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Woo S, Noh Y, Koh SB, Lee SK, Il Lee J, Kim HH, Kim SY, Cho J, Kim C. Associations of ambient manganese exposure with brain gray matter thickness and white matter hyperintensities. Hypertens Res 2023; 46:1870-1879. [PMID: 37185603 DOI: 10.1038/s41440-023-01291-1] [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: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Manganese (Mn) exposure is associated with increased risks of dementia and cerebrovascular disease. However, evidence regarding the impact of ambient Mn exposure on brain imaging markers is scarce. We aimed to investigate the association between ambient Mn exposure and brain imaging markers representing neurodegeneration and cerebrovascular lesions. We recruited a total of 936 adults (442 men and 494 women) without dementia, movement disorders, or stroke from the Republic of Korea. Ambient Mn concentrations were predicted at each participant's residential address using spatial modeling. Neurodegeneration-related brain imaging markers, such as the regional cortical thickness, were estimated using 3 T brain magnetic resonance images. White matter hyperintensity volume (an indicator of cerebrovascular lesions) was also obtained from a certain number of participants (n = 397). Linear regression analyses were conducted after adjusting for potential confounders. A log-transformed ambient Mn concentration was associated with thinner parietal (β = -0.02 mm; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.05 to -0.01) and occipital cortices (β = -0.03 mm; 95% CI, -0.04 to -0.01) after correcting for multiple comparisons. These associations remained statistically significant in men. An increase in the ambient Mn concentration was also associated with a greater volume of deep white matter hyperintensity in men (β = 772.4 mm3, 95% CI: 36.9 to 1508.0). None of the associations were significant in women. Our findings suggest that ambient Mn exposure may induce cortical atrophy in the general adult population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinyoung Woo
- Department of Public Health, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Young Noh
- Department of Neurology, Gil Medical Center, Gachon University College of Medicine, Incheon, Korea
| | - Sang-Baek Koh
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Wonju College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Wonju, Korea
| | - Seung-Koo Lee
- Department of Radiology, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jung Il Lee
- Korea Testing and Research Institute, Gwacheon, Korea
| | - Ho Hyun Kim
- Department of Nano-chemical, biological and environmental engineering Seokyeong University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sun- Young Kim
- Department of Cancer Control and Population Health, Graduate School of Cancer Science and Policy, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Korea
| | - Jaelim Cho
- Department of Public Health, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
- Institute for Environmental Research, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- Institute of Human Complexity and Systems Science, Yonsei University, Incheon, Republic of Korea.
| | - Changsoo Kim
- Department of Public Health, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
- Institute for Environmental Research, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- Institute of Human Complexity and Systems Science, Yonsei University, Incheon, Republic of Korea.
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Daniel JM, Lindsey SH, Mostany R, Schrader LA, Zsombok A. Cardiometabolic health, menopausal estrogen therapy and the brain: How effects of estrogens diverge in healthy and unhealthy preclinical models of aging. Front Neuroendocrinol 2023; 70:101068. [PMID: 37061205 PMCID: PMC10725785 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2023.101068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/17/2023]
Abstract
Research in preclinical models indicates that estrogens are neuroprotective and positively impact cognitive aging. However, clinical data are equivocal as to the benefits of menopausal estrogen therapy to the brain and cognition. Pre-existing cardiometabolic disease may modulate mechanisms by which estrogens act, potentially reducing or reversing protections they provide against cognitive decline. In the current review we propose mechanisms by which cardiometabolic disease may alter estrogen effects, including both alterations in actions directly on brain memory systems and actions on cardiometabolic systems, which in turn impact brain memory systems. Consideration of mechanisms by which estrogen administration can exert differential effects dependent upon health phenotype is consistent with the move towards precision or personalized medicine, which aims to determine which treatment interventions will work for which individuals. Understanding effects of estrogens in both healthy and unhealthy models of aging is critical to optimizing the translational link between preclinical and clinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jill M Daniel
- Department of Psychology and Brain Institute, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States.
| | - Sarah H Lindsey
- Department of Pharmacology and Brain Institute, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Ricardo Mostany
- Department of Pharmacology and Brain Institute, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Laura A Schrader
- Department of Cell & Molecular Biology and Brain Institute, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Andrea Zsombok
- Department of Physiology and Brain Institute, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States
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3
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Calow A, Morrell-Scott N, Smith EJ. An overview of menopause, and why this should feature within pre-registration education. BRITISH JOURNAL OF NURSING (MARK ALLEN PUBLISHING) 2023; 32:334-340. [PMID: 37027417 DOI: 10.12968/bjon.2023.32.7.334] [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: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Over half the population (51%) of England and Wales is female, most of whom will experience menopause, either as a result of endocrine ageing or medical treatment. AIM The project aimed to undertake a review of the literature to determine the level of knowledge about menopause that healthcare students are exposed to, and to highlight why it is important for them to have an understanding of this subject both for their own clinical practice and for supporting colleagues in the workplace. METHOD A literature review was conducted by the project team. FINDINGS There is a lack of education for healthcare students, who will go on to care for those affected by menopause, and will also work with colleagues experiencing menopause. CONCLUSION Educational programmes should include menopause as a component, which will allow for a breaking down of barriers on a subject that is still generally considered taboo. RECOMMENDATIONS A national audit should be conducted on menopause coverage in UK pre-registration nursing. The addition of menopause to the Liverpool John Moores University pre-registration nursing curriculum is also recommended based on agreed competencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Calow
- Third Year Nursing Student, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool
| | - Nicola Morrell-Scott
- Programme Manager Nursing/Associate Dean Education, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool
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Zeng M, Feng A, Zhao C, Zhang B, Guo P, Liu M, Zhang Q, Zhang Y, Fan R, Lyu J, Zheng X. Adenosine ameliorated Aβ 25-35-induced brain injury through the inhibition of apoptosis and oxidative stress via an ERα pathway. Brain Res 2022; 1788:147944. [PMID: 35568086 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2022.147944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that adenosine has estrogen-like activity mediated by estrogen receptor α (ERɑ). This study aimed to examine the effects of adenosine on Aβ25-35-induced brain injury and the underlying mechanisms involved. Adenosine (Ade, 20 mg/kg, i.g.) was administered for four weeks, followed by the induction of Alzheimer's disease (AD) by Aβ25-35 (200 µM, 3 µL/20 g, i.c.v.). Furthermore, a specific ERα blocker (MPP, 0.3 mg/kg, i.p.) was administered 30 min before the treatments of adenosine to evaluate whether the observed effects elicited by adenosine were mediated via ERα. In addition, the learning and memory ability, neuronal damage, and the levels of amyloid β-protein (Aβ), phosphorylated Tau Protein (p-Tau), apoptosis, oxidative stress, immune cells, and ERα were examined. The antagonistic effect of MPP (1 µM) against adenosine (5 µM) in Aβ25-35 (20 µM, 24 h)-induced N9 and PC-12 cells was also investigated. Adenosine improved learning and memory ability, reduced neuronal damage, downregulated Aβ42/Aβ40, p-Tau, apoptosis, and oxidative stress, transformed immune cells, and increased the expression of ERα following Aβ25-35 challenge. MPP could block these effects. Moreover, MPP also blocked the effects of adenosine on the levels of apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in Aβ25-35-induced N9 and PC-12 cells. Adenosine ameliorated Aβ25-35-induced brain injury by inhibiting apoptosis and oxidative stress, possibly via an ERα pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengnan Zeng
- College of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China; The Engineering and Technology Center for Chinese Medicine Development of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Aozi Feng
- Department of Clinical Research, the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chenxin Zhao
- College of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Beibei Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China; The Engineering and Technology Center for Chinese Medicine Development of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Pengli Guo
- College of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China; The Engineering and Technology Center for Chinese Medicine Development of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Meng Liu
- College of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China; The Engineering and Technology Center for Chinese Medicine Development of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Qinqin Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China; The Engineering and Technology Center for Chinese Medicine Development of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yuhan Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China; The Engineering and Technology Center for Chinese Medicine Development of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ruyi Fan
- College of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jun Lyu
- Department of Clinical Research, the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Xiaoke Zheng
- College of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China; The Engineering and Technology Center for Chinese Medicine Development of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, China.
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Tea polyphenols improve the memory in aging ovariectomized rats by regulating brain glucose metabolism in vivo and in vitro. J Funct Foods 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2021.104856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
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Chan HJ, Yanshree, Roy J, Tipoe GL, Fung ML, Lim LW. Therapeutic Potential of Human Stem Cell Implantation in Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:10151. [PMID: 34576314 PMCID: PMC8471075 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221810151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive debilitating neurodegenerative disease and the most common form of dementia in the older population. At present, there is no definitive effective treatment for AD. Therefore, researchers are now looking at stem cell therapy as a possible treatment for AD, but whether stem cells are safe and effective in humans is still not clear. In this narrative review, we discuss both preclinical studies and clinical trials on the therapeutic potential of human stem cells in AD. Preclinical studies have successfully differentiated stem cells into neurons in vitro, indicating the potential viability of stem cell therapy in neurodegenerative diseases. Preclinical studies have also shown that stem cell therapy is safe and effective in improving cognitive performance in animal models, as demonstrated in the Morris water maze test and novel object recognition test. Although few clinical trials have been completed and many trials are still in phase I and II, the initial results confirm the outcomes of the preclinical studies. However, limitations like rejection, tumorigenicity, and ethical issues are still barriers to the advancement of stem cell therapy. In conclusion, the use of stem cells in the treatment of AD shows promise in terms of effectiveness and safety.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Lee Wei Lim
- School of Biomedical, Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (H.J.C.); (Y.); (J.R.); (G.L.T.); (M.-L.F.)
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7
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Morton H, Kshirsagar S, Orlov E, Bunquin LE, Sawant N, Boleng L, George M, Basu T, Ramasubramanian B, Pradeepkiran JA, Kumar S, Vijayan M, Reddy AP, Reddy PH. Defective mitophagy and synaptic degeneration in Alzheimer's disease: Focus on aging, mitochondria and synapse. Free Radic Biol Med 2021; 172:652-667. [PMID: 34246776 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2021.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2021] [Revised: 06/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by memory loss and multiple cognitive impairments. AD is marked by multiple cellular changes, including deregulation of microRNAs, activation of glia and astrocytes, hormonal imbalance, defective mitophagy, synaptic degeneration, in addition to extracellular neuritic amyloid-beta (Aβ) plaques, phosphorylated tau (P-tau), and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs). Recent research in AD revealed that defective synaptic mitophagy leads to synaptic degeneration and cognitive dysfunction in AD neurons. Our critical analyses of mitochondria and Aβ and P-tau revealed that increased levels of Aβ and P-Tau, and abnormal interactions between Aβ and Drp1, P-Tau and Drp1 induced increased mitochondrial fragmentation and proliferation of dysfunctional mitochondria in AD neurons and depleted Parkin and PINK1 levels. These events ultimately lead to impaired clearance of dead and/or dying mitochondria in AD neurons. The purpose of our article is to highlight the recent research on mitochondria and synapses in relation to Aβ and P-tau, focusing on recent developments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hallie Morton
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Sudhir Kshirsagar
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Erika Orlov
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Lloyd E Bunquin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Neha Sawant
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Lauren Boleng
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA; Nutritional Sciences Nutritional Science, College of Human Sciences, Texas Tech University, 1301Akron Ave, Lubbock, TX, 79409, USA
| | - Mathew George
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Tanisha Basu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | | | | | - Subodh Kumar
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Murali Vijayan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Arubala P Reddy
- Nutritional Sciences Nutritional Science, College of Human Sciences, Texas Tech University, 1301Akron Ave, Lubbock, TX, 79409, USA
| | - P Hemachandra Reddy
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA; Neuroscience & Pharmacology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA; Neurology, Departments of School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA; Public Health Department of Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA; Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, School Health Professions, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA.
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8
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Oliver DMA, Reddy PH. Molecular Basis of Alzheimer's Disease: Focus on Mitochondria. J Alzheimers Dis 2020; 72:S95-S116. [PMID: 30932888 DOI: 10.3233/jad-190048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease, characterized by memory loss and multiple cognitive impairments. With the increased aging population, AD is a major health concern in society. Morphological and pathological studies revealed that AD is associated with the loss of synapses, defective mitochondria, and the proliferation of reactive astrocytes and microglia, in addition to the presence amyloid-β and phosphorylated tau in learning and memory regions of the brain in AD patients. AD occurs in two forms: early-onset familial and late-onset sporadic. Genetic mutations in APP, PS1, and PS2 loci cause familial AD. Multiple factors are reported to be involved in late-onset AD, including APOE4 genotype, polymorphisms in several gene loci and type 2 diabetes, traumatic brain injury, stroke, and age-related factors, including increased reactive oxygen species production and dysfunction in mitochondria. It is widely accepted that synaptic damage and mitochondrial dysfunction are early events in disease process. The purpose of this article is to highlight molecular triggers to the disease process. This article also reviews factors, including age, gender, lifestyle, epigenetic factors, and type 2 diabetes, that are involved in late-onset AD. This article also discusses recent developments in research of mitochondrial structure, function, physiology, dynamics, biogenesis, mitophagy, and mitochondrial DNA changes in healthy and diseased states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darryll M A Oliver
- Internal Medicine Department, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States
| | - P Hemachandra Reddy
- Internal Medicine Department, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States.,Garrison Institute on Aging, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States.,Garrison Institute on Aging, South West Campus, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States.,Department of Cell Biology & Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States.,Department of Pharmacology & Neuroscience, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States.,Department of Neurology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States.,Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States.,Department of Public Health, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Lubbock, TX, United States
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9
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Long T, Yao JK, Li J, Kirshner ZZ, Nelson D, Dougherty GG, Gibbs RB. Estradiol and selective estrogen receptor agonists differentially affect brain monoamines and amino acids levels in transitional and surgical menopausal rat models. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2019; 496:110533. [PMID: 31394142 PMCID: PMC6717664 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2019.110533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [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: 05/21/2019] [Revised: 07/18/2019] [Accepted: 08/03/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Estrogens have many beneficial effects in the brain. Previously, we evaluated the effects of two models of menopause (surgical vs. transitional) on multiple monoaminergic endpoints in different regions of the adult rat brain in comparison with levels in gonadally intact rats. Here we evaluated the effects of estrogen receptor (ER) agonist treatments in these same two models of menopause. Neurochemical endpoints were evaluated in the hippocampus (HPC), frontal cortex (FCX), and striatum (STR) of adult ovariectomized (OVX) rats and in rats that underwent selective and gradual ovarian follicle depletion by daily injection of 4-vinylcyclohexene-diepoxide (VCD), after 1- and 6-weeks treatment with 17β-estradiol (E2), or with selective ERα (PPT), ERβ (DPN), or GPR30 (G-1) agonists. Endpoints included serotonin (5-HT) and 5-Hydroxyindoleacetic acid, dopamine (DA), 3,4-Dihydroxyphenylacetic acid and homovanillic acid, norepinephrine (NE) and epinephrine, as well as the amino acids tryptophan (TRP) and tyrosine (TYR). Significant differences between the models were detected. OVX rats were much more sensitive to ER agonist treatments than VCD-treated rats. Significant differences between brain regions also were detected. Within OVX rats, more agonist effects were detected in the HPC than in any other region. One interesting finding was the substantial decrease in TRP and TYR detected in the HPC and FCX in response to agonist treatments, particularly in OVX rats. This is on top of the substantial decreases in TRP and TYR previously reported one week after OVX or VCD-treatments in comparison with gonadally intact controls. Other interesting findings included increases in the levels of 5-HT, DA, and NE in the HPC of OVX rats treated with DPN, increases in DA detected in the FCX of OVX rats treated with any of the ER agonists, and increases in 5-HT and DA detected in the STR of OVX rats treated with E2. Many effects that were observed after 1-week of treatment were no longer observed after 6-weeks of treatment, demonstrating that effects were temporary despite continued agonist treatment. Collectively, the results demonstrate significant differences in the effects of ER agonists on monoaminergic endpoints in OVX vs. VCD-treated rats that also were brain region-specific and time dependent. The fact that agonist treatments had lesser effects in VCD treated rats than in OVX rats may help to explain reports of lesser effects of estrogen replacement on cognitive performance in women that have undergone transitional vs. surgical menopause.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Long
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA; Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Medical Research Service, Pittsburgh, PA, 15240, USA
| | - Jeffrey K Yao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA; Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Medical Research Service, Pittsburgh, PA, 15240, USA
| | - Junyi Li
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
| | - Ziv Z Kirshner
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
| | - Doug Nelson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
| | - George G Dougherty
- Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Medical Research Service, Pittsburgh, PA, 15240, USA
| | - Robert B Gibbs
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA.
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Marongiu R. Accelerated Ovarian Failure as a Unique Model to Study Peri-Menopause Influence on Alzheimer's Disease. Front Aging Neurosci 2019; 11:242. [PMID: 31551757 PMCID: PMC6743419 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2019.00242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite decades of extensive research efforts, efficacious therapies for Alzheimer's disease (AD) are lacking. The multi-factorial nature of AD neuropathology and symptomatology has taught us that a single therapeutic approach will most likely not fit all. Women constitute ~70% of the affected AD population, and pathology and rate of symptoms progression are 2-3 times higher in women than men. Epidemiological data suggest that menopausal estrogen loss may be causative of the more severe symptoms observed in AD women, however, results from clinical trials employing estrogen replacement therapy are inconsistent. AD pathological hallmarks-amyloid β (Aβ), neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs), and chronic gliosis-are laid down during a 20-year prodromal period before clinical symptoms appear, which coincides with the menopause transition (peri-menopause) in women (~45-54-years-old). Peri-menopause is marked by widely fluctuating estrogen levels resulting in periods of irregular hormone-receptor interactions. Recent studies showed that peri-menopausal women have increased indicators of AD phenotype (brain Aβ deposition and hypometabolism), and peri-menopausal women who used hormone replacement therapy (HRT) had a reduced AD risk. This suggests that neuroendocrine changes during peri-menopause may be a trigger that increases risk of AD in women. Studies on sex differences have been performed in several AD rodent models over the years. However, it has been challenging to study the menopause influence on AD due to lack of optimal models that mimic the human process. Recently, the rodent model of accelerated ovarian failure (AOF) was developed, which uniquely recapitulates human menopause, including a transitional peri-AOF period with irregular estrogen fluctuations and a post-AOF stage with low estrogen levels. This model has proven useful in hypertension and cognition studies with wild type animals. This review article will highlight the molecular mechanisms by which peri-menopause may influence the female brain vulnerability to AD and AD risk factors, such as hypertension and apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype. Studies on these biological mechanisms together with the use of the AOF model have the potential to shed light on key molecular pathways underlying AD pathogenesis for the development of precision medicine approaches that take sex and hormonal status into account.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Marongiu
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurosurgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, Department of Neurosurgery, Cornell University, New York, NY, United States
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11
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Khadilkar SV, Patil VA. Sex Hormones and Cognition: Where Do We Stand? J Obstet Gynaecol India 2019; 69:303-312. [PMID: 31391735 DOI: 10.1007/s13224-019-01223-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Accepted: 03/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis regulates the reproductive system. The overall health and wellbeing of a woman is subject to fluctuations in the sex hormones throughout her lifespan. Menopause, either natural or surgically induced, is often associated with cognitive complaints, especially memory disturbances. Sex hormones, besides affecting the reproductive function, affect the central nervous system in many ways. Here, we aim to review the role of sex hormones in cognition and the current evidence on use of or against menopausal hormonal therapy as a cognition enhancer in women with cognitive disturbances, including those with Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satish V Khadilkar
- Department of Neurology, Bombay Hospital Institute of Medical Sciences, New Marine Lines, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400020 India
| | - Varsha A Patil
- Department of Neurology, Bombay Hospital Institute of Medical Sciences, New Marine Lines, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400020 India
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12
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Zhang S, Hu J, Fan W, Liu B, Wen L, Wang G, Gong M, Yang C, Zhang D. Aberrant Cerebral Activity in Early Postmenopausal Women: A Resting-State Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study. Front Cell Neurosci 2018; 12:454. [PMID: 30534056 PMCID: PMC6275219 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2018.00454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2018] [Accepted: 11/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Early postmenopausal women frequently suffer from cognitive impairments and emotional disorders, such as lack of attention, poor memory, deficits in executive function and depression. However, the underlying mechanisms of these impairments remain unclear. Method: Forty-three early postmenopausal women and forty-four age-matched premenopausal controls underwent serum sex hormone analysis, neuropsychological testing and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI). Degree centrality (DC) analysis was performed to confirm the peak points of the functionally abnormal brain areas as the centers of the seeds. Subsequently, the functional connectivity (FC) between these abnormal seeds and other voxels across the whole brain was calculated. Finally, the sex hormone levels, neuroimaging indices and neuropsychological data were combined to detect potential correlations. Results: Compared with the premenopausal controls, the early postmenopausal women exhibited significantly higher serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels, more severe climacteric and depressive symptoms, worse sleep quality and more extensive cognitive impairments. Concurrently, the neuroimaging results showed elevated DC values in the left amygdala (AMYG.L), reduced DC values in the left middle occipital gyrus (MOG.L) and right middle occipital gyrus (MOG.R). When we used the AMYG.L as the seed point, FC with the left insula (INS.L), bilateral prefrontal cortex (PFC) and right superior frontal gyrus (SFG.R) was increased; these regions are related to depressive states, poor sleep quality and decreased executive function. When bilateral MOG were used as the seed points, FC with left inferior parietal gyrus (IPG.L), this area closely associated with impaired memory, was decreased. Conclusion: These results illuminated the regional and network-level brain dysfunction in early postmenopausal women, which might provide information on the underlying mechanisms of the different cognitive impairments and emotional alterations observed in this group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Xinqiao Hosptial, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Junhao Hu
- Department of Radiology, Xinqiao Hosptial, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Weijie Fan
- Department of Radiology, Xinqiao Hosptial, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Bo Liu
- Department of Radiology, Xinqiao Hosptial, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Li Wen
- Department of Radiology, Xinqiao Hosptial, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Guangxian Wang
- Department of Radiology, Xinqiao Hosptial, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Mingfu Gong
- Department of Radiology, Xinqiao Hosptial, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Chunyan Yang
- Department of Radiology, Xinqiao Hosptial, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Dong Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Xinqiao Hosptial, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Bonham LW, Evans DS, Liu Y, Cummings SR, Yaffe K, Yokoyama JS. Neurotransmitter Pathway Genes in Cognitive Decline During Aging: Evidence for GNG4 and KCNQ2 Genes. Am J Alzheimers Dis Other Demen 2018; 33:153-165. [PMID: 29338302 PMCID: PMC6209098 DOI: 10.1177/1533317517739384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/RATIONALE Experimental studies support the role of neurotransmitter genes in dementia risk, but human studies utilizing single variants in candidate genes have had limited success. METHODS We used the gene-based testing program Versatile Gene-based Association Study to assess whether aggregate variation across 6 neurotransmitter pathways influences risk of cognitive decline in 8159 cognitively normal elderly (≥65 years old) adults from 3 community-based cohorts. RESULTS Common genetic variation in GNG4 and KCNQ2 was associated with cognitive decline. In human brain tissue data sets, both GNG4 and KCNQ2 show higher expression in hippocampus relative to other brain regions; GNG4 expression decreases with advancing age. Both GNG4 and KCNQ2 show highest expression in fetal astrocytes. CONCLUSION Genetic variation analyses and gene expression data suggest that GNG4 and KCNQ2 may be associated with cognitive decline in normal aging. Gene-based testing of neurotransmitter pathways may confirm and reveal novel risk genes in future studies of healthy cognitive aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke W. Bonham
- Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Daniel S. Evans
- California Pacific Medical Center Research Institute, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Yongmei Liu
- Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, Public Health Sciences, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Steven R. Cummings
- California Pacific Medical Center Research Institute, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Kristine Yaffe
- Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Veterans Affairs, San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jennifer S. Yokoyama
- Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
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Merlo S, Spampinato SF, Sortino MA. Estrogen and Alzheimer's disease: Still an attractive topic despite disappointment from early clinical results. Eur J Pharmacol 2017; 817:51-58. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2017.05.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2017] [Revised: 04/13/2017] [Accepted: 05/30/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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15
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Kwakowsky A, Milne MR, Waldvogel HJ, Faull RL. Effect of Estradiol on Neurotrophin Receptors in Basal Forebrain Cholinergic Neurons: Relevance for Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2016; 17:E2122. [PMID: 27999310 PMCID: PMC5187922 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17122122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2016] [Revised: 12/05/2016] [Accepted: 12/12/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The basal forebrain is home to the largest population of cholinergic neurons in the brain. These neurons are involved in a number of cognitive functions including attention, learning and memory. Basal forebrain cholinergic neurons (BFCNs) are particularly vulnerable in a number of neurological diseases with the most notable being Alzheimer's disease, with evidence for a link between decreasing cholinergic markers and the degree of cognitive impairment. The neurotrophin growth factor system is present on these BFCNs and has been shown to promote survival and differentiation on these neurons. Clinical and animal model studies have demonstrated the neuroprotective effects of 17β-estradiol (E2) on neurodegeneration in BFCNs. It is believed that E2 interacts with neurotrophin signaling on cholinergic neurons to mediate these beneficial effects. Evidence presented in our recent study confirms that altering the levels of circulating E2 levels via ovariectomy and E2 replacement significantly affects the expression of the neurotrophin receptors on BFCN. However, we also showed that E2 differentially regulates neurotrophin receptor expression on BFCNs with effects depending on neurotrophin receptor type and neuroanatomical location. In this review, we aim to survey the current literature to understand the influence of E2 on the neurotrophin system, and the receptors and signaling pathways it mediates on BFCN. In addition, we summarize the physiological and pathophysiological significance of E2 actions on the neurotrophin system in BFCN, especially focusing on changes related to Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Kwakowsky
- Centre for Brain Research, Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, New Zealand.
| | - Michael R Milne
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland Brain Institute, Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4072, QLD, Australia.
| | - Henry J Waldvogel
- Centre for Brain Research, Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, New Zealand.
| | - Richard L Faull
- Centre for Brain Research, Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, New Zealand.
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