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Cartier L, Guérin M, Saulnier F, Cotocea I, Mohammedi A, Moussaoui F, Kheloui S, Juster RP. Sex and gender correlates of sexually polymorphic cognition. Biol Sex Differ 2024; 15:3. [PMID: 38191503 PMCID: PMC10773055 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-023-00579-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sexually polymorphic cognition (SPC) results from the interaction between biological (birth-assigned sex (BAS), sex hormones) and socio-cultural (gender identity, gender roles, sexual orientation) factors. The literature remains quite mixed regarding the magnitude of the effects of these variables. This project used a battery of classic cognitive tests designed to assess the influence of sex hormones on cognitive performance. At the same time, we aimed to assess the inter-related and respective effects that BAS, sex hormones, and gender-related factors have on SPC. METHODS We recruited 222 adults who completed eight cognitive tasks that assessed a variety of cognitive domains during a 150-min session. Subgroups were separated based on gender identity and sexual orientation and recruited as follows: cisgender heterosexual men (n = 46), cisgender non-heterosexual men (n = 36), cisgender heterosexual women (n = 36), cisgender non-heterosexual women (n = 38), gender diverse (n = 66). Saliva samples were collected before, during, and after the test to assess testosterone, estradiol, progesterone, cortisol, and dehydroepiandrosterone. Psychosocial variables were derived from self-report questionnaires. RESULTS Cognitive performance reflects sex and gender differences that are partially consistent with the literature. Interestingly, biological factors seem to better explain differences in male-typed cognitive tasks (i.e., spatial), while psychosocial factors seem to better explain differences in female-typed cognitive tasks (i.e., verbal). CONCLUSION Our results establish a better comprehension of SPC over and above the effects of BAS as a binary variable. We highlight the importance of treating sex as a biological factor and gender as a socio-cultural factor together since they collectively influence SPC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis Cartier
- Center on Sex*Gender, Allostasis, and Resilience, Research Center of the Montreal Mental Health University Institute, 7331, Rue Hochelaga, Montreal, QC, H1N 3V2, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry and Addiction, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Mina Guérin
- Center on Sex*Gender, Allostasis, and Resilience, Research Center of the Montreal Mental Health University Institute, 7331, Rue Hochelaga, Montreal, QC, H1N 3V2, Canada
- Department of Psychology, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Fanny Saulnier
- Center on Sex*Gender, Allostasis, and Resilience, Research Center of the Montreal Mental Health University Institute, 7331, Rue Hochelaga, Montreal, QC, H1N 3V2, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry and Addiction, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Ioana Cotocea
- Center on Sex*Gender, Allostasis, and Resilience, Research Center of the Montreal Mental Health University Institute, 7331, Rue Hochelaga, Montreal, QC, H1N 3V2, Canada
| | - Amine Mohammedi
- Center on Sex*Gender, Allostasis, and Resilience, Research Center of the Montreal Mental Health University Institute, 7331, Rue Hochelaga, Montreal, QC, H1N 3V2, Canada
- Department of Psychology, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Fadila Moussaoui
- Center on Sex*Gender, Allostasis, and Resilience, Research Center of the Montreal Mental Health University Institute, 7331, Rue Hochelaga, Montreal, QC, H1N 3V2, Canada
- Department of Psychology, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Sarah Kheloui
- School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Robert-Paul Juster
- Center on Sex*Gender, Allostasis, and Resilience, Research Center of the Montreal Mental Health University Institute, 7331, Rue Hochelaga, Montreal, QC, H1N 3V2, Canada.
- Department of Psychiatry and Addiction, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada.
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Cinar O, Turunc T, Kazaz IO, Yildirim O, Deliktas H, Cihan A, Gudeloglu A, Ure I, Deveci S, Sahin B, Cinar BP, Ozkara H. Effects of androgen deprivation therapy on cognitive functions in patients with metastatic prostate cancer: A multicentric, prospective study of the Society of Urological Surgery Andrology group. Int J Clin Pract 2021; 75:e14095. [PMID: 33619782 DOI: 10.1111/ijcp.14095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS OF THE STUDY The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of testosterone deficiency on cognitive functions in metastatic prostate cancer patients receiving androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). METHODS In this multicentric prospective study, 65 metastatic prostate cancer patients were evaluated. Demographic and clinical data were recorded. Cognitive functions were assessed using the Symbol Digit Modalities Test, the California Verbal Learning Test Second Edition, the Brief Visuospatial Memory Test-Revised, and the Trail Making Test. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory. Cognitive functions and depressive symptoms were recorded before the androgen deprivation therapy and at the 3- and 6-month follow-ups. RESULTS At the basal cognitive assessment, the mean Symbol Digit Modalities Test, the California Verbal Learning Test Second Edition, the Brief Visuospatial Memory Test-Revised scores were 25.84 ± 17.54, 32.68 ± 10.60, and 17.63 ± 11.23, respectively, and the mean time for the Trail Making Test was 221.56 ± 92.44 seconds, and were similar at the 3-month, and 6-month controls (P > .05). The mean pretreatment, third and sixth month testosterone levels were 381.40 ± 157.53 ng/dL, 21.61 ± 9.09 ng/dL and 12.25 ± 6.45 ng/dL (P < .05), and the total PSA levels were 46.46 ± 37.83 ng/mL, 1.41 ± 3.31 ng/mL and 0.08 ± 0.14 ng/mL (P < .05), respectively. CONCLUSION The ADT in patients with metastatic prostate cancer does not affect patients' cognitive functions and depressive symptoms. However, further prospective randomised studies with higher cohorts and longer follow-up periods are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Onder Cinar
- Department of Urology, Zonguldak Bulent Ecevit University, Zonguldak, Turkey
| | - Tahsin Turunc
- Urology Clinic, Iskenderun Gelisim Hospital, Iskenderun, Turkey
| | - Ilke Onur Kazaz
- Department of Urology, Karadeniz Technical University, Trabzon, Turkey
| | - Omer Yildirim
- Department of Urology, Istanbul University Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Hasan Deliktas
- Department of Urology, Mugla Sitki Kocman University, Mugla, Turkey
| | - Ahmet Cihan
- Department of Urology, Nigde Omer Halisdemir University, Nigde, Turkey
| | | | - Iyimser Ure
- Department of Urology, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Eskisehir, Turkey
| | - Serkan Deveci
- Department of Urology, Istanbul Rumeli University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Bahadir Sahin
- Department of Urology, Marmara University Medical Faculty, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Bilge Piri Cinar
- Department of Neurology, Zonguldak Bulent Ecevit University, Zonguldak, Turkey
| | - Hamdi Ozkara
- Department of Urology, Istanbul University Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Istanbul, Turkey
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Morgans AK, Renzulli J, Olivier K, Shore ND. Risk of Cognitive Effects in Comorbid Patients With Prostate Cancer Treated With Androgen Receptor Inhibitors. Clin Genitourin Cancer 2021; 19:467.e1-467.e11. [PMID: 33893042 DOI: 10.1016/j.clgc.2021.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PC) is primarily a disease of older men. As the risk of neurocognitive decline increases as people age, cognitive dysfunction is a potential complication in men with PC, imposing detrimental effects on functional independence and quality of life. Importantly, risk of cognitive decline may increase with exposure to androgen deprivation therapy and other hormonal therapies. Particular consideration should be given to patients with castration-resistant PC (CRPC), many of whom require continuous, long-term androgen deprivation therapy combined with a second-generation androgen receptor inhibitor. Non-comparative evidence from interventional trials of androgen receptor inhibitors in men with non-metastatic CRPC suggests differential effects on cognitive function and central nervous system-related adverse events within this drug class. Drug-drug interactions with concomitant medications for chronic, non-malignant comorbidities differ among ARIs and thus may contribute further to cognitive impairment. Hence, establishing baseline cognitive function is a prerequisite to identifying subsequent clinical decline associated with androgen receptor-targeted therapies. Although brief, sensitive screening tools for cancer-related cognitive dysfunction are lacking, mental status can be ascertained from the initial medical history and neurocognitive examination, progressing to more in-depth evaluation when impairment is suspected. On-treatment neurocognitive monitoring should be integrated into regular clinical follow-up to preserve cognitive function and quality of life throughout disease management. This review summarizes the multiple factors that may contribute to cognitive decline in men with CRPC, awareness of which will assist clinicians to optimize individual treatment. Practical, clinic-based strategies for managing the risks for and symptoms of cognitive dysfunction are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia K Morgans
- Department of Medicine (Hematology and Oncology), Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL.
| | - Joseph Renzulli
- Department of Urology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Kara Olivier
- Department of Medical Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, MA
| | - Neal D Shore
- Department of Urology, Carolina Urologic Research Center, Atlantic Urology Clinics, Myrtle Beach, SC
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Ryan C, Wefel JS, Morgans AK. A review of prostate cancer treatment impact on the CNS and cognitive function. Prostate Cancer Prostatic Dis 2020; 23:207-219. [PMID: 31844181 PMCID: PMC7237350 DOI: 10.1038/s41391-019-0195-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Revised: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is the backbone of systemic therapy for men with prostate cancer (PC); almost one-half of patients receive treatment during their disease course. However, a range of cognitive and other central nervous system (CNS) changes have been associated with ADT. In this review, we discuss extant data describing these complications and the mechanisms through which medications used to deliver ADT may affect them. METHODS We performed a MEDLINE search for appropriate papers published between January 2000 and December 2018. Relevant papers were selected and reviewed; additional publications were identified by manually assessing references from included papers, and recent congress abstracts. RESULTS Of ~230 search outputs, 33 were selected for inclusion. Some studies suggested a clear association between ADT and CNS effects in men with PC, whereas others did not. Accurate assessment is limited by test instrument variability, inadequate sample sizes, short follow-up duration, and limited prospective longitudinal studies. The approved second-generation androgen receptor (AR) inhibitors enzalutamide and apalutamide were associated with some CNS-related adverse events (AEs) in clinical studies, including fatigue (which can interfere with cognitive function). The androgen synthesis inhibitor abiraterone acetate was associated with a low CNS AE profile when compared with enzalutamide. The AR antagonist darolutamide demonstrated a comparable incidence of cognitive disorder in clinical trials to that of ADT alone. CONCLUSIONS Adequately caring for men receiving ADT requires an understanding of the symptoms, incidence and magnitude of cognitive effects, and a feasible approach to cognitive assessment and management in clinical settings. Some CNS effects could relate to blood-brain barrier penetration and direct AR inhibitor activity; drug safety profiles may differ by the degree of blood-brain barrier penetration of particular agents. Ongoing clinical trials seek to define the CNS tolerability of newer AR pathway-targeted therapy options more clearly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles Ryan
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
| | - Jeffrey S Wefel
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Alicia K Morgans
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
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Kohtz AS, Frye CA. Learning and the Lifespan: What's Sex Got to Do With It? Front Neurosci 2020; 14:216. [PMID: 32265631 PMCID: PMC7099170 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.00216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Engagement in sexual behavior can impact neurosteroidogenesis, in particular production of the prohormone testosterone (T) and likely its subsequent metabolism to 5α-androstane-3α-17β-Diol (3α-Diol) or aromatization to estradiol (E2). Androgens and their metabolites vary across the lifespan and impact many behaviors, including cognition, anxiety, and sexual behavior. Thus, we hypothesized that mating may alter cognitive performance via androstane neurosteroids in an age- and experience-dependent manner. We first investigated if exposure to mating during memory consolidation could enhance performance in the novel object recognition task (NOR). Male rats were trained in NOR and then immediately exposed to mating-relevant or control stimuli. Following a 4 h inter-trial interval (ITI), male rats were tested for object memory. Male rats that were exposed to a receptive female during the ITI had better performance in NOR. We then investigated if these effects were due to novelty associated with mating. Male rats were exposed to mating-relevant stimuli and identified as sexually responsive (SR) or sexually non-responsive (SNR) based on a median split of engagement in mating with the stimulus female. We found that a brief history (10 min session daily for five consecutive days) of sexual history substantially influenced performance in the NOR task, such that SR males had better performance in the NOR task, but only when presented with the opportunity to mate during the ITI. As T levels substantially decrease with age in male rodents, we investigated whether the effects of long-term sexual experience (10 months) influenced neurosteroids and NOR performance in mid-aged (12 months old) males. Mid-aged SR males maintain neural T; however, they have decreased neural E2 and decreased cognitive performance at 12 months compared to mid-aged SNR rats. In sexually experienced rats, those with better cognitive performance had greater levels of T metabolites (e.g., 3α-Diol in mated SR males, E2 in mid-aged SNR rats). While naïve males that were mated during the ITI had better cognitive performance, T metabolites were decreased compared to controls. These findings suggest that T metabolites, but not the prohormone, may influence learning dependent on sexual proclivity, experience, and proximate opportunity to mate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Stave Kohtz
- Department of Psychology, University at Albany – State University of New York (SUNY), Albany, NY, United States
| | - Cheryl A. Frye
- Department of Psychology, University at Albany – State University of New York (SUNY), Albany, NY, United States
- Department of Biological Sciences, University at Albany – State University of New York (SUNY), Albany, NY, United States
- Center for Neuroscience Research, University at Albany – State University of New York (SUNY), Albany, NY, United States
- Center for Life Sciences Research, University at Albany – State University of New York (SUNY), Albany, NY, United States
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Ahmad A, Vohora D. Proconvulsant effects of estriol, the third estrogen, in the mouse PTZ-kindling model. Neurol Sci 2014; 35:1561-6. [DOI: 10.1007/s10072-014-1795-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2014] [Accepted: 04/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Lu Y, Chiang AY. Combining Biomarker Identification and Dose–Response Modeling in Early Clinical Development. Stat Biopharm Res 2011. [DOI: 10.1198/sbr.2011.09037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Abstract
Anesthesiologists are frequently confronted with patients who are at risk for neurological complications due to perioperative stroke or prior traumatic brain injury. In this review, we address the growing and fascinating body of data that suggests gender and sex steroids influence the pathophysiology of injury and outcome for these patients. Cerebral ischemia, traumatic brain injury, and epilepsy are reviewed in the context of potential sex differences in mechanisms and outcomes of brain injury and the role of estrogen, progesterone, and androgens in shaping these processes. Lastly, implications for current and future perioperative and intensive care are identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamila Vagnerova
- Department of Anesthesiology and Peri-Operative Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239, USA
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Chu LW, Tam S, Lee PWH, Wong RLC, Yik PY, Tsui W, Song Y, Cheung BMY, Morley JE, Lam KSL. Bioavailable testosterone is associated with a reduced risk of amnestic mild cognitive impairment in older men. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2008; 68:589-98. [PMID: 17973937 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2265.2007.03094.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We investigated the risk of amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) in relation to serum bioavailable (BT) and total testosterone (TT) levels in older men. DESIGN, SETTING AND SUBJECTS A cross-sectional study in an ambulatory setting, with older men aged 55-93 years with normal cognition, aMCI and Alzheimer's disease (AD). MEASUREMENTS Morning serum BT and TT levels were determined. AD was diagnosed by the Neurological and Communicative Disorders and Stroke/Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Association (NINCDS-ADRDA) criteria for probable AD and aMCI by the Petersen criteria. RESULTS We recruited 203 Chinese older men (48 aMCI, 66 AD and 89 with normal cognition). Mean serum BT, but not TT, levels were significantly lower in the aMCI (mean BT +/- SEM 1.06 +/- 0.10 nmol/l) and AD (0.99 +/- 0.08 nmol/l) groups than in the normal controls (1.82 +/- 0.12 nmol/l) (P < 0.001, one-way anova) with no significant difference between the aMCI and AD groups. After adjustment for education, age and apolipoprotein E (apoE) genotype, logistic regression analyses showed that the serum BT level [adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 0.52, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.32-0.85] was an independent protective factor for aMCI. For the combined outcome of aMCI and AD, the serum BT level was an independent protective factor but age and apoE epsilon4 were independent risk factors. There was no interaction between BT and age. CONCLUSIONS In older men, serum BT, but not TT, levels were associated with a lower risk of aMCI and AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leung-Wing Chu
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR.
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Abstract
According to Evidence-Based-Medicine, any proposal for the rationale treatment of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) must be based on the results of double-blind, randomized clinical trials (RCTs). However, since MCI at the present time does not constitute a homogeneous clinical syndrome, it is still inappropriate to propose a specific drug treatment. Moreover, RCTs assessing the therapeutic value of acetylcholinesterase-inhibitors (AChEIs) are negative either trying to improve symptoms (memory performance) or preventing the conversion from MCI to real Alzheimer's Disease (AD). The same negative results were obtained with drugs targeting some systems considered as the early steps of the pathophysiological cascade leading to dementia: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory compounds (rofecoxib), sex steroid hormones (testosterone, estrogens), or antioxidants (tocopherol). Either MCI is considered as the very early phase of development of AD (and then the treatments will aim at preventively antagonizing the hallmarks of the disease) or MCI is a new entity (and then the drugs will target the associated neurochemical disturbances such as tau protein or soluble Abeta oligomers); MCI could also be considered as a monosymptomatic syndrome (amnesia) leading to the development of pure pro-mnestic drugs. These three hypotheses will be presented on the basis of the neurobiology and the pharmacology, and examples of potentially active candidates will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hervé Allain
- Laboratory of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Centre Mémoire Ressources Recherche de Bretagne, Faculté de Médecine, 2 avenue du Professeur Léon Bernard, Rennes Cedex, France
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Martin DM, Wittert G, Burns NR. Gonadal steroids and visuo-spatial abilities in adult males: implications for generalized age-related cognitive decline. Aging Male 2007; 10:17-29. [PMID: 17454979 DOI: 10.1080/13685530601183537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The relationship between the gonadal steroids, testosterone and estrogen, and individual and group differences in performance on some cognitive tasks remains unclear but sex differences favoring males on some tests of visuo-spatial ability are large and robust. This aim of this review is to assess evidence for both organizational and activational effects of gonadal steroids as the principle cause of sex difference in visuo-spatial ability. Additionally, the implications of this relationship are discussed in the context of decreasing levels of gonadal steroids in aging males and psychological theories of generalized age-related cognitive decline. Based upon human and non-human research gonadal steroids have organizational effects on visuo-spatial ability in adulthood. Activational effects of gonadal steroids on visuo-spatial ability appear most dominant in older men and are necessary for maintaining optimal visuo-spatial ability; randomized clinical trials show that testosterone supplementation improves performance. Additionally, decreasing gonadal steroid levels in aging males may contribute to generalized age-related cognitive decline. Future supplementation studies in men should attempt to control for constituent abilities related to visuo-spatial task performance, and investigate interactions between dosage levels and baseline gonadal status. Further future animal research is required to investigate changes in gonadal steroid levels and their relationship to neurotransmitter systems, neural plasticity, and behavioral correlates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donel M Martin
- School of Psychology, University of Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Testosterone levels decline as men age, as does cognitive function. Whether there is more than a temporal relationship between testosterone and cognitive function is unclear. Chemical castration studies in men with prostate cancer suggest that low serum testosterone may be associated with cognitive dysfunction. Low testosterone levels have also been observed in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). This paper reviews the current clinical evidence of the relationship between serum testosterone levels and cognitive function in older men. METHODS A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed and EMBASE to identify clinical studies and relevant reviews that evaluated cognitive function and endogenous testosterone levels or the effects of testosterone substitution in older men. RESULTS Low levels of endogenous testosterone in healthy older men may be associated with poor performance on at least some cognitive tests. The results of randomized, placebo-controlled studies have been mixed, but generally indicate that testosterone substitution may have moderate positive effects on selective cognitive domains (e.g. spatial ability) in older men with and without hypogonadism. Similar results have been found in studies in patients with existing AD or MCI. CONCLUSIONS Low endogenous levels of testosterone may be related to reduced cognitive ability, and testosterone substitution may improve some aspects of cognitive ability. Measurement of serum testosterone should be considered in older men with cognitive dysfunction. For men with both cognitive impairment and low testosterone, testosterone substitution may be considered. Large, long-term studies evaluating the effects of testosterone substitution on cognitive function in older men are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Beauchet
- Department of Geriatrics, Saint-Etienne University Hospitals, 42055 Saint-Etienne Cedex 2, France.
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Edinger KL, Lee B, Frye CA. Mnemonic effects of testosterone and its 5α-reduced metabolites in the conditioned fear and inhibitory avoidance tasks. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2004; 78:559-68. [PMID: 15251265 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2004.04.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2004] [Revised: 03/31/2004] [Accepted: 04/13/2004] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Experiments were conducted to examine whether performance in hippocampally-mediated learning tasks is influenced by testosterone (T) and/or its 5alpha-reduced metabolites, dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and 3alpha-androstanediol (3alpha-diol). Performance in the conditioned fear and inhibitory avoidance tasks were examined in intact and gonadectomized (GDX), androgen-replaced rats. In Experiment 1, the behavior of intact and GDX rats in the conditioned fear paradigm were compared. GDX rats spent more time freezing, an index of increased learning, in the context, hippocampally-mediated task, but not in the cued, amygdala-mediated task. In Experiment 2, GDX rats were administered T, DHT, 3alpha-diol, estrogen (E2), or vehicle 1 mg/kg sc after training in the conditioned fear paradigm. T-, 3alpha-diol-, or E2-, compared with vehicle-administered rats, spent significantly more time freezing in the contextual, but not the cued, condition. In Experiment 3, intact compared with GDX rats had significantly longer crossover latencies, indicating better performance, in the inhibitory avoidance task. In Experiment 4, T, DHT, 3alpha-diol, or vehicle 1 mg/kg sc was administered to GDX rats immediately following training in the inhibitory avoidance task. Rats administered T, DHT, or 3alpha-diol had significantly longer crossover latencies compared with vehicle controls. In Experiment 5, androgen levels in the hippocampus were elevated 1 h following administration, when androgen exposure is essential for consolidation. These data indicate that androgens effects to enhance learning may be mediated in part by actions of 5alpha-reduced metabolites in the hippocampus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kassandra L Edinger
- Department of Psychology, The University at Albany-SUNY, Social Science 220, 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12222, USA
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