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Wei M, Liu H, Wang Y, Sun M, Shang P. Mechanisms of Male Reproductive Sterility Triggered by Dysbiosis of Intestinal Microorganisms. Life (Basel) 2024; 14:694. [PMID: 38929676 PMCID: PMC11204708 DOI: 10.3390/life14060694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The intestinal microbiota, comprised of bacteria, archaea, and phages, inhabits the gastrointestinal tract of the organism. Male reproductive sterility is currently a prominent topic in medical research. Increasing research suggests that gut microbiota dysbiosis can result in various reproductive health problems. This article specifically investigates the impact of gut microbiota dysbiosis on male reproductive infertility development. Gut microbiota imbalances can disrupt the immune system and immune cell metabolism, affecting testicular growth and sperm production. This dysfunction can compromise the levels of hormones produced and secreted by the endocrine glands, affecting male reproductive health. Furthermore, imbalance of the gut microbiota can disrupt the gut-brain-reproductive axis, resulting in male reproductive infertility. This article explores how the imbalance of the gut microbiota impacts male reproductive infertility through immune regulation, endocrine regulation, and interactions of the gut-brain-reproductive axis, concluding with recommendations for prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingbang Wei
- College of Animal Science, Tibet Agriculture and Animal Husbandry University, Linzhi 860000, China; (M.W.); (H.L.); (Y.W.); (M.S.)
- The Provincial and Ministerial Co-Founded Collaborative Innovation Center for R & D in Tibet Characteristic Agricultural and Animal Husbandry Resources, Linzhi 860000, China
- Key Laboratory for the Genetic Improvement and Reproduction Technology of the Tibetan Swine, Linzhi 860000, China
| | - Huaizhi Liu
- College of Animal Science, Tibet Agriculture and Animal Husbandry University, Linzhi 860000, China; (M.W.); (H.L.); (Y.W.); (M.S.)
- The Provincial and Ministerial Co-Founded Collaborative Innovation Center for R & D in Tibet Characteristic Agricultural and Animal Husbandry Resources, Linzhi 860000, China
- Key Laboratory for the Genetic Improvement and Reproduction Technology of the Tibetan Swine, Linzhi 860000, China
| | - Yu Wang
- College of Animal Science, Tibet Agriculture and Animal Husbandry University, Linzhi 860000, China; (M.W.); (H.L.); (Y.W.); (M.S.)
- The Provincial and Ministerial Co-Founded Collaborative Innovation Center for R & D in Tibet Characteristic Agricultural and Animal Husbandry Resources, Linzhi 860000, China
- Key Laboratory for the Genetic Improvement and Reproduction Technology of the Tibetan Swine, Linzhi 860000, China
| | - Mingyang Sun
- College of Animal Science, Tibet Agriculture and Animal Husbandry University, Linzhi 860000, China; (M.W.); (H.L.); (Y.W.); (M.S.)
- The Provincial and Ministerial Co-Founded Collaborative Innovation Center for R & D in Tibet Characteristic Agricultural and Animal Husbandry Resources, Linzhi 860000, China
- Key Laboratory for the Genetic Improvement and Reproduction Technology of the Tibetan Swine, Linzhi 860000, China
| | - Peng Shang
- College of Animal Science, Tibet Agriculture and Animal Husbandry University, Linzhi 860000, China; (M.W.); (H.L.); (Y.W.); (M.S.)
- The Provincial and Ministerial Co-Founded Collaborative Innovation Center for R & D in Tibet Characteristic Agricultural and Animal Husbandry Resources, Linzhi 860000, China
- Key Laboratory for the Genetic Improvement and Reproduction Technology of the Tibetan Swine, Linzhi 860000, China
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Vajaria R, Davis D, Thaweepanyaporn K, Dovey J, Nasuto S, Delivopoulos E, Tamagnini F, Knight P, Vasudevan N. Estrogen and testosterone secretion from the mouse brain. Steroids 2024; 204:109398. [PMID: 38513983 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2024.109398] [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: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Estrogen and testosterone are typically thought of as gonadal or adrenal derived steroids that cross the blood brain barrier to signal via both rapid nongenomic and slower genomic signalling pathways. Estrogen and testosterone signalling has been shown to drive interlinked behaviours such as social behaviours and cognition by binding to their cognate receptors in hypothalamic and forebrain nuclei. So far, acute brain slices have been used to study short-term actions of 17β-estradiol, typically using electrophysiological measures. For example, these techniques have been used to investigate, nongenomic signalling by estrogen such as the estrogen modulation of long-term potentiation (LTP) in the hippocampus. Using a modified method that preserves the slice architecture, we show, for the first time, that acute coronal slices from the prefrontal cortex and from the hypothalamus maintained in aCSF over longer periods i.e. 24 h can be steroidogenic, increasing their secretion of testosterone and estrogen. We also show that the hypothalamic nuclei produce more estrogen and testosterone than the prefrontal cortex. Therefore, this extended acute slice system can be used to study the regulation of steroid production and secretion by discrete nuclei in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruby Vajaria
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, UK
| | - DeAsia Davis
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, UK
| | | | - Janine Dovey
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, UK
| | - Slawomir Nasuto
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, UK
| | | | | | - Philip Knight
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, UK
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Iqbal J, Bibi M, Huang GD, Xue YX, Khatttak JZK, Yang M, Jia XJ. Differential regulation of hippocampal transcriptome by circulating estrogen. Funct Integr Genomics 2023; 23:309. [PMID: 37735249 DOI: 10.1007/s10142-023-01234-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
Estrogen (E2) modulates the synaptic structure and plasticity in the hippocampus. Previous studies showed that E2 fluctuations during various phases of the menstrual cycle produce subtle neurosynaptic changes that impact women's behavior, emotion, and cognitive functions. In this study, we explored the transcriptome of the hippocampus via RNA-seq (RNA-sequencing) between proestrus (PE) and diestrus (DE) stages in young female rats to determine the effect of E2 of PE and DE stages on hippocampal gene expression. We identified 238 genes (at 1.5-fold-change selection criteria, FDR adjusted p-value < 0.05) as differentially expressed genes (DEGs) that responded to E2 between PE and DE stages. Functional analysis based on Gene Ontology (GO) revealed that a higher E2 level corresponded to an increase in gene transcription among most of the DEGs, suggesting biological mechanisms operating differentially in the hippocampus of female rats between PE and DE stages in the estrus cycle; while analysis with Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes database (KEGG) found that the DEGs involving neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, antigen processing, cell adhesion molecules, and presentation were upregulated in PE stage, whereas DEGs in pathways relating to bile secretion, coagulation cascades, osteoclast differentiation, cysteine and methionine metabolism were upregulated in DE stage of the estrus cycle. The high-fold expression of DEGs was confirmed by a follow-up quantitative real-time PCR. Our findings in this current study have provided fundamental information for further dissection of neuro-molecular mechanisms in the hippocampus in response to E2 fluctuation and its relationship with disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javed Iqbal
- Shenzhen Graduate School, Peking University, Shenzhen, China
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Shenzhen Engineering Research Center for Precision Psychiatric Technology, Shenzhen Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Shenzhen Kangning Hospital & Shenzhen Mental Health Center, No.77 Zhenbi Road, Pingshan District, Shenzhen, 518118, Guangdong, China
| | - Maryam Bibi
- Department of Biological Sciences, International Islamic University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Geng-Di Huang
- Shenzhen Graduate School, Peking University, Shenzhen, China
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Shenzhen Engineering Research Center for Precision Psychiatric Technology, Shenzhen Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Shenzhen Kangning Hospital & Shenzhen Mental Health Center, No.77 Zhenbi Road, Pingshan District, Shenzhen, 518118, Guangdong, China
| | - Yan-Xue Xue
- National Institute on Drug Dependence and Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Dependence, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | | | - Mei Yang
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Shenzhen Engineering Research Center for Precision Psychiatric Technology, Shenzhen Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Shenzhen Kangning Hospital & Shenzhen Mental Health Center, No.77 Zhenbi Road, Pingshan District, Shenzhen, 518118, Guangdong, China.
- Clinical College of Mental Health, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, China.
- Affiliated Mental Health Center, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Xiao-Jian Jia
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Shenzhen Engineering Research Center for Precision Psychiatric Technology, Shenzhen Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Shenzhen Kangning Hospital & Shenzhen Mental Health Center, No.77 Zhenbi Road, Pingshan District, Shenzhen, 518118, Guangdong, China.
- Clinical College of Mental Health, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, China.
- Affiliated Mental Health Center, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China.
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Burguete MC, Jover-Mengual T, Castelló-Ruiz M, López-Morales MA, Centeno JM, Aliena-Valero A, Alborch E, Torregrosa G, Salom JB. Cerebroprotective Effect of 17β-Estradiol Replacement Therapy in Ovariectomy-Induced Post-Menopausal Rats Subjected to Ischemic Stroke: Role of MAPK/ERK1/2 Pathway and PI3K-Independent Akt Activation. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14303. [PMID: 37762606 PMCID: PMC10531725 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814303] [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: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the overwhelming advances in the understanding of the pathogenesis of stroke, a devastating disease affecting millions of people worldwide, currently there are only a limited number of effective treatments available. Preclinical and clinical studies show that stroke is a sexually dimorphic disorder, affecting males and females differently. Strong experimental evidence indicates that estrogen may play a role in this difference and that exogenous 17β-estradiol (E2) is neuroprotective against stroke in both male and female rodents. However, the molecular mechanisms by which E2 intervenes in ischemia-induced cell death, revealing these sex differences, remain unclear. The present study was aimed to determine, in female rats, the molecular mechanisms of two well-known pro-survival signaling pathways, MAPK/ERK1/2 and PI3K/Akt, that mediate E2 neuroprotection in response to acute ischemic stroke. E2 pretreatment reduced brain damage and attenuated apoptotic cell death in ovariectomized female rats after an ischemic insult. Moreover, E2 decreased phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and prevented ischemia/reperfusion-induced dephosphorylation of both Akt and the pro-apoptotic protein, BAD. However, MAPK/ERK1/2 inhibitor PD98059, but not the PI3K inhibitor LY294002, attenuated E2 neuroprotection. Thus, these results suggested that E2 pretreatment in ovariectomized female rats modulates MAPK/ERK1/2 and activates Akt independently of PI3K to promote cerebroprotection in ischemic stroke. A better understanding of the mechanisms and the influence of E2 in the female sex paves the way for the design of future successful hormone replacement therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- María C. Burguete
- Unidad Mixta de Investigación Cerebrovascular, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Universitat de València, 46100 Burjassot, Spain; (M.C.B.); (M.C.-R.); (M.A.L.-M.); (J.M.C.); (A.A.-V.); (E.A.); (G.T.); (J.B.S.)
- Departamento de Fisiología, Universitat de València, 46100 Burjassot, Spain
| | - Teresa Jover-Mengual
- Unidad Mixta de Investigación Cerebrovascular, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Universitat de València, 46100 Burjassot, Spain; (M.C.B.); (M.C.-R.); (M.A.L.-M.); (J.M.C.); (A.A.-V.); (E.A.); (G.T.); (J.B.S.)
- Departamento de Fisiología, Universitat de València, 46100 Burjassot, Spain
| | - María Castelló-Ruiz
- Unidad Mixta de Investigación Cerebrovascular, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Universitat de València, 46100 Burjassot, Spain; (M.C.B.); (M.C.-R.); (M.A.L.-M.); (J.M.C.); (A.A.-V.); (E.A.); (G.T.); (J.B.S.)
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Biología Funcional y Antropología Física, Universitat de València, 46100 Burjassot, Spain
| | - Mikahela A. López-Morales
- Unidad Mixta de Investigación Cerebrovascular, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Universitat de València, 46100 Burjassot, Spain; (M.C.B.); (M.C.-R.); (M.A.L.-M.); (J.M.C.); (A.A.-V.); (E.A.); (G.T.); (J.B.S.)
- Hospital Universitari i Politècnic La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
| | - José M. Centeno
- Unidad Mixta de Investigación Cerebrovascular, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Universitat de València, 46100 Burjassot, Spain; (M.C.B.); (M.C.-R.); (M.A.L.-M.); (J.M.C.); (A.A.-V.); (E.A.); (G.T.); (J.B.S.)
- Departamento de Fisiología, Universitat de València, 46100 Burjassot, Spain
| | - Alicia Aliena-Valero
- Unidad Mixta de Investigación Cerebrovascular, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Universitat de València, 46100 Burjassot, Spain; (M.C.B.); (M.C.-R.); (M.A.L.-M.); (J.M.C.); (A.A.-V.); (E.A.); (G.T.); (J.B.S.)
- Hospital Universitari i Politècnic La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
| | - Enrique Alborch
- Unidad Mixta de Investigación Cerebrovascular, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Universitat de València, 46100 Burjassot, Spain; (M.C.B.); (M.C.-R.); (M.A.L.-M.); (J.M.C.); (A.A.-V.); (E.A.); (G.T.); (J.B.S.)
- Departamento de Fisiología, Universitat de València, 46100 Burjassot, Spain
| | - Germán Torregrosa
- Unidad Mixta de Investigación Cerebrovascular, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Universitat de València, 46100 Burjassot, Spain; (M.C.B.); (M.C.-R.); (M.A.L.-M.); (J.M.C.); (A.A.-V.); (E.A.); (G.T.); (J.B.S.)
- Hospital Universitari i Politècnic La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
| | - Juan B. Salom
- Unidad Mixta de Investigación Cerebrovascular, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Universitat de València, 46100 Burjassot, Spain; (M.C.B.); (M.C.-R.); (M.A.L.-M.); (J.M.C.); (A.A.-V.); (E.A.); (G.T.); (J.B.S.)
- Departamento de Fisiología, Universitat de València, 46100 Burjassot, Spain
- Hospital Universitari i Politècnic La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
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Fahad Raza M, Anwar M, Husain A, Rizwan M, Li Z, Nie H, Hlaváč P, Ali MA, Rady A, Su S. Differential gene expression analysis following olfactory learning in honeybee (Apis mellifera L.). PLoS One 2022; 17:e0262441. [PMID: 35139088 PMCID: PMC8827436 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0262441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Insects change their stimulus-response through the perception of associating these stimuli with important survival events such as rewards, threats, and mates. Insects develop strong associations and relate them to their experiences through several behavioral procedures. Among the insects, Apis species, Apis mellifera ligustica are known for their outstanding ability to learn with tremendous economic importance. Apis mellifera ligustica has a strong cognitive ability and promising model species for investigating the neurobiological basis of remarkable olfactory learning abilities. Here we evaluated the olfactory learning ability of A. mellifera by using the proboscis extension reflex (PER) protocol. The brains of the learner and failed-learner bees were examined for comparative transcriptome analysis by RNA-Seq to explain the difference in the learning capacity. In this study, we used an appetitive olfactory learning paradigm in the same age of A. mellifera bees to examine the differential gene expression in the brain of the learner and failed-learner. Bees that respond in 2nd and 3rd trials or only responded to 3rd trials were defined as learned bees, failed-learner individuals were those bees that did not respond in all learning trials The results indicate that the learning ability of learner bees was significantly higher than failed-learner bees for 12 days. We obtained approximately 46.7 and 46.4 million clean reads from the learner bees failed-learner bees, respectively. Gene expression profile between learners' bees and failed-learners bees identified 74 differentially expressed genes, 57 genes up-regulated in the brains of learners and 17 genes were down-regulated in the brains of the bees that fail to learn. The qRT-PCR validated the differently expressed genes. Transcriptome analyses revealed that specific genes in learner and failed-learner bees either down-regulated or up-regulated play a crucial role in brain development and learning behavior. Our finding suggests that down-regulated genes of the brain involved in the integumentary system, storage proteins, brain development, sensory processing, and neurodegenerative disorder may result in reduced olfactory discrimination and olfactory sensitivity in failed-learner bees. This study aims to contribute to a better understanding of the olfactory learning behavior and gene expression information, which opens the door for understanding of the molecular mechanism of olfactory learning behavior in honeybees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Fahad Raza
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- College of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Muhammad Anwar
- Guangdong Technology Research Center for Marine Algal Bioengineering, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Plant Epigenetics, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Arif Husain
- Department of Soil and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Ghazi University Dera Ghazi Khan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Pakistan
| | - Muhmmad Rizwan
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- College of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zhiguo Li
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Hongyi Nie
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Pavol Hlaváč
- Department of Integrated Forest and Landscape Protection, Faculty of Forestry, Technical University in Zvolen, Zvolen, Slovakia
| | - M. Ajmal Ali
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed Rady
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Songkun Su
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
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The Complex Interplay between Endocannabinoid System and the Estrogen System in Central Nervous System and Periphery. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22020972. [PMID: 33478092 PMCID: PMC7835826 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22020972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a lipid cell signaling system involved in the physiology and homeostasis of the brain and peripheral tissues. Synaptic plasticity, neuroendocrine functions, reproduction, and immune response among others all require the activity of functional ECS, with the onset of disease in case of ECS impairment. Estrogens, classically considered as female steroid hormones, regulate growth, differentiation, and many other functions in a broad range of target tissues and both sexes through the activation of nuclear and membrane estrogen receptors (ERs), which leads to genomic and non-genomic cell responses. Since ECS function overlaps or integrates with many other cell signaling systems, this review aims at updating the knowledge about the possible crosstalk between ECS and estrogen system (ES) at both central and peripheral level, with focuses on the central nervous system, reproduction, and cancer.
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Haduch A, Daniel WA. The engagement of brain cytochrome P450 in the metabolism of endogenous neuroactive substrates: a possible role in mental disorders. Drug Metab Rev 2019; 50:415-429. [PMID: 30501426 DOI: 10.1080/03602532.2018.1554674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The current state of knowledge indicates that the cerebral cytochrome P450 (CYP) plays an important role in the endogenous metabolism in the brain. Different CYP isoenzymes mediate metabolism of many endogenous substrates such as monoaminergic neurotransmitters, neurosteroids, cholesterol, vitamins and arachidonic acid. Therefore, these enzymes may affect brain development, susceptibility to mental and neurodegenerative diseases and may contribute to their pathophysiology. In addition, they can modify the therapeutic effects of psychoactive drugs at the place of their target action in the brain, where the drugs can act by affecting the metabolism of endogenous substrates. The article focuses on the role of cerebral CYP isoforms in the metabolism of neurotransmitters, neurosteroids, and cholesterol, and their possible involvement in animal behavior, as well as in stress, depression, schizophrenia, cognitive processes, learning, and memory. CYP-mediated alternative pathways of dopamine and serotonin synthesis may have a significant role in the local production of these neurotransmitters in the brain regions where the disturbances of these neurotransmitter systems are observed in depression and schizophrenia. The local alternative synthesis of neurotransmitters may be of great importance in the brain, since dopamine and serotonin do not pass the blood-brain barrier and cannot be supplied from the periphery. In vitro studies indicate that human CYP2D6 catalyzing dopamine and serotonin synthesis is more efficient in these reactions than the rat CYP2D isoforms. It suggests that these alternative pathways may have much greater significance in the human brain but confirmation of these assumptions requires further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Haduch
- a Department of Pharmacokinetics and Drug Metabolism, Institute of Pharmacology , Polish Academy of Sciences , Kraków , Poland
| | - Władysława Anna Daniel
- a Department of Pharmacokinetics and Drug Metabolism, Institute of Pharmacology , Polish Academy of Sciences , Kraków , Poland
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Konings G, Brentjens L, Delvoux B, Linnanen T, Cornel K, Koskimies P, Bongers M, Kruitwagen R, Xanthoulea S, Romano A. Intracrine Regulation of Estrogen and Other Sex Steroid Levels in Endometrium and Non-gynecological Tissues; Pathology, Physiology, and Drug Discovery. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:940. [PMID: 30283331 PMCID: PMC6157328 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.00940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2018] [Accepted: 08/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Our understanding of the intracrine (or local) regulation of estrogen and other steroid synthesis and degradation expanded in the last decades, also thanks to recent technological advances in chromatography mass-spectrometry. Estrogen responsive tissues and organs are not passive receivers of the pool of steroids present in the blood but they can actively modify the intra-tissue steroid concentrations. This allows fine-tuning the exposure of responsive tissues and organs to estrogens and other steroids in order to best respond to the physiological needs of each specific organ. Deviations in such intracrine control can lead to unbalanced steroid hormone exposure and disturbances. Through a systematic bibliographic search on the expression of the intracrine enzymes in various tissues, this review gives an up-to-date view of the intracrine estrogen metabolisms, and to a lesser extent that of progestogens and androgens, in the lower female genital tract, including the physiological control of endometrial functions, receptivity, menopausal status and related pathological conditions. An overview of the intracrine regulation in extra gynecological tissues such as the lungs, gastrointestinal tract, brain, colon and bone is given. Current therapeutic approaches aimed at interfering with these metabolisms and future perspectives are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gonda Konings
- GROW–School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Linda Brentjens
- GROW–School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Bert Delvoux
- GROW–School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | | | - Karlijn Cornel
- GROW–School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | | | - Marlies Bongers
- GROW–School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Roy Kruitwagen
- GROW–School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Sofia Xanthoulea
- GROW–School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Andrea Romano
- GROW–School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, Netherlands
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Kraynak M, Flowers MT, Shapiro RA, Kapoor A, Levine JE, Abbott DH. Extraovarian gonadotropin negative feedback revealed by aromatase inhibition in female marmoset monkeys. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2017; 313:E507-E514. [PMID: 28679622 PMCID: PMC5792143 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00058.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2017] [Revised: 06/09/2017] [Accepted: 06/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Whereas the ovary produces the majority of estradiol (E2) in mature female primates, extraovarian sources contribute to E2 synthesis and action, including the brain E2-regulating hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone. In ovary-intact female rodent models, aromatase inhibition (AI) induces a polycystic ovary syndrome-like hypergonadotropic hyperandrogenism due to absent E2-mediated negative feedback. To examine the role of extraovarian E2 on nonhuman primate gonadotropin regulation, the present study uses letrozole to elicit AI in adult female marmoset monkeys. Sixteen female marmosets (Callithrix jacchus; >2 yr) were randomly assigned to ovary-intact or ovariectomy (OVX) conditions and subsequently placed on a daily oral regimen of either ~200 µl vehicle alone (ovary-intact Control, n = 3; OVX, n = 3) or 1 mg ⋅ kg-1 ⋅ day-1 letrozole in vehicle (ovary-intact AI, n = 4; OVX + AI, n = 6). Blood samples were collected every 10 days, and plasma chorionic gonadotropin (CG) and steroid hormone levels were determined by validated radioimmunoassay and liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry, respectively. Ovary-intact, AI-treated and OVX females exhibited elevated CG (P < 0.01, P = 0.004, respectively) compared with controls, and after 30 days, OVX + AI females exhibited a suprahypergonadotropic phenotype (P = 0.004) compared with ovary-intact + AI and OVX females. Androstenedione (P = 0.03) and testosterone (P = 0.05) were also elevated in ovary-intact, AI-treated females above all other groups. The current study thus confirms in a nonhuman primate that E2 depletion and diminished negative feedback in ovary-intact females engage hypergonadotropic hyperandrogenism. Additionally, we demonstrate that extraovarian estrogens, possibly neuroestrogens, contribute to female negative feedback regulation of gonadotropin release.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marissa Kraynak
- Endocrinology and Reproductive Physiology Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin;
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Matthew T Flowers
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin; and
| | - Robert A Shapiro
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin; and
| | - Amita Kapoor
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Jon E Levine
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin; and
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - David H Abbott
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
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10
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Zhao Y, Yu Y, Zhang Y, He L, Qiu L, Zhao J, Liu M, Zhang J. Letrozole regulates actin cytoskeleton polymerization dynamics in a SRC-1 dependent manner in the hippocampus of mice. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2017; 167:86-97. [PMID: 27866972 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2016.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2016] [Revised: 10/24/2016] [Accepted: 11/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
In the hippocampus, local estrogens (E2) derived from testosterone that is catalyzed by aromatase play important roles in the regulation of hippocampal neural plasticity, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. The actin cytoskeleton contributes greatly to hippocampal synaptic plasticity; however, whether it is regulated by local E2 and the related mechanisms remain to be elucidated. In this study, we first examined the postnatal developmental profiles of hippocampal aromatase and specific proteins responsible for actin cytoskeleton dynamics. Then we used aromatase inhibitor letrozole (LET) to block local E2 synthesis and examined the changes of these proteins and steroid receptor coactivator-1 (SRC-1), the predominant coactivator for steroid nuclear receptors. Finally, SRC-1 specific RNA interference was used to examine the effects of SRC-1 on the expression of these actin remodeling proteins. The results showed a V-type profile for aromatase and increased profiles for actin cytoskeleton proteins in both male and female hippocampus without obvious sex differences. LET treatment dramatically decreased the F-actin/G-actin ratio, the expression of Rictor, phospho-AKT (ser473), Profilin-1, phospho-Cofilin (Ser3), and SRC-1 in a dose-dependent manner. In vitro studies demonstrated that LET induced downregulation of these proteins could be reversed by E2, and E2 induced increase of these proteins were significantly suppressed by SRC-1 shRNA interference. These results for the first time clearly demonstrated that local E2 inhibition could induce aberrant actin polymerization; they also showed an important role of SRC-1 in the mediation of local E2 action on hippocampal synaptic plasticity by regulation of actin cytoskeleton dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangang Zhao
- Department of Neurobiology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Yanlan Yu
- Student Brigade, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhang
- Department of Neurobiology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Li He
- School of Nursing, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Linli Qiu
- School of Nursing, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China; Department of Nursing, Sichuan Nursing Vocational College, Chengdu 610100, China
| | - Jikai Zhao
- Department of Neurobiology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Mengying Liu
- Department of Neurobiology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Jiqiang Zhang
- Department of Neurobiology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China.
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Abstract
Alzheimer disease (AD) is a slow progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects more elderly women than elderly men. It impairs memory, typically progresses into multidomain cognitive decline that destroys the quality of life, and ultimately leads to death. About 5.3 million older Americans are now living with this disease, and this number is projected to rise to 14 million by 2050. Annual health-care costs in the United States alone are projected to increase to about US$1.1 trillion by 2050. The initial theory that decreasing estrogen levels leads to AD development in postmenopausal women has been proven inconclusive. For example, Women's Health Research Initiative Memory Study and the population-based nested case-control study have failed to demonstrate that estrogen/progesterone (hormone replacement therapy [HRT]) or estrogen replacement therapy could prevent the cognitive decline or reduce the risk of AD. This led to the realization that AD development could be due to a progressive increase in luteinizing hormone (LH) levels in postmenopausal women. Accordingly, a large number of studies have demonstrated that an increase in LH levels is positively correlated with neuropathological, behavioral, and cognitive changes in AD. In addition, LH has been shown to promote amyloidogenic pathway of precursor protein metabolism and deposition of amyloid β plaques in the hippocampus, a region involved in AD. Cognate receptors that mediate LH effects are abundantly expressed in the hippocampus. Reducing the LH levels by treatment with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists could provide therapeutic benefits. Despite these advances, many questions remain and require further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- C V Rao
- 1 Department of Cellular Biology and Pharmacology, Reproduction and Development Program, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA.,2 Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Reproduction and Development Program, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA.,3 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproduction and Development Program, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
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12
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Murakami G. Distinct Effects of Estrogen on Mouse Maternal Behavior: The Contribution of Estrogen Synthesis in the Brain. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0150728. [PMID: 27007402 PMCID: PMC4805179 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0150728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2015] [Accepted: 02/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Estrogen surge following progesterone withdrawal at parturition plays an important role in initiating maternal behavior in various rodent species. Systemic estrogen treatment shortens the latency to onset of maternal behavior in nulliparous female rats that have not experienced parturition. In contrast, nulliparous laboratory mice show rapid onset of maternal behavior without estrogen treatment, and the role of estrogen still remains unclear. Here the effect of systemic estrogen treatment (for 2 h, 1 day, 3 days, and 7 days) after progesterone withdrawal was examined on maternal behavior of C57BL/6 mice. This estrogen regimen led to different effects on nursing, pup retrieval, and nest building behaviors. Latency to nursing was shortened by estrogen treatment within 2 h. Moreover, pup retrieval and nest building were decreased. mRNA expression was also investigated for estrogen receptor α (ERα) and for genes involved in regulating maternal behavior, specifically, the oxytocin receptor (OTR) and vasopressin receptor in the medial amygdala (MeA) and medial preoptic area (MPOA). Estrogen treatment led to decreased ERα mRNA in both regions. Although OTR mRNA was increased in the MeA, OTR and vasopressin receptor mRNA were reduced in the MPOA, showing region-dependent transcription regulation. To determine the mechanisms for the actions of estrogen treatment, the contribution of estrogen synthesis in the brain was examined. Blockade of estrogen synthesis in the brain by systemic letrozole treatment in ovariectomized mice interfered with pup retrieval and nest building but not nursing behavior, indicating different contributions of estrogen synthesis to maternal behavior. Furthermore, letrozole treatment led to an increase in ERα mRNA in the MeA but not in the MPOA, suggesting that involvement of estrogen synthesis is brain region dependent. Altogether, these results suggest that region-dependent estrogen synthesis leads to differential transcriptional activation due to exogenous estrogen treatment, and thereby results in different effects on maternal behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gen Murakami
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Behavior, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, Box 275, New York, New York, 10065, United States of America
- Department of Psychology and Behavioral Neuroscience, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Higashi-ku, Hamamatsu, 431–3192, Japan
- Department of Regenerative and Infectious Pathology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Higashi-ku, Hamamatsu, 431–3192, Japan
- * E-mail:
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13
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Gabor C, Lymer J, Phan A, Choleris E. Rapid effects of the G-protein coupled oestrogen receptor (GPER) on learning and dorsal hippocampus dendritic spines in female mice. Physiol Behav 2015; 149:53-60. [DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2015.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2015] [Revised: 05/13/2015] [Accepted: 05/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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14
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Hojo Y, Munetomo A, Mukai H, Ikeda M, Sato R, Hatanaka Y, Murakami G, Komatsuzaki Y, Kimoto T, Kawato S. Estradiol rapidly modulates spinogenesis in hippocampal dentate gyrus: Involvement of kinase networks. Horm Behav 2015; 74:149-56. [PMID: 26122288 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2015.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2015] [Revised: 06/04/2015] [Accepted: 06/05/2015] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
This article is part of a Special Issue "Estradiol and cognition". Estradiol (E2) is locally synthesized within the hippocampus and the gonads. Rapid modulation of hippocampal synaptic plasticity by E2 is essential for synaptic regulation. The molecular mechanisms of modulation through the synaptic estrogen receptor (ER) and its downstream signaling, however, are largely unknown in the dentate gyrus (DG). We investigated the E2-induced modulation of dendritic spines in male adult rat hippocampal slices by imaging Lucifer Yellow-injected DG granule cells. Treatments with 1 nM E2 increased the density of spines by approximately 1.4-fold within 2h. Spine head diameter analysis showed that the density of middle-head spines (0.4-0.5 μm) was significantly increased. The E2-induced spine density increase was suppressed by blocking Erk MAPK, PKA, PKC and LIMK. These suppressive effects by kinase inhibitors are not non-specific ones because the GSK-3β antagonist did not inhibit E2-induced spine increase. The ER antagonist ICI 182,780 also blocked the E2-induced spine increase. Taken together, these results suggest that E2 rapidly increases the density of spines through kinase networks that are driven by synaptic ER.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasushi Hojo
- Department of Biophysics and Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, University of Tokyo, Komaba 3-8-1, Meguro, Tokyo 153-8902, Japan; Bioinformatics Project of Japan Science and Technology Agency, University of Tokyo, Japan
| | - Arisa Munetomo
- Department of Biophysics and Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, University of Tokyo, Komaba 3-8-1, Meguro, Tokyo 153-8902, Japan
| | - Hideo Mukai
- Department of Biophysics and Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, University of Tokyo, Komaba 3-8-1, Meguro, Tokyo 153-8902, Japan; Bioinformatics Project of Japan Science and Technology Agency, University of Tokyo, Japan
| | - Muneki Ikeda
- Department of Biophysics and Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, University of Tokyo, Komaba 3-8-1, Meguro, Tokyo 153-8902, Japan
| | - Rei Sato
- Department of Biophysics and Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, University of Tokyo, Komaba 3-8-1, Meguro, Tokyo 153-8902, Japan
| | - Yusuke Hatanaka
- Department of Biophysics and Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, University of Tokyo, Komaba 3-8-1, Meguro, Tokyo 153-8902, Japan
| | - Gen Murakami
- Department of Biophysics and Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, University of Tokyo, Komaba 3-8-1, Meguro, Tokyo 153-8902, Japan; Bioinformatics Project of Japan Science and Technology Agency, University of Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshimasa Komatsuzaki
- Department of Biophysics and Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, University of Tokyo, Komaba 3-8-1, Meguro, Tokyo 153-8902, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Kimoto
- Department of Biophysics and Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, University of Tokyo, Komaba 3-8-1, Meguro, Tokyo 153-8902, Japan
| | - Suguru Kawato
- Department of Biophysics and Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, University of Tokyo, Komaba 3-8-1, Meguro, Tokyo 153-8902, Japan; Bioinformatics Project of Japan Science and Technology Agency, University of Tokyo, Japan; Department of Urology, Juntendo University, Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo 113-8431, Japan.
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15
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Abstract
Hippocampal functions are influenced by steroid hormones, such as testosterone and estradiol. It has been demonstrated that hippocampus-derived steroid hormones play important roles in neuronal protection and synapse formation. Our research groups have demonstrated that estradiol is de novo synthesized in the rat hippocampus. However, the mechanism(s) regulating this synthesis remains unclear. It has been reported that tributyltin, an environmental pollutant, binds to the retinoid X receptor (RXR) and modifies estrogen synthesis in human granulosa-like tumor cells. This compound can penetrate the blood brain barrier, and tends to accumulate in the brain. Based on these facts, we hypothesized that tributyltin could influence the hippocampal estradiol synthesis. A concentration of 0.1 μM tributyltin induced an increase in the mRNA content of P450(17α) and P450arom in hippocampal slices, as determined using real-time PCR. The transcript levels of other steroidogenic enzymes and a steroidogenic acute regulatory protein were not affected. The estradiol level in rat hippocampal slices was subsequently determined using a radioimmunoassay. We found that the estradiol synthesis was stimulated by ∼2-fold following a 48-h treatment with 0.1 μM tributyltin, and this was accompanied by transcriptional activation of P450(17α) and P450arom. Tributyltin stimulated de novo hippocampal estradiol synthesis by modifying the transcription of specific steroidogenic enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eiji Munetsuna
- Laboratory of Molecular Brain Science, Graduate School of Integrated Arts and Sciences, Hiroshima University , Higashihiroshima , Japan
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Remage-Healey L, Jeon SD, Joshi NR. Recent evidence for rapid synthesis and action of oestrogens during auditory processing in a songbird. J Neuroendocrinol 2013; 25:1024-31. [PMID: 23746380 PMCID: PMC4153829 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2013] [Revised: 05/13/2013] [Accepted: 06/01/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
It is now clear that oestrogens are not only circulating reproductive hormones, but that they also have neurotransmitter-like properties in a wide range of brain circuits. The view of oestrogens as intrinsic neuromodulators that shape behaviour has been bolstered by a series of recent developments from multiple vertebrate model systems. Here, we review several recent findings from studies of songbirds showing how the identified neural circuits that govern auditory processing and sensorimotor integration are modulated by the local and acute production of oestrogens. First, studies using in vivo microdialysis demonstrate that oestrogens fluctuate in the auditory cortex (30-min time bin resolution) when songbirds are hearing song and interacting with conspecifics. Second, oestrogens rapidly boost the auditory-evoked activity of neurones in the same auditory cortical region, enhancing auditory processing. Third, local pharmacological blockade of oestrogen signalling in this region impairs auditory neuronal responsiveness, as well as behavioural song preferences. Fourth, the rapid actions of oestrogens that occur within the auditory cortex can propagate downstream (trans-synaptically) to sensorimotor circuits to enhance the neural representation of song. Lastly, we present new evidence showing that the receptor for the rapid actions of oestradiol is likely in neuronal membranes, and that traditional nuclear oestrogen receptor agonists do not mimic these rapid actions. Broadly speaking, many of these findings are observed in both males and females, emphasising the fundamental importance of oestrogens in neural circuit function. Together, these and other emergent studies provide support for rapid, brain-derived oestrogen signalling in regulating sensorimotor integration, learning and perception.
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17
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Baudry M, Bi X, Aguirre C. Progesterone-estrogen interactions in synaptic plasticity and neuroprotection. Neuroscience 2013; 239:280-94. [PMID: 23142339 PMCID: PMC3628409 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2012.10.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2012] [Revised: 10/23/2012] [Accepted: 10/26/2012] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
17ß-Estradiol and progesterone exert a number of physiological effects throughout the brain due to interactions with several types of receptors belonging to the traditional family of intracellular hormonal receptors as well as to membrane-bound receptors. In particular, both hormones elicit rapid modifications of neuronal excitability that have been postulated to underlie their effects on synaptic plasticity and learning and memory. Likewise, both hormones have been shown to be neuroprotective under certain conditions, possibly due to the activation of pro-survival pathways and the inhibition of pro-apoptotic cascades. Because of the similarities in their cellular effects, there have been a number of questions raised by numerous observations that progesterone inhibits the effects of estrogen. In this manuscript, we first review the interactions between 17ß-estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) in synaptic plasticity, and conclude that, while E2 exerts a clear and important role in long-term potentiation of synaptic transmission in hippocampal neurons, the role of P4 is much less clear, and could be accounted by the direct or indirect regulation of GABAA receptors. We then discuss the neuroprotective roles of both hormones, in particular against excitotoxicity. In this case, the neuroprotective effects of these hormones are very similar to those of the neurotrophic factor BDNF. Interestingly, P4 antagonizes the effects of E2, possibly through the regulation of estrogen receptors or of proteins associated with the receptors or interactions with signaling pathways activated by E2. Overall, this review emphasizes the existence of common molecules and pathways that participate in the regulation of both synaptic plasticity and neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Baudry
- GCBS and COMP, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, USA.
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18
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Ooishi Y, Kawato S, Hojo Y, Hatanaka Y, Higo S, Murakami G, Komatsuzaki Y, Ogiue-Ikeda M, Kimoto T, Mukai H. Modulation of synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus by hippocampus-derived estrogen and androgen. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2012; 131:37-51. [PMID: 22075082 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2011.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2011] [Revised: 09/27/2011] [Accepted: 10/12/2011] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The hippocampus synthesizes estrogen and androgen in addition to the circulating sex steroids. Synaptic modulation by hippocampus-derived estrogen or androgen is essential to maintain healthy memory processes. Rapid actions (1-2h) of 17β-estradiol (17β-E2) occur via synapse-localized receptors (ERα or ERβ), while slow genomic E2 actions (6-48h) occur via classical nuclear receptors (ERα or ERβ). The long-term potentiation (LTP), induced by strong tetanus or theta-burst stimulation, is not further enhanced by E2 perfusion in adult rats. Interestingly, E2 perfusion can rescue corticosterone (stress hormone)-induced suppression of LTP. The long-term depression is modulated rapidly by E2 perfusion. Elevation of the E2 concentration changes rapidly the density and head structure of spines in neurons. ERα, but not ERβ, drives this enhancement of spinogenesis. Kinase networks are involved downstream of ERα. Testosterone (T) or dihydrotestosterone (DHT) also rapidly modulates spinogenesis. Newly developed Spiso-3D mathematical analysis is used to distinguish these complex effects by sex steroids and kinases. It has been doubted that the level of hippocampus-derived estrogen and androgen may not be high enough to modulate synaptic plasticity. Determination of the accurate concentration of E2, T or DHT in the hippocampus is enabled by mass-spectrometric analysis in combination with new steroid-derivatization methods. The E2 level in the hippocampus is approximately 8nM for the male and 0.5-2nM for the female, which is much higher than that in circulation. The level of T and DHT is also higher than that in circulation. Taken together, hippocampus-derived E2, T, and DHT play a major role in modulation of synaptic plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuuki Ooishi
- Department of Biophysics and Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 3-8-1 Komaba, Meguro, Tokyo, Japan
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19
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Bian C, Zhu K, Yang L, Lin S, Li S, Su B, Zhang J. Gonadectomy differentially regulates steroid receptor coactivator-1 and synaptic proteins in the hippocampus of adult female and male C57BL/6 mice. Synapse 2012; 66:849-57. [PMID: 22623226 DOI: 10.1002/syn.21574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2012] [Accepted: 05/14/2012] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Hippocampus is one of the most important structures that mediates learning and memory, cognition, and mental behaviors and profoundly regulated by sex hormones in a sex-specific manner, but the mechanism of underlying sex differences regulation is still unclear. We have previously reported that in the male and female mice, steroid receptor coactivator-1 (SRC-1) and some key synaptic proteins share similar developmental profile in the hippocampus, but how circulating sex hormones affect hippocampal SRC-1 as well as these synaptic proteins remain unclear. In this study, we examined how gonad sex hormones regulate hippocampal SRC-1, synaptophysin, PSD-95, and AMPA receptor subtype GluR1 by using immunohistochemistry and Western blot. The results showed that in the female mice, ovariectomy affected hippocampal SRC-1 and GluR1 were only detected at 2 weeks post operation, then it recovered to sham level; synaptophysin was unaffected at any timepoint examined; significant decrease of PSD-95 was only detected at 4 weeks post operation. However, in the male hippocampus, SRC-1 and PSD-95 were decreased from one week and lasted to 4 weeks after orchidectomy, GluR1 decreased from 2 weeks after orchidectomy, but synaptophysin remained unchanged as in the females. Correlation analysis showed the profiles of SRC-1 were positively correlated with GluR1 of the females, PSD-95 and GluR1 of the males, respectively. The above results suggested a distinct regulatory mode between female and male gonad hormones in the regulation of hippocampal SRC-1 and synaptic proteins, which may be one of the mechanisms contributing to the dimorphism of hippocampus during development and ageing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Bian
- Department of Neurobiology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
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20
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Saldanha CJ, Remage-Healey L, Schlinger BA. Synaptocrine signaling: steroid synthesis and action at the synapse. Endocr Rev 2011; 32:532-49. [PMID: 21622487 PMCID: PMC3369574 DOI: 10.1210/er.2011-0004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 198] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Sex steroids have long been recognized for their dramatic impact on brain and behavior, including rapid modulation of membrane excitability. It is a widely held perception that these molecules are largely derived from peripheral sources and lack the spatial and temporal specificity ascribed to classical neuromodulatory systems. Neuromodulatory systems, in contrast, are defined by their regulated neuronal presynaptic secretion and by their functional modulation of perisynaptic events. Here we provide evidence for regulated presynaptic estrogen synthesis and functional postsynaptic actions. These results meet all the criteria for a neuromodulatory system and shift our perception of estrogens from that of peripheral signals exclusively to include that of a signaling system intrinsic to the brain itself. We apply the term synaptocrine to describe this form of neuromodulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin J Saldanha
- Departments of Integrative Biology and Physiology, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California-Los Angeles, USA
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21
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Alterations of steroid receptor coactivator-1 (SRC-1) immunoreactivities in specific brain regions of young and middle-aged female Sprague–Dawley rats. Brain Res 2011; 1382:88-97. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2011.01.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2010] [Revised: 12/17/2010] [Accepted: 01/10/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Remage-Healey L, Saldanha CJ, Schlinger BA. Estradiol synthesis and action at the synapse: evidence for "synaptocrine" signaling. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2011; 2:28. [PMID: 22654800 PMCID: PMC3356004 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2011.00028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2011] [Accepted: 08/26/2011] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Classically, the modulation of brain function and behavior by steroid hormones was linked exclusively to secretion by peripheral endocrine glands. Subsequently, steroid actions within the brain were shown dependent upon either synthesis and secretion by peripheral organs or by production within the CNS itself using peripheral sources of precursors. Discovery of the estrogen-synthetic enzyme aromatase in brain further bolstered the latter view and served as a catalyst for expanding concepts of neurosteroidogenesis. In parallel research, several steroids, including estradiol, were found to have rapid effects on neuronal excitability, partially explained by novel actions at neuronal membranes. Recent findings from multiple levels of analysis and labs necessitate an updated view on how steroids are delivered to neural circuits. There is now considerable evidence for expression of the aromatase enzyme within synaptic boutons in the vertebrate CNS. Furthermore, additional work now directly couples rapid regulation of neuroestrogen synthesis with neurophysiological and behavioral outcomes. In this review we summarize evidence for targeted and acute synaptic estrogen synthesis and perisynaptic estrogen actions in the CNS of songbirds. We evaluate these findings in the context of criteria associated with classic neuromodulatory signaling. We term this novel form of signaling "synaptocrine," and discuss its implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke Remage-Healey
- Neuroscience and Behavior Program, Center for Neuroendocrine Studies, University of MassachusettsAmherst, MA, USA
| | | | - Barney A. Schlinger
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California at Los AngelesLos Angeles, CA, USA
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California at Los AngelesLos Angeles, CA, USA
- Laboratory for Neuroendocrinology, University of California at Los AngelesLos Angeles, CA, USA
- *Correspondence: Barney A. Schlinger, Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology and Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California at Los Angeles, 621 Charles E Young Drive South, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA. e-mail:
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23
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Wahjoepramono EJ, Wijaya LK, Taddei K, Bates KA, Howard M, Martins G, deRuyck K, Matthews PM, Verdile G, Martins RN. Direct exposure of guinea pig CNS to human luteinizing hormone increases cerebrospinal fluid and cerebral beta amyloid levels. Neuroendocrinology 2011; 94:313-22. [PMID: 21985789 DOI: 10.1159/000330812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2010] [Accepted: 06/28/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Luteinizing hormone (LH) has been shown to alter the metabolism of beta amyloid (Aβ), a key protein in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis. While LH and components required for LH receptor signalling are present in the brain, their role in the CNS remains unclear. In vitro, LH has been shown to facilitate neurosteroid production and alter Aβ metabolism. However, whether LH can directly modulate cerebral Aβ levels in vivo has not previously been studied. In this study, we investigated the effect of chronic administration of LH to the guinea pig CNS on cerebral Aβ levels. METHODS Gonadectomised male animals were administered, via cortical placement, either placebo or LH slow-release pellets. At 14 and 28 days after treatment, animals were sacrificed. Brain, plasma and CSF were collected and Aβ levels measured via ELISA. Levels of the Aβ precursor protein (APP) and the neurosteroidogenic enzyme cytochrome P450 side-chain cleavage enzyme (P450scc) were also assayed. RESULTS An increase in CSF Aβ40 levels was observed 28 days following treatment. These CSF data also reflected changes in Aβ40 levels observed in brain homogenates. No change was observed in plasma Aβ40 levels but APP and its C-terminal fragments (APP-CTF) were significantly increased in response to LH exposure. Protein expression of P450scc was increased after 28 days of LH exposure, suggesting activation of the LH receptor. CONCLUSION These data indicate that direct exposure of guinea pig CNS to LH results in altered brain Aβ levels, perhaps due to altered APP expression/metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eka J Wahjoepramono
- Centre of Excellence for Alzheimer's Disease Research and Care, School of Exercise, Biomedical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
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Mukai H, Kimoto T, Hojo Y, Kawato S, Murakami G, Higo S, Hatanaka Y, Ogiue-Ikeda M. Modulation of synaptic plasticity by brain estrogen in the hippocampus. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2010; 1800:1030-44. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2009.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2009] [Revised: 10/15/2009] [Accepted: 11/02/2009] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Munetsuna E, Hojo Y, Hattori M, Ishii H, Kawato S, Ishida A, Kominami SAJ, Yamazaki T. Retinoic acid stimulates 17beta-estradiol and testosterone synthesis in rat hippocampal slice cultures. Endocrinology 2009; 150:4260-9. [PMID: 19497980 DOI: 10.1210/en.2008-1644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The hippocampus is essentially involved in learning and memory processes. Its functions are affected by various neuromodulators, including 17beta-estradiol, testosterone, and retinoid. Brain-synthesized steroid hormones act as autocrine and paracrine modulators. The regulatory mechanism underlying brain steroidogenesis has not been fully elucidated. Synthesis of sex steroids in the gonads is stimulated by retinoic acids. Therefore, we examined the effects of retinoic acids on estradiol and testosterone biosynthesis in the rat hippocampus. We used cultured hippocampal slices from 10- to 12-d-old male rats to investigate de novo steroidogenesis. The infant rat hippocampus possesses mRNAs for steroidogenic enzymes and retinoid receptors. Slices were used after 24 h of preculture to obtain maximal steroidogenic activity because steroidogenesis in cultured slices decreases with time. The mRNA levels for P450(17alpha), P450 aromatase and estrogen receptor-beta in the slices were increased by treatment with 9-cis-retinoic acid but not by all-trans-isomer. The magnitude of stimulation and the shape of the dose-response curve for the mRNA level for P450(17alpha) were similar to those for cellular retinoid binding protein type 2, the transcription of which is activated by retinoid X receptor signaling. 9-cis-Retinoic acid also induced a 1.7-fold increase in the protein content of P450(17alpha) and a 2-fold increase in de novo synthesis of 17beta-estradiol and testosterone. These steroids may be synthesized from a steroid precursor(s), such as pregnenolone or other steroids, or from cholesterol, as so-called neurosteroids. The stimulation of estradiol and testosterone synthesis by 9-cis-retinoic acid might be caused by activation of P450(17alpha) transcription via retinoid X receptor signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eiji Munetsuna
- Laboratory of Molecular Brain Science, Graduate School of Integrated Arts and Sciences, Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima 739-8521, Japan
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Higo S, Hojo Y, Ishii H, Kominami T, Nakajima K, Poirier D, Kimoto T, Kawato S. Comparison of sex-steroid synthesis between neonatal and adult rat hippocampus. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2009; 385:62-6. [PMID: 19426711 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2009.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2009] [Accepted: 05/03/2009] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Sex-steroid synthesis in the hippocampus had been thought to be much more active at the neonatal stage than at the adult stage. However, the detailed comparison between these two stages had not been demonstrated yet. Here we performed the comparison about the mRNA level of steroidogenic enzymes and the rate of steroid metabolism between these two stages of the hippocampus. The relative expression level of P450(17alpha), 17beta- or 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, or P450arom was approximately 1.3-1.5-fold higher at the neonatal than at the adult stage. The rate of sex-steroid metabolism (from dehydroepiandrosterone to estradiol) was 2-7-fold (depending on different steps) more rapid at the neonatal than at the adult stage. Taken together, neonatal steroidogenesis is moderately more active than adult steroidogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shimpei Higo
- Department of Biophysics and Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 3-8-1 Komaba, Meguro, Tokyo 153-8902, Japan
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Hatanaka Y, Mukai H, Mitsuhashi K, Hojo Y, Murakami G, Komatsuzaki Y, Sato R, Kawato S. Androgen rapidly increases dendritic thorns of CA3 neurons in male rat hippocampus. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2009; 381:728-32. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2009.02.130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2009] [Accepted: 02/25/2009] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Hojo Y, Murakami G, Mukai H, Higo S, Hatanaka Y, Ogiue-Ikeda M, Ishii H, Kimoto T, Kawato S. Estrogen synthesis in the brain--role in synaptic plasticity and memory. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2008; 290:31-43. [PMID: 18541362 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2008.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 164] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2008] [Accepted: 04/16/2008] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Estrogen and androgen are synthesized from cholesterol locally in hippocampal neurons of adult animals. These neurosteroids are synthesized by cytochrome P450s and hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (HSDs) and 5alpha-reductase. The expression levels of enzymes are as low as 1/200-1/50,000 of those in endocrine organs, however these numbers are high enough for local synthesis. Localization of P450(17alpha), P450arom, 17beta-HSD and 5alpha-reductase is observed in principal glutamatergic neurons in CA1, CA3 and the dendate gyrus. Several nanomolar levels of estrogen and androgen are observed in the hippocampus. Estrogen modulates memory-related synaptic plasticity not only slowly but also rapidly in the hippocampus. Rapid action of 17beta-estradiol via membrane receptors is demonstrated for spinogenesis and long-term depression (LTD). The enhancement of LTD by 1-10nM estradiol occurs within 1 h. The density of spine is increased in CA1 pyramidal neurons within 2h after application of estradiol. The density of spine-like structure is, however, decreased by estradiol in CA3 pyramidal neurons. ERalpha, but not ERbeta, induces the same enhancement/suppression effects on both spinogenesis and LTD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasushi Hojo
- Department of Biophysics and Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Komaba, Meguro, Tokyo 153-8902, Japan
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Kancheva L, Hill M, Vceláková H, Vrbíková J, Pelikánová T, Stárka L. The identification and simultaneous quantification of neuroactive androstane steroids and their polar conjugates in the serum of adult men, using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Steroids 2007; 72:792-801. [PMID: 17716701 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2007.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2006] [Revised: 06/28/2007] [Accepted: 06/29/2007] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Certain androstane steroids (AS) modulate ionotropic receptors, as do the pregnane steroids. Whereas women produce significant amounts of neuroactive progesterone metabolites, the steroid neuromodulators in men originate mainly from the 3-oxo-4-ene C(19)-steroids, which are converted to their 3alpha- and 3beta-hydroxy-5alpha/5beta-reduced metabolites. The neuromodulating effects of AS prompted us to monitor circulating levels of the steroids to estimate metabolic pathways in the periphery that may influence brain concentrations of AS. Hence, the serum levels of 20 steroids and 16 steroid polar conjugates including 17-oxo- and 17beta-hydroxy-derivatives of 5alpha/beta-androstane-3alpha/beta-hydroxy-androstane steroids were quantified in 15 men (16-62 years of age) using GC-MS. The conjugated AS for the most part reached micromolar concentrations, these being two or three orders of magnitude higher than those of the free steroids. The ratios of conjugates to free steroids were one to two orders of magnitude higher than the values for the corresponding pregnane steroids. This data suggested that conjugation may considerably restrain the transport of free AS from the periphery into the central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Kancheva
- Institute of Endocrinology, Národní trída 8, Prague, CZ, Czech Republic.
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Ishii H, Tsurugizawa T, Ogiue-Ikeda M, Asashima M, Mukai H, Murakami G, Hojo Y, Kimoto T, Kawato S. Local production of sex hormones and their modulation of hippocampal synaptic plasticity. Neuroscientist 2007; 13:323-34. [PMID: 17644764 DOI: 10.1177/10738584070130040601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
It is believed that sex hormones are synthesized in the gonads and reach the brain via the blood circulation. In contrast with this view, the authors have demonstrated that sex hormones are also synthesized locally in the hippocampus and that these steroids act rapidly to modulate neuronal synaptic plasticity. The authors demonstrated that estrogens are locally synthesized from cholesterol through dehydroepiandrosterone and testosterone in adult hippocampal neurons. Significant expression of mRNA for P450(17alpha), P450arom, and other steroidogenic enzymes was demonstrated. Localization of P450(17alpha) and P450arom was observed in synapses of principal neurons. In contrast to the slow action of gonadal estradiol, hippocampal neuron-derived estradiol may act locally and rapidly within the neurons. For example, 1 to 10 nM estradiol rapidly enhances long-term depression (LTD). The density of thin spines is selectively increased within two hours upon application of estradiol in pyramidal neurons. Estrogen receptor ERalpha agonist has the same enhancing effect as estradiol on both LTD and spinogenesis. Localization of ERalpha in spines in addition to nuclei of principal neurons implies that synaptic ERalpha is responsible for rapid modulation of synaptic plasticity by endogenous estradiol. Activin A, a peptide sex hormone, may also play a role as a local endogenous modulator of synaptic plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hirotaka Ishii
- Department of Biophysics and Life Sciences, Graduate School ofArts and Sciences ,University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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Brann DW, Dhandapani K, Wakade C, Mahesh VB, Khan MM. Neurotrophic and neuroprotective actions of estrogen: basic mechanisms and clinical implications. Steroids 2007; 72:381-405. [PMID: 17379265 PMCID: PMC2048656 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2007.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 447] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2006] [Revised: 02/07/2007] [Accepted: 02/09/2007] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Estrogen is an important hormone signal that regulates multiple tissues and functions in the body. This review focuses on the neurotrophic and neuroprotective actions of estrogen in the brain, with particular emphasis on estrogen actions in the hippocampus, cerebral cortex and striatum. Sex differences in the risk, onset and severity of neurodegenerative disease such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and stroke are well known, and the potential role of estrogen as a neuroprotective factor is discussed in this context. The review assimilates a complex literature that spans research in humans, non-human primates and rodent animal models and attempts to contrast and compare the findings across species where possible. Current controversies regarding the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) study, its ramifications, concerns and the new studies needed to address these concerns are also addressed. Signaling mechanisms underlying estrogen-induced neuroprotection and synaptic plasticity are reviewed, including the important concepts of genomic versus nongenomic mechanisms, types of estrogen receptor involved and their subcellular targeting, and implicated downstream signaling pathways and mediators. Finally, a multicellular mode of estrogen action in the regulation of neuronal survival and neurotrophism is discussed, as are potential future directions for the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darrell W Brann
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, School of Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, GA 30912, United States.
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