1
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Ziemka-Nalecz M, Pawelec P, Ziabska K, Zalewska T. Sex Differences in Brain Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14571. [PMID: 37834018 PMCID: PMC10572175 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
A remarkable feature of the brain is its sexual dimorphism. Sexual dimorphism in brain structure and function is associated with clinical implications documented previously in healthy individuals but also in those who suffer from various brain disorders. Sex-based differences concerning some features such as the risk, prevalence, age of onset, and symptomatology have been confirmed in a range of neurological and neuropsychiatric diseases. The mechanisms responsible for the establishment of sex-based differences between men and women are not fully understood. The present paper provides up-to-date data on sex-related dissimilarities observed in brain disorders and highlights the most relevant features that differ between males and females. The topic is very important as the recognition of disparities between the sexes might allow for the identification of therapeutic targets and pharmacological approaches for intractable neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Teresa Zalewska
- NeuroRepair Department, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, 5, A. Pawinskiego Str., 02-106 Warsaw, Poland; (M.Z.-N.); (P.P.); (K.Z.)
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2
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Tabata K, Miyashita M, Yamasaki S, Toriumi K, Ando S, Suzuki K, Endo K, Morimoto Y, Tomita Y, Yamaguchi S, Usami S, Itokawa M, Hiraiwa-Hasegawa M, Takahashi H, Kasai K, Nishida A, Arai M. Hair zinc levels and psychosis risk among adolescents. SCHIZOPHRENIA (HEIDELBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 8:107. [PMID: 36433958 PMCID: PMC9700858 DOI: 10.1038/s41537-022-00307-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Recent meta-analyses have shown lower zinc and higher copper levels in the serum of people with schizophrenia than in healthy controls. However, the relationship between trace elements (TEs) and the pathophysiology of psychosis, including schizophrenia, remains unclear due to the antipsychotic effects on mineral levels. In this study, we aimed to determine the relationship between zinc and copper levels in hair and psychosis risk among drug-naïve adolescents. This study was conducted as a part of a population-based biomarker subsample study of the Tokyo Teen Cohort Study, including 252 community-dwelling 14-year-old drug-naïve adolescents. Zinc and copper levels in hair were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The thought problems (TP) scale from the Child Behavior Checklist was used to evaluate psychosis risk. Regression analysis showed that hair zinc levels were negatively correlated with the TP scale (T-score) (β = -0.176, P = 0.005). This result remained significant after adjusting for age and sex (β = -0.175, P = 0.005). In contrast, hair copper levels were not associated with the TP scale (T-score) (β = 0.026, P = 0.687). These findings suggest that lower zinc levels could be involved in the pathophysiology of psychosis, independent of antipsychotics. Further longitudinal studies are required to investigate whether hair zinc level is a useful new biomarker for assessing psychosis risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koichi Tabata
- grid.272456.00000 0000 9343 3630Schizophrenia Research Project, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan ,grid.265073.50000 0001 1014 9130Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mitsuhiro Miyashita
- grid.272456.00000 0000 9343 3630Unit for Mental Health Promotion, Research Center for Social Science & Medicine, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan ,grid.417102.1Department of Psychiatry, Tokyo Metropolitan Matsuzawa Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Syudo Yamasaki
- grid.272456.00000 0000 9343 3630Unit for Mental Health Promotion, Research Center for Social Science & Medicine, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazuya Toriumi
- grid.272456.00000 0000 9343 3630Schizophrenia Research Project, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shuntaro Ando
- grid.26999.3d0000 0001 2151 536XDepartment of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Suzuki
- grid.272456.00000 0000 9343 3630Schizophrenia Research Project, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan ,grid.263518.b0000 0001 1507 4692Department of Psychiatry, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Kaori Endo
- grid.272456.00000 0000 9343 3630Unit for Mental Health Promotion, Research Center for Social Science & Medicine, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuko Morimoto
- grid.443136.70000 0004 0642 8892Department of Psychology, Ube Frontier University, Ube, Japan
| | - Yasufumi Tomita
- grid.272456.00000 0000 9343 3630Schizophrenia Research Project, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan ,grid.26999.3d0000 0001 2151 536XDepartment of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Chiba, Japan
| | - Satoshi Yamaguchi
- grid.272456.00000 0000 9343 3630Unit for Mental Health Promotion, Research Center for Social Science & Medicine, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Satoshi Usami
- grid.26999.3d0000 0001 2151 536XCenter for Research and Development on Transition from Secondary to Higher Education, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masanari Itokawa
- grid.272456.00000 0000 9343 3630Schizophrenia Research Project, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan ,grid.417102.1Department of Psychiatry, Tokyo Metropolitan Matsuzawa Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mariko Hiraiwa-Hasegawa
- grid.275033.00000 0004 1763 208XDepartment of Evolutionary Studies of Biosystems, The Graduate University for Advanced Studies, SOKENDAI, Hayama, Japan
| | - Hidehiko Takahashi
- grid.265073.50000 0001 1014 9130Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan ,grid.265073.50000 0001 1014 9130Center for Brain Integration Research, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kiyoto Kasai
- grid.26999.3d0000 0001 2151 536XDepartment of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan ,grid.26999.3d0000 0001 2151 536XThe International Research Center for Neurointelligence (WPI-IRCN) at The University of Tokyo Institutes for Advanced Study (UTIAS), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Atsushi Nishida
- grid.272456.00000 0000 9343 3630Unit for Mental Health Promotion, Research Center for Social Science & Medicine, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Makoto Arai
- grid.272456.00000 0000 9343 3630Schizophrenia Research Project, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan
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3
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Jelen LA, Green MS, King S, Morris AG, Zhang X, Lythgoe DJ, Young AH, De Belleroche J, Stone JM. Variants in the zinc transporter-3 encoding gene (SLC30A3) in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder: Effects on brain glutamate-A pilot study. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:929306. [PMID: 36203844 PMCID: PMC9531870 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.929306] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Zinc transporter 3 (ZnT3) has been implicated in the aetiopathology of schizophrenia. In this pilot study, we tested the hypothesis that the presence of a minor allele of two variants in the gene encoding ZnT3 (SLC30A3) affects brain glutamate and cognitive activity in patients with schizophrenia and bipolar affective disorder. Fifteen patients with schizophrenia (SCZ), 15 with bipolar affective disorder type 2 (BD), and 14 healthy volunteers (HV) were genotyped for two SLC30A3 single nucleotide polymorphisms (rs11126936 and rs11126929). They also underwent structural and functional MRI (n-back) imaging as well as static (PRESS) and functional magnetic resonance spectroscopy (n-back) on a 3 Tesla MRI system. SCZ with at least one copy of the minor allele showed reductions in dorsal anterior cingulate cortex glutamate during the n-back task, whereas SCZ without the minor allele showed an increase in glutamate. BD with the minor allele had reduced glutamate in the anterior cingulate cortex (p < 0.05). There was no effect of SLC30A3 genotype on BOLD activation during n-back or on cortical brain volume. This study supports the further investigation of SLC30A3 and its role in glutamatergic neurotransmission and in the neuropathology of mental illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke A. Jelen
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Bethlem Royal Hospital, Beckenham, United Kingdom
| | - Mark S. Green
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sinead King
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, United States
- Centre for Neuroimaging and Cognitive Genomics, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| | - Alex G. Morris
- Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, London, United Kingdom
| | - Xinyuan Zhang
- Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, London, United Kingdom
| | - David J. Lythgoe
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Allan H. Young
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Bethlem Royal Hospital, Beckenham, United Kingdom
| | | | - James M. Stone
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Bethlem Royal Hospital, Beckenham, United Kingdom
- Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS), University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
- Department of Psychiatry, Sussex Partnership Foundation Trust, Eastbourne DGH, Eastbourne, United Kingdom
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4
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Deng P, Han X, Ma J, Huang X, Sun B, Geng Y, Zheng B, Wang S. Association of SNPs in zinc transporter genes on seminal plasma zinc levels in humans. Biometals 2022; 35:955-965. [PMID: 35834148 DOI: 10.1007/s10534-022-00416-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
This study is to examine the effects of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of SLC30A and SLC39A on seminal plasma zinc concentration. Blood and seminal plasma samples were collected from outpatients. SNPs of zinc transporters were analyzed by next Generation sequencing technology, and seminal plasma zinc concentration were determined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. Our date showed nine SNPs (SLC30A8 rs2466295, rs2466294, SLC30A10 c.-160 C>G, SLC39A8 rs9331, rs9705, rs151392, rs151393, SLC39A11 rs9912126, SLC39A14 rs1051708) were significantly associated with seminal plasma zinc concentration, and 14 SNPs (SLC30A8 rs2466295, rs2466294, SLC30A10 c.-160 C>G, SLC39A6 rs148550301, SLC39A8 rs9331, rs9705, rs151392, rs151393, SLC39A11 rs9912126, rs61736066, rs36041371 and SLC39A14 rs1051708, rs76963096, rs17060854) were found to be significantly associated with total zinc per ejaculate. The seminal plasma zinc concentrations and total zinc per ejaculate were associated with the number of SNPs, and decreased significantly when five SNPs (SLC39A8 rs9331, rs9705, rs151392, rs151393 and SLC39A14 rs1051708) were a combination of homozygous genotype. Our findings suggest that different zinc transporter SNPs may significantly affect seminal plasma zinc levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peipei Deng
- NHC Key Laboratory of Family Planning and Healthy, Hebei Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Hebei Institute of Reproductive Health Science and Technology, No. 480 Heping Street, Xinhua District, Shijiazhuang, 050071, China
| | - Xiaoke Han
- Xingtai Reproduction and Genetics Specialist Hospital, Xingtai Infertility Specialist Hospital, 41 Dongguan Street, Xiangdu District, Xingtai, 054000, Hebei Province, China
| | - Jing Ma
- NHC Key Laboratory of Family Planning and Healthy, Hebei Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Hebei Institute of Reproductive Health Science and Technology, No. 480 Heping Street, Xinhua District, Shijiazhuang, 050071, China
| | - Xin Huang
- School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Bo Sun
- Graduate School of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yasong Geng
- Xingtai Reproduction and Genetics Specialist Hospital, Xingtai Infertility Specialist Hospital, 41 Dongguan Street, Xiangdu District, Xingtai, 054000, Hebei Province, China
| | - Bo Zheng
- Xingtai Reproduction and Genetics Specialist Hospital, Xingtai Infertility Specialist Hospital, 41 Dongguan Street, Xiangdu District, Xingtai, 054000, Hebei Province, China.
| | - Shusong Wang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Family Planning and Healthy, Hebei Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Hebei Institute of Reproductive Health Science and Technology, No. 480 Heping Street, Xinhua District, Shijiazhuang, 050071, China.
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5
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Willekens J, Runnels LW. Impact of Zinc Transport Mechanisms on Embryonic and Brain Development. Nutrients 2022; 14:2526. [PMID: 35745255 PMCID: PMC9231024 DOI: 10.3390/nu14122526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The trace element zinc (Zn) binds to over ten percent of proteins in eukaryotic cells. Zn flexible chemistry allows it to regulate the activity of hundreds of enzymes and influence scores of metabolic processes in cells throughout the body. Deficiency of Zn in humans has a profound effect on development and in adults later in life, particularly in the brain, where Zn deficiency is linked to several neurological disorders. In this review, we will summarize the importance of Zn during development through a description of the outcomes of both genetic and early dietary Zn deficiency, focusing on the pathological consequences on the whole body and brain. The epidemiology and the symptomology of Zn deficiency in humans will be described, including the most studied inherited Zn deficiency disease, Acrodermatitis enteropathica. In addition, we will give an overview of the different forms and animal models of Zn deficiency, as well as the 24 Zn transporters, distributed into two families: the ZIPs and the ZnTs, which control the balance of Zn throughout the body. Lastly, we will describe the TRPM7 ion channel, which was recently shown to contribute to intestinal Zn absorption and has its own significant impact on early embryonic development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Loren W. Runnels
- Department of Pharmacology, Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA;
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6
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Sandoval KC, Thackray SE, Wong A, Niewinski N, Chipak C, Rehal S, Dyck RH. Lack of Vesicular Zinc Does Not Affect the Behavioral Phenotype of Polyinosinic:Polycytidylic Acid-Induced Maternal Immune Activation Mice. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 16:769322. [PMID: 35273483 PMCID: PMC8902171 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.769322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Zinc is important in neural and synaptic development and neuronal transmission. Within the brain, zinc transporter 3 (ZnT3) is essential for zinc uptake into vesicles. Loss of vesicular zinc has been shown to produce neurodevelopmental disorder (NDD)-like behavior, such as decreased social interaction and increased anxiety- and repetitive-like behavior. Maternal immune activation (MIA) has been identified as an environmental factor for NDDs, such as autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and schizophrenia (SZ), in offspring, which occurs during pregnancy when the mother’s immune system reacts to the exposure to viruses or infectious diseases. In this study, we investigated the interaction effect of a genetic factor [ZnT3 knockout (KO) mice] and an environmental factor (MIA). We induced MIA in pregnant female (dams) mice during mid-gestation, using polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (polyI:C), which mimics a viral infection. Male and female ZnT3 KO and wild-type (WT) offspring were tested in five behavioral paradigms: Ultrasonic Vocalizations (USVs) at postnatal day 9 (P9), Open Field Test, Marble Burying Test, three-Chamber Social Test, and Pre-pulse Inhibition (PPI) in adulthood (P60–75). Our results indicate that loss of vesicular zinc does not result in enhanced ASD- and SZ-like phenotype compared to WT, nor does it show a more pronounced phenotype in male ZnT3 KO compared to female ZnT3 KO. Finally, MIA offspring demonstrated an ASD- and SZ-like phenotype only in specific behavioral tests: increased calls emitted in USVs and fewer marbles buried. Our results suggest that there is no interaction between the loss of vesicular zinc and MIA induction in the susceptibility to developing an ASD- and SZ-like phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katy Celina Sandoval
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute (HBI), University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute (ACHRI), University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Sarah E. Thackray
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute (HBI), University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute (ACHRI), University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Alison Wong
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute (HBI), University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute (ACHRI), University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Nicole Niewinski
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute (HBI), University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute (ACHRI), University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Colten Chipak
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute (HBI), University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute (ACHRI), University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Suhkjinder Rehal
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute (HBI), University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute (ACHRI), University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Richard H. Dyck
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute (HBI), University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute (ACHRI), University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- *Correspondence: Richard H. Dyck,
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Abstract
Introduction: Most medical diagnoses present somewhat differently in men and women, more so at specific periods of life. Treatment effects may also differ. This is true for schizophrenia, where premorbid effects are experienced earlier in life in boys than in girls, and where symptoms and outcomes differ.Areas covered: This review does not cover all the differences that have been reported between men and women but, instead, focuses on the ones that carry important implications for clinical care: effective antipsychotic doses, medication side effects, symptom fluctuation due to hormonal levels, comorbidities, and women's requirements for prenatal, obstetric, postpartum, and parenting support.Expert opinion: Of consequence to schizophrenia, sex-biased genes, epigenetic modifications, and sex steroids all impact the structure and function of the brain. Furthermore, life experiences and social roles exert major sex-specific influences. The co-morbidities that accompany schizophrenia also affect men and women to different degrees. This review offers several examples of sex-specific intervention and concludes that gold standard treatment must look beyond symptoms and address all the physiologic, psychologic, and social role needs of men and women suffering from this psychiatric disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary V Seeman
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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8
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Csikós A, Takacs P, Miklós I. Comparison of novel single nucleotide polymorphisms of zinc transporters with zinc concentration in the human blood and vaginal tissues. Biometals 2020; 33:323-337. [PMID: 33033990 DOI: 10.1007/s10534-020-00249-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The most important proteins regulating cellular zinc homeostasis belong to two protein families of zinc transporters, the solute carrier family 30 (SLC30A) and solute carrier family 39 (SLC39A). We aimed to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the SLC30A and SLC39A genes and its association with blood and vaginal tissue zinc levels since vaginal tissue zinc level may play a role in vaginal remodeling and pathological conditions of the vagina. Blood and vaginal tissue samples were collected from women undergoing surgery for benign gynecological reasons. SNPs of twenty-four zinc transporters were determined by PCR/Sequence method, and the concentration of zinc was assessed by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. Sequencing of selected exons revealed 16 SNPs, including five previously unidentified SNPs. Our data showed an association between the number of SNPs (more than six SNPs vs. less than six) per patient and high zinc vaginal tissue levels (67% vs. 33%, p < 0.01). The SLC39A4 SNP 590c A (rs17855765) was significantly more frequent in the group of women with high zinc vaginal tissue levels compared to the group without SNP (93% vs. 7%, p = 0.02). Also, our analysis revealed that the number of SNPs in SLC39A4 was significantly more frequent in patients with low zinc blood levels (76% vs. 24%, p = 0.01). Our findings indicate that different SNPs of the zinc transporter genes may have a significant effect on the blood and vaginal tissue zinc levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anett Csikós
- Molecular Biology Group, FemPharma, LLC, Vígkedvű Mihály utca 21. II/5, Hungary, 4024, Debrecen.
| | - Peter Takacs
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, Eastern Virginia Medical School, 825 Fairfax Avenue, Suite 526, Norfolk, VA, 23507-2007, USA
| | - Ida Miklós
- Department of Genetics and Applied Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1, Hungary, 4032, Debrecen
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9
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Abstract
Since its earliest conceptualization, schizophrenia has been considered a disorder of "young men." Contemporary research suggests that there are sex differences in schizophrenia that are both transdiagnostic and representative of general sex/gender differences across the psychopathology spectrum. This chapter selectively summarizes representative sex/gender differences in clinical expression, epidemiology, risk factors, treatment, as well as course and outcome in schizophrenia. The consistent sex differences found, such as onset age, generic brain anomalies, and hormonal involvement, are not specific to schizophrenia or necessarily to psychopathology. It is suggested that in working with those diagnosed as meeting the current criteria for schizophrenia, clinicians adopt a transdiagnostic framework informed by sex and gender role processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Lewine
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States.
| | - Mara Hart
- Department of Psychiatry, Worcester Recovery Center and Hospital, Worcester, MA, United States
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10
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Fine Control of Sound Frequency Tuning and Frequency Discrimination Acuity by Synaptic Zinc Signaling in Mouse Auditory Cortex. J Neurosci 2018; 39:854-865. [PMID: 30504277 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1339-18.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2018] [Revised: 10/16/2018] [Accepted: 11/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurons in the auditory cortex are tuned to specific ranges of sound frequencies. Although the cellular and network mechanisms underlying neuronal sound frequency selectivity are well studied and reflect the interplay of thalamocortical and intracortical excitatory inputs and further refinement by cortical inhibition, the precise synaptic signaling mechanisms remain less understood. To gain further understanding on these mechanisms and their effects on sound-driven behavior, we used in vivo imaging as well as behavioral approaches in awake and behaving female and male mice. We discovered that synaptic zinc, a modulator of neurotransmission and responsiveness to sound, sharpened the sound frequency tuning of principal and parvalbumin-expressing neurons and widened the sound frequency tuning of somatostatin-expressing inhibitory neurons in layer 2/3 of the primary auditory cortex. In the absence of cortical synaptic zinc, mice exhibited reduced acuity for detecting changes in sound frequencies. Together, our results reveal that cell-type-specific effects of zinc contribute to cortical sound frequency tuning and enhance acuity for sound frequency discrimination.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Neuronal tuning to specific features of sensory stimuli is a fundamental property of cortical sensory processing that advantageously supports behavior. Despite the established roles of synaptic thalamocortical and intracortical excitation and inhibition in cortical tuning, the precise synaptic signaling mechanisms remain unknown. Here, we investigated these mechanisms in the mouse auditory cortex. We discovered a previously unknown signaling mechanism linking synaptic zinc signaling with cell-specific cortical tuning and enhancement in sound frequency discrimination acuity. Given the abundance of synaptic zinc in all sensory cortices, this newly discovered interaction between synaptic zinc and cortical tuning can provide a general mechanism for modulating neuronal stimulus specificity and sensory-driven behavior.
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11
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Evaluation of the roles of the cytosolic N-terminus and His-rich loop of ZNT proteins using ZNT2 and ZNT3 chimeric mutants. Sci Rep 2018; 8:14084. [PMID: 30237557 PMCID: PMC6147782 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-32372-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2018] [Accepted: 09/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The physiological roles of Zn transporter (ZNT) proteins are being increasingly recognized, and three dimensional structures of ZNT bacterial homologs have facilitated our understanding of their biochemical characteristics at the molecular level. However, the biological role of the unique structural features of vertebrate ZNTs, which are absent in their bacterial homologues, is not completely understood. These ZNT sequences include a cytosolic His-rich loop between transmembrane helices IV and V and the cytosolic N-terminus. This study investigated the contribution of these features to zinc transport by ZNT proteins. The importance of the His residues in the cytosolic His-rich loop was investigated using ZNT2 Ala substitution and deletion mutants. The presence of His residues was not essential for zinc transport, even though they possibly participate in modulation of zinc transport activity. Furthermore, we determined the role of the N-terminus by characterizing ZNT2 and ZNT3 domain-swapped and deletion mutants. Unexpectedly, the N-terminus was also not essential for zinc transport by ZNT2 and the domain-swapped ZNT2 mutant, in which the cytosolic His-rich loop was substituted with that of ZNT3. These results provide molecular insights into understanding the roles of the cytosolic parts of ZNT2, ZNT3, and probably other members of their subgroup.
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12
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How cellular Zn 2+ signaling drives physiological functions. Cell Calcium 2018; 75:53-63. [PMID: 30145429 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceca.2018.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2018] [Revised: 08/16/2018] [Accepted: 08/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Zinc is an essential micronutrient affecting many aspects of human health. Cellular Zn2+ homeostasis is critical for cell function and survival. Zn2+, acting as a first or second messenger, triggers signaling pathways that mediate the physiological roles of Zn2+. Transient changes in Zn2+ concentrations within the cell or in the extracellular region occur following its release from Zn2+ binding metallothioneins, its transport across membranes by the ZnT or ZIP transporters, or release of vesicular Zn2+. These transients activate a distinct Zn2+ sensing receptor, ZnR/GPR39, or modulate numerous proteins and signaling pathways. Importantly, Zn2+ signaling regulates cellular physiological functions such as: proliferation, differentiation, ion transport and secretion. Indeed, novel therapeutic approaches aimed to maintain Zn2+ homeostasis and signaling are evolving. This review focuses on recent findings describing roles of Zn2+ and its transporters in regulating physiological or pathological processes.
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Zinc Transporter Proteins. Neurochem Res 2017; 43:517-530. [PMID: 29243032 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-017-2454-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2017] [Revised: 12/07/2017] [Accepted: 12/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Zinc, which is involved in the structure of all enzyme classes, is a micro nutrient element and necessary for growth and development. The ability of zinc to function without causing toxic effects is depends on the protection of its homeostasis. Zinc transporter proteins are responsible for keeping zinc at certain concentrations. Based on their predicted membrane topology, Zn transporters are divided into two major families, SLC39s/ZIPs and SLC30s/ZnTs, which transport Zn in opposite directions through cellular and intracellular membranes. ZIPs increases the zinc concentration in the cytosol. For this, the ZIPs carries the zinc from extracellular and intracellular compartments to the cytosol. ZnTs, reduces the concentration of zinc in the cytosol. For this, ZnTs carries the zinc from the cytosol to extracellular and intracellular compartments. After being transported to the cell, 50% of the zinc is found in the cytoplasm, 30-40% in the nucleus, and 10% in the plasma and organelle membranes. The expression of many zinc transporter proteins in the cell is depending on the concentration of zinc and the physiological problems. The aim of this study is to give information about association of zinc transporter proteins with physiological events and health problems.
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Zinc Signal in Brain Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18122506. [PMID: 29168792 PMCID: PMC5751109 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18122506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2017] [Revised: 11/15/2017] [Accepted: 11/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The divalent cation zinc is an integral requirement for optimal cellular processes, whereby it contributes to the function of over 300 enzymes, regulates intracellular signal transduction, and contributes to efficient synaptic transmission in the central nervous system. Given the critical role of zinc in a breadth of cellular processes, its cellular distribution and local tissue level concentrations remain tightly regulated via a series of proteins, primarily including zinc transporter and zinc import proteins. A loss of function of these regulatory pathways, or dietary alterations that result in a change in zinc homeostasis in the brain, can all lead to a myriad of pathological conditions with both acute and chronic effects on function. This review aims to highlight the role of zinc signaling in the central nervous system, where it may precipitate or potentiate diverse issues such as age-related cognitive decline, depression, Alzheimer's disease or negative outcomes following brain injury.
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Fujihara J, Yasuda T, Kimura-Kataoka K, Takinami Y, Nagao M, Takeshita H. Association of SNPs in genes encoding zinc transporters on blood zinc levels in humans. Leg Med (Tokyo) 2017; 30:28-33. [PMID: 29149619 DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2017.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2017] [Revised: 10/18/2017] [Accepted: 10/27/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Zinc homeostasis in cells depends on zinc transporters, which are divided into 2 families: ZnT (SLC30A) and ZIP (SLC39A). In this study, we examined the effect of 20 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 10 genes encoding zinc transporters on blood zinc concentration in Japanese subjects (n = 102). Blood zinc levels were determined by microwave plasma-atomic emission spectrometry, and SNPs were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. Among the 20 SNPs examined, 3 SNPs (SLC30A3 rs11126936, SLC39A8 rs233804, and SLC39A14 rs4872479) were significantly associated with blood zinc concentration. Individuals with genotype TT and TG in rs11126936 showed significantly higher blood zinc concentrations than those with GG. As for rs233804, individuals harboring the A allele had significantly higher blood zinc concentrations than those without this allele. Furthermore, the genotype TT and TG in rs4872479 had significantly higher blood zinc concentrations than those with GG. Among these three SNPs, combination of SLC30A3 rs11126936 and SLC39A8 rs233804 may strongly affect blood zinc levels. This study is the first comprehensive investigation of the effect of SNPs in genes encoding zinc transporters on blood zinc concentration. Adverse effects of zinc deficiency are reported and above 3 SNPs may be related to genetic susceptibility to zinc deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junko Fujihara
- Department of Legal Medicine, Shimane University School of Medicine, Izumo 693-8501, Japan.
| | - Toshihiro Yasuda
- Department of Medical Genetics and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Eiheiji, Fukui 910-1193, Japan
| | - Kaori Kimura-Kataoka
- Department of Legal Medicine, Shimane University School of Medicine, Izumo 693-8501, Japan
| | - Yoshikazu Takinami
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Shimane University Faculty of Medicine, Izumo 693-8501, Japan
| | - Masataka Nagao
- Department of Legal Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 734-8553, Japan
| | - Haruo Takeshita
- Department of Legal Medicine, Shimane University School of Medicine, Izumo 693-8501, Japan
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Hardt S, Heidler J, Albuquerque B, Valek L, Altmann C, Wilken-Schmitz A, Schäfer MK, Wittig I, Tegeder I. Loss of synaptic zinc transport in progranulin deficient mice may contribute to progranulin-associated psychopathology and chronic pain. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2017; 1863:2727-2745. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2017.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2017] [Revised: 06/30/2017] [Accepted: 07/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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17
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McAllister BB, Dyck RH. Zinc transporter 3 (ZnT3) and vesicular zinc in central nervous system function. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2017.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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Petrilli MA, Kranz TM, Kleinhaus K, Joe P, Getz M, Johnson P, Chao MV, Malaspina D. The Emerging Role for Zinc in Depression and Psychosis. Front Pharmacol 2017; 8:414. [PMID: 28713269 PMCID: PMC5492454 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2017.00414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2017] [Accepted: 06/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Zinc participation is essential for all physiological systems, including neural functioning, where it participates in a myriad of cellular processes. Converging clinical, molecular, and genetic discoveries illuminate key roles for zinc homeostasis in association with clinical depression and psychosis which are not yet well appreciated at the clinical interface. Intracellular deficiency may arise from low circulating zinc levels due to dietary insufficiency, or impaired absorption from aging or medical conditions, including alcoholism. A host of medications commonly administered to psychiatric patients, including anticonvulsants, oral medications for diabetes, hormones, antacids, anti-inflammatories and others also impact zinc absorption. Furthermore, inefficient genetic variants in zinc transporter molecules that transport the ion across cellular membranes impede its action even when circulating zinc concentrations is in the normal range. Well powered clinical studies have shown beneficial effects of supplemental zinc in depression and it important to pursue research using zinc as a potential therapeutic option for psychosis as well. Meta-analyses support the adjunctive use of zinc in major depression and a single study now supports zinc for psychotic symptoms. This manuscript reviews the biochemistry and bench top evidence on putative molecular mechanisms of zinc as a psychiatric treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Thorsten M Kranz
- Departments of Cell Biology, Physiology and Neuroscience, and Psychiatry, Skirball Institute of Biomolecular Medicine, New York UniversityNew York, NY, United States
| | - Karine Kleinhaus
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University School of MedicineNew York, NY, United States
| | - Peter Joe
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University School of MedicineNew York, NY, United States
| | - Mara Getz
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University School of MedicineNew York, NY, United States
| | - Porsha Johnson
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University School of MedicineNew York, NY, United States
| | - Moses V Chao
- Departments of Cell Biology, Physiology and Neuroscience, and Psychiatry, Skirball Institute of Biomolecular Medicine, New York UniversityNew York, NY, United States
| | - Dolores Malaspina
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University School of MedicineNew York, NY, United States
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