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Johansen LL, Christensen K, Hallas J, Osler M, Thinggaard M. Postmenopausal hormone therapy and cognition in twins. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2024; 298:116-122. [PMID: 38754277 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2024.05.006] [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: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Mild cognitive impairment may be caused by pathophysiological changes occurring decades prior to symptom development. It has been hypothesised that oestrogen can prevent such changes. We aimed to investigate the association between postmenopausal hormone therapy and cognition in Danish female twins and to examine differences in this association before and after publication of the findings from the Women's Health Initiative study in 2002. STUDY DESIGN This study includes cognitive assessment of 4510 twins aged 50+ years. Information on hormone therapy was obtained through Danish health registries. The association between current hormone therapy use and cognition was analysed in twins aged 50+ using both cross-sectional, intrapair and longitudinal analysis, adjusting for age, education, social class, and unobserved familial confounding. RESULTS Cross-sectionally, systemic HT users aged 70+ had a significantly lower cognitive function than non-users, whereas systemic HT users aged 50-69 did not differ from non-users before 2002. Longitudinal data in younger twins aged 50-69 showed a significantly lower cognitive function in systemic HT users after 2002 compared to non-users. Systemic HT users aged 70+ showed that the lower cognitive function was most explicit before 2002, whereas after 2002 the cognitive function was closer to non-users. Twins aged 50-69 who changed from systemic HT to local HT after 2002, or dropped it altogether, performed cognitively better. CONCLUSIONS Our findings cautiously indicate a change in the association between cognition and hormone therapy use after 2002, which suggests an alteration in the hormone therapy user profile in the wake of the 2002 WHI publication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura L Johansen
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Biodemography, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark; The Danish Twin Registry, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark; Danish Aging Research Center, Unit of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Biodemography, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Kaare Christensen
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Biodemography, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark; The Danish Twin Registry, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark; Danish Aging Research Center, Unit of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Biodemography, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Jesper Hallas
- Clinical Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Environmental Medicine, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Merete Osler
- Center for Clinical Research and Prevention, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospitals, Denmark
| | - Mikael Thinggaard
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Biodemography, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark; The Danish Twin Registry, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark; Danish Aging Research Center, Unit of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Biodemography, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.
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Andy C, Nerattini M, Jett S, Carlton C, Zarate C, Boneu C, Fauci F, Ajila T, Battista M, Pahlajani S, Christos P, Fink ME, Williams S, Brinton RD, Mosconi L. Systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of menopause hormone therapy on cognition. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1350318. [PMID: 38501109 PMCID: PMC10944893 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1350318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Despite evidence from preclinical studies suggesting estrogen's neuroprotective effects, the use of menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) to support cognitive function remains controversial. Methods We used random-effect meta-analysis and multi-level meta-regression to derive pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (C.I.) from 34 randomized controlled trials, including 14,914 treated and 12,679 placebo participants. Results Associations between MHT and cognitive function in some domains and tests of interest varied by formulation and treatment timing. While MHT had no overall effects on cognitive domain scores, treatment for surgical menopause, mostly estrogen-only therapy, improved global cognition (SMD=1.575, 95% CI 0.228, 2.921; P=0.043) compared to placebo. When initiated specifically in midlife or close to menopause onset, estrogen therapy was associated with improved verbal memory (SMD=0.394, 95% CI 0.014, 0.774; P=0.046), while late-life initiation had no effects. Overall, estrogen-progestogen therapy for spontaneous menopause was associated with a decline in Mini Mental State Exam (MMSE) scores as compared to placebo, with most studies administering treatment in a late-life population (SMD=-1.853, 95% CI -2.974, -0.733; P = 0.030). In analysis of timing of initiation, estrogen-progestogen therapy had no significant effects in midlife but was associated with improved verbal memory in late-life (P = 0.049). Duration of treatment >1 year was associated with worsening in visual memory as compared to shorter duration. Analysis of individual cognitive tests yielded more variable results of positive and negative effects associated with MHT. Discussion These findings suggest time-dependent effects of MHT on certain aspects of cognition, with variations based on formulation and timing of initiation, underscoring the need for further research with larger samples and more homogeneous study designs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Andy
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Matilde Nerattini
- Department of Neurology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Steven Jett
- Department of Neurology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Caroline Carlton
- Department of Neurology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Camila Zarate
- Department of Neurology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Camila Boneu
- Department of Neurology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Francesca Fauci
- Department of Neurology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Trisha Ajila
- Department of Neurology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Michael Battista
- Department of Neurology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Silky Pahlajani
- Department of Neurology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Paul Christos
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Matthew E Fink
- Department of Neurology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Schantel Williams
- Department of Neurology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Roberta Diaz Brinton
- Department of Neurology and Pharmacology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Lisa Mosconi
- Department of Neurology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
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Torbaghan ME, Moghimi A, Kobravi HR, Fereidoni M, Bigdeli I. Effect of stress on spatial working memory and EEG signal dynamics in the follicular and luteal phases of the menstrual cycle in young single girls. Brain Behav 2023; 13:e3166. [PMID: 37488720 PMCID: PMC10498068 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.3166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2023] [Revised: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM Women undergo behavioral changes during the menstrual cycle. This study aimed to investigate the effect of estradiol (Es) on stress and effect of stress on spatial working memory (WM) and also to investigate electroencephalogram (EEG) signal's dynamics in the early and late follicular (EF and LF) and luteal (LU) phases of unmarried girls' menstrual cycle. METHODS Stress was induced by presentation of a short (3 min) movie clip. Simultaneous with a memory test and stress induction, EEG, serum Es levels, and galvanic skin response (GSR) were assessed. RESULTS Serum Es concentrations were decreased in LF, LU, and EF phases. The mean GSR score decreased after stress induction in all three phases, but it increased in the LF and LU phases versus the EF phase. Spatial WM diminished after stress induction in all three phases, but it increased in the LF phase versus the two phases before and after stress induction. Average power spectrum density in all frequency bands increased after stress induction in the frontal and prefrontal channels in the spatial WM test. CONCLUSION The results showed that stress led to spatial WM dysfunction; however, Es improved spatial WM performance in the LF phase versus the other two phases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ali Moghimi
- Rayan Research Center for Neuroscience & Behavior, Department of Biology, Faculty of ScienceFerdowsi University of MashhadMashhadIran
| | - Hamid Reza Kobravi
- Research Center of Biomedical Engineering, Mashhad BranchIslamic Azad UniversityMashhadIran
| | - Masoud Fereidoni
- Rayan Research Center for Neuroscience & Behavior, Department of Biology, Faculty of ScienceFerdowsi University of MashhadMashhadIran
| | - Imanollah Bigdeli
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Educational Sciences and PsychologyFerdowsi University of MashhadMashhadIran
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Sharma A, Davies R, Kapoor A, Islam H, Webber L, Jayasena CN. The effect of hormone replacement therapy on cognition and mood. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2023; 98:285-295. [PMID: 36447434 DOI: 10.1111/cen.14856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To summarise the available data regarding the effect of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on cognition and mood in women. BACKGROUND Complaints of impaired cognition and mood are common in the peri-menopausal and menopausal period. There is debate as to whether HRT can ameliorate this phenomenon. DESIGN A literature search of studies using electronic databases was conducted. Both randomised control trials and observational studies were included. PATIENTS Perimenopausal and menopausal women. RESULTS Due to the heterogenicity of results it is challenging to draw firm conclusions. The preparations used in many of the studies are older regimes no longer routinely used clinically. The notion of a 'critical window' for HRT is compelling, suggesting HRT has a positive impact on cognition when administered in the peri-menopausal or early postmenopausal period but may have negative effects on cognition in the older, postmenopausal woman. The evidence would seem to suggest importance of hormonal replacement in woman undergoing a surgical menopause, especially when young. It remains unclear for how long they ought to continue HRT though until at least the natural age of the menopause seems reasonable. Evidence for a positive effect of HRT on mood is more convincing, though possibly more efficacious in the younger age group. The effect of HRT on anxiety is less clear. CONCLUSIONS Further study, particularly focusing on the more contemporaneous HRT preparations, is warranted before evidence-based conclusions can be drawn.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aditi Sharma
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Rhianna Davies
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | | | | | - Lisa Webber
- Department of Gynaecology, St. Mary's Hospital, London, UK
| | - Channa N Jayasena
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
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5
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Is Hormone Replacement Therapy a Risk Factor or a Therapeutic Option for Alzheimer's Disease? Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043205. [PMID: 36834617 PMCID: PMC9964432 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that accounts for more than half of all dementia cases in the elderly. Interestingly, the clinical manifestations of AD disproportionately affect women, comprising two thirds of all AD cases. Although the underlying mechanisms for these sex differences are not fully elucidated, evidence suggests a link between menopause and a higher risk of developing AD, highlighting the critical role of decreased estrogen levels in AD pathogenesis. The focus of this review is to evaluate clinical and observational studies in women, which have investigated the impact of estrogens on cognition or attempted to answer the prevailing question regarding the use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) as a preventive or therapeutic option for AD. The articles were retrieved through a systematic review of the databases: OVID, SCOPUS, and PubMed (keywords "memory", "dementia," "cognition," "Alzheimer's disease", "estrogen", "estradiol", "hormone therapy" and "hormone replacement therapy" and by searching reference sections from identified studies and review articles). This review presents the relevant literature available on the topic and discusses the mechanisms, effects, and hypotheses that contribute to the conflicting findings of HRT in the prevention and treatment of age-related cognitive deficits and AD. The literature suggests that estrogens have a clear role in modulating dementia risk, with reliable evidence showing that HRT can have both a beneficial and a deleterious effect. Importantly, recommendation for the use of HRT should consider the age of initiation and baseline characteristics, such as genotype and cardiovascular health, as well as the dosage, formulation, and duration of treatment until the risk factors that modulate the effects of HRT can be more thoroughly investigated or progress in the development of alternative treatments can be made.
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Chen L, Zheng W, Chen G, Liu LH, Yao J, Chen Y. Menopausal hormone therapy does not improve some domains of memory: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:894883. [PMID: 36147572 PMCID: PMC9486389 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.894883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aged women appear to be at a higher risk of developing memory impairment than men. Whether menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) could improve memory in postmenopausal women remains unclear. We thus conducted a meta-analysis to investigate the potential effect of MHT on memory, especially verbal memory, in postmenopausal women. METHODS PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, and web of ClinicalTrials.gov were systematically searched for randomized controlled trials comparing MHT versus placebo in postmenopausal women. Our primary outcome of interest is memory function. RESULTS We included 10 studies with 2,818 participants in the final analysis. There was no significant differences in immediate recall (weighted mean difference [WMD] 0.34, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.73, 1.40), delayed recall (WMD 0.99, 95% CI: -0.51, 2.48), short-delay (WMD -0.00, 95% CI: -0.37, 0.37), and long-delay (WMD -0.19, 95% CI: -0.69, 0.31) recall between WMT and placebo. WMT was associated with a lower digit span forward (mean reduction -0.20, 95% CI: -0.36, -0.03). In women within 5 years of menopause, MHT did not differ in immediate (0.45, 95% CI: -0.75, 1.65) or delayed recall (1.03, 95% CI: -0.93, 3.00), and digit span forward (-0.11, 95% CI: -0.72, 0.50), when compared with placebo. CONCLUSION This meta-analysis suggested that MHT had no effect on verbal memory in postmenopausal women, and may impair some domains of short-term memory. Current available evidence does not support MHT for improving memory in women less than 60 years, even in recently menopausal women. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO, identifier CRD42021233255.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Fujian Provincial Hospital South Branch, Fuzhou, China
- Shengli Clinical Medical College, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Wei Zheng
- Department of Neurology, Fujian Provincial Geriatric Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Gang Chen
- Shengli Clinical Medical College, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Department of Endocrinology, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Lin-Hua Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Fujian Provincial Hospital South Branch, Fuzhou, China
- Shengli Clinical Medical College, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jin Yao
- Shengli Clinical Medical College, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Department of Endocrinology, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Jin Yao, ; Yan Chen,
| | - Yan Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Fujian Provincial Hospital South Branch, Fuzhou, China
- Shengli Clinical Medical College, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Jin Yao, ; Yan Chen,
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Wang Y, Mishra A, Brinton RD. Transitions in metabolic and immune systems from pre-menopause to post-menopause: implications for age-associated neurodegenerative diseases. F1000Res 2020; 9. [PMID: 32047612 PMCID: PMC6993821 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.21599.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The brain undergoes two aging programs: chronological and endocrinological. This is particularly evident in the female brain, which undergoes programs of aging associated with reproductive competency. Comprehensive understanding of the dynamic metabolic and neuroinflammatory aging process in the female brain can illuminate windows of opportunities to promote healthy brain aging. Bioenergetic crisis and chronic low-grade inflammation are hallmarks of brain aging and menopause and have been implicated as a unifying factor causally connecting genetic risk factors for Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we discuss metabolic phenotypes of pre-menopausal, peri-menopausal, and post-menopausal aging and their consequent impact on the neuroinflammatory profile during each transition state. A critical aspect of the aging process is the dynamic metabolic neuro-inflammatory profiles that emerge during chronological and endocrinological aging. These dynamic systems of biology are relevant to multiple age-associated neurodegenerative diseases and provide a therapeutic framework for prevention and delay of neurodegenerative diseases of aging. While these findings are based on investigations of the female brain, they have a broader fundamental systems of biology strategy for investigating the aging male brain. Molecular characterization of alterations in fuel utilization and neuroinflammatory mechanisms during these neuro-endocrine transition states can inform therapeutic strategies to mitigate the risk of Alzheimer's disease in women. We further discuss a precision hormone replacement therapy approach to target symptom profiles during endocrine and chronological aging to reduce risk for age-related neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiwei Wang
- Center for Innovation in Brain Science, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA
| | - Aarti Mishra
- Center for Innovation in Brain Science, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA
| | - Roberta Diaz Brinton
- Center for Innovation in Brain Science, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA
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Wang Y, Hernandez G, Mack WJ, Schneider LS, Yin F, Brinton RD. Retrospective analysis of phytoSERM for management of menopause-associated vasomotor symptoms and cognitive decline: a pilot study on pharmacogenomic effects of mitochondrial haplogroup and APOE genotype on therapeutic efficacy. Menopause 2020; 27:57-65. [PMID: 31567873 PMCID: PMC7100617 DOI: 10.1097/gme.0000000000001418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE PhytoSERM is a selective estrogen receptor beta (ERβ) modulator comprised of three phytoestrogens: genistein, daidzein, and S-equol. The PhytoSERM formulation promotes estrogenic action in the brain while largely inactive or inhibitory in reproductive tissue. A phase Ib/IIa clinical trial (ClinicalTrial.gov ID: NCT01723917) of PhytoSERM demonstrated safety and pharmacokinetics profile of PhytoSERM. While this study was not powered for efficacy analysis, we conducted a pilot, retrospective analysis to identify potential responders to PhytoSERM treatment, and to determine the optimal populations to pursue in a phase II clinical trial of efficacy of the PhytoSERM formulation. METHODS In this retrospective analysis involving 46 participants (n = 16, placebo; n = 18, 50 mg/d PhytoSERM; and n = 12, 100 mg/d PhytoSERM), the therapeutic effect of PhytoSERM was stratified by 2 genetic risk modulators for Alzheimer's disease: mitochondrial haplogroup and APOE genotype. RESULTS Our retrospective responder analysis indicated that participants on 50 mg of daily PhytoSERM (PS50) for 12 weeks significantly reduced hot flash frequency compared with their baseline (mean [95% CI])-1.61, [-2.79, -0.42], P = 0.007). Participants on 50 mg of PhytoSERM also had significantly greater reduction in hot flash frequency at 12 weeks compared with the placebo group (-1.38, -0.17 [median PS50, median placebo], P = 0.04). Fifty milligrams of daily PhytoSERM also preserved cognitive function in certain aspects of verbal learning and executive function. Our analysis further suggests that mitochondrial haplogroup and APOE genotype can modify PhytoSERM response. CONCLUSION Our data support a precision medicine approach for further development of PhytoSERM as a safe and effective alternative to hormone therapy for menopause-associated hot flash and cognitive decline. While definitive determination of PhytoSERM efficacy is limited by the small sample size, these data provide a reasonable rationale to extend analyses to a larger study set powered to address statistical significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiwei Wang
- School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
- Center for Innovation in Brain Science and Department of Pharmacology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
| | - Gerson Hernandez
- School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
- Center for Innovation in Brain Science and Department of Pharmacology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
| | - Wendy J Mack
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Lon S Schneider
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Fei Yin
- School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
- Center for Innovation in Brain Science and Department of Pharmacology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
| | - Roberta D Brinton
- School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
- Center for Innovation in Brain Science and Department of Pharmacology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
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Amato MP, Prestipino E, Bellinvia A, Niccolai C, Razzolini L, Pastò L, Fratangelo R, Tudisco L, Fonderico M, Mattiolo PL, Goretti B, Zimatore GB, Losignore NA, Portaccio E, Lolli F. Cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis: An exploratory analysis of environmental and lifestyle risk factors. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0222929. [PMID: 31634346 PMCID: PMC6802833 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0222929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many potentially modifiable risk factors for MS are investigated. It is not known, however, if these factors also apply to MS-related cognitive impairment (CI), a frequent consequence of MS. OBJECTIVE The aim of our study was to assess risk factors for CI in MS patients, focusing on environmental exposures, lifestyle and comorbidities. METHODS We included MS patients referring to MS Centers in Florence and Barletta between 2014 and 2017. Neuropsychological performance was assessed through the Rao's battery and Stroop test, cognitive reserve (premorbid intelligence quotient-IQ) was evaluated using the National Adult Reading Test (NART). Potential risk factors were investigated through a semi-structured questionnaire. RESULTS 150 patients were included. CI was detected in 45 (30%) subjects and was associated with older age (p<0.005), older age at MS onset (p = 0.016), higher EDSS score (p<0.005), progressive disease course (p = 0.048) and lower premorbid IQ score (p<0.005). As for risk factors, CI was related with lower physical activity in childhood-adolescence (p<0.005). In women, hormonal therapy resulted to be protective against CI (p = 0.041). However, in the multivariable analysis, the only significant predictors of CI were older age (p<0.05; OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.02-1.10) and lower premorbid IQ (p<0.05; OR 0.93, 95% CI: 0.88-0.98). Removing IQ from the model, CI was associated with higher EDSS (p = 0.030; OR 1.25, 95% CI 1.02-1.53) and, marginally, previous physical activity (p = 0.066; OR 0.49, 95% CI: 0.23-1.05). CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that physical activity in childhood-adolescence could be a contributor to cognitive reserve building, thus representing a potential protective factors for MS-related CI susceptible to preventive strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Pia Amato
- Department NEUROFARBA, Section of Neurosciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, Florence, Italy
| | - Elio Prestipino
- Department NEUROFARBA, Section of Neurosciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Angelo Bellinvia
- Department NEUROFARBA, Section of Neurosciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Claudia Niccolai
- Department NEUROFARBA, Section of Neurosciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Razzolini
- Department NEUROFARBA, Section of Neurosciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Luisa Pastò
- SOD Neurological Rehabilitation, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Roberto Fratangelo
- Department NEUROFARBA, Section of Neurosciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Laura Tudisco
- Department NEUROFARBA, Section of Neurosciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Mattia Fonderico
- Department NEUROFARBA, Section of Neurosciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Paolo Luca Mattiolo
- Department NEUROFARBA, Section of Neurosciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Benedetta Goretti
- Department NEUROFARBA, Section of Neurosciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Francesco Lolli
- Department NEUROFARBA, Section of Neurosciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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10
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Nguyen TV, Jones SL, Gower T, Lew J, Albaugh MD, Botteron KN, Hudziak JJ, Fonov VS, Collins DL, Campbell BC, Booij L, Herba CM, Monnier P, Ducharme S, Waber D, McCracken JT. Age-specific associations between oestradiol, cortico-amygdalar structural covariance, and verbal and spatial skills. J Neuroendocrinol 2019; 31:e12698. [PMID: 30776161 PMCID: PMC6482064 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2018] [Revised: 01/19/2019] [Accepted: 02/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Oestradiol is known to play an important role in the developing human brain, although little is known about the entire network of potential regions that might be affected and how these effects may vary from childhood to early adulthood, which in turn can explain sexually differentiated behaviours. In the present study, we examined the relationships between oestradiol, cortico-amygdalar structural covariance, and cognitive or behavioural measures typically showing sex differences (verbal/spatial skills, anxious-depressed symptomatology) in 152 children and adolescents (aged 6-22 years). Cortico-amygdalar structural covariance shifted from positive to negative across the age range. Oestradiol was found to diminish the impact of age on cortico-amygdalar covariance for the pre-supplementary motor area/frontal eye field and retrosplenial cortex (across the age range), as well as for the posterior cingulate cortex (in older children). Moreover, the influence of oestradiol on age-related cortico-amygdalar networks was associated with higher word identification and spatial working memory (across the age range), as well as higher reading comprehension (in older children), although it did not impact anxious-depressed symptoms. There were no significant sex effects on any of the above relationships. These findings confirm the importance of developmental timing on oestradiol-related effects and hint at the non-sexually dimorphic role of oestradiol-related cortico-amygdalar structural networks in aspects of cognition distinct from emotional processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuong-Vi Nguyen
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada, H3A1A1
- Department of Obstetrics-Gynecology, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada, H4A 3J1
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada, H4A 3J1
| | - Sherri Lee Jones
- Department of Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada, H4A 3J1
- Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Verdun, QC, Canada, H4H 1R3
| | - Tricia Gower
- Department of Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada, H4A 3J1
| | - Jimin Lew
- Department of Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada, H4A 3J1
| | - Matthew D Albaugh
- Department of Psychology, University of Vermont, College of Medicine, Burlington, VT, USA, 05405
| | - Kelly N Botteron
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA, 63110
- Brain Development Cooperative Group
| | - James J Hudziak
- Department of Psychology, University of Vermont, College of Medicine, Burlington, VT, USA, 05405
- Brain Development Cooperative Group
| | - Vladimir S Fonov
- McConnell Brain imaging Centre, Montreal Neurological Institute, Montreal, QC Canada H3A 2B4
| | - D. Louis Collins
- McConnell Brain imaging Centre, Montreal Neurological Institute, Montreal, QC Canada H3A 2B4
| | - Benjamin C Campbell
- Department of Anthropology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, USA, 53211
| | - Linda Booij
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada, H3A1A1
- Department of Psychology, Concordia University, Montreal, QC, Canada, H4B 1R6
- CHU Sainte Justine Hospital Research Centre, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada, H3T1C5
| | - Catherine M. Herba
- CHU Sainte Justine Hospital Research Centre, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada, H3T1C5
- Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, QC,
Canada
| | - Patricia Monnier
- Department of Obstetrics-Gynecology, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada, H4A 3J1
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada, H4A 3J1
| | - Simon Ducharme
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada, H3A1A1
- McConnell Brain imaging Centre, Montreal Neurological Institute, Montreal, QC Canada H3A 2B4
- Department of Neurology & Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada, H3A 1A1
| | - Deborah Waber
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA, 02115
| | - James T McCracken
- Brain Development Cooperative Group
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of California in Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA,
USA, 90024
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11
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Blakemore J, Naftolin F. Aromatase: Contributions to Physiology and Disease in Women and Men. Physiology (Bethesda) 2017; 31:258-69. [PMID: 27252161 DOI: 10.1152/physiol.00054.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Aromatase (estrogen synthetase; EC 1.14.14.1) catalyzes the demethylation of androgens' carbon 19, producing phenolic 18-carbon estrogens. Aromatase is most widely known for its roles in reproduction and reproductive system diseases, and as a target for inhibitor therapy in estrogen-sensitive diseases including cancer, endometriosis, and leiomyoma (141, 143). However, all tissues contain estrogen receptor-expressing cells, the majority of genes have a complete or partial estrogen response element that regulates their expression (61), and there are plentiful nonreceptor effects of estrogens (79); therefore, the effect of aromatase through the provision of estrogen is almost universal in terms of health and disease. This review will provide a brief but comprehensive overview of the enzyme, its role in steroidogenesis, the problems that arise with its functional mutations and mishaps, the roles in human physiology of aromatase and its product estrogens, its current clinical roles, and the effects of aromatase inhibitors. While much of the story is that of the consequences of the formation of its product estrogens, we also will address alternative enzymatic roles of aromatase as a demethylase or nonenzymatic actions of this versatile molecule. Although this short review is meant to be thorough, it is by no means exhaustive; rather, it is meant to reflect the cutting-edge, exciting properties and possibilities of this ancient enzyme and its products.
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Lackner N, Bengesser SA, Birner A, Painold A, Fellendorf FT, Platzer M, Reininghaus B, Weiss EM, Mangge H, McIntyre RS, Fuchs D, Kapfhammer HP, Wallner-Liebmann SJ, Reininghaus EZ. Abdominal obesity is associated with impaired cognitive function in euthymic bipolar individuals. World J Biol Psychiatry 2016; 17:535-46. [PMID: 26068130 DOI: 10.3109/15622975.2015.1046917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Overweight/obesity has been implicated to play a role in cognitive deficits in bipolar disorder (BD). This study aims to identify the relationship between body fat distribution and different domains of cognition in BD during euthymia. METHODS A sample of 100 euthymic individuals with BD was measured with a cognitive test battery (i.e., Trail Making Test-A-B/TM-A/B, d2 Test of Attention, Stroop test, California Verbal Learning Test/CVLT) and an anthropometric measures set (body mass index, waist circumference, hip circumference, waist-to-hip-ratio, waist-to-height-ratio, and lipometry). Patient data were compared with a healthy control group (n = 64). RESULTS Results show that overweight patients with BD exhibit lower performance in the TMT-A/B as well as in the free recall performance of the CVLT compared to normal-weight patients with BD and controls. In bipolar individuals, (abdominal) obesity was significantly associated with a poor cognitive performance. In bipolar females, associations with measures of verbal learning and memory were found; in bipolar males, associations with poor performance in the TMT-A/B and in the Stroop interference task were demonstrated. In controls, no associations were found. CONCLUSIONS There are several possible pathways moderating the association between obesity and cognition in BD. Anthropometric and lipometry data underline the substantial mediating impact of body fat distribution on cognition in BD.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Lackner
- a Department of Psychiatry , Medical University Graz , Graz , Austria
| | - S A Bengesser
- a Department of Psychiatry , Medical University Graz , Graz , Austria
| | - A Birner
- a Department of Psychiatry , Medical University Graz , Graz , Austria
| | - A Painold
- a Department of Psychiatry , Medical University Graz , Graz , Austria
| | - F T Fellendorf
- a Department of Psychiatry , Medical University Graz , Graz , Austria
| | - M Platzer
- a Department of Psychiatry , Medical University Graz , Graz , Austria
| | - B Reininghaus
- b Therapiezentrum Justuspark, Versicherungsanstalt öffentlich Bediensteter , Austria
| | - E M Weiss
- c Department of Biological Psychology , Karl-Franzens University Graz , Graz , Austria
| | - H Mangge
- d Research Unit on Lifestyle and Inflammation-associated Risk Biomarkers, Clinical Institute of Medical and Chemical Laboratory Diagnostics, Medical University Graz , Graz , Austria.,e BioTechMed-Graz , Graz , Austria
| | - R S McIntyre
- f Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Unit, University of Toronto , Toronto , Canada
| | - D Fuchs
- g Division of Biological Chemistry, Medical University of Innsbruck , Innsbruck , Austria
| | - H P Kapfhammer
- a Department of Psychiatry , Medical University Graz , Graz , Austria
| | - S J Wallner-Liebmann
- h Department of Pathophysiology and Immunology , Medical University Graz , Graz , Austria
| | - E Z Reininghaus
- a Department of Psychiatry , Medical University Graz , Graz , Austria
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13
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Henderson VW, St John JA, Hodis HN, McCleary CA, Stanczyk FZ, Shoupe D, Kono N, Dustin L, Allayee H, Mack WJ. Cognitive effects of estradiol after menopause: A randomized trial of the timing hypothesis. Neurology 2016; 87:699-708. [PMID: 27421538 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000002980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2016] [Accepted: 05/10/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To test the hypothesis that effects of estrogen-containing hormone therapy on cognitive abilities differ between postmenopausal women near to, and further from, menopause. METHODS In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, healthy women within 6 years of menopause or 10+ years after menopause were randomly assigned to oral 17β-estradiol 1 mg/d or placebo. Women with a uterus received cyclic micronized progesterone vaginal gel or placebo. The primary outcome assessed at 2.5 and 5 years, compared between treatment groups, was change in a standardized composite of neuropsychological test scores assessing verbal episodic memory. Secondary outcomes assessed executive functions and global cognition. RESULTS A total of 567 women were included in modified intention-to-treat analyses after a mean treatment duration of 57 months. For verbal memory, the mean estradiol minus placebo standardized difference in composite scores (-0.06, 95% confidence interval -0.22 to 0.09) was not significant (2-tailed p = 0.33). Differences were similar in early and late postmenopause groups (2-tailed interaction p = 0.88). Interactions between postmenopause groups and differences between treatment groups were not significant for executive functions or global cognition. CONCLUSIONS Estradiol initiated within 6 years of menopause does not affect verbal memory, executive functions, or global cognition differently than therapy begun 10+ years after menopause. Estradiol neither benefits nor harms these cognitive abilities regardless of time since menopause. CLASSIFICATION OF EVIDENCE This study provides Class I evidence that estradiol initiated within 6 years of menopause does not affect cognition at 2.5 years differently than estradiol initiated 10+ years after menopause.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor W Henderson
- From the Departments of Health Research & Policy (Epidemiology) and Neurology & Neurological Sciences (V.W.H.), Stanford University; Atherosclerosis Research Unit (J.A.S., H.N.H., N.K., L.D., H.A., W.J.M.) and Departments of Preventive Medicine (J.A.S., H.N.H., F.Z.S., N.K., L.D., H.A., W.J.M.), Medicine (H.N.H.), Neurology (C.A.M.), and Obstetrics and Gynecology (F.Z.S., D.S.), Keck School of Medicine, and Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy (H.N.H.), University of Southern California, Los Angeles.
| | - Jan A St John
- From the Departments of Health Research & Policy (Epidemiology) and Neurology & Neurological Sciences (V.W.H.), Stanford University; Atherosclerosis Research Unit (J.A.S., H.N.H., N.K., L.D., H.A., W.J.M.) and Departments of Preventive Medicine (J.A.S., H.N.H., F.Z.S., N.K., L.D., H.A., W.J.M.), Medicine (H.N.H.), Neurology (C.A.M.), and Obstetrics and Gynecology (F.Z.S., D.S.), Keck School of Medicine, and Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy (H.N.H.), University of Southern California, Los Angeles
| | - Howard N Hodis
- From the Departments of Health Research & Policy (Epidemiology) and Neurology & Neurological Sciences (V.W.H.), Stanford University; Atherosclerosis Research Unit (J.A.S., H.N.H., N.K., L.D., H.A., W.J.M.) and Departments of Preventive Medicine (J.A.S., H.N.H., F.Z.S., N.K., L.D., H.A., W.J.M.), Medicine (H.N.H.), Neurology (C.A.M.), and Obstetrics and Gynecology (F.Z.S., D.S.), Keck School of Medicine, and Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy (H.N.H.), University of Southern California, Los Angeles
| | - Carol A McCleary
- From the Departments of Health Research & Policy (Epidemiology) and Neurology & Neurological Sciences (V.W.H.), Stanford University; Atherosclerosis Research Unit (J.A.S., H.N.H., N.K., L.D., H.A., W.J.M.) and Departments of Preventive Medicine (J.A.S., H.N.H., F.Z.S., N.K., L.D., H.A., W.J.M.), Medicine (H.N.H.), Neurology (C.A.M.), and Obstetrics and Gynecology (F.Z.S., D.S.), Keck School of Medicine, and Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy (H.N.H.), University of Southern California, Los Angeles
| | - Frank Z Stanczyk
- From the Departments of Health Research & Policy (Epidemiology) and Neurology & Neurological Sciences (V.W.H.), Stanford University; Atherosclerosis Research Unit (J.A.S., H.N.H., N.K., L.D., H.A., W.J.M.) and Departments of Preventive Medicine (J.A.S., H.N.H., F.Z.S., N.K., L.D., H.A., W.J.M.), Medicine (H.N.H.), Neurology (C.A.M.), and Obstetrics and Gynecology (F.Z.S., D.S.), Keck School of Medicine, and Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy (H.N.H.), University of Southern California, Los Angeles
| | - Donna Shoupe
- From the Departments of Health Research & Policy (Epidemiology) and Neurology & Neurological Sciences (V.W.H.), Stanford University; Atherosclerosis Research Unit (J.A.S., H.N.H., N.K., L.D., H.A., W.J.M.) and Departments of Preventive Medicine (J.A.S., H.N.H., F.Z.S., N.K., L.D., H.A., W.J.M.), Medicine (H.N.H.), Neurology (C.A.M.), and Obstetrics and Gynecology (F.Z.S., D.S.), Keck School of Medicine, and Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy (H.N.H.), University of Southern California, Los Angeles
| | - Naoko Kono
- From the Departments of Health Research & Policy (Epidemiology) and Neurology & Neurological Sciences (V.W.H.), Stanford University; Atherosclerosis Research Unit (J.A.S., H.N.H., N.K., L.D., H.A., W.J.M.) and Departments of Preventive Medicine (J.A.S., H.N.H., F.Z.S., N.K., L.D., H.A., W.J.M.), Medicine (H.N.H.), Neurology (C.A.M.), and Obstetrics and Gynecology (F.Z.S., D.S.), Keck School of Medicine, and Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy (H.N.H.), University of Southern California, Los Angeles
| | - Laurie Dustin
- From the Departments of Health Research & Policy (Epidemiology) and Neurology & Neurological Sciences (V.W.H.), Stanford University; Atherosclerosis Research Unit (J.A.S., H.N.H., N.K., L.D., H.A., W.J.M.) and Departments of Preventive Medicine (J.A.S., H.N.H., F.Z.S., N.K., L.D., H.A., W.J.M.), Medicine (H.N.H.), Neurology (C.A.M.), and Obstetrics and Gynecology (F.Z.S., D.S.), Keck School of Medicine, and Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy (H.N.H.), University of Southern California, Los Angeles
| | - Hooman Allayee
- From the Departments of Health Research & Policy (Epidemiology) and Neurology & Neurological Sciences (V.W.H.), Stanford University; Atherosclerosis Research Unit (J.A.S., H.N.H., N.K., L.D., H.A., W.J.M.) and Departments of Preventive Medicine (J.A.S., H.N.H., F.Z.S., N.K., L.D., H.A., W.J.M.), Medicine (H.N.H.), Neurology (C.A.M.), and Obstetrics and Gynecology (F.Z.S., D.S.), Keck School of Medicine, and Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy (H.N.H.), University of Southern California, Los Angeles
| | - Wendy J Mack
- From the Departments of Health Research & Policy (Epidemiology) and Neurology & Neurological Sciences (V.W.H.), Stanford University; Atherosclerosis Research Unit (J.A.S., H.N.H., N.K., L.D., H.A., W.J.M.) and Departments of Preventive Medicine (J.A.S., H.N.H., F.Z.S., N.K., L.D., H.A., W.J.M.), Medicine (H.N.H.), Neurology (C.A.M.), and Obstetrics and Gynecology (F.Z.S., D.S.), Keck School of Medicine, and Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy (H.N.H.), University of Southern California, Los Angeles
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Berent-Spillson A, Briceno E, Pinsky A, Simmen A, Persad CC, Zubieta JK, Smith YR. Distinct cognitive effects of estrogen and progesterone in menopausal women. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2015; 59:25-36. [PMID: 26010861 PMCID: PMC4490102 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2015.04.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2014] [Revised: 04/03/2015] [Accepted: 04/27/2015] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The effects of postmenopausal hormone treatment on cognitive outcomes are inconsistent in the literature. Emerging evidence suggests that cognitive effects are influenced by specific hormone formulations, and that progesterone is more likely to be associated with positive outcomes than synthetic progestin. There are very few studies of unopposed progesterone in postmenopausal women, and none that use functional neuroimaging, a sensitive measure of neurobiological function. In this study of 29 recently postmenopausal women, we used functional MRI and neuropsychological measures to separately assess the effects of estrogen or progesterone treatment on visual and verbal cognitive function. Women were randomized to receive 90 days of either estradiol or progesterone counterbalanced with placebo. After each treatment arm, women were given a battery of verbal and visual cognitive function and working memory tests, and underwent functional MRI including verbal processing and visual working memory tasks. We found that both estradiol and progesterone were associated with changes in activation patterns during verbal processing. Compared to placebo, women receiving estradiol treatment had greater activation in the left prefrontal cortex, a region associated with verbal processing and encoding. Progesterone was associated with changes in regional brain activation patterns during a visual memory task, with greater activation in the left prefrontal cortex and right hippocampus compared to placebo. Both treatments were associated with a statistically non-significant increase in number of words remembered following the verbal task performed during the fMRI scanning session, while only progesterone was associated with improved neuropsychological measures of verbal working memory compared to placebo. These results point to potential cognitive benefits of both estrogen and progesterone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison Berent-Spillson
- University of Michigan, Psychiatry Department, MBNI, 205 Zina Pitcher Place, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
| | - Emily Briceno
- University of Michigan, Psychiatry Department, Neuropsychology Division, 2101 Commonwealth Blvd, Suite C, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA.
| | - Alana Pinsky
- University of Michigan Medical School, 1301 Catherine, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
| | - Angela Simmen
- University of Michigan, Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, L4000 Womens SPC, 1500 E. Medical Center Dr, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
| | - Carol C. Persad
- University of Michigan, Psychiatry Department, Neuropsychology Division, 2101 Commonwealth Blvd, Suite C, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA
| | - Jon-Kar Zubieta
- University of Michigan, Psychiatry Department, MBNI, 205 Zina Pitcher Place, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
| | - Yolanda R. Smith
- University of Michigan, Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, L4000 Womens SPC, 1500 E. Medical Center Dr, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA,Corresponding author: Alison Berent-Spillson, 1-734-615-4252
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15
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Birner A, Seiler S, Lackner N, Bengesser SA, Queissner R, Fellendorf FT, Platzer M, Ropele S, Enzinger C, Schwingenschuh P, Mangge H, Pirpamer L, Deutschmann H, McIntyre RS, Kapfhammer HP, Reininghaus B, Reininghaus EZ. Cerebral White Matter Lesions and Affective Episodes Correlate in Male Individuals with Bipolar Disorder. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0135313. [PMID: 26252714 PMCID: PMC4529150 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0135313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2015] [Accepted: 07/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cerebral white matter lesions (WML) have been found in normal aging, vascular disease and several neuropsychiatric conditions. Correlations of WML with clinical parameters in BD have been described, but not with the number of affective episodes, illness duration, age of onset and Body Mass Index in a well characterized group of euthymic bipolar adults. Herein, we aimed to evaluate the associations between bipolar course of illness parameters and WML measured with volumetric analysis. Methods In a cross-sectional study 100 euthymic individuals with BD as well as 54 healthy controls (HC) were enrolled to undergo brain magnetic resonance imaging using 3T including a FLAIR sequence for volumetric assessment of WML-load using FSL-software. Additionally, clinical characteristics and psychometric measures including Structured Clinical Interview according to DSM-IV, Hamilton-Depression, Young Mania Rating Scale and Beck’s Depression Inventory were evaluated. Results Individuals with BD had significantly more (F = 3.968, p < .05) WML (Mdn = 3710mm3; IQR = 2961mm3) than HC (Mdn = 2185mm3; IQR = 1665mm3). BD men (Mdn = 4095mm3; IQR = 3295mm3) and BD women (Mdn = 3032mm3; IQR = 2816mm3) did not significantly differ as to the WML-load or the number and type of risk factors for WML. However, in men only, the number of manic/hypomanic episodes (r = 0.72; p < .001) as well as depressive episodes (r = 0.51; p < .001) correlated positively with WML-load. Conclusions WML-load strongly correlated with the number of manic episodes in male BD patients, suggesting that men might be more vulnerable to mania in the context of cerebral white matter changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armin Birner
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Stephan Seiler
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- * E-mail:
| | - Nina Lackner
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | | | - Robert Queissner
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | | | - Martina Platzer
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Stefan Ropele
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Christian Enzinger
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- Division of Neuroradiology, Department of Radiology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Petra Schwingenschuh
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- Division of Neuroradiology, Department of Radiology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Harald Mangge
- Research Unit on Lifestyle and Inflammation-associated Risk Biomarkers, Clinical Institute of Medical and Chemical Laboratory Diagnostics, Medical University Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Lukas Pirpamer
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Hannes Deutschmann
- Division of Neuroradiology, Department of Radiology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Roger S. McIntyre
- Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Unit at the University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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16
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Newhouse P, Dumas J. Estrogen-cholinergic interactions: Implications for cognitive aging. Horm Behav 2015; 74:173-85. [PMID: 26187712 PMCID: PMC4573353 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2015.06.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2015] [Revised: 06/02/2015] [Accepted: 06/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
This article is part of a Special Issue "Estradiol and Cognition". While many studies in humans have investigated the effects of estrogen and hormone therapy on cognition, potential neurobiological correlates of these effects have been less well studied. An important site of action for estrogen in the brain is the cholinergic system. Several decades of research support the critical role of CNS cholinergic systems in cognition in humans, particularly in learning and memory formation and attention. In humans, the cholinergic system has been implicated in many aspects of cognition including the partitioning of attentional resources, working memory, inhibition of irrelevant information, and improved performance on effort-demanding tasks. Studies support the hypothesis that estradiol helps to maintain aspects of attention and verbal and visual memory. Such cognitive domains are exactly those modulated by cholinergic systems and extensive basic and preclinical work over the past several decades has clearly shown that basal forebrain cholinergic systems are dependent on estradiol support for adequate functioning. This paper will review recent human studies from our laboratories and others that have extended preclinical research examining estrogen-cholinergic interactions to humans. Studies examined include estradiol and cholinergic antagonist reversal studies in normal older women, examinations of the neural representations of estrogen-cholinergic interactions using functional brain imaging, and studies of the ability of selective estrogen receptor modulators such as tamoxifen to interact with cholinergic-mediated cognitive performance. We also discuss the implications of these studies for the underlying hypotheses of cholinergic-estrogen interactions and cognitive aging, and indications for prophylactic and therapeutic potential that may exploit these effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Newhouse
- Center for Cognitive Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA; Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Tennessee Valley Health System, Nashville, TN, USA.
| | - Julie Dumas
- Clinical Neuroscience Research Unit, Department of Psychiatry, University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, VT, USA
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Ycaza Herrera A, Mather M. Actions and interactions of estradiol and glucocorticoids in cognition and the brain: Implications for aging women. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2015; 55:36-52. [PMID: 25929443 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2015.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2014] [Revised: 03/30/2015] [Accepted: 04/17/2015] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Menopause involves dramatic declines in estradiol production and levels. Importantly, estradiol and the class of stress hormones known as glucocorticoids exert countervailing effects throughout the body, with estradiol exerting positive effects on the brain and cognition, glucocorticoids exerting negative effects on the brain and cognition, and estradiol able to mitigate negative effects of glucocorticoids. Although the effects of these hormones in isolation have been extensively studied, the effects of estradiol on the stress response and the neuroprotection offered against glucocorticoid exposure in humans are less well known. Here we review evidence suggesting that estradiol-related protection against glucocorticoids mitigates stress-induced interference with cognitive processes. Animal and human research indicates that estradiol-related mitigation of glucocorticoid damage and interference is one benefit of estradiol supplementation during peri-menopause or soon after menopause. The evidence for estradiol-related protection against glucocorticoids suggests that maintaining estradiol levels in post-menopausal women could protect them from stress-induced declines in neural and cognitive integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Ycaza Herrera
- University of Southern California, 3715 McClintock Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90089, United States.
| | - Mara Mather
- University of Southern California, 3715 McClintock Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90089, United States.
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18
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Jovanovic H, Kocoska-Maras L, Rådestad AF, Halldin C, Borg J, Hirschberg AL, Nordström AL. Effects of estrogen and testosterone treatment on serotonin transporter binding in the brain of surgically postmenopausal women--a PET study. Neuroimage 2014; 106:47-54. [PMID: 25462800 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2014.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2014] [Revised: 10/06/2014] [Accepted: 11/02/2014] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Sex hormones and the serotonergic system interact in the regulation of mood, learning, memory and sexual behaviour. However, the mechanisms have not been fully explored. The serotonin transporter protein (5-HTT) regulates synaptic concentrations of serotonin and is a primary target for selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. The aim of this study was to explore how estrogen treatment alone or in combination with testosterone affects 5-HTT binding potentials measured by positron emission tomography (PET) in specific brain regions of postmenopausal women. Ten healthy surgically postmenopausal women (years since oophorectomy 7.5 ± 4.0, mean ± SD) underwent PET examinations at baseline, after three months of estrogen treatment (transdermal estradiol 100 μg/24 hours) and after another three months of combined estrogen and testosterone (testosterone undecanoate 40 mg daily) treatment using the radioligand [(11)C] MADAM developed for examination of the serotonin transporter. The 5-HTT binding potentials decreased significantly in several cortical regions, as well as in limbic and striatal regions after both estrogen treatment alone and combined estrogen/testosterone treatment in comparison to baseline. The observed decrease in 5-HTT could either be due to direct effects on serotonin transporter expression or be the result of indirect adaptation to estrogen and /or testosterone effects on synaptic serotonin levels. Although the mechanism still needs further exploration, the study supports the view that gonadal hormones play a role in serotonin regulated mood disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hristina Jovanovic
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Psychiatry Section, Karolinska Institutet and University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Ljiljana Kocoska-Maras
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Karolinska Institutet and University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Angelique Flöter Rådestad
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Karolinska Institutet and University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Christer Halldin
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Psychiatry Section, Karolinska Institutet and University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jacqueline Borg
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Psychiatry Section, Karolinska Institutet and University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Angelica Lindén Hirschberg
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Karolinska Institutet and University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna-Lena Nordström
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Psychiatry Section, Karolinska Institutet and University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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Fischer B, Gleason C, Asthana S. Effects of hormone therapy on cognition and mood. Fertil Steril 2014; 101:898-904. [PMID: 24680649 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2014.02.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2014] [Revised: 02/10/2014] [Accepted: 02/12/2014] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Results of the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) and Women's Health Initiative Memory Study (WHIMS) suggested that hormone therapy (HT) may be detrimental to cognitive health. This article reviews clinical studies that address issues relevant to those results. DESIGN Literature review. INTERVENTION(S) A search of Pubmed and Web of Science was conducted using the search terms HT and cognition, HT and mood. Clinical and observational studies were selected if they were published after the year 2000. Theories of HT mechanisms of action, pharmacology, biology, and observational and clinical trials are discussed. RESULT(S) Although observational and clinical trials show conflicting findings, methodologic considerations must be acknowledged. HT formulation and dose, route of administration, timing of initiation, length of treatment, and health of participants all contribute to inconsistencies in results. Transdermal estradiol and micronized progesterone administered at time of menopause are generally associated with cognitive and affective benefit. CONCLUSION(S) At the present time, results from existing studies are equivocal regarding the benefits of HT on cognition and affect. Future studies, such as the Kronos Early Estrogen Prevention Study (KEEPS), should address methodologic inconsistencies to provide clearer answers to this important question.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Fischer
- Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Affairs Hospital, Madison, Wisconsin.
| | - Carey Gleason
- Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Affairs Hospital, Madison, Wisconsin; Wisconsin Alzheimer's Disease Research Center (ADRC), Madison, Wisconsin; Division of Geriatrics and Gerontology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Sanjay Asthana
- Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Affairs Hospital, Madison, Wisconsin; Wisconsin Alzheimer's Disease Research Center (ADRC), Madison, Wisconsin; Division of Geriatrics and Gerontology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin
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20
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Assessment of cognitive function across pregnancy using CANTAB: A longitudinal study. Brain Cogn 2014; 84:76-84. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bandc.2013.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2012] [Revised: 10/22/2013] [Accepted: 11/06/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Alexander JL, Sommer BR, Dennerstein L, Grigorova M, Neylan T, Kotz K, Richardson G, Rosenbaum R. Role of psychiatric comorbidity on cognitive function during and after the menopausal transition. Expert Rev Neurother 2014; 7:S157-80. [DOI: 10.1586/14737175.7.11s.s157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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22
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Cognition, mood, and physiological concentrations of sex hormones in the early and late postmenopause. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2013; 110:20290-5. [PMID: 24277815 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1312353110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Variations in the hormonal milieu after menopause may influence neural processes concerned with cognition, cognitive aging, and mood, but findings are inconsistent. In particular, cognitive effects of estradiol may vary with time since menopause, but this prediction has not been assessed directly using serum hormone concentrations. We studied 643 healthy postmenopausal women not using hormone therapy who were recruited into early (<6 y after menopause) and late (10+ y after menopause) groups. Women were administered a comprehensive neuropsychological battery and assessed with the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. They provided serum for free estradiol, estrone, progesterone, free testosterone, and sex hormone binding globulin measurements. Cognitive outcomes were standardized composite measures of verbal episodic memory, executive functions, and global cognition. Covariate-adjusted linear regression analyses were conducted for each hormone separately and after adjustment for other hormone levels. Endogenous sex steroid levels were unassociated with cognitive composites, but sex hormone binding globulin was positively associated with verbal memory. Results for early and late groups did not differ significantly, although progesterone concentrations were significantly positively associated with verbal memory and global cognition in early group women. Hormone concentrations were not significantly related to mood. Results fail to support the hypothesis that temporal proximity to menopause modifies the relation between endogenous serum levels of estradiol and verbal memory, executive functions, or global cognition. Physiological variations in endogenous postmenopausal levels of sex steroid hormones are not substantially related to these aspects of cognition or mood; positive associations for progesterone and sex hormone binding globulin merit additional study.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE The critical window hypothesis of hormone therapy (HT) and cognitive function states that the effects of HT depend on timing of initiation with respect to age, the menopausal transition, or both, and that optimal effects are evident with early initiation. This article reviews clinical studies that bear on this hypothesis. METHODS Recognizing that the typical pattern of HT use is early HT initiation, this review describes findings from observational studies of ever use of HT and observational studies that looked specifically at the timing of HT on Alzheimer's disease (AD) and cognitive test performance. Randomized trials of HT and verbal memory are discussed, and neuroimaging studies bearing on the hypothesis are reviewed. RESULTS Observational data suggest that HT generally reduces the risk of AD. Three of three observational studies that specifically examined the timing of initiation in relation to AD risk each provide support for the window, whereas three of five observational studies of HT timing and cognitive test performance do. Randomized clinical trials of estrogen therapy in younger women find support for the hypothesis. Conjugated equine estrogens/medroxyprogesterone acetate increases risks regardless of timing. Little is known about the cognitive effects of other combination HT formulations. CONCLUSIONS A definitive trial to test the critical window hypothesis is not feasible. Evidence drawn from other sources provides initial support for the hypothesis. Although these findings are relevant to women who use HT to treat vasomotor symptoms, HT is currently not indicated for the treatment of cognitive complaints or for dementia prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline M Maki
- Department of Psychiatry , University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
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Evans TM, Flowers DL, Napoliello EM, Eden GF. Sex-specific gray matter volume differences in females with developmental dyslexia. Brain Struct Funct 2013; 219:1041-54. [PMID: 23625146 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-013-0552-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2012] [Accepted: 04/09/2013] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Developmental dyslexia, characterized by unexpected reading difficulty, is associated with anomalous brain anatomy and function. Previous structural neuroimaging studies have converged in reports of less gray matter volume (GMV) in dyslexics within left hemisphere regions known to subserve language. Due to the higher prevalence of dyslexia in males, these studies are heavily weighted towards males, raising the question whether studies of dyslexia in females only and using the same techniques, would generate the same findings. In a replication study of men, we obtained the same findings of less GMV in dyslexics in left middle/inferior temporal gyri and right postcentral/supramarginal gyri as reported in the literature. However, comparisons in women with and without dyslexia did not yield left hemisphere differences, and instead, we found less GMV in right precuneus and paracentral lobule/medial frontal gyrus. In boys, we found less GMV in left inferior parietal cortex (supramarginal/angular gyri), again consistent with previous work, while in girls differences were within right central sulcus, spanning adjacent gyri, and left primary visual cortex. Our investigation into anatomical variants in dyslexia replicates existing studies in males, but at the same time shows that dyslexia in females is not characterized by involvement of left hemisphere language regions but rather early sensory and motor cortices (i.e., motor and premotor cortex, primary visual cortex). Our findings suggest that models on the brain basis of dyslexia, primarily developed through the study of males, may not be appropriate for females and suggest a need for more sex-specific investigations into dyslexia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanya M Evans
- Center for the Study of Learning, Department of Pediatrics, Georgetown University Medical Center, BOX 571406, Suite 150, Building D, 4000 Reservoir Road, NW, Washington, DC, 20057, USA
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25
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Miller VM, Garovic VD, Kantarci K, Barnes JN, Jayachandran M, Mielke MM, Joyner MJ, Shuster LT, Rocca WA. Sex-specific risk of cardiovascular disease and cognitive decline: pregnancy and menopause. Biol Sex Differ 2013; 4:6. [PMID: 23537114 PMCID: PMC3623746 DOI: 10.1186/2042-6410-4-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2012] [Accepted: 03/05/2013] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the biology of sex differences is integral to personalized medicine. Cardiovascular disease and cognitive decline are two related conditions, with distinct sex differences in morbidity and clinical manifestations, response to treatments, and mortality. Although mortality from all-cause cardiovascular diseases has declined in women over the past five years, due in part to increased educational campaigns regarding the recognition of symptoms and application of treatment guidelines, the mortality in women still exceeds that of men. The physiological basis for these differences requires further research, with particular attention to two physiological conditions which are unique to women and associated with hormonal changes: pregnancy and menopause. Both conditions have the potential to impact life-long cardiovascular risk, including cerebrovascular function and cognition in women. This review draws on epidemiological, translational, clinical, and basic science studies to assess the impact of hypertensive pregnancy disorders on cardiovascular disease and cognitive function later in life, and examines the effects of post-menopausal hormone treatments on cardiovascular risk and cognition in midlife women. We suggest that hypertensive pregnancy disorders and menopause activate vascular components, i.e., vascular endothelium and blood elements, including platelets and leukocytes, to release cell-membrane derived microvesicles that are potential mediators of changes in cerebral blood flow, and may ultimately affect cognition in women as they age. Research into specific sex differences for these disease processes with attention to an individual's sex chromosomal complement and hormonal status is important and timely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia M Miller
- Departments of Surgery and Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, 200 1st St SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Vesna D Garovic
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, 200 1st St SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Kejal Kantarci
- Department of Radiology, 200 1st St SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Jill N Barnes
- Department of Anesthesiology, 200 1st St SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Muthuvel Jayachandran
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, 200 1st St SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Michelle M Mielke
- Department of Health Science Research, Division of Epidemiology, 200 1st St SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Michael J Joyner
- Department of Anesthesiology, 200 1st St SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Lynne T Shuster
- Department of Internal Medicine, Women’s Health Clinic, 200 1st St SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Walter A Rocca
- Department of Health Science Research, Division of Epidemiology, and Neurology, College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 1st St SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
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Raskind WH, Peter B, Richards T, Eckert MM, Berninger VW. The genetics of reading disabilities: from phenotypes to candidate genes. Front Psychol 2013; 3:601. [PMID: 23308072 PMCID: PMC3538356 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2012.00601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2012] [Accepted: 12/18/2012] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
This article provides an overview of (a) issues in definition and diagnosis of specific reading disabilities at the behavioral level that may occur in different constellations of developmental and phenotypic profiles (patterns); (b) rapidly expanding research on genetic heterogeneity and gene candidates for dyslexia and other reading disabilities; (c) emerging research on gene-brain relationships; and (d) current understanding of epigenetic mechanisms whereby environmental events may alter behavioral expression of genetic variations. A glossary of genetic terms (denoted by bold font) is provided for readers not familiar with the technical terms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendy H Raskind
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington Seattle, WA, USA ; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington Seattle, WA, USA
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27
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Pan M, Han H, Zhong C, Geng Q. Effects of genistein and daidzein on hippocampus neuronal cell proliferation and BDNF expression in H19-7 neural cell line. J Nutr Health Aging 2012; 16:389-94. [PMID: 22499464 DOI: 10.1007/s12603-011-0140-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) reduces the risk of Alzheimer's disease and symptoms in postmenopausal and elderly women. However, ERT is associated with increased risk of uterine and breast cancer. Dietary phytoestrogens have been suggested as a potential alternative to ERT, while little information is available regarding the effects and the underlying mechanisms of such treatment on central neuron function. The present study aimed to determine the effects of phytoestrogens including genistein and daidzein on the proliferation and survival of the hippocampus neural cells, which are of importance in learning and memory function. MEASUREMENTS H19-7/IGF-IR neural cell line was cultured in DMEM absented of serum for 72 h, and treated with various concentrations of genistein, daidzein or 17β-estradiol. Neuronal cell viability and proliferation were determined by MTT and BrdU assay, respectively Cell cycle analysis was performed using flow cytometry. The effects of genistein and daidzein on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mRNA and protein expression were determined by RT-PCR and ELISA, respectively. The effect of Trk receptors inhibitor on genistein and daidzein - induced hippocampus neuronal cell proliferation was also examined. RESULTS 17β-estradiol, genistein and daidzein ranged from 20 nM to 2000 nM significantly promoted hippocampus neuronal cell viability and proliferation. Similar to the effect of 17β-estradiol, genistein and daidzein induced an increase in the percentage of cells in S phase. Genistein and daidzein significantly increased the expression of BDNF mRNA and protein levels. The effect of genistien and daidzein on hippocampus neuronal proliferation was blocked by K252a, a selective Trk receptors inhibitor. CONCLUSION This study concluded that genistein and daidzein improved hippocampus neuronal cell viability and proliferation in vitro. These neuroprotective effects might be mediated by BDNF-Trk pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Pan
- Department of Nutrition, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangdong General Hospital, Guangzhou, P R China.
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28
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Epperson CN, Amin Z, Ruparel K, Gur R, Loughead J. Interactive effects of estrogen and serotonin on brain activation during working memory and affective processing in menopausal women. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2012; 37:372-82. [PMID: 21820247 PMCID: PMC3226892 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2011.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2011] [Revised: 06/15/2011] [Accepted: 07/05/2011] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
While cognitive changes and mood instability are frequent symptoms reported by menopausal women, the degree to which the decline in estrogen production is responsible is not yet clear. Several lines of evidence suggest that estrogen may produce its effects on cognition and mood through modulation of serotonergic function. To test this hypothesis, we used the tryptophan depletion (TD) paradigm to lower central serotonin levels and pharmacologically manipulated estrogen levels in healthy menopausal women. We examined the individual and combined effects of estradiol and serotonin on working memory, emotion processing and task-related brain activation. Eight healthy predominantly early postmenopausal women underwent TD or sham depletion followed by functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) both before and after short-term transdermal estradiol 75-150 μg/d administration. There was an estradiol treatment by TD interaction for brain activation during performance on both the N-back Task (working memory) and Emotion Identification Task (affective processing). During the 2-back condition, TD attenuated activation prior to, but not after, estradiol treatment in the right and left dorsal lateral prefrontal and middle frontal/cingulate gyrus. During emotion identification, TD heightened activation in the orbital frontal cortex and bilateral amygdala, and this effect was attenuated by estradiol treatment. These results provide preliminary evidence that serotonergic effects directly mediate the impact of estrogen on brain activation during working memory and affective processing.
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29
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Improvement in immediate memory after 16 weeks of tualang honey (Agro Mas) supplement in healthy postmenopausal women. Menopause 2011; 18:1219-24. [DOI: 10.1097/gme.0b013e31821e2044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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30
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The neuroprotective effects of phytoestrogen α-zearalanol on β-amyloid-induced toxicity in differentiated PC-12 cells. Eur J Pharmacol 2011; 670:392-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2011.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2011] [Revised: 08/29/2011] [Accepted: 09/07/2011] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Joseph JE, Swearingen JE, Corbly CR, Curry TE, Kelly TH. Influence of estradiol on functional brain organization for working memory. Neuroimage 2011; 59:2923-31. [PMID: 21985908 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2011.09.067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2011] [Revised: 09/03/2011] [Accepted: 09/25/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Working memory is a cognitive function that is affected by aging and disease. To better understand the neural substrates for working memory, the present study examined the influence of estradiol on working memory using functional magnetic resonance imaging. Pre-menopausal women were tested on a verbal n-back task during the early (EF) and late follicular (LF) phases of the menstrual cycle. Although brain activation patterns were similar across the two phases, the most striking pattern that emerged was that estradiol had different associations with the two hemispheres. Increased activation in left frontal circuitry in the LF phase was associated with increased estradiol levels and decrements in working memory performance. In contrast, increased activation in right hemisphere regions in the LF phase was associated with improved task performance. The present study showed that better performance in the LF than the EF phase was associated with a pattern of reduced recruitment of the left-hemisphere and increased recruitment of the right-hemisphere in the LF compared to EF phase. We speculate that estradiol interferes with left-hemisphere working-memory processing in the LF phase, but that recruitment of the right hemisphere can compensate for left-hemisphere interference. This may be related to the proposal that estradiol can reduce cerebral asymmetries by modulating transcallosal communication (Hausmann, 2005).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane E Joseph
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506, USA.
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32
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Kocoska-Maras L, Zethraeus N, Rådestad AF, Ellingsen T, von Schoultz B, Johannesson M, Hirschberg AL. A randomized trial of the effect of testosterone and estrogen on verbal fluency, verbal memory, and spatial ability in healthy postmenopausal women. Fertil Steril 2011; 95:152-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2010.05.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2010] [Revised: 05/26/2010] [Accepted: 05/27/2010] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Alhola P, Tuomisto H, Saarinen R, Portin R, Kalleinen N, Polo-Kantola P. Estrogen + progestin therapy and cognition: a randomized placebo-controlled double-blind study. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2010; 36:796-802. [PMID: 20666948 DOI: 10.1111/j.1447-0756.2010.01214.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIMS The use of hormone therapy (HT) is a relevant and topical issue in the treatment of menopausal symptoms in women. Information regarding the effects of combination treatment with estrogen and progesterone as well as treatment timing on cognitive function is lacking and was evaluated in healthy pre- and postmenopausal women. METHODS Sixteen premenopausal (45-51 years) and 16 postmenopausal (58-70 years) women were randomly assigned to receive either estrogen + progestin therapy (HT) or placebo (PL) for six months. The study was double-blind. Cognitive performance was measured at baseline and follow up with tests of verbal and visuomotor functions, verbal and visual memory, and attention. RESULTS In premenopausal women, cognitive attention, when compared to baseline, improved with HT but declined slightly with PL in the two-choice reaction time task (P = 0.049), while PL was associated with better performance in tests of shared attention (P = 0.024) and auditory attention (P < 0.05). In postmenopausal women, HT was associated with improved performance in verbal episodic memory (P = 0.024) and a minor decline in auditory attention (P = 0.025). CONCLUSIONS HT, with estradiol valerate and norethisterone, in healthy women showed only minor effects on attention around the menopausal transition and on memory in postmenopause.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Alhola
- Sleep Research Unit, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.
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Estrogen treatment impairs cognitive performance after psychosocial stress and monoamine depletion in postmenopausal women. Menopause 2010; 17:860-73. [PMID: 20616673 DOI: 10.1097/gme.0b013e3181e15df4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Recent studies have shown that women experience an acceleration of cognitive problems after menopause and that estrogen treatment can improve or at least maintain current levels of cognitive functioning in postmenopausal women. However, we have previously shown that the negative emotional effects of psychosocial stress are magnified in normal postmenopausal women after estrogen treatment. This study examined whether estradiol (E2) administration can modify cognitive performance after exposure to psychological stress and monoamine depletion. METHODS Participants consisted of 22 postmenopausal women placed on either oral placebo or 17beta-E2 (1 mg/d for 1 mo, then 2 mg/d for 2 mo). At the end of the 3-month treatment phase, participants underwent three depletion challenges in which they ingested one of three amino acid mixtures: deficient in tryptophan, deficient in phenylalanine/tyrosine, or balanced. Five hours later, participants performed the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST), followed by mood and anxiety ratings and cognitive testing. Cognitive measures included tests of attention, psychomotor function, and verbal episodic memory. RESULTS E2-treated compared with placebo-treated participants exhibited significant worsening of cognitive performance on tasks measuring attentional performance and psychomotor speed. Similar trends for impairment were seen in measures of long-term episodic memory compared with placebo-treated postmenopausal women. E2-treated participants also showed a significant increase in negative mood and anxiety compared with placebo-treated women after, but not before, the TSST, although the worsening of both cognitive and behavioral functioning was not correlated. These effects were independent of tryptophan or tyrosine/phenylalanine depletion and were not manifested before the TSST or at baseline. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that the relationship between estrogen administration and cognitive/behavioral performance in postmenopausal women may be more complex than initially appreciated and that the effects of psychosocial stress may influence whether hormone effects are beneficial.
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Abstract
Previous studies in postmenopausal women have reported that estrogen treatment (ET) modulates the risk for developing Alzheimer's disease (AD). It has recently been hypothesized that there may be a "critical period" around the time of menopause during which the prescription of ET may reduce the risk of developing AD in later life. This effect may be most significant in women under 49 years old. Furthermore, prescription of ET after this point may have a neutral or negative effect, particularly when initiated in women over 60-65 years old. In this paper, we review recent studies that use in vivo techniques to analyze the neurobiological mechanisms that might underpin estrogen's effects on the brain postmenopause. Consistent with the "critical period" hypothesis, these studies suggest that the positive effects of estrogen are most robust in young women and in older women who had initiated ET around the time of menopause.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael C Craig
- Centre for Female Health and Neurodevelopment, Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Kings College London, London, United Kingdom.
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Schaafsma M, Homewood J, Taylor A. Subjective cognitive complaints at menopause associated with declines in performance of verbal memory and attentional processes. Climacteric 2010; 13:84-98. [PMID: 19722118 DOI: 10.3109/13697130903009187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Subjective cognitive complaints are commonly reported during the menopause transition. Whether they are indicative of actual cognitive impairment is unknown. OBJECTIVES To assess subjective attention and memory complaints in a general population sample across the stages of menopause; to assess relationships between subjective complaints and objective measures of cognitive performance; to examine potential menopause-related, hormonal, psychosocial and cognitive predictors of subjective complaints. METHODS Multivariate and univariate analyses of cross-sectional data from 120 pre-, peri- and postmenopausal women. RESULTS Attention problems were more evident in the perimenopausal and hormone therapy groups. Subjective cognitive problems were associated with declines in verbal memory, and with declining performance on reaction time measures of attention, with small-to-medium effect sizes. Predictors of subjective complaints included menopause-related symptoms, psychosocial variables, psychological symptoms and objective cognitive performance. CONCLUSION A link has been demonstrated between the subjective and objective aspects of cognitive function in association with the menopausal transition. It is suggested that greater recognition be given to cognitive symptoms as forming part of the constellation of menopause-related symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Schaafsma
- Department of Psychology, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
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Acosta JI, Mayer LP, Braden BB, Nonnenmacher S, Mennenga SE, Bimonte-Nelson HA. The cognitive effects of conjugated equine estrogens depend on whether menopause etiology is transitional or surgical. Endocrinology 2010; 151:3795-804. [PMID: 20555031 PMCID: PMC2940533 DOI: 10.1210/en.2010-0055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The question of whether to take hormone therapy (HT) will impact every woman as she enters reproductive senescence. In women, studies suggest that ovarian hormone loss associated with menopause has deleterious cognitive effects. Results from clinical studies evaluating whether estrogen-containing HT mitigates these effects, and benefits cognition, are discrepant. Type of menopause, surgical vs. transitional, impacts cognitive outcome in women. However, whether type of menopause impacts cognitive effects of HT has not been methodically tested in women or an animal model. We used the 4-vinylcyclohexene diepoxide rodent model of ovarian follicle depletion, which mimics transitional menopause, and the traditional rat model of menopause, ovariectomy, to cognitively test the most commonly prescribed estrogen therapy in the United States, conjugated equine estrogens (Premarin). Here we show conjugated equine estrogens benefited cognition in surgically menopausal rats, but, in contrast, impaired cognition in transitionally menopausal rats. Androstenedione, released from the residual transitional menopausal ovary, was positively associated with impaired performance, replicating our previous findings in 4-vinylcyclohexene diepoxide animals. The current findings are especially salient given that no clinical study testing cognition has methodically separated these two populations of menopausal women for analysis. That we now show surgical vs. transitional modes of menopause result in disparate cognitive effects of HT has implications for future research and treatments optimizing HT for menopausal women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jazmin I Acosta
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287, USA
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Blanc F, Poisbeau P, Sellal F, Tranchant C, de Seze J, André G. [Alzheimer disease, memory and estrogen]. Rev Neurol (Paris) 2010; 166:377-88. [PMID: 19836813 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurol.2009.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2008] [Revised: 04/18/2009] [Accepted: 07/15/2009] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Epidemiological studies of Alzheimer disease have shown a higher prevalence of women. Some data argue for a link between Alzheimer disease and the decrease of estrogen in post-menopausal women. Animal studies have shown a beneficial effect of estrogen on memory with a decrease of amyloid deposition in models of AD, whereas estrogen has a positive effect on BDNF. Six studies have shown a positive effect of estrogen therapy on memory and studies on structural and functional imaging have shown a beneficial effect of estrogens but the largest study on prevention of dementia with estrogens (WHI) showed a deleterious effect. To better understand this paradoxical situation, we reviewed the literature on estrogens, memory and Alzheimer disease. We first discuss the promnesic effect of estrogen on mice and rats, second the neuroprotector effect of estrogen on animal models of Alzheimer disease, and third the available human studies. We hypothesize a link with the time of instauration of the estrogen treatment. Nevertheless this hypothesis remains to be demonstrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Blanc
- Service de Neuropsychologie, Département de Neurologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
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Hogervorst E, Bandelow S. Sex steroids to maintain cognitive function in women after the menopause: A meta-analyses of treatment trials. Maturitas 2010; 66:56-71. [DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2010.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2010] [Accepted: 02/05/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Abstract
The pros and cons of estrogen therapy for use in postmenopausal women continue to be a major topic of debate in women's health. Much of this debate focuses on the potential benefits vs. harm of estrogen therapy on the brain and the risks for cognitive impairment associated with aging and Alzheimer's disease. Many animal and human studies suggest that estrogens can have significant beneficial effects on brain aging and cognition and reduce the risk of Alzheimer's-related dementia; however, others disagree. Important discoveries have been made, and hypotheses have emerged that may explain some of the inconsistencies. This review focuses on the cholinergic hypothesis, specifically on evidence that beneficial effects of estrogens on brain aging and cognition are related to interactions with cholinergic projections emanating from the basal forebrain. These cholinergic projections play an important role in learning and attentional processes, and their function is known to decline with advanced age and in association with Alzheimer's disease. Evidence suggests that many of the effects of estrogens on neuronal plasticity and function and cognitive performance are related to or rely upon interactions with these cholinergic projections; however, studies also suggest that the effectiveness of estrogen therapy decreases with age and time after loss of ovarian function. We propose a model in which deficits in basal forebrain cholinergic function contribute to age-related changes in the response to estrogen therapy. Based on this model, we propose that cholinergic-enhancing drugs, used in combination with an appropriate estrogen-containing drug regimen, may be a viable therapeutic strategy for use in older postmenopausal women with early evidence of mild cognitive decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert B Gibbs
- University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, 1004 Salk Hall, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, USA.
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Maki PM, Rubin LH, Fornelli D, Drogos L, Banuvar S, Shulman LP, Geller SE. Effects of botanicals and combined hormone therapy on cognition in postmenopausal women. Menopause 2009; 16:1167-77. [PMID: 19590458 PMCID: PMC2783198 DOI: 10.1097/gme.0b013e3181ace484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to characterize the effects of red clover, black cohosh, and combined hormone therapy on cognitive function in comparison to placebo in women with moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms. METHODS In a phase II randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 66 midlife women (of 89 from a parent study; mean age, 53 y) with 35 or more weekly hot flashes were randomized to receive red clover (120 mg), black cohosh (128 mg), 0.625 mg conjugated equine estrogens plus 2.5 mg medroxyprogesterone acetate (CEE/MPA), or placebo. Participants completed measures of verbal memory (primary outcome) and other cognitive measures (secondary outcomes) before and during the 12th treatment month. A subset of 19 women completed objective, physiological measures of hot flashes using ambulatory skin conductance monitors. RESULTS Neither of the botanical treatments had an impact on any cognitive measure. Compared with placebo, CEE/MPA led to a greater decline in verbal learning (one of five verbal memory measures). This effect just missed statistical significance (P = 0.057) in unadjusted analyses but reached significance (P = 0.02) after adjusting for vasomotor symptoms. Neither of the botanical treatment groups showed a change in verbal memory that differed from the placebo group (Ps > 0.28), even after controlling for improvements in hot flashes. In secondary outcomes, CEE/MPA led to a decrease in immediate digit recall and an improvement in letter fluency. Only CEE/MPA significantly reduced objective hot flashes. CONCLUSIONS Results indicate that a red clover (phytoestrogen) supplement or black cohosh has no effects on cognitive function. CEE/MPA reduces objective hot flashes but worsens some aspects of verbal memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline M Maki
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
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Abstract
According to the 'critical period' hypothesis, which attempts to explain the observed discrepancies in the studies on estrogen and cognition, estrogen therapy effectively decreases cognitive decline in aging women when it is initiated around the time of menopause but not when it is started decades later. Here, I review studies in which the timing of the initiation of estrogen therapy was provided, to determine whether their findings support the 'critical period' hypothesis. The vast majority of the reviewed studies support the idea that early but not late initiation of estrogen therapy might prevent or delay cognitive decline in aging women. Nevertheless, numerous design issues, such as the specific drugs and doses that were used, the possible effects of progestins on cognition, and the failure to administer neuropsychological tests of specific cognitive domains that are sensitive to estrogen therapy confound the extant literature. In view of the reanalyzes of the Women's Health Initiative's data that show a beneficial effect of estrogen therapy on cardiac and breast diseases in women aged 50-59 years, more definitive evidence is needed to confirm that the early initiation of estrogen therapy that is continued for a few years provides enduring protection against cognitive aging 15-20 years later.
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Low LF, Anstey KJ, Jorm AF, Rodgers B, Christensen H. Reproductive period and cognitive function in a representative sample of naturally postmenopausal women aged 60–64 years. Climacteric 2009; 8:380-9. [PMID: 16390773 DOI: 10.1080/13697130500345240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Greater lifetime estrogen exposure has been postulated to result in better cognition in later life, particularly in the area of verbal memory. In women, the highest levels of endogenous estrogen occur during their reproductive period, between menarche and menopause. OBJECTIVE To investigate the association between reproductive period and cognition. METHODS The sample consisted of 760 naturally postmenopausal women aged 60-64 years (mean age 62.5 +/- 1.5 years) participating in the PATH Through Life Study who were randomly drawn from the population of Canberra, Australia. Participants were administered a verbal learning test (immediate recall and 1-minute delay), the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), digit span backwards, the Symbol-Digit Modalities Test and simple and choice reaction time tests. RESULTS There were no significant associations detected between reproductive period and performance on any of the cognitive tests, either before or after controlling for potential confounding variables. CONCLUSIONS Reproductive period, a surrogate measure of endogenous estrogen exposure, had no detectable effect on cognitive performance in this sample.
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Affiliation(s)
- L-F Low
- Centre for Mental Health Research, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Clinical trials yield discrepant information about the impact of hormone therapy on verbal memory and executive function. This issue is clinically relevant because declines in verbal memory are the earliest predictor of Alzheimer's disease and declines in executive function are central to some theories of normal, age-related changes in cognition. METHODS We conducted a systematic review of randomized clinical trials of hormone therapy (i.e. oral, transdermal, i.m.) and verbal memory, distinguishing studies in younger (i.e. <or=65 years of age; n = 9) versus older (i.e. >65 years; n = 7) women and studies involving estrogen alone versus estrogen plus progestogen. Out of 32 placebo-controlled trials, 17 were included (13 had no verbal memory measures and 2 involved cholinergic manipulations). We also provide a narrative review of 25 studies of executive function (two trials), since there are insufficient clinical trial data for systematic review. RESULTS There is some evidence for a beneficial effect of estrogen alone on verbal memory in younger naturally post-menopausal women and more consistent evidence from small-n studies of surgically post-menopausal women. There is stronger evidence of a detrimental effect of conjugated equine estrogen plus medroxyprogesterone acetate on verbal memory in younger and older post-menopausal women. Observational studies and pharmacological models of menopause provide initial evidence of improvements in executive function with hormone therapy. CONCLUSIONS Future studies should include measures of executive function and should address pressing clinical questions; including what formulation of combination hormone therapy is cognitively neutral/beneficial, yet effective in treating hot flashes in the early post-menopause.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline M Maki
- Neuropsychiatric Institute, MC 913, University of Illinois at Chicago, 912 South Wood Street, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
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Maki PM, Dumas J. Mechanisms of action of estrogen in the brain: insights from human neuroimaging and psychopharmacologic studies. Semin Reprod Med 2009; 27:250-9. [PMID: 19401956 DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1216278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Use of estrogen therapy in the perimenopausal and postmenopausal periods has been shown in several clinical trials to help women maintain a premenopausal level of cognitive function. What is not yet fully understood is how the neurobiological effects of estrogen contribute to these cognitive effects. This review explores data from two related bodies of human literature that provide compelling evidence in support of the biological plausibility that estrogen treatment can benefit cognition. The first half of the literature review focuses on studies from the estrogen neuroimaging literature, and the second half focuses on pharmacologic challenge studies assessing estrogen-neurotransmitter interactions. We integrate these two bodies of literature by focusing on the neurophysiologic underpinnings of estrogen effects on cognition and linking these clinical studies to preclinical studies. The focus on verbal memory is important because it is a cognitive function that has been shown to change with estrogen treatment and predict Alzheimer's disease risk but is not addressed by preclinical studies. Overall, we conclude that estrogen interacts with cholinergic and serotonergic systems to affect hippocampal and frontal cortical brain areas and thereby enhance memory, particularly at the retrieval stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline M Maki
- Departments of Psychiatry and Psychology, Center for Cognitive Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois 60612, USA.
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Life-time estrogen exposure and cognitive functioning in later life. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2009; 34:287-298. [PMID: 18947934 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2008.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2008] [Revised: 09/03/2008] [Accepted: 09/11/2008] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT While recent studies suggest that exogenous estrogen treatment could help reduce age-related cognitive decline and delay the onset of dementia, this has not been found consistently. Few studies have considered the influence of life-time estrogen exposure which may have an independent effect on cognition and/or modulate treatment response. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to examine whether factors related to estrogen exposure across the life-time were associated with cognitive function in postmenopausal women. DESIGN A battery of cognitive tests were administered at baseline and at 2 and 4 years of follow-up to evaluate cognitive performance among a population-based cohort of 996 French women aged 65 years or older, who were recruited as part of the ESPRIT study. Detailed reproductive histories were also obtained. Logistic regression models, controlling for an extensive range of potential confounding factors, were generated to determine whether hormone-related factors across a woman's lifetime were associated with poor cognitive performance in later life. RESULTS Age at first menses was negatively associated with performance on the tasks of visual memory and psychomotor speed, while a longer reproductive period was associated with better verbal fluency. Likewise, women who had their first child at a young age performed significantly worse on each of these tasks, as well as on a measure of global cognitive function. The results also suggest that current hormone therapy may be beneficial for a number of cognitive domains, however, in multivariate analysis, women performed significantly better on the task of visual memory only. In contrast, in analysis adjusted for baseline cognitive performance and a range of other factors, none of the reproductive variables were associated with a decline in cognitive performance or the incidence of dementia during the 4-year follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS In addition to hormone therapy, certain hormone-related events across the lifetime are also associated with cognitive functioning in later life. They were not observed in this study to modulate dementia risk; however, this should be verified over a longer follow-up period. Further studies will also be required to determine whether lifetime hormonal exposure may modify women's response to hormone therapy after the menopause.
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Dumas J, Hancur-Bucci C, Naylor M, Sites C, Newhouse P. Estradiol interacts with the cholinergic system to affect verbal memory in postmenopausal women: evidence for the critical period hypothesis. Horm Behav 2008; 53:159-69. [PMID: 17964576 PMCID: PMC2435492 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2007.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2007] [Revised: 08/31/2007] [Accepted: 09/18/2007] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Estradiol has been shown to interact with the cholinergic system to affect cognition in postmenopausal women. This study further investigated the interaction of estradiol and cholinergic system functioning on verbal memory and attention in two groups of healthy younger (ages 50-62) and older (ages 70-81) postmenopausal women. Twenty-two postmenopausal women were randomly and blindly placed on 1 mg of 17-beta estradiol orally for 1 month then 2 mg for 2 months or matching placebo pills after which they participated in three anticholinergic challenge sessions when verbal memory and attention were assessed. Subjects were administered either the antimuscarinic drug scopolamine (SCOP), the antinicotinic drug mecamylamine (MECA), or placebo. After the first challenge phase, they were crossed over to the other hormone treatment for another 3 months and repeated the challenges. Results showed that estradiol pretreatment significantly attenuated the anticholinergic drug-induced impairments on a test of episodic memory (the Buschke Selective Reminding Task) for the younger group only, while estradiol treatment impaired performance of the older group. The results suggest that younger subjects may experience more cholinergic benefit from estradiol treatment than older subjects, supporting the concept of a critical period for postmenopausal estrogen use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Dumas
- Clinical Neuroscience Research Unit, Department of Psychiatry, University of Vermont College of Medicine
| | - Catherine Hancur-Bucci
- Clinical Neuroscience Research Unit, Department of Psychiatry, University of Vermont College of Medicine
| | - Magdalena Naylor
- Clinical Neuroscience Research Unit, Department of Psychiatry, University of Vermont College of Medicine
| | - Cynthia Sites
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alabama School of Medicine
| | - Paul Newhouse
- Clinical Neuroscience Research Unit, Department of Psychiatry, University of Vermont College of Medicine
- Address for Correspondence (PN): Clinical Neuroscience Research Unit, Department of Psychiatry, University of Vermont College of Medicine, 1 South Prospect St., Burlington, VT 05401, Voice: (802) 847-4560, Fax: (802) 847-7889,
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Sano M, Jacobs D, Andrews H, Bell K, Graff-Radford N, Lucas J, Rabins P, Bolla K, Tsai WY, Cross P, Andrews K, Costa R, Xiaodong Luo. A multi-center, randomized, double blind placebo-controlled trial of estrogens to prevent Alzheimer's disease and loss of memory in women: design and baseline characteristics. Clin Trials 2008; 5:523-33. [PMID: 18827045 PMCID: PMC3884686 DOI: 10.1177/1740774508096313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Observational studies and small clinical trials suggested that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) decreases risk of cognitive loss and Alzheimer's disease (AD) in postmenopausal women and may have value in primary prevention. PURPOSE A clinical trial was designed to determine if HRT delays AD or memory loss. This report describes the rationale and original design of the trial and details extensive modifications that were required to respond to unanticipated findings that emerged from other studies during the course of the trial. METHODS The trial was designed as a multi-center, placebo-controlled primary prevention trial for women 65 years of age or older with a family history of dementia. Recruitment from local sites was supplemented by centralized efforts to use names of Medicare beneficiaries. Inclusion criteria included good general health and intact memory functioning. Participants were randomized to HRT or placebo in a 1:1 ratio. Assignment was stratified by hysterectomy status and site. The primary outcomes were incident AD and memory decline on neuropsychological testing. RESULTS Enrollment began in March 1998. In response to the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) May 2002 report of increased incidence of heart disease, stroke, pulmonary embolism, and breast cancer among women randomized to HRT, participants were re-consented with a revised consent form. Procedural modifications, including discontinuation of study medication and a modification of the planned primary outcome based on a final enrollment below the target enrollment (N = 477), were enacted in response to the subsequent WHI Memory Study report of increased risk of dementia and poorer cognitive function with HRT. The mean length of treatment exposure prior to discontinuation was 2.14 years. Participants' mean age at baseline was 72.8; mean education was 14.2 years. Minority participation was 19% and 34% had a hysterectomy. The study continues to follow these participants for a total of 5 years blind to the original medication assignment. LIMITATIONS Results reported from the WHI during the course of this study mandated extensive procedural modifications, including discontinuing recruitment before completion and halting study medication. Alternative strategies for study redesign that were considered are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Sano
- Mount Sinai School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, New York, NY, USA.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE Women who undergo both natural and surgical menopause experience the loss of cyclic ovarian production of estrogen, but hormonal and demographic differences distinguish these two groups of women. Our objective was to review published evidence on whether the premature cessation of endogenous estrogen production in women who underwent a surgical menopause has deleterious consequences for cognitive aging and to determine whether consequences differ for women if they undergo natural menopause. Studies of estrogen-containing hormone therapy are relevant to this issue. DESIGN We reviewed evidence-based research, including the systematic identification of randomized clinical trials of hormone therapy with cognitive outcomes that included an objective measure of episodic memory. RESULTS As inferred from very small, short-term, randomized, controlled trials of high-dose estrogen treatment, surgical menopause may be accompanied by cognitive impairment that primarily affects verbal episodic memory. Observational evidence suggests that the natural menopausal transition is not accompanied by substantial changes in cognitive abilities. For initiation of hormone therapy during perimenopause or early postmenopause when the ovaries are intact, limited clinical trial data provide no consistent evidence of short-term benefit or harm. There is stronger clinical trial evidence that initiation of hormone therapy in late postmenopause does not benefit episodic memory or other cognitive skills. CONCLUSIONS Further research is needed on the long-term cognitive consequences of surgical menopause and long-term cognitive consequences of hormone therapy initiated near the time of surgical or natural menopause. A potential short-term cognitive benefit might be weighed when a premenopausal woman considers initiation of estrogen therapy at the time of, or soon after, hysterectomy and oophorectomy for benign conditions, although data are still quite limited and estrogen is not approved for this indication. Older postmenopausal women should not initiate hormone therapy to improve or maintain cognitive skills.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor W Henderson
- Department of Health Research and Policy (Epidemiology), Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
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