zebra finch following traumatic brain injury. J Chem Neuroanat 2024; 138:102418. [PMID: 38621597 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2024.102418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the leading causes of fatality and disability worldwide. From minutes to months following damage, injury can result in a complex pathophysiology that can lead to temporary or permanent deficits including an array of neurodegenerative symptoms. These changes can include behavioral dysregulation, memory dysfunctions, and mood changes including depression. The nature and severity of impairments resulting from TBIs vary widely given the range of injury type, location, and extent of brain tissue involved. In response to the injury, the brain induces structural and functional changes to promote repair and minimize injury size. Despite its high prevalence, effective treatment strategies for TBI are limited. PNNs are part of the neuronal extracellular matrix (ECM) that mediate synaptic stabilization in the adult brain and thus neuroplasticity. They are associated mostly with inhibitory GABAergic interneurons and are thought to be responsible for maintaining the excitatory/inhibitory balance of the brain. The major structural components of PNNs include multiple chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs) as well as other structural proteins. Here we examine the effects of injury on CSPG expression, specifically around the changes in the side change moieties. To investigate CSPG expression following injury, adult male and female zebra finches received either a bilateral penetrating, or no injury and qPCR analysis and immunohistochemistry for components of the CSPGs were examined at 1- or 7-days post-injury. Next, to determine if CSPGs and thus PNNs should be a target for therapeutic intervention, CSPG side chains were degraded at the time of injury with chondroitinase ABC (ChABC) CSPGs moieties were examined. Additionally, GABA receptor mRNA and aromatase mRNA expression was quantified following CSPG degradation as they have been implicated in neuronal survival and neurogenesis. Our data indicate the CSPG moieties change following injury, potentially allowing for a brief period of synaptic reorganization, and that treatments that target CSPG side chains are successful in further targeting this brief critical period by decreasing GABA mRNA receptor expression, but also decreasing aromatase expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Talwalkar
- Program in Biochemistry, Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, NY 12604, USA
| | - Gage Haden
- Department of Biology, Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, NY 12604, USA
| | - Kelli A Duncan
- Department of Biology, Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, NY 12604, USA; Program in Neuroscience and Behavior, Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, NY 12604, USA.
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2
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Kalakh S, Mouihate A. The Effects of Neuroactive Steroids on Myelin in Health and Disease. Med Princ Pract 2024; 33:198-214. [PMID: 38350432 PMCID: PMC11175611 DOI: 10.1159/000537794] [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: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Myelin plays a pivotal role in the efficient transmission of nerve impulses. Disruptions in myelin integrity are associated with numerous neurological disorders, including multiple sclerosis. In the central nervous system (CNS), myelin is formed by oligodendrocytes. Remyelination refers to the re-formation of the damaged myelin sheath by newly formed oligodendrocytes. Steroids have gained attention for their potential modulatory effects on myelin in both health and disease. Steroids are traditionally associated with endocrine functions, but their local synthesis within the nervous system has generated significant interest. The term "neuroactive steroids" refers to steroids that can act on cells of the nervous system. In the healthy state, neuroactive steroids promote myelin formation, maintenance, and repair by enhancing oligodendrocyte differentiation and maturation. In pathological conditions, such as demyelination injury, multiple neuroactive steroids have shown promise in promoting remyelination. Understanding the effects of neuroactive steroids on myelin could lead to novel therapeutic approaches for demyelinating diseases and neurodegenerative disorders. This review highlights the potential therapeutic significance of neuroactive steroids in myelin-related health and diseases. We review the synthesis of steroids by neurons and glial cells and discuss the roles of neuroactive steroids on myelin structure and function in health and disease. We emphasize the potential promyelinating effects of the varying levels of neuroactive steroids during different female physiological states such as the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, lactation, and postmenopause.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samah Kalakh
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Kuwait University, Kuwait City, Kuwait
- School of Engineering and Computing, American International University, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Abdeslam Mouihate
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Kuwait University, Kuwait City, Kuwait
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Miguel-Hidalgo JJ. Neuroprotective astroglial response to neural damage and its relevance to affective disorders. EXPLORATION OF NEUROPROTECTIVE THERAPY 2023; 3:328-345. [PMID: 37920189 PMCID: PMC10622120 DOI: 10.37349/ent.2023.00054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Astrocytes not only support neuronal function with essential roles in synaptic neurotransmission, action potential propagation, metabolic support, or neuroplastic and developmental adaptations. They also respond to damage or dysfunction in surrounding neurons and oligodendrocytes by releasing neurotrophic factors and other molecules that increase the survival of the supported cells or contribute to mechanisms of structural and molecular restoration. The neuroprotective responsiveness of astrocytes is based on their ability to sense signals of degeneration, metabolic jeopardy and structural damage, and on their aptitude to locally deliver specific molecules to remedy threats to the molecular and structural features of their cellular partners. To the extent that neuronal and other glial cell disturbances are known to occur in affective disorders, astrocyte responsiveness to those disturbances may help to better understand the roles astrocytes play in affective disorders. The astrocytic sensing apparatus supporting those responses involves receptors for neurotransmitters, purines, cell adhesion molecules and growth factors. Astrocytes also share with the immune system the capacity of responding to cytokines released upon neuronal damage. In addition, in responses to specific signals astrocytes release unique factors such as clusterin or humanin that have been shown to exert potent neuroprotective effects. Astrocytes integrate the signals above to further deliver structural lipids, removing toxic metabolites, stabilizing the osmotic environment, normalizing neurotransmitters, providing anti-oxidant protection, facilitating synaptogenesis and acting as barriers to contain varied deleterious signals, some of which have been described in brain regions relevant to affective disorders and related animal models. Since various of the injurious signals that activate astrocytes have been implicated in different aspects of the etiopathology of affective disorders, particularly in relation to the diagnosis of depression, potentiating the corresponding astrocyte neuroprotective responses may provide additional opportunities to improve or complement available pharmacological and behavioral therapies for affective disorders.
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Immenschuh J, Thalhammer SB, Sundström-Poromaa I, Biegon A, Dumas S, Comasco E. Sex differences in distribution and identity of aromatase gene expressing cells in the young adult rat brain. Biol Sex Differ 2023; 14:54. [PMID: 37658400 PMCID: PMC10474706 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-023-00541-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aromatase catalyzes the synthesis of estrogens from androgens. Knowledge on its regional expression in the brain is of relevance to the behavioral implications of these hormones that might be linked to sex differences in mental health. The present study investigated the distribution of cells expressing the aromatase coding gene (Cyp19a1) in limbic regions of young adult rats of both sexes, and characterized the cell types expressing this gene. METHODS Cyp19a1 mRNA was mapped using fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH). Co-expression with specific cell markers was assessed with double FISH; glutamatergic, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-ergic, glial, monoaminergic, as well as interneuron markers were tested. Automated quantification of the cells expressing the different genes was performed using CellProfiler. Sex differences in the number of cells expressing Cyp19a1 was tested non-parametrically, with the effect size indicated by the rank-biserial correlation. FDR correction for multiple testing was applied. RESULTS In the male brain, the highest percentage of Cyp19a1+ cells was found in the medial amygdaloid nucleus and the bed nucleus of stria terminalis, followed by the medial preoptic area, the CA2/3 fields of the hippocampus, the cortical amygdaloid nucleus and the amygdalo-hippocampal area. A lower percentage was detected in the caudate putamen, the nucleus accumbens, and the ventromedial hypothalamus. In females, the distribution of Cyp19a1+ cells was similar but at a lower percentage. In most regions, the majority of Cyp19a1+ cells were GABAergic, except for in the cortical-like regions of the amygdala where most were glutamatergic. A smaller fraction of cells co-expressed Slc1a3, suggesting expression of Cyp19a1 in astrocytes; monoaminergic markers were not co-expressed. Moreover, sex differences were detected regarding the identity of Cyp19a1+ cells. CONCLUSIONS Females show overall a lower number of cells expressing Cyp19a1 in the limbic brain. In both sexes, aromatase is expressed in a region-specific manner in GABAergic and glutamatergic neurons. These findings call for investigations of the relevance of sex-specific and region-dependent expression of Cyp19a1 in the limbic brain to sex differences in behavior and mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Immenschuh
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Stefan Bernhard Thalhammer
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | - Anat Biegon
- Department of Radiology and Neurology, Stony Brook University School of Medicine, Stony Brook, NY USA
| | | | - Erika Comasco
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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Stojko M, Nocoń J, Piłat P, Szpila G, Smolarczyk J, Żmudka K, Moll M, Hawranek M. Innovative Reports on the Effects of Anabolic Androgenic Steroid Abuse-How to Lose Your Mind for the Love of Sport. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:1439. [PMID: 37629729 PMCID: PMC10456445 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59081439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
Anabolic-androgenic steroids (anabolic-androgenic steroids, AAS) are testosterone-derived compounds whose popularity and use are constantly growing. Chronic use of AAS leads to many hormonal and metabolic disorders in the human body, which often lead to permanent health damage. Changes affect the following systems: cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, reproductive, digestive, and nervous. We decided to collect the existing knowledge in the literature and enrich it with the latest research reports in the field of degenerative effects of AAS on the nervous system. The work aimed to increase public awareness of the dangers and consequences of AAS use and improve it with the latest research on the neurodegenerative effects of AAS. We hope that our work will contribute to raising public awareness and reducing the use of AAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michał Stojko
- Student’s Scientific Society, III Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, 40-055 Katowice, Poland
| | - Jakub Nocoń
- Student’s Scientific Society, Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, 40-055 Katowice, Poland
| | - Patrycja Piłat
- Student’s Scientific Society, III Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, 40-055 Katowice, Poland
| | - Gabriela Szpila
- Student’s Scientific Society, Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, 40-055 Katowice, Poland
| | - Joanna Smolarczyk
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, 50-055 Katowice, Poland
| | - Karol Żmudka
- Student’s Scientific Society, Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, 40-055 Katowice, Poland
| | - Martyna Moll
- Student’s Scientific Society, Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, 40-055 Katowice, Poland
| | - Michał Hawranek
- III Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, 40-055 Katowice, Poland
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Huang K, Ma T, Li Q, Zhong Z, Qin T, Zhou Y, Zhang W, Tang S, Zhong J, Lu S. Role of CYP19A1 Loci (rs28757157 and rs3751591) with Ischemic Stroke Risk in the Chinese Han Population. Pharmgenomics Pers Med 2023; 16:491-502. [PMID: 37274728 PMCID: PMC10237203 DOI: 10.2147/pgpm.s404160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Ischemic stroke (IS) is a multifactorial and polygenic disease, which is affected by genetic factors. In this study, we explored the role of CYP19A1 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in IS in the Chinese population. Methods 1302 subjects (651 controls and 651 cases) were recruited in this case-control study. Four candidate SNPs (rs28757157 C/T, rs3751592 C/T, rs3751591 G/A, rs59429575 C/T) of CYP19A1 were selected by the 1000 genomes project database. The association between CYP19A1 SNPs and IS risk was assessed using logistic regression analysis with odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). False-positive report probability (FPRP) analysis further verified the positive results. The interaction of SNP-SNP was analyzed by multi-factor dimensionality reduction (MDR) to predict is risk. Results In the research, CYP19A1 loci (rs28757157 and rs3751591) were associated with the occurrence of IS. The two variants conferred an increased susceptibility to IS in the subjects aged over 60 years old, smokers and drinkers. Rs28757157 was related to the risk of IS in females, non-smokers and subjects with BMI less than 24, while rs59429575 was related to the risk of IS in males and subjects with BMI greater than 24. Conclusion The study revealed that there is a significant association between CYP19A1 loci (rs28757157 and rs3751591) and IS risk in the Chinese Han population, providing a theoretical basis for further exploring its specific role in the pathogenesis of IS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kang Huang
- Department of Cardiology, Haikou People’s Hospital, Central South University Xiangya School of Medicine Affiliated Haikou Hospital, Haikou, Hainan, 570100, People’s Republic of China
| | - Tianyi Ma
- Department of Cardiology, Haikou People’s Hospital, Central South University Xiangya School of Medicine Affiliated Haikou Hospital, Haikou, Hainan, 570100, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qiang Li
- Department of Cardiology, Haikou People’s Hospital, Central South University Xiangya School of Medicine Affiliated Haikou Hospital, Haikou, Hainan, 570100, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zanrui Zhong
- Department of Cardiology, Haikou People’s Hospital, Central South University Xiangya School of Medicine Affiliated Haikou Hospital, Haikou, Hainan, 570100, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ting Qin
- Department of Cardiology, Haikou People’s Hospital, Central South University Xiangya School of Medicine Affiliated Haikou Hospital, Haikou, Hainan, 570100, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yilei Zhou
- Jingchu University of Technology, School of Medicine, Jingmen, Hubei, 448000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Haikou People’s Hospital, Central South University Xiangya School of Medicine Affiliated Haikou Hospital, Haikou, Hainan, 570100, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shilin Tang
- Department of Cardiology, Haikou People’s Hospital, Central South University Xiangya School of Medicine Affiliated Haikou Hospital, Haikou, Hainan, 570100, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jianghua Zhong
- Department of Cardiology, Haikou People’s Hospital, Central South University Xiangya School of Medicine Affiliated Haikou Hospital, Haikou, Hainan, 570100, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shijuan Lu
- Department of Cardiology, Haikou People’s Hospital, Central South University Xiangya School of Medicine Affiliated Haikou Hospital, Haikou, Hainan, 570100, People’s Republic of China
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7
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Ocañas SR, Ansere VA, Kellogg CM, Isola JVV, Chucair-Elliott AJ, Freeman WM. Chromosomal and gonadal factors regulate microglial sex effects in the aging brain. Brain Res Bull 2023; 195:157-171. [PMID: 36804773 PMCID: PMC10810555 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2023.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
Biological sex contributes to phenotypic sex effects through genetic (sex chromosomal) and hormonal (gonadal) mechanisms. There are profound sex differences in the prevalence and progression of age-related brain diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases. Inflammation of neural tissue is one of the most consistent age-related phenotypes seen with healthy aging and disease. The pro-inflammatory environment of the aging brain has primarily been attributed to microglial reactivity and adoption of heterogeneous reactive states dependent upon intrinsic (i.e., sex) and extrinsic (i.e., age, disease state) factors. Here, we review sex effects in microglia across the lifespan, explore potential genetic and hormonal molecular mechanisms of microglial sex effects, and discuss currently available models and methods to study sex effects in the aging brain. Despite recent attention to this area, significant further research is needed to mechanistically understand the regulation of microglial sex effects across the lifespan, which may open new avenues for sex informed prevention and treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah R Ocañas
- Genes & Human Disease Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.
| | - Victor A Ansere
- Genes & Human Disease Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Collyn M Kellogg
- Genes & Human Disease Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Jose V V Isola
- Aging & Metabolism Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Ana J Chucair-Elliott
- Genes & Human Disease Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Willard M Freeman
- Genes & Human Disease Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
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8
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Brain-Derived Estrogen and Neurological Disorders. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11121698. [PMID: 36552208 PMCID: PMC9774965 DOI: 10.3390/biology11121698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes and neurons in the male and female brains produce the neurosteroid brain-derived 17β-estradiol (BDE2) from androgen precursors. In this review, we discuss evidence that suggest BDE2 has a role in a number of neurological conditions, such as focal and global cerebral ischemia, traumatic brain injury, excitotoxicity, epilepsy, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease. Much of what we have learned about BDE2 in neurological disorders has come from use of aromatase inhibitors and global aromatase knockout mice. Recently, our group developed astrocyte- and neuron-specific aromatase knockout mice, which have helped to clarify the precise functions of astrocyte-derived 17β-estradiol (ADE2) and neuron-derived 17β-estradiol (NDE2) in the brain. The available evidence to date suggests a primarily beneficial role of BDE2 in facilitating neuroprotection, synaptic and cognitive preservation, regulation of reactive astrocyte and microglia activation, and anti-inflammatory effects. Most of these beneficial effects appear to be due to ADE2, which is induced in most neurological disorders, but there is also recent evidence that NDE2 exerts similar beneficial effects. Furthermore, in certain situations, BDE2 may also have deleterious effects, as recent evidence suggests its overproduction in epilepsy contributes to seizure induction. In this review, we examine the current state of this quickly developing topic, as well as possible future studies that may be required to provide continuing growth in the field.
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Immunofluorescent Evidence for Nuclear Localization of Aromatase in Astrocytes in the Rat Central Nervous System. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23168946. [PMID: 36012212 PMCID: PMC9408820 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23168946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Estrogens regulate a variety of neuroendocrine, reproductive and also non-reproductive brain functions. Estradiol biosynthesis in the central nervous system (CNS) is catalyzed by the enzyme aromatase, which is expressed in several brain regions by neurons, astrocytes and microglia. In this study, we performed a complex fluorescent immunocytochemical analysis which revealed that aromatase is colocalized with the nuclear stain in glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) positive astrocytes in cell cultures. Confocal immunofluorescent Z-stack scanning analysis confirmed the colocalization of aromatase with the nuclear DAPI signal. Nuclear aromatase was also detectable in the S100β positive astrocyte subpopulation. When the nuclear aromatase signal was present, estrogen receptor alpha was also abundant in the nucleus. Immunostaining of frozen brain tissue sections showed that the nuclear colocalization of the enzyme in GFAP-positive astrocytes is also detectable in the adult rat brain. CD11b/c labelled microglial cells express aromatase, but the immunopositive signal was distributed only in the cytoplasm both in the ramified and amoeboid microglial forms. Immunostaining of rat ovarian tissue sections and human granulosa cells revealed that aromatase was present only in the cytoplasm. This novel observation suggests a new unique mechanism in astrocytes that may regulate certain CNS functions via estradiol production.
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10
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Koszegi Z, Cheong RY. Targeting the non-classical estrogen pathway in neurodegenerative diseases and brain injury disorders. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:999236. [PMID: 36187099 PMCID: PMC9521328 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.999236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Estrogens can alter the biology of various tissues and organs, including the brain, and thus play an essential role in modulating homeostasis. Despite its traditional role in reproduction, it is now accepted that estrogen and its analogues can exert neuroprotective effects. Several studies have shown the beneficial effects of estrogen in ameliorating and delaying the progression of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease and various forms of brain injury disorders. While the classical effects of estrogen through intracellular receptors are more established, the impact of the non-classical pathway through receptors located at the plasma membrane as well as the rapid stimulation of intracellular signaling cascades are still under active research. Moreover, it has been suggested that the non-classical estrogen pathway plays a crucial role in neuroprotection in various brain areas. In this mini-review, we will discuss the use of compounds targeting the non-classical estrogen pathway in their potential use as treatment in neurodegenerative diseases and brain injury disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zsombor Koszegi
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Rachel Y. Cheong
- Timeline Bioresearch AB, Medicon Village, Lund, Sweden
- *Correspondence: Rachel Y. Cheong,
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11
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Brann DW, Lu Y, Wang J, Sareddy GR, Pratap UP, Zhang Q, Tekmal RR, Vadlamudi RK. Neuron-Derived Estrogen-A Key Neuromodulator in Synaptic Function and Memory. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222413242. [PMID: 34948039 PMCID: PMC8706511 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222413242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
In addition to being a steroid hormone, 17β-estradiol (E2) is also a neurosteroid produced in neurons in various regions of the brain of many species, including humans. Neuron-derived E2 (NDE2) is synthesized from androgen precursors via the action of the biosynthetic enzyme aromatase, which is located at synapses and in presynaptic terminals in neurons in both the male and female brain. In this review, we discuss evidence supporting a key role for NDE2 as a neuromodulator that regulates synaptic plasticity and memory. Evidence supporting an important neuromodulatory role of NDE2 in the brain has come from studies using aromatase inhibitors, aromatase overexpression in neurons, global aromatase knockout mice, and the recent development of conditional forebrain neuron-specific knockout mice. Collectively, these studies demonstrate a key role of NDE2 in the regulation of synapse and spine density, efficacy of excitatory synaptic transmission and long-term potentiation, and regulation of hippocampal-dependent recognition memory, spatial reference memory, and contextual fear memory. NDE2 is suggested to achieve these effects through estrogen receptor-mediated regulation of rapid kinase signaling and CREB-BDNF signaling pathways, which regulate actin remodeling, as well as transcription, translation, and transport of synaptic proteins critical for synaptic plasticity and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darrell W. Brann
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA;
- Correspondence:
| | - Yujiao Lu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA;
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA;
| | - Gangadhara R. Sareddy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Health, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; (G.R.S.); (U.P.P.); (R.R.T.); (R.K.V.)
| | - Uday P. Pratap
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Health, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; (G.R.S.); (U.P.P.); (R.R.T.); (R.K.V.)
| | - Quanguang Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Louisiana State University Health, Shreveport, LA 71103, USA;
| | - Rajeshwar R. Tekmal
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Health, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; (G.R.S.); (U.P.P.); (R.R.T.); (R.K.V.)
| | - Ratna K. Vadlamudi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Health, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; (G.R.S.); (U.P.P.); (R.R.T.); (R.K.V.)
- Audie L. Murphy Division, South Texas Veterans Health Care System, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
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12
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Azcoitia I, Mendez P, Garcia-Segura LM. Aromatase in the Human Brain. ANDROGENS: CLINICAL RESEARCH AND THERAPEUTICS 2021; 2:189-202. [PMID: 35024691 PMCID: PMC8744447 DOI: 10.1089/andro.2021.0007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The aromatase cytochrome P450 (P450arom) enzyme, or estrogen synthase, which is coded by the CYP19A1 gene, is widely expressed in a subpopulation of excitatory and inhibitory neurons, astrocytes, and other cell types in the human brain. Experimental studies in laboratory animals indicate a prominent role of brain aromatization of androgens to estrogens in regulating different brain functions. However, the consequences of aromatase expression in the human brain remain poorly understood. Here, we summarize the current knowledge about aromatase expression in the human brain, abundant in the thalamus, amygdala, hypothalamus, cortex, and hippocampus and discuss its role in the regulation of sensory integration, body homeostasis, social behavior, cognition, language, and integrative functions. Since brain aromatase is affected by neurodegenerative conditions and may participate in sex-specific manifestations of autism spectrum disorders, major depressive disorder, multiple sclerosis, stroke, and Alzheimer's disease, we discuss future avenues for research and potential clinical and therapeutic implications of the expression of aromatase in the human brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iñigo Azcoitia
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biology, Universidad Complutense de Madrid and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pablo Mendez
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis M. Garcia-Segura
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biology, Universidad Complutense de Madrid and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
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13
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Brann DW, Lu Y, Wang J, Zhang Q, Thakkar R, Sareddy GR, Pratap UP, Tekmal RR, Vadlamudi RK. Brain-derived estrogen and neural function. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 132:793-817. [PMID: 34823913 PMCID: PMC8816863 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Although classically known as an endocrine signal produced by the ovary, 17β-estradiol (E2) is also a neurosteroid produced in neurons and astrocytes in the brain of many different species. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the localization, regulation, sex differences, and physiological/pathological roles of brain-derived E2 (BDE2). Much of what we know regarding the functional roles of BDE2 has come from studies using specific inhibitors of the E2 synthesis enzyme, aromatase, as well as the recent development of conditional forebrain neuron-specific and astrocyte-specific aromatase knockout mouse models. The evidence from these studies support a critical role for neuron-derived E2 (NDE2) in the regulation of synaptic plasticity, memory, socio-sexual behavior, sexual differentiation, reproduction, injury-induced reactive gliosis, and neuroprotection. Furthermore, we review evidence that astrocyte-derived E2 (ADE2) is induced following brain injury/ischemia, and plays a key role in reactive gliosis, neuroprotection, and cognitive preservation. Finally, we conclude by discussing the key controversies and challenges in this area, as well as potential future directions for the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darrell W Brann
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA.
| | - Yujiao Lu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
| | - Quanguang Zhang
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
| | - Roshni Thakkar
- Department of Neurology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Gangadhara R Sareddy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Health, San Antoio TX, 78229, USA
| | - Uday P Pratap
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Health, San Antoio TX, 78229, USA
| | - Rajeshwar R Tekmal
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Health, San Antoio TX, 78229, USA
| | - Ratna K Vadlamudi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Health, San Antoio TX, 78229, USA; Audie L. Murphy Division, South Texas Veterans Health Care System, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA.
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14
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Hecker M, Bühring J, Fitzner B, Rommer PS, Zettl UK. Genetic, Environmental and Lifestyle Determinants of Accelerated Telomere Attrition as Contributors to Risk and Severity of Multiple Sclerosis. Biomolecules 2021; 11:1510. [PMID: 34680143 PMCID: PMC8533505 DOI: 10.3390/biom11101510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Telomeres are protective structures at the ends of linear chromosomes. Shortened telomere lengths (TL) are an indicator of premature biological aging and have been associated with a wide spectrum of disorders, including multiple sclerosis (MS). MS is a chronic inflammatory, demyelinating and neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system. The exact cause of MS is still unclear. Here, we provide an overview of genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors that have been described to influence TL and to contribute to susceptibility to MS and possibly disease severity. We show that several early-life factors are linked to both reduced TL and higher risk of MS, e.g., adolescent obesity, lack of physical activity, smoking and vitamin D deficiency. This suggests that the mechanisms underlying the disease are connected to cellular aging and senescence promoted by increased inflammation and oxidative stress. Additional prospective research is needed to clearly define the extent to which lifestyle changes can slow down disease progression and prevent accelerated telomere loss in individual patients. It is also important to further elucidate the interactions between shared determinants of TL and MS. In future, cell type-specific studies and advanced TL measurement methods could help to better understand how telomeres may be causally involved in disease processes and to uncover novel opportunities for improved biomarkers and therapeutic interventions in MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Hecker
- Division of Neuroimmunology, Department of Neurology, Rostock University Medical Center, Gehlsheimer Str. 20, 18147 Rostock, Germany; (J.B.); (B.F.); (P.S.R.); (U.K.Z.)
| | - Jan Bühring
- Division of Neuroimmunology, Department of Neurology, Rostock University Medical Center, Gehlsheimer Str. 20, 18147 Rostock, Germany; (J.B.); (B.F.); (P.S.R.); (U.K.Z.)
| | - Brit Fitzner
- Division of Neuroimmunology, Department of Neurology, Rostock University Medical Center, Gehlsheimer Str. 20, 18147 Rostock, Germany; (J.B.); (B.F.); (P.S.R.); (U.K.Z.)
| | - Paulus Stefan Rommer
- Division of Neuroimmunology, Department of Neurology, Rostock University Medical Center, Gehlsheimer Str. 20, 18147 Rostock, Germany; (J.B.); (B.F.); (P.S.R.); (U.K.Z.)
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18–20, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Uwe Klaus Zettl
- Division of Neuroimmunology, Department of Neurology, Rostock University Medical Center, Gehlsheimer Str. 20, 18147 Rostock, Germany; (J.B.); (B.F.); (P.S.R.); (U.K.Z.)
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15
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Rahman MS, Thomas P. Molecular Characterization and Expression of Cytochrome P450 Aromatase in Atlantic Croaker Brain: Regulation by Antioxidant Status and Nitric Oxide Synthase During Hypoxia Stress. Front Physiol 2021; 12:720200. [PMID: 34434121 PMCID: PMC8381199 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.720200] [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: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
We have previously shown that nitric oxide synthase (NOS, an enzyme) is significantly increased during hypoxic stress in Atlantic croaker brains and modulated by an antioxidant (AOX). However, the influence of NOS and AOX on cytochrome P450 aromatase (AROM, CYP19a1, an enzyme) activity on vertebrate brains during hypoxic stress is largely unknown. In this study, we characterized brain AROM (bAROM, CYP19a1b) cDNA in croaker and examined the interactive effects of hypoxia and a NOS-inhibitor or AOX on AROM activity. The amino acid sequence of croaker bAROM cDNA is highly homologous (76–80%) to other marine teleost bAROM cDNAs. Both real-time PCR and Northern blot analyses showed that bAROM transcript (size: ∼2.8 kb) is highly expressed in the preoptic-anterior hypothalamus (POAH). Hypoxia exposure (dissolved oxygen, DO: 1.7 mg/L for 4 weeks) caused significant decreases in hypothalamic AROM activity, bAROM mRNA and protein expressions. Hypothalamic AROM activity and mRNA levels were also decreased by pharmacological treatment with N-ethylmaleimide (NEM, an alkylating drug that modifies sulfhydryl groups) of fish exposed to normoxic (DO: ∼6.5 mg/L) conditions. On the other hand, treatments with Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (NAME, a competitive NOS-inhibitor) or vitamin-E (Vit-E, a powerful AOX) prevented the downregulation of hypothalamic AROM activity and mRNA levels in hypoxic fish. Moreover, NAME and Vit-E treatments also restored gonadal growth in hypoxic fish. Double-labeled immunohistochemistry results showed that AROM and NOS proteins are co-expressed with NADPH oxidase (generates superoxide anion) in the POAH. Collectively, these results suggest that the hypoxia-induced downregulation of AROM activity in teleost brains is influenced by neuronal NOS activity and AOX status. The present study provides, to the best of our knowledge, the first evidence of restoration of AROM levels in vertebrate brains by a competitive NOS-inhibitor and potent AOX during hypoxic stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Saydur Rahman
- School of Earth, Environmental and Marine Sciences, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Brownsville, TX, United States.,Marine Science Institute, University of Texas at Austin, Port Aransas, TX, United States
| | - Peter Thomas
- Marine Science Institute, University of Texas at Austin, Port Aransas, TX, United States
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16
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Corrie L, Gulati M, Singh SK, Kapoor B, Khursheed R, Awasthi A, Vishwas S, Chellappan DK, Gupta G, Jha NK, Anand K, Dua K. Recent updates on animal models for understanding the etiopathogenesis of polycystic ovarian syndrome. Life Sci 2021; 280:119753. [PMID: 34171379 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.119753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the primary cause of female infertility affecting several women worldwide. Changes in hormonal functions such as hyperandrogenism are considered a significant factor in developing PCOS in women. In addition, many molecular pathways are involved in the pathogenesis of PCOS in women. To have better insights about PCOS, it is data from clinical studies carried on women suffering from PCOS should be collected. However, this approach has several implications, including ethical considerations, cost involved and availability of subject. Moreover, during the early drug development process, it is always advisable to use non-human models mimicking human physiology as they are less expensive, readily available, have a shorter gestation period and less risk involved. Many animal models have been reported that resemble the PCOS pathways in human subjects. However, the models developed on rats and mice are more preferred over other rodent/non-rodent models due to their closer resemblance with human PCOS development mechanism. The most extensively reported PCOS models for rats and mice include those induced by using testosterone, letrozole and estradiol valerate. As the pathophysiology of PCOS is complex, none of the explored models completely surrogates the PCOS related conditions occurring in women. Hence, there is a need to develop an animal model that can resemble the pathophysiology of PCOS in women. The review focuses on various animal models explored to understand the pathophysiology of PCOS. The article also highlights some environmental and food-related models that have been used to induce PCOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leander Corrie
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab 144411, India
| | - Monica Gulati
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab 144411, India
| | - Sachin Kumar Singh
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab 144411, India.
| | - Bhupinder Kapoor
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab 144411, India
| | - Rubiya Khursheed
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab 144411, India
| | - Ankit Awasthi
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab 144411, India
| | - Sukriti Vishwas
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab 144411, India
| | - Dinesh Kumar Chellappan
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, 57000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Gaurav Gupta
- School of Pharmacy, Suresh Gyan Vihar University, Mahal Road, Jagatpura, Jaipur, India
| | - Niraj Kumar Jha
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering & Technology (SET), Sharda University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201310, India
| | - Krishnan Anand
- Department of Chemical Pathology, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, National Health Laboratory Service, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - Kamal Dua
- Discipline of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Australia
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17
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Duncan KA, Garijo-Garde S. Sex, Genes, and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): A Call for a Gender Inclusive Approach to the Study of TBI in the Lab. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:681599. [PMID: 34025346 PMCID: PMC8131651 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.681599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Kelli A Duncan
- Department of Biology, Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, NY, United States.,Program in Neuroscience and Behavior, Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, NY, United States
| | - Sarah Garijo-Garde
- Program in Neuroscience and Behavior, Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, NY, United States
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18
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Astrocyte-Derived Estrogen Regulates Reactive Astrogliosis and is Neuroprotective following Ischemic Brain Injury. J Neurosci 2020; 40:9751-9771. [PMID: 33158962 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0888-20.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Expression of the 17β-estradiol (E2) synthesis enzyme aromatase is highly upregulated in astrocytes following brain injury. However, the precise role of astrocyte-derived E2 in the injured brain remains unclear. In the current study, we generated a glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) promoter-driven aromatase knock-out (GFAP-ARO-KO) mouse model to deplete astrocyte-derived E2 in the brain and determine its roles after global cerebral ischemia (GCI) in male and female mice. GFAP-ARO-KO mice were viable and fertile, with normal gross brain structure, normal morphology, intensity and distribution of astrocytes, normal aromatase expression in neurons, and normal cognitive function basally. In contrast, after GCI, GFAP-ARO-KO mice: (1) lacked the normal elevation of astrocyte aromatase and hippocampal E2 levels; (2) had significantly attenuated reactive astrogliosis; and (3) displayed enhanced neuronal damage, microglia activation, and cognitive deficits. RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis revealed that the ischemic GFAP-ARO-KO mouse hippocampus failed to upregulate the "A2" panel of reactive astrocyte genes. In addition, the JAK-STAT3 pathway, which is critical for the induction of reactive astrogliosis, was significantly downregulated in the GFAP-ARO-KO hippocampus following GCI. Finally, exogenous E2 administration fully rescued the compromised JAK-STAT3 pathway and reactive astrogliosis, and reversed the enhanced neuronal damage and microglial activation in the GFAP-ARO-KO mice after GCI, suggesting that the defects in the KO mice are because of a loss of E2 rather than an increase in precursor androgens. In conclusion, the current study provides novel genetic evidence for a beneficial role of astrocyte-derived E2 in reactive astrogliosis, microglial activation, and neuroprotection following an ischemic injury to the brain.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Following cerebral ischemia, reactive astrocytes express the enzyme aromatase and produce 17β-estradiol (E2), although the precise role of astrocyte-derived E2 is poorly understood. In this study, we generated a glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) promoter-driven aromatase knock-out (GFAP-ARO-KO) mouse to deplete astrocyte-derived E2 and elucidate its roles after global cerebral ischemia (GCI). The GFAP-ARO-KO mice exhibited significantly attenuated reactive astrogliosis, as well as enhanced microglial activation, neuronal damage, and cognitive dysfunction after GCI. Transcriptome analysis further revealed that astrocyte-derived E2 was critical for the induction of the JAK-STAT3 signaling pathway, as well as the A2 reactive astrocyte phenotype after ischemia. Collectively, these findings indicate that astrocyte-derived E2 has a key role in the regulation of reactive astrogliosis, microglial activation, and neuroprotection after cerebral ischemia.
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19
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Neuron-Derived Estrogen Is Critical for Astrocyte Activation and Neuroprotection of the Ischemic Brain. J Neurosci 2020; 40:7355-7374. [PMID: 32817249 PMCID: PMC7534920 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0115-20.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Revised: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
17β-Estradiol (E2) is produced from androgens via the action of the enzyme aromatase. E2 is known to be made in neurons in the brain, but the functions of neuron-derived E2 in the ischemic brain are unclear. Here, we used a forebrain neuron-specific aromatase KO (FBN-ARO-KO) mouse model to deplete neuron-derived E2 in the forebrain and determine its roles after global cerebral ischemia. We demonstrated that ovariectomized female FBN-ARO-KO mice exhibited significantly attenuated astrocyte activation, astrocytic aromatization, and decreased hippocampal E2 levels compared with FLOX mice. Furthermore, FBN-ARO-KO mice had exacerbated neuronal damage and worse cognitive dysfunction after global cerebral ischemia. Similar results were observed in intact male mice. RNA-seq analysis revealed alterations in pathways and genes associated with astrocyte activation, neuroinflammation, and oxidative stress in FBN-ARO-KO mice. The compromised astrocyte activation in FBN-ARO-KO mice was associated with robust downregulation of the astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factors, BDNF and IGF-1, as well as the astrocytic glutamate transporter, GLT-1. Νeuronal FGF2, which acts in a paracrine manner to suppress astrocyte activation, was increased in FBN-ARO-KO neurons. Interestingly, blocking FGF2 signaling by central injection of FGFR3-neutralizing antibody was able to reverse the diminishment in neuroprotective astrocyte reactivity, and attenuate neuronal damage in FBN-ARO-KO mice. Moreover, in vivo E2 replacement suppressed FGF2 signaling and rescued the compromised reactive astrogliosis and cognitive deficits. Collectively, our data provide novel genetic evidence for a beneficial role of neuron-derived E2 in astrocyte activation, neuroprotection, and cognitive preservation following ischemic injury to the brain. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Following cerebral ischemia, astrocytes become highly reactive and can exert neuroprotection through the release of neurotrophic factors and clearance of neurotoxic glutamate. The current study advances our understanding of this process by demonstrating that neuron-derived 17β-estradiol (E2) is neuroprotective and critical for induction of reactive astrocytes and their ability to produce astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factors, BDNF and IGF-1, and the glutamate transporter, GLT-1 after ischemic brain damage. These beneficial effects of neuron-derived E2 appear to be due, at least in part, to suppression of neuronal FGF2 signaling, which is a known suppressor of astrocyte activation. These findings suggest that neuron-derived E2 is neuroprotective after ischemic brain injury via a mechanism that involves suppression of neuronal FGF2 signaling, thereby facilitating astrocyte activation.
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20
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Vegeto E, Villa A, Della Torre S, Crippa V, Rusmini P, Cristofani R, Galbiati M, Maggi A, Poletti A. The Role of Sex and Sex Hormones in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Endocr Rev 2020; 41:5572525. [PMID: 31544208 PMCID: PMC7156855 DOI: 10.1210/endrev/bnz005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) are a wide class of disorders of the central nervous system (CNS) with unknown etiology. Several factors were hypothesized to be involved in the pathogenesis of these diseases, including genetic and environmental factors. Many of these diseases show a sex prevalence and sex steroids were shown to have a role in the progression of specific forms of neurodegeneration. Estrogens were reported to be neuroprotective through their action on cognate nuclear and membrane receptors, while adverse effects of male hormones have been described on neuronal cells, although some data also suggest neuroprotective activities. The response of the CNS to sex steroids is a complex and integrated process that depends on (i) the type and amount of the cognate steroid receptor and (ii) the target cell type-either neurons, glia, or microglia. Moreover, the levels of sex steroids in the CNS fluctuate due to gonadal activities and to local metabolism and synthesis. Importantly, biochemical processes involved in the pathogenesis of NDs are increasingly being recognized as different between the two sexes and as influenced by sex steroids. The aim of this review is to present current state-of-the-art understanding on the potential role of sex steroids and their receptors on the onset and progression of major neurodegenerative disorders, namely, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's diseases, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and the peculiar motoneuron disease spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy, in which hormonal therapy is potentially useful as disease modifier.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Vegeto
- Center of Excellence on Neurodegenerative Diseases, Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy.,Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche (DiSFarm), Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy
| | - Alessandro Villa
- Center of Excellence on Neurodegenerative Diseases, Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy.,Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute (DiSS), Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy
| | - Sara Della Torre
- Center of Excellence on Neurodegenerative Diseases, Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy.,Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche (DiSFarm), Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy
| | - Valeria Crippa
- Center of Excellence on Neurodegenerative Diseases, Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy.,Dipartimento di Eccellenza di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari (DiSFeB), Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy
| | - Paola Rusmini
- Center of Excellence on Neurodegenerative Diseases, Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy.,Dipartimento di Eccellenza di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari (DiSFeB), Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy
| | - Riccardo Cristofani
- Center of Excellence on Neurodegenerative Diseases, Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy.,Dipartimento di Eccellenza di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari (DiSFeB), Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy
| | - Mariarita Galbiati
- Center of Excellence on Neurodegenerative Diseases, Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy.,Dipartimento di Eccellenza di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari (DiSFeB), Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy
| | - Adriana Maggi
- Center of Excellence on Neurodegenerative Diseases, Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy.,Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche (DiSFarm), Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy
| | - Angelo Poletti
- Center of Excellence on Neurodegenerative Diseases, Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy.,Dipartimento di Eccellenza di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari (DiSFeB), Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy
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21
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Kelicen-Ugur P, Cincioğlu-Palabıyık M, Çelik H, Karahan H. Interactions of Aromatase and Seladin-1: A Neurosteroidogenic and Gender Perspective. Transl Neurosci 2019; 10:264-279. [PMID: 31737354 PMCID: PMC6843488 DOI: 10.1515/tnsci-2019-0043] [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: 03/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Aromatase and seladin-1 are enzymes that have major roles in estrogen synthesis and are important in both brain physiology and pathology. Aromatase is the key enzyme that catalyzes estrogen biosynthesis from androgen precursors and regulates the brain’s neurosteroidogenic activity. Seladin-1 is the enzyme that catalyzes the last step in the biosynthesis of cholesterol, the precursor of all hormones, from desmosterol. Studies indicated that seladin-1 is a downstream mediator of the neuroprotective activity of estrogen. Recently, we also showed that there is an interaction between aromatase and seladin-1 in the brain. Therefore, the expression of local brain aromatase and seladin-1 is important, as they produce neuroactive steroids in the brain for the protection of neuronal damage. Increasing steroid biosynthesis specifically in the central nervous system (CNS) without affecting peripheral hormone levels may be possible by manipulating brain-specific promoters of steroidogenic enzymes. This review emphasizes that local estrogen, rather than plasma estrogen, may be responsible for estrogens’ protective effects in the brain. Therefore, the roles of aromatase and seladin-1 and their interactions in neurodegenerative events such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), ischemia/reperfusion injury (stroke), and epilepsy are also discussed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pelin Kelicen-Ugur
- Hacettepe University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology, Sıhhiye Ankara Turkey
| | - Mehtap Cincioğlu-Palabıyık
- Turkish Medicines and Medical Devices Agency (TITCK), Department of Regulatory Affairs, Division of Pharmacological Assessment, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Hande Çelik
- Hacettepe University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology, Sıhhiye Ankara Turkey
| | - Hande Karahan
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.,Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
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22
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Yang C, Li C, Sun J, Lu X. Role of estradiol in mediation of etomidate-caused seizure-like activity in neonatal rats. Int J Dev Neurosci 2019; 78:170-177. [PMID: 31202866 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijdevneu.2019.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Revised: 05/19/2019] [Accepted: 06/12/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The goal of this study was to investigate the effect of estradiol in mediation of electroencephalogram (EEG) abnormality induced by etomidate in neonatal rats. METHODS Sprague-Dawley rats were anesthetized using intraperitoneal etomidate for 2 h on postnatal days (P) 4, 5, or 6 and recorded electroencephalogram in two ways. First, pups were recorded EEG two and a half hours under etomidate anesthesia, in subgroups, estradiol receptor antagonist ICI182780 and estradiol synthase inhibitor formestane were given subcutaneously in male rats 15 min prior to etomidate. Second, pups were anesthetized with etomidate for 2 h on P4,5 or 6 and then recovered from anesthesia, EEG were recorded for one hour in two postnatal periods of P9-P11 and P14-P16. Subgroup rats that received bumetanide, NKCC1 inhibitor, to test the NKCC1-GABAAR signaling effect on neonatal brain development, negative control groups and maternally separated for 2 h on P4, 5, or 6 were studied in 16 groups. Each group's n was = 8. RESULTS Male pups showed more severe seizure-like activities than female pups in P4-P6 under etomidate anesthesia. Pups pretreated with ICI182780 and formestane showed a less abnormalities of EEG in male rats. Etomidate caused seizure-like activity in P4-P6 could extend to P9-P11, but not seen in P14-P16, Pretreated with bumetanide only alleviated abnormalities in male pups other than female in P9-P11. CONCLUSIONS Estradiol involves in the NKCC1-GABAAR mediated seizure-like activity caused by etomidte in neonatal rats and these the abnormality lasts near two weeks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunyao Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Changsheng Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jing Sun
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xihua Lu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
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Chronic Antipsychotic Treatment Modulates Aromatase (CYP19A1) Expression in the Male Rat Brain. J Mol Neurosci 2019; 68:311-317. [PMID: 30968339 PMCID: PMC6511348 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-019-01307-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2018] [Accepted: 03/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Antipsychotic drugs, known as the antagonists of dopaminergic receptors, may also affect a large spectrum of other molecular signaling pathways in the brain. Despite the numerous ongoing studies on neurosteroid action and regulation, there are no reports regarding the influence of extended treatment with typical and atypical neuroleptics on brain aromatase (CYP19A1) expression. In the present study, we assessed for the first time aromatase mRNA and protein levels in the brain of rats chronically (28 days) treated with olanzapine, clozapine, and haloperidol using quantitative real-time PCR, end-point RT-PCR, and Western blotting. Both clozapine and haloperidol, but not olanzapine treatment, led to an increase of aromatase mRNA expression in the rat brain. On the other hand, aromatase protein level remained unchanged after drug administration. These results cast a new light on the pharmacology of examined antipsychotics and contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms responsible for their action. The present report also underlines the complex nature of potential interactions between neuroleptic pharmacological effects and physiology of brain neurosteroid pathways.
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Guennoun R, Zhu X, Fréchou M, Gaignard P, Slama A, Liere P, Schumacher M. Steroids in Stroke with Special Reference to Progesterone. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2018; 39:551-568. [DOI: 10.1007/s10571-018-0627-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2018] [Accepted: 10/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Brocca ME, Garcia-Segura LM. Non-reproductive Functions of Aromatase in the Central Nervous System Under Physiological and Pathological Conditions. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2018; 39:473-481. [PMID: 30084008 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-018-0607-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2018] [Accepted: 07/25/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The modulation of brain function and behavior by steroid hormones was classically associated with their secretion by peripheral endocrine glands. The discovery that the brain expresses the enzyme aromatase, which produces estradiol from testosterone, expanded this traditional concept. One of the best-studied roles of brain estradiol synthesis is the control of reproductive behavior. In addition, there is increasing evidence that estradiol from neural origin is also involved in a variety of non-reproductive functions. These include the regulation of neurogenesis, neuronal development, synaptic transmission, and plasticity in brain regions not directly related with the control of reproduction. Central aromatase is also involved in the modulation of cognition, mood, and non-reproductive behaviors. Furthermore, under pathological conditions aromatase is upregulated in the central nervous system. This upregulation represents a neuroprotective and likely also a reparative response by increasing local estradiol levels in order to maintain the homeostasis of the neural tissue. In this paper, we review the non-reproductive functions of neural aromatase and neural-derived estradiol under physiological and pathological conditions. We also consider the existence of sex differences in the role of the enzyme in both contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Elvira Brocca
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain.
| | - Luis Miguel Garcia-Segura
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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Frau R, Bortolato M. Repurposing steroidogenesis inhibitors for the therapy of neuropsychiatric disorders: Promises and caveats. Neuropharmacology 2018; 147:55-65. [PMID: 29907425 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2018.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2018] [Revised: 05/07/2018] [Accepted: 05/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Steroids exert a profound influence on behavioral reactivity, by modulating the functions of most neurotransmitters and shaping the impact of stress and sex-related variables on neural processes. This background - as well as the observation that most neuroactive steroids (including sex hormones, glucocorticoids and neurosteroids) are synthetized and metabolized by overlapping enzymatic machineries - points to steroidogenic pathways as a powerful source of targets for neuropsychiatric disorders. Inhibitors of steroidogenic enzymes have been developed and approved for a broad range of genitourinary and endocrine dysfunctions, opening to new opportunities to repurpose these drugs for the treatment of mental problems. In line with this idea, preliminary clinical and preclinical results from our group have shown that inhibitors of key steroidogenic enzymes, such as 5α-reductase and 17,20 desmolase-lyase, may have therapeutic efficacy in specific behavioral disorders associated with dopaminergic hyperfunction. While the lack of specificity of these effects raises potential concerns about endocrine adverse events, these initial findings suggest that steroidogenesis modulators with greater brain specificity may hold significant potential for the development of alternative therapies for psychiatric problems. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'Drug Repurposing: old molecules, new ways to fast track drug discovery and development for CNS disorders'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Frau
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Monserrato CA, Italy; Tourette Syndrome Center, University of Cagliari, Monserrato CA, Italy; Sleep Medicine Center, University of Cagliari, Monserrato CA, Italy; National Institute of Neuroscience (INN), University of Cagliari, Monserrato CA, Italy.
| | - Marco Bortolato
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
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Diotel N, Charlier TD, Lefebvre d'Hellencourt C, Couret D, Trudeau VL, Nicolau JC, Meilhac O, Kah O, Pellegrini E. Steroid Transport, Local Synthesis, and Signaling within the Brain: Roles in Neurogenesis, Neuroprotection, and Sexual Behaviors. Front Neurosci 2018; 12:84. [PMID: 29515356 PMCID: PMC5826223 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2018.00084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2017] [Accepted: 02/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Sex steroid hormones are synthesized from cholesterol and exert pleiotropic effects notably in the central nervous system. Pioneering studies from Baulieu and colleagues have suggested that steroids are also locally-synthesized in the brain. Such steroids, called neurosteroids, can rapidly modulate neuronal excitability and functions, brain plasticity, and behavior. Accumulating data obtained on a wide variety of species demonstrate that neurosteroidogenesis is an evolutionary conserved feature across fish, birds, and mammals. In this review, we will first document neurosteroidogenesis and steroid signaling for estrogens, progestagens, and androgens in the brain of teleost fish, birds, and mammals. We will next consider the effects of sex steroids in homeostatic and regenerative neurogenesis, in neuroprotection, and in sexual behaviors. In a last part, we will discuss the transport of steroids and lipoproteins from the periphery within the brain (and vice-versa) and document their effects on the blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability and on neuroprotection. We will emphasize the potential interaction between lipoproteins and sex steroids, addressing the beneficial effects of steroids and lipoproteins, particularly HDL-cholesterol, against the breakdown of the BBB reported to occur during brain ischemic stroke. We will consequently highlight the potential anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and neuroprotective properties of sex steroid and lipoproteins, these latest improving cholesterol and steroid ester transport within the brain after insults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Diotel
- Université de La Réunion, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, UMR 1188, Diabète athérothrombose Thérapies Réunion Océan Indien, Saint-Denis de La Réunion, France
| | - Thierry D. Charlier
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail) - UMR_S 1085, Rennes, France
| | - Christian Lefebvre d'Hellencourt
- Université de La Réunion, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, UMR 1188, Diabète athérothrombose Thérapies Réunion Océan Indien, Saint-Denis de La Réunion, France
| | - David Couret
- Université de La Réunion, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, UMR 1188, Diabète athérothrombose Thérapies Réunion Océan Indien, Saint-Denis de La Réunion, France
- CHU de La Réunion, Saint-Denis, France
| | | | - Joel C. Nicolau
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail) - UMR_S 1085, Rennes, France
| | - Olivier Meilhac
- Université de La Réunion, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, UMR 1188, Diabète athérothrombose Thérapies Réunion Océan Indien, Saint-Denis de La Réunion, France
- CHU de La Réunion, Saint-Denis, France
| | - Olivier Kah
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail) - UMR_S 1085, Rennes, France
| | - Elisabeth Pellegrini
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail) - UMR_S 1085, Rennes, France
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Badawy AAB. Modulation of Tryptophan and Serotonin Metabolism as a Biochemical Basis of the Behavioral Effects of Use and Withdrawal of Androgenic-Anabolic Steroids and Other Image- and Performance-Enhancing Agents. Int J Tryptophan Res 2018; 11:1178646917753422. [PMID: 29487480 PMCID: PMC5821294 DOI: 10.1177/1178646917753422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2017] [Accepted: 10/29/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Modulation of tryptophan (Trp) metabolism may underpin the behavioral effects of androgenic-anabolic steroids (AAS) and associated image and performance enhancers. Euphoria, arousal, and decreased anxiety observed with moderate use and exercise may involve enhanced cerebral serotonin synthesis and function by increased release of albumin-bound Trp and estrogen-mediated liver Trp 2,3-dioxygenase (TDO) inhibition and enhancement of serotonin function. Aggression, anxiety, depression, personality disorders, and psychosis, observed on withdrawal of AAS or with use of large doses, can be caused by decreased serotonin synthesis due to TDO induction on withdrawal, excess Trp inhibiting the 2 enzymes of serotonin synthesis, and increased cerebral levels of neuroactive kynurenines. Exercise and excessive protein and branched-chain amino acid intakes may aggravate the effects of large AAS dosage. The hypothesis is testable in humans and experimental animals by measuring parameters of Trp metabolism and disposition and related metabolic processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulla A-B Badawy
- Cardiff School of Health Sciences, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff, UK
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Pedersen AL, Saldanha CJ. Reciprocal interactions between prostaglandin E2- and estradiol-dependent signaling pathways in the injured zebra finch brain. J Neuroinflammation 2017; 14:262. [PMID: 29284502 PMCID: PMC5747085 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-017-1040-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2017] [Accepted: 12/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Astrocytic aromatization and consequent increases in estradiol are neuroprotective in the injured brain. In zebra finches, cyclooxygenase-activity is necessary for injury-induced aromatase expression, and increased central estradiol lowers neuroinflammation. The mechanisms underlying these influences are unknown. Here, we document injury-induced, cyclooxygenase-dependent increases in glial aromatase expression and replicate previous work in our lab showing increases in central prostaglandin E2 and estradiol following brain damage. Further, we describe injury-dependent changes in E-prostanoid and estrogen receptor expression and reveal the necessity of E-prostanoid and estrogen receptors in the injury-dependent, reciprocal interactions of neuroinflammatory and neurosteroidogenic pathways. Methods Adult male and female birds were shams or received bilateral injections of the appropriate drug or vehicle into contralateral telencephalic lobes. Results Injuries sustained in the presence of indomethacin (a cyclooxygenase inhibitor) had fewer aromatase-expressing reactive astrocytes relative to injuries injected with vehicle suggesting that cyclooxygenase activity is necessary for the induction of glial aromatase around the site of damage. Injured hemispheres had higher prostaglandin E2 and estradiol content relative to shams. Importantly, injured hemispheres injected with E-prostanoid- or estrogen receptor-antagonists showed elevated prostaglandin E2 and estradiol, respectively, but lower prostaglandin E2 or estradiol-dependent downstream activity (protein kinase A or phosphoinositide-3-kinase mRNA) suggesting that receptor antagonism did not affect injury-induced prostaglandin E2 or estradiol, but inhibited the effects of these ligands. Antagonism of E-prostanoid receptors 3 or 4 prevented injury-induced increases in neural estradiol in males and females, respectively, albeit this apparent sex-difference needs to be tested more stringently. Further, estrogen receptor-α, but not estrogen receptor-β antagonism, exaggerated neural prostaglandin E2 levels relative to the contralateral lobe in both sexes. Conclusion These data suggest injury-induced, sex-specific prostaglandin E2-dependent estradiol synthesis, and estrogen receptor-α dependent decreases in neuroinflammation in the vertebrate brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa L Pedersen
- Department of Biology, Program in Behavior, Cognition and Neuroscience, and the Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 20016, USA
| | - Colin J Saldanha
- Department of Biology, Program in Behavior, Cognition and Neuroscience, and the Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 20016, USA.
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Massa MG, David C, Jörg S, Berg J, Gisevius B, Hirschberg S, Linker RA, Gold R, Haghikia A. Testosterone Differentially Affects T Cells and Neurons in Murine and Human Models of Neuroinflammation and Neurodegeneration. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2017. [PMID: 28634006 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2017.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The high female-to-male sex ratio of multiple sclerosis (MS) prevalence has continuously confounded researchers, especially in light of male patients' accelerated disease course at later stages of MS. Although multiple studies have concentrated on estrogenic mechanisms of disease modulation, fairly little attention has been paid to androgenic effects in a female system, and even fewer studies have attempted to dissociate hormonal effects on the neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory processes of MS. Herein, we demonstrate the differential effects of hormone treatment on the acute inflammatory and chronic neurodegenerative phases of murine experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Although s.c. treatment with testosterone and aromatase inhibitor applied beginning on the day of immunization ameliorated initial course of disease, similar treatment administered therapeutically exacerbated chronic disease course. Spinal cord analyses of axonal densities reflected the clinical scores of the chronic phase. In vitro, testosterone treatment not only decreased Th1 and Th17 differentiation in an aromatase-independent fashion, but also exacerbated cell death in induced pluripotent stem cell-derived primary human neurons under oxidative stress conditions in an aromatase inhibitor-dependent manner. Thus, through the alleviation of inflammatory processes and the exacerbation of neurodegenerative processes, androgens may contribute to the epidemiologic sex differentials observed in MS prevalence and course.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan G Massa
- Department of Neurology, Ruhr University-Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Christina David
- Department of Neurology, Ruhr University-Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Stefanie Jörg
- Department of Neurology, Friedrich-Alexander University-Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Johannes Berg
- Department of Neurology, Ruhr University-Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Barbara Gisevius
- Department of Neurology, Ruhr University-Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Sarah Hirschberg
- Department of Neurology, Ruhr University-Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Ralf A Linker
- Department of Neurology, Friedrich-Alexander University-Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Ralf Gold
- Department of Neurology, Ruhr University-Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Aiden Haghikia
- Department of Neurology, Ruhr University-Bochum, Bochum, Germany.
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Activation of the peripheral immune system regulates neuronal aromatase in the adult zebra finch brain. Sci Rep 2017; 7:10191. [PMID: 28860515 PMCID: PMC5579002 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-10573-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2017] [Accepted: 08/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Estradiol provision via neural aromatization decreases neuro-inflammation and –degeneration, but almost nothing is known about the interactions between the peripheral immune system and brain aromatase. Given the vulnerability of the CNS we reasoned that brain aromatization may protect circuits from the threats of peripheral infection; perhaps shielding cells that are less resilient from the degeneration associated with peripheral infection or trauma. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or vehicle was administered peripherally to adult zebra finches and sickness behavior was recorded 2 or 24 hours later. The central transcription of cytokines and aromatase was measured, as were telencephalic aromatase activity and immunoreactive aromatase (24 hour time point only). Two hours post LPS, sickness-like behaviors increased, the transcription of IL-1β was higher in both sexes, and TNFα was elevated in females. 24 hours post-LPS, the behavior of LPS birds was similar to controls, and cytokines had returned to baseline, but aromatase mRNA and activity were elevated in both sexes. Immunocytochemistry revealed greater numbers of aromatase-expressing neurons in LPS birds. These data suggest that the activation of the immune system via peripheral endotoxin increases neuronal aromatase; a mechanism that may rapidly generate a potent anti-neuroinflammatory steroid in response to peripheral activation of the immune system.
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Pedersen AL, Brownrout JL, Saldanha CJ. Central Administration of Indomethacin Mitigates the Injury-Induced Upregulation of Aromatase Expression and Estradiol Content in the Zebra Finch Brain. Endocrinology 2017; 158:2585-2592. [PMID: 28575175 PMCID: PMC5551551 DOI: 10.1210/en.2017-00346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2017] [Accepted: 05/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Injury to the vertebrate brain causes neuroinflammation, characterized in part by increases in prostaglandins. In rodents and songbirds, brain injury also induces the transcription and translation of aromatase in reactive astrocytes around the site of damage. Interestingly, this induction is more rapid in female zebra finches relative to males. Induced aromatization is neuroprotective, as inhibition of aromatase and estrogen replacement, increases and decreases the extent of damage, respectively. Although the consequences of induced astrocytic aromatization are intensely studied, little is known about what factors induce aromatase. Inflammation is sufficient to induce astrocytic aromatase suggesting that the link between inflammation and aromatase expression may be causal. To test this hypothesis, adult male and female zebra finches received bilateral mechanical injuries through which either the cyclooxygenase (COX)-1/2 inhibitor indomethacin or vehicle was administered into contralateral hemispheres. Subjects were killed either 6 or 24 hours after injury. In both sexes, an enzyme immunoassay for prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) revealed that indomethacin decreased PGE2 relative to the contralateral hemisphere at both time points, suggesting that the dose and mode of administration used were successful in affecting neuroinflammation locally. Indomethacin reduced aromatase expression and 17β-estradiol (E2) content at 6 hours but not 24 hours following injury in females. However, in males, the inhibitory effect of indomethacin on aromatase and E2 was apparent at 24 but not 6 hours after treatment. These data suggest that COX activity, perhaps via consequent prostaglandin secretion, may induce aromatase expression and central E2, an effect that is detectable in temporally distinct patterns between sexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa L. Pedersen
- Department of Biology, Behavior, Cognition, and Neuroscience Program, and the Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, American University, Washington, DC 20016
| | - Jenna L. Brownrout
- Department of Biology, Behavior, Cognition, and Neuroscience Program, and the Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, American University, Washington, DC 20016
| | - Colin J. Saldanha
- Department of Biology, Behavior, Cognition, and Neuroscience Program, and the Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, American University, Washington, DC 20016
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Characterization of aromatase expression in the spinal cord of an animal model of familial ALS. Brain Res Bull 2017; 132:180-189. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2017.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2017] [Revised: 05/23/2017] [Accepted: 05/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Huffman J, Hoffmann C, Taylor GT. Integrating insulin-like growth factor 1 and sex hormones into neuroprotection: Implications for diabetes. World J Diabetes 2017; 8:45-55. [PMID: 28265342 PMCID: PMC5320748 DOI: 10.4239/wjd.v8.i2.45] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2016] [Revised: 09/24/2016] [Accepted: 11/22/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain integrity and cognitive aptitude are often impaired in patients with diabetes mellitus, presumably a result of the metabolic complications inherent to the disease. However, an increasing body of evidence has demonstrated the central role of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) and its relation to sex hormones in many neuroprotective processes. Both male and female patients with diabetes display abnormal IGF1 and sex-hormone levels but the comparison of these fluctuations is seldom a topic of interest. It is interesting to note that both IGF1 and sex hormones have the ability to regulate phosphoinositide 3-kinase-Akt and mitogen-activated protein kinases-extracellular signal-related kinase signaling cascades in animal and cell culture models of neuroprotection. Additionally, there is considerable evidence demonstrating the neuroprotective coupling of IGF1 and estrogen. Androgens have also been implicated in many neuroprotective processes that operate on similar signaling cascades as the estrogen-IGF1 relation. Yet, androgens have not been directly linked to the brain IGF1 system and neuroprotection. Despite the sex-specific variations in brain integrity and hormone levels observed in diabetic patients, the IGF1-sex hormone relation in neuroprotection has yet to be fully substantiated in experimental models of diabetes. Taken together, there is a clear need for the comprehensive analysis of sex differences on brain integrity of diabetic patients and the relationship between IGF1 and sex hormones that may influence brain-health outcomes. As such, this review will briefly outline the basic relation of diabetes and IGF1 and its role in neuroprotection. We will also consider the findings on sex hormones and diabetes as a basis for separately analyzing males and females to identify possible hormone-induced brain abnormalities. Finally, we will introduce the neuroprotective interplay of IGF1 and estrogen and how androgen-derived neuroprotection operates through similar signaling cascades. Future research on both neuroprotection and diabetes should include androgens into the interplay of IGF1 and sex hormones.
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Trauma and endometriosis. A review. May we explain surgical phenotypes and natural history of the disease? J Gynecol Obstet Hum Reprod 2017; 46:219-227. [PMID: 28403918 DOI: 10.1016/j.jogoh.2016.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2016] [Revised: 11/14/2016] [Accepted: 12/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The study was performed to evaluate whether trauma is an initial event of development of endometriosis. METHOD Using Medline database from January 1960 up to December 2014, a systematic review was made of all published studies using the keywords trauma, healing, injury, infection, hyperperistaltism, stretch and endometriosis, adenomyosis and trauma. Studies and review articles written in French and/or in English related to the topic were included and reviewed independently by two authors. RESULTS The role of trauma is well-established for endometriotic lesions diagnosed in surgical scars. Various traumas including delivery, uterine curettage or incision, intraperitoneal hemorrhage, or occult pelvic inflammatory diseases could be involved to explain other localizations of the disease. Many data suggested that the healing process, particularly growth factors and the associated estrogen production, may facilitate the implantation and the growth of ectopic endometrial cells. After the initial, a traumatic event, the phenotype of the disease would depend on the tissue in which the endometriotic lesion grows. CONCLUSIONS The present literature review may support a potential role of a trauma as an initial event of endometriosis.
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Xing L, Venables MJ, Trudeau VL. Role of aromatase and radial glial cells in neurotoxin-induced dopamine neuron degeneration and regeneration. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2017; 241:69-79. [PMID: 26873632 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2016.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2015] [Revised: 02/04/2016] [Accepted: 02/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Radial glial cells (RGCs) in teleost brain are progenitor cells that express aromatase B and produce estrogens. Controversial data suggest that estrogens are critical for brain repair and neurogenesis in teleosts. Using a goldfish model for neurotoxin-induced Parkinson-like syndrome, we investigated the possible roles of RGCs, especially estrogen synthetic function, in the processes underlying dopamine neuron regeneration. The data indicate that dopamine neuron degeneration and aromatase activity inhibition could be respectively achieved in vivo with treatments with the neurotoxin 1-methyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) and fadrozole in female goldfish. The expression of genes in the telencephalon and hypothalamus related to RGC functions including gfap, gdnf and bdnf as well as genes related to mature dopamine neuron functions including th, slc6a3 and pitx3 are under modulation of estrogens. Together these results revealed that the activation of radial glial cells and dopamine neuron recovery after MPTP insult is aromatase-dependent. Findings in this study provide support for the hypothesis that endogenous estrogens are neuroprotective in goldfish. Future studies focus on the molecular pathways for enhancing protective functions of estrogens and understanding global effects of estrogens in the central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Xing
- Centre for Advanced Research in Environmental Genomics, Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Maddie J Venables
- Centre for Advanced Research in Environmental Genomics, Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Vance L Trudeau
- Centre for Advanced Research in Environmental Genomics, Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6N5, Canada.
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Karami A, Omar D, Lazorchak JM, Yap CK, Hashim Z, Courtenay SC. A comparison of biomarker responses in juvenile diploid and triploid African catfish, Clarias gariepinus, exposed to the pesticide butachlor. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2016; 151:313-320. [PMID: 27522569 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2016.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2016] [Revised: 08/05/2016] [Accepted: 08/07/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Influence of waterborne butachlor (BUC), a commonly used pesticide, on morphometric, biochemical, and molecular biomarkers was evaluated in juvenile, full sibling, diploid and triploid African catfish (Clarias gariepinus). Fish were exposed for 21 days to one of three concentrations of BUC [mean measured µg/L: 22, 44 or 60]. Unexposed (control) triploids were heavier and longer and had higher visceral-somatic index (VSI) than diploids. Also, they had lighter liver weight (HSI) and showed lower transcript levels of brain gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), aromatase (cyp191b) and fushi tarazu-factor (ftz-f1), and plasma testosterone levels than diploids. Butachlor treatments had no effects, in either diploid or triploid fish, on VSI, HSI, weight or length changes, condition factor (CF), levels of plasma testosterone, 17-β estradiol (E2), cortisol, cholesterol, or mRNA levels of brain tryptophan hydroxylase (tph2), forkhead box L2 (foxl2), and 11 β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11β-hsd2). Expressions of cyp191b and ftz-f1 in triploids were upregulated by the two highest concentrations of BUC. In diploid fish, however, exposures to all BUC concentrations decreased GnRH transcription and the medium BUC concentration decreased ftz-f1 transcription. Substantial differences between ploidies in basal biomarker responses are consistent with the reported impaired reproductive axis in triploid C. gariepinus. Furthermore, the present study showed the low impact of short term exposure to BUC on reproductive axis in C. gariepinus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Karami
- Laboratory of Aquatic Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Dzolkhifli Omar
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Faculty of Agriculture, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Selangor, Malaysia
| | - James M Lazorchak
- Office of Research and Development, National Exposure Research Laboratory, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Chee Kong Yap
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Zailina Hashim
- Laboratory of Aquatic Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Simon C Courtenay
- School of Environment, Resources and Sustainability, Canadian Water Network, Canadian Rivers Institute, University of Waterloo, Canada
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Cai Y, Chew C, Muñoz F, Sengelaub DR. Neuroprotective effects of testosterone metabolites and dependency on receptor action on the morphology of somatic motoneurons following the death of neighboring motoneurons. Dev Neurobiol 2016; 77:691-707. [PMID: 27569375 DOI: 10.1002/dneu.22445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2016] [Revised: 08/23/2016] [Accepted: 08/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Partial depletion of spinal motoneuron populations induces dendritic atrophy in neighboring motoneurons, and treatment with testosterone is neuroprotective, attenuating induced dendritic atrophy. In this study we examined whether the protective effects of testosterone could be mediated via its androgenic or estrogenic metabolites. Furthermore, to assess whether these neuroprotective effects were mediated through steroid hormone receptors, we used receptor antagonists to attempt to prevent the neuroprotective effects of hormones after partial motoneuron depletion. Motoneurons innervating the vastus medialis muscles of adult male rats were selectively killed by intramuscular injection of cholera toxin-conjugated saporin. Simultaneously, some saporin-injected rats were treated with either dihydrotestosterone or estradiol, alone or in combination with their respective receptor antagonists, or left untreated. Four weeks later, motoneurons innervating the ipsilateral vastus lateralis muscle were labeled with cholera toxin-conjugated horseradish peroxidase, and dendritic arbors were reconstructed in three dimensions. Compared with intact normal animals, partial motoneuron depletion resulted in decreased dendritic length in remaining quadriceps motoneurons. Dendritic atrophy was attenuated with both dihydrotestosterone and estradiol treatment to a degree similar to that seen with testosterone, and attenuation of atrophy was prevented by receptor blockade. Together, these findings suggest that neuroprotective effects on motoneurons can be mediated by either androgenic or estrogenic hormones and require action via steroid hormone receptors, further supporting a role for hormones as neurotherapeutic agents in the injured nervous system. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 77: 691-707, 2017.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Cai
- Program in Neuroscience and Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, 47405
| | - Cory Chew
- Program in Neuroscience and Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, 47405
| | - Fernando Muñoz
- Program in Neuroscience and Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, 47405
| | - Dale R Sengelaub
- Program in Neuroscience and Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, 47405
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Acaz-Fonseca E, Avila-Rodriguez M, Garcia-Segura LM, Barreto GE. Regulation of astroglia by gonadal steroid hormones under physiological and pathological conditions. Prog Neurobiol 2016; 144:5-26. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2016.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2015] [Accepted: 06/05/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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Moriya S, Soga T, Wong DW, Parhar IS. Transcriptome composition of the preoptic area in mid-age and escitalopram treatment in male mice. Neurosci Lett 2016; 622:67-71. [PMID: 27113202 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2016.04.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2015] [Revised: 04/16/2016] [Accepted: 04/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The decrease in serotonergic neurotransmission during aging can increase the risk of neuropsychiatric diseases such as depression in elderly population and decline the reproductive system. Therefore, it is important to understand the age-associated molecular mechanisms of brain aging. In this study, the effect of aging and chronic escitalopram (antidepressant) treatment to admit mice was investigated by comparing transcriptomes in the preoptic area (POA) which is a key nucleus for reproduction. In the mid-aged brain, the immune system-related genes were increased and hormone response-related genes were decreased. In the escitalopram treated brains, transcription-, granule cell proliferation- and vasoconstriction-related genes were increased and olfactory receptors were decreased. Since homeostasis and neuroprotection-related genes were altered in both of mid-age and escitalopram treatment, these genes could be important for serotonin related physiologies in the POA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shogo Moriya
- Brain Research Institutes, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Selangor 47500, Malaysia.
| | - Tomoko Soga
- Brain Research Institutes, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Selangor 47500, Malaysia
| | - Dutt Way Wong
- Brain Research Institutes, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Selangor 47500, Malaysia
| | - Ishwar S Parhar
- Brain Research Institutes, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Selangor 47500, Malaysia
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41
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Mehos CJ, Nelson LH, Saldanha CJ. A Quantification of the Injury-Induced Changes in Central Aromatase, Oestrogenic Milieu and Steroid Receptor Expression in the Zebra Finch. J Neuroendocrinol 2016; 28:12348. [PMID: 26661058 PMCID: PMC9366901 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2015] [Revised: 09/18/2015] [Accepted: 12/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In songbirds and mammals, brain injury results in the up-regulation of aromatase (oestrogen synthase) expression in astroglia. The resulting presumed synthesis of neural oestradiol (E2 ) has neuroprotective effects including a decrease in neurodegeneration, neuroinflammation and apoptosis. The development of therapeutic tools that exploit oestrogenic neuroprotection in the treatment of neurotrauma requires a precise quantification of the endogenous changes in neural aromatase and E2 following brain injury. Surprisingly, the expected increase in neural oestrogens following brain injury has not been demonstrated. Furthermore, we are just beginning to unravel the mechanisms behind the protective effects of centrally synthesised E2 . In the present study, levels of aromatase immunoprotein, neural E2 and steroid receptor mRNA were quantified in adult male and female zebra finches 48 h following a unilateral penetrating brain injury. Both aromatase and E2 were up-regulated in the injured hemisphere of the brain compared to the uninjured hemisphere, demonstrating for the first time a robust increase in neural E2 levels following injury. We did not detect an effect of injury on mRNA expression of the oestrogen receptors (ER)-α, ER-β or GPER-1, but observed a significant decrease in androgen receptor transcription in the injured lobe relative to the contralateral uninjured hemisphere. We conclude that mechanical damage causes a dramatic increase in local aromatisation, and the resultant high levels of central E2 are available to modulate steroid sensitive targets. Studies using alternate methods of receptor detection and/or time points may be necessary to understand the complete suite of mechanisms underlying the neuroprotective effects of induced oestrogen synthesis in this animal model.
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Affiliation(s)
- C J Mehos
- Department of Biology and Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, American University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - L H Nelson
- Department of Biology and Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, American University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - C J Saldanha
- Department of Biology and Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, American University, Washington, DC, USA
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Xing L, Esau C, Trudeau VL. Direct Regulation of Aromatase B Expression by 17β-Estradiol and Dopamine D1 Receptor Agonist in Adult Radial Glial Cells. Front Neurosci 2016; 9:504. [PMID: 26793050 PMCID: PMC4709857 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2015.00504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2015] [Accepted: 12/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Aromatase cytochrome P450arom (cyp19) is the only enzyme that has the ability to convert androgens into estrogens. Estrogens, which are produced locally in the vertebrate brain play many fundamental roles in neuroendocrine functions, reproductive functions, socio-sexual behaviors, and neurogenesis. Radial glial cells (RGCs) are neuronal progenitor cells that are abundant in fish brains and are the exclusive site of aromatase B expression and neuroestrogen synthesis. Using a novel in vitro RGC culture preparation we studied the regulation of aromatase B by 17β-estradiol (E2) and dopamine (DA). We have established that activation of the dopamine D1 receptor (D1R) by SKF 38393 up-regulates aromatase B gene expression most likely through the phosphorylation of cyclic AMP response element binding protein (CREB). This up-regulation can be enhanced by low concentration of E2 (100 nM) through increasing the expression of D1R and the level of p-CREB protein. However, a high concentration of E2 (1 μM) and D1R agonist together failed to up-regulate aromatase B, potentially due to attenuation of esr2b expression and p-CREB levels. Furthermore, we found the up-regulation of aromatase B by E2 and DA both requires the involvement of esr1 and esr2a. The combined effect of E2 and DA agonist indicates that aromatase B in the adult teleost brain is under tight control by both steroids and neurotransmitters to precisely regulate neuroestrogen levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Xing
- Department of Biology, Centre for Advanced Research in Environmental Genomics, University of Ottawa Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Crystal Esau
- Department of Biology, Centre for Advanced Research in Environmental Genomics, University of Ottawa Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Vance L Trudeau
- Department of Biology, Centre for Advanced Research in Environmental Genomics, University of Ottawa Ottawa, ON, Canada
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Li J, Yu Y, Wang B, Wu H, Xue G, Hou Y. Selective regulation of neurosteroid biosynthesis under ketamine-induced apoptosis of cortical neurons in vitro. Mol Med Rep 2015; 13:1586-92. [PMID: 26709052 PMCID: PMC4732866 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2015.4712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2015] [Accepted: 11/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Numerous studies have suggested that ketamine administration can induce neuroapoptosis in primary cultured cortical neurons. Neurosteroids modulate neuronal function and serve important roles in the central nervous system, however the role of neurosteroids in neuroapoptosis induced by ketamine remains to be elucidated. The present study aimed to explore whether neurosteroidogenesis was a pivotal mechanism for neuroprotection against ketamine-induced neuroapoptosis, and whether it may be selectively regulated under ketamine-induced neuroapoptosis conditions in primary cultured cortical neurons. To study this hypothesis, the effect of ketamine exposure on neurosteroidogenesis in primary cultured cortical neurons was investigated. Cholesterol, a substrate involved in the synthesis of neurosteroids, was added to the culture medium, and neurosteroids were quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis. The data demonstrated that cholesterol blocked ketamine-induced neuroapoptosis by promoting the synthesis of various neurosteroids, and the pathway of neurosteroid testosterone conversion into estradiol was inhibited by ketamine exposure. These data suggest that endogenous neurosteroids biosynthesis is critical for neuroprotection against ketamine-induced neuroapoptosis and inhibiting the biosynthesis of neuroprotective-neurosteroid estradiol is of notable importance for ketamine-induced neuroapoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianli Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050051, P.R. China
| | - Yang Yu
- Department of Pharmacy, Bethune International Peace Hospital of Chinese People's Liberation Army, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050082, P.R. China
| | - Bei Wang
- Department of Gynecology, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050051, P.R. China
| | - Honghai Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, Bethune International Peace Hospital of Chinese People's Liberation Army, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050082, P.R. China
| | - Gai Xue
- Department of Pharmacy, Bethune International Peace Hospital of Chinese People's Liberation Army, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050082, P.R. China
| | - Yanning Hou
- Department of Pharmacy, Bethune International Peace Hospital of Chinese People's Liberation Army, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050082, P.R. China
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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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45
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Reduced estradiol synthesis by letrozole, an aromatase inhibitor, is protective against development of pentylenetetrazole-induced kindling in mice. Neurochem Int 2015; 90:271-4. [PMID: 26449311 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2015.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2015] [Revised: 09/29/2015] [Accepted: 10/01/2015] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Neurosteroids, such as testosterone and their metabolites, are known to modulate neuronal excitability. The enzymes regulating the metabolism of these neurosteroids, thus, may be targeted as a noval strategy for the development of new antiepileptic drugs. The present work targeted two such enzymes i,e aromatase and 5α-reductase in order to explore the potential of letrozole (an aromatase inhibitor) on pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced kindling in mice and the ability of finasteride (a 5α-reductase inhibitor) to modulate any such effects. PTZ (30 mg/kg, i.p.), when administered once every two days (for a total of 24 doses) induced kindling in Swiss albino mice. Letrozole (1 mg/kg, p.o.), administered prior to PTZ, significantly reduced the % incidence of kindling, delayed mean onset time of seizures and reduced seizure severity score. Letrozole reduced the levels of plasma 17β-estradiol after induction of kindling. The concurrent administration of finasteride and letrozole produced effects similar to letrozole on PTZ-kindling and on estradiol levels. This implies that the ability of letrozole to redirect the synthesis of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and 5α-androstanediol from testosterone doesn't appear to play a significant role in the protective effects of letrozole against PTZ kindling. Letrozole, however, increased the levels of 5α-DHT in mice plasma. The aromatase inhibitors, thus, may be exploited for inhibiting the synthesis of proconvulsant (17β-estradiol) and/or redirecting the synthesis of anticonvulsant (DHT and 5α-androstanediol) neurosteroids.
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46
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Xing L, McDonald H, Da Fonte DF, Gutierrez-Villagomez JM, Trudeau VL. Dopamine D1 receptor activation regulates the expression of the estrogen synthesis gene aromatase B in radial glial cells. Front Neurosci 2015; 9:310. [PMID: 26388722 PMCID: PMC4557113 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2015.00310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2015] [Accepted: 08/18/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Radial glial cells (RGCs) are abundant stem-like non-neuronal progenitors that are important for adult neurogenesis and brain repair, yet little is known about their regulation by neurotransmitters. Here we provide evidence for neuronal-glial interactions via a novel role for dopamine to stimulate RGC function. Goldfish were chosen as the model organism due to the abundance of RGCs and regenerative abilities of the adult central nervous system. A close anatomical relationship was observed between tyrosine hydroxylase-positive catecholaminergic cell bodies and axons and dopamine-D1 receptor expressing RGCs along the ventricular surface of telencephalon, a site of active neurogenesis. A primary cell culture model was established and immunofluorescence analysis indicates that in vitro RGCs from female goldfish retain their major characteristics in vivo, including expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein and brain lipid binding protein. The estrogen synthesis enzyme aromatase B is exclusively found in RGCs, but this is lost as cells differentiate to neurons and other glial types in adult teleost brain. Pharmacological experiments using the cultured RGCs established that specific activation of dopamine D1 receptors up-regulates aromatase B mRNA through a cyclic adenosine monophosphate-dependent molecular mechanism. These data indicate that dopamine enhances the steroidogenic function of this neuronal progenitor cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Xing
- Department of Biology, Centre for Advanced Research in Environmental Genomics, University of Ottawa Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Heather McDonald
- Department of Biology, Centre for Advanced Research in Environmental Genomics, University of Ottawa Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Dillon F Da Fonte
- Department of Biology, Centre for Advanced Research in Environmental Genomics, University of Ottawa Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Juan M Gutierrez-Villagomez
- Department of Biology, Centre for Advanced Research in Environmental Genomics, University of Ottawa Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Vance L Trudeau
- Department of Biology, Centre for Advanced Research in Environmental Genomics, University of Ottawa Ottawa, ON, Canada
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47
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Traish AM, Melcangi RC, Bortolato M, Garcia-Segura LM, Zitzmann M. Adverse effects of 5α-reductase inhibitors: What do we know, don't know, and need to know? Rev Endocr Metab Disord 2015; 16:177-98. [PMID: 26296373 DOI: 10.1007/s11154-015-9319-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Steroids are important physiological orchestrators of endocrine as well as peripheral and central nervous system functions. One of the key processes for regulation of these molecules lies in their enzymatic processing by a family of 5α-reductase (5α-Rs) isozymes. By catalyzing a key rate-limiting step in steroidogenesis, this family of enzymes exerts a crucial role not only in the physiological control but also in pathological events. Indeed, both 5α-R inhibition and supplementation of 5α-reduced metabolites are currently used or have been proposed as therapeutic strategies for a wide array of pathological conditions. In particular, the potent 5α-R inhibitors finasteride and dutasteride are used in the treatments of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), as well as in male pattern hair loss (MPHL) known as androgenetic alopecia (AGA). Recent preclinical and clinical findings indicate that 5α-R inhibitors evoke not only beneficial, but also adverse effects. Future studies should investigate the biochemical and physiological mechanisms that underlie the persistence of the adverse sexual side effects to determine why a subset of patients is afflicted with such persistence or irreversible adverse effects. Also a better focus of clinical research is urgently needed to better define those subjects who are likely to be adversely affected by such agents. Furthermore, research on the non-sexual adverse effects such as diabetes, psychosis, depression, and cognitive function are needed to better understand the broad spectrum of the effects these drugs may elicit during their use in treatment of AGA or BPH. In this review, we will summarize the state of art on this topic, overview the key unresolved questions that have emerged on the pharmacological targeting of these enzymes and their products, and highlight the need for further studies to ascertain the severity and duration of the adverse effects of 5α-R inhibitors, as well as their biological underpinnings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulmaged M Traish
- Department of Biochemistry and Department of Urology, Boston University School of Medicine, 715 Albany Street, A502, Boston, MA, 02118, USA.
| | - Roberto Cosimo Melcangi
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences- Center of Excellence on Neurodegenerative Diseases, Iniversità degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Bortolato
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
| | | | - Michael Zitzmann
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Clinics Muenster, Domagkstrasse 11, D-48149, Muenster, Germany
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Ransome MI, Boon WC. Testosterone-induced adult neurosphere growth is mediated by sexually-dimorphic aromatase expression. Front Cell Neurosci 2015. [PMID: 26217181 PMCID: PMC4491627 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2015.00253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
We derived adult neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs) from the sub-ventricular zone of male and female mice to examine direct responses to principal sex hormones. In the presence of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF2) NSPCs of both sexes expressed nestin and sox2, and could be maintained as neurospheres without addition of any sex hormones. The reverse was not observed; neither testosterone (T), 17β-estradiol (E2) nor progesterone (P4) was able to support neurosphere growth in the absence of EGF and FGF2. Ten nanomolar T, E2 or P4 induced nestin(+) cell proliferation within 20 min and enhanced neurosphere growth over 7 days irrespective of sex, which was abolished by Erk inhibition with 20 μM U0126. Maintaining neurospheres with each sex hormone did not affect subsequent neuronal differentiation. However, 10 nM T, E2 or P4 added during differentiation increased βIII tubulin(+) neuron production with E2 being more potent compared to T and P4 in both sexes. Androgen receptor (AR) inhibition with 20 μM flutamide but not aromatase inhibition with 10 μM letrozole reduced basal and T-induced neurosphere growth in females, while only concurrent inhibition of AR and aromatase produced the same effect in males. This sex-specific effect was supported by higher aromatase expression in male neurospheres compared to females measured by Western blot and green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporter. Ten micromolar menadione induced oxidative stress, impaired neurosphere growth and up-regulated aromatase expression in both sexes. However, under oxidative stress letrozole significantly exacerbated impaired neurosphere growth in males only. While both E2 and T could prevent oxidative stress-induced growth reduction in both sexes, the effects of T were dependent on innate aromatase activity. We show for the first time that intrinsic androgen and estrogen signaling may impact the capacity of NSPCs to produce neural progenitors under pathological conditions of oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark I Ransome
- Steroid Neurobiology Laboratory, The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Wah Chin Boon
- Steroid Neurobiology Laboratory, The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health Parkville, VIC, Australia ; Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University Clayton, VIC, Australia
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Moghimi E, Solomon JA, Gianforcaro A, Hamadeh MJ. Dietary Vitamin D3 Restriction Exacerbates Disease Pathophysiology in the Spinal Cord of the G93A Mouse Model of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0126355. [PMID: 26020962 PMCID: PMC4447353 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0126355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2015] [Accepted: 03/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Dietary vitamin D3 (D3) restriction reduces paw grip endurance and motor performance in G93A mice, and increases inflammation and apoptosis in the quadríceps of females. ALS, a neuromuscular disease, causes progressive degeneration of motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord. Objective We analyzed the spinal cords of G93A mice following dietary D3 restriction at 2.5% the adequate intake (AI) for oxidative damage (4-HNE, 3-NY), antioxidant enzymes (SOD2, catalase, GPx1), inflammation (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10), apoptosis (bax/bcl-2 ratio, cleaved/pro-caspase 3 ratio), neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and neuron count (ChAT, SMI-36/SMI-32 ratio). Methods Beginning at age 25 d, 42 G93A mice were provided food ad libitum with either adequate (AI;1 IU D3/g feed; 12 M, 11 F) or deficient (DEF; 0.025 IU D3/g feed; 10 M, 9 F) D3. At age 113 d, the spinal cords were analyzed for protein content. Differences were considered significant at P ≤ 0.10, since this was a pilot study. Results DEF mice had 16% higher 4-HNE (P = 0.056), 12% higher GPx1 (P = 0.057) and 23% higher Bax/Bcl2 ratio (P = 0.076) vs. AI. DEF females had 29% higher GPx1 (P = 0.001) and 22% higher IL-6 (P = 0.077) vs. AI females. DEF males had 23% higher 4-HNE (P = 0.066) and 18% lower SOD2 (P = 0.034) vs. AI males. DEF males had 27% lower SOD2 (P = 0.004), 17% lower GPx1 (P = 0.070), 29% lower IL-6 (P = 0.023) and 22% lower ChAT (P = 0.082) vs. DEF females. Conclusion D3 deficiency exacerbates disease pathophysiology in the spinal cord of G93A mice, the exact mechanisms are sex-specific. This is in accord with our previous results in the quadriceps, as well as functional and disease outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elnaz Moghimi
- School of Kinesiology and Health Science, Faculty of Health, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Muscle Health Research Centre, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jesse A. Solomon
- School of Kinesiology and Health Science, Faculty of Health, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Muscle Health Research Centre, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alexandro Gianforcaro
- School of Kinesiology and Health Science, Faculty of Health, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Muscle Health Research Centre, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mazen J. Hamadeh
- School of Kinesiology and Health Science, Faculty of Health, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Muscle Health Research Centre, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- * E-mail:
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Ghorbanpoor S, Garcia-Segura LM, Haeri-Rohani A, Khodagholi F, Jorjani M. Aromatase inhibition exacerbates pain and reactive gliosis in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord of female rats caused by spinothalamic tract injury. Endocrinology 2014; 155:4341-55. [PMID: 25105782 DOI: 10.1210/en.2014-1158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Central pain syndrome is characterized by severe and excruciating pain resulting from a lesion in the central nervous system. Previous studies have shown that estradiol decreases pain and that inhibitors of the enzyme aromatase, which synthesizes estradiol from aromatizable androgens, increases pain sensitivity. In this study we have assessed whether aromatase expression in the dorsal horns of the spinal cord is altered in a rat model of central pain syndrome, induced by the unilateral electrolytic lesion of the spinothalamic tract. Protein and mRNA levels of aromatase, as well as the protein and mRNA levels of estrogen receptors α and β, were increased in the dorsal horn of female rats after spinothalamic tract injury, suggesting that the injury increased estradiol synthesis and signaling in the dorsal horn. To determine whether the increased aromatase expression in this pain model may participate in the control of pain, mechanical allodynia thresholds were determined in both hind paws after the intrathecal administration of letrozole, an aromatase inhibitor. Aromatase inhibition enhanced mechanical allodynia in both hind paws. Because estradiol is known to regulate gliosis we assessed whether the spinothalamic tract injury and aromatase inhibition regulated gliosis in the dorsal horn. The proportion of microglia with a reactive phenotype and the number of glial fibrillary acidic protein-immunoreactive astrocytes were increased by the injury in the dorsal horn. Aromatase inhibition enhanced the effect of the injury on gliosis. Furthermore, a significant a positive correlation of mechanical allodynia and gliosis in the dorsal horn was detected. These findings suggest that aromatase is up-regulated in the dorsal horn in a model of central pain syndrome and that aromatase activity in the spinal cord reduces mechanical allodynia by controlling reactive gliosis in the dorsal horn.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samar Ghorbanpoor
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology (S.G.), Department of Animal Biology (A.H.-R.), School of Biology, College of Science (S.G.), University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran; Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (L.M.G.-S.), Instituto Cajal, E-28002 Madrid, Spain; Neurobiology Research Center (F.K., M.J.), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; and Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine (M.J.), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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