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Harrington YA, Paolini M, Fortaner-Uyà L, Maccario M, Melloni EMT, Poletti S, Lorenzi C, Zanardi R, Colombo C, Benedetti F. History of Peripartum Depression Moderates the Association Between Estradiol Polygenic Risk Scores and Basal Ganglia Volumes in Major Depressive Disorder. BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY. COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE AND NEUROIMAGING 2024:S2451-9022(24)00279-9. [PMID: 39362408 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsc.2024.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2024] [Revised: 09/07/2024] [Accepted: 09/17/2024] [Indexed: 10/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The neurobiological differences between women who have experienced a peripartum episode and those who have only had episodes outside of this period are not well understood. METHODS 64 parous female patients with major depressive disorder that have either a positive (n=30) or negative (n=34) history of peripartum depression (PPD) underwent MRI acquisition to obtain structural brain images. An independent two-sample t-test comparing patients with and without a history of PPD was performed using voxel-based morphometry analysis (VBM). Additionally, polygenic risk scores (PRSs) for estradiol were calculated and a moderation analysis was conducted between 3 estradiol PRSs and PPD history status on extracted cluster volumes using IBM SPSS PROCESS macro. RESULTS The VBM analysis identified larger grey matter volumes in bilateral clusters encompassing the putamen, pallidum, caudate, and thalamus in patients with PPD history compared to patients without a history. The moderation analysis identified a significant interaction of 2 estradiol PRSs and PPD history on grey matter cluster volumes with a positive effect in PPD women and a negative effect in women with no history of PPD. CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrate that women who have experienced a peripartum episode are neurobiologically distinct from women who have no history of PPD in a cluster within the basal ganglia, an area important for motivation, decision-making, and emotional processing. Furthermore, we show that the genetic load for estradiol has a differing effect in this area based on PPD status which supports the claim that PPD is associated with sensitivity to sex steroid hormones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmin A Harrington
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy; Psychiatry & Clinical Psychobiology, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS Scientific Institute Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy.
| | - Marco Paolini
- Psychiatry & Clinical Psychobiology, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS Scientific Institute Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Lidia Fortaner-Uyà
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy; Psychiatry & Clinical Psychobiology, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS Scientific Institute Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Melania Maccario
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy; Mood Disorders Unit, Scientific Institute IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Elisa M T Melloni
- Psychiatry & Clinical Psychobiology, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS Scientific Institute Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Poletti
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy; Psychiatry & Clinical Psychobiology, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS Scientific Institute Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Cristina Lorenzi
- Psychiatry & Clinical Psychobiology, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS Scientific Institute Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Raffaella Zanardi
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy; Mood Disorders Unit, Scientific Institute IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Cristina Colombo
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy; Mood Disorders Unit, Scientific Institute IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Benedetti
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy; Psychiatry & Clinical Psychobiology, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS Scientific Institute Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
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Küchenhoff S, Bayrak Ş, Zsido RG, Saberi A, Bernhardt BC, Weis S, Schaare HL, Sacher J, Eickhoff S, Valk SL. Relating sex-bias in human cortical and hippocampal microstructure to sex hormones. Nat Commun 2024; 15:7279. [PMID: 39179555 PMCID: PMC11344136 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-51459-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Determining sex-bias in brain structure is of great societal interest to improve diagnostics and treatment of brain-related disorders. So far, studies on sex-bias in brain structure predominantly focus on macro-scale measures, and often ignore factors determining this bias. Here we study sex-bias in cortical and hippocampal microstructure in relation to sex hormones. Investigating quantitative intracortical profiling in-vivo using the T1w/T2w ratio in 1093 healthy females and males of the cross-sectional Human Connectome Project young adult sample, we find that regional cortical and hippocampal microstructure differs between males and females and that the effect size of this sex-bias varies depending on self-reported hormonal status in females. Microstructural sex-bias and expression of sex hormone genes, based on an independent post-mortem sample, are spatially coupled. Lastly, sex-bias is most pronounced in paralimbic areas, with low laminar complexity, which are predicted to be most plastic based on their cytoarchitectural properties. Albeit correlative, our study underscores the importance of incorporating sex hormone variables into the investigation of brain structure and plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svenja Küchenhoff
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-7: Brain and Behavior), Research Centre Jülich, Jülich, Germany.
- Otto Hahn Group Cognitive Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany.
- Institute of Systems Neuroscience, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany.
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| | - Şeyma Bayrak
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-7: Brain and Behavior), Research Centre Jülich, Jülich, Germany
- Otto Hahn Group Cognitive Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Rachel G Zsido
- Cognitive Neuroendocrinology, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Amin Saberi
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-7: Brain and Behavior), Research Centre Jülich, Jülich, Germany
- Otto Hahn Group Cognitive Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
- Institute of Systems Neuroscience, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | | | - Susanne Weis
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-7: Brain and Behavior), Research Centre Jülich, Jülich, Germany
- Institute of Systems Neuroscience, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - H Lina Schaare
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-7: Brain and Behavior), Research Centre Jülich, Jülich, Germany
- Otto Hahn Group Cognitive Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Julia Sacher
- Centre for Integrative Women's Health and Gender Medicine, Medical Faculty & University Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Simon Eickhoff
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-7: Brain and Behavior), Research Centre Jülich, Jülich, Germany
- Institute of Systems Neuroscience, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Sofie L Valk
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-7: Brain and Behavior), Research Centre Jülich, Jülich, Germany.
- Otto Hahn Group Cognitive Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany.
- Institute of Systems Neuroscience, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany.
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Rizor EJ, Babenko V, Dundon NM, Beverly‐Aylwin R, Stump A, Hayes M, Herschenfeld‐Catalan L, Jacobs EG, Grafton ST. Menstrual cycle-driven hormone concentrations co-fluctuate with white and gray matter architecture changes across the whole brain. Hum Brain Mapp 2024; 45:e26785. [PMID: 39031470 PMCID: PMC11258887 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.26785] [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: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Cyclic fluctuations in hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis (HPG-axis) hormones exert powerful behavioral, structural, and functional effects through actions on the mammalian central nervous system. Yet, very little is known about how these fluctuations alter the structural nodes and information highways of the human brain. In a study of 30 naturally cycling women, we employed multidimensional diffusion and T1-weighted imaging during three estimated menstrual cycle phases (menses, ovulation, and mid-luteal) to investigate whether HPG-axis hormone concentrations co-fluctuate with alterations in white matter (WM) microstructure, cortical thickness (CT), and brain volume. Across the whole brain, 17β-estradiol and luteinizing hormone (LH) concentrations were directly proportional to diffusion anisotropy (μFA; 17β-estradiol: β1 = 0.145, highest density interval (HDI) = [0.211, 0.4]; LH: β1 = 0.111, HDI = [0.157, 0.364]), while follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) was directly proportional to CT (β1 = 0 .162, HDI = [0.115, 0.678]). Within several individual regions, FSH and progesterone demonstrated opposing relationships with mean diffusivity (Diso) and CT. These regions mainly reside within the temporal and occipital lobes, with functional implications for the limbic and visual systems. Finally, progesterone was associated with increased tissue (β1 = 0.66, HDI = [0.607, 15.845]) and decreased cerebrospinal fluid (CSF; β1 = -0.749, HDI = [-11.604, -0.903]) volumes, with total brain volume remaining unchanged. These results are the first to report simultaneous brain-wide changes in human WM microstructure and CT coinciding with menstrual cycle-driven hormone rhythms. Effects were observed in both classically known HPG-axis receptor-dense regions (medial temporal lobe, prefrontal cortex) and in other regions located across frontal, occipital, temporal, and parietal lobes. Our results suggest that HPG-axis hormone fluctuations may have significant structural impacts across the entire brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth J. Rizor
- Department of Psychological & Brain SciencesUniversity of CaliforniaSanta BarbaraCaliforniaUSA
- Institute for Collaborative BiotechnologiesUniversity of CaliforniaSanta BarbaraCaliforniaUSA
| | - Viktoriya Babenko
- Department of Psychological & Brain SciencesUniversity of CaliforniaSanta BarbaraCaliforniaUSA
- BIOPAC Systems, IncGoletaCaliforniaUSA
| | - Neil M. Dundon
- Department of Psychological & Brain SciencesUniversity of CaliforniaSanta BarbaraCaliforniaUSA
- Institute for Collaborative BiotechnologiesUniversity of CaliforniaSanta BarbaraCaliforniaUSA
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and PsychosomaticsUniversity of FreiburgFreiburgGermany
| | - Renee Beverly‐Aylwin
- Department of Psychological & Brain SciencesUniversity of CaliforniaSanta BarbaraCaliforniaUSA
| | - Alexandra Stump
- Department of Psychological & Brain SciencesUniversity of CaliforniaSanta BarbaraCaliforniaUSA
| | - Margaret Hayes
- Department of Psychological & Brain SciencesUniversity of CaliforniaSanta BarbaraCaliforniaUSA
| | | | - Emily G. Jacobs
- Department of Psychological & Brain SciencesUniversity of CaliforniaSanta BarbaraCaliforniaUSA
- Neuroscience Research InstituteUniversity of CaliforniaSanta BarbaraCaliforniaUSA
| | - Scott T. Grafton
- Department of Psychological & Brain SciencesUniversity of CaliforniaSanta BarbaraCaliforniaUSA
- Institute for Collaborative BiotechnologiesUniversity of CaliforniaSanta BarbaraCaliforniaUSA
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Ikarashi K, Sato D, Edama M, Fujimoto T, Ochi G, Yamashiro K. Fluctuation of fine motor skills throughout the menstrual cycle in women. Sci Rep 2024; 14:15079. [PMID: 38956128 PMCID: PMC11219923 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-65823-6] [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: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The effect of the menstrual cycle on fine motor skills is unclear. This study determined whether the menstrual cycle affected fine motor skills and related neural activities. Nineteen women with regular menstrual cycles were tested for fine motor skills using two types of tasks: grooved pegboard task (GPT), which evaluates motor control with high freedom of movements, and force modulation task (FMT), which evaluates more complex and fine motor control with low freedom of movements. We also assessed primary motor cortex intracortical circuits and sensorimotor integration using paired-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation to reveal why the menstrual cycle affects fine motor skills. The present study indicated that fine motor skills assessed by FMT varied throughout the menstrual cycle while those measured by GPT did not. These results suggest that fine motor skills requiring more complex and fine control may be affected by the menstrual cycle. Additionally, changes in fine motor skills throughout the menstrual cycle may be associated with the severity of menstruation-related symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koyuki Ikarashi
- Institute for Human Movement and Medical Sciences, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, 1398 Shimami-Cho, Kita-Ku, Niigata, 950-3198, Japan
- Department of Health and Sports, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata, Japan
| | - Daisuke Sato
- Institute for Human Movement and Medical Sciences, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, 1398 Shimami-Cho, Kita-Ku, Niigata, 950-3198, Japan.
- Department of Health and Sports, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata, Japan.
| | - Mutsuaki Edama
- Institute for Human Movement and Medical Sciences, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, 1398 Shimami-Cho, Kita-Ku, Niigata, 950-3198, Japan
- Department of Physical Therapy, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata, Japan
| | - Tomomi Fujimoto
- Institute for Human Movement and Medical Sciences, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, 1398 Shimami-Cho, Kita-Ku, Niigata, 950-3198, Japan
- Department of Health and Sports, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata, Japan
| | - Genta Ochi
- Institute for Human Movement and Medical Sciences, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, 1398 Shimami-Cho, Kita-Ku, Niigata, 950-3198, Japan
- Department of Health and Sports, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata, Japan
| | - Koya Yamashiro
- Institute for Human Movement and Medical Sciences, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, 1398 Shimami-Cho, Kita-Ku, Niigata, 950-3198, Japan
- Department of Health and Sports, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata, Japan
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Torgerson C, Ahmadi H, Choupan J, Fan CC, Blosnich JR, Herting MM. Sex, gender diversity, and brain structure in early adolescence. Hum Brain Mapp 2024; 45:e26671. [PMID: 38590252 PMCID: PMC11002534 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.26671] [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: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
There remains little consensus about the relationship between sex and brain structure, particularly in early adolescence. Moreover, few pediatric neuroimaging studies have analyzed both sex and gender as variables of interest-many of which included small sample sizes and relied on binary definitions of gender. The current study examined gender diversity with a continuous felt-gender score and categorized sex based on X and Y allele frequency in a large sample of children ages 9-11 years old (N = 7195). Then, a statistical model-building approach was employed to determine whether gender diversity and sex independently or jointly relate to brain morphology, including subcortical volume, cortical thickness, gyrification, and white matter microstructure. Additional sensitivity analyses found that male versus female differences in gyrification and white matter were largely accounted for by total brain volume, rather than sex per se. The model with sex, but not gender diversity, was the best-fitting model in 60.1% of gray matter regions and 61.9% of white matter regions after adjusting for brain volume. The proportion of variance accounted for by sex was negligible to small in all cases. While models including felt-gender explained a greater amount of variance in a few regions, the felt-gender score alone was not a significant predictor on its own for any white or gray matter regions examined. Overall, these findings demonstrate that at ages 9-11 years old, sex accounts for a small proportion of variance in brain structure, while gender diversity is not directly associated with neurostructural diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carinna Torgerson
- Department of Population and Public Health SciencesUniversity of Southern CaliforniaLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
- Mark and Mary Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics InstituteUniversity of Southern CaliforniaLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - Hedyeh Ahmadi
- Department of Population and Public Health SciencesUniversity of Southern CaliforniaLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - Jeiran Choupan
- Mark and Mary Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics InstituteUniversity of Southern CaliforniaLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - Chun Chieh Fan
- Center for Population Neuroscience and GeneticsLaureate Institute for Brain ResearchTulsaOklahomaUSA
- Department of Radiology, School of MedicineUniversity of CaliforniaSan DiegoCaliforniaUSA
| | - John R. Blosnich
- Suzanne Dworak‐Peck School of Social WorkUniversity of Southern CaliforniaLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - Megan M. Herting
- Department of Population and Public Health SciencesUniversity of Southern CaliforniaLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
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Xu Q, Ji M, Huang S, Guo W. Association between serum estradiol levels and cognitive function in older women: a cross-sectional analysis. Front Aging Neurosci 2024; 16:1356791. [PMID: 38450384 PMCID: PMC10915044 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2024.1356791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Estradiol is a sex steroid hormone, which has been implicated in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease and cognitive impairment. This cross-sectional study aimed to examine the relationship between serum estradiol levels and cognitive performance in older American women. Methods Data were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2013-2014. A total of 731 women aged ≥60 years who met the inclusion criteria were included in this study. Serum estradiol levels were measured using the isotope dilution liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (ID-LC-MS/MS) method developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for routine analysis. All measured serum levels were further divided into three parts: T1, <3.68 pg./mL; T2, 3.68-7.49 pg./mL; T3, >7.49 pg./mL, and analyzed. Participants' cognitive abilities were tested using the Vocabulary Learning Subtest (CERAD), Animal Fluency Test (AFS), and digital symbol substitution test (DSST). Scores for each test were calculated based on the sample mean and standard deviation (SD). To examine the relationship between serum estradiol level tertiles and cognitive scores, multiple linear regression models were developed, controlling for race/ethnicity, education level, hypertension, diabetes, and insomnia. Results The mean age of the participants was 69.57 ± 6.68 years. The non-Hispanic whites were 78.95%, and those who had completed at least some college-level education were 60.62%. The mean BMI of the participants was 29.30 ± 6.79, and 10.85% had a history of smoking. Further, 73.41% did not have a history of alcohol consumption, and 63.03% had hypertension (63.03%). In addition, 81.81 and 88.3% did not have a history of diabetes mellitus and did not have sleep disorders, respectively. The mean serum estradiol level was 8.48 ± 0.77 pg./mL. Multivariate linear regression of the reference group consisting of participants in tertiles of serum estradiol levels revealed that one unit increase in serum estradiol levels increased DSST scores by 0.61 (0.87, 6.34) in the T3 group. However, no significant correlation was found in the CERAD and AFS tests. Conclusion Participants with higher estradiol levels had higher DSST scores and better processing speed, sustained attention, and working memory, suggesting that serum estradiol may serve as a biomarker for cognitive decline in older women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Xu
- Suzhou Wujiang District Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Suzhou Wujiang District Second People's Hospital), Suzhou, China
| | - Meng Ji
- Suzhou Wujiang District Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Suzhou Wujiang District Second People's Hospital), Suzhou, China
| | - Shicai Huang
- Kunshan Integrated TCM and Western Medicine Hospital, Kunshan, China
| | - Weifeng Guo
- First Clinical Medical College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
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7
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Joo Y, Namgung E, Jeong H, Kang I, Kim J, Oh S, Lyoo IK, Yoon S, Hwang J. Brain age prediction using combined deep convolutional neural network and multi-layer perceptron algorithms. Sci Rep 2023; 13:22388. [PMID: 38104173 PMCID: PMC10725434 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-49514-2] [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: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The clinical applications of brain age prediction have expanded, particularly in anticipating the onset and prognosis of various neurodegenerative diseases. In the current study, we proposed a deep learning algorithm that leverages brain structural imaging data and enhances prediction accuracy by integrating biological sex information. Our model for brain age prediction, built on deep neural networks, employed a dataset of 3004 healthy subjects aged 18 and above. The T1-weighted images were minimally preprocessed and analyzed using the convolutional neural network (CNN) algorithm. The categorical sex information was then incorporated using the multi-layer perceptron (MLP) algorithm. We trained and validated both a CNN-only algorithm (utilizing only brain structural imaging data), and a combined CNN-MLP algorithm (using both structural brain imaging data and sex information) for age prediction. By integrating sex information with T1-weighted imaging data, our proposed CNN-MLP algorithm outperformed not only the CNN-only algorithm but also established algorithms, such as brainageR, in prediction accuracy. Notably, this hybrid CNN-MLP algorithm effectively distinguished between mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease groups by identifying variances in brain age gaps between them, highlighting the algorithm's potential for clinical application. Overall, these results underscore the enhanced precision of the CNN-MLP algorithm in brain age prediction, achieved through the integration of sex information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoonji Joo
- Ewha Brain Institute, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Eun Namgung
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hyeonseok Jeong
- Department of Radiology, Incheon St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Ilhyang Kang
- Ewha Brain Institute, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jinsol Kim
- Ewha Brain Institute, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Sohyun Oh
- Ewha Brain Institute, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - In Kyoon Lyoo
- Ewha Brain Institute, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, South Korea
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Sujung Yoon
- Ewha Brain Institute, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, South Korea.
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, South Korea.
| | - Jaeuk Hwang
- Department of Psychiatry, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.
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Perović M, Heffernan EM, Einstein G, Mack ML. Learning exceptions to category rules varies across the menstrual cycle. Sci Rep 2023; 13:21999. [PMID: 38081874 PMCID: PMC10713535 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-48628-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Ways in which ovarian hormones affect cognition have been long overlooked despite strong evidence of their effects on the brain. To address this gap, we study performance on a rule-plus-exception category learning task, a complex task that requires careful coordination of core cognitive mechanisms, across the menstrual cycle (N = 171). Results show that the menstrual cycle distinctly affects exception learning in a manner that parallels the typical rise and fall of estradiol across the cycle. Participants in their high estradiol phase outperform participants in their low estradiol phase and demonstrate more rapid learning of exceptions than a male comparison group. A likely mechanism underlying this effect is estradiol's impact on pattern separation and completion pathways in the hippocampus. These results provide novel evidence for the effects of the menstrual cycle on category learning, and underscore the importance of considering female sex-related variables in cognitive neuroscience research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateja Perović
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, 100 St. George St., Toronto, ON, M5S 3J3, Canada.
| | - Emily M Heffernan
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, 100 St. George St., Toronto, ON, M5S 3J3, Canada
| | - Gillian Einstein
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, 100 St. George St., Toronto, ON, M5S 3J3, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Tema Genus, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | - Michael L Mack
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, 100 St. George St., Toronto, ON, M5S 3J3, Canada
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Brouillard A, Davignon LM, Turcotte AM, Marin MF. Morphologic alterations of the fear circuitry: the role of sex hormones and oral contraceptives. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1228504. [PMID: 38027091 PMCID: PMC10661904 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1228504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Endogenous sex hormones and oral contraceptives (OCs) have been shown to influence key regions implicated in fear processing. While OC use has been found to impact brain morphology, methodological challenges remain to be addressed, such as avoiding selection bias between OC users and non-users, as well as examining potential lasting effects of OC intake. Objective We investigated the current and lasting effects of OC use, as well as the interplay between the current hormonal milieu and history of hormonal contraception use on structural correlates of the fear circuitry. We also examined the role of endogenous and exogenous sex hormones within this network. Methods We recruited healthy adults aged 23-35 who identified as women currently using (n = 62) or having used (n = 37) solely combined OCs, women who never used any hormonal contraceptives (n = 40), or men (n = 41). Salivary endogenous sex hormones and current users' salivary ethinyl estradiol (EE) were assessed using liquid chromatography - tandem mass spectrometry. Using structural magnetic resonance imaging, we extracted surface-based gray matter volumes (GMVs) and cortical thickness (CT) for regions of interest of the fear circuitry. Exploratory whole-brain analyses were conducted with surface-based and voxel-based morphometry methods. Results Compared to men, all three groups of women exhibited a larger GMV of the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex, while only current users showed a thinner ventromedial prefrontal cortex. Irrespective of the menstrual cycle phase, never users exhibited a thicker right anterior insular cortex than past users. While associations with endogenous sex hormones remain unclear, we showed that EE dosage in current users had a greater influence on brain anatomy compared to salivary EE levels and progestin androgenicity, with lower doses being associated with smaller cortical GMVs. Discussion Our results highlight a sex difference for the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex GMV (a fear-promoting region), as well as a reduced CT of the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (a fear-inhibiting region) specific to current OC use. Precisely, this finding was driven by lower EE doses. These findings may represent structural vulnerabilities to anxiety and stress-related disorders. We showed little evidence of durable anatomical effects, suggesting that OC intake can (reversibly) affect fear-related brain morphology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Brouillard
- Research Center of the Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Psychology, University of Quebec in Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Lisa-Marie Davignon
- Research Center of the Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Psychology, University of Quebec in Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Marie-France Marin
- Research Center of the Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Psychology, University of Quebec in Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
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Ramli NZ, Yahaya MF, Mohd Fahami NA, Abdul Manan H, Singh M, Damanhuri HA. Brain volumetric changes in menopausal women and its association with cognitive function: a structured review. Front Aging Neurosci 2023; 15:1158001. [PMID: 37818479 PMCID: PMC10561270 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2023.1158001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The menopausal transition has been proposed to put women at risk for undesirable neurological symptoms, including cognitive decline. Previous studies suggest that alterations in the hormonal milieu modulate brain structures associated with cognitive function. This structured review provides an overview of the relevant studies that have utilized MRI to report volumetric differences in the brain following menopause, and its correlations with the evaluated cognitive functions. We performed an electronic literature search using Medline (Ovid) and Scopus to identify studies that assessed the influence of menopause on brain structure with MRI. Fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Brain volumetric differences have been reported most frequently in the frontal and temporal cortices as well as the hippocampus. These regions are important for higher cognitive tasks and memory. Additionally, the deficit in verbal and visuospatial memory in postmenopausal women has been associated with smaller regional brain volumes. Nevertheless, the limited number of eligible studies and cross-sectional study designs warrant further research to draw more robust conclusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nur Zuliani Ramli
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
| | - Mohamad Fairuz Yahaya
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Nur Azlina Mohd Fahami
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Hanani Abdul Manan
- Functional Image Processing Laboratory, Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Meharvan Singh
- Department of Cell and Molecular Physiology, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, United States
| | - Hanafi Ahmad Damanhuri
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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11
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Anazawa S, Yamashiro K, Makibuchi T, Ikarashi K, Fujimoto T, Ochi G, Sato D. Sex Differences in Excitatory and Inhibitory Function in the Primary Somatosensory Cortex during the Early Follicular Phase: A Preliminary Study. Brain Sci 2023; 13:brainsci13050761. [PMID: 37239233 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13050761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES We examined sex differences in the excitatory and inhibitory functions of the primary somatosensory cortex (S1) between males and females during the early follicular phase, when estradiol hormones are unaffected. METHODS Fifty participants (25 males and 25 females) underwent measurement of somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) and paired-pulse inhibition (PPI) in the S1; SEPs and PPI were elicited by constant current square-wave pulses (0.2 ms duration) delivered to the right median nerve by electrical stimulation. Paired-pulse stimulation occurred at 30- and 100-ms interstimulus intervals. Participants were randomly presented with 1500 (500 stimuli each) single- and paired-pulse stimuli at 2 Hz. RESULTS The N20 amplitude was significantly larger in female subjects than in male subjects, and the PPI-30 ms was significantly potentiated in female subjects compared to that in male subjects. CONCLUSIONS The excitatory and inhibitory functions in S1 differ between male and female subjects, at least during the early follicular phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayaka Anazawa
- Field of Health and Sports, Graduate School of Niigata University of Health and Welfare, 1398 Shimami-cho, Kita-Ku, Niigata 950-3198, Japan
| | - Koya Yamashiro
- Department of Health and Sports, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, 1398 Shimami-cho, Kita-Ku, Niigata 950-3198, Japan
- Institute for Human Movement and Medical Sciences, 1398 Shimami-cho, Kita-Ku, Niigata 950-3198, Japan
| | - Taiki Makibuchi
- Field of Health and Sports, Graduate School of Niigata University of Health and Welfare, 1398 Shimami-cho, Kita-Ku, Niigata 950-3198, Japan
- Department of Health and Sports, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, 1398 Shimami-cho, Kita-Ku, Niigata 950-3198, Japan
| | - Koyuki Ikarashi
- Department of Health and Sports, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, 1398 Shimami-cho, Kita-Ku, Niigata 950-3198, Japan
- Institute for Human Movement and Medical Sciences, 1398 Shimami-cho, Kita-Ku, Niigata 950-3198, Japan
| | - Tomomi Fujimoto
- Department of Health and Sports, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, 1398 Shimami-cho, Kita-Ku, Niigata 950-3198, Japan
- Institute for Human Movement and Medical Sciences, 1398 Shimami-cho, Kita-Ku, Niigata 950-3198, Japan
| | - Genta Ochi
- Department of Health and Sports, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, 1398 Shimami-cho, Kita-Ku, Niigata 950-3198, Japan
- Institute for Human Movement and Medical Sciences, 1398 Shimami-cho, Kita-Ku, Niigata 950-3198, Japan
| | - Daisuke Sato
- Department of Health and Sports, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, 1398 Shimami-cho, Kita-Ku, Niigata 950-3198, Japan
- Institute for Human Movement and Medical Sciences, 1398 Shimami-cho, Kita-Ku, Niigata 950-3198, Japan
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12
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Effects of exogenous oxytocin and estradiol on resting-state functional connectivity in women and men. Sci Rep 2023; 13:3113. [PMID: 36813823 PMCID: PMC9947123 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-29754-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Possible interactions of the neuropeptide oxytocin and the sex hormone estradiol may contribute to previously observed sex-specific effects of oxytocin on resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) of the amygdala and hippocampus. Therefore, we used a placebo-controlled, randomized, parallel-group functional magnetic resonance imaging study design and measured amygdala and hippocampus rsFC in healthy men (n = 116) and free-cycling women (n = 111), who received estradiol gel (2 mg) or placebo before the intranasal administration of oxytocin (24 IU) or placebo. Our results reveal significant interaction effects of sex and treatments on rsFC of the amygdala and hippocampus in a seed-to-voxel analysis. In men, both oxytocin and estradiol significantly decreased rsFC between the left amygdala and the right and left lingual gyrus, the right calcarine fissure, and the right superior parietal gyrus compared to placebo, while the combined treatment produced a significant increase in rsFC. In women, the single treatments significantly increased the rsFC between the right hippocampus and the left anterior cingulate gyrus, whereas the combined treatment had the opposite effect. Collectively, our study indicates that exogenous oxytocin and estradiol have different region-specific effects on rsFC in women and men and that the combined treatment may produce antagonistic effects.
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13
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Pletzer B, Winkler-Crepaz K, Hillerer K. Progesterone and contraceptive progestin actions on the brain: A systematic review of animal studies and comparison to human neuroimaging studies. Front Neuroendocrinol 2023; 69:101060. [PMID: 36758768 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2023.101060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
In this review we systematically summarize the effects of progesterone and synthetic progestins on neurogenesis, synaptogenesis, myelination and six neurotransmitter systems. Several parallels between progesterone and older generation progestin actions emerged, suggesting actions via progesterone receptors. However, existing results suggest a general lack of knowledge regarding the effects of currently used progestins in hormonal contraception regarding these cellular and molecular brain parameters. Human neuroimaging studies were reviewed with a focus on randomized placebo-controlled trials and cross-sectional studies controlling for progestin type. The prefrontal cortex, amygdala, salience network and hippocampus were identified as regions of interest for future preclinical studies. This review proposes a series of experiments to elucidate the cellular and molecular actions of contraceptive progestins in these areas and link these actions to behavioral markers of emotional and cognitive functioning. Emotional effects of contraceptive progestins appear to be related to 1) alterations in the serotonergic system, 2) direct/indirect modulations of inhibitory GABA-ergic signalling via effects on the allopregnanolone content of the brain, which differ between androgenic and anti-androgenic progestins. Cognitive effects of combined oral contraceptives appear to depend on the ethinylestradiol dose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belinda Pletzer
- Department of Psychology & Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience, Paris-Lodron-University Salzburg, Salzburg Austria.
| | | | - Katharina Hillerer
- Department of Gynaecology & Obstetrics, Private Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
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14
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Freeman HB, Lee J. Sex Differences in Cognition in Schizophrenia: What We Know and What We Do Not Know. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2022; 63:463-474. [PMID: 36271194 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2022_394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/20/2023]
Abstract
Cognitive impairment is a core feature of schizophrenia. This selective review examines whether schizophrenia patients show preserved sexual dimorphism in cognition. Existing studies using performance tasks largely show comparable sex effects between schizophrenia patients and healthy populations. This pattern appears to be similar across multiple cognitive domains and across phase of illness. Our selective review also identifies several unresolved questions about sex differences in cognition in schizophrenia. A better understanding of sex differences in cognition in schizophrenia may provide important clues to probing the relationship between cognitive impairment and pathophysiological processes of the disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun Bin Freeman
- Department of Psychology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Junghee Lee
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.
- Comprehensive Neuroscience Center, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.
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15
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Griksiene R, Monciunskaite R, Ruksenas O. What is there to know about the effects of progestins on the human brain and cognition? Front Neuroendocrinol 2022; 67:101032. [PMID: 36029852 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2022.101032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Progestins are an important component of hormonal contraceptives (HCs) and hormone replacement therapies (HRTs). Despite an increasing number of studies elucidating the effects of HCs and HRTs, little is known about the effects of different types of progestins included in these medications on the brain. Animal studies suggest that various progestins interact differently with sex steroid, mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid receptors and have specific modulatory effects on neurotransmitter systems and on the expression of neuropeptides, suggesting differential impacts on cognition and behavior. This review focuses on the currently available knowledge from human behavioral and neuroimaging studies pooled with evidence from animal research regarding the effects of progestins on the brain. The reviewed information is highly relevant for improving women's mental health and making informed choices regarding specific types of contraception or treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramune Griksiene
- Department of Neurobiology and Biophysics, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Lithuania
| | - Rasa Monciunskaite
- Department of Neurobiology and Biophysics, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Lithuania
| | - Osvaldas Ruksenas
- Department of Neurobiology and Biophysics, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Lithuania
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16
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Fronto-parietal alpha ERD and visuo-spatial attention in pregnant women. Brain Res 2022; 1798:148130. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2022.148130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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17
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Borgsted C, Hoegsted E, Henningsson S, Pinborg A, Ganz M, Frokjaer VG. Hippocampal volume changes in a pharmacological sex-hormone manipulation risk model for depression in women. Horm Behav 2022; 145:105234. [PMID: 35905507 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2022.105234] [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: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Hormone transition phases may trigger depression in some women, yet the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. In a pharmacological sex-hormone manipulation model, we previously reported that estradiol reductions, induced with a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa), provoked subclinical depressive symptoms in healthy women, especially if neocortical serotonin transporter (SERT) binding also increased. Within this model, we here evaluated if GnRHa, compared to placebo, reduced hippocampal volume, in a manner that depended on the magnitude of the estradiol decrease and SERT binding, and if this decrease translated to the emergence of subclinical depressive symptoms. Sixty-three healthy, naturally cycling women were included in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled GnRHa-intervention study. We quantified the change from baseline to follow-up (n = 60) in serum estradiol (ΔEstradiol), neocortical SERT binding ([11C] DASB positron emission tomography; ΔSERT), subclinical depressive symptoms (Hamilton depression rating scale; ΔHAMD-17), and hippocampal volume (magnetic resonance imaging data analyzed in Freesurfer 7.1, ΔHippocampus). Group differences in ΔHippocampus were evaluated in a t-test. Within the GnRHa group, associations between ΔEstradiol, ΔHippocampus, and ΔHAMD-17, in addition to ΔSERT-by-ΔEstradiol interaction effects on ΔHippocampus, were evaluated with linear regression models. Mean ΔHippocampus was not significantly different between the GnRHa and placebo group. Within the GnRHa group, hippocampal volume reductions were associated with the magnitude of estradiol decrease (p = 0.04, Cohen's f2 = 0.18), controlled for baseline SERT binding, but not subclinical depressive symptoms. There was no ΔSERT-by-ΔEstradiol interaction effects on ΔHippocampus. If replicated, our data highlight a possible association between estradiol fluctuations and hippocampal plasticity, adjusted for serotonergic contributions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Borgsted
- Neurobiology Research Unit and Center for Integrated Molecular Brain Imaging, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, 6-8 Inge Lehmanns Vej, Building 8057, 2100 Copenhagen O, Denmark; Mental Health Services in the Capital Region of Denmark, Kristineberg 3, 2100 Copenhagen O, Denmark; Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Emma Hoegsted
- Neurobiology Research Unit and Center for Integrated Molecular Brain Imaging, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, 6-8 Inge Lehmanns Vej, Building 8057, 2100 Copenhagen O, Denmark
| | - Susanne Henningsson
- Neurobiology Research Unit and Center for Integrated Molecular Brain Imaging, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, 6-8 Inge Lehmanns Vej, Building 8057, 2100 Copenhagen O, Denmark; Danish Research Centre for Magnetic Resonance, Centre for Functional and Diagnostic Imaging and Research, Hvidovre Hospital, Kettegård Allé 30, 2650 Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Anja Pinborg
- Department of Fertility, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen O, Denmark
| | - Melanie Ganz
- Neurobiology Research Unit and Center for Integrated Molecular Brain Imaging, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, 6-8 Inge Lehmanns Vej, Building 8057, 2100 Copenhagen O, Denmark; Department of Computer Science, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 1, 2100 Copenhagen O, Denmark
| | - Vibe G Frokjaer
- Neurobiology Research Unit and Center for Integrated Molecular Brain Imaging, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, 6-8 Inge Lehmanns Vej, Building 8057, 2100 Copenhagen O, Denmark; Mental Health Services in the Capital Region of Denmark, Kristineberg 3, 2100 Copenhagen O, Denmark; Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark.
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18
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Jett S, Schelbaum E, Jang G, Boneu Yepez C, Dyke JP, Pahlajani S, Diaz Brinton R, Mosconi L. Ovarian steroid hormones: A long overlooked but critical contributor to brain aging and Alzheimer's disease. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:948219. [PMID: 35928995 PMCID: PMC9344010 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.948219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian hormones, particularly 17β-estradiol, are involved in numerous neurophysiological and neurochemical processes, including those subserving cognitive function. Estradiol plays a key role in the neurobiology of aging, in part due to extensive interconnectivity of the neural and endocrine system. This aspect of aging is fundamental for women's brains as all women experience a drop in circulating estradiol levels in midlife, after menopause. Given the importance of estradiol for brain function, it is not surprising that up to 80% of peri-menopausal and post-menopausal women report neurological symptoms including changes in thermoregulation (vasomotor symptoms), mood, sleep, and cognitive performance. Preclinical evidence for neuroprotective effects of 17β-estradiol also indicate associations between menopause, cognitive aging, and Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common cause of dementia affecting nearly twice more women than men. Brain imaging studies demonstrated that middle-aged women exhibit increased indicators of AD endophenotype as compared to men of the same age, with onset in perimenopause. Herein, we take a translational approach to illustrate the contribution of ovarian hormones in maintaining cognition in women, with evidence implicating menopause-related declines in 17β-estradiol in cognitive aging and AD risk. We will review research focused on the role of endogenous and exogenous estrogen exposure as a key underlying mechanism to neuropathological aging in women, with a focus on whether brain structure, function and neurochemistry respond to hormone treatment. While still in development, this research area offers a new sex-based perspective on brain aging and risk of AD, while also highlighting an urgent need for better integration between neurology, psychiatry, and women's health practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Jett
- Department of Neurology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States
| | - Eva Schelbaum
- Department of Neurology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States
| | - Grace Jang
- Department of Neurology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States
| | - Camila Boneu Yepez
- Department of Neurology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States
| | - Jonathan P. Dyke
- Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States
| | - Silky Pahlajani
- Department of Neurology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States
| | - Roberta Diaz Brinton
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
- Department of Neurology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Lisa Mosconi
- Department of Neurology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States
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19
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Xu M, Chen D, Li H, Wang H, Yang LZ. The Cycling Brain in the Workplace: Does Workload Modulate the Menstrual Cycle Effect on Cognition? Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 16:856276. [PMID: 35722191 PMCID: PMC9201761 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.856276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent decades have witnessed increased research efforts to clarify how the menstrual cycle influence females’ cognitive and emotional functions. Despite noticeable progress, the research field faces the challenges of inconsistency and low generalizability of research findings. Females of reproductive ages are a heterogeneous population. Generalizing the results of female undergraduates to women in the workplace might be problematic. Furthermore, the critical cognitive processes for daily life and work deserve additional research efforts for improved ecological validity. Thus, this study investigates cognitive performance across the menstrual cycle using a sample of young nurses with similar duties. We developed a mini-computerized cognitive battery to assess four mental skills critical for nursing work: cognitive flexibility, divided attention, response inhibition, and working memory. Participants completed the cognitive battery at menses, late-follicular, and mid-luteal phases. In addition, they were classified into low- and high workload groups according to their subjective workload ratings. Our results demonstrate a general mid-luteal cognitive advantage. Besides, this study reveals preliminary evidence that workload modulates the menstrual cycle effect on cognition. Only females of low workload manifest the mid-luteal cognitive advantage on divided attention and response inhibition, implying that a suitable workload threshold might be necessary for regular neuro-steroid interactions. Thus, this study advocates the significance of research focusing on the cycling brain under workloads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Xu
- Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
- Hefei Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, China
| | - Dandan Chen
- Hefei Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, China
| | - Hai Li
- Hefei Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, China
| | - Hongzhi Wang
- Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
- Hefei Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, China
- *Correspondence: Hongzhi Wang,
| | - Li-Zhuang Yang
- Hefei Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, China
- Li-Zhuang Yang,
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20
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Schuster V, Jansen A. 'That Time of the Month' - Investigating the Influence of the Menstrual Cycle and Oral Contraceptives on the Brain Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes 2022; 130:303-312. [PMID: 35605601 DOI: 10.1055/a-1816-8203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
The stereotypic and oversimplified relationship between female sex hormones and undesirable behavior dates to the earliest days of human society, as already the ancient Greek word for the uterus, "hystera" indicated an aversive connection. Remaining and evolving throughout the centuries, transcending across cultures and various aspects of everyday life, its perception was only recently reframed. Contemporarily, the complex interaction of hormonal phases (i. e., the menstrual cycle), hormonal medication (i. e., oral contraceptives), women's psychological well-being, and behavior is the subject of multifaceted and more reflected discussions. A driving force of this ongoing paradigm shift was the introduction of this highly interesting and important topic into the realm of scientific research. This refers to neuroscientific research as it enables a multimodal approach combining aspects of physiology, medicine, and psychology. Here a growing body of literature points towards significant alterations of both brain function, such as lateralization of cognitive functions, and structure, such as gray matter concentrations, due to fluctuations and changes in hormonal levels. This especially concerns female sex hormones. However, the more research is conducted within this field, the less reliable these observations and derived insights appear. This may be due to two particular factors: measurement inconsistencies and diverse hormonal phases accompanied by interindividual differences. The first factor refers to the prominent unreliability of one of the primarily utilized neuroscientific research instruments: functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). This unreliability is seemingly present in paradigms and analyses, and their interplay, and is additionally affected by the second factor. In more detail, hormonal phases and levels further influence neuroscientific results obtained through fMRI as outcomes vary drastically across different cycle phases and medication. This resulting vast uncertainty thus tremendously hinders the further advancement of our understanding of how female sex hormones might alter brain structure and function and, ultimately, behavior.This review summarizes parts of the current state of research and outlines the essential requirements to further investigate and understand the female brain's underlying physiological and anatomical features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verena Schuster
- Laboratory for Multimodal Neuroimaging, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Marburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Jansen
- Laboratory for Multimodal Neuroimaging, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Marburg, Germany.,Core-Unit Brainimaging, Faculty of Medicine, University of Marburg, Germany
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21
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Harris T, Hagg J, Pletzer B. Eye-Movements During Navigation in a Virtual Environment: Sex Differences and Relationship to Sex Hormones. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:755393. [PMID: 35573293 PMCID: PMC9100804 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.755393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex differences in spatial navigation have been related to different navigation strategies. For example, women are more likely to utilize local landmark-information in the environment compared to men. Furthermore, sex differences appear to be more pronounced when distances need to be judged in Euclidian terms and an allocentric representation of the environment is necessary. This suggests differential attentional processes during spatial navigation in men and women. However, eye-tracking studies on spatial navigation exploring these attentional processes are rare. The present study (39 men and 36 women) set out to investigate sex differences in eye-movements during spatial navigation in a 3D environment using virtual reality goggles. While we observed the expected sex differences in overall navigation performance, women did not benefit from the landmark-based instructions. Gaze fixations were in accordance with the preferred Euclidian strategy in men, but did not confirm the expected landmark-based strategy in women. However, high estradiol levels where related to an increased focus on landmark information. Surprisingly, women showed longer gaze distances than men, although the utilization of distal landmarks has been related to allocentric representations preferred by men. In fact, larger gaze distances related to slower navigation, even though previous studies suggest that the utilization of distal landmarks is beneficial for navigation. The findings are discussed with respect to the utility of virtual reality presentation for studies on sex differences in navigation. While virtual reality allows a full first-person immersion in the environment, proprioceptive and vestibular information is lacking.
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22
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The influence of estradiol and progesterone on neurocognition during three phases of the menstrual cycle: Modulating factors. Behav Brain Res 2022; 417:113593. [PMID: 34560130 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2021.113593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Estradiol is an ovarian steroid hormone that peaks shortly before ovulation and significantly affects various brain regions and neurotransmitter systems, with similar and differential effects with progesterone, another ovarian hormone. Studies investigating the neurocognitive processes during the menstrual cycle have focused on the early follicular phase (EFP) characterized by low estradiol and progesterone levels and the mid-luteal phase (MLP) with high estradiol and progesterone levels. However, most studies have failed to include the ovulatory phase, characterized by high estradiol and low progesterone levels. Given the various hormonal changes in the menstrual cycle, we revisited studies suggesting that the menstrual cycle did not affect verbal and spatial abilities and observed that many contain mixed results. Comparing these studies makes it possible to identify relevant modulating factors, such as sample size, participant age, accurate selection of days for testing, asymmetrical practice effects, genetic polymorphisms, and task difficulty. More robust findings are related to improved mental rotation capacity during EFP with challenging tasks and differences in brain activation among menstrual cycle phases during the execution of spatial and verbal tasks. During MLP, less robust findings were observed, possibly modulated by the complex effects of the two hormones on the brain. In conclusion, we propose that it is crucial to include all three menstrual cycle phases and consider these modulating factors to avoid confounding findings.
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Vanicek T, Reed MB, Seiger R, Godbersen GM, Klöbl M, Unterholzner J, Spurny-Dworak B, Gryglewski G, Handschuh P, Schmidt C, Kraus C, Stimpfl T, Rupprecht R, Kasper S, Lanzenberger R. Increased left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex density following escitalopram intake during relearning: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial in healthy humans. Ther Adv Psychopharmacol 2022; 12:20451253221132085. [PMID: 36420117 PMCID: PMC9677158 DOI: 10.1177/20451253221132085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Serotonergic agents affect brain plasticity and reverse stress-induced dendritic atrophy in key fronto-limbic brain areas associated with learning and memory. Objectives The aim of this study was to investigate effects of the antidepressant escitalopram on gray matter during relearning in healthy individuals to inform a model for depression and the neurobiological processes of recovery. Design Randomized double blind placebo control, monocenter study. Methods In all, 76 (44 females) healthy individuals performed daily an associative learning task with emotional or non-emotional content over a 3-week period. This was followed by a 3-week relearning period (randomly shuffled association within the content group) with concurrent daily selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (i.e., 10 mg escitalopram) or placebo intake. Results Via voxel-based morphometry and only in individuals that developed sufficient escitalopram blood levels over the 21-day relearing period, an increased density of the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex was found. When investigating whether there was an interaction between relearning and drug intervention for all participants, regardless of escitalopram levels, no changes in gray matter were detected with either surfaced-based or voxel-based morphometry analyses. Conclusion The left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex affects executive function and emotional processing, and is a critical mediator of symptoms and treatment outcomes of depression. In line, the findings suggest that escitalopram facilitates neuroplastic processes in this region if blood levels are sufficient. Contrary to our hypothesis, an effect of escitalopram on brain structure that is dependent of relearning content was not detected. However, this may have been a consequence of the intensity and duration of the interventions. Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02753738; Trial Name: Enhancement of learning associated neural plasticity by Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors; URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02753738.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Vanicek
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Murray B Reed
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - René Seiger
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Godber M Godbersen
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Manfred Klöbl
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jakob Unterholzner
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Benjamin Spurny-Dworak
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gregor Gryglewski
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Patricia Handschuh
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Clemens Schmidt
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christoph Kraus
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Stimpfl
- Clinical Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Rainer Rupprecht
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Siegfried Kasper
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Center for Brain Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Rupert Lanzenberger
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringerstr. 18-20, Vienna 1090, Austria
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24
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Sheppard PAS, Puri TA, Galea LAM. Sex Differences and Estradiol Effects in MAPK and Akt Cell Signaling across Subregions of the Hippocampus. Neuroendocrinology 2022; 112:621-635. [PMID: 34407537 DOI: 10.1159/000519072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Rapid effects of estrogens within the hippocampus of rodents are dependent upon cell-signaling cascades, and activation of these cascades by estrogens varies by sex. Whether these pathways are rapidly activated within the dentate gyrus (DG) and CA1 by estrogens across sex and the anatomical longitudinal axis has been overlooked. METHODS Gonadally intact female and male rats were given either vehicle or physiological systemic low (1.1 µg/kg) or high (37.3 µg/kg) doses of 17β-estradiol 30 min prior to tissue collection. To control for the effects of circulating estrogens, an additional group of female rats was ovariectomized (OVX) and administered 17β-estradiol. Brains were extracted, and tissue punches of the CA1 and DG were taken along the longitudinal hippocampal axis (dorsal and ventral) and analyzed for key mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and protein kinase B (Akt) cascade phosphoproteins. RESULTS Intact females had higher Akt pathway phosphoproteins (pAkt, pGSK-3β, and pp70S6K) than males in the DG (dorsal and ventral) and lower pERK1/2 in the dorsal DG. Most effects of 17β-estradiol on cell signaling occurred in OVX animals. In OVX animals, 17β-estradiol increased cell signaling of MAPK and Akt phosphoproteins (pERK1/2, pJNK, pAkt, and pGSK-3β) in the CA1 and pERK1/2 and pJNK DG. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSIONS Systemic 17β-estradiol treatment rapidly alters phosphoprotein levels in the hippocampus, dependent on reproductive status, and intact females have greater expression of Akt phosphoproteins than that in intact males in the DG. These findings shed light on underlying mechanisms of sex differences in hippocampal function and response to interventions that affect MAPK or Akt signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul A S Sheppard
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Tanvi A Puri
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Liisa A M Galea
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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25
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Ponticorvo S, Prinster A, Cantone E, Di Salle F, Esposito F, Canna A. Sex differences in the taste-evoked functional connectivity network. Chem Senses 2022; 47:6617558. [PMID: 35749468 DOI: 10.1093/chemse/bjac015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The central gustatory pathway encompasses multiple subcortical and cortical regions whose neural functional connectivity can be modulated by taste stimulation. While gustatory perception has been previously linked to sex, whether and how the gustatory network differently responds to basic tastes between men and women is unclear. Here, we defined the regions of the central gustatory network by a meta-analysis of 35 fMRI taste activation studies and then analyzed the taste-evoked functional connectivity between these regions in 44 subjects (19 women) in a separate 3 Tesla activation study where sweet and bitter solutions, at five concentrations each, were administered during scanning. From the meta-analysis, a network model was set up, including bilateral anterior, middle and inferior insula, thalamus, precentral gyrus, left amygdala, caudate and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Higher functional connectivity than in women was observed in men between the right middle insula and bilateral thalami for bitter taste. Men exhibited higher connectivity than women at low bitter concentrations and middle-high sweet concentrations between bilateral thalamus and insula. A graph-based analysis expressed similar results in terms of nodal characteristics of strength and centrality. Our findings add new insights into the mechanisms of taste processing by highlighting sex differences in the functional connectivity of the gustatory network as modulated by the perception of sweet and bitter tastes. These results shed more light on the neural origin of sex-related differences in gustatory perception and may guide future research on the pathophysiology of taste perception in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Ponticorvo
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, Scuola Medica Salernitana, University of Salerno, Baronissi, Italy
| | - Anna Prinster
- Biostructure and Bioimaging Institute, National Research Council, Naples, Italy
| | - Elena Cantone
- Section of ENT, Department of Neuroscience, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Di Salle
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, Scuola Medica Salernitana, University of Salerno, Baronissi, Italy.,University Hospital "San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi D'Aragona", Scuola Medica Salernitana, Salerno, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Esposito
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Napoli, Italy
| | - Antonietta Canna
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Napoli, Italy
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26
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Sikes-Keilp C, Rubinow DR. In search of sex-related mediators of affective illness. Biol Sex Differ 2021; 12:55. [PMID: 34663459 PMCID: PMC8524875 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-021-00400-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex differences in the rates of affective disorders have been recognized for decades. Studies of physiologic sex-related differences in animals and humans, however, have generally yielded little in terms of explaining these differences. Furthermore, the significance of these findings is difficult to interpret given the dynamic, integrative, and highly context-dependent nature of human physiology. In this article, we provide an overview of the current literature on sex differences as they relate to mood disorders, organizing existing findings into five levels at which sex differences conceivably influence physiology relevant to affective states. These levels include the following: brain structure, network connectivity, signal transduction, transcription/translation, and epigenesis. We then evaluate the importance and limitations of this body of work, as well as offer perspectives on the future of research into sex differences. In creating this overview, we attempt to bring perspective to a body of research that is complex, poorly synthesized, and far from complete, as well as provide a theoretical framework for thinking about the role that sex differences ultimately play in affective regulation. Despite the overall gaps regarding both the underlying pathogenesis of affective illness and the role of sex-related factors in the development of affective disorders, it is evident that sex should be considered as an important contributor to alterations in neural function giving rise to susceptibility to and expression of depression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David R Rubinow
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
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27
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Watanabe H, Kojima S, Nagasaka K, Ohno K, Sakurai N, Kodama N, Otsuru N, Onishi H. Gray Matter Volume Variability in Young Healthy Adults: Influence of Gender Difference and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Genotype. Cereb Cortex 2021; 32:2635-2643. [PMID: 34635909 PMCID: PMC9201594 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhab370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Although brain gray matter (GM) plastically changes during short-term training, it is still unclear whether brain structures are stable for short periods (several months). Therefore, this study aimed to re-test the short-term variability of GM volumes and to clarify the effect of factors (gender and BDNF-genotype) expected to contribute to such variability. The subjects comprised 41 young healthy adults. T1-weighted images were acquired twice with an interval of approximately 4 months using a 3 T-MRI scanner. Voxel-based morphometry (VBM) was used to calculate GM volumes in 47 regions. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Test–retest variability (%TRV) were used as indices of variability. As a result, the ICCs in 43 regions were excellent (ICC > 0.90) and those in 3 regions were good (ICC > 0.80), whereas the ICC in the thalamus was moderate (ICC = 0.694). Women had a higher %TRV than men in 5 regions, and %TRV of the Val66Val group was higher than that of the Met carrier group in 2 regions. Moreover, the Female-Val66Val group had a higher %TRV than the Male-Met carrier group in 3 regions. These results indicate that although the short-term variability of GM volumes is small, it is affected by within-subject factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiraku Watanabe
- Address correspondence to Hiraku Watanabe, Graduate School, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, 1398 Shimami-cho, Kita-Ku, Niigata-City, Niigata 950-3198, Japan. Tel: +81-25-257-4445; Fax: +81-25-257-4445.
| | - Sho Kojima
- Institute for Human Movement and Medical Sciences, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata-City, Niigata, Niigata, 950-3198, Japan
- Department of Physical Therapy, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata City, Niigata, 950-3198, Japan
| | - Kazuaki Nagasaka
- Institute for Human Movement and Medical Sciences, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata-City, Niigata, Niigata, 950-3198, Japan
- Department of Physical Therapy, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata City, Niigata, 950-3198, Japan
| | - Ken Ohno
- Institute for Human Movement and Medical Sciences, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata-City, Niigata, Niigata, 950-3198, Japan
- Department of Radiological Technology, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata City, Niigata, 950-3198, Japan
| | - Noriko Sakurai
- Institute for Human Movement and Medical Sciences, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata-City, Niigata, Niigata, 950-3198, Japan
- Department of Radiological Technology, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata City, Niigata, 950-3198, Japan
| | - Naoki Kodama
- Institute for Human Movement and Medical Sciences, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata-City, Niigata, Niigata, 950-3198, Japan
- Department of Radiological Technology, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata City, Niigata, 950-3198, Japan
| | - Naofumi Otsuru
- Institute for Human Movement and Medical Sciences, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata-City, Niigata, Niigata, 950-3198, Japan
- Department of Physical Therapy, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata City, Niigata, 950-3198, Japan
| | - Hideaki Onishi
- Institute for Human Movement and Medical Sciences, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata-City, Niigata, Niigata, 950-3198, Japan
- Department of Physical Therapy, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata City, Niigata, 950-3198, Japan
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28
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Hidalgo-Lopez E, Zeidman P, Harris T, Razi A, Pletzer B. Spectral dynamic causal modelling in healthy women reveals brain connectivity changes along the menstrual cycle. Commun Biol 2021; 4:954. [PMID: 34376799 PMCID: PMC8355156 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02447-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Longitudinal menstrual cycle studies allow to investigate the effects of ovarian hormones on brain organization. Here, we use spectral dynamic causal modelling (spDCM) in a triple network model to assess effective connectivity changes along the menstrual cycle within and between the default mode, salience and executive control networks (DMN, SN, and ECN). Sixty healthy young women were scanned three times along their menstrual cycle, during early follicular, pre-ovulatory and mid-luteal phase. Related to estradiol, right before ovulation the left insula recruits the ECN, while the right middle frontal gyrus decreases its connectivity to the precuneus and the DMN decouples into anterior/posterior parts. Related to progesterone during the mid-luteal phase, the insulae (SN) engage to each other, while decreasing their connectivity to parietal ECN, which in turn engages the posterior DMN. When including the most confident connections in a leave-one out cross-validation, we find an above-chance prediction of the left-out subjects' cycle phase. These findings corroborate the plasticity of the female brain in response to acute hormone fluctuations and may help to further understand the neuroendocrine interactions underlying cognitive changes along the menstrual cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esmeralda Hidalgo-Lopez
- Department of Psychology and Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria.
| | - Peter Zeidman
- The Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging, University College London, London, UK
| | - TiAnni Harris
- Department of Psychology and Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Adeel Razi
- The Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging, University College London, London, UK
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Belinda Pletzer
- Department of Psychology and Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria.
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29
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Haraguchi R, Hoshi H, Ichikawa S, Hanyu M, Nakamura K, Fukasawa K, Poza J, Rodríguez-González V, Gómez C, Shigihara Y. The Menstrual Cycle Alters Resting-State Cortical Activity: A Magnetoencephalography Study. Front Hum Neurosci 2021; 15:652789. [PMID: 34381340 PMCID: PMC8350571 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2021.652789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Resting-state neural oscillations are used as biomarkers for functional diseases such as dementia, epilepsy, and stroke. However, accurate interpretation of clinical outcomes requires the identification and minimisation of potential confounding factors. While several studies have indicated that the menstrual cycle also alters brain activity, most of these studies were based on visual inspection rather than objective quantitative measures. In the present study, we aimed to clarify the effect of the menstrual cycle on spontaneous neural oscillations based on quantitative magnetoencephalography (MEG) parameters. Resting-state MEG activity was recorded from 25 healthy women with normal menstrual cycles. For each woman, resting-state brain activity was acquired twice using MEG: once during their menstrual period (MP) and once outside of this period (OP). Our results indicated that the median frequency and peak alpha frequency of the power spectrum were low, whereas Shannon spectral entropy was high, during the MP. Theta intensity within the right temporal cortex and right limbic system was significantly lower during the MP than during the OP. High gamma intensity in the left parietal cortex was also significantly lower during the MP than during the OP. Similar differences were also observed in the parietal and occipital regions between the proliferative (the late part of the follicular phase) and secretory phases (luteal phase). Our findings suggest that the menstrual cycle should be considered to ensure accurate interpretation of functional neuroimaging in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rika Haraguchi
- Clinical Laboratory, Kumagaya General Hospital, Kumagaya, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Hoshi
- Precision Medicine Centre, Hokuto Hospital, Obihiro, Japan
| | - Sayuri Ichikawa
- Clinical Laboratory, Kumagaya General Hospital, Kumagaya, Japan
| | - Mayuko Hanyu
- Department of Gynaecology, Kumagaya General Hospital, Kumagaya, Japan
| | - Kohei Nakamura
- Department of Gynaecology, Kumagaya General Hospital, Kumagaya, Japan.,Genomics Unit, Keio Cancer Centre, Keio University School of Medicine, Minato, Japan
| | | | - Jesús Poza
- Biomedical Engineering Group, Higher Technical School of Telecommunications Engineering, University of Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Valladolid, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación en Matemáticas (IMUVA), University of Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Víctor Rodríguez-González
- Biomedical Engineering Group, Higher Technical School of Telecommunications Engineering, University of Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Carlos Gómez
- Biomedical Engineering Group, Higher Technical School of Telecommunications Engineering, University of Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Valladolid, Spain
| | - Yoshihito Shigihara
- Precision Medicine Centre, Hokuto Hospital, Obihiro, Japan.,Precision Medicine Centre, Kumagaya General Hospital, Kumagaya, Japan
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30
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Stanić Ž, Pribisalić A, Bošković M, Bućan Cvitanić J, Boban K, Bašković G, Bartulić A, Demo S, Polašek O, Kolčić I. Does Each Menstrual Cycle Elicit a Distinct Effect on Olfactory and Gustatory Perception? Nutrients 2021; 13:2509. [PMID: 34444669 PMCID: PMC8401541 DOI: 10.3390/nu13082509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The obesity pandemic has brought forth a scientific interest in food intake and sensory perception interactions. Olfactory perception and gustatory perception are very complex and under the influence of many factors, including the menstrual cycle. This study aims to clarify conflicting findings on the influence of the menstrual cycle on olfactory and gustatory perception. Women were assessed during four consecutive phases of one complete cycle (mid-follicular, ovulatory, mid-luteal, and late luteal phases (N = 21)), in contrast to women measured across the same phases belonging to two menstrual cycles (N = 29). Additional control groups were men (N = 17), postmenopausal women (N = 14), oral contraceptive users (N = 10), and women with an anovulatory cycle (N = 8). Olfactory threshold, odor discrimination, and identification were tested using the "Sniffin Sticks" test kit. Suprathreshold intensity and hedonic ratings for sweet, salty, sour, and bitter solutions were assessed. One-way ANOVA and ANOVA for repeated measurements was applied in the analysis, along with linear and trigonometric data fitting and linear mixed models. Linear increases in olfactory discrimination, identification, and overall olfactory performance were observed only in women followed across a complete menstrual cycle. Compared to other groups, these women displayed a cyclic pattern characterized by a predilection for sweet solution; reduced distaste for salty and sour solutions; and increased intensity perception of salty, sour, and bitter solutions towards the end of the cycle. These results suggest that a distinct hormonal milieu of a complete menstrual cycle may be affecting both olfactory and gustatory perception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Žana Stanić
- Department of Integrative Gynecology, Obstetrics and Minimally Invasive Gynaecologic Surgery, General Hospital Zabok and Hospital of Croatian Veterans, Bračak 8, 49210 Zabok, Croatia;
| | - Ajka Pribisalić
- Department of Public Health, University of Split School of Medicine, Šoltanska 2, 21000 Split, Croatia; (A.P.); (O.P.)
| | - Maria Bošković
- Department of Immunology and Medical Genetics, University of Split School of Medicine, Šoltanska 2, 21000 Split, Croatia;
| | - Jasna Bućan Cvitanić
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Reanimatology and Intensive Care, General Hospital Koprivnica, Zeljka Salingera 1, 48000 Koprivnica, Croatia;
| | - Kristina Boban
- Primary Health Centre Zagreb West, Trsje 19b, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Gabriela Bašković
- Department of Cardiology, General Hospital Bjelovar, Ul. Antuna Mihanovića 8, 43000 Bjelovar, Croatia;
| | - Antonija Bartulić
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, University Hospital Split, Spinčićeva 1, 21000 Split, Croatia;
| | - Suzana Demo
- Primary Health Center of Split-Dalmatia County, Kavanjinova 2, 21000 Split, Croatia;
| | - Ozren Polašek
- Department of Public Health, University of Split School of Medicine, Šoltanska 2, 21000 Split, Croatia; (A.P.); (O.P.)
| | - Ivana Kolčić
- Department of Public Health, University of Split School of Medicine, Šoltanska 2, 21000 Split, Croatia; (A.P.); (O.P.)
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31
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Okamoto Y, Amano T. Effects of sex and menstrual cycle on sweating during isometric handgrip exercise and postexercise forearm occlusion. Exp Physiol 2021; 106:1508-1523. [PMID: 33899281 DOI: 10.1113/ep089464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
NEW FINDINGS What is the central question of this study? Do sex and menstrual cycle modulate sweating during isometric handgrip exercise and muscle metaboreceptor stimulation? What is the main finding and its importance? Sex modulates sweating during isometric handgrip exercise, as indicated by the lower sweat output per gland in women than in men, but not during muscle metaboreceptor stimulation. Sweat output per gland during isometric handgrip exercise and muscle metaboreceptor stimulation were lower in the mid-luteal phase than in the early follicular phase in women. Cholinergic sweat gland sensitivity might explain, in part, the individual variation of the response. Our results provide new insights regarding sex- and menstrual cycle-related modulation of the sweating response. ABSTRACT We investigated whether sex and menstrual cycle could modulate sweating during isometric handgrip (IH) exercise and muscle metaboreceptor stimulation. Twelve young, healthy women in the early follicular (EF) and mid-luteal (ML) phases and 14 men underwent two experimental sessions consisting of a 1.5 min IH exercise at 25 and 50% of maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) in a hot environment (35°C, relative humidity 50%) followed by 2 min forearm occlusion to stimulate muscle metaboreceptors. Sweat rates, the number of activated sweat glands and the sweat output per gland (SGO) on the forearm and chest were assessed. Pilocarpine-induced sweating was also assessed via transdermal iontophoresis to compare the responses with those of IH exercise and muscle metaboreceptor stimulation, based on correlation analysis. Sweat rates on the forearm and chest during IH exercise and muscle metaboreceptor stimulation did not differ between men and women in either menstrual cycle phase (all P ≥ 0.144). However, women in both phases showed lower SGO on the forearm and/or chest compared with men during IH exercise at 50% of MVC, with no differences in muscle metaboreceptor stimulation. Women in the ML phase had a lower forearm sweat rate during IH exercise at 50% of MVC (P = 0.015) and SGO during exercise and muscle metaboreceptor stimulation (main effect, both P ≤ 0.003) compared with those in the EF phase. Overall, sweat rate and SGO during IH exercise and muscle metaboreceptor stimulation were correlated with pilocarpine-induced responses (all P ≤ 0.064, r ≥ 0.303). We showed that sex and menstrual cycle modulate sudomotor activity during IH exercise and/or muscle metaboreceptor stimulation. Cholinergic sweat gland sensitivity might explain, in part, the individual variation of the response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumi Okamoto
- Laboratory for Exercise and Environmental Physiology, Faculty of Education, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Tatsuro Amano
- Laboratory for Exercise and Environmental Physiology, Faculty of Education, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
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32
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Hidalgo-Lopez E, Pletzer B. Fronto-striatal changes along the menstrual cycle during working memory: Effect of sex hormones on activation and connectivity patterns. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2021; 125:105108. [PMID: 33516121 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2020.105108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Revised: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Frontal and striatal areas are the neuroanatomical basis for working memory (WM), as well as targets for sex steroids. However, up to date little is known regarding menstrual cycle (MC) effects on brain activation and connectivity patterns during verbal WM. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first longitudinal dataset to study dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, putamen and caudate activation and connectivity patterns during a verbal WM task along the natural MC. Thirty-nine naturally cycling healthy women were scanned three times locked to their MC (menses, pre-ovulatory and luteal phase). They performed an N-back task with two trial types, targets and lures, assessing (i) updating and (ii) inhibitory process respectively. Distinct patterns of fronto-striatal activation and connectivity changes were observed for each process. (i) For targets, we observed decreased connectivity between left striatum- and inferior frontal and parietal areas, the circuit underlying phonological WM, in response to elevated progesterone during the luteal phase. Simultaneously, we observed an alleviation of inhibition from fronto-striatal areas on areas related to higher cognitive effort and the salience network. (ii) For lures, negative inter-hemispheric connectivity between fronto-parietal areas during the pre-ovulatory phase, as well as increased connectivity between bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and posteromedial structures during the luteal phase. Overall, we corroborated a hormone mediated inter-hemispheric decoupling, enhanced frontal activity and disinhibition of the salience brain network and striatum during the luteal phase. In summary, we interpret these results in relation to a differential top-down regulation in higher hormone levels phases and hyperactive bottom-up network during the luteal phase, which could explain the vulnerability of this phase to MC associated disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esmeralda Hidalgo-Lopez
- Department of Psychology and Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Salzburg, Hellbrunnerstr. 34, 5020 Salzburg, Austria.
| | - Belinda Pletzer
- Department of Psychology and Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Salzburg, Hellbrunnerstr. 34, 5020 Salzburg, Austria.
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Differential relationships of PTSD symptom clusters with cortical thickness and grey matter volumes among women with PTSD. Sci Rep 2021; 11:1825. [PMID: 33469080 PMCID: PMC7815843 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-80776-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Structural neuroimaging studies of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have typically reported reduced cortical thickness (CT) and gray matter volume (GMV) in subcortical structures and networks involved in memory retrieval, emotional processing and regulation, and fear acquisition and extinction. Although PTSD is more common in women, and interpersonal violence (IPV) exposure is a more potent risk factor for developing PTSD relative to other forms of trauma, most of the existing literature examined combat-exposed men with PTSD. Vertex-wise CT and subcortical GMV analyses were conducted to examine potential differences in a large, well-characterized sample of women with PTSD stemming from IPV-exposure (n = 99) compared to healthy trauma-free women without a diagnosis of PTSD (n = 22). Subgroup analyses were also conducted to determine whether symptom severity within specific PTSD symptom clusters (e.g., re-experiencing, active avoidance, hyperarousal) predict CT and GMV after controlling for comorbid depression and anxiety. Results indicated that a diagnosis of PTSD in women with IPV-exposure did not significantly predict differences in CT across the cortex or GMV in the amygdala or hippocampus compared to healthy controls. However, within the PTSD group, greater re-experiencing symptom severity was associated with decreased CT in the left inferior and middle temporal gyrus, and decreased CT in the right parahippocampal and medial temporal gyrus. In contrast, greater active avoidance symptom severity was associated with greater CT in the left lateral fissure, postcentral gyrus, and middle/lateral occipital cortex, and greater CT in the right paracentral, posterior cingulate, and superior occipital gyrus. In terms of GMV, greater hyperarousal symptom severity was associated with reduced left amygdala GMV, while greater active avoidance symptom severity was associated with greater right amygdala GMV. These findings suggest that structural brain alterations among women with IPV-related PTSD may be driven by symptom severity within specific symptom clusters and that PTSD symptom clusters may have a differential (increased or decreased) association with brain structures.
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Dubol M, Epperson CN, Sacher J, Pletzer B, Derntl B, Lanzenberger R, Sundström-Poromaa I, Comasco E. Neuroimaging the menstrual cycle: A multimodal systematic review. Front Neuroendocrinol 2021; 60:100878. [PMID: 33098847 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2020.100878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Increasing evidence indicates that ovarian hormones affect brain structure, chemistry and function of women in their reproductive age, potentially shaping their behavior and mental health. Throughout the reproductive years, estrogens and progesterone levels fluctuate across the menstrual cycle and can modulate neural circuits involved in affective and cognitive processes. Here, we review seventy-seven neuroimaging studies and provide a comprehensive and data-driven evaluation of the accumulating evidence on brain plasticity associated with endogenous ovarian hormone fluctuations in naturally cycling women (n = 1304). The results particularly suggest modulatory effects of ovarian hormones fluctuations on the reactivity and structure of cortico-limbic brain regions. These findings highlight the importance of performing multimodal neuroimaging studies on neural correlates of systematic ovarian hormone fluctuations in naturally cycling women based on careful menstrual cycle staging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manon Dubol
- Department of Neuroscience, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Sweden
| | - C Neill Epperson
- Department of Psychiatry, Department of Family Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine-Anschutz Medical Campus, USA
| | - Julia Sacher
- Emotion Neuroimaging Lab, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Germany
| | - Belinda Pletzer
- Department of Psychology, Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Salzburg, Austria
| | - Birgit Derntl
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Rupert Lanzenberger
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Erika Comasco
- Department of Neuroscience, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Sweden; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Austria.
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Meeker TJ, Veldhuijzen DS, Keaser ML, Gullapalli RP, Greenspan JD. Menstrual Cycle Variations in Gray Matter Volume, White Matter Volume and Functional Connectivity: Critical Impact on Parietal Lobe. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:594588. [PMID: 33414702 PMCID: PMC7783210 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.594588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of gonadal hormones in neural plasticity remains unclear. This study aimed to examine the effects of naturally fluctuating hormone levels over the menstrual cycle in healthy females. Gray matter, functional connectivity (FC) and white matter changes over the cycle were assessed by using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), resting state fMRI, and structural MRIs, respectively, and associated with serum gonadal hormone levels. Moreover, electrocutaneous sensitivity was evaluated in 14 women in four phases of their menstrual cycle (menstrual, follicular, ovulatory, and luteal). Electrocutaneous sensitivity was greater during follicular compared to menstrual phase. Additionally, pain unpleasantness was lower in follicular phase than other phases while pain intensity ratings did not change over the cycle. Significant variations in cycle phase effects on gray matter volume were found in the left inferior parietal lobule (IPL) using voxel-based morphometry. Subsequent Freesurfer analysis revealed greater thickness of left IPL during the menstrual phase when compared to other phases. Also, white matter volume fluctuated across phases in left IPL. Blood estradiol was positively correlated with white matter volume both in left parietal cortex and whole cortex. Seed-driven FC between left IPL and right secondary visual cortex was enhanced during ovulatory phase. A seed placed in right IPL revealed enhanced FC between left and right IPL during the ovulatory phase. Additionally, we found that somatosensory cortical gray matter was thinner during follicular compared to menstrual phase. We discuss these results in the context of likely evolutionary pressures selecting for enhanced perceptual sensitivity across modalities specifically during ovulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy J. Meeker
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Neural and Pain Sciences, University of Maryland School of Dentistry, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Center to Advance Chronic Pain Research, University of Maryland Baltimore, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Dieuwke S. Veldhuijzen
- Institute of Psychology, Health, Medical and Neuropsychology Unit, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
- Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Michael L. Keaser
- Department of Neural and Pain Sciences, University of Maryland School of Dentistry, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Center to Advance Chronic Pain Research, University of Maryland Baltimore, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Rao P. Gullapalli
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Imaging, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Joel D. Greenspan
- Department of Neural and Pain Sciences, University of Maryland School of Dentistry, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Center to Advance Chronic Pain Research, University of Maryland Baltimore, Baltimore, MD, United States
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Wang J, Chen A. High progesterone levels facilitate women's social information processing by optimizing attention allocation. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2020; 122:104882. [PMID: 33068952 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2020.104882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Revised: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Ovarian hormones exert an influence on social information processing, in which, however, the exact roles of estradiol and progesterone remain unclear. This study examines the specific influences of these two ovarian hormones on social information processing across the menstrual cycle using the emotional face flanker task and attentional network test (ANT). Twenty-six naturally cycling, healthy women were tested thrice: during menses, in the follicular phase, and in the luteal phase. In the emotional face flanker task, a significant positive relation was found between progesterone levels and reaction times (RTs) for sad faces, suggesting that high progesterone levels may activate the social monitoring system and allocate more attention to the social stimulus, which benefits individuals' survival and adaptation. In the ANT, a significant increase was found in RTs and accuracy during the luteal phase, suggesting that luteal women increase this accuracy by exerting a relatively conservative strategy of allocating more attention to the targets. Taken together, these findings indicate that high levels of progesterone may facilitate social information processing by optimizing attention allocation. Moreover, overactivation of the social monitoring system may make women more susceptible to stressors and promote affective disturbances, which may provide underlying pathophysiology of the premenstrual dysphoric disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wang
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality of Ministry of Education, Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Antao Chen
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality of Ministry of Education, Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.
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Kranz GS, Zhang BBB, Handschuh P, Ritter V, Lanzenberger R. Gender-affirming hormone treatment - A unique approach to study the effects of sex hormones on brain structure and function. Cortex 2020; 129:68-79. [PMID: 32438011 DOI: 10.1016/j.cortex.2020.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Revised: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Investigating the effects of the gender-affirming hormone treatment of transgender people using neuroimaging provides a unique opportunity to study the impact of high dosages of sex hormones on human brain structure and function. This line of research is of relevance from a basic neuroscientific as well as from a psychiatric viewpoint. Prevalence rates, etiopathology, and disease course of many psychiatric disorders exhibit sex differences which are linked to differences in sex hormone levels. Here, we review recent neuroimaging studies from others and our group that investigate the effects of gender-affirming hormone treatment in a longitudinal design utilizing structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography. Studies point to a general anabolic and anticatabolic effect of testosterone on grey and white matter structure, whereas estradiol and antiandrogen treatment seems to have partly opposite effects. Moreover, preliminary research indicates that gender-affirming hormone treatment influences serotonergic neurotransmission, a finding that is especially interesting for psychiatry. A clear picture of a hormonal influence on brain activity has yet to emerge. In conclusion, the available evidence reviewed here clearly indicates that sex hormone applications influence brain structure and function in the adult human brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georg S Kranz
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, SAR, China; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; The State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China.
| | - Bella B B Zhang
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Patricia Handschuh
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Vera Ritter
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Rupert Lanzenberger
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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38
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Beltz AM, Moser JS. Ovarian hormones: a long overlooked but critical contributor to cognitive brain structures and function. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2020; 1464:156-180. [DOI: 10.1111/nyas.14255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Revised: 08/13/2019] [Accepted: 09/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Adriene M. Beltz
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of Michigan Ann Arbor Michigan
| | - Jason S. Moser
- Department of PsychologyMichigan State University East Lansing Michigan
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39
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From baby brain to mommy brain: Widespread gray matter gain after giving birth. Cortex 2020; 126:334-342. [PMID: 32105976 DOI: 10.1016/j.cortex.2019.12.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Revised: 08/26/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Pregnancy results in obvious physiological changes to the female body, but data as to what happens to the maternal brain after giving birth are sparse as well as inconsistent. The overall goal of this study is to determine the nature of cerebral change in the postpartum period. For this purpose, we analyzed T1-weighted brain images of 14 healthy women (age range: 25-38 years) at two time points, specifically within 1-2 days of childbirth (immediate postpartum) and at 4-6 weeks after childbirth (late postpartum). When comparing voxel-wise gray matter between these two time points, there was no evidence of any significant decrease. Instead, we detected a pronounced gray matter increase involving both cortical and subcortical regions, such as the pre- and postcentral gyrus, the frontal and central operculum, the inferior frontal gyrus, the precuneus, and the middle occipital gyrus, as well as the thalamus and caudate. These structural changes occurring within only 4-6 weeks after delivery are reflective of a high degree of neuroplasticity and massive adaptations in the maternal brain. They may suggest a restoration of brain tissue following pregnancy and/or a substantial brain reorganization, possibly to accommodate a multi-faceted repertoire of complex behaviors associated with being a mother.
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Hidalgo-Lopez E, Mueller K, Harris T, Aichhorn M, Sacher J, Pletzer B. Human menstrual cycle variation in subcortical functional brain connectivity: a multimodal analysis approach. Brain Struct Funct 2020; 225:591-605. [PMID: 31894405 PMCID: PMC7046575 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-019-02019-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Increasing evidence suggests that endogenous sex steroid changes affect human brain functional connectivity, which could be obtained by resting-state fMRI (RS-fMRI). Nevertheless, RS studies on the menstrual cycle (MC) are underrepresented and yield inconsistent results. We attribute these inconsistencies to the use of various methods in exploratory approaches and small sample sizes. Hormonal fluctuations along the MC likely elicit subtle changes that, however, may still have profound impact on network dynamics when affecting key brain nodes. To address these issues, we propose a ROI-based multimodal analysis approach focusing on areas of high functional relevance to adequately capture these changes. To that end, sixty naturally cycling women underwent RS-fMRI in three different cycle phases and we performed the following analyses: (1) group-independent component analyses to identify intrinsic connectivity networks, (2) eigenvector centrality (EC) as a measure of centrality in the global connectivity hierarchy, (3) amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (ALFF) as a measure of oscillatory activity and (4) seed-based analyses to investigate functional connectivity from the ROIs. For (2)–(4), we applied a hypothesis-driven ROI approach in the hippocampus, caudate and putamen. In the luteal phase, we found (1) decreased intrinsic connectivity of the right angular gyrus with the default mode network, (2) heightened EC for the hippocampus, and (3) increased ALFF for the caudate. Furthermore, we observed (4) stronger putamen–thalamic connectivity during the luteal phase and stronger fronto-striatal connectivity during the pre-ovulatory phase. This hormonal modulation of connectivity dynamics may underlie behavioural, emotional and sensorimotor changes along the MC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esmeralda Hidalgo-Lopez
- Department of Psychology and Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Salzburg, Hellbrunnerstr. 34, 5020, Salzburg, Austria.
| | - Karsten Mueller
- Methods and Development Group Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Stephanstrasse 1a, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - TiAnni Harris
- Department of Psychology and Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Salzburg, Hellbrunnerstr. 34, 5020, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Markus Aichhorn
- Department of Psychology and Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Salzburg, Hellbrunnerstr. 34, 5020, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Julia Sacher
- Research Group EGG (Emotions and neuroimaGinG)-Laboratory, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Stephanstrasse 1a, 04103, Leipzig, Germany.,Clinic for Cognitive Neurology, University Hospital Leipzig, Liebigstrasse 16, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Belinda Pletzer
- Department of Psychology and Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Salzburg, Hellbrunnerstr. 34, 5020, Salzburg, Austria.
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The cycling brain: menstrual cycle related fluctuations in hippocampal and fronto-striatal activation and connectivity during cognitive tasks. Neuropsychopharmacology 2019; 44:1867-1875. [PMID: 31195407 PMCID: PMC6785086 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-019-0435-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2019] [Revised: 05/30/2019] [Accepted: 06/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Estradiol and progesterone vary along the menstrual cycle and exert opposite effects on a variety of neurotransmitter systems. However, few studies have addressed menstrual cycle-dependent changes in the brain. In the present study we investigate menstrual cycle changes in brain activation and connectivity patterns underlying cognition. Thirty-six naturally cycling women underwent functional MRI during two cognitive tasks: spatial navigation and verbal fluency. While no significant performance differences were observed along the menstrual cycle, the changes in brain activation patterns are strikingly similar during both tasks. Irrespective of the task, estradiol boosts hippocampal activation during the pre-ovulatory cycle phase and progesterone boosts fronto-striatal activation during the luteal cycle phase. Connectivity analyses suggest that the increase in right-hemispheric frontal activation is the result of inter-hemispheric decoupling and is involved in the down-regulation of hippocampal activation.
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42
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Hillerer KM, Slattery DA, Pletzer B. Neurobiological mechanisms underlying sex-related differences in stress-related disorders: Effects of neuroactive steroids on the hippocampus. Front Neuroendocrinol 2019; 55:100796. [PMID: 31580837 PMCID: PMC7115954 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2019.100796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2018] [Revised: 09/26/2019] [Accepted: 09/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Men and women differ in their vulnerability to a variety of stress-related illnesses, but the underlying neurobiological mechanisms are not well understood. This is likely due to a comparative dearth of neurobiological studies that assess male and female rodents at the same time, while human neuroimaging studies often don't model sex as a variable of interest. These sex differences are often attributed to the actions of sex hormones, i.e. estrogens, progestogens and androgens. In this review, we summarize the results on sex hormone actions in the hippocampus and seek to bridge the gap between animal models and findings in humans. However, while effects of sex hormones on the hippocampus are largely consistent in animals and humans, methodological differences challenge the comparability of animal and human studies on stress effects. We summarise our current understanding of the neurobiological mechanisms that underlie sex-related differences in behavior and discuss implications for stress-related illnesses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina M Hillerer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Salzburger Landeskrankenhaus (SALK), Paracelsus Medical University (PMU), Clinical Research Center Salzburg (CRCS), Salzburg, Austria.
| | - David A Slattery
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Belinda Pletzer
- Department of Psychology, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria; Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
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43
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Pletzer B, Jäger S, Hawelka S. Sex hormones and number processing. Progesterone and testosterone relate to hemispheric asymmetries during number comparison. Horm Behav 2019; 115:104553. [PMID: 31279702 PMCID: PMC7115961 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2019.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2019] [Revised: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 07/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Like many visual stimuli, multi-digit numbers are of a hierarchical nature, with whole number magnitudes depending on individual digit magnitudes. Accordingly, multi-digit numbers can be processed in a holistic (whole number magnitudes) or decomposed manner (digit magnitudes). The compatibility effect during number comparison serves as an indicator of decomposed processing. It is characterized by impaired performance for items where the larger number contains the smaller unit-digit. We were recently able to demonstrate, that the compatibility effect indeed depends on an individual's tendency to process visual hierarchical stimuli on a global or local level. Accordingly, factors affecting global-local processing, should also affect number magnitude processing, i.e. the compatibility effect. Among these factors are hemispheric asymmetries, sex differences and sex hormones (estradiol, progesterone, testosterone). In the present study 39 men and 37 naturally cycling women in their luteal cycle phase completed a number comparison task with stimuli randomly presented to the left and right hemifield. As in previous studies, we observed a larger compatibility effect in the right hemifield (left hemisphere) than in the left hemifield (right hemisphere) and in men than in women. However, this is the first study to evaluate the effects of sex hormones on hemispheric asymmetries during number comparison. We found progesterone to relate to increased hemispheric asymmetries in men, but decreased hemispheric asymmetries in women. Additionally, testosterone was negatively related to hemispheric asymmetries in women's compatibility effect in reaction times. These results add to the growing evidence that sex hormones relate to hemispheric asymmetries in cognitive functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belinda Pletzer
- Department of Psychology & Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria.
| | - Selina Jäger
- Department of Psychology & Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Stefan Hawelka
- Department of Psychology & Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
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44
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Smeeth DM, Dima D, Jones L, Jones I, Craddock N, Owen MJ, Rietschel M, Maier W, Korszun A, Rice JP, Mors O, Preisig M, Uher R, Lewis CM, Thuret S, Powell TR. Polygenic risk for circulating reproductive hormone levels and their influence on hippocampal volume and depression susceptibility. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2019; 106:284-292. [PMID: 31039525 PMCID: PMC6597945 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2019.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2018] [Revised: 04/04/2019] [Accepted: 04/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Altered reproductive hormone levels have been associated with the pathophysiology of depressive disorders and this risk may be imparted by their modulatory effect upon hippocampal structure and function. Currently it is unclear whether altered levels of reproductive hormones are causally associated with hippocampal volume reductions and the risk of depressive disorders. Here, we utilize genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary statistics from a GWAS focusing on reproductive hormones, consisting of 2913 individuals. Using this data, we generated polygenic risk scores (PRS) for estradiol, progesterone, prolactin and testosterone in the European RADIANT cohort consisting of 176 postpartum depression (PPD) cases (100% female, mean age: 41.6 years old), 2772 major depressive disorder (MDD) cases (68.6% female, mean age: 46.9 years old) and 1588 control participants (62.5% female, mean age: 42.4 years old), for which there was also a neuroimaging subset of 111 individuals (60.4% female, mean age: 50.0 years old). Only the best-fit PRS for estradiol showed a significant negative association with hippocampal volume, as well as many of its individual subfields; including the molecular layer and granule cell layer of the dentate gyrus, subiculum, CA1, CA2/3 and CA4 regions. Interestingly, several of these subfields are implicated in adult hippocampal neurogenesis. When we tested the same estradiol PRS for association with case-control status for PPD or MDD there was no significant relationship observed. Here, we provide evidence that genetic risk for higher plasma estradiol is negatively associated with hippocampal volume, but this does not translate into an increased risk of MDD or PPD. This work suggests that the relationship between reproductive hormones, the hippocampus, and depression is complex, and that there may not be a clear-cut pathway for etiology or risk moderation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Demelza M Smeeth
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Danai Dima
- Department of Psychology, School of Arts and Social Sciences, City, University of London, London, UK; Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Lisa Jones
- Institute of Health & Society, University of Worcester, Worcester, UK
| | - Ian Jones
- MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Nick Craddock
- MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Michael J Owen
- MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Marcella Rietschel
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany; Division of Genetic Epidemiology in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Maier
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Ania Korszun
- Barts and The London Medical School, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - John P Rice
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Ole Mors
- Psychosis Research Unit, Aarhus University Hospital, Risskov, Denmark
| | - Martin Preisig
- University Hospital Center and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Rudolf Uher
- Department of Psychiatry, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Cathryn M Lewis
- Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Sandrine Thuret
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Timothy R Powell
- Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.
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Individual differences in the effect of menstrual cycle on basal ganglia inhibitory control. Sci Rep 2019; 9:11063. [PMID: 31363112 PMCID: PMC6667495 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-47426-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2018] [Accepted: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Basal ganglia (BG) are involved in inhibitory control (IC) and known to change in structure and activation along the menstrual cycle. Therefore, we investigated BG activation and connectivity patterns related to IC during different cycle phases. Thirty-six naturally cycling women were scanned three times performing a Stop Signal Task and hormonal levels analysed from saliva samples. We found an impaired Stop signal reaction time (SSRT) during pre-ovulatory compared to menses the higher the baseline IC of women. Blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD)-response in bilateral putamen significantly decreased during the luteal phase. Connectivity strength from the left putamen displayed an interactive effect of cycle and IC. During pre-ovulatory the connectivity with anterior cingulate cortex and left inferior parietal lobe was significantly stronger the higher the IC, and during luteal with left supplementary motor area. Right putamen's activation and left hemisphere's connectivity predicted the SSRT across participants. Therefore, we propose a compensatory mechanism for the hormonal changes across the menstrual cycle based on a lateralized pattern.
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Pletzer B, Harris T, Hidalgo-Lopez E. Previous contraceptive treatment relates to grey matter volumes in the hippocampus and basal ganglia. Sci Rep 2019; 9:11003. [PMID: 31358839 PMCID: PMC6662764 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-47446-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2018] [Accepted: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Oral contraceptive (OC) effects on the brain have gained increasing interest, but are highly controversial. Previous studies suggest that OC users have larger hippocampi, parahippocampi, fusiform gyri and Cerebelli. Preliminary evidence from one of those studies even suggests an effect of previous contraceptive use on the hippocampi of women who are not current users of OCs. Furthermore, more recent studies postulate an involvement of previous OC treatment in later development of mood disorders. To address the question whether previous OC treatment affects women’s brain structure later in life, high resolution structural images were obtained from 131 naturally cycling women. Among them, 52 women had never used OC before, 52 had previously used one OC for a continuous time period and 27 had previously used multiple contraceptives. The groups did not differ in gray matter volumes. Since endogenous sex hormones modulate gray matter volumes of the hippocampus and basal ganglia along the menstrual cycle, we hypothesize effects of OC use on these areas. Specifically, we hypothesize that a longer duration of previous OC treatment is related to larger hippocampi and larger basal ganglia. Indeed we found the duration of previous OC use to be positively correlated to hippocampal and basal ganglia volumes bilaterally. For the hippocampus, but not for the basal ganglia, this association disappeared after controlling for the time since discontinuation. These results suggest that for the hippocampus, but not for the basal ganglia, effects of previous contraceptive treatment are reversed after a time period comparable to treatment duration. These data question the immediate reversibility of OC effects on brain structure. Accordingly, some changes in the brain due to long-term contraceptive use, while subtle, may be long-lasting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belinda Pletzer
- Department of Psychology & Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria.
| | - TiAnni Harris
- Department of Psychology & Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Esmeralda Hidalgo-Lopez
- Department of Psychology & Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
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Lambert K, Eisch AJ, Galea LAM, Kempermann G, Merzenich M. Optimizing brain performance: Identifying mechanisms of adaptive neurobiological plasticity. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2019; 105:60-71. [PMID: 31356835 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2019.06.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2019] [Revised: 06/18/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Although neuroscience research has debunked the late 19th century claims suggesting that large portions of the brain are typically unused, recent evidence indicates that an enhanced understanding of neural plasticity may lead to greater insights related to the functional capacity of brains. Continuous and real-time neural modifications in concert with dynamic environmental contexts provide opportunities for targeted interventions for maintaining healthy brain functions throughout the lifespan. Neural design, however, is far from simplistic, requiring close consideration of context-specific and other relevant variables from both species and individual perspectives to determine the functional gains from increased and decreased markers of neuroplasticity. Caution must be taken in the interpretation of any measurable change in neurobiological responses or behavioral outcomes, as definitions of optimal functions are extremely complex. Even so, current behavioral neuroscience approaches offer unique opportunities to evaluate adaptive functions of various neural responses in an attempt to enhance the functional capacity of neural systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly Lambert
- Dept of Psychology, B326 Gottwald Science Center, University of Richmond, VA, 23173, USA.
| | - Amelia J Eisch
- Dept of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104-4399, USA.
| | - Liisa A M Galea
- Dept of Psychology, University of British Columbia, 2136 West Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T, Canada.
| | - Gerd Kempermann
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Dresden and CRTD-Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden at Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany.
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Pletzer B. Sex Hormones and Gender Role Relate to Gray Matter Volumes in Sexually Dimorphic Brain Areas. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:592. [PMID: 31275099 PMCID: PMC6591487 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2019] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study investigates the relationship of circulating sex hormone levels and gender role to gray matter volumes in sexually dimorphic brain areas and explores, whether these relationships are modulated by biological sex (as assigned at birth based on sexual anatomy) or oral contraceptive (OC) use. It was hypothesized that testosterone and masculinity relate positively to gray matter volumes in areas that are typically larger in men, like the hippocampus or cerebellum, while estradiol/progesterone and femininity relate positively to gray matter volumes in the frontal cortex. To that end, high resolution structural MRI scans, sex hormone levels and gender role self-assessments were obtained in a large sample 89 men, 89 naturally cycling (NC) women, and 60 OC users. Men showed larger regional gray matter volumes than women in the cerebellum and bilateral clusters spanning the putamen and parts of the hippocampi/parahippocampi and fusiform gyri. In accordance with our hypotheses, a significant positive association of testosterone to hippocampal volumes was observed in women irrespective of OC use. Participant's self-reported femininity was significantly positively associated with gray matter volumes in the left middle frontal gyrus (MFG) in men. In addition several differences between OC-users and NC women were identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belinda Pletzer
- Department of Psychology, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
- Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
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Sheppard PAS, Choleris E, Galea LAM. Structural plasticity of the hippocampus in response to estrogens in female rodents. Mol Brain 2019; 12:22. [PMID: 30885239 PMCID: PMC6423800 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-019-0442-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2019] [Accepted: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
It is well established that estrogens affect neuroplasticity in a number of brain regions. In particular, estrogens modulate and mediate spine and synapse formation as well as neurogenesis in the hippocampal formation. In this review, we discuss current research exploring the effects of estrogens on dendritic spine plasticity and neurogenesis with a focus on the modulating factors of sex, age, and pregnancy. Hormone levels, including those of estrogens, fluctuate widely across the lifespan from early life to puberty, through adulthood and into old age, as well as with pregnancy and parturition. Dendritic spine formation and modulation are altered both by rapid (likely non-genomic) and classical (genomic) actions of estrogens and have been suggested to play a role in the effects of estrogens on learning and memory. Neurogenesis in the hippocampus is influenced by age, the estrous cycle, pregnancy, and parity in female rodents. Furthermore, sex differences exist in hippocampal cellular and molecular responses to estrogens and are briefly discussed throughout. Understanding how structural plasticity in the hippocampus is affected by estrogens and how these effects can influence function and be influenced by other factors, such as experience and sex, is critical and can inform future treatments in conditions involving the hippocampus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul A. S. Sheppard
- Department of Psychology, Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3 Canada
| | - Elena Choleris
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience Program, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1 Canada
| | - Liisa A. M. Galea
- Department of Psychology, Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3 Canada
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