1
|
Maddern XJ, Ursich LT, Bailey G, Pearl A, Anversa RG, Lawrence AJ, Walker LC. Sex Differences in Alcohol Use: Is It All About Hormones? Endocrinology 2024; 165:bqae088. [PMID: 39018449 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqae088] [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: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 07/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/19/2024]
Abstract
Risky alcohol use and alcohol use disorders (AUD) are a rising problem in women, yet a major disparity in our understanding of what drives alcohol consumption in women remains. Historically biomedical research has focused on male subjects; however, recent increases in reporting of females, have highlighted major differences between the sexes. Here we review the current literature of the effect of gonadal steroid hormones (estrogens, androgens, and progestins), neurosteriods, and neurobiological factors on alcohol use in clinical and preclinical studies of both sexes. Further, we briefly discuss how fundamental sex differences in genetics, metabolism, neuroimmune, and stress responses may influence sex differences in alcohol intake. Comparing the sexes could aid in the discovery of novel therapeutics to treat AUD, and implementation of current treatment options in women.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xavier J Maddern
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
- Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Lauren T Ursich
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
- Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Grace Bailey
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
- Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Amy Pearl
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Roberta G Anversa
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
- Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Andrew J Lawrence
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
- Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Leigh C Walker
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
- Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Maddern XJ, Walker LC, Anversa RG, Lawrence AJ, Campbell EJ. Understanding sex differences and the translational value of models of persistent substance use despite negative consequences. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2024; 213:107944. [PMID: 38825163 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2024.107944] [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: 01/28/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
Persistent substance use despite negative consequences is a key facet of substance use disorder. The last decade has seen the preclinical field adopt the use of punishment to model adverse consequences associated with substance use. This has largely involved the pairing of drug use with either electric foot shock or quinine, a bitter tastant. Whilst at face value, these punishers may model aspects of the physical and psychological consequences of substance use, such models are yet to assist the development of approved medications for treatment. This review discusses progress made with animal models of punishment to understand the behavioral consequences of persistent substance use despite negative consequences. We highlight the importance of examining sex differences, especially when the behavioral response to punishment changes following drug exposure. Finally, we critique the translational value these models provide for the substance use disorder field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xavier J Maddern
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia; Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Leigh C Walker
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia; Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Roberta G Anversa
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia; Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Andrew J Lawrence
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia; Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Erin J Campbell
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Brain Neuromodulation Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Anversa RG, Maddern XJ, Lawrence AJ, Walker LC. Orphan peptide and G protein-coupled receptor signalling in alcohol use disorder. Br J Pharmacol 2024; 181:595-609. [PMID: 38073127 PMCID: PMC10953447 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16301] [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: 10/14/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Neuropeptides and G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) have long been, and continue to be, one of the most popular target classes for drug discovery in CNS disorders, including alcohol use disorder (AUD). Yet, orphaned neuropeptide systems and receptors (oGPCR), which have no known cognate receptor or ligand, remain understudied in drug discovery and development. Orphan neuropeptides and oGPCRs are abundantly expressed within the brain and represent an unprecedented opportunity to address brain function and may hold potential as novel treatments for disease. Here, we describe the current literature regarding orphaned neuropeptides and oGPCRs implicated in AUD. Specifically, in this review, we focus on the orphaned neuropeptide cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART), and several oGPCRs that have been directly implicated in AUD (GPR6, GPR26, GPR88, GPR139, GPR158) and discuss their potential and pitfalls as novel treatments, and progress in identifying their cognate receptors or ligands.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Goncalves Anversa
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental HealthMelbourneVICAustralia
- Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental HealthUniversity of MelbourneMelbourneVICAustralia
| | - Xavier J. Maddern
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental HealthMelbourneVICAustralia
- Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental HealthUniversity of MelbourneMelbourneVICAustralia
| | - Andrew J. Lawrence
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental HealthMelbourneVICAustralia
- Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental HealthUniversity of MelbourneMelbourneVICAustralia
| | - Leigh C. Walker
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental HealthMelbourneVICAustralia
- Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental HealthUniversity of MelbourneMelbourneVICAustralia
| |
Collapse
|