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López Hanotte J, Peralta F, Reggiani PC, Zappa Villar MF. Investigating the Impact of Intracerebroventricular Streptozotocin on Female Rats with and without Ovaries: Implications for Alzheimer's Disease. Neurochem Res 2024; 49:2785-2802. [PMID: 38985243 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-024-04204-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
To contribute to research on female models of Alzheimer's disease (AD), our aim was to study the effect of intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection of streptozotocin (STZ) in female rats, and to evaluate a potential neuroprotective action of ovarian steroids against STZ. Female rats were either ovariectomized (OVX) or kept with ovaries (Sham) two weeks before ICV injections. Animals were injected with either vehicle (artificial cerebrospinal fluid, aCSF) or STZ (3 mg/kg) and separated into four experimental groups: Sham + aCSF, Sham + STZ, OVX + aCSF and OVX + STZ. Nineteen days post-injection, we assessed different behavioral aspects: burying, anxiety and exploration, object recognition memory, spatial memory, and depressive-like behavior. Immunohistochemistry and Immunoblot analyses were performed in the hippocampus to examine changes in AD-related proteins and neuronal and microglial populations. STZ affected burying and exploratory behavior depending on ovarian status, and impaired recognition but not spatial memory. STZ and ovariectomy increased depressive-like behavior. Interestingly, STZ did not alter the expression of β-amyloid peptide or Tau phosphorylated forms. STZ affected the neuronal population from the Dentate Gyrus, where immature neurons were more vulnerable to STZ in OVX rats. Regarding microglia, STZ increased reactive cells, and the OVX + STZ group showed an increase in the total cell number. In sum, STZ partially affected female rats, compared to what was previously reported for males. Although AD is more frequent in women, reports about the effect of ICV-STZ in female rats are scarce. Our work highlights the need to deepen into the effects of STZ in the female brain and study possible sex differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliette López Hanotte
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de La Plata "Profesor Doctor Rodolfo R. Brenner", Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP), La Plata, Argentina
| | - Facundo Peralta
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de La Plata "Profesor Doctor Rodolfo R. Brenner", Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP), La Plata, Argentina
| | - Paula Cecilia Reggiani
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de La Plata "Profesor Doctor Rodolfo R. Brenner", Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP), La Plata, Argentina.
- Cátedra de Citología, Histología y Embriología, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP), La Plata, Argentina.
| | - María Florencia Zappa Villar
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de La Plata "Profesor Doctor Rodolfo R. Brenner", Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP), La Plata, Argentina.
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Hoffmeister JD, Broadfoot CK, Schaen-Heacock NE, Lechner SA, Krasko MN, Nisbet AF, Russell J, Szot J, Glass TJ, Connor NP, Kelm-Nelson CA, Ciucci MR. Vocal and tongue exercise in early to mid-stage Parkinson disease using the Pink1-/- rat. Brain Res 2024; 1837:148958. [PMID: 38685371 PMCID: PMC11166513 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2024.148958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Vocal and swallowing deficits are common in Parkinson disease (PD). Because these impairments are resistant to dopamine replacement therapies, vocal and lingual exercise are the primary treatment, but not all individuals respond to exercise and neural mechanisms of treatment response are unclear. To explore putative mechanisms, we used the progressive Pink1-/- rat model of early to mid-stage PD and employed vocal and lingual exercises at 6- and 10-months of age in male Pink1-/- and wild type (WT) rats. We hypothesized that vocal and lingual exercise would improve vocal and tongue use dynamics and increase serotonin (5HT) immunoreactivity in related brainstem nuclei. Rats were tested at baseline and after 8 weeks of exercise or sham exercise. At early-stage PD (6 months), vocal exercise resulted in increased call complexity, but did not change intensity, while at mid-stage (10 months), vocal exercise no longer influenced vocalization complexity. Lingual exercise increased tongue force generation and reduced relative optical density of 5HT in the hypoglossal nucleus at both time points. The effects of vocal and lingual exercise at these time points are less robust than in prodromal stages observed in previous work, suggesting that early exercise interventions may yield greater benefit. Future work targeting optimization of exercise at later time points may facilitate clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- J D Hoffmeister
- University of Minnesota, Dept. of Otolaryngology, 420 Delaware Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55422, USA; University of Wisconsin-Madison, Dept. of Communication Sciences and Disorders, 1975 Willow Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
| | - C K Broadfoot
- University of South Alabama, Dept. of Speech Pathology and Audiology, 5721 USA Drive N, HAHN 1119, Mobile, AL 36688, USA; University of Wisconsin-Madison, Dept. of Surgery, Div. of Otolaryngology, 1300 University Avenue, 483 Medical Sciences Building, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
| | - N E Schaen-Heacock
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, Dept. of Communication Sciences and Disorders, 1975 Willow Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA; University of Wisconsin-Madison, Dept. of Surgery, Div. of Otolaryngology, 1300 University Avenue, 483 Medical Sciences Building, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
| | - S A Lechner
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, Dept. of Surgery, Div. of Otolaryngology, 1300 University Avenue, 483 Medical Sciences Building, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
| | - M N Krasko
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, Dept. of Communication Sciences and Disorders, 1975 Willow Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA; University of Wisconsin-Madison, Dept. of Surgery, Div. of Otolaryngology, 1300 University Avenue, 483 Medical Sciences Building, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
| | - A F Nisbet
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, Dept. of Surgery, Div. of Otolaryngology, 1300 University Avenue, 483 Medical Sciences Building, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
| | - J Russell
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, Dept. of Surgery, Div. of Otolaryngology, 1300 University Avenue, 483 Medical Sciences Building, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
| | - J Szot
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, Dept. of Surgery, Div. of Otolaryngology, 1300 University Avenue, 483 Medical Sciences Building, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
| | - T J Glass
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, Dept. of Surgery, Div. of Otolaryngology, 1300 University Avenue, 483 Medical Sciences Building, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
| | - N P Connor
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, Dept. of Communication Sciences and Disorders, 1975 Willow Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA; University of Wisconsin-Madison, Dept. of Surgery, Div. of Otolaryngology, 1300 University Avenue, 483 Medical Sciences Building, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
| | - C A Kelm-Nelson
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, Dept. of Surgery, Div. of Otolaryngology, 1300 University Avenue, 483 Medical Sciences Building, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
| | - M R Ciucci
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, Dept. of Communication Sciences and Disorders, 1975 Willow Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA; University of Wisconsin-Madison, Dept. of Surgery, Div. of Otolaryngology, 1300 University Avenue, 483 Medical Sciences Building, Madison, WI 53706, USA; University of Wisconsin-Madison, Neuroscience Training Program, 9531 WIMR II, 1111 Highland Ave., Madison, WI 53705, USA.
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Zhang X, Zhou H, Liu H, Xu P. Role of Oxidative Stress in the Occurrence and Development of Cognitive Dysfunction in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome. Mol Neurobiol 2024; 61:5083-5101. [PMID: 38159196 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03899-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) causes recurrent apnea and intermittent hypoxia at night, leading to several complications such as cognitive dysfunction. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying cognitive dysfunction in OSAS are unclear, and oxidative stress mediated by intermittent hypoxia is an important mechanism. In addition, the improvement of cognitive dysfunction in patients with OSAS varies by different treatment regimens; among them, continuous positive airway pressure therapy (CPAP) is mostly recognized for improving cognitive dysfunction. In this review, we discuss the potential mechanisms of oxidative stress in OSAS, the common factors of affecting oxidative stress and the Links between oxidative stress and inflammation in OSAS, focusing on the potential links between oxidative stress and cognitive dysfunction in OSAS and the potential therapies for neurocognitive dysfunction in patients with OSAS mediated by oxidative stress. Therefore, further analysis on the relationship between oxidative stress and cognitive dysfunction in patients with OSAS will help to clarify the etiology and discover new treatment options, which will be of great significance for early clinical intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- XiaoPing Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Hongyan Zhou
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - HaiJun Liu
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Ping Xu
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China.
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Sal-Sarria S, López-Taboada I, González-Pardo H, Conejo NM. A shift to a standard diet after exposure to a high-fat, high-sucrose diet from gestation to weaning restores brain metabolism and behavioral flexibility in adult rats. Behav Brain Res 2024; 467:115020. [PMID: 38679144 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2024.115020] [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: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Prolonged consumption of diets high in saturated fat and sugar has been related to obesity and overweight, which in turn are linked to cognitive impairment in both humans and rodents. This has become a current issue, especially in children and adolescents, because these stages are crucial to neurodevelopmental processes and programming of adult behavior. To evaluate the effects of gestational and early exposure to an obesogenic diet, three groups with different dietary patterns were established: high-fat and high-sucrose diet (HFS), standard diet (SD), and a dietary shift from a high-fat, high-sucrose diet to a standard diet after weaning (R). Spatial learning and behavioral flexibility in adult male and female Wistar rats were evaluated using the Morris water maze (MWM) at PND 60. Furthermore, regional brain oxidative metabolism was assessed in the prefrontal cortex and the hippocampus. Contrary to our hypothesis, the HFS diet groups showed similar performance on the spatial learning task as the other groups, although they showed impaired cognitive flexibility. The HFS group had increased brain metabolic capacity compared to that of animals fed the standard diet. Shifting from the HFS diet to the SD diet after weaning restored the brain metabolic capacity in both sexes to levels similar to those observed in animals fed the SD diet. In addition, animals in the R group performed similarly to those fed the SD diet in the Morris water maze in both tasks. However, dietary shift from HFS diet to standard diet after weaning had only moderate sex-dependent effects on body weight and fat distribution. In conclusion, switching from an HFS diet to a balanced diet after weaning would have beneficial effects on behavioral flexibility and brain metabolism, without significant sex differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saúl Sal-Sarria
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain; Institute of Neurosciences of the Principality of Asturias (INEUROPA), Oviedo, Spain; Health Research Institute of the Principality of Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Spain
| | - Isabel López-Taboada
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain; Institute of Neurosciences of the Principality of Asturias (INEUROPA), Oviedo, Spain; Health Research Institute of the Principality of Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Spain
| | - Héctor González-Pardo
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain; Institute of Neurosciences of the Principality of Asturias (INEUROPA), Oviedo, Spain; Health Research Institute of the Principality of Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Spain
| | - Nélida M Conejo
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain; Institute of Neurosciences of the Principality of Asturias (INEUROPA), Oviedo, Spain; Health Research Institute of the Principality of Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Spain.
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Rajput AS, Mishra B, Rajawat D, Bhakat M. Early prediction of oestrus for herd fertility management in cattle and buffaloes - a review. Reprod Domest Anim 2024; 59:e14597. [PMID: 38798195 DOI: 10.1111/rda.14597] [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: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Oestrus is defined as a period when a female animal exhibits characteristic sexual behaviour in the presence of a mature male. Oestrous manifestation in dairy animals is due to the oestrogen (E2) effect on the central nervous system (CNS). It is a critical issue to be considered on a priority basis. Inefficient oestrous detection reduces the fertility status of the herd. The primary and most reliable indicator of oestrus is standing to be mounted by a bull or another female herd mate, signalling receptivity and the pre-ovulatory state in dairy cattle. Oestrous detection is primarily a management challenge requiring skill and vigilance. To improve the efficiency of oestrous detection in dairy cattle, visual observation is one of the best methods if done three times a day; however, heat detection aids, if combined, give better results. However, techniques like using teaser bulls, tail painting, chin ball markers, ultrasound (USG) examination, hormonal analysis and examination of cervicovaginal mucus (CVM) improve oestrous detection efficiency. Moreover, the changes in production systems have reduced the expression of oestrous behaviour among cows, due to higher oestrogen (E2) metabolism. Therefore, automated systems, such as pedometers, accelerometers and acoustic sensors like infrared thermography (IRT) and image processing, have significantly enhanced reproductive performance by facilitating oestrous detection and optimizing insemination schedules. From this review, we would conclude that oestrous detection alone contributes considerably to the reproductive status of the herd; therefore, applying different methods of oestrous detection reduces the incidence of missed oestrus and improves the fertility status of the herd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atul Singh Rajput
- Livestock Production and Management Section, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Babita Mishra
- Livestock Production and Management Section, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Divya Rajawat
- Division of Animal Genetics, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Mukesh Bhakat
- APR Division, ICAR-CIRG, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India
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Tsamou M, Roggen EL. Sex-associated microRNAs potentially implicated in sporadic Alzheimer's disease (sAD). Brain Res 2024; 1829:148791. [PMID: 38307153 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2024.148791] [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: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The onset and pathology of sporadic Alzheimer's disease (sAD) seem to be affected by both sex and genetic mechanisms. Evidence supports that the high prevalence of sAD in women, worldwide, may be attributed to an interplay among aging, sex, and lifestyle, influenced by genetics, metabolic changes, and hormones. Interestingly, epigenetic mechanisms such as microRNAs (miRNAs), known as master regulators of gene expression, may contribute to this observed sexual dimorphism in sAD. OBJECTIVES To investigate the potential impact of sex-associated miRNAs on processes manifesting sAD pathology, as described by the Tau-driven Adverse Outcome Pathway (AOP) leading to memory loss. METHODS Using publicly available human miRNA datasets, sex-biased miRNAs, defined as differentially expressed by sex in tissues possibly affected by sAD pathology, were collected. In addition, sex hormone-related miRNAs were also retrieved from the literature. The compiled sex-biased and sex hormone-related miRNAs were further plugged into the dysregulated processes of the Tau-driven AOP for memory loss. RESULTS Several miRNAs, previously identified as sex-associated, were implicated in dysregulated processes associated with the manifestation of sAD pathology. Importantly, the described pathology processes were not confined to a particular sex. A mechanistic-based approach utilizing miRNAs was adopted in order to elucidate the link between sex and biological processes potentially involved in the development of memory loss. CONCLUSIONS The identification of sex-associated miRNAs involved in the early processes manifesting memory loss may shed light to the complex molecular mechanisms underlying sAD pathogenesis in a sex-specific manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Tsamou
- ToxGenSolutions (TGS), Oxfordlaan 70, 6229EV Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Erwin L Roggen
- ToxGenSolutions (TGS), Oxfordlaan 70, 6229EV Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Attia HRM, Kamel MM, Ayoub DF, Abd El-Aziz SH, Abdel Wahed MM, El-Fattah SNA, Ablel-Monem MA, Rabah TM, Helal A, Ibrahim MH. CYP2C8 rs11572080 and CYP3A4 rs2740574 risk genotypes in paclitaxel-treated premenopausal breast cancer patients. Sci Rep 2024; 14:7922. [PMID: 38575662 PMCID: PMC10995116 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-58104-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is the most prevalent malignancy in women globally. At time of diagnosis, premenopausal BC is considered more aggressive and harder to treat than postmenopausal cases. Cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes are responsible for phase I of estrogen metabolism and thus, they are prominently involved in the pathogenesis of BC. Moreover, CYP subfamily 2C and 3A play a pivotal role in the metabolism of taxane anticancer agents. To understand genetic risk factors that may have a role in pre-menopausal BC we studied the genotypic variants of CYP2C8, rs11572080 and CYP3A4, rs2740574 in female BC patients on taxane-based therapy and their association with menopausal status. Our study comprised 105 female patients with histologically proven BC on paclitaxel-therapy. They were stratified into pre-menopausal (n = 52, 49.5%) and post-menopausal (n = 53, 50.5%) groups. Genotyping was done using TaqMan assays and employed on Quantstudio 12 K flex real-time platform. Significant increased frequencies of rs11572080 heterozygous CT genotype and variant T allele were established in pre-menopausal group compared to post-menopausal group (p = 0.023, 0.01, respectively). Moreover, logistic regression analysis revealed a significant association between rs11572080 CT genotype and premenopausal BC. However, regarding rs2740574, no significant differences in genotypes and allele frequencies between both groups were detected. We reported a significant association between CYP2C8 genotypic variants and premenopausal BC risk in Egyptian females. Further studies on larger sample sizes are still needed to evaluate its importance in early prediction of BC in young women and its effect on treatment outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanaa R M Attia
- Medical Research and Clinical Studies Institute, Clinical and Chemical Pathology Department, Centre of Excellence, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud M Kamel
- Clinical Pathology Department, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Kasr Al-Aini Street, From El-Khalig Square, Cairo, 11796, Egypt.
| | - Dina F Ayoub
- Medical Research and Clinical Studies Institute, Clinical and Chemical Pathology Department, Centre of Excellence, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Shereen H Abd El-Aziz
- Medical Research and Clinical Studies Institute, Clinical and Chemical Pathology Department, Centre of Excellence, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mai M Abdel Wahed
- Medical Research and Clinical Studies Institute, Clinical and Chemical Pathology Department, Centre of Excellence, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Safa N Abd El-Fattah
- Medical Research and Clinical Studies Institute, Clinical and Chemical Pathology Department, Centre of Excellence, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud A Ablel-Monem
- Medical Research and Clinical Studies Institute, Medical Biochemistry Department, Centre of Excellence, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Thanaa M Rabah
- Medical Research and Clinical Studies Institute, Community Medicine Research Department, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Amany Helal
- Baheya Centre of Early Detection and Treatment of Breast Cancer, Giza, Egypt
- Medical Oncology Department, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mona Hamed Ibrahim
- Medical Research and Clinical Studies Institute, Clinical and Chemical Pathology Department, Centre of Excellence, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
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Li C, Li B, Qu L, Song R, Liu H, Su S. Progesterone improved the behavior of PC12 cells under OGD/R by reducing FABP5 expression and inhibiting TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway. J Bioenerg Biomembr 2024; 56:117-124. [PMID: 38105294 PMCID: PMC10995011 DOI: 10.1007/s10863-023-09998-z] [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: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Herein, PC12 cells were applied to detect the impact of progesterone under oxygen glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R) stimulation. The cell proliferation of PC12 cells was evaluated by cell counting kit-8 assay, and the concentrations of MDA, ROS and SOD were examined by their corresponding Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay kits. The invasion and migration properties of PC12 cells were evaluated by transwell and wound healing assays, respectively. The expression patterns of related genes were evaluated by western blot and qPCR. Under OGD/R stimulation, progesterone treatment could elevate the viability of PC12 cells, reduce the levels of MDA and ROS, and elevate the concentration of SOD. Moreover, progesterone treatment could strengthen the invasion and migration abilities of PC12 cells under OGD/R condition, as well as decrease the apoptosis and inflammation. FABP5 expression was significantly increased in PC12 cells under OGD/R stimulation, which was reversed after progesterone stimulation. Under OGD/R stimulation, the protective effects of progesterone on PC12 cells were strengthened after si-FABP5 treatment. The protein levels of TLR4, p-P65 NF-κB, and P65 NF-κB in OGD/R-induced PC12 cells were increased, which were inhibited after progesterone treatment. Progesterone exerted protective effects on PC12 cells by targeting FABP5 under OGD/R stimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunlin Li
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 16369 Jing Shi Road, Lixia District, Jinan, Shandong, 250014, People's Republic of China
| | - Bowen Li
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 16369 Jing Shi Road, Lixia District, Jinan, Shandong, 250014, People's Republic of China
| | - Linglong Qu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 16369 Jing Shi Road, Lixia District, Jinan, Shandong, 250014, People's Republic of China
| | - Ruichang Song
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 16369 Jing Shi Road, Lixia District, Jinan, Shandong, 250014, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Liu
- Department of Chinese Internal Medicine, First School of Clinical Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 16369 Jing Shi Road, Lixia District, Jinan, Shandong, 250014, People's Republic of China
| | - Shanshan Su
- Department of Nephrology, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 16369 Jingshi Road, Lixia District, Jinan, Shandong, 250014, People's Republic of China.
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Lafta MS, Mwinyi J, Affatato O, Rukh G, Dang J, Andersson G, Schiöth HB. Exploring sex differences: insights into gene expression, neuroanatomy, neurochemistry, cognition, and pathology. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1340108. [PMID: 38449735 PMCID: PMC10915038 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1340108] [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: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Increased knowledge about sex differences is important for development of individualized treatments against many diseases as well as understanding behavioral and pathological differences. This review summarizes sex chromosome effects on gene expression, epigenetics, and hormones in relation to the brain. We explore neuroanatomy, neurochemistry, cognition, and brain pathology aiming to explain the current state of the art. While some domains exhibit strong differences, others reveal subtle differences whose overall significance warrants clarification. We hope that the current review increases awareness and serves as a basis for the planning of future studies that consider both sexes equally regarding similarities and differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muataz S. Lafta
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Functional Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jessica Mwinyi
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Functional Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Centre for Women’s Mental Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Oreste Affatato
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Functional Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Centre for Women’s Mental Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Gull Rukh
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Functional Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Junhua Dang
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Functional Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Gerhard Andersson
- Department of Behavioural Sciences and Learning, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Helgi B. Schiöth
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Functional Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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Kalakh S, Mouihate A. The Effects of Neuroactive Steroids on Myelin in Health and Disease. Med Princ Pract 2024; 33:198-214. [PMID: 38350432 PMCID: PMC11175611 DOI: 10.1159/000537794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Myelin plays a pivotal role in the efficient transmission of nerve impulses. Disruptions in myelin integrity are associated with numerous neurological disorders, including multiple sclerosis. In the central nervous system (CNS), myelin is formed by oligodendrocytes. Remyelination refers to the re-formation of the damaged myelin sheath by newly formed oligodendrocytes. Steroids have gained attention for their potential modulatory effects on myelin in both health and disease. Steroids are traditionally associated with endocrine functions, but their local synthesis within the nervous system has generated significant interest. The term "neuroactive steroids" refers to steroids that can act on cells of the nervous system. In the healthy state, neuroactive steroids promote myelin formation, maintenance, and repair by enhancing oligodendrocyte differentiation and maturation. In pathological conditions, such as demyelination injury, multiple neuroactive steroids have shown promise in promoting remyelination. Understanding the effects of neuroactive steroids on myelin could lead to novel therapeutic approaches for demyelinating diseases and neurodegenerative disorders. This review highlights the potential therapeutic significance of neuroactive steroids in myelin-related health and diseases. We review the synthesis of steroids by neurons and glial cells and discuss the roles of neuroactive steroids on myelin structure and function in health and disease. We emphasize the potential promyelinating effects of the varying levels of neuroactive steroids during different female physiological states such as the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, lactation, and postmenopause.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samah Kalakh
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Kuwait University, Kuwait City, Kuwait
- School of Engineering and Computing, American International University, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Abdeslam Mouihate
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Kuwait University, Kuwait City, Kuwait
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11
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Silva RH, Lopes-Silva LB, Cunha DG, Becegato M, Ribeiro AM, Santos JR. Animal Approaches to Studying Risk Factors for Parkinson's Disease: A Narrative Review. Brain Sci 2024; 14:156. [PMID: 38391730 PMCID: PMC10887213 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14020156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite recent efforts to search for biomarkers for the pre-symptomatic diagnosis of Parkinson's disease (PD), the presence of risk factors, prodromal signs, and family history still support the classification of individuals at risk for this disease. Human epidemiological studies are useful in this search but fail to provide causality. The study of well-known risk factors for PD in animal models can help elucidate mechanisms related to the disease's etiology and contribute to future prevention or treatment approaches. This narrative review aims to discuss animal studies that investigated four of the main risk factors and/or prodromal signs related to PD: advanced age, male sex, sleep alterations, and depression. Different databases were used to search the studies, which were included based on their relevance to the topic. Although still in a reduced number, such studies are of great relevance in the search for evidence that leads to a possible early diagnosis and improvements in methods of prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- R H Silva
- Behavioral Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo 04021-001, SP, Brazil
| | - L B Lopes-Silva
- Behavioral Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo 04021-001, SP, Brazil
| | - D G Cunha
- Behavioral Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo 04021-001, SP, Brazil
| | - M Becegato
- Behavioral Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo 04021-001, SP, Brazil
| | - A M Ribeiro
- Laboratory of Neuroscience and Bioprospecting of Natural Products, Department of Biosciences, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Santos 11015-020, SP, Brazil
| | - J R Santos
- Behavioral and Evolutionary Neurobiology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences, Federal University of Sergipe, Itabaiana 49500-000, SE, Brazil
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12
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Viudez-Martínez A, Torregrosa AB, Navarrete F, García-Gutiérrez MS. Understanding the Biological Relationship between Migraine and Depression. Biomolecules 2024; 14:163. [PMID: 38397400 PMCID: PMC10886628 DOI: 10.3390/biom14020163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Migraine is a highly prevalent neurological disorder. Among the risk factors identified, psychiatric comorbidities, such as depression, seem to play an important role in its onset and clinical course. Patients with migraine are 2.5 times more likely to develop a depressive disorder; this risk becomes even higher in patients suffering from chronic migraine or migraine with aura. This relationship is bidirectional, since depression also predicts an earlier/worse onset of migraine, increasing the risk of migraine chronicity and, consequently, requiring a higher healthcare expenditure compared to migraine alone. All these data suggest that migraine and depression may share overlapping biological mechanisms. Herein, this review explores this topic in further detail: firstly, by introducing the common epidemiological and risk factors for this comorbidity; secondly, by focusing on providing the cumulative evidence of common biological aspects, with a particular emphasis on the serotoninergic system, neuropeptides such as calcitonin-gene-related peptide (CGRP), pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP), substance P, neuropeptide Y and orexins, sexual hormones, and the immune system; lastly, by remarking on the future challenges required to elucidate the etiopathological mechanisms of migraine and depression and providing updated information regarding new key targets for the pharmacological treatment of these clinical entities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrián Viudez-Martínez
- Hospital Pharmacy Service, Hospital General Dr. Balmis de Alicante, 03010 Alicante, Spain;
| | - Abraham B. Torregrosa
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández, 03550 San Juan de Alicante, Spain; (A.B.T.); (F.N.)
- Research Network on Primary Addictions, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, MICINN and FEDER, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de Alicante (ISABIAL), 03010 Alicante, Spain
| | - Francisco Navarrete
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández, 03550 San Juan de Alicante, Spain; (A.B.T.); (F.N.)
- Research Network on Primary Addictions, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, MICINN and FEDER, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de Alicante (ISABIAL), 03010 Alicante, Spain
| | - María Salud García-Gutiérrez
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández, 03550 San Juan de Alicante, Spain; (A.B.T.); (F.N.)
- Research Network on Primary Addictions, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, MICINN and FEDER, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de Alicante (ISABIAL), 03010 Alicante, Spain
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13
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Di Benedetto MG, Landi P, Mencacci C, Cattaneo A. Depression in Women: Potential Biological and Sociocultural Factors Driving the Sex Effect. Neuropsychobiology 2024; 83:2-16. [PMID: 38272005 PMCID: PMC10871691 DOI: 10.1159/000531588] [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: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Important sex-related differences have been observed in the onset, prevalence, and clinical phenotype of depression, based on several epidemiological studies. Social, behavioural, and educational factors have a great role in underlying this bias; however, also several biological factors are extensively involved. Indeed, sexually dimorphic biological systems might represent the underlying ground for these disparities, including cerebral structures and neural correlates, reproductive hormones, stress response pathways, the immune system and inflammatory reaction, metabolism, and fat distribution. Furthermore, in this perspective, it is also important to consider and focus the attention on specific ages and life stages of individuals: indeed, women experience during their life specific periods of reproductive transitional phases, which are not found in men, that represent windows of particular psychological vulnerability. In addition to these, other biologically related risk factors, including the occurrence of sleep disturbances and the exposure to childhood trauma, which are found to differentially affect men and women, are also putative underlying mechanisms of the clinical bias of depression. Overall, by taking into account major differences which characterize men and women it might be possible to improve the diagnostic process, as well as treat more efficiently depressed individuals, based on a more personalized medicine and research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Grazia Di Benedetto
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy,
- Biological Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy,
| | - Paola Landi
- Department of Neuroscience, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Milan, Italy
| | - Claudio Mencacci
- Department of Neuroscience, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Milan, Italy
| | - Annamaria Cattaneo
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Biological Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
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14
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Maddahi A, Warfvinge K, Holm A, Edvinsson JCA, Reducha PV, Kazantzi S, Haanes KA, Edvinsson L. Progesterone distribution in the trigeminal system and its role to modulate sensory neurotransmission: influence of sex. J Headache Pain 2023; 24:154. [PMID: 37957603 PMCID: PMC10644471 DOI: 10.1186/s10194-023-01687-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Women are disproportionately affected by migraine, representing up to 75% of all migraine cases. This discrepancy has been proposed to be influenced by differences in hormone levels between the sexes. One such hormone is progesterone. Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) system is an important factor in migraine pathophysiology and could be influenced by circulating hormones. The purpose of this study was to investigate the distribution of progesterone and its receptor (PR) in the trigeminovascular system, and to examine the role of progesterone to modulate sensory neurotransmission. METHODS Trigeminal ganglion (TG), hypothalamus, dura mater, and the basilar artery from male and female rats were carefully dissected. Expression of progesterone and PR proteins, and mRNA levels from TG and hypothalamus were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and real-time quantitative PCR. CGRP release from TG and dura mater were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In addition, the vasomotor effect of progesterone on male and female basilar artery segments was investigated with myography. RESULTS Progesterone and progesterone receptor -A (PR-A) immunoreactivity were found in TG. Progesterone was located predominantly in cell membranes and in Aδ-fibers, and PR-A was found in neuronal cytoplasm and nucleus, and in satellite glial cells. The number of positive progesterone immunoreactive cells in the TG was higher in female compared to male rats. The PR mRNA was expressed in both hypothalamus and TG; however, the PR expression level was significantly higher in the hypothalamus. Progesterone did not induce a significant change neither in basal level nor upon stimulated release of CGRP from dura mater or TG in male or female rats when compared to the vehicle control. However, pre-treated with 10 µM progesterone weakly enhanced capsaicin induced CGRP release observed in the dura mater of male rats. Similarly, in male basilar arteries, progesterone significantly amplified the dilation in response to capsaicin. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, these results highlight the potential for progesterone to modulate sensory neurotransmission and vascular responses in a complex manner, with effects varying by sex, tissue type, and the nature of the stimulus. Further investigations are needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and physiological implications of these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aida Maddahi
- Division of Experimental Vascular Research, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University Hospital, Lund, Sweden.
| | - Karin Warfvinge
- Department of Clinical Experimental Research, Glostrup Research Institute, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet Glostrup, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anja Holm
- Department of Clinical Experimental Research, Glostrup Research Institute, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet Glostrup, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Center for RNA Medicine, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Jacob C A Edvinsson
- Division of Experimental Vascular Research, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Philip Victor Reducha
- Department of Clinical Experimental Research, Glostrup Research Institute, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet Glostrup, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Center for RNA Medicine, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Spyridoula Kazantzi
- Department of Clinical Experimental Research, Glostrup Research Institute, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet Glostrup, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Center for RNA Medicine, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Kristian A Haanes
- Department of Clinical Experimental Research, Glostrup Research Institute, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet Glostrup, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Biology, Section of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lars Edvinsson
- Division of Experimental Vascular Research, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Experimental Research, Glostrup Research Institute, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet Glostrup, Copenhagen, Denmark
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15
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Zheng Y, Zhao F, Hu Y, Yan F, Tian Y, Wang R, Huang Y, Zhong L, Luo Y, Ma Q. LC-MS/MS metabolomic profiling of the protective butylphthalide effect in cerebral ischemia/reperfusion mice. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis 2023; 32:107347. [PMID: 37716103 DOI: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2023.107347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2023] [Revised: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/18/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study was designed to investigate metabolic biomarker changes and related metabolic pathways of Butylphthalide (NBP) on cerebral ischemia/reperfusion. METHODS In this study, a mouse cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) model was prepared using the middle cerebral artery occlusion method, and neurobehavioral score and 2, 3, 5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining experiments were used to confirm the obvious NBP anti-cerebral ischemia effect. The protective effect of NBP in the mouse cerebral I/R model and its metabolic pathway and mechanism were investigated using mouse blood samples. RESULTS The metabolic profiles of mice in the I/R+NBP, I/R, and sham groups were significantly different. Under the condition that I/R vs. sham was downregulated and I/R + NBP vs. I/R was upregulated, 88 differential metabolites, including estradiol, ubiquinone-2, 2-oxoarginine, and L-histidine trimethylbetaine, were screened and identified. The related metabolic pathways involved arginine and proline metabolism, oxidative phosphorylation, ubiquitin and other terpenoid-quinone biosynthesis, and estrogen signaling. CONCLUSIONS Metabolomics was used to elucidate the NBP mechanism in cerebral ischemia treatment in mice, revealing synergistic NBP pharmacological characteristics with multiple targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangmin Zheng
- Institute of Cerebrovascular Disease Research and Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital of Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; Beijing Geriatric Medical Research Center and Beijing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine for Cerebrovascular Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Fangfang Zhao
- Institute of Cerebrovascular Disease Research and Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital of Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yue Hu
- Institute of Cerebrovascular Disease Research and Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital of Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Feng Yan
- Institute of Cerebrovascular Disease Research and Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital of Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; Beijing Geriatric Medical Research Center and Beijing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine for Cerebrovascular Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Yue Tian
- Institute of Cerebrovascular Disease Research and Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital of Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Rongliang Wang
- Institute of Cerebrovascular Disease Research and Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital of Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; Beijing Geriatric Medical Research Center and Beijing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine for Cerebrovascular Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Yuyou Huang
- Institute of Cerebrovascular Disease Research and Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital of Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Liyuan Zhong
- Institute of Cerebrovascular Disease Research and Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital of Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yumin Luo
- Institute of Cerebrovascular Disease Research and Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital of Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; Beijing Geriatric Medical Research Center and Beijing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine for Cerebrovascular Diseases, Beijing, China.
| | - Qingfeng Ma
- Institute of Cerebrovascular Disease Research and Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital of Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; Beijing Geriatric Medical Research Center and Beijing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine for Cerebrovascular Diseases, Beijing, China
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16
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Ramli NZ, Yahaya MF, Mohd Fahami NA, Abdul Manan H, Singh M, Damanhuri HA. Brain volumetric changes in menopausal women and its association with cognitive function: a structured review. Front Aging Neurosci 2023; 15:1158001. [PMID: 37818479 PMCID: PMC10561270 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2023.1158001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The menopausal transition has been proposed to put women at risk for undesirable neurological symptoms, including cognitive decline. Previous studies suggest that alterations in the hormonal milieu modulate brain structures associated with cognitive function. This structured review provides an overview of the relevant studies that have utilized MRI to report volumetric differences in the brain following menopause, and its correlations with the evaluated cognitive functions. We performed an electronic literature search using Medline (Ovid) and Scopus to identify studies that assessed the influence of menopause on brain structure with MRI. Fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Brain volumetric differences have been reported most frequently in the frontal and temporal cortices as well as the hippocampus. These regions are important for higher cognitive tasks and memory. Additionally, the deficit in verbal and visuospatial memory in postmenopausal women has been associated with smaller regional brain volumes. Nevertheless, the limited number of eligible studies and cross-sectional study designs warrant further research to draw more robust conclusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nur Zuliani Ramli
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
| | - Mohamad Fairuz Yahaya
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Nur Azlina Mohd Fahami
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Hanani Abdul Manan
- Functional Image Processing Laboratory, Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Meharvan Singh
- Department of Cell and Molecular Physiology, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, United States
| | - Hanafi Ahmad Damanhuri
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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17
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Stegemann LN, Neufeld PM, Hecking I, Vorgerd M, Matschke V, Stahlke S, Theiss C. Progesterone: A Neuroprotective Steroid of the Intestine. Cells 2023; 12:cells12081206. [PMID: 37190115 DOI: 10.3390/cells12081206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The enteric nervous system (ENS) is an intrinsic network of neuronal ganglia in the intestinal tube with about 100 million neurons located in the myenteric plexus and submucosal plexus. These neurons being affected in neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's disease, before pathological changes in the central nervous system (CNS) become detectable is currently a subject of discussion. Understanding how to protect these neurons is, therefore, particularly important. Since it has already been shown that the neurosteroid progesterone mediates neuroprotective effects in the CNS and PNS, it is now equally important to see whether progesterone has similar effects in the ENS. For this purpose, the RT-qPCR analyses of laser microdissected ENS neurons were performed, showing for the first time the expression of the different progesterone receptors (PR-A/B; mPRa, mPRb, PGRMC1) in rats at different developmental stages. This was also confirmed in ENS ganglia using immunofluorescence techniques and confocal laser scanning microscopy. To analyze the potential neuroprotective effects of progesterone in the ENS, we stressed dissociated ENS cells with rotenone to induce damage typical of Parkinson's disease. The potential neuroprotective effects of progesterone were then analyzed in this system. Treatment of cultured ENS neurons with progesterone reduced cell death by 45%, underscoring the tremendous neuroprotective potential of progesterone in the ENS. The additional administration of the PGRMC1 antagonist AG205 abolished the observed effect, indicating the crucial role of PGRMC1 with regard to the neuroprotective effect of progesterone.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Paula Maria Neufeld
- Department of Cytology, Institute of Anatomy, Ruhr-University Bochum, D-44801 Bochum, Germany
| | - Ines Hecking
- Department of Cytology, Institute of Anatomy, Ruhr-University Bochum, D-44801 Bochum, Germany
| | - Matthias Vorgerd
- Department of Neurology, Neuromuscular Center Ruhrgebiet, University Hospital Bergmannsheil, D-44789 Bochum, Germany
| | - Veronika Matschke
- Department of Cytology, Institute of Anatomy, Ruhr-University Bochum, D-44801 Bochum, Germany
| | - Sarah Stahlke
- Department of Cytology, Institute of Anatomy, Ruhr-University Bochum, D-44801 Bochum, Germany
| | - Carsten Theiss
- Department of Cytology, Institute of Anatomy, Ruhr-University Bochum, D-44801 Bochum, Germany
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18
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Mishra P, Davies DA, Albensi BC. The Interaction Between NF-κB and Estrogen in Alzheimer's Disease. Mol Neurobiol 2023; 60:1515-1526. [PMID: 36512265 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-022-03152-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Post-menopausal women are at a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease (AD) than males. The higher rates of AD in women are associated with the sharp decline in the estrogen levels after menopause. Estrogen has been shown to downregulate inflammatory cytokines in the central nervous system (CNS), which has a neuroprotective role against neurodegenerative diseases including AD. Sustained neuroinflammation is associated with neurodegeneration and contributes to AD. Nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) is a transcription factor involved with the modulation of inflammation and interacts with estrogen to influence the progression of AD. Application of 17β-estradiol (E2) has been shown to inhibit NF-κB, thereby reducing transcription of NF-κB target genes. Despite accumulating evidence showing that estrogens have beneficial effects in pre-clinical AD studies, there are mixed results with hormone replacement therapy in clinical trials. Furthering our understanding of how NF-κB interacts with estrogen and alters the progression of neurodegenerative disorders including AD, should be beneficial and result in the development of novel therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pranav Mishra
- Division of Neurodegenerative Disorders, St. Boniface Hospital Research, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.,Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Don A Davies
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Benedict C Albensi
- Division of Neurodegenerative Disorders, St. Boniface Hospital Research, Winnipeg, MB, Canada. .,Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada. .,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA.
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19
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Valencia-Olvera AC, Maldonado Weng J, Christensen A, LaDu MJ, Pike CJ. Role of estrogen in women's Alzheimer's disease risk as modified by APOE. J Neuroendocrinol 2023; 35:e13209. [PMID: 36420620 PMCID: PMC10049970 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by numerous sexual dimorphisms that impact the development, progression, and probably the strategies to prevent and treat the most common form of dementia. In this review, we consider this topic from a female perspective with a specific focus on how women's vulnerability to the disease is affected by the individual and interactive effects of estrogens and apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype. Importantly, APOE appears to modulate systemic and neural outcomes of both menopause and estrogen-based hormone therapy. In the brain, dementia risk is greater in APOE4 carriers, and the impacts of hormone therapy on cognitive decline and dementia risk vary according to both outcome measure and APOE genotype. Beyond the CNS, estrogen and APOE genotype affect vulnerability to menopause-associated bone loss, dyslipidemia and cardiovascular disease risk. An emerging concept that may link these relationships is the possibility that the effects of APOE in women interact with estrogen status by mechanisms that may include modulation of estrogen responsiveness. This review highlights the need to consider the key AD risk factors of advancing age in a sex-specific manner to optimize development of therapeutic approaches for AD, a view aligned with the principle of personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- AC Valencia-Olvera
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612 USA
| | - J Maldonado Weng
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612 USA
| | - A Christensen
- Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089 USA
| | - MJ LaDu
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612 USA
| | - CJ Pike
- Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089 USA
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20
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Ballard HK, Jackson TB, Symm AC, Hicks TH, Bernard JA. Age-related differences in functional network segregation in the context of sex and reproductive stage. Hum Brain Mapp 2022; 44:1949-1963. [PMID: 36541480 PMCID: PMC9980887 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.26184] [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: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Age is accompanied by differences in the organization of functional brain networks, which impact behavior in adulthood. Functional networks become less segregated and more integrated with age. However, sex differences in network segregation declines with age are not well-understood. Further, network segregation in the context of female reproductive stage is relatively understudied, though unmasking such relationships would be informative for elucidating biological mechanisms that contribute to sex-specific differences in aging. In the current work, we used data from the Cambridge Centre for Ageing and Neuroscience (Cam-CAN) repository to evaluate differences in resting-state network segregation as a product of sex and reproductive stage. Reproductive stage was categorized using the Stages of Reproductive Aging Workshop (STRAW+10) criteria. Replicating prior work, we investigated the following functional networks: auditory, cerebellar-basal ganglia, cingulo-opercular task control, default mode, dorsal attention, fronto-parietal task control, salience, sensory somatomotor mouth, sensory somatomotor hand, ventral attention, and visual. First, our results mirror findings from previous work indicating that network segregation is lower with increasing age. Second, when analyzing associations between network segregation and age within each sex separately, we find qualitative differences between females and males. Finally, we report significant effects of reproductive stage on network segregation, though these findings are likely driven by age. Broadly, our results suggest that impacts of sex may be important to evaluate when investigating network segregation differences across adulthood, though further work is needed to determine the unique role of menopause and sex hormones on the organization of functional brain networks within aging females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah K. Ballard
- Texas A&M Institute for NeuroscienceTexas A&M UniversityCollege StationTexasUSA
| | - T. Bryan Jackson
- Department of Psychological & Brain SciencesTexas A&M UniversityCollege StationTexasUSA
| | - Abigail C. Symm
- Department of Psychological & Brain SciencesTexas A&M UniversityCollege StationTexasUSA
| | - Tracey H. Hicks
- Department of Psychological & Brain SciencesTexas A&M UniversityCollege StationTexasUSA
| | - Jessica A. Bernard
- Texas A&M Institute for NeuroscienceTexas A&M UniversityCollege StationTexasUSA,Department of Psychological & Brain SciencesTexas A&M UniversityCollege StationTexasUSA
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21
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Murgia F, Giagnoni F, Lorefice L, Caria P, Dettori T, D’Alterio MN, Angioni S, Hendren AJ, Caboni P, Pibiri M, Monni G, Cocco E, Atzori L. Sex Hormones as Key Modulators of the Immune Response in Multiple Sclerosis: A Review. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10123107. [PMID: 36551863 PMCID: PMC9775368 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10123107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A variety of autoimmune diseases, including MS, amplify sex-based physiological differences in immunological responsiveness. Female MS patients experience pathophysiological changes during reproductive phases (pregnancy and menopause). Sex hormones can act on immune cells, potentially enabling them to modify MS risk, activity, and progression, and to play a role in treatment. METHODS Scientific papers (published between 1998 and 2021) were selected through PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science literature repositories. The search was limited to publications analyzing the hormonal profile of male and female MS patients during different life phases, in particular focusing on sex hormone treatment. RESULTS Both men and women with MS have lower testosterone levels compared to healthy controls. The levels of estrogens and progesterone increase during pregnancy and then rapidly decrease after delivery, possibly mediating an immune-stabilizing process. The literature examined herein evidences the neuroprotective effect of testosterone and estrogens in MS, supporting further examinations of their potential therapeutic uses. CONCLUSIONS A correlation has been identified between sex hormones and MS clinical activity. The combination of disease-modifying therapies with estrogen or estrogen plus a progestin receptor modulator promoting myelin repair might represent an important strategy for MS treatment in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Murgia
- Clinical Metabolomics Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Florianna Giagnoni
- Clinical Metabolomics Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Lorena Lorefice
- Multiple Sclerosis Regional Center, ASSL Cagliari, ATS Sardinia, 09126 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Paola Caria
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Biochemistry, Biology, and Genetics, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Tinuccia Dettori
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Biochemistry, Biology, and Genetics, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Maurizio N. D’Alterio
- Division of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Stefano Angioni
- Division of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Aran J. Hendren
- Sussex Neuroscience, University of Sussex, Brighton BN1 9QG, UK
| | - Pierluigi Caboni
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Monica Pibiri
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giovanni Monni
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Prenatal and Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis, Fetal Therapy, Microcitemico Pediatric Hospital “A. Cao”, 09121 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Eleonora Cocco
- Multiple Sclerosis Regional Center, ASSL Cagliari, ATS Sardinia, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09126 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Luigi Atzori
- Clinical Metabolomics Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
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22
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McCombe PA, Greer JM. Effects of biological sex and pregnancy in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis: It's complicated. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1059833. [PMID: 36518769 PMCID: PMC9742606 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1059833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) can be induced in many animal strains by inoculation with central nervous system antigens and adjuvant or by the passive transfer of lymphocytes reactive with these antigens and is widely used as an animal model for multiple sclerosis (MS). There are reports that female sex and pregnancy affect EAE. Here we review the effects of biological sex and the effects of pregnancy on the clinical features (including disease susceptibility) and pathophysiology of EAE. We also review reports of the possible mechanisms underlying these differences. These include sex-related differences in the immune system and in the central nervous system, the effects of hormones and the sex chromosomes and molecules unique to pregnancy. We also review sex differences in the response to factors that can modify the course of EAE. Our conclusion is that the effects of biological sex in EAE vary amongst animal models and should not be widely extrapolated. In EAE, it is therefore essential that studies looking at the effects of biological sex or pregnancy give full information about the model that is used (i.e. animal strain, sex, the inducing antigen, timing of EAE induction in relation to pregnancy, etc.). In addition, it would be preferable if more than one EAE model were used, to show if any observed effects are generalizable. This is clearly a field that requires further work. However, understanding of the mechanisms of sex differences could lead to greater understanding of EAE, and suggest possible therapies for MS.
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Eickhoff A, Tjaden J, Stahlke S, Vorgerd M, Theis V, Matschke V, Theiss C. Effects of progesterone on T-type-Ca 2+-channel expression in Purkinje cells. Neural Regen Res 2022; 17:2465-2471. [PMID: 35535898 PMCID: PMC9120685 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.339008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasticity of cerebellar Purkinje cells (PC) is influenced by progesterone via the classical progesterone receptors PR-A and PR-B by stimulating dendritogenesis, spinogenesis, and synaptogenesis in these cells. Dissociated PC cultures were used to analyze progesterone effects at a molecular level on the voltage-gated T-type-Ca2+-channels Cav3.1, Cav3.2, and Cav3.3 as they helped determine neuronal plasticity by regulating Ca2+-influx in neuronal cells. The results showed direct effects of progesterone on the mRNA expression of T-type-Ca2+-channels, as well as on the protein kinases A and C being involved in downstream signaling pathways that play an important role in neuronal plasticity. For the mRNA expression studies of T-type-Ca2+-channels and protein kinases of the signaling cascade, laser microdissection and purified PC cultures of different maturation stages were used. Immunohistochemical staining was also performed to characterize the localization of T-type-Ca2+-channels in PC. Experimental progesterone treatment was performed on the purified PC culture for 24 and 48 hours. Our results show that progesterone increases the expression of Cav3.1 and Cav3.3 and associated protein kinases A and C in PC at the mRNA level within 48 hours after treatment at latest. These effects extend the current knowledge of the function of progesterone in the central nervous system and provide an explanatory approach for its influence on neuronal plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annika Eickhoff
- Department of Cytology, Institute of Anatomy, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Jonas Tjaden
- Department of Cytology, Institute of Anatomy, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Sarah Stahlke
- Department of Cytology, Institute of Anatomy, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Matthias Vorgerd
- Department of Neurology, Neuromuscular Center Ruhrgebiet, University Hospital Bergmannsheil, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Verena Theis
- Department of Cytology, Institute of Anatomy, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Veronika Matschke
- Department of Cytology, Institute of Anatomy, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Carsten Theiss
- Department of Cytology, Institute of Anatomy, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
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24
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Intestinal Flora Affect Alzheimer's Disease by Regulating Endogenous Hormones. Neurochem Res 2022; 47:3565-3582. [DOI: 10.1007/s11064-022-03784-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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25
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Griksiene R, Monciunskaite R, Ruksenas O. What is there to know about the effects of progestins on the human brain and cognition? Front Neuroendocrinol 2022; 67:101032. [PMID: 36029852 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2022.101032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Progestins are an important component of hormonal contraceptives (HCs) and hormone replacement therapies (HRTs). Despite an increasing number of studies elucidating the effects of HCs and HRTs, little is known about the effects of different types of progestins included in these medications on the brain. Animal studies suggest that various progestins interact differently with sex steroid, mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid receptors and have specific modulatory effects on neurotransmitter systems and on the expression of neuropeptides, suggesting differential impacts on cognition and behavior. This review focuses on the currently available knowledge from human behavioral and neuroimaging studies pooled with evidence from animal research regarding the effects of progestins on the brain. The reviewed information is highly relevant for improving women's mental health and making informed choices regarding specific types of contraception or treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramune Griksiene
- Department of Neurobiology and Biophysics, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Lithuania
| | - Rasa Monciunskaite
- Department of Neurobiology and Biophysics, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Lithuania
| | - Osvaldas Ruksenas
- Department of Neurobiology and Biophysics, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Lithuania
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26
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Casto KV, Jordan T, Petersen N. Hormone-based models for comparing menstrual cycle and hormonal contraceptive effects on human resting-state functional connectivity. Front Neuroendocrinol 2022; 67:101036. [PMID: 36126748 PMCID: PMC9649880 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2022.101036] [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: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Oral contraceptives (OCs) are widely used yet understudied given their potential for public health consequences. Emerging investigations scaling from single-subject, dense-sampling neuroimaging studies to population-level metrics have linked OCs to altered brain structure and function. Modeling the hypogonadal, hypergonadal, or mixed state effects of OCs in terms of their impact on hormone action in the brain is a valuable approach to synthesizing results across neuroimaging studies and comparing OC effects to companion findings from research on menstrual cycle phase effects on brain anatomy and function. Resting-state functional connectivity studies provide a powerful tool to evaluate the role of OCs on the intrinsic network connectivity that underlies multiple behavioral domains. The preponderance (but not consensus) of the current literature indicates that (1) as the menstrual cycle proceeds from a low to high progesterone state, prefrontal connectivity increases and parietal connectivity decreases; (2) OCs tend to mimic this connectivity pattern; therefore (3) OCs may produce a hyperprogestogenic state in the brain, in spite of overall reductions in endogenous steroid hormone levels. Alternative models are also considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen V Casto
- Social Sciences Division, New College of Florida, 5800 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota, FL 34243, USA
| | - Timothy Jordan
- Department of Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, 760 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Nicole Petersen
- Department of Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, 760 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
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27
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Klump KL, Di Dio AM. Combined oral contraceptive use and risk for binge eating in women: Potential gene × hormone interactions. Front Neuroendocrinol 2022; 67:101039. [PMID: 36181777 PMCID: PMC9679583 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2022.101039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Extant animal and human data suggest endogenous ovarian hormones increase risk for binge eating in females, possibly via gene × hormone interactions and hormonally induced increases in genetic influences. Approximately 85 % of women will take combined oral contraceptives (COCs) that mimic the riskiest hormonal milieu for binge eating (i.e., post-ovulation when both estrogen and progesterone are present). The purpose of this narrative review is to synthesize findings of binge eating risk in COC users. Few studies have been conducted, but results suggest that COCs may increase risk for binge eating and related phenotypes (e.g., craving for sweets), particularly in genetically vulnerable women. Larger, more systematic human and animal studies of COCs and binge eating are needed. The goal of this work should be to advance personalized medicine by identifying the extent of COC risk as well as the role of gene × hormone interactions in susceptibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly L Klump
- Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, 316 Physics Road - Room 107B, East Lansing, MI 48824-1116, United States.
| | - Alaina M Di Dio
- Department of Psychology, Oberlin College, South Hall, 121 Elm Street, Oberlin, OH 44074, United States
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28
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Jacquens A, Needham EJ, Zanier ER, Degos V, Gressens P, Menon D. Neuro-Inflammation Modulation and Post-Traumatic Brain Injury Lesions: From Bench to Bed-Side. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:11193. [PMID: 36232495 PMCID: PMC9570205 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Head trauma is the most common cause of disability in young adults. Known as a silent epidemic, it can cause a mosaic of symptoms, whether neurological (sensory-motor deficits), psychiatric (depressive and anxiety symptoms), or somatic (vertigo, tinnitus, phosphenes). Furthermore, cranial trauma (CT) in children presents several particularities in terms of epidemiology, mechanism, and physiopathology-notably linked to the attack of an immature organ. As in adults, head trauma in children can have lifelong repercussions and can cause social and family isolation, difficulties at school, and, later, socio-professional adversity. Improving management of the pre-hospital and rehabilitation course of these patients reduces secondary morbidity and mortality, but often not without long-term disability. One hypothesized contributor to this process is chronic neuroinflammation, which could accompany primary lesions and facilitate their development into tertiary lesions. Neuroinflammation is a complex process involving different actors such as glial cells (astrocytes, microglia, oligodendrocytes), the permeability of the blood-brain barrier, excitotoxicity, production of oxygen derivatives, cytokine release, tissue damage, and neuronal death. Several studies have investigated the effect of various treatments on the neuroinflammatory response in traumatic brain injury in vitro and in animal and human models. The aim of this review is to examine the various anti-inflammatory therapies that have been implemented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Jacquens
- Unité de Neuroanesthésie-Réanimation, Hôpital de la Pitié Salpêtrière 43-87, Boulevard de l’Hôpital, F-75013 Paris, France
- Inserm, Maladies Neurodéveloppementales et Neurovasculaires, Université Paris Cité, F-75019 Paris, France
| | - Edward J. Needham
- Division of Anaesthesia, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, University of Cambridge, Box 93, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 2QQ, UK
| | - Elisa R. Zanier
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, 20156 Milan, Italy
| | - Vincent Degos
- Unité de Neuroanesthésie-Réanimation, Hôpital de la Pitié Salpêtrière 43-87, Boulevard de l’Hôpital, F-75013 Paris, France
- Inserm, Maladies Neurodéveloppementales et Neurovasculaires, Université Paris Cité, F-75019 Paris, France
| | - Pierre Gressens
- Inserm, Maladies Neurodéveloppementales et Neurovasculaires, Université Paris Cité, F-75019 Paris, France
| | - David Menon
- Division of Anaesthesia, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, University of Cambridge, Box 93, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 2QQ, UK
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29
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Ballard HK, Jackson TB, Hicks TH, Bernard JA. The association of reproductive stage with lobular cerebellar network connectivity across female adulthood. Neurobiol Aging 2022; 117:139-150. [PMID: 35738086 PMCID: PMC10149146 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2022.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Sex-specific differences in the aging cerebellum may be related to hormone changes with menopause. We evaluated the association between reproductive stage and lobular cerebellar network connectivity using data from the Cambridge Centre for Ageing and Neuroscience repository. We used raw structural and resting state neuroimaging data and information regarding age, sex, and menopause-related variables. Crus I and II and Lobules V and VI were our cerebellar seeds of interest. We characterized reproductive stage using the Stages of Reproductive Aging Workshop criteria. Results show that postmenopausal females have lower cerebello-striatal and cerebello-cortical connectivity, particularly in frontal regions, along with lower connectivity within the cerebellum, compared to reproductive females. Postmenopausal females also exhibit greater connectivity in some brain areas as well. Differences begin to emerge across transitional stages of menopause. Further, results reveal sex-specific differences in connectivity between female reproductive groups and age-matched male control groups. This suggests that menopause may be associated with cerebellar network connectivity in aging females, and sex differences in the aging brain may be related to this biological process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah K Ballard
- Texas A&M Institute for Neuroscience, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA.
| | - T Bryan Jackson
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Tracey H Hicks
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Jessica A Bernard
- Texas A&M Institute for Neuroscience, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA; Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
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30
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Abou-Fadel J, Jiang X, Padarti A, Goswami DG, Smith M, Grajeda B, Bhalli M, Le A, Walker WE, Zhang J. mPR-Specific Actions Influence Maintenance of the Blood–Brain Barrier (BBB). Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23179684. [PMID: 36077089 PMCID: PMC9456378 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23179684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs) are characterized by abnormally dilated intracranial microvascular sinusoids that result in increased susceptibility to hemorrhagic stroke. It has been demonstrated that three CCM proteins (CCM1, CCM2, and CCM3) form the CCM signaling complex (CSC) to mediate angiogenic signaling. Disruption of the CSC will result in hemorrhagic CCMs, a consequence of compromised blood–brain barrier (BBB) integrity. Due to their characteristically incomplete penetrance, the majority of CCM mutation carriers (presumed CCM patients) are largely asymptomatic, but when symptoms occur, the disease has typically reached a clinical stage of focal hemorrhage with irreversible brain damage. We recently reported that the CSC couples both classic (nuclear; nPRs) and nonclassic (membrane; mPRs) progesterone (PRG)-receptors-mediated signaling within the CSC-mPRs-PRG (CmP) signaling network in nPR(−) breast cancer cells. In this report, we demonstrate that depletion of any of the three CCM genes or treatment with mPR-specific PRG actions (PRG/mifepristone) results in the disruption of the CmP signaling network, leading to increased permeability in the nPR(−) endothelial cells (ECs) monolayer in vitro. Finally, utilizing our in vivo hemizygous Ccm mutant mice models, we demonstrate that depletion of any of the three CCM genes, in combination with mPR-specific PRG actions, is also capable of leading to defective homeostasis of PRG in vivo and subsequent BBB disruption, allowing us to identify a specific panel of etiological blood biomarkers associated with BBB disruption. To our knowledge, this is the first report detailing the etiology to predict the occurrence of a disrupted BBB, an indication of early hemorrhagic events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johnathan Abou-Fadel
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine (MTM), Texas Tech University Health Science Center El Paso, El Paso, TX 79905, USA
| | - Xiaoting Jiang
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine (MTM), Texas Tech University Health Science Center El Paso, El Paso, TX 79905, USA
| | - Akhil Padarti
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine (MTM), Texas Tech University Health Science Center El Paso, El Paso, TX 79905, USA
| | - Dinesh G. Goswami
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine (MTM), Texas Tech University Health Science Center El Paso, El Paso, TX 79905, USA
| | - Mark Smith
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine (MTM), Texas Tech University Health Science Center El Paso, El Paso, TX 79905, USA
| | - Brian Grajeda
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79902, USA
| | - Muaz Bhalli
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine (MTM), Texas Tech University Health Science Center El Paso, El Paso, TX 79905, USA
| | - Alexander Le
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine (MTM), Texas Tech University Health Science Center El Paso, El Paso, TX 79905, USA
| | - Wendy E. Walker
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine (MTM), Texas Tech University Health Science Center El Paso, El Paso, TX 79905, USA
| | - Jun Zhang
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine (MTM), Texas Tech University Health Science Center El Paso, El Paso, TX 79905, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-915-215-4197
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31
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Culbert KM, Thakkar KN, Klump KL. Risk for midlife psychosis in women: critical gaps and opportunities in exploring perimenopause and ovarian hormones as mechanisms of risk. Psychol Med 2022; 52:1612-1620. [PMID: 35582864 PMCID: PMC9743981 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291722001143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Women show a heightened risk for psychosis in midlife that is not observed in men. The menopausal transition (i.e. perimenopause) and accompanying changes in ovarian hormones are theorized to account for this midlife increase in risk. This narrative review aims to empirically examine these theories by reviewing studies of midlife and perimenopausal psychosis risk in women and potential ovarian hormone mechanisms of effects. Clinical and pre-clinical studies examining the effects of midlife age, menopausal stage, and ovarian hormones across adulthood on psychosis risk were identified. Synthesis of this body of work revealed that the peak ages of midlife psychosis risk in women overlap with the age range of key menopausal stages (especially the perimenopausal transition), although studies directly assessing menopausal stage are lacking. Studies examining ovarian hormone effects have almost exclusively focused on earlier developmental stages and events (e.g. pregnancy, the menstrual cycle) and show increases in psychotic symptoms in women and female rats during periods of lower estradiol levels. Estrogen treatment also tends to enhance the effects of neuroleptics in females across species at various reproductive phases. Initial data are promising in suggesting a role for menopausal stage and ovarian hormones in psychosis risk. However, critical gaps in our knowledge base remain, as there is a tendency to rely on indirect and proxy measures of menopausal status and hormones. Opportunities for future research are discussed with the goal of increasing research in this critical area of women's health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Katharine N. Thakkar
- Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
- Division of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI
| | - Kelly L. Klump
- Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
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32
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Liu C, Gao W, Zhao L, Cao Y. Progesterone attenuates neurological deficits and exerts a protective effect on damaged axons via the PI3K/AKT/mTOR-dependent pathway in a mouse model of intracerebral hemorrhage. Aging (Albany NY) 2022; 14:2574-2589. [PMID: 35305084 PMCID: PMC9004566 DOI: 10.18632/aging.203954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a devastating event with high disability and fatality rates. However, there is a lack of effective treatments for this condition. We aimed to investigate the neuroprotective and axonal regenerative effects of progesterone after ICH. For this purpose, an ICH model was established in adult mice by injecting type VII collagenase into the striatum; the mice were then treated with progesterone (8 mg/kg). Hematoma absorption, neurological scores, and brain water content were evaluated on days one, three, and seven after the ICH. The effect of progesterone on inflammation and axonal regeneration was examined on day three after the ICH using western blotting, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, as well as hematoxylin-eosin, Nissl, and Luxol fast blue staining. In addition, we combined progesterone with the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/serine/threonine-specific protein kinase (PI3K/AKT) inhibitor, LY294002, to explore its potential neuroprotective mechanisms. Administration of progesterone attenuated the neurological deficits and expression of inflammatory cytokines and promoted axonal regeneration after ICH, this effect was blocked by LY294002. Collectively, these results suggest that progesterone could reduce axonal damage and produced partial neuroprotective effects after ICH through the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, providing a new therapeutic target and basis for the treatment of ICH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Medical School, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan Province, P.R. China
| | - Weina Gao
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, The Affiliated Chengdu 363 Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan Province, P.R. China
| | - Long Zhao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong 637002, Sichuan Province, P.R. China
| | - Yi Cao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Chengdu Second People's Hospital, Chengdu 610021, Sichuan Province, P.R. China
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33
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Singh A, Nair NS, Gupta S, Parmar V, Prabhu A, Hawaldar R, Badwe RA. Effect of Menopausal Status on Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy: Single-Institution Retrospective Audit. Indian J Med Paediatr Oncol 2022. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1742660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction Paclitaxel can cause peripheral neuropathy in up to 60% of patients. Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) compromises quality of life and often leads to dose reduction or discontinuation of lifesaving chemotherapy. Preclinical models have suggested the possible neuroprotective effect of progesterone through remyelination and other mechanisms.
Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of CIPN for different menopausal status.
Materials and Methods We evaluated the effect of menopausal status, as a surrogate for circulating progesterone levels, on the risk of developing paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy, in an audit of breast cancer patients. Data on CIPN (by clinical history and examination) and other variables were collected from the case charts of patients who had received paclitaxel-based chemotherapy for breast cancer at our institution.
Results Five hundred and fifty women were treated with either neoadjuvant or adjuvant paclitaxel in this period. Of these, 262 (47.6%) women were premenopausal, 49 (8.9%) were perimenopausal, and 239 (43.5%) were postmenopausal at the time of diagnosis. Forty-five (8.1%) women had pre-existing diabetes mellitus. Two hundred and fifty-six (82.31%) developed chemotherapy-induced amenorrhea (CIA).CIPN was seen in 32.7% of women who continued to be premenopausal after receiving chemotherapy and 62.3% of postmenopausal women. Thirty-five (77.8%) out of forty-five diabetic women developed CIPN. On a multivariate logistic regression model, pre-existing diabetes mellitus (risk ratio [RR] = 2.64, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.26–5.52, p = 0.009), postmenopausal (RR = 2.84, 95% CI = 1.48–5.45, p = 0.002), and CIA status (RR = 2.17, 95% CI = 1.14–4.12, p = 0.018) were significantly associated with the development of CIPN. Number of cycles did not appear to have an impact (p= 0.819).
Conclusions Postmenopausal status was independently associated with higher incidence of CIPN. One of the possible mechanisms could be lower circulating progesterone levels in these patients. A randomized controlled trial (CTRI/2015/11/006381) is ongoing to test this hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akshita Singh
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Breast Service, Tata Memorial Centre, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Nita S Nair
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Breast Service, Tata Memorial Centre, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Sudeep Gupta
- Statistician, Clinical Research Secretariat Department, Tata Memorial Hospital, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Vani Parmar
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Breast Service, Tata Memorial Centre, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Aruna Prabhu
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Breast Service, Tata Memorial Centre, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Rohini Hawaldar
- Department of Medical Oncology, Tata Memorial Centre, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Rajendra A Badwe
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Breast Service, Tata Memorial Centre, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
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Corrê MDS, de Freitas BS, Machado GDB, Pires VN, Bromberg E, Hallak JEC, Zuardi AW, Crippa JAS, Schröder N. Cannabidiol reverses memory impairments and activates components of the Akt/GSK3β pathway in an experimental model of estrogen depletion. Behav Brain Res 2022; 417:113555. [PMID: 34450240 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2021.113555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Clinical and preclinical evidence has indicated that estrogen depletion leads to memory impairments and increases the susceptibility to neural damage. Here, we have sought to investigate the effects of Cannabidiol (CBD) a non-psychotomimetic compound from Cannabis sativa, on memory deficits induced by estrogen depletion in rats, and its underlying mechanisms. Adult rats were subjected to bilateral ovariectomy, an established estrogen depletion model in rodents, or sham surgery and allowed to recover for three weeks. After that, they received daily injections of CBD (10 mg/kg) for fourteen days. Rats were tested in the inhibitory avoidance task, a type of emotionally-motivated memory. After behavioral testing they were euthanized, and their hippocampi were isolated for analysis of components of the Akt/GSK3β survival pathway and the antiapoptotic protein Bcl2. Results revealed that ovariectomy impaired avoidance memory, and CBD was able to completely reverse estrogen depletion-induced memory impairment. Ovariectomy also reduced Akt/GSK3β pathway's activation by decreasing the phosphorylation levels of Akt and GSK3β and Bcl2 levels, which were ameliorated by CBD. The present results indicate that CBD leads to a functional recovery accompanied by the Akt/GSK3β survival pathway's activation, supporting its potential as a treatment for estrogen decline-induced deterioration of neural functioning and maintenance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Márcio da Silveira Corrê
- Neurobiology and Developmental Biology Laboratory, School of Health and Life Sciences, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil; Faculty of Medicine, Department of Health, Integrated Regional University of Upper Uruguay and Missions, Erechim, Brazil
| | - Betânia Souza de Freitas
- Neurobiology and Developmental Biology Laboratory, School of Health and Life Sciences, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Gustavo Dalto Barroso Machado
- Neurobiology and Developmental Biology Laboratory, School of Health and Life Sciences, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Vivian Naziaseno Pires
- Neurobiology and Developmental Biology Laboratory, School of Health and Life Sciences, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Elke Bromberg
- Neurobiology and Developmental Biology Laboratory, School of Health and Life Sciences, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil; National Institute of Science and Technology for Translational Medicine (INCT-TM), Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cientifico e Tecnologico (CNPq), Brasília, Brazil
| | - Jaime E C Hallak
- National Institute of Science and Technology for Translational Medicine (INCT-TM), Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cientifico e Tecnologico (CNPq), Brasília, Brazil; Department of Neuroscience and Behavioral Sciences, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Antônio Waldo Zuardi
- National Institute of Science and Technology for Translational Medicine (INCT-TM), Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cientifico e Tecnologico (CNPq), Brasília, Brazil; Department of Neuroscience and Behavioral Sciences, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - José Alexandre S Crippa
- National Institute of Science and Technology for Translational Medicine (INCT-TM), Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cientifico e Tecnologico (CNPq), Brasília, Brazil; Department of Neuroscience and Behavioral Sciences, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Nadja Schröder
- National Institute of Science and Technology for Translational Medicine (INCT-TM), Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cientifico e Tecnologico (CNPq), Brasília, Brazil; Department of Physiology, Institute for Basic Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
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Hornung RS, Raut NGR, Cantu DJ, Lockhart LM, Averitt DL. Sigma-1 receptors and progesterone metabolizing enzymes in nociceptive sensory neurons of the female rat trigeminal ganglia: A neural substrate for the antinociceptive actions of progesterone. Mol Pain 2022; 18:17448069211069255. [PMID: 35040378 PMCID: PMC8777333 DOI: 10.1177/17448069211069255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Orofacial pain disorders are predominately experienced by women. Progesterone, a major ovarian hormone, is neuroprotective and antinociceptive. We recently reported that progesterone attenuates estrogen-exacerbated orofacial pain behaviors, yet it remains unclear what anatomical substrate underlies progesterone's activity in the trigeminal system. Progesterone has been reported to exert protective effects through actions at intracellular progesterone receptors (iPR), membrane-progesterone receptors (mPR), or sigma 1 receptors (Sig-1R). Of these, the iPR and Sig-1R have been reported to have a role in pain. Progesterone can also have antinociceptive effects through its metabolite, allopregnanolone. Two enzymes, 5α-reductase and 3α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3α-HSD), are required for the metabolism of progesterone to allopregnanolone. Both progesterone and allopregnanolone rapidly attenuate pain sensitivity, implicating action of either progesterone at Sig-1R and/or conversion to allopregnanolone which targets GABAA receptors. In the present study, we investigated whether Sig-1 Rs are expressed in nociceptors within the trigeminal ganglia of cycling female rats and whether the two enzymes required for progesterone metabolism to allopregnanolone, 5α-reductase and 3α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, are also present. Adult female rats from each stage of the estrous cycle were rapidly decapitated and the trigeminal ganglia collected. Trigeminal ganglia were processed by either fluorescent immunochemistry or western blotting to for visualization and quantification of Sig-1R, 5α-reductase, and 3α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase. Here we report that Sig-1Rs and both enzymes involved in progesterone metabolism are highly expressed in a variety of nociceptive sensory neuron populations in the female rat trigeminal ganglia at similar levels across the four stages of the estrous cycle. These data indicate that trigeminal sensory neurons are an anatomical substrate for the reported antinociceptive activity of progesterone via Sig-1R and/or conversion to allopregnanolone.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Daisy J Cantu
- Division of Biology, School of the Sciences, Texas Woman’s
University, Denton, TX, USA
| | - Lauren M Lockhart
- Division of Biology, School of the Sciences, Texas Woman’s
University, Denton, TX, USA
| | - Dayna L Averitt
- Division of Biology, School of the Sciences, Texas Woman’s
University, Denton, TX, USA
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Azeez JM, Susmi TR, Remadevi V, Ravindran V, Sasikumar Sujatha A, Ayswarya RNS, Sreeja S. New insights into the functions of progesterone receptor (PR) isoforms and progesterone signaling. Am J Cancer Res 2021; 11:5214-5232. [PMID: 34873457 PMCID: PMC8640821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Progesterone, the ovarian steroid hormone, regulates a plentitude of biological processes in tissues ranging from the brain to bones. Recognizing the role of progesterone and its receptors in physiological processes and maladies can prevent and treat various diseases. Apart from its physiological functions, its role in developing diseases, especially breast cancer, is a recent topic of deliberation. There exists conflicting experimental and epidemiological evidence linking progesterone to breast cancer. This review tries to describe the physiological functions of progesterone and its receptors, genomic and non-genomic signaling, splice variants, and a different aspect of progesterone signaling. Furthermore, we seek to address or attempt to discuss the following pertinent questions on steroid hormone signaling; How does progesterone influence breast cancer progression? How does it change the molecular pathways in breast cancer with different receptor statuses, the specific role of each isoform, and how does the ER/and PR ratio affect progesterone signaling?
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Affiliation(s)
- Juberiya M Azeez
- Cancer Research Program, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology Thiruvananthapuram, India
| | | | - Viji Remadevi
- Cancer Research Program, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology Thiruvananthapuram, India
| | - Vini Ravindran
- Cancer Research Program, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology Thiruvananthapuram, India
| | | | | | - Sreeharshan Sreeja
- Cancer Research Program, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology Thiruvananthapuram, India
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Udeh-Momoh C, Watermeyer T. Female specific risk factors for the development of Alzheimer's disease neuropathology and cognitive impairment: Call for a precision medicine approach. Ageing Res Rev 2021; 71:101459. [PMID: 34508876 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2021.101459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) includes a long asymptomatic stage, which precedes the formal diagnosis of dementia. AD biomarker models provide a framework for precision medicine approaches during this stage. However, such approaches have ignored the possible influence of sex on cognition and brain health, despite female sex noted as a major risk factor. Since AD-related changes may emerge in midlife, intervention efforts are being redirected around this period. Midlife coincides with several endocrinological changes, such as the menopausal transition experienced by women. In this narrative review, we discuss evidence for sex-differences in AD neuropathological burden and outline key endocrinological mechanisms for both sexes, focussing on hormonal events throughout the lifespan that may influence female susceptibility to AD neuropathology and dementia onset. We further consider common non-modifiable (genetic) and modifiable (lifestyle and health) risk factors, highlighting possible sex-dependent differential effects for the AD disease course. Finally, we evaluate the studies selected for this review demonstrating sex-differences in cognitive, pathological and health factors, summarising the state of sex differences in AD risk factors. We further provide recommendations for targeted research on female-specific risk factors, to inform personalised strategies for AD-prevention and the promotion of female brain health.
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Gabriel JL, Tinti M, Fuller W, Ashford MLJ. Identifying the beta-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 1 interactome through the proximity-dependent biotin identification assay. Neurosci Lett 2021; 767:136302. [PMID: 34710551 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2021.136302] [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: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Beta-site amyloid precursor protein (APP) cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) is a key drug target against Alzheimer's Disease however, due to its promiscuous proteolytic activity, little is known about its physiological functions. Previous studies have analysed BACE1 cleavage products to examine BACE1 interactions and determine substrates, but these studies cannot establish non-enzymatic (and potentially functional) associations. This study used the biotin identification proximity assay to establish the BACE1 interactome in healthy neuronal cells and identified interactions involved in BACE1 trafficking, post-translational modification and substrates. Furthermore, this method has identified a putative novel role for BACE1 in sex hormone signalling and haem regulation through interaction with the progesterone receptor membrane component 2 (PGRC2). Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD021464.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennie L Gabriel
- Division of Systems Medicine, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital & Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK
| | - Michele Tinti
- Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
| | - William Fuller
- Division of Systems Medicine, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital & Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK
| | - Michael L J Ashford
- Division of Systems Medicine, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital & Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK.
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Simons NE, van Limburg Stirum EVJ, van Wassenaer-Leemhuis AG, Finken MJJ, Aarnoudse-Moens CSH, Oosterlaan J, van Baar A, Roseboom TJ, Lim AC, van Wely M, de Boer MA, Painter RC, Pajkrt E, Oudijk MA, van T Hooft J. Long-term follow-up of children exposed in-utero to progesterone treatment for prevention of preterm birth: study protocol of the AMPHIA follow-up. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e053066. [PMID: 34548367 PMCID: PMC8458362 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-053066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Preterm birth is one of the main problems in obstetrics, and the most important cause of neonatal mortality, morbidity and neurodevelopmental impairment. Multiple gestation is an important risk factor for preterm birth, with up to 50% delivering before 37 weeks. Progesterone has a role in maintaining pregnancy and is frequently prescribed to prevent (recurrent) preterm birth and improve pregnancy outcomes in high-risk patients. However, little is known about its long-term effects in multiple gestations. The objective of this follow-up study is to assess long-term benefits and harms of prenatal exposure to progesterone treatment in multiple gestations on child development. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This is a follow-up study of a multicentre, double-blind, placebo-controlled randomised trial (AMPHIA trial, ISRCTN40512715). Between 2006 and 2009 women with a multiple gestation were randomised at 16-20 weeks of gestation to weekly injections 250 mg 17α-hydroxyprogesterone caproate or placebo, until 36 weeks of gestation or delivery. The current long-term follow-up will assess all children (n=1355) born to mothers who participated in the AMPHIA trial, at 11-14 years of age, with internationally validated questionnaires, completed by themselves, their parents and their teachers. MAIN OUTCOMES ARE CHILD COGNITION AND BEHAVIOUR Additional outcomes are death (perinatal and up to age 14), gender identity, educational performance and health-related problems. We will use intention-to-treat analyses comparing experimental and placebo group. To adjust for the correlation between twins, general linear mixed-effects models will be used. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Amsterdam UMC MEC provided a waiver for the Medical Research Involving Human Subjects Act (W20_234#20.268). Results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals and summaries shared with stakeholders, patients and participants. This protocol is published before analysis of the results. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NL8933.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noor E Simons
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Amsterdam Reproduction & Development, Amsterdam UMC Location AMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Emilie V J van Limburg Stirum
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Amsterdam Reproduction & Development, Amsterdam UMC Location AMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Aleid G van Wassenaer-Leemhuis
- Department of Neonatology and Paediatrics, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam Reproduction & Development, Amsterdam UMC Location AMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Martijn J J Finken
- Department of Paediatric Endocrinology, Emma Children's Hospital Amsterdam, Amsterdam Reproduction & Development, Amsterdam UMC Location VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Cornelieke S H Aarnoudse-Moens
- Department of Neonatology and Paediatrics, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam Reproduction & Development, Amsterdam UMC Location AMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jaap Oosterlaan
- Department of Paediatrics, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam Reproduction & Development, Amsterdam UMC Location AMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Anneloes van Baar
- Child and Adolescent Studies, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Tessa J Roseboom
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Amsterdam Reproduction & Development, Amsterdam UMC Location AMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Amsterdam UMC Locatie AMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Arianne C Lim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Maastricht UMC, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Madelon van Wely
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Amsterdam Reproduction & Development, Amsterdam UMC Location AMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marjon A de Boer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Amsterdam Reproduction & Development, Amsterdam UMC location VUmc, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Rebecca C Painter
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Amsterdam Reproduction & Development, Amsterdam UMC Location AMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Eva Pajkrt
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Amsterdam Reproduction & Development, Amsterdam UMC Location AMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Martijn A Oudijk
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Amsterdam Reproduction & Development, Amsterdam UMC Location AMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Janneke van T Hooft
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Amsterdam Reproduction & Development, Amsterdam UMC Location AMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Qi X, Nizamutdinov D, Berman MH, Dougal G, Chazot PL, Wu E, Stevens AB, Yi SS, Huang JH. Gender Differences of Dementia in Response to Intensive Self-Administered Transcranial and Intraocular Near-Infrared Stimulation. Cureus 2021; 13:e16188. [PMID: 34262831 PMCID: PMC8260213 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.16188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Transcranial near-infrared (tNIR) stimulation was proven to be a safe, reliable, and effective treatment for cognitive and behavioral symptoms of dementia. Dementia patients of different genders differ in terms of gross anatomy, biochemistry, genetic profile, clinical presentations, and socio-psychological status. Studies of the tNIR effect on dementia have thus far been gender-neutral, with dementia subjects being grouped based on diagnoses or dementia severity. This trial hereby investigated how dementia subjects of different sex respond to tNIR treatment. Methods A total of 60 patient-caregiver dyads were enrolled and randomized to this double-blind, sham-controlled clinical trial. The tNIR light has a wavelength of 1,060 nm to 1,080 nm and was delivered via a photobiomodulation (PBM) unit. The active PBM unit emits near-infrared (NIR) light while the sham unit does not. The treatment consists of a six-minute tNIR light stimulation session twice daily for eight weeks. Neuropsychological assessments conducted at baseline (week 0) and endline (week 8) were compared within the female and male group and between different sex, respectively. Results Over the course of treatment, active-arm female subjects had a 20.2% improvement in Mini‐Mental State Exam (MMSE) (mean 4.8 points increase, p < 0.001) and active-arm male cohort had 19.3% improvement (p < 0.001). Control-arm female subjects had a 6.5% improvement in MMSE (mean 1.5 points increase, p < 0.03) and control-arm male subjects had 5.9% improvement (p = 0.35) with no significant differences in the mean MMSE between female and male subjects in both arms respectively. Other comparison of assessments including Clock Copying and Drawing Test, Logical Memory Test - immediate and delayed recall yielded nominal but not statistically significant differences. No significant differences were observed in the mean MMSE between female and male subjects in both arms respectively before treatment implementation (active arm, p = 0.12; control arm, p = 0.50) at week 0, or after treatment completion (active arm, p = 0.11; control arm, p = 0.74) at week 8. Conclusion Despite differences between female and male dementia subjects, the response to tNIR light stimulation does not demonstrate gender-based differences. Further studies are warranted to refine the tNIR treatment protocol for subjects suffering from dementia or dementia-related symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoming Qi
- Neurosurgery, Baylor Scott & White Health, Temple, USA
| | | | | | - Gordon Dougal
- Chief Executive Officer, Maculume Limited, Spennymoor, GBR
| | | | - Erxi Wu
- Neurosurgery, Baylor Scott & White Health, Temple, USA
| | - Alan B Stevens
- Gerontology, Baylor Scott & White Health Research Institute, Temple, USA
| | - S Stephen Yi
- Oncology, The University of Texas at Austin, Dell Medical School, Austin, USA
| | - Jason H Huang
- Neurosurgery, Baylor Scott & White Medical Center, Temple, USA
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Castanier C, Bougault V, Teulier C, Jaffré C, Schiano-Lomoriello S, Vibarel-Rebot N, Villemain A, Rieth N, Le-Scanff C, Buisson C, Collomp K. The Specificities of Elite Female Athletes: A Multidisciplinary Approach. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:622. [PMID: 34206866 PMCID: PMC8303304 DOI: 10.3390/life11070622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Female athletes have garnered considerable attention in the last few years as more and more women participate in sports events. However, despite the well-known repercussions of female sex hormones, few studies have investigated the specificities of elite female athletes. In this review, we present the current but still limited data on how normal menstrual phases, altered menstrual phases, and hormonal contraception affect both physical and cognitive performances in these elite athletes. To examine the implicated mechanisms, as well as the potential performances and health risks in this population, we then take a broader multidisciplinary approach and report on the causal/reciprocal relationships between hormonal status and mental and physical health in young (18-40 years) healthy females, both trained and untrained. We thus cover the research on both physiological and psychological variables, as well as on the Athlete Biological Passport used for anti-doping purposes. We consider the fairly frequent discrepancies and summarize the current knowledge in this new field of interest. Last, we conclude with some practical guidelines for eliciting improvements in physical and cognitive performance while minimizing the health risks for female athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carole Castanier
- CIAMS, Université Paris-Saclay, 91405 Orsay, France; (C.C.); (C.T.); (S.S.-L.); (N.V.-R.); (A.V.); (N.R.); (C.L.-S.)
- CIAMS, Université d’Orléans, 45067 Orléans, France
| | | | - Caroline Teulier
- CIAMS, Université Paris-Saclay, 91405 Orsay, France; (C.C.); (C.T.); (S.S.-L.); (N.V.-R.); (A.V.); (N.R.); (C.L.-S.)
- CIAMS, Université d’Orléans, 45067 Orléans, France
| | | | - Sandrine Schiano-Lomoriello
- CIAMS, Université Paris-Saclay, 91405 Orsay, France; (C.C.); (C.T.); (S.S.-L.); (N.V.-R.); (A.V.); (N.R.); (C.L.-S.)
- CIAMS, Université d’Orléans, 45067 Orléans, France
| | - Nancy Vibarel-Rebot
- CIAMS, Université Paris-Saclay, 91405 Orsay, France; (C.C.); (C.T.); (S.S.-L.); (N.V.-R.); (A.V.); (N.R.); (C.L.-S.)
- CIAMS, Université d’Orléans, 45067 Orléans, France
| | - Aude Villemain
- CIAMS, Université Paris-Saclay, 91405 Orsay, France; (C.C.); (C.T.); (S.S.-L.); (N.V.-R.); (A.V.); (N.R.); (C.L.-S.)
- CIAMS, Université d’Orléans, 45067 Orléans, France
| | - Nathalie Rieth
- CIAMS, Université Paris-Saclay, 91405 Orsay, France; (C.C.); (C.T.); (S.S.-L.); (N.V.-R.); (A.V.); (N.R.); (C.L.-S.)
- CIAMS, Université d’Orléans, 45067 Orléans, France
| | - Christine Le-Scanff
- CIAMS, Université Paris-Saclay, 91405 Orsay, France; (C.C.); (C.T.); (S.S.-L.); (N.V.-R.); (A.V.); (N.R.); (C.L.-S.)
- CIAMS, Université d’Orléans, 45067 Orléans, France
| | - Corinne Buisson
- Département des Analyses, AFLD, 92290 Chatenay-Malabry, France;
| | - Katia Collomp
- CIAMS, Université Paris-Saclay, 91405 Orsay, France; (C.C.); (C.T.); (S.S.-L.); (N.V.-R.); (A.V.); (N.R.); (C.L.-S.)
- CIAMS, Université d’Orléans, 45067 Orléans, France
- Département des Analyses, AFLD, 92290 Chatenay-Malabry, France;
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Chen Y, Herrold AA, Gallagher V, Martinovich Z, Bari S, Vike NL, Vesci B, Mjaanes J, McCloskey LR, Reilly JL, Breiter HC. Preliminary Report: Localized Cerebral Blood Flow Mediates the Relationship between Progesterone and Perceived Stress Symptoms among Female Collegiate Club Athletes after Mild Traumatic Brain Injury. J Neurotrauma 2021; 38:1809-1820. [PMID: 33470158 PMCID: PMC8336258 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2020.7217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Female athletes are under-studied in the field of concussion research, despite evidence of higher injury prevalence and longer recovery time. Hormonal fluctuations caused by the natural menstrual cycle (MC) or hormonal contraceptive (HC) use impact both post-injury symptoms and neuroimaging findings, but the relationships among hormone, symptoms, and brain-based measures have not been jointly considered in concussion studies. In this preliminary study, we compared cerebral blood flow (CBF) measured with arterial spin labeling between concussed female club athletes 3-10 days after mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and demographic, HC/MC matched controls (CON). We tested whether CBF statistically mediates the relationship between progesterone serum levels and post-injury symptoms, which may support a hypothesis for progesterone's role in neuroprotection. We found a significant three-way relationship among progesterone, CBF, and perceived stress score (PSS) in the left middle temporal gyrus for the mTBI group. Higher progesterone was associated with lower (more normative) PSS, as well as higher (more normative) CBF. CBF mediates 100% of the relationship between progesterone and PSS (Sobel p value = 0.017). These findings support a hypothesis for progesterone having a neuroprotective role after concussion and highlight the importance of controlling for the effects of sex hormones in future concussion studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufen Chen
- Center for Translational Imaging, Department of Radiology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | | | - Virginia Gallagher
- Warren Wright Adolescent Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Zoran Martinovich
- Warren Wright Adolescent Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Sumra Bari
- Warren Wright Adolescent Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Nicole L. Vike
- Warren Wright Adolescent Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Brian Vesci
- Northwestern Health Services Sports Medicine, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
| | - Jeffrey Mjaanes
- Northwestern Health Services Sports Medicine, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
| | - Leanne R. McCloskey
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - James L. Reilly
- Warren Wright Adolescent Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Hans C. Breiter
- Warren Wright Adolescent Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Laboratory of Neuroimaging and Genetics, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Shi W, Wu H, Liu S, Wu Z, Wu H, Liu J, Hou Y. Progesterone Suppresses Cholesterol Esterification in APP/PS1 mice and a cell model of Alzheimer's Disease. Brain Res Bull 2021; 173:162-173. [PMID: 34044033 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2021.05.020] [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: 01/04/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Cholesteryl ester(CE), generated from the mitochondria associated membrane (MAM), is involved in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's Disease (AD). In theory, the different neuroprotective effects of progesterone in AD are all linked to MAM, yet the effect on cholesterol esterification has not been reported. Therefore, this study was aimed to investigate the regulation of progesterone on intracerebral CE in AD models and the underlying mechanism. METHODS APP/PS1 mice and AD cell model induced by Aβ 25-35 were selected as the research objects. APP/PS1 mice were daily administrated intragastrically with progesterone and The Morris Water Maze test was performed to detect the learning and memory abilities. Intracellular cholesterol was measured by Cholesterol/Cholesteryl Ester Quantitation Assay. The structure of MAMs were observed with transmission electron microscopy. The expression of acyl-CoA: cholesterol acyltransferase 1 (ACAT1), ERK1/2 and p-ERK1/2 were detected with western blotting, immunohistochemistry or immunofluorescence. RESULTS Progesterone suppressed the accumulation of intracellular CE, shortened the length of abnormally prolonged MAM in cortex of APP/PS1 mice. Progesterone decreased the expression of ACAT1, which could be blocked by progesterone receptor membrane component 1 (PGRMC1) inhibitor AG205. The ERK1/2 pathway maybe involved in the progesterone mediated regulation of ACAT1 in AD models, rather than the PI3K/Akt and the P38 MEPK pathways. SIGNIFICANCE The results supported a line of evidence that progesterone regulates CE level and the structure of MAM in neurons of AD models, providing a promising treatment against AD on the dysfunction of cholesterol metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjing Shi
- Department of Pharmacology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, Hebei Province, China; Department of Pharmacy, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang 050051, Hebei Province, China.
| | - Hang Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, Heze University, Heze 274000, Shandong Province, China.
| | - Sha Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, the Third Hospital of Shijiazhuang, Shijiazhuang 050000, Hebei Province, China.
| | - Zhigang Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, Hebei North University, Hebei Key Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Zhangjiakou 075000, China.
| | - Honghai Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, Bethune International Peace Hospital, Shijiazhuang 050082, Hebei Province, China.
| | - Jianfang Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Bethune International Peace Hospital, Shijiazhuang 050082, Hebei Province, China.
| | - Yanning Hou
- Department of Pharmacology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, Hebei Province, China; Department of Pharmacy, Bethune International Peace Hospital, Shijiazhuang 050082, Hebei Province, China.
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Haoui M, Petersen NT, Björkgren I, Chung DH, Lishko PV. Choroid plexus epithelial cells as a model to study nongenomic steroid signaling and its effect on ion channel function. Methods Enzymol 2021; 654:297-314. [PMID: 34120718 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mie.2021.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The choroid plexus (CP) is an epithelial tissue primarily responsible for the secretion of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Choroid plexuses are found in each of the four brain ventricles: two laterals, third and fourth. They ensure continuous production of CSF to provide nutrients, remove waste products and provide a mechanical buffer to protect the brain. Tight junctions in the CP epithelium form a barrier between the blood plasma and the CSF, which allow channels and transporters in the CP to establish a highly regulated concentration gradient of ions between the two fluids, thereby controlling the composition of CSF. CP plays an important part in healthy brain homeostasis, as its failure to maintain adequate CSF perfusion is implicated in Alzheimer's disease and traumatic brain injury. And yet, the physiology of CP and the mechanism of its age-related functional decline is one of the most understudied areas of neurobiology. Here, we describe a protocol to isolate and identify individual choroid plexus epithelial cells (CPEC) from murine brain for whole-cell patch-clamp recordings and ion channel identification. Using the recording from the inwardly rectifying potassium channel Kir7.1 and TRPM3 that are abundant in CP, we demonstrate a technique to study the regulators of ion channels in the choroid plexus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Haoui
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Natalie True Petersen
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Ida Björkgren
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Dong Hwa Chung
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Polina V Lishko
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, United States.
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Decoding signaling pathways involved in prolactin-induced neuroprotection: A review. Front Neuroendocrinol 2021; 61:100913. [PMID: 33766566 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2021.100913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Revised: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
It has been well recognized that prolactin (PRL), a pleiotropic hormone, has many functions in the brain, such as maternal behavior, neurogenesis, and neuronal plasticity, among others. Recently, it has been reported to have a significant role in neuroprotection against excitotoxicity. Glutamate excitotoxicity is a common alteration in many neurological and neurodegenerative diseases, leading to neuronal death. In this sense, several efforts have been made to decrease the progression of these pathologies. Despite various reports of PRL's neuroprotective effect against excitotoxicity, the signaling pathways that underlie this mechanism remain unclear. This review aims to describe the most recent and relevant studies on the molecular signaling pathways, particularly, PI3K/AKT, NF-κB, and JAK2/STAT5, which are currently under investigation and might be implicated in the molecular mechanisms that explain the PRL effects against excitotoxicity and neuroprotection. Remarkable neuroprotective effects of PRL might be useful in the treatment of some neurological diseases.
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46
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Rehbein E, Hornung J, Sundström Poromaa I, Derntl B. Shaping of the Female Human Brain by Sex Hormones: A Review. Neuroendocrinology 2021; 111:183-206. [PMID: 32155633 DOI: 10.1159/000507083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Traditionally sex hormones have been associated with reproductive and developmental processes only. Since the 1950s we know that hormones can have organizational effects on the developing brain and initiate hormonal transition periods such as puberty. However, recent evidence shows that sex hormones additionally structure the brain during important hormonal transition periods across a woman's life including short-term fluctuations during the menstrual cycle. However, a comprehensive review focusing on structural changes during all hormonal transition phases of women is still missing. Therefore, in this review structural changes across hormonal transition periods (i.e., puberty, menstrual cycle, oral contraceptive intake, pregnancy and menopause) were investigated in a structured way and correlations with sex hormones evaluated. Results show an overall reduction in grey matter and region-specific decreases in prefrontal, parietal and middle temporal areas during puberty. Across the menstrual cycle grey matter plasticity in the hippocampus, the amygdala as well as temporal and parietal regions were most consistently reported. Studies reporting on pre- and post-pregnancy measurements revealed volume reductions in midline structures as well as prefrontal and temporal cortices. During perimenopause, the decline in sex hormones was paralleled with a reduction in hippocampal and parietal cortex volume. Brain volume changes were significantly correlated with estradiol, testosterone and progesterone levels in some studies, but directionality remains inconclusive between studies. These results indicate that sex hormones play an important role in shaping women's brain structure during different transition periods and are not restricted to specific developmental periods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Rehbein
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Innovative Neuroimaging, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany,
| | - Jonas Hornung
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Innovative Neuroimaging, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | | | - Birgit Derntl
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Innovative Neuroimaging, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Werner Reichardt Centre for Integrative Neuroscience, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Lead Graduate School, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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47
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Nobile B, Maimoun L, Jaussent ID, Seneque M, Dupuis-Maurin K, Lefebvre P, Courtet P, Renard E, Guillaume S. Effects of Hormonal Contraception Use on Cognitive Functions in Patients With Bulimia Nervosa. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:658182. [PMID: 34079484 PMCID: PMC8165222 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.658182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Growing evidences indicate that sex hormones have an effect on cognitive functions, and that Bulimia Nervosa (BN) is associated with cognitive impairment. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of hormonal contraception (HC) use on four cognitive functions that are impaired in patients with BN. Methods: This retrospective exploratory study included 103 women with a diagnosis of BN based on the DSM-5 criteria. Their age ranged from 15 to 45 years, and 46.6% were taking HC (oral, transdermal, or intrauterine). Cognition was assessed with the d2 test (attention), Iowa gambling task (IGT; decision making), Brixton spatial anticipation test (set shifting), and Rey-Osterrieth complex figure test (central coherence). Data were analyzed with logistic regression models to estimate the adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of HC effect on the neuropsychological test scores. Results: In the multivariate model, HC use was significantly associated with better scores for two d2 test indices: F-score [OR = 0.98, 95% CI = (0.95; 0.99)] and final total score ratio [OR = 0.87, 95% CI = (0.77; 0.99)]. HC was also associated with a better understanding of the IGT explicit rules. No difference between the two groups (HC and non-HC use) was detected for set shifting and central coherence. Conclusions: This exploratory study suggests that HC could have effects on the sustained attention and concentration in women with BN. More studies are needed to confirm these results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedicte Nobile
- Department of Emergency Psychiatry and Post-Acute Care, CHRU Montpellier, Montpellier, France.,Institute of Functional Genomics, University of Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, Montpellier, France.,FondaMental Foundation, Créteil, France
| | - Laurent Maimoun
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, CHRU Montpellier, Montpellier, France.,INSERM U1046, UMR9214 CNRS, Physiology and Experimental Medicine of the Heart and Muscles, University of Montpellier, CHRU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | | | - Maude Seneque
- Department of Emergency Psychiatry and Post-Acute Care, CHRU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Kathlyne Dupuis-Maurin
- Department of Emergency Psychiatry and Post-Acute Care, CHRU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Patrick Lefebvre
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Nutrition, CHRU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Phillippe Courtet
- Department of Emergency Psychiatry and Post-Acute Care, CHRU Montpellier, Montpellier, France.,Institute of Functional Genomics, University of Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, Montpellier, France.,FondaMental Foundation, Créteil, France
| | - Eric Renard
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Nutrition, CHRU Montpellier, Montpellier, France.,UMR CNRS 5203, INSERM U1191, Institute of Functional Genomics, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Sebastien Guillaume
- Department of Emergency Psychiatry and Post-Acute Care, CHRU Montpellier, Montpellier, France.,Institute of Functional Genomics, University of Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, Montpellier, France.,FondaMental Foundation, Créteil, France
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Sitruk-Ware R, Bonsack B, Brinton R, Schumacher M, Kumar N, Lee JY, Castelli V, Corey S, Coats A, Sadanandan N, Gonzales-Portillo B, Heyck M, Shear A, Blaise C, Zhang H, Sheyner M, García-Sánchez J, Navarro L, El-Etr M, De Nicola AF, Borlongan CV. Progress in progestin-based therapies for neurological disorders. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 122:38-65. [PMID: 33359391 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2020] [Revised: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 12/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Hormone therapy, primarily progesterone and progestins, for central nervous system (CNS) disorders represents an emerging field of regenerative medicine. Following a failed clinical trial of progesterone for traumatic brain injury treatment, attention has shifted to the progestin Nestorone for its ability to potently and selectively transactivate progesterone receptors at relatively low doses, resulting in robust neurogenetic, remyelinating, and anti-inflammatory effects. That CNS disorders, including multiple sclerosis (MS), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), spinal cord injury (SCI), and stroke, develop via demyelinating, cell death, and/or inflammatory pathological pathways advances Nestorone as an auspicious candidate for these disorders. Here, we assess the scientific and clinical progress over decades of research into progesterone, progestins, and Nestorone as neuroprotective agents in MS, ALS, SCI, and stroke. We also offer recommendations for optimizing timing, dosage, and route of the drug regimen, and identifying candidate patient populations, in advancing Nestorone to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Brooke Bonsack
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA
| | | | | | | | - Jea-Young Lee
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Vanessa Castelli
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Sydney Corey
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Alexandreya Coats
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Nadia Sadanandan
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Bella Gonzales-Portillo
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Matt Heyck
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Alex Shear
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Cozene Blaise
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Henry Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Michael Sheyner
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Julián García-Sánchez
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Lisset Navarro
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA
| | | | | | - Cesar V Borlongan
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA.
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Frantsiyants EM, Bandovkina VA, Kaplieva IV, Cheryarina ND, Surikova EI, Neskubina IV, Kotieva IM, Shalashnaya EV, Trepitaki LK. [Influence of malignant growth and chronic neurogenic pain on neurosteroid levels in rat brain]. BIOMEDIT︠S︡INSKAI︠A︡ KHIMII︠A︡ 2020; 66:151-155. [PMID: 32420896 DOI: 10.18097/pbmc20206602151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the study was to determine the level of sex steroid hormones in white matter of the brain of rats with tumors combined with chronic neurogenic pain (CNP), which was modeled by bilateral sciatic nerve ligation. The study included albino male rats (n=74). In the main group, M1 sarcoma was transplanted subcutaneously (n=11) or into the subclavian vein (n=11) 45 days after CNP modeling. Two comparison groups (n=13 each) included sham operated animals (without CNP) with M1 sarcoma transplanted subcutaneously and intravenously. Control groups included animals with CNP and sham operated animals. Rats were euthanized on day 21 of the carcinogenesis. Levels of total and free testosterone (T), estrone (E1), estradiol (E2), estriol (E3) and progesterone (P4) in the brain white matter were measured using ELISA kits ("Cusabio", China). CNP caused a decrease in the total and free T by 1.5 times (p<0.05), E2 and P4 by 1.9 and 3 times, respectively, E3 by 1.6 times (p<0.05), as well as an increase in E1 by 1.4 times (p<0.05) as compared to the corresponding levels in the brain white matter of rats without CNP. CNP stimulated M1 sarcoma growth in both subcutaneous and intravenous transplantation. Regardless of the tumor site, the dynamics of total T, E2 and E3 in the brain had similar features, but the dynamics of free T, P4 and E1 differed. Thus, changes in the level of neurosteroids in the white matter of rat brain with CNP and tumor growth alone or associated with CNP are a reaction to stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- E M Frantsiyants
- National Medical Research Centre for Oncology, Rostov-on-Don, Russia
| | - V A Bandovkina
- National Medical Research Centre for Oncology, Rostov-on-Don, Russia
| | - I V Kaplieva
- National Medical Research Centre for Oncology, Rostov-on-Don, Russia
| | - N D Cheryarina
- National Medical Research Centre for Oncology, Rostov-on-Don, Russia
| | - E I Surikova
- National Medical Research Centre for Oncology, Rostov-on-Don, Russia
| | - I V Neskubina
- National Medical Research Centre for Oncology, Rostov-on-Don, Russia
| | - I M Kotieva
- National Medical Research Centre for Oncology, Rostov-on-Don, Russia
| | - E V Shalashnaya
- National Medical Research Centre for Oncology, Rostov-on-Don, Russia
| | - L K Trepitaki
- National Medical Research Centre for Oncology, Rostov-on-Don, Russia
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50
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Wang SV, Kulldorff M, Poor S, Rice DS, Banks A, Li N, Lii J, Gagne JJ. Screening Medications for Association with Progression to Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Ophthalmology 2020; 128:248-255. [PMID: 32777229 DOI: 10.1016/j.ophtha.2020.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Revised: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE There is an urgent need for treatments that prevent or delay development to advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Drugs already on the market for other conditions could affect progression to neovascular AMD (nAMD). If identified, these drugs could provide insights for drug development targets. The objective of this study was to use a novel data mining method that can simultaneously evaluate thousands of correlated hypotheses, while adjusting for multiple testing, to screen for associations between drugs and delayed progression to nAMD. DESIGN We applied a nested case-control study to administrative insurance claims data to identify cases with nAMD and risk-set sampled controls that were 1:4 variable ratio matched on age, gender, and recent healthcare use. PARTICIPANTS The study population included cases with nAMD and risk set matched controls. METHODS We used a tree-based scanning method to evaluate associations between hierarchical classifications of drugs that patients were exposed to within 6 months, 7 to 24 months, or ever before their index date. The index date was the date of first nAMD diagnosis in cases. Risk-set sampled controls were assigned the same index date as the case to which they were matched. The study was implemented using Medicare data from New Jersey and Pennsylvania, and national data from IBM MarketScan Research Database. We set an a priori threshold for statistical alerting at P ≤ 0.01 and focused on associations with large magnitude (relative risks ≥ 2.0). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Progression to nAMD. RESULTS Of approximately 4000 generic drugs and drug classes evaluated, the method detected 19 distinct drug exposures with statistically significant, large relative risks indicating that cases were less frequently exposed than controls. These included (1) drugs with prior evidence for a causal relationship (e.g., megestrol); (2) drugs without prior evidence for a causal relationship, but potentially worth further exploration (e.g., donepezil, epoetin alfa); (3) drugs with alternative biologic explanations for the association (e.g., sevelamer); and (4) drugs that may have resulted in statistical alerts due to their correlation with drugs that alerted for other reasons. CONCLUSIONS This exploratory drug-screening study identified several potential targets for follow-up studies to further evaluate and determine if they may prevent or delay progression to advanced AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirley V Wang
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.
| | - Martin Kulldorff
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Stephen Poor
- Ophthalmology, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Dennis S Rice
- Ophthalmology, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Angela Banks
- Ophthalmology, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Ning Li
- Ophthalmology, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Joyce Lii
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Joshua J Gagne
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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