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Fedotcheva TA, Uspenskaya ME, Ulchenko DN, Shimanovsky NL. Dehydroepiandrosterone and Its Metabolite 5-Androstenediol: New Therapeutic Targets and Possibilities for Clinical Application. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:1186. [PMID: 39338348 PMCID: PMC11435263 DOI: 10.3390/ph17091186] [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: 08/11/2024] [Revised: 09/02/2024] [Accepted: 09/06/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Dehydroepiandrosterone and its sulfate are the most abundant steroids in humans. The metabolism of dehydroepiandrosterone can differ significantly depending on the organ or tissue and the subtype of steroid receptors expressed in it. For dehydroepiandrosterone, as a precursor of all steroid hormones, intracrine hormonal activity is inherent. This unique feature could be beneficial for the medicinal application, especially for the local treatment of various pathologies. At present, the clinical use of dehydroepiandrosterone is limited by its Intrarosa® (Quebec city, QC, Canada) prasterone) 6.5 mg vaginal suppositories for the treatment of vaginal atrophy and dyspareunia, while the dehydroepiandrosterone synthetic derivatives Triplex, BNN 27, and Fluasterone have the investigational status for the treatment of various diseases. Here, we discuss the molecular targets of dehydroepiandrosterone, which open future prospects to expand its indications for use. Dehydroepiandrosterone, as an oral drug, is surmised to have promise in the treatment of osteoporosis, cachexia, and sarcopenia, as does 10% unguent for skin and muscle regeneration. Also, 5-androstenediol, a metabolite of dehydroepiandrosterone, is a promising candidate for the treatment of acute radiation syndrome and as an immunostimulating agent during radiopharmaceutical therapy. The design and synthesis of new 5-androstenediol derivatives with increased bioavailability may lead to the appearance of highly effective cytoprotectors on the pharmaceutical market. The argumentations for new clinical applications of these steroids and novel insights into their mechanisms of action are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana A Fedotcheva
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, 1 Ostrovityanova St., Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Maria E Uspenskaya
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, 1 Ostrovityanova St., Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Darya N Ulchenko
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, 1 Ostrovityanova St., Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Nikolay L Shimanovsky
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, 1 Ostrovityanova St., Moscow 117997, Russia
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Wang M, Hu S, Fu X, Zhou H, Yang S, Yang C. Neurosteroids: A potential target for neuropsychiatric disorders. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2024; 239:106485. [PMID: 38369032 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2024.106485] [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: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Neurosteroids are steroids produced by endocrine glands and subsequently entering the brain, and also include steroids synthesis in the brain. It has been widely known that neurosteroids influence many neurological functions, including neuronal signaling, synaptic adaptations, and neuroprotective effects. In addition, abnormality in the synthesis and function of neurosteroids has been closely linked to neuropsychiatric disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), schizophrenia (SZ), and epilepsy. Given their important role in brain pathophysiology and disorders, neurosteroids offer potential therapeutic targets for a variety of neuropsychiatric diseases, and that therapeutic strategies targeting neurosteroids probably exert beneficial effects. We therefore summarized the role of neurosteroids in brain physiology and neuropsychiatric disorders, and introduced the recent findings of synthetic neurosteroid analogues for potential treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders, thereby providing insights for further research in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyu Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Suwan Hu
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Xinghuo Fu
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Huixuan Zhou
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Siqi Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China.
| | - Chun Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China.
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Lee Y, McDonald E, Gundogan F, Barry CV, Tallo V, Colt S, Friedman JF. Early-life matters: The role of fetal adrenal steroids in the relationship between cytokines within the placental circulation and cognitive development among infants in the Philippines. Brain Behav Immun 2024; 118:510-520. [PMID: 38431237 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2024.02.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Prenatal exposure to inflammation is related to the risk for cognitive impairment in offspring. However, mechanisms underlying the link between inflammatory cytokines at the maternal-fetal interface and human cognitive development are largely unknown. This study addressed this research gap by examining whether i) cytokines within the placenta are associated with different domains of neurocognitive development during infancy, and ii) if DHEA-S in cord blood mediates these associations. We also explored the role of early-life socioeconomic status (SES) in moderating the effect of fetal adrenal steroids on cognitive development in low- and middle-income country contexts. A cohort of 242 mother-infant dyads in Leyte, the Philippines participated in the study and all of them were followed from early pregnancy until 12-months. Concentrations of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in the placenta, and DHEA-S in cord blood collected at delivery were evaluated. The multifactorial aspects of the infant's cognitive functioning were assessed based on the Bayley Scales of Infant Development, third edition (BSID-III). We used Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) with an orthogonal rotation to examine associated paths among latent variables of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in the placenta, fetal neuroendocrine factors, and cognitive development. Pathway analyses showed that both pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in the placenta were indirectly related to cognitive (p < 0.05) and language developmental outcomes (p < 0.1) via DHEA-S in cord blood among the low SES group. Yet, we found no statistically significant indirect effect of pro- or anti-inflammatory cytokines on neurocognitive development among the high SES sub-sample. This study extends our understanding of how early-life socioeconomic conditions modify biological pathways underlying the relationship between prenatal factors and postpartum cognitive development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeonjin Lee
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, United States; Department of Sociology, Kookmin University, Seoul, South Korea.
| | - Emily McDonald
- Center for International Health Research, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, United States; Department of Pediatrics, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Fusun Gundogan
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Christopher V Barry
- Center for International Health Research, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, United States; Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Veronica Tallo
- Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Manila, Philippines
| | - Susannah Colt
- Center for International Health Research, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, United States; Department of Pediatrics, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Jennifer F Friedman
- Center for International Health Research, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, United States; Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, United States; Department of Epidemiology, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States; Department of Pediatrics, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
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Heckmann M, Runkel AS, Sunny DE, Hartmann MF, Ittermann T, Wudy SA. Steroid Metabolomic Signature in Term and Preterm Infants. Biomolecules 2024; 14:235. [PMID: 38397473 PMCID: PMC10887377 DOI: 10.3390/biom14020235] [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: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Adrenal function is essential for survival and well-being of preterm babies. In addition to glucocorticoids, it has been hypothesized that C19-steroids (DHEA-metabolites) from the fetal zone of the adrenal gland may play a role as endogenous neuroprotective steroids. In 39 term-born (≥37 weeks gestational age), 42 preterm (30-36 weeks) and 51 early preterm (<30 weeks) infants 38 steroid metabolites were quantified by GC-MS in 24-h urinary samples. In each gestational age group, three distinctive cluster were identified by pattern analysis (k-means clustering). Individual steroidal fingerprints and clinical phenotype were analyzed at the 3rd day of life. Overall, the excretion rates of C21-steroids (glucocorticoid precursors, cortisol, and cortisone metabolites) were low (<99 μg/kg body weight/d) whereas the excretion rates of C19-steroids were up to 10 times higher. There was a shift to higher excretion rates of C19-steroids in both preterm groups compared to term infants but only minor differences in the distribution of C21-steroids. Comparable metabolic patterns were found between gestational age groups: Cluster 1 showed mild elevation of C21- and C19-steroids with the highest incidence of neonatal morbidities in term and severe intraventricular hemorrhage in early preterm infants. In cluster 2 lowest excretion in general was noted but no clinically unique phenotype. Cluster 3 showed highest elevation of C21-steroids and C19-steroids but no clinically unique phenotype. Significant differences in steroid metabolism between clusters are only partly reflected by gestational age and disease severity. In early preterm infants, higher excretion rates of glucocorticoids and their precursors were associated with severe cerebral hemorrhage. High excretion rates of C19-steroids in preterm infants may indicate a biological significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Heckmann
- Department of Neonatology and Pediatric Intensive Care, University Medicine Greifswald, Sauerbruchstraße, 17475 Greifswald, Germany; (A.S.R.); (D.E.S.)
| | - Anna S. Runkel
- Department of Neonatology and Pediatric Intensive Care, University Medicine Greifswald, Sauerbruchstraße, 17475 Greifswald, Germany; (A.S.R.); (D.E.S.)
| | - Donna E. Sunny
- Department of Neonatology and Pediatric Intensive Care, University Medicine Greifswald, Sauerbruchstraße, 17475 Greifswald, Germany; (A.S.R.); (D.E.S.)
| | - Michaela F. Hartmann
- Paediatric Endocrinology & Diabetology, Laboratory for Translational Hormone Analytics, Steroid Research & Mass Spectrometry Unit, Center of Child and Adolescent Medicine, Justus Liebig University, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (M.F.H.); (S.A.W.)
| | - Till Ittermann
- Institute for Community Medicine, University Medicine Greifswald, 17475 Greifswald, Germany;
| | - Stefan A. Wudy
- Paediatric Endocrinology & Diabetology, Laboratory for Translational Hormone Analytics, Steroid Research & Mass Spectrometry Unit, Center of Child and Adolescent Medicine, Justus Liebig University, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (M.F.H.); (S.A.W.)
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Lathe R, St Clair D. Programmed ageing: decline of stem cell renewal, immunosenescence, and Alzheimer's disease. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2023; 98:1424-1458. [PMID: 37068798 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
The characteristic maximum lifespan varies enormously across animal species from a few hours to hundreds of years. This argues that maximum lifespan, and the ageing process that itself dictates lifespan, are to a large extent genetically determined. Although controversial, this is supported by firm evidence that semelparous species display evolutionarily programmed ageing in response to reproductive and environmental cues. Parabiosis experiments reveal that ageing is orchestrated systemically through the circulation, accompanied by programmed changes in hormone levels across a lifetime. This implies that, like the circadian and circannual clocks, there is a master 'clock of age' (circavital clock) located in the limbic brain of mammals that modulates systemic changes in growth factor and hormone secretion over the lifespan, as well as systemic alterations in gene expression as revealed by genomic methylation analysis. Studies on accelerated ageing in mice, as well as human longevity genes, converge on evolutionarily conserved fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) and their receptors, including KLOTHO, as well as insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) and steroid hormones, as key players mediating the systemic effects of ageing. Age-related changes in these and multiple other factors are inferred to cause a progressive decline in tissue maintenance through failure of stem cell replenishment. This most severely affects the immune system, which requires constant renewal from bone marrow stem cells. Age-related immune decline increases risk of infection whereas lifespan can be extended in germfree animals. This and other evidence suggests that infection is the major cause of death in higher organisms. Immune decline is also associated with age-related diseases. Taking the example of Alzheimer's disease (AD), we assess the evidence that AD is caused by immunosenescence and infection. The signature protein of AD brain, Aβ, is now known to be an antimicrobial peptide, and Aβ deposits in AD brain may be a response to infection rather than a cause of disease. Because some cognitively normal elderly individuals show extensive neuropathology, we argue that the location of the pathology is crucial - specifically, lesions to limbic brain are likely to accentuate immunosenescence, and could thus underlie a vicious cycle of accelerated immune decline and microbial proliferation that culminates in AD. This general model may extend to other age-related diseases, and we propose a general paradigm of organismal senescence in which declining stem cell proliferation leads to programmed immunosenescence and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Lathe
- Division of Infection Medicine, Chancellor's Building, University of Edinburgh Medical School, Little France, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, UK
| | - David St Clair
- Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, UK
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Pregnenolone enhances the proliferation of mouse neural stem cells and promotes oligodendrogenesis, together with Sox10, and neurogenesis, along with Notch1 and Pax6. Neurochem Int 2023; 163:105489. [PMID: 36657722 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2023.105489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2022] [Revised: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pregnenolone is a precursor of various steroid hormones involved in osteoblast proliferation, microtubules polymerization and cell survival protection. Previous reports focused on the effects of pregnenolone metabolites on stem cell proliferation and differentiation; however, the effects of pregnenolone itself has not been well explored. The present study aimed to investigate the role of pregnenolone on NSC proliferation and to determine the doses required for NSC differentiation as well as the various genes involved in its mechanism of action. METHODS NSCs were isolated from the embryonic cortex of E14 mice, incubated for 5 days, and then treated with pregnenolone doses of 2, 5, 10, 15 and 20 μM for another 5 days. The number of neurospheres and neurosphere derived cells were then counted. Flow cytometry was used to evaluate the differentiation of NSCs into oligodendrocytes, astrocytes, and neurons. The expression level of Notch1, Pax6 and Sox10 genes were also measured by Real Time PCR after 5 days of treatment. RESULTS Our data suggest that treatment with 10 μM pregnenolone is optimal for NSC proliferation. In fact, this concentration caused the highest increase in the number of neurospheres and neurosphere derived cells, compared to the control group. In addition, treatment with low doses of pregnenolone (5 and 10 μM) caused a significant increase in NSC differentiation towards immature (Olig2+) and mature (MBP+) oligodendrocyte cell populations, compared to controls. However, NSC differentiation into neurons (beta III tubulin + cells) increased in all treatment groups, with the highest and most significant increase obtained at 15 μM concentration. It is worth noting that pregnenolone at the highest concentration of 15 μM decreased the number of astrocytes (GFAP+). Furthermore, there was an increase of Sox10 expression with low pregnenolone doses, leading to oligodendrogenesis, whereas Notch1 and Pax6 gene expression increased in pregnenolone groups with more neurogenesis. CONCLUSION Pregnenolone regulates NSCs proliferation in vitro. Treatment with low doses of pregnenolone caused an increase in the differentiation of NSCs into mature oligodendrocytes while higher doses increased the differentiation of NSCs into neurons. Oligodendrogenesis was accompanied by Sox10 while neurogenesis occurred together with Notch1 and Pax6 expression.
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Reilly M, Robertson S, Suzuki M. Sphere-Based Expansion of Myogenic Progenitors from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2640:159-174. [PMID: 36995594 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3036-5_12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
The protocol presented here is to derive, maintain, and differentiate human pluripotent stem cells into skeletal muscle progenitor/stem cells (myogenic progenitors) using a sphere-based culture approach. This sphere-based culture is an attractive method for maintaining progenitor cells due to their longevity and the presence of cell-cell interactions and molecules. Large numbers of cells can be expanded in culture using this method, which represents a valuable source for cell-based tissue modeling and regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Reilly
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, The Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Samantha Robertson
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, The Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Masatoshi Suzuki
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, The Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA.
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Clark BJ, Klinge CM. Structure-function of DHEA binding proteins. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2022; 123:587-617. [PMID: 37717999 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2022.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Dehydroepiandrosterone (3β-hydroxy-5-androsten-17-one, DHEA) and its sulfated metabolite DHEA-S are the most abundant circulating steroids and are precursors for active sex steroid hormones, estradiol and testosterone. DHEA has a broad range of reported effects in the central nervous system (CNS), cardiovascular system, adipose tissue, kidney, liver, and in the reproductive system. The mechanisms by which DHEA and DHEA-S initiate their biological effects are diverse. DHEA and DHEA-S may directly bind to plasma membrane (PM) receptors, including a DHEA-specific, G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) in endothelial cells; various neuroreceptors, e.g., aminobutyric-acid-type A (GABA(A)), N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) and sigma-1 (S1R) receptors (NMDAR and SIG-1R). DHEA and DHEA-S directly bind the nuclear androgen and estrogen receptors (AR, ERα, or ERβ) although with significantly lower binding affinities compared to the steroid hormones, e.g., testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, and estradiol, which are the cognate ligands for AR and ERs. Thus, extra-gonadal metabolism of DHEA to the sex hormones must be considered for many of the biological benefits of DHEA. DHEA also actives GPER1 (G protein coupled estrogen receptor 1). DHEA activates constitutive androstane receptor CAR (CAR) and proliferator activated receptor (PPARα) by indirect dephosphorylation. DHEA affects voltage-gated sodium and calcium ion channels and DHEA-2 activates TRPM3 (Transient Receptor Potential Cation Channel Subfamily M Member 3). This chapter updates our previous 2018 review pertaining to the physiological, biochemical, and molecular mechanisms of DHEA and DHEA-S activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara J Clark
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics, Center for Integrative Environmental Health Sciences (CIEHS), University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, United States
| | - Carolyn M Klinge
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics, Center for Integrative Environmental Health Sciences (CIEHS), University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, United States.
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So SY, Savidge TC. Gut feelings: the microbiota-gut-brain axis on steroids. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2022; 322:G1-G20. [PMID: 34730020 PMCID: PMC8698538 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00294.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The intricate connection between central and enteric nervous systems is well established with emerging evidence linking gut microbiota function as a significant new contributor to gut-brain axis signaling. Several microbial signals contribute to altered gut-brain communications, with steroids representing an important biological class that impacts central and enteric nervous system function. Neuroactive steroids contribute pathologically to neurological disorders, including dementia and depression, by modulating the activity of neuroreceptors. However, limited information is available on the influence of neuroactive steroids on the enteric nervous system and gastrointestinal function. In this review, we outline how steroids can modulate enteric nervous system function by focusing on their influence on different receptors that are present in the intestine in health and disease. We also highlight the potential role of the gut microbiota in modulating neuroactive steroid signaling along the gut-brain axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sik Yu So
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Tor C Savidge
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- Department of Pathology, Texas Children's Microbiome Center, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas
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Blankers SA, Galea LA. Androgens and Adult Neurogenesis in the Hippocampus. ANDROGENS: CLINICAL RESEARCH AND THERAPEUTICS 2021; 2:203-215. [PMID: 35024692 PMCID: PMC8744005 DOI: 10.1089/andro.2021.0016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Adult neurogenesis in the hippocampus is modulated by steroid hormones, including androgens, in male rodents. In this review, we summarize research showing that chronic exposure to androgens, such as testosterone and dihydrotestosterone, enhances the survival of new neurons in the dentate gyrus of male, but not female, rodents, via the androgen receptor. However, the neurogenesis promoting the effect of androgens in the dentate gyrus may be limited to younger adulthood as it is not evident in middle-aged male rodents. Although direct exposure to androgens in adult or middle age does not significantly influence neurogenesis in female rodents, the aromatase inhibitor letrozole enhances neurogenesis in the hippocampus of middle-aged female mice. Unlike other androgens, androgenic anabolic steroids reduce neurogenesis in the hippocampus of male rodents. Collectively, the research indicates that the ability of androgens to enhance hippocampal neurogenesis in adult rodents is dependent on dose, androgen type, sex, duration, and age. We discuss these findings and how androgens may be influencing neuroprotection, via neurogenesis in the hippocampus, in the context of health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha A. Blankers
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Liisa A.M. Galea
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- Department of Psychology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
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Alavi MS, Negah SS, Ghorbani A, Hosseini A, Sadeghnia HR. Levetiracetam promoted rat embryonic neurogenesis via NMDA receptor-mediated mechanism in vitro. Life Sci 2021; 284:119923. [PMID: 34481865 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.119923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 08/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Levetiracetam (LEV) is a broad-spectrum antiepileptic drug with neuroprotective properties and novel mechanisms of action. Some evidence suggests that LEV may impact adult neurogenesis, but the results are controversial. The present study was aimed to evaluate the effects of LEV on the proliferation and differentiation of rat embryonic neural stem cells (NSCs) and to explore the role of GABAB or NMDA receptors. MAIN METHODS NSCs were isolated from rat fetal ganglionic eminence at embryonic day 14.5. The effects of LEV on viability, proliferation, neurosphere formation, and neuronal or astroglial differentiation of NSCs were assessed using resazurin, BrdU incorporation, immunocytochemistry, quantitative real-time PCR, and western blotting. Additionally, we addressed the relationship between treatment with NMDA and GABAB receptor antagonists (MK801 and saclofen, respectively) in combination with LEV on these parameters. KEY FINDINGS The data showed that LEV (50 μM) significantly increased the number (p < 0.01) and diameter of neurospheres (p < 0.05), enhanced proliferation (p < 0.01), and promoted neuronal differentiation, as revealed by significantly increased expressions of DCX and NeuN. The expressions of astroglial markers, GFAP and Olig2, were markedly reduced. The addition of MK801 (10 μM) significantly diminished neurospheres growth (p < 0.001), decreased the number of proliferating cells (p < 0.01), and reduced the number of new neurons (p < 0.001) but increased the astroglial cells (p < 0.001) induced by LEV. Co-treatment with saclofen (25 μM) did not significantly affect LEV-induced NSCs proliferation and differentiation. SIGNIFICANCE Our findings suggest that LEV may enhance rat embryonic neurogenesis mainly through an NMDA receptor-mediated mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohaddeseh Sadat Alavi
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Division of Neurocognitive Sciences, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Sajad Sahab Negah
- Neuroscience Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Ahmad Ghorbani
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Pharmacological Research Center of Medicinal Plants, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Azar Hosseini
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Pharmacological Research Center of Medicinal Plants, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Hamid R Sadeghnia
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Division of Neurocognitive Sciences, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Pharmacological Research Center of Medicinal Plants, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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Adult Human Multipotent Neural Cells Could Be Distinguished from Other Cell Types by Proangiogenic Paracrine Effects via MCP-1 and GRO. Stem Cells Int 2021; 2021:6737288. [PMID: 34434240 PMCID: PMC8380502 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6737288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Adult human multipotent neural cells (ahMNCs) are unique cells derived from adult human temporal lobes. They show multipotent differentiation potentials into neurons and astrocytes. In addition, they possess proangiogenic capacities. The objective of this study was to characterize ahMNCs in terms of expression of cell type-specific markers, in vitro differentiation potentials, and paracrine factors compared with several other cell types including fetal neural stem cells (fNSCs) to provide detailed molecular and functional features of ahMNCs. Interestingly, the expression of cell type-specific markers of ahMNCs could not be differentiated from those of pericytes, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), or fNSCs. In contrast, differentiation potentials of ahMNCs and fNSCs into neural cells were higher than those of other cell types. Compared with MSCs, ahMNCs showed lower differentiation capacities into osteogenic and adipogenic cells. Moreover, ahMNCs uniquely expressed higher levels of MCP-1 and GRO family paracrine factors than fNSCs and MSCs. These high levels of MCP-1 and GRO family mediated in vivo proangiogenic effects of ahMNCs. These results indicate that ahMNCs have their own distinct characteristics that could distinguish ahMNCs from other cell types. Characteristics of ahMNCs could be utilized further in the preclinical and clinical development of ahMNCs for regenerative medicine. They could also be used as experimental references for other cell types including fNSCs.
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Ruhnau J, Hübner S, Sunny D, Ittermann T, Hartmann MF, De Lafollie J, Wudy SA, Heckmann M. Impact of Gestational and Postmenstrual Age on Excretion of Fetal Zone Steroids in Preterm Infants Determined by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2021; 106:e3725-e3738. [PMID: 33822093 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgab194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Fetal zone steroids (FZSs) are excreted in high concentrations in preterm infants. Experimental data suggest protective effects of FZSs in models of neonatal disease. OBJECTIVE We aimed to characterize the postnatal FZS metabolome of well preterm and term infants. METHODS Twenty-four-hour urinary FZS excretion rates were determined in early preterm (<30 weeks' gestation), preterm (30-36 weeks), and term (>37 weeks) infants. Pregnenolone and 17-OH-pregnenolone metabolites (n = 5), and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate and metabolites (n = 12) were measured by gas chromatography mass spectrometry. Postnatal concentrations of FZSs were compared with already published prenatal concentrations in amniotic fluid. RESULTS Excretion rates of total FZSs and most of the single metabolites were highest in early preterm infants. In this group, excretion rates approach those of term infants at term equivalent postmenstrual age. Preterm infants of 30-36 weeks had more than half lower median excretion rates of FZSs than early preterm infants at the same time of postmenstrual age. Postnatal concentrations of FZSs were partly more than 100-fold higher in all gestational age groups than prenatal concentrations in amniotic fluid at midgestation. CONCLUSION The excretion rates of FZSs as a proxy of the involution of the fetal zone of the most immature preterm infants approached those of term infants at term equivalent. In contrast, the fetal zone in more mature preterm infants undergoes more rapid involution. These data in exclusively well neonates can serve as a basis to investigate the effects of illness on the FZS metabolome in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Ruhnau
- Department of Neurology, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Stephanie Hübner
- Department of Neonatology and Pediatric Intensive Care, University Medicine Greifswald, Sauerbruchstraße, 17475, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Donna Sunny
- Department of Neonatology and Pediatric Intensive Care, University Medicine Greifswald, Sauerbruchstraße, 17475, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Till Ittermann
- Institute for Community Medicine, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Michaela F Hartmann
- Paediatric Endocrinology & Diabetology, Laboratory for Translational Hormone Analytics, Steroid Research & Mass Spectrometry Unit, Center of Child and Adolescent Medicine, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Jan De Lafollie
- Department of General Pediatrics and Neonatology, Center of Child and Adolescent Medicine, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Stefan A Wudy
- Paediatric Endocrinology & Diabetology, Laboratory for Translational Hormone Analytics, Steroid Research & Mass Spectrometry Unit, Center of Child and Adolescent Medicine, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
- Department of General Pediatrics and Neonatology, Center of Child and Adolescent Medicine, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Matthias Heckmann
- Department of Neonatology and Pediatric Intensive Care, University Medicine Greifswald, Sauerbruchstraße, 17475, Greifswald, Germany
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14
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Tao T, Liu GJ, Shi X, Zhou Y, Lu Y, Gao YY, Zhang XS, Wang H, Wu LY, Chen CL, Zhuang Z, Li W, Hang CH. DHEA Attenuates Microglial Activation via Induction of JMJD3 in Experimental Subarachnoid Haemorrhage. J Neuroinflammation 2019; 16:243. [PMID: 31779639 PMCID: PMC6883548 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-019-1641-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2019] [Accepted: 11/14/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Microglia are resident immune cells in the central nervous system and central to the innate immune system. Excessive activation of microglia after subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) contributes greatly to early brain injury, which is responsible for poor outcomes. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a steroid hormone enriched in the brain, has recently been found to regulate microglial activation. The purpose of this study was to address the role of DHEA in SAH. Methods We used in vivo models of endovascular perforation and in vitro models of haemoglobin exposure to illustrate the effects of DHEA on microglia in SAH. Results In experimental SAH mice, exogenous DHEA administration increased DHEA levels in the brain and modulated microglial activation. Ameliorated neuronal damage and improved neurological outcomes were also observed in the SAH mice pretreated with DHEA, suggesting neuronal protective effects of DHEA. In cultured microglia, DHEA elevated the mRNA and protein levels of Jumonji d3 (JMJD3, histone 3 demethylase) after haemoglobin exposure, downregulated the H3K27me3 level, and inhibited the transcription of proinflammatory genes. The devastating proinflammatory microglia-mediated effects on primary neurons were also attenuated by DHEA; however, specific inhibition of JMJD3 abolished the protective effects of DHEA. We next verified that DHEA-induced JMJD3 expression, at least in part, through the tropomyosin-related kinase A (TrkA)/Akt signalling pathway. Conclusions DHEA has a neuroprotective effect after SAH. Moreover, DHEA increases microglial JMJD3 expression to regulate proinflammatory/anti-inflammatory microglial activation after haemoglobin exposure, thereby suppressing inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Tao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210008, Jiangsu, China
| | - Guang-Jie Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210008, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xuan Shi
- Department of Neurology, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yan Zhou
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210008, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yue Lu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210008, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Neurosurgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210008, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yong-Yue Gao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210008, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiang-Sheng Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100032, China
| | - Han Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210008, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ling-Yun Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210008, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Neurosurgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210008, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chun-Lei Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210008, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Neurosurgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210008, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zong Zhuang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210008, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Neurosurgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210008, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210008, Jiangsu, China. .,Department of Neurosurgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210008, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Chun-Hua Hang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210008, Jiangsu, China. .,Department of Neurosurgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210008, Jiangsu, China.
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15
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Morey RA, Davis SL, Haswell CC, Naylor JC, Kilts JD, Szabo ST, Shampine LJ, Parke GJ, Sun D, Swanson CA, Wagner HR, Marx CE. Widespread Cortical Thickness Is Associated With Neuroactive Steroid Levels. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:1118. [PMID: 31798395 PMCID: PMC6862925 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.01118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2019] [Accepted: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Neuroactive steroids are endogenous molecules with regenerative and neuroprotective actions. Both cortical thickness and many neuroactive steroid levels decline with age and are decreased in several neuropsychiatric disorders. However, a systematic examination of the relationship between serum neuroactive steroid levels and in vivo measures of cortical thickness in humans is lacking. Methods Peripheral serum levels of seven neuroactive steroids were assayed in United States military veterans. All (n = 143) subsequently underwent high-resolution structural MRI, followed by parcellelation of the cortical surface into 148 anatomically defined regions. Regression modeling was applied to test the association between neuroactive steroid levels and hemispheric total gray matter volume as well as region-specific cortical thickness. False discovery rate (FDR) correction was used to control for Type 1 error from multiple testing. Results Neuroactive steroid levels of allopregnanolone and pregnenolone were positively correlated with gray matter thickness in multiple regions of cingulate, parietal, and occipital association cortices (r = 0.20–0.47; p < 0.05; FDR-corrected). Conclusion Positive associations between serum neuroactive steroid levels and gray matter cortical thickness are found in multiple brain regions. If these results are confirmed, neuroactive steroid levels and cortical thickness may help in monitoring the clinical response in future intervention studies of neuroregenerative therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajendra A Morey
- Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, Durham VA Medical Center, U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, Durham, NC, United States.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States.,Brain Imaging and Analysis Center, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Sarah L Davis
- Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, Durham VA Medical Center, U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, Durham, NC, United States.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Courtney C Haswell
- Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, Durham VA Medical Center, U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, Durham, NC, United States.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Jennifer C Naylor
- Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, Durham VA Medical Center, U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, Durham, NC, United States.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Jason D Kilts
- Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, Durham VA Medical Center, U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, Durham, NC, United States.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Steven T Szabo
- Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, Durham VA Medical Center, U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, Durham, NC, United States.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Larry J Shampine
- Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, Durham VA Medical Center, U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, Durham, NC, United States.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Gillian J Parke
- Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, Durham VA Medical Center, U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, Durham, NC, United States.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Delin Sun
- Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, Durham VA Medical Center, U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, Durham, NC, United States.,Brain Imaging and Analysis Center, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Chelsea A Swanson
- Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, Durham VA Medical Center, U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, Durham, NC, United States.,Brain Imaging and Analysis Center, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Henry R Wagner
- Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, Durham VA Medical Center, U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, Durham, NC, United States.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States.,Brain Imaging and Analysis Center, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | | | - Christine E Marx
- Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, Durham VA Medical Center, U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, Durham, NC, United States.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
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16
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Bentley C, Hazeldine J, Greig C, Lord J, Foster M. Dehydroepiandrosterone: a potential therapeutic agent in the treatment and rehabilitation of the traumatically injured patient. BURNS & TRAUMA 2019; 7:26. [PMID: 31388512 PMCID: PMC6676517 DOI: 10.1186/s41038-019-0158-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2019] [Accepted: 05/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Severe injuries are the major cause of death in those aged under 40, mainly due to road traffic collisions. Endocrine, metabolic and immune pathways respond to limit the tissue damage sustained and initiate wound healing, repair and regeneration mechanisms. However, depending on age and sex, the response to injury and patient prognosis differ significantly. Glucocorticoids are catabolic and immunosuppressive and are produced as part of the stress response to injury leading to an intra-adrenal shift in steroid biosynthesis at the expense of the anabolic and immune enhancing steroid hormone dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulphated metabolite dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS). The balance of these steroids after injury appears to influence outcomes in injured humans, with high cortisol: DHEAS ratio associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Animal models of trauma, sepsis, wound healing, neuroprotection and burns have all shown a reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokines, improved survival and increased resistance to pathological challenges with DHEA supplementation. Human supplementation studies, which have focused on post-menopausal females, older adults, or adrenal insufficiency have shown that restoring the cortisol: DHEAS ratio improves wound healing, mood, bone remodelling and psychological well-being. Currently, there are no DHEA or DHEAS supplementation studies in trauma patients, but we review here the evidence for this potential therapeutic agent in the treatment and rehabilitation of the severely injured patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Conor Bentley
- NIHR Surgical Reconstruction and Microbiology Research Centre, University Hospital Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2WB UK
- School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- MRC-Arthritis Research UK Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, Birmingham University Medical School, Birmingham, B15 2TT UK
| | - Jon Hazeldine
- NIHR Surgical Reconstruction and Microbiology Research Centre, University Hospital Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2WB UK
- MRC-Arthritis Research UK Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, Birmingham University Medical School, Birmingham, B15 2TT UK
| | - Carolyn Greig
- School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Janet Lord
- NIHR Surgical Reconstruction and Microbiology Research Centre, University Hospital Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2WB UK
- MRC-Arthritis Research UK Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, Birmingham University Medical School, Birmingham, B15 2TT UK
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Mark Foster
- NIHR Surgical Reconstruction and Microbiology Research Centre, University Hospital Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2WB UK
- Royal Centre for Defence Medicine, Birmingham Research Park, Birmingham, B15 2SQ UK
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17
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Greaves RF, Wudy SA, Badoer E, Zacharin M, Hirst JJ, Quinn T, Walker DW. A tale of two steroids: The importance of the androgens DHEA and DHEAS for early neurodevelopment. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2019; 188:77-85. [PMID: 30557606 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2018.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2018] [Revised: 12/05/2018] [Accepted: 12/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
DHEA and DHEAS are neuroactive neurosteroids that interact with several major receptor systems in the brain, including sigma (σ), glutamate, and GABA-A receptors. It has been recognized as early as 1952, that the loss of DHEA/DHEAS in adult life is associated with neuropsychiatric disorders (eg schizophrenia, depression). However, the mechanistic role for DHEA/DHEAS in any of these domains remains speculative, not the least because the presence of these androgens in the adrenal gland and brain is largely confined to humans and only some non-human primates. DHEA and DHEAS are dynamically regulated from before birth and before the onset of puberty, and therefore an understanding of the synthesis, regulation, and functions of this important androgen pathway warrants attention. Here, we draw attention to the possible modulating influence of DHEA/DHEAS in early brain development from fetal life to the remarkable increase of these steroids in early childhood - the adrenarche. We propose that the pre-pubertal DHEA/DHEAS surge plays a key role in modulating early brain development, perhaps by prolonging brain plasticity during childhood to allow the pre-adolescent brain to adapt and re-wire in response to new, and ever-changing social challenges. Nonetheless, the aetiology of neurodevelopmental phenomena in relation to DHEA/DHEAS synthesis and action cannot be easily studied in humans due to the obvious ethical restrictions on mechanistic studies, the uncertainty of predicting the future mental characteristics of individuals, and the difficulty of conducting retrospective investigations based on pre-birth and/or neonatal complications. We discuss new opportunities for animal studies to resolve these important questions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronda F Greaves
- School of Health & Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University - Bundoora Campus, Melbourne, 3083, Australia; Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Victorian Clinical Genetics Services, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Stefan A Wudy
- Steroid Research & Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, Division of Pediatric Endocrinology & Diabetology, Center of Child and Adolescent Medicine, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Emilio Badoer
- School of Health & Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University - Bundoora Campus, Melbourne, 3083, Australia
| | - Margaret Zacharin
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia
| | - Jonathan J Hirst
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Mothers and Babies Research Centre, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Tracey Quinn
- Merck Serono Australia Pty Ltd, Frenchs Forest, NSW, 2086, Australia
| | - David W Walker
- School of Health & Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University - Bundoora Campus, Melbourne, 3083, Australia.
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18
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Quinn T, Greaves R, Badoer E, Walker D. DHEA in Prenatal and Postnatal Life: Implications for Brain and Behavior. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2018; 108:145-174. [PMID: 30029725 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2018.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulfated congener (DHEAS) are the principal C19 steroid produced by the adrenal gland in many mammals, including humans. It is secreted in high concentrations during fetal life, but synthesis decreases after birth until, in humans and some other primates, there is a prepubertal surge of DHEA production by the adrenal gland-a phenomenon known as adrenarche. There remains considerable uncertainty about the physiological role of DHEA and DHEAS. Moreover, the origin of the trophic drives that determine the waxing and waning of DHEA synthesis are poorly understood. These gaps in knowledge arise in some measure from the difficulty of understanding mechanistic determinants from observations made opportunistically in humans and primates, and have stimulated a search for other suitable species that exhibit adrenarche- and adrenopause-like changes of adrenal function. DHEA and DHEAS are clearly neuroactive steroids with actions at several neurotransmitter receptors; indeed, DHEA is now known to be also synthesized by many parts of the brain, and this capacity undergoes ontogenic changes, but whether this is dependent or independent of the changes in adrenal synthesis is unknown. In this chapter we review key contributions to this field over the last 50+ years, and speculate on the importance of DHEA for the brain, both during development and for maturation and aging of cerebral function and behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracey Quinn
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Monash Medical Centre, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Ronda Greaves
- School of Health & Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University-Bundoora Campus, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Emilio Badoer
- School of Health & Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University-Bundoora Campus, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - David Walker
- School of Health & Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University-Bundoora Campus, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
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19
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Saulite L, Vavers E, Zvejniece L, Dambrova M, Riekstina U. The Differentiation of Skin Mesenchymal Stem Cells Towards a Schwann Cell Phenotype: Impact of Sigma-1 Receptor Activation. Mol Neurobiol 2018; 55:2840-2850. [PMID: 28455697 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-017-0511-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2016] [Accepted: 04/04/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Neural crest stem cells (NCSCs) are the source of mature Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system (PNS). The NCSC population resides in the bulge of hair follicles and in the dermis. Recently, it was shown that 2-3% of the human dermis mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) population expresses the NCSC marker CD271, thus enabling the use of skin MSCs for studying Schwann cell differentiation in vitro. The aims of this study were to establish a protocol for human skin MSC differentiation towards Schwann cell-like cells (SC-lcs) and to analyse the expression of sigma-1 receptor (S1R) in SC-lcs. The impact of S1R ligands, namely the selective agonist PRE-084, the positive allosteric modulator E1R and the selective antagonist NE-100, on Schwann cell differentiation was assessed. The expression of the neuron-specific genes Tubulin-βIII and Integrin-6α, the Schwann cell-specific gene S100b, MBP and the NCSC-specific genes p75NTR, Sox10, Notch1, Integrin-4α, Ap2α and Pax6 was analysed in MSCs and SC-lcs by real-time RT-PCR. BDNF secretion was evaluated by ELISA. The effect of S1R ligands on SC-lc differentiation was measured using BDNF ELISA and MBP flow cytometry. After MSC differentiation, NCSC markers p75NTR and Integrin-4α were downregulated 3.5-fold and 2-fold, respectively. To the contrary, MBP and S100b were significantly upregulated in SC-lcs. S1R ligands showed a tendency to increase the secretion of BDNF by the SC-lc population. PRE-084 and E1R increased MBP expression in the SC-lc population, whereas 3 μM NE-100 inhibited MBP expression in SC-lcs. In conclusion, our data demonstrate that S1R plays an important role in skin MSC differentiation towards myelinating Schwann cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Saulite
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Latvia, Raina blvd. 19, Riga, LV-1586, Latvia
| | - E Vavers
- Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Pharmacology, Aizkraukles Street 21, Riga, Latvia
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Riga Stradins University, Dzirciema Street 16, Riga, Latvia
| | - L Zvejniece
- Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Pharmacology, Aizkraukles Street 21, Riga, Latvia
| | - M Dambrova
- Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Pharmacology, Aizkraukles Street 21, Riga, Latvia
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Riga Stradins University, Dzirciema Street 16, Riga, Latvia
| | - U Riekstina
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Latvia, Raina blvd. 19, Riga, LV-1586, Latvia.
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20
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Clark BJ, Prough RA, Klinge CM. Mechanisms of Action of Dehydroepiandrosterone. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2018; 108:29-73. [PMID: 30029731 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2018.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Dehydroepiandrosterone (3β-hydroxy-5-androsten-17-one, DHEA) and its sulfated metabolite DHEA-S are the most abundant steroids in circulation and decline with age. Rodent studies have shown that DHEA has a wide variety of effects on liver, kidney, adipose, reproductive tissues, and central nervous system/neuronal function. The mechanisms by which DHEA and DHEA-S impart their physiological effects may be direct actions on plasma membrane receptors, including a DHEA-specific, G-protein-coupled receptor in endothelial cells; various neuroreceptors, e.g., aminobutyric-acid-type A, N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA), and sigma-1 (S1R) receptors; by binding steroid receptors: androgen and estrogen receptors (ARs, ERα, or ERβ); or by their metabolism to more potent sex steroid hormones, e.g., testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, and estradiol, which bind with higher affinity to ARs and ERs. DHEA inhibits voltage-gated T-type calcium channels. DHEA activates peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPARα) and CAR by a mechanism apparently involving PP2A, a protein phosphatase dephosphorylating PPARα and CAR to activate their transcriptional activity. We review our recent study showing DHEA activated GPER1 (G-protein-coupled estrogen receptor 1) in HepG2 cells to stimulate miR-21 transcription. This chapter reviews some of the physiological, biochemical, and molecular mechanisms of DHEA and DHEA-S activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara J Clark
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Center for Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, United States
| | - Russell A Prough
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Center for Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, United States
| | - Carolyn M Klinge
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Center for Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, United States.
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21
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Nguyen TV. Developmental effects of androgens in the human brain. J Neuroendocrinol 2018; 30. [PMID: 28489322 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2017] [Revised: 05/03/2017] [Accepted: 05/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Neuroendocrine theories of brain development posit that androgens play a crucial role in sex-specific cortical growth, although little is known about the differential effects of testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) on cortico-limbic development and cognition during adolescence. In this context, the National Institutes of Health Study of Normal Brain Development, a longitudinal study of typically developing children and adolescents aged 4-24 years (n=433), offers a unique opportunity to examine the developmental effects of androgens on cortico-limbic maturation and cognition. Using data from this sample, our group found that higher testosterone levels were associated with left-sided decreases in cortical thickness (CTh) in post-pubertal boys, particularly in the prefrontal cortex, compared to right-sided increases in CTh in somatosensory areas in pre-pubertal girls. Prefrontal-amygdala and prefrontal-hippocampal structural covariance (considered to reflect structural connectivity) also varied according to testosterone levels, with the testosterone-related brain phenotype predicting higher aggression levels and lower executive function, particularly in boys. By contrast, DHEA was associated with a pre-pubertal increase in CTh of several regions involved in cognitive control in both boys and girls. Covariance within several cortico-amygdalar structural networks also varied as a function of DHEA levels, with the DHEA-related brain phenotype predicting improvements in visual attention in both boys and girls. DHEA-related cortico-hippocampal structural covariance, on the other hand, predicted higher scores on a test of working memory. Interestingly, there were significant interactions between testosterone and DHEA, such that DHEA tended to mitigate the anti-proliferative effects of testosterone on brain structure. In sum, testosterone-related effects on the developing brain may lead to detrimental effects on cortical functions (ie, higher aggression and lower executive function), whereas DHEA-related effects may optimise cortical functions (ie, better attention and working memory), perhaps by decreasing the influence of amygdalar and hippocampal afferents on cortical functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- T-V Nguyen
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics-Gynecology, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
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22
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Veetil AT, Chakraborty K, Xiao K, Minter MR, Sisodia SS, Krishnan Y. Cell-targetable DNA nanocapsules for spatiotemporal release of caged bioactive small molecules. NATURE NANOTECHNOLOGY 2017; 12:1183-1189. [PMID: 28825714 DOI: 10.1038/nnano.2017.159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2017] [Accepted: 07/06/2017] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Achieving triggered release of small molecules with spatial and temporal precision at designated cells within an organism remains a challenge. By combining a cell-targetable, icosahedral DNA-nanocapsule loaded with photoresponsive polymers, we show cytosolic delivery of small molecules with the spatial resolution of single endosomes in specific cells in Caenorhabditis elegans. Our technology can report on the extent of small molecules released after photoactivation as well as pinpoint the location at which uncaging of the molecules occurred. We apply this technology to release dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a neurosteroid that promotes neurogenesis and neuron survival, and determined the timescale of neuronal activation by DHEA, using light-induced release of DHEA from targeted DNA nanocapsules. Importantly, sequestration inside the DNA capsule prevents photocaged DHEA from activating neurons prematurely. Our methodology can in principle be generalized to diverse neurostimulatory molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aneesh T Veetil
- Department of Chemistry, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA
- Grossman Institute of Neuroscience, Quantitative Biology and Human Behaviour, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA
| | - Kasturi Chakraborty
- Department of Chemistry, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA
- Grossman Institute of Neuroscience, Quantitative Biology and Human Behaviour, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA
| | - Kangni Xiao
- Department of Chemistry, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA
- Grossman Institute of Neuroscience, Quantitative Biology and Human Behaviour, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA
| | - Myles R Minter
- Grossman Institute of Neuroscience, Quantitative Biology and Human Behaviour, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA
- The Microbiome Center, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA
| | - Sangram S Sisodia
- Grossman Institute of Neuroscience, Quantitative Biology and Human Behaviour, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA
- The Microbiome Center, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA
| | - Yamuna Krishnan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA
- Grossman Institute of Neuroscience, Quantitative Biology and Human Behaviour, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA
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23
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Qi XR, Luchetti S, Verwer RWH, Sluiter AA, Mason MRJ, Zhou JN, Swaab DF. Alterations in the steroid biosynthetic pathways in the human prefrontal cortex in mood disorders: A post-mortem study. Brain Pathol 2017; 28:536-547. [PMID: 28752602 DOI: 10.1111/bpa.12548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2017] [Accepted: 07/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Altered levels of steroids have been reported in the brain, cerebral spinal fluid and plasma of patients with mood disorders. Neuroimaging studies have reported both functional and structural alterations in mood disorders, for instance in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). In order to determine whether the endogenous production of steroids is altered in the ACC and DLPFC of patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) or bipolar disorder (BPD), quantitative real-time PCR was performed to detect mRNA expression level of key enzymes in the steroid biosynthetic pathways. In MDD, a significant decrease in mRNA level of cytochrome P450 17A1 (CYP17A1, synthesizing C19 ketosteroids) in the ACC and a significant increase in mRNA levels of hydroxysteroid sulfotransferase 2A1 [SULT2A1, catalyzing the sulfate conjugation of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)] were observed in the DLPFC, suggesting alterations in DHEA and its sulfate metabolite DHEAS levels. Decreased intensity and distribution of CYP17A1 immunohistochemical staining was found in the ACC of MDD patients. Interestingly, there was a significant positive correlation between the mRNA levels of CYP17A1 and tyrosine-related kinase B (TrkB) full length isoform. In a unique post-mortem human brain slice culture paradigm, BDNF mRNA expression was found to be significantly increased following incubation with DHEA. Together, these data indicate a close relationship between DHEA and BDNF-TrkB pathways in depression. Furthermore, in the DLPFC, higher mRNA levels of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase-1 (HSD11B1, reducing cortisone to the active hormone cortisol) and steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (STAR, facilitating the shuttle of cholesterol through the intermembrane space) were found in the MDD patients and BPD patients, respectively. In conclusion, this study suggests the presence of a disturbance in the endogenous synthesis of DHEA and DHEAS in mood disorders, which has a close relationship with BDNF-TrkB signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Rui Qi
- Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, An Institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Diseases, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, P. R. China
| | - Sabina Luchetti
- Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, An Institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Ronald W H Verwer
- Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, An Institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Arja A Sluiter
- Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, An Institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Matthew R J Mason
- Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, An Institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jiang-Ning Zhou
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Diseases, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, P. R. China
| | - Dick F Swaab
- Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, An Institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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24
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Polymorphisms of STS gene and SULT2A1 gene and neurosteroid levels in Han Chinese boys with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: an exploratory investigation. Sci Rep 2017; 7:45595. [PMID: 28367959 PMCID: PMC5377367 DOI: 10.1038/srep45595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2017] [Accepted: 02/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This study examined the relationships among polymorphisms of the STS gene and SULT2A1 gene, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulfated form (DHEA-S), and characteristics of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). We used cheek swabs to obtain the genomic DNA of 200 ADHD male probands (mean age: 8.7 years), 192 patients’ mothers and 157 patients’ fathers. Three SNPs in the STS gene (rs6639786, rs2270112, and rs17268988) and one SNP in the SULT2A1 gene (rs182420) were genotyped. Saliva samples were collected from the ADHD patients to analyze DHEA and DHEA-S levels. The behavioral symptoms were evaluated with the Swanson, Nolan, and Pelham, and Version IV Scale for ADHD (SNAP-IV), and the neuropsychological function was assessed using the Conners’ Continuous Performance Tests (CPT). We found the C allele of rs2270112 within the STS gene to be over-transmitted in males with ADHD. Polymorphisms of rs182420 within the SULT2A1 gene were not associated with ADHD. In addition, the C allele carriers of rs2270112 demonstrated significantly higher DHEA-S levels than the G allele carriers. Levels of DHEA were positively correlated with attention as measured by the CPT. These findings support a potential role in the underlying biological pathogenesis of ADHD with regard to STS polymorphisms and neurosteroid levels.
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25
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Kamin HS, Kertes DA. Cortisol and DHEA in development and psychopathology. Horm Behav 2017; 89:69-85. [PMID: 27979632 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2016.11.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 167] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2016] [Revised: 11/19/2016] [Accepted: 11/30/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and cortisol are the most abundant hormones of the human fetal and adult adrenals released as end products of a tightly coordinated endocrine response to stress. Together, they mediate short- and long-term stress responses and enable physiological and behavioral adjustments necessary for maintaining homeostasis. Detrimental effects of chronic or repeated elevations in cortisol on behavioral and emotional health are well documented. Evidence for actions of DHEA that offset or oppose those of cortisol has stimulated interest in examining their levels as a ratio, as an alternate index of adrenocortical activity and the net effects of cortisol. Such research necessitates a thorough understanding of the co-actions of these hormones on physiological functioning and in association with developmental outcomes. This review addresses the state of the science in understanding the role of DHEA, cortisol, and their ratio in typical development and developmental psychopathology. A rationale for studying DHEA and cortisol in concert is supported by physiological data on the coordinated synthesis and release of these hormones in the adrenal and by their opposing physiological actions. We then present evidence that researching cortisol and DHEA necessitates a developmental perspective. Age-related changes in DHEA and cortisol are described from the perinatal period through adolescence, along with observed associations of these hormones with developmental psychopathology. Along the way, we identify several major knowledge gaps in the role of DHEA in modulating cortisol in typical development and developmental psychopathology with implications for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayley S Kamin
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Darlene A Kertes
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA; University of Florida Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA.
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26
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Ohana D, Maayan R, Delayahu Y, Roska P, Ponizovsky AM, Weizman A, Yadid G, Yechiam E. Effect of dehydroepiandrosterone add-on therapy on mood, decision making and subsequent relapse of polydrug users. Addict Biol 2016; 21:885-94. [PMID: 25818161 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
A major problem in the treatment of addiction is predicting and preventing relapse following a rehabilitation program. Recently, in preclinical rodent studies dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) was found to markedly improve the resistance to drug reuse. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study, we examined the effect of DHEA on relapse rates in adult polydrug users taking part in a detoxification program enriched with intensive psychosocial interventions and aftercare. During treatment, participants (79 percent males, mean age 28) consumed DHEA (100 mg/day) or placebo daily for at least 30 days. Of the 121 initial volunteers, 64 participated for at least 1 month. While in treatment, DHEA reduced negative affect on the Positive and Negative Affect Scale (F = 4.25, P = 0.04). Furthermore, in a 16-month follow-up, we found that reuse rates in the DHEA condition were about a third compared with placebo (12 versus 38 percent; χ(2) = 5.03, P = 0.02). DHEA treatment also resulted in an increase in DHEA sulfate (DHEA-S) 1 month following treatment, and the level of DHEA-S predicted relapse in the follow-up assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Ohana
- Max Wertheimer Minerva Center; Technion-Israel Institute of Technology; Israel
- Gonda Multidisciplinary Brain Research Center; Bar Ilan University; Israel
| | - Rachel Maayan
- Laboratory of Biological Psychiatry; Felsenstein Medical Research Center; Research Unit; Geha Mental Health Center; Tel-Aviv University; Israel
| | - Yael Delayahu
- Laboratory of Biological Psychiatry; Felsenstein Medical Research Center; Research Unit; Geha Mental Health Center; Tel-Aviv University; Israel
- Abarbanel Mental Health Center; Israel
| | - Paola Roska
- Department for the Treatment of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services; Israeli Ministry of Health; Israel
- Hebrew University; Israel
| | - Alexander M. Ponizovsky
- Department for the Treatment of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services; Israeli Ministry of Health; Israel
| | - Abraham Weizman
- Laboratory of Biological Psychiatry; Felsenstein Medical Research Center; Research Unit; Geha Mental Health Center; Tel-Aviv University; Israel
| | - Gal Yadid
- Gonda Multidisciplinary Brain Research Center; Bar Ilan University; Israel
| | - Eldad Yechiam
- Max Wertheimer Minerva Center; Technion-Israel Institute of Technology; Israel
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27
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Karout M, Miesch M, Geoffroy P, Kraft S, Hofmann HD, Mensah-Nyagan AG, Kirsch M. Novel analogs of allopregnanolone show improved efficiency and specificity in neuroprotection and stimulation of proliferation. J Neurochem 2016; 139:782-794. [PMID: 27256158 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.13693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2015] [Revised: 05/04/2016] [Accepted: 05/24/2016] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The natural neurosteroid allopregnanolone exerts beneficial effects in animal models of neurodegenerative diseases, nervous system injury and peripheral neuropathies. It not only has anti-apoptotic activity, but also promotes proliferation of progenitor cells. With respect to using it as a therapeutic tool, such pleiotropic actions might create unwanted side effects. Therefore, we have synthesized allopregnanolone analogs and analyzed their neuroprotective and proliferative effects to identify compounds with higher efficiency and less ambiguous biological actions. Proliferation-promoting effects of 3α and 3β isomers of 3-O-allyl-allopregnanolone and 12 oxo-allopregnanolone were studied in adult subventricular zone stem cell cultures and in primary hippocampal cultures by measuring 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine incorporation. Neuroprotective activity against amyloid beta 42-induced cell death was determined by quantifying caspase 3/7 activity. The 3α isomers significantly stimulated proliferation in all culture systems, whereas the 3β isomers were ineffective. The stimulatory effect of 3α-O-allyl-allopregnanolone was significantly higher than that of allopregnanolone. In neural stem cell cultures, 3α-O-allyl-allopregnanolone specifically enhanced proliferation of Nestin-positive progenitors. In addition, it promoted the differentiation of doublecortin-positive neurons. In neural stem cell cultures treated with amyloid beta 42, both the α and β isomers of O-allyl- allopregnanolone showed increased neuroprotective activity as compared to allopregnanolone, completely preventing amyloid-induced caspase 3/7 activation. The 12 oxo-allopregnanolone analogs were ineffective. These results identify structural allopregnanolone analogs with higher anti-apoptotic and proliferation-promoting activity than the natural neurosteroid. Interestingly, stereoisomers of the analogs were found to have distinct profiles of activity raising the possibility of exploiting the neuroprotective properties of neurosteroids with or without simultaneously stimulating neurogenesis. Cover Image for this issue: doi: 10.1111/jnc.13344.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona Karout
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Department of Neuroanatomy, ZfN, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Albertstr. 23, D-79104, Freiburg, Germany.,Biopathologie de la Myéline, Neuroprotection et Stratégies Thérapeutiques, INSERM U1119, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Michel Miesch
- Laboratoire de Chimie Organique Synthétique, UMR 7177, Institut de Chimie de l'Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Philippe Geoffroy
- Laboratoire de Chimie Organique Synthétique, UMR 7177, Institut de Chimie de l'Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Stephanie Kraft
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Department of Neuroanatomy, ZfN, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Albertstr. 23, D-79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Hans-Dieter Hofmann
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Department of Neuroanatomy, ZfN, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Albertstr. 23, D-79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ayikoe Guy Mensah-Nyagan
- Biopathologie de la Myéline, Neuroprotection et Stratégies Thérapeutiques, INSERM U1119, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Matthias Kirsch
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Department of Neuroanatomy, ZfN, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Albertstr. 23, D-79104, Freiburg, Germany
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28
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Azari H, Reynolds BA. In Vitro Models for Neurogenesis. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2016; 8:cshperspect.a021279. [PMID: 26438595 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a021279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The process of generating new neurons of different phenotype and function from undifferentiated stem and progenitor cells starts at very early stages of development and continues in discrete regions of the mammalian nervous system throughout life. Understanding mechanisms underlying neuronal cell development, biology, function, and interaction with other cells, especially in the neurogenic niche of fully developed adults, is important in defining and developing new therapeutic regimes in regenerative neuroscience. Studying these complex and dynamic processes in vivo is challenging because of the complexity of the nervous system and the presence of many known and unknown confounding variables. However, the challenges could be overcome with simple and robust in vitro models that more or less recapitulate the in vivo events. In this work, we will present an overview of present available in vitro cell-based models of neurogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassan Azari
- Department of Neurosurgery, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611 Neural Stem Cell and Regenerative Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Anatomical Sciences & Shiraz Stem Cell Institute, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Brent A Reynolds
- Department of Neurosurgery, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611
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29
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Liu L, Wang D, Li L, Ding X, Ma H. Dehydroepiandrosterone inhibits cell proliferation and improves viability by regulating S phase and mitochondrial permeability in primary rat Leydig cells. Mol Med Rep 2016; 14:705-14. [PMID: 27220727 PMCID: PMC4918596 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2016.5343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2015] [Accepted: 05/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is widely used as a nutritional supplement and exhibits putative anti-aging properties. However, the molecular basis of the actions of DHEA, particularly on the biological characteristics of target cells, remain unclear. The aim of the current study was to investigate the effects of DHEA on cell viability, cell proliferation, cell cycle and mitochondrial function in primary rat Leydig cells. Adult Leydig cells were purified by Percoll gradient centrifugation, and cell proliferation was detected using a Click-iT® EdU Assay kit and cell cycle assessment performed using flow cytometry. Mitochondrial membrane potential was detected using JC-1 staining assay. The results of the current study demonstrate that DHEA decreased cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner, whereas it improved cell viability in a time-dependent and dose-dependent manner. Flow cytometry analysis demonstrated that DHEA treatment increased the S phase cell population and decreased the G2/M cell population. Cyclin A and CDK2 mRNA levels were decreased in primary rat Leydig cells following DHEA treatment. DHEA treatment decreased the transmembrane electrical gradient in primary Leydig cells, whereas treatment significantly increased succinate dehydrogenase activity. These results indicated that DHEA inhibits primary rat Leydig cell proliferation by decreasing cyclin mRNA level, whereas it improves cells viability by modulating the permeability of the mitochondrial membrane and succinate dehydrogenase activity. These findings may demonstrate an important molecular mechanism by which DHEA activity is mediated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Liu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology and Biochemistry, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210095, P.R. China
| | - Dian Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology and Biochemistry, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210095, P.R. China
| | - Longlong Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology and Biochemistry, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210095, P.R. China
| | - Xiao Ding
- Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology and Biochemistry, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210095, P.R. China
| | - Haitian Ma
- Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology and Biochemistry, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210095, P.R. China
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30
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Prough RA, Clark BJ, Klinge CM. Novel mechanisms for DHEA action. J Mol Endocrinol 2016; 56:R139-55. [PMID: 26908835 DOI: 10.1530/jme-16-0013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2016] [Accepted: 02/23/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Dehydroepiandrosterone (3β-hydroxy-5-androsten-17-one, DHEA), secreted by the adrenal cortex, gastrointestinal tract, gonads, and brain, and its sulfated metabolite DHEA-S are the most abundant endogeneous circulating steroid hormones. DHEA actions are classically associated with age-related changes in cardiovascular tissues, female fertility, metabolism, and neuronal/CNS functions. Early work on DHEA action focused on the metabolism to more potent sex hormones, testosterone and estradiol, and the subsequent effect on the activation of the androgen and estrogen steroid receptors. However, it is now clear that DHEA and DHEA-S act directly as ligands for many hepatic nuclear receptors and G-protein-coupled receptors. In addition, it can function to mediate acute cell signaling pathways. This review summarizes the molecular mechanisms by which DHEA acts in cells and animal models with a focus on the 'novel' and physiological modes of DHEA action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Russell A Prough
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular GeneticsCenter for Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Barbara J Clark
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular GeneticsCenter for Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Carolyn M Klinge
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular GeneticsCenter for Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA
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31
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Quinn TA, Ratnayake U, Dickinson H, Castillo-Melendez M, Walker DW. Ontogenetic Change in the Regional Distribution of Dehydroepiandrosterone-Synthesizing Enzyme and the Glucocorticoid Receptor in the Brain of the Spiny Mouse (Acomys cahirinus). Dev Neurosci 2015; 38:54-73. [PMID: 26501835 DOI: 10.1159/000438986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2015] [Accepted: 07/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The androgen dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) has trophic and anti-glucocorticoid actions on brain growth. The adrenal gland of the spiny mouse (Acomys cahirinus) synthesizes DHEA. The aim of this study was to determine whether the brain of this precocial species is also able to produce DHEA de novo during fetal, neonatal and adult life. The expression of P450c17 and cytochrome b5 (Cytb5), the enzyme and accessory protein responsible for the synthesis of DHEA, was determined in fetal, neonatal and adult brains by immunocytochemistry, and P450c17 bioactivity was determined by the conversion of pregnenolone to DHEA. Homogenates of fetal brain produced significantly more DHEA after 48 h in culture (22.46 ± 2.0 ng/mg tissue) than adult brain homogenates (5.04 ± 2.0 ng/mg tissue; p < 0.0001). P450c17 and Cytb5 were co-expressed in fetal neurons but predominantly in oligodendrocytes and white matter tracts in the adult brain. Because DHEA modulates glucocorticoids actions, the expression of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) was also determined. In the brainstem, medulla, midbrain, and cerebellum, the predominant GR localization changed from neurons in the fetal brain to oligodendrocytes and white matter tracts in the adult brain. The change of expression of P450c17, Cytb5 and GR proteins with cell type, brain region and developmental age indicates that DHEA is an endogenous neurosteroid in this species that may have important trophic and stress-modifying actions during both prenatal and postnatal life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracey A Quinn
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
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32
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Shoemaker LD, Kornblum HI. Neural Stem Cells (NSCs) and Proteomics. Mol Cell Proteomics 2015; 15:344-54. [PMID: 26494823 PMCID: PMC4739658 DOI: 10.1074/mcp.o115.052704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Neural stem cells (NSCs) can self-renew and give rise to the major cell types of the CNS. Studies of NSCs include the investigation of primary, CNS-derived cells as well as animal and human embryonic stem cell (ESC)-derived and induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived sources. NSCs provide a means with which to study normal neural development, neurodegeneration, and neurological disease and are clinically relevant sources for cellular repair to the damaged and diseased CNS. Proteomics studies of NSCs have the potential to delineate molecules and pathways critical for NSC biology and the means by which NSCs can participate in neural repair. In this review, we provide a background to NSC biology, including the means to obtain them and the caveats to these processes. We then focus on advances in the proteomic interrogation of NSCs. This includes the analysis of posttranslational modifications (PTMs); approaches to analyzing different proteomic compartments, such the secretome; as well as approaches to analyzing temporal differences in the proteome to elucidate mechanisms of differentiation. We also discuss some of the methods that will undoubtedly be useful in the investigation of NSCs but which have not yet been applied to the field. While many proteomics studies of NSCs have largely catalogued the proteome or posttranslational modifications of specific cellular states, without delving into specific functions, some have led to understandings of functional processes or identified markers that could not have been identified via other means. Many challenges remain in the field, including the precise identification and standardization of NSCs used for proteomic analyses, as well as how to translate fundamental proteomics studies to functional biology. The next level of investigation will require interdisciplinary approaches, combining the skills of those interested in the biochemistry of proteomics with those interested in modulating NSC function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorelei D Shoemaker
- From the ‡Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford Neuromolecular Innovation Program, Stanford University, 300 Pasteur Drive, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Harley I Kornblum
- §NPI-Semel Institute for Neuroscience & Human Behavior, Departments of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, and of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, The Molecular Biology Institute, Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, and The Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los, Angeles, CA 90095
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Bernau K, Lewis CM, Petelinsek AM, Reagan MS, Niles DJ, Mattis VB, Meyerand ME, Suzuki M, Svendsen CN. In Vivo Tracking of Human Neural Progenitor Cells in the Rat Brain Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging Is Not Enhanced by Ferritin Expression. Cell Transplant 2015; 25:575-92. [PMID: 26160767 DOI: 10.3727/096368915x688614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Rapid growth in the field of stem cell research has generated a lot of interest in their therapeutic use, especially in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Specifically, human neural progenitor cells (hNPCs), unique in their capability to differentiate into cells of the neural lineage, have been widely investigated due to their ability to survive, thrive, and migrate toward injured tissues. Still, one of the major roadblocks for clinical applicability arises from the inability to monitor these cells following transplantation. Molecular imaging techniques, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), have been explored to assess hNPC transplant location, migration, and survival. Here we investigated whether inducing hNPCs to overexpress ferritin (hNPCs(Fer)), an iron storage protein, is sufficient to track these cells long term in the rat striatum using MRI. We found that increased hypointensity on MRI images could establish hNPC(Fer) location. Unexpectedly, however, wild-type hNPC transplants were detected in a similar manner, which is likely due to increased iron accumulation following transplantation-induced damage. Hence, we labeled hNPCs with superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) nanoparticles to further increase iron content in an attempt to enhance cell contrast in MRI. SPIO-labeling of hNPCs (hNPCs-SPIO) achieved increased hypointensity, with significantly greater area of decreased T2* compared to hNPC(Fer) (p < 0.0001) and all other controls used. However, none of the techniques could be used to determine graft rejection in vivo, which is imperative for understanding cell behavior following transplantation. We conclude that in order for cell survival to be monitored in preclinical and clinical settings, another molecular imaging technique must be employed, including perhaps multimodal imaging, which would utilize MRI along with another imaging modality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ksenija Bernau
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Madison, WI, USA
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Jin JL, Fang M, Zhao YX, Liu XY. Roles of sigma-1 receptors in Alzheimer's disease. Int J Clin Exp Med 2015; 8:4808-4820. [PMID: 26131055 PMCID: PMC4484039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2015] [Accepted: 04/03/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder and the leading cause of senile dementia all over the world. Still no existing drugs can effectively reverse the cognitive impairment. However, Sigma-1 (σ-1) receptors have been long implicated in multiple neurological and psychiatric conditions over these years. In this review, we discuss the current understanding of σ-1 receptor functions. Through regulation of lipid rafts, secretases, kinases, neuroceptors and ion channels, σ-1 receptors can influence cellular signal transduction, TCA cycle, oxidative stress, neuron plasticity and neurotransmitter release etc. Based on this, we suggest the key cellular mechanisms linking σ-1 receptor to Alzheimer's disease. Besides, we detail the evidences showing that σ-1 receptors agonists, being the promising compounds for treatment of cognitive dysfunction, exhibit robust neuroprotection and anti-amnesia effect against Aβ neurotoxicity in the progress of Alzheimer's disease. The evidence comes from animal models, preclinical studies in humans and full clinical trials. In addition, the questions to be solved regarding this receptor are also presented. When concerned with NMDAR, σ-1 receptor activation may result in two totally different influences on AD. Utilization of σ-1 agents early in AD remains an overlooked therapeutic opportunity. This article may pave the way for further studies about sigma-1 receptor on Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Li Jin
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University, School of Medicine China
| | - Min Fang
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University, School of Medicine China
| | - Yan-Xin Zhao
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University, School of Medicine China
| | - Xue-Yuan Liu
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University, School of Medicine China
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35
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Samaras N, Samaras D, Frangos E, Forster A, Philippe J. A review of age-related dehydroepiandrosterone decline and its association with well-known geriatric syndromes: is treatment beneficial? Rejuvenation Res 2014; 16:285-94. [PMID: 23647054 DOI: 10.1089/rej.2013.1425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulfate ester are the most abundant steroids in humans. DHEA levels fall with age in men and women, reaching values sometimes as low as 10%-20% of those encountered in young individuals. This age-related decrease suggests an "adrenopause" phenomenon. Studies point toward several potential roles of DHEA, mainly through its hormonal end products, making this decline clinically relevant. Unfortunately, even if positive effects of DHEA on muscle, bone, cardiovascular disease, and sexual function seem rather robust, extremely few studies are large enough and/or long enough for conclusions regarding its effects on aging. Moreover, because it has been publically presented as a "fountain of youth" equivalent, over-the-counter preparations lacking pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic data are widely used worldwide. Conceptually, supplementing a pre-hormone is extremely interesting, because it would permit the human organism to adequately use it throughout long periods, increasing or decreasing end products according to his needs. Nevertheless, data on the safety profile of long-term DHEA supplementation are still lacking. In this article, we examine the potential relation between low DHEA levels and well-known age-related diseases, such as sarcopenia, osteoporosis, dementia, sexual disorders, and cardiovascular disease. We also review risks and benefits of existing protocols of DHEA supplementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos Samaras
- Department of Internal Medicine, Rehabilitation and Geriatrics, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland.
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Bernau K, Lewis CM, Petelinsek AM, Benink HA, Zimprich CA, Meyerand ME, Suzuki M, Svendsen CN. In vivo tracking of human neural progenitor cells in the rat brain using bioluminescence imaging. J Neurosci Methods 2014; 228:67-78. [PMID: 24675049 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2014.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2013] [Revised: 03/13/2014] [Accepted: 03/14/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stem cell therapies appear promising for treating certain neurodegenerative disorders and molecular imaging methods that track these cells in vivo could answer some key questions regarding their survival and migration. Bioluminescence imaging (BLI), which relies on luciferase expression in these cells, has been used for this purpose due to its high sensitivity. NEW METHOD In this study, we employ BLI to track luciferase-expressing human neural progenitor cells (hNPC(Luc2)) in the rat striatum long-term. RESULTS We show that hNPC(Luc2) are detectable in the rat striatum. Furthermore, we demonstrate that using this tracking method, surviving grafts can be detected in vivo for up to 12 weeks, while those that were rejected do not produce bioluminescence signal. We also demonstrate the ability to discern hNPC(Luc2) contralateral migration. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHODS Some of the advantages of BLI compared to other imaging methods used to track progenitor/stem cells include its sensitivity and specificity, low background signal and ability to distinguish surviving grafts from rejected ones over the long term while the blood-brain barrier remains intact. CONCLUSIONS These new findings may be useful in future preclinical applications developing cell-based treatments for neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ksenija Bernau
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, 4325a Veterinary Medicine Building, 2015 Linden Dr., Madison, WI 53706, USA.
| | - Christina M Lewis
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1005 Wisconsin Institute for Medical Research, 1111 Highland Ave., Madison, WI 53705, USA.
| | - Anna M Petelinsek
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, 4325a Veterinary Medicine Building, 2015 Linden Dr., Madison, WI 53706, USA.
| | - Hélène A Benink
- Promega Corporation, 2800 Woods Hollow Rd., Fitchburg, WI 53711, USA.
| | - Chad A Zimprich
- Promega Corporation, 2800 Woods Hollow Rd., Fitchburg, WI 53711, USA.
| | - M Elizabeth Meyerand
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1129 Wisconsin Institute for Medical Research, 1111 Highland Ave., Madison, WI 53705, USA.
| | - Masatoshi Suzuki
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, 4124 Veterinary Medicine Building, 2015 Linden Dr., Madison, WI 53706, USA.
| | - Clive N Svendsen
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, 5009 Wisconsin Institute for Medical Research, 1111 Highland Ave., Madison, WI 53705, USA.
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Zhang BL, Song LX, Li YF, Li YL, Guo YZ, Zhang E, Liu HM. Synthesis and biological evaluation of dehydroepiandrosterone-fused thiazole, imidazo[2,1-b]thiazole, pyridine steroidal analogues. Steroids 2014; 80:92-101. [PMID: 24355392 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2013.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2013] [Revised: 12/02/2013] [Accepted: 12/09/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
A series of steroidal[17,16-d]thiazole, steroidal[1,2-b]pyridine and steroidal[17,16-d]thiazole[2,1-b]imidazo products were synthesized through a convenient and productive method. Anti-proliferation activity against EC109 (human esophageal carcinoma), EC9706 (human esophageal carcinoma) and MGC-803 (human gastric carcinoma) cell lines was examined in vitro. Among the screened compounds, several highly potential compounds were located.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bao-Le Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and New Drug Research & Development Center, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, PR China
| | - Li-Xing Song
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and New Drug Research & Development Center, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, PR China
| | - Ya-Fei Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and New Drug Research & Development Center, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, PR China
| | - Yi-Lei Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and New Drug Research & Development Center, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, PR China
| | - Ya-Zhuo Guo
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and New Drug Research & Development Center, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, PR China
| | - En Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and New Drug Research & Development Center, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, PR China
| | - Hong-Min Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and New Drug Research & Development Center, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, PR China.
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Dehydroepiandrosterone stimulates nerve growth factor and brain derived neurotrophic factor in cortical neurons. Adv Pharmacol Sci 2013; 2013:506191. [PMID: 24381588 PMCID: PMC3867952 DOI: 10.1155/2013/506191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2013] [Revised: 10/15/2013] [Accepted: 10/15/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to the increasing cases of neurodegenerative diseases in recent years, the eventual goal of nerve repair is very important. One approach for achieving a neuronal cell induction is by regenerative pharmacology. Nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) are neurotrophins that play roles in neuronal development, differentiation, and protection. On the other hand, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a neurosteroid which has multiple actions in the nervous system. DHEA could be an important agent in regenerative pharmacology for neuronal differentiation during tissue regeneration. In this study, we investigated the possible role of DHEA to modulate NGF and BDNF production. The in vivo level of neurotrophins expression was demonstrated by ELISA in rat harvested brain cortex. Also neurotrophins expression after DHEA treatment was revealed by the increased neurite extension, immunostaining, and BrdU labeling in rats. Anti-NGF and anti-BDNF antibodies were used as suppressive agents on neurogenesis. The results showed that NGF and BDNF are overproduced after DHEA treatment but there is not any overexpression for NT-3 and NT-4. Also DHEA increased neurite extension and neural cell proliferation significantly. Overall, DHEA might induce NGF and BDNF neurotrophins overproduction in cortical neurons which promotes neural cell protection, survival, and proliferation.
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39
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Interactive effects of dehydroepiandrosterone and testosterone on cortical thickness during early brain development. J Neurosci 2013; 33:10840-8. [PMID: 23804104 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.5747-12.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Humans and the great apes are the only species demonstrated to exhibit adrenarche, a key endocrine event associated with prepubertal increases in the adrenal production of androgens, most significantly dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and to a certain degree testosterone. Adrenarche also coincides with the emergence of the prosocial and neurobehavioral skills of middle childhood and may therefore represent a human-specific stage of development. Both DHEA and testosterone have been reported in animal and in vitro studies to enhance neuronal survival and programmed cell death depending on the timing, dose, and hormonal context involved, and to potentially compete for the same signaling pathways. Yet no extant brain-hormone studies have examined the interaction between DHEA- and testosterone-related cortical maturation in humans. Here, we used linear mixed models to examine changes in cortical thickness associated with salivary DHEA and testosterone levels in a longitudinal sample of developmentally healthy children and adolescents 4-22 years old. DHEA levels were associated with increases in cortical thickness of the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, right temporoparietal junction, right premotor and right entorhinal cortex between the ages of 4-13 years, a period marked by the androgenic changes of adrenarche. There was also an interaction between DHEA and testosterone on cortical thickness of the right cingulate cortex and occipital pole that was most significant in prepubertal subjects. DHEA and testosterone appear to interact and modulate the complex process of cortical maturation during middle childhood, consistent with evidence at the molecular level of fast/nongenomic and slow/genomic or conversion-based mechanisms underlying androgen-related brain development.
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40
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Hochberg Z, Belsky J. Evo-devo of human adolescence: beyond disease models of early puberty. BMC Med 2013; 11:113. [PMID: 23627891 PMCID: PMC3639027 DOI: 10.1186/1741-7015-11-113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2012] [Accepted: 11/30/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite substantial heritability in pubertal development, much variation remains to be explained, leaving room for the influence of environmental factors to adjust its phenotypic trajectory in the service of fitness goals. Utilizing evolutionary development biology (evo-devo), we examine adolescence as an evolutionary life-history stage in its developmental context. We show that the transition from the preceding stage of juvenility entails adaptive plasticity in response to energy resources, other environmental cues, social needs of adolescence and maturation toward youth and adulthood. Using the evolutionary theory of socialization, we show that familial psychosocial stress fosters a fast life history and reproductive strategy rather than early maturation being just a risk factor for aggression and delinquency. Here we explore implications of an evolutionary-developmental-endocrinological-anthropological framework for theory building, while illuminating new directions for research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ze'ev Hochberg
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Meyer Children's Hospital, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haaliya Street, Haifa 31096, Israel.
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41
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Parsons XH. Constraining the Pluripotent Fate of Human Embryonic Stem Cells for Tissue Engineering and Cell Therapy - The Turning Point of Cell-Based Regenerative Medicine. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013. [PMID: 24926434 PMCID: PMC4051304 DOI: 10.9734/bbj/2013/4309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
To date, the lack of a clinically-suitable source of engraftable human stem/progenitor cells with adequate neurogenic potential has been the major setback in developing safe and effective cell-based therapies for regenerating the damaged or lost CNS structure and circuitry in a wide range of neurological disorders. Similarly, the lack of a clinically-suitable human cardiomyocyte source with adequate myocardium regenerative potential has been the major setback in regenerating the damaged human heart. Given the limited capacity of the CNS and heart for self-repair, there is a large unmet healthcare need to develop stem cell therapies to provide optimal regeneration and reconstruction treatment options to restore normal tissues and function. Derivation of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) provides a powerful in vitro model system to investigate molecular controls in human embryogenesis as well as an unlimited source to generate the diversity of human somatic cell types for regenerative medicine. However, realizing the developmental and therapeutic potential of hESC derivatives has been hindered by the inefficiency and instability of generating clinically-relevant functional cells from pluripotent cells through conventional uncontrollable and incomplete multi-lineage differentiation. Recent advances and breakthroughs in hESC research have overcome some major obstacles in bringing hESC therapy derivatives towards clinical applications, including establishing defined culture systems for de novo derivation and maintenance of clinical-grade pluripotent hESCs and lineage-specific differentiation of pluripotent hESCs by small molecule induction. Retinoic acid was identified as sufficient to induce the specification of neuroectoderm direct from the pluripotent state of hESCs and trigger a cascade of neuronal lineage-specific progression to human neuronal progenitors and neurons of the developing CNS in high efficiency, purity, and neuronal lineage specificity by promoting nuclear translocation of the neuronal specific transcription factor Nurr-1. Similarly, nicotinamide was rendered sufficient to induce the specification of cardiomesoderm direct from the pluripotent state of hESCs by promoting the expression of the earliest cardiac-specific transcription factor Csx/Nkx2.5 and triggering progression to cardiac precursors and beating cardiomyocytes with high efficiency. This technology breakthrough enables direct conversion of pluripotent hESCs into a large supply of high purity neuronal cells or heart muscle cells with adequate capacity to regenerate CNS neurons and contractile heart muscles for developing safe and effective stem cell therapies. Transforming pluripotent hESCs into fate-restricted therapy derivatives dramatically increases the clinical efficacy of graft-dependent repair and safety of hESC-derived cellular products. Such milestone advances and medical innovations in hESC research allow generation of a large supply of clinical-grade hESC therapy derivatives targeting for major health problems, bringing cell-based regenerative medicine to a turning point.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuejun H Parsons
- San Diego Regenerative Medicine Institute, San Diego, CA 92109, USA. ; Xcelthera, San Diego, CA 92109, USA
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42
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Parsons XH. Constraining the Pluripotent Fate of Human Embryonic Stem Cells for Tissue Engineering and Cell Therapy - The Turning Point of Cell-Based Regenerative Medicine. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 3:424-457. [PMID: 24926434 DOI: 10.9734/bbj/2013/4309#sthash.6d8rulbv.dpuf] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
To date, the lack of a clinically-suitable source of engraftable human stem/progenitor cells with adequate neurogenic potential has been the major setback in developing safe and effective cell-based therapies for regenerating the damaged or lost CNS structure and circuitry in a wide range of neurological disorders. Similarly, the lack of a clinically-suitable human cardiomyocyte source with adequate myocardium regenerative potential has been the major setback in regenerating the damaged human heart. Given the limited capacity of the CNS and heart for self-repair, there is a large unmet healthcare need to develop stem cell therapies to provide optimal regeneration and reconstruction treatment options to restore normal tissues and function. Derivation of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) provides a powerful in vitro model system to investigate molecular controls in human embryogenesis as well as an unlimited source to generate the diversity of human somatic cell types for regenerative medicine. However, realizing the developmental and therapeutic potential of hESC derivatives has been hindered by the inefficiency and instability of generating clinically-relevant functional cells from pluripotent cells through conventional uncontrollable and incomplete multi-lineage differentiation. Recent advances and breakthroughs in hESC research have overcome some major obstacles in bringing hESC therapy derivatives towards clinical applications, including establishing defined culture systems for de novo derivation and maintenance of clinical-grade pluripotent hESCs and lineage-specific differentiation of pluripotent hESCs by small molecule induction. Retinoic acid was identified as sufficient to induce the specification of neuroectoderm direct from the pluripotent state of hESCs and trigger a cascade of neuronal lineage-specific progression to human neuronal progenitors and neurons of the developing CNS in high efficiency, purity, and neuronal lineage specificity by promoting nuclear translocation of the neuronal specific transcription factor Nurr-1. Similarly, nicotinamide was rendered sufficient to induce the specification of cardiomesoderm direct from the pluripotent state of hESCs by promoting the expression of the earliest cardiac-specific transcription factor Csx/Nkx2.5 and triggering progression to cardiac precursors and beating cardiomyocytes with high efficiency. This technology breakthrough enables direct conversion of pluripotent hESCs into a large supply of high purity neuronal cells or heart muscle cells with adequate capacity to regenerate CNS neurons and contractile heart muscles for developing safe and effective stem cell therapies. Transforming pluripotent hESCs into fate-restricted therapy derivatives dramatically increases the clinical efficacy of graft-dependent repair and safety of hESC-derived cellular products. Such milestone advances and medical innovations in hESC research allow generation of a large supply of clinical-grade hESC therapy derivatives targeting for major health problems, bringing cell-based regenerative medicine to a turning point.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuejun H Parsons
- San Diego Regenerative Medicine Institute, San Diego, CA 92109, USA. ; Xcelthera, San Diego, CA 92109, USA
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44
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Li R, Strykowski R, Meyer M, Mulcrone P, Krakora D, Suzuki M. Male-specific differences in proliferation, neurogenesis, and sensitivity to oxidative stress in neural progenitor cells derived from a rat model of ALS. PLoS One 2012; 7:e48581. [PMID: 23144905 PMCID: PMC3493558 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0048581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2012] [Accepted: 10/03/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive motor dysfunction and the loss of large motor neurons in the spinal cord and brain stem. A clear genetic link to point mutations in the superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) gene has been shown in a small group of familial ALS patients. The exact etiology of ALS is still uncertain, but males have consistently been shown to be at a higher risk for the disease than females. Here we present male-specific effects of the mutant SOD1 transgene on proliferation, neurogenesis, and sensitivity to oxidative stress in rat neural progenitor cells (rNPCs). E14 pups were bred using SOD1(G93A) transgenic male rats and wild-type female rats. The spinal cord and cortex tissues were collected, genotyped by PCR using primers for the SOD1(G93A) transgene or the male-specific Sry gene, and cultured as neurospheres. The number of dividing cells was higher in male rNPCs compared to female rNPCs. However, SOD1(G93A) over-expression significantly reduced cell proliferation in male cells but not female cells. Similarly, male rNPCs produced more neurons compared to female rNPCs, but SOD1(G93A) over-expression significantly reduced the number of neurons produced in male cells. Finally we asked whether sex and SOD1(G93A) transgenes affected sensitivity to oxidative stress. There was no sex-based difference in cell viability after treatment with hydrogen peroxide or 3-morpholinosydnonimine, a free radical-generating agent. However, increased cytotoxicity by SOD1(G93A) over-expression occurred, especially in male rNPCs. These results provide essential information on how the mutant SOD1 gene and sexual dimorphism are involved in ALS disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruojia Li
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Rachel Strykowski
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Michael Meyer
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Patrick Mulcrone
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Dan Krakora
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Masatoshi Suzuki
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
- The Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Administration of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) increases serum levels of androgens and estrogens but does not enhance short-term memory in post-menopausal women. Brain Res 2012; 1483:54-62. [PMID: 22985672 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2012.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2012] [Revised: 09/04/2012] [Accepted: 09/08/2012] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The current study examines the effect of administering dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) on short-term memory. This experiment used a double-blind placebo-controlled cross-over design to explore the effects of a four week regimen of 50 mg oral DHEA on performance on the digit span, verbal span, and modified Sternberg (Oberauer) tasks. The results demonstrate that the current regimen of drug administration significantly increases serum levels of DHEA, DHEAS, testosterone and estrone and substantially alters the patterns of correlations among the serum levels of these hormones. Despite this substantial change in the hormonal milieu, DHEA administration produced no beneficial effects on cognitive performance in the digit span, verbal span, or modified Sternberg paradigm tasks. Ancillary analyses of the relation between hormone levels and cognitive performance demonstrated a strong positive correlation between DHEA levels and performance on digit span forward/backward and verbal span forward in the placebo drug condition, but not in the DHEA condition. We interpret the juxtaposition of the null results of DHEA administration and the correlation of DHEA levels and performance in the placebo condition to indicate that the referenced correlations arise because a third variable (i.e., age) is associated with both performance and DHEA levels. Additional analyses supported this hypothesis.
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Adrenarche and middle childhood. HUMAN NATURE-AN INTERDISCIPLINARY BIOSOCIAL PERSPECTIVE 2012; 22:327-49. [PMID: 22388879 DOI: 10.1007/s12110-011-9120-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Middle childhood, the period from 6 to 12 years of age, is defined socially by increasing autonomy and emotional regulation, somatically by the development of anatomical structures for subsistence, and endocrinologically by adrenarche, the adrenal production of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). Here I suggest that DHEA plays a key role in the coordinated development of the brain and body beginning with middle childhood, via energetic allocation. I argue that with adrenarche, increasing levels of circulating DHEA act to down-regulate the release of glucose into circulation and hence limit the supply of glucose which is needed by the brain for synaptogenesis. Furthermore, I suggest the antioxidant properties of DHEA may be important in maintaining synaptic plasticity throughout middle childhood within slow-developing areas of the cortex, including the insula, thamalus, and anterior cingulate cortex. In addition, DHEA may play a role in the development of body odor as a reliable social signal of behavioral changes associated with middle childhood.
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47
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The influence of DHEA pretreatment on prepulse inhibition and the HPA-axis stress response in rat offspring exposed prenatally to polyriboinosinic-polyribocytidylic-acid (PIC). Neurosci Lett 2012; 521:6-10. [PMID: 22640897 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2012.05.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2012] [Revised: 04/02/2012] [Accepted: 05/10/2012] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Prenatal exposure to maternal infection may be associated with the development of neurodevelopmental disorders as well as increased susceptibility to the development of schizophrenia. Prenatal administration of polyriboinosinic-polyribocytidilic-acid, mimicking RNA virus exposure, has been shown to induce schizophrenia-like behavioral, neurochemical and neuorophysiological abnormalities in rodent offspring. In the present study PIC prenatal administration at gestation day 15 was associated with alterations in the acoustic-startle-response/prepulse-inhibition [ASR/PPI] and the HPA-axis stress response in rat offspring on day 90. We show that pretreatment with dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) reverses PIC-related ASR/PPI disruption in female rats and normalizes HPA-axis stress response in a united group of male and female rats. Further research in both animal and human studies is recommended in order to confirm these preliminary findings and their application to the understanding and management of schizophrenia and related conditions.
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Liao YH, Liao KF, Kao CL, Chen CY, Huang CY, Chang WH, Ivy JL, Bernard JR, Lee SD, Kuo CH. Effect of dehydroepiandrosterone administration on recovery from mix-type exercise training-induced muscle damage. Eur J Appl Physiol 2012; 113:99-107. [DOI: 10.1007/s00421-012-2409-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2011] [Accepted: 04/17/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Shen X, Liu L, Yin F, Ma H, Zou S. Effect of dehydroepiandrosterone on cell growth and mitochondrial function in TM-3 cells. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2012; 177:177-86. [PMID: 22465782 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2012.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2012] [Revised: 03/05/2012] [Accepted: 03/07/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a major steroid hormone, decreases with age, and this reduction has been shown to be associated with physical health. In the present study, the effect of DHEA on cell growth and mitochondrial function was investigated using TM-3 cells, a Leydig cell line. The growth of TM-3 cells exposed to 100 μM DHEA for 24h was inhibited due to cell cycle arrest, primarily in the S and G2/M phases, and this effect was caused by decreased activity of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) and reduced expression of cyclinA and cyclinB mRNA. A novel finding was that DHEA improved TM-3 cell viability in a markedly time-dependent manner. Although no differences were observed in the configuration or number of TM-3 cell mitochondria following DHEA treatment, mitochondrial membrane permeability and the activity of succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) increased subsequent to 24h treatment of cells with 100 μM DHEA. Overall, the data demonstrate that DHEA inhibited TM-3 cell growth by decreasing G6PD activity and the expression of cyclin mRNAs, whereas it improved TM-3 cell viability by increasing mitochondrial membrane permeability and the activity of SDH. This could be one of mechanisms of DHEA exerts its biological function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuehuai Shen
- Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology and Biochemistry, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
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Schonemann MD, Muench MO, Tee MK, Miller WL, Mellon SH. Expression of P450c17 in the human fetal nervous system. Endocrinology 2012; 153:2494-505. [PMID: 22434081 PMCID: PMC3339640 DOI: 10.1210/en.2011-1545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
P450c17 catalyzes steroid 17α-hydroxylase and 17,20 lyase activities. P450c17 is expressed in human fetal and postnatal adrenals and gonads and in the developing mouse nervous system, but little is known about its expression in the human nervous system. We obtained portions of 9-, 10-, and 11-wk gestation human fetuses and delineated the pattern of expression of P450c17 in their peripheral nervous systems by immunocytochemistry using the P450c17 antiserum previously used to characterize P450c17 in the mouse brain. P450c17 was readily detected in the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and spinal cord. Neural structures were identified with antisera to the cytoskeletal protein neural cell adhesion molecule; DRG were identified with antisera to the neuronal transcription factor BRN3A and neurotrophin receptor tropomyosin-receptor-kinase B. The identification of P450c17 was confirmed using commercial antisera directed against different domains of P450c17 and by using antisera immunodepleted with authentic human P450c17. We also found expression of the P450 cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme (P450scc) in the spinal cord and DRG. Expression of P450scc is limited to cell bodies; unlike P450c17, we never detected P450scc in fiber tracts. Catalysis by P450c17 requires electron donation from P450 oxidoreductase (POR). Dual-label immunohistochemistry detected P450c17 and POR colocalized in DRG bundles, but some fibers containing P450c17 lacked POR. These data suggest that neurosteroids synthesized via these two enzymes may act in the developing human nervous system. The expression of P450c17 in structures lacking POR means that P450c17 may not be steroidogenic in those locations, suggesting that P450c17 may have additional functions that do not require POR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus D Schonemann
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Science, University of California, San Francisco, 513 Parnassus Avenue, Box 0556, San Francisco, California 94143-0556, USA
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