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González-Gil A, Sánchez-Maldonado B, Rojo C, Flor-García M, Queiroga FL, Ovalle S, Ramos-Ruiz R, Fuertes-Recuero M, Picazo RA. Proneurogenic actions of follicle-stimulating hormone on neurospheres derived from ovarian cortical cells in vitro. BMC Vet Res 2024; 20:372. [PMID: 39160565 PMCID: PMC11334536 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-024-04203-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neural stem and progenitor cells (NSPCs) from extra-neural origin represent a valuable tool for autologous cell therapy and research in neurogenesis. Identification of proneurogenic biomolecules on NSPCs would improve the success of cell therapies for neurodegenerative diseases. Preliminary data suggested that follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) might act in this fashion. This study was aimed to elucidate whether FSH promotes development, self-renewal, and is proneurogenic on neurospheres (NS) derived from sheep ovarian cortical cells (OCCs). Two culture strategies were carried out: (a) long-term, 21-days NS culture (control vs. FSH group) with NS morphometric evaluation, gene expression analyses of stemness and lineage markers, and immunolocalization of NSPCs antigens; (b) NS assay to demonstrate FSH actions on self-renewal and differentiation capacity of NS cultured with one of three defined media: M1: positive control with EGF/FGF2; M2: control; and M3: M2 supplemented with FSH. RESULTS In long-term cultures, FSH increased NS diameters with respect to control group (302.90 ± 25.20 μm vs. 183.20 ± 7.63 on day 9, respectively), upregulated nestin (days 15/21), Sox2 (day 21) and Pax6 (days 15/21) and increased the percentages of cells immunolocalizing these proteins. During NS assays, FSH stimulated NSCPs proliferation, and self-renewal, increasing NS diameters during the two expansion periods and the expression of the neuron precursor transcript DCX during the second one. In the FSH-group there were more frequent cell-bridges among neighbouring NS. CONCLUSIONS FSH is a proneurogenic hormone that promotes OCC-NSPCs self-renewal and NS development. Future studies will be necessary to support the proneurogenic actions of FSH and its potential use in basic and applied research related to cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfredo González-Gil
- Department of Physiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Avda. Puerta de Hierro SN, Madrid, 28040, Spain.
| | - Belén Sánchez-Maldonado
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, 28040, Spain
| | - Concepción Rojo
- Department of Anatomy and Embriology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University Complutense of Madrid, Madrid, 28040, Spain
| | - Miguel Flor-García
- Department of Molecular Neuropathology, Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa" (CBMSO), Spanish Research Council (CSIC)-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, 28049, Spain
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, 28049, Spain
| | - Felisbina Luisa Queiroga
- Centre for the Study of Animal Science, CECA-ICETA, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Quinta dos Prados, Vila Real, 5000-801, Portugal.
| | - Susana Ovalle
- Genomic Unit Cantoblanco, Fundación Parque Científico de Madrid. C/ Faraday 7, Madrid, 28049, Spain
| | - Ricardo Ramos-Ruiz
- Genomic Unit Cantoblanco, Fundación Parque Científico de Madrid. C/ Faraday 7, Madrid, 28049, Spain
| | - Manuel Fuertes-Recuero
- Department of Physiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Avda. Puerta de Hierro SN, Madrid, 28040, Spain
| | - Rosa Ana Picazo
- Department of Physiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Avda. Puerta de Hierro SN, Madrid, 28040, Spain
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Shirvani M, Nouri F, Sarihi A, Habibi P, Mohammadi M. Neuroprotective Effects of Dehydroepiandrosterone and Hericium erinaceus in Scopolamine-induced Alzheimer's Diseases-like Symptoms in Male Rats. Cell Biochem Biophys 2024:10.1007/s12013-024-01400-y. [PMID: 38990419 DOI: 10.1007/s12013-024-01400-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The neuroprotective effects of Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and Hericium erinaceus (H. erinaceus) mushroom extract against scopolamine-induced Alzheimer's disease-like symptoms in male Wistar rats were investigated. METHODS Sixty-four male Wistar rats were divided into eight groups (n = 8). Scopolamine (SCO) was intraperitoneally injected at a dose of 1 mg/kg/day for 10 days. The treatment groups orally received DHEA (250 mg/kg/day) and/or H. erinaceus (300 mg/kg/day) for 14 days. Afterward, the Morris water maze (MWM) and novel object recognition tests were implemented. Then, animals were anesthetized and the brain tissue samples were separated. Levels of lipid peroxidation (LPO), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), catalase activity (CAT), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) were determined. Also, histopathological studies were evaluated in the brain tissue samples. RESULTS Administration of SCO significantly decreased spatial and cognitive memory (p < 0.001). Not only did SCO injection significantly increase the levels of the LPO but also the SCO markedly reduced the levels of the TAC, CAT activity, and the BDNF in the brain tissue. On the other hand, a combination of the DHEA and H. erinaceus showed higher efficacy than the DHEA or H. erinaceus in attenuating behavioral anomalies and improving the antioxidant defense system and BDNF levels. Histological examination was well correlated with biochemical findings regarding SCO neurodegeneration and DHEA and/or H. erinaceus neuroprotection. CONCLUSION Interestingly, ADHE and/or H. erinaceus may due to their potential neurotrophic properties be used as a new and beneficial concurrent therapy in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease-like symptoms caused by SCO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Majid Shirvani
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Nouri
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Abodrahman Sarihi
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
- Department of Neuroscience, Neurophysiology Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Parisa Habibi
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mojdeh Mohammadi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.
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Kroeff GPH, de Castro JM, Braga HB, Bosco TD, de Oliveira TC, de Sousa Morais IT, Medeiros LF, Caumo W, Stein DJ, Torres ILS. Hormone replacement therapy did not alleviate temporomandibular joint inflammatory pain in ovariectomized rats. Odontology 2024:10.1007/s10266-024-00964-8. [PMID: 38954152 DOI: 10.1007/s10266-024-00964-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
This study had the aim of examining the relationships between variations in estrogen levels resulting from ovariectomy, and estrogen hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in rats subjected to an orofacial inflammatory pain model. Eighty adult female Wistar rats were initially divided into 2 groups: Sham or ovariectomy (OVX-D1). Seven days later (D7), the rats were subjected to an unilateral infiltration of Freund's Complete Adjuvant (CFA) or saline solution into the right temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Then, rats received 17β-estradiol (28 µg/kg/day) or placebo for 21 days (D10-D31). Nociception was evaluated by the von Frey (VF) and the Hot Plate (HP) tests, and depressive-like behavior by the Forced Swimming (FS) test. On D32 all rats were euthanized and serum, hippocampus and brainstem were collected. The CFA groups presented a mechanical hyperalgesia until day 21 (p ≤ 0.05). No differences were observed among groups in the HP (p = 0.735), and in the immobility and swimming time of the FS (p = 0.800; p = 0.998, respectively). In the brainstem, there was a significant difference in the TNF-ɑ levels (p = 0.043), and a marginal significant difference in BDNF levels (p = 0.054), without differences among groups in the hippocampal BDNF and TNF-ɑ levels (p = 0.232; p = 0.081, respectively). In conclusion, the hormone replacement therapy did not alleviate orofacial pain in ovariectomized rats. However, there is a decrease in brainstem TNF-ɑ levels in the animals submitted to both models, which was partially reverted by HRT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovana Paola Heck Kroeff
- Postgraduate Program in Biological Sciences: Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institute of Basic Health Sciences (ICBS), Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, 90050-170, Brazil
- Pharmacology of Pain and Neuromodulation Laboratory: Preclinical Investigations, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2350, Bairro Santa Cecília, Porto Alegre, RS, 90050-903, Brazil
| | - Josimar Macedo de Castro
- Pharmacology of Pain and Neuromodulation Laboratory: Preclinical Investigations, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2350, Bairro Santa Cecília, Porto Alegre, RS, 90050-903, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Medicine: Medical Sciences, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, RS, 90050-170, Brazil
| | - Hemily Barbosa Braga
- Pharmacology of Pain and Neuromodulation Laboratory: Preclinical Investigations, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2350, Bairro Santa Cecília, Porto Alegre, RS, 90050-903, Brazil
| | - Tenille Dal Bosco
- Pharmacology of Pain and Neuromodulation Laboratory: Preclinical Investigations, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2350, Bairro Santa Cecília, Porto Alegre, RS, 90050-903, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Medicine: Medical Sciences, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, RS, 90050-170, Brazil
| | - Thais Collioni de Oliveira
- Pharmacology of Pain and Neuromodulation Laboratory: Preclinical Investigations, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2350, Bairro Santa Cecília, Porto Alegre, RS, 90050-903, Brazil
| | - Iala Thais de Sousa Morais
- Postgraduate Program in Biological Sciences: Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institute of Basic Health Sciences (ICBS), Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, 90050-170, Brazil
- Pharmacology of Pain and Neuromodulation Laboratory: Preclinical Investigations, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2350, Bairro Santa Cecília, Porto Alegre, RS, 90050-903, Brazil
| | - Liciane Fernandes Medeiros
- Pharmacology of Pain and Neuromodulation Laboratory: Preclinical Investigations, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2350, Bairro Santa Cecília, Porto Alegre, RS, 90050-903, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Health and Human Development, Universidade La Salle, Canoas, RS, 92010-000, Brazil
| | - Wolnei Caumo
- Pharmacology of Pain and Neuromodulation Laboratory: Preclinical Investigations, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2350, Bairro Santa Cecília, Porto Alegre, RS, 90050-903, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Medicine: Medical Sciences, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, RS, 90050-170, Brazil
| | - Dirson J Stein
- Pharmacology of Pain and Neuromodulation Laboratory: Preclinical Investigations, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2350, Bairro Santa Cecília, Porto Alegre, RS, 90050-903, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Medicine: Medical Sciences, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, RS, 90050-170, Brazil
| | - Iraci L S Torres
- Postgraduate Program in Biological Sciences: Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institute of Basic Health Sciences (ICBS), Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, 90050-170, Brazil.
- Pharmacology of Pain and Neuromodulation Laboratory: Preclinical Investigations, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2350, Bairro Santa Cecília, Porto Alegre, RS, 90050-903, Brazil.
- Postgraduate Program in Medicine: Medical Sciences, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, RS, 90050-170, Brazil.
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Lu H, Wu Q, Liu Z, Li S. Impact of ovariectomy on neurotransmitter receptors BDNF/TrkB and endoplasmic reticulum molecular chaperones in rat hypoglossal nucleus. Sleep Biol Rhythms 2024; 22:363-372. [PMID: 38962802 PMCID: PMC11217223 DOI: 10.1007/s41105-024-00520-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
Currently hypoglossal nerve-genioglossus axis is the major research core of OSA pathogenesis. The pathogenesis of OSA incidence changes before and after menopause needs to be clarified further. Little is known about the influences of ovariectomy on hypoglossal motoneurons. In the research, we utilized a rat ovariectomy model to evaluate the expression changes of 5-HT2A and α1-Adrenergic receptors in the hypoglossal nucleus and to explore the involvement of BDNF/TrkB signaling and endoplasmic reticulum molecular chaperones in the hypoglossal nucleus. Results indicated that the expression of 5-HT2A and α1-Adrenergic receptors reduced dramatically in the hypoglossal nucleus of ovariectomized rats. The apoptosis level of hypoglossal motor neurons increased markedly in the OVX groups. The up-regulated expression of BDNF and down-regulated expression of TrkB were found in the OVX groups. Ovarian insufficiency resulted in the activation of UPR and the loss of CANX-CALR cycle. Estrogen replacement could restore these changes partially. Estrogen level influences the expression of neurotransmitter receptors, and regulates BDNF/TrkB signaling compensation and endoplasmic reticulum homeostasis, which might be one of the pathogenesis of menopausal female OSA. The results reveal a new perspective for studying female OSA from the view of hypoglossal nerve and hormonal changes and attempt to propel 17β-estradiol toward a feasible therapy for female OSA. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s41105-024-00520-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Lu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Fenglin Road 180, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Qinhan Wu
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Fenglin Road 180, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Zilong Liu
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Fenglin Road 180, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Shanqun Li
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Fenglin Road 180, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032 China
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5
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Rezaei S, Prévot TD, Vieira E, Sibille E. LPS-induced inflammation reduces GABAergic interneuron markers and brain-derived neurotrophic factor in mouse prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. Brain Behav Immun Health 2024; 38:100761. [PMID: 38586282 PMCID: PMC10992730 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2024.100761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Inflammation, reduced gamma-aminobutyric acidergic (GABAergic) function and altered neuroplasticity are co-occurring pathophysiologies in major depressive disorder (MDD). However, the link between these biological changes remains unclear. We hypothesized that inflammation induces deficits in GABAergic interneuron markers and that this effect is mediated by brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). We report here that systemic inflammation induced by intraperitoneal injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2 mg/kg) in the first cohort of C57BL/6 mice (n = 72; 10-11 weeks; 50% female) resulted in increased interleukin 1-beta and interleukin-6 in prefrontal cortex (PFC) and hippocampus (HPC), as measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Quantitative real-time polymerase reaction (qPCR) was used to explore the effect of LPS on the expression of GABAergic interneuron markers. In the PFC of the second cohort (n = 39; 10-11 weeks; 50% female), 2 mg/kg of LPS decreased the expression of somatostatin (Sst) (p = 0.0014), parvalbumin (Pv) (p = 0.0257), cortistatin (Cort) (p = 0.0003), neuropeptide Y (Npy) (p = 0.0033) and cholecystokinin (Cck) (p = 0.0041), and did not affect corticotropin-releasing hormone (Crh) and vasoactive intestinal peptide (Vip) expression. In the HPC, 2 mg/kg of LPS decreased the expression of Sst (p = 0.0543), Cort (p = 0.0011), Npy (p = 0.0001), and Cck (p < 0.0001), and did not affect Crh, Pv, and Vip expression. LPS decreased the expression of Bdnf in the PFC (p < 0.0001) and HPC (p = 0.0003), which significantly correlated with affected markers (Sst, Pv, Cort, Cck, and Npy). Collectively, these results suggest that inflammation may causally contribute to cortical cell microcircuit GABAergic deficits observed in MDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Rezaei
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5S 1A8, Canada
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute at CAMH, Toronto, M5T 1R8, Canada
| | - Thomas D. Prévot
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute at CAMH, Toronto, M5T 1R8, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5T 1R8, Canada
| | - Erica Vieira
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute at CAMH, Toronto, M5T 1R8, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5T 1R8, Canada
| | - Etienne Sibille
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5S 1A8, Canada
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute at CAMH, Toronto, M5T 1R8, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5T 1R8, Canada
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6
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Burmistrov DE, Gudkov SV, Franceschi C, Vedunova MV. Sex as a Determinant of Age-Related Changes in the Brain. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7122. [PMID: 39000227 PMCID: PMC11241365 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25137122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2024] [Revised: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The notion of notable anatomical, biochemical, and behavioral distinctions within male and female brains has been a contentious topic of interest within the scientific community over several decades. Advancements in neuroimaging and molecular biological techniques have increasingly elucidated common mechanisms characterizing brain aging while also revealing disparities between sexes in these processes. Variations in cognitive functions; susceptibility to and progression of neurodegenerative conditions, notably Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases; and notable disparities in life expectancy between sexes, underscore the significance of evaluating aging within the framework of gender differences. This comprehensive review surveys contemporary literature on the restructuring of brain structures and fundamental processes unfolding in the aging brain at cellular and molecular levels, with a focus on gender distinctions. Additionally, the review delves into age-related cognitive alterations, exploring factors influencing the acceleration or deceleration of aging, with particular attention to estrogen's hormonal support of the central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dmitriy E. Burmistrov
- Prokhorov General Physics Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 38 Vavilova St., 119991 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Sergey V. Gudkov
- Prokhorov General Physics Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 38 Vavilova St., 119991 Moscow, Russia;
- Institute of Biology and Biomedicine, Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, 23 Gagarin Ave., 603022 Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - Claudio Franceschi
- Institute of Biology and Biomedicine, Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, 23 Gagarin Ave., 603022 Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - Maria V. Vedunova
- Institute of Biology and Biomedicine, Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, 23 Gagarin Ave., 603022 Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
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7
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Vadlamudi L, Ashley DP, Voinescu PE. Insights into neurosteroids and their role in women with epilepsy. Front Glob Womens Health 2024; 5:1363470. [PMID: 38933454 PMCID: PMC11203993 DOI: 10.3389/fgwh.2024.1363470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy, is a serious neurological condition, characterized by recurring, unprovoked seizures and affects over 50 million people worldwide. Epilepsy has an equal prevalence in males and females, and occurs throughout the life span. Women with epilepsy (WWE) present with unique challenges due to the cyclical fluctuation of sex steroid hormone concentrations during their life course. These shifts in sex steroid hormones and their metabolites are intricately intertwined with seizure susceptibility and affect epilepsy during the life course of women in a complex manner. Here we present a review encompassing neurosteroids-steroids that act on the brain regardless of their site of synthesis in the body; the role of neurosteroids in women with epilepsy through their life-course; exogenous neurosteroid trials; and future research directions. The focus of this review is on progesterone and its derived neurosteroids, given the extensive basic research that supports their role in modulating neuronal excitability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lata Vadlamudi
- UQ Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Department of Neurology, Royal Brisbane & Women’s Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Daniel Paul Ashley
- The Ochsner Clinical School, Ochsner Health, New Orleans, LA, United States
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - P. Emanuela Voinescu
- Department of Neurology—Division of Epilepsy, Division of Women’s Health, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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Been LE, Halliday AR, Blossom SM, Bien EM, Bernhard AG, Roth GE, Domenech Rosario KI, Pollock KB, Abramenko PE, Behbehani LM, Pascal GJ, Kelly ME. Long-Term Oral Tamoxifen Administration Decreases Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in the Hippocampus of Female Long-Evans Rats. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1373. [PMID: 38611051 PMCID: PMC11010888 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16071373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Tamoxifen, a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM), is commonly used as an adjuvant drug therapy for estrogen-receptor-positive breast cancers. Though effective at reducing the rate of cancer recurrence, patients often report unwanted cognitive and affective side effects. Despite this, the impacts of chronic tamoxifen exposure on the brain are poorly understood, and rodent models of tamoxifen exposure do not replicate the chronic oral administration seen in patients. We, therefore, used long-term ad lib consumption of medicated food pellets to model chronic tamoxifen exposure in a clinically relevant way. Adult female Long-Evans Hooded rats consumed tamoxifen-medicated food pellets for approximately 12 weeks, while control animals received standard chow. At the conclusion of the experiment, blood and brain samples were collected for analyses. Blood tamoxifen levels were measured using a novel ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry assay, which found that this administration paradigm produced serum levels of tamoxifen similar to those in human patients. In the brain, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) was visualized in the hippocampus using immunohistochemistry. Chronic oral tamoxifen treatment resulted in a decrease in BDNF expression across several regions of the hippocampus. These findings provide a novel method of modeling and measuring chronic oral tamoxifen exposure and suggest a putative mechanism by which tamoxifen may cause cognitive and behavioral changes reported by patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura E. Been
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, Haverford College, Haverford, PA 19041, USA; (A.R.H.); (S.M.B.); (E.M.B.); (A.G.B.); (G.E.R.); (K.I.D.R.); (K.B.P.); (P.E.A.); (L.M.B.); (G.J.P.); (M.E.K.)
| | - Amanda R. Halliday
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, Haverford College, Haverford, PA 19041, USA; (A.R.H.); (S.M.B.); (E.M.B.); (A.G.B.); (G.E.R.); (K.I.D.R.); (K.B.P.); (P.E.A.); (L.M.B.); (G.J.P.); (M.E.K.)
| | - Sarah M. Blossom
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, Haverford College, Haverford, PA 19041, USA; (A.R.H.); (S.M.B.); (E.M.B.); (A.G.B.); (G.E.R.); (K.I.D.R.); (K.B.P.); (P.E.A.); (L.M.B.); (G.J.P.); (M.E.K.)
| | - Elena M. Bien
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, Haverford College, Haverford, PA 19041, USA; (A.R.H.); (S.M.B.); (E.M.B.); (A.G.B.); (G.E.R.); (K.I.D.R.); (K.B.P.); (P.E.A.); (L.M.B.); (G.J.P.); (M.E.K.)
| | - Anya G. Bernhard
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, Haverford College, Haverford, PA 19041, USA; (A.R.H.); (S.M.B.); (E.M.B.); (A.G.B.); (G.E.R.); (K.I.D.R.); (K.B.P.); (P.E.A.); (L.M.B.); (G.J.P.); (M.E.K.)
| | - Grayson E. Roth
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, Haverford College, Haverford, PA 19041, USA; (A.R.H.); (S.M.B.); (E.M.B.); (A.G.B.); (G.E.R.); (K.I.D.R.); (K.B.P.); (P.E.A.); (L.M.B.); (G.J.P.); (M.E.K.)
| | - Karina I. Domenech Rosario
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, Haverford College, Haverford, PA 19041, USA; (A.R.H.); (S.M.B.); (E.M.B.); (A.G.B.); (G.E.R.); (K.I.D.R.); (K.B.P.); (P.E.A.); (L.M.B.); (G.J.P.); (M.E.K.)
| | - Karlie B. Pollock
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, Haverford College, Haverford, PA 19041, USA; (A.R.H.); (S.M.B.); (E.M.B.); (A.G.B.); (G.E.R.); (K.I.D.R.); (K.B.P.); (P.E.A.); (L.M.B.); (G.J.P.); (M.E.K.)
| | - Petra E. Abramenko
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, Haverford College, Haverford, PA 19041, USA; (A.R.H.); (S.M.B.); (E.M.B.); (A.G.B.); (G.E.R.); (K.I.D.R.); (K.B.P.); (P.E.A.); (L.M.B.); (G.J.P.); (M.E.K.)
| | - Leily M. Behbehani
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, Haverford College, Haverford, PA 19041, USA; (A.R.H.); (S.M.B.); (E.M.B.); (A.G.B.); (G.E.R.); (K.I.D.R.); (K.B.P.); (P.E.A.); (L.M.B.); (G.J.P.); (M.E.K.)
| | - Gabriel J. Pascal
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, Haverford College, Haverford, PA 19041, USA; (A.R.H.); (S.M.B.); (E.M.B.); (A.G.B.); (G.E.R.); (K.I.D.R.); (K.B.P.); (P.E.A.); (L.M.B.); (G.J.P.); (M.E.K.)
| | - Mary Ellen Kelly
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, Haverford College, Haverford, PA 19041, USA; (A.R.H.); (S.M.B.); (E.M.B.); (A.G.B.); (G.E.R.); (K.I.D.R.); (K.B.P.); (P.E.A.); (L.M.B.); (G.J.P.); (M.E.K.)
- Neuroscience Program, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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9
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Kim GW, Park K, Kim YH, Jeong GW. Altered brain morphology and functional connectivity in postmenopausal women: automatic segmentation of whole-brain and thalamic subnuclei and resting-state fMRI. Aging (Albany NY) 2024; 16:4965-4979. [PMID: 38526330 PMCID: PMC11006480 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205662] [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: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
The transition to menopause is associated with various physiological changes, including alterations in brain structure and function. However, menopause-related structural and functional changes are poorly understood. The purpose of this study was not only to compare the brain volume changes between premenopausal and postmenopausal women, but also to evaluate the functional connectivity between the targeted brain regions associated with structural atrophy in postmenopausal women. Each 21 premenopausal and postmenopausal women underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). T1-weighted MRI and resting-state functional MRI data were used to compare the brain volume and seed-based functional connectivity, respectively. In statistical analysis, multivariate analysis of variance, with age and whole brain volume as covariates, was used to evaluate surface areas and subcortical volumes between the two groups. Postmenopausal women showed significantly smaller cortical surface, especially in the left medial orbitofrontal cortex (mOFC), right superior temporal cortex, and right lateral orbitofrontal cortex, compared to premenopausal women (p < 0.05, Bonferroni-corrected) as well as significantly decreased functional connectivity between the left mOFC and the right thalamus was observed (p < 0.005, Monte-Carlo corrected). Although postmenopausal women did not show volume atrophy in the right thalamus, the volume of the right pulvinar anterior, which is one of the distinguished thalamic subnuclei, was significantly decreased (p < 0.05, Bonferroni-corrected). Taken together, our findings suggest that diminished brain volume and functional connectivity may be linked to menopause-related symptoms caused by the lower sex hormone levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gwang-Won Kim
- Advanced Institute of Aging Science, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwangsung Park
- Advanced Institute of Aging Science, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea
- Department of Urology, Chonnam National University Hospital, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju 61469, Republic of Korea
| | - Yun-Hyeon Kim
- Department of Radiology, Chonnam National University Hospital, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju 61469, Republic of Korea
| | - Gwang-Woo Jeong
- Department of Radiology, Chonnam National University Hospital, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju 61469, Republic of Korea
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10
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Jana S, Giri B, Das S, Manna A, Mandal SC, Ranjan Jana N. Azadiradione up-regulates the expression of parvalbumin and BDNF via Ube3a. Gene 2024; 897:148081. [PMID: 38101713 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2023.148081] [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: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Azadiradione is a small bioactive limonoid found in the seed of Azadirachta Indica, an Indian medicinal plant commonly known as Neem. Recently, it has been shown to ameliorate the disease pathology in fly and mouse model of Huntington's disease by restoring impaired proteostasis. Here we report that the azadiradione could be involved in modulating the synaptic function through increased expression of Ube3a, a dual function protein having ubiquitin ligase and co-activator functions and associated with Angelman syndrome and autism. Treatment of azadiradione to HT22 hippocampal cell line and in adult mice induced the expression of Ube3a as well as two important synaptic function and plasticity regulating proteins, parvalbumin and brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF). Interestingly, another synaptic plasticity modulating protein Arc (activity-regulated cytoskeletal associated protein) was down-regulated by azadiradione. Partial knockdown of Ube3a in HT22 cell abrogated azadiradione induced expression of parvalbumin and BDNF. Ube3a-maternal deficient mice also exhibited significantly decreased expression of parvalbumin and BDNF in their brain and treatment of azadiradione in these animals did not rescue the altered expression of either parvalbumin or BDNF. These results indicate that azadiradione-induced expression of parvalbumin and BDNF in the brain is mediated through Ube3a and suggest that azadiradione could be implicated in restoring synaptic dysfunction in many neuropsychiatric/neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudipta Jana
- School of Bioscience, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur 721302, India
| | - Bhaskarjyoti Giri
- School of Bioscience, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur 721302, India
| | - Sagarika Das
- School of Bioscience, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur 721302, India
| | - Anirban Manna
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Bose Institute, Kolkata 700054, India
| | - Subhash C Mandal
- Division of Pharmacognosy, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Jadavpur University, Jadavpur, Kolkata 700032, India
| | - Nihar Ranjan Jana
- School of Bioscience, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur 721302, India.
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11
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Sun Q, Li G, Zhao F, Dong M, Xie W, Liu Q, Yang W, Cui R. Role of estrogen in treatment of female depression. Aging (Albany NY) 2024; 16:3021-3042. [PMID: 38309292 PMCID: PMC10911346 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205507] [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: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
Depression is a neurological disorder that profoundly affects human physical and mental health, resulting in various changes in the central nervous system. Despite several prominent hypotheses, such as the monoaminergic theory, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis theory, neuroinflammation, and neuroplasticity, the current understanding of depression's pathogenesis remains incomplete. Importantly, depression is a gender-dimorphic disorder, with women exhibiting higher incidence rates than men. Given estrogen's pivotal role in the menstrual cycle, it is reasonable to postulate that its fluctuating levels could contribute to the pathogenesis of depression. Estrogen acts by binding to a diversity of receptors, which are widely distributed in the central nervous system. An abundance of research has established that estrogen and its receptors play a crucial role in depression, spanning pathogenesis and treatment. In this comprehensive review, we provide an in-depth analysis of the fundamental role of estrogen and its receptors in depression, with a focus on neuroinflammation, neuroendocrinology, and neuroplasticity. Furthermore, we discuss potential mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of estrogen in the treatment of depression, which may pave the way for new antidepressant drug development and alternative treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qihan Sun
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130000, P.R. China
| | - Guangquan Li
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130000, P.R. China
| | - Fangyi Zhao
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130000, P.R. China
| | - Mengmeng Dong
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130000, P.R. China
| | - Wei Xie
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130000, P.R. China
| | - Qianqian Liu
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130000, P.R. China
| | - Wei Yang
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130041, P.R. China
| | - Ranji Cui
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130000, P.R. China
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12
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Yarmohammadi-Samani P, Vatanparast J. Sex-specific dendritic morphology of hippocampal pyramidal neurons in the adolescent and young adult rats. Int J Dev Neurosci 2024; 84:47-63. [PMID: 37933732 DOI: 10.1002/jdn.10307] [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: 06/17/2023] [Revised: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
CA1 and CA3 pyramidal neurons are the major sources of hippocampal efferents. The structural features of these neurons are presumed to be involved in various normal/abnormal cognitive and emotional outcomes by influencing the pattern of synaptic inputs and neuronal signal processing. Although many studies have described hippocampal structure differences between males and females, these reports mainly focused on gross anatomical features in adult or aged models, and such distinctions on neuronal morphology and dendritic spine density during adolescence, a period of high vulnerability to neurodevelopmental disorders, have received much less attention. In this work, we analyzed dendritic architecture and density of spines in CA1 and CA3 neurons of male and female rats in early adolescence (postnatal day, PND 40) and compared them with those in late adolescence/young adulthood (PND 60). On PND 40, CA1 neurons of male rats showed more Sholl intersections and spine density in apical and basal dendrites compared to those in females. The Sholl intersections in basal dendrites of CA3 neurons were also more in males, whereas the number of apical dendrite intersections was not significantly different between sexes. In male rats, there was a notable decrease in the number of branch and terminal points in the basal dendrite of CA1 neurons of young adults when compared to their sex-matched adolescent rats. On the other hand, CA1 neurons in young adult females also showed more Sholl intersections in apical and basal dendrites compared to adolescent females. Meanwhile, the total cable length, the number of branches, and terminal points of apical dendrites in CA3 neurons also exhibited a significant reduction in young adult male rats compared to their sex-matched adolescents. In young adult rats, both apical and basal dendrites of CA3 neurons in males showed fewer intersections with Sholl circles, but there were no significant differences in dendritic spine density or count estimation between males and females. On the other hand, young adult female rats had more Sholl intersections and dendritic spine count on the basal dendrites of CA3 neurons compared to adolescent females. Although no significant sex- and age-dependent difference in neuronal density was detected in CA1 and CA3 subareas, CA3 pyramidal neurons of both male and female rats showed reduced soma area compared to adolescent rats. Our findings show that the sex differences in the dendritic structure of CA1 and CA3 neurons vary by age and also by the compartments of dendritic arbors. Such variations in the morphology of hippocampal pyramidal neurons may take part as a basis for normal cognitive and affective differences between the sexes, as well as distinct sensitivity to interfering factors and the prevalence of neuropsychological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jafar Vatanparast
- Department of Biology, School of Science, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
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13
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Viudez-Martínez A, Torregrosa AB, Navarrete F, García-Gutiérrez MS. Understanding the Biological Relationship between Migraine and Depression. Biomolecules 2024; 14:163. [PMID: 38397400 PMCID: PMC10886628 DOI: 10.3390/biom14020163] [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: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Migraine is a highly prevalent neurological disorder. Among the risk factors identified, psychiatric comorbidities, such as depression, seem to play an important role in its onset and clinical course. Patients with migraine are 2.5 times more likely to develop a depressive disorder; this risk becomes even higher in patients suffering from chronic migraine or migraine with aura. This relationship is bidirectional, since depression also predicts an earlier/worse onset of migraine, increasing the risk of migraine chronicity and, consequently, requiring a higher healthcare expenditure compared to migraine alone. All these data suggest that migraine and depression may share overlapping biological mechanisms. Herein, this review explores this topic in further detail: firstly, by introducing the common epidemiological and risk factors for this comorbidity; secondly, by focusing on providing the cumulative evidence of common biological aspects, with a particular emphasis on the serotoninergic system, neuropeptides such as calcitonin-gene-related peptide (CGRP), pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP), substance P, neuropeptide Y and orexins, sexual hormones, and the immune system; lastly, by remarking on the future challenges required to elucidate the etiopathological mechanisms of migraine and depression and providing updated information regarding new key targets for the pharmacological treatment of these clinical entities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrián Viudez-Martínez
- Hospital Pharmacy Service, Hospital General Dr. Balmis de Alicante, 03010 Alicante, Spain;
| | - Abraham B. Torregrosa
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández, 03550 San Juan de Alicante, Spain; (A.B.T.); (F.N.)
- Research Network on Primary Addictions, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, MICINN and FEDER, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de Alicante (ISABIAL), 03010 Alicante, Spain
| | - Francisco Navarrete
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández, 03550 San Juan de Alicante, Spain; (A.B.T.); (F.N.)
- Research Network on Primary Addictions, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, MICINN and FEDER, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de Alicante (ISABIAL), 03010 Alicante, Spain
| | - María Salud García-Gutiérrez
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández, 03550 San Juan de Alicante, Spain; (A.B.T.); (F.N.)
- Research Network on Primary Addictions, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, MICINN and FEDER, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de Alicante (ISABIAL), 03010 Alicante, Spain
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14
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Le AA, Lauterborn JC, Jia Y, Cox CD, Lynch G, Gall CM. Metabotropic NMDA Receptor Signaling Contributes to Sex Differences in Synaptic Plasticity and Episodic Memory. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.26.577478. [PMID: 38328108 PMCID: PMC10849651 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.26.577478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Men generally outperform women on encoding spatial components of episodic memory whereas the reverse holds for semantic elements. Here we show that female mice outperform males on tests for non-spatial aspects of episodic memory ("what", "when"), suggesting that the human findings are influenced by neurobiological factors common to mammals. Analysis of hippocampal synaptic plasticity mechanisms and encoding revealed unprecedented, sex-specific contributions of non-classical metabotropic NMDA receptor (NMDAR) functions. While both sexes used non-ionic NMDAR signaling to trigger actin polymerization needed to consolidate long-term potentiation (LTP), NMDAR GluN2B subunit antagonism blocked these effects in males only and had the corresponding sex-specific effect on episodic memory. Conversely, blocking estrogen receptor alpha eliminated metabotropic stabilization of LTP and episodic memory in females only. The results show that sex differences in metabotropic signaling critical for enduring synaptic plasticity in hippocampus have significant consequences for encoding episodic memories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aliza A. Le
- Departments of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California; Irvine, 92697, USA
| | - Julie C. Lauterborn
- Departments of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California; Irvine, 92697, USA
| | - Yousheng Jia
- Departments of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California; Irvine, 92697, USA
| | - Conor D. Cox
- Departments of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California; Irvine, 92697, USA
| | - Gary Lynch
- Departments of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California; Irvine, 92697, USA
- Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of California; Irvine, 92868, USA
| | - Christine M. Gall
- Departments of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California; Irvine, 92697, USA
- Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California; Irvine, 92697, USA
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15
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Liang G, Kow ASF, Yusof R, Tham CL, Ho YC, Lee MT. Menopause-Associated Depression: Impact of Oxidative Stress and Neuroinflammation on the Central Nervous System-A Review. Biomedicines 2024; 12:184. [PMID: 38255289 PMCID: PMC10813042 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12010184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Perimenopausal depression, occurring shortly before or after menopause, is characterized by symptoms such as emotional depression, anxiety, and stress, often accompanied by endocrine dysfunction, particularly hypogonadism and senescence. Current treatments for perimenopausal depression primarily provide symptomatic relief but often come with undesirable side effects. The development of agents targeting the specific pathologies of perimenopausal depression has been relatively slow. The erratic fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone levels during the perimenopausal stage expose women to the risk of developing perimenopausal-associated depression. These hormonal changes trigger the production of proinflammatory mediators and induce oxidative stress, leading to progressive neuronal damage. This review serves as a comprehensive overview of the underlying mechanisms contributing to perimenopausal depression. It aims to shed light on the complex relationship between perimenopausal hormones, neurotransmitters, brain-derived neurotrophic factors, chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and perimenopausal depression. By summarizing the intricate interplay between hormonal fluctuations, neurotransmitter activity, brain-derived neurotrophic factors, chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and perimenopausal depression, this review aims to stimulate further research in this field. The hope is that an increased understanding of these mechanisms will pave the way for the development of more effective therapeutic targets, ultimately reducing the risk of depression during the menopausal stage for the betterment of psychological wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gengfan Liang
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UCSI University, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
| | | | - Rohana Yusof
- Faculty of Applied Sciences, UCSI University, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
| | - Chau Ling Tham
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia
- Natural Medicines and Products Research Laboratory (NaturMeds), Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Yu-Cheng Ho
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung City 82445, Taiwan
| | - Ming Tatt Lee
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UCSI University, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
- Centre of Research for Mental Health and Well-Being, UCSI University, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
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16
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Li J, Xiao WH, Ye F, Tang XW, Jia QF, Zhang XB. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor, sex hormones and cognitive decline in male patients with schizophrenia receiving continuous antipsychotic therapy. World J Psychiatry 2023; 13:995-1004. [PMID: 38186728 PMCID: PMC10768483 DOI: 10.5498/wjp.v13.i12.995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are systematic differences in clinical features between women and men with schizophrenia (SCZ). The regulation of sex hormones may play a potential role in abnormal neurodevelopment in SCZ. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and sex hormones have complex interacting actions that contribute to the etiology of SCZ. AIM To investigate the influence of BDNF and sex hormones on cognition and clinical symptomatology in chronic antipsychotic-treated male SCZ patients. METHODS The serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol (E2), progesterone, testosterone (T), prolactin (PRL) and BDNF were compared between chronic antipsychotic-treated male (CATM) patients with SCZ (n = 120) and healthy controls (n = 120). The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale was used to quantify SCZ symptoms, while neuropsychological tests were used to assess cognition. Neuropsychological tests, such as the Digit Cancellation Test (DCT), Semantic Verbal Fluency (SVF), Spatial Span Test (SS), Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT), Trail Making Task (TMT-A), and Block Design Test (BDT), were used to assess executive functions (BDT), attention (DCT, TMT-A), memory (SS, PASAT), and verbal proficiency (SVF). RESULTS Although E2 levels were significantly lower in the patient group compared to the healthy controls, T, PRL, and LH levels were all significantly higher. Additionally, the analysis revealed that across the entire sample, there were positive correlations between E2 Levels and BDNF levels as well as BDNF levels and the digital cancellation time. In CATM patients with SCZ, a significant correlation between the negative symptoms score and PRL levels was observed. CONCLUSION Sex hormones and BDNF levels may also be linked to cognitive function in patients with chronic SCZ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Li
- Department of Psychiatry, The Affiliated Guangji Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215137, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Wen-Huan Xiao
- Department of Psychiatry, Affiliated Wutaishan Hospital of Medical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225000, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Fei Ye
- Department of Psychiatry, Affiliated Wutaishan Hospital of Medical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225000, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xiao-Wei Tang
- Department of Psychiatry, Affiliated Wutaishan Hospital of Medical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225000, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Qiu-Fang Jia
- Department of Psychiatry, The Affiliated Guangji Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215137, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xiao-Bin Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry, The Affiliated Guangji Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215137, Jiangsu Province, China
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17
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Jaehne EJ, Semaan H, Grosman A, Xu X, Schwarz Q, van den Buuse M. Enhanced methamphetamine sensitisation in a rat model of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor Val66Met variant: Sex differences and dopamine receptor gene expression. Neuropharmacology 2023; 240:109719. [PMID: 37742717 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2023.109719] [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: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and the Val66Met polymorphism may play a role in the development of psychosis and schizophrenia. The aim of this study was to investigate long-term effects of methamphetamine (Meth) on psychosis-like behaviour and dopamine receptor and dopamine transporter gene expression in a novel rat model of the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism. At the end of a 7-day subchronic Meth treatment, female rats with the Met/Met genotype selectively showed locomotor hyperactivity sensitisation to the acute effect of Meth. Male rats showed tolerance to Meth irrespective of Val66Met genotype. Two weeks later, female Met/Met rats showed increased locomotor activity following both saline treatment or a low dose of Meth, a hyperactivity which was not observed in other genotypes or in males. Baseline PPI did not differ between the groups but the disruption of PPI by acute treatment with apomorphine was absent in Meth-pretreated Met/Met rats. Female Met/Met rats selectively showed down-regulation of dopamine D2 receptor gene expression in striatum. Behavioural effects of MK-801 or its locomotor sensitisation by prior Meth pretreatment were not influenced by genotype. These data suggest a selective vulnerability of female Met/Met rats to short-term and long-term effects of Meth, which could model increased vulnerability to psychosis development associated with the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily J Jaehne
- Department of Psychology and Counselling, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Hayette Semaan
- Department of Psychology and Counselling, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Adam Grosman
- Department of Psychology and Counselling, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Xiangjun Xu
- Centre for Cancer Biology, SA Pathology and University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Quenten Schwarz
- Centre for Cancer Biology, SA Pathology and University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Maarten van den Buuse
- Department of Psychology and Counselling, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Pharmacology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.
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18
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Kraemer RR, Kraemer BR. The effects of peripheral hormone responses to exercise on adult hippocampal neurogenesis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1202349. [PMID: 38084331 PMCID: PMC10710532 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1202349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the last decade, a considerable amount of new data have revealed the beneficial effects of exercise on hippocampal neurogenesis and the maintenance or improvement of cognitive function. Investigations with animal models, as well as human studies, have yielded novel understanding of the mechanisms through which endocrine signaling can stimulate neurogenesis, as well as the effects of exercise on acute and/or chronic levels of these circulating hormones. Considering the effects of aging on the decline of specific endocrine factors that affect brain health, insights in this area of research are particularly important. In this review, we discuss how different forms of exercise influence the peripheral production of specific endocrine factors, with particular emphasis on brain-derived neurotrophic factor, growth hormone, insulin-like growth factor-1, ghrelin, estrogen, testosterone, irisin, vascular endothelial growth factor, erythropoietin, and cortisol. We also describe mechanisms through which these endocrine responses to exercise induce cellular changes that increase hippocampal neurogenesis and improve cognitive function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert R. Kraemer
- Department of Kinesiology and Health Studies, Southeastern Louisiana University, Hammond, LA, United States
| | - Bradley R. Kraemer
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alabama in Huntsville, Huntsville, AL, United States
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19
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Bahramnejad E, Barney ER, Lester S, Hurtado A, Thompson T, Watkins JC, Hammer MF. Greater female than male resilience to mortality and morbidity in the Scn8a mouse model of pediatric epilepsy. Int J Neurosci 2023:1-13. [PMID: 37929583 DOI: 10.1080/00207454.2023.2279497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Females and males of all ages are affected by epilepsy; however, unlike many clinical studies, most preclinical research has focused on males. Genetic variants in the voltage-gated sodium channel gene, SCN8A, are associated with a broad spectrum of neurological and epileptic syndromes. Here we investigate sex differences in the natural history of the Scn8a-N1768D knockin mouse model of pediatric epilepsy. METHODS We utilize 24/7 video to monitor juveniles and adults of both sexes to investigate variability in seizure activity (e.g. onset and frequency), mortality and morbidity, response to cannabinoids, and mode of death. We also monitor sleep architecture using a noninvasive piezoelectric method in order to identify factors that influence seizure severity and outcome. RESULTS Both sexes had nearly 100% penetrance in seizure onset and early mortality. However, adult heterozygous (D/+) females were more resilient as exhibited by the ability to tolerate more seizures over a longer lifespan. Homozygous (D/D) juveniles did not exhibit a sex difference in overall survival. Female estrus cycle was disrupted before seizure onset, while sleep was disrupted in both sexes in association with seizure onset. Females typically died while in convulsive status epilepticus; however, a high proportion of males died while not experiencing behavioral seizures. Only juvenile and adult males benefited from cannabinoid administration. CONCLUSIONS These results support the hypothesis that factors associated with sexual differentiation play a role in the neurobiology of epilepsy and point to the importance of including both sexes in the design of studies to identify new epilepsy therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erfan Bahramnejad
- Graduate Program in Pharmacology, University of Arizona, Tucson Arizona, AZ, USA
| | - Emily R Barney
- BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson Arizona, AZ, USA
| | - Sarah Lester
- BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson Arizona, AZ, USA
| | - Aurora Hurtado
- BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson Arizona, AZ, USA
| | | | - Joseph C Watkins
- Department of Mathematics, University of Arizona, Tucson Arizona, AZ, USA
| | - Michael F Hammer
- BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson Arizona, AZ, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Arizona, Tucson Arizona, AZ, USA
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20
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Bacopoulou F, Angelopoulos NG, Papadodima S, Apostolaki D, Mantzou A, Koniari E, Efthymiou V, Tsitsika A, Vlachakis D, Charmandari E, Stefanaki C. Serum concentrations of BDNF in adolescents with metabolic syndrome: a case-control study between normal - BMI adolescents and adolescents with obesity. Eur J Pediatr 2023; 182:4595-4603. [PMID: 37548699 PMCID: PMC10587278 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-023-05129-3] [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: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) has been linked to various conditions of the cardiovascular and nervous systems. Scarce data exist about the concentrations of BDNF in children and adolescents in relation with obesity and metabolic syndrome (MetS). The aim of this study was to examine the serum BDNF concentrations in adolescents with metabolic syndrome and according to their body mass index (BMI) status. This was a case-control study, assessing BDNF concentrations between adolescents with MetS (with obesity vs. normal-BMI), in relation to sex, anthropometric, metabolic and endocrine parameters. Participants included male and female adolescents, whose anthropometric and metabolic panel, as well as serum BDNF concentrations were measured. A total of 59 adolescents (obesity: 29; normal-BMI: 30) were included in the study. Increased serum BDNF concentrations were observed in MetS adolescents with obesity when compared with normal-BMI adolescents (p < 0.001). Males exhibited higher concentrations of BDNF than females (p = 0.045). The sample was further divided into four categories by sex and BMI status, with normal-BMI females exhibiting significantly lower BDNF concentrations than females and males with obesity(p = 0.005). In the entire study sample, serum BDNF concentrations correlated positively with BMI z-scores, however, this statistical significance was preserved only in the females of the sample. No statistical difference was observed between males of different BMI z-scores categories. Conclusion: Obesity appeared as a major factor for increased serum BDNF concentrations in adolescents with MetS (vs. normal-BMI), with a higher impact on BDNF concentrations in females than males. What is Known: • The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is involved in metabolic syndrome in adults but data in adolescents are scarce. What is New: • Obesity (vs. normal BMI) was a major factor for increased serum BDNF in adolescents with metabolic syndrome. • Obesity had a higher impact on BDNF concentrations in females than males with metabolic syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flora Bacopoulou
- Center for Adolescent Medicine and UNESCO Chair in Adolescent Health Care, First Department of Pediatrics, Medical School, Aghia Sophia Children's Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527, Athens, Greece
- University Research Institute of Maternal and Child Health and Precision Medicine, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527, Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos G Angelopoulos
- Center for Adolescent Medicine and UNESCO Chair in Adolescent Health Care, First Department of Pediatrics, Medical School, Aghia Sophia Children's Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527, Athens, Greece
| | - Stavroula Papadodima
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527, Athens, Greece
| | - Despoina Apostolaki
- Center for Adolescent Medicine and UNESCO Chair in Adolescent Health Care, First Department of Pediatrics, Medical School, Aghia Sophia Children's Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527, Athens, Greece
| | - Aimilia Mantzou
- Unit of Clinical and Translational Research in Endocrinology, First Department of Pediatrics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Aghia Sophia Childrens Hospital, 1 Thivon Street, Goudi, 115 27, Athens, Greece
| | - Eleni Koniari
- Unit of Clinical and Translational Research in Endocrinology, First Department of Pediatrics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Aghia Sophia Childrens Hospital, 1 Thivon Street, Goudi, 115 27, Athens, Greece
| | - Vasiliki Efthymiou
- University Research Institute of Maternal and Child Health and Precision Medicine, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527, Athens, Greece
| | - Artemis Tsitsika
- MSc "Strategies of Developmental and Adolescent Health", Second Department of Pediatrics, "P. & A. Kyriakou" Children's Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Vlachakis
- University Research Institute of Maternal and Child Health and Precision Medicine, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527, Athens, Greece
- Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied Biology and Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, 11855, Athens, Greece
| | - Evangelia Charmandari
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, First Department of Pediatrics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Aghia Sophia Children's Hospital, 11527, Athens, Greece
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Center for Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 11527, Athens, Greece
| | - Charikleia Stefanaki
- Center for Adolescent Medicine and UNESCO Chair in Adolescent Health Care, First Department of Pediatrics, Medical School, Aghia Sophia Children's Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527, Athens, Greece.
- University Research Institute of Maternal and Child Health and Precision Medicine, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527, Athens, Greece.
- First Department of Pediatrics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Thivon & Levadeias Str., Goudi, 11527, Athens, Greece.
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21
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Ramli NZ, Yahaya MF, Mohd Fahami NA, Abdul Manan H, Singh M, Damanhuri HA. Brain volumetric changes in menopausal women and its association with cognitive function: a structured review. Front Aging Neurosci 2023; 15:1158001. [PMID: 37818479 PMCID: PMC10561270 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2023.1158001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The menopausal transition has been proposed to put women at risk for undesirable neurological symptoms, including cognitive decline. Previous studies suggest that alterations in the hormonal milieu modulate brain structures associated with cognitive function. This structured review provides an overview of the relevant studies that have utilized MRI to report volumetric differences in the brain following menopause, and its correlations with the evaluated cognitive functions. We performed an electronic literature search using Medline (Ovid) and Scopus to identify studies that assessed the influence of menopause on brain structure with MRI. Fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Brain volumetric differences have been reported most frequently in the frontal and temporal cortices as well as the hippocampus. These regions are important for higher cognitive tasks and memory. Additionally, the deficit in verbal and visuospatial memory in postmenopausal women has been associated with smaller regional brain volumes. Nevertheless, the limited number of eligible studies and cross-sectional study designs warrant further research to draw more robust conclusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nur Zuliani Ramli
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
| | - Mohamad Fairuz Yahaya
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Nur Azlina Mohd Fahami
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Hanani Abdul Manan
- Functional Image Processing Laboratory, Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Meharvan Singh
- Department of Cell and Molecular Physiology, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, United States
| | - Hanafi Ahmad Damanhuri
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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22
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Agrimi J, Bernardele L, Sbaiti N, Canato M, Marchionni I, Oeing CU, Vignoli B, Canossa M, Kaludercic N, Lodovichi C, Dal Maschio M, Paolocci N. Male violence disrupts estrogen receptor β signaling in the female hippocampus. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.23.559092. [PMID: 37790349 PMCID: PMC10542497 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.23.559092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Women are the main target of intimate partner violence (IPV), which is escalating worldwide. Mechanisms subtending IPV-related disorders, such as anxiety, depression and PTSD, remain unclear. We employed a mouse model molded on an IPV scenario (male vs. female prolonged violent interaction) to unearth the neuroendocrine alterations triggered by an aggressive male mouse on the female murine brain. Experimental IPV (EIPV) prompted marked anxiety-like behavior in young female mice, coincident with high circulating/cerebral corticosterone levels. The hippocampus of EIPV-inflicted female animals displayed neuronal loss, reduced BrdU-DCX-positive nuclei, decreased mature DCX-positive cells, and diminished dendritic arborization level in the dentate gyrus (DG), features denoting impaired neurogenesis and neuronal differentiation. These hallmarks were associated with marked down-regulation of estrogen receptor β (ERβ) density in the hippocampus, especially in the DG and dependent prosurvival ERK signaling. Conversely, ERα expression was unchanged. After EIPV, the DG harbored lowered local BDNF pools, diminished TrkB phosphorylation, and elevated glucocorticoid receptor phosphorylation. In unison, ERβ KO mice had heightened anxiety-like behavior and curtailed BDNF levels at baseline, despite enhanced circulating estradiol levels, while dying prematurely during EIPV. Thus, reiterated male-to-female violence jeopardizes hippocampal homeostasis in the female brain, perturbing ERβ/BDNF signaling, thus instigating anxiety and chronic stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacopo Agrimi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Lucia Bernardele
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Naeem Sbaiti
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Marta Canato
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Ivan Marchionni
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Christian U. Oeing
- Department of Internal Medicine and Cardiology, Charité University Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Beatrice Vignoli
- Department of Cellular, Computational, and Integrative Biology, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Marco Canossa
- Department of Cellular, Computational, and Integrative Biology, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Nina Kaludercic
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Claudia Lodovichi
- Neuroscience Institute -CNR Padova, Italy
- Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, Padova, Italy
| | - Marco Dal Maschio
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Nazareno Paolocci
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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23
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Pérez-Valenzuela E, Hudson R, Uzuneser T, De Felice M, Szkudlarek H, Rushlow W, Laviolette SR. Sex-Dependent Synergism of an Edible THC: CBD Formulation in Reducing Anxiety and Depressive-like Symptoms Following Chronic Stress. Curr Neuropharmacol 2023; 22:CN-EPUB-134440. [PMID: 37702237 PMCID: PMC11333796 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x21666230912101441] [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: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabis has shown therapeutic potential in mood and anxiety-related pathologies. However, the two primary constituents of cannabis, cannabidiol (CBD) and Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) produce distinct effects on molecular pathways in neural circuits associated with affective disorders. Moreover, it has been proposed that the combination of THC: and CBD may have unique synergistic properties. In the present study, the effects of a 1:100 THC: CBD ratio edible formulation were tested in behavioural, neuronal and molecular assays for anxiety and depressive-like endophenotypes. Adult male and female Sprague-Dawley rats were stressed for 14 days. Then, for three weeks, open field, elevated plus maze, light/dark box, social interaction, sucrose preference, and the forced swim test were performed 90 minutes after acute consumption of CBD (30 mg/kg), THC (0.3 mg/kg), or 1:100 combination of THC:CBD. After behavioural tests, in vivo, neuronal electrophysiological analyses were performed in the ventral tegmental area and prefrontal cortex (PFC). Furthermore, western-blot experiments examined the expression of biomarkers associated with mood and anxiety disorders, including protein kinase B (Akt), glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3), BDNF, mTOR, D1, and D2 receptor in nucleus accumbens (NAc) and PFC.Edible THC:CBD produces significant anxiolytic and antidepressant effects only in stressed male rats. In most cases, the combination of THC and CBD had stronger effects than either phytochemical alone. These synergistic effects are associated with alterations in Akt/GSK3 and D2-R expression in NAc and BDNF expression in PFC. Furthermore, THC:CBD reverses chronic stress-induced alterations in PFC neuronal activity. These findings demonstrate a novel synergistic potential for THC:CBD edible formulations in stress-related pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enzo Pérez-Valenzuela
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, Canada
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, Canada
- Lawson Health Research Institute, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, Canada
| | - Roger Hudson
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, Canada
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, Canada
- Lawson Health Research Institute, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, Canada
| | - Taygun Uzuneser
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, Canada
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, Canada
- Lawson Health Research Institute, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, Canada
| | - Marta De Felice
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, Canada
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, Canada
- Lawson Health Research Institute, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, Canada
| | - Hanna Szkudlarek
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, Canada
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, Canada
- Lawson Health Research Institute, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, Canada
| | - Walter Rushlow
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, Canada
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, Canada
- Lawson Health Research Institute, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, Canada
| | - Steven R. Laviolette
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, Canada
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, Canada
- Lawson Health Research Institute, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, Canada
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24
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Boueid MJ, El-Hage O, Schumacher M, Degerny C, Tawk M. Zebrafish as an emerging model to study estrogen receptors in neural development. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1240018. [PMID: 37664862 PMCID: PMC10469878 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1240018] [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: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Estrogens induce several regulatory signals in the nervous system that are mainly mediated through estrogen receptors (ERs). ERs are largely expressed in the nervous system, yet the importance of ERs to neural development has only been elucidated over the last decades. Accumulating evidence shows a fundamental role for estrogens in the development of the central and peripheral nervous systems, hence, the contribution of ERs to neural function is now a growing area of research. The conservation of the structure of the ERs and their response to estrogens make the zebrafish an interesting model to dissect the role of estrogens in the nervous system. In this review, we highlight major findings of ER signaling in embryonic zebrafish neural development and compare the similarities and differences to research in rodents. We also discuss how the recent generation of zebrafish ER mutants, coupled with the availability of several transgenic reporter lines, its amenability to pharmacological studies and in vivo live imaging, could help us explore ER function in embryonic neural development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Marcel Tawk
- *Correspondence: Cindy Degerny, ; Marcel Tawk,
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25
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Nelson ML, Pfeifer JA, Hickey JP, Collins AE, Kalisch BE. Exploring Rosiglitazone's Potential to Treat Alzheimer's Disease through the Modulation of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1042. [PMID: 37508471 PMCID: PMC10376118 DOI: 10.3390/biology12071042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that debilitates over 55 million individuals worldwide. Currently, treatments manage and alleviate its symptoms; however, there is still a need to find a therapy that prevents or halts disease progression. Since AD has been labeled as "type 3 diabetes" due to its similarity in pathological hallmarks, molecular pathways, and comorbidity with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), there is growing interest in using anti-diabetic drugs for its treatment. Rosiglitazone (RSG) is a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma agonist that reduces hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia and improves insulin signaling. In cellular and rodent models of T2DM-associated cognitive decline and AD, RSG has been reported to improve cognitive impairment and reverse AD-like pathology; however, results from human clinical trials remain consistently unsuccessful. RSG has also been reported to modulate the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that regulates neuroplasticity and energy homeostasis and is implicated in both AD and T2DM. The present review investigates RSG's limitations and potential therapeutic benefits in pre-clinical models of AD through its modulation of BDNF expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mackayla L Nelson
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Collaborative Specialization in Neuroscience Program, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Julia A Pfeifer
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Collaborative Specialization in Neuroscience Program, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Jordan P Hickey
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Collaborative Specialization in Neuroscience Program, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Andrila E Collins
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Collaborative Specialization in Neuroscience Program, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Bettina E Kalisch
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Collaborative Specialization in Neuroscience Program, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
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26
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Chen Y, Liu Z, Gong Y. Neuron-immunity communication: mechanism of neuroprotective effects in EGCG. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2023:1-20. [PMID: 37216484 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2023.2212069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a naturally occurring active ingredient unique to tea, has been shown to have neuroprotective potential. There is growing evidence of its potential advantages in the prevention and treatment of neuroinflammation, neurodegenerative diseases, and neurological damage. Neuroimmune communication is an important physiological mechanism in neurological diseases, including immune cell activation and response, cytokine delivery. EGCG shows great neuroprotective potential by modulating signals related to autoimmune response and improving communication between the nervous system and the immune system, effectively reducing the inflammatory state and neurological function. During neuroimmune communication, EGCG promotes the secretion of neurotrophic factors into the repair of damaged neurons, improves intestinal microenvironmental homeostasis, and ameliorates pathological phenotypes through molecular and cellular mechanisms related to the brain-gut axis. Here, we discuss the molecular and cellular mechanisms of inflammatory signaling exchange involving neuroimmune communication. We further emphasize that the neuroprotective role of EGCG is dependent on the modulatory role between immunity and neurology in neurologically related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Chen
- Key Laboratory of Tea Science of Ministry of Educatioxn, Changsha, China
- National Research Center of Engineering and Technology for Utilization of Botanical Functional Ingredients, Changsha, China
| | - Zhonghua Liu
- Key Laboratory of Tea Science of Ministry of Educatioxn, Changsha, China
- National Research Center of Engineering and Technology for Utilization of Botanical Functional Ingredients, Changsha, China
- Co-Innovation Center of Education Ministry for Utilization of Botanical Functional Ingredients, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory for Evaluation and Utilization of Gene Resources of Horticultural Crops, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China
| | - Yushun Gong
- Key Laboratory of Tea Science of Ministry of Educatioxn, Changsha, China
- National Research Center of Engineering and Technology for Utilization of Botanical Functional Ingredients, Changsha, China
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27
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Beeson ALS, Meitzen J. Estrous cycle impacts on dendritic spine plasticity in rat nucleus accumbens core and shell and caudate-putamen. J Comp Neurol 2023; 531:759-774. [PMID: 36756791 PMCID: PMC10994586 DOI: 10.1002/cne.25460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
An important factor that can modulate neuron properties is sex-specific hormone fluctuations, including the human menstrual cycle and rat estrous cycle in adult females. Considering the striatal brain regions, the nucleus accumbens (NAc) core, NAc shell, and caudate-putamen (CPu), the estrous cycle has previously been shown to impact relevant behaviors and disorders, neuromodulator action, and medium spiny neuron (MSN) electrophysiology. Whether the estrous cycle impacts MSN dendritic spine attributes has not yet been examined, even though MSN spines and glutamatergic synapse properties are sensitive to exogenously applied estradiol. Thus, we hypothesized that MSN dendritic spine attributes would differ by estrous cycle phase. To test this hypothesis, brains from adult male rats and female rats in diestrus, proestrus AM, proestrus PM, and estrus were processed for Rapid Golgi-Cox staining. MSN dendritic spine density, size, and type were analyzed in the NAc core, NAc shell, and CPu. Overall spine size differed across estrous cycle phases in female NAc core and NAc shell, and spine length differed across estrous cycle phase in NAc shell and CPu. Consistent with previous work, dendritic spine density was increased in the NAc core compared to the NAc shell and CPu, independent of sex and estrous cycle. Spine attributes in all striatal regions did not differ by sex when estrous cycle was disregarded. These results indicate, for the first time, that estrous cycle phase impacts dendritic spine plasticity in striatal regions, providing a neuroanatomical avenue by which sex-specific hormone fluctuations can impact striatal function and disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna LS Beeson
- Department of Biological Sciences, NC State University, Raleigh, USA
- Graduate Program in Biology, NC State University, Raleigh, USA
| | - John Meitzen
- Department of Biological Sciences, NC State University, Raleigh, USA
- Comparative Medicine Institute, NC State University, Raleigh, USA
- Center for Human Health and the Environment, NC State University, Raleigh, USA
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28
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Nikolac Perkovic M, Borovecki F, Filipcic I, Vuic B, Milos T, Nedic Erjavec G, Konjevod M, Tudor L, Mimica N, Uzun S, Kozumplik O, Svob Strac D, Pivac N. Relationship between Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Cognitive Decline in Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment and Dementia. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13030570. [PMID: 36979505 PMCID: PMC10046678 DOI: 10.3390/biom13030570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
In the last decade, increasing evidence has emerged linking alterations in the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression with the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Because of the important role of BDNF in cognition and its association with AD pathogenesis, the aim of this study was to evaluate the potential difference in plasma BDNF concentrations between subjects with mild cognitive impairment (MCI; N = 209) and AD patients (N = 295) and to determine the possible association between BDNF plasma levels and the degree of cognitive decline in these individuals. The results showed a significantly higher (p < 0.001) concentration of plasma BDNF in subjects with AD (1.16; 0.13-21.34) compared with individuals with MCI (0.68; 0.02-19.14). The results of the present study additionally indicated a negative correlation between cognitive functions and BDNF plasma concentrations, suggesting higher BDNF levels in subjects with more pronounced cognitive decline. The correlation analysis revealed a significant negative correlation between BDNF plasma levels and both Mini-Mental State Examination (p < 0.001) and Clock Drawing test (p < 0.001) scores. In conclusion, the results of our study point towards elevated plasma BDNF levels in AD patients compared with MCI subjects, which may be due to the body's attempt to counteract the early and middle stages of neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matea Nikolac Perkovic
- Laboratory for Molecular Neuropsychiatry, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruder Boskovic Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Fran Borovecki
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Igor Filipcic
- Psychiatric Hospital "Sveti Ivan", 10090 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Barbara Vuic
- Laboratory for Molecular Neuropsychiatry, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruder Boskovic Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Tina Milos
- Laboratory for Molecular Neuropsychiatry, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruder Boskovic Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Gordana Nedic Erjavec
- Laboratory for Molecular Neuropsychiatry, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruder Boskovic Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Marcela Konjevod
- Laboratory for Molecular Neuropsychiatry, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruder Boskovic Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Lucija Tudor
- Laboratory for Molecular Neuropsychiatry, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruder Boskovic Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ninoslav Mimica
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Department for Biological Psychiatry and Psychogeriatrics, University Psychiatric Hospital Vrapče, 10090 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Suzana Uzun
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Department for Biological Psychiatry and Psychogeriatrics, University Psychiatric Hospital Vrapče, 10090 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Oliver Kozumplik
- Department for Biological Psychiatry and Psychogeriatrics, University Psychiatric Hospital Vrapče, 10090 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Dubravka Svob Strac
- Laboratory for Molecular Neuropsychiatry, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruder Boskovic Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Nela Pivac
- Laboratory for Molecular Neuropsychiatry, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruder Boskovic Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- University of Applied Sciences Hrvatsko Zagorje Krapina, 49000 Krapina, Croatia
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Burlando B, Mucci V, Browne CJ, Losacco S, Indovina I, Marinelli L, Blanchini F, Giordano G. Mal de Debarquement Syndrome explained by a vestibulo-cerebellar oscillator. MATHEMATICAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY : A JOURNAL OF THE IMA 2023; 40:96-110. [PMID: 36469499 DOI: 10.1093/imammb/dqac016] [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: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Mal de Debarquement Syndrome (MdDS) is a puzzling central vestibular disorder characterized by a long-lasting perception of oscillatory postural instability that may occur after sea travels or flights. We have postulated that MdDS originates from the post-disembarking persistence of an adaptive internal oscillator consisting of a loop system, involving the right and left vestibular nuclei, and the Purkinje cells of the right and left flocculonodular cerebellar cortex, connected by GABAergic and glutamatergic fibers. We have formulated here a mathematical model of the vestibulo-cerebellar loop system and carried out a computational analysis based on a set of differential equations describing the interactions among the loop elements and containing Hill functions that model input-output firing rates relationships among neurons. The analysis indicates that the system acquires a spontaneous and permanent oscillatory behavior for a decrease of threshold and an increase of sensitivity in neuronal input-output responses. These results suggest a role for synaptic plasticity in MdDS pathophysiology, thus reinforcing our previous hypothesis that MdDS may be the result of excessive synaptic plasticity acting on the vestibulo-cerebellar network during its entraining to an oscillatory environment. Hence, our study points to neuroendocrine pathways that lead to increased synaptic response as possible new therapeutic targets for the clinical treatment of the disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Burlando
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV 3, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Viviana Mucci
- School of Science, Western Sydney University, Penrith NSW 2560, Australia
| | - Cherylea J Browne
- School of Science, Western Sydney University, Penrith NSW 2560, Australia
- Translational Neuroscience Facility, School of Medical Sciences, UNSW Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Serena Losacco
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV 3, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Iole Indovina
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
- Neuromotor Physiology Lab, IRCCS Foundation Santa Lucia, via Ardeatina 354, 00179 Rome, Italy
| | - Lucio Marinelli
- DINOGMI University of Genova, Largo Daneo 3, 16132, Genova, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Division of Clinical Neurophysiology, Department of Neuroscience, Largo R. Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Franco Blanchini
- Department of Mathematics, Computer Science and Physics, University of Udine, Via delle Scienze 208, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Giulia Giordano
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Trento, Via Sommarive 9, 38123 Povo (TN), Italy
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Hearing Vocalizations during First Social Experience with Pups Increase Bdnf Transcription in Mouse Auditory Cortex. Neural Plast 2023; 2023:5225952. [PMID: 36845359 PMCID: PMC9946766 DOI: 10.1155/2023/5225952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
While infant cues are often assumed to innately motivate maternal response, recent research highlights how the neural coding of infant cues is altered through maternal care. Infant vocalizations are important social signals for caregivers, and evidence from mice suggests that experience caring for mouse pups induces inhibitory plasticity in the auditory cortex (AC), though the molecular mediators for such AC plasticity during the initial pup experience are not well delineated. Here, we used the maternal mouse communication model to explore whether transcription in AC of a specific, inhibition-linked, memory-associated gene, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (Bdnf) changes due to the very first pup caring experience hearing vocalizations, while controlling for the systemic influence of the hormone estrogen. Ovariectomized and estradiol or blank-implanted virgin female mice hearing pup calls with pups present had significantly higher AC exon IV Bdnf mRNA compared to females without pups present, suggesting that the social context of vocalizations induces immediate molecular changes at the site of auditory cortical processing. E2 influenced the rate of maternal behavior but did not significantly affect Bdnf mRNA transcription in the AC. To our knowledge, this is the first time Bdnf has been associated with processing social vocalizations in the AC, and our results suggest that it is a potential molecular component responsible for enhancing future recognition of infant cues by contributing to AC plasticity.
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Is Hormone Replacement Therapy a Risk Factor or a Therapeutic Option for Alzheimer's Disease? Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043205. [PMID: 36834617 PMCID: PMC9964432 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that accounts for more than half of all dementia cases in the elderly. Interestingly, the clinical manifestations of AD disproportionately affect women, comprising two thirds of all AD cases. Although the underlying mechanisms for these sex differences are not fully elucidated, evidence suggests a link between menopause and a higher risk of developing AD, highlighting the critical role of decreased estrogen levels in AD pathogenesis. The focus of this review is to evaluate clinical and observational studies in women, which have investigated the impact of estrogens on cognition or attempted to answer the prevailing question regarding the use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) as a preventive or therapeutic option for AD. The articles were retrieved through a systematic review of the databases: OVID, SCOPUS, and PubMed (keywords "memory", "dementia," "cognition," "Alzheimer's disease", "estrogen", "estradiol", "hormone therapy" and "hormone replacement therapy" and by searching reference sections from identified studies and review articles). This review presents the relevant literature available on the topic and discusses the mechanisms, effects, and hypotheses that contribute to the conflicting findings of HRT in the prevention and treatment of age-related cognitive deficits and AD. The literature suggests that estrogens have a clear role in modulating dementia risk, with reliable evidence showing that HRT can have both a beneficial and a deleterious effect. Importantly, recommendation for the use of HRT should consider the age of initiation and baseline characteristics, such as genotype and cardiovascular health, as well as the dosage, formulation, and duration of treatment until the risk factors that modulate the effects of HRT can be more thoroughly investigated or progress in the development of alternative treatments can be made.
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Effect of Different Physical Therapy Interventions on Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Levels in Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain Patients: A Systematic Review. LIFE (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 13:life13010163. [PMID: 36676112 PMCID: PMC9867147 DOI: 10.3390/life13010163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The main objectives of this review were, firstly, to study the effect of different physiotherapy interventions on BDNF levels, and, secondly, to analyze the influence of physiotherapy on pain levels to subsequently draw conclusions about its possible relationship with BDNF. BACKGROUND Based on the theory that neurotrophic factors such as BDNF play a fundamental role in the initiation and/or maintenance of hyperexcitability of central neurons in pain, it was hypothesized that the levels of this neurotrophic factor may be modified by the application of therapeutic interventions, favoring a reduction in pain intensity. METHODS A literature search of multiple electronic databases (Pubmed, PsycINFO, Medline (Ebsco), Scopus, WOS, Embase) was conducted to identify randomized control trials (RCTs) published without language restrictions up to and including March 2022. The search strategy was based on the combination of medical terms (Mesh) and keywords relating to the following concepts: "pain", "chronic pain", "brain derived neurotrophic factor", "BDNF", "physiotherapy", and "physical therapy". A total of seven papers were included. RESULTS There were two studies that showed statistically significant differences in pain intensity reduction and an increase in the BDNF levels that used therapies such as rTMS and EIMS in patients with chronic myofascial pain. However, the same conclusions cannot be drawn for the other physical therapies applied. CONCLUSIONS rTMS and EIMS interventions achieved greater short-term reductions in pain intensity and increased BDNF over other types of interventions in chronic myofascial pain patients, as demonstrated by a moderate amount of evidence. In contrast, other types of physical therapy (PT) interventions did not appear to be more effective in decreasing pain intensity and increasing BDNF levels than placebo PT or minimal intervention, as a low amount of evidence was found.
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Costello A, Linning-Duffy K, Vandenbrook C, Lonstein JS, Yan L. Effects of bright light therapy on neuroinflammatory and neuroplasticity markers in a diurnal rodent model of Seasonal Affective Disorder. Ann Med 2023; 55:2249015. [PMID: 37625385 PMCID: PMC10461522 DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2023.2249015] [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: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bright light therapy (BLT) is widely used for treating Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). However, the neural mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of BLT remain largely unexplored. The present study used a diurnal rodent (Nile grass rats; Arvicanthis niloticus) to test the hypothesis that the therapeutic effects of BLT could be, in part, due to reduced neuroinflammation and/or enhanced neuroplasticity. Our previous research has demonstrated that compared to grass rats housed in a summer-like daytime bright light condition (1000 lux), those housed in a winter-like daytime dim light condition (50 lux) showed increased depression- and anxiety-like behaviours, as well as impaired sociosexual behaviours and spatial memory, similar to what is observed in patients suffering from SAD. MATERIALS AND METHODS In the present study, male and female grass rats were housed under the winter-like dim daytime light condition (lights on 600-1800 hr, 50 lux). The experimental groups received daily 1-h early morning BLT from 0600-0700 using full-spectrum light (10,000 lux), while the control groups received narrowband red light (λmax, 780 nm). Following 4 weeks of treatment, the expression of several neuroinflammatory or plasticity markers was examined in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), basolateral amygdala (BLA), and the CA1 of the dorsal hippocampus. RESULTS For the neuroinflammatory markers, BLT reduced TNF-α in the BLA of females, and upregulated CD11b in the mPFC and IL6 in the BLA in males. For the neuroplasticity markers, BLT downregulated BDNF in the CA1 and TrkB in all three brain regions in females but upregulated BDNF in the BLA and CA1 in males. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that the therapeutic effects of BLT on sleep, mood, and cognition may be attributed in part to mechanisms involving neuroinflammation and neuroplasticity in corticolimbic brain regions. Moreover, these effects appear to vary between sexes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Joseph S. Lonstein
- Department of Psychology, MI State University, MI, USA
- Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, MI, USA
| | - Lily Yan
- Department of Psychology, MI State University, MI, USA
- Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, MI, USA
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Turek J, Gąsior Ł. Estrogen fluctuations during the menopausal transition are a risk factor for depressive disorders. Pharmacol Rep 2023; 75:32-43. [PMID: 36639604 PMCID: PMC9889489 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-022-00444-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Women are significantly more likely to develop depression than men. Fluctuations in the ovarian estrogen hormone levels are closely linked with women's well-being. This narrative review discusses the available knowledge on the role of estrogen in modulating brain function and the correlation between changes in estrogen levels and the development of depression. Equally discussed are the possible mechanisms underlying these effects, including the role of estrogen in modulating brain-derived neurotrophic factor activity, serotonin neurotransmission, as well as the induction of inflammatory response and changes in metabolic activity, are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justyna Turek
- Department of Neurobiology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, Smetna 12 Street, 31-343 Krakow, Poland
| | - Łukasz Gąsior
- Department of Neurobiology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, Smetna 12 Street, 31-343 Krakow, Poland
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Han Y, Gu S, Li Y, Qian X, Wang F, Huang JH. Neuroendocrine pathogenesis of perimenopausal depression. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1162501. [PMID: 37065890 PMCID: PMC10098367 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1162501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023] Open
Abstract
With the development of social economics and the increase of working pressure, more and more women are suffering from long-term serious stress and showing symptoms of perimenopausal depression (PMD). The incidence rate of PMD is increasing, and the physical and mental health are seriously affected. However, due to the lack of accurate knowledge of pathophysiology, its diagnosis and treatment cannot be accurately executed. By consulting the relevant literature in recent years, this paper elaborates the neuroendocrine mechanism of perimenopausal depression from the aspects of epigenetic changes, monoamine neurotransmitter and receptor hypothesis, glial cell-induced neuroinflammation, estrogen receptor, interaction between HPA axis and HPG axis, and micro-organism-brain gut axis. The purpose is to probe into new ways of treatment of PMD by providing new knowledge about the neuroendocrine mechanism and treatment of PMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuping Han
- Department of Psychology, Medical School, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Simeng Gu
- Department of Psychology, Medical School, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
- *Correspondence: Simeng Gu,
| | - Yumeng Li
- Department of Psychology, Medical School, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Xin Qian
- Department of Psychology, Medical School, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Fushun Wang
- Institute of Brain and Psychological Sciences, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jason H. Huang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor Scott and White Health, Temple, TX, United States
- Department of Surgery, Texas A&M University, Temple, TX, United States
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Suicide and Neurotrophin Factors: A Systematic Review of the Correlation between BDNF and GDNF and Self-Killing. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 11:healthcare11010078. [PMID: 36611538 PMCID: PMC9818650 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11010078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
According to WHO data, suicide is a public health priority. In particular, suicide is the fourth-leading cause of death in young people. Many risk factors of suicide are described, including individual-, relationship-, community-, and societal-linked ones. The leading factor is the diagnosis of mental illness. Nevertheless, not all people who attempt suicide are psychiatric patients; these characteristics help define high-risk populations. There are currently no useful biomarkers to indicate the risk of suicide. In recent years, neurotrophic factors have increasingly become of scientific interest. This review aims to summarize the current scientific knowledge on the correlation between BDNF and GDNF and suicide, to theorize whether neurotrophins could be a reliable marker for an early diagnosis of suicidal risk. The authors conducted a systematic review following PRISMA criteria. They found eight research papers in agreement with the inclusion criteria. According to the results of these studies, there may be a connection between BDNF brain levels and complete suicide, although there are discrepancies. A lack of interest in GDNF may suggest less involvement in the suicidal dynamic. Further studies may provide helpful information to researchers.
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Filippone A, Scuderi SA, Basilotta R, Lanza M, Casili G, Bova V, Paterniti I, Esposito E. BAY-117082-driven NLRP3 inflammasome inhibition resolves nitro-glycerine (NTG) neuronal damage in in vivo model of migraine. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 156:113851. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
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Tian JS, Qin PF, Xu T, Gao Y, Zhou YZ, Gao XX, Qin XM, Ren Y. Chaigui granule exerts anti-depressant effects by regulating the synthesis of Estradiol and the downstream of CYP19A1-E2-ERKs signaling pathway in CUMS-induced depressed rats. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1005438. [PMID: 36353500 PMCID: PMC9637986 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1005438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: There is a significant gender difference in the prevalence of depression. Recent studies have shown that estrogen plays a crucial role in depression. Therefore, studying the specific mechanism of estrogen's role in depression can provide new ideas to address the treatment of depression. Chaigui granule has been shown to have exact antidepressant efficacy, and the contents of saikosaponin (a, b1, b2, d) and paeoniflorin in Chaigui granule are about 0.737% and 0.641%, respectively. Some studies have found that they can improve depression-induced decrease in testosterone (T) levels (∼36.99% decrease compared to control). However, whether Chaigui granule can exert antidepressant efficacy by regulating estrogen is still unclear. This study aimed to elucidate the regulation of estrogen levels by Chaigui granule and the underlying mechanism of its anti-depressant effect. Methods: Eighty-four male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were modeled using a chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) procedure. The administration method was traditional oral gavage administration, and behavioral indicators were used to evaluate the anti-depressant effect of Chaigui granule. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was adopted to assess the modulating impact of Chaigui granule on sex hormones. Then, reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), and Western blot (WB) techniques were employed to detect extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK) signaling-related molecules downstream of estradiol in the hippocampus tissue. Results: The administration of Chaigui granule significantly alleviated the desperate behavior of CUMS-induced depressed rats. According to the results, we found that Chaigui granule could upregulate the level of estradiol (E2) in the serum (∼46.56% increase compared to model) and hippocampus (∼26.03% increase compared to model) of CUMS rats and increase the levels of CYP19A1 gene and protein, which was the key enzyme regulating the synthesis of T into E2 in the hippocampus. Chaigui granule was also found to have a significant back-regulatory effect on the gene and protein levels of ERβ, ERK1, and ERK2. Conclusion: Chaigui granule can increase the synthesis of E2 in the hippocampus of CUMS-induced depressed rats and further exert antidepressant effects by activating the CYP19A1-E2-ERKs signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-sheng Tian
- Department of Psychiatry, First Hospital/First Clinical Medical College of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Peng-fei Qin
- Department of Psychiatry, First Hospital/First Clinical Medical College of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Teng Xu
- Department of Psychiatry, First Hospital/First Clinical Medical College of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Yao Gao
- Department of Psychiatry, First Hospital/First Clinical Medical College of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Yu-zhi Zhou
- Department of Psychiatry, First Hospital/First Clinical Medical College of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Xiao-xia Gao
- Department of Psychiatry, First Hospital/First Clinical Medical College of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Xue-mei Qin
- Department of Psychiatry, First Hospital/First Clinical Medical College of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Yan Ren
- Department of Psychiatry, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
- Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Graham BM. The impact of hormonal contraceptives on anxiety treatments: From preclinical models to clinical settings. Front Neuroendocrinol 2022; 67:101030. [PMID: 35995079 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2022.101030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 07/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Exposure therapy is a central component of the first-line treatment for anxiety disorders, a common mental health condition that is twice as prevalent in women relative to men. A key underlying mechanism of exposure therapy is fear extinction, which is an active learning process supported by a neural circuitry that is highly regulated by ovarian hormones. This review synthesises research examining the impact of hormonal contraceptives on laboratory fear extinction tasks in female rats and women, and on exposure therapy in women with anxiety disorders. The evidence indicates that hormonal contraceptives have a detrimental impact on fear extinction and exposure therapy that is consistent across species, and from laboratory to clinical settings. Candidate pathways by which hormonal contraceptives impede fear extinction and exposure therapy include suppression of endogenous ovarian hormones and glucocorticoids, and downregulation of signalling pathways that support extinction learning. Key areas of focus for future research are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bronwyn M Graham
- School of Psychology, The University of New South Wales Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
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40
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Travica N, Aslam H, O'Neil A, Lane MM, Berk M, Gamage E, Walder K, Liu ZS, Segasby T, Marx W. Brain derived neurotrophic factor in perioperative neurocognitive disorders: Current evidence and future directions. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2022; 193:107656. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2022.107656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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Hosseinzadeh Sahafi O, Rezayof A, Ghasemzadeh Z, Alijanpour S, Rahimian S. Ameliorating effect offluoxetine on tamoxifen-induced memory loss: The role of corticolimbic NMDA receptors and CREB/BDNF/cFos signaling pathways in rats. Brain Res 2022; 1794:148058. [PMID: 36007581 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2022.148058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Tamoxifen-induced cognitive dysfunction may lead to fluoxetine consumption in patients with breast cancer. Since the brain mechanisms are unclear in tamoxifen/fluoxetine therapy, the blockade effect of hippocampal/amygdala/prefrontal cortical NMDA receptors was examined in fluoxetine/tamoxifen-induced memory retrieval. We also assessed the corticolimbic signaling pathways in memory retrieval under the drug treatment in adult male Wistar rats. Using the Western blot technique, the expression levels of the cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and cFos were evaluated in the corticolimbic regions. The results showed that pre-test administration of fluoxetine (3 and 5 mg/kg, i.p.) improved tamoxifen-induced memory impairment in the passive avoidance learning task. Pre-test bilateral microinjection of D-AP5, a selective NMDA receptor antagonist, into the dorsal hippocampal CA1 regions and the central amygdala (CeA), but not the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), inhibited the improving effect of fluoxetine on tamoxifen response. It is important to note that the microinjection of D-AP5 into the different sites by itself did not affect memory retrieval. Memory retrieval increased the signaling pathway of pCREB/CREB/BDNF/cFos in the corticolimbic regions. Tamoxifen-induced memory impairment decreased the hippocampal/PFC BDNF level and the amygdala level of pCREB/CREB/cFos. The improving effect of fluoxetine on tamoxifen significantly increased the hippocampal/PFC expression levels of BDNF, the PFC/amygdala expression levels of cFos, and the ratio of pCREB/CREB in all targeted areas. Thus, NMDA receptors' activity in the different corticolimbic regions mediates fluoxetine/tamoxifen memory retrieval. The corticolimbic synaptic plasticity changes likely accompany the improving effect of fluoxetine on tamoxifen response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oveis Hosseinzadeh Sahafi
- Department of Animal Biology, School of Biology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran; Department of Neurophysiology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Ameneh Rezayof
- Department of Animal Biology, School of Biology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Zahra Ghasemzadeh
- Department of Animal Biology, School of Biology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sakineh Alijanpour
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Gonbad Kavous University, Gonbad Kavous, Iran
| | - Sepehrdad Rahimian
- Department of Animal Biology, School of Biology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
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Kundakovic M, Rocks D. Sex hormone fluctuation and increased female risk for depression and anxiety disorders: From clinical evidence to molecular mechanisms. Front Neuroendocrinol 2022; 66:101010. [PMID: 35716803 PMCID: PMC9715398 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2022.101010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Women are at twice the risk for anxiety and depression disorders as men are, although the underlying biological factors and mechanisms are largely unknown. In this review, we address this sex disparity at both the etiological and mechanistic level. We dissect the role of fluctuating sex hormones as a critical biological factor contributing to the increased depression and anxiety risk in women. We provide parallel evidence in humans and rodents that brain structure and function vary with naturally-cycling ovarian hormones. This female-unique brain plasticity and associated vulnerability are primarily driven by estrogen level changes. For the first time, we provide a sex hormone-driven molecular mechanism, namely chromatin organizational changes, that regulates neuronal gene expression and brain plasticity but may also prime the (epi)genome for psychopathology. Finally, we map out future directions including experimental and clinical studies that will facilitate novel sex- and gender-informed approaches to treat depression and anxiety disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marija Kundakovic
- Department of Biological Sciences, Fordham University, Bronx, NY, USA.
| | - Devin Rocks
- Department of Biological Sciences, Fordham University, Bronx, NY, USA
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43
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Gao L, Zhang Y, Sterling K, Song W. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor in Alzheimer's disease and its pharmaceutical potential. Transl Neurodegener 2022; 11:4. [PMID: 35090576 PMCID: PMC8796548 DOI: 10.1186/s40035-022-00279-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 72.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Synaptic abnormalities are a cardinal feature of Alzheimer's disease (AD) that are known to arise as the disease progresses. A growing body of evidence suggests that pathological alterations to neuronal circuits and synapses may provide a mechanistic link between amyloid β (Aβ) and tau pathology and thus may serve as an obligatory relay of the cognitive impairment in AD. Brain-derived neurotrophic factors (BDNFs) play an important role in maintaining synaptic plasticity in learning and memory. Considering AD as a synaptic disorder, BDNF has attracted increasing attention as a potential diagnostic biomarker and a therapeutical molecule for AD. Although depletion of BDNF has been linked with Aβ accumulation, tau phosphorylation, neuroinflammation and neuronal apoptosis, the exact mechanisms underlying the effect of impaired BDNF signaling on AD are still unknown. Here, we present an overview of how BDNF genomic structure is connected to factors that regulate BDNF signaling. We then discuss the role of BDNF in AD and the potential of BDNF-targeting therapeutics for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina Gao
- Shandong Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis, Treatment and Behavioral Interventions of Mental Disorders, Institute of Mental Health, College of Pharmacy, Jining Medical University, Jining, 272067, Shandong, China
- Townsend Family Laboratories, Department of Psychiatry, The University of British Columbia, 2255 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Yun Zhang
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100053, China
| | - Keenan Sterling
- Townsend Family Laboratories, Department of Psychiatry, The University of British Columbia, 2255 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Weihong Song
- Shandong Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis, Treatment and Behavioral Interventions of Mental Disorders, Institute of Mental Health, College of Pharmacy, Jining Medical University, Jining, 272067, Shandong, China.
- Townsend Family Laboratories, Department of Psychiatry, The University of British Columbia, 2255 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada.
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100053, China.
- Institute of Aging, Key Laboratory of Alzheimer's Disease of Zhejiang Province, School of Mental Health and The Affiliated Kangning Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang, China.
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Wenzhou, 325001, Zhejiang, China.
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Muthu SJ, Lakshmanan G, Seppan P. Influence of Testosterone depletion on Neurotrophin-4 in Hippocampal synaptic plasticity and its effects on learning and memory. Dev Neurosci 2022; 44:102-112. [PMID: 35086088 DOI: 10.1159/000522201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex steroids are neuromodulators that play a crucial role in learning, memory, and synaptic plasticity, providing circuit flexibility and dynamic functional connectivity in mammals. Previous studies indicate that testosterone is crucial for neuronal functions and required further investigation on various frontiers. However, it is surprising to note that studies on testosterone-induced NT-4 expression and its influence on synaptic plasticity and learning and memory moderation are scanty. The present study is focused on analyzing the localized influence of neurotrophin-4 (NT4) on hippocampal synaptic plasticity and associated moderation in learning and memory under testosterone deprivation. Adult Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into various groups, control (Cont), orchidectomy (ORX), orchidectomy + testosterone supplementation (ORX+T) and control + testosterone (Cont+T). After two weeks, the serum testosterone level was undetectable in ORX rats. The behavioural assessment showed a decline in the learning ability of ORX rats with increased working and reference memory errors in the behavioural assessment in the 8-arm radial maze. The mRNA and protein expressions of NT-4 and androgen receptors were significantly reduced in the ORX group. In addition, there was a decrease in the number of neuronal dendrites in Golgi-Cox staining. These changes were not seen in ORX+T rats with improved learning behaviour. Indicating that testosterone exerts its protective effect on hippocampal synaptic plasticity through androgen receptor-dependent neurotrophin-4 regulation in learning and memory upgrade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sakthi Jothi Muthu
- Department of Anatomy, Dr. Arcot Lakshmanasamy Mudaliar Postgraduate Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Madras, Chennai, India
| | - Ganesh Lakshmanan
- Department of Anatomy, Dr. Arcot Lakshmanasamy Mudaliar Postgraduate Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Madras, Chennai, India
| | - Prakash Seppan
- Department of Anatomy, Dr. Arcot Lakshmanasamy Mudaliar Postgraduate Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Madras, Chennai, India
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Perez-Rando M, Guirado R, Tellez-Merlo G, Carceller H, Nacher J. Estradiol Regulates Polysialylated Form of the Neural Cell Adhesion Molecule Expression and Connectivity of O-LM Interneurons in the Hippocampus of Adult Female Mice. Neuroendocrinology 2022; 112:51-67. [PMID: 33550289 DOI: 10.1159/000515052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [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: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The estrous cycle is caused by the changing concentration of ovarian hormones, particularly 17β-estradiol, a hormone whose effect on excitatory circuits has been extensively reported. However, fewer studies have tried to elucidate how this cycle, or this hormone, affects the plasticity of inhibitory networks and the structure of interneurons. Among these cells, somatostatin-expressing O-LM neurons of the hippocampus are especially interesting. They have a role in the modulation of theta oscillations, and they receive direct input from the entorhinal cortex, which place them in the center of hippocampal function. In this study, we report that the expression of polysialylated form of the neural cell adhesion molecule (PSA-NCAM) in the hippocampus, a molecule involved in the plasticity of somatostatin-expressing interneurons in the adult brain, fluctuated through the different stages of the estrous cycle. Likewise, these stages and the expression of PSA-NCAM affected the density of dendritic spines of O-LM cells. We also describe that 17β-estradiol replacement of adult ovariectomized female mice caused an increase in the perisomatic inhibitory puncta in O-LM interneurons as well as an increase in their axonal bouton density. Interestingly, this treatment also induced a decrease in their dendritic spine density, specifically in O-LM interneurons lacking PSA-NCAM expression. Finally, using an ex vivo real-time assay with entorhinal-hippocampal organotypic cultures, we show that this hormone decreased the dynamics in spinogenesis, altogether highlighting the modulatory effect that 17β-estradiol has on inhibitory circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Perez-Rando
- Neurobiology Unit, Program in Neurosciences and BIOTECMED Institute, Universitat de València, Burjassot, Spain
- Fundación Investigación Hospital Clínico de Valencia, INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain
| | - Ramon Guirado
- Neurobiology Unit, Program in Neurosciences and BIOTECMED Institute, Universitat de València, Burjassot, Spain
- Fundación Investigación Hospital Clínico de Valencia, INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain
- Dirección General de Universidades, Gobierno de Aragón, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Guillermina Tellez-Merlo
- Lab. Neuropsiquiatría, Instituto de Fisiología, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla, Mexico
- Departamento de Fisiología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Hector Carceller
- Neurobiology Unit, Program in Neurosciences and BIOTECMED Institute, Universitat de València, Burjassot, Spain
| | - Juan Nacher
- Neurobiology Unit, Program in Neurosciences and BIOTECMED Institute, Universitat de València, Burjassot, Spain
- Fundación Investigación Hospital Clínico de Valencia, INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain
- CIBERSAM: Spanish National Network for Research in Mental Health, Valencia, Spain
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Mohammad A, Finch MS, Sweezey-Munroe J, MacPherson REK. Voluntary wheel running alters markers of amyloid-beta precursor protein processing in an ovarian hormone depleted model. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1069404. [PMID: 36561562 PMCID: PMC9763310 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1069404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Aberrant cleavage of the transmembrane protein, amyloid-beta precursor protein (ABPP), results in the overproduction of amyloid-beta (AB) peptides which can form senile plaques in the brain. These plaques can get lodged within synapses and disrupt neuronal communication ultimately leading to rampant neuron death. The rate-limiting enzyme in AB production is beta-site ABPP cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1). In females, estrogen loss is associated with increases in AB and BACE1 content and activity. Exercise is known to have anti-amyloidogenic effects and may be able to alter BACE1 in cases of ovarian hormone depletion. This study aimed to examine the effects of physical activity on BACE1 in intact and ovariectomized female mice. METHODS Female C57BL/6 mice (24 weeks old) underwent bilateral ovariectomy (OVX; n=20) or SHAM surgery (SHAM; n=20). Mice were assigned to one of four groups (n=10/group) for 8 weeks: (1) sham (SHAM), (2) sham with a wheel (SHAM VWR), (3) ovariectomized (OVX), or (4) ovariectomized with a wheel (OVX VWR). RESULTS Novel object recognition testing demonstrated that OVX mice had a lower percentage of novel object investigation time compared to SHAM. OVX mice also had higher prefrontal cortex BACE1 activity compared to SHAM (p<0.0001), while the OVX+VWR activity was not different from SHAM. DISCUSSIONS Our results demonstrate that voluntary wheel running in an ovariectomized model prevented increases in BACE1 activity, maintained memory recall, and may provide a method of slowing the progression of Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Mohammad
- Department of Health Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON, Canada
| | - Michael S. Finch
- Department of Health Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON, Canada
| | | | - Rebecca E. K. MacPherson
- Department of Health Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON, Canada
- Centre for Neuroscience, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON, Canada
- *Correspondence: Rebecca E. K. MacPherson,
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Reddy V, McCarthy M, Raval AP. Xenoestrogens impact brain estrogen receptor signaling during the female lifespan: A precursor to neurological disease? Neurobiol Dis 2021; 163:105596. [PMID: 34942334 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2021.105596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Xenoestrogens, foreign synthetic chemicals mimicking estrogens, are lurking in our surroundings. Climate change may alter their toxicity and bioavailability. Since xenoestrogens have extremely high lipid solubility and are structurally similar to natural endogenous estrogens, they can bind to estrogen receptors (ERs) -alpha (ER-α) and -beta (ER-β). Scientific evidence accumulated over the past decades have suggested that natural 17β-estradiol (E2; a potent estrogen), via activation of its receptors, plays a pivotal role in regulation of brain development, differentiation, metabolism, synaptic plasticity, neuroprotection, cognition, anxiety, body temperature, feeding and sexual behavior. In the brain, ER-β is predominantly expressed in the various regions, including cerebral cortex and hippocampus, that have been shown to play a key role in cognition. Therefore, disturbances in function of ER-β mediated E2 signaling by xenoestrogens can lead to deleterious effects that potentiate a variety of neurological diseases starting from prenatal to post-menopause in women. The goal of this review is to identify the possible neurological effects of xenoestrogens that can alter estrogen receptor-mediated signaling in the brain during different stages of the female lifespan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varun Reddy
- Peritz Scheinberg Cerebral Vascular Disease Research Laboratory, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, 33136, USA; Department of Neurology, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Micheline McCarthy
- Department of Neurology, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Ami P Raval
- Peritz Scheinberg Cerebral Vascular Disease Research Laboratory, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, 33136, USA; Department of Neurology, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, 33136, USA.
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Sumien N, Cunningham JT, Davis DL, Engelland R, Fadeyibi O, Farmer GE, Mabry S, Mensah-Kane P, Trinh OTP, Vann PH, Wilson EN, Cunningham RL. Neurodegenerative Disease: Roles for Sex, Hormones, and Oxidative Stress. Endocrinology 2021; 162:6360925. [PMID: 34467976 PMCID: PMC8462383 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqab185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases cause severe impairments in cognitive and motor function. With an increasing aging population and the onset of these diseases between 50 and 70 years, the consequences are bound to be devastating. While age and longevity are the main risk factors for neurodegenerative diseases, sex is also an important risk factor. The characteristic of sex is multifaceted, encompassing sex chromosome complement, sex hormones (estrogens and androgens), and sex hormone receptors. Sex hormone receptors can induce various signaling cascades, ranging from genomic transcription to intracellular signaling pathways that are dependent on the health of the cell. Oxidative stress, associated with aging, can impact the health of the cell. Sex hormones can be neuroprotective under low oxidative stress conditions but not in high oxidative stress conditions. An understudied sex hormone receptor that can induce activation of oxidative stress signaling is the membrane androgen receptor (mAR). mAR can mediate nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide-phosphate (NADPH) oxidase (NOX)-generated oxidative stress that is associated with several neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer disease. Further complicating this is that aging can alter sex hormone signaling. Prior to menopause, women experience more estrogens than androgens. During menopause, this sex hormone profile switches in women due to the dramatic ovarian loss of 17β-estradiol with maintained ovarian androgen (testosterone, androstenedione) production. Indeed, aging men have higher estrogens than aging women due to aromatization of androgens to estrogens. Therefore, higher activation of mAR-NOX signaling could occur in menopausal women compared with aged men, mediating the observed sex differences. Understanding of these signaling cascades could provide therapeutic targets for neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Sumien
- Department of Pharmacology & Neuroscience, Center for Healthy Aging, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
| | - J Thomas Cunningham
- Department of Physiology & Anatomy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
| | - Delaney L Davis
- Department of Pharmacology & Neuroscience, Center for Healthy Aging, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
| | - Rachel Engelland
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
| | - Oluwadarasimi Fadeyibi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
| | - George E Farmer
- Department of Physiology & Anatomy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
| | - Steve Mabry
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
| | - Paapa Mensah-Kane
- Department of Pharmacology & Neuroscience, Center for Healthy Aging, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
| | - Oanh T P Trinh
- Department of Pharmacology & Neuroscience, Center for Healthy Aging, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
| | - Philip H Vann
- Department of Pharmacology & Neuroscience, Center for Healthy Aging, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
| | - E Nicole Wilson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
| | - Rebecca L Cunningham
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
- Correspondence: Rebecca L. Cunningham, PhD, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3400 Camp Bowie Boulevard, Fort Worth, TX, USA, 76107-2699.
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Kochi C, Salvi A, Atrooz F, Salim S. Simulated vehicle exhaust exposure induces sex-dependent behavioral deficits in rats. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2021; 86:103660. [PMID: 33865999 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2021.103660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Revised: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Chronic exposure to vehicle exhaust emissions are known to cause several adverse health effects. In this study, we examined the impact of several parameters of behavioral, cardiovascular and biochemical functions upon exposure of pro-oxidants CO2, NO2 and CO (simulated vehicle exhaust exposure: SVEE) in male and female rats. Adult rats were subjected to SVEE or ambient air in whole body chambers (5 h/day, 2 weeks). Male, but not female, rats developed memory deficits, and exhibited anxiety- and depression-like behavior, accompanied with significantly high levels of serum corticosterone, oxidative stress, and inflammatory markers (CRP and TNFα), associated with lower levels of total antioxidant capacity, glutathione, glyoxalase and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities. Brain region-specific downregulation of Cu/Zn SOD, Mn SOD, GSR, PKCα, ERK1/2, CaMKIV, CREB, BDNF and NMDAR subunit protein expression were also observed in male, but not female, rats. Blood pressure, heart rate and eGFR were not negatively impacted by SVEE. Our results suggest that SVEE, through its pro-oxidant content, induces oxido-inflammation in susceptible brain regions in a sex-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Kochi
- Department of Pharmacological & Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Ankita Salvi
- Translational Medicine Department, QPS, LLC, Newark, DE, United States
| | - Fatin Atrooz
- Department of Pharmacological & Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Samina Salim
- Department of Pharmacological & Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States.
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Townsend LK, MacPherson REK, Wright DC. New Horizon: Exercise and a Focus on Tissue-Brain Crosstalk. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2021; 106:2147-2163. [PMID: 33982072 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgab333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The world population is aging, leading to increased rates of neurodegenerative disorders. Exercise has countless health benefits and has consistently been shown to improve brain health and cognitive function. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of exercise-induced adaptations in the brain with a focus on crosstalk between peripheral tissues and the brain. We highlight recent investigations into exercise-induced circulating factors, or exerkines, including irisin, cathepsin B, GPLD1, and ketones and the mechanisms mediating their effects in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Logan K Townsend
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, L8S 4L8, Canada
- Department of Human Health and Nutritional Science, University of Guelph, Guelph, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Rebecca E K MacPherson
- Department of Health Sciences and Centre for Neuroscience, Brock University, St. Catharines, L2S 3A1, Canada
| | - David C Wright
- Department of Human Health and Nutritional Science, University of Guelph, Guelph, N1G 2W1, Canada
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