1
|
Cao J, Chen H, Zhang Y, Kang Y, Zhou S, Liao Z, Gao L, Yin J, Jing Y. Androgen deprivation exacerbates AD pathology by promoting the loss of microglia in an age-dependent manner. Life Sci 2024; 355:122973. [PMID: 39142510 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122973] [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: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 07/25/2024] [Accepted: 08/10/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024]
Abstract
AIMS Microglial cells are integral to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The observed sex disparity in AD prevalence, with a notable predominance in women, implies a potential influence of sex hormones, such as androgens, on disease mechanisms. Despite this, the specific effects of androgens on microglia remain unclear. This study is designed to delineate the interplay between androgens and the survival and inflammatory profile of microglial cells, as well as to explore their contribution to the progression of AD. METHODS AND KEY FINDINGS To create a chronic androgen deficiency model, 3-month-old wild-type (WT) mice and APP/PS1 mice underwent bilateral orchiectomy (ORX), with age-matched sham-operated controls. Cognitive and memory were evaluated at 5 and 12 months, paralleled by assessments of amyloid-beta (Aβ) and microglial morphology in hippocampal and cortical areas. The ORX treatment in mice resulted in diminished microglial populations and morphological alterations, alongside an increase in Aβ plaques and a concomitant decline in cognitive performance that exacerbated over time. In vitro, dihydrotestosterone (DHT) was found to stimulate microglial proliferation and ameliorate Aβ1-42-induced apoptosis. SIGNIFICANCE These findings suggested that androgens may exert a protective role, maintaining the normal proliferation and functionality of microglial cells. This preservation could potentially slow the progression of AD. As a result, our study provided a conceptual framework for the development of novel therapeutic strategies for AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxin Cao
- Institute of Anatomy and Histology & Embryology, Neuroscience, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, People's Republic of China
| | - Haichao Chen
- Institute of Anatomy and Histology & Embryology, Neuroscience, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yishu Zhang
- Institute of Anatomy and Histology & Embryology, Neuroscience, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yiting Kang
- Institute of Anatomy and Histology & Embryology, Neuroscience, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, People's Republic of China
| | - Siwei Zhou
- Institute of Anatomy and Histology & Embryology, Neuroscience, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, People's Republic of China
| | - Zirui Liao
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, People's Republic of China
| | - Liping Gao
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Yin
- Institute of Anatomy and Histology & Embryology, Neuroscience, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuhong Jing
- Institute of Anatomy and Histology & Embryology, Neuroscience, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu province, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Jensen LT, Attfield KE, Fugger L. A repair pathway lost in multiple sclerosis provides a new drug opportunity. Nat Immunol 2024; 25:385-386. [PMID: 38409258 DOI: 10.1038/s41590-024-01765-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Lise Torp Jensen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Oxford Centre for Neuroinflammation, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Kathrine E Attfield
- Oxford Centre for Neuroinflammation, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Lars Fugger
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.
- Oxford Centre for Neuroinflammation, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
- MRC Translational Immune Discovery Unit, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| |
Collapse
|