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Copenhaver AE, LeGates TA. Sex-Specific Mechanisms Underlie Long-Term Potentiation at Hippocampus→Medium Spiny Neuron Synapses in the Medial Shell of the Nucleus Accumbens. J Neurosci 2024; 44:e0100242024. [PMID: 38806250 PMCID: PMC11223474 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0100-24.2024] [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: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Sex differences have complicated our understanding of the neurobiological basis of many behaviors that are key for survival. As such, continued elucidation of the similarities and differences between sexes is necessary to gain insight into brain function and vulnerability. The connection between the hippocampus (Hipp) and nucleus accumbens (NAc) is a crucial site where modulation of neuronal activity mediates reward-related behavior. Our previous work demonstrated that long-term potentiation (LTP) of Hipp→NAc synapses is rewarding, and mice can establish learned associations between LTP of these synapses and the contextual environment in which LTP occurred. Here, we investigated sex differences in the mechanisms underlying Hipp→NAc LTP using whole-cell electrophysiology and pharmacology. We observed similarities in basal synaptic strength between males and females and found that LTP occurs postsynaptically with similar magnitudes in both sexes. However, key sex differences emerged as LTP in males required NMDA receptors (NMDAR), whereas LTP in females utilized an NMDAR-independent mechanism involving L-type voltage-gated Ca2+ channels (VGCCs) and estrogen receptor α (ERα). We also uncovered sex-similar features as LTP in both sexes depended on CaMKII activity and occurred independently of dopamine-1 receptor (D1R) activation. Our results have elucidated sex-specific molecular mechanisms for LTP in an integral pathway that mediates reward-related behaviors, emphasizing the importance of considering sex as a variable in mechanistic studies. Continued characterization of sex-specific mechanisms underlying plasticity will offer novel insight into the neurophysiological basis of behavior, with significant implications for understanding how diverse processes mediate behavior and contribute to vulnerability to developing psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley E Copenhaver
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), Baltimore, Maryland 21250
| | - Tara A LeGates
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), Baltimore, Maryland 21250
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland 21201
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Zorzo C, Arias JL, Méndez M. Are there sex differences in spatial reference memory in the Morris water maze? A large-sample experimental study. Learn Behav 2024; 52:179-190. [PMID: 37723403 PMCID: PMC11186955 DOI: 10.3758/s13420-023-00598-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
Sex differences have been found in allocentric spatial learning and memory tasks, with the literature indicating that males outperform females, although this issue is still controversial. This study aimed to explore the behavior of male and female rats during the habituation and learning of a spatial memory task performed in the Morris Water Maze (MWM). The study included a large sample of 89 males and 85 females. We found that females searched slightly faster than males during habituation with a visible platform. During learning, both male and female rats decreased the latency and distance traveled to find the hidden platform over the days, with males outperforming females in the distance traveled. Females swam faster but did not find the platform earlier, suggesting a less directed navigational strategy. Both sexes increased time spent in the target zone over the days, with no sex differences. Although females swam more in the periphery during the first days of the task, both sexes decreased the time spent in this area. Finally, only males increased swimming in the pool's center over the days, spending more time than females in this area across the entire training. In conclusion, we need to register several variables in the MWM and analyze path strategies to obtain more robust results concerning sex differences. Research on spatial learning should include both sexes to achieve a more equitable, representative, and translational science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Candela Zorzo
- Department of Psychology, University of Oviedo, Faculty of Psychology, Plaza Feijoo s/n, 33003, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain.
- Instituo de Neurociencias del Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), Faculty of Psychology, Plaza Feijoo s/n, 33003, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain.
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Av. del Hospital Universitario, s/n, 33011, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain.
| | - Jorge L Arias
- Department of Psychology, University of Oviedo, Faculty of Psychology, Plaza Feijoo s/n, 33003, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
- Instituo de Neurociencias del Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), Faculty of Psychology, Plaza Feijoo s/n, 33003, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Av. del Hospital Universitario, s/n, 33011, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
| | - Marta Méndez
- Department of Psychology, University of Oviedo, Faculty of Psychology, Plaza Feijoo s/n, 33003, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
- Instituo de Neurociencias del Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), Faculty of Psychology, Plaza Feijoo s/n, 33003, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Av. del Hospital Universitario, s/n, 33011, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
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De la Torre K, Cerbón MA, Molina-Salinas G, Suárez-Santiago JE, Morin JP, Roldán-Roldán G, Picazo O. Synergistic neuroprotective action of prolactin and 17β-estradiol on kainic acid-induced hippocampal injury and long-term memory deficit in ovariectomized rats. Hormones (Athens) 2024; 23:321-329. [PMID: 38625627 DOI: 10.1007/s42000-024-00551-0] [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: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE The neuroprotective actions of the ovarian hormone 17β-estradiol (E2) against different brain lesions have been constantly confirmed in a variety of models including kainic acid (KA) lesions. Similarly, the pituitary hormone prolactin (PRL), traditionally associated with lactogenesis, has recently been linked to a large diversity of functions, including neurogenesis, neuroprotection, and cognitive processes. While the mechanisms of actions of E2 as regards its neuroprotective and behavioral effects have been extensively explored, the molecular mechanisms of PRL related to these roles remain under investigation. The current study aimed to investigate whether the simultaneous administration of PRL and a low dose of E2 prevents the KA-induced cognitive deficit and if this action is associated with changes in hippocampal neuronal density. METHODS Ovariectomized (OVX) rats were treated with saline, PRL, and/or E2 in the presence or absence of KA. Neuroprotection was assessed by Nissl staining and neuron counting. Memory was evaluated with the novel object recognition test (NOR). RESULTS On their own, both PRL and E2 prevented short- and long-term memory deficits in lesioned animals and exerted neuroprotection against KA-induced excitotoxicity in the hippocampus. Interestingly, the combined hormonal treatment was superior to either of the treatments administered alone as regards improving both memory and neuronal survival. CONCLUSION Taken together, these results point to a synergic effect of E2 and PRL in the hippocampus to produce their behavioral, proliferative, and neuroprotective effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen De la Torre
- Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Plan de San Luis y Díaz Mirón s/n, Col. Sto. Tomás, 11340. Ciudad de México, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Marco Antonio Cerbón
- Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Gladys Molina-Salinas
- Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
| | - José Eduardo Suárez-Santiago
- Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Plan de San Luis y Díaz Mirón s/n, Col. Sto. Tomás, 11340. Ciudad de México, Ciudad de México, México
- Facultad de Medicina Humana, Universidad Autónoma de Chiapas, Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapas, Mexico
| | - Jean-Pascal Morin
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Gabriel Roldán-Roldán
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México.
| | - Ofir Picazo
- Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Plan de San Luis y Díaz Mirón s/n, Col. Sto. Tomás, 11340. Ciudad de México, Ciudad de México, México.
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Joue G, Navarro-Schröder T, Achtzehn J, Moffat S, Hennies N, Fuß J, Döller C, Wolbers T, Sommer T. Effects of estrogen on spatial navigation and memory. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2024; 241:1037-1063. [PMID: 38407638 PMCID: PMC11031496 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-024-06539-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
RATIONALE Animal studies suggest that the so-called "female" hormone estrogen enhances spatial navigation and memory. This contradicts the observation that males generally out-perform females in spatial navigation and tasks involving spatial memory. A closer look at the vast number of studies actually reveals that performance differences are not so clear. OBJECTIVES To help clarify the unclear performance differences between men and women and the role of estrogen, we attempted to isolate organizational from activational effects of estrogen on spatial navigation and memory. METHODS In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study, we tested the effects of orally administered estradiol valerate (E2V) in healthy, young women in their low-hormone menstrual cycle phase, compared to healthy, young men. Participants performed several first-person, environmentally rich, 3-D computer games inspired by spatial navigation and memory paradigms in animal research. RESULTS We found navigation behavior suggesting that sex effects dominated any E2 effects with men performing better with allocentric strategies and women with egocentric strategies. Increased E2 levels did not lead to general improvements in spatial ability in either sex but to behavioral changes reflecting navigation flexibility. CONCLUSION Estrogen-driven differences in spatial cognition might be better characterized on a spectrum of navigation flexibility rather than by categorical performance measures or skills.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gina Joue
- Institute of Systems Neuroscience, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Tobias Navarro-Schröder
- Kavli Institute for Systems Neuroscience, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Olav Kyrres Gate 9, 7030, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Johannes Achtzehn
- Department of Neurology with Experimental Neurology (CVK), Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Scott Moffat
- School of Psychology, Georgia Institute of Technology, 654 Cherry Street, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Nora Hennies
- Institute of Systems Neuroscience, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Johannes Fuß
- Institute of Forensic Psychiatry and Sex Research, University Duisburg-Essen, Hohlweg 26, 45147, Essen, Germany
| | - Christian Döller
- Kavli Institute for Systems Neuroscience, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Olav Kyrres Gate 9, 7030, Trondheim, Norway
- Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Stephanstraße 1a, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Thomas Wolbers
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Leipziger Straße 44, 39120, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Tobias Sommer
- Institute of Systems Neuroscience, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
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Barth C, Galea LA, Jacobs EG, Lee BH, Westlye LT, de Lange AMG. Menopausal hormone therapy and the female brain: leveraging neuroimaging and prescription registry data from the UK Biobank cohort. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2024.04.08.24305450. [PMID: 38645009 PMCID: PMC11030497 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.08.24305450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
Background and Objectives Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) is generally thought to be neuroprotective, yet results have been inconsistent. Here, we present a comprehensive study of MHT use and brain characteristics in middle- to older aged females from the UK Biobank, assessing detailed MHT data, APOE ε4 genotype, and tissue-specific gray (GM) and white matter (WM) brain age gap (BAG), as well as hippocampal and white matter hyperintensity (WMH) volumes. Methods A total of 19,846 females with magnetic resonance imaging data were included (current-users = 1,153, 60.1 ± 6.8 years; past-users = 6,681, 67.5 ± 6.2 years; never-users = 12,012, mean age 61.6 ± 7.1 years). For a sub-sample (n = 538), MHT prescription data was extracted from primary care records. Brain measures were derived from T1-, T2- and diffusion-weighted images. We fitted regression models to test for associations between the brain measures and MHT variables including user status, age at initiation, dosage and duration, formulation, route of administration, and type (i.e., bioidentical vs synthetic), as well as active ingredient (e.g., estradiol hemihydrate). We further tested for differences in brain measures among MHT users with and without a history of hysterectomy ± bilateral oophorectomy and examined associations by APOE ε4 status. Results We found significantly higher GM and WM BAG (i.e., older brain age relative to chronological age) as well as smaller left and right hippocampus volumes in current MHT users, not past users, compared to never-users. Effects were modest, with the largest effect size indicating a group difference of 0.77 years (~9 months) for GM BAG. Among MHT users, we found no significant associations between age at MHT initiation and brain measures. Longer duration of use and older age at last use post menopause was associated with higher GM and WM BAG, larger WMH volume, and smaller left and right hippocampal volumes. MHT users with a history of hysterectomy ± bilateral oophorectomy showed lower GM BAG relative to MHT users without such history. Although we found smaller hippocampus volumes in carriers of two APOE ε4 alleles compared to non-carriers, we found no interactions with MHT variables. In the sub-sample with prescription data, we found no significant associations between detailed MHT variables and brain measures after adjusting for multiple comparisons. Discussion Our results indicate that population-level associations between MHT use, and female brain health might vary depending on duration of use and past surgical history. Future research is crucial to establish causality, dissect interactions between menopause-related neurological changes and MHT use, and determine individual-level implications to advance precision medicine in female health care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Barth
- Department of Psychiatric Research, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Liisa A.M. Galea
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Emily G. Jacobs
- Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of California Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | - Bonnie H. Lee
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Lars T. Westlye
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Centre for Precision Psychiatry, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ann-Marie G. de Lange
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Liu SX, Calixto Mancipe N, Gisslen T, Georgieff MK, Tran PV. Identification of Genes Responding to Iron or Choline Treatment for Early-Life Iron Deficiency in the Male Rat Hippocampal Transcriptomes. J Nutr 2024; 154:1141-1152. [PMID: 38408730 PMCID: PMC11007743 DOI: 10.1016/j.tjnut.2024.02.021] [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: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Developmental iron deficiency (ID) is associated with long-term cognitive and affective behavioral impairments in humans. Preclinical studies have shown that developmental ID has short- and long-term effects on gene regulation. Prenatal choline supplementation partially rescues early-life ID-induced cognitive deficits in adult male rats. OBJECTIVES To identify acute and long-term changes in biological processes regulated by developmental ID and modifiable by choline. METHODS This study compares the hippocampal transcriptomes of postnatal day (P) 15 iron-deficient (acute) and P65 formerly ID (persistent) rats with or without prenatal choline treatment. Pregnant rats were fed an ID (4 mg/kg Fe) or iron-sufficient (IS) (200 mg/kg Fe) diet from gestational day (G) 2 to P7 with or without choline supplementation (5 g/kg choline) from G11 to G18. Hippocampi were collected from P15 or P65 offspring and analyzed for gene expression by RNA sequencing. RESULTS Developmental ID-induced changes suggested modified activity of oxidative phosphorylation and fatty acid metabolism. Prenatal choline supplementation induced robust changes in gene expression, particularly in iron-deficient animals, where it partially mitigated the early-life ID-dysregulated genes. Choline supplementation also altered the hippocampal transcriptome in the IS rats, with indications for both beneficial and adverse effects. CONCLUSIONS This study provided global assessments of gene expression regulated by iron and choline. Our new findings highlight genes responding to iron or choline treatments, including a potentially novel choline-regulated transporter (IPO7), with shared effects on neuroinflammation in the male rat hippocampus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirelle X Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Natalia Calixto Mancipe
- Research Informatic Solutions, Minnesota Supercomputing Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Tate Gisslen
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Michael K Georgieff
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Phu V Tran
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States.
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De Barros Oliveira R, Anselmi M, Marchette RCN, Roversi K, Fadanni GP, De Carvalho LM, Damasceno S, Heinrich IA, Leal RB, Cavalli J, Moreira-Júnior RE, Godard ALB, Izídio GS. Differential expression of alpha-synuclein in the hippocampus of SHR and SLA16 isogenic rat strains. Behav Brain Res 2024; 461:114835. [PMID: 38151185 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2023.114835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
Two inbred strains, Lewis (LEW) and Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats (SHR), are well-known for their contrasting behavior related to anxiety/emotionality. Studies with these two strains led to the discovery of the Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) on chromosome 4 (Anxrr16). To better understand the influences of this genomic region, the congenic rat strain SLA16 (SHR.LEW-Anxrr16) was developed. SLA16 rats present higher hyperactivity/impulsivity, deficits in learning and memory, and lower basal blood pressure than the SHR strain, even though genetic differences between them are only in chromosome 4. Thus, the present study proposed the alpha-synuclein and the dopaminergic system as candidates to explain the differential behavior of SHR and SLA16 strains. To accomplish this, beyond the behavioral analysis, we performed (I) the Snca gene expression and (II) quantification of the alpha-synuclein protein in the hippocampus (HPC), prefrontal cortex (PFC), and striatum (STR) of SHR and SLA16 strains; (III) sequencing of the 3'UTR of the Snca gene; and (IV) evaluation of miRNA binding in the 3'UTR site. A Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) was identified in the 3'UTR of the Snca gene, which exhibited upregulation in the HPC of SHR compared to SLA16 females. Alpha-synuclein protein was higher in the HPC of SHR males compared to SLA16 males. The results of this work suggested that differences in alpha-synuclein HPC content could be influenced by miRNA regulation and associated with behavioral differences between SHR and SLA16 animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel De Barros Oliveira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e do Desenvolvimento, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Mayara Anselmi
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Farmacologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | | | - Katiane Roversi
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Farmacologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Pasetto Fadanni
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Farmacologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Luana Martins De Carvalho
- Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Samara Damasceno
- Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | | | - Rodrigo Bainy Leal
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioquímica, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Juliana Cavalli
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Curitibanos, Brazil
| | | | - Ana Lúcia Brunialti Godard
- Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Geison Souza Izídio
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e do Desenvolvimento, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Farmacologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil.
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8
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Mogavero MP, DelRosso LM, Lanza G, Lanuzza B, Bruni O, Strambi LF, Ferri R. Changes in time structure of periodic leg movements during sleep in restless legs syndrome: Effects of sex and age. Sleep Med 2024; 115:137-144. [PMID: 38359593 DOI: 10.1016/j.sleep.2024.01.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The objective of this study was to check the hypothesis that in women with restless legs syndrome (RLS) different changes occur in periodic leg movements during sleep (PLMS) during the post-menopausal period (using >50 years as a proxy) than in men of the same age. METHODS We recruited 36 untreated patients aged 18-50 years (19 men, median age 40 years, and 17 women, median age 37 years) while the remaining 67 were >50 years old (24 men, median age 66.6 years, and 43 women, median age 60.0 years). Leg movement activity during sleep was analyzed by means of an approach utilizing indexes especially suitable to assess leg movement periodicity. RESULTS No significant difference was seen between men in the two age groups; conversely, in women, a clear and significant increase in Periodicity Index was observed in the older group, along with a decrease in isolated leg movements. In women, a clear age-related enhancement of PLMS was found in the intermovement interval graphs, especially in the 16-22 s range, which was more evident than that observed in men. The results remained unchanged also when they were replicated by selecting only subjects aged 18-45 years vs. those aged >55 years. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that assessing PLMS in women after menopause is clinically relevant because they are probably connected with the hormonal fluctuations of this period of life. Translationally, identifying and addressing PLMS in post-menopausal women is crucial for optimizing their sleep health and addressing potential health risks associated with sleep disturbances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria P Mogavero
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy; Sleep Disorders Center, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Giuseppe Lanza
- Clinical Neurophysiology Research Unit and Sleep Research Centre, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Troina, Italy; Department of Surgery and Medical-Surgical Specialties, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Bartolo Lanuzza
- Clinical Neurophysiology Research Unit and Sleep Research Centre, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Troina, Italy
| | - Oliviero Bruni
- Department of Social and Developmental Psychology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Luigi Ferini Strambi
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy; Sleep Disorders Center, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Raffaele Ferri
- Clinical Neurophysiology Research Unit and Sleep Research Centre, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Troina, Italy.
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9
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Barth C, Nerland S, Jørgensen KN, Haatveit B, Wortinger LA, Melle I, Haukvik UK, Ueland T, Andreassen OA, Agartz I. Altered Sex Differences in Hippocampal Subfield Volumes in Schizophrenia. Schizophr Bull 2024; 50:107-119. [PMID: 37354490 PMCID: PMC10754184 DOI: 10.1093/schbul/sbad091] [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] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND HYPOTHESIS The hippocampus is a heterogenous brain structure that differs between the sexes and has been implicated in the pathophysiology of psychiatric illnesses. Here, we explored sex and diagnostic group differences in hippocampal subfield volumes, in individuals with schizophrenia spectrum disorder (SZ), bipolar disorders (BD), and healthy controls (CTL). STUDY DESIGN One thousand and five hundred and twenty-one participants underwent T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (SZ, n = 452, mean age 30.7 ± 9.2 [SD] years, males 59.1%; BD, n = 316, 33.7 ± 11.4, 41.5%; CTL, n = 753, 34.1 ± 9.1, 55.6%). Total hippocampal, subfield, and intracranial volumes were estimated with Freesurfer (v6.0.0). Analysis of covariance and multiple regression models were fitted to examine sex-by-diagnostic (sub)group interactions in volume. In SZ and BD, separately, associations between volumes and clinical as well as cognitive measures were examined between the sexes using regression models. STUDY RESULTS Significant sex-by-group interactions were found for the total hippocampus, dentate gyrus, molecular layer, presubiculum, fimbria, hippocampal-amygdaloid transition area, and CA4, indicating a larger volumetric deficit in male patients relative to female patients when compared with same-sex CTL. Subgroup analyses revealed that this interaction was driven by males with schizophrenia. Effect sizes were overall small (partial η < 0.02). We found no significant sex differences in the associations between hippocampal volumes and clinical or cognitive measures in SZ and BD. CONCLUSIONS Using a well-powered sample, our findings indicate that the pattern of morphological sex differences in hippocampal subfields is altered in individuals with schizophrenia relative to CTL, due to higher volumetric deficits in males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Barth
- Department of Psychiatric Research, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, NORMENT, Oslo, Norway
| | - Stener Nerland
- Department of Psychiatric Research, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, NORMENT, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kjetil N Jørgensen
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, NORMENT, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Psychiatry, Telemark Hospital, Skien, Norway
| | - Beathe Haatveit
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, NORMENT, Oslo, Norway
- Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, NORMENT, Oslo, Norway
| | - Laura A Wortinger
- Department of Psychiatric Research, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, NORMENT, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ingrid Melle
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, NORMENT, Oslo, Norway
- Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, NORMENT, Oslo, Norway
| | - Unn K Haukvik
- Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, NORMENT, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Adult Mental Health, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Centre of Research and Education in Forensic Psychiatry, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Torill Ueland
- Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, NORMENT, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ole A Andreassen
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, NORMENT, Oslo, Norway
- Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, NORMENT, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ingrid Agartz
- Department of Psychiatric Research, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, NORMENT, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm Health Care Services, Stockholm County Council, Stockholm, Sweden
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10
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Barth C, Crestol A, de Lange AMG, Galea LAM. Sex steroids and the female brain across the lifespan: insights into risk of depression and Alzheimer's disease. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol 2023; 11:926-941. [PMID: 37865102 DOI: 10.1016/s2213-8587(23)00224-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023]
Abstract
Despite widespread sex differences in prevalence and presentation of numerous illnesses affecting the human brain, there has been little focus on the effect of endocrine ageing. Most preclinical studies have focused on males only, and clinical studies often analyse data by covarying for sex, ignoring relevant differences between the sexes. This sex- (and gender)-neutral approach is biased and contributes to the absence of targeted treatments and services for all sexes (and genders). Female health has been historically understudied, with grave consequences for their wellbeing and health equity. In this Review, we spotlight female brain health across the lifespan by informing on the role of sex steroids, particularly oestradiol, on the female brain and on risk for diseases more prevalent in females, such as depression and Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Barth
- Department of Psychiatric Research, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway; NORMENT, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Arielle Crestol
- Department of Psychiatric Research, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway; NORMENT, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ann-Marie G de Lange
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Liisa A M Galea
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
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11
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Marzola P, Melzer T, Pavesi E, Gil-Mohapel J, Brocardo PS. Exploring the Role of Neuroplasticity in Development, Aging, and Neurodegeneration. Brain Sci 2023; 13:1610. [PMID: 38137058 PMCID: PMC10741468 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13121610] [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: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroplasticity refers to the ability of the brain to reorganize and modify its neural connections in response to environmental stimuli, experience, learning, injury, and disease processes. It encompasses a range of mechanisms, including changes in synaptic strength and connectivity, the formation of new synapses, alterations in the structure and function of neurons, and the generation of new neurons. Neuroplasticity plays a crucial role in developing and maintaining brain function, including learning and memory, as well as in recovery from brain injury and adaptation to environmental changes. In this review, we explore the vast potential of neuroplasticity in various aspects of brain function across the lifespan and in the context of disease. Changes in the aging brain and the significance of neuroplasticity in maintaining cognitive function later in life will also be reviewed. Finally, we will discuss common mechanisms associated with age-related neurodegenerative processes (including protein aggregation and accumulation, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation) and how these processes can be mitigated, at least partially, by non-invasive and non-pharmacologic lifestyle interventions aimed at promoting and harnessing neuroplasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrícia Marzola
- Department of Morphological Sciences and Graduate Neuroscience Program, Center of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis 88040-900, SC, Brazil; (P.M.); (T.M.); (E.P.)
| | - Thayza Melzer
- Department of Morphological Sciences and Graduate Neuroscience Program, Center of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis 88040-900, SC, Brazil; (P.M.); (T.M.); (E.P.)
| | - Eloisa Pavesi
- Department of Morphological Sciences and Graduate Neuroscience Program, Center of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis 88040-900, SC, Brazil; (P.M.); (T.M.); (E.P.)
| | - Joana Gil-Mohapel
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada
- Island Medical Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada
| | - Patricia S. Brocardo
- Department of Morphological Sciences and Graduate Neuroscience Program, Center of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis 88040-900, SC, Brazil; (P.M.); (T.M.); (E.P.)
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12
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Kim SR, Eom Y, Lee SH. Comprehensive analysis of sex differences in the function and ultrastructure of hippocampal presynaptic terminals. Neurochem Int 2023; 169:105570. [PMID: 37451344 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2023.105570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Sex differences in the brain, encompassing variations in specific brain structures, size, cognitive function, and synaptic connections, have been identified across numerous species. While previous research has explored sex differences in postsynaptic structures, synaptic plasticity, and hippocampus-dependent functions, the hippocampal presynaptic terminals remain largely uninvestigated. The hippocampus is a critical structure responsible for multiple brain functions. This study examined presynaptic differences in cultured hippocampal neurons derived from male and female mice using a combination of biochemical assays, functional analyses measuring exocytosis and endocytosis of synaptic vesicle proteins, ultrastructural analyses via electron microscopy, and presynaptic Ca2+-specific optical probes. Our findings revealed that female neurons exhibited a higher number of synaptic vesicles at presynaptic terminals compared to male neurons. However, no significant differences were observed in presynaptic protein expression, presynaptic terminal ultrastructure, synaptic vesicle exocytosis and endocytosis, or presynaptic Ca2+ alterations between male and female neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung Rae Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, Republic of Korea; Brain Research Core Facilities of Korea Brain Research Institute (KBRI), Daegu 41068, Republic of Korea.
| | - Yunkyung Eom
- College of Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, Republic of Korea.
| | - Sung Hoon Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, Republic of Korea.
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13
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Babu VS, Radhamany PM, Surumi B, Jayakumaran Nair A. Novel studies on Isolation, purification and characterization of dibenzonitro compound from Glycosmis pentaphylla (Retz.) DC. and effect in downregulating neuronal cancers. Steroids 2023; 198:109270. [PMID: 37414238 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2023.109270] [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: 02/19/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
To isolate Letrozole from Glycosmis pentaphylla (Retz.) DC. and to determine its effect on regulating the proliferation, cell cycle distribution, apoptosis and key mechanisms in human neuroblastoma cell lines. Letrozole was isolated through column chromatographic technique and its effect was checked on human neuroblastoma cell lines, IMR 32. The effects of Letrozole on cell viability were measured by MTT assay, and the cell cycle distribution was determined by flow cytometry. The expression changes in mRNA of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), cyclin D1 and Bcl-xL were taken from real-time PCR analysis and the protein levels were detected by Western blotting. The results of the present study showed that Letrozole, isolated from leaves of G. pentaphylla could cause significant inhibitory effect on proliferation of IMR 32 cells in a dose dependent manner. Cell arrest was obtained at S phase with the treatment of Letrozole. Apart from this, the expression of PCNA, cyclin D1 and Bcl-xL were decreased both at mRNA and protein levels for the same treatment. Letrozole can inhibit proliferation, induce cell arrest and cause apoptosis in IMR 32 cell lines. The decreased expression of PCNA, cyclin D1 and Bcl-xL induced by Letrozole contributes to the above effects in vitro. This is the first report on the isolation of Letrozole from G. pentaphylla.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinitha S Babu
- Department of Botany, University of Kerala, Kariavattom, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695581, India.
| | - P M Radhamany
- Department of Botany, University of Kerala, Kariavattom, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695581, India
| | - B Surumi
- Inter University Centre for Genomics and Gene Technology, Department of Biotechnology, University of Kerala, Kariavattom, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695581, India
| | - A Jayakumaran Nair
- Inter University Centre for Genomics and Gene Technology, Department of Biotechnology, University of Kerala, Kariavattom, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695581, India
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14
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Metcalf CA, Duffy KA, Page CE, Novick AM. Cognitive Problems in Perimenopause: A Review of Recent Evidence. Curr Psychiatry Rep 2023; 25:501-511. [PMID: 37755656 PMCID: PMC10842974 DOI: 10.1007/s11920-023-01447-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To review recent research regarding cognitive problems during perimenopause, including which menopause-related symptoms, demographic variables, stress exposures, and neural biomarkers are associated with cognitive problems and which interventions demonstrate efficacy at improving cognitive performance. RECENT FINDINGS Cognitive problems are common during perimenopause and have a significant impact on a substantial proportion of women. Evidence continues to indicate that verbal learning and verbal memory are the cognitive functions that are most negatively affected during perimenopause, and new research suggests that perimenopause may also be associated with deficits in processing speed, attention, and working memory. Recent research suggests that the cognitive profiles of women transitioning through perimenopause are heterogenous - with some showing strengths and others demonstrating weaknesses in particular cognitive domains. Depression, sleep problems, and vasomotor symptoms in perimenopause may be associated with cognitive difficulties. Recent neuroimaging studies are identifying changes in activity patterns within brain regions that correlate with cognitive performance in perimenopause, but future causal studies are needed to understand the neural mechanisms of cognitive problems during this time. Although clinical treatment studies for cognitive concerns have historically focused on postmenopause, some small trials in perimenopausal samples have been conducted recently but are frequently underpowered. Current guidelines from the North American Menopause Society do not support the use of hormone therapy at any age for cognitive problems. Animal research demonstrates that estradiol and levonorgestrel combined may alleviate working memory problems. Much progress has been made in understanding how perimenopause impacts cognition, and more research is needed to better identify who is at highest risk and how to meaningfully prevent and alleviate cognitive problems during this reproductive stage. Larger-scale randomized intervention trials specifically during perimenopause are urgently needed to address cognitive concerns in this population of women. More consistent reproductive staging, inclusion of covariates, and analyses examining perimenopause specifically would improve study quality and the ability to draw clear conclusions from this research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina A Metcalf
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 1890 N. Revere Court MS F546, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
| | - Korrina A Duffy
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 1890 N. Revere Court MS F546, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Chloe E Page
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 1890 N. Revere Court MS F546, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Andrew M Novick
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 1890 N. Revere Court MS F546, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
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15
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Alahmadi AA, Alotaibi NO, Hakami NY, Almutairi RS, Darwesh AM, Abdeen R, Alghamdi J, Abdulaal OM, Alsharif W, Sultan SR, Kanbayti IH. Gender and cytoarchitecture differences: Functional connectivity of the hippocampal sub-regions. Heliyon 2023; 9:e20389. [PMID: 37780771 PMCID: PMC10539667 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e20389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The hippocampus plays a significant role in learning, memory encoding, and spatial navigation. Typically, the hippocampus is investigated as a whole region of interest. However, recent work has developed fully detailed atlases based on cytoarchitecture properties of brain regions, and the hippocampus has been sub-divided into seven sub-areas that have structural differences in terms of distinct numbers of cells, neurons, and other structural and chemical properties. Moreover, gender differences are of increasing concern in neuroscience research. Several neuroscience studies have found structural and functional variations between the brain regions of females and males, and the hippocampus is one of these regions. Aim The aim of this study to explore whether the cytoarchitecturally distinct sub-regions of the hippocampus have varying patterns of functional connectivity with different networks of the brain and how these functional connections differ in terms of gender differences. Method This study investigated 200 healthy participants using seed-based resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rsfMRI). The primary aim of this study was to explore the resting connectivity and gender distinctions associated with specific sub-regions of the hippocampus and their relationship with major functional brain networks. Results The findings revealed that the majority of the seven hippocampal sub-regions displayed functional connections with key brain networks, and distinct patterns of functional connectivity were observed between the hippocampal sub-regions and various functional networks within the brain. Notably, the default and visual networks exhibited the most consistent functional connections. Additionally, gender-based analysis highlighted evident functional resemblances and disparities, particularly concerning the anterior section of the hippocampus. Conclusion This study highlighted the functional connectivity patterns and involvement of the hippocampal sub-regions in major brain functional networks, indicating that the hippocampus should be investigated as a region of multiple distinct functions and should always be examined as sub-regions of interest. The results also revealed clear gender differences in functional connectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adnan A.S. Alahmadi
- Radiologic Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- NMR Research Unit, Department of Neuroinflammation, Queen Square MS Centre, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nada O. Alotaibi
- Radiologic Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Norah Y. Hakami
- Radiologic Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Raghad S. Almutairi
- Radiologic Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Afnan M.F. Darwesh
- Radiologic Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rawan Abdeen
- Radiologic Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jamaan Alghamdi
- Radiologic Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Osamah M. Abdulaal
- Diagnostic Radiology Technology, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University, Madina, Saudi Arabia
| | - Walaa Alsharif
- Diagnostic Radiology Technology, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University, Madina, Saudi Arabia
| | - Salahaden R. Sultan
- Radiologic Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ibrahem H. Kanbayti
- Radiologic Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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16
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Kimizoğlu O, Kirca ND, Kandis S, Micili SC, Harzadin NU, Kocturk S. Daily Consumption of High-Polyphenol Olive Oil Enhances Hippocampal Neurogenesis in Old Female Rats. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN NUTRITION ASSOCIATION 2023; 42:668-677. [PMID: 36416641 DOI: 10.1080/27697061.2022.2144540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of daily consumption of high-polyphenol (HP) olive oil on neurogenesis by investigating neuronal cell proliferation and maturation in the hippocampus of old rats, and to evaluate the relationship between neurogenesis, spatial memory, and anxiety-like behavior. METHODS A total of 34 female, 20-22-month-old Sprague Dawley rats were divided into three groups: control group, low-polyphenol (LP) group, and high-polyphenol (HP) group. The animals were fed distilled water, LP olive oil and HP-extra virgin olive oil, respectively for 6 weeks using an oral gavage. At 43 days, animals were tested using the Morris Water Maze to evaluate spatial memory, and the Open-field test to evaluate anxiety-like behavior. Neural cell proliferation in the dentate gyrus (DG) was determined by BrdU labeling and Nestin protein expression. Neuronal maturation was determined by NeuN labeling. Synaptic density in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex was examined by measuring Synaptophysin (SYN) levels. Hippocampal Calbindin levels were measured to assess cellular calcium metabolism. RESULTS Daily consumption of HP olive oil significantly improved cell proliferation and neuronal maturation in the DG of old rats. HP-olive oil significantly increased SYN levels in the prefrontal cortex, and nestin and calbindin levels in the hippocampus (p < 0.05). LP olive oil diet has shown no effect on any parameter (p > 0.05). We also did not find any statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of spatial memory and anxiety-like behavior (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION Our study is first to show that daily consumption of HP-olive oil enhances hippocampal neurogenesis in old rats, which has been confirmed by proliferation and maturation biomarkers. In addition, increased SYN and calbindin levels showed that the generated cells were also functionally developed in the HP group. We suggest that daily consumption of HP olive oil may have beneficial effects on brain aging by triggering neurogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ozgun Kimizoğlu
- Institute of Health Sciences, Department of Neurosciences, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - N Deniz Kirca
- Institute of Health Sciences, Department of Neurosciences, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Sevim Kandis
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physiology, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Serap Cilaker Micili
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Nazan Uysal Harzadin
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physiology, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Semra Kocturk
- Institute of Health Sciences, Department of Neurosciences, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Biochemistry, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey
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17
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Yagi S, Lieblich SE, Galea LAM. High estradiol reduces adult neurogenesis but strengthens functional connectivity within the hippocampus during spatial pattern separation in adult female rats. Horm Behav 2023; 155:105409. [PMID: 37567060 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2023.105409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
Adult neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus plays an important role for pattern separation, the process of separating similar inputs and forming distinct neural representations. Estradiol modulates neurogenesis and hippocampus function, but to date no examination of estradiol's effects on pattern separation have been conducted. Here, we examined estrogenic regulation of adult neurogenesis and functional connectivity in the hippocampus after the spatial pattern separation task in female rats. Ovariectomized Sprague-Dawley rats received daily injections of vehicle, 0.32 μg (Low) or 5 μg (High) of estradiol benzoate until the end of experiment. A single bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) was injected one day after initiation of hormone or vehicle treatment and rats were tested in the delayed nonmatching to position spatial pattern separation task in the 8-arm radial maze for 12 days beginning two weeks after BrdU injection. Rats were perfused 90 min after the final trial and brain sections were immunohistochemically stained for BrdU/neuronal nuclei (NeuN) (new neurons), Ki67 (cell proliferation), and the immediate early gene, zif268 (activation). Results showed that high, but not low, estradiol reduced the density of BrdU/NeuN-ir cells and had significant inter-regional correlations of zif268-ir cell density in the hippocampus following pattern separation. Estradiol treatment did not influence pattern separation performance or strategy use. These results show that higher doses of estradiol can reduce neurogenesis but at the same time increases correlations of activity of neurons within the hippocampus during spatial pattern separation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunya Yagi
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | | | - Liisa A M Galea
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada; Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada; Djavad Mowifaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
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18
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Daniel JM, Lindsey SH, Mostany R, Schrader LA, Zsombok A. Cardiometabolic health, menopausal estrogen therapy and the brain: How effects of estrogens diverge in healthy and unhealthy preclinical models of aging. Front Neuroendocrinol 2023; 70:101068. [PMID: 37061205 PMCID: PMC10725785 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2023.101068] [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: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/17/2023]
Abstract
Research in preclinical models indicates that estrogens are neuroprotective and positively impact cognitive aging. However, clinical data are equivocal as to the benefits of menopausal estrogen therapy to the brain and cognition. Pre-existing cardiometabolic disease may modulate mechanisms by which estrogens act, potentially reducing or reversing protections they provide against cognitive decline. In the current review we propose mechanisms by which cardiometabolic disease may alter estrogen effects, including both alterations in actions directly on brain memory systems and actions on cardiometabolic systems, which in turn impact brain memory systems. Consideration of mechanisms by which estrogen administration can exert differential effects dependent upon health phenotype is consistent with the move towards precision or personalized medicine, which aims to determine which treatment interventions will work for which individuals. Understanding effects of estrogens in both healthy and unhealthy models of aging is critical to optimizing the translational link between preclinical and clinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jill M Daniel
- Department of Psychology and Brain Institute, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States.
| | - Sarah H Lindsey
- Department of Pharmacology and Brain Institute, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Ricardo Mostany
- Department of Pharmacology and Brain Institute, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Laura A Schrader
- Department of Cell & Molecular Biology and Brain Institute, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Andrea Zsombok
- Department of Physiology and Brain Institute, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States
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19
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Huang Y, Sun W, Gao F, Ma H, Yuan T, Liu Z, Liu H, Hu J, Bai J, Zhang X, Wang R. Brain-Derived Estrogen Regulates Neurogenesis, Learning and Memory with Aging in Female Rats. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:760. [PMID: 37372046 DOI: 10.3390/biology12060760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Although 17β-estradiol (E2) can be locally synthesized in the brain, whether and how brain-derived E2 (BDE2) impacts neurogenesis with aging is largely unclear. In this study, we examined the hippocampal neural stem cells, neurogenesis, and gliogenesis of 1, 3, 6, 14, and 18-month (Mon) female rats. Female forebrain neuronal aromatase knockout (FBN-ARO-KO) rats and letrozole-treated rats were also employed. We demonstraed that (1) the number of neural stem cells declined over 14-Mon age, and the differentiation of astrocytes and microglia markedly elevated and exhibited excessive activation. KO rats showed declines in astrocyte A2 subtype and elevation in A1 subtype at 18 Mon; (2) neurogenesis sharply dropped from 1-Mon age; (3) KO suppressed dentate gyrus (DG) neurogenesis at 1, 6 and 18 Mon. Additionally, KO and letrozole treatment led to declined neurogenesis at 1-Mon age, compared to age-matched WT controls; (4) FBN-ARO-KO inhibited CREB-BDNF activation, and decreased protein levels of neurofilament, spinophilin and PSD95. Notably, hippocampal-dependent spatial learning and memory was impaired in juvenile (1 Mon) and adulthood (6 Mon) KO rats. Taken together, we demonstrated that BDE2 plays a pivotal role for hippocampal neurogenesis, as well as learning and memory during female aging, especially in juvenile and middle age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Huang
- Neurobiology Institute, School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, China
- School of Basic Medical Science, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, China
| | - Wuxiang Sun
- Neurobiology Institute, School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, China
- School of Basic Medical Science, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, China
| | - Fujia Gao
- Neurobiology Institute, School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, China
| | - Haoran Ma
- Neurobiology Institute, School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, China
| | - Tao Yuan
- Neurobiology Institute, School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, China
| | - Zixuan Liu
- Neurobiology Institute, School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, China
- School of Basic Medical Science, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, China
| | - Huiyu Liu
- Neurobiology Institute, School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, China
| | - Jiewei Hu
- Neurobiology Institute, School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, China
- School of Basic Medical Science, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, China
| | - Jing Bai
- Neurobiology Institute, School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, China
- School of Basic Medical Science, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Neurobiology Institute, School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, China
| | - Ruimin Wang
- Neurobiology Institute, School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, China
- School of Basic Medical Science, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, China
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20
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Ren XQ, Huang X, Xing SY, Long Y, Yuan DH, Hong H, Tang SS. Neuroprotective effects of novel compound FMDB on cognition, neurogenesis and apoptosis in APP/PS1 transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. Neurochem Int 2023; 165:105510. [PMID: 36893915 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2023.105510] [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: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
Clinical and experimental studies have shown that the sharp reduction of estrogen is one of the important reasons for the high incidence of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in elderly women, but there is currently no such drug for treatment of AD. Our group first designed and synthesized a novel compound R-9-(4fluorophenyl)-3-methyl-10,10,-Hydrogen-6-hydrogen-benzopyran named FMDB. In this study, our aim is to investigate the neuroprotective effects and mechanism of FMDB in APP/PS1 transgenic mice. 6 months old APP/PS1 transgenic mice were intragastrical administered with FMDB (1.25, 2.5 and 5 mg/kg) every other day for 8 weeks. LV-ERβ-shRNA was injected bilaterally into the hippocampus of APP/PS1 mice to knockdown estrogen receptor β (ERβ). We found that FMDB ameliorated cognitive impairment in the Morris water maze and novel object recognition tests, increased hippocampal neurogenesis and prevented hippocampal apoptotic responses in APP/PS1 mice. Importantly, FMDB activated nuclear ERβ mediated CBP/p300, CREB and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling, and membrane ERβ mediated PI3K/Akt, CREB and BDNF signaling in the hippocampus. Our study demonstrated the contributions and mechanism of FMDB to cognition, neurogenesis and apoptosis in APP/PS1 mice. These lay the experimental foundation for the development of new anti-AD drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Qian Ren
- Department of Pharmacology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xin Huang
- Department of Pharmacology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shu-Yun Xing
- Department of Pharmacology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yan Long
- Department of Pharmacology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Dan-Hua Yuan
- Department of Pharmacology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hao Hong
- Department of Pharmacology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Su-Su Tang
- Department of Pharmacology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.
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21
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Liu SX, Fredrickson TK, Calixto Mancipe N, Georgieff MK, Tran PV. Sex-Specific Effects of Early-Life Iron Deficiency and Prenatal Choline Treatment on Adult Rat Hippocampal Transcriptome. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15061316. [PMID: 36986048 PMCID: PMC10055746 DOI: 10.3390/nu15061316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Fetal-neonatal iron deficiency (ID) causes long-term neurocognitive and affective dysfunctions. Clinical and preclinical studies have shown that early-life ID produces sex-specific effects. However, little is known about the molecular mechanisms underlying these early-life ID-induced sex-specific effects on neural gene regulation. Objective: To illustrate sex-specific transcriptome alterations in adult rat hippocampus induced by fetal-neonatal ID and prenatal choline treatment. Methods: Pregnant rats were fed an iron-deficient (4 mg/kg Fe) or iron-sufficient (200 mg/kg Fe) diet from gestational day (G) 2 to postnatal day (P) 7 with or without choline supplementation (5 g/kg choline) from G11–18. Hippocampi were collected from P65 offspring of both sexes and analyzed for changes in gene expression. Results: Both early-life ID and choline treatment induced transcriptional changes in adult female and male rat hippocampi. Both sexes showed ID-induced alterations in gene networks leading to enhanced neuroinflammation. In females, ID-induced changes indicated enhanced activity of oxidative phosphorylation and fatty acid metabolism, which were contrary to the ID effects in males. Prenatal choline supplementation induced the most robust changes in gene expression, particularly in iron-deficient animals where it partially rescued ID-induced dysregulation. Choline supplementation also altered hippocampal transcriptome in iron-sufficient rats with indications for both beneficial and adverse effects. Conclusions: This study provided unbiased global assessments of gene expression regulated by iron and choline in a sex-specific manner, with greater effects in female than male rats. Our new findings highlight potential sex-specific gene networks regulated by iron and choline for further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirelle X. Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | | | - Natalia Calixto Mancipe
- Research Informatic Solutions, Minnesota Supercomputing Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | | | - Phu V. Tran
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +01-612-626-7964
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22
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Gender and Neurosteroids: Implications for Brain Function, Neuroplasticity and Rehabilitation. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054758. [PMID: 36902197 PMCID: PMC10003563 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurosteroids are synthesized de novo in the nervous system; they mainly moderate neuronal excitability, and reach target cells via the extracellular pathway. The synthesis of neurosteroids occurs in peripheral tissues such as gonads tissues, liver, and skin; then, because of their high lipophilia, they cross the blood-brain barrier and are stored in the brain structure. Neurosteroidogenesis occurs in brain regions such as the cortex, hippocampus, and amygdala by enzymes necessary for the in situ synthesis of progesterone from cholesterol. Neurosteroids could be considered the main players in both sexual steroid-induced hippocampal synaptic plasticity and normal transmission in the hippocampus. Moreover, they show a double function of increasing spine density and enhancing long term potentiation, and have been related to the memory-enhancing effects of sexual steroids. Estrogen and progesterone affect neuronal plasticity differently in males and females, especially regarding changes in the structure and function of neurons in different regions of the brain. Estradiol administration in postmenopausal women allowed for improving cognitive performance, and the combination with aerobic motor exercise seems to enhance this effect. The paired association between rehabilitation and neurosteroids treatment could provide a boosting effect in order to promote neuroplasticity and therefore functional recovery in neurological patients. The aim of this review is to investigate the mechanisms of action of neurosteroids as well as their sex-dependent differences in brain function and their role in neuroplasticity and rehabilitation.
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23
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Effects of exogenous oxytocin and estradiol on resting-state functional connectivity in women and men. Sci Rep 2023; 13:3113. [PMID: 36813823 PMCID: PMC9947123 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-29754-y] [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: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Possible interactions of the neuropeptide oxytocin and the sex hormone estradiol may contribute to previously observed sex-specific effects of oxytocin on resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) of the amygdala and hippocampus. Therefore, we used a placebo-controlled, randomized, parallel-group functional magnetic resonance imaging study design and measured amygdala and hippocampus rsFC in healthy men (n = 116) and free-cycling women (n = 111), who received estradiol gel (2 mg) or placebo before the intranasal administration of oxytocin (24 IU) or placebo. Our results reveal significant interaction effects of sex and treatments on rsFC of the amygdala and hippocampus in a seed-to-voxel analysis. In men, both oxytocin and estradiol significantly decreased rsFC between the left amygdala and the right and left lingual gyrus, the right calcarine fissure, and the right superior parietal gyrus compared to placebo, while the combined treatment produced a significant increase in rsFC. In women, the single treatments significantly increased the rsFC between the right hippocampus and the left anterior cingulate gyrus, whereas the combined treatment had the opposite effect. Collectively, our study indicates that exogenous oxytocin and estradiol have different region-specific effects on rsFC in women and men and that the combined treatment may produce antagonistic effects.
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24
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Coenjaerts M, Trimborn I, Adrovic B, Stoffel-Wagner B, Cahill L, Philipsen A, Hurlemann R, Scheele D. Exogenous estradiol and oxytocin modulate sex differences in hippocampal reactivity during the encoding of episodic memories. Neuroimage 2022; 264:119689. [PMID: 36349596 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2022.119689] [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: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Considerable evidence supports sex differences in episodic memory. The hormones estradiol and oxytocin both affect episodic memory and may contribute to these sex differences, but possible underlying hormonal interactions have not been tested in a sample involving both sexes. To this end, we conducted a randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study including healthy free-cycling women (n = 111) and men (n = 115). The fMRI session was conducted under four experimental conditions: 1. transdermal estradiol (2 mg) and intranasal oxytocin (24 IU), 2. transdermal placebo and intranasal oxytocin, 3. transdermal estradiol and intranasal placebo, 4. transdermal placebo and intranasal placebo. Participants were scanned during the encoding of positive, neutral, and negative scenes. Recognition memory was tested three days following the scanning sessions without additional treatments. Under placebo, women showed a significantly better recognition memory and increased hippocampal responses to subsequently remembered items independent of the emotional valence compared to men. The separate treatments with either hormone significantly diminished this mnemonic sex difference and reversed the hippocampal activation pattern. However, the combined treatments produced no significant effect. Collectively, the results suggest that both hormones play a crucial role in modulating sex differences in episodic memory. Furthermore, possible antagonistic interactions between estradiol and oxytocin could explain previously observed opposing hormonal effects in women and men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Coenjaerts
- Division of Medical Psychology, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn 53105, Germany.
| | - Isabelle Trimborn
- Division of Medical Psychology, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn 53105, Germany
| | - Berina Adrovic
- Division of Medical Psychology, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn 53105, Germany
| | - Birgit Stoffel-Wagner
- Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Bonn, Bonn 53105, Germany
| | - Larry Cahill
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-3800, United States
| | - Alexandra Philipsen
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn 53105, Germany
| | - René Hurlemann
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg 26129, Germany; Research Center Neurosensory Science, University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg 26129, Germany
| | - Dirk Scheele
- Department of Social Neuroscience, Faculty of Psychology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum 44780, Germany.
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25
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Zorzo C, Arias JL, Méndez M. The removal and addition of cues does not impair spatial retrieval and leads to a different metabolic activity of the limbic network in female rats. Brain Res Bull 2022; 190:22-31. [PMID: 36126874 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2022.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 08/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
The retrieval of spatial memories does not always occur in an environment with the same stimuli configuration where the memory was first formed. However, re-exposure to a partial portion of the previously encountered cues can elicit memory successfully. Navigation with contextual changes has received little attention, especially in females. Thus, we aimed to assess memory retrieval using the Morris Water Maze spatial reference protocol in female adult Wistar rats. Rats were trained with five allocentric cues, and retrieval was explored one week later either with the same cues, or with four removed, or with three added cues. We studied the underlying brain oxidative metabolism of the hippocampus, prefrontal, parietal, retrosplenial, entorhinal, and perirhinal cortices through cytochrome c oxidase (CCO) histochemistry. Neither cue removal nor cue addition impaired retrieval performance. Retrieval with a degraded subset of cues led to increased prefrontal, hippocampal, retrosplenial, parietal, and perirhinal CCO activity. Retrieval with extra cues led to an enhancement of CCO activity in the hippocampus and retrosplenial cortex. Different patterns of network intercorrelations were found. The cue-removal group presented a closed reciprocal network, while the group with extra cues had separate parallel networks. Both groups showed a simpler network than the group with no cue modifications. Future research is needed to delve into behavioral and brain-related functions of spatial memory processes under modified environmental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Candela Zorzo
- Department of Psychology, University of Oviedo, Plaza Feijoo, s/n, E-33003 Oviedo, Spain; Instituto de Neurociencias del Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), E-33003 Oviedo, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), 33006 Oviedo, Spain.
| | - Jorge L Arias
- Department of Psychology, University of Oviedo, Plaza Feijoo, s/n, E-33003 Oviedo, Spain; Instituto de Neurociencias del Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), E-33003 Oviedo, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), 33006 Oviedo, Spain.
| | - Marta Méndez
- Department of Psychology, University of Oviedo, Plaza Feijoo, s/n, E-33003 Oviedo, Spain; Instituto de Neurociencias del Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), E-33003 Oviedo, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), 33006 Oviedo, Spain.
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26
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Bowman R, Frankfurt M, Luine V. Sex differences in cognition following variations in endocrine status. Learn Mem 2022; 29:234-245. [PMID: 36206395 PMCID: PMC9488023 DOI: 10.1101/lm.053509.121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Spatial memory, mediated primarily by the hippocampus, is responsible for orientation in space and retrieval of information regarding location of objects and places in an animal's environment. Since the hippocampus is dense with steroid hormone receptors and is capable of robust neuroplasticity, it is not surprising that changes in spatial memory performance occur following a variety of endocrine alterations. Here, we review cognitive changes in both spatial and nonspatial memory tasks following manipulations of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal and gonadal axes and after exposure to endocrine disruptors in rodents. Chronic stress impairs male performance on numerous behavioral cognitive tasks and enhances or does not impact female cognitive function. Sex-dependent changes in cognition following stress are influenced by both organizational and activational effects of estrogen and vary depending on the developmental age of the stress exposure, but responses to gonadal hormones in adulthood are more similar than different in the sexes. Also discussed are possible underlying neural mechanisms for these steroid hormone-dependent, cognitive effects. Bisphenol A (BPA), an endocrine disruptor, given at low levels during adolescent development, impairs spatial memory in adolescent male and female rats and object recognition memory in adulthood. BPA's negative effects on memory may be mediated through alterations in dendritic spine density in areas that mediate these cognitive tasks. In summary, this review discusses the evidence that endocrine status of an animal (presence or absence of stress hormones, gonadal hormones, or endocrine disruptors) impacts cognitive function and, at times, in a sex-specific manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Bowman
- Department of Psychology, Sacred Heart University, Fairfield, Connecticut 06825, USA
| | - Maya Frankfurt
- Department of Psychology, Sacred Heart University, Fairfield, Connecticut 06825, USA
- Hofstra Northwell School of Nursing and Physician Assistant Studies, Hofstra University, Hempstead, New York 11549, USA
| | - Victoria Luine
- Department of Psychology, Hunter College of City University of New York, New York, New York 10065, USA
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27
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Saleki K, Banazadeh M, Saghazadeh A, Rezaei N. Aging, testosterone, and neuroplasticity: friend or foe? Rev Neurosci 2022; 34:247-273. [PMID: 36017670 DOI: 10.1515/revneuro-2022-0033] [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: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Neuroplasticity or neural plasticity implicates the adaptive potential of the brain in response to extrinsic and intrinsic stimuli. The concept has been utilized in different contexts such as injury and neurological disease. Neuroplasticity mechanisms have been classified into neuroregenerative and function-restoring processes. In the context of injury, neuroplasticity has been defined in three post-injury epochs. Testosterone plays a key yet double-edged role in the regulation of several neuroplasticity alterations. Research has shown that testosterone levels are affected by numerous factors such as age, stress, surgical procedures on gonads, and pharmacological treatments. There is an ongoing debate for testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) in aging men; however, TRT is more useful in young individuals with testosterone deficit and more specific subgroups with cognitive dysfunction. Therefore, it is important to pay early attention to testosterone profile and precisely uncover its harms and benefits. In the present review, we discuss the influence of environmental factors, aging, and gender on testosterone-associated alterations in neuroplasticity, as well as the two-sided actions of testosterone in the nervous system. Finally, we provide practical insights for further study of pharmacological treatments for hormonal disorders focusing on restoring neuroplasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiarash Saleki
- Student Research Committee, Babol University of Medical Sciences, 47176 47745 Babol, Iran.,USERN Office, Babol University of Medical Sciences, 47176 47745 Babol, Iran.,Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Expert Group (SRMEG), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), 14197 33151 Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Banazadeh
- Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Expert Group (SRMEG), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), 14197 33151 Tehran, Iran.,Pharmaceutical Sciences and Cosmetic Products Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, 76169 13555 Kerman, Iran
| | - Amene Saghazadeh
- Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Expert Group (SRMEG), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), 14197 33151 Tehran, Iran.,Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, 14197 33151 Tehran, Iran
| | - Nima Rezaei
- Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, 14197 33151 Tehran, Iran.,Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, 14176 13151 Tehran, Iran.,Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), 14197 33151 Tehran, Iran
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28
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Boi L, Petralla S, Monti B, Talani G, Sanna E, Pisu MG, Calderisi G, Maciocco E, Serra M, Concas A, Porcu P. Chronic treatment with hormonal contraceptives alters hippocampal BDNF and histone H3 post-translational modifications but not learning and memory in female rats. Horm Behav 2022; 144:105218. [PMID: 35785712 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2022.105218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Hormonal contraceptives prevent ovulation with subsequent reduction in endogenous levels of estradiol, progesterone and its neuroactive metabolite allopregnanolone. These neurosteroids modulate several brain functions, including neuronal plasticity, cognition and memory. We hypothesized that hormonal contraceptives might affect synaptic plasticity, learning and memory, as a consequence of suppressed endogenous hormones levels. Female rats were orally treated with a combination of ethinyl estradiol (EE, 0.020 mg) and levonorgestrel (LNG, 0.060 mg) once daily for four weeks. Decreased hippocampal brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels and altered histone H3 post-translational modifications (PTMs) were observed 14 days after discontinuation from chronic EE-LNG treatment. These effects were not accompanied by alterations in long-term plasticity at glutamatergic synapses, recognition memory in the novel object and novel place location tests, or spatial learning, memory, and behavioral flexibility in the Morris water maze test. Thus, decreased BDNF content does not affect synaptic plasticity and cognitive performance; rather it might be relevant for the occurrence of certain psychiatric symptoms, reported by some women using hormonal contraceptives. These results provide the first evidence of hippocampal epigenetic changes induced by hormonal contraceptives and complement previous studies on the neurobiological actions of hormonal contraceptives; the finding that effects of chronic EE-LNG treatment on BDNF content and histone PTMs are observed 14 days after drug discontinuation warrants further investigation to better understand the implications of such long-term consequences for women's health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Boi
- Department of Life and Environment Sciences, Section of Neuroscience and Anthropology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Sabrina Petralla
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Barbara Monti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Talani
- Neuroscience Institute, CNR - National Research Council of Italy, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Enrico Sanna
- Department of Life and Environment Sciences, Section of Neuroscience and Anthropology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy; Neuroscience Institute, CNR - National Research Council of Italy, Cagliari, Italy
| | | | - Giulia Calderisi
- Department of Life and Environment Sciences, Section of Neuroscience and Anthropology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Maciocco
- Neuroscience Institute, CNR - National Research Council of Italy, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Mariangela Serra
- Department of Life and Environment Sciences, Section of Neuroscience and Anthropology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Alessandra Concas
- Department of Life and Environment Sciences, Section of Neuroscience and Anthropology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Patrizia Porcu
- Neuroscience Institute, CNR - National Research Council of Italy, Cagliari, Italy.
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29
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Lee CW, Hsu LF, Wu IL, Wang YL, Chen WC, Liu YJ, Yang LT, Tan CL, Luo YH, Wang CC, Chiu HW, Yang TCK, Lin YY, Chang HA, Chiang YC, Chen CH, Lee MH, Peng KT, Huang CCY. Exposure to polystyrene microplastics impairs hippocampus-dependent learning and memory in mice. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 430:128431. [PMID: 35150991 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.128431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) pollution has become a serious environmental issue worldwide, but its potential effects on health remain unknown. The administration of polystyrene MPs (PS-MPs) to mice for eight weeks impaired learning and memory behavior. PS-MPs were detected in the brain especially in the hippocampus of these mice. Concurrently, the hippocampus had decreased levels of immediate-early genes, aberrantly enhanced synaptic glutamate AMPA receptors, and elevated neuroinflammation, all of which are critical for synaptic plasticity and memory. Interestingly, ablation of the vagus nerve, a modulator of the gut-brain axis, improved the memory function of PS-MPs mice. These results indicate that exposure to PS-MPs in mice alters the expression of neuronal activity-dependent genes and synaptic proteins, and increases neuroinflammation in the hippocampus, subsequently causing behavioral changes through the vagus nerve-dependent pathway. Our findings shed light on the adverse impacts of PS-MPs on the brain and hippocampal learning and memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiang-Wen Lee
- Department of Nursing, Division of Basic Medical Sciences, and Chronic Diseases and Health Promotion Research Center, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Puzi City, Chiayi County 61363, Taiwan; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Puzi City, Chiayi County 61363, Taiwan; Department of Safety Health and Environmental Engineering, Ming Chi University of Technology, New Taipei City 243303, Taiwan
| | - Lee-Fen Hsu
- Department of Respiratory Care, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Puzi City, Chiayi County 613, Taiwan; Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Puzi City, Chiayi County 613, Taiwan
| | - I-Lin Wu
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Taoyuan Armed Forces General Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Yung-Li Wang
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Chen Chen
- Department of Life Sciences, National Central University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Yan-Jun Liu
- Department of Life Sciences, National Central University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Lu-Tang Yang
- Department of Life Sciences, National Central University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chong-Lun Tan
- Department of Life Sciences, National Central University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Yueh-Hsia Luo
- Department of Life Sciences, National Central University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | | | - Hui-Wen Chiu
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan; Department of Medical Research, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City 235, Taiwan
| | - Thomas Chung-Kuang Yang
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, National Taipei University of Technology, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Yue Lin
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Taoyuan Armed Forces General Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Department of Life Sciences, National Central University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-An Chang
- Department of Psychiatry, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yao-Chang Chiang
- Department of Nursing, Division of Basic Medical Sciences, and Chronic Diseases and Health Promotion Research Center, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Puzi City, Chiayi County 61363, Taiwan
| | | | - Ming-Hsueh Lee
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Puzi City, Chiayi County 613, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-Ti Peng
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Puzi City, Chiayi County 61363, Taiwan; College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Guishan Dist., Taoyuan City 33303, Taiwan
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30
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Neurogenesis mediated plasticity is associated with reduced neuronal activity in CA1 during context fear memory retrieval. Sci Rep 2022; 12:7016. [PMID: 35488117 PMCID: PMC9054819 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-10947-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Postnatal hippocampal neurogenesis has been demonstrated to affect learning and memory in numerous ways. Several studies have now demonstrated that increased neurogenesis can induce forgetting of memories acquired prior to the manipulation of neurogenesis and, as a result of this forgetting can also facilitate new learning. However, the mechanisms mediating neurogenesis-induced forgetting are not well understood. Here, we used a subregion-based analysis of the immediate early gene c-Fos as well as in vivo fiber photometry to determine changes in activity corresponding with neurogenesis induced forgetting. We found that increasing neurogenesis led to reduced CA1 activity during context memory retrieval. We also demonstrate here that perineuronal net expression in areas CA1 is bidirectionally altered by the levels or activity of postnatally generated neurons in the dentate gyrus. These results suggest that neurogenesis may induce forgetting by disrupting perineuronal nets in CA1 which may otherwise protect memories from degradation.
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31
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Mastrodonato A, Pavlova I, Kee NC, Pham VA, McGowan JC, Mann JJ, Denny CA. Prophylactic (R,S)-Ketamine Is Effective Against Stress-Induced Behaviors in Adolescent but Not Aged Mice. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2022; 25:512-523. [PMID: 35229871 PMCID: PMC9211010 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyac020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND (R,S)-ketamine, an N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist, is frequently used as an anesthetic and as a rapid-acting antidepressant. We and others have reported that (R,S)-ketamine is prophylactic against stress in adult mice but have yet to test its efficacy in adolescent or aged populations. METHODS Here, we administered saline or (R,S)-ketamine as a prophylactic at varying doses to adolescent (5-week-old) and aged (24-month-old) 129S6/SvEv mice of both sexes 1 week before a 3-shock contextual fear-conditioning (CFC) stressor. Following CFC, we assessed behavioral despair, avoidance, perseverative behavior, locomotion, and contextual fear discrimination. To assess whether the prophylactic effect could persist into adulthood, adolescent mice were injected with saline or varying doses of (R,S)-ketamine and administered a 3-shock CFC as a stressor 1 month later. Mice were then re-exposed to the aversive context 5 days later and administered behavioral tests as aforementioned. Brains were also processed to quantify Cyclooxygenase 2 expression as a proxy for inflammation to determine whether the prophylactic effects of (R,S)-ketamine were partially due to changes in brain inflammation. RESULTS Our data indicate that (R,S)-ketamine is prophylactic at sex-specific doses in adolescent but not aged mice. (R,S)-ketamine attenuated learned fear and perseverative behavior in females, reduced behavioral despair in males, and facilitated contextual fear discrimination in both sexes. (R,S)-ketamine reduced Cyclooxygenase 2 expression specifically in ventral Cornu Ammonis region 3 of male mice. CONCLUSIONS These findings demonstrate that prophylactic (R,S)-ketamine efficacy is sex, dose, and age dependent and will inform future studies investigating (R,S)-ketamine efficacy across the lifespan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Mastrodonato
- Alessia Mastrodonato, PhD, Columbia University Irving Medical Center (CUIMC), New York State Psychiatric Institute Kolb Research Annex, Room 774, 1051 Riverside Drive, Unit 87, New York, NY 10032 ()
| | - Ina Pavlova
- Division of Systems Neuroscience, Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, Inc./New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York,USA,Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York,USA
| | | | - Van Anh Pham
- Division of Systems Neuroscience, Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, Inc./New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York,USA
| | - Josephine C McGowan
- Neurobiology and Behavior Graduate Program, Columbia University, New York, New York,USA
| | - J John Mann
- Molecular Imaging and the Neuropathology Division/Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York,USA
| | - Christine A Denny
- Correspondence: Christine Ann Denny, PhD, Columbia University Irving Medical Center (CUIMC), New York State Psychiatric Institute Kolb Research Annex, Room 777, 1051 Riverside Drive, Unit 87, New York, NY 10032 ()
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Saland SK, Wilczak K, Voss E, Lam TT, Kabbaj M. Sex- and estrous-cycle dependent dorsal hippocampal phosphoproteomic changes induced by low-dose ketamine. Sci Rep 2022; 12:1820. [PMID: 35110693 PMCID: PMC8810966 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-05937-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Numerous emotional and cognitive processes mediated by the hippocampus present differences between sexes and can be markedly influenced by hormonal status in males and females of several species. In rodents, the dorsal hippocampus (dHPC) is known to contribute to the rapid antidepressant actions of the NMDA receptor antagonist ketamine. We and others have demonstrated a greater sensitivity to the fast-acting antidepressant ketamine in female versus male rats that is estrogen- and progesterone-dependent. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Using an acute low dose (2.5 mg/kg) of ketamine that is behaviorally effective in female but not male rats, a label-free phosphoproteomics approach was employed to identify ketamine-induced changes in signaling pathway activation and phosphoprotein abundance within the dHPC of intact adult male rats and female rats in either diestrus or proestrus. At baseline, males and females showed striking dissimilarities in the dHPC proteome and phosphoproteome related to synaptic signaling and mitochondrial function-differences also strongly influenced by cycle stage in female rats. Notably, phosphoproteins enriched in PKA signaling emerged as being both significantly sex-dependent at baseline and also the primary target of ketamine-induced protein phosphorylation selectively in female rats, regardless of cycle stage. Reduced phosphoprotein abundance within this pathway was observed in males, suggesting bi-directional effects of low-dose ketamine between sexes. These findings present biological sex and hormonal milieu as critical modulators of ketamine's rapid actions within this brain region and provide greater insight into potential translational and post-translational processes underlying sex- and hormone-dependent modulation of ketamine's therapeutic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha K Saland
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Florida State University, 1115 W Call Street, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA.
- Program in Neuroscience, College of Medicine, Florida State University, 1115 W Call Street, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA.
| | - Kathrin Wilczak
- Keck MD & Proteomics Resource, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Edward Voss
- Keck MD & Proteomics Resource, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - TuKiet T Lam
- Keck MD & Proteomics Resource, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Mohamed Kabbaj
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Florida State University, 1115 W Call Street, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA.
- Program in Neuroscience, College of Medicine, Florida State University, 1115 W Call Street, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA.
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The influence of estradiol and progesterone on neurocognition during three phases of the menstrual cycle: Modulating factors. Behav Brain Res 2022; 417:113593. [PMID: 34560130 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2021.113593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Estradiol is an ovarian steroid hormone that peaks shortly before ovulation and significantly affects various brain regions and neurotransmitter systems, with similar and differential effects with progesterone, another ovarian hormone. Studies investigating the neurocognitive processes during the menstrual cycle have focused on the early follicular phase (EFP) characterized by low estradiol and progesterone levels and the mid-luteal phase (MLP) with high estradiol and progesterone levels. However, most studies have failed to include the ovulatory phase, characterized by high estradiol and low progesterone levels. Given the various hormonal changes in the menstrual cycle, we revisited studies suggesting that the menstrual cycle did not affect verbal and spatial abilities and observed that many contain mixed results. Comparing these studies makes it possible to identify relevant modulating factors, such as sample size, participant age, accurate selection of days for testing, asymmetrical practice effects, genetic polymorphisms, and task difficulty. More robust findings are related to improved mental rotation capacity during EFP with challenging tasks and differences in brain activation among menstrual cycle phases during the execution of spatial and verbal tasks. During MLP, less robust findings were observed, possibly modulated by the complex effects of the two hormones on the brain. In conclusion, we propose that it is crucial to include all three menstrual cycle phases and consider these modulating factors to avoid confounding findings.
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Della Torre S, Vegeto E, Ciana P. The Use of ERE-Luc Reporter Mice to Monitor Estrogen Receptor Transcriptional Activity in a Spatio-Temporal Dimension. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2418:153-172. [PMID: 35119665 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1920-9_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
In spite of the fact that women spend 1/3 of their lives in postmenopause, the search for appropriate therapies able to counteract the derangements associated with the menopause still represents a sort of sought after the "Holy Grail."Nowadays, the combination of estrogens and selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), a class of compounds with a mixed agonist/antagonistic activity on the estrogen receptor (ER) in various tissues, represents the most promising approach to improve postmenopausal women's health, by preserving the benefits while avoiding the side effects of estrogen-based therapy.Given their complex mechanisms of action, the evaluation of SERM activity in combination with conjugated estrogens (CE) requires a multifactorial analysis that takes into account the multifaceted and dynamic effects of these compounds in target tissues, even in relation to the physiological/pathological status.To accomplish such a goal, we took advantage of the ERE-Luc model, a reporter mouse that allows the monitoring of ER transcriptional activity in a spatio-temporal dimension. Cluster analyses performed on in vivo/ex vivo bioluminescence (BLI) data and ex vivo luciferase activity enabled to sustain the combination of CE plus bazedoxifene (TSEC, tissue-selective estrogen complex) as a valuable option for the pharmacological treatment of the postmenopause.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Della Torre
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
| | - Elisabetta Vegeto
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Ciana
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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Hodges TE, Puri TA, Blankers SA, Qiu W, Galea LAM. Steroid hormones and hippocampal neurogenesis in the adult mammalian brain. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2021; 118:129-170. [PMID: 35180925 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2021.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Hippocampal neurogenesis persists across the lifespan in many species, including rodents and humans, and is associated with cognitive performance and the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disease and psychiatric disorders. Neurogenesis is modulated by steroid hormones that change across development and differ between the sexes in rodents and humans. Here, we discuss the effects of stress and glucocorticoid exposure from gestation to adulthood as well as the effects of androgens and estrogens in adulthood on neurogenesis in the hippocampus. Throughout the review we highlight sex differences in the effects of steroid hormones on neurogenesis and how they may relate to hippocampal function and disease. These data highlight the importance of examining age and sex when evaluating the effects of steroid hormones on hippocampal neurogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Travis E Hodges
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Tanvi A Puri
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Samantha A Blankers
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Wansu Qiu
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Liisa A M Galea
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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Zhvania MG, Japaridze N, Tizabi Y, Lomidze N, Pochkhidze N, Lordkipanidze T. Age-related cognitive decline in rats is sex and context dependent. Neurosci Lett 2021; 765:136262. [PMID: 34560192 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2021.136262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Previously, we had observed age-related cognitive decline in male rats compared to adolescent and adult rats. This was shown in both a multi-branched maze test (MBM), as well as in the Morris water maze test (MWM). In the present study, we compared the behavior of similar age groups in both male and female rats using the same paradigms. The results confirmed the increase in errors and time spent in MBM in aged male rats compared to other age groups. However, no such differences were observed in female rats. In the acquisition phase of MWM, aged male rats did not differ significantly from the other two groups in terms of time spent in quadrants, whereas aged female rats spent significantly more time in quadrants compared to the other 2 age groups. Aged male rats also travelled significantly more than the other 2 age groups during the acquisition phase, whereas no such differences were observed in female rats. In both short term (30 min post acquisition) and long term (24 h after acquisition) retrieval phases of MWM, significant gender-related differences were also observed in all age groups. These findings suggest gender- and context-dependent alterations in cognitive functions during aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mzia G Zhvania
- School of Natural Sciences and Medicine, Ilia State University, 3/5 K/Cholokashvili Avenue, 0162 Tbilisi, Georgia; Department of Neuron Ultrastructure and Nanoarchitecture, Ivane Beritashvili Center of Experimental Biomedicine, 14 Gotua Street, 9160 Tbilisi, Georgia.
| | - Nadezhda Japaridze
- Department of Neuron Ultrastructure and Nanoarchitecture, Ivane Beritashvili Center of Experimental Biomedicine, 14 Gotua Street, 9160 Tbilisi, Georgia; School of Medicine, New Vision University, 1A Evgeni Mikeladze Street, 0159 Tbilisi, Georgia
| | - Yousef Tizabi
- Department of Pharmacology, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Nino Lomidze
- School of Natural Sciences and Medicine, Ilia State University, 3/5 K/Cholokashvili Avenue, 0162 Tbilisi, Georgia
| | - Nino Pochkhidze
- School of Natural Sciences and Medicine, Ilia State University, 3/5 K/Cholokashvili Avenue, 0162 Tbilisi, Georgia; Department of Neuron Ultrastructure and Nanoarchitecture, Ivane Beritashvili Center of Experimental Biomedicine, 14 Gotua Street, 9160 Tbilisi, Georgia
| | - Tamar Lordkipanidze
- School of Natural Sciences and Medicine, Ilia State University, 3/5 K/Cholokashvili Avenue, 0162 Tbilisi, Georgia; Department of Neuron Ultrastructure and Nanoarchitecture, Ivane Beritashvili Center of Experimental Biomedicine, 14 Gotua Street, 9160 Tbilisi, Georgia
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Rats bred for low intrinsic aerobic exercise capacity link obesity with brain inflammation and reduced structural plasticity of the hippocampus. Brain Behav Immun 2021; 97:250-259. [PMID: 34224822 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2021.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increasing evidence shows obesity and poor metabolic health are associated with cognitive deficits, but the mechanistic connections have yet to be resolved. We studied rats selectively bred for low and high intrinsic aerobic capacity in order to test the association between low physical fitness, a genetic predisposition for obesity, and brain health. We hypothesized that low-capacity runner (LCR) rats with concurrently greater levels of adiposity would have increased hippocampal inflammation and reduced plasticity compared to the more physically fit high-capacity runner (HCR) rats. METHODS We examined markers for inflammation and brain plasticity in the hippocampi of LCR rats and compared them to HCR rats. The effect of age was determined by studying the rats at a young age (8 weeks) and later in life (40 weeks). We used western blots and immunohistochemistry to quantify the expression of target proteins. RESULTS Our study showed that the number of adult-born new neurons in the hippocampus was significantly lower in LCR rats than it was in HCR rats already at a young age and that the difference became more pronounced with age. The expression of synaptic proteins was higher in young animals relative to older ones. Brain inflammation tended to be higher in LCR rats than it was in the HCR rats, and more prominent in older rats than in young ones. CONCLUSION Our study is the first to demonstrate that low intrinsic aerobic fitness that is associated with obesity and poor metabolic health is also linked with reduced hippocampal structural plasticity at a young age. Our results also suggest that inflammation of the brain could be one factor mediating the link between obesity and poor cognitive performance.
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Wan L, Huang RJ, Luo ZH, Gong JE, Pan A, Manavis J, Yan XX, Xiao B. Reproduction-Associated Hormones and Adult Hippocampal Neurogenesis. Neural Plast 2021; 2021:3651735. [PMID: 34539776 PMCID: PMC8448607 DOI: 10.1155/2021/3651735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The levels of reproduction-associated hormones in females, such as estrogen, progesterone, prolactin, and oxytocin, change dramatically during pregnancy and postpartum. Reproduction-associated hormones can affect adult hippocampal neurogenesis (AHN), thereby regulating mothers' behavior after delivery. In this review, we first briefly introduce the overall functional significance of AHN and the methods commonly used to explore this front. Then, we attempt to reconcile the changes of reproduction-associated hormones during pregnancy. We further update the findings on how reproduction-related hormones influence adult hippocampal neurogenesis. This review is aimed at emphasizing a potential role of AHN in reproduction-related brain plasticity and its neurobiological relevance to motherhood behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lily Wan
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Rou-Jie Huang
- Medical Doctor Program, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhao-Hui Luo
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Jiao-e Gong
- Department of Neurology, Hunan Children's Hospital, Changsha 410007, China
| | - Aihua Pan
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Central South University Xiangya School of Medicine, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Jim Manavis
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia 5000
| | - Xiao-Xin Yan
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Central South University Xiangya School of Medicine, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Bo Xiao
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
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Carrano A, Juarez JJ, Incontri D, Ibarra A, Cazares HG. Sex-Specific Differences in Glioblastoma. Cells 2021; 10:cells10071783. [PMID: 34359952 PMCID: PMC8303471 DOI: 10.3390/cells10071783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex differences have been well identified in many brain tumors. Even though glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common primary malignant brain tumor in adults and has the worst outcome, well-established differences between men and women are limited to incidence and outcome. Little is known about sex differences in GBM at the disease phenotype and genetical/molecular level. This review focuses on a deep understanding of the pathophysiology of GBM, including hormones, metabolic pathways, the immune system, and molecular changes, along with differences between men and women and how these dimorphisms affect disease outcome. The information analyzed in this review shows a greater incidence and worse outcome in male patients with GBM compared with female patients. We highlight the protective role of estrogen and the upregulation of androgen receptors and testosterone having detrimental effects on GBM. Moreover, hormones and the immune system work in synergy to directly affect the GBM microenvironment. Genetic and molecular differences have also recently been identified. Specific genes and molecular pathways, either upregulated or downregulated depending on sex, could potentially directly dictate GBM outcome differences. It appears that sexual dimorphism in GBM affects patient outcome and requires an individualized approach to management considering the sex of the patient, especially in relation to differences at the molecular level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Carrano
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA;
| | - Juan Jose Juarez
- Centro de Investigación en Ciencias de la Salud (CICSA), FCS, Universidad Anáhuac México Campus Norte, Huixquilucan 52786, Edo. de México, Mexico; (J.J.J.); (D.I.); (A.I.)
| | - Diego Incontri
- Centro de Investigación en Ciencias de la Salud (CICSA), FCS, Universidad Anáhuac México Campus Norte, Huixquilucan 52786, Edo. de México, Mexico; (J.J.J.); (D.I.); (A.I.)
| | - Antonio Ibarra
- Centro de Investigación en Ciencias de la Salud (CICSA), FCS, Universidad Anáhuac México Campus Norte, Huixquilucan 52786, Edo. de México, Mexico; (J.J.J.); (D.I.); (A.I.)
| | - Hugo Guerrero Cazares
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA;
- Correspondence:
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Pillerová M, Borbélyová V, Hodosy J, Riljak V, Renczés E, Frick KM, Tóthová Ľ. On the role of sex steroids in biological functions by classical and non-classical pathways. An update. Front Neuroendocrinol 2021; 62:100926. [PMID: 34089761 PMCID: PMC8523217 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2021.100926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 05/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
The sex steroid hormones (SSHs) play several roles in regulation of various processes in the cardiovascular, immune, muscular and neural systems. SSHs affect prenatal and postnatal development of various brain structures, including regions associated with important physiological, behavioral, cognitive, and emotional functions. This action can be mediated by either intracellular or transmembrane receptors. While the classical mechanisms of SSHs action are relatively well examined, the physiological importance of non-classical mechanism of SSHs action through membrane-associated and transmembrane receptors in the brain remains unclear. The most recent summary describing the role of SSHs in different body systems is lacking. Therefore, the aim of this review is to discuss classical and non-classical signaling pathways of testosterone and estradiol action via their receptors at functional, cellular, tissue level and to describe the effects on various body systems and behavior. Particular emphasis will be on brain regions including the hippocampus, hypothalamus, frontal cortex and cerebellum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Pillerová
- Institute of Molecular Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Veronika Borbélyová
- Institute of Molecular Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Július Hodosy
- Institute of Molecular Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Vladimír Riljak
- Institute of Physiology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Emese Renczés
- Institute of Molecular Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Karyn M Frick
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Ľubomíra Tóthová
- Institute of Molecular Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia.
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Abotalebi H, Ebrahimi B, Shahriyari R, Shafieian R. Sex steroids-induced neurogenesis in adult brain: a better look at mechanisms and mediators. Horm Mol Biol Clin Investig 2021; 42:209-221. [PMID: 34058796 DOI: 10.1515/hmbci-2020-0036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Adult neurogenesis is the production of new nerve cells in the adult brain. Neurogenesis is a clear example of the neuroplasticity phenomenon which can be observed in most of mammalian species, including human beings. This phenomenon occurs, at least, in two regions of the brain: the subgranular zone of the dentate gyrus in hippocampus and the ventricular zone of lateral ventricles. Numerous studies have investigated the relationship between sex steroid hormones and neurogenesis of adult brain; of which, mostly concentrated on the role of estradiol. It has been shown that estrogen plays a significant role in this process through both classic and non-classic mechanisms, including a variety of different growth factors. Therefore, the objective of this review is to investigate the role of female sex steroids with an emphasis on estradiol and also its potential implications for regulating the neurogenesis in the adult brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamideh Abotalebi
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Babak Ebrahimi
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Raziyeh Shahriyari
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Reyhaneh Shafieian
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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Mouihate A, Kalakh S. Maternal Interleukin-6 Hampers Hippocampal Neurogenesis in Adult Rat Offspring in a Sex-Dependent Manner. Dev Neurosci 2021; 43:106-115. [PMID: 34023825 DOI: 10.1159/000516370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Maternal immune activation (MIA) during pregnancy leads to long-lasting effects on brain development and function. Several lines of evidence suggest that the maternal inflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-6 plays a crucial role in the long-lasting effects of MIA on adult offspring. IL-6 is naturally produced during pregnancy in the absence of any underlying immune activation. The objective of this study was to assess whether this naturally occurring IL-6 has long-lasting effects on brain plasticity and function. Therefore, pregnant rats were given either an IL-6-neutralizing antibody (IL-6Ab) or vehicle during the third week of pregnancy. Newly born (doublecortin) and mature neurons (NeuN) were monitored in the hippocampus of adult male and female offspring. Prenatal IL-6Ab led to an enhanced number of newly born and mature neurons in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus of male but not female adult offspring. This enhanced neurogenesis was associated with an increased propensity in memory acquisition in male offspring. Blunting the naturally occurring IL-6 during pregnancy did not have a significant long-lasting impact on astrocyte cell density (GFAP), or on anxiety-like behavior as assessed with elevated plus maze and open field tests. Taken together, these data suggest that maternal IL-6 contributes, at least in part, to the programming of the brain's development in a sex-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdeslam Mouihate
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Safat, Kuwait
| | - Samah Kalakh
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Safat, Kuwait
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Wang Z, Huang K, Yang X, Shen K, Yang L, Ruan R, Shi X, Wang M, Zhu G, Yang M, Zhang C, Lv S, Yang H, Fan X, Liu S. Downregulated GPR30 expression in the epileptogenic foci of female patients with focal cortical dysplasia type IIb and tuberous sclerosis complex is correlated with 18 F-FDG PET-CT values. Brain Pathol 2021; 31:346-364. [PMID: 33314369 PMCID: PMC8018162 DOI: 10.1111/bpa.12925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Focal cortical dysplasia type IIb (FCDIIb) and tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) are typical causes of developmental delay and refractory epilepsy. G‐protein‐coupled receptor 30 (GPR30) is a specific estrogen receptor that is critical in neurodevelopment, neuroinflammation, and neuronal excitability, suggesting that it plays a potential role in the epilepsy of patients with FCDIIb and TSC. Therefore, we investigated the role of GPR30 in patients with FCDIIb and TSC. We found that the expression of GPR30 and its downstream protein kinase A (PKA) pathway were decreased and negatively correlated with seizure frequency in female patients with FCDIIb and TSC, but not in male patients. GPR30 was widely distributed in neurons, astrocytes, and microglia, and its downregulation was especially notable in microglia. The GPR30 agonist G‐1 increased the expression of PKA and p‐PKA in cultured cortical neurons, and the GPR30 antagonist G‐15 exhibited the opposite effects of G‐1. The NF‐κB signaling pathway was also activated in the specimens of female patients with FCDIIb and TSC, and was regulated by G‐1 and G‐15 in cultured cortical neurons. We also found that GPR30 regulated cortical neuronal excitability by altering the frequency of spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents and the expression of NR2A/B. Further, the relationship between GPR30 and glycometabolism was evaluated by analyzing the correlations between GPR30 and 18F‐FDG PET‐CT values (standardized uptake values, SUVs). Positive correlations between GPR30 and SUVs were found in female patients, but not in male patients. Intriguingly, GPR30 expression and SUVs were significantly decreased in the epileptogenic tubers of female TSC patients, and ROC curves indicated that SUVs could predict the localization of epileptogenic tubers. Taken together, our results suggest a potential protective effect of GPR30 in the epileptogenesis of female patients with FCDIIb and TSC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongke Wang
- Epilepsy Research Center of PLA, Department of Neurosurgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Kaixuan Huang
- Epilepsy Research Center of PLA, Department of Neurosurgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaolin Yang
- Epilepsy Research Center of PLA, Department of Neurosurgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Kaifeng Shen
- Epilepsy Research Center of PLA, Department of Neurosurgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Ling Yang
- Department of Developmental Neuropsychology, School of Psychology, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Ruotong Ruan
- Department of Basic Medical College, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Xianjun Shi
- Epilepsy Research Center of PLA, Department of Neurosurgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Miao Wang
- Epilepsy Research Center of PLA, Department of Neurosurgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Gang Zhu
- Epilepsy Research Center of PLA, Department of Neurosurgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Meihua Yang
- Epilepsy Research Center of PLA, Department of Neurosurgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Chunqing Zhang
- Epilepsy Research Center of PLA, Department of Neurosurgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Shengqing Lv
- Epilepsy Research Center of PLA, Department of Neurosurgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Hui Yang
- Epilepsy Research Center of PLA, Department of Neurosurgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaotang Fan
- Department of Developmental Neuropsychology, School of Psychology, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Shiyong Liu
- Epilepsy Research Center of PLA, Department of Neurosurgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
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Luft C, Levices IP, da Costa MS, de Oliveira JR, Donadio MVF. Effects of running before pregnancy on long-term memory and hippocampal alterations induced by prenatal stress. Neurosci Lett 2021; 746:135659. [PMID: 33482306 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2021.135659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Studies have shown that an adverse environment in utero influences fetal growth and development, leading to several neuroendocrine and behavioral changes in adult life. Nevertheless, the mechanisms involved in the long-term benefits of pregestational exercise are still poorly understood. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of physical exercise before the gestational period on memory behavior and gene expression in the hippocampus of adult mice submitted to prenatal stress. Female Balb/c mice were divided into three groups: control (CON), prenatal restraint stress (PNS), and exercise before the gestational period plus PNS (EX + PNS). When adults, male and female offspring were submitted to the object recognition test followed by the hippocampal evaluation of BDNF exons I and IV mRNA expression, as well as hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis related genes. Pregestational exercise did not prevent the decreased recognition index, as well as GR and CRHR1 gene expression observed in PNS males. Conversely, prenatal stress did not influence female memory behavior. Moreover, exercise attenuated the effects of prenatal stress on female BDNF IV gene expression. The results indicate that pregestational exercise was able to prevent the effects of maternal stress on hippocampal BDNF IV gene expression in females, although no effects were seen on the stress-induced memory impairment in males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Luft
- Laboratory of Pediatric Physical Activity, Infant Center, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil; Laboratory of Cellular Biophysics and Inflammation, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Isadora Perez Levices
- Laboratory of Pediatric Physical Activity, Infant Center, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Mariana Severo da Costa
- Laboratory of Pediatric Physical Activity, Infant Center, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Jarbas Rodrigues de Oliveira
- Laboratory of Cellular Biophysics and Inflammation, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Márcio Vinícius Fagundes Donadio
- Laboratory of Pediatric Physical Activity, Infant Center, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil; Laboratory of Cellular Biophysics and Inflammation, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.
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45
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Yaskin VA. Growth of the Hippocampus in Bank Voles (Clethrionomys glareolus, Rodentia) from Different Seasonal Generations. BIOL BULL+ 2021. [DOI: 10.1134/s1062359020080154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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46
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Associations between Alzheimer's disease polygenic risk scores and hippocampal subfield volumes in 17,161 UK Biobank participants. Neurobiol Aging 2020; 98:108-115. [PMID: 33259984 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2020.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Revised: 09/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Hippocampal volume is an important biomarker of Alzheimer's disease (AD), and genetic risk of AD is associated with hippocampal atrophy. However, the hippocampus is not a uniform structure and has a number of subfields, the associations of which with age, sex, and polygenic risk score for AD (PRSAD) have been inadequately investigated. We examined these associations in 17,161 cognitively normal UK Biobank participants (44-80 years). Age was negatively associated with all the hippocampal subfield volumes and females had smaller volumes than men. Higher PRSAD was associated with lower volumes in the bilateral whole hippocampus, hippocampal-amygdala-transition-area, and hippocampal tail; right subiculum; left cornu ammonis 1, cornu ammonis 4, molecular layer, and granule cell layer of dentate gyrus. Older individuals (median age 63 years, n = 8984) showed greater subfield vulnerability to high PRSAD compared to the younger group (n = 8177), but the effect did not differ by sex. The pattern of subfield involvement in relation to the PRSAD in community dwelling healthy individuals sheds additional light on the pathogenesis of AD.
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47
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Zorzo C, Arias JL, Méndez M. Retrieval of allocentric spatial memories is preserved up to thirty days and does not require higher brain metabolic demands. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2020; 175:107312. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2020.107312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Revised: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
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48
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Hernández-Plata I, Rodríguez VM, Tovar-Sánchez E, Carrizalez L, Villalobos P, Mendoza-Trejo MS, Mussali-Galante P. Metal brain bioaccumulation and neurobehavioral effects on the wild rodent Liomys irroratus inhabiting mine tailing areas. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 27:36330-36349. [PMID: 32556984 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-09451-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Ecotoxicological studies are necessary in order to evaluate the effects of environmental exposure of chemicals on wild animals and their ecological consequences. Particularly, neurobehavioral effects of heavy metal elements on wild rodents have been scarcely investigated. In the present study, we analyzed the effect of metal bioaccumulation (Pb, As, Mg, Ni, and Zn) in the brain and in the liver on exploratory activity, learning, memory, and on some dopaminergic markers in the wild rodent Liomys irroratus living inside mine tailings, at Huautla, Morelos, Mexico. We found higher Pb concentration but lower Zn in striatum, nucleus accumbens, midbrain, and hippocampus in exposed animals in comparison to rodents from the reference site. Exposed rodents exhibited anxious behavior evaluated in the open field, while no alterations in learning were found. However, they displayed slight changes in the memory test in comparison to reference group. The neurochemical evaluation showed higher levels of dopamine and 5-hydroxyindolacetic acid in midbrain, while lower levels of metabolites dihydroxyphenyl acetic acid and homovanillic acid in striatum of exposed rodents. In addition, mRNA expression levels of dopaminergic D2 receptors in nucleus accumbens were lower in animals from the mining zone than in animals from the reference zone. This is the first study that shows that chronic environmental exposure to metals results in behavioral and neurochemical alterations in the wild rodent L. irroratus, a fact that may comprise the survival of the individuals resulting in long-term effects at the population level. Finally, we suggest the use of L. irroratus as a sentinel species for environmental biomonitoring of mining sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isela Hernández-Plata
- Laboratorio de Investigaciones Ambientales, Centro de Investigación en Biotecnología, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Av. Universidad 1001, Col. Chamilpa, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
| | - Verónica M Rodríguez
- Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Boulevard Juriquilla 3001, Querétaro, Querétaro, 76230, México
| | - Efraín Tovar-Sánchez
- Centro de Investigación para la Biodiversidad y Conservación, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Av. Universidad 1001, Col. Chamilpa, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
| | - Leticia Carrizalez
- Coordinación para la Innovación y Aplicación de la Ciencia y la Tecnología, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Av. Sierra Leona #550, Col. Lomas 2a Sección, 78210, San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí, México
| | - Patricia Villalobos
- Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Boulevard Juriquilla 3001, Querétaro, Querétaro, 76230, México
| | - María Soledad Mendoza-Trejo
- Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Boulevard Juriquilla 3001, Querétaro, Querétaro, 76230, México
| | - Patricia Mussali-Galante
- Laboratorio de Investigaciones Ambientales, Centro de Investigación en Biotecnología, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Av. Universidad 1001, Col. Chamilpa, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México.
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49
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Novick AM, Scott AT, Neill Epperson C, Schneck CD. Neuropsychiatric effects of tamoxifen: Challenges and opportunities. Front Neuroendocrinol 2020; 59:100869. [PMID: 32822707 PMCID: PMC7669724 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2020.100869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Revised: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 08/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Epidemiological, clinical, and basic research over the past thirty years have described the benefits of estrogen on cognition, mood, and brain health. Less is known about tamoxifen, a selective estrogen receptor modifier (SERM) commonly used in breast cancer which is able to cross the blood-brain barrier. In this article, we review the basic pharmacology of tamoxifenas well as its effects on cognition and mood. The literature reveals an overall impairing effect of tamoxifen on cognition in breast cancer patients, hinting at central antiestrogen activity. On the other hand, tamoxifen demonstrates promising effects in psychiatric disorders, like bipolar disorder, where its therapeutic action may be independent of interaction with estrogen receptors. Understanding the neuropsychiatric properties of SERMs like tamoxifen can guide future research to ameliorate unwanted side-effects and provide novel options for difficult to treat disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew M Novick
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado School of Medicine, 13001 E 17th Place, Campus Box F546, Aurora, CO 80045, United States.
| | - Anthony T Scott
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado School of Medicine, 13001 E 17th Place, Campus Box F546, Aurora, CO 80045, United States
| | - C Neill Epperson
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado School of Medicine, 13001 E 17th Place, Campus Box F546, Aurora, CO 80045, United States
| | - Christopher D Schneck
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado School of Medicine, 13001 E 17th Place, Campus Box F546, Aurora, CO 80045, United States
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50
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Cabrera Y, Holloway J, Poe GR. Sleep Changes Across the Female Hormonal Cycle Affecting Memory: Implications for Resilient Adaptation to Traumatic Experiences. J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2020; 29:446-451. [PMID: 32186966 DOI: 10.1089/jwh.2020.8332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
We review findings and propose a model explaining why women's adaptation to traumatic stress might be different than men's, including the role of cycling hormones and sleep differences in the development of post-traumatic stress and other stress-related disorders. Women are diagnosed with stress-related mental health disorders at a higher frequency than men. Most mental health disorders involve sleep disturbances, which may contribute to these disorders. The mechanisms by which sleep contributes to the development of mental health disorders in women have not been addressed in basic research. Sleep features such as spindle density and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep theta power are important for the role of sleep in emotion and cognition. The effect of hormonal cycles on these and other critical sleep features is only beginning to be understood. We explore what sleep factors could confer resilience to mental health disorders and how they might be altered by hormonal cycles in women. We target a specific system at the nexus of arousal control, stress response, and memory consolidation processes that has not been explored at all in women or across the hormonal cycle in animal studies: the locus coeruleus noradrenergic (LC-NE) system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yesenia Cabrera
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Jasmine Holloway
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Gina R Poe
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California.,Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
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