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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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Scott MR, Edwards NC, Properzi MJ, Jacobs HIL, Price JC, Lois C, Farrell ME, Hanseeuw BJ, Thibault EG, Rentz DM, Johnson KA, Sperling RA, Schultz AP, Buckley RF. Contribution of extracerebral tracer retention and partial volume effects to sex differences in Flortaucipir-PET signal. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2024; 44:131-141. [PMID: 37728659 PMCID: PMC10905641 DOI: 10.1177/0271678x231196978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
Clinically normal females exhibit higher 18F-flortaucipir (FTP)-PET signal than males across the cortex. However, these sex differences may be explained by neuroimaging idiosyncrasies such as off-target extracerebral tracer retention or partial volume effects (PVEs). 343 clinically normal participants (female = 58%; mean[SD]=73.8[8.5] years) and 55 patients with mild cognitive impairment (female = 38%; mean[SD] = 76.9[7.3] years) underwent cross-sectional FTP-PET. We parcellated extracerebral FreeSurfer areas based on proximity to cortical ROIs. Sex differences in cortical tau were then estimated after accounting for local extracerebral retention. We simulated PVE by convolving group-level standardized uptake value ratio means in each ROI with 6 mm Gaussian kernels and compared the sexes across ROIs post-smoothing. Widespread sex differences in extracerebral retention were observed. Although attenuating sex differences in cortical tau-PET signal, covarying for extracerebral retention did not impact the largest sex differences in tau-PET signal. Differences in PVE were observed in both female and male directions with no clear sex-specific bias. Our findings suggest that sex differences in FTP are not solely attributed to off-target extracerebral retention or PVE, consistent with the notion that sex differences in medial temporal and neocortical tau are biologically driven. Future work should investigate sex differences in regional cerebral blood flow kinetics and longitudinal tau-PET.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew R Scott
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Natalie C Edwards
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer’s Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University, New York City, NY, USA
- Department of Neurology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Michael J Properzi
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Heidi IL Jacobs
- Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Alzheimer Centre Limburg, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Julie C Price
- Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Cristina Lois
- Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michelle E Farrell
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Bernard J Hanseeuw
- Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Neurology, Cliniques Universitaires SaintLuc, Institute of Neuroscience, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Emma G Thibault
- Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Dorene M Rentz
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Neurology, Center for Alzheimer Research and Treatment, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Keith A Johnson
- Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Neurology, Center for Alzheimer Research and Treatment, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Reisa A Sperling
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Neurology, Center for Alzheimer Research and Treatment, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Aaron P Schultz
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rachel F Buckley
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Neurology, Center for Alzheimer Research and Treatment, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Melbourne School of Psychological Science, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Vila-Castelar C, Chen Y, Langella S, Lopera F, Zetterberg H, Hansson O, Dage JL, Janelidzde S, Su Y, Chen K, McDowell CP, Martinez JE, Ramirez-Gomez L, Garcia G, Aguillon D, Baena A, Giraldo-Chica M, Protas HD, Ghisays V, Rios-Romenets S, Tariot PN, Blennow K, Reiman EM, Quiroz YT. Sex differences in blood biomarkers and cognitive performance in individuals with autosomal dominant Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimers Dement 2023; 19:4127-4138. [PMID: 37279390 PMCID: PMC10527358 DOI: 10.1002/alz.13314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Plasma tau phosphorylated at threonine 217 (P-tau217) and neurofilament light (NfL) have emerged as markers of Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology. Few studies have examined the role of sex in plasma biomarkers in sporadic AD, yielding mixed findings, and none in autosomal dominant AD. METHODS We examined the effects of sex and age on plasma P-tau217 and NfL, and their association with cognitive performance in a cross-sectional study of 621 Presenilin-1 E280A mutation carriers (PSEN1) and non-carriers. RESULTS As plasma P-tau217 levels increase, cognitively unimpaired female carriers showed better cognitive performance than cognitively unimpaired male carriers. Yet, as disease progresses, female carriers had a greater plasma NfL increase than male carriers. There were no sex differences in the association between age and plasma biomarkers among non-carriers. DISCUSSION Our findings suggest that, among PSEN1 mutation carriers, females had a greater rate of neurodegeneration than males, yet it did not predict cognitive performance. HIGHLIGHTS We examined sex differences in plasma P-tau217 and NfL in Presenilin-1 E280A (PSEN1) mutation carriers and non-carriers. Female carriers had a greater plasma NfL increase, but not P-tau217, than male carriers. As plasma P-tau217 levels increase, cognitively unimpaired female carriers showed better cognitive performance than cognitively unimpaired male carriers. The interaction effect of sex by plasma NfL levels did not predict cognition among carriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Vila-Castelar
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02129, USA
| | - Yinghua Chen
- Banner Alzheimer’s Institute, Phoenix, AZ, 85718, USA
| | - Stephanie Langella
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02129, USA
| | - Francisco Lopera
- Grupo de Neurociencias de Antioquia, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellin, 1226, Colombia
| | - Henrik Zetterberg
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, the Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, 405 30, Sweden
- Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, 405 30, Sweden
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
- Hong Kong Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
| | - Oskar Hansson
- Memory Clinic, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, 214 28, Sweden
- Clinical Memory Research Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences Malmö, Lund University, 205 02, Sweden
| | - Jeffrey L. Dage
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | | | - Yi Su
- Banner Alzheimer’s Institute, Phoenix, AZ, 85718, USA
| | - Kewei Chen
- Banner Alzheimer’s Institute, Phoenix, AZ, 85718, USA
| | - Celina Pluim McDowell
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02129, USA
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, 02215, MA
- Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, 02115, MA
| | - Jairo E. Martinez
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02129, USA
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, 02215, MA
| | | | - Gloria Garcia
- Grupo de Neurociencias de Antioquia, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellin, 1226, Colombia
| | - David Aguillon
- Grupo de Neurociencias de Antioquia, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellin, 1226, Colombia
| | - Ana Baena
- Grupo de Neurociencias de Antioquia, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellin, 1226, Colombia
| | | | | | | | - Silvia Rios-Romenets
- Grupo de Neurociencias de Antioquia, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellin, 1226, Colombia
| | | | - Kaj Blennow
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, the Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, 405 30, Sweden
- Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, 405 30, Sweden
| | | | - Yakeel T. Quiroz
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02129, USA
- Grupo de Neurociencias de Antioquia, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellin, 1226, Colombia
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Kim H, Yoo J, Han K, Lee DY, Fava M, Mischoulon D, Jeon HJ. Hormone therapy and the decreased risk of dementia in women with depression: a population-based cohort study. Alzheimers Res Ther 2022; 14:83. [PMID: 35710453 PMCID: PMC9202170 DOI: 10.1186/s13195-022-01026-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Background
The literature has shown depression to be associated with an increased risk of dementia. In addition, hormone therapy can be a responsive treatment option for a certain type of depression. In this study, we examined the association between hormone therapy, including lifetime oral contraceptive (OC) use, and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) after menopause with the occurrence of dementia among female patients with depression.
Methods
The South Korean national claims data from January 1, 2005, to December 31, 2018, was used. Female subjects aged 40 years or older with depression were included in the analyses. Information on hormone therapy was identified from health examination data and followed up for the occurrence of dementia during the average follow-up period of 7.72 years.
Results
Among 209,588 subjects, 23,555 were diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and 3023 with vascular dementia (VD). Lifetime OC usage was associated with a decreased risk of AD (OC use for < 1 year: HR, 0.92 [95% CI, 0.88–0.97]; OC use for ≥ 1 year: HR, 0.89 [95% CI, 0.84–0.94]), and HRT after menopause was associated with a decreased risk of AD (HRT for < 2 years: HR, 0.84 [95% CI, 0.79–0.89]; HRT for 2–5 years: HR, 0.80 [95% CI, 0.74–0.88]; and HRT for ≥ 5 years : HR, 0.78 [95% CI, 0.71–0.85]) and VD (HRT < 2 years: HR, 0.82 [95% CI, 0.71–0.96]; HRT for 2–5 years: HR, 0.81 [95% CI, 0.64–1.02]; and HRT for ≥ 5 years: HR, 0.61 [95% CI, 0.47–0.79]).
Conclusions
In this nationwide cohort study, lifetime OC use was associated with a decreased risk of AD, and HRT after menopause was associated with a decreased risk of AD and VD among female patients with depression. However, further studies are needed to establish causality.
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Vila-Castelar C, Tariot PN, Sink KM, Clayton D, Langbaum JB, Thomas RG, Chen Y, Su Y, Chen K, Hu N, Giraldo-Chica M, Tobón C, Acosta-Baena N, Luna E, Londoño M, Ospina P, Tirado V, Muñoz C, Henao E, Bocanegra Y, Alvarez S, Rios-Romenets S, Ghisays V, Goradia D, Lee W, Luo J, Malek-Ahmadi MH, Protas HD, Lopera F, Reiman EM, Quiroz YT. Sex differences in cognitive resilience in preclinical autosomal-dominant Alzheimer's disease carriers and non-carriers: Baseline findings from the API ADAD Colombia Trial. Alzheimers Dement 2022; 18:2272-2282. [PMID: 35103388 PMCID: PMC9339586 DOI: 10.1002/alz.12552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Females may have greater susceptibility to Alzheimer's disease (AD)-pathology. We examined the effect of sex on pathology, neurodegeneration, and memory in cognitively-unimpaired Presenilin-1 (PSEN1) E280A mutation carriers and non-carriers. METHODS We analyzed baseline data from 167 mutation carriers and 75 non-carriers (ages 30 to 53) from the Alzheimer's Prevention Initiative Autosomal Dominant AD Trial, including florbetapir- and fludeoxyglucose-PET, MRI based hippocampal volume and cognitive testing. RESULTS Females exhibited better delayed recall than males, controlling for age, precuneus glucose metabolism, and mutation status, although the effect was not significant among PSEN1 mutation carriers only. APOE ε4 did not modify the effect of sex on AD biomarkers and memory. DISCUSSION Our findings suggest that, among cognitively-unimpaired individuals at genetic risk for autosomal-dominant AD, females may have greater cognitive resilience to AD pathology and neurodegeneration than males. Further investigation of sex-specific differences in autosomal-dominant AD is key to elucidating mechanisms of AD risk and resilience.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Yi Su
- Banner Alzheimer’s Institute, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Kewei Chen
- Banner Alzheimer’s Institute, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Nan Hu
- Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Carlos Tobón
- Grupo de Neurociencias de Antioquia of Universidad de Antioquia, Medellin, CO
| | | | - Ernesto Luna
- Grupo de Neurociencias de Antioquia of Universidad de Antioquia, Medellin, CO
| | - Marisol Londoño
- Grupo de Neurociencias de Antioquia of Universidad de Antioquia, Medellin, CO
| | - Paula Ospina
- Grupo de Neurociencias de Antioquia of Universidad de Antioquia, Medellin, CO
| | - Victoria Tirado
- Grupo de Neurociencias de Antioquia of Universidad de Antioquia, Medellin, CO
| | - Claudia Muñoz
- Grupo de Neurociencias de Antioquia of Universidad de Antioquia, Medellin, CO
| | - Eliana Henao
- Grupo de Neurociencias de Antioquia of Universidad de Antioquia, Medellin, CO
| | - Yamile Bocanegra
- Grupo de Neurociencias de Antioquia of Universidad de Antioquia, Medellin, CO
| | | | | | | | | | - Wendy Lee
- Banner Alzheimer’s Institute, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Ji Luo
- Banner Alzheimer’s Institute, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | | | | | - Francisco Lopera
- Grupo de Neurociencias de Antioquia of Universidad de Antioquia, Medellin, CO
| | | | - Yakeel T. Quiroz
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Banner Alzheimer’s Institute, Phoenix, AZ, USA
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Kaur D, Behl T, Sehgal A, Singh S, Sharma N, Chigurupati S, Alhowail A, Abdeen A, Ibrahim SF, Vargas-De-La-Cruz C, Sachdeva M, Bhatia S, Al-Harrasi A, Bungau S. Decrypting the potential role of α-lipoic acid in Alzheimer's disease. Life Sci 2021; 284:119899. [PMID: 34450170 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.119899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the most prevalent neurodegenerative diseases with motor disturbances, cognitive decline, and behavioral impairment. It is characterized by the extracellular aggregation of amyloid-β plaques and the intracellular accumulation of tau protein. AD patients show a cognitive decline, which has been associated with oxidative stress, as well as mitochondrial dysfunction. Alpha-lipoic acid (α-LA), a natural antioxidant present in food and used as a dietary supplement, has been considered a promising agent for the prevention or treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. Despite multiple preclinical studies indicating beneficial effects of α-LA in memory functioning, and pointing to its neuroprotective effects, to date only a few studies have examined its effects in humans. Studies performed in animal models of memory loss associated with aging and AD have shown that α-LA improves memory in a variety of behavioral paradigms. Furthermore, molecular mechanisms underlying α-LA effects have also been investigated. Accordingly, α-LA shows antioxidant, antiapoptotic, anti-inflammatory, glioprotective, metal chelating properties in both in vivo and in vitro studies. In addition, it has been shown that α-LA reverses age-associated loss of neurotransmitters and their receptors. The review article aimed at summarizing and discussing the main studies investigating the neuroprotective effects of α-LA on cognition as well as its molecular effects, to improve the understanding of the therapeutic potential of α-LA in patients suffering from neurodegenerative disorders, supporting the development of clinical trials with α-LA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dapinder Kaur
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab, India
| | - Tapan Behl
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab, India.
| | - Aayush Sehgal
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab, India
| | - Sukhbir Singh
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab, India
| | - Neelam Sharma
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab, India
| | - Sridevi Chigurupati
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Qassim University, Buraidah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed Alhowail
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Qassim University, Buraidah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed Abdeen
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University, Toukh, Egypt; Center of Excellence for Screening of Environmental Contaminants, Benha University, Toukh, Egypt
| | - Samah F Ibrahim
- Clinical Sciences Department, College of Medicine, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology Department, College of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Celia Vargas-De-La-Cruz
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Academic Department of Pharmacology, Bromatology and Toxicology, Centro Latinoamericano de Ensenanza e Investigacion en Bacteriologia Alimentaria, Universidad Nacinol Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru; E-Health Research Center, Universidad de Ciencias y Humanidades, Lima, Peru
| | - Monika Sachdeva
- Fatima College of Health Sciences, Alain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Saurabh Bhatia
- Natural & Medical Sciences Research Center, University of Nizwa, Nizwa, Oman; School of Health Science, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Ahmed Al-Harrasi
- Natural & Medical Sciences Research Center, University of Nizwa, Nizwa, Oman
| | - Simona Bungau
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, Oradea, Romania
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Marbouti L, Zahmatkesh M, Riahi E, Shafiee Sabet M. GnRH protective effects against amyloid β-induced cognitive decline: A potential role of the 17β-estradiol. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2020; 518:110985. [PMID: 32805333 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2020.110985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The 17β-estradiol (E2) enhances hippocampal dendritic spine synapses, facilitates learning processes, and exerts neuroprotection. Brain estrogen decline has been reported in Alzheimer's disease. The role of GnRH in modulating steroid biosynthesis convinced us to examine whether hippocampal GnRH administration could enhance the local E2 levels and overcome the development of cognition decline in amyloid β (Aβ) neurotoxicity. To explore if GnRH acts through regulating E2 synthesis, letrozole, an aromatase inhibitor, has been applied in combination with GnRH. METHODS Female rats received an intracerebroventricular injection of Aβ. The GnRH and, or letrozole were injected into the CA1 for 14 consecutive days. Working memory, novel object recognition memory, and anxiety-like behavior were evaluated. Serum and hippocampal E2 levels were measured. Hippocampal mRNA expression of GnRH (GnRH-R) and E2 (ERα and ERβ) receptors was assessed. GnRH effect on the excitability of pyramidal cells was studied by in vivo single-unit recording. RESULTS GnRH increased hippocampal E2 levels, evoked an increase in the spontaneous firing of pyramidal neurons, and caused mRNA overexpression of hippocampal GnRH receptors. GnRH prevented the adverse effects of Aβ on working memory, NOR index, and anxiogenic behavior. Letrozole did not reverse GnRH modulatory effects on hippocampal E2 levels and neuroprotection. CONCLUSION GnRH prevented the Aβ-induced memory deficit, which may be mediated through hippocampal E2 levels enhancement. The electrophysiological analysis revealed the enhanced neuronal excitability in the CA1 region. All these data suggest that GnRH might be a promising candidate that reduces anxiety and improves memory indices in the context of Aβ neurotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ladan Marbouti
- Neuroscience and Addiction Studies Department, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Zahmatkesh
- Neuroscience and Addiction Studies Department, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Electrophysiology Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Cognitive and Behavioral Sciences Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Esmail Riahi
- Physiology Department, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahdi Shafiee Sabet
- Family Medicine Department, Ziaeian Hospital, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Teubel J, Parr MK. Determination of neurosteroids in human cerebrospinal fluid in the 21st century: A review. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2020; 204:105753. [PMID: 32937199 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2020.105753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Determination of steroid hormones synthesized by the human body plays an important role in various fields of endocrinology. Neurosteroids (NS) are steroids that are synthesized in the central (CNS) or peripheral nervous system (PNS), which is not only a source but also a target for neurosteroids. They are discussed as possible biomarkers in various cognitive disorders and research interest in this topic raises continuously. Nevertheless, knowledge on functions and metabolism is still limited, although the concept of neurosteroids was already introduced in the 1980s. Until today, the analysis of neurosteroids is truly challenging. The only accessible matrix for investigations of brain metabolism in living human beings is cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which therefore becomes a very interesting specimen for analysis. However, neurosteroid concentrations are expected to be very low and the available amount of cerebrospinal fluid is limited. Further, high structural similarities of endogenous neurosteroids challenges analysis. Therefore, comprehensive methods, highly selective and sensitive for a large range of concentrations for different steroids in one aliquot are required and under continuous development. Although research has been increasingly intensified, still only few data are available on reference levels of neurosteroids in human cerebrospinal fluid. In this review, published literature of the last twenty years, as a period with relatively contemporary analytical methods, was systematically investigated. Considerations on human cerebrospinal fluid, different analytical approaches, and available data on levels of in analogy to periphery conceivable occurring neurosteroids, including (pro-) gestagens, androgens, corticoids, estrogens, and steroid conjugates, and their interpretation are intensively discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliane Teubel
- Freie Universität Berlin, Institute of Pharmacy, Königin-Luise-Str. 2+4, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Maria Kristina Parr
- Freie Universität Berlin, Institute of Pharmacy, Königin-Luise-Str. 2+4, 14195 Berlin, Germany.
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Buckley RF, Scott MR, Jacobs HIL, Schultz AP, Properzi MJ, Amariglio RE, Hohman TJ, Mayblyum DV, Rubinstein ZB, Manning L, Hanseeuw BJ, Mormino EC, Rentz DM, Johnson KA, Sperling RA. Sex Mediates Relationships Between Regional Tau Pathology and Cognitive Decline. Ann Neurol 2020; 88:921-932. [PMID: 32799367 DOI: 10.1002/ana.25878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Revised: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The goal of this study was to examine sex differences in tau distribution across the brain of older adults, using positron emission tomography (PET), and investigate how these differences might associate with cognitive trajectories. METHODS Participants were 343 clinically normal individuals (women, 58%; 73.8 [8.5] years) and 55 individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI; women, 38%; 76.9 [7.3] years) from the Harvard Aging Brain Study and the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative. We examined 18 F-Flortaucipir (FTP)-positron emission tomography (PET) signal across 41 cortical and subcortical regions of interest (ROIs). Linear regression models estimated the effect of sex on FTP-signal for each ROI after adjusting for age and cohort. We also examined interactions between sex*Aβ-PET positive / negative (+ / -) and sex*apolipoprotein ε4 (APOEε4) status. Linear mixed models estimated the moderating effect of sex on the relationship between a composite of sex-differentiated tau ROIs and cognitive decline. RESULTS Women showed significantly higher FTP-signals than men across multiple regions of the cortical mantle (p < 0.007). β-amyloid (Aβ)-moderated sex differences in tau signal were localized to medial and inferio-lateral temporal regions (p < 0.007); Aβ + women exhibited greater FTP-signal than other groups. APOEε4-moderated sex differences in FTP-signal were only found in the lateral occipital lobe. Women with higher FTP-signals in composite ROI exhibited faster cognitive decline than men (p = 0.04). INTERPRETATION Tau vulnerability in women is not just limited to the medial temporal lobe and significantly contributed to greater risk of faster cognitive decline. Interactive effects of sex and Aβ were predominantly localized in the temporal lobe, however, sex differences in extra-temporal tau highlights the possibility of accelerated tau proliferation in women with the onset of clinical symptomatology. ANN NEUROL 2020;88:921-932.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel F Buckley
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Brigham and Women's Hospital, Department of Neurology, Center for Alzheimer Research and Treatment, Boston, MA, USA.,Melbourne School of Psychological Science, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Matthew R Scott
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Heidi I L Jacobs
- Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Alzheimer Centre Limburg, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Aaron P Schultz
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michael J Properzi
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rebecca E Amariglio
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Brigham and Women's Hospital, Department of Neurology, Center for Alzheimer Research and Treatment, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Timothy J Hohman
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt Memory and Alzheimer's Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Danielle V Mayblyum
- Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Zoe B Rubinstein
- Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lyssa Manning
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Bernard J Hanseeuw
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Neurology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Institute of Neuroscience, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Dorene M Rentz
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Brigham and Women's Hospital, Department of Neurology, Center for Alzheimer Research and Treatment, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Keith A Johnson
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Department of Neurology, Center for Alzheimer Research and Treatment, Boston, MA, USA.,Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Reisa A Sperling
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Brigham and Women's Hospital, Department of Neurology, Center for Alzheimer Research and Treatment, Boston, MA, USA
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10
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Steroids and Alzheimer's Disease: Changes Associated with Pathology and Therapeutic Potential. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21134812. [PMID: 32646017 PMCID: PMC7370115 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21134812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2020] [Revised: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a multifactorial age-related neurodegenerative disease that today has no effective treatment to prevent or slow its progression. Neuroactive steroids, including neurosteroids and sex steroids, have attracted attention as potential suitable candidates to alleviate AD pathology. Accumulating evidence shows that they exhibit pleiotropic neuroprotective properties that are relevant for AD. This review focuses on the relationship between selected neuroactive steroids and the main aspects of AD disease, pointing out contributions and gaps with reference to sex differences. We take into account the regulation of brain steroid concentrations associated with human AD pathology. Consideration is given to preclinical studies in AD models providing current knowledge on the neuroprotection offered by neuroactive (neuro)steroids on major AD pathogenic factors, such as amyloid-β (Aβ) and tau pathology, mitochondrial impairment, neuroinflammation, neurogenesis and memory loss. Stimulating endogenous steroid production opens a new steroid-based strategy to potentially overcome AD pathology. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Steroids and the Nervous System.
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11
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Kridawati A, Hardinsyah H, Sulaeman A, Rahardjo TBW, Hogervorst E. Tempe, Tofu, and Amyloid-β 1-40 Serum Levels in Ovariectomized Rats. J Alzheimers Dis 2020; 76:159-163. [PMID: 32444549 DOI: 10.3233/jad-200220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Estrogens have been found to reduce amyloid-β (Aβ) levels, a risk factor associated with dementia. We hypothesized that phytoestrogenic soybean products such as tempe and tofu might show similar effects. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study were to analyze the effect of tempe and tofu flour on Aβ1-40 serum levels in ovariectomized rats. METHODS This research was conducted on female Sprague Dawley rats, aged 12 months. Before the intervention rats underwent ovariectomy (OVx) and were grouped into 5 intervention groups which were given tempe flour, tofu flour, estradiol, or casein as an active control. There was also a non-OVx control group which was fed a normal diet. RESULTS The intake of tempe and tofu flour decreased Aβ serum levels in all estrogen and phytoestrogenic treatment groups, offsetting effects of OVx (but not in the casein group, where Aβ levels rise). CONCLUSION The tempe flour group showed the strongest decrease in serum Aβ levels compared to the other groups. Future studies should investigate whether tempe can reduce Aβ levels in patients with dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atik Kridawati
- Public Health Science Graduate Program, Universitas Respati Indonesia, Jakarta Timur, Indonesia.,Centre for Family and Ageing Studies, Universitas Respati Indonesia, Jakarta Timur, Indonesia
| | - Hardinsyah Hardinsyah
- Department of Community Nutrition, Faculty of Human Ecology, Bogor Agricultural University, Bogor, Indonesia
| | - Ahmad Sulaeman
- Department of Community Nutrition, Faculty of Human Ecology, Bogor Agricultural University, Bogor, Indonesia
| | - Tri Budi W Rahardjo
- Centre for Family and Ageing Studies, Universitas Respati Indonesia, Jakarta Timur, Indonesia
| | - Eef Hogervorst
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK
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12
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Li R, Cui J, Shen Y. Brain sex matters: estrogen in cognition and Alzheimer's disease. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2014; 389:13-21. [PMID: 24418360 PMCID: PMC4040318 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2013.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2013] [Revised: 12/31/2013] [Accepted: 12/31/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Estrogens are the primary female sex hormones and play important roles in both reproductive and non-reproductive systems. Estrogens can be synthesized in non-reproductive tissues such as liver, heart, muscle, bone and the brain. During the past decade, increasing evidence suggests that brain estrogen can not only be synthesized by neurons, but also by astrocytes. Brain estrogen also works locally at the site of synthesis in paracrine and/or intracrine fashion to maintain important tissue-specific functions. Here, we will focus on the biology of brain estrogen and its impact on cognitive function and Alzheimer's disease. This comprehensive review provides new insights into brain estrogens by presenting a better understanding of the tissue-specific estrogen effects and their roles in healthy ageing and cognitive function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rena Li
- Center for Hormone Advanced Science and Education (CHASE), Roskamp Institute, Sarasota, FL 34243, United States.
| | - Jie Cui
- Center for Hormone Advanced Science and Education (CHASE), Roskamp Institute, Sarasota, FL 34243, United States
| | - Yong Shen
- Center for Advanced Therapeutic Strategies for Brain Disorders (CATSBD), Roskamp Institute, Sarasota, FL 34243, United States
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13
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Oxidative stress in Alzheimer's disease: why did antioxidant therapy fail? OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2014; 2014:427318. [PMID: 24669288 PMCID: PMC3941783 DOI: 10.1155/2014/427318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 188] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2013] [Accepted: 12/06/2013] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia in the elderly, with increasing prevalence and no disease-modifying treatment available yet. A remarkable amount of data supports the hypothesis that oxidative stress is an early and important pathogenic operator in AD. However, all clinical studies conducted to date did not prove a clear beneficial effect of antioxidant treatment in AD patients. In the current work, we review the current knowledge about oxidative stress in AD pathogeny and we suggest future paths that are worth to be explored in animal models and clinical studies, in order to get a better approach of oxidative imbalance in this inexorable neurodegenerative disease.
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14
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Cerebrospinal fluid markers for Alzheimer's disease in a cognitively healthy cohort of young and old adults. Alzheimers Dement 2012; 8:520-7. [PMID: 22677492 DOI: 10.1016/j.jalz.2011.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2011] [Revised: 09/15/2011] [Accepted: 10/10/2011] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Low amyloid β42 (Aβ42) and high total tau and phosphorylated tau (p-tau) concentrations in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) are biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease (AD), reflecting brain deposition of amyloid plaques and tangles. Age and apolipoprotein E allele E4 are two strong risk factors for AD, but few data are still available on their effect on CSF markers in normal aging. OBJECTIVE To study the effect of age on CSF Aβ42, total tau, and p-tau levels in a well-characterized group of cognitively normal subjects. METHODS CSF Aβ42 levels of 81 subjects (27% female, 53 ± 15.3 years, range: 21-88) were determined with sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; of these, total tau and p-tau levels were measured in 61 (75%) and 42 (52%) cases, respectively. A linear regression analysis between age and CSF markers was carried out on the whole sample and separately in apolipoprotein E allele ɛ4 carriers and noncarriers. RESULTS The median levels of all markers were significantly different between young (<65 years) and old (≥65 years) subjects (Aβ42: P = .03; tau: P = .02; p-tau: P = .002; tau/Aβ42: P = .004; p-tau/Aβ42: P = .03). The association of marker levels with age was confirmed in linear regression models, where a positive relationship with age was observed for total tau (B = 2.3; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.89 to 3.7; P = .002), p-tau (B = 0.5; 95% CI: 0.1 to 0.9; P = .02), and tau/Aβ42 ratio (B = 0.006; 95% CI: 0.002 to 0.01; P = .002). No subjects showed abnormal tau, whereas 19% showed abnormal CSF Aβ42 concentrations. CONCLUSION In cognitively normal subjects, the concentrations of CSF biomarkers of AD are associated with age. Further longitudinal studies could clarify whether Aβ42 low levels represent a preclinical AD biomarker.
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15
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Goda R, Kobayashi N. Evaluation of peptide adsorption-controlled liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometric (PAC-LC–MS/MS) method for simple and simultaneous quantitation of amyloid β 1–38, 1–40, 1–42 and 1–43 peptides in dog cerebrospinal fluid. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2012; 895-896:137-45. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2012.03.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2012] [Revised: 03/16/2012] [Accepted: 03/23/2012] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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16
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Abstract
A promising strategy to delay and perhaps prevent Alzheimer's disease (AD) is to identify the age-related changes that put the brain at risk for the disease. A significant normal age change known to result in tissue-specific dysfunction is the depletion of sex hormones. In women, menopause results in a relatively rapid loss of estradiol and progesterone. In men, aging is associated with a comparatively gradual yet significant decrease in testosterone. We review a broad literature that indicates age-related losses of estrogens in women and testosterone in men are risk factors for AD. Both estrogens and androgens exert a wide range of protective actions that improve multiple aspects of neural health, suggesting that hormone therapies have the potential to combat AD pathogenesis. However, translation of experimental findings into effective therapies has proven challenging. One emerging treatment option is the development of novel hormone mimetics termed selective estrogen and androgen receptor modulators. Continued research of sex hormones and their roles in the aging brain is expected to yield valuable approaches to reducing the risk of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna M. Barron
- USC Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089 USA
- Department of Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 153-8902 Japan
| | - Christian J. Pike
- USC Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089 USA
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17
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Barron AM, Pike CJ. Sex hormones, aging, and Alzheimer's disease. Front Biosci (Elite Ed) 2012. [PMID: 22201929 DOI: 10.2741/434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
A promising strategy to delay and perhaps prevent Alzheimer's disease (AD) is to identify the age-related changes that put the brain at risk for the disease. A significant normal age change known to result in tissue-specific dysfunction is the depletion of sex hormones. In women, menopause results in a relatively rapid loss of estradiol and progesterone. In men, aging is associated with a comparatively gradual yet significant decrease in testosterone. We review a broad literature that indicates age-related losses of estrogens in women and testosterone in men are risk factors for AD. Both estrogens and androgens exert a wide range of protective actions that improve multiple aspects of neural health, suggesting that hormone therapies have the potential to combat AD pathogenesis. However, translation of experimental findings into effective therapies has proven challenging. One emerging treatment option is the development of novel hormone mimetics termed selective estrogen and androgen receptor modulators. Continued research of sex hormones and their roles in the aging brain is expected to yield valuable approaches to reducing the risk of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna M Barron
- USC Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089 USA
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18
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Mateos L, Persson T, Katoozi S, Kathozi S, Gil-Bea FJ, Cedazo-Minguez A. Estrogen protects against amyloid-β toxicity by estrogen receptor α-mediated inhibition of Daxx translocation. Neurosci Lett 2011; 506:245-50. [PMID: 22119000 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2011.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2011] [Revised: 11/04/2011] [Accepted: 11/09/2011] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
Estrogen was shown to promote neuronal survival against several neurotoxic insults including β-amyloid (Aβ). The proposed mechanism includes the activation of the mitogen activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Mapk/Erk), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt pathways and the upregulation of antiapoptotic proteins. On the other hand, Aβ neurotoxicity depends on the activation of apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (Ask1), and both Ask1 activity and Aβ toxicity are inhibited by thioredoxin-1 (Trx1). Here, we explored the possibility that estrogen could protect cells against Aβ(1-42) toxicity by inhibiting the Ask1 cascade or by modulating Trx1. Cytosolic translocation of death-associated protein Daxx was used as indicator of Ask1 activity. Using human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells, 17β-estradiol (E2) and specific agonists for estrogen receptor (ER) α or β we demonstrated that nM concentrations of E2 protected against Aβ(1-42) by a mechanism depending upon ERα stimulation, Akt activation and Ask1 inhibition. Moreover, this protection would occur independently of ERβ and the induction of Trx1 expression. Our results emphasize the importance of Ask1 cascade in Aβ toxicity, and of ERα and Ask1 as targets for developing new neuroprotective drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Mateos
- Karolinska Institutet, NVS, KI-Alzheimer Disease Research Center, NOVUM, 5th floor, SE-14186 Stockholm, Sweden
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19
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Smith YR, Bowen L, Love TM, Berent-Spillson A, Frey KA, Persad CC, Reame NK, Koeppe RA, Zubieta JK. Early initiation of hormone therapy in menopausal women is associated with increased hippocampal and posterior cingulate cholinergic activity. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2011; 96:E1761-70. [PMID: 21865354 PMCID: PMC3205894 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2011-0351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT The role of ovarian hormones in maintaining neuronal integrity and cognitive function is still debated. This study was undertaken to clarify the potential relationship between postmenopausal hormone use and the cholinergic system. OBJECTIVE We hypothesized that early initiated hormone therapy (HT) preserves the cholinergic system and that estrogen therapy (ET) would be associated with higher levels of acetylcholinesterase activity in the posterior cingulate cortex and hippocampus compared to estrogen plus progestin therapy (EPT) or no HT. DESIGN AND SETTING We conducted a cross-sectional study at a university teaching hospital. PATIENTS Fifty postmenopausal women (age, 65.2 ± 0.7 yr) with early long-term HT (n = 34; 13 ET and 21 EPT) or no HT (n = 16) participated in the study. INTERVENTIONS There were no interventions. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE We measured cholinergic activity (acetylcholinesterase) in the hippocampus and posterior cingulate brain regions as measured by N-[(11)C]methylpiperidin-4-yl propionate and positron emission tomography as a marker of cholinergic function. RESULTS Significant effects of treatment on cholinergic activity measures were obtained in the left hippocampus (F = 3.56; P = 0.04), right hippocampus (F = 3.42; P = 0.04), and posterior cingulate (F = 3.76; P = 0.03). No significant effects were observed in a cortical control region. Post hoc testing identified greater cholinergic activity in the EPT group compared to the no-HT group in the left hippocampus (P = 0.048) and posterior cingulate (P = 0.045), with a nonstatistically significant trend in the right hippocampus (P = 0.073). CONCLUSIONS A differential effect of postmenopausal ET and EPT on cholinergic neuronal integrity was identified in postmenopausal women. The findings are consistent with a preservation of cholinergic neuronal integrity in the EPT group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yolanda R Smith
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan Health Systems, 1500 East Medical Center Drive, Room L4224 Women's Hospital, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-0276, USA.
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20
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Bellem A, Meiyappan S, Romans S, Einstein G. Measuring Estrogens and Progestagens in Humans: An Overview of Methods. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 8:283-99. [DOI: 10.1016/j.genm.2011.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2011] [Revised: 07/25/2011] [Accepted: 07/27/2011] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Bao AM, Swaab DF. Sexual differentiation of the human brain: relation to gender identity, sexual orientation and neuropsychiatric disorders. Front Neuroendocrinol 2011; 32:214-26. [PMID: 21334362 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2011.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 206] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2010] [Revised: 02/04/2011] [Accepted: 02/14/2011] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
During the intrauterine period a testosterone surge masculinizes the fetal brain, whereas the absence of such a surge results in a feminine brain. As sexual differentiation of the brain takes place at a much later stage in development than sexual differentiation of the genitals, these two processes can be influenced independently of each other. Sex differences in cognition, gender identity (an individual's perception of their own sexual identity), sexual orientation (heterosexuality, homosexuality or bisexuality), and the risks of developing neuropsychiatric disorders are programmed into our brain during early development. There is no evidence that one's postnatal social environment plays a crucial role in gender identity or sexual orientation. We discuss the relationships between structural and functional sex differences of various brain areas and the way they change along with any changes in the supply of sex hormones on the one hand and sex differences in behavior in health and disease on the other.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ai-Min Bao
- Department of Neurobiology, Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology of Ministry of Health of China, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
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Morinaga A, Ono K, Takasaki J, Ikeda T, Hirohata M, Yamada M. Effects of sex hormones on Alzheimer's disease-associated β-amyloid oligomer formation in vitro. Exp Neurol 2011; 228:298-302. [DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2011.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2010] [Accepted: 01/24/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Östrogene und Alzheimer-Demenz. GYNAKOLOGISCHE ENDOKRINOLOGIE 2011. [DOI: 10.1007/s10304-010-0389-3] [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]
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24
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Hirohata M, Ono K, Morinaga A, Ikeda T, Yamada M. Anti-aggregation and fibril-destabilizing effects of sex hormones on alpha-synuclein fibrils in vitro. Exp Neurol 2009; 217:434-9. [PMID: 19289119 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2009.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2008] [Revised: 02/19/2009] [Accepted: 03/05/2009] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The alpha-synuclein aggregation in the brain is the hallmark of Lewy body diseases, including Parkinson's disease and dementia with Lewy bodies, and multiple system atrophy. Some epidemiological studies have revealed that estrogen therapy reduces the risk of Parkinson's disease in females. We examined the effects of estriol, estradiol, estrone, androstenedione, and testosterone on the formation and destabilization of alpha-synuclein fibrils at pH 7.5 and 37 degrees C in vitro, using fluorescence spectroscopy with thioflavin S and electron microscopy. These sex hormones, especially estriol, significantly exert anti-aggregation and fibril-destabilizing effects; and hence, could be valuable preventive and therapeutic agents for alpha-synucleinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mie Hirohata
- Department of Neurology and Neurobiology of Aging, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa 920-8640, Japan
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Brinton RD, Thompson RF, Foy MR, Baudry M, Wang J, Finch CE, Morgan TE, Pike CJ, Mack WJ, Stanczyk FZ, Nilsen J. Progesterone receptors: form and function in brain. Front Neuroendocrinol 2008; 29:313-39. [PMID: 18374402 PMCID: PMC2398769 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2008.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 464] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2008] [Accepted: 02/08/2008] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Emerging data indicate that progesterone has multiple non-reproductive functions in the central nervous system to regulate cognition, mood, inflammation, mitochondrial function, neurogenesis and regeneration, myelination and recovery from traumatic brain injury. Progesterone-regulated neural responses are mediated by an array of progesterone receptors (PR) that include the classic nuclear PRA and PRB receptors and splice variants of each, the seven transmembrane domain 7TMPRbeta and the membrane-associated 25-Dx PR (PGRMC1). These PRs induce classic regulation of gene expression while also transducing signaling cascades that originate at the cell membrane and ultimately activate transcription factors. Remarkably, PRs are broadly expressed throughout the brain and can be detected in every neural cell type. The distribution of PRs beyond hypothalamic borders, suggests a much broader role of progesterone in regulating neural function. Despite the large body of evidence regarding progesterone regulation of reproductive behaviors and estrogen-inducible responses as well as effects of progesterone metabolite neurosteroids, much remains to be discovered regarding the functional outcomes resulting from activation of the complex array of PRs in brain by gonadally and/or glial derived progesterone. Moreover, the impact of clinically used progestogens and developing selective PR modulators for targeted outcomes in brain is a critical avenue of investigation as the non-reproductive functions of PRs have far-reaching implications for hormone therapy to maintain neurological health and function throughout menopausal aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Diaz Brinton
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Southern California, School of Pharmacy, 1985 Zonal Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA.
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Guzmán CB, Zhao C, Deighton-Collins S, Kleerekoper M, Benjamins JA, Skafar DF. Agonist activity of the 3-hydroxy metabolites of tibolone through the oestrogen receptor in the mouse N20.1 oligodendrocyte cell line and normal human astrocytes. J Neuroendocrinol 2007; 19:958-65. [PMID: 18001325 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2826.2007.01611.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
17beta-oestradiol (E(2)) may have a beneficial impact on the development of age-related diseases, in part through alpha and beta oestrogen receptors (ER) in glia. Tibolone, a synthetic steroid, could influence glial-mediated neuroprotection if agonist oestrogenic activity is demonstrable. We used the N20.1 mouse oligodendrocyte cell line as a glial cell model to evaluate the response of ERalpha and ERbeta through oestrogen-response element (ERE) and AP-1-driven reporters to E(2), 4-hydroxytamoxifen (4OHT) and to two tibolone metabolites, 3alpha-hydroxytibolone (3alpha-OH-Tib) and 3beta-hydroxytibolone (3beta-OH-Tib). In addition, we tested the activity of these same ligands through the endogenous ERalpha in human normal astrocytes. Because endogenous ER was not detected in the N20.1 cells, we tested the ability of exogenous ER to activate transcription in response to ligands (100 nM) using a transient cotransfection assay with an ERalpha expression vector. To test the antagonist activity of 3alpha-OH-Tib and 3beta-OH-Tib, we used them in combination with E(2) (10(-8) M), at concentrations of 10(-7) M and 10(-6) M. The human normal astrocytes were treated similarly, with the exception that no ER-encoding DNA was used. Specific ER ligand mediated activity was shown using the E(2) antagonist ICI 182 780 and the pSG5 empty vector. E(2), 3alpha-OH-Tib, and 3beta-OH-Tib stimulated ERalpha on an ERE-promoter at each concentration (P < 0.001) but not at an AP-1-driven promoter. 4OHT was an effective antagonist, but did not exhibit agonist activity on the ERE-driven promoter. 4OHT was an effective agonist through ERalpha on an AP-1-driven promoter. 3alpha-OH-Tib and 3beta-OH-Tib were not effective antagonists of E(2). Both metabolites acted through the ER because the addition of an E(2) antagonist blocked their activity. These results show that 3alpha-OH-Tib and 3beta-OH-Tib exert agonist activity, yet lack antagonist or additive activity, through the ERalpha and ERbeta on an ERE-driven but not on an AP-1-driven promoter in a glial cell model and in normal human astrocytes. This contrasts with the effects of 4OHT, which exerted little or no agonist activity, but reduced E(2)-stimulated activity through ERalpha on the ERE, in the same cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- C B Guzmán
- Department of Internal Medicine, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
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Gudmundsson P, Skoog I, Waern M, Blennow K, Pálsson S, Rosengren L, Gustafson D. The relationship between cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers and depression in elderly women. Am J Geriatr Psychiatry 2007; 15:832-8. [PMID: 17911361 DOI: 10.1097/jgp.0b013e3180547091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers including the 42 amino-acid form of beta-amyloid (Abeta42), total tau protein (T-tau), and the CSF/serum albumin ratio are markers of brain pathology and metabolism. Abeta42 and T-tau are sometimes used to discriminate geriatric depression from mild forms of Alzheimer disease (AD) in clinical studies. However, studies focusing on the relationship between these CSF biomarkers and geriatric depression are lacking. METHODS This was a cross-sectional study with a population-based sample of 84 nondemented elderly women in Sweden. Measurements included neuropsychiatric, physical, and lumbar puncture examinations, with Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Third Revision-based depression diagnoses and measurement of CSF levels of Abeta42, T-tau, albumin, and serum albumin. RESULTS Fourteen women (mean age: 72.6 years) had any depression (11 with major depressive disorder [MDD]). Compared to women without depression, women with MDD had higher levels of Abeta42 and the CSF/serum albumin ratio. The CSF/serum albumin ratio was also higher in women with any depression. No differences in T-tau were observed; however, T-tau increased with age. CONCLUSION Higher levels of CSF Abeta42 were observed among elderly depressed women, in contrast to lower levels usually observed in AD, indicating potential neuropathological differences between the two disorders. Higher CSF/serum albumin ratios observed in depressed women point to potential vascular processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pia Gudmundsson
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Section for Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Sahlgrenska Academy at Göteborg University, Göteborg, Sweden
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Morinaga A, Hirohata M, Ono K, Yamada M. Estrogen has anti-amyloidogenic effects on Alzheimer's beta-amyloid fibrils in vitro. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2007; 359:697-702. [PMID: 17559807 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2007.05.158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2007] [Accepted: 05/20/2007] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Inhibition of the assembly of amyloid beta-peptide (Abeta) as well as the destabilization of preformed beta-amyloid fibrils (fAbeta) in the central nervous system could be valuable therapeutics of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Epidemiological studies have indicated that estrogen therapy reduced the risk of developing AD in women. Here, we examined the effects of estrogen (estrone (E1), estradiol (E2), and estriol (E3)) and related sexual steroids (androstenedione (AND) and testosterone (TES)) on the polymerization, extension and destabilization of fAbeta(1-42) and fAbeta(1-40) at pH 7.5 at 37 degrees C in vitro, using fluorescence spectroscopic analysis with thioflavin T and electron microscopic studies. E1, E2, and E3 dose-dependently inhibited the formation, as well as destabilization of fAbetas. The overall anti-amyloidogenic activity of these molecules was in the order of: E3>E2=E1>>AND=TES. Estrogen could be a potential therapeutic agent to prevent or delay AD progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akiyoshi Morinaga
- Department of Neurology and Neurobiology of Aging, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa 920-8640, Japan
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Bao AM, Meynen G, Swaab DF. The stress system in depression and neurodegeneration: focus on the human hypothalamus. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007; 57:531-53. [PMID: 17524488 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresrev.2007.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 352] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2007] [Revised: 04/19/2007] [Accepted: 04/21/2007] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The stress response is mediated by the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) system. Activity of the corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) neurons in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) forms the basis of the activity of the HPA-axis. The CRH neurons induce adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) release from the pituitary, which subsequently causes cortisol release from the adrenal cortex. The CRH neurons co-express vasopressin (AVP) which potentiates the CRH effects. CRH neurons project not only to the median eminence but also into brain areas where they, e.g., regulate the adrenal innervation of the autonomic system and affect mood. The hypothalamo-neurohypophysial system is also involved in stress response. It releases AVP from the PVN and the supraoptic nucleus (SON) and oxytocin (OXT) from the PVN via the neurohypophysis into the bloodstream. The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), the hypothalamic clock, is responsible for the rhythmic changes of the stress system. Both centrally released CRH and increased levels of cortisol contribute to the signs and symptoms of depression. Symptoms of depression can be induced in experimental animals by intracerebroventricular injection of CRH. Depression is also a frequent side effect of glucocorticoid treatment and of the symptoms of Cushing's syndrome. The AVP neurons in the hypothalamic PVN and SON are also activated in depression, which contributes to the increased release of ACTH from the pituitary. Increased levels of circulating AVP are also associated with the risk for suicide. The prevalence, incidence and morbidity risk for depression are higher in females than in males and fluctuations in sex hormone levels are considered to be involved in the etiology. About 40% of the activated CRH neurons in mood disorders co-express nuclear estrogen receptor (ER)-alpha in the PVN, while estrogen-responsive elements have been found in the CRH gene promoter region, and estrogens stimulate CRH production. An androgen-responsive element in the CRH gene promoter region initiates a suppressing effect on CRH expression. The decreased activity of the SCN is the basis for the disturbances of circadian and circannual fluctuations in mood, sleep and hormonal rhythms found in depression. Neuronal loss was also reported in the hippocampus of stressed or corticosteroid-treated rodents and primates. Because of the inhibitory control of the hippocampus on the HPA-axis, damage to this structure was expected to disinhibit the HPA-axis, and to cause a positive feedforward cascade of increasing glucocorticoid levels over time. This 'glucocorticoid cascade hypothesis' of stress and hippocampal damage was proposed to be causally involved in age-related accumulation of hippocampal damage in disorders like Alzheimer's disease and depression. However, in postmortem studies we could not find the presumed hippocampal damage of steroid overexposure in either depressed patients or in patients treated with synthetic steroids.
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Affiliation(s)
- A-M Bao
- Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Meibergdreef 47, 1105 BA Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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Schupf N, Winsten S, Patel B, Pang D, Ferin M, Zigman WB, Silverman W, Mayeux R. Bioavailable estradiol and age at onset of Alzheimer's disease in postmenopausal women with Down syndrome. Neurosci Lett 2006; 406:298-302. [PMID: 16926067 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2006.07.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2006] [Revised: 07/10/2006] [Accepted: 07/28/2006] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Several lines of evidence suggest that loss of estrogen after menopause may play a role in the cognitive declines associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Women with Down syndrome (DS) experience early onset of both menopause and AD. This timing provides a model to examine the influence of endogenous estrogen deficiency on risk of AD. We hypothesized that low serum levels of bioavailable estradiol (E2) would be associated with increased risk of AD. One hundred and nineteen postmenopausal women with DS, 42-59 years of age, were ascertained through the New York State developmental disability service system and followed at 18-month intervals. Information from cognitive assessments, caregiver interviews, medical record review and neurological examination was used to establish the diagnosis of dementia. Women with DS who developed AD had lower levels of bioavailable E2, lower levels of total estradiol, higher levels of sex-hormone binding globulin, and lower levels of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate at baseline than women who remained dementia free over the course of follow-up. Women who had low levels of bioavailable E2 at baseline were four times as likely to develop AD (HR=4.1, 95% CI: 1.2-13.9) and developed AD, on average, 3 years earlier, than those with high levels of bioavailable E2, after adjustment for age, level of mental retardation, ethnicity, body mass index, history of hypothyroidism or depression and the presence of the apolipoprotein varepsilon4 allele. Our findings support the hypothesis that reductions in estrogen following menopause can contribute to the cascade of pathological processes leading to AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Schupf
- The Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA.
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Pike CJ, Rosario ER, Nguyen TVV. Androgens, aging, and Alzheimer's disease. Endocrine 2006; 29:233-41. [PMID: 16785599 DOI: 10.1385/endo:29:2:233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2005] [Revised: 10/24/2005] [Accepted: 10/24/2005] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Testosterone depletion is a normal consequence of aging in men that is associated with senescent effects in androgen- responsive tissues. We discuss new evidence that one consequence of testosterone depletion in men is an increased risk for the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Furthermore, we discuss two candidate mechanisms by which testosterone may affect AD pathogenesis. First, testosterone has been identified as an endogenous regulator of beta-amyloid, a protein that abnormally accumulates in AD brain and is implicated as a causal factor in the disease. Second, findings from several different paradigms indicate that testosterone has both neurotrophic and neuroprotective functions. These new findings support the clinical evaluation of androgen-based therapies for the prevention and treatment of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian J Pike
- Andrus Gerontology Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0191, USA.
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Oe T, Ackermann BL, Inoue K, Berna MJ, Garner CO, Gelfanova V, Dean RA, Siemers ER, Holtzman DM, Farlow MR, Blair IA. Quantitative analysis of amyloid beta peptides in cerebrospinal fluid of Alzheimer's disease patients by immunoaffinity purification and stable isotope dilution liquid chromatography/negative electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry. RAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY : RCM 2006; 20:3723-35. [PMID: 17117458 DOI: 10.1002/rcm.2787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
The 40 and 42 amino-acid residue forms of amyloid beta (Abeta(1-40) and Abeta(1-42)) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) have been proposed as potential biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Quantitative analyses of Abeta peptides in CSF have relied almost exclusively on the use of immunoassay-based assays such as the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) procedure. However, due to the ability of the Abeta peptides to readily self-aggregate or bind to other proteins and glassware, such analyses are extremely challenging. Analyses are further complicated by the potential of the peptides to undergo post-translational modifications and the possibilities for cross-reaction in the ELISA assays with endogenous components of the CSF. An approach based on liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) has now been developed which overcomes these methodological issues. The key steps in implementing this new approach involved immunoaffinity purification coupled with the use of [15N]-labeled Abeta peptides as internal standards, a basic LC mobile phase, negative ion electrospray ionization, and a basic solvent for dissolving the peptides and washing the injection needle to prevent carryover of analytes during multiple injections on the LC/MS system. The validated method had limits of quantitation of 44 fmol/mL (200 pg/mL) for Abeta(1-42) and 92 fmol/mL (400 pg/mL) for Abeta(1-40). An excellent correlation was found between the LC/MS/MS assay and an ELISA assay for Abeta(1-42) in human CSF (r2 = 0.915), although less correlation was observed for Abeta(1-40) (r2 = 0.644). Mean CSF Abeta(1-42) concentrations for samples collected 2 weeks apart from a limited number of AD patients provided additional confidence in the reproducibility of the LC/MS/MS assay. Concentrations for duplicate samples from AD patients were slightly higher than most previously reported values (mean 1.06 +/- 0.25 ng/mL; n = 7). Abeta(1-40) concentrations in duplicate samples obtained from AD patients were also reproducible but were found to be slightly lower than most previously reported values (mean 6.36 +/- 3.07 ng/mL; n = 7). Consistent with literature reports, mean Abeta(1-42) concentrations were found to be lower in AD patients compared with the normal subjects (mean 1.49 +/- 0.59 ng/mL; n = 7), whereas there was no difference in Abeta(1-40) concentrations between AD patients and normal subjects (mean 5.88 +/- 3.03 ng/mL; n = 7). The accuracy and precision of the LC/MS assay mean that it will be a useful complement to existing ELISA assays for monitoring therapeutic interventions designed to modulate CSF Abeta(1-42) concentrations in individual AD patients. Moreover, the introduction of stable isotope labeled internal standards offers the potential to achieve a more rigorous account of the influence of methodological effects related to sample collection and processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoyuki Oe
- Centers for Cancer Pharmacology and Excellence in Environmental Toxicology, Departments of Pharmacology and Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6160, USA
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Schmidt AJ, Krieg JC, Vedder H. Antioxidative and steroid systems in neurological and psychiatric disorders. World J Biol Psychiatry 2005; 6:26-35. [PMID: 16097403 DOI: 10.1080/15622970510029759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
A large number of neurological and psychiatric diseases like Morbus Parkinson, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, dementia, schizophrenia and probably also affective disorders show an enhanced production of reactive oxygen species. Moreover, alterations of antioxidative systems and beneficial effects of antioxidative substances including steroid compounds such as estrogens have been described in several of these diseases. This review focuses on alterations of antioxidative systems in the course of neurological diseases and psychiatric disorders and on the differential effects of steroids on these systems in the central nervous system. Moreover, a possible clinical relevance of alterations of circulating steroids and of steroid treatment under these conditions is discussed.
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Ishunina TA, van Beurden D, van der Meulen G, Unmehopa UA, Hol EM, Huitinga I, Swaab DF. Diminished aromatase immunoreactivity in the hypothalamus, but not in the basal forebrain nuclei in Alzheimer's disease. Neurobiol Aging 2005; 26:173-94. [PMID: 15582747 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2004.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2003] [Revised: 01/27/2004] [Accepted: 03/22/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
In previous studies we have shown in Alzheimer's disease (AD) an enhanced nuclear estrogen receptor (ER) alpha expression in the cholinergic basal forebrain nuclei, i.e. the vertical limb of the diagonal band of Broca (VDB) and the nucleus basalis of Meynert (NBM), and in a number of hypothalamic nuclei, i.e. the supraoptic nucleus (SON), the infundibular nucleus (INF), the medial mamillary nucleus (MMN). We aimed at determining whether the increase in nuclear ERalpha seen in AD patients was related to a rise in local production of estrogens by aromatase (P-450arom), which is a key enzyme that catalyzes the biosynthesis of estrogens from precursor aromatizable androgens. We confirmed for the first time the presence of aromatase mRNA in neurons and glial cells in the human NBM and the tuberomamillary nucleus by RT-QPCR using laser microdissection. Enhanced aromatase immunoreactivity (ir) was indeed observed in the NBM in AD. However, in contrast a decreased aromatase-ir was found in the SON, INF and MMN of AD patients. In addition, P-450arom-ir was clearly diminished in ependymal and choroid plexus cells in AD. While an increase in aromatase-ir was found in the NBM and SON during normal aging, a decrease in staining was observed in the MMN. No sex differences in young control, elderly control or AD patients were present in any of the nuclei studied. In conclusion, brain P-450arom-ir and the relationship of its regulation with plasma sex steroid levels, estrogen and androgen receptors in the human hypothalamus and basal forebrain are region-specific.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatjana A Ishunina
- Netherlands Institute for Brain Research, Meibergdreef 33, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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35
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Aguado-Llera D, Martín-Martínez M, García-López MT, Arilla-Ferreiro E, Barrios V. Gly-Pro-Glu protects beta-amyloid-induced somatostatin depletion in the rat cortex. Neuroreport 2004; 15:1979-82. [PMID: 15305149 DOI: 10.1097/00001756-200408260-00029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The effect of Gly-Pro-Glu (GPE) on the somatostatinergic system of the temporal cortex in amyloid beta-peptide (Abeta) treated rats was investigated. Intracerebroventricular Abeta25-35 administration for 14 days (300 pmol/day) to ovariectomized rats produced a marked reduction in somatostatin (SRIF) content, SRIF receptor density and reduced the inhibitory effect of SRIF on adenylyl cyclase activity. I.p. injection of three doses (300 microg) of GPE on days 0, 6 and 12 resulted in a partial recovery of the parameters affected by Abeta25-35 administration. These results indicate that GPE may have an in vivo effect protecting the temporal cortical somatostatinergic system from Abeta insult.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Aguado-Llera
- Department of Endocrinology and Research Laboratory Hospital Infantil Universitario Niño Jesús, Universidad Autónoma, E-28009 Madrid, Spain
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Hong-Goka BC, Chang FLF. Estrogen receptors alpha and beta in choroid plexus epithelial cells in Alzheimer's disease. Neurosci Lett 2004; 360:113-6. [PMID: 15082146 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2004.01.075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2003] [Revised: 01/15/2004] [Accepted: 01/19/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) may reduce the risks of Alzheimer's disease (AD). One of the potential actions of estrogen is through its effect on beta-amyloid elimination into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) compartment from the brain parenchyma. CSF secretion is controlled largely by the choroid plexus (CP) epithelial cells. In this study, we evaluated the status of estrogen receptor (ER) alpha and beta subtypes in CP epithelial cells. Tissue from 49 AD and 12 non-AD patients were studied using immunohistochemistry with anti-ER antibodies. ER alpha and ER beta were present in CP epithelial cells in both cytosolic and nuclear compartments. Male and female AD patients had lower ER alpha and beta densities in CP compared to non-AD patients. We further stratified the female AD patients into four groups according to their hormonal status. Among the female AD patients, those without hysterectomy and with ERT had the highest ER alpha density. In contrast, those with hysterectomy and without ERT had the lowest ER alpha density. The effects of hysterectomy and ERT were additive. For ER beta, ERT but not the status of hysterectomy was associated with higher receptor density. The lower ER density in CP epithelial cells of AD patients supports a potential role of estrogen in the regulation of CSF secretion of beta-amyloid protein, which may affect the accumulation of beta-amyloid in the brain parenchyma. Among AD patients, the association of ER alpha density with status of hysterectomy and ERT supports estrogen effects through receptor-mediated mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benecia C Hong-Goka
- UCSF-Fresno MEP, Neurology, VA Central California HCS, 2615 E. Clinton Av., Fresno, CA 93703, USA
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Heikkinen T, Kalesnykas G, Rissanen A, Tapiola T, Iivonen S, Wang J, Chaudhuri J, Tanila H, Miettinen R, Puoliväli J. Estrogen treatment improves spatial learning in APP + PS1 mice but does not affect beta amyloid accumulation and plaque formation. Exp Neurol 2004; 187:105-17. [PMID: 15081593 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2004.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2003] [Revised: 12/30/2003] [Accepted: 01/15/2004] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
We investigated the effects of ovariectomy (OVX) and 17 beta-estradiol (0.18 mg per pellet) treatment on spatial learning and memory, hippocampal beta amyloid (A beta) levels, and amyloid plaque counts in double transgenic mice (A/P) carrying mutated amyloid precursor protein (APPswe) and presenilin-1 (PS1-A246E). After OVX at 3 months of age, the mice received estrogen treatment for the last 3 months of their lifetime before they were killed at 6, 9, or 12 months of age. Estrogen treatment in A/P OVX mice increased the number of correct choices in a position discrimination task in the T-maze, and slightly improved their performance in a win-stay task (1/8 arms baited) in the radial arm maze (RAM). However, estrogen treatment did not reverse the A beta-dependent cognitive deficits of A/P mice in the water maze (WM) spatial navigation task. Furthermore, ovariectomy or estrogen treatment in OVX and sham-operated A/P mice had no effect on hippocampal amyloid accumulation. These results show that the estrogen treatment in a transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer's disease (AD) improves performance in the same learning and memory tasks as in the normal C57BL/6J mice. However, the estrogen effects in these mice appeared to be unrelated to A beta-induced cognitive deficits. Our results do not support the idea that estrogen treatment decreases the risk or alleviates the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease by inhibiting the accumulation of A beta or formation of amyloid plaques.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Heikkinen
- Department of Neuroscience and Neurology, University of Kuopio, FIN-70211 Kuopio, Finland
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Abstract
Estradiol, in addition to its participation in neuroendocrine regulation and sexual behavior, has neuroprotective properties. Different types of brain injury induce the expression of the enzyme aromatase in reactive astroglia. This enzyme catalyzes the conversion of testosterone and other C19 steroids to estradiol. Genetic or pharmacological inhibition of brain aromatase results in marked neurodegeneration after different forms of mild neurodegenerative stimuli that do not compromise neuronal survival under control conditions. Furthermore, aromatase mediates neuroprotective effects of precursors of estradiol such as pregnenolone, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and testosterone. These findings strongly suggest that local formation of estradiol in the brain is neuroprotective and that the induction of aromatase and the consecutive increase in the local production of estradiol are part of the program triggered by the neural tissue to cope with neurodegenerative insults. Aromatase may thus represent an important pharmacological target for therapies conducted to prevent aging-associated neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis M Garcia-Segura
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas (CSIC), Avenida Doctor Arce 37, E-28002 Madrid, Spain.
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Lee JY, Kim JH, Hong SH, Lee JY, Cherny RA, Bush AI, Palmiter RD, Koh JY. Estrogen decreases zinc transporter 3 expression and synaptic vesicle zinc levels in mouse brain. J Biol Chem 2003; 279:8602-7. [PMID: 14681234 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m309730200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies suggest that female sex hormones modulate synaptic zinc levels, which may influence amyloid plaque formation and Alzheimer's disease progression. We examined the effects of ovariectomy and estrogen supplement on the levels of synaptic zinc and zinc transporter protein Znt3 in the brain. Ovariectomy was performed on 5-month-old mice, and 2 weeks later, pellets containing vehicle, low (0.18 mg/pellet), or high dose (0.72 mg) 17beta-estradiol were implanted. After 4 weeks, animals were decapitated, and blood and brain were collected for analysis. Blood analysis indicated that estrogen implants altered plasma estrogen levels in a dose-dependent manner. Analysis of brain tissue showed that ovariectomy raised hippocampal synaptic vesicle zinc levels, whereas estrogen replacement lowered these zinc levels. Western blots revealed that Znt3 levels in the brain were modulated in parallel with synaptic zinc levels, whereas no change was detected in the levels of Znt3 mRNA, as determined by Northern blot and reverse transcriptase-PCR analysis. However, mRNA levels of the delta subunit of adaptor protein complex (AP)-3, which modulates the level of Znt3 levels, were altered by estrogen depletion or replacement. These data demonstrate that estrogen alters the levels of Znt3 and synaptic vesicle zinc in female mice, probably through changing AP-3 delta expression. Since synaptic zinc may play a key role in neuronal death in acute brain injury as well as in plaque formation in Alzheimer's disease, and since estrogen may be beneficial in both conditions, our results may provide new insights into the effects of estrogen on the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joo-Yong Lee
- National Creative Research Initiative Center for the Study of Central Nervous System Zinc, and Department of Neurology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 138-736, Korea
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Schumacher M, Weill-Engerer S, Liere P, Robert F, Franklin RJM, Garcia-Segura LM, Lambert JJ, Mayo W, Melcangi RC, Parducz A, Suter U, Carelli C, Baulieu EE, Akwa Y. Steroid hormones and neurosteroids in normal and pathological aging of the nervous system. Prog Neurobiol 2003; 71:3-29. [PMID: 14611864 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2003.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 200] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Without medical progress, dementing diseases such as Alzheimer's disease will become one of the main causes of disability. Preventing or delaying them has thus become a real challenge for biomedical research. Steroids offer interesting therapeutical opportunities for promoting successful aging because of their pleiotropic effects in the nervous system: they regulate main neurotransmitter systems, promote the viability of neurons, play an important role in myelination and influence cognitive processes, in particular learning and memory. Preclinical research has provided evidence that the normally aging nervous system maintains some capacity for regeneration and that age-dependent changes in the nervous system and cognitive dysfunctions can be reversed to some extent by the administration of steroids. The aging nervous system also remains sensitive to the neuroprotective effects of steroids. In contrast to the large number of studies documenting beneficial effects of steroids on the nervous system in young and aged animals, the results from hormone replacement studies in the elderly are so far not conclusive. There is also little information concerning changes of steroid levels in the aging human brain. As steroids present in nervous tissues originate from the endocrine glands (steroid hormones) and from local synthesis (neurosteroids), changes in blood levels of steroids with age do not necessarily reflect changes in their brain levels. There is indeed strong evidence that neurosteroids are also synthesized in human brain and peripheral nerves. The development of a very sensitive and precise method for the analysis of steroids by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) offers new possibilities for the study of neurosteroids. The concentrations of a range of neurosteroids have recently been measured in various brain regions of aged Alzheimer's disease patients and aged non-demented controls by GC/MS, providing reference values. In Alzheimer's patients, there was a general trend toward lower levels of neurosteroids in different brain regions, and neurosteroid levels were negatively correlated with two biochemical markers of Alzheimer's disease, the phosphorylated tau protein and the beta-amyloid peptides. The metabolism of dehydroepiandrosterone has also been analyzed for the first time in the aging brain from Alzheimer patients and non-demented controls. The conversion of dehydroepiandrosterone to Delta5-androstene-3beta,17beta-diol and to 7alpha-OH-dehydroepiandrosterone occurred in frontal cortex, hippocampus, amygdala, cerebellum and striatum of both Alzheimer's patients and controls. The formation of these metabolites within distinct brain regions negatively correlated with the density of beta-amyloid deposits.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Schumacher
- Inserm U488, 80 rue du Général Leclerc, Kremlin-Bicêtre 94276, France.
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41
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Guillemin GJ, Brew BJ. Implications of the kynurenine pathway and quinolinic acid in Alzheimer's disease. Redox Rep 2003; 7:199-206. [PMID: 12396664 DOI: 10.1179/135100002125000550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The kynurenine pathway (KP) is a major route of L-tryptophan catabolism leading to production of a number of biologically active molecules. Among them, the neurotoxin quinolinic acid (QUIN), is considered to be involved in the pathogenesis of a number of inflammatory neurological diseases. Alzheimer's disease is the major dementing disorder of the elderly that affects over 20 million peoples world-wide. Most of the approaches to explain the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease focus on the accumulation of amyloid beta peptide (A beta), in the form of insoluble deposits leading to formation of senile plaques, and on the formation of neurofibrillary tangles composed of hyperphosphorylated Tau protein. Accumulation of A beta is believed to be an early and critical step in the neuropathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. There is now evidence for the KP being associated with Alzheimer's disease. Disturbances of the KP have already been described in Alzheimer's disease. Recently, we demonstrated that A beta 1-42, a cleavage product of amyloid precursor protein, induces production of QUIN, in neurotoxic concentrations, by macrophages and, more importantly, microglia. Senile plaques in Alzheimer's disease are associated with evidence of chronic local inflammation (especially activated microglia) A major aspect of QUIN toxicity is lipid peroxidation and markers of lipid peroxidation are found in Alzheimer's disease. Together, these data imply that QUIN may be one of the critical factors in the pathogenesis of neuronal damage in Alzheimer's disease. This review describes the multiple correlations between the KP and the neuropathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease and highlights more particularly the aspects of QUIN neurotoxicity, emphasizing its roles in lipid peroxidation and the amplification of the local inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilles J Guillemin
- Centre for Immunology and Department of Neurology, St Vincent's Hospital and University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
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Kruijver FPM, Balesar R, Espila AM, Unmehopa UA, Swaab DF. Estrogen receptor-alpha distribution in the human hypothalamus in relation to sex and endocrine status. J Comp Neurol 2002; 454:115-39. [PMID: 12412138 DOI: 10.1002/cne.10416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The present study reports the first systematic rostrocaudal distribution of estrogen receptor-alpha immunoreactivity (ERalpha-ir) in the human hypothalamus and its adjacent areas in young adults. Postmortem material taken from 10 subjects (five male and five female), between 20 and 39 years of age, was investigated. In addition, three age-matched subjects with abnormal levels of estrogens were studied: a castrated, estrogen-treated 50-year-old male-to-female transsexual (T1), a 31-year-old man with an estrogen-producing tumor (S2), and an ovariectomized 46-year-old woman (S8). A strong sex difference, with more nuclear ERalpha-ir in women, was observed rostrally in the diagonal band of Broca and caudally in the medial mamillary nucleus. Less robust sex differences were observed in other brain areas, with more intense nuclear ERalpha-ir in men, e.g., in the sexually dimorphic nucleus of the medial preoptic area, paraventricular nucleus, and lateral hypothalamic area, whereas women had more nuclear ERalpha-ir in the suprachiasmatic nucleus and ventromedial nucleus. No nuclear sex differences in ERalpha were found, e.g., in the central part of the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis. In addition to nuclear staining, ERalpha-ir appeared to be sex-dependently present in the cytoplasm of neurons and was observed in astrocytes, plexus choroideus, and other non-neuronal cells. ERalpha-ir in T1, S2, and S8 suggested that most of the observed sex differences in ERalpha-ir are "activational" (e.g., ventromedial nucleus/medial mamillary nucleus) rather than "organizational." Species similarities and differences in ERalpha-ir distribution and possible functional implications are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank P M Kruijver
- Graduate School of Neurosciences, Netherlands Institute for Brain Research, 1105AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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Sparks DL, Martins R, Martin T. Cholesterol and cognition: rationale for the AD cholesterol-lowering treatment trial and sex-related Differences in beta-amyloid accumulation in the brains of spontaneously hypercholesterolemic Watanabe rabbits. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2002; 977:356-66. [PMID: 12480773 DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2002.tb04838.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
This report presents the scientific rationale and hypothesis for the investigator-initiated, double-blind, placebo-controlled Alzheimer's Disease Cholesterol-Lowering Treatment Trial. As part of the supporting preclinical data, accumulation of neuronal beta-amyloid immunoreactivity was investigated in 12-month-old male spontaneously hypercholesterolemic Watanabe rabbits, female Watanabe rabbits between 3 and >36 months of age, and untreated female New Zealand white rabbits between 6 and 12 months of age. Prior evidence suggests that there are significant accumulations of neuronal beta-amyloid immunoreactivity in the cholesterol-fed New Zealand white rabbit. At 3 months of age, abundant beta-amyloid immunoreactive neurons are also found in female hypercholesterolemic Watanabe rabbits. By 6 months of age, as female Watanabe rabbits are approaching sexual maturity, the number of beta-amyloid immunoreactive neurons was somewhat reduced, but the intensity of the immunoreactivity was clearly and consistently diminished. Very few neurons expressing beta-amyloid immunoreactivity were identifiable among the 12-month-old Watanabe female rabbits. Variably increased numbers of intensely stained beta-amyloid immunoreactive neurons were observed in retired breeder female animals over 3 years of age. Twelve-month-old male Watanabe rabbits exhibited levels of neuronal beta-amyloid immunoreactivity consistent with younger and older female animals, but greater than the adult 12-month-old females. Cholesterol levels in the blood were not noticeably different among females over the age range investigated or compared to 12-month-old males. Estrogen levels varied with age in female Watanabe rabbits in an apparent inverse relationship with neuronal beta-amyloid immunoreactivity. However, there was no evidence of increased neuronal beta-amyloid immunoreactivity in untreated female New Zealand white rabbits with "normal" circulating cholesterol levels at any age investigated. Therefore, under conditions of stable, but elevated, circulating cholesterol levels, pathologic accumulation of neuronal beta-amyloid immunoreactivity was similar in male Watanabe rabbits and female animals prior and subsequent to estrus. The intensity of observable neuronal beta-amyloid immunoreactivity accumulation decreases in female animals as circulating estrogen levels increased with sexual maturity. These data suggest that a loss of circulating estrogen could mark the collapse of a system previously protecting a female from conditions conducive to production of beta-amyloid as a putative neurotoxin in AD. This may, in part, explain the epidemiological evidence for "protective" effects of estrogen in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Larry Sparks
- Roberts Laboratory for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Sun Health Research Institute, Sun City, AZ 85351, USA.
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Ishunina TA, Wouda J, Fisser B, Swaab DF. Sex differences in estrogen receptor α and β expression in vasopressin neurons of the supraoptic nucleus in elderly and Alzheimer’s disease patients: no relationship with cytoskeletal alterations. Brain Res 2002; 951:322-9. [PMID: 12270512 DOI: 10.1016/s0006-8993(02)03269-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
In various hypothalamic and adjacent brain regions we have previously found a remarkable increase in nuclear estrogen receptor staining in Alzheimer's disease (AD). In order to see whether this was a general phenomenon or rather specific for those areas that are affected by the AD process we investigated ERalpha and ERbeta expression in the arginine-vasopressin (AVP) neurons of the human dorsolateral suparoptic nucleus (dl-SON), that is the major source of plasma AVP. These neurons remain exceptionally intact in AD. Changes in ER expression were studied in relation to early Alzheimer changes (i.e. hyperphosphorylated tau) and neuronal metabolism in AD as determined by the size of the Golgi apparatus (GA) or cell size. No difference in neuronal metabolism (i.e. GA size or cell size) of AVP neurons was observed between AD and control patients and no early cytoskeletal AD alterations were found confirming the resistance of the dl-SON to AD. While no differences between AD and control patients were present for ERalpha and ERbeta staining except for a lower proportion of nuclear ERbeta AVP-positive neurons in AD subjects, complex sex differences not directly related to AD were observed within each group. The main finding of the present study is that in the dl-SON, that remains active and spared of AD changes, the increase in nuclear ERs seen in adjacent affected areas in AD patients does not occur. This indicates that a rise of nuclear ERs is not a generally occurring phenomenon but rather related to the pathogenetic alterations of the AD process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatjana A Ishunina
- Netherlands Institute for Brain Research, Meibergdreef 33, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Dhandapani KM, Brann DW. Estrogen-astrocyte interactions: implications for neuroprotection. BMC Neurosci 2002; 3:6. [PMID: 12067420 PMCID: PMC116596 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2202-3-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2002] [Accepted: 06/07/2002] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent work has suggested that the ovarian steroid 17beta-estradiol, at physiological concentrations, may exert protective effects in neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and acute ischemic stroke. While physiological concentrations of estrogen have consistently been shown to be protective in vivo, direct protection upon purified neurons is controversial, with many investigators unable to show a direct protection in highly purified primary neuronal cultures. These findings suggest that while direct protection may occur in some instances, an alternative or parallel pathway for protection may exist which could involve another cell type in the brain. PRESENTATION OF THE HYPOTHESIS A hypothetical indirect protective mechanism is proposed whereby physiological levels of estrogen stimulate the release of astrocyte-derived neuroprotective factors, which aid in the protection of neurons from cell death. This hypothesis is attractive as it provides a potential mechanism for protection of estrogen receptor (ER)-negative neurons through an astrocyte intermediate. It is envisioned that the indirect pathway could act in concert with the direct pathway to achieve a more widespread global protection of both ER+ and ER- neurons. TESTING THE HYPOTHESIS We hypothesize that targeted deletion of estrogen receptors in astrocytes will significantly attenuate the neuroprotective effects of estrogen. IMPLICATIONS OF THE HYPOTHESIS If true, the hypothesis would significantly advance our understanding of endocrine-glia-neuron interactions. It may also help explain, at least in part, the reported beneficial effects of estrogen in neurodegenerative disorders. Finally, it also sets the stage for potential extension of the hypothetical mechanism to other important estrogen actions in the brain such as neurotropism, neurosecretion, and synaptic plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krishnan M Dhandapani
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Neurobiology Program and Department of Neurology, 1120 15 Street, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, GA 30912
| | - Darrell W Brann
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Neurobiology Program and Department of Neurology, 1120 15 Street, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, GA 30912
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Abstract
Accumulated clinical and basic evidence suggests that gonadal steroids affect the onset and progression of several neurodegenerative diseases and schizophrenia, and the recovery from traumatic neurological injury such as stroke. Thus, our view on gonadal hormones in neural function must be broadened to include not only their function in neuroendocrine regulation and reproductive behaviors, but also to include a direct participation in response to degenerative disease or injury. Recent findings indicate that the brain up-regulates both estrogen synthesis and estrogen receptor expression at sites of injury. Genetic or pharmacological inactivation of aromatase, the enzyme involved in estrogen synthesis, indicates that the induction of this enzyme in the brain after injury has a neuroprotective role. Some of the mechanisms underlying the neuroprotective effects of estrogen may be independent of the classically defined nuclear estrogen receptors (ERs). Other neuroprotective effects of estrogen do depend on the classical nuclear ERs, through which estrogen alters expression of estrogen responsive genes that play a role in apoptosis, axonal regeneration, or general trophic support. Yet another possibility is that non-classical ERs in the membrane or cytoplasm alter phosphorylation cascades, such as those involved in the signaling of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). Indeed, ERs and IGF-1 receptor interact in the activation of PI3K and MAPK signaling cascades and in the promotion of neuroprotection. The decrease in estrogen and IGF-1 levels with aging may thus result in an increased risk for neuronal pathological alterations after different forms of brain injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iñigo Azcoitia
- Departamento de Biologia Celular, Facultad de Biologia, Universidad Complutense, E-28040 Madrid, Spain.
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Greenfield JP, Leung LW, Cai D, Kaasik K, Gross RS, Rodriguez-Boulan E, Greengard P, Xu H. Estrogen lowers Alzheimer beta-amyloid generation by stimulating trans-Golgi network vesicle biogenesis. J Biol Chem 2002; 277:12128-36. [PMID: 11823458 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m110009200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Estrogen reduces the risk of Alzheimer's disease in post-menopausal women, beta-amyloid (Abeta) burden in animal models of Alzheimer's disease, and secretion of Abeta from neuronal cultures. The biological basis for these effects remains unknown. Here, utilizing cell-free systems derived from both neuroblastoma cells and primary neurons, we demonstrate that 17beta-estradiol (17beta-E2) stimulates formation of vesicles containing the beta-amyloid precursor protein (betaAPP) from the trans-Golgi network (TGN). Accelerated betaAPP trafficking precludes maximal Abeta generation within the TGN. 17beta-E2 appears to modulate TGN phospholipid levels, particularly those of phosphatidylinositol, and to recruit soluble trafficking factors, such as Rab11, to the TGN. Together, these results suggest that estrogen may exert its anti-Abeta effects by regulating betaAPP trafficking within the late secretory pathway. These results suggest a novel mechanism through which 17beta-E2 may act in estrogen-responsive tissues and illustrate how altering the kinetics of the transport of a protein can influence its metabolic fate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey P Greenfield
- Fisher Center for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York 10021, USA
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Women's Health LiteratureWatch. JOURNAL OF WOMEN'S HEALTH & GENDER-BASED MEDICINE 2001; 10:821-6. [PMID: 11703895 DOI: 10.1089/15246090152636587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/17/2023]
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