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Penna DBDS, Gumiéro Costa S, Dos Santos-Rodrigues A, Pandolfo P. The association of caffeine and nandrolone decanoate modulates aversive memory and nociception in rats. Brain Res 2024; 1837:148937. [PMID: 38615923 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2024.148937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Caffeine and anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) are commonly used to improve muscle mass and athletic performance. Nandrolone Decanoate (ND) is one of the most abused AAS worldwide, leading to behavioral changes in both humans and rodents. Caffeine, the most widely consumed psychostimulant globally, is present in various thermogenic and gym supplements. Low and moderate doses of caffeine antagonize adenosine receptors and have been linked to improved memory and pain relief. We have previously demonstrated that consuming caffeine prevents the risk-taking behavior triggered by nandrolone. In this study, we aimed to investigate the long-term effects of ND and caffeine, either alone or in combination, on passive avoidance memory and nociception. We used the step-down and hot-plate tasks in male and female Lister Hooded rats. Our results confirmed the antinociceptive effect of caffeine and indicated that chronic administration of the ND-caffeine association promotes the evocation of aversive memory in female rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Bussinger de Souza Penna
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Program of Biomedical Sciences: Physiology and Pharmacology, Federal Fluminense University, Niteroi, Brazil; Institute of Biology, Program of Neurosciences, Federal Fluminense University, Niteroi, Brazil
| | - Samara Gumiéro Costa
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Program of Biomedical Sciences: Physiology and Pharmacology, Federal Fluminense University, Niteroi, Brazil
| | | | - Pablo Pandolfo
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Program of Biomedical Sciences: Physiology and Pharmacology, Federal Fluminense University, Niteroi, Brazil; Institute of Biology, Program of Neurosciences, Federal Fluminense University, Niteroi, Brazil.
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2
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Kaleta M, Oklestkova J, Klíčová K, Kvasnica M, Koníčková D, Menšíková K, Strnad M, Novák O. Simultaneous Determination of Selected Steroids with Neuroactive Effects in Human Serum by Ultrahigh-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry. ACS Chem Neurosci 2024; 15:1990-2005. [PMID: 38655788 PMCID: PMC11099924 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.3c00824] [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: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Neuroactive steroids are a group of steroid molecules that are involved in the regulation of functions of the nervous system. The nervous system is not only the site of their action, but their biosynthesis can also occur there. Neuroactive steroid levels depend not only on the physiological state of an individual (person's sex, age, diurnal variation, etc.), but they are also affected by various pathological processes in the nervous system (some neurological and psychiatric diseases or injuries), and new knowledge can be gained by monitoring these processes. The aim of our research was to develop and validate a comprehensive method for the simultaneous determination of selected steroids with neuroactive effects in human serum. The developed method enables high throughput and a sensitive quantitative analysis of nine neuroactive steroid substances (pregnenolone, progesterone, 5α-dihydroprogesterone, allopregnanolone, testosterone, 5α-dihydrotestosterone, androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone, and epiandrosterone) in 150 μL of human serum by ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. The correlation coefficients above 0.999 indicated that the developed analytical procedure was linear in the range of 0.90 nmol/L to 28.46 μmol/L in human serum. The accuracy and precision of the method for all analytes ranged from 83 to 118% and from 0.9 to 14.1%, respectively. This described method could contribute to a deeper understanding of the pathophysiology of various diseases. Similarly, it can also be helpful in the search for new biomarkers and diagnostic options or therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Kaleta
- Laboratory
of Growth Regulators, Faculty of Science, Palacký University & Institute of Experimental Botany
of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Šlechtitelů 27, Olomouc 783 71, Czech Republic
- Department
of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University, Olomouc 779 00, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Oklestkova
- Laboratory
of Growth Regulators, Faculty of Science, Palacký University & Institute of Experimental Botany
of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Šlechtitelů 27, Olomouc 783 71, Czech Republic
| | - Kateřina Klíčová
- Department
of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University, Olomouc 779 00, Czech Republic
- Department
of Neurology, University Hospital Olomouc, Olomouc 779 00, Czech Republic
| | - Miroslav Kvasnica
- Laboratory
of Growth Regulators, Faculty of Science, Palacký University & Institute of Experimental Botany
of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Šlechtitelů 27, Olomouc 783 71, Czech Republic
| | - Dorota Koníčková
- Department
of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University, Olomouc 779 00, Czech Republic
- Department
of Neurology, University Hospital Olomouc, Olomouc 779 00, Czech Republic
| | - Kateřina Menšíková
- Department
of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University, Olomouc 779 00, Czech Republic
- Department
of Neurology, University Hospital Olomouc, Olomouc 779 00, Czech Republic
| | - Miroslav Strnad
- Laboratory
of Growth Regulators, Faculty of Science, Palacký University & Institute of Experimental Botany
of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Šlechtitelů 27, Olomouc 783 71, Czech Republic
| | - Ondřej Novák
- Laboratory
of Growth Regulators, Faculty of Science, Palacký University & Institute of Experimental Botany
of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Šlechtitelů 27, Olomouc 783 71, Czech Republic
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3
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Barendse MEA, Swartz JR, Taylor SL, Fine JR, Shirtcliff EA, Yoon L, McMillan SJ, Tully LM, Guyer AE. Sex and pubertal variation in reward-related behavior and neural activation in early adolescents. Dev Cogn Neurosci 2024; 66:101358. [PMID: 38401329 PMCID: PMC10904160 DOI: 10.1016/j.dcn.2024.101358] [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: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to characterize the role of sex and pubertal markers in reward motivation behavior and neural processing in early adolescence. We used baseline and two-year follow-up data from the Adolescent Brain and Cognitive DevelopmentSM study (15844 observations; 52% from boys; age 9-13). Pubertal development was measured with parent-reported Pubertal Development Scale, and DHEA, testosterone, and estradiol levels. Reward motivation behavior and neural processing at anticipation and feedback stages were assessed with the Monetary Incentive Delay task. Boys had higher reward motivation than girls, demonstrating greater accuracy difference between reward and neutral trials and higher task earnings. Girls had lower neural activation during reward feedback than boys in the nucleus accumbens, caudate, rostral anterior cingulate, medial orbitofrontal cortex, superior frontal gyrus and posterior cingulate. Pubertal stage and testosterone levels were positively associated with reward motivation behavior, although these associations changed when controlling for age. There were no significant associations between pubertal development and neural activation during reward anticipation and feedback. Sex differences in reward-related processing exist in early adolescence, signaling the need to understand their impact on typical and atypical functioning as it unfolds into adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- M E A Barendse
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, UC Davis, CA, USA; Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - J R Swartz
- Department of Human Ecology, UC Davis, CA, USA
| | - S L Taylor
- Division of Biostatistics, Department of Public Health Sciences, UC Davis, CA, USA
| | - J R Fine
- Division of Biostatistics, Department of Public Health Sciences, UC Davis, CA, USA
| | | | - L Yoon
- Center for Mind and Brain, UC Davis, CA, USA
| | - S J McMillan
- Department of Human Ecology, UC Davis, CA, USA; Center for Mind and Brain, UC Davis, CA, USA
| | - L M Tully
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, UC Davis, CA, USA
| | - A E Guyer
- Department of Human Ecology, UC Davis, CA, USA; Center for Mind and Brain, UC Davis, CA, USA.
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4
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Dandash O, Allebone J, Mirabelli A, Russell N, Grossmann M, Gogos A, Kanaan RA. The effect of estradiol add-back: a longitudinal MRI study in prostate cancer patients. Endocr Connect 2024; 13:e230409. [PMID: 38226639 PMCID: PMC10895318 DOI: 10.1530/ec-23-0409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
We investigated the effect of estradiol add-back therapy (EAT) on brain activation related to cognitive function and affect in addition to putative changes in gray and white matter volume in testosterone depleted participants with prostate cancer. We conducted a randomized controlled, double-blinded trial in which 40 patients received 0.9 mg of transdermal estradiol per day for 6 months or matched placebo. Anatomical MRI and three functional MRI (fMRI) scans were obtained for the emotion recognition task, verbal memory task, and visuospatial memory task. Activation in corresponding cognitive and affective brain networks was demonstrated for all tasks. Longitudinally, there was no difference in brain activation, reaction time, or accuracy in response to the fMRI tasks between the EAT group and placebo group at 6 months. In addition, there was no detectable change in whole-brain gray or white matter volume or in hippocampal volume between the two groups after 6 months. This study supports earlier findings that EAT does not improve verbal memory or affect and has no immediate effect on hippocampal volume in testosterone depleted patients with prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orwa Dandash
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - James Allebone
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Adam Mirabelli
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nicholas Russell
- Department of Endocrinology, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mathis Grossmann
- Department of Endocrinology, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andrea Gogos
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Florey Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Richard A Kanaan
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
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5
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Barth C, Crestol A, de Lange AMG, Galea LAM. Sex steroids and the female brain across the lifespan: insights into risk of depression and Alzheimer's disease. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol 2023; 11:926-941. [PMID: 37865102 DOI: 10.1016/s2213-8587(23)00224-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023]
Abstract
Despite widespread sex differences in prevalence and presentation of numerous illnesses affecting the human brain, there has been little focus on the effect of endocrine ageing. Most preclinical studies have focused on males only, and clinical studies often analyse data by covarying for sex, ignoring relevant differences between the sexes. This sex- (and gender)-neutral approach is biased and contributes to the absence of targeted treatments and services for all sexes (and genders). Female health has been historically understudied, with grave consequences for their wellbeing and health equity. In this Review, we spotlight female brain health across the lifespan by informing on the role of sex steroids, particularly oestradiol, on the female brain and on risk for diseases more prevalent in females, such as depression and Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Barth
- Department of Psychiatric Research, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway; NORMENT, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Arielle Crestol
- Department of Psychiatric Research, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway; NORMENT, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ann-Marie G de Lange
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Liisa A M Galea
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
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6
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Nguyen Hoai B, Hoang L, Nguyen Cao T, Pham Minh Q, A Jannini E. Testosterone and aging male, a perspective from a developing country. Aging Male 2023; 26:2223712. [PMID: 37335039 DOI: 10.1080/13685538.2023.2223712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Hypogonadism is associated with a wide range of physical and psychological symptoms that can affect the overall health of men. However, in a developing country, there are several imposing challenges in the diagnosis and treatment of hypogonadism, including a lack of awareness and understanding of the condition among healthcare providers and patients, limited resources and the high cost of treatment. This review aimed to examine the potential benefits and risks of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) and provides a perspective of a developing country on the topic. MATERIALS AND METHODS A comprehensive literature review was conducted to gather relevant information on the impact of testosterone deficiency on ageing males and the effectiveness of TRT for treating hypogonadism. Published peer-reviewed articles were analyzed to evaluate the benefits and risks of TRT. Additionally, the unique challenges faced in the diagnosis and treatment of hypogonadism in a developing country were considered. RESULTS Testosterone replacement therapy has been shown to be an effective treatment for hypogonadism, particularly in symptomatic men with low testosterone levels. It offers potential benefits such as improvements in symptoms and overall quality of life. However, there are associated risks and side effects that need to be considered. In a developing country, challenges such as limited awareness and understanding of hypogonadism, resource constraints, and high treatment costs pose additional barriers to accessing TRT and comprehensive care. CONCLUSION In conclusion, TRT holds promise as a treatment for hypogonadism, but its implementation and accessibility face significant challenges in a developing country. Addressing these challenges, including raising awareness, allocating resources, and finding cost-effective solutions, is crucial for ensuring that men with hypogonadism in such settings receive appropriate diagnosis and treatment. Further research and efforts are needed to improve the management of hypogonadism in developing countries and optimize the potential benefits of TRT for affected individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bac Nguyen Hoai
- Department of Andrology and Sexual Medicine, Hanoi Medical University's Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Long Hoang
- Department of Urology, Hanoi Medical University's Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Thang Nguyen Cao
- Department of Andrology and Sexual Medicine, Hanoi Medical University's Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Quan Pham Minh
- Department of Andrology and Sexual Medicine, Hanoi Medical University's Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Emmanuele A Jannini
- Chair of Endocrinology and Sexual Medicine (ENDOSEX), University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
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7
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Boyd HM, Frick KM, Kwapis JL. Connecting the Dots: Potential Interactions Between Sex Hormones and the Circadian System During Memory Consolidation. J Biol Rhythms 2023; 38:537-555. [PMID: 37464775 PMCID: PMC10615791 DOI: 10.1177/07487304231184761] [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] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
Both the circadian clock and sex hormone signaling can strongly influence brain function, yet little is known about how these 2 powerful modulatory systems might interact during complex neural processes like memory consolidation. Individually, the molecular components and action of each of these systems have been fairly well-characterized, but there is a fundamental lack of information about how these systems cooperate. In the circadian system, clock genes function as timekeeping molecules that convey time-of-day information on a well-stereotyped cycle that is governed by the suprachiasmatic nucleus. Keeping time is particularly important to synchronize various physiological processes across the brain and body, including those that regulate memory consolidation. Similarly, sex hormones are powerful modulators of memory, with androgens, estrogens, and progestins, all influencing memory consolidation within memory-relevant brain regions like the hippocampus. Despite clear evidence that each system can influence memory individually, exactly how the circadian and hormonal systems might interact to impact memory consolidation remains unclear. Research investigating either sex hormone action or circadian gene function within memory-relevant brain regions has unveiled several notable places in which the two systems could interact to control memory. Here, we bring attention to known interactions between the circadian clock and sex hormone signaling. We then review sex hormone-mediated control of memory consolidation, highlighting potential nodes through which the circadian system might interact during memory formation. We suggest that the bidirectional relationship between these two systems is essential for proper control of memory formation based on an animal's hormonal and circadian state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah M. Boyd
- Department of Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania
- Center for Eukaryotic Gene Regulation, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania
| | - Karyn M. Frick
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Janine L. Kwapis
- Department of Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania
- Center for Eukaryotic Gene Regulation, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania
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8
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Wright ME, Murphy K. A mini-review of the evidence for cerebrovascular changes following gender-affirming hormone replacement therapy and a call for increased focus on cerebrovascular transgender health. Front Hum Neurosci 2023; 17:1303871. [PMID: 38077183 PMCID: PMC10702528 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2023.1303871] [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: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Gender-affirming hormone replacement therapy (gaHRT) is an important step for many in the gender diverse community, associated with increased quality-of-life and lower self-reported scores of depression and anxiety. However, considering the interactions that the involved sex hormones have on vasculature (with oestrogen and testosterone demonstrating vasodilatory and vasoconstricting properties, respectively), it is important for transgender healthcare research to examine how the manipulation of these hormones interact with cerebrovascular structure and functioning. There is a stark lack of research in this area. This mini-review outlines the research suggesting a vascular impact of these sex hormones using evidence from a range of cohorts (e.g., menopause, polycystic ovary syndrome) and discusses the work that has been done into cerebrovascular changes following gaHRT. Finally, recommendations for future research into cerebrovascular health in transgender cohorts following gaHRT are outlined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Emily Wright
- Cardiff University Brain Research Imaging Centre (CUBRIC), School of Psychology, College of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
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9
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Khairy EY, Salama OA. Effect of exercise on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis in a rat model of Alzheimer's disease. Sci Rep 2023; 13:14300. [PMID: 37653057 PMCID: PMC10471618 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-41415-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis dysregulation was suggested to play a crucial role in Alzheimer's disease (AD). This study investigated the effects of exercise on HPG hormones in an AD rat model, as a possible mechanism underlying the favorable effect of exercise on AD. Forty male Wistar albino rats 2-3 months old were subdivided randomly into two groups (n = 20 each): AD group (injected intraperitoneally with aluminum chloride (70 mg/kg/day) for 6 weeks) and Control group. Each group was subdivided into exercised or non-exercised group (n = 10 each). Exercised groups were subjected to a swimming protocol (60 min/day, 5 days/week, 4 weeks). Serum HPG hormones, hippocampal β-amyloid levels and Morris water-maze cognition were assessed. Results demonstrated higher levels of β-amyloid, gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) together with lower testosterone levels and cognitive impairment in the AD rats compared to controls. Β-amyloid levels negatively correlated with testosterone levels and positively correlated with GnRH, LH and FSH among the AD rats. Higher testosterone and lower GnRH, LH, FSH and β-amyloid levels, as well as cognitive improvement, were observed in the exercised compared to non-exercised AD rats, suggesting a modulatory role of exercise training on AD-associated HPG axis dysregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eman Y Khairy
- Department of Physiology, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, 165, Horreya Avenue, Hadara, Alexandria, Egypt.
| | - Ola A Salama
- Department of Physiology, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, 165, Horreya Avenue, Hadara, Alexandria, Egypt
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10
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Katleba KD, Ghosh PM, Mudryj M. Beyond Prostate Cancer: An Androgen Receptor Splice Variant Expression in Multiple Malignancies, Non-Cancer Pathologies, and Development. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2215. [PMID: 37626712 PMCID: PMC10452427 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11082215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple studies have demonstrated the importance of androgen receptor (AR) splice variants (SVs) in the progression of prostate cancer to the castration-resistant phenotype and their utility as a diagnostic. However, studies on AR expression in non-prostatic malignancies uncovered that AR-SVs are expressed in glioblastoma, breast, salivary, bladder, kidney, and liver cancers, where they have diverse roles in tumorigenesis. AR-SVs also have roles in non-cancer pathologies. In granulosa cells from women with polycystic ovarian syndrome, unique AR-SVs lead to an increase in androgen production. In patients with nonobstructive azoospermia, testicular Sertoli cells exhibit differential expression of AR-SVs, which is associated with impaired spermatogenesis. Moreover, AR-SVs have been identified in normal cells, including blood mononuclear cells, neuronal lipid rafts, and the placenta. The detection and characterization of AR-SVs in mammalian and non-mammalian species argue that AR-SV expression is evolutionarily conserved and that AR-SV-dependent signaling is a fundamental regulatory feature in multiple cellular contexts. These discoveries argue that alternative splicing of the AR transcript is a commonly used mechanism that leads to an expansion in the repertoire of signaling molecules needed in certain tissues. Various malignancies appropriate this mechanism of alternative AR splicing to acquire a proliferative and survival advantage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberley D. Katleba
- Veterans Affairs-Northern California Health Care System, 10535 Hospital Way, Mather, CA 95655, USA; (K.D.K.); (P.M.G.)
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, 1 Shields Avenue, UC Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Paramita M. Ghosh
- Veterans Affairs-Northern California Health Care System, 10535 Hospital Way, Mather, CA 95655, USA; (K.D.K.); (P.M.G.)
- Department of Urologic Surgery, 4860 Y Street, UC Davis, Sacramento, CA 95718, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, 1 Shields Avenue, UC Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Maria Mudryj
- Veterans Affairs-Northern California Health Care System, 10535 Hospital Way, Mather, CA 95655, USA; (K.D.K.); (P.M.G.)
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, 1 Shields Avenue, UC Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
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Andersen E, Prim J, Campbell A, Schiller C, Baresich K, Girdler S. Biobehavioral mechanisms underlying testosterone and mood relationships in peripubertal female adolescents. Dev Psychopathol 2023:1-15. [PMID: 37529837 PMCID: PMC10834847 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579423000937] [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] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
The pubertal transition is characterized by pronounced sex hormone fluctuation, refinement of affective neural circuitry, and an increased risk of depression in female adolescents. Sex hormones, including testosterone, exert modulatory effects on frontal-limbic brain networks and are associated with emotion dysregulation and depressive symptoms. Weekly changes in hormones predict affective symptoms in peripubertal female adolescents, particularly in the context of stress; however, the biobehavioral mechanisms underlying hormone change and mood relationships during the pubertal transition have yet to be determined and was the objective of the present study. Forty-three peripubertal female adolescents (ages 11-14) collected 8-weekly salivary hormone (estrone, testosterone) samples and mood assessments to evaluate hormone-mood relationships, followed by a biobehavioral testing session with psychosocial stress and EEG. Within-person correlations between weekly hormone changes and corresponding mood were performed to determine individual differences in mood sensitivity to weekly hormone change. Increased frontal theta activity indexing emotion reactivity, reduced cortisol reactivity, and reduced vagal efficiency predicted the strength of the relationship between testosterone and mood. Further, testosterone-sensitivity strength was associated with the enhancement of negative affect following stress testing. Results identify divergent frontal theta and stress responses as potential biobehavioral mechanisms underlying mood sensitivity to peripubertal testosterone fluctuation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Andersen
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Julianna Prim
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Alana Campbell
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Crystal Schiller
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Kayla Baresich
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Susan Girdler
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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12
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Veldema J. Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation and Sex/Polypeptide Hormones in Reciprocal Interactions: A Systematic Review. Biomedicines 2023; 11:1981. [PMID: 37509620 PMCID: PMC10377221 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11071981] [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: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
A better understanding of interindividual differences and the development of targeted therapies is one of the major challenges of modern medicine. The sex of a person plays a crucial role in this regard. This systematic review aimed to summarise and analyse available evidence on the mutual interactions between non-invasive brain stimulation and sex/polypeptide hormones. The PubMed database was searched from its inception to 31 March 2023, for (i) studies that investigated the impact of sex and/or polypeptide hormones on the effects induced by non-invasive brain stimulation, or (ii) studies that investigated non-invasive brain stimulation in the modulation of sex and/or polypeptide hormones. Eighteen studies (319 healthy and 96 disabled participants) were included. Most studies focused on female sex hormone levels during the menstrual cycle. The later follicular phase is associated with a weak between hemispheric and intracortical inhibition, strong intracortical facilitation, and high stimulation-induced neural and behavioural changes. The opposite effects are observed during the luteal phase. In addition, the participant's sex, presence and/or absence of real ovulation and increase in oestradiol level by chorionic gonadotropin injection influence the stimulation-induced neurophysiological and behavioural effects. In Parkinson's disease and consciousness disorders, the repetitive application of non-invasive brain stimulation increases oestradiol and dehydroepiandrosterone levels and reduces disability. To date, male hormones have not been sufficiently included in these studies. Here, we show that the sex and/or polypeptide hormones and non-invasive brain stimulation methods are in reciprocal interactions. This may be used to create a more effective and individualised approach for healthy individuals and individuals with disabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jitka Veldema
- Department of Sport Science, Bielefeld University, 33501 Bielefeld, Germany
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13
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Aspesi D, Bass N, Kavaliers M, Choleris E. The role of androgens and estrogens in social interactions and social cognition. Neuroscience 2023:S0306-4522(23)00151-3. [PMID: 37080448 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2023.03.028] [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: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
Gonadal hormones are becoming increasingly recognized for their effects on cognition. Estrogens, in particular, have received attention for their effects on learning and memory that rely upon the functioning of various brain regions. However, the impacts of androgens on cognition are relatively under investigated. Testosterone, as well as estrogens, have been shown to play a role in the modulation of different aspects of social cognition. This review explores the impact of testosterone and other androgens on various facets of social cognition including social recognition, social learning, social approach/avoidance, and aggression. We highlight the relevance of considering not only the actions of the most commonly studied steroids (i.e., testosterone, 17β-estradiol, and dihydrotestosterone), but also that of their metabolites and precursors, which interact with a plethora of different receptors and signalling molecules, ultimately modulating behaviour. We point out that it is also essential to investigate the effects of androgens, their precursors and metabolites in females, as prior studies have mostly focused on males. Overall, a comprehensive analysis of the impact of steroids such as androgens on behaviour is fundamental for a full understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying social cognition, including that of humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dario Aspesi
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, University of Guelph
| | - Noah Bass
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, University of Guelph
| | - Martin Kavaliers
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, University of Guelph; Department of Psychology, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada; Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada
| | - Elena Choleris
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, University of Guelph.
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14
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Ladouceur CD, Henry T, Ojha A, Shirtcliff EA, Silk JS. Fronto-amygdala resting state functional connectivity is associated with anxiety symptoms among adolescent girls more advanced in pubertal maturation. Dev Cogn Neurosci 2023; 60:101236. [PMID: 36996571 PMCID: PMC10063408 DOI: 10.1016/j.dcn.2023.101236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Early adolescence, with the onset of puberty, is an important period when sex differences in anxiety emerge, with girls reporting significantly higher anxiety symptoms than boys. This study examined the role of puberty on fronto-amygdala functional connectivity and risk of anxiety symptoms in 70 girls (age 11-13) who completed a resting state fMRI scan, self-report measures of anxiety symptoms and pubertal status, and provided basal testosterone levels (64 girls). Resting state fMRI data were preprocessed using fMRIPrep and connectivity indices were extracted from ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) and amygdala regions-of-interest. We tested moderated mediation models and hypothesized that vmPFC-amygdala would mediate the relation between three indices of puberty (testosterone and adrenarcheal/gonadarcheal development) and anxiety, with puberty moderating the relation between connectivity and anxiety. Results showed a significant moderation effect of testosterone and adrenarcheal development in the right amygdala and a rostral/dorsal area of the vmPFC and of gonadarcheal development in the left amygdala and a medial area of the vmPFC on anxiety symptoms. Simple slope analyses showed that vmPFC-amygdala connectivity was negatively associated with anxiety only in girls more advanced in puberty suggesting that sensitivity to the effects of puberty on fronto-amygdala function could contribute to risk for anxiety disorders among adolescent girls.
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15
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Karolczak K, Kostanek J, Soltysik B, Konieczna L, Baczek T, Kostka T, Watala C. Relationships between Plasma Concentrations of Testosterone and Dihydrotestosterone and Geriatric Depression Scale Scores in Men and Women Aged 60-65 Years-A Multivariate Approach with the Use of Quade's Test. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:12507. [PMID: 36231806 PMCID: PMC9566053 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191912507] [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: 09/10/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The potential role of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone in the pathogenesis of depression in older subjects is poorly recognized and understood. The current study examines the symptoms of depression in males and females at the age of 60-65 using a short version (15 questions) of the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) questionnaire. Blood plasma levels of androgens were estimated by LC/MS/MS. Total GDS score calculated for males were not found to be significantly associated with plasma levels of testosterone or dihydrotestosterone. Older men with higher plasma testosteronemia were more likely to report being in good spirits most of the time, but more willing to stay at home than undertake outside activities. The men with higher plasma levels of dihydrotestosterone also perceived themselves as being in good spirits most of the time. Older men with higher testosterone were more likely to report having more problems with their memory than others. No significant associations were found between plasma levels of androgens and GDS scores in older women; however, some tendencies suggest that testosterone and dihydrotestosterone may act as antidepressants in older women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamil Karolczak
- Department of Haemostatic Disorders, Medical University of Lodz, ul. Mazowiecka 6/8, 92-215 Lodz, Poland
| | - Joanna Kostanek
- Department of Haemostatic Disorders, Medical University of Lodz, ul. Mazowiecka 6/8, 92-215 Lodz, Poland
| | - Bartlomiej Soltysik
- Department of Geriatrics, Healthy Aging Research Center (HARC), Medical University of Lodz, pl. Hallera 1, 90-647 Lodz, Poland
| | - Lucyna Konieczna
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Medical University of Gdańsk, ul. Hallera 107, 80-416 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Tomasz Baczek
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Medical University of Gdańsk, ul. Hallera 107, 80-416 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Tomasz Kostka
- Department of Geriatrics, Healthy Aging Research Center (HARC), Medical University of Lodz, pl. Hallera 1, 90-647 Lodz, Poland
| | - Cezary Watala
- Department of Haemostatic Disorders, Medical University of Lodz, ul. Mazowiecka 6/8, 92-215 Lodz, Poland
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16
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Mi S, Chen H, Lin P, Kang P, Qiao D, Zhang B, Wang Z, Zhang J, Hu X, Wang C, Cui H, Li S. CaMKII is a modulator in neurodegenerative diseases and mediates the effect of androgen on synaptic protein PSD95. Front Genet 2022; 13:959360. [PMID: 35991539 PMCID: PMC9386121 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.959360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Androgens rapidly regulate synaptic plasticity in hippocampal neurones, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we carried out a comprehensive bioinformatics analysis of functional similarities between androgen receptor (AR) and the synaptic protein postsynaptic density 95 (PSD95) to evaluate the effect. Using different measurements and thresholds, we obtained consistent results illustrating that the two proteins were significantly involved in similar pathways. We further identified CaMKII plays a critical role in mediating the rapid effect of androgen and promoting the expression of PSD95. We used mouse hippocampal neurone HT22 cells as a cell model to investigate the effect of testosterone (T) on intracellular Ca2+ levels and the mechanism. Calcium imaging experiments showed that intracellular Ca2+ increased to a peak due to calcium influx in the extracellular fluid through L-type and N-type voltage-gated calcium channels when HT22 cells were treated with 100 nM T for 20 min. Subsequently, we investigated whether the Ca2+/CaMKII signaling pathway mediates the rapid effect of T, promoting the expression of the synaptic protein PSD95. Immunofluorescence cytochemical staining and western blotting results showed that T promoted CaMKII phosphorylation by rapidly increasing extracellular Ca2+ influx, thus increasing PSD95 expression. This study demonstrated that CaMKII acts as a mediator assisting androgen which regulates the synaptic protein PSD95Also, it provides evidence for the neuroprotective mechanisms of androgens in synaptic plasticity and reveals the gated and pharmacological mechanisms of the voltage-gated Ca2+ channel family for androgen replacement therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shixiong Mi
- Department of Anatomy, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- Neuroscience Research Center, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease Mechanism, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Huan Chen
- Department of Anatomy, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- Neuroscience Research Center, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Peijing Lin
- School of Food Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Peiyuan Kang
- Clinical Medicine, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Dan Qiao
- Department of Anatomy, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- Neuroscience Research Center, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Bohan Zhang
- Department of Anatomy, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- Neuroscience Research Center, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Zhao Wang
- Department of Anatomy, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- Neuroscience Research Center, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Jingbao Zhang
- Basic Medicine, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Xiangting Hu
- Basic Medicine, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Chang Wang
- Department of Anatomy, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- Neuroscience Research Center, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease Mechanism, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Huixian Cui
- Department of Anatomy, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- Neuroscience Research Center, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease Mechanism, Shijiazhuang, China
- *Correspondence: Sha Li, ; Huixian Cui,
| | - Sha Li
- Department of Anatomy, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- Neuroscience Research Center, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease Mechanism, Shijiazhuang, China
- The Key Laboratory of Neural and Vascular Biology, Ministry of Education, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- *Correspondence: Sha Li, ; Huixian Cui,
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17
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Overman MJ, Pendleton N, O'Neill TW, Bartfai G, Casanueva FF, Forti G, Rastrelli G, Giwercman A, Han TS, Huhtaniemi IT, Slowikowska-Hilczer J, Lean ME, Punab M, Lee DM, Antonio L, Gielen E, Rutter MK, Vanderschueren D, Wu FC, Tournoy J. Reproductive hormone levels, androgen receptor CAG repeat length and their longitudinal relationships with decline in cognitive subdomains in men: The European Male Ageing Study. Physiol Behav 2022; 252:113825. [PMID: 35487276 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2022.113825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE It has been proposed that endogenous sex hormone levels may present a modifiable risk factor for cognitive decline. However, the evidence for effects of sex steroids on cognitive ageing is conflicting. We therefore investigated associations between endogenous hormone levels, androgen receptor CAG repeat length, and cognitive domains including visuoconstructional abilities, visual memory, and processing speed in a large-scale longitudinal study of middle-aged and older men. METHODS Men aged 40-79 years from the European Male Ageing Study (EMAS) underwent cognitive assessments and measurements of hormone levels at baseline and follow-up (mean = 4.4 years, SD ± 0.3 years). Hormone levels measured included total and calculated free testosterone and estradiol, dihydrotestosterone, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate and sex hormone-binding globulin. Cognitive function was assessed using the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Copy and Recall, the Camden Topographical Recognition Memory and the Digit Symbol Substitution Test. Multivariate linear regressions were used to examine associations between baseline and change hormone levels, androgen receptor CAG repeat length, and cognitive decline. RESULTS Statistical analyses included 1,827 and 1,423 participants for models investigating relationships of cognition with hormone levels and CAG repeat length, respectively. In age-adjusted models, we found a significant association of higher baseline free testosterone (β=-0.001, p=0.005) and dihydrotestosterone levels (β=-0.065, p=0.003) with greater decline on Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Recall over time. However, these effects were no longer significant following adjustment for centre, health, and lifestyle factors. No relationships were observed between any other baseline hormone levels, change in hormone levels, or androgen receptor CAG repeat length with cognitive decline in the measured domains. CONCLUSIONS In this large-scale prospective study there was no evidence for an association between endogenous sex hormone levels or CAG repeat length and cognitive ageing in men. These data suggest that sex steroid levels do not affect visuospatial function, visual memory, or processing speed in middle-aged and older men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margot J Overman
- Gerontology and Geriatrics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, UK
| | - Neil Pendleton
- Clinical & Cognitive Neurosciences, Institute of Brain, Behaviour and Mental Health, The University of Manchester, UK
| | - Terence W O'Neill
- Centre for Epidemiology Versus Arthritis, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK; NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Gyorgy Bartfai
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Andrology, Albert Szent-György Medical University, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Felipe F Casanueva
- Department of Medicine, Santiago de Compostela University Spain; CIBEROBN Instituto de Salud Carlos III. Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Gianni Forti
- Endocrinology Unit, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Giulia Rastrelli
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Experimental, Clinical, and Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Aleksander Giwercman
- Reproductive Medicine Centre, Skåne University Hospital, University of Lund, Lund, Sweden
| | - Thang S Han
- Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham, Surrey, UK
| | - Ilpo T Huhtaniemi
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, London UK
| | | | - Michael Ej Lean
- Department of Human Nutrition, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Margus Punab
- Andrology Unit, Tartu University Hospital, Tartu, Estonia
| | - David M Lee
- Faculty of Health, Psychology and Social Care, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | - Leen Antonio
- Department of Andrology and Endocrinology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Chronic Diseases, Metabolism and Ageing, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Evelien Gielen
- Geriatric Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Martin K Rutter
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Gastroenterology, Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences, Institute of Human Development, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK; Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism Centre, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Dirk Vanderschueren
- Department of Andrology and Endocrinology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Chronic Diseases, Metabolism and Ageing, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Frederick Cw Wu
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Gastroenterology, Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences, Institute of Human Development, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Jos Tournoy
- Geriatric Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
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18
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Foecking EM, Segismundo AB, Lotesto KM, Westfall EJ, Bolduan AJ, Peter TK, Wallace DG, Kozlowski DA, Stubbs EB, Marzo SJ, Byram SC. Testosterone treatment restores vestibular function by enhancing neuronal survival in an experimental closed-head repetitive mild traumatic brain injury model. Behav Brain Res 2022; 433:113998. [PMID: 35809692 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2022.113998] [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: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Repetitive mild traumatic brain injury (rmTBI) results in a myriad of symptoms, including vestibular impairment. The mechanisms underlying vestibular dysfunction in rmTBI patients remain poorly understood. Concomitantly, acute hypogonadism occurs following TBI and can persist chronically in many patients. Using a repetitive mild closed-head animal model of TBI, the role of testosterone on vestibular function was tested. Male Long Evans Hooded rats were randomly divided into sham or rmTBI groups. Significant vestibular deficits were observed both acutely and chronically in the rmTBI groups. Systemic testosterone was administered after the development of chronic vestibular dysfunction. rmTBI animals given testosterone showed improved vestibular function that was sustained for 175 days post-rmTBI. Significant vestibular neuronal cell loss was, however, observed in the rmTBI animals compared to Sham animals at 175 days post-rmTBI and testosterone treatment significantly improved vestibular neuronal survival. Taken together, these data demonstrate a critical restorative role of testosterone in vestibular function following rmTBI. This study has important clinical implications because it identifies testosterone treatment as a viable therapeutic strategy for the long-term recovery of vestibular function following TBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eileen M Foecking
- Loyola University Chicago, Department of Otolaryngology, Burn Shock Trauma Research Institute, Loyola University Chicago, 2160 South 1st Avenue, Maywood, IL 60153, the United States of America; Burn Shock Trauma Research Institute, Loyola University Chicago, 2160 South 1st Avenue, Maywood, IL 60153, the United States of America; Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital Research Service, Hines, IL 60141, the United States of America.
| | - Arthur B Segismundo
- Loyola University of Chicago, Biomedical Graduate School, 2160 South 1st Avenue, Maywood, IL 60153, the United States of America.
| | - Krista M Lotesto
- Burn Shock Trauma Research Institute, Loyola University Chicago, 2160 South 1st Avenue, Maywood, IL 60153, the United States of America.
| | - Edward J Westfall
- Loyola University Medical Center, Department of Otolaryngology, 2160 South 1st Avenue, Maywood, IL 60153, the United States of America.
| | - Alyssa J Bolduan
- Loyola University Medical Center, Department of Otolaryngology, 2160 South 1st Avenue, Maywood, IL 60153, the United States of America.
| | - Tony K Peter
- Loyola University Medical Center, Department of Otolaryngology, 2160 South 1st Avenue, Maywood, IL 60153, the United States of America.
| | - Douglas G Wallace
- Northern Illinois University, Department of Psychology, 1425 Lincoln Hwy, DeKalb, IL 60115, the United States of America.
| | - Dorothy A Kozlowski
- DePaul University, Department of Biological Sciences and Neuroscience Program, 2325 N., Chicago, IL 60604, the United States of America.
| | - Evan B Stubbs
- Edward Hines Jr. VA Research Service, Hines, IL 60141, the United States of America; Loyola University Medical Center, Department of Otolaryngology, 2160 South 1st Avenue, Maywood, IL 60153, the United States of America.
| | - Sam J Marzo
- Loyola University Medical Center, Department of Otolaryngology, 2160 South 1st Avenue, Maywood, IL 60153, the United States of America.
| | - Susanna C Byram
- Loyola University Medical Center, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, 2160 South 1st Avenue, Maywood, IL 60153, the United States of America; Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital Research Service, Hines, IL 60141, the United States of America.
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19
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Zorrilla Veloz RI, McKenzie T, Palacios BE, Hu J. Nuclear hormone receptors in demyelinating diseases. J Neuroendocrinol 2022; 34:e13171. [PMID: 35734821 PMCID: PMC9339486 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Demyelination results from the pathological loss of myelin and is a hallmark of many neurodegenerative diseases. Despite the prevalence of demyelinating diseases, there are no disease modifying therapies that prevent the loss of myelin or promote remyelination. This review aims to summarize studies in the field that highlight the importance of nuclear hormone receptors in the promotion and maintenance of myelination and the relevance of nuclear hormone receptors as potential therapeutic targets for demyelinating diseases. These nuclear hormone receptors include the estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, androgen receptor, vitamin D receptor, thyroid hormone receptor, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor, liver X receptor, and retinoid X receptor. Pre-clinical studies in well-established animal models of demyelination have shown a prominent role of these nuclear hormone receptors in myelination through their promotion of oligodendrocyte maturation and development. The activation of the nuclear hormone receptors by their ligands also promotes the synthesis of myelin proteins and lipids in mouse models of demyelination. There are limited clinical studies that focus on how the activation of these nuclear hormone receptors could alleviate demyelination in patients with diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS). However, the completed clinical trials have reported improved clinical outcome in MS patients treated with the ligands of some of these nuclear hormone receptors. Together, the positive results from both clinical and pre-clinical studies point to nuclear hormone receptors as promising therapeutic targets to counter demyelination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rocío I Zorrilla Veloz
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Cancer Biology Program, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Takese McKenzie
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Neuroscience Program, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Bridgitte E Palacios
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Cancer Biology Program, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX, USA
- Neuroscience Program, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jian Hu
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Cancer Biology Program, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX, USA
- Neuroscience Program, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX, USA
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20
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LaDage LD. Seasonal variation in gonadal hormones, spatial cognition, and hippocampal attributes: More questions than answers. Horm Behav 2022; 141:105151. [PMID: 35299119 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2022.105151] [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: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
A large body of research has been dedicated to understanding the factors that modulate spatial cognition and attributes of the hippocampus, a highly plastic brain region that underlies spatial processing abilities. Variation in gonadal hormones impacts spatial memory and hippocampal attributes in vertebrates, although the direction of the effect has not been entirely consistent. To add complexity, individuals in the field must optimize fitness by coordinating activities with the appropriate environmental cues, and many of these behaviors are correlated tightly with seasonal variation in gonadal hormone release. As such, it remains unclear if the relationship among systemic gonadal hormones, spatial cognition, and the hippocampus also exhibits seasonal variation. This review presents an overview of the relationship among gonadal hormones, the hippocampus, and spatial cognition, and how the seasonal release of gonadal hormones correlates with seasonal variation in spatial cognition and hippocampal attributes. Additionally, this review presents other neuroendocrine mechanisms that may be involved in modulating the relationship among seasonality, gonadal hormone release, and the hippocampus and spatial cognition, including seasonal rhythms of steroid hormone binding globulins, neurosteroids, sex steroid hormone receptor expression, and hormone interactions. Here, endocrinology, ecology, and behavioral neuroscience are brought together to present an overview of the research demonstrating the mechanistic effects of systemic gonadal hormones on spatial cognition and the hippocampus, while, at a functional level, superimposing seasonal effects to examine ecologically-relevant circannual changes in gonadal hormones and spatial behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara D LaDage
- Penn State Altoona, Division of Mathematics & Natural Sciences, 3000 Ivyside Dr., Altoona, PA 16601, USA.
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21
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Kuwahara N, Nicholson K, Isaacs L, MacLusky NJ. Androgen Effects on Neural Plasticity. ANDROGENS: CLINICAL RESEARCH AND THERAPEUTICS 2021; 2:216-230. [PMID: 35024693 PMCID: PMC8744448 DOI: 10.1089/andro.2021.0022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Androgens are synthesized in the brain, gonads, and adrenal glands, in both sexes, exerting physiologically important effects on the structure and function of the central nervous system. These effects may contribute to the incidence and progression of neurological disorders such as autism spectrum disorder, schizophrenia, and Alzheimer's disease, which occur at different rates in males and females. This review briefly summarizes the current state of knowledge with respect to the neuroplastic effects of androgens, with particular emphasis on the hippocampus, which has been the focus of much of the research in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nariko Kuwahara
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Kate Nicholson
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Lauren Isaacs
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Neil J. MacLusky
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada
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22
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Faria M, Prats E, Rosas Ramírez JR, Bellot M, Bedrossiantz J, Pagano M, Valls A, Gomez-Canela C, Porta JM, Mestres J, Garcia-Reyero N, Faggio C, Gómez Oliván LM, Raldua D. Androgenic activation, impairment of the monoaminergic system and altered behavior in zebrafish larvae exposed to environmental concentrations of fenitrothion. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 775:145671. [PMID: 33621872 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.145671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Fenitrothion is an organophosphorus insecticide usually found in aquatic ecosystems at concentrations in the range of low ng/L. In this manuscript we show that 24 h exposure to environmental concentrations of fenitrothion, from ng/L to low μg/L, altered basal locomotor activity, visual-motor response and acoustic/vibrational escape response of zebrafish larvae. Furthermore, fenitrothion and expression of gap43a, gfap, atp2b1a, and mbp exhibited a significant non-monotonic concentration-response relationship. Once determined that environmental concentrations of fenitrothion were neurotoxic for zebrafish larvae, a computational analysis identified potential protein targets of this compound. Some of the predictions, including interactions with acetylcholinesterase, monoamine-oxidases and androgen receptor (AR), were experimentally validated. Binding to AR was the most suitable candidate for molecular initiating event, as indicated by both the up-regulation of cyp19a1b and sult2st3 and the non-monotonic relationship found between fenitrothion and the observed responses. Finally, when the integrity of the monoaminergic system was evaluated, altered levels of L-DOPA, DOPAC, HVA and 5-HIAA were found, as well as a significant up-regulation of slc18a2 expression at the lowest concentrations of fenitrothion. These data strongly suggest that concentrations of fenitrothion commonly found in aquatic ecosystems present a significant environmental risk for fish communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Faria
- Institute for Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), Jordi Girona, 18, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eva Prats
- Research and Development Center (CID-CSIC), Jordi Girona 18, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jonathan Ricardo Rosas Ramírez
- Laboratorio de Toxicología Ambiental, Facultad de Química, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, Paseo Colón intersección Paseo Tollocan s/n. Col. Residencial Colón, 50120 Toluca, Estado de México, Mexico
| | - Marina Bellot
- Department of Analytical Chemistry and Applied (Chromatography section), School of Engineering, Institut Químic de Sarrià-Universitat Ramon Llull, Via Augusta 390, 08017 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Juliette Bedrossiantz
- Institute for Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), Jordi Girona, 18, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria Pagano
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno d'Alcontres, 31, 98166 Agata-Messina, Italy
| | - Arnau Valls
- Institut de Robòtica i Informàtica Industrial, CSIC-UPC, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cristian Gomez-Canela
- Department of Analytical Chemistry and Applied (Chromatography section), School of Engineering, Institut Químic de Sarrià-Universitat Ramon Llull, Via Augusta 390, 08017 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josep M Porta
- Institut de Robòtica i Informàtica Industrial, CSIC-UPC, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Mestres
- Systems Pharmacology, Research Group on Biomedical Informatics (GRIB), IMIM Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute and Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Parc de Recerca Biomèdica, Chemotargets SL, Parc Científic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Natalia Garcia-Reyero
- Environmental Laboratory, US Army Engineer Research and Development Center, Vicksburg, MS, USA
| | - Caterina Faggio
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno d'Alcontres, 31, 98166 Agata-Messina, Italy
| | - Leobardo Manuel Gómez Oliván
- Laboratorio de Toxicología Ambiental, Facultad de Química, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, Paseo Colón intersección Paseo Tollocan s/n. Col. Residencial Colón, 50120 Toluca, Estado de México, Mexico
| | - Demetrio Raldua
- Institute for Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), Jordi Girona, 18, 08034 Barcelona, Spain.
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23
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Srancikova A, Mihalj D, Bacova Z, Bakos J. The effects of testosterone on gene expression of cell-adhesion molecules and scaffolding proteins: The role of sex in early development. Andrologia 2021; 53:e14153. [PMID: 34138481 DOI: 10.1111/and.14153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex-specific differences in brain plasticity appear to be organised by testosterone, which is particularly important during the early stages of development. The main purpose of the present study was to examine the sex differences in mRNA and protein levels of selected cell-adhesion molecules and scaffolding proteins on postnatal days 5 (P5) and 9 (P9) in the rat hippocampus, as well as evaluate the effects of testosterone treatment (100 nM, 48 hr) on synaptic proteins in SH-SY5Y (neuron-like) and U-87MG (astrocyte-like) cells. The gene expression levels of Neuroligin 3 and 'SH3 and multiple ankyrin repeat domains protein' 1 and 3 (SHANK1 and SHANK3) were significantly lower in males compared to females at P5. At P9, a similar significant trend towards a decrease in mRNA expression and protein levels of SHANK3 was found in males. Testosterone treatment induced a significant decrease of Neuroligin 1-3 mRNA expression in both SH-SY5Y and U-87MG cells. SHANK1 and SHANK3 mRNA levels significantly decreased in U-87MG cells response to testosterone presence. The presented results demonstrate that the association of selected postsynaptic cell-adhesion molecules and scaffolding proteins is sex-related. Testosterone appears to be particularly involved in the developmental mechanisms related to neuroplasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annamaria Srancikova
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Denisa Mihalj
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Zuzana Bacova
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Jan Bakos
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia.,Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
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24
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Ward PJ, Davey RA, Zajac JD, English AW. Neuronal androgen receptor is required for activity dependent enhancement of peripheral nerve regeneration. Dev Neurobiol 2021; 81:411-423. [PMID: 33864349 DOI: 10.1002/dneu.22826] [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: 11/05/2020] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Neuronal activity after nerve injury can enhance axon regeneration and the restoration of function. The mechanism for this enhancement relies in part on hormone receptors, and we previously demonstrated that systemic androgen receptor antagonism blocked the effect of exercise or electrical stimulation on enhancing axon regeneration after nerve injury in both sexes. Here, we tested the hypothesis that the site of this androgen receptor signaling is both neuronal and involves the classical, genomic signaling pathway. In vivo, dorsal root ganglion neurons successfully regenerate in response to activity-dependent neuronal activation, and conditional deletion of the DNA-binding domain of the androgen receptor in adults blocks this effect in males and females. Motoneurons in males and females also respond in this manner, but we also observed a sex difference. In vitro, cultured sensory dorsal root ganglion neurons respond to androgens via traditional androgen receptor signaling mechanisms leading to enhanced neurite growth and did not respond to a testosterone conjugate that is unable to cross the cell membrane. Given our previous observation of a requirement for activity-dependent androgen receptor signaling to promote regeneration in both sexes, we interpret our results to indicate that genomic neuronal androgen receptor signaling is required for activity-dependent axon regeneration in both sexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia J Ward
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Rachel A Davey
- Department of Medicine, Austin Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Jeffrey D Zajac
- Department of Medicine, Austin Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Arthur W English
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
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25
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Palmieri A, Meconi F, Vallesi A, Capizzi M, Pick E, Marcato S, Kleinbub JR, Sorarù G, Sessa P. Enhanced Neural Empathic Responses in Patients with Spino-Bulbar Muscular Atrophy: An Electrophysiological Study. Brain Sci 2020; 11:E16. [PMID: 33374355 PMCID: PMC7824338 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11010016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spino-bulbar muscular atrophy is a rare genetic X-linked disease caused by testosterone insensitivity. An inverse correlation has been described between testosterone levels and empathic responses. The present study explored the profile of neural empathic responding in spino-bulbar muscular atrophy patients. METHODS Eighteen patients with spino-bulbar muscular atrophy and eighteen healthy male controls were enrolled in the study. Their event-related potentials were recorded during an "Empathy Task" designed to distinguish neural responses linked with experience-sharing (early response) and mentalizing (late response) components of empathy. The task involved the presentation of contextual information (painful vs. neutral sentences) and facial expressions (painful vs. neutral). An explicit dispositional empathy-related questionnaire was also administered to all participants, who were screened via neuropsychological battery tests that did not reveal potential cognitive deficits. Due to electrophysiological artefacts, data from 12 patients and 17 controls were finally included in the analyses. RESULTS Although patients and controls did not differ in terms of dispositional, explicit empathic self-ratings, notably conservative event-related potentials analyses (i.e., spatio-temporal permutation cluster analyses) showed a significantly greater experience-sharing neural response in patients compared to healthy controls in the Empathy-task when both contextual information and facial expressions were painful. CONCLUSION The present study contributes to the characterization of the psychological profile of patients with spino-bulbar muscular atrophy, highlighting the peculiarities in enhanced neural responses underlying empathic reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arianna Palmieri
- Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education and Applied Psychology (FISPPA), University of Padova, Piazza Capitaniato, 35139 Padova, Italy; (A.P.); (E.P.); (S.M.); (J.R.K.)
- Padova Neuroscience Centre (PNC), University of Padova, Via Giuseppe Orus, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Federica Meconi
- School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK;
| | - Antonino Vallesi
- Department of Neurosciences (DNS) & Padova Neuroscience Centre, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani, 35128 Padova, Italy; (A.V.); (G.S.)
- Brain Imaging & Neural Dynamics Research Group, IRCCS San Camillo Hospital, 30126 Venice, Italy
| | | | - Emanuele Pick
- Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education and Applied Psychology (FISPPA), University of Padova, Piazza Capitaniato, 35139 Padova, Italy; (A.P.); (E.P.); (S.M.); (J.R.K.)
| | - Sonia Marcato
- Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education and Applied Psychology (FISPPA), University of Padova, Piazza Capitaniato, 35139 Padova, Italy; (A.P.); (E.P.); (S.M.); (J.R.K.)
| | - Johann R. Kleinbub
- Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education and Applied Psychology (FISPPA), University of Padova, Piazza Capitaniato, 35139 Padova, Italy; (A.P.); (E.P.); (S.M.); (J.R.K.)
| | - Gianni Sorarù
- Department of Neurosciences (DNS) & Padova Neuroscience Centre, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani, 35128 Padova, Italy; (A.V.); (G.S.)
| | - Paola Sessa
- Padova Neuroscience Centre (PNC), University of Padova, Via Giuseppe Orus, 35131 Padova, Italy
- Department of Developmental and Socialization Psychology (DPSS), University of Padova, Via Venezia, 35131 Padova, Italy
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26
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Ghetti S, Fandakova Y. Neural Development of Memory and Metamemory in Childhood and Adolescence: Toward an Integrative Model of the Development of Episodic Recollection. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020. [DOI: 10.1146/annurev-devpsych-060320-085634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Memory and metamemory processes are essential to retrieve detailed memories and appreciate the phenomenological experience of recollection. Developmental cognitive neuroscience has made strides in revealing the neural changes associated with improvements in memory and metamemory during childhood and adolescence. We argue that hippocampal changes, in concert with surrounding cortical regions, support developmental improvements in the precision, complexity, and flexibility of memory representations. In contrast, changes in frontoparietal regions promote efficient encoding and retrieval strategies. A smaller body of literature on the neural substrates of metamemory development suggests that error monitoring processes implemented in the anterior insula and dorsal anterior cingulate cortex trigger, and perhaps support the development of, metacognitive evaluationsin the prefrontal cortex, while developmental changes in the parietal cortex support changes in the phenomenological experience of episodic retrieval. Our conclusions highlight the necessity of integrating these lines of research into a comprehensive model on the neurocognitive development of episodic recollection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Ghetti
- Department of Psychology and Center for Mind and Brain, University of California, Davis, California 95618, USA
| | - Yana Fandakova
- Center for Lifespan Psychology, Max Planck Institute for Human Development, 14195 Berlin, Germany
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27
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Chang KF, Huang XF, Chang JT, Huang YC, Weng JC, Tsai NM. Cedrol suppresses glioblastoma progression by triggering DNA damage and blocking nuclear translocation of the androgen receptor. Cancer Lett 2020; 495:180-190. [DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2020.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 09/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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28
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The Modulatory Role of Vitamin C in Boldenone Undecylenate Induced Testicular Oxidative Damage and Androgen Receptor Dysregulation in Adult Male Rats. Antioxidants (Basel) 2020; 9:antiox9111053. [PMID: 33126548 PMCID: PMC7694087 DOI: 10.3390/antiox9111053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: This study explored the effect of vitamin C (Vit-C) administration on the reproductive function of adult male Wistar rats injected with boldenone undecylenate (BOL). Methods: Rats were randomly assigned into control, vehicle control, Vit-C (120 mg/kg b.wt./day, orally), BOL (received 5 mg/kg b.wt./week, IM) and BOL+Vit-C-treated groups. After eight weeks, hormonal assay, semen evaluation, testicular enzymes, and antioxidants biomarkers were assessed. Besides, the histopathological and immunohistochemical investigations of the androgen receptor (AR) expression were performed. Results: The results revealed that serum testosterone, acid phosphatase, sorbitol dehydrogenase, sperm abnormalities, and testicular malondialdehyde were significantly incremented in the BOL-treated group. Testicular weight, sperm count, and sperm motility together with serum levels of luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and estradiol, and testicular testosterone, catalase, superoxide dismutase, and reduced glutathione showed a significant decrease following BOL treatment. Besides, the AR immunoreactivity was significantly decreased in testicular tissues. Vit-C co-administration with BOL significantly relieved the BOL-induced sperm abnormalities, reduced sperm motility, testicular enzyme leakage, and oxidative damage. However, Vit-C could rescue neither BOL-induced hormonal disturbances nor AR down-regulation. Conclusions: The results provide further insight into the mechanisms of BOL-induced reproductive dysfunction and its partial recovery by Vit-C.
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29
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Low KL, Tomm RJ, Ma C, Tobiansky DJ, Floresco SB, Soma KK. Effects of aging on testosterone and androgen receptors in the mesocorticolimbic system of male rats. Horm Behav 2020; 120:104689. [PMID: 31954104 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2020.104689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2019] [Revised: 11/23/2019] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
As males age, systemic testosterone (T) levels decline. T regulates executive function, a collection of cognitive processes that are mediated by the mesocorticolimbic system. Here, we examined young adult (5 months) and aged (22 months) male Fischer 344 × Brown Norway rats, and measured systemic T levels in serum and local T levels in microdissected nodes of the mesocorticolimbic system (ventral tegmental area (VTA), nucleus accumbens (NAc), medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), and orbitofrontal cortex (OFC)). We also measured androgen receptor (AR) immunoreactivity (-ir) in the mesocorticolimbic system. As expected, systemic T levels decreased with age. Local T levels in mesocorticolimbic regions - except the VTA - also decreased with age. Mesocorticolimbic T levels were higher than serum T levels at both ages. AR-ir was present in the VTA, NAc, mPFC, and OFC and decreased with age in the mPFC. Taken together with previous results, the data suggest that changes in androgen signaling may contribute to changes in executive function during aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katelyn L Low
- Department of Psychology and Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Ryan J Tomm
- Department of Psychology and Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Chunqi Ma
- Department of Psychology and Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Daniel J Tobiansky
- Department of Psychology and Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Stan B Floresco
- Department of Psychology and Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Kiran K Soma
- Department of Psychology and Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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30
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Contreras-Zárate MJ, Cittelly DM. Sex steroid hormone function in the brain niche: Implications for brain metastatic colonization and progression. Cancer Rep (Hoboken) 2020; 5:e1241. [PMID: 33350105 PMCID: PMC8022872 DOI: 10.1002/cnr2.1241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Revised: 01/04/2020] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While sex hormones and their receptors play well-known roles in progression of primary tumors through direct action on sex steroid hormone-responsive cancer cells, emerging evidence suggest that hormones also play important roles in metastatic progression by modulating the tumor microenvironment. Estrogens and androgens synthesized in gonads and within the brain influence memory, behavior, and outcomes of brain pathologies. Yet, their impact on brain metastatic colonization and progression is just beginning to be explored. RECENT FINDINGS Estradiol and testosterone cross the blood-brain barrier and are synthesized de novo in astrocytes and other cells within the adult brain. Circulating and brain-synthesized estrogens have been shown to promote brain metastatic colonization of tumors lacking estrogen receptors (ERs), through mechanisms involving the upregulation of growth factors and neurotrophins in ER+ reactive astrocytes. In this review, we discuss additional mechanisms by which hormones may influence brain metastases, through modulation of brain endothelial cells, astrocytes, and microglia. CONCLUSION A greater understanding of hormone-brain-tumor interactions may shed further light on the mechanisms underlying the adaptation of cancer cells to the brain niche, and provide therapeutic alternatives modulating the brain metastatic niche.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Diana M Cittelly
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, Colorado
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31
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32
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Llorente R, Marraudino M, Carrillo B, Bonaldo B, Simon-Areces J, Abellanas-Pérez P, Rivero-Aguilar M, Fernandez-Garcia JM, Pinos H, Garcia-Segura LM, Collado P, Grassi D. G Protein-Coupled Estrogen Receptor Immunoreactivity Fluctuates During the Estrous Cycle and Show Sex Differences in the Amygdala and Dorsal Hippocampus. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:537. [PMID: 32849310 PMCID: PMC7426398 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.00537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) in the amygdala and the dorsal hippocampus mediates actions of estradiol on anxiety, social recognition and spatial memory. In addition, GPER participates in the estrogenic regulation of synaptic function in the amygdala and in the process of adult neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus. While the distribution of the canonical estrogen receptors α and β in the amygdala and dorsal hippocampus are well characterized, little is known about the regional distribution of GPER in these brain regions and whether this distribution is affected by sex or the stages of the estrous cycle. In this study we performed a morphometric analysis of GPER immunoreactivity in the posterodorsal medial, anteroventral medial, basolateral, basomedial and central subdivisions of the amygdala and in all the histological layers of CA1 and the dentate gyrus of the dorsal hippocampal formation. The number of GPER immunoreactive cells was estimated in these different structures. GPER immunoreactivity was detected in all the assessed subdivisions of the amygdaloid nucleus and dorsal hippocampal formation. The number of GPER immunoreactive cells was higher in males than in estrus females in the central (P = 0.001) and the posterodorsal medial amygdala (P < 0.05); higher in males than in diestrus females in the strata orients (P < 0.01) and radiatum-lacunosum-moleculare (P < 0.05) of CA1-CA3 and in the molecular layer of the dentate gyrus (P < 0.01); higher in diestrus females than in males in the basolateral amygdala (P < 0.05); higher in diestrus females than in estrus females in the central (P < 0.01), posterodorsal medial (P < 0.01) and basolateral amygdala (P < 0.01) and higher in estrus females than in diestrus females in the strata oriens (P < 0.05) and radiatum-lacunosum-moleculare (P < 0.05) of CA1-CA3 and in the molecular layer (P < 0.05) and the hilus of the dentate gyrus (P < 0.05). The findings suggest that estrogenic regulation of the amygdala and hippocampus through GPER may be different in males and in females and may fluctuate during the estrous cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Llorente
- Department of Preclinical Odontology, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marilena Marraudino
- Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi Montalcini, Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Beatriz Carrillo
- Department of Psychobiology, Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia (UNED), Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Mixto de Investigación Escuela Nacional de Sanidad-UNED (IMIENS), Madrid, Spain
| | - Brigitta Bonaldo
- Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi Montalcini, Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Julia Simon-Areces
- Department of Physiotherapy, Podology and Dance, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - Jose M. Fernandez-Garcia
- Department of Psychobiology, Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia (UNED), Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Mixto de Investigación Escuela Nacional de Sanidad-UNED (IMIENS), Madrid, Spain
| | - Helena Pinos
- Department of Psychobiology, Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia (UNED), Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Mixto de Investigación Escuela Nacional de Sanidad-UNED (IMIENS), Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis M. Garcia-Segura
- Cajal Institute, CSIC, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Paloma Collado
- Department of Psychobiology, Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia (UNED), Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Mixto de Investigación Escuela Nacional de Sanidad-UNED (IMIENS), Madrid, Spain
| | - Daniela Grassi
- Department of Preclinical Odontology, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Psychobiology, Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia (UNED), Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Mixto de Investigación Escuela Nacional de Sanidad-UNED (IMIENS), Madrid, Spain
- Cajal Institute, CSIC, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- *Correspondence: Daniela Grassi ;
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Duerden EG, Chakravarty MM, Lerch JP, Taylor MJ. Sex-Based Differences in Cortical and Subcortical Development in 436 Individuals Aged 4-54 Years. Cereb Cortex 2019; 30:2854-2866. [PMID: 31814003 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhz279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2019] [Revised: 10/14/2019] [Accepted: 10/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex-based differences in brain development have long been established in ex vivo studies. Recent in vivo studies using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have offered considerable insight into sex-based variations in brain maturation. However, reports of sex-based differences in cortical volumes and thickness are inconsistent. We examined brain maturation in a cross-sectional, single-site cohort of 436 individuals (201 [46%] males) aged 4-54 years (median = 16 years). Cortical thickness, cortical surface area, subcortical surface area, volumes of the cerebral cortex, white matter (WM), cortical and subcortical gray matter (GM), including the thalamic subnuclei, basal ganglia, and hippocampi were calculated using automatic segmentation pipelines. Subcortical structures demonstrated distinct curvilinear trajectories from the cortex, in both volumetric maturation and surface-area expansion in relation to age. Surface-area analysis indicated that dorsal regions of the thalamus, globus pallidus and striatum, regions demonstrating structural connectivity with frontoparietal cortices, exhibited extensive expansion with age, and were inversely related to changes seen in cortical maturation, which contracted with age. Furthermore, surface-area expansion was more robust in males in comparison to females. Age- and sex-related maturational changes may reflect alterations in dendritic and synaptic architecture known to occur during development from early childhood through to mid-adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma G Duerden
- Diagnostic Imaging, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Faculty of Education, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - M Mallar Chakravarty
- Cerebral Imaging Centre, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Departments of Psychiatry and Biomedical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jason P Lerch
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, University of Oxford.,Mouse Imaging Centre, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Margot J Taylor
- Diagnostic Imaging, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Medical Imaging, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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34
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Brandt N, Rune GM. Sex-dependency of oestrogen-induced structural synaptic plasticity: Inhibition of aromatase versus application of estradiol in rodents. Eur J Neurosci 2019; 52:2548-2559. [PMID: 31403726 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.14541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2019] [Revised: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Sex-dependent differences in learning and memory formation in humans have been frequently shown. The mechanisms underlying the formation and retention of memories are assumed to involve synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus. Estradiol was shown to effect synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus of rodents. The effects after exogenous application of estradiol to animals frequently produce inconsistent results, in particular, if sex is not considered in the studies. Recently we provided evidence that locally synthesized estradiol plays an essential role on synaptic connectivity in the hippocampus of females but not of male mice. In females, inhibition of local estradiol synthesis leads to synapse loss, which results from impairment of long-term potentiation and dephosphorylation of cofilin, and thereby the destabilization of postsynaptic dendritic spines. This sex-dependency was also seen in the classical aromatase knock-out mouse. Intriguingly, no differences between sexes have been found in a conditional forebrain-specific aromatase knock-out mouse. Altogether, the findings underscore the necessity of including 'Sex as a Biological Variable' in studies of sex steroid-induced synaptic plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Brandt
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Gabriele M Rune
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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35
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Relationships between adrenarcheal hormones, hippocampal volumes and depressive symptoms in children. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2019; 104:55-63. [PMID: 30802711 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2019.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2018] [Revised: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 02/13/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Early timing of puberty (i.e., advanced pubertal maturation relative to same-age peers) has been associated with depressive symptoms during adolescence. To date, research on this relationship has focused on gonadarche, the second phase of puberty, while less is known about the first phase of puberty, adrenarche. Increasing evidence suggests that androgens that rise during adrenarche, most notably dehyrdoepiandrosterone (DHEA) and testosterone, may be involved both in the development of the hippocampus, and risk for depression. The current study investigated whether hippocampal volumes mediated the relationship between adrenarcheal timing (based on relative levels of adrenarcheal hormones) and depressive symptoms in children. Data were collected from a cross-sectional sample of 88 children (46 female) selected to have relatively increased variance in these androgens. Participants completed brain MRI structural scans, provided saliva samples for hormones, and completed the Children's Depression Inventory (CDI). Contrary to predictions, larger right hippocampi significantly partially mediated the positive relationship between early timing of testosterone exposure (i.e., relatively high levels of testosterone for one's age) and depressive symptoms in girls. No other evidence of significant mediation effects was obtained, however DHEA and testosterone exposure showed unique effects on hippocampal volumes in males and females, and larger hippocampal volumes predicted higher depressive symptoms in the entire sample. These results suggest that adrenarcheal timing may be related to hippocampal development and depressive symptoms, extending current knowledge of pubertal risk processes.
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Chronological Molecular Changes in Neuronal Communication in Androgen-Deficient Rats. J Mol Neurosci 2019; 69:83-93. [DOI: 10.1007/s12031-019-01335-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2018] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Selmeczy D, Fandakova Y, Grimm KJ, Bunge SA, Ghetti S. Longitudinal trajectories of hippocampal and prefrontal contributions to episodic retrieval: Effects of age and puberty. Dev Cogn Neurosci 2019; 36:100599. [PMID: 30553718 PMCID: PMC6969281 DOI: 10.1016/j.dcn.2018.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2018] [Revised: 10/18/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The current study investigated longitudinal change in hippocampal and prefrontal contribution to episodic retrieval. Functional neuroimaging data were collected during an item-context association memory task for children between the ages of 8 and 14 with individuals scanned 1-3 times over the course of 0.75-3.7 years (Timepoint 1 N = 90; Timepoint 2 N = 83, Timepoint 3 N = 75). We investigated developmental changes in functional activation associated with episodic retrieval (correct item-context > incorrect item-context contrast) and asked whether pubertal changes contributed to developmental changes in pattern of activation. Non-linear developmental trajectories were observed. In the hippocampus, activation decreased with age during childhood and then increased into early adolescence. In the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, activation was largely absent initially, but quickly accelerated over time. Independent of age, changes in pubertal status additionally predicted increases in item-context activation in initially older children, and decreases in initially younger children across both regions and two indicators of puberty: the Pubertal Development Scale and salivary testosterone. These findings suggest that changes in both age and pubertal status uniquely contribute to memory-related activation, and the timing of pubertal onset may play an important role in the neural mechanisms supporting memory retrieval.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Selmeczy
- Center for Mind and Brain, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA; Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA.
| | - Yana Fandakova
- Center for Lifespan Psychology, Max Planck Institute for Human Development, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Kevin J Grimm
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA
| | - Silvia A Bunge
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA; Department of Psychology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Simona Ghetti
- Center for Mind and Brain, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA; Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA.
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Brown JA, Wisco JJ. The components of the adolescent brain and its unique sensitivity to sexually explicit material. J Adolesc 2019; 72:10-13. [PMID: 30754014 DOI: 10.1016/j.adolescence.2019.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2017] [Revised: 11/18/2018] [Accepted: 01/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The focus of this brief literature review is to explore whether there is a relationship between the unique anatomical and physiological paradigms of the adolescent brain and an increased sensitivity to sexually explicit material. METHODS The EBSCO Research Data bases were searched using the following key terms: adolescence, adolescent brain development, neuroplasticity, sexually explicit material, sexualization, and pornography. RESULTS The literature highlighted several components of the adolescent brain that are different than the mature brain. These include: an immature prefrontal cortex and over-responsive limbic and striatal circuits, heightened period for neuroplasticity, overactive dopamine system, a pronounced HPA axis, augmented levels of testosterone, and the unique impact of steroid hormones. The physiological response to sexually explicit material is delineated. The overlap of key areas associated with the unique adolescent brain development and sexually explicit material is noteworthy. A working model summary that compares the response of the adult and adolescent brain to the same sexually explicit stimulus is outlined. CONCLUSIONS The literature suggests that the adolescent brain may indeed be more sensitive to sexually explicit material, but due to a lack of empirical studies this question cannot be answered definitively. Suggestions for future research are given to further advance the work in this applicable field of today.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jonathan J Wisco
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA; Department of Physiology and Developmental Biology, Neuroscience Center, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA; Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, University of Utah Medical School, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA
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Zarei F, Moradpour F, Moazedi AA, Pourmotabbed A, Veisi M. Nandrolone administration abolishes hippocampal fEPSP-PS potentiation and passive avoidance learning of adolescent male rats. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 2018; 97:130-139. [PMID: 30562047 DOI: 10.1139/cjpp-2018-0293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Despite the chronic effects of nandrolone decanoate (ND), the acute effects of ND on passive avoidance learning (PAL) and memory and its mechanism have not been investigated. This research examines the acute effect of ND on PAL, CA1 synaptic plasticity, testosterone and corticosterone serum levels, and the role of androgenic receptors (ARs). Adolescent male rats were treated with ND, 30 min before training and retention and after training test. AR antagonist was applied 15 min before ND. Hippocampal slices were perfused by ND. ND administration had an inverted U-shape effect on acquisition of PAL and on testosterone and corticosterone serum levels. The consolidation was only affected by high dose of ND. ND significantly decreased the retention of PAL across all doses. The magnitude of field excitatory postsynaptic potential long term potentiation was lower than that of control slices. In addition, an attenuation of field excitatory postsynaptic potential population spike coupling was also observed. Nilutamide could nullify the ND impairment effect. We concluded although a single dose of ND could affect all stages of PAL, its effects were more potent on retrieval, possibly arising from the acute effect of ND on the alterations of CA1 synaptic plasticity. In addition, ND may induce its effects directly through ARs and indirectly through plasma testosterone and corticosterone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Zarei
- a Department of Biology, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Farshad Moradpour
- b Fertility & Infertility Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.,c Department of Physiology, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Ahmad Ali Moazedi
- a Department of Biology, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Ali Pourmotabbed
- c Department of Physiology, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Mozhgan Veisi
- c Department of Physiology, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
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Mendell AL, MacLusky NJ. Neurosteroid Metabolites of Gonadal Steroid Hormones in Neuroprotection: Implications for Sex Differences in Neurodegenerative Disease. Front Mol Neurosci 2018; 11:359. [PMID: 30344476 PMCID: PMC6182082 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2018.00359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2018] [Accepted: 09/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Gonadal steroid hormones are neurotrophic and neuroprotective. These effects are modulated by local metabolism of the hormones within the brain. Such control is necessary to maintain normal function, as several signaling pathways that are activated by gonadal steroid hormones in the brain can also become dysregulated in disease. Metabolites of the gonadal steroid hormones—particularly 3α-hydroxy, 5α-reduced neurosteroids—are synthesized in the brain and can act through different mechanisms from their parent steroids. These metabolites may provide a mechanism for modulating the responses to their precursor hormones, thereby providing a regulatory influence on cellular responses. In addition, there is evidence that the 3α-hydroxy, 5α-reduced neurosteroids are neuroprotective in their own right, and therefore may contribute to the overall protection conferred by their precursors. In this review article, the rapidly growing body of evidence supporting a neuroprotective role for this class of neurosteroids will be considered, including a discussion of potential mechanisms that may be involved. In addition, we explore the hypothesis that differences between males and females in local neurosteroid production may contribute to sex differences in the development of neurodegenerative disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ari Loren Mendell
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Neil James MacLusky
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
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41
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van Hemmen J, Saris IMJ, Cohen-Kettenis PT, Veltman DJ, Pouwels PJW, Bakker J. Sex Differences in White Matter Microstructure in the Human Brain Predominantly Reflect Differences in Sex Hormone Exposure. Cereb Cortex 2018; 27:2994-3001. [PMID: 27226438 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhw156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex differences have been described regarding several aspects of human brain morphology; however, the exact biological mechanisms underlying these differences remain unclear in humans. Women with the complete androgen insensitivity syndrome (CAIS), who lack androgen action in the presence of a 46,XY karyotype, offer the unique opportunity to study isolated effects of sex hormones and sex chromosomes on human neural sexual differentiation. In the present study, we used diffusion tensor imaging to investigate white matter (WM) microstructure in 46,XY women with CAIS (n = 20), 46,XY comparison men (n = 30), and 46,XX comparison women (n = 30). Widespread sex differences in fractional anisotropy (FA), with higher FA in comparison men than in comparison women, were observed. Women with CAIS showed female-typical FA throughout extended WM regions, predominantly due to female-typical radial diffusivity. These findings indicate a predominant role of sex hormones in the sexual differentiation of WM microstructure, although sex chromosome genes and/or masculinizing androgen effects not mediated by the androgen receptor might also play a role.
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Affiliation(s)
- J van Hemmen
- Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Medical Psychology.,Neuroscience Campus Amsterdam, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - I M J Saris
- Department of Psychiatry, GGZ inGeest, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - D J Veltman
- Department of Psychiatry.,Neuroscience Campus Amsterdam, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - P J W Pouwels
- Department of Physics and Medical Technology and.,Neuroscience Campus Amsterdam, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - J Bakker
- Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Medical Psychology.,GIGA Neurosciences, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
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42
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Zárate S, Stevnsner T, Gredilla R. Role of Estrogen and Other Sex Hormones in Brain Aging. Neuroprotection and DNA Repair. Front Aging Neurosci 2018. [PMID: 29311911 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2017.00430/xml/nlm] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Aging is an inevitable biological process characterized by a progressive decline in physiological function and increased susceptibility to disease. The detrimental effects of aging are observed in all tissues, the brain being the most important one due to its main role in the homeostasis of the organism. As our knowledge about the underlying mechanisms of brain aging increases, potential approaches to preserve brain function rise significantly. Accumulating evidence suggests that loss of genomic maintenance may contribute to aging, especially in the central nervous system (CNS) owing to its low DNA repair capacity. Sex hormones, particularly estrogens, possess potent antioxidant properties and play important roles in maintaining normal reproductive and non-reproductive functions. They exert neuroprotective actions and their loss during aging and natural or surgical menopause is associated with mitochondrial dysfunction, neuroinflammation, synaptic decline, cognitive impairment and increased risk of age-related disorders. Moreover, loss of sex hormones has been suggested to promote an accelerated aging phenotype eventually leading to the development of brain hypometabolism, a feature often observed in menopausal women and prodromal Alzheimer's disease (AD). Although data on the relation between sex hormones and DNA repair mechanisms in the brain is still limited, various investigations have linked sex hormone levels with different DNA repair enzymes. Here, we review estrogen anti-aging and neuroprotective mechanisms, which are currently an area of intense study, together with the effect they may have on the DNA repair capacity in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Zárate
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED, UBA-CONICET), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Departamento de Histología, Embriología, Biología Celular y Genética, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Tinna Stevnsner
- Danish Center for Molecular Gerontology and Danish Aging Research Center, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, University of Aarhus, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Ricardo Gredilla
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
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43
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Zárate S, Stevnsner T, Gredilla R. Role of Estrogen and Other Sex Hormones in Brain Aging. Neuroprotection and DNA Repair. Front Aging Neurosci 2017; 9:430. [PMID: 29311911 PMCID: PMC5743731 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2017.00430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 167] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2017] [Accepted: 12/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Aging is an inevitable biological process characterized by a progressive decline in physiological function and increased susceptibility to disease. The detrimental effects of aging are observed in all tissues, the brain being the most important one due to its main role in the homeostasis of the organism. As our knowledge about the underlying mechanisms of brain aging increases, potential approaches to preserve brain function rise significantly. Accumulating evidence suggests that loss of genomic maintenance may contribute to aging, especially in the central nervous system (CNS) owing to its low DNA repair capacity. Sex hormones, particularly estrogens, possess potent antioxidant properties and play important roles in maintaining normal reproductive and non-reproductive functions. They exert neuroprotective actions and their loss during aging and natural or surgical menopause is associated with mitochondrial dysfunction, neuroinflammation, synaptic decline, cognitive impairment and increased risk of age-related disorders. Moreover, loss of sex hormones has been suggested to promote an accelerated aging phenotype eventually leading to the development of brain hypometabolism, a feature often observed in menopausal women and prodromal Alzheimer's disease (AD). Although data on the relation between sex hormones and DNA repair mechanisms in the brain is still limited, various investigations have linked sex hormone levels with different DNA repair enzymes. Here, we review estrogen anti-aging and neuroprotective mechanisms, which are currently an area of intense study, together with the effect they may have on the DNA repair capacity in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Zárate
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED, UBA-CONICET), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Departamento de Histología, Embriología, Biología Celular y Genética, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Tinna Stevnsner
- Danish Center for Molecular Gerontology and Danish Aging Research Center, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, University of Aarhus, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Ricardo Gredilla
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
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Presence of Androgen Receptor Variant in Neuronal Lipid Rafts. eNeuro 2017; 4:eN-NWR-0109-17. [PMID: 28856243 PMCID: PMC5575139 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0109-17.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2017] [Revised: 08/03/2017] [Accepted: 08/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Fast, nongenomic androgen actions have been described in various cell types, including neurons. However, the receptor mediating this cell membrane–initiated rapid signaling remains unknown. This study found a putative androgen receptor splice variant in a dopaminergic N27 cell line and in several brain regions (substantia nigra pars compacta, entorhinal cortex, and hippocampus) from gonadally intact and gonadectomized (young and middle-aged) male rats. This putative splice variant protein has a molecular weight of 45 kDa and lacks an N-terminal domain, indicating it is homologous to the human AR45 splice variant. Interestingly, AR45 was highly expressed in all brain regions examined. In dopaminergic neurons, AR45 is localized to plasma membrane lipid rafts, a microdomain involved in cellular signaling. Further, AR45 protein interacts with membrane-associated G proteins Gαq and Gαo. Neither age nor hormone levels altered AR45 expression in dopaminergic neurons. These results provide the first evidence of AR45 protein expression in the brain, specifically plasma membrane lipid rafts. AR45 presence in lipid rafts indicates that it may function as a membrane androgen receptor to mediate fast, nongenomic androgen actions.
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45
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LaDage LD, Roth TC, Downs CJ, Sinervo B, Pravosudov VV. Increased Testosterone Decreases Medial Cortical Volume and Neurogenesis in Territorial Side-Blotched Lizards ( Uta stansburiana). Front Neurosci 2017; 11:97. [PMID: 28298883 PMCID: PMC5331184 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2017.00097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2017] [Accepted: 02/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Variation in an animal's spatial environment can induce variation in the hippocampus, an area of the brain involved in spatial cognitive processing. Specifically, increased spatial area use is correlated with increased hippocampal attributes, such as volume and neurogenesis. In the side-blotched lizard (Uta stansburiana), males demonstrate alternative reproductive tactics and are either territorial—defending large, clearly defined spatial boundaries—or non-territorial—traversing home ranges that are smaller than the territorial males' territories. Our previous work demonstrated cortical volume (reptilian hippocampal homolog) correlates with these spatial niches. We found that territorial holders have larger medial cortices than non-territory holders, yet these differences in the neural architecture demonstrated some degree of plasticity as well. Although we have demonstrated a link among territoriality, spatial use, and brain plasticity, the mechanisms that underlie this relationship are unclear. Previous studies found that higher testosterone levels can induce increased use of the spatial area and can cause an upregulation in hippocampal attributes. Thus, testosterone may be the mechanistic link between spatial area use and the brain. What remains unclear, however, is if testosterone can affect the cortices independent of spatial experiences and whether testosterone differentially interacts with territorial status to produce the resultant cortical phenotype. In this study, we compared neurogenesis as measured by the total number of doublecortin-positive cells and cortical volume between territorial and non-territorial males supplemented with testosterone. We found no significant differences in the number of doublecortin-positive cells or cortical volume among control territorial, control non-territorial, and testosterone-supplemented non-territorial males, while testosterone-supplemented territorial males had smaller medial cortices containing fewer doublecortin-positive cells. These results demonstrate that testosterone can modulate medial cortical attributes outside of differential spatial processing experiences but that territorial males appear to be more sensitive to alterations in testosterone levels compared with non-territorial males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara D LaDage
- Division of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Penn State University Altoona Altoona, PA, USA
| | - Timothy C Roth
- Department of Psychology, Franklin and Marshall College Lancaster, PA, USA
| | | | - Barry Sinervo
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, CA, USA
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Mendell AL, Atwi S, Bailey CDC, McCloskey D, Scharfman HE, MacLusky NJ. Expansion of mossy fibers and CA3 apical dendritic length accompanies the fall in dendritic spine density after gonadectomy in male, but not female, rats. Brain Struct Funct 2017; 222:587-601. [PMID: 27283589 PMCID: PMC5337402 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-016-1237-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2015] [Accepted: 05/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Androgen loss is an important clinical concern because of its cognitive and behavioral effects. Changes in androgen levels are also suspected to contribute to neurological disease. However, the available data on the effects of androgen deprivation in areas of the brain that are central to cognition, like the hippocampus, are mixed. In this study, morphological analysis of pyramidal cells was used to investigate if structural changes could potentially contribute to the mixed cognitive effects that have been observed after androgen loss in males. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were orchidectomized or sham-operated. Two months later, their brains were Golgi-impregnated for morphological analysis. Morphological endpoints were studied in areas CA3 and CA1, with comparisons to females either intact or 2 months after ovariectomy. CA3 pyramidal neurons of orchidectomized rats exhibited marked increases in apical dendritic arborization. There were increases in mossy fiber afferent density in area CA3, as well as robust enhancements to dendritic structure in area CA3 of orchidectomized males, but not in CA1. Remarkably, apical dendritic length of CA3 pyramidal cells increased, while spine density declined. By contrast, in females overall dendritic structure was minimally affected by ovariectomy, while dendritic spine density was greatly reduced. Sex differences and subfield-specific effects of gonadal hormone deprivation on the hippocampal circuitry may help explain the different behavioral effects reported in males and females after gonadectomy, or other conditions associated with declining gonadal hormone secretion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ari L Mendell
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Sarah Atwi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Craig D C Bailey
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Dan McCloskey
- Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Center of Dementia Research, Orangeburg, NY, 10962, USA
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, 10016, USA
- Department of Physiology and Neuroscience, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, 10016, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, 10016, USA
- Department of Psychology, College of Staten Island, City University of New York, New York, 10314, USA
| | - Helen E Scharfman
- Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Center of Dementia Research, Orangeburg, NY, 10962, USA
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, 10016, USA
- Department of Physiology and Neuroscience, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, 10016, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Neil J MacLusky
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada.
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Zancan M, Dall'Oglio A, Quagliotto E, Rasia‐Filho AA. Castration alters the number and structure of dendritic spines in the male posterodorsal medial amygdala. Eur J Neurosci 2016; 45:572-580. [DOI: 10.1111/ejn.13460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2016] [Revised: 10/22/2016] [Accepted: 10/31/2016] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Zancan
- Department of Basic Sciences/Physiology Federal University of Health Sciences Sarmento Leite 245 Porto Alegre RS 90050‐170 Brazil
- Graduation Program in Neuroscience Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul Porto Alegre Brazil
| | - Aline Dall'Oglio
- Department of Basic Sciences/Physiology Federal University of Health Sciences Sarmento Leite 245 Porto Alegre RS 90050‐170 Brazil
| | - Edson Quagliotto
- Department of Basic Sciences/Physiology Federal University of Health Sciences Sarmento Leite 245 Porto Alegre RS 90050‐170 Brazil
| | - Alberto A. Rasia‐Filho
- Department of Basic Sciences/Physiology Federal University of Health Sciences Sarmento Leite 245 Porto Alegre RS 90050‐170 Brazil
- Graduation Program in Neuroscience Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul Porto Alegre Brazil
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Cognitive-enhancing activities of the polyprenol preparation Ropren® in gonadectomized β-amyloid (25–35) rat model of Alzheimer's disease. Physiol Behav 2016; 157:55-62. [DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2016.01.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2016] [Revised: 01/22/2016] [Accepted: 01/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Mad men, women and steroid cocktails: a review of the impact of sex and other factors on anabolic androgenic steroids effects on affective behaviors. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2016; 233:549-69. [PMID: 26758282 PMCID: PMC4751878 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-015-4193-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2015] [Accepted: 12/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE For several decades, elite athletes and a growing number of recreational consumers have used anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) as performance enhancing drugs. Despite mounting evidence that illicit use of these synthetic steroids has detrimental effects on affective states, information available on sex-specific actions of these drugs is lacking. OBJECTIVES The focus of this review is to assess information to date on the importance of sex and its interaction with other environmental factors on affective behaviors, with an emphasis on data derived from non-human studies. METHODS The PubMed database was searched for relevant studies in both sexes. RESULTS Studies examining AAS use in females are limited, reflecting the lower prevalence of use in this sex. Data, however, indicate significant sex-specific differences in AAS effects on anxiety-like and aggressive behaviors, interactions with other drugs of abuse, and the interplay of AAS with other environmental factors such as diet and exercise. CONCLUSIONS Current methods for assessing AAS use have limitations that suggest biases of both under- and over-reporting, which may be amplified for females who are poorly represented in self-report studies of human subjects and are rarely used in animal studies. Data from animal literature suggest that there are significant sex-specific differences in the impact of AAS on aggression, anxiety, and concomitant use of other abused substances. These results have relevance for human females who take these drugs as performance-enhancing substances and for transgender XX individuals who may illicitly self-administer AAS as they transition to a male gender identity.
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Digit ratio (2D:4D) and psychopathic traits moderate the effect of exogenous testosterone on socio-cognitive processes in men. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2015; 62:319-26. [PMID: 26356040 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2015.08.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2015] [Revised: 08/25/2015] [Accepted: 08/25/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Recent evidence suggests that testosterone is negatively correlated with empathic processes in both men and women. Also, administration of testosterone to young women impairs socio-cognitive performance as assessed using the "Reading the Mind in the Eyes Task", especially among those exposed to elevated testosterone concentrations prenatally. However, the extent to which testosterone plays a similar causal role in socio-cognitive abilities in men is currently unknown. Here, using a crossover, double-blind, placebo-controlled, within-subject design, we investigated the extent to which a single administration of testosterone to healthy young men (N=30) would impair socio-cognitive abilities assessed using the "Reading the Mind in the Eyes Task" (RMET). Also, we investigated whether individual differences in 2D:4D ratio and psychopathic traits would moderate the effect of testosterone on task performance. Results indicated that testosterone administration on its own did not impair RMET performance. However, variability in both 2D:4D ratio and psychopathic traits moderated the effect of testosterone on task performance. Specifically, testosterone impaired RMET performance among individuals with relatively low (i.e., masculinized) 2D:4D ratio and among individuals scoring relatively low on the interpersonal/affective facet (i.e., Factor 1) of psychopathy. Our findings highlight the importance of considering theoretically- and empirically-based individual difference factors when attempting to characterize the neuroendocrine mechanisms underlying socio-cognitive processes.
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