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Allende S, Bayley PJ. Estimating survival in data-driven phenotypes of mental health symptoms and peripheral biomarkers: A prospective study. Brain Behav Immun Health 2024; 39:100815. [PMID: 39045519 PMCID: PMC11263790 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2024.100815] [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: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Chronic psychological stress has widespread implications, including heightened mortality risk, mental and physical health conditions, and socioeconomic consequences. Stratified precision psychiatry shows promise in mitigating these effects by leveraging clinical heterogeneity to personalize interventions. However, little attention has been given to patient self-report. Methods We addressed this by combining stress-related self-report measures with peripheral biomarkers in a latent profile analysis and survival model. The latent profile models were estimated in a representative U.S. cohort (n = 1255; mean age = 57 years; 57% female) and cross-validated in Tokyo, Japan (n = 377; mean age = 55 years; 56% female). Results We identified three distinct groups: "Good Mental Health", "Poor Mental Health", and "High Inflammation". Compared to the "Good Mental Health" group, the "High Inflammation" and "Poor Mental Health" groups had an increased risk of mortality, but did not differ in mortality risk from each other. Conclusions This study emphasizes the role of patient self-report in stratified psychiatry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santiago Allende
- War Related Illness and Injury Study Center, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Peter J. Bayley
- War Related Illness and Injury Study Center, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
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Wang M, Hu S, Fu X, Zhou H, Yang S, Yang C. Neurosteroids: A potential target for neuropsychiatric disorders. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2024; 239:106485. [PMID: 38369032 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2024.106485] [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: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Neurosteroids are steroids produced by endocrine glands and subsequently entering the brain, and also include steroids synthesis in the brain. It has been widely known that neurosteroids influence many neurological functions, including neuronal signaling, synaptic adaptations, and neuroprotective effects. In addition, abnormality in the synthesis and function of neurosteroids has been closely linked to neuropsychiatric disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), schizophrenia (SZ), and epilepsy. Given their important role in brain pathophysiology and disorders, neurosteroids offer potential therapeutic targets for a variety of neuropsychiatric diseases, and that therapeutic strategies targeting neurosteroids probably exert beneficial effects. We therefore summarized the role of neurosteroids in brain physiology and neuropsychiatric disorders, and introduced the recent findings of synthetic neurosteroid analogues for potential treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders, thereby providing insights for further research in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyu Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Suwan Hu
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Xinghuo Fu
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Huixuan Zhou
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Siqi Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China.
| | - Chun Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China.
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Colicino E, Cowell W, Pedretti NF, Joshi A, Petrick L, Niedzwiecki M, Wright RO, Wright RJ. Maternal steroids during pregnancy and their associations with exposure to lifetime stressful life events, prenatal stress appraisal and psychological functioning. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2023; 158:106395. [PMID: 37776732 PMCID: PMC10841416 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2023.106395] [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: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND During pregnancy, steroids enable physiological adaptations in response to many factors, including maternal stress or psychological functioning. While stress and psychological dysfunction can have endocrine-disrupting effects beyond cortisol disruption, associations between prenatal maternal stress or related psychological dysfunction and the broader steroid milieu remain understudied. AIM To assess associations between independent and joint maternal stress and psychological functioning measures and steroid profiles in pregnancy (22-40 gestational weeks) in the Programming of Intergenerational Stress Mechanisms (PRISM) birth cohort (n = 334). METHODS Serum metabolomics detected 42 steroids and their metabolites, which were grouped into five classes (pregnenolone, androgens, estrogens, progestin, and corticosteroids). The Perceived Stress Scale, Life Stressor Checklist-Revised, and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale indexed lifetime traumatic/non-traumatic stressors, global prenatal stress appraisal, and depressive symptoms during pregnancy, respectively. Exposures were categorized as high-low using the corresponding 3rd quartiles. We assessed associations between both individual and joint stress exposures with steroid classes using linear mixed effect models and with individual steroids using linear regressions. We also examined fetal sex-specific effects. RESULTS High prenatal perceived stress was independently associated with lower levels of androgens and estrogens in the overall sample [β (95%CI): androgens: -0.13 (-0.25;-0.01); estrogens: -0.16 (-0.31;-0.01)], particularly among women carrying males [androgens: -0.22 (-0.39;-0.05); estrogens: -0.28 (-0.50;-0.07)]. Results on estrogens were consistent when considering joint exposure to both greater lifetime stressors and higher prenatal perceived stress. We also found a single testosterone metabolite-5alpha-androstan-3alpha,17alpha-diol disulfate-negatively associated with both individual high perceived stress and joint exposure to high lifetime stressors and high perceived stress among women carrying males. CONCLUSIONS Increased maternal perceived stress experienced in pregnancy was independently associated with lower maternal androgen and estrogen levels during pregnancy in the overall sample, particularly among women carrying males. Results on estrogens were consistent when we considered the joint exposure of increased lifetime stressors and higher prenatal perceived stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Colicino
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Institute for Exposomic Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Whitney Cowell
- Departments of Pediatrics and Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Nicolo Foppa Pedretti
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Anu Joshi
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lauren Petrick
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Institute for Exposomic Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Megan Niedzwiecki
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Robert O Wright
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Institute for Exposomic Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Rosalind J Wright
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Institute for Exposomic Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Kravis Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
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4
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Blaszczyk AT, Mathys M, Le J. A Review of Therapeutics for Treatment-Resistant Depression in the Older Adult. Drugs Aging 2023; 40:785-813. [PMID: 37596380 DOI: 10.1007/s40266-023-01051-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023]
Abstract
One-third of older adults with depression meet criteria for treatment resistance, typically defined as a lack of response to two or more adequate trials of an antidepressant. Treatment resistance contributes to an unfavorable prognosis, compromised medical outcomes, heightened disability, accelerated cognitive decline, and an elevated risk of developing dementia. Despite this significant morbidity, evidence is sparse for how to proceed with treatment in this population. Non-pharmacologic therapy (e.g., diet, psychotherapy) can be utilized as adjunctive therapy, despite little published evidence of benefit, given that the risks are low. Pharmacotherapy trials in the treatment-resistant late-life depression population lack strong methods and external validity; however, the use of venlafaxine as monotherapy and add-on therapy, as well as lithium, bupropion, or aripiprazole as add-on therapy to standard antidepressant therapy, have enough evidence that a trial with appropriate monitoring is a prudent strategy. Electroconvulsive therapy remains a well-studied safe therapy, especially when used as maintenance treatment once an initial cycle is completed but is traditionally underutilized in the treatment-resistant late-life depression population. Ensuring non-pharmacologic and pharmacologic strategies are optimized and given a sufficient trial in those with treatment-resistant late-life depression is the best we can do for this vulnerable population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amie Taggart Blaszczyk
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Texas Tech University HSC School of Pharmacy-Dallas/Fort Worth, 5920 Forest Park Rd, Dallas, TX, USA.
| | - Monica Mathys
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Texas Tech University HSC School of Pharmacy-Dallas/Fort Worth, 5920 Forest Park Rd, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Jennifer Le
- Harrison College of Pharmacy, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
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5
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Walton NL, Antonoudiou P, Maguire JL. Neurosteroid influence on affective tone. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 152:105327. [PMID: 37499891 PMCID: PMC10528596 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Affective disorders such as depression and anxiety are among the most prevalent psychiatric illnesses and causes of disability worldwide. The recent FDA-approval of a novel antidepressant treatment, ZULRESSO® (Brexanolone), a synthetic neurosteroid has fueled interest into the role of neurosteroids in the pathophysiology of depression as well as the mechanisms mediating the antidepressant effects of these compounds. The majority of studies examining the impact of neurosteroids on affective states have relied on the administration of exogenous neurosteroids; however, neurosteroids can also be synthesized endogenously from cholesterol or steroid hormone precursors. Despite the well-established influence of exogenous neurosteroids on affective states, we still lack an understanding of the role of endogenous neurosteroids in modulating affective tone. This review aims to summarize the current literature supporting the influence of neurosteroids on affective states in clinical and preclinical studies, as well as recent evidence suggesting that endogenous neurosteroids may set a baseline affective tone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Najah L Walton
- Program of Neuroscience, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Pantelis Antonoudiou
- Program of Neuroscience, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jamie L Maguire
- Program of Neuroscience, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.
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Agorastos A, Heinig A, Sommer A, Wiedemann K, Demiralay C. Morning salivary dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) qualifies as the only neuroendocrine biomarker separating depressed patients with and without prior history of depression: An HPA axis challenge study. J Psychiatr Res 2023; 161:449-454. [PMID: 37059029 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis abnormalities in major depression (MDD) have been consistently reported in psychiatry and extend to several neurosteroids. However, recurrence and chronicity may heavily influence HPA axis dynamics in MDD along its course and also explain conflicting results in literature. Thus, the mechanistic understanding of HPA axis (re)activity changes over time could be of major importance for unravelling the dynamic pathophysiology of MDD. METHODS This study simultaneously assessed several baseline and dynamic HPA-axis-related endocrine biomarkers in both saliva (dehydroepiandrosterone, DHEA; sulfated DHEA, DHEA-s; cortisol, CORT) and plasma (CORT; adrenocorticotropic hormone, ACTH; copeptin, CoP) over three consecutive days using overnight HPA axis stimulation (metyrapone) and suppression (dexamethasone) challenges in order to investigate differences between antidepressant-free MDD patients (n = 14) with and without history of prior depressive episodes (i.e., first vs. recurrent episode). RESULTS Our results suggest group differences only with respect to saliva DHEA levels, with recurrent-episode MDD patients showing overall lower saliva DHEA levels across the three days, and statistically significant differences mainly at day 1 (baseline) across all three timepoints (awakening, +30 min, +60 min), even after adjustment for confounders. CONCLUSIONS Our study supports that salivary DHEA levels could represent a significant biomarker of MDD progression and individual stress resilience. DHEA deserves additional attention in the research of pathophysiology, staging and individualized treatment of MDD. Prospective longitudinal studies are needed to evaluate HPA axis reactivity along MDD course and progression to better understand temporal effects on stress-system-related alterations, related phenotypes and appropriate treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agorastos Agorastos
- II. Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-54124, Thessaloniki, Greece; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, D-20246, Hamburg, Germany; VA Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health (CESAMH), VA San Diego Healthcare System, CA, 29161, San Diego, USA.
| | - Alexandra Heinig
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, D-20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Anne Sommer
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, D-20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Klaus Wiedemann
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, D-20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Cüneyt Demiralay
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, D-20246, Hamburg, Germany
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Colwell MJ, Tagomori H, Chapman S, Gillespie AL, Cowen PJ, Harmer CJ, Murphy SE. Pharmacological targeting of cognitive impairment in depression: recent developments and challenges in human clinical research. Transl Psychiatry 2022; 12:484. [PMID: 36396622 PMCID: PMC9671959 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-022-02249-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Impaired cognition is often overlooked in the clinical management of depression, despite its association with poor psychosocial functioning and reduced clinical engagement. There is an outstanding need for new treatments to address this unmet clinical need, highlighted by our consultations with individuals with lived experience of depression. Here we consider the evidence to support different pharmacological approaches for the treatment of impaired cognition in individuals with depression, including treatments that influence primary neurotransmission directly as well as novel targets such as neurosteroid modulation. We also consider potential methodological challenges in establishing a strong evidence base in this area, including the need to disentangle direct effects of treatment on cognition from more generalised symptomatic improvement and the identification of sensitive, reliable and objective measures of cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Colwell
- University Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, UK
- Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Hosana Tagomori
- University Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, UK
- Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Sarah Chapman
- University Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Amy L Gillespie
- University Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, UK
- Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Philip J Cowen
- University Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, UK
- Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Catherine J Harmer
- University Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, UK
- Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Susannah E Murphy
- University Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, UK.
- Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, UK.
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Takeshita RS, Edler MK, Meindl RS, Sherwood CC, Hopkins WD, Raghanti MA. Age, adrenal steroids, and cognitive functioning in captive chimpanzees ( Pan troglodytes). PeerJ 2022; 10:e14323. [PMID: 36389417 PMCID: PMC9653054 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.14323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate is the most abundant circulating androgen in humans and other catarrhines. It is involved in several biological functions, such as testosterone production, glucocorticoid antagonist actions, neurogenesis and neuroplasticty. Although the role of dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEAS) in cognition remains elusive, the DHEAS/cortisol ratio has been positively associated with a slower cognitive age-decline and improved mood in humans. Whether this relationship is found in nonhuman primates remains unknown. Methods We measured DHEAS and cortisol levels in serum of 107 adult chimpanzees to investigate the relationship between DHEAS levels and age. A subset of 21 chimpanzees was used to test the potential associations between DHEAS, cortisol, and DHEAS/cortisol ratio in cognitive function, taking into account age, sex, and their interactions. We tested for cognitive function using the primate cognitive test battery (PCTB) and principal component analyses to categorize cognition into three components: spatial relationship tasks, tool use and social communication tasks, and auditory-visual sensory perception tasks. Results DHEAS levels, but not the DHEAS/cortisol ratio, declined with age in chimpanzees. Our analyses for spatial relationships tasks revealed a significant, positive correlation with the DHEAS/cortisol ratio. Tool use and social communication had a negative relationship with age. Our data show that the DHEAS/cortisol ratio, but not DHEAS individually, is a promising predictor of spatial cognition in chimpanzees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafaela S.C. Takeshita
- Department of Anthropology, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA,School of Biomedical Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA,Brain Health Research Institute, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA
| | - Melissa K. Edler
- Department of Anthropology, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA,School of Biomedical Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA,Brain Health Research Institute, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA
| | - Richard S. Meindl
- Department of Anthropology, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA,School of Biomedical Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA
| | - Chet C. Sherwood
- Department of Anthropology, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - William D. Hopkins
- Department of Comparative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Bastrop, TX, USA
| | - Mary Ann Raghanti
- Department of Anthropology, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA,School of Biomedical Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA,Brain Health Research Institute, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA
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Souza-Teodoro LH, Andrade LHS, Carvalho LA. Could be dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) a novel target for depression? JOURNAL OF AFFECTIVE DISORDERS REPORTS 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jadr.2022.100340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
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10
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Tournikioti K, Alevizaki M, Michopoulos I, Mantzou A, Soldatos C, Douzenis A, Dikeos D, Ferentinos P. Cortisol to Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulphate Ratio and Executive Function in Bipolar Disorder. Neuropsychobiology 2022; 80:342-351. [PMID: 33508827 DOI: 10.1159/000513512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Bipolar disorder (BD) is associated with impairment in cognitive domains such as verbal memory and executive functions. Very few studies have assessed dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEA-S) in BD and its relation to cognitive functioning despite evidence showing its regulatory effects on glucocorticoid action. The aim of our study was to explore the association of cortisol, DHEA-S, and cortisol to DHEA-S ratio with visuospatial memory and executive functioning in BD. METHODS Cognitive performance of 60 bipolar I patients and 30 healthy subjects was evaluated by using Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery tasks targeting visuospatial memory (spatial recognition memory) and executive functions (planning [Stockings of Cambridge; SOC] and attentional set shifting [ID/ED]). Morning serum cortisol and DHEA-S levels were measured in patients. Main effects of cortisol, DHEA-S, and cortisol/DHEA-S ratio for each neurocognitive task were explored in multiple regression analyses correcting for demographic and clinical parameters as well as treatment-related factors (current use of antipsychotic and mood stabilizer medication). RESULTS Bipolar patients showed poorer performance than healthy subjects in planning and attentional set shifting but not in visuospatial memory. Cortisol to DHEA-S ratio predicted worse performance in planning (SOC). CONCLUSIONS This is the first study to assess memory and executive function in BD in relation to DHEA-S and cortisol to DHEA-S ratio. We report an association of cortisol to DHEA-S ratio with worse performance in planning in bipolar I patients, which warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalliopi Tournikioti
- 2nd Department of Psychiatry, Attikon General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Athens, Greece,
| | - Maria Alevizaki
- Endocrine Unit, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Ioannis Michopoulos
- Mental Health Care Unit, Evgenidion Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Aimilia Mantzou
- 2nd Department of Psychiatry, Attikon General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Constantin Soldatos
- 2nd Department of Psychiatry, Attikon General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Athanasios Douzenis
- 2nd Department of Psychiatry, Attikon General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitris Dikeos
- 1st Department of Psychiatry, Eginition Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Ferentinos
- 2nd Department of Psychiatry, Attikon General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Athens, Greece
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Sheng JA, Tan SML, Hale TM, Handa RJ. Androgens and Their Role in Regulating Sex Differences in the Hypothalamic/Pituitary/Adrenal Axis Stress Response and Stress-Related Behaviors. ANDROGENS: CLINICAL RESEARCH AND THERAPEUTICS 2022; 2:261-274. [PMID: 35024695 PMCID: PMC8744007 DOI: 10.1089/andro.2021.0021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Androgens play a pivotal role during development. These gonadal hormones and their receptors exert organizational actions that shape brain morphology in regions controlling the stress regulatory systems in a male-specific manner. Specifically, androgens drive sex differences in the hypothalamic/pituitary/adrenal (HPA) axis and corresponding hypothalamic neuropeptides. While studies have examined the role of estradiol and its receptors in sex differences in the HPA axis and associated behaviors, the role of androgens remains far less studied. Androgens are generally thought to modulate the HPA axis through the activation of androgen receptors (ARs). They can also impact the HPA axis through reduction to estrogenic metabolites that can bind estrogen receptors in the brain and periphery. Such regulation of the HPA axis stress response by androgens can often result in sex-biased risk factors for stress-related disorders, such as anxiety and depression. This review focuses on the biosynthesis pathways and molecular actions of androgens and their nuclear receptors. The impact of androgens on hypothalamic neuropeptide systems (corticotropin-releasing hormone, arginine vasopressin, oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin) that control the stress response and stress-related disorders is discussed. Finally, this review discusses potential therapeutics involving androgens (androgen replacement therapies, selective AR modulator therapies) and ongoing clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julietta A Sheng
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Sarah M L Tan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Taben M Hale
- Department of Basic Medical Science, University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Robert J Handa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
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Abstract
The pathophysiology of COVID comprises an exaggerated pro-inflammatory response. Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis has a crucial role in various inflammatory conditions and modulated immunological response. Limited evidence is available regarding the incidence and the effect of HPA dysfunction in COVID-19. Although the cortisol levels have only been estimated in a few studies, the dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) release from the adrenal gland has not been explored yet. In this mini review, the authors discuss the role of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and DHEAS in the acute stress response and immunological modulation. Various effects of DHEAS have been demonstrated in different diseases. The specific inhibitory effect of DHEA on interleukin 6 (IL-6) could be of paramount importance in COVID-19. Further, DHEA supplementation has already been proposed in inflammatory conditions, like rheumatoid arthritis. DHEAS levels in COVID-19 may help to understand the HPA axis dysfunction as well as the possibility of repurposing DHEA as a drug for mitigating the pro-inflammatory COVID-19.
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Hough CM, Bersani FS, Mellon SH, Morford AE, Lindqvist D, Reus VI, Epel ES, Wolkowitz OM. Pre-treatment allostatic load and metabolic dysregulation predict SSRI response in major depressive disorder: a preliminary report. Psychol Med 2021; 51:2117-2125. [PMID: 32438932 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291720000896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Major depressive disorder (MDD) is associated with increased allostatic load (AL; a measure of physiological costs of repeated/chronic stress-responding) and metabolic dysregulation (MetD; a measure of metabolic health and precursor to many medical illnesses). Though AL and MetD are associated with poor somatic health outcomes, little is known regarding their relationship with antidepressant-treatment outcomes. METHODS We determined pre-treatment AL and MetD in 67 healthy controls and 34 unmedicated, medically healthy MDD subjects. Following this, MDD subjects completed 8-weeks of open-label selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant treatment and were categorized as 'Responders' (⩾50% improvement in depression severity ratings) or 'Non-responders' (<50% improvement). Logistic and linear regressions were performed to determine if pre-treatment AL or MetD scores predicted SSRI-response. Secondary analyses examined cross-sectional differences between MDD and control groups. RESULTS Pre-treatment AL and MetD scores significantly predicted continuous antidepressant response (i.e. absolute decreases in depression severity ratings) (p = 0.012 and 0.014, respectively), as well as post-treatment status as a Responder or Non-responder (p = 0.022 and 0.040, respectively), such that higher pre-treatment AL and MetD were associated with poorer SSRI-treatment outcomes. Pre-treatment AL and MetD of Responders were similar to Controls, while those of Non-responders were significantly higher than both Responders (p = 0.025 and 0.033, respectively) and Controls (p = 0.039 and 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS These preliminary findings suggest that indices of metabolic and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal-axis dysregulation are associated with poorer SSRI-treatment response. To our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate that these markers of medical disease risk also predict poorer antidepressant outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina M Hough
- Department of Psychiatry, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - F Saverio Bersani
- Department of Psychiatry, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Synthia H Mellon
- Department of OB/GYN and Reproductive Sciences, UCSF School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Alexandra E Morford
- Department of Psychiatry, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Daniel Lindqvist
- Department of Psychiatry, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Section for Psychiatry, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Victor I Reus
- Department of Psychiatry, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Elissa S Epel
- Department of Psychiatry, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Owen M Wolkowitz
- Department of Psychiatry, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, USA
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Dumontet T, Martinez A. Adrenal androgens, adrenarche, and zona reticularis: A human affair? Mol Cell Endocrinol 2021; 528:111239. [PMID: 33676986 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2021.111239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
In humans, reticularis cells of the adrenal cortex fuel the production of androgen steroids, constituting the driver of numerous morphological changes during childhood. These steps are considered a precocious stage of sexual maturation and are grouped under the term "adrenarche". This review describes the molecular and enzymatic characteristics of the zona reticularis, along with the possible signals and mechanisms that control its emergence and the associated clinical features. We investigate the differences between species and discuss new studies such as genetic lineage tracing and transcriptomic analysis, highlighting the rodent inner cortex's cellular and molecular heterogeneity. The recent development and characterization of mouse models deficient for Prkar1a presenting with adrenocortical reticularis-like features prompt us to review our vision of the mouse adrenal gland maturation. We expect these new insights will help increase our understanding of the adrenarche process and the pathologies associated with its deregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Typhanie Dumontet
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Training Program in Organogenesis, Center for Cell Plasticity and Organ Design, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Antoine Martinez
- Génétique, Reproduction et Développement (GReD), Centre National de La Recherche Scientifique CNRS, Institut National de La Santé & de La Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Université Clermont-Auvergne (UCA), France.
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15
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Peixoto C, José Grande A, Gomes Carrilho C, Nardi AE, Cardoso A, Barciela Veras A. Dehydroepiandrosterone for depressive symptoms: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. J Neurosci Res 2020; 98:2510-2528. [PMID: 32930419 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Depression is a mental disorder that affects millions of people around the world. However, depressive symptoms can be seen in other psychiatric and medical conditions. Here, we investigate the effect of DHEA treatment on depressive symptoms in individuals with depression and/or other clinical conditions in which depressive symptoms are present. An electronic search was performed until October 2019, with no restrictions on language or year of publication in the following databases: Medline, EMBASE, LILACS, and Cochrane Library. Randomized controlled trials comparing DHEA versus placebo were included if the depressive symptoms were assessed. Fifteen studies with 853 female and male individuals were included in this review. To conduct the meta-analysis, data were extracted from 14 studies. In comparison with placebo, DHEA improved depressive symptoms (standardized mean difference [SMD] -0.28, 95% (CI) -0.45 to -0.11, p =.001, 12 studies, 742 individuals (375 in the experimental group and 367 in the placebo group), I2 = 24%), very low quality of evidence, 2 of 14 studies reporting this outcome were removed in a sensitivity analysis as they were strongly influencing heterogeneity between studies. No hormonal changes that indicated any risk to the participants' health were seen. Side effects observed were uncommon, mild, and transient, but commonly related to androgyny. In conclusion, DHEA was associated with a beneficial effect on depressive symptoms compared to placebo. However, these results should be viewed with caution, since the quality of evidence for this outcome was considered very low according to the GRADE criteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clayton Peixoto
- Institute of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Antonio José Grande
- Medical School, Universidade Estadual do Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, Brazil
| | - Carolina Gomes Carrilho
- Post-graduation Program in Health Psychology, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, Brazil
| | - Antonio Egidio Nardi
- Institute of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Adriana Cardoso
- Institute of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - André Barciela Veras
- Medical School, Universidade Estadual do Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, Brazil
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Kirby DJ, Buchalter DB, Anil U, Leucht P. DHEA in bone: the role in osteoporosis and fracture healing. Arch Osteoporos 2020; 15:84. [PMID: 32504237 DOI: 10.1007/s11657-020-00755-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a metabolic intermediate in the biosynthesis of estrogens and androgens with a past clouded in controversy and bold claims. It was once touted as a wonder drug, a fountain of youth that could cure all ailments. However, in the 1980s DHEA was banned by the FDA given a lack of documented health benefits and long-term use data. DHEA had a revival in 1994 when it was released for open market sale as a nutritional supplement under the Dietary Supplement Health and Safety Act. Since that time, there has been encouraging research on the hormone, including randomized controlled trials and subsequent meta-analyses on various conditions that DHEA may benefit. Bone health has been of particular interest, as many of the metabolites of DHEA are known to be involved in bone homeostasis, specifically estrogen and testosterone. Studies demonstrate a significant association between DHEA and increased bone mineral density, likely due to DHEA's ability to increase osteoblast activity and insulin like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) expression. Interestingly, IGF-1 is also known to improve fracture healing, though DHEA, a potent stimulator of IGF-1, has never been tested in this scenario. The aim of this review is to discuss the history and mechanisms of DHEA as they relate to the skeletal system, and to evaluate if DHEA has any role in treating fractures.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Kirby
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, NYU Langone Orthopedic Hospital, 301 E 17th St, New York, NY, 10003, USA.
| | - Daniel B Buchalter
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, NYU Langone Orthopedic Hospital, 301 E 17th St, New York, NY, 10003, USA
| | - Utkarsh Anil
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, NYU Langone Orthopedic Hospital, 301 E 17th St, New York, NY, 10003, USA
| | - Philipp Leucht
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, NYU Langone Orthopedic Hospital, 301 E 17th St, New York, NY, 10003, USA
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17
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Froger N. [New therapeutic avenues for neurosteroids in psychiatric diseases]. Biol Aujourdhui 2020; 213:131-140. [PMID: 31829933 DOI: 10.1051/jbio/2019023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Discovered in the eighties by Pr Baulieu and colleagues, neurosteroids are a class of neuroactive brain-born steroids, which comprises the steroid hormones, their biosynthesis precursors and their metabolites. They can act through genomic as well as non-genomic pathways. Genomic pathways, only triggered by the neurosteroid hormones, are, in the brain, the same as those largely described in the periphery: the binding of these steroid hormones to nuclear receptors leads to transcription regulations. On the other hand, their precursors and metabolites, such as pregnenolone (PREG), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), their respective sulfate esters, pregnenolone sulfate (PREG-S) and DHEA sulfate (DHEA-S) and allopregnanolone (ALLOP), are defined as neurosteroids, but no corresponding nuclear receptors have been identified so far. In fact, they trigger non-genomic pathways which consist in (i) inhibitory ionotropic receptors, (ii) excitatory ionotropic receptors and (iii) the microtubular system. Hence, inhibitory neurosteroids, whose mostly studied representative is ALLOP, positively modulate, or directly activate, the ionotropic GABA-A receptors. In contrast, excitatory neurosteroids, represented by PREG-S, DHEA-S and DHEA, inhibit the GABA-A receptors, and activate, directly or indirectly, through the sigma-1 receptors, the NMDA glutamate receptors. Neurosteroids of the third group, the microtubular neurosteroids, are able to bind microtubule associated proteins, in particular MAP2, to promote microtubule assembly, neurite outgrowth and in fine structural neuroplasticity. So far, PREG, DHEA and progesterone are the three identified microtubular neurosteroids. The pharmacological properties of neurosteroids have led to specific investigations for assessing their therapeutic potentialities in psychiatric diseases, using validated animal models. In some cases, clinical trials were also performed. These studies showed that ALLOP, the main inhibitory neurosteroid, displayed clear-cut anxiolytic-like and antidepressant-like efficacy in animals. It has been subsequently developed as Brexanolone and tested with success in phase III of clinical trials for the treatment of post-partum depression. Although showing pro-cognitive properties in animals, the sulfated neurosteroids, PREG-S and DHEA-S, were, in contrast, never tested in clinical trials, probably due to their poor stability and proconvulsivant side effects. Their respective non-sulfated forms, PREG and DHEA, showed antidepressant and antipsychotic efficacies in clinical trials, but these drugs never reached the phase III of clinical development because their therapeutic uses would have led to an overproduction of active metabolites responsible for intolerable side effects. The alternative strategy which has been selected consists of the development of non-metabolizable synthetic derivatives of these natural steroids, which keep the same neuroactive properties as their parent molecules, but are devoid of any hormonal side effects. An example of such innovative drugs is MAP4343, a synthetic derivative of PREG, which exhibits potent antidepressant-like efficacy in validated animal models. It is currently tested in depressed patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Froger
- MAPREG SAS, CHU Bicêtre, 94270 Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
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18
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Micol VJ, Roberts AG, Taylor-Cavelier SJ, Geiss EG, Lopez-Duran N. Early trauma moderates the link between familial risk for depression and post-stress DHEA/cortisol ratios in adolescents. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2019; 110:104424. [PMID: 31536943 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2019.104424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2019] [Revised: 08/23/2019] [Accepted: 08/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND One proposed mechanism for familial transmission of depression risk is impaired ability to regulate stress. While much of this work has focused on the stress hormone cortisol, there is evidence that the neuroprotective hormone dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) may play a critical role in stress regulation and that the ratios of DHEA to cortisol may provide meaningful information about individual differences in stress processing. In this study, we examined DHEA and DHEA/cortisol ratios among teens at low and high risk for depression. METHODS Participants included 101 youth (12-16-year-old; 50 female) including 53 with a family history of depression (High Risk for depression). Adolescents and their parents completed diagnostic interviews, the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire and the Childhood Depression Inventory. Saliva samples were collected at multiple time points before and after adolescents underwent the Trier Social Stress Test. Cortisol and DHEA ratios were examined at baseline and 35 min post-stress initiation. RESULTS High risk (HR) and low risk (LR) participants did not differ on DHEA/cortisol ratios. However, childhood trauma moderated the relationship between risk group and DHEA/cortisol ratios, where at high levels of trauma, HR participants had significantly higher ratios than LR participants. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that higher DHEA/cortisol ratios may not be indicative of greater protection against risk for depression as previously conceptualized. In the context of early trauma, higher DHEA/cortisol ratios may reflect a blunting of the HPA-axis that is not observed when examining cortisol levels alone. This study has implications for our conceptualization of DHEA/cortisol ratios as an indicator of risk for psychopathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerie J Micol
- University of Michigan, Department of Psychology, United States.
| | | | | | - Elisa G Geiss
- University of Michigan, Department of Psychology, United States
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19
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Pietri E, Massa I, Bravaccini S, Ravaioli S, Tumedei MM, Petracci E, Donati C, Schirone A, Piacentini F, Gianni L, Nicolini M, Campadelli E, Gennari A, Saba A, Campi B, Valmorri L, Andreis D, Fabbri F, Amadori D, Rocca A. Phase II Study of Dehydroepiandrosterone in Androgen Receptor-Positive Metastatic Breast Cancer. Oncologist 2019; 24:743-e205. [PMID: 30591548 PMCID: PMC6656524 DOI: 10.1634/theoncologist.2018-0243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2018] [Accepted: 10/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
LESSONS LEARNED The androgen receptor (AR) is present in most breast cancers (BC), but its exploitation as a therapeutic target has been limited.This study explored the activity of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a precursor being transformed into androgens within BC cells, in combination with an aromatase inhibitor (to block DHEA conversion into estrogens), in a two-stage phase II study in patients with AR-positive/estrogen receptor-positive/human epidermal growth receptor 2-negative metastatic BC.Although well tolerated, only 1 of 12 patients obtained a prolonged clinical benefit, and the study was closed after its first stage for poor activity. BACKGROUND Androgen receptors (AR) are expressed in most breast cancers, and AR-agonists have some activity in these neoplasms. We investigated the safety and activity of the androgen precursor dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in combination with an aromatase inhibitor (AI) in patients with AR-positive metastatic breast cancer (MBC). METHODS A two-stage phase II study was conducted in two patient cohorts, one with estrogen receptor (ER)-positive (resistant to AIs) and the other with triple-negative MBC. DHEA 100 mg/day was administered orally. The combination with an AI aimed to prevent the conversion of DHEA into estrogens. The main endpoint was the clinical benefit rate. The triple-negative cohort was closed early. RESULTS Twelve patients with ER-positive MBC were enrolled. DHEA-related adverse events, reported in four patients, included grade 2 fatigue, erythema, and transaminitis, and grade 1 drowsiness and musculoskeletal pain. Clinical benefit was observed in one patient with ER-positive disease whose tumor had AR gene amplification. There was wide inter- and intra-patient variation in serum levels of DHEA and its metabolites. CONCLUSION DHEA showed excellent safety but poor activity in MBC. Although dose and patient selection could be improved, high serum level variability may hamper further DHEA development in this setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Pietri
- Department of Medical Oncology, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Italy
| | - Ilaria Massa
- Unit of Biostatistics and Clinical Trials, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Italy
| | - Sara Bravaccini
- Biosciences Laboratory, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Italy
| | - Sara Ravaioli
- Biosciences Laboratory, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Italy
| | - Maria Maddalena Tumedei
- Biosciences Laboratory, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Petracci
- Unit of Biostatistics and Clinical Trials, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Italy
| | - Caterina Donati
- Oncology Pharmacy Unit, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Italy
| | - Alessio Schirone
- Department of Medical Oncology, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Italy
| | - Federico Piacentini
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University Hospital of Modena, Modena, Italy
| | | | - Mario Nicolini
- Oncology Day Hospital Unit, Cervesi Hospital, Cattolica, Italy
| | | | - Alessandra Gennari
- Medical Oncology, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Eastern Piedmont, Novara, Italy
| | - Alessandro Saba
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Beatrice Campi
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Linda Valmorri
- Unit of Biostatistics and Clinical Trials, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Italy
| | - Daniele Andreis
- Unit of Biostatistics and Clinical Trials, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Italy
| | - Francesco Fabbri
- Biosciences Laboratory, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Italy
| | - Dino Amadori
- Department of Medical Oncology, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Italy
| | - Andrea Rocca
- Department of Medical Oncology, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Italy
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Dome P, Tombor L, Lazary J, Gonda X, Rihmer Z. Natural health products, dietary minerals and over-the-counter medications as add-on therapies to antidepressants in the treatment of major depressive disorder: a review. Brain Res Bull 2019; 146:51-78. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2018.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2018] [Revised: 12/04/2018] [Accepted: 12/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Soria V, González-Rodríguez A, Huerta-Ramos E, Usall J, Cobo J, Bioque M, Barbero JD, García-Rizo C, Tost M, Monreal JA, Labad J. Targeting hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis hormones and sex steroids for improving cognition in major mood disorders and schizophrenia: a systematic review and narrative synthesis. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2018; 93:8-19. [PMID: 29680774 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2018.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2017] [Revised: 03/24/2018] [Accepted: 04/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Cognitive deficits are a core feature of serious mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder (BD) and are a common cause of functional disability. There is limited efficacy of pharmacological interventions for improving the cognitive deficits in these disorders. As pro-cognitive pharmacological treatments are lacking, hormones or drugs that target the endocrine system may become potential candidates for 'repurposing' trials aiming to improve cognition. We aimed to study whether treatment with drugs targeting the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and sex steroids can improve cognition in patients with schizophrenia, MDD or BD. A systematic search was performed using PubMed (Medline), PsychInfo and clinicaltrials.gov, and a narrative synthesis was included. The systematic review identified 12 studies dealing with HPA-related drugs (mifepristone [n = 3], cortisol synthesis inhibitors [ketoconazole, n = 2], dehydroepiandrosterone [n = 5], fludrocortisone [n = 2]) and 14 studies dealing with sex steroids (oestradiol [n = 2], selective oestrogen receptor modulators [raloxifene, n = 7], pregnenolone [n = 5]). Positive trials were found for BD (mifepristone), MDD (dehydroepiandrosterone and fludrocortisone) and schizophrenia (dehydroepiandrosterone, raloxifene and pregnenolone). A replication of positive findings by at least two clinical trials was found for mifepristone in BD and raloxifene and pregnenolone in schizophrenia. The use of drugs targeting hormones related to the HPA axis and sex steroids is a promising field of research that might help to improve the cognitive outcome of patients with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia Soria
- Department of Psychiatry, Bellvitge University Hospital, Universitat de Barcelona, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Neurosciences Group, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Carlos III Health Institute, Spain
| | - Alexandre González-Rodríguez
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Carlos III Health Institute, Spain; Department of Mental Health, Parc Taulí Hospital Universitari, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, I3PT, Sabadell, Barcerlona, Spain
| | - Elena Huerta-Ramos
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Carlos III Health Institute, Spain; Research and Development Unit, Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Judith Usall
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Carlos III Health Institute, Spain; Research and Development Unit, Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jesús Cobo
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Carlos III Health Institute, Spain; Department of Mental Health, Parc Taulí Hospital Universitari, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, I3PT, Sabadell, Barcerlona, Spain
| | - Miquel Bioque
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Carlos III Health Institute, Spain; Barcelona Clínic Schizophrenia Unit, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Universitat de Barcelona, Institut d'investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Juan David Barbero
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Carlos III Health Institute, Spain; Department of Mental Health, Parc Taulí Hospital Universitari, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, I3PT, Sabadell, Barcerlona, Spain
| | - Clemente García-Rizo
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Carlos III Health Institute, Spain; Barcelona Clínic Schizophrenia Unit, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Universitat de Barcelona, Institut d'investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Meritxell Tost
- Department of Mental Health, Parc Taulí Hospital Universitari, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, I3PT, Sabadell, Barcerlona, Spain
| | - José Antonio Monreal
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Carlos III Health Institute, Spain; Department of Mental Health, Parc Taulí Hospital Universitari, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, I3PT, Sabadell, Barcerlona, Spain
| | | | - Javier Labad
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Carlos III Health Institute, Spain; Department of Mental Health, Parc Taulí Hospital Universitari, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, I3PT, Sabadell, Barcerlona, Spain.
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Yadid G, Ahdoot-Levi H, Bareli T, Maayan R, Weizman A. Dehydroepiandrosterone and Addiction. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2018; 108:385-412. [PMID: 30029736 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2018.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Drug addiction has a great negative influence on society, both social and economic burden. It was widely thought that addicts could choose to stop using drugs if only they had some self-control and principles. Nowadays, science has changed this view, defining drug addiction as a complex brain disease that affects behavior in many ways, both biological and psychological. Currently there is no ground-breaking reliable treatment for drug addiction. For more than a decade we are researching an alternative approach for intervention with drug craving and relapse to its usage, using DHEA, a well-being and antiaging food supplement. In this chapter we navigate through the significant therapeutic effect of DHEA on the brain circuits that control addiction and on behavioral performance both in animal models and addicts. We suggest that an integrative program of add-on DHEA treatment may further enable to dynamically evaluate the progress of rehabilitation of an individual patient, in a comprehensive assessment. Such a program may boost and support the detoxification and rehabilitation process, and help patients regain a normal life in a shorter amount of time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gal Yadid
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel; The Leslie and Susan Gonda (Goldschmied) Multidisciplinary Brain Research Center, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel.
| | - Hadas Ahdoot-Levi
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Tzofnat Bareli
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Rachel Maayan
- Laboratory of Biological Psychiatry, Felsenstein Medical Research Center, Research Unit, Petah Tikva, Israel
| | - Abraham Weizman
- Laboratory of Biological Psychiatry, Felsenstein Medical Research Center, Research Unit, Petah Tikva, Israel; Geha Mental Health Center, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Schverer M, Lanfumey L, Baulieu EE, Froger N, Villey I. Neurosteroids: non-genomic pathways in neuroplasticity and involvement in neurological diseases. Pharmacol Ther 2018; 191:190-206. [PMID: 29953900 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2018.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Neurosteroids are neuroactive brain-born steroids. They can act through non-genomic and/or through genomic pathways. Genomic pathways are largely described for steroid hormones: the binding to nuclear receptors leads to transcription regulation. Pregnenolone, Dehydroepiandrosterone, their respective sulfate esters and Allopregnanolone have no corresponding nuclear receptor identified so far whereas some of their non-genomic targets have been identified. Neuroplasticity is the capacity that neuronal networks have to change their structure and function in response to biological and/or environmental signals; it is regulated by several mechanisms, including those that involve neurosteroids. In this review, after a description of their biosynthesis, the effects of Pregnenolone, Dehydroepiandrosterone, their respective sulfate esters and Allopregnanolone on their targets will be exposed. We then shall highlight that neurosteroids, by acting on these targets, can regulate neurogenesis, structural and functional plasticity. Finally, we will discuss the therapeutic potential of neurosteroids in the pathophysiology of neurological diseases in which alterations of neuroplasticity are associated with changes in neurosteroid levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Schverer
- Inserm U894, Centre de Psychiatrie et Neurosciences, Université Paris Descartes, 75014 Paris, France
| | - Laurence Lanfumey
- Inserm U894, Centre de Psychiatrie et Neurosciences, Université Paris Descartes, 75014 Paris, France.
| | - Etienne-Emile Baulieu
- MAPREG SAS, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France; Inserm UMR 1195, Université Paris-Saclay, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France
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Yang YL, Sun LF, Yu Y, Xiao TX, Wang BB, Ren PG, Tang HR, Zhang JV. Deficiency of Gpr1 improves steroid hormone abnormality in hyperandrogenized mice. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2018; 16:50. [PMID: 29793502 PMCID: PMC5968470 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-018-0363-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2018] [Accepted: 04/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex genetic disease with multifarious phenotypes. Many researches use dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) to induce PCOS in pubertal mouse models. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of GPR1 in dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)-induced hyperandrogenized mice. METHODS Prepubertal C57BL/6 mice (25 days of age) and Gpr1-deficient mice were each divided into two groups and injected daily with sesame oil with or without DHEA (6 mg/100 g) for 21 consecutive days. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining was performed to determine the characteristics of the DHEA-treated ovaries. Real-time PCR was used to examine steroid synthesis enzymes gene expression. Granulosa cell was cultured to explore the mechanism of DHEA-induced, GPR1-mediated estradiol secretion. RESULTS DHEA treatment induced some aspects of PCOS in wild-type mice, such as increased body weight, elevated serum testosterone, increased number of small, cystic, atretic follicles, and absence of corpus luteum in ovaries. However, Gpr1 deficiency significantly attenuated the DHEA-induced weight gain and ovarian phenotype, improving steroidogenesis in ovaries and estradiol synthesis in cultured granulosa cells, partially through mTOR signaling. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, Gpr1 deficiency leads to the improvement of steroid synthesis in mice hyperandrogenized with DHEA, indicating that GPR1 may be a therapeutic target for DHEA-induced hyperandrogenism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Li Yang
- Research Laboratory for Reproductive Health, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055 China
| | - Li-Feng Sun
- Research Laboratory for Reproductive Health, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055 China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049 China
| | - Yan Yu
- Baoan Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Shenzhen, 518101 China
| | - Tian-Xia Xiao
- Research Laboratory for Reproductive Health, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055 China
| | - Bao-Bei Wang
- Research Laboratory for Reproductive Health, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055 China
| | - Pei-Gen Ren
- Research Laboratory for Reproductive Health, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055 China
| | - Hui-Ru Tang
- Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, 518035 China
| | - Jian V. Zhang
- Research Laboratory for Reproductive Health, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055 China
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Oka T, Tanahashi T, Sudo N, Lkhagvasuren B, Yamada Y. Changes in fatigue, autonomic functions, and blood biomarkers due to sitting isometric yoga in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome. Biopsychosoc Med 2018; 12:3. [PMID: 29643935 PMCID: PMC5891891 DOI: 10.1186/s13030-018-0123-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2017] [Accepted: 02/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In a previous randomized controlled trial, we found that sitting isometric yoga improves fatigue in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) who are resistant to conventional therapy. The aim of this study was to investigate possible mechanisms behind this finding, focusing on the short-term fatigue-relieving effect, by comparing autonomic nervous function and blood biomarkers before and after a session of isometric yoga. Methods Fifteen patients with CFS who remained symptomatic despite at least 6 months of conventional therapy practiced sitting isometric yoga (biweekly 20 min practice with a yoga instructor and daily home practice) for eight weeks. Acute effects of sitting isometric yoga on fatigue, autonomic function, and blood biomarkers were investigated after the final session with an instructor. The effect of a single session of sitting isometric yoga on fatigue was assessed by the Profile of Mood Status (POMS) questionnaire immediately before and after the session. Autonomic nervous function (heart rate (HR) variability) and blood biomarkers (cortisol, DHEA-S, TNF-α, IL-6, IFN-γ, IFN-α, prolactin, carnitine, TGF-β1, BDNF, MHPG, and HVA) were compared before and after the session. Results Sitting isometric yoga significantly reduced the POMS fatigue score (p < 0.01) and increased the vigor score (p < 0.01). It also reduced HR (p < 0.05) and increased the high frequency power (p < 0.05) of HR variability. Sitting isometric yoga increased serum levels of DHEA-S (p < 0.05), reduced levels of cortisol (p < 0.05) and TNF-α (p < 0.05), and had a tendency to reduce serum levels of prolactin (p < 0.1). Decreases in fatigue scores correlated with changes in plasma levels of TGF-β1 and BDNF. In contrast, increased vigor positively correlated with HVA. Conclusions A single session of sitting isometric yoga reduced fatigue and increased vigor in patients with CFS. Yoga also increased vagal nerve function and changed blood biomarkers in a pattern that suggested anti-stress and anti-inflammatory effects. These changes appear to be related to the short-term fatigue-relieving effect of sitting isometric yoga in patients with CFS. Furthermore, dopaminergic nervous system activation might account for sitting isometric yoga-induced increases in energy in this patient population. Trial registration University Hospital Medical Information Network (UMIN CTR) UMIN000009646. Registered Dec 27, 2012.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takakazu Oka
- 1Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, International University of Health and Welfare hospital, Iguchi 537-3, Nasushiobara-shi, Tochigi-ken 329-2763 Japan.,2Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582 Japan
| | - Tokusei Tanahashi
- 2Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582 Japan
| | - Nobuyuki Sudo
- 2Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582 Japan
| | - Battuvshin Lkhagvasuren
- 2Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582 Japan
| | - Yu Yamada
- 1Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, International University of Health and Welfare hospital, Iguchi 537-3, Nasushiobara-shi, Tochigi-ken 329-2763 Japan
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Klinge CM, Clark BJ, Prough RA. Dehydroepiandrosterone Research: Past, Current, and Future. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2018; 108:1-28. [PMID: 30029723 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2018.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The discovery of "oestrus-producing" hormones was a major research breakthrough in biochemistry and pharmacology during the early part of the 20th century. The elucidation of the molecular weight and chemical structure of major oxidative metabolites of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) led to the award of the Nobel Prize in 1939 to Adolf Frederick Johann Butenandt and Leopold Ruzicka. Considered a bulk androgen in the circulation, DHEA and its sulfated metabolite DHEA-S can be taken up by most tissues where the sterols are metabolized to active androgenic and estrogenic compounds needed for growth and development. Butenandt's interactions with the German pharmaceutical company Schering led to production of gram quantities of these steroids and other chemically modified compounds of this class. Sharing chemical expertise allowed Butenandt's laboratory at the Kaiser Wilhelm Institute to isolate and synthesize many steroid compounds in the elucidation of the pathway leading from cholesterol to testosterone and estrogen derivatives. As a major pharmaceutical company worldwide, Schering AG sought these new biological sterols as pharmacological agents for endocrine-related diseases, and the European medical community tested these compounds in women for conditions such as postmenopausal depression, and in men for increasing muscle mass. Since it was noted that circulating DHEA-S levels decline as a function of age, experimental pathology experiments in animals were performed to determine how DHEA may protect against cancer, diabetes, aging, obesity, immune function, bone density, depression, adrenal insufficiency, inflammatory bowel disease, diminished sexual function/libido, AIDS/HIV, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, coronary artery disease, chronic fatigue syndrome, and metabolic syndrome. While the mechanisms by which DHEA ameliorates these conditions in animal models have been elusive to define, even less is known about its role in human disease, other than as a precursor to other sterols, e.g., testosterone and estradiol. Our groups have shown that DHEA and many of its oxidative metabolites serve as a low-affinity ligands for hepatic nuclear receptors, such as the pregnane X receptor, the constitutive androstane receptor, and estrogen receptors α/β (ERα/ERβ) as well as G protein-coupled ER (GPER1). This chapter highlights the founding research on DHEA from a historical perspective, provides an overview of DHEA biosynthesis and metabolism, briefly summarizes the early work on the beneficial effects attributed to DHEA in animals, and summarizes the human trials addressing the action of DHEA as a therapeutic agent. In general, most human studies involve weak correlations of circulating levels of DHEA and disease outcomes. Some support for DHEA as a therapeutic compound has been demonstrated for postmenopausal women, in vitro fertilization, and several autoimmune disorders, and adverse health effects, such as, acne, embryo virilization during pregnancy, and possible endocrine-dependent cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn M Klinge
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Center for Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, United States
| | - Barbara J Clark
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Center for Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, United States
| | - Russell A Prough
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Center for Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, United States.
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Vegliante R, Ciriolo MR. Autophagy and Autophagic Cell Death: Uncovering New Mechanisms Whereby Dehydroepiandrosterone Promotes Beneficial Effects on Human Health. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2018; 108:273-307. [PMID: 30029730 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2018.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is the most abundant steroid hormone in human serum and a precursor of sexual hormones. Its levels, which are maximum between the age of 20 and 30, dramatically decline with aging thus raising the question that many pathological conditions typical of the elderly might be associated with the decrement of circulating DHEA. Moreover, since its very early discovery, DHEA and its metabolites have been shown to be active in many pathophysiological contexts, including cardiovascular disease, brain disorders, and cancer. Indeed, treatment with DHEA has beneficial effects for the cure of these and many other pathologies in vitro, in vivo, and in patient studies. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying DHEA effects have been only partially elucidated. Autophagy is a self-digestive process, by which cell homeostasis is maintained, damaged organelles removed, and cell survival assured upon stress stimuli. However, high rate of autophagy is detrimental and leads to a form of programmed cell death known as autophagic cell death (ACD). In this chapter, we describe the process of autophagy and the morphological and biochemical features of ACD. Moreover, we analyze the beneficial effects of DHEA in several pathologies and the molecular mechanisms with particular emphasis on its regulation of cell death processes. Finally, we review data indicating DHEA and structurally related steroid hormones as modulators of both autophagy and ACD, a research field that opens new avenues in the therapeutic use of these compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rolando Vegliante
- MN3T, The Microenvironmental Niche in Tumorigenesis and Targeted Therapy, Hopital Civil-Institut d'Hématologie et Immunologie, Strasbourg, France
| | - Maria R Ciriolo
- University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Rome, Italy; IRCCS San Raffaele 'La Pisana', Rome, Italy.
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Ago Y, Hasebe S, Hiramatsu N, Hashimoto H, Takuma K, Matsuda T. Psychopharmacology of combined activation of the serotonin 1A and σ 1 receptors. Eur J Pharmacol 2017; 809:172-177. [PMID: 28529139 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2017.05.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2017] [Revised: 05/09/2017] [Accepted: 05/17/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The selective serotonin (5-HT) reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are generally used for the treatment of major depressive disorders, and the 5-HT1A and σ1 receptors are considered to be targets for treatment of psychiatric disorders. Some SSRIs such as fluvoxamine have agonistic activity towards for the σ1 receptor, but it is not known whether the effect on the receptor plays a key role in the pharmacological effects. We have recently demonstrated that fluvoxamine shows an anti-anhedonic effect in picrotoxin-induced model of anxiety/depression, while the SSRI paroxetine, which have little affinity for the σ1 receptor, does not. We also suggest that the anti-anhedonic effect of fluvoxamine is mediated by combined activation of the 5-HT1A and σ1 receptors and it is associated with activation of prefrontal dopaminergic system. In these studies, picrotoxin-treated mice and adrenalectomized/castrated mice were used as decreased GABAA receptor function and neurosteroid-deficient models, respectively. These findings suggest that the functional interaction between the 5-HT1A and σ1 receptors activates prefrontal dopaminergic system under the conditions of decreased brain GABAA receptor function and the neurochemical effect is linked to the behavioral effect. This review summarizes the pharmacological role of the 5-HT1A and σ1 receptors, focusing on the functional interaction between these receptors, and the role of prefrontal dopaminergic system in depressive-like behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukio Ago
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, 1-6 Yamada-oka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Shigeru Hasebe
- Department of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Dentistry, Osaka University, 1-8 Yamada-oka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Naoki Hiramatsu
- Laboratory of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, 1-6 Yamada-oka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Hashimoto
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, 1-6 Yamada-oka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan; United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University and University of Fukui, 2-2 Yamada-oka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan; Division of Bioscience, Institute for Datability Science, Osaka University, 1-1 Yamada-oka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Takuma
- Department of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Dentistry, Osaka University, 1-8 Yamada-oka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan; United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University and University of Fukui, 2-2 Yamada-oka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Toshio Matsuda
- Laboratory of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, 1-6 Yamada-oka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan.
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Miočević O, Cole CR, Laughlin MJ, Buck RL, Slowey PD, Shirtcliff EA. Quantitative Lateral Flow Assays for Salivary Biomarker Assessment: A Review. Front Public Health 2017; 5:133. [PMID: 28660183 PMCID: PMC5469882 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2017.00133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2016] [Accepted: 05/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Saliva is an emerging biofluid with a significant number of applications in use across research and clinical settings. The present paper explores the reasons why saliva has grown in popularity in recent years, balancing both the potential strengths and weaknesses of this biofluid. Focusing on reasons why saliva is different from other common biological fluids such as blood, urine, or tears, we review how saliva is easily obtained, with minimal risk to the donor, and reduced costs for collection, transportation, and analysis. We then move on to a brief review of the history and progress in rapid salivary testing, again reviewing the strengths and weaknesses of rapid immunoassays (e.g., lateral flow immunoassay) compared to more traditional immunoassays. We consider the potential for saliva as an alternative biofluid in a setting where rapid results are important. We focus the review on salivary tests for small molecule biomarkers using cortisol as an example. Such salivary tests can be applied readily in a variety of settings and for specific measurement purposes, providing researchers and clinicians with opportunities to assess biomarkers in real time with lower transportation, collection, and analysis costs, faster turnaround time, and minimal training requirements. We conclude with a note of cautious optimism that the field will soon gain the ability to collect and analyze salivary specimens at any location and return viable results within minutes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Craig R. Cole
- Oasis Diagnostics Corporation, Vancouver, WA, United States
| | | | - Robert L. Buck
- Oasis Diagnostics Corporation, Vancouver, WA, United States
| | - Paul D. Slowey
- Oasis Diagnostics Corporation, Vancouver, WA, United States
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30
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Uh D, Jeong HG, Choi KY, Oh SY, Lee S, Kim SH, Joe SH. Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate Level Varies Nonlinearly with Symptom Severity in Major Depressive Disorder. CLINICAL PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY AND NEUROSCIENCE 2017; 15:163-169. [PMID: 28449564 PMCID: PMC5426487 DOI: 10.9758/cpn.2017.15.2.163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2016] [Revised: 09/14/2016] [Accepted: 12/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Objective The pathophysiology of major depressive disorder (MDD) is still not well understood. Conflicting results for surrogate. biomarkers in MDD have been reported, which might be a consequence of the heterogeneity of MDD patients. Therefore, we aim to investigate how the severity of depression and various symptom domains are related to the levels of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-s) in MDD patients. Methods We recruited 117 subjects from a general practice. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Depressive symptoms were divided into three subdomains according to BDI items; somatic symptoms, guilt and failure, and mood and inhibition. Results In subjects with very-mild-to-moderate depression, the DHEA-s level increased as BDI score did. However, the DHEA-s levels in the subjects with severe depression were significantly lower than in subjects with moderate depression (p=0.003). DHEA-s level was correlated with the BDI subscore for guilt and failure in very-mild-to-moderate depression (r=0.365, p=0.006). Conclusion The DHEA-s level appears to be indicative of MDD severity with respect to depressive symptoms, especially regarding guilt and failure. Our findings suggest that the upregulation of DHEA-s may be a part of a compensatory process in very-mild-to-moderate depression, and the failure of this compensation mechanism may underlie the development of severe depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dasom Uh
- Department of Psychiatry, Korea University Guro Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyun-Ghang Jeong
- Department of Psychiatry, Korea University Guro Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Research Institute of Mental Health, Korea University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kwang-Yeon Choi
- Department of Psychiatry, Korea University Guro Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - So-Young Oh
- Department of Psychiatry, Seoul Metropolitan Eunpyeong Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Suji Lee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University Graduate School, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seung-Hyun Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Korea University Guro Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sook-Haeng Joe
- Department of Psychiatry, Korea University Guro Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Research Institute of Mental Health, Korea University, Seoul, Korea
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31
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Hough CM, Lindqvist D, Epel ES, Denis MS, Reus VI, Bersani FS, Rosser R, Mahan L, Burke HM, Wolkowitz OM, Mellon SH. Higher serum DHEA concentrations before and after SSRI treatment are associated with remission of major depression. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2017; 77:122-130. [PMID: 28038403 PMCID: PMC5336487 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2016.11.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2016] [Revised: 11/18/2016] [Accepted: 11/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulfated ester DHEA-sulfate (DHEA-S), (together DHEA[S]), are the most abundant adrenal steroids in humans and are found in blood and the brain, where they function as neurosteroids with direct receptor affinities. Preclinical studies suggest that DHEA(S) has antidepressant/neuroprotective properties, and exogenously administered DHEA has shown antidepressant efficacy in humans. Nonetheless, the role of endogenous DHEA(S) levels in major depressive disorder (MDD) and antidepressant outcomes remains unclear. METHODS Morning fasting serum DHEA(S) concentrations were determined in 36 healthy, unmedicated MDD adults with Hamilton Depression (HDRS) ratings ≥17, and 75 healthy controls. MDD participants then completed eight weeks of open-label SSRI treatment before DHEA(S) levels were re-sampled; those with post-treatment HDRS ratings ≤7 were classified as "Remitters." Pre- and post-treatment DHEA(S) levels of Remitters and Non-remitters were compared, controlling for age, sex, and BMI. RESULTS Pre-treatment HDRS ratings did not differ between Remitters and Non-remitters (p=0.179). Baseline DHEA levels of Remitters were significantly higher than both Non-remitters (p=0.008) and controls (p=0.004); baseline DHEA-S levels of Remitters were also higher than Non-remitters (p=0.040) but did not significantly differ from controls (p=0.096). Non-remitters did not significantly differ from controls. Post-treatment DHEA(S) levels remained higher in Remitters compared to Non-remitters (DHEA: p=0.013; DHEA-S: p=0.040). CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that higher circulating DHEA(S) levels (while unmedicated and after eight weeks of SSRI treatment) predict SSRI-associated remission in MDD. This raises the possibility that endogenous DHEA(S) abundance is a physiological adjunct to SSRI efficacy, as suggested by prior preclinical and clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina M Hough
- Department of Psychiatry, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Daniel Lindqvist
- Department of Psychiatry, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, USA; Department of Clinical Sciences, Section for Psychiatry, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Elissa S Epel
- Department of Psychiatry, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Molly St Denis
- Department of Psychiatry, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Victor I Reus
- Department of Psychiatry, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - F Saverio Bersani
- Department of Psychiatry, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, USA; Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Rebecca Rosser
- Department of Psychiatry, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Laura Mahan
- Department of Psychiatry, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Heather M Burke
- Department of Psychiatry, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Owen M Wolkowitz
- Department of Psychiatry, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Synthia H Mellon
- Department of OB/GYN and Reproductive Sciences, UCSF School of Medicine, San Francisco, 513 Parnassus Ave., San Francisco, CA 94143-0556, USA.
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32
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Gao W, Kirschbaum C, Grass J, Stalder T. LC-MS based analysis of endogenous steroid hormones in human hair. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2016; 162:92-9. [PMID: 26718873 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2015.12.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2015] [Revised: 12/15/2015] [Accepted: 12/17/2015] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The quantification of endogenous steroid hormone concentrations in hair is increasingly used as a method for obtaining retrospective information on long-term integrated hormone exposure. Several different analytical procedures have been employed for hair steroid analysis, with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) being recognized as a particularly powerful analytical tool. Several methodological aspects affect the performance of LC-MS systems for hair steroid analysis, including sample preparation and pretreatment, steroid extraction, post-incubation purification, LC methodology, ionization techniques and MS specifications. Here, we critically review the differential value of such protocol variants for hair steroid hormones analysis, focusing on both analytical quality and practical feasibility issues. Our results show that, when methodological challenges are adequately addressed, LC-MS protocols can not only yield excellent sensitivity and specificity but are also characterized by relatively simple sample processing and short run times. This makes LC-MS based hair steroid protocols particularly suitable as a high-quality option for routine application in research contexts requiring the processing of larger numbers of samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Gao
- TU Dresden, Department of Psychology, Dresden, Germany
| | | | - Juliane Grass
- TU Dresden, Department of Psychology, Dresden, Germany
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Svec F, Porter JR. Dehydroepiandrosterone: A Nutritional Supplement with Actions in the Central Nervous System. Nutr Neurosci 2016; 1:9-19. [DOI: 10.1080/1028415x.1998.11747209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Durcan L, Petri M. Immunomodulators in SLE: Clinical evidence and immunologic actions. J Autoimmun 2016; 74:73-84. [PMID: 27371107 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2016.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2016] [Revised: 06/16/2016] [Accepted: 06/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a potentially fatal autoimmune disease. Current treatment strategies rely heavily on corticosteroids, which are in turn responsible for a significant burden of morbidity, and immunosuppressives which are limited by suboptimal efficacy, increased infections and malignancies. There are significant deficiencies in our immunosuppressive armamentarium, making immunomodulatory therapies crucial, offering the opportunity to prevent disease flare and the subsequent accrual of damage. Currently available immunomodulators include prasterone (synthetic dehydroeipandrosterone), vitamin D, hydroxychloroquine and belimumab. These therapies, acting via numerous cellular and cytokine pathways, have been shown to modify the aberrant immune responses associated with SLE without overt immunosuppression. Vitamin D is important in SLE and supplementation appears to have a positive impact on disease activity particularly proteinuria. Belimumab has specific immunomodulatory properties and is an effective therapy in those with specific serological and clinical characteristics predictive of response. Hydroxychloroquine is a crucial background medication in SLE with actions in many molecular pathways. It has disease specific effects in reducing flare, treating cutaneous disease and inflammatory arthralgias in addition to other effects such as reduced thrombosis, increased longevity, improved lipids, better glycemic control and blood pressure. Dehydroeipandrosterone is also an immunomodulator in SLE which can have positive effects on disease activity and has bone protective properties. This review outlines the immunologic actions of these drugs and the clinical evidence supporting their use.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Durcan
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Washington, Seattle, USA.
| | - M Petri
- Division of Rheumatology, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
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de Menezes KJ, Peixoto C, Nardi AE, Carta MG, Machado S, Veras AB. Dehydroepiandrosterone, Its Sulfate and Cognitive Functions. Clin Pract Epidemiol Ment Health 2016; 12:24-37. [PMID: 27346998 PMCID: PMC4894834 DOI: 10.2174/1745017901612010024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2015] [Revised: 09/27/2015] [Accepted: 12/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
To present a review of cross-sectional and longitudinal studies that investigate the relationship between the hormones Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) and cognition. Methods: The cognition items included in this review were global cognitive function, memory, attention, executive function, intelligence, perception and visuospatial ability. A systematic review was proceeded using three databases: PubMed, ISI Web of Science, and PsycINFO. Results: Two thousand fifty five references about cognition and hormones were found; 772 duplicated references were excluded, resulting in 1.283 references to be evaluated. According to exclusion and inclusion criteria, 25 references were selected. A positive correlation between DHEA-S blood levels and global cognition was found in women and men. Other positive correlations between DHEA-S and working memory, attention and verbal fluency were found only in women. The DHEA effect on cognition is limited to one study conducted among young men with high-doses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina Junqueira de Menezes
- Laboratory of Panic and Respiration, Institute of Psychiatry, UFRJ (Federal University of Rio de Janeiro), Brazil
| | - Clayton Peixoto
- Laboratory of Panic and Respiration, Institute of Psychiatry, UFRJ (Federal University of Rio de Janeiro), Brazil
| | - Antonio Egidio Nardi
- Laboratory of Panic and Respiration, Institute of Psychiatry, UFRJ (Federal University of Rio de Janeiro), Brazil
| | - Mauro Giovanni Carta
- Department of Public Health, Clinical and Molecular Medicine, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Sérgio Machado
- Laboratory of Panic and Respiration, Institute of Psychiatry, UFRJ (Federal University of Rio de Janeiro), Brazil
| | - André Barciela Veras
- Dom Bosco Catholic University (UCDB), Laboratory of Panic and Respiration, Institute of Psychiatry, UFRJ, Brazil
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Souza-Teodoro LH, de Oliveira C, Walters K, Carvalho LA. Higher serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate protects against the onset of depression in the elderly: Findings from the English Longitudinal Study of Aging (ELSA). Psychoneuroendocrinology 2016; 64:40-6. [PMID: 26600009 PMCID: PMC4712651 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2015.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2015] [Revised: 11/05/2015] [Accepted: 11/07/2015] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Depression is one of the major causes of disability worldwide, but the complete etiology of depression is not fully understood. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulphated form DHEA(S) have been associated with mood and healthy aging. Associations with mental illness over the middle to late years of life have not yet been extensively investigated in large, western community-dwelling samples. The aim of this study was to investigate whether low DHEA(S) levels are associated with the development of depressive symptoms in a large longitudinal cohort study of older men and women. We assessed data from English Longitudinal Study of Aging (ELSA) to evaluate the association of DHEA(S) levels and depressive symptoms measured by Center for Epidemiologic Studies Scale (CES-D) at baseline (n=3083) and at 4-year follow-up (n=3009). At baseline, there was an inverse association between DHEA(S) and depressive symptoms (B=-0.252, p=0.014). Adjustments for physical illnesses, impairments in cognitive function and health behaviors abolished this association (p=0.109) at baseline. Decreased DHEA(S) levels at baseline also predicted incident depression at 4-year follow-up (B=-0.332, p<0.001). In conclusion, higher DHEA(S) levels were associated with reduced risk of developing depressive symptoms in both men and women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis H Souza-Teodoro
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, London, UK,Chronopharmacology Laboratory, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Cesar de Oliveira
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Kate Walters
- Research Department of Primary Care and Population Health, UCL and Medical Research Council General Practice Research Framework, London, UK
| | - Livia A Carvalho
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, London, UK.
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Maayan R, Hirsh L, Yadid G, Weizman A. Dehydroepiandrosterone Attenuates Cocaine-Seeking Behaviour Independently of Corticosterone Fluctuations. J Neuroendocrinol 2015; 27:819-26. [PMID: 26309224 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2015] [Revised: 08/20/2015] [Accepted: 08/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The neurosteroid dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is involved in the pathophysiology of several psychiatric disorders, including cocaine addiction. We have previously shown that DHEA attenuates cocaine-seeking behaviour, and also that DHEA decreases corticosterone (CORT) levels in plasma and the prefrontal cortex. Previous studies have found that rats demonstrate cocaine-seeking behaviour only when the level of CORT reaches a minimum threshold. In the present study, we investigated whether the attenuating effect of DHEA on cocaine seeking is a result of it reducing CORT levels rather than a result of any unique neurosteroid properties. Rats received either daily DHEA injections (2 mg/kg, i.p.) alone, daily DHEA (2 mg/kg, i.p.) with CORT infusion (to maintain stable basal levels of CORT; 15 mg/kg, s.c.) or vehicle (i.p.) as control, throughout self-administration training and extinction sessions. We found that both DHEA-treated and DHEA + CORT-treated groups showed a significantly lower number of active lever presses compared to controls throughout training and extinction sessions, as well as at cocaine-primed reinstatement. DHEA-treated rats showed lower CORT levels throughout the experimental phases compared to DHEA + CORT-treated and control rats. Additionally, we show that DHEA administered to cocaine-trained rats throughout extinction sessions, or immediately before reinstatement, attenuated cocaine seeking. These findings indicate that DHEA attenuates cocaine-seeking behaviour independently of fluctuations in CORT levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Maayan
- The Laboratory of Biological Psychiatry, Felsenstein Medical Research Center and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Petah Tikva, Israel
| | - L Hirsh
- Leslie and Gonda (Goldschmied) Multidisciplinary Brain Research Center, Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - G Yadid
- Leslie and Gonda (Goldschmied) Multidisciplinary Brain Research Center, Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - A Weizman
- The Laboratory of Biological Psychiatry, Felsenstein Medical Research Center and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Petah Tikva, Israel
- Geha Mental Health Center, Petah Tikva, Israel
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Gallagher P, Malik N, Newham J, Young AH, Ferrier IN, Mackin P. WITHDRAWN: Antiglucocorticoid treatments for mood disorders. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2015; 2015:CD005168. [PMID: 26098594 PMCID: PMC10641662 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd005168.pub3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
In the original submission two of the authors declared a filing of a pharmaceutical patent. This does not comply with Cochrane's Commercial Sponsorship Policy. The remaining authors are unable to update the review at this time and have therefore withdrawn it from the Cochrane library. The editorial group responsible for this previously published document have withdrawn it from publication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Gallagher
- University of Newcastle upon TyneSchool of Neurology, Neurobiology and PsychiatryQueen Victoria RoadNewcastle upon TyneUKNE1 4LP
| | - Navdeep Malik
- Leazes Wing, The Royal Victoria InfirmaryDepartment of PsychiatryRichardson RoadNewcastle upon TyneUKNE1 4LP
| | - James Newham
- Leazes Wing, The Royal Victoria InfirmaryDepartment of PsychiatryRichardson RoadNewcastle upon TyneUKNE1 4LP
| | - Allan H Young
- Institute of Psychiatry, King's College LondonCentre for Affective DisordersPO72, De Crespigny ParkDenmark HillLondonUKSE5 8AF
| | - I Nicol Ferrier
- University of Newcastle upon TyneDepartment of PsychiatryQueen Victoria RoadNewcastle upon TyneUKNE1 4LP
| | - Paul Mackin
- University of Newcastle upon TyneDepartment of PsychiatryQueen Victoria RoadNewcastle upon TyneUKNE1 4LP
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Abstract
This review compares the biological and physiological function of Sigma receptors [σRs] and their potential therapeutic roles. Sigma receptors are widespread in the central nervous system and across multiple peripheral tissues. σRs consist of sigma receptor one (σ1R) and sigma receptor two (σ2R) and are expressed in numerous regions of the brain. The sigma receptor was originally proposed as a subtype of opioid receptors and was suggested to contribute to the delusions and psychoses induced by benzomorphans such as SKF-10047 and pentazocine. Later studies confirmed that σRs are non-opioid receptors (not an µ opioid receptor) and play a more diverse role in intracellular signaling, apoptosis and metabolic regulation. σ1Rs are intracellular receptors acting as chaperone proteins that modulate Ca2+ signaling through the IP3 receptor. They dynamically translocate inside cells, hence are transmembrane proteins. The σ1R receptor, at the mitochondrial-associated endoplasmic reticulum membrane, is responsible for mitochondrial metabolic regulation and promotes mitochondrial energy depletion and apoptosis. Studies have demonstrated that they play a role as a modulator of ion channels (K+ channels; N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors [NMDAR]; inositol 1,3,5 triphosphate receptors) and regulate lipid transport and metabolism, neuritogenesis, cellular differentiation and myelination in the brain. σ1R modulation of Ca2+ release, modulation of cardiac myocyte contractility and may have links to G-proteins. It has been proposed that σ1Rs are intracellular signal transduction amplifiers. This review of the literature examines the mechanism of action of the σRs, their interaction with neurotransmitters, pharmacology, location and adverse effects mediated through them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin G Rousseaux
- a Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine , University of Ottawa , Ottawa , ON , Canada and
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Krzascik P, Zajda ME, Majewska MD. The neurosteroid dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, but not androsterone, enhances the antidepressant effect of cocaine examined in the forced swim test--Possible role of serotonergic neurotransmission. Horm Behav 2015; 70:64-72. [PMID: 25747464 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2014.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2014] [Revised: 12/19/2014] [Accepted: 12/23/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
One of the mechanisms of cocaine's actions in the central nervous system is its antidepressant action. This effect might be responsible for increased usage of the drug by individuals with mood disorders. Higher endogenous levels of the excitatory neurosteroid dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) were reported to correlate with successful abstinence from cocaine use in addicts, but a clinical trial showed that supplementation with a high dose of DHEA increased cocaine usage instead. Such ambiguous effects of DHEA(S) could potentially be linked to its influence on the antidepressant effect of cocaine. In this study we tested DHEAS and its metabolite, androsterone, for interactions with cocaine in animal model of depression (forced swim test) and examined the effects of both steroids and cocaine on serotoninergic neurotransmission. All substances were also tested for influence on locomotor activity. A cocaine dose of 5mg/kg, which had no significant effect on locomotor activity, was chosen for the forced swim test. Neither DHEAS nor androsterone showed any antidepressant action in this test, while cocaine manifested a clear antidepressant effect. Androsterone slightly reduced the antidepressant influence of cocaine while DHEAS markedly, dose-dependently enhanced it. Such an effect might be caused by the influence of DHEAS on serotonin neurotransmission, as this steroid decreased serotonin concentration and turnover in the striatum. When DHEAS and cocaine were administered together, the levels of serotonin in the striatum and hippocampus remained unchanged. This phenomenon may explain the additive antidepressant action of DHEAS and cocaine and why co-administration of DHEAS and cocaine increases drug use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pawel Krzascik
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Warsaw, 1b Banacha Street, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Malgorzata Elzbieta Zajda
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Warsaw, 1b Banacha Street, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland; Marie Curie Program (EC), Department of Pharmacology and Physiology of the Nervous System, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, Sobieskiego 9, 02-957 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Maria Dorota Majewska
- Marie Curie Program (EC), Department of Pharmacology and Physiology of the Nervous System, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, Sobieskiego 9, 02-957 Warsaw, Poland
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Pluchino N, Drakopoulos P, Bianchi-Demicheli F, Wenger JM, Petignat P, Genazzani AR. Neurobiology of DHEA and effects on sexuality, mood and cognition. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2015; 145:273-80. [PMID: 24892797 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2014.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2014] [Revised: 04/14/2014] [Accepted: 04/20/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulfate ester, DHEAS, are the most abundant steroid hormones in the humans. However, their physiological significance, their mechanisms of action and their possible roles as treatment are not fully clarified. Biological actions of DHEA(S) in the brain involve neuroprotection, neurite growth, neurogenesis and neuronal survival, apoptosis, catecholamine synthesis and secretion, as well as anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiglucocorticoid effects. In addition, DHEA affects neurosteroidogenis and endorphin synthesis/release. We also demonstrated in a model of ovariectomized rats that DHEA therapy increases proceptive behaviors, already after 1 week of treatment, affecting central function of sexual drive. In women, the analyses of clinical outcomes are far from being conclusive and many issues should still be addressed. Although DHEA preparations have been available in the market since the 1990s, there are very few definitive reports on the biological functions of this steroid. We demonstrate that 1 year DHEA administration at the dose of 10mg provided a significant improvement in comparison with vitamin D in sexual function and in frequency of sexual intercourse in early postmenopausal women. Among symptomatic women, the spectrum of symptoms responding to DHEA requires further investigation, to define the type of sexual symptoms (e.g. decreased sexual function or hypoactive sexual desire disorder) and the degree of mood/cognitive symptoms that could be responsive to hormonal treatment. In this regard, our findings are promising, although they need further exploration with a larger and more representative sample size. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Essential role of DHEA.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Pluchino
- Division of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - P Drakopoulos
- Division of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - F Bianchi-Demicheli
- Division of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - J M Wenger
- Division of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - P Petignat
- Division of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - A R Genazzani
- Division of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Chen FR, Raine A, Granger DA. Tactics for modeling multiple salivary analyte data in relation to behavior problems: Additive, ratio, and interaction effects. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2015; 51:188-200. [PMID: 25462892 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2014.09.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2014] [Revised: 09/27/2014] [Accepted: 09/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Individual differences in the psychobiology of the stress response have been linked to behavior problems in youth yet most research has focused on single signaling molecules released by either the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis or the autonomic nervous system. As our understanding about biobehavioral relationships develops it is clear that multiple signals from the biological stress systems work in coordination to affect behavior problems. Questions are raised as to whether coordinated effects should be statistically represented as ratio or interactive terms. We address this knowledge gap by providing a theoretical overview of the concepts and rationales, and illustrating the analytical tactics. Salivary samples collected from 446 youth aged 11-12 were assayed for salivary alpha-amylase (sAA), dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEA-s) and cortisol. Coordinated effect of DHEA-s and cortisol, and coordinated effect of sAA and cortisol on externalizing and internalizing problems (Child Behavior Checklist) were tested with the ratio and the interaction approaches using multi-group path analysis. Findings consistent with previous studies include a positive association between cortisol/DHEA-s ratio and internalizing problems; and a negative association between cortisol and externalizing problems conditional on low levels of sAA. This study highlights the importance of matching analytical strategy with research hypothesis when integrating salivary bioscience into research in behavior problems. Recommendations are made for investigating multiple salivary analytes in relation to behavior problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frances R Chen
- Department of Criminology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| | - Adrian Raine
- Department of Criminology, Psychiatry, and Psychology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| | - Douglas A Granger
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Salivary Bioscience Research, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA; The Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, and Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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Samaras N, Papadopoulou MA, Samaras D, Ongaro F. Off-label use of hormones as an antiaging strategy: a review. Clin Interv Aging 2014; 9:1175-86. [PMID: 25092967 PMCID: PMC4116364 DOI: 10.2147/cia.s48918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Given demographic evolution of the population in modern societies, one of the most important health care needs is successful aging with less frailty and dependency. During the last 20 years, a multitude of anti-aging practices have appeared worldwide, aiming at retarding or even stopping and reversing the effects of aging on the human body. One of the cornerstones of anti-aging is hormone replacement. At present, women live one third of their lives in a state of sex-hormone deficiency. Men are also subject to age-related testosterone decline, but andropause remains frequently under-diagnosed and under-treated. Due to the decline of hormone production from gonads in both sexes, the importance of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in steroid hormone production increases with age. However, DHEA levels also decrease with age. Also, growth hormone age-associated decrease may be so important that insulin growth factor-1 levels found in elderly individuals are sometimes as low as those encountered in adult patients with established deficiency. Skin aging as well as decreases in lean body mass, bone mineral density, sexual desire and erectile function, intellectual activity and mood have all been related to this decrease of hormone production with age. Great disparities exist between recommendations from scientific societies and actual use of hormone supplements in aging and elderly patients. In this article, we review actual data on the effects of age related hormone decline on the aging process and age-related diseases such as sarcopenia and falls, osteoporosis, cognitive decline, mood disorders, cardiovascular health and sexual activity. We also provide information on the efficiency and safety of hormone replacement protocols in aging patients. Finally, we argue on future perspectives of such protocols as part of everyday practice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Dimitrios Samaras
- Department of Medical Specialties, Clinical Nutrition, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
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Samaras N, Samaras D, Frangos E, Forster A, Philippe J. A review of age-related dehydroepiandrosterone decline and its association with well-known geriatric syndromes: is treatment beneficial? Rejuvenation Res 2014; 16:285-94. [PMID: 23647054 DOI: 10.1089/rej.2013.1425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulfate ester are the most abundant steroids in humans. DHEA levels fall with age in men and women, reaching values sometimes as low as 10%-20% of those encountered in young individuals. This age-related decrease suggests an "adrenopause" phenomenon. Studies point toward several potential roles of DHEA, mainly through its hormonal end products, making this decline clinically relevant. Unfortunately, even if positive effects of DHEA on muscle, bone, cardiovascular disease, and sexual function seem rather robust, extremely few studies are large enough and/or long enough for conclusions regarding its effects on aging. Moreover, because it has been publically presented as a "fountain of youth" equivalent, over-the-counter preparations lacking pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic data are widely used worldwide. Conceptually, supplementing a pre-hormone is extremely interesting, because it would permit the human organism to adequately use it throughout long periods, increasing or decreasing end products according to his needs. Nevertheless, data on the safety profile of long-term DHEA supplementation are still lacking. In this article, we examine the potential relation between low DHEA levels and well-known age-related diseases, such as sarcopenia, osteoporosis, dementia, sexual disorders, and cardiovascular disease. We also review risks and benefits of existing protocols of DHEA supplementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos Samaras
- Department of Internal Medicine, Rehabilitation and Geriatrics, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland.
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Morita T, Senzaki K, Ishihara R, Umeda K, Iwata N, Nagai T, Hida H, Nabeshima T, Yukawa K, Ozaki N, Noda Y. Plasma dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate levels in patients with major depressive disorder correlate with remission during treatment with antidepressants. Hum Psychopharmacol 2014; 29:280-6. [PMID: 24911578 DOI: 10.1002/hup.2400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2013] [Revised: 01/26/2014] [Accepted: 02/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We attempted to investigate whether dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) levels are associated with remission of major depressive disorder by assessing scores on the 17-Item Structured Interview Guide for the Hamilton Depression before and after antidepressant treatment. METHODS Plasma DHEA-S levels in 24 patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder on the basis of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition (text revision) before and after antidepressant treatment, and 24 healthy, gender-matched, and age-matched controls were measured using a radioimmunoassay kit. RESULTS Plasma DHEA-S levels in patients were significantly higher than those in healthy controls. In patients who achieved remission after antidepressant treatment, plasma DHEA-S levels significantly declined compared with the levels before treatment. A significant correlation was observed between changes in DHEA-S levels and Absence of Depressive and Anxious Mood scores, which are calculated from the 2-Item Structured Interview Guide for the Hamilton Depression rating as follows: severity of depressive mood and anxiety in patients before and after antidepressant treatment. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that plasma DHEA-S levels can be used as a putative indicator of the state of remission in patients with major depressive disorder. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tokiko Morita
- Department of Physiology, Meijo University, Graduate School of Pharmacy, Nagoya, Japan; Department of Psychiatry, Nagoya University, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
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Holubova K, Nekovarova T, Pistovcakova J, Sulcova A, Stuchlík A, Vales K. Pregnanolone Glutamate, a Novel Use-Dependent NMDA Receptor Inhibitor, Exerts Antidepressant-Like Properties in Animal Models. Front Behav Neurosci 2014; 8:130. [PMID: 24795582 PMCID: PMC3997017 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2014.00130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2013] [Accepted: 03/29/2014] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
A number of studies demonstrated a rapid onset of an antidepressant effect of non-competitive N-methyl-d-aspartic acid receptor (NMDAR) antagonists. Nonetheless, its therapeutic potential is rather limited, due to a high coincidence of negative side-effects. Therefore, the challenge seems to be in the development of NMDAR antagonists displaying antidepressant properties, and at the same time maintaining regular physiological function of the NMDAR. Previous results demonstrated that naturally occurring neurosteroid 3α5β-pregnanolone sulfate shows pronounced inhibitory action by a use-dependent mechanism on the tonically active NMDAR. The aim of the present experiments is to find out whether the treatment with pregnanolone 3αC derivatives affects behavioral response to chronic and acute stress in an animal model of depression. Adult male mice were used throughout the study. Repeated social defeat and forced swimming tests were used as animal models of depression. The effect of the drugs on the locomotor/exploratory activity in the open-field test was also tested together with an effect on anxiety in the elevated plus maze. Results showed that pregnanolone glutamate (PG) did not induce hyperlocomotion, whereas both dizocilpine and ketamine significantly increased spontaneous locomotor activity in the open field. In the elevated plus maze, PG displayed anxiolytic-like properties. In forced swimming, PG prolonged time to the first floating. Acute treatment of PG disinhibited suppressed locomotor activity in the repeatedly defeated group-housed mice. Aggressive behavior of isolated mice was reduced after the chronic 30-day administration of PG. PG showed antidepressant-like and anxiolytic-like properties in the used tests, with minimal side-effects. Since PG combines GABAA receptor potentiation and use-dependent NMDAR inhibition, synthetic derivatives of neuroactive steroids present a promising strategy for the treatment of mood disorders. Highlights:
3α5β-pregnanolone glutamate (PG) is a use-dependent antagonist of NMDA receptors. We demonstrated that PG did not induce significant hyperlocomotion. We showed that PG displayed anxiolytic-like and antidepressant-like properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Holubova
- Institute of Physiology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic , Prague , Czech Republic
| | - Tereza Nekovarova
- Institute of Physiology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic , Prague , Czech Republic
| | - Jana Pistovcakova
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, Masaryk University , Brno , Czech Republic
| | - Alexandra Sulcova
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University , Brno , Czech Republic
| | - Ales Stuchlík
- Institute of Physiology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic , Prague , Czech Republic
| | - Karel Vales
- Institute of Physiology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic , Prague , Czech Republic
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Schüle C, Baghai TC, Eser D, Rupprecht R. Hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenocortical system dysregulation and new treatment strategies in depression. Expert Rev Neurother 2014; 9:1005-19. [DOI: 10.1586/ern.09.52] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Hiramatsu N, Ago Y, Hasebe S, Nishimura A, Mori K, Takuma K, Matsuda T. Synergistic effect of 5-HT1A and σ1 receptor activation on prefrontal dopaminergic transmission under circulating steroid deficiency. Neuropharmacology 2013; 75:53-61. [PMID: 23851260 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2013.06.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2013] [Revised: 05/31/2013] [Accepted: 06/28/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Serotonin (5-HT)1A and σ1 receptors have been implicated in psychiatric disorders. We previously found that combined 5-HT reuptake inhibition and σ1 receptor activation has a synergistic effect on prefrontal dopaminergic transmission in adrenalectomized/castrated mice lacking circulating steroid hormones. In the present study, we examined the mechanisms underlying this neurochemical synergism. Systemic administration of fluvoxamine, a selective 5-HT reuptake inhibitor with agonistic activity towards the σ1 receptor, increased prefrontal dopamine (DA) levels, and adrenalectomy/castration potentiated this fluvoxamine-induced increase in DA. This enhancement of DA release was blocked by WAY100635 (a 5-HT1A receptor antagonist), but not by ritanserin (a 5-HT2 receptor antagonist), azasetron (a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist) or SB269970 (a 5-HT7 receptor antagonist). Individually, osemozotan (a 5-HT1A receptor agonist) and (+)-SKF-10,047 (a σ1 receptor agonist) did not alter prefrontal monoamine levels in adrenalectomized/castrated and sham-operated mice differentially. In contrast, co-administration of these drugs increased prefrontal DA levels to a greater extent in adrenalectomized/castrated mice than in sham-operated animals. Furthermore, co-administration of osemozotan and (+)-SKF-10,047 increased expression of the neuronal activity marker c-Fos in the ventral tegmental area of adrenalectomized/castrated mice, but not in sham-operated animals. These findings suggest that combined activation of 5-HT1A and σ1 receptors has a synergistic effect on prefrontal dopaminergic transmission under circulating steroid deficiency, and that this interaction may play an important role in the regulation of the prefrontal DA system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoki Hiramatsu
- Laboratory of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, 1-6 Yamada-oka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Yukio Ago
- Laboratory of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, 1-6 Yamada-oka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Shigeru Hasebe
- Laboratory of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, 1-6 Yamada-oka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Akira Nishimura
- Laboratory of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, 1-6 Yamada-oka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Kazuya Mori
- Laboratory of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, 1-6 Yamada-oka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Takuma
- Laboratory of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, 1-6 Yamada-oka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Toshio Matsuda
- Laboratory of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, 1-6 Yamada-oka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan; United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University and University of Fukui, 2-2 Yamada-oka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan.
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