1
|
Lee J, Zee S, Kim HI, Cho SH, Park CB. Effects of crosstalk between steroid hormones mediated thyroid hormone in zebrafish exposed to 4-tert-octylphenol: Estrogenic and anti-androgenic effects. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 277:116348. [PMID: 38669872 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Alkylphenols, such as nonylphenol and 4-tert-octylphenol (OP), are byproducts of the biodegradation of alkylphenol ethoxylates and present substantial ecological and health risks in aquatic environments and higher life forms. In this context, our study aimed to explore the effect of OP on reproductive endocrine function in both female and male zebrafish. Over a period of 21 days, the zebrafish were subjected to varying concentrations of OP (0, 0.02, 0.1, and 0.5 μg/L), based on the lowest effective concentration (EC10 = 0.48 μg/L) identified for zebrafish embryos. OP exposure led to a pronounced increase in hepatic vitellogenin (vtg) mRNA expression and 17β-estradiol biosynthesis in both sexes. Conversely, OP exhibits anti-androgenic properties, significantly diminishes gonadal androgen receptor (ar) mRNA expression, and reduces endogenous androgen (testosterone and 11-ketotestosterone) levels in male zebrafish. Notably, cortisol and thyroid hormone (TH) levels demonstrated concentration-dependent elevations in zebrafish, influencing the regulation of gonadal steroid hormones (GSHs). These findings suggest that prolonged OP exposure may result in sustained reproductive dysfunction in adult zebrafish, which is largely attributable to the intricate reciprocal relationship between hormone levels and the associated gene expression. Our comprehensive biological response analysis of adult zebrafish offers vital insights into the reproductive toxicological effects of OP, thereby enriching future ecological studies on aquatic systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jangjae Lee
- Chemical Analysis Center, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), Daejeon 34114, Republic of Korea; Department of Chemistry, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Seonggeun Zee
- Environmental Exposure & Toxicology Research Center, Korea Institute of Toxicology (KIT), Jinju 52834, Republic of Korea; Food Safety Risk Assessment Division, National Institute of Food and Drug Safety Evaluation, Cheongju 28159, Republic of Korea
| | - Hugh I Kim
- Department of Chemistry, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Hee Cho
- Chemical Analysis Center, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), Daejeon 34114, Republic of Korea.
| | - Chang-Beom Park
- Environmental Exposure & Toxicology Research Center, Korea Institute of Toxicology (KIT), Jinju 52834, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Kalakh S, Mouihate A. The Effects of Neuroactive Steroids on Myelin in Health and Disease. Med Princ Pract 2024; 33:198-214. [PMID: 38350432 PMCID: PMC11175611 DOI: 10.1159/000537794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Myelin plays a pivotal role in the efficient transmission of nerve impulses. Disruptions in myelin integrity are associated with numerous neurological disorders, including multiple sclerosis. In the central nervous system (CNS), myelin is formed by oligodendrocytes. Remyelination refers to the re-formation of the damaged myelin sheath by newly formed oligodendrocytes. Steroids have gained attention for their potential modulatory effects on myelin in both health and disease. Steroids are traditionally associated with endocrine functions, but their local synthesis within the nervous system has generated significant interest. The term "neuroactive steroids" refers to steroids that can act on cells of the nervous system. In the healthy state, neuroactive steroids promote myelin formation, maintenance, and repair by enhancing oligodendrocyte differentiation and maturation. In pathological conditions, such as demyelination injury, multiple neuroactive steroids have shown promise in promoting remyelination. Understanding the effects of neuroactive steroids on myelin could lead to novel therapeutic approaches for demyelinating diseases and neurodegenerative disorders. This review highlights the potential therapeutic significance of neuroactive steroids in myelin-related health and diseases. We review the synthesis of steroids by neurons and glial cells and discuss the roles of neuroactive steroids on myelin structure and function in health and disease. We emphasize the potential promyelinating effects of the varying levels of neuroactive steroids during different female physiological states such as the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, lactation, and postmenopause.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samah Kalakh
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Kuwait University, Kuwait City, Kuwait
- School of Engineering and Computing, American International University, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Abdeslam Mouihate
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Kuwait University, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Gore IR, Gould E. Developmental and adult stress: effects of steroids and neurosteroids. Stress 2024; 27:2317856. [PMID: 38563163 PMCID: PMC11046567 DOI: 10.1080/10253890.2024.2317856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
In humans, exposure to early life adversity has profound implications for susceptibility to developing neuropsychiatric disorders later in life. Studies in rodents have shown that stress experienced during early postnatal life can have lasting effects on brain development. Glucocorticoids and sex steroids are produced in endocrine glands and the brain from cholesterol; these molecules bind to nuclear and membrane-associated steroid receptors. Unlike other steroids that can also be made in the brain, neurosteroids bind specifically to neurotransmitter receptors, not steroid receptors. The relationships among steroids, neurosteroids, and stress are multifaceted and not yet fully understood. However, studies demonstrating altered levels of progestogens, androgens, estrogens, glucocorticoids, and their neuroactive metabolites in both developmental and adult stress paradigms strongly suggest that these molecules may be important players in stress effects on brain circuits and behavior. In this review, we discuss the influence of developmental and adult stress on various components of the brain, including neurons, glia, and perineuronal nets, with a focus on sex steroids and neurosteroids. Gaining an enhanced understanding of how early adversity impacts the intricate systems of brain steroid and neurosteroid regulation could prove instrumental in identifying novel therapeutic targets for stress-related conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isha R Gore
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Elizabeth Gould
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Üstün GG, Açil MF, Sert G, Menkü Özdemir FD, Uzun H. Primary Neurorraphy of the Frontotemporal Branch of the Facial Nerve in Pediatric Patients. J Craniofac Surg 2023:00001665-990000000-01228. [PMID: 37983076 DOI: 10.1097/scs.0000000000009881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023] Open
Abstract
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level III-case-control study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G Gencay Üstün
- Department of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Hacettepe University, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Diviccaro S, Cioffi L, Piazza R, Caruso D, Melcangi RC, Giatti S. Neuroactive Steroid-Gut Microbiota Interaction in T2DM Diabetic Encephalopathy. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1325. [PMID: 37759725 PMCID: PMC10527303 DOI: 10.3390/biom13091325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The pathological consequences of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) also involve the central nervous system; indeed, T2DM patients suffer from learning and memory disabilities with a higher risk of developing dementia. Although several factors have been proposed as possible contributors, how neuroactive steroids and the gut microbiome impact brain pathophysiology in T2DM remain unexplored. On this basis, in male Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats, we studied whether T2DM alters memory abilities using the novel object recognition test, neuroactive steroid levels by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, hippocampal parameters using molecular assessments, and gut microbiome composition using 16S next-generation sequencing. Results obtained reveal that T2DM worsens memory abilities and that these are correlated with increased levels of corticosterone in plasma and with a decrease in allopregnanolone in the hippocampus, where neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction were reported. Interestingly, our analysis highlighted a small group of taxa strictly related to both memory impairment and neuroactive steroid levels. Overall, the data underline an interesting role for allopregnanolone and microbiota that may represent candidates for the development of therapeutic strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Diviccaro
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy; (S.D.); (L.C.); (D.C.); (R.C.M.)
| | - Lucia Cioffi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy; (S.D.); (L.C.); (D.C.); (R.C.M.)
| | - Rocco Piazza
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università di Milano—Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy;
| | - Donatella Caruso
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy; (S.D.); (L.C.); (D.C.); (R.C.M.)
| | - Roberto Cosimo Melcangi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy; (S.D.); (L.C.); (D.C.); (R.C.M.)
| | - Silvia Giatti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy; (S.D.); (L.C.); (D.C.); (R.C.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Diviccaro S, Falvo E, Piazza R, Cioffi L, Herian M, Brivio P, Calabrese F, Giatti S, Caruso D, Melcangi RC. Gut microbiota composition is altered in a preclinical model of type 1 diabetes mellitus: Influence on gut steroids, permeability, and cognitive abilities. Neuropharmacology 2023; 226:109405. [PMID: 36572179 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2022.109405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Sex steroid hormones are not only synthesized from the gonads but also by other tissues, such as the brain (i.e., neurosteroids) and colon (i.e., gut steroids). Gut microbiota can be shaped from sex steroid hormones synthesized from the gonads and locally interacts with gut steroids as in turn modulates neurosteroids. Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is characterized by dysbiosis and also by diabetic encephalopathy. However, the interactions of players of gut-brain axis, such as gut steroids, gut permeability markers and microbiota, have been poorly explored in this pathology and, particularly in females. On this basis, we have explored, in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced adult female rats, whether one month of T1DM may alter (I) gut microbiome composition and diversity by 16S next-generation sequencing, (II) gut steroid levels by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, (III) gut permeability markers by gene expression analysis, (IV) cognitive behavior by the novel object recognition (NOR) test and whether correlations among these aspects may occur. Results obtained reveal that T1DM alters gut β-, but not α-diversity. The pathology is also associated with a decrease and an increase in colonic pregnenolone and allopregnanolone levels, respectively. Additionally, diabetes alters gut permeability and worsens cognitive behavior. Finally, we reported a significant correlation of pregnenolone with Blautia, claudin-1 and the NOR index and of allopregnanolone with Parasutterella, Gammaproteobacteria and claudin-1. Altogether, these results suggest new putative roles of these two gut steroids related to cognitive deficit and dysbiosis in T1DM female experimental model. This article is part of the Special Issue on "Microbiome & the Brain: Mechanisms & Maladies".
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Diviccaro
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Eva Falvo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Rocco Piazza
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università di Milano - Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Lucia Cioffi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Monika Herian
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Brivio
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Calabrese
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Giatti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Donatella Caruso
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberto Cosimo Melcangi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Diabetic Encephalopathy in a Preclinical Experimental Model of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: Observations in Adult Female Rat. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021196. [PMID: 36674713 PMCID: PMC9860834 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients affected by diabetes mellitus (DM) show diabetic encephalopathy with an increased risk of cognitive deficits, dementia and Alzheimer's disease, but the mechanisms are not fully explored. In the male animal models of DM, the development of cognitive impairment seems to be the result of the concomitance of different processes such as neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and aberrant synaptogenesis. However, even if diabetic encephalopathy shows some sex-dimorphic features, no observations in female rats have been so far reported on these aspects. Therefore, in an experimental model of type 1 DM (T1DM), we explored the impact of one month of pathology on memory abilities by the novel object recognition test and on neuroinflammation, synaptogenesis and mitochondrial functionality. Moreover, given that steroids are involved in memory and learning, we also analysed their levels and receptors. We reported that memory dysfunction can be associated with different features in the female hippocampus and cerebral cortex. Indeed, in the hippocampus, we observed aberrant synaptogenesis and neuroinflammation but not mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress, possibly due to the results of locally increased levels of progesterone metabolites (i.e., dihydroprogesterone and allopregnanolone). These observations suggest specific brain-area effects of T1DM since different alterations are observed in the cerebral cortex.
Collapse
|
8
|
Diviccaro S, Giatti S, Cioffi L, Falvo E, Herian M, Caruso D, Melcangi RC. Gut Inflammation Induced by Finasteride Withdrawal: Therapeutic Effect of Allopregnanolone in Adult Male Rats. Biomolecules 2022; 12:1567. [PMID: 36358917 PMCID: PMC9687671 DOI: 10.3390/biom12111567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/22/2022] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The treatment with finasteride (i.e., an inhibitor of 5α-reductase) may be associated with different side effects (i.e., depression, anxiety, cognitive impairment and sexual dysfunction) inducing the so-called post finasteride syndrome (PFS). Moreover, previous observations in PFS patients and an experimental model showed alterations in gut microbiota populations, suggesting an inflammatory environment. To confirm this hypothesis, we have explored the effect of chronic treatment with finasteride (i.e., for 20 days) and its withdrawal (i.e., for 1 month) on the levels of steroids, neurotransmitters, pro-inflammatory cytokines and gut permeability markers in the colon of adult male rat. The obtained data demonstrate that the levels of allopregnanolone (ALLO) decreased after finasteride treatment and after its withdrawal. Following the drug suspension, the decrease in ALLO levels correlates with an increase in IL-1β and TNF-α, serotonin and a decrease in dopamine. Importantly, ALLO treatment is able to counteract some of these alterations. The relation between ALLO and GABA-A receptors and/or pregnenolone (ALLO precursor) could be crucial in their mode of action. These observations provide an important background to explore further the protective effect of ALLO in the PFS experimental model and the possibility of its translation into clinical therapy.
Collapse
|
9
|
Paroxetine effects in adult male rat colon: Focus on gut steroidogenesis and microbiota. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2022; 143:105828. [PMID: 35700562 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2022.105828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Paroxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), is prescribed to treat psychiatric disorders, although an off-label SSRI use is also for functional gastrointestinal disorders. The mutual correlation between serotonin and peripheral sex steroids has been reported, however little attention to sex steroids synthesized by gut, has been given so far. Indeed, whether SSRIs, may also influence the gut steroid production, immediately after treatment and/or after suspension, is still unclear. The finding that gut possesses steroidogenic capability is of particular relevance, also for the existence of the gut-microbiota-brain axis, where gut microbiota represents a key orchestrator. On this basis, adult male rats were treated daily for two weeks with paroxetine or vehicle and, 24 h after treatment and at 1 month of withdrawal, steroid environment and gut microbiota were evaluated. Results obtained reveal that paroxetine significantly affects steroid levels, only in the colon but not in plasma. In particular, steroid modifications observed immediately after treatment are not overlap with those detected at withdrawal. Additionally, paroxetine treatment and its withdrawal impact gut microbiota populations differently. Altogether, these results suggest a biphasic effect of the drug treatment in the gut both on steroidogenesis and microbiota.
Collapse
|
10
|
Abe A, Maekawa M, Sato T, Sato Y, Kumondai M, Takahashi H, Kikuchi M, Higaki K, Ogura J, Mano N. Metabolic Alteration Analysis of Steroid Hormones in Niemann-Pick Disease Type C Model Cell Using Liquid Chromatography/Tandem Mass Spectrometry. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23084459. [PMID: 35457276 PMCID: PMC9025463 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23084459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Niemann–Pick disease type C (NPC) is an autosomal recessive disease caused by a functional deficiency of cholesterol-transporting proteins in lysosomes, and exhibits various clinical symptoms. Since mitochondrial dysfunction in NPC has recently been reported, cholesterol catabolism to steroid hormones may consequently be impaired. In this study, we developed a comprehensive steroid hormone analysis method using liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) and applied it to analyze changes in steroid hormone concentrations in NPC model cells. We investigated the analytical conditions for simultaneous LC–MS/MS analysis, which could be readily separated from each other and showed good reproducibility. The NPC phenotype was verified as an NPC model with mitochondrial abnormalities using filipin staining and organelle morphology observations. Steroid hormones in the cell suspension and cell culture medium were also analyzed. Steroid hormone analysis indicated that the levels of six steroid hormones were significantly decreased in the NPC model cell and culture medium compared to those in the wild-type cell and culture medium. These results indicate that some steroid hormones change during NPC pathophysiology and this change is accompanied by mitochondrial abnormalities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ai Abe
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8574, Japan; (A.A.); (M.K.); (N.M.)
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University Hospital, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8574, Japan; (T.S.); (Y.S.); (M.K.); (H.T.); (J.O.)
| | - Masamitsu Maekawa
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8574, Japan; (A.A.); (M.K.); (N.M.)
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University Hospital, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8574, Japan; (T.S.); (Y.S.); (M.K.); (H.T.); (J.O.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-22-717-7541
| | - Toshihiro Sato
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University Hospital, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8574, Japan; (T.S.); (Y.S.); (M.K.); (H.T.); (J.O.)
| | - Yu Sato
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University Hospital, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8574, Japan; (T.S.); (Y.S.); (M.K.); (H.T.); (J.O.)
| | - Masaki Kumondai
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University Hospital, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8574, Japan; (T.S.); (Y.S.); (M.K.); (H.T.); (J.O.)
| | - Hayato Takahashi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University Hospital, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8574, Japan; (T.S.); (Y.S.); (M.K.); (H.T.); (J.O.)
| | - Masafumi Kikuchi
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8574, Japan; (A.A.); (M.K.); (N.M.)
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University Hospital, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8574, Japan; (T.S.); (Y.S.); (M.K.); (H.T.); (J.O.)
| | - Katsumi Higaki
- Division of Functional Genomics, Research Centre for Bioscience and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, 86 Nishi-cho, Yonago 683-8503, Japan;
| | - Jiro Ogura
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University Hospital, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8574, Japan; (T.S.); (Y.S.); (M.K.); (H.T.); (J.O.)
| | - Nariyasu Mano
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8574, Japan; (A.A.); (M.K.); (N.M.)
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University Hospital, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8574, Japan; (T.S.); (Y.S.); (M.K.); (H.T.); (J.O.)
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Diviccaro S, Cioffi L, Falvo E, Giatti S, Melcangi RC. Allopregnanolone: An overview on its synthesis and effects. J Neuroendocrinol 2022; 34:e12996. [PMID: 34189791 PMCID: PMC9285581 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Allopregnanolone, a 3α,5α-progesterone metabolite, acts as a potent allosteric modulator of the γ-aminobutyric acid type A receptor. In the present review, the synthesis of this neuroactive steroid occurring in the nervous system is discussed with respect to physiological and pathological conditions. In addition, its physiological and neuroprotective effects are also reported. Interestingly, the levels of this neuroactive steroid, as well as its effects, are sex-dimorphic, suggesting a possible gender medicine based on this neuroactive steroid for neurological disorders. However, allopregnanolone presents low bioavailability and extensive hepatic metabolism, limiting its use as a drug. Therefore, synthetic analogues or a different therapeutic strategy able to increase allopregnanolone levels have been proposed to overcome any pharmacokinetic issues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Diviccaro
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e BiomolecolariUniversità degli Studi di MilanoMilanoItaly
| | - Lucia Cioffi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e BiomolecolariUniversità degli Studi di MilanoMilanoItaly
| | - Eva Falvo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e BiomolecolariUniversità degli Studi di MilanoMilanoItaly
| | - Silvia Giatti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e BiomolecolariUniversità degli Studi di MilanoMilanoItaly
| | - Roberto Cosimo Melcangi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e BiomolecolariUniversità degli Studi di MilanoMilanoItaly
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Park CB, Kim GE, On J, Pyo H, Park JW, Cho SH. Sex-specific effects of bisphenol S with tissue-specific responsiveness in adult zebrafish: The antiandrogenic and antiestrogenic effects. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2022; 229:113102. [PMID: 34942420 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.113102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
This study investigates the adverse effects and the associated underlying mechanism of bisphenol S (BPS) exposure on reproductive endocrine activity in adult zebrafish. Fish were exposed for 21 days to different BPS concentrations (0, 8, 40, and 200 µg/mL) determined via the lowest observed adverse effect level (LOAEL, i.e., < EC15 = 250 µg/mL) for zebrafish embryos. Exposure to 200 µg/mL BPS in female zebrafish in the absence of vitellogenic oocytes or the presence of degenerated oocytes in the ovary significantly decreased the biosynthesis of hepatic vitellogenin (VTG) mRNA, while hepatic VTG mRNA in male fish abundance was significantly elevated (P < 0.05). The levels of gonadal steroids were significantly increased in female zebrafish, while in male zebrafish, the levels of endogenous androgens were reduced (P < 0.05). However, the activities of 17β-estradiol and aromatase in male zebrafish were significantly elevated in all BPS exposure groups in male zebrafish (P < 0.05). Interestingly, thyroid hormone levels and residual whole-body BPS levels increased in female and male zebrafish with increasing exposure concentrations. A novel finding is that the response to BPS depends on zebrafish sex and tissue-specific responsiveness to the accumulation of BPS, suggesting that BPS may cause long-term environmental problems in adult zebrafish through tissue-specific suppression and hormonal imbalance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chang-Beom Park
- Gyeongnam Department of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, Korea Institute of Toxicology (KIT), Jinju 52834, Republic of Korea
| | - Go-Eun Kim
- Gyeongnam Department of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, Korea Institute of Toxicology (KIT), Jinju 52834, Republic of Korea
| | - Jiwon On
- Korea Enviornment Corporation, Korea Water Cluster, Daegu 43008, Republic of Korea; Molecular Recognition Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Heesoo Pyo
- Molecular Recognition Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - June-Woo Park
- Gyeongnam Department of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, Korea Institute of Toxicology (KIT), Jinju 52834, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Hee Cho
- Chemical Analysis Center, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), Daejeon 34114, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
So SY, Savidge TC. Gut feelings: the microbiota-gut-brain axis on steroids. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2022; 322:G1-G20. [PMID: 34730020 PMCID: PMC8698538 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00294.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The intricate connection between central and enteric nervous systems is well established with emerging evidence linking gut microbiota function as a significant new contributor to gut-brain axis signaling. Several microbial signals contribute to altered gut-brain communications, with steroids representing an important biological class that impacts central and enteric nervous system function. Neuroactive steroids contribute pathologically to neurological disorders, including dementia and depression, by modulating the activity of neuroreceptors. However, limited information is available on the influence of neuroactive steroids on the enteric nervous system and gastrointestinal function. In this review, we outline how steroids can modulate enteric nervous system function by focusing on their influence on different receptors that are present in the intestine in health and disease. We also highlight the potential role of the gut microbiota in modulating neuroactive steroid signaling along the gut-brain axis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sik Yu So
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Tor C Savidge
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- Department of Pathology, Texas Children's Microbiome Center, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Diviccaro S, Caputi V, Cioffi L, Giatti S, Lyte JM, Caruso D, O’Mahony SM, Melcangi RC. Exploring the Impact of the Microbiome on Neuroactive Steroid Levels in Germ-Free Animals. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222212551. [PMID: 34830433 PMCID: PMC8622241 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Steroid hormones are essential biomolecules for human physiology as they modulate the endocrine system, nervous function and behaviour. Recent studies have shown that the gut microbiota is directly involved in the production and metabolism of steroid hormones in the periphery. However, the influence of the gut microbiota on levels of steroids acting and present in the brain (i.e., neuroactive steroids) is not fully understood. Therefore, using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry, we assessed the levels of several neuroactive steroids in various brain areas and the plasma of germ-free (GF) male mice and conventionally colonized controls. The data obtained indicate an increase in allopregnanolone levels associated with a decrease in those of 5α-androstane-3α, 17β-diol (3α-diol) in the plasma of GF mice. Moreover, an increase of dihydroprogesterone and isoallopregnanolone in the hippocampus, cerebellum, and cerebral cortex was also reported. Changes in dihydrotestosterone and 3α-diol levels were also observed in the hippocampus of GF mice. In addition, an increase in dehydroepiandrosterone was associated with a decrease in testosterone levels in the hypothalamus of GF mice. Our findings suggest that the absence of microbes affects the neuroactive steroids in the periphery and the brain, supporting the evidence of a microbiota-mediated modulation of neuroendocrine pathways involved in preserving host brain functioning.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Diviccaro
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milano, Italy; (S.D.); (L.C.); (S.G.); (D.C.)
| | - Valentina Caputi
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, T12 YT20 Cork, Ireland; (V.C.); (J.M.L.); (S.M.O.)
| | - Lucia Cioffi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milano, Italy; (S.D.); (L.C.); (S.G.); (D.C.)
| | - Silvia Giatti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milano, Italy; (S.D.); (L.C.); (S.G.); (D.C.)
| | - Joshua M. Lyte
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, T12 YT20 Cork, Ireland; (V.C.); (J.M.L.); (S.M.O.)
- Poultry Production and Product Safety Research Unit, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA
| | - Donatella Caruso
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milano, Italy; (S.D.); (L.C.); (S.G.); (D.C.)
| | - Siobhain M. O’Mahony
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, T12 YT20 Cork, Ireland; (V.C.); (J.M.L.); (S.M.O.)
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, T12 ND89 Cork, Ireland
| | - Roberto Cosimo Melcangi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milano, Italy; (S.D.); (L.C.); (S.G.); (D.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-02-50318238; Fax: +39-02-50318202
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Giatti S, Diviccaro S, Cioffi L, Falvo E, Caruso D, Melcangi RC. Effects of paroxetine treatment and its withdrawal on neurosteroidogenesis. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2021; 132:105364. [PMID: 34325207 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2021.105364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/18/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) show high efficacy in treating depression, however during treatment side effects, like for instance sexual dysfunction, may appear, decreasing compliance. In some cases, this condition will last after drug discontinuation, leading to the so-called post-SSRI sexual dysfunction (PSSD). The etiology of PSSD is still unknown, however a role for neuroactive steroids may be hypothesized. Indeed, these molecules are key physiological regulators of the nervous system, and their alteration has been associated with several neuropathological conditions, including depression. Additionally, neuroactive steroids are also involved in the control of sexual function. Interestingly, sexual dysfunction induced by SSRI treatment has been also observed in animal models. On this basis, we have here evaluated whether a subchronic treatment with paroxetine for two weeks and/or its withdrawal (i.e., a month) may affect the levels of neuroactive steroids in brain areas (i.e., hippocampus, hypothalamus, and cerebral cortex) and/or in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid of male rats. Data obtained indicate that the SSRI treatment alters neuroactive steroid levels and the expression of key enzymes of the steroidogenesis in a brain tissue- and time-dependent manner. Indeed, these observations with the finding that plasma levels of neuroactive steroids are not affected suggest that the effect of paroxetine treatment is directly on neurosteroidogenesis. In particular, a negative impact on the expression of steroidogenic enzymes was observed at the withdrawal. Therefore, it is possible to hypothesize that altered neurosteroidogenesis may also occur in PSSD and consequently it may represent a possible pharmacological target for this disorder.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Giatti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Silvia Diviccaro
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Lucia Cioffi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Eva Falvo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Donatella Caruso
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Roberto C Melcangi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Lee JH, Cho SH, Jang EH, Kim SA. Sex-specific Changes in Brain Estrogen Metabolism Induced by Acute Trimethyltin Exposure. In Vivo 2021; 35:793-797. [PMID: 33622871 DOI: 10.21873/invivo.12319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Revised: 01/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM In this study, we investigated sex-specific effects of acute exposure to trimethyltin, a known neurotoxicant on metabolic steroids. MATERIALS AND METHODS We administered intraperitoneally 2.3 mg/kg trimethyltin to 4-week-old male mice and measured the levels of metabolic steroids 24 h after treatment. We also measured mRNA and protein levels of cytochrome P450 1B1 using real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. RESULTS Cortisol levels in the cortex increased in both sexes following acute trimethyltin exposure. The estradiol levels decreased, and the 4-hydroxyestradiol levels increased only in females. We also observed increased cytochrome P450 1B1 mRNA and protein levels only in the female cortex. CONCLUSION Acute trimethyltin exposure induces distinct sex-specific metabolic changes in the brain before significant sexual maturation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jung Ho Lee
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Eulji University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Hee Cho
- Chemical Analysis Center, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Hye Jang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Eulji University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Soon Ae Kim
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Eulji University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea;
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Munley KM, Trinidad JC, Deyoe JE, Adaniya CH, Nowakowski AM, Ren CC, Murphy GV, Reinhart JM, Demas GE. Melatonin-dependent changes in neurosteroids are associated with increased aggression in a seasonally breeding rodent. J Neuroendocrinol 2021; 33:e12940. [PMID: 33615607 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [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: 10/12/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Aggression is a complex social behaviour that allows individuals to compete for access to limited resources (eg, mates, food and territories). Excessive or inappropriate aggression, however, has become problematic in modern societies, and current treatments are largely ineffective. Although previous work in mammals suggests that aggressive behaviour varies seasonally, seasonality is largely overlooked when developing clinical treatments for inappropriate aggression. Here, we investigated how the hormone melatonin regulates seasonal changes in neurosteroid levels and aggressive behaviour in Siberian hamsters, a rodent model of seasonal aggression. Specifically, we housed males in long-day (LD) or short-day (SD) photoperiods, administered timed s.c. melatonin injections (which mimic a SD-like signal) or control injections, and measured aggression using a resident-intruder paradigm after 9 weeks of treatment. Moreover, we quantified five steroid hormones in circulation and in brain regions associated with aggressive behaviour (lateral septum, anterior hypothalamus, medial amygdala and periaqueductal gray) using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. SD hamsters and LD hamsters administered timed melatonin injections (LD-M) displayed increased aggression and exhibited region-specific decreases in neural dehydroepiandrosterone, testosterone and oestradiol, but showed no changes in progesterone or cortisol. Male hamsters also showed distinct associations between neurosteroids and aggressive behaviour, in which neural progesterone and dehydroepiandrosterone were positively correlated with aggression in all treatment groups, whereas neural testosterone, oestradiol and cortisol were negatively correlated with aggression only in LD-M and SD hamsters. Collectively, these results provide insight into a novel neuroendocrine mechanism of mammalian aggression, in which melatonin reduces neurosteroid levels and elevates aggressive behaviour.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen M Munley
- Department of Biology and Center for the Integrative Study of Animal Behavior, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | | | - Jessica E Deyoe
- Department of Biology and Center for the Integrative Study of Animal Behavior, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Catherine H Adaniya
- Department of Biology and Center for the Integrative Study of Animal Behavior, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Andrea M Nowakowski
- Department of Biology and Center for the Integrative Study of Animal Behavior, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Clarissa C Ren
- Department of Biology and Center for the Integrative Study of Animal Behavior, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Grace V Murphy
- Department of Biology and Center for the Integrative Study of Animal Behavior, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - John M Reinhart
- Department of Biology and Center for the Integrative Study of Animal Behavior, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Gregory E Demas
- Department of Biology and Center for the Integrative Study of Animal Behavior, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Kim SS, Kan H, Hwang KS, Yang JY, Son Y, Shin DS, Lee BH, Ahn SH, Ahn JH, Cho SH, Bae MA. Neurochemical Effects of 4-(2Chloro-4-Fluorobenzyl)-3-(2-Thienyl)-1,2,4-Oxadiazol-5(4H)-One in the Pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-Induced Epileptic Seizure Zebrafish Model. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:1285. [PMID: 33525453 PMCID: PMC7865321 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22031285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders, and it is characterized by spontaneous seizures. In a previous study, we identified 4-(2-chloro-4-fluorobenzyl)-3-(2-thienyl)-1,2,4-oxadiazol-5(4H)-one (GM-90432) as a novel anti-epileptic agent in chemically- or genetically-induced epileptic zebrafish and mouse models. In this study, we investigated the anti-epileptic effects of GM-90432 through neurochemical profiling-based approach to understand the neuroprotective mechanism in a pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced epileptic seizure zebrafish model. GM-90432 effectively improved PTZ-induced epileptic behaviors via upregulation of 5-hydroxytryptamine, 17-β-estradiol, dihydrotestosterone, progesterone, 5α -dihydroprogesterone, and allopregnanolone levels, and downregulation of normetanephrine, gamma-aminobutyric acid, and cortisol levels in brain tissue. GM-90432 also had a protective effect against PTZ-induced oxidative stress and zebrafish death, suggesting that it exhibits biphasic neuroprotective effects via scavenging of reactive oxygen species and anti-epileptic activities in a zebrafish model. In conclusion, our results suggest that neurochemical profiling study could be used to better understand of anti-epileptic mechanism of GM-90432, potentially leading to new drug discovery and development of anti-seizure agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seong Soon Kim
- Bio & Drug Discovery Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Daejeon 34114, Korea; (S.S.K.); (H.K.); (K.-S.H.); (J.Y.Y.); (Y.S.); (D.-S.S.); (B.H.L.)
| | - Hyemin Kan
- Bio & Drug Discovery Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Daejeon 34114, Korea; (S.S.K.); (H.K.); (K.-S.H.); (J.Y.Y.); (Y.S.); (D.-S.S.); (B.H.L.)
| | - Kyu-Seok Hwang
- Bio & Drug Discovery Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Daejeon 34114, Korea; (S.S.K.); (H.K.); (K.-S.H.); (J.Y.Y.); (Y.S.); (D.-S.S.); (B.H.L.)
| | - Jung Yoon Yang
- Bio & Drug Discovery Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Daejeon 34114, Korea; (S.S.K.); (H.K.); (K.-S.H.); (J.Y.Y.); (Y.S.); (D.-S.S.); (B.H.L.)
| | - Yuji Son
- Bio & Drug Discovery Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Daejeon 34114, Korea; (S.S.K.); (H.K.); (K.-S.H.); (J.Y.Y.); (Y.S.); (D.-S.S.); (B.H.L.)
| | - Dae-Seop Shin
- Bio & Drug Discovery Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Daejeon 34114, Korea; (S.S.K.); (H.K.); (K.-S.H.); (J.Y.Y.); (Y.S.); (D.-S.S.); (B.H.L.)
| | - Byung Hoi Lee
- Bio & Drug Discovery Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Daejeon 34114, Korea; (S.S.K.); (H.K.); (K.-S.H.); (J.Y.Y.); (Y.S.); (D.-S.S.); (B.H.L.)
| | - Se Hwan Ahn
- Department of Chemistry, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju 61005, Korea; (S.H.A.); (J.H.A.)
| | - Jin Hee Ahn
- Department of Chemistry, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju 61005, Korea; (S.H.A.); (J.H.A.)
| | - Sung-Hee Cho
- Chemical Analysis Center, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Daejeon 34114, Korea
| | - Myung Ae Bae
- Bio & Drug Discovery Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Daejeon 34114, Korea; (S.S.K.); (H.K.); (K.-S.H.); (J.Y.Y.); (Y.S.); (D.-S.S.); (B.H.L.)
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacology, University of Science & Technology, Daejeon 34113, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Physiopathological Role of Neuroactive Steroids in the Peripheral Nervous System. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21239000. [PMID: 33256238 PMCID: PMC7731236 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21239000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 11/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Peripheral neuropathy (PN) refers to many conditions involving damage to the peripheral nervous system (PNS). Usually, PN causes weakness, numbness and pain and is the result of traumatic injuries, infections, metabolic problems, inherited causes, or exposure to chemicals. Despite the high prevalence of PN, available treatments are still unsatisfactory. Neuroactive steroids (i.e., steroid hormones synthesized by peripheral glands as well as steroids directly synthesized in the nervous system) represent important physiological regulators of PNS functionality. Data obtained so far and here discussed, indeed show that in several experimental models of PN the levels of neuroactive steroids are affected by the pathology and that treatment with these molecules is able to exert protective effects on several PN features, including neuropathic pain. Of note, the observations that neuroactive steroid levels are sexually dimorphic not only in physiological status but also in PN, associated with the finding that PN show sex dimorphic manifestations, may suggest the possibility of a sex specific therapy based on neuroactive steroids.
Collapse
|
20
|
Diviccaro S, Giatti S, Borgo F, Falvo E, Caruso D, Garcia-Segura LM, Melcangi RC. Steroidogenic machinery in the adult rat colon. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2020; 203:105732. [PMID: 32777355 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2020.105732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2020] [Revised: 07/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Gastrointestinal function is known to be regulated by steroid molecules produced by the gonads, the adrenal glands and the gut microbiota. However, we have a limited knowledge on the functional significance of local steroid production by gastrointestinal tract tissue. On this basis, we have here evaluated, as a first methodological approach, the expression of steroidogenic molecules and the local levels of key steroids in the male rat colon. Our findings indicate that the colon tissue expresses molecules involved in the early steps of steroidogenesis and in the consecutive synthesis and metabolism of steroid hormones, such as progesterone, testosterone and 17β-estradiol. In addition, the levels of the steroid hormone precursor pregnenolone and the levels of active metabolites of progesterone and testosterone, such as dihydroprogesterone, tetrahydroprogesterone, dihydrotestosterone and 17β-estradiol, were higher in colon than in plasma. Higher levels of the androgen metabolite 3α-diol were detected in the colon in comparison with another non-classical steroidogenic tissue, such as the cerebral cortex. These findings suggest the existence of local steroid synthesis and metabolism in the colon, with the production of active steroid metabolites that may impact on the activity of the enteric nervous system and on the composition of the gut microbiota.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Diviccaro
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - S Giatti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - F Borgo
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - E Falvo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - D Caruso
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - L M Garcia-Segura
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - R C Melcangi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy,.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Park CB, Kim GE, Kim YJ, On J, Park CG, Kwon YS, Pyo H, Yeom DH, Cho SH. Reproductive dysfunction linked to alteration of endocrine activities in zebrafish exposed to mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP). ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 265:114362. [PMID: 32806436 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.114362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Revised: 01/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the effect of mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP), one of the major phthalate metabolites that are widespread in aquatic environments, on reproductive dysfunction, particularly on endocrine activity in adult male and female zebrafish. For 21 days, the zebrafish were exposed to test concentrations of MEHP (0, 2, 10, and 50 μg/mL) that were determined based on the effective concentrations (ECx) for zebrafish embryos. Exposure to 50 μg/mL MEHP in female zebrafish significantly decreased the number of ovulated eggs as well as the hepatic VTG mRNA abundance when those of the control group. Meanwhile, in female zebrafish, the biosynthetic concentrations of 17β-estradiol (E2) and the metabolic ratio of androgen to estrogen were remarkably increased in all MEHP exposed group compared with those in the control group, along with the elevated levels of cortisol. However, no significant difference was observed between these parameters in male zebrafishes. Therefore, exposure to MEHP causes reproductive dysfunction in female zebrafishes and this phenomenon can be attributed to the alteration in endocrine activities. Moreover, the reproductive dysfunction in MEHP-exposed female zebrafishes may be closely associated with stress responses, such as elevated cortisol levels. To further understand the effect of MEHP on the reproductive activities of fish, follow-up studies are required to determine the interactions between endocrine activities and stress responses. Overall, this study provides a response biomarker for assessing reproductive toxicity of endocrine disruptors that can serve as a methodological approach for an alternative to chronic toxicity testing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chang-Beom Park
- Gyeongnam Department of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, Korea Institute of Toxicology (KIT), Gyeonsangnam-do, 52834, Republic of Korea
| | - Go-Eun Kim
- Gyeongnam Department of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, Korea Institute of Toxicology (KIT), Gyeonsangnam-do, 52834, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Jun Kim
- Environmental Safety Group, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) Europe, Saarbrücken, 661c23, Germany
| | - Jiwon On
- Department of Chemistry, Korea University, Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea; Molecular Recognition Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang-Gyun Park
- Environmental Safety Group, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) Europe, Saarbrücken, 661c23, Germany
| | - Young-Sang Kwon
- Gyeongnam Department of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, Korea Institute of Toxicology (KIT), Gyeonsangnam-do, 52834, Republic of Korea
| | - Heesoo Pyo
- Molecular Recognition Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Huk Yeom
- Gyeongnam Department of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, Korea Institute of Toxicology (KIT), Gyeonsangnam-do, 52834, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Hee Cho
- Chemical Analysis Center, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), Daejeon, 34114, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Colciago A, Bonalume V, Melfi V, Magnaghi V. Genomic and Non-genomic Action of Neurosteroids in the Peripheral Nervous System. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:796. [PMID: 32848567 PMCID: PMC7403499 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.00796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the former evidence of biologic actions of neurosteroids in the central nervous system, also the peripheral nervous system (PNS) was reported as a structure affected by these substances. Indeed, neurosteroids are synthesized and active in the PNS, exerting many important actions on the different cell types of this system. PNS is a target for neurosteroids, in their native form or as metabolites. In particular, old and recent evidence indicates that the progesterone metabolite allopregnanolone possesses important functions in the PNS, thus contributing to its physiologic processes. In this review, we will survey the more recent findings on the genomic and non-genomic actions of neurosteroids in nerves, ganglia, and cells forming the PNS, focusing on the mechanisms regulating the peripheral neuron-glial crosstalk. Then, we will refer to the physiopathological significance of the neurosteroid signaling disturbances in the PNS, in to identify new molecular targets for promising pharmacotherapeutic approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Colciago
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Veronica Bonalume
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina Melfi
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Valerio Magnaghi
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Acute Valproate Exposure Induces Sex-Specific Changes in Steroid Hormone Metabolism in the Cerebral Cortex of Juvenile Mice. Neurochem Res 2020; 45:2044-2051. [PMID: 32601984 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-020-03065-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 05/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Valproic acid (VPA), an antiepileptic and mood stabilizer, modulates neurotransmission and gene expression by inhibiting histone deacetylase activity. It is reported that VPA may affects the steroid hormone level. In this study, VPA-induced acute metabolic alterations were investigated using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry in prepubertal mice brain. In VPA-treated (400 mg/kg in saline solution, intraperitoneal) mice, cortisol levels were increased (female: P < 0.004, male: P < 0.003) and 17β-estradiol levels were decreased (Both P < 0.03). Furthermore, in the VPA-treated male mice, dihydrotestosterone levels were increased (P < 0.02) and testosterone were decreased (P < 0.002). The 4-hydroxylase activity was upregulated in the female VPA-treated mice (P < 0.01) and the 5α-reductase activity was increased in the male VPA-treated mice (P < 0.003). These results indicate sex specific differences in VPA-induced steroid metabolism in the brain cortex.
Collapse
|
24
|
Giatti S, Rigolio R, Diviccaro S, Falvo E, Caruso D, Garcia-Segura LM, Cavaletti G, Melcangi RC. Sex dimorphism in an animal model of multiple sclerosis: Focus on pregnenolone synthesis. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2020; 199:105596. [PMID: 31958635 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2020.105596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Revised: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Neuroactive steroids, molecules produced from cholesterol in steroidogenic cells (i.e., peripheral glands and nervous system) are physiological modulators and protective agents of nervous function. A possible role for neuroactive steroids in the sex-dimorphic clinical manifestation, onset and progression of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) has been recently suggested. To explore this possibility, we assessed the synthesis of the first steroidogenic product (pregnenolone; PREG) in the spinal cord of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis rats, a MS model. Data obtained indicate that the synthesis of PREG in the spinal cord is altered by the pathology in a sex-dimorphic way and depending on the pathological progression. Indeed, in male spinal cord the synthesis was already decreased at the acute phase of the disease (i.e., 14 days post induction - dpi) and maintained low during the chronic phase (i.e., 45 dpi), while in females this effect was observed only at the chronic phase. Substrate availability had also a role in the sex-dimorphic kinetics. Indeed, at the chronic phase, male animals showed a reduction in the levels of free cholesterol coupled to alteration of cholesterol metabolism into oxysterols; these effects were not observed in female animals. These findings suggest that the comprehension of the neurosteroidogenic processes could be relevant to better understand the sexual dimorphism of MS and to possibly design sex-oriented therapeutic strategies based on neuroactive steroids.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Giatti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - R Rigolio
- Experimental Neurology Unit, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Italy
| | - S Diviccaro
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - E Falvo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - D Caruso
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - L M Garcia-Segura
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - G Cavaletti
- Experimental Neurology Unit, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Italy
| | - R C Melcangi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Giatti S, Diviccaro S, Falvo E, Garcia-Segura LM, Melcangi RC. Physiopathological role of the enzymatic complex 5α-reductase and 3α/β-hydroxysteroid oxidoreductase in the generation of progesterone and testosterone neuroactive metabolites. Front Neuroendocrinol 2020; 57:100836. [PMID: 32217094 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2020.100836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Revised: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The enzymatic complex 5α-reductase (5α-R) and 3α/3β-hydroxysteroid oxidoreductase (HSOR) is expressed in the nervous system, where it transforms progesterone (PROG) and testosterone (T) into neuroactive metabolites. These metabolites regulate myelination, brain maturation, neurotransmission, reproductive behavior and the stress response. The expression of 5α-R and 3α-HSOR and the levels of PROG and T reduced metabolites show regional and sex differences in the nervous system and are affected by changing physiological conditions as well as by neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders. A decrease in their nervous tissue levels may negatively impact the course and outcome of some pathological events. However, in other pathological conditions their increased levels may have a negative impact. Thus, the use of synthetic analogues of these steroids or 5α-R modulation have been proposed as therapeutic approaches for several nervous system pathologies. However, further research is needed to fully understand the consequences of these manipulations, in particular with 5α-R inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Giatti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Diviccaro
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Eva Falvo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Luis Miguel Garcia-Segura
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Roberto Cosimo Melcangi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Wang Q, Shimizu K, Maehata K, Pan Y, Sakurai K, Hikida T, Fukada Y, Takao T. Lithium ion adduction enables UPLC-MS/MS-based analysis of multi-class 3-hydroxyl group-containing keto-steroids. J Lipid Res 2020; 61:570-579. [PMID: 32102801 DOI: 10.1194/jlr.d119000588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Steroids that contain a 3-hydroxyl group (3-OH steroids) are widely distributed in nature. During analysis with ESI-MS, they easily become dehydrated while in the protonated form, resulting in the production of several precursor ions and leading to low sensitivity of detection. To address this analytical challenge, here, we developed a method for the quantitation of 3-OH steroids by LC-MS/MS coupled with post-column addition of lithium (Li) ions to the mobile phase. The Li ion has a high affinity for the keto group of steroids, stabilizing their structures during ionization and permitting detection of analytes exclusively as the lithiated form. This not only improved the intensities of the precursor ions, but also promoted the formation of typical lithiated fragment ions. This improvement made the quantitation by multiple reaction monitoring more sensitive and reliable, as evidenced by 1.53-188 times enhanced detection sensitivity of 13 steroids that contained at least one keto and two hydroxyl groups or one keto and one 5-olefinic double bond, among 16 different 3-OH steroids. We deployed our newly developed method for profiling steroids in mouse brain tissue and identified six steroids in one tissue sample. Among these, 16-hydroxyestrone, tetrahydrocorticosterone, and 17α-hydroxypregnenolone were detected for the first time in the mouse brain. In summary, the method described here enables the detection of lithiated steroids by LC-MS/MS, including three 3-OH steroids not previously reported in the mouse brain. We anticipate that this new method may allow the determination of 3-OH steroids in different brain regions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qiuyi Wang
- Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Kimiko Shimizu
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Kanako Maehata
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Yue Pan
- Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Koki Sakurai
- Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Takatoshi Hikida
- Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Yoshitaka Fukada
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Toshifumi Takao
- Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Giatti S, Diviccaro S, Serafini MM, Caruso D, Garcia-Segura LM, Viviani B, Melcangi RC. Sex differences in steroid levels and steroidogenesis in the nervous system: Physiopathological role. Front Neuroendocrinol 2020; 56:100804. [PMID: 31689419 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2019.100804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Revised: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The nervous system, in addition to be a target for steroid hormones, is the source of a variety of neuroactive steroids, which are synthesized and metabolized by neurons and glial cells. Recent evidence indicates that the expression of neurosteroidogenic proteins and enzymes and the levels of neuroactive steroids are different in the nervous system of males and females. We here summarized the state of the art of neuroactive steroids, particularly taking in consideration sex differences occurring in the synthesis and levels of these molecules. In addition, we discuss the consequences of sex differences in neurosteroidogenesis for the function of the nervous system under healthy and pathological conditions and the implications of neuroactive steroids and neurosteroidogenesis for the development of sex-specific therapeutic interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Giatti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Silvia Diviccaro
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Melania Maria Serafini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Donatella Caruso
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Luis Miguel Garcia-Segura
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Barbara Viviani
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Roberto C Melcangi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
González SL, Coronel MF, Raggio MC, Labombarda F. Progesterone receptor-mediated actions and the treatment of central nervous system disorders: An up-date of the known and the challenge of the unknown. Steroids 2020; 153:108525. [PMID: 31634489 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2019.108525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Revised: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Progesterone has been shown to exert a wide range of remarkable protective actions in experimental models of central nervous system injury or disease. However, the intimate mechanisms involved in each of these beneficial effects are not fully depicted. In this review, we intend to give the readers a thorough revision on what is known about the participation of diverse receptors and signaling pathways in progesterone-mediated neuroprotective, pro-myelinating and anti-inflammatory outcomes, as well as point out to novel regulatory mechanisms that could open new perspectives in steroid-based therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Susana L González
- Laboratorio de Nocicepción y Dolor Neuropático, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, CONICET, Vuelta de Obligado 2490, C1428ADN Buenos Aires, Argentina; Departamento de Bioquímica Humana, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Paraguay 2155, C1121ABG Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - María F Coronel
- Laboratorio de Nocicepción y Dolor Neuropático, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, CONICET, Vuelta de Obligado 2490, C1428ADN Buenos Aires, Argentina; Facultad de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Austral, Presidente Perón 1500, B1629AHJ Pilar, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María C Raggio
- Laboratorio de Nocicepción y Dolor Neuropático, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, CONICET, Vuelta de Obligado 2490, C1428ADN Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Florencia Labombarda
- Laboratorio de Bioquímica Neuroendócrina, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, CONICET, Vuelta de Obligado 2490, C1428ADN, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Departamento de Bioquímica Humana, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Paraguay 2155, C1121ABG Buenos Aires, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Sze Y, Brunton PJ. Sex, stress and steroids. Eur J Neurosci 2019; 52:2487-2515. [DOI: 10.1111/ejn.14615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2019] [Revised: 10/01/2019] [Accepted: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ying Sze
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences University of Edinburgh Edinburgh UK
| | - Paula J. Brunton
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences University of Edinburgh Edinburgh UK
- Zhejiang University‐University of Edinburgh Joint Institute Haining Zhejiang China
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Peripheral neural response and sex hormones in type 1 Gaucher disease. J Med Biochem 2019; 39:60-65. [PMID: 32549779 DOI: 10.2478/jomb-2019-0020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2019] [Accepted: 04/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In a rare Gaucher disease, reduced activity of lysosomal b-glucocerebrosidase incompletely blocks glucosphingolipid catabolism. Accumulation of the unhydrolyzed substrate glucosylceramide within lysosomes results in progressive, multisystem Gaucher disease, classified into three types. Both parkinsonism and peripheral neuropathy are observed in cases of putative non-neuronopathic type 1 disease. In the current study we investigated whether the peripheral neural response in type 1 Gaucher disease patients, with no neural manifestations is conditioned by the influence of sex hormones. Methods The catalytic activity of b-glucocerebrosidase in peripheral blood leukocytes was determined spectrofluorometrically. Direct sequencing of the GBA1 gene was performed. Somatosensory evoked potentials were recorded after electrical stimulation of the median nerve of both arms. Stimuli of 0.2 ms duration at a frequency of 5 Hz were used. Sex hormones were determined by radioimmunoassay using a gamma scintillation counter. Results Analysis of the somatosensory evoked potentials revealed significant differences in peak latencies on periphery between men and women in both control and type 1 Gaucher disease groups. Analysis by gender showed significant associations between latencies and sex hormones only in female patients: negative correlation between oestradiol concentration and N9 peak latency, and a strong negative correlation of testosterone levels with all peak latencies on the periphery (N9-N13). Conclusions A relationship between testosterone concentrations and the latencies of potentials evoked on peripheral nerves exists only in females with type 1 Gaucher disease. We point out sexual dimorphism in the development of this entity.
Collapse
|
31
|
Rebolledo-Solleiro D, Fernández-Guasti A. Influence of sex and estrous cycle on blood glucose levels, body weight gain, and depressive-like behavior in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Physiol Behav 2018; 194:560-567. [DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2018.06.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2018] [Revised: 05/10/2018] [Accepted: 06/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
|
32
|
González SL, Meyer L, Raggio MC, Taleb O, Coronel MF, Patte-Mensah C, Mensah-Nyagan AG. Allopregnanolone and Progesterone in Experimental Neuropathic Pain: Former and New Insights with a Translational Perspective. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2018; 39:523-537. [DOI: 10.1007/s10571-018-0618-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2018] [Accepted: 08/31/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
|
33
|
Giatti S, Diviccaro S, Melcangi RC. Neuroactive Steroids and Sex-Dimorphic Nervous Damage Induced by Diabetes Mellitus. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2018; 39:493-502. [PMID: 30109515 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-018-0613-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2018] [Accepted: 08/09/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease where improper glycaemic control may induce severe complications in different organs. In this review, we will discuss alterations occurring in peripheral and central nervous system of patients with type 1 (i.e., insulin dependent diabetes mellitus,) or type 2 diabetes (i.e., non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus), as well as related experimental models. A particular focus will be on the role exerted by neuroactive steroids (i.e., important regulators of nervous functions) in the nervous damage induced by diabetes. Indeed, the nervous levels of these molecules are affected by the pathology and, in agreement, their neuroprotective effects have been reported. Interestingly, the sex is another important variable. As discussed, nervous diabetic complications show sex dimorphic features in term of incidence, functional outcomes and neuroactive steroid levels. Therefore, these features represent an interesting background for possible sex-oriented therapies with neuroactive steroids aimed to counteract nervous damage observed in diabetic pathology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Giatti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Silvia Diviccaro
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Roberto Cosimo Melcangi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Giatti S, Garcia-Segura LM, Barreto GE, Melcangi RC. Neuroactive steroids, neurosteroidogenesis and sex. Prog Neurobiol 2018; 176:1-17. [PMID: 29981391 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2018.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2018] [Revised: 05/25/2018] [Accepted: 06/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The nervous system is a target and a source of steroids. Neuroactive steroids are steroids that target neurons and glial cells. They include hormonal steroids originated in the peripheral glands, steroids locally synthesized by the neurons and glial cells (neurosteroids) and synthetic steroids, some of them used in clinical practice. Here we review the mechanisms of synthesis, metabolism and action of neuroactive steroids, including the role of epigenetic modifications and the mitochondria in their sex specific actions. We examine sex differences in neuroactive steroid levels under physiological conditions and their role in the establishment of sex dimorphic structures in the nervous system and sex differences in its function. In addition, particular attention is paid to neuroactive steroids under pathological conditions, analyzing how pathology alters their levels and their role as neuroprotective factors, considering the influence of sex in both cases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Giatti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Luis M Garcia-Segura
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - George E Barreto
- Departamento de Nutrición y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
| | - Roberto C Melcangi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Romano S, Mitro N, Giatti S, Diviccaro S, Pesaresi M, Spezzano R, Audano M, Garcia-Segura LM, Caruso D, Melcangi RC. Diabetes induces mitochondrial dysfunction and alters cholesterol homeostasis and neurosteroidogenesis in the rat cerebral cortex. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2018; 178:108-116. [PMID: 29183767 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2017.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2017] [Revised: 11/21/2017] [Accepted: 11/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The nervous system synthesizes and metabolizes steroids (i.e., neurosteroidogenesis). Recent observations indicate that neurosteroidogenesis is affected by different nervous pathologies. Among these, long-term type 1 diabetes, together with other functional and biochemical changes, has been shown to alter neuroactive steroid levels in the nervous system. Using an experimental model of type 1 diabetes (i.e., streptozotocin injection) we here show that the levels of these molecules are already decreased in the rat cerebral cortex after one month of the initiation of the pathology. Moreover, decreased levels of free cholesterol, together with alterations in the expression of molecules involved in cholesterol biosynthesis, bioavailability, trafficking and metabolism were detected in the rat cerebral cortex after one month of diabetes. Furthermore, mitochondrial functionality was also affected in the cerebral cortex and consequently may also contribute to the decrease in neuroactive steroid levels. Altogether, these results indicate that neurosteroidogenesis is an early target for the effect of type 1 diabetes in the cerebral cortex.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simone Romano
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Nico Mitro
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Silvia Giatti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Silvia Diviccaro
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Marzia Pesaresi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Roberto Spezzano
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Matteo Audano
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Luis Miguel Garcia-Segura
- Instituto Cajal, CSIC, Madrid, Spain; CIBER de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Donatella Caruso
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Roberto Cosimo Melcangi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Pesaresi M, Giatti S, Spezzano R, Romano S, Diviccaro S, Borsello T, Mitro N, Caruso D, Garcia-Segura LM, Melcangi RC. Axonal transport in a peripheral diabetic neuropathy model: sex-dimorphic features. Biol Sex Differ 2018; 9:6. [PMID: 29351809 PMCID: PMC5775621 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-018-0164-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2017] [Accepted: 01/02/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Disruption of axonal transport plays a pivotal role in diabetic neuropathy. A sex-dimorphism exists in the incidence and symptomatology of diabetic neuropathy; however, no studies so far have addressed sex differences in axonal motor proteins expression in early diabetes as well as the possible involvement of neuroactive steroids. Interestingly, recent data point to a role for mitochondria in the sexual dimorphism of neurodegenerative diseases. Mitochondria have a fundamental role in axonal transport by producing the motors’ energy source, ATP. Moreover, neuroactive steroids can also regulate mitochondrial function. Methods Here, we investigated the impact of short-term diabetes in the peripheral nervous system of male and female rats on key motor proteins important for axonal transport, mitochondrial function, and neuroactive steroids levels. Results We show that short-term diabetes alters mRNA levels and axoplasm protein contents of kinesin family member KIF1A, KIF5B, KIF5A and Myosin Va in male but not in female rats. Similarly, the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ co-activator-1α, a subunit of the respiratory chain complex IV, ATP levels and the key regulators of mitochondrial dynamics were affected in males but not in females. Concomitant analysis of neuroactive steroid levels in sciatic nerve showed an alteration of testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, and allopregnanolone in diabetic males, whereas no changes were observed in female rats. Conclusions These findings suggest that sex-specific decrease in neuroactive steroid levels in male diabetic animals may cause an alteration in their mitochondrial function that in turn might impact in axonal transport, contributing to the sex difference observed in diabetic neuropathy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marzia Pesaresi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Silvia Giatti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Roberto Spezzano
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Simone Romano
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Silvia Diviccaro
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Tiziana Borsello
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy.,Department of Neuroscience, IRCCS-Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research, Milano, Italy
| | - Nico Mitro
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Donatella Caruso
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Luis Miguel Garcia-Segura
- Instituto Cajal, CSIC, CIBER de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Roberto Cosimo Melcangi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Giatti S, Mastrangelo R, D'Antonio M, Pesaresi M, Romano S, Diviccaro S, Caruso D, Mitro N, Melcangi RC. Neuroactive steroids and diabetic complications in the nervous system. Front Neuroendocrinol 2018; 48:58-69. [PMID: 28739507 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2017.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2017] [Revised: 07/19/2017] [Accepted: 07/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Important complications of diabetes mellitus in the nervous system are represented by diabetic peripheral neuropathy and diabetic encephalopathy. In this context, an important link is represented by neuroactive steroids (i.e., steroids coming from peripheral glands and affecting nervous functionality as well as directly synthesized in the nervous system). Indeed, diabetes does not only affect the reproductive axis and consequently the levels of sex steroid hormones, but also those of neuroactive steroids. Indeed, as will be here summarized, the levels of these neuromodulators present in the central and peripheral nervous system are affected by the pathology in a sex-dimorphic way. In addition, some of these neuroactive steroids, such as the metabolites of progesterone or testosterone, as well as pharmacological tools able to increase their levels have been demonstrated, in experimental models, to be promising protective agents against diabetic peripheral neuropathy and diabetic encephalopathy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Giatti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - R Mastrangelo
- Division of Genetic and Cell Biology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, DIBIT, Milano, Italy
| | - M D'Antonio
- Division of Genetic and Cell Biology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, DIBIT, Milano, Italy
| | - M Pesaresi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - S Romano
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - S Diviccaro
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - D Caruso
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - N Mitro
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - R C Melcangi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Vieira-Marques C, Arbo BD, Cozer AG, Hoefel AL, Cecconello AL, Zanini P, Niches G, Kucharski LC, Ribeiro MFM. Sex-specific effects of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) on glucose metabolism in the CNS. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2017; 171:1-10. [PMID: 27871979 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2016.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2016] [Revised: 11/16/2016] [Accepted: 11/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
DHEA is a neuroactive steroid, due to its modulatory actions on the central nervous system (CNS). DHEA is able to regulate neurogenesis, neurotransmitter receptors and neuronal excitability, function, survival and metabolism. The levels of DHEA decrease gradually with advancing age, and this decline has been associated with age related neuronal dysfunction and degeneration, suggesting a neuroprotective effect of endogenous DHEA. There are significant sex differences in the pathophysiology, epidemiology and clinical manifestations of many neurological diseases. The aim of this study was to determine whether DHEA can alter glucose metabolism in different structures of the CNS from male and female rats, and if this effect is sex-specific. The results showed that DHEA decreased glucose uptake in some structures (cerebral cortex and olfactory bulb) in males, but did not affect glucose uptake in females. When compared, glucose uptake in males was higher than females. DHEA enhanced the glucose oxidation in both males (cerebral cortex, olfactory bulb, hippocampus and hypothalamus) and females (cerebral cortex and olfactory bulb), in a sex-dependent manner. In males, DHEA did not affect synthesis of glycogen, however, glycogen content was increased in the cerebral cortex and olfactory bulb. DHEA modulates glucose metabolism in a tissue-, dose- and sex-dependent manner to increase glucose oxidation, which could explain the previously described neuroprotective role of this hormone in some neurodegenerative diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Vieira-Marques
- Laboratório de Interação Neuro-Humoral, Department of Physiology, ICBS, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Rua Sarmento Leite, 500, 90050-170, Porto Alegre/RS, Brazil; Laboratório de Metabolismo e Endocrinologia Comparada, Department of Physiology, ICBS, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Rua Sarmento Leite, 500, 90050-170, Porto Alegre/RS, Brazil.
| | - Bruno Dutra Arbo
- Laboratório de Interação Neuro-Humoral, Department of Physiology, ICBS, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Rua Sarmento Leite, 500, 90050-170, Porto Alegre/RS, Brazil
| | - Aline Gonçalves Cozer
- Laboratório de Metabolismo e Endocrinologia Comparada, Department of Physiology, ICBS, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Rua Sarmento Leite, 500, 90050-170, Porto Alegre/RS, Brazil
| | - Ana Lúcia Hoefel
- Laboratório de Interação Neuro-Humoral, Department of Physiology, ICBS, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Rua Sarmento Leite, 500, 90050-170, Porto Alegre/RS, Brazil; Laboratório de Metabolismo e Endocrinologia Comparada, Department of Physiology, ICBS, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Rua Sarmento Leite, 500, 90050-170, Porto Alegre/RS, Brazil
| | - Ana Lúcia Cecconello
- Laboratório de Interação Neuro-Humoral, Department of Physiology, ICBS, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Rua Sarmento Leite, 500, 90050-170, Porto Alegre/RS, Brazil
| | - Priscila Zanini
- Laboratório de Interação Neuro-Humoral, Department of Physiology, ICBS, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Rua Sarmento Leite, 500, 90050-170, Porto Alegre/RS, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Niches
- Laboratório de Interação Neuro-Humoral, Department of Physiology, ICBS, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Rua Sarmento Leite, 500, 90050-170, Porto Alegre/RS, Brazil
| | - Luiz Carlos Kucharski
- Laboratório de Metabolismo e Endocrinologia Comparada, Department of Physiology, ICBS, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Rua Sarmento Leite, 500, 90050-170, Porto Alegre/RS, Brazil
| | - Maria Flávia M Ribeiro
- Laboratório de Interação Neuro-Humoral, Department of Physiology, ICBS, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Rua Sarmento Leite, 500, 90050-170, Porto Alegre/RS, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Atif F, Prunty MC, Turan N, Stein DG, Yousuf S. Progesterone modulates diabetes/hyperglycemia-induced changes in the central nervous system and sciatic nerve. Neuroscience 2017; 350:1-12. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2017.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2016] [Revised: 03/01/2017] [Accepted: 03/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
|
40
|
Cermenati G, Giatti S, Audano M, Pesaresi M, Spezzano R, Caruso D, Mitro N, Melcangi RC. Diabetes alters myelin lipid profile in rat cerebral cortex: Protective effects of dihydroprogesterone. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2017; 168:60-70. [PMID: 28167298 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2017.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2016] [Revised: 01/31/2017] [Accepted: 02/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Due to the emerging association of diabetes with several psychiatric and neurodegenerative events, the evaluation of the effects of this pathology on the brain function has now a high priority in biomedical research. In particular, the effects of diabetes on myelin compartment have been poorly taken into consideration. To this purpose, we performed a deep lipidomic analysis of cortical myelin in the streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat model. In male rats three months of diabetes induced an extensive alterations in levels of phosphatidylcholines and phosphatidylethanolamines (the main species present in myelin membranes), plasmalogens as well as phosphatidylinositols and phosphatidylserines. In addition, the levels of cholesterol and myelin basic protein were also decreased. Because these lipids exert important functional and structural roles in the myelin compartment, our data indicate that cerebral cortex myelin is severely compromised in diabetic status. Treatment for one-month with a metabolite of progesterone, dihydroprogesterone, restored the lipid and protein myelin profiles to the levels observed in non-diabetic animals. These data suggest the potential of therapeutic efficacy of DHP to restore myelin in the diabetic brain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gaia Cermenati
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Silvia Giatti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Matteo Audano
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Marzia Pesaresi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Roberto Spezzano
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Donatella Caruso
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Nico Mitro
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy.
| | - Roberto Cosimo Melcangi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Romano S, Mitro N, Diviccaro S, Spezzano R, Audano M, Garcia-Segura LM, Caruso D, Melcangi RC. Short-term effects of diabetes on neurosteroidogenesis in the rat hippocampus. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2017; 167:135-143. [PMID: 27890531 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2016.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2016] [Revised: 11/12/2016] [Accepted: 11/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Diabetes may induce neurophysiological and structural changes in the central nervous system (i.e., diabetic encephalopathy). We here explored whether the levels of neuroactive steroids (i.e., neuroprotective agents) in the hippocampus may be altered by short-term diabetes (i.e., one month). To this aim, by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry we observed that in the experimental model of the rat raised diabetic by streptozotocin injection, one month of pathology induced changes in the levels of several neuroactive steroids, such as pregnenolone, progesterone and its metabolites (i.e., tetrahydroprogesterone and isopregnanolone) and testosterone and its metabolites (i.e., dihydrotestosterone and 3α-diol). Interestingly these brain changes were not fully reflected by the plasma level changes, suggesting that early phase of diabetes directly affects steroidogenesis and/or steroid metabolism in the hippocampus. These concepts are also supported by the findings that crucial steps of steroidogenic machinery, such as the gene expression of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (i.e., molecule involved in the translocation of cholesterol into mitochondria) and cytochrome P450 side chain cleavage (i.e., enzyme converting cholesterol into pregnenolone) and 5α-reductase (enzyme converting progesterone and testosterone into their metabolites) are also affected in the hippocampus. In addition, cholesterol homeostasis as well as the functionality of mitochondria, a key organelle in which the limiting step of neuroactive steroid synthesis takes place, are also affected. Data obtained indicate that short-term diabetes alters hippocampal steroidogenic machinery and that these changes are associated with impaired cholesterol homeostasis and mitochondrial dysfunction in the hippocampus, suggesting them as relevant factors for the development of diabetic encephalopathy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simone Romano
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Nico Mitro
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Diviccaro
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Roberto Spezzano
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Audano
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | | | - Donatella Caruso
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy.
| | - Roberto Cosimo Melcangi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Huffman J, Hoffmann C, Taylor GT. Integrating insulin-like growth factor 1 and sex hormones into neuroprotection: Implications for diabetes. World J Diabetes 2017; 8:45-55. [PMID: 28265342 PMCID: PMC5320748 DOI: 10.4239/wjd.v8.i2.45] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2016] [Revised: 09/24/2016] [Accepted: 11/22/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain integrity and cognitive aptitude are often impaired in patients with diabetes mellitus, presumably a result of the metabolic complications inherent to the disease. However, an increasing body of evidence has demonstrated the central role of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) and its relation to sex hormones in many neuroprotective processes. Both male and female patients with diabetes display abnormal IGF1 and sex-hormone levels but the comparison of these fluctuations is seldom a topic of interest. It is interesting to note that both IGF1 and sex hormones have the ability to regulate phosphoinositide 3-kinase-Akt and mitogen-activated protein kinases-extracellular signal-related kinase signaling cascades in animal and cell culture models of neuroprotection. Additionally, there is considerable evidence demonstrating the neuroprotective coupling of IGF1 and estrogen. Androgens have also been implicated in many neuroprotective processes that operate on similar signaling cascades as the estrogen-IGF1 relation. Yet, androgens have not been directly linked to the brain IGF1 system and neuroprotection. Despite the sex-specific variations in brain integrity and hormone levels observed in diabetic patients, the IGF1-sex hormone relation in neuroprotection has yet to be fully substantiated in experimental models of diabetes. Taken together, there is a clear need for the comprehensive analysis of sex differences on brain integrity of diabetic patients and the relationship between IGF1 and sex hormones that may influence brain-health outcomes. As such, this review will briefly outline the basic relation of diabetes and IGF1 and its role in neuroprotection. We will also consider the findings on sex hormones and diabetes as a basis for separately analyzing males and females to identify possible hormone-induced brain abnormalities. Finally, we will introduce the neuroprotective interplay of IGF1 and estrogen and how androgen-derived neuroprotection operates through similar signaling cascades. Future research on both neuroprotection and diabetes should include androgens into the interplay of IGF1 and sex hormones.
Collapse
|
43
|
Ishikawa M, Yoshitomi T, Covey DF, Zorumski CF, Izumi Y. TSPO activation modulates the effects of high pressure in a rat ex vivo glaucoma model. Neuropharmacology 2016; 111:142-159. [PMID: 27596950 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2016.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2016] [Revised: 08/12/2016] [Accepted: 09/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
We previously reported that elevated pressure induces axonal swelling and facilitates the synthesis of the neurosteroid, allopregnanolone (AlloP), in the ex vivo rat retina. Exogenously applied AlloP attenuates the axonal swelling, suggesting that the neurosteroid plays a neuroprotective role against glaucomatous pressure-induced injuries, although mechanisms underlying neurosteroidogenesis have not been clarified. The aim of this study was to determine whether AlloP synthesis involves activation of translocator protein 18 kD (TSPO) and whether TSPO modulates pressure-induced retinal injury. Ex vivo rat retinas were exposed to various pressures (10, 35, or 75 mmHg) for 24 h. Expression of TSPO, 5α-reductase (5aRD), and AlloP was examined by quantitative real-time RT-PCR, ELISA, immunohistochemistry, and LC-MS/MS. We also examined the effects of TSPO ligands on AlloP synthesis and retinal damage. In this acute model, quantitative real-time RT-PCR and ELISA analyses revealed that elevated pressure facilitated TSPO expression. Similarly, these methods also detected enhanced 5aRD (mostly type II), which was observed in retinal ganglion cells (RGC) and the inner nuclear layer (INL). Atriol, a TSPO antagonist, suppressed pressure mediated AlloP synthesis and induced more severe histological changes in the inner retina when combined with elevated pressure. PK11195, a TSPO ligand that facilitates AlloP synthesis by itself, remarkably diminished pressure-mediated retinal degeneration. These results suggest that AlloP synthesis is induced by sequential activation of TSPO and 5aRD in an ex vivo glaucoma model, and that TSPO agonists may serve as potential therapeutic agents for the prevention of pressure-induced retinal damage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Makoto Ishikawa
- Department of Ophthalmology, Akita Graduate University School of Medicine, Akita, Japan.
| | - Takeshi Yoshitomi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Akita Graduate University School of Medicine, Akita, Japan
| | - Douglas F Covey
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, M.O, USA; The Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, M.O, USA
| | - Charles F Zorumski
- The Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, M.O, USA; Center for Brain Research in Mood Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, M.O, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, M.O, USA
| | - Yukitoshi Izumi
- The Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, M.O, USA; Center for Brain Research in Mood Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, M.O, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, M.O, USA
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Panzica G, Melcangi RC. Structural and molecular brain sexual differences: A tool to understand sex differences in health and disease. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2016; 67:2-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2016] [Revised: 04/21/2016] [Accepted: 04/22/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
|
45
|
Levels and actions of neuroactive steroids in the nervous system under physiological and pathological conditions: Sex-specific features. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2016; 67:25-40. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2015.09.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2015] [Revised: 09/15/2015] [Accepted: 09/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
|
46
|
Coronel MF, Labombarda F, González SL. Neuroactive steroids, nociception and neuropathic pain: A flashback to go forward. Steroids 2016; 110:77-87. [PMID: 27091763 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2016.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2016] [Revised: 03/29/2016] [Accepted: 04/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The present review discusses the potential role of neurosteroids/neuroactive steroids in the regulation of nociceptive and neuropathic pain, and recapitulates the current knowledge on the main mechanisms involved in the reduction of pain, especially those occurring at the dorsal horn of the spinal cord, a crucial site for nociceptive processing. We will make special focus on progesterone and its derivative allopregnanolone, which have been shown to exert remarkable actions in order to prevent or reverse the maladaptive changes and pain behaviors that arise after nervous system damage in various experimental neuropathic conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- María F Coronel
- Laboratorio de Nocicepción y Dolor Neuropático, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, CONICET, Vuelta de Obligado 2490, C1428ADN, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Facultad de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Austral, Presidente Perón 1500, B1629AHJ, Pilar, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Florencia Labombarda
- Laboratorio de Bioquímica Neuroendócrina, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, CONICET, Vuelta de Obligado 2490, C1428ADN, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Departamento de Bioquímica Humana, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Paraguay 2155, C1121ABG, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Susana L González
- Laboratorio de Nocicepción y Dolor Neuropático, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, CONICET, Vuelta de Obligado 2490, C1428ADN, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Departamento de Bioquímica Humana, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Paraguay 2155, C1121ABG, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Vieira-Marques C, Arbo BD, Ruiz-Palmero I, Ortiz-Rodriguez A, Ghorbanpoor S, Kucharski LC, Arevalo MA, Garcia-Segura LM, Ribeiro MFM. Dehydroepiandrosterone protects male and female hippocampal neurons and neuroblastoma cells from glucose deprivation. Brain Res 2016; 1644:176-82. [PMID: 27174000 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2016.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2015] [Revised: 04/28/2016] [Accepted: 05/08/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) modulates neurogenesis, neuronal function, neuronal survival and metabolism, enhancing mitochondrial oxidative capacity. Glucose deprivation and hypometabolism have been implicated in the mechanisms that mediate neuronal damage in neurological disorders, and some studies have shown that these mechanisms are sexually dimorphic. It was also demonstrated that DHEA is able to attenuate the hypometabolism that is related to some neurodegenerative diseases, eliciting neuroprotective effects in different experimental models of neurodegeneration. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of DHEA on the viability of male and female hippocampal neurons and SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells exposed to glucose deprivation. It was observed that after 12h of pre-treatment, DHEA was able to protect SH-SY5Y cells from glucose deprivation for 6h (DHEA 10(-12), 10(-8) and 10(-6)M) and 8h (DHEA 10(-8)M). In contrast, DHEA was not neuroprotective against glucose deprivation for 12 or 24h. DHEA (10(-8)M) also protected SH-SY5Y cells when added together or even 1h after the beginning of glucose deprivation (6h). Furthermore, DHEA (10(-8)M) also protected primary neurons from both sexes against glucose deprivation. In summary, our findings indicate that DHEA is neuroprotective against glucose deprivation in human neuroblastoma cells and in male and female mouse hippocampal neurons. These results suggest that DHEA could be a promising candidate to be used in clinical studies aiming to reduce neuronal damage in people from both sexes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Vieira-Marques
- Laboratório de Interação Neuro-Humoral, Department of Physiology, ICBS, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Rua Sarmento Leite, 500, 90050-170 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Instituto Cajal, CSIC, Avenida Doctor Arce, 37, 28002 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Bruno Dutra Arbo
- Laboratório de Interação Neuro-Humoral, Department of Physiology, ICBS, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Rua Sarmento Leite, 500, 90050-170 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Instituto Cajal, CSIC, Avenida Doctor Arce, 37, 28002 Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Luiz Carlos Kucharski
- Laboratório de Interação Neuro-Humoral, Department of Physiology, ICBS, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Rua Sarmento Leite, 500, 90050-170 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Maria A Arevalo
- Instituto Cajal, CSIC, Avenida Doctor Arce, 37, 28002 Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Maria Flávia M Ribeiro
- Laboratório de Interação Neuro-Humoral, Department of Physiology, ICBS, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Rua Sarmento Leite, 500, 90050-170 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Porcu P, Barron AM, Frye CA, Walf AA, Yang SY, He XY, Morrow AL, Panzica GC, Melcangi RC. Neurosteroidogenesis Today: Novel Targets for Neuroactive Steroid Synthesis and Action and Their Relevance for Translational Research. J Neuroendocrinol 2016; 28:12351. [PMID: 26681259 PMCID: PMC4769676 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2015] [Revised: 12/12/2015] [Accepted: 12/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Neuroactive steroids are endogenous neuromodulators synthesised in the brain that rapidly alter neuronal excitability by binding to membrane receptors, in addition to the regulation of gene expression via intracellular steroid receptors. Neuroactive steroids induce potent anxiolytic, antidepressant, anticonvulsant, sedative, analgesic and amnesic effects, mainly through interaction with the GABAA receptor. They also exert neuroprotective, neurotrophic and antiapoptotic effects in several animal models of neurodegenerative diseases. Neuroactive steroids regulate many physiological functions, such as the stress response, puberty, the ovarian cycle, pregnancy and reward. Their levels are altered in several neuropsychiatric and neurological diseases and both preclinical and clinical studies emphasise a therapeutic potential of neuroactive steroids for these diseases, whereby symptomatology ameliorates upon restoration of neuroactive steroid concentrations. However, direct administration of neuroactive steroids has several challenges, including pharmacokinetics, low bioavailability, addiction potential, safety and tolerability, which limit its therapeutic use. Therefore, modulation of neurosteroidogenesis to restore the altered endogenous neuroactive steroid tone may represent a better therapeutic approach. This review summarises recent approaches that target the neuroactive steroid biosynthetic pathway at different levels aiming to promote neurosteroidogenesis. These include modulation of neurosteroidogenesis through ligands of the translocator protein 18 kDa and the pregnane xenobiotic receptor, as well as targeting of specific neurosteroidogenic enzymes such as 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 10 or P450 side chain cleavage. Enhanced neurosteroidogenesis through these targets may be beneficial not only for neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease and age-related dementia, but also for neuropsychiatric diseases, including alcohol use disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrizia Porcu
- Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Cagliari, Italy
| | - Anna M. Barron
- Molecular Imaging Center, National Institute of Radiological Sciences, Anagawa, Inage-ku, Chiba, Japan
| | - Cheryl Anne Frye
- Institute of Arctic Biology, The University of Alaska–Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK, USA
- The University at Albany, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Alicia A. Walf
- Institute of Arctic Biology, The University of Alaska–Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK, USA
- The University at Albany, Albany, NY, USA
- Department of Cognitive Science, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, USA
| | - Song-Yu Yang
- Department of Developmental Biochemistry, NYS Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, NY, USA
| | - Xue-Ying He
- Department of Developmental Biochemistry, NYS Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, NY, USA
| | - A. Leslie Morrow
- Departments of Psychiatry and Pharmacology, Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Gian Carlo Panzica
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, and NICO - Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, Orbassano, Italy
| | - Roberto C. Melcangi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Giatti S, Romano S, Pesaresi M, Cermenati G, Mitro N, Caruso D, Tetel MJ, Garcia-Segura LM, Melcangi RC. Neuroactive steroids and the peripheral nervous system: An update. Steroids 2015; 103:23-30. [PMID: 25824325 PMCID: PMC6314841 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2015.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2014] [Revised: 03/14/2015] [Accepted: 03/17/2015] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
In the present review we summarize observations to date supporting the concept that neuroactive steroids are synthesized in the peripheral nervous system, regulate the physiology of peripheral nerves and exert notable neuroprotective actions. Indeed, neuroactive steroids have been recently proposed as therapies for different types of peripheral neuropathy, like for instance those occurring during aging, chemotherapy, physical injury and diabetes. Moreover, pharmacological tools able to increase the synthesis of neuroactive steroids might represent new interesting therapeutic strategy to be applied in case of peripheral neuropathy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Giatti
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Simone Romano
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Marzia Pesaresi
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Gaia Cermenati
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Nico Mitro
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Donatella Caruso
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Marc J Tetel
- Neuroscience Program, Wellesley College, Wellesley, MA, USA
| | | | - Roberto C Melcangi
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Cascio C, Deidda I, Russo D, Guarneri P. The estrogenic retina: The potential contribution to healthy aging and age-related neurodegenerative diseases of the retina. Steroids 2015; 103:31-41. [PMID: 26265586 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2015.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2015] [Revised: 07/29/2015] [Accepted: 08/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
These last two decades have seen an explosion of clinical and epidemiological research, and basic research devoted to envisage the influence of gender and hormonal fluctuations in the retina/ocular diseases. Particular attention has been paid to age-related disorders because of the overlap of endocrine and neuronal dysfunction with aging. Hormonal withdrawal has been considered among risk factors for diseases such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular disease (AMD), as well as, for Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, or other neurodegenerative disorders. Sex hormones and aging have been also suggested to drive the incidence of ocular surface diseases such as dry eye and cataract. Hormone therapy has been approached in several clinical trials. The discovery that the retina is another CNS tissue synthesizing neurosteroids, among which neuroactive steroids, has favored these studies. However, the puzzling data emerged from clinical, epidemiological and experimental studies have added several dimensions of complexity; the current landscape is inherently limited to the weak information on the influence and interdependence of endocrine, paracrine and autocrine regulation in the retina, but also in the brain. Focusing on the estrogenic retina, we here review our knowledge on local 17β-oestradiol (E2) synthesis from cholesterol-based neurosteroidogenic path and testosterone aromatization, and presence of estrogen receptors (ERα and ERβ). The first cholesterol-limiting step and the final aromatase-limiting step are discussed as possible check-points of retinal functional/dysfunctional E2. Possible E2 neuroprotection is commented as a group of experimental evidence on excitotoxic and oxidative retinal paradigms, and models of retinal neurodegenerative diseases, such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and AMD. These findings may provide a framework to support clinical studies, although further basic research is needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Cascio
- CNR Institute of Biomedicine and Molecular Immunology, Neuroscience Unit, Palermo, Italy
| | - Irene Deidda
- CNR Institute of Biomedicine and Molecular Immunology, Neuroscience Unit, Palermo, Italy
| | - Domenica Russo
- CNR Institute of Biomedicine and Molecular Immunology, Neuroscience Unit, Palermo, Italy
| | - Patrizia Guarneri
- CNR Institute of Biomedicine and Molecular Immunology, Neuroscience Unit, Palermo, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|