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Kritzer MF, Adler A, Locklear M. Androgen effects on mesoprefrontal dopamine systems in the adult male brain. Neuroscience 2024:S0306-4522(24)00306-3. [PMID: 38977069 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2024.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2024] [Revised: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
Epidemiological data show that males are more often and/or more severely affected by symptoms of prefrontal cortical dysfunction in schizophrenia, Parkinson's disease and other disorders in which dopamine circuits associated with the prefrontal cortex are dysregulated. This review focuses on research showing that these dopamine circuits are powerfully regulated by androgens. It begins with a brief overview of the sex differences that distinguish prefrontal function in health and prefrontal dysfunction or decline in aging and/or neuropsychiatric disease. This review article then spotlights data from human subjects and animal models that specifically identify androgens as potent modulators of prefrontal cortical operations and of closely related, functionally critical measures of prefrontal dopamine level or tone. Candidate mechanisms by which androgens dynamically control mesoprefrontal dopamine systems and impact prefrontal states of hypo- and hyper-dopaminergia in aging and disease are then considered. This is followed by discussion of a working model that identifies a key locus for androgen modulation of mesoprefrontal dopamine systems as residing within the prefrontal cortex itself. The last sections of this review critically consider the ways in which the organization and regulation of mesoprefrontal dopamine circuits differ in the adult male and female brain, and highlights gaps where more research is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary F Kritzer
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-5230, United States.
| | - Alexander Adler
- Department of Oncology and Immuno-Oncology, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Tarrytown, NY 10591, United States
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Derbes R, Hakun J, Elbich D, Master L, Berenbaum S, Huang X, Buxton OM, Chang AM, Truica CI, Sturgeon KM. Design and methods of the mobile assessment of cognition, environment, and sleep (MACES) feasibility study in newly diagnosed breast cancer patients. Sci Rep 2024; 14:8338. [PMID: 38594369 PMCID: PMC11004176 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-58724-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Endocrine therapy (ET) for breast cancer treatment is associated with cognitive complaints, but their etiology is poorly understood. To address this, we developed and implemented an ambulatory assessment protocol consisting of wearable activity monitors, brief surveys of affect, context, and perceived impairments, and ultra-brief performance-based measures of cognition. Newly diagnosed, ER/PR+, stage 0-III, female breast cancer patients, were recruited. Ambulatory assessments were conducted on smart phones and wearable activity monitors were used to monitor sleep and physical activity. Participants were asked to complete five 7-day measurement bursts (one before starting ET and one each month for 4 consecutive months while on ET). We observed a consent rate of 36%, 27 women completed the study. Of the women that withdrew, 91% dropped prior to the midpoint of follow up. There were no significant differences in demographics, clinical breast cancer characteristics, sleep or physical activity patterns, or measures of cognition between women who completed versus withdrew. Women who did not complete the study provided fewer valid days of baseline data. In conclusion, while some women may be overwhelmed with their cancer diagnosis, we did not identify any predictive characteristics of women whom did not complete the study. This novel method enables the prospective study of psychological changes associated with cancer treatment, capturing a wide array of information about behavior, experience, and cognition, thus providing a picture of the lived experiences of cancer patients before and during exposure to ET.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Derbes
- Department of Public Health Sciences, College of Medicine, Pennsylvania State University, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Jonathan Hakun
- Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Department of Neurology, H5508, College of Medicine, Pennsylvania State University, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA, H03717033, USA.
- Department of Psychology, College of Liberal Arts, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA.
- Center for Healthy Aging, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA.
- College of Medicine, Translational Brain Research Center, Pennsylvania State University, Hershey, PA, 17033, USA.
| | - Daniel Elbich
- Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Department of Neurology, H5508, College of Medicine, Pennsylvania State University, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA, H03717033, USA
- College of Medicine, Translational Brain Research Center, Pennsylvania State University, Hershey, PA, 17033, USA
| | - Lindsay Master
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, College of Health and Human Development, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Sheri Berenbaum
- Department of Psychology, College of Liberal Arts, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Xuemei Huang
- Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Department of Neurology, H5508, College of Medicine, Pennsylvania State University, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA, H03717033, USA
- College of Medicine, Translational Brain Research Center, Pennsylvania State University, Hershey, PA, 17033, USA
| | - Orfeu M Buxton
- Center for Healthy Aging, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, College of Health and Human Development, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Anne-Marie Chang
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, College of Health and Human Development, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Cristina I Truica
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Pennsylvania State University, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Kathleen M Sturgeon
- Department of Public Health Sciences, College of Medicine, Pennsylvania State University, Hershey, PA, USA
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González-Burgos I, Velázquez-Zamora DA, González-Tapia D. Estradiol-mediated modulation of memory and of the underlying dendritic spine plasticity through the life span. Histol Histopathol 2024; 39:411-423. [PMID: 37966087 DOI: 10.14670/hh-18-672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
The morphophysiology of the nervous system changes and adapts in response to external environmental inputs and the experiences of individuals throughout their lives. Other changes in the organisms internal environment can also contribute to nervous system restructuring in the form of plastic changes that underlie its capacity to adapt to emerging psychophysiological conditions. These adaptive processes lead to subtle modifications of the organisms internal homeostasis which is closely related with the activity of chemical messengers, such as neurotransmitters and hormones. Hormones reach the brain through the bloodstream, where they activate specific receptors through which certain biochemical, physiological, and morphological changes take place in numerous regions. Fetal development, infancy, puberty, and adulthood are all periods of substantial hormone-mediated brain remodeling in both males and females. Adulthood, specifically, is associated with a broad range of life events, including reproductive cycles in both sexes, and pregnancy and menopause in women. Events of this kind occur concomitantly with eventual modifications in behavioral performance and, especially, in cognitive abilities like learning and memory that underlie, at least in part, plastic changes in the dendritic spines of the neuronal cells in cerebral areas involved in processing cognitive information. Estrogens form a family that consists of three molecules [17β-estradiol (E2), estrone, estriol] which are deeply involved in regulating numerous bodily functions in different stages of the life-cycle, including the modulation of cognitive performance. This review addresses the effects of E2 on the dendritic spine-mediated synaptic organization of cognitive performance throughout the life span.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - David González-Tapia
- Department of Health-disease as an individual and collective process, Health Division, Tlajomulco University Centre, University of Guadalajara, Tlajomulco de Zúñiga, Jalisco, México
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Yoshida T, Alexander T, Xing M, Mirzaei S. S, Williams AM, Lubas M, Brinkman TM, Chemaitilly W, Robison LL, Hudson MM, Krull KR, Delaney A. Hypogonadism and neurocognitive outcomes among childhood cancer survivors. Eur J Endocrinol 2024; 190:220-233. [PMID: 38468563 PMCID: PMC11052539 DOI: 10.1093/ejendo/lvae027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Childhood cancer survivors are at risk for hypogonadism. The impact of hypogonadism on neurocognitive impairment and emotional distress in the non-cancer population has been shown; however, the relationship among the childhood cancer survivor population is unknown. We aimed to evaluate the contribution of hypogonadism to neurocognitive impairment and emotional distress among survivors. DESIGN Cross-sectional study using retrospective cohort. METHODS In total, 3628 survivors who completed standard neurocognitive tests (six domains: processing speed, memory, executive function, attention, academics, and global cognition) and self-reported emotional distress were included in our study. Participants were stratified by sex and gonadal status. Outcomes were compared between hypogonadal and eugonadal groups by multivariable analysis, adjusting for established predictors, and mediation analyses to determine the direct/indirect effects of hypogonadism on outcomes. RESULTS The hypogonadal group exhibited a higher prevalence of neurocognitive impairment across domains, but no difference in emotional distress. Hypogonadal females exhibited higher relative risk (1.7, 95% CI, 1.2-2.5) for impaired visual processing speed, compared to eugonadal females after adjusting for cancer-related variables. In mediation models, hypogonadism had a significant direct (P < .01) and indirect (from P < .01) impact on impairment in visual processing speed among females. Males demonstrated direct (P = .03) and indirect (P = .04) impact of hypogonadism on motor processing speed. CONCLUSION Processing speed may be the most vulnerable neurocognitive domain associated with hypogonadism in survivors, while other domains were mainly impacted by cancer-related variables. Our findings support the need for further evaluation of the impact of sex hormone replacement therapy on neurocognitive function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoko Yoshida
- Department of Epidemiology and Cancer Control, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, United States
| | - Tyler Alexander
- Department of Epidemiology and Cancer Control, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, United States
| | - Mengqi Xing
- Department of Biostatistics, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, United States
| | - Sedigheh Mirzaei S.
- Department of Biostatistics, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, United States
| | - AnnaLynn M. Williams
- Department of Epidemiology and Cancer Control, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, United States
| | - Margaret Lubas
- Department of Epidemiology and Cancer Control, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, United States
| | - Tara M. Brinkman
- Department of Epidemiology and Cancer Control, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, United States
- Department of Psychology and Biobehavioral Sciences, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, United States
| | - Wassim Chemaitilly
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, United States
| | - Leslie L. Robison
- Department of Epidemiology and Cancer Control, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, United States
| | - Melissa M. Hudson
- Department of Epidemiology and Cancer Control, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, United States
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, United States
| | - Kevin R. Krull
- Department of Psychology and Biobehavioral Sciences, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, United States
| | - Angela Delaney
- Department of Epidemiology and Cancer Control, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, United States
- Department of Pediatric Medicine-Endocrinology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, United States
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Davignon LM, Brouillard A, Juster RP, Marin MF. The role of sex hormones, oral contraceptive use, and its parameters on visuospatial abilities, verbal fluency, and verbal memory. Horm Behav 2024; 157:105454. [PMID: 37981465 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2023.105454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
Sex hormones can cross the blood-brain barrier and access brain regions underlying higher-order cognition. Containing synthetic sex hormones, oral contraceptives (OC) have been found to modulate visuospatial and verbal abilities, though inconsistencies have been found in the literature. Among possible explanations, certain OC use parameters (progestin androgenicity, synthetic hormone levels, duration of use) have not received consistent consideration. Thus, the objectives were to (1) examine group differences between men, combined OC users, and naturally cycling women (NC women; not using OC) in visuospatial abilities, verbal fluency, and verbal memory and (2) investigate the contribution of endogenous and exogenous sex hormones on these effects. We also aimed to (3) identify OC use parameters relevant to cognitive outcomes. In total, 70 combined OC users, 53 early follicular (EF) women, 43 pre-ovulatory (PO) women, and 47 men underwent cognitive tests. Performance was compared based on hormonal milieus (OC, EF, PO, men) and OC users' contraceptive androgenicity (anti, low, high). Correlations between performance, hormone levels and OC use duration were also conducted. OC use dampened the sex difference that typically favors men in 3D visuospatial abilities, whereas its duration of use positively predicted verbal fluency. Androgenicity and hormone levels did not predict performance in any task. These results highlight the importance of considering OC use duration. Results also did not support a role for androgenicity in cognition. Importantly, combined OC use (including prolonged use) does not impair visuospatial, verbal, and memory functions in a healthy young sample.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa-Marie Davignon
- Research Center of the Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal, 7331 Hochelaga Street, Montreal H1N 3J4, Canada; Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Montréal, 100 Sherbrooke Street W, Montreal H2X 2P3, Canada
| | - Alexandra Brouillard
- Research Center of the Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal, 7331 Hochelaga Street, Montreal H1N 3J4, Canada; Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Montréal, 100 Sherbrooke Street W, Montreal H2X 2P3, Canada
| | - Robert-Paul Juster
- Research Center of the Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal, 7331 Hochelaga Street, Montreal H1N 3J4, Canada; Department of Psychiatry and Addiction, Université de Montréal, 2900 Edouard-Montpetit Boulevard, Montreal H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Marie-France Marin
- Research Center of the Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal, 7331 Hochelaga Street, Montreal H1N 3J4, Canada; Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Montréal, 100 Sherbrooke Street W, Montreal H2X 2P3, Canada; Department of Psychiatry and Addiction, Université de Montréal, 2900 Edouard-Montpetit Boulevard, Montreal H3T 1J4, Canada.
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Weiss AR, Urbanski HF. Effect of short-term androgen supplementation on cognitive performance in older male rhesus macaques. Neurobiol Aging 2023; 132:246-249. [PMID: 37866084 PMCID: PMC10842314 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2023.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
Old male rhesus macaques often show cognitive impairment, and also have attenuated circulating levels of testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS). However, it is unclear if these age-associated decreases in circulating androgen levels are casually related to mechanisms that support cognition. To test this possibility, old male rhesus macaques were given daily supplements of testosterone and DHEA for ∼7 months, using a paradigm designed to mimic the 24-hour circulating hormone patterns of young adults. Animals completed the Delayed Match-to-Sample (DMS) task to assess recognition, and the Delayed Response (DR) task to assess working memory. The animals all showed significant delay-dependent performance, with longer delays resulting in lower accuracy; and timepoint-dependent performance, showing improvement with the repeated opportunities for practice. However, there were no differences between the androgen supplemented animals and age-matched controls. These data indicate that the specific short-term supplementation paradigm employed here offers no obvious benefits for DMS or DR task performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison Ruth Weiss
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, OR, USA.
| | - Henryk Francis Urbanski
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, OR, USA; Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
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Prokai L, Nguyen V, Urbanski HF. Effect of estradiol replacement on hippocampal concentrations of estrogens in aged rhesus macaques maintained on an obesogenic diet. Biochem Biophys Rep 2023; 35:101548. [PMID: 37745986 PMCID: PMC10511332 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrep.2023.101548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Replacement involving estrogens has proven efficacy at treating a wide range of disorders that develop with menopause or after surgical removal of the ovaries. Here, we tested whether an estradiol (E2) replacement paradigm that recapitulates physiological E2 levels in the circulation also recapitulates physiological E2 levels within the hippocampus. E2 was delivered continuously to old ovariectomized (OVX) rhesus macaques, maintained on a high-fat, high-sugar Western-style diet (WSD) for ∼30 months, via subcutaneous implants; this resulted in physiological concentrations of both estrone (E1) and E2 in the circulation (determined by LC-MS/MS). Surprisingly, however, hippocampal concentrations of E2 were markedly (P < 0.01) higher than in ovary-intact animals maintained on a regular chow diet. The data suggest that E2 replacement paradigms that appear to recapitulate physiological E2 concentrations in the circulation may produce hyper-physiological E2 levels within some brain areas, especially when individuals are maintained on a WSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laszlo Prokai
- Department of Pharmacology & Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, TX, 76063, USA
| | - Vien Nguyen
- Department of Pharmacology & Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, TX, 76063, USA
| | - Henryk F. Urbanski
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, OR, 97006, USA
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
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Zhang W, Chen H, Ding L, Huang J, Zhang M, Liu Y, Ma R, Zheng S, Gong J, Piña‐Crespo JC, Zhang Y. Microglial targeted therapy relieves cognitive impairment caused by Cntnap4 deficiency. EXPLORATION (BEIJING, CHINA) 2023; 3:20220160. [PMID: 37933376 PMCID: PMC10624376 DOI: 10.1002/exp.20220160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
Contactin-associated protein-like 4 (Cntnap4) is critical for GABAergic transmission in the brain. Impaired Cntnap4 function is implicated in neurological disorders, such as autism; however, the role of Cntnap4 on memory processing is poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that hippocampal Cntnap4 deficiency in female mice manifests as impaired cognitive function and synaptic plasticity. The underlying mechanisms may involve effects on the pro-inflammatory response resulting in dysfunctional GABAergic transmission and activated tryptophan metabolism. To efficiently and accurately inhibit the pro-inflammatory reaction, we established a biomimetic microglial nanoparticle strategy to deliver FDA-approved PLX3397 (termed MNPs@PLX). We show MNPs@PLX successfully penetrates the blood brain barrier and facilitates microglial-targeted delivery of PLX3397. Furthermore, MNPs@PLX attenuates cognitive decline, dysfunctional synaptic plasticity, and pro-inflammatory response in female heterozygous Cntnap4 knockout mice. Together, our findings show loss of Cntnap4 causes pro-inflammatory cognitive decline that is effectively prevented by supplementation with microglia-specific inhibitors; thus validating the targeting of microglial function as a therapeutic intervention in neurocognitive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenlong Zhang
- Department of NeurologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Key Laboratory of Neurological Function and HealthSchool of Basic Medical SciencesGuangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
- School of Life SciencesWestlake UniversityHangzhouChina
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and BiomedicineHangzhouChina
| | - Huaqing Chen
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Gene and Antibody TherapyCenter for Biotechnology and BiomedicineState Key Laboratory of Chemical OncogenomicsState Key Laboratory of Health Sciences and TechnologyInstitute of Biopharmaceutical and Health EngineeringShenzhen International Graduate SchoolTsinghua UniversityShenzhenChina
| | - Liuyan Ding
- Department of NeurologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Key Laboratory of Neurological Function and HealthSchool of Basic Medical SciencesGuangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Jie Huang
- Key Laboratory of Neurological Function and HealthSchool of Basic Medical SciencesGuangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Mengran Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Neurological Function and HealthSchool of Basic Medical SciencesGuangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
- School of Life SciencesWestlake UniversityHangzhouChina
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and BiomedicineHangzhouChina
| | - Yan Liu
- School of Traditional Chinese MedicineJinan UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Runfang Ma
- Key Laboratory of Neurological Function and HealthSchool of Basic Medical SciencesGuangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
- School of Life SciencesWestlake UniversityHangzhouChina
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and BiomedicineHangzhouChina
| | - Shaohui Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Neurological Function and HealthSchool of Basic Medical SciencesGuangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
- School of Life SciencesWestlake UniversityHangzhouChina
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and BiomedicineHangzhouChina
| | - Junwei Gong
- Key Laboratory of Neurological Function and HealthSchool of Basic Medical SciencesGuangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Juan C. Piña‐Crespo
- Degenerative Diseases ProgramCenter for Genetic Disorders and Aging ResearchSanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery InstituteLa JollaCaliforniaUSA
| | - Yunlong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Neurological Function and HealthSchool of Basic Medical SciencesGuangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
- School of Life SciencesWestlake UniversityHangzhouChina
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and BiomedicineHangzhouChina
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Zhuang Y, Guo L, Huang W, Bo G, Zhang J, Zhu Z, Feng Y. Altered resting-state hippocampal functional connectivity in breast cancer survivors with chemotherapy-induced amenorrhea. Brain Behav 2023; 13:e3039. [PMID: 37157937 PMCID: PMC10275533 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.3039] [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: 12/28/2021] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Amenorrhea induced decrease of hormones is associated with cognitive impairment. This study aimed to evaluate hippocampal functional connectivity patterns in chemotherapy-induced amenorrhea (CIA) breast cancer (BC) patients, to evaluate the relationship between the functional connectivity features and hormone levels. METHOD Neuropsychological test, functional magnetic resonance imaging, and assessment of hormone levels were conducted in 21 premenopausal BC patients before chemotherapy (t0 ) and 1 week after completing chemotherapy (t1 ). Twenty matched healthy controls (HC) were also included and underwent the same assessments at similar time intervals. Mixed effect analysis and paired t-test were used to compare differences in brain functional connectivity. RESULTS Voxel-based paired t-tests revealed increased functional connectivity of the right and left hippocampus with the left fusiform gyrus, inferior and middle temporal gyrus, inferior occipital gyrus, left lingual gyrus, and parahippocampal gyrus after chemotherapy (p < .001) in CIA patients. Repeated measures analysis revealed significant group-by-time interactions in the left hippocampus with the bilateral fusiform gyrus, right parahippocampal gyrus, left inferior temporal gyrus, and left inferior occipital gyrus (p < .001). Premenopausal BC patients had no significant differences in cognitive function compared with HC at baseline. However, the CIA patients had high levels of self-rating depression scale, self-rating anxiety scale, total cholesterol, and triglycerides. Further, the CIA patients showed significant differences in hormone and fasting plasma glucose levels and cognitive performances between t0 and t1 (p < .05). Functional connectivity changes between the left hippocampus and the left inferior occipital gyrus was negatively correlated with E2 and luteinizing hormone changes (p < .05). CONCLUSION The CIA patients had cognitive dysfunction mainly in memory and visual mobility. Chemotherapy may affect hippocampal-posterior cortical circuit which mediates visual processing in CIA patients. Moreover, E2 may be involved in this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingying Zhuang
- Department of Medical ImagingMedical Imaging Center, The Affiliated Huaian No. 1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityHuai'anJiangsuChina
| | - Lili Guo
- Department of Medical ImagingMedical Imaging Center, The Affiliated Huaian No. 1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityHuai'anJiangsuChina
| | - Wei Huang
- Department of Medical ImagingMedical Imaging Center, The Affiliated Huaian No. 1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityHuai'anJiangsuChina
| | - Genji Bo
- Department of Medical ImagingMedical Imaging Center, The Affiliated Huaian No. 1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityHuai'anJiangsuChina
| | - Jiandong Zhang
- Department of Medical ImagingMedical Imaging Center, The Affiliated Huaian No. 1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityHuai'anJiangsuChina
| | - Zhaohuan Zhu
- Department of Medical ImagingMedical Imaging Center, The Affiliated Huaian No. 1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityHuai'anJiangsuChina
| | - Yun Feng
- Department of Medical ImagingMedical Imaging Center, The Affiliated Huaian No. 1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityHuai'anJiangsuChina
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Nyundo AA. Correlates of the HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders among adults living with HIV in Dodoma region, central Tanzania: A cross-sectional study. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0285761. [PMID: 37228133 PMCID: PMC10212098 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0285761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) continue to manifest despite advancements and improved antiretroviral therapy coverage. Neurocognitive impairment is a significant predictor of poor prognosis related to poor antiretroviral therapy adherence and retention in HIV care. METHODS This cross-sectional study examined 397 participants attending cared for and treatment at Dodoma Regional Referral Hospital (DRRH) and selected by systematic sampling. The combination of Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), International HIV Dementia Scale (IHDS), and The Lawton Instrumental Activity of Daily Living (IADL) were used to assess HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders. Factors associated with HAND were determined using univariate and multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS Of 397 participants, 234(59.1%) met the criteria for HAND with 231(58.2%) comprising asymptomatic neurocognitive disorder (ANI) or mild neurocognitive disorders (MND), and 3 (0.76%) HIV- associated dementia (HAD). Participants with HAND had significantly poorer performance in each cognitive domain on both MoCA and IHDS. Under multivariable regression, age of 55 years or above with Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR): 3.5 (95%CI: 1.1, 11.6), p = 0.041 and female gender (AOR): 2.7 (95%CI: 1, 6, 4.5), p<0.001 were significantly associated with HAND. Adherence to antiretroviral therapy AOR: 0.4(95%CI: 0.2, 1.0), p = 0.044, and attaining primary education AOR: 0.3(95%CI: 0.1, 0.8), p = 0.01 or secondary education AOR: 0.1(95%CI: 0.03, 0.2), p<0.001 compared to having no formal education showed good cognitive performance. CONCLUSION HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders are common in HIV, especially ANI and MND, are common in HIV infected Tanzanians. Both socio-demographic and clinical variables influence neurocognitive functioning in this population. Screening for mild neurocognitive disorders may be indicated if effective treatment becomes available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azan A. Nyundo
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, School of Medicine, The University of Dodoma, Dodoma, Tanzania
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Mentese B, Kutlu N. Menstrual cycle phases, sex hormones and hand preference modulate nerve conduction velocity in healthy subjects. Physiol Behav 2023; 258:114003. [PMID: 36273497 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2022.114003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between hand preference and electrophysiological parameters in women menstrual cycle phases and men. Our study was conducted on 25 healthy, naturally cycling females and 30 healthy males between the ages of 18 and 25 who participated voluntarily. The female participants completed three test sessions (early follicular phase, the late follicular phase, and the luteal phase). We measured sex hormone concentrations in blood samples collected. Nerve conduction velocity was calculated using electromyography by stimulating the median nerves of the left and right hands of both the male and female participants. The median nerve conduction velocities of the dominant hands of both the males and females were higher than those of the non-dominant hands. The median nerve conduction velocity during the follicular phase of both the right-handed and left-handed females was higher than in the right-handed and left-handed males, while the latency was shorter. When we evaluated the nerve conduction velocities of the participants, we observed the effects of sexual dimorphism and lateralization. The findings suggested that nerve conduction velocity was found to be affected during the phases of the menstrual cycle in healthy female volunteers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beste Mentese
- University of Manisa Celal Bayar, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physiology, Manisa, Turkey.
| | - Necip Kutlu
- University of Manisa Celal Bayar, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physiology, Manisa, Turkey.
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12
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Kang S, Kim E, Cho H, Kim DJ, Kim HC, Jung SJ. Associations between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and cognitive impairment and the effect modification of inflammation. Sci Rep 2022; 12:12614. [PMID: 35871085 PMCID: PMC9308768 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-16788-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractThis study aimed to evaluate the association between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and cognitive impairment and explore the effect modification by the inflammatory status. A total of 4400 community-based participants aged 50–64 years from the Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease Etiology Research Center were included in this cross-sectional study. NAFLD was identified as the Fatty Liver Index 30 or higher in the absence of excessive alcohol consumption. Cognitive impairment was defined as the total score of the Mini-Mental State Examination (cutoff 24). The inflammatory status was evaluated using white blood cell (WBC) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP). Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed. Stratified analyses by the WBC count (the highest quartile) and the hsCRP level (≥ 1.0 mg/dL vs. < 1.0 mg/dL) were conducted. Participants with NAFLD showed an increased prevalence of cognitive impairment (odds ratio [OR] = 1.26; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.04–1.52) compared with the non-NAFLD population. In women, this association was significantly stronger in the highest quartile WBC group than in lower WBC group (OR = 1.81; 95% CI = 1.19–2.74 vs. OR = 1.02; 95% CI = 0.78–1.33, p-interaction = 0.05). NAFLD was positively associated with a higher proportion of cognitive impairment, and this association was stronger in women with higher inflammatory status.
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13
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Tronson NC, Schuh KM. Hormonal contraceptives, stress, and the brain: The critical need for animal models. Front Neuroendocrinol 2022; 67:101035. [PMID: 36075276 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2022.101035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Hormonal contraceptives are among the most important health and economic developments in the 20thCentury, providing unprecedented reproductive control and a range of health benefits including decreased premenstrual symptoms and protections against various cancers. Hormonal contraceptives modulate neural function and stress responsivity. These changes are usually innocuous or even beneficial, including their effects onmood. However, in approximately 4-10% of users, or up to 30 million people at any given time, hormonal contraceptives trigger depression or anxiety symptoms. How hormonal contraceptives contribute to these responses and who is at risk for adverse outcomes remain unknown. In this paper, we discussstudies of hormonal contraceptive use in humans and describe the ways in which laboratory animal models of contraceptive hormone exposure will be an essential tool for expanding findings to understand the precise mechanisms by which hormonal contraceptives influence the brain, stress responses, and depression risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie C Tronson
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Kristen M Schuh
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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14
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Song J, Zhou B, Kan J, Liu G, Zhang S, Si L, Zhang X, Yang X, Ma J, Cheng J, Liu X, Yang Y. Gut microbiota: Linking nutrition and perinatal depression. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:932309. [PMID: 36093196 PMCID: PMC9459161 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.932309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Perinatal depression is a mood disorder that is reported in women during pregnancy (prenatal) and after childbirth (postnatal). The onset of perinatal depression is associated with changes in reproductive hormones, stress hormones and neurosteroids. These chemical compounds can be modulated by the gut microbiota, which may affect maternal mental health during the perinatal period via the gut-brain-axis. Recent studies suggest that nutritional and dietary interventions (vitamin D, ω-3 fatty acids, iron, and fiber) effectively prevent or mitigate maternal depression and anxiety, but their efficacy is confounded by various factors, including the gut microbiota. Probiotics are efficacious in maintaining microbiota homeostasis, and thus, have the potential to modulate the development of perinatal mood disorders, despite no evidence in human. Therefore, clinical trials are warranted to investigate the role of probiotic supplementation in perinatal depression and behavioral changes. This article reviews the interplay between nutrition, gut microbiota and mood and cognition, and the evidence suggesting that probiotics affect the onset and development of perinatal depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Song
- Affiliated Wuhan Mental Health Center, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Bi Zhou
- Affiliated Wuhan Mental Health Center, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Juntao Kan
- Nutrilite Health Institute, Shanghai, China
| | | | - Sheng Zhang
- Affiliated Wuhan Mental Health Center, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Liang Si
- Affiliated Wuhan Mental Health Center, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xianping Zhang
- Affiliated Wuhan Mental Health Center, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xue Yang
- Affiliated Wuhan Mental Health Center, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Junhua Ma
- Affiliated Wuhan Mental Health Center, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Junrui Cheng
- Ingredion Incorporated, Bridgewater, NJ, United States
| | - Xiaobo Liu
- Affiliated Wuhan Mental Health Center, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- *Correspondence: Yongde Yang, ; Xiaobo Liu,
| | - Yongde Yang
- Affiliated Wuhan Mental Health Center, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- *Correspondence: Yongde Yang, ; Xiaobo Liu,
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15
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Fertility predicts self-development-oriented competitiveness in naturally cycling women but not hormonal contraceptive users. ADAPTIVE HUMAN BEHAVIOR AND PHYSIOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s40750-022-00198-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Objective
A growing body of research has begun investigating the relationship between hormones and female competitiveness. Many researchers have focused on the effect of the menstrual cycle and hormonal contraceptives. Despite many attempts at understanding hormone-behavior associations, contradictory findings have made it difficult to determine the existence of true effects. The aim of the current research was to use a robust methodological design to investigate the effect of fertility probability on four competitive orientations in naturally cycling women and hormonal contraceptive users.
Methods
Using a longitudinal diary study with over 3,900 observations from 21 countries, we explore the effect of fertility probability on four self-report competitive orientations after controlling for menstruation: self-developmental competition, hyper competitiveness, competition avoidance, and lack of interest toward competition.
Results
Using Bayesian estimation for ordinal mixed models, we found that fertility probability was associated with an increase in self-development competitiveness amongst naturally cycling women but not hormonal contraceptive users. We also found weak evidence that hormonal contraceptive users show reduced interest in competing compared to naturally cycling women. There were no other robust effects of fertility or hormonal contraceptive use.
Conclusions
These results suggest that fertility probability is associated with increased fluctuations in self-development competitive motivation and that hormonal contraceptives interfere with this effect. This research contributes to the growing body of literature suggesting that hormonal contraceptives may influence psychology and behavior by disrupting evolved hormonal mechanisms.
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16
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Rezaeimanesh N, Saeedi R, Sahraian MA, Ghadiri F, Naser Moghadasi A. The association between body mass index, demographic and clinical characteristics with cognitive performance in patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder. CURRENT JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY 2022; 21:74-82. [PMID: 38011484 PMCID: PMC9860205 DOI: 10.18502/cjn.v21i2.10490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Background: Cognitive dysfunction is one of the problems that patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) suffer from. We aimed to assess the association between demographic and clinical features as well as body mass index (BMI) and cognitive function in patients with NMOSD. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed on 41 patients with definite diagnosis of NMOSD. Serum status of neuromyelitis optica immunoglobulin G (NMO-IgG) was determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. Cognitive function was assessed by Minimal Assessment of Cognitive Function in Multiple Sclerosis (MACFIMS) battery which is validated for Persian people before and North American Adult Reading Test (NAART). Results: The mean score of NAART test was higher in participants with normal weight compared with overweight patients (40.47 ± 3.51 vs. 36.00 ± 5.74, P = 0.02). Current age was negatively correlated with Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System (D-KEFS)-Sorting (P = 0.05, r = -0.30). The correlation of duration of disease and cognitive performance was not significant (P > 0.05). Higher physical disability based on Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) was correlated with lower results in Brief Visuospatial Memory Test-Revised (BVMT-R) (P < 0.01, r = -0.50), California Verbal Learning Test-second edition (CVLT-II)-Delayed Recall (P = 0.02, r = -0.35), and Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) (P = 0.03, r = -0.33) subtests of MACFIMS. Annual relapse rate was indirectly correlated with CVLT-II (P = 0.03, r = -0.34) and CVLT-II-Delayed Recall (P = 0.01, r = -0.38). Male participants obtained better scores in Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT) subtest (P = 0.05). NMO-IgG seropositive patients had poorer performance in terms of CVLT-II-Delayed Recall, Controlled Oral Word Association Test (COWAT), and D-KEFS-Descriptive (P < 0.05). Participants with bachelor and master education degrees showed significantly better results compared to those with high school degree (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Investigating the clinical and demographic factors affecting cognitive impairment can increase the awareness of health care providers for early diagnosis of cognitive impairment in patients with NMOSD and increase the quality of health services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nasim Rezaeimanesh
- Multiple Sclerosis Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Roghayyeh Saeedi
- Multiple Sclerosis Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ali Sahraian
- Multiple Sclerosis Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fereshteh Ghadiri
- Multiple Sclerosis Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abdorreza Naser Moghadasi
- Multiple Sclerosis Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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17
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Jaff NG, Crowther NJ. The Association of Reproductive Aging with Cognitive Function in Sub-Saharan African Women. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2343:71-91. [PMID: 34473316 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1558-4_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Life expectancy in sub-Saharan African women is increasing, and by the late 2020s an estimated 76% of postmenopausal women globally will be living in developing countries. Menopause transition has been associated with cognitive decline in a wide range of studies, but data on cognition and reproductive aging are lacking in sub-Saharan African women. Approximately 72 million people in the region are expected to suffer from dementias and neurocognitive decline by 2050. Studies show that compromised cognitive health in low-income countries has significant implications for adult quality of life and socioeconomic development. There is now an urgent need to further examine risk factors for cognitive decline in these aging women and to understand the ability of public health programs to diagnose and treat cognitive dysfunction. This review examines studies assessing cognition and aging in sub-Saharan African adults, while addressing the significant research gaps. It examines data on the association of the menopause transition with cognitive function and describes how validated tools should be available to assess both menopausal stage and symptoms. Culturally appropriate and validated neurocognitive measures are required to better understand the relationship of reproductive aging with cognition. Longitudinal population-based studies are needed to assess the effect of lifestyle interventions, such as diet and exercise, on cognitive health in sub-Saharan African populations, with an emphasis on women as they transition into menopause.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole G Jaff
- Department of Chemical Pathology, National Health Laboratory Service, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
| | - Nigel J Crowther
- Department of Chemical Pathology, National Health Laboratory Service, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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18
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Udeh-Momoh C, Watermeyer T. Female specific risk factors for the development of Alzheimer's disease neuropathology and cognitive impairment: Call for a precision medicine approach. Ageing Res Rev 2021; 71:101459. [PMID: 34508876 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2021.101459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) includes a long asymptomatic stage, which precedes the formal diagnosis of dementia. AD biomarker models provide a framework for precision medicine approaches during this stage. However, such approaches have ignored the possible influence of sex on cognition and brain health, despite female sex noted as a major risk factor. Since AD-related changes may emerge in midlife, intervention efforts are being redirected around this period. Midlife coincides with several endocrinological changes, such as the menopausal transition experienced by women. In this narrative review, we discuss evidence for sex-differences in AD neuropathological burden and outline key endocrinological mechanisms for both sexes, focussing on hormonal events throughout the lifespan that may influence female susceptibility to AD neuropathology and dementia onset. We further consider common non-modifiable (genetic) and modifiable (lifestyle and health) risk factors, highlighting possible sex-dependent differential effects for the AD disease course. Finally, we evaluate the studies selected for this review demonstrating sex-differences in cognitive, pathological and health factors, summarising the state of sex differences in AD risk factors. We further provide recommendations for targeted research on female-specific risk factors, to inform personalised strategies for AD-prevention and the promotion of female brain health.
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19
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Exploring the sex and gender correlates of cognitive sex differences. Acta Psychol (Amst) 2021; 221:103452. [PMID: 34801881 DOI: 10.1016/j.actpsy.2021.103452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The correlates of cognitive sex differences are yet to be fully understood. Many biological and psychosocial factors modulate these cognitive abilities leading to mixed results in the scientific literature. The current study aims to explore the different parameters potentially influencing cognitive abilities acting in synergy. Sex and gender correlates of cognitive functioning were assessed in a sample of individuals ages 18 to 45 years (N = 87) from diverse sexual orientations. Sex hormones were assessed via saliva samples at four timepoints throughout the testing. Gender roles, sexual orientation and socio-demographics were measured via self-report questionnaires. Participants completed mental rotation and verbal fluency tasks. Men performed better than women at mental rotation, while no significant difference was found for verbal fluency. Significant positive associations were observed between estradiol and word fluency for the naturally cycling women compared to the women using oral contraception. While controlling for sex hormones, a significant interaction effect of sex by gender roles was identified for mental rotation among masculine women. These exploratory results suggest an effect principally driven by sex and sex hormones on cognitive performance that will need to be furthered with larger studies.
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20
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Abstract
To determine whether there are differences in measures of cognitive function between second and third trimester pregnant women compared to non-pregnant controls. This prospective study comprised 40 pregnant and 40 non-pregnant women, 20–40 years old, native-Hebrew speakers who were recruited from the outpatient clinics during a period of nearly 2 years. The patients underwent cognitive and affective evaluation. The performance on the three following tests: difficult and total items of Verbal Paired Associates, the Digit Span—forward and the Naming Objects and Fingers test scores were significantly better among non- pregnant women. All the other test results were similar between the two groups, including the depression scores. On multivariate linear regression analysis, after adjusting for age and years of education , Verbal Paired Associates total score (p = 0.04), and Naming Objects and Fingers (p = 0.01) remained significantly associated with pregnancy, but not Digit Span (p = 0.09). Our study demonstrates an impairment in memory among pregnant women. Furthermore language skills, particularly naming, were also impaired, a finding which has not been previously described.
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21
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Echeverria V, Echeverria F, Barreto GE, Echeverría J, Mendoza C. Estrogenic Plants: to Prevent Neurodegeneration and Memory Loss and Other Symptoms in Women After Menopause. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:644103. [PMID: 34093183 PMCID: PMC8172769 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.644103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In mammals, sexual hormones such as estrogens play an essential role in maintaining brain homeostasis and function. Estrogen deficit in the brain induces many undesirable symptoms such as learning and memory impairment, sleep and mood disorders, hot flushes, and fatigue. These symptoms are frequent in women who reached menopausal age or have had ovariectomy and in men and women subjected to anti-estrogen therapy. Hormone replacement therapy alleviates menopause symptoms; however, it can increase cardiovascular and cancer diseases. In the search for therapeutic alternatives, medicinal plants and specific synthetic and natural molecules with estrogenic effects have attracted widespread attention between the public and the scientific community. Various plants have been used for centuries to alleviate menstrual and menopause symptoms, such as Cranberry, Ginger, Hops, Milk Thistle, Red clover, Salvia officinalis, Soy, Black cohosh, Turnera diffusa, Ushuva, and Vitex. This review aims to highlight current evidence about estrogenic medicinal plants and their pharmacological effects on cognitive deficits induced by estrogen deficiency during menopause and aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Echeverria
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad San Sebastian, Concepcion, Chile
- Research and Development Service, Bay Pines VA Healthcare System, Bay Pines, FL, Unites States
| | | | - George E. Barreto
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
- Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Javier Echeverría
- Departamento de Ciencias del Ambiente, Facultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Cristhian Mendoza
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad San Sebastian, Concepcion, Chile
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22
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Prakapenka AV, Korol DL. Estradiol selectively regulates metabolic substrates across memory systems in models of menopause. Climacteric 2021; 24:366-372. [PMID: 33982614 DOI: 10.1080/13697137.2021.1917537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Estrogen loss at menopause is thought to contribute to specific memory problems commonly encountered by women who are transitioning through or who have experienced menopause. Work in preclinical models suggests that estrogens bidirectionally regulate cognition through direct actions on different neural systems called memory systems, enhancing some types of learning and memory while impairing others. The energy load in the brain during cognitive activity is notoriously high, requiring sufficient provisions of metabolic substrates such as glucose, lactate, or ketones for optimal cognition. Thus, it is possible that estrogens bidirectionally regulate energy substrate availability within each system to produce the improvements and impairments in learning and memory. Indeed, estradiol increases extracellular levels of glucose in the hippocampus, a shift that corresponds to the hormone's beneficial effects on hippocampus-sensitive cognition. In contrast, estradiol decreases levels of lactate and ketones in the striatum, a shift that corresponds to the impairing effects of estradiol on striatum-sensitive cognition. Menopause may thus be associated with both cognitive improvements and impairments depending on estradiol status and on the problem to be solved. We propose that regulation of neural metabolism is one likely mechanism for these bidirectional effects of estradiol on cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- A V Prakapenka
- Biology Department, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - D L Korol
- Biology Department, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, USA
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23
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Keklicek H, Sermenli Aydin N, Can HB, Dönmez Aydin D, Yilmazer Kayatekin AZ, Uluçam E. Primary dysmenorrhea and postural control: Is it a problem only during menstruation? Gait Posture 2021; 85:88-95. [PMID: 33517042 DOI: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2021.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Revised: 01/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The effects of the menstrual cycle and primary dysmenorrhea (PD) on phase-related cognitive and physical functions are controversial. This study was carried out to examine whether women with PD showed a different physical function or dual-tasking response than women without PD at times other than menstruation. METHODS Women with or without PD were recruited for the study. Individuals assessed on the first day of the menstruation and the day they reported themselves as well being (feeling good day-FGD). Zebris © FDM Type Force Platform was used to evaluate postural stability. Individuals have were asked to perform to a 3-step balance test protocol; the first session: comfortable upright standing; the second session: standing with a motor task; the third session: standing with a cognitive task (counting backward). Correctly calculated numbers were also recorded. RESULTS The number of correct answers given by individuals during the cognitive dual-task was similar on the first day of menstruation and FGD (p > 0.05). In the control group, no difference was observed between the first days of menstruation and the evaluations on FGD days with dual-task (p > 0.05). In individuals with PD, there was no difference between the measurements at different times (p > 0.05). However, in the assessment with the motor dual-task on the first day of menstruation; postural sway increased (p < 0,05). In FDG measurement; distortion in postural stability was observed with the cognitive task (p < 0,05). In the assessments performed on the first day of menstruation, there was no difference in any parameters between the groups (p > 0.05). In the measurements made on FGD day with the cognitive task; there was a difference between the groups (p < 0,05). Individuals with PD had higher postural sway. SIGNIFICANCE This study showed that the primary dysmenorrhea is not only a problem for females during menstruation, primary dysmenorrhea causes impaired ability of the individual to perform dual-tasking and continuously affects postural stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilal Keklicek
- Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Trakya University, Faculty of Health Science, 22030 Edirne, Turkey.
| | - Nimet Sermenli Aydin
- Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Trakya University, Faculty of Health Science, 22030 Edirne, Turkey; Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Marmara University, Faculty of Health Science, 34854 İstanbul, Turkey.
| | - Hilal Başak Can
- Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Trakya University, Faculty of Health Science, 22030 Edirne, Turkey; Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Marmara University, Faculty of Health Science, 34854 İstanbul, Turkey.
| | - Didem Dönmez Aydin
- Department of Anatomy, Trakya University, Faculty of Medicine, 22030 Edirne, Turkey.
| | - Ayşe Zeynep Yilmazer Kayatekin
- Department of Anatomy, Trakya University, Faculty of Medicine, 22030 Edirne, Turkey; Department of Anatomy, Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University Faculty of Medicine, 67600 Zonguldak, Turkey.
| | - Enis Uluçam
- Department of Anatomy, Trakya University, Faculty of Medicine, 22030 Edirne, Turkey.
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Hugenschmidt CE, Duran T, Espeland MA. Interactions between estradiol, diabetes, and brain aging and the risk for cognitive impairment. Climacteric 2021; 24:359-365. [PMID: 33586564 DOI: 10.1080/13697137.2021.1877652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The Women's Health Initiative Memory Study reported that older women using conjugated equine estrogens hormone therapy (HT) with or without medroxyprogesterone acetate were at increased risk for probable dementia and smaller brain volumes. These adverse effects were greatest among women who had type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) at baseline or who developed the disease during follow-up. This review summarizes existing literature from randomized trials, observational studies, and preclinical studies to provide a fundamental understanding of the effects of the interaction between T2DM and HT on cognitive and metabolic health changes in brain aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- C E Hugenschmidt
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section on Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - T Duran
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section on Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - M A Espeland
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section on Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.,Department of Biostatistics & Data Sciences, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
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25
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Hwang WJ, Lee TY, Kim NS, Kwon JS. The Role of Estrogen Receptors and Their Signaling across Psychiatric Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 22:ijms22010373. [PMID: 33396472 PMCID: PMC7794990 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22010373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 12/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing evidence suggests estrogen and estrogen signaling pathway disturbances across psychiatric disorders. Estrogens are not only crucial in sexual maturation and reproduction but are also highly involved in a wide range of brain functions, such as cognition, memory, neurodevelopment, and neuroplasticity. To add more, the recent findings of its neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects have grown interested in investigating its potential therapeutic use to psychiatric disorders. In this review, we analyze the emerging literature on estrogen receptors and psychiatric disorders in cellular, preclinical, and clinical studies. Specifically, we discuss the contribution of estrogen receptor and estrogen signaling to cognition and neuroprotection via mediating multiple neural systems, such as dopaminergic, serotonergic, and glutamatergic systems. Then, we assess their disruptions and their potential implications for pathophysiologies in psychiatric disorders. Further, in this review, current treatment strategies involving estrogen and estrogen signaling are evaluated to suggest a future direction in identifying novel treatment strategies in psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wu Jeong Hwang
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea; (W.J.H.); (J.S.K.)
| | - Tae Young Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Yangsan 50612, Korea;
- Research Institute for Convergence of Biomedical Science and Technology, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Yangsan 50612, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-55-360-2468
| | - Nahrie Suk Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Yangsan 50612, Korea;
| | - Jun Soo Kwon
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea; (W.J.H.); (J.S.K.)
- Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
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Plamberger CP, Van Wijk HE, Kerschbaum H, Pletzer BA, Gruber G, Oberascher K, Dresler M, Hahn MA, Hoedlmoser K. Impact of menstrual cycle phase and oral contraceptives on sleep and overnight memory consolidation. J Sleep Res 2020; 30:e13239. [PMID: 33348471 PMCID: PMC8365641 DOI: 10.1111/jsr.13239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Sleep spindles benefit declarative memory consolidation and are considered to be a biological marker for general cognitive abilities. However, the impact of sexual hormones and hormonal oral contraceptives (OCs) on these relationships are less clear. Thus, we here investigated the influence of endogenous progesterone levels of naturally cycling women and women using OCs on nocturnal sleep and overnight memory consolidation. Nineteen healthy women using OCs (MAge = 21.4, SD = 2.1 years) were compared to 43 healthy women with a natural menstrual cycle (follicular phase: n = 16, MAge = 21.4, SD = 3.1 years; luteal phase: n = 27, MAge = 22.5, SD = 3.6 years). Sleep spindle density and salivary progesterone were measured during an adaptation and an experimental night. A word pair association task preceding the experimental night followed by two recalls (pre‐sleep and post‐sleep) was performed to test declarative memory performance. We found that memory performance improved overnight in all women. Interestingly, women using OCs (characterized by a low endogenous progesterone level but with very potent synthetic progestins) and naturally cycling women during the luteal phase (characterized by a high endogenous progesterone level) had a higher fast sleep spindle density compared to naturally cycling women during the follicular phase (characterized by a low endogenous progesterone level). Furthermore, we observed a positive correlation between endogenous progesterone level and fast spindle density in women during the luteal phase. Results suggest that the use of OCs and the menstrual cycle phase affects sleep spindles and therefore should be considered in further studies investigating sleep spindles and cognitive performance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Helen Elisabeth Van Wijk
- Department of Psychology, Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria.,Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Hubert Kerschbaum
- Department of Cell Biology, Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Belinda Angela Pletzer
- Department of Psychology, Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Georg Gruber
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Karin Oberascher
- Department of Cell Biology, Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | | | - Michael Andreas Hahn
- Department of Psychology, Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Kerstin Hoedlmoser
- Department of Psychology, Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
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Controversies Regarding Postmenopausal Hormone Replacement Therapy for Primary Cardiovascular Disease Prevention in Women. Cardiol Rev 2020; 29:296-304. [PMID: 33165087 DOI: 10.1097/crd.0000000000000353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The debate over the safety and benefit of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in postmenopausal women for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) has been ongoing for the past several decades. Observational trials in the 1980s suggested a benefit of HRT for primary CVD prevention. However, randomized controlled trials in the 1990s suggested potential harm. Because of these discrepancies, recommendations from authorities on the usage of postmenopausal HRT have fluctuated. Many believed that the timing of HRT initiation relative to the onset of menopause, also known as the "timing hypothesis," was the factor that could explain the differences among these studies. Some recent investigations have concluded that HRT initiated in postmenopausal women near the onset of menopause confers a cardioprotective benefit, while others simply showed that HRT does not cause harm. Research has expanded to evaluate alternative doses, preparations, routes, and formulations, including selective estrogen receptor modulators, to demonstrate their suitability for this purpose. This article is a review of the major research studies of HRT in postmenopausal women with respect to its safety and efficacy for the primary prevention of CVD.
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Sundström-Poromaa I, Comasco E, Sumner R, Luders E. Progesterone - Friend or foe? Front Neuroendocrinol 2020; 59:100856. [PMID: 32730861 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2020.100856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 07/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Estradiol is the "prototypic" sex hormone of women. Yet, women have another sex hormone, which is often disregarded: Progesterone. The goal of this article is to provide a comprehensive review on progesterone, and its metabolite allopregnanolone, emphasizing three key areas: biological properties, main functions, and effects on mood in women. Recent years of intensive research on progesterone and allopregnanolone have paved the way for new treatment of postpartum depression. However, treatment for premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder as well as contraception that women can use without risking mental health problems are still needed. As far as progesterone is concerned, we might be dealing with a two-edged sword: while its metabolite allopregnanolone has been proven useful for treatment of PPD, it may trigger negative symptoms in women with PMS and PMDD. Overall, our current knowledge on the beneficial and harmful effects of progesterone is limited and further research is imperative.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Erika Comasco
- Department of Neuroscience, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | - Eileen Luders
- School of Psychology, University of Auckland, New Zealand; Laboratory of Neuro Imaging, School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA
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Brown AMC, Gervais NJ. Role of Ovarian Hormones in the Modulation of Sleep in Females Across the Adult Lifespan. Endocrinology 2020; 161:5879359. [PMID: 32735650 PMCID: PMC7450669 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqaa128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Ovarian hormones, including 17β-estradiol, are implicated in numerous physiological processes, including sleep. Beginning at puberty, girls report more sleep complaints than boys, which is maintained throughout the reproductive life stage. Sleep problems are exacerbated during the menopausal transition, evidenced by greater risk for sleep disorders. There is emerging evidence that menopause-associated hormone loss contributes to this elevated risk, but age is also an important factor. The extent to which menopause-associated sleep disturbance persists into postmenopause above and beyond the effects of age remains unknown. Untreated sleep disturbances have important implications for cognitive health, as they are emerging as risk factors for dementia. Given that sleep loss impairs memory, an important knowledge gap concerns the role played by menopause-associated hormone loss in exacerbating sleep disturbance and, ultimately, cognitive function in aging women. In this review, we take a translational approach to illustrate the contribution of ovarian hormones in maintaining the sleep-wake cycle in younger and middle-aged females, with evidence implicating 17β-estradiol in supporting the memory-promoting effects of sleep. Sleep physiology is briefly reviewed before turning to behavioral and neural evidence from young females linking 17β-estradiol to sleep-wake cycle maintenance. Implications of menopause-associated 17β-estradiol loss is also reviewed before discussing how ovarian hormones may support the memory-promoting effects of sleep, and why menopause may exacerbate pathological aging via effects on sleep. While still in its infancy, this research area offers a new sex-based perspective on aging research, with a focus on a modifiable risk factor for pathological aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alana M C Brown
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nicole J Gervais
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Correspondence: Nicole J. Gervais, University of Toronto, Department of Psychology, 100 St. George Street, Toronto, ON, Canada M5S 3G3. E-mail:
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Sex difference in cognitive impairment in drug-free schizophrenia: Association with miR-195 levels. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2020; 119:104748. [PMID: 32559610 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2020.104748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Revised: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE There is evidence that microRNA-195 (miR-195) is associated with schizophrenia (SZ) and cognition, but the relationship between miR-195 and cognitive impairment in SZ is still unknown. Sex differences in both microRNA (miRNA) expression and cognition were found in SZ. We aim to investigate whether sex moderates the relationship between miR-195 levels and cognition in SZ. METHODS We recruited 121 drug-free SZ patients and 129 healthy controls. miR-195 expression levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were measured using qRT-PCR. The Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS) was performed to assess cognitive function. MANCOVA, ANCOVA, correlation analysis and hierarchical linear regression analysis were used to test the effect of sex on the aforementioned variables. RESULTS All RBANS scores significantly decreased in patients compared to healthy controls (all p < 0.001); ANCOVA analysis demonstrated female SZ patients had lower delayed memory score (F = 15.36, p < 0.001) and total score (F = 5.26, p = 0.024) than male patients. There was no diagnosis, sex or sex by diagnosis interaction effect on miR-195 levels (all p > 0.05). Interestingly, correlation analysis showed significant negative association between miR-195 and attention score (r = -0.389, p = 0.019), delayed memory score (r= -0.351, p = 0.036), and total score (r = -0.386, p = 0.020) only in female patients. Hierarchical regression analysis showed sex by miR-195 interaction was a significant predictor of the RBANS total score (ΔR2 = 0.042, F(1, 67) = 4.71, p = 0.033). CONCLUSION Our data indicate that miR-195 is associated with cognitive impairment in female SZ patients, and it may be involved in the underlying mechanism of sex differences in cognitive impairment in SZ.
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Chew H, Solomon VA, Fonteh AN. Involvement of Lipids in Alzheimer's Disease Pathology and Potential Therapies. Front Physiol 2020; 11:598. [PMID: 32581851 PMCID: PMC7296164 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.00598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Lipids constitute the bulk of the dry mass of the brain and have been associated with healthy function as well as the most common pathological conditions of the brain. Demographic factors, genetics, and lifestyles are the major factors that influence lipid metabolism and are also the key components of lipid disruption in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Additionally, the most common genetic risk factor of AD, APOE ϵ4 genotype, is involved in lipid transport and metabolism. We propose that lipids are at the center of Alzheimer's disease pathology based on their involvement in the blood-brain barrier function, amyloid precursor protein (APP) processing, myelination, membrane remodeling, receptor signaling, inflammation, oxidation, and energy balance. Under healthy conditions, lipid homeostasis bestows a balanced cellular environment that enables the proper functioning of brain cells. However, under pathological conditions, dyshomeostasis of brain lipid composition can result in disturbed BBB, abnormal processing of APP, dysfunction in endocytosis/exocytosis/autophagocytosis, altered myelination, disturbed signaling, unbalanced energy metabolism, and enhanced inflammation. These lipid disturbances may contribute to abnormalities in brain function that are the hallmark of AD. The wide variance of lipid disturbances associated with brain function suggest that AD pathology may present as a complex interaction between several metabolic pathways that are augmented by risk factors such as age, genetics, and lifestyles. Herewith, we examine factors that influence brain lipid composition, review the association of lipids with all known facets of AD pathology, and offer pointers for potential therapies that target lipid pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Chew
- Huntington Medical Research Institutes, Pasadena, CA, United States
- University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | | | - Alfred N. Fonteh
- Huntington Medical Research Institutes, Pasadena, CA, United States
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Sodums DJ, Bohbot VD. Negative correlation between grey matter in the hippocampus and caudate nucleus in healthy aging. Hippocampus 2020; 30:892-908. [PMID: 32384195 DOI: 10.1002/hipo.23210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Revised: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Neurobiological changes that occur with aging include a reduction in function and volume of the hippocampus. These changes were associated with corresponding memory deficits in navigation tasks. However, navigation can involve different strategies that are dependent on the hippocampus and caudate nucleus. The proportion of people using hippocampus-dependent spatial strategies decreases across the lifespan. As such, the decrease in spatial strategies, and corresponding increase in caudate nucleus-dependent response strategies with age, may play a role in the observed neurobiological changes in the hippocampus. Furthermore, we previously showed a negative correlation between grey matter in the hippocampus and caudate nucleus/striatum in mice, young adults, and in individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. As such, we hypothesized that this negative relationship between the two structures would be present during normal aging. The aim of the current study was to investigate this gap in the literature by studying the relationship between grey matter in the hippocampus and caudate nucleus of the striatum, in relation to each other and to navigation strategies, during healthy aging. Healthy older adults (N = 39) were tested on the Concurrent Spatial Discrimination Learning Task (CSDLT), a virtual radial task that dissociates between spatial and response strategies. A regression of strategies against structural MRIs showed for the first time in older adults that the response strategy was associated with higher amounts of grey matter in the caudate nucleus. As expected, the spatial strategy correlated with grey matter in the hippocampus, which was negatively correlated with grey matter in the caudate nucleus. Interestingly, a sex difference emerged showing that among older adult response learners, women have the least amount of grey matter in the hippocampus, which is a known risk for Alzheimer's disease. This difference was absent among spatial learners. These results are discussed in the context of the putative protective role of spatial memory against grey matter loss in the hippocampus, especially in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devin J Sodums
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Véronique D Bohbot
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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33
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Gurvich C, Warren AM, Worsley R, Hudaib AR, Thomas N, Kulkarni J. Effects of Oral Contraceptive Androgenicity on Visuospatial and Social-Emotional Cognition: A Prospective Observational Trial. Brain Sci 2020; 10:brainsci10040194. [PMID: 32218215 PMCID: PMC7226060 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10040194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2020] [Revised: 03/14/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Oral contraceptives (OCs) containing estrogen and progesterone analogues are widely used amongst reproductive-aged women, but their neurocognitive impact is poorly understood. Preliminary studies suggest that OCs improve verbal memory and that OCs with greater androgenic activity may improve visuospatial ability. We sought to explore the cognitive impact of OCs by assessing performance of OC users at different stages of the OC cycle, and comparing this performance between users of different OC formulations according to known androgenic activity. We conducted a prospective, observational trial of OC users, evaluating cognitive performance with CogState software on two occasions: days 7-10 of active hormonal pill phase, and days 3-5 of the inactive pill phase (coinciding with the withdrawal bleed resembling menstruation). Thirty-five OC users (18 taking androgenic formulations, 17 taking anti-androgenic) were assessed. Analysis by androgenic activity showed superior performance by users of androgenic OCs, as compared to anti-androgenic OCs, in visuospatial ability and facial affect discrimination tasks. A growing understanding of cognitive effects of OC progestin androgenicity may have implications in choice of OC formulation for individuals and in future OC development.
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Branigan GL, Soto M, Neumayer L, Rodgers K, Brinton RD. Association Between Hormone-Modulating Breast Cancer Therapies and Incidence of Neurodegenerative Outcomes for Women With Breast Cancer. JAMA Netw Open 2020; 3:e201541. [PMID: 32207833 PMCID: PMC7093781 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.1541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Accepted: 01/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Importance The association between exposure to hormone-modulating therapy (HMT) as breast cancer treatment and neurodegenerative disease (NDD) is unclear. Objective To determine whether HMT exposure is associated with the risk of NDD in women with breast cancer. Design, Setting, and Participants This retrospective cohort study used the Humana claims data set from January 1, 2007, to March 31, 2017. The Humana data set contains claims from private-payer and Medicare insurance data sets from across the United States with a population primarily residing in the Southeast. Patient claims records were surveyed for a diagnosis of NDD starting 1 year after breast cancer diagnosis for the duration of enrollment in the claims database. Participants were 57 843 women aged 45 years or older with a diagnosis of breast cancer. Patients were required to be actively enrolled in Humana claims records for 6 months prior to and at least 3 years after the diagnosis of breast cancer. The analyses were conducted between January 1 and 15, 2020. Exposure Hormone-modulating therapy (selective estrogen receptor modulators, estrogen receptor antagonists, and aromatase inhibitors). Main Outcomes and Measures Patients receiving HMT for breast cancer treatment were identified. Survival analysis was used to determine the association between HMT exposure and diagnosis of NDD. A propensity score approach was used to minimize measured and unmeasured selection bias. Results Of the 326 485 women with breast cancer in the Humana data set between 2007 and 2017, 57 843 met the study criteria. Of these, 18 126 (31.3%; mean [SD] age, 76.2 [7.0] years) received HMT, whereas 39 717 (68.7%; mean [SD] age, 76.8 [7.0] years) did not receive HMT. Mean (SD) follow-up was 5.5 (1.8) years. In the propensity score-matched population, exposure to HMT was associated with a decrease in the number of women who received a diagnosis of NDD (2229 of 17 878 [12.5%] vs 2559 of 17 878 [14.3%]; relative risk, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.84-0.93; P < .001), Alzheimer disease (877 of 17 878 [4.9%] vs 1068 of 17 878 [6.0%]; relative risk, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.75-0.90; P < .001), and dementia (1862 of 17 878 [10.4%] vs 2116 of 17 878 [11.8%]; relative risk, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.83-0.93; P < .001). The number needed to treat was 62.51 for all NDDs, 93.61 for Alzheimer disease, and 69.56 for dementia. Conclusions and Relevance Among patients with breast cancer, tamoxifen and steroidal aromatase inhibitors were associated with a decrease in the number who received a diagnosis of NDD, specifically Alzheimer disease and dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory L. Branigan
- Center for Innovation in Brain Science, University of Arizona, Tucson
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson
- MD-PhD Training Program, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson
| | - Maira Soto
- Center for Innovation in Brain Science, University of Arizona, Tucson
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson
| | - Leigh Neumayer
- Department of Surgery, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson
| | - Kathleen Rodgers
- Center for Innovation in Brain Science, University of Arizona, Tucson
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson
| | - Roberta Diaz Brinton
- Center for Innovation in Brain Science, University of Arizona, Tucson
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson
- Department of Neurology, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson
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Pompili A, Iorio C, Gasbarri A. Effects of sex steroid hormones on memory. Acta Neurobiol Exp (Wars) 2020. [DOI: 10.21307/ane-2020-012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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17α Estradiol promotes plasticity of spared inputs in the adult amblyopic visual cortex. Sci Rep 2019; 9:19040. [PMID: 31836739 PMCID: PMC6910995 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-55158-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The promotion of structural and functional plasticity by estrogens is a promising approach to enhance central nervous system function in the aged. However, how the sensitivity to estrogens is regulated across brain regions, age and experience is poorly understood. To ask if estradiol treatment impacts structural and functional plasticity in sensory cortices, we examined the acute effect of 17α-Estradiol in adult Long Evans rats following chronic monocular deprivation, a manipulation that reduces the strength and selectivity of deprived eye vision. Chronic monocular deprivation decreased thalamic input from the deprived eye to the binocular visual cortex and accelerated short-term depression of the deprived eye pathway, but did not change the density of excitatory synapses in primary visual cortex. Importantly, we found that the classical estrogen receptors ERα and ERβ were robustly expressed in the adult visual cortex, and that a single dose of 17α-Estradiol reduced the expression of the calcium-binding protein parvalbumin, decreased the integrity of the extracellular matrix and increased the size of excitatory postsynaptic densities. Furthermore, 17α-Estradiol enhanced experience-dependent plasticity in the amblyopic visual cortex, by promoting response potentiation of the pathway served by the non-deprived eye. The promotion of plasticity at synapses serving the non-deprived eye may reflect selectivity for synapses with an initially low probability of neurotransmitter release, and may inform strategies to remap spared inputs around a scotoma or a cortical infarct.
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An alternative theory for hormone effects on sex differences in PTSD: The role of heightened sex hormones during trauma. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2019; 109:104416. [PMID: 31472433 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2019.104416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Revised: 07/05/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Women are at least twice as susceptible to developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) compared to men. Although most research seeking to explain this discrepancy has focussed on the role of oestradiol during fear extinction learning, the role of progesterone has been overlooked, despite relatively consistent findings being reported concerning the role of progesterone during consolidation of emotional and intrusive memories. In this review article, we outline literature supporting the role of progesterone on memory formation, with particular emphasis on potential memory-enhancing properties of progesterone when subjects are placed under stress. It is possible that progesterone directly and indirectly exerts memory-enhancing effects at the time of trauma, which is an effect that may not be necessarily captured during non-stressful paradigms. We propose a model whereby progesterone's steroidogenic relationship to cortisol and brain-derived neurotrophic factor in combination with elevated oestradiol may enhance emotional memory consolidation during trauma and therefore present a specific vulnerability to PTSD formation in women, particularly during the mid-luteal phase of the menstrual cycle.
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S-nitrosoglutathione prevents cognitive impairment through epigenetic reprogramming in ovariectomised mice. Biochem Pharmacol 2019; 168:352-365. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2019.07.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2019] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Rubin LH, Neigh GN, Sundermann EE, Xu Y, Scully EP, Maki PM. Sex Differences in Neurocognitive Function in Adults with HIV: Patterns, Predictors, and Mechanisms. Curr Psychiatry Rep 2019; 21:94. [PMID: 31522330 PMCID: PMC7673651 DOI: 10.1007/s11920-019-1089-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Sex differences in cognitive function are well documented yet few studies had adequate numbers of women and men living with HIV (WLWH; MLWH) to identify sex differences in neurocognitive impairment (NCI) and the factors contributing to NCI. Here, we review evidence that WLWH may be at greater risk for NCI. RECENT FINDINGS We conducted a systematic review of recent studies of NCI in WLWH versus MLWH. A power analysis showed that few HIV studies have sufficient power to address male/female differences in NCI but studies with adequate power find evidence of greater NCI in WLWH, particularly in the domains of memory, speed of information processing, and motor function. Sex is an important determinant of NCI in HIV, and may relate to male/female differences in cognitive reserve, comorbidities (mental health and substance use disorders), and biological factors (e.g., inflammation, hormonal, genetic).
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah H. Rubin
- Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD,Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD
| | - Gretchen N. Neigh
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA
| | | | - Yanxun Xu
- Department of Applied Mathematics and Statistics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD,Division of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics at The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Eileen P. Scully
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Pauline M. Maki
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL,Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL
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Jarrett BY, Vantman N, Mergler RJ, Brooks ED, Pierson RA, Chizen DR, Lujan ME. Dysglycemia, Not Altered Sex Steroid Hormones, Affects Cognitive Function in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. J Endocr Soc 2019; 3:1858-1868. [PMID: 31583367 PMCID: PMC6767628 DOI: 10.1210/js.2019-00112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Context Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrine condition characterized by multiple reproductive and metabolic abnormalities. Because individual reproductive and metabolic abnormalities modulate working memory in the general population, there is growing interest in whether cognitive function is dually and negatively affected in PCOS. Objective To examine the association of reproductive and metabolic features with cognitive function in women with and without PCOS. Design An observational, cross-sectional study was conducted at an academic clinical research center in North America between 2006 and 2009. Common tests of working memory (i.e., manual dexterity, perceptual speed, and visuospatial ability) were performed by women with PCOS (n = 40) and control subjects (n = 40). Markers of sex steroid hormones, ovulatory function, and cardiometabolic health were also assessed. Results Reduced visuospatial ability was observed in women with PCOS compared with control subjects (P < 0.01). Reduced visuospatial ability was linked to higher levels of hemoglobin A1c in the entire study cohort, independent of body mass index or PCOS status. No associations were observed between visuospatial ability and reproductive features, after controlling for confounding variables. Conclusion Our findings support a role for glycemic control, and not PCOS per se, in cognitive dysfunction in women of reproductive age. Additional studies are needed to understand the short- and long-term effects of dysglycemia on brain health in women with PCOS, given their increased propensity for metabolic comorbidities, compared with control subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Natalie Vantman
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
| | - Reid J Mergler
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
| | - Eric D Brooks
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
| | - Roger A Pierson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Donna R Chizen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Marla E Lujan
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
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Sá SI, Maia J, Bhowmick N, Silva SM, Silva A, Correia-da-Silva G, Teixeira N, Fonseca BM. Uterine histopathological changes induced by acute administration of tamoxifen and its modulation by sex steroid hormones. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2019; 363:88-97. [DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2018.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2018] [Revised: 11/07/2018] [Accepted: 11/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Andreano JM, Touroutoglou A, Dickerson B, Barrett LF. Hormonal Cycles, Brain Network Connectivity, and Windows of Vulnerability to Affective Disorder. Trends Neurosci 2018; 41:660-676. [PMID: 30274602 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2018.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2018] [Revised: 07/20/2018] [Accepted: 08/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The rate of affective disorder is substantially higher in women than in men, and considerable evidence points to the actions of ovarian hormones in mediating this disparity. In this Opinion, we discuss the hypothesis that cyclic changes in ovarian hormone levels produce cyclic alterations in connectivity between the intrinsic networks of the brain. These alterations produce specific temporal windows within the menstrual cycle when internetwork connectivity is increased, associated with increased stress reactivity and better memory for unpleasant, arousing events, leading to increased negative mood and susceptibility to affective disorder. Our windows of vulnerability model offers insights for both treatment of affective disorder and research on sex differences in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph M Andreano
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA; Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, 02129, USA.
| | - Alexandra Touroutoglou
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown MA 02129, USA; Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, 02129, USA
| | - Brad Dickerson
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown MA 02129, USA; Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, 02129, USA
| | - Lisa Feldman Barrett
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA; Department of Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, 02129, USA
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Women with high estradiol status are protected against declarative memory impairment by pre-learning stress. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2018; 155:403-411. [PMID: 30172954 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2018.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2018] [Revised: 07/26/2018] [Accepted: 08/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Stress is a potent modulator of learning and memory. Factors contributing to whether stress aids or impairs memory are timing of the stressor, memory stage, form of memory studied, and sex of the subjects. The female sex hormone 17-beta-estradiol (E2) has widespread effects in the brain and affects hippocampus-dependent memory in animals. In humans, the interaction between stress effects and E2 has not been widely studied. We report data from a healthy sample divided into 3 hormone-status groups: free-cycling women in the early follicular phase (EF: low E2, low progesterone [P4]), or during midcycle (MC: high E2, low P4), and men. Participants within each hormone-status group were randomly assigned to a psychosocial stressor or a control treatment 37 min before encoding a short story of neutral content. We found a Hormone status × Stress × Time (immediate, 35-min, 24-h delayed recall) interaction. Irrespective of time, hormone status mattered only after stress treatment: stressed early follicular women had poorer recall compared to stressed men and midcycle women. Only in the early follicular group, recall was negatively correlated with increases in salivary cortisol, but not with blood levels of E2 and P4. To uncover changes beyond immediate recall, we computed the individual percent change relative to immediate recall and repeated the analysis for these adjusted 35-min and 24-h data. Despite the lack of a stress effect in raw data, memory in stressed men was more stable over time (35-min and 24-h delay) than in unstressed men. In contrast, stressed EF-women (vs. control) recalled less at the 35-min and (as a trend) at the 24-h delay. Stressed MC-women (vs. control) showed less recall only at the 35-min delay while compensating this stress effect after a 24-h consolidation interval. Overall, results suggest that women in high-E2 midcycle phase could be less vulnerable to effects of pre-learning stress on declarative memory encoding and consolidation.
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Grković I, Mitrović N, Dragić M, Adžić M, Drakulić D, Nedeljković N. Spatial Distribution and Expression of Ectonucleotidases in Rat Hippocampus After Removal of Ovaries and Estradiol Replacement. Mol Neurobiol 2018; 56:1933-1945. [PMID: 29978426 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-018-1217-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2018] [Accepted: 06/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Purinergic signaling is the main synaptic and non-synaptic signaling system in brain. ATP acts as a fast excitatory transmitter, while adenosine sets a global inhibitory tone within hippocampal neuronal networks. ATP and adenosine are interconnected by ectonucleotidase enzymes, which convert ATP to adenosine. Existing data point to the converging roles of ovarian steroids and purinergic signaling in synapse formation and refinement and synapse activity in the hippocampus. Therefore, in the present study, we have used enzyme histochemistry and expression analysis to obtain data on spatial distribution and expression of ecto-enzymes NTPDase1, NTPDase2, and ecto-5'-nucleotidase (eN) after removal of ovaries (OVX) and estradiol replacement (E2) in female rat hippocampus. The results show that target ectonucleotidases are predominantly localized in synapse-rich hippocampal layers. The most represented NTPDase in the hippocampal tissue is NTPDase2, being at the same time the mostly affected ectonucleotidase by OVX and E2. Specifically, OVX decreases the expression of NTPDase2 and eN, whereas E2 restores their expression to control level. Impact of OVX and E2 on ectonucleotidase expression was also examined in purified synaptosome (SYN) and gliosome (GLIO) fractions. Data reveal that SYN expresses NTPDase1 and NTPDase2, both of which are reduced following OVX and restored with E2. GLIO exhibits NTPDase2-mediated ATP hydrolysis, which falls in OVX, and recovers by E2. These changes in the activity occur without parallel changes in NTPDase2-protein abundance. The same holds for eN. The lack of correlation between NTPDase2 and eN activities and their respective protein abundances suggest a non-genomic mode of E2 action, which is studied further in primary astrocyte culture. Since ovarian steroids shape hippocampal synaptic networks and regulate ectonucleotidase activities, it is possible that cognitive deficits seen after ovary removal may arise from the loss of E2 modulatory actions on ectonucleotidase expression in the hippocampus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Grković
- Department of Molecular Biology and Endocrinology, Vinča Institute of Nuclear Sciences, University of Belgrade, Mike Petrovića Alasa 12-14, Belgrade, 11001, Serbia.
| | - Nataša Mitrović
- Department of Molecular Biology and Endocrinology, Vinča Institute of Nuclear Sciences, University of Belgrade, Mike Petrovića Alasa 12-14, Belgrade, 11001, Serbia
| | - Milorad Dragić
- Department of Molecular Biology and Endocrinology, Vinča Institute of Nuclear Sciences, University of Belgrade, Mike Petrovića Alasa 12-14, Belgrade, 11001, Serbia
- Department for General Physiology and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Studentski trg 3, Belgrade, 11001, Serbia
| | - Marija Adžić
- Department for General Physiology and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Studentski trg 3, Belgrade, 11001, Serbia
| | - Dunja Drakulić
- Department of Molecular Biology and Endocrinology, Vinča Institute of Nuclear Sciences, University of Belgrade, Mike Petrovića Alasa 12-14, Belgrade, 11001, Serbia
| | - Nadežda Nedeljković
- Department for General Physiology and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Studentski trg 3, Belgrade, 11001, Serbia
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Mendell AL, Chung BY, Creighton CE, Kalisch BE, Bailey CD, MacLusky NJ. Neurosteroid metabolites of testosterone and progesterone differentially inhibit ERK phosphorylation induced by amyloid β in SH-SY5Y cells and primary cortical neurons. Brain Res 2018; 1686:83-93. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2018.02.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2017] [Revised: 12/12/2017] [Accepted: 02/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Paslakis G, Maas S, Gebhardt B, Mayr A, Rauh M, Erim Y. Prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase IIa clinical trial on the effects of an estrogen-progestin combination as add-on to inpatient psychotherapy in adult female patients suffering from anorexia nervosa. BMC Psychiatry 2018; 18:93. [PMID: 29631553 PMCID: PMC5891970 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-018-1683-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2017] [Accepted: 04/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a need for novel treatment approaches in anorexia nervosa (AN). While there is broad knowledge with regard to altered appetite regulation and neuropsychological deficits in AN patients on the one hand, and the effects of estrogen replacement upon neuropsychological performance in healthy subjects on the other, up to now, no study has implemented estrogen replacement in AN patients, in order to examine its effects upon AN-associated and general psychopathology, neuropsychological performance and concentrations of peptide components of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and within appetite-regulating circuits. METHODS This is a randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial on the effects of a 10-week oral estrogen replacement (combination of ethinyl estradiol 0.03 mg and dienogest 2 mg) in adult female AN patients. The primary target is the assessment of the impact of sex hormone replacement upon neuropsychological performance by means of a neuropsychological test battery consisting of a test for verbal intelligence, the Trail making test A and B, a Go/No-go paradigm with food cues and the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test. Secondary targets include a) the examination of safety and tolerability (as mirrored by the number of adverse events), b) assessments of the impact upon eating disorder-specific psychopathology by means of the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q) and the Eating Disorder Inventory-2 (EDI-2), c) the influence upon anxiety using the State-Trait-Anxiety Inventory (STAI), d) assessments of plasma cortisol levels during a dexamethasone-suppression test and appetite-regulating plasma peptides (ghrelin, leptin, insulin, glucose) during an oral glucose tolerance test and, e) a possible impact upon the prescription of antidepressants. DISCUSSION This is the first study of its kind. There are no evidence-based psychopharmacological options for the treatment of AN. Thus, the results of this clinical trial may have a relevant impact on future treatment regimens. Novel approaches are necessary to improve rates of AN symptom remission and increase the rapidity of treatment response. Identifying the underlying biological (e.g. neuroendocrinological) factors that maintain AN or may predict patient treatment response represent critical future research directions. Continued efforts to incorporate novel pharmacological aspects into treatments will increase access to evidence-based care and help reduce the burden of AN. TRIAL REGISTRATION European Clinical Trials Database, EudraCT number 2015-004184-36, registered November 2015; ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03172533 , retrospectively registered May 2017.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgios Paslakis
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Erlangen, Schwabachanlage 6, 91054, Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Stefanie Maas
- Center for Clinical Studies, Krankenhausstraße 12, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Bernd Gebhardt
- Center for Clinical Studies, Krankenhausstraße 12, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Andreas Mayr
- Department of Medical Informatics, Biometry and Epidemiology, Friedrich-Alexander University, Universitätsstrasse 22, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Manfred Rauh
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital Erlangen, Loschgestraße 15, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Yesim Erim
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Erlangen, Schwabachanlage 6, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
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Baker FC, Sattari N, de Zambotti M, Goldstone A, Alaynick WA, Mednick SC. Impact of sex steroids and reproductive stage on sleep-dependent memory consolidation in women. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2018; 160:118-131. [PMID: 29574082 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2018.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2017] [Revised: 03/12/2018] [Accepted: 03/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Age and sex are two of the three major risk factors for Alzheimer's disease (ApoE-e4 allele is the third), with women having a twofold greater risk for Alzheimer's disease after the age of 75 years. Sex differences have been shown across a wide range of cognitive skills in young and older adults, and evidence supports a role for sex steroids, especially estradiol, in protecting against the development of cognitive decline in women. Sleep may also be a protective factor against age-related cognitive decline, since specific electrophysiological sleep events (e.g. sleep spindle/slow oscillation coupling) are critical for offline memory consolidation. Furthermore, studies in young women have shown fluctuations in sleep events and sleep-dependent memory consolidation during different phases of the menstrual cycle that are associated with the levels of sex steroids. An under-appreciated possibility is that there may be an important interaction between these two protective factors (sex steroids and sleep) that may play a role in daily fluctuations in cognitive processing, in particular memory, across a woman's lifespan. Here, we summarize the current knowledge of sex steroid-dependent influences on sleep and cognition across the lifespan in women, with special emphasis on sleep-dependent memory processing. We further indicate gaps in knowledge that require further experimental examination in order to fully appreciate the complex and changing landscape of sex steroids and cognition. Lastly, we propose a series of testable predictions for how sex steroids impact sleep events and sleep-dependent cognition across the three major reproductive stages in women (reproductive years, menopause transition, and post-menopause).
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona C Baker
- Center for Health Sciences, SRI International, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA; Brain Function Research Group, School of Physiology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Negin Sattari
- UC Irvine, Department of Cognitive Sciences, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | | | - Aimee Goldstone
- Center for Health Sciences, SRI International, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA
| | | | - Sara C Mednick
- UC Irvine, Department of Cognitive Sciences, Irvine, CA 92697, USA.
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Sharafeldin N, Bosworth A, Patel SK, Chen Y, Morse E, Mather M, Sun C, Francisco L, Forman SJ, Wong FL, Bhatia S. Cognitive Functioning After Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation for Hematologic Malignancy: Results From a Prospective Longitudinal Study. J Clin Oncol 2018; 36:463-475. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2017.74.2270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Cognitive impairment is well-recognized after myeloablative allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). However, cognitive functioning after reduced-intensity allogeneic or autologous HCT remains unclear. Methods A total of 477 HCT recipients (236 autologous, 128 reduced-intensity allogeneic, 113 myeloablative allogeneic) underwent standardized neuropsychologic testing before HCT and at 6 months and 1, 2, and 3 years after HCT. Ninety-nine frequency-matched healthy controls underwent testing at commensurate time points. Primary outcomes of the study were practice effect–adjusted domain-specific T scores and global deficit scores. Piecewise generalized estimating equation models were used to compare groups and to identify associated variables and post-HCT trends of cognitive impairment. Results Median age was 52 years (range, 18 to 74 years) for HCT recipients and 55 years (range, 19 to 73 years) for controls. Post-HCT scores were comparable between controls and autologous and reduced-intensity HCT recipients. Myeloablative HCT recipients had significantly lower ( P < .001) post-HCT scores than controls for executive function, verbal speed, processing speed, auditory memory, and fine motor dexterity. Pre-HCT to 6 months post-HCT scores did not change after reduced-intensity HCT but declined significantly for fine motor dexterity ( P < .001) after myeloablative HCT. However, pre-HCT to 3 years post-HCT scores declined significantly ( P < .003) in reduced-intensity HCT recipients for executive function, verbal fluency, and working memory. Older age, male sex, and lower education, income, and cognitive reserve were associated with post-HCT cognitive impairment. At 3 years post-HCT, global cognitive impairment was present in 18.7% of autologous and 35.7% of allogeneic HCT recipients. Conclusion Myeloablative allogeneic HCT recipients showed significant cognitive decline compared with healthy controls. Reduced-intensity allogeneic HCT recipients showed evidence of delayed decline. Cognitive functioning in autologous HCT recipients generally was spared. The study identified vulnerable subpopulations that could benefit from targeted interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noha Sharafeldin
- Noha Sharafeldin, Liton Francisco, and Smita Bhatia, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL; and Alysia Bosworth, Sunita K. Patel, Yanjun Chen, Emily Morse, Molly Mather, Canlan Sun, Stephen J. Forman, and F. Lennie Wong, City of Hope, Duarte, CA
| | - Alysia Bosworth
- Noha Sharafeldin, Liton Francisco, and Smita Bhatia, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL; and Alysia Bosworth, Sunita K. Patel, Yanjun Chen, Emily Morse, Molly Mather, Canlan Sun, Stephen J. Forman, and F. Lennie Wong, City of Hope, Duarte, CA
| | - Sunita K. Patel
- Noha Sharafeldin, Liton Francisco, and Smita Bhatia, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL; and Alysia Bosworth, Sunita K. Patel, Yanjun Chen, Emily Morse, Molly Mather, Canlan Sun, Stephen J. Forman, and F. Lennie Wong, City of Hope, Duarte, CA
| | - Yanjun Chen
- Noha Sharafeldin, Liton Francisco, and Smita Bhatia, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL; and Alysia Bosworth, Sunita K. Patel, Yanjun Chen, Emily Morse, Molly Mather, Canlan Sun, Stephen J. Forman, and F. Lennie Wong, City of Hope, Duarte, CA
| | - Emily Morse
- Noha Sharafeldin, Liton Francisco, and Smita Bhatia, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL; and Alysia Bosworth, Sunita K. Patel, Yanjun Chen, Emily Morse, Molly Mather, Canlan Sun, Stephen J. Forman, and F. Lennie Wong, City of Hope, Duarte, CA
| | - Molly Mather
- Noha Sharafeldin, Liton Francisco, and Smita Bhatia, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL; and Alysia Bosworth, Sunita K. Patel, Yanjun Chen, Emily Morse, Molly Mather, Canlan Sun, Stephen J. Forman, and F. Lennie Wong, City of Hope, Duarte, CA
| | - Canlan Sun
- Noha Sharafeldin, Liton Francisco, and Smita Bhatia, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL; and Alysia Bosworth, Sunita K. Patel, Yanjun Chen, Emily Morse, Molly Mather, Canlan Sun, Stephen J. Forman, and F. Lennie Wong, City of Hope, Duarte, CA
| | - Liton Francisco
- Noha Sharafeldin, Liton Francisco, and Smita Bhatia, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL; and Alysia Bosworth, Sunita K. Patel, Yanjun Chen, Emily Morse, Molly Mather, Canlan Sun, Stephen J. Forman, and F. Lennie Wong, City of Hope, Duarte, CA
| | - Stephen J. Forman
- Noha Sharafeldin, Liton Francisco, and Smita Bhatia, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL; and Alysia Bosworth, Sunita K. Patel, Yanjun Chen, Emily Morse, Molly Mather, Canlan Sun, Stephen J. Forman, and F. Lennie Wong, City of Hope, Duarte, CA
| | - F. Lennie Wong
- Noha Sharafeldin, Liton Francisco, and Smita Bhatia, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL; and Alysia Bosworth, Sunita K. Patel, Yanjun Chen, Emily Morse, Molly Mather, Canlan Sun, Stephen J. Forman, and F. Lennie Wong, City of Hope, Duarte, CA
| | - Smita Bhatia
- Noha Sharafeldin, Liton Francisco, and Smita Bhatia, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL; and Alysia Bosworth, Sunita K. Patel, Yanjun Chen, Emily Morse, Molly Mather, Canlan Sun, Stephen J. Forman, and F. Lennie Wong, City of Hope, Duarte, CA
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Investigation of auditory potentials and cognitive impairment in premenstrual syndrome. Neurol Sci 2018; 39:503-508. [PMID: 29305663 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-017-3233-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2017] [Accepted: 12/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Premenstrual syndrome is a term which is used for describing of somatic, cognitive, emotional, and behavioral symptoms that occur during the luteal phase of menstrual cycle in women of reproductive age; symptoms rapidly improve at the onset of menstruation. In this study, we aimed to reveal if cognitive functions are affected or not in PMS and if the subjects are affected, we try to explain this situation by an objective diagnostic test. Ethical committee approval was taken for this project on 09.03.2012 and numbered 050.99-60. In this study, in order to determine premenstrual syndrome, "Premenstrual Syndrome Scale" that is developed by Gençdoğan (2006) with 44 items, Likert type, and 9 subgroups was used. Sample size was calculated using simple random sampling with a confidence level of 95% and confidence interval of 0.05. A total of 60 participants were included in the study (calculated sample size was 30 for each group). Each group was recorded in the ENMG-UP laboratory using the OIP auditory warning and the "oddball two-tone discrimination task" method. Latency measurements were taken from the highest point of the peak, and amplitude measurements were taken from peak to peak with a cursor. Comparisons of P300 wave latencies obtained via sparse auditory stimulus in PMS and non-PMS groups were made and findings were summarized in one of the tables. Recordings are taken from three scalp regions: parietal and central, respectively. PMS women have longer P300 wave latencies in all regions compared to non-PMS group, whereas there is no significant difference between P300 amplitude.
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Bhatta S, Blair JA, Casadesus G. Luteinizing Hormone Involvement in Aging Female Cognition: Not All Is Estrogen Loss. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2018; 9:544. [PMID: 30319538 PMCID: PMC6165885 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2018.00544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2018] [Accepted: 08/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Pervasive age-related dysfunction in hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis is associated with cognitive impairments in aging as well as pathogenesis of age-related neurodegenerative diseases such as the Alzheimer's disease (AD). As a major regulator of the HPG axis, the steroid hormone estrogen has been widely studied for its role in regulation of memory. Although estrogen modulates both cognition as well as cognition associated morphological components in a healthy state, the benefits of estrogen replacement therapy on cognition and disease seem to diminish with advancing age. Emerging data suggests an important role for luteinizing hormone (LH) in CNS function, which is another component of the HPG axis that becomes dysregulated during aging, particularly in menopause. The goal of this review is to highlight the current existing literature on LH and provide new insights on possible mechanisms of its action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabina Bhatta
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, United States
| | - Jeffrey A. Blair
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, United States
| | - Gemma Casadesus
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, United States
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, United States
- *Correspondence: Gemma Casadesus
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