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Mey M, Bhatta S, Suresh S, Labrador LM, Piontkivska H, Casadesus G. Therapeutic benefits of central LH receptor agonism in the APP/PS1 AD model involve trophic and immune regulation and are reproductive status dependent. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2024; 1870:167165. [PMID: 38653355 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2024.167165] [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: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
The mechanisms that underly reproductive hormone effects on cognition, neuronal plasticity, and AD risk, particularly in relation to gonadotropin LH receptor (LHCGR) signaling, remain poorly understood. To address this gap in knowledge and clarify the impact of circulating steroid hormones on the therapeutic effects of CNS LHCGR activation, we delivered the LHCGR agonist human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) intracerebroventricularly (ICV) and evaluated functional, structural, plasticity-related signaling cascades, Aβ pathology, and transcriptome differences in reproductively intact and ovariectomized (OVX) APP/PS1 AD female mice. Here we demonstrate that CNS hCG delivery restored function to wild-type levels only in OVX APP/PS1 mice. Spine density was increased in all hCG treated groups independently of reproductive status. Notably, increases in BDNF signaling and cognition, were selectively upregulated only in the OVX hCG-treated group. RNA sequencing analyses identified a significant increase in peripheral myeloid and pro-inflammatory genes within the hippocampi of the OVX group that were completely reversed by hCG treatment, identifying a potential mechanism underlying the selective therapeutic effect of LHCGR activation. Interestingly, in intact mice, hCG administration mimicked the effects of gonadectomy. Together, our findings indicate that CNS LHCGR agonism in the post-menopausal context is beneficial through trophic and immune mechanisms. Our findings also underscore the presence of a steroid-LHCGR mechanistic interaction that is unexplored yet potentially meaningful to fully understand "post-menopausal" brain function and CNS hormone treatment response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Mey
- Kent State University, Kent, OH 44240, United States of America
| | - Sabina Bhatta
- Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, United States of America
| | - Sneha Suresh
- University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32606, United States of America
| | | | | | - Gemma Casadesus
- University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32606, United States of America.
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2
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Mey M, Bhatta S, Suresh S, Montero Labrador L, Piontkivska H, Casadesus G. The LH receptor regulates hippocampal spatial memory and restores dendritic spine density in ovariectomized APP/PS1 AD mice. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.22.573087. [PMID: 38187770 PMCID: PMC10769359 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.22.573087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Activation of the luteinizing hormone receptor (LHCGR) rescues spatial memory function and spine density losses associated with gonadectomy and high circulating gonadotropin levels in females. However, whether this extends to the AD brain or the mechanisms that underlie these benefits remain unknown. To address this question, we delivered the LHCGR agonist human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) intracerebroventricularly (ICV), under reproductively intact and ovariectomized conditions to mimic the post-menopausal state in the APP/PS1mouse brain. Cognitive function was tested using the Morris water maze task, and hippocampal dendritic spine density, Aβ pathology, and signaling changes associated with these endpoints were determined to address mechanisms. Here we show that central LHCGR activation restored function in ovariectomized APP/PS1 female mice to wild-type levels without altering Aβ pathology. LHCGR activation increased hippocampal dendritic spine density regardless of reproductive status, and this was mediated by BDNF-dependent and independent signaling. We also show that ovariectomy in the APP/PS1 brain elicits an increase in peripherally derived pro-inflammatory genes which are inhibited by LHCGR activation. This may mediate reproductive status specific effects of LHCGR agonism on cognitive function and BDNF expression. Together, this work highlights the relevance of the LHCGR on cognition and its therapeutic potential in the "menopausal" AD brain.
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3
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Cutia CA, Christian-Hinman CA. Mechanisms linking neurological disorders with reproductive endocrine dysfunction: Insights from epilepsy research. Front Neuroendocrinol 2023; 71:101084. [PMID: 37506886 PMCID: PMC10818027 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2023.101084] [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: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Gonadal hormone actions in the brain can both worsen and alleviate symptoms of neurological disorders. Although neurological conditions and reproductive endocrine function are seemingly disparate, compelling evidence indicates that reciprocal interactions exist between certain disorders and hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis irregularities. Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that shows significant reproductive endocrine dysfunction (RED) in clinical populations. Seizures, particularly those arising from temporal lobe structures, can drive HPG axis alterations, and hormones produced in the HPG axis can reciprocally modulate seizure activity. Despite this relationship, mechanistic links between seizures and RED, and vice versa, are still largely unknown. Here, we review clinical evidence alongside recent investigations in preclinical animal models into the contributions of seizures to HPG axis malfunction, describe the effects of HPG axis hormonal feedback on seizure activity, and discuss how epilepsy research can offer insight into mechanisms linking neurological disorders to HPG axis dysfunction, an understudied area of neuroendocrinology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cathryn A Cutia
- Neuroscience Program, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Catherine A Christian-Hinman
- Neuroscience Program, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA; Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA; Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA.
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4
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Ryu V, Gumerova A, Korkmaz F, Kang SS, Katsel P, Miyashita S, Kannangara H, Cullen L, Chan P, Kuo T, Padilla A, Sultana F, Wizman SA, Kramskiy N, Zaidi S, Kim SM, New MI, Rosen CJ, Goosens KA, Frolinger T, Haroutunian V, Ye K, Lizneva D, Davies TF, Yuen T, Zaidi M. Brain atlas for glycoprotein hormone receptors at single-transcript level. eLife 2022; 11:e79612. [PMID: 36052994 PMCID: PMC9473692 DOI: 10.7554/elife.79612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
There is increasing evidence that anterior pituitary hormones, traditionally thought to have unitary functions in regulating single endocrine targets, act on multiple somatic tissues, such as bone, fat, and liver. There is also emerging evidence for anterior pituitary hormone action on brain receptors in mediating central neural and peripheral somatic functions. Here, we have created the most comprehensive neuroanatomical atlas on the expression of TSHR, LHCGR, and FSHR. We have used RNAscope, a technology that allows the detection of mRNA at single-transcript level, together with protein level validation, to document Tshr expression in 173 and Fshr expression in 353 brain regions, nuclei and subnuclei identified using the Atlas for the Mouse Brain in Stereotaxic Coordinates. We also identified Lhcgr transcripts in 401 brain regions, nuclei and subnuclei. Complementarily, we used ViewRNA, another single-transcript detection technology, to establish the expression of FSHR in human brain samples, where transcripts were co-localized in MALAT1-positive neurons. In addition, we show high expression for all three receptors in the ventricular region-with yet unknown functions. Intriguingly, Tshr and Fshr expression in the ependymal layer of the third ventricle was similar to that of the thyroid follicular cells and testicular Sertoli cells, respectively. In contrast, Fshr was localized to NeuN-positive neurons in the granular layer of the dentate gyrus in murine and human brain-both are Alzheimer's disease-vulnerable regions. Our atlas thus provides a vital resource for scientists to explore the link between the stimulation or inactivation of brain glycoprotein hormone receptors on somatic function. New actionable pathways for human disease may be unmasked through further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vitaly Ryu
- Center for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkUnited States
- Department of Medicine and of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkUnited States
| | - Anisa Gumerova
- Center for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkUnited States
- Department of Medicine and of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkUnited States
| | - Funda Korkmaz
- Center for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkUnited States
- Department of Medicine and of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkUnited States
| | - Seong Su Kang
- Department of Pathology, Emory University School of MedicineAtlantaUnited States
| | - Pavel Katsel
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkUnited States
| | - Sari Miyashita
- Center for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkUnited States
- Department of Medicine and of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkUnited States
| | - Hasni Kannangara
- Center for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkUnited States
- Department of Medicine and of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkUnited States
| | - Liam Cullen
- Center for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkUnited States
- Department of Medicine and of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkUnited States
| | | | - TanChun Kuo
- Center for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkUnited States
- Department of Medicine and of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkUnited States
| | - Ashley Padilla
- Center for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkUnited States
- Department of Medicine and of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkUnited States
| | - Farhath Sultana
- Center for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkUnited States
- Department of Medicine and of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkUnited States
| | - Soleil A Wizman
- Center for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkUnited States
| | - Natan Kramskiy
- Center for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkUnited States
| | - Samir Zaidi
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer CenterNew YorkUnited States
| | - Se-Min Kim
- Center for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkUnited States
- Department of Medicine and of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkUnited States
| | - Maria I New
- Department of Pediatrics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkUnited States
| | | | - Ki A Goosens
- Center for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkUnited States
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkUnited States
| | - Tal Frolinger
- Center for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkUnited States
- Department of Medicine and of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkUnited States
| | - Vahram Haroutunian
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkUnited States
| | - Keqiang Ye
- Faculty of Life and Health Sciences, and Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced technology, Chinese Academy of SciencesShenzhenChina
| | - Daria Lizneva
- Center for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkUnited States
- Department of Medicine and of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkUnited States
| | - Terry F Davies
- Center for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkUnited States
- Department of Medicine and of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkUnited States
| | - Tony Yuen
- Center for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkUnited States
- Department of Medicine and of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkUnited States
| | - Mone Zaidi
- Center for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkUnited States
- Department of Medicine and of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkUnited States
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5
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Liu T, Bowen RL, Wilson AC, Atwood CS. Estropause, Sex Hormones and Metal Homeostasis in the Mouse Brain. Front Neurol 2022; 13:841822. [PMID: 35645980 PMCID: PMC9130555 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.841822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Alterations in brain metal ion homeostasis have been reported with aging and are implicated in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. To assess whether age-related changes in hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) hormones might be involved in modulating brain metal ion homeostasis, we treated 7.5-month intact, sham-ovariecomized and ovariectomized C57B6SJL mice with vehicle or leuprolide acetate (for 9-months) to differentiate between whether sex steroids or gonadotropins might modulate brain metal ion concentrations. Unlike other aging mammals, there was no increase in plasma luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) concentrations following estropause in mice, suggesting there was sufficient residual production by the follicle depleted ovary, of sex steroids like estrogens and protein hormones like the inhibins, in order to suppress pituitary LH/FSH production. Castration on the other hand induced significant increases in circulating LH and FSH. Modulation of plasma sex steroid and gonadotropin levels did not significantly alter the concentrations of brain metals tested (Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, Co, Ni, Al, Li), although there was a tendency for a decrease in all brain metals following ovariectomy (low estrogens and progesterone, high gonadotropins), a response that was reversed with leuprolide acetate treatment (low sex steroids, low gonadotropins). Brain Cu concentration was the only metal correlated with plasma LH (−0.37, n = 30, p < 0.05) and FSH (−0.42, n = 29, p < 0.01). This study demonstrates that sex hormones do not markedly alter brain metal ion homeostasis, unlike previously reported studies of circulating metal ion homeostasis. The role of gonadotropins in regulating metal ion homeostasis does however warrant further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianbing Liu
- Institute of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, United States
| | | | - Andrea C. Wilson
- Institute of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Craig S. Atwood
- Institute of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Division of Geriatrics and Gerontology, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, United States
- Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Administration Hospital, Madison, WI, United States
- School of Exercise, Biomedical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
- *Correspondence: Craig S. Atwood
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6
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Tao CY, Harley JZ, Spencer SL, Cohen RE. Characterizing seasonal transitions: Breeding-like morphology and behavior during the late non-breeding season in green anole lizards. Horm Behav 2022; 139:105106. [PMID: 34995849 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2021.105106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Seasonally breeding animals, such as green anole lizards (Anolis carolinensis), allow for the examination of the control of reproduction during different reproductive states. During the breeding season, the gonads are large and reproductively active. Following the breeding season, gonads regress and become less active, and the lizards enter a refractory period where breeding is inhibited. After this stage, a post-refractory period occurs during which the lizards are still in a non-breeding state, but environmental changes can trigger the onset of breeding. However, it is unclear what causes these changes in reproductive state and we hypothesized that this may be due to alterations in gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) signaling. The present study aimed to identify morphological and behavioral differences in GnRH- and saline-injected refractory and post-refractory male anoles when housed under the same non-breeding environmental conditions. We found that post-refractory anoles had increased testicular weight, recrudescence, sperm presence, and reproductive behavior, with no impact of GnRH injection. Renal sex segment size and steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) mRNA levels did not differ among groups, indicating that testosterone levels likely had not increased in post-refractory lizards. Post-refractory anoles in this study were beginning to transition towards a breeding state without exposure to changing environmental conditions, and GnRH was not necessary for these changes. These data reveal a complex interaction between the activation of breeding, changing environmental conditions, and the underlying physiology regulating reproduction in seasonally breeding lizards. Future studies are needed to further elucidate the mechanisms that regulate this relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cai Y Tao
- Department of Biological Sciences, Minnesota State University, Mankato, Mankato, MN 56001-6062, USA
| | - Jada Z Harley
- Department of Biological Sciences, Minnesota State University, Mankato, Mankato, MN 56001-6062, USA
| | - Savannah L Spencer
- Department of Biological Sciences, Minnesota State University, Mankato, Mankato, MN 56001-6062, USA
| | - Rachel E Cohen
- Department of Biological Sciences, Minnesota State University, Mankato, Mankato, MN 56001-6062, USA.
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7
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Xiong J, Kang SS, Wang Z, Liu X, Kuo TC, Korkmaz F, Padilla A, Miyashita S, Chan P, Zhang Z, Katsel P, Burgess J, Gumerova A, Ievleva K, Sant D, Yu SP, Muradova V, Frolinger T, Lizneva D, Iqbal J, Goosens KA, Gera S, Rosen CJ, Haroutunian V, Ryu V, Yuen T, Zaidi M, Ye K. FSH blockade improves cognition in mice with Alzheimer's disease. Nature 2022; 603:470-476. [PMID: 35236988 PMCID: PMC9940301 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-022-04463-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 58.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease has a higher incidence in older women, with a spike in cognitive decline that tracks with visceral adiposity, dysregulated energy homeostasis and bone loss during the menopausal transition1,2. Inhibiting the action of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) reduces body fat, enhances thermogenesis, increases bone mass and lowers serum cholesterol in mice3-7. Here we show that FSH acts directly on hippocampal and cortical neurons to accelerate amyloid-β and Tau deposition and impair cognition in mice displaying features of Alzheimer's disease. Blocking FSH action in these mice abrogates the Alzheimer's disease-like phenotype by inhibiting the neuronal C/EBPβ-δ-secretase pathway. These data not only suggest a causal role for rising serum FSH levels in the exaggerated Alzheimer's disease pathophysiology during menopause, but also reveal an opportunity for treating Alzheimer's disease, obesity, osteoporosis and dyslipidaemia with a single FSH-blocking agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Xiong
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Seong Su Kang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Zhihao Wang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Xia Liu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Tan-Chun Kuo
- Center for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology and Departments of Pharmacological Sciences and Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Funda Korkmaz
- Center for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology and Departments of Pharmacological Sciences and Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ashley Padilla
- Center for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology and Departments of Pharmacological Sciences and Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sari Miyashita
- Center for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology and Departments of Pharmacological Sciences and Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Zhaohui Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Pavel Katsel
- Department of Psychiatry and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jocoll Burgess
- Center for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology and Departments of Pharmacological Sciences and Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Anisa Gumerova
- Center for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology and Departments of Pharmacological Sciences and Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kseniia Ievleva
- Center for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology and Departments of Pharmacological Sciences and Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Damini Sant
- Center for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology and Departments of Pharmacological Sciences and Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Shan-Ping Yu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Valeriia Muradova
- Center for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology and Departments of Pharmacological Sciences and Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Tal Frolinger
- Center for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology and Departments of Pharmacological Sciences and Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Daria Lizneva
- Center for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology and Departments of Pharmacological Sciences and Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jameel Iqbal
- Center for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology and Departments of Pharmacological Sciences and Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ki A Goosens
- Center for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology and Departments of Pharmacological Sciences and Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sakshi Gera
- Center for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology and Departments of Pharmacological Sciences and Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Vahram Haroutunian
- Department of Psychiatry and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Vitaly Ryu
- Center for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology and Departments of Pharmacological Sciences and Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Tony Yuen
- Center for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology and Departments of Pharmacological Sciences and Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Mone Zaidi
- Center for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology and Departments of Pharmacological Sciences and Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Keqiang Ye
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
- Faculty of Life and Health Sciences, and Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute (BCBDI), Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China.
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8
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De novo Neurosteroidogenesis in Human Microglia: Involvement of the 18 kDa Translocator Protein. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22063115. [PMID: 33803741 PMCID: PMC8003294 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22063115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 03/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroactive steroids are potent modulators of microglial functions and are capable of counteracting their excessive reactivity. This action has mainly been ascribed to neuroactive steroids released from other sources, as microglia have been defined unable to produce neurosteroids de novo. Unexpectedly, immortalized murine microglia recently exhibited this de novo biosynthesis; herein, de novo neurosteroidogenesis was characterized in immortalized human microglia. The results demonstrated that C20 and HMC3 microglial cells constitutively express members of the neurosteroidogenesis multiprotein machinery-in particular, the transduceosome members StAR and TSPO, and the enzyme CYP11A1. Moreover, both cell lines produce pregnenolone and transcriptionally express the enzymes involved in neurosteroidogenesis. The high TSPO expression levels observed in microglia prompted us to assess its role in de novo neurosteroidogenesis. TSPO siRNA and TSPO synthetic ligand treatments were used to reduce and prompt TSPO function, respectively. The TSPO expression downregulation compromised the de novo neurosteroidogenesis and led to an increase in StAR expression, probably as a compensatory mechanism. The pharmacological TSPO stimulation the de novo neurosteroidogenesis improved in turn the neurosteroid-mediated release of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor. In conclusion, these results demonstrated that de novo neurosteroidogenesis occurs in human microglia, unravelling a new mechanism potentially useful for future therapeutic purposes.
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Karna KK, Soni KK, You JH, Choi NY, Kim HK, Kim CY, Lee SW, Shin YS, Park JK. MOTILIPERM Ameliorates Immobilization Stress-Induced Testicular Dysfunction via Inhibition of Oxidative Stress and Modulation of the Nrf2/HO-1 Pathway in SD Rats. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21134750. [PMID: 32635386 PMCID: PMC7370033 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21134750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
It is well established that physiological stress has an adverse effect on the male reproductive system. Experimental studies have demonstrated the promising effects of MOTILIPERM in male infertility. MOTILIPERM extract is composed of three crude medicinal herbs: Morinda officinalis How (Rubiaceae) roots, Allium cepa L. (Liliaceae) outer scales, and Cuscuta chinensis Lamark (convolvulaceae) seeds. The present study aimed to investigate the possible mechanisms responsible for the effects of MOTILIPERM on testicular dysfunction induced by immobilization stress. Fifty male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into five groups (10 rats each): a normal control group (CTR), a control group administered MOTILIPERM 200 mg/kg (M 200), an immobilization-induced stress control group (S), an immobilization-induced stress group administered MOTILIPERM 100 mg/kg (S + M 100), and MOTILIPERM 200 mg/kg (S + M 200). Stressed rats (n = 30) were subjected to stress by immobilization for 6 h by placing them in a Perspex restraint cage, while controls (n = 20) were maintained without disturbance. Rats were administrated 100 or 200 mg/kg MOTILIPERM once daily for 30 days 1 h prior to immobilization. At the end of the treatment period, we measured body and reproductive organ weight; sperm parameters; histopathological damage; reproductive hormone levels; steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR); biomarkers of oxidative stress; and apoptosis markers. MOTILIPERM treatment improved testicular dysfunction by up-regulating (p < 0.05) sperm count, sperm motility, serum testosterone level, StAR protein level, Johnsen score, and spermatogenic cell density in stressed rats. MOTILIPERM decreased oxidative stress by increasing (p < 0.05) testicular superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione peroxidase-4 (GPx 4), catalase, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) levels and decreasing (p < 0.05) malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species/reactive nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) levels. Furthermore, MOTILIPERM down-regulated (p < 0.05) cleaved caspase 3 and BCL2 associated X protein (Bax) levels; increased pro caspase-3 and B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) levels; and upregulated testicular germ cell proliferation in stressed rats. The number of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL)-positive cells and serum luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) levels also significantly (p < 0.05) decreased after pretreatment with MOTILIPERM in stressed rats. Collectively, our results suggest that, in immobilization-mediated stress-induced testicular dysfunction, MOTILIPERM sustains normal spermatogenesis via antioxidant and anti-apoptotic activities by activating the NRF/HO-1 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keshab Kumar Karna
- Department of Urology and Research Institute of Clinical Medicine of Jeonbuk National University-Biomedical Research Institute and Clinical Trial Center for Medical Device, Jeonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju 54907, Korea; (K.K.K.); (J.H.Y.); (N.Y.C.)
| | - Kiran Kumar Soni
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA;
| | - Jae Hyung You
- Department of Urology and Research Institute of Clinical Medicine of Jeonbuk National University-Biomedical Research Institute and Clinical Trial Center for Medical Device, Jeonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju 54907, Korea; (K.K.K.); (J.H.Y.); (N.Y.C.)
| | - Na Young Choi
- Department of Urology and Research Institute of Clinical Medicine of Jeonbuk National University-Biomedical Research Institute and Clinical Trial Center for Medical Device, Jeonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju 54907, Korea; (K.K.K.); (J.H.Y.); (N.Y.C.)
| | - Hye Kyung Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Kyungsung University, Busan 48434, Korea;
| | - Chul Young Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Hanyang University, Ansan 426791, Korea;
| | - Sung Won Lee
- Department of Urology, Samsung Medical Center, Samsung Biomedical Research Institute, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul 06351, Korea;
| | - Yu Seob Shin
- Department of Urology and Research Institute of Clinical Medicine of Jeonbuk National University-Biomedical Research Institute and Clinical Trial Center for Medical Device, Jeonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju 54907, Korea; (K.K.K.); (J.H.Y.); (N.Y.C.)
- Correspondence: (Y.S.S.); (J.K.P.); Tel.: +82-63-250-1565 (Y.S.S.); +82-63-250-1510 (J.K.P.); Fax: +82-63-250-1564 (Y.S.S. & J.K.P.)
| | - Jong Kwan Park
- Department of Urology and Research Institute of Clinical Medicine of Jeonbuk National University-Biomedical Research Institute and Clinical Trial Center for Medical Device, Jeonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju 54907, Korea; (K.K.K.); (J.H.Y.); (N.Y.C.)
- Correspondence: (Y.S.S.); (J.K.P.); Tel.: +82-63-250-1565 (Y.S.S.); +82-63-250-1510 (J.K.P.); Fax: +82-63-250-1564 (Y.S.S. & J.K.P.)
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Dufour S, Quérat B, Tostivint H, Pasqualini C, Vaudry H, Rousseau K. Origin and Evolution of the Neuroendocrine Control of Reproduction in Vertebrates, With Special Focus on Genome and Gene Duplications. Physiol Rev 2019; 100:869-943. [PMID: 31625459 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00009.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In humans, as in the other mammals, the neuroendocrine control of reproduction is ensured by the brain-pituitary gonadotropic axis. Multiple internal and environmental cues are integrated via brain neuronal networks, ultimately leading to the modulation of the activity of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons. The decapeptide GnRH is released into the hypothalamic-hypophysial portal blood system and stimulates the production of pituitary glycoprotein hormones, the two gonadotropins luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone. A novel actor, the neuropeptide kisspeptin, acting upstream of GnRH, has attracted increasing attention in recent years. Other neuropeptides, such as gonadotropin-inhibiting hormone/RF-amide related peptide, and other members of the RF-amide peptide superfamily, as well as various nonpeptidic neuromediators such as dopamine and serotonin also provide a large panel of stimulatory or inhibitory regulators. This paper addresses the origin and evolution of the vertebrate gonadotropic axis. Brain-pituitary neuroendocrine axes are typical of vertebrates, the pituitary gland, mediator and amplifier of brain control on peripheral organs, being a vertebrate innovation. The paper reviews, from molecular and functional perspectives, the evolution across vertebrate radiation of some key actors of the vertebrate neuroendocrine control of reproduction and traces back their origin along the vertebrate lineage and in other metazoa before the emergence of vertebrates. A focus is given on how gene duplications, resulting from either local events or from whole genome duplication events, and followed by paralogous gene loss or conservation, might have shaped the evolutionary scenarios of current families of key actors of the gonadotropic axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvie Dufour
- Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Biology of Aquatic Organisms and Ecosystems, CNRS, IRD, Sorbonne Université, Université Caen Normandie, Université des Antilles, Paris, France; Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cite, Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative, Paris, France; INSERM U1133, Physiologie de l'axe Gonadotrope, Paris, France; Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Physiologie Moléculaire et Adaptation, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris, France; Université Paris-Saclay, Université Paris-Sud, CNRS, Paris-Saclay Institute of Neuroscience (UMR 9197), Gif-sur-Yvette, France; and Université de Rouen Normandie, Rouen, France
| | - Bruno Quérat
- Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Biology of Aquatic Organisms and Ecosystems, CNRS, IRD, Sorbonne Université, Université Caen Normandie, Université des Antilles, Paris, France; Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cite, Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative, Paris, France; INSERM U1133, Physiologie de l'axe Gonadotrope, Paris, France; Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Physiologie Moléculaire et Adaptation, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris, France; Université Paris-Saclay, Université Paris-Sud, CNRS, Paris-Saclay Institute of Neuroscience (UMR 9197), Gif-sur-Yvette, France; and Université de Rouen Normandie, Rouen, France
| | - Hervé Tostivint
- Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Biology of Aquatic Organisms and Ecosystems, CNRS, IRD, Sorbonne Université, Université Caen Normandie, Université des Antilles, Paris, France; Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cite, Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative, Paris, France; INSERM U1133, Physiologie de l'axe Gonadotrope, Paris, France; Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Physiologie Moléculaire et Adaptation, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris, France; Université Paris-Saclay, Université Paris-Sud, CNRS, Paris-Saclay Institute of Neuroscience (UMR 9197), Gif-sur-Yvette, France; and Université de Rouen Normandie, Rouen, France
| | - Catherine Pasqualini
- Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Biology of Aquatic Organisms and Ecosystems, CNRS, IRD, Sorbonne Université, Université Caen Normandie, Université des Antilles, Paris, France; Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cite, Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative, Paris, France; INSERM U1133, Physiologie de l'axe Gonadotrope, Paris, France; Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Physiologie Moléculaire et Adaptation, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris, France; Université Paris-Saclay, Université Paris-Sud, CNRS, Paris-Saclay Institute of Neuroscience (UMR 9197), Gif-sur-Yvette, France; and Université de Rouen Normandie, Rouen, France
| | - Hubert Vaudry
- Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Biology of Aquatic Organisms and Ecosystems, CNRS, IRD, Sorbonne Université, Université Caen Normandie, Université des Antilles, Paris, France; Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cite, Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative, Paris, France; INSERM U1133, Physiologie de l'axe Gonadotrope, Paris, France; Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Physiologie Moléculaire et Adaptation, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris, France; Université Paris-Saclay, Université Paris-Sud, CNRS, Paris-Saclay Institute of Neuroscience (UMR 9197), Gif-sur-Yvette, France; and Université de Rouen Normandie, Rouen, France
| | - Karine Rousseau
- Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Biology of Aquatic Organisms and Ecosystems, CNRS, IRD, Sorbonne Université, Université Caen Normandie, Université des Antilles, Paris, France; Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cite, Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative, Paris, France; INSERM U1133, Physiologie de l'axe Gonadotrope, Paris, France; Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Physiologie Moléculaire et Adaptation, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris, France; Université Paris-Saclay, Université Paris-Sud, CNRS, Paris-Saclay Institute of Neuroscience (UMR 9197), Gif-sur-Yvette, France; and Université de Rouen Normandie, Rouen, France
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Possible Existence of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Hippocampal (HPH) Axis: A Reciprocal Relationship Between Hippocampal Specific Neuroestradiol Synthesis and Neuroblastosis in Ageing Brains with Special Reference to Menopause and Neurocognitive Disorders. Neurochem Res 2019; 44:1781-1795. [PMID: 31254250 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-019-02833-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2019] [Revised: 05/13/2019] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The hippocampus-derived neuroestradiol plays a major role in neuroplasticity, independent of circulating estradiol that originates from gonads. The response of hypothalamus-pituitary regions towards the synthesis of neuroestradiol in the hippocampus is an emerging scientific concept in cognitive neuroscience. Hippocampal plasticity has been proposed to be regulated via neuroblasts, a major cellular determinant of functional neurogenesis in the adult brain. Defects in differentiation, integration and survival of neuroblasts in the hippocampus appear to be an underlying cause of neurocognitive disorders. Gonadotropin receptors and steroidogenic enzymes have been found to be expressed in neuroblasts in the hippocampus of the brain. However, the reciprocal relationship between hippocampal-specific neuroestradiol synthesis along neuroblastosis and response of pituitary based feedback regulation towards regulation of estradiol level in the hippocampus have not completely been ascertained. Therefore, this conceptual article revisits (1) the cellular basis of neuroestradiol synthesis (2) a potential relationship between neuroestradiol synthesis and neuroblastosis in the hippocampus (3) the possible involvement of aberrant neuroestradiol production with mitochondrial dysfunctions and dyslipidemia in menopause and adult-onset neurodegenerative disorders and (4) provides a hypothesis for the possible existence of the hypothalamic-pituitary-hippocampal (HPH) axis in the adult brain. Eventually, understanding the regulation of hippocampal neurogenesis by abnormal levels of neuroestradiol concentration in association with the feedback regulation of HPH axis might provide additional cues to establish a neuroregenerative therapeutic management for mood swings, depression and cognitive decline in menopause and neurocognitive disorders.
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12
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Okolo KO, Siminialayi IM, Orisakwe OE. Protective Effects of Pleurotus tuber-regium on Carbon- Tetrachloride Induced Testicular Injury in Sprague Dawley Rats. Front Pharmacol 2016; 7:480. [PMID: 28018218 PMCID: PMC5156682 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2016.00480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2016] [Accepted: 11/24/2016] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The high rate of male infertility and the meager resources to manage same in sub Saharan Africa have necessitated the search for cost effective and available alternatives. Mushrooms have been used traditionally in folk medicine and as nutraceuticals. This study has investigated the effect of the wild mushroom Pleurotus tuber-regium on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) deleterious effects on the reproductive system of male rats. Thirty six rats were divided into six groups of six animals each. Group I (negative control) received 10 ml/kg olive oil intraperitoneal weekly in addition to feed and water ad libitum. Group II (positive control) received CCl4 10 ml/kg (30% in Olive oil) weekly. Group III, IV, and V received 100 mg, 20 0mg, and 500 mg P. tuber-regium (33.3% in feed) daily in addition to 10 ml/kg CCl4 weekly. Group VI received 500 mg P. tuber-regium (33.3% in feed) daily. After 4 weeks, sperm motility, epididymal count and vitality were determined. Serum malondialdehyde (MDA), testosterone, Luteinizing hormone (LH), Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), prolactin and oestradiol were estimated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. Histopathologic examinations of the testis were carried out. Carbon tetrachloride significantly reduced the sperm motility (54.33 ± 3.79%), epididymal count (28.73 ± 2.86 × 106/ml, vitality (4.96 ± 0.62), LH (0.88 ± 0.14), FSH (2.04 ± 0.33), and Testosterone (2.02 ± 0.24) when compared with control (89.33 ± 9.01), 91.91 ± 1.92 × 106/ml, 13.12 ± 0.19, 2.74 ± 0.32, 3.64 ± 0.62, and 4.16 ± 0.23, respectively, which were reversed by P. tuber-regium administration. Co-administration of P. tuber-regium plus CCl4 significantly reduced MDA level. P. tuber-regium showed dose dependent ameliorative activity against CCl4 deleterious action on the testis and may be beneficial in the management of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth O. Okolo
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Madonna UniversityPort Harcourt, Nigeria
| | - Iyeopu M. Siminialayi
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Port HarcourtPort Harcourt, Nigeria
| | - Orish E. Orisakwe
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Port HarcourtPort Harcourt, Nigeria
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13
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Abstract
Alzheimer disease (AD) is a slow progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects more elderly women than elderly men. It impairs memory, typically progresses into multidomain cognitive decline that destroys the quality of life, and ultimately leads to death. About 5.3 million older Americans are now living with this disease, and this number is projected to rise to 14 million by 2050. Annual health-care costs in the United States alone are projected to increase to about US$1.1 trillion by 2050. The initial theory that decreasing estrogen levels leads to AD development in postmenopausal women has been proven inconclusive. For example, Women's Health Research Initiative Memory Study and the population-based nested case-control study have failed to demonstrate that estrogen/progesterone (hormone replacement therapy [HRT]) or estrogen replacement therapy could prevent the cognitive decline or reduce the risk of AD. This led to the realization that AD development could be due to a progressive increase in luteinizing hormone (LH) levels in postmenopausal women. Accordingly, a large number of studies have demonstrated that an increase in LH levels is positively correlated with neuropathological, behavioral, and cognitive changes in AD. In addition, LH has been shown to promote amyloidogenic pathway of precursor protein metabolism and deposition of amyloid β plaques in the hippocampus, a region involved in AD. Cognate receptors that mediate LH effects are abundantly expressed in the hippocampus. Reducing the LH levels by treatment with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists could provide therapeutic benefits. Despite these advances, many questions remain and require further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- C V Rao
- 1 Department of Cellular Biology and Pharmacology, Reproduction and Development Program, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA.,2 Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Reproduction and Development Program, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA.,3 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproduction and Development Program, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
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14
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Feng ZV, Chen WS, Keratithamkul K, Stoick M, Kapala B, Johnson E, Huang AC, Chin TY, Chen-Yang YW, Yang ML. Degradation of the electrospun silica nanofiber in a biological medium for primary hippocampal neuron - effect of surface modification. Int J Nanomedicine 2016; 11:729-41. [PMID: 27013873 PMCID: PMC4777233 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s93651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In this work, silica nanofibers (SNFs) were prepared by an electrospinning method and modified with poly-d-lysine (PDL) or (3-aminopropyl) trimethoxysilane (APTS) making biocompatible and degradable substrates for neuronal growth. The as-prepared SNF, modified SNF-PDL, and SNF-APTS were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy, nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherms, contact angle measurements, and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy. Herein, the scanning electron microscopic images revealed that dissolution occurred in a corrosion-like manner by enlarging porous structures, which led to loss of structural integrity. In addition, covalently modified SNF-APTS with more hydrophobic surfaces and smaller surface areas resulted in significantly slower dissolution compared to SNF and physically modified SNF-PDL, revealing that different surface modifications can be used to tune the dissolution rate. Growth of primary hippocampal neuron on all substrates led to a slower dissolution rate. The three-dimensional SNF with larger surface area and higher surface density of the amino group promoted better cell attachment and resulted in an increased neurite density. This is the first known work addressing the degradability of SNF substrate in physiological conditions with neuron growth in vitro, suggesting a strong potential for the applications of the material in controlled drug release.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Vivian Feng
- Chemistry Department, Augsburg College, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Wen Shuo Chen
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Nanotechnology, Center for Biomedical Technology, Chung Yuan Christian University, Chung Li, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | | | - Michael Stoick
- Chemistry Department, Augsburg College, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Brittany Kapala
- Department of Science, Concordia University Saint Paul, Saint Paul, MN, USA
| | - Eryn Johnson
- Department of Science, Concordia University Saint Paul, Saint Paul, MN, USA
| | - An-Chi Huang
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Nanotechnology, Center for Biomedical Technology, Chung Yuan Christian University, Chung Li, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Ting Yu Chin
- Department of Bioscience Technology, Chung Yuan Christian University, Chung Li, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Yui Whei Chen-Yang
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Nanotechnology, Center for Biomedical Technology, Chung Yuan Christian University, Chung Li, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Mong-Lin Yang
- Department of Science, Concordia University Saint Paul, Saint Paul, MN, USA
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15
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Jiraungkoorskul K, Jiraungkoorskul W. Review of Naturopathy of Medical Mushroom, Ophiocordyceps Sinensis, in Sexual Dysfunction. Pharmacogn Rev 2016; 10:1-5. [PMID: 27041868 PMCID: PMC4791983 DOI: 10.4103/0973-7847.176566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Sexual dysfunctions including desire, arousal, orgasm, and pain disorders are increasing worldwide due to etiological factors and aging. Several types of treatment are claimed in modern medicine, but they have serious side effects and higher costs. In fact, alternative approaches, such as the intake of plants, fungi, and insects, or their extracts, have also been practiced to enhance sexuality and ameliorate illness with notable successes. However, the scientific evidence related to the mechanisms and efficacy of these alternative medicines is both scarce and all too often unconvincing. Ophiocordyceps sinensis is an Ascomycetes fungus parasitic to Lepidoptera larvae, and has long been used as medicine to treat many illnesses and promote longevity in Chinese society. Previous investigations have shown that O. sinensis has many pharmacological activities. This review has focused on illustrating that O. sinensis can enhance libido and sexual performance, and can restore impaired reproductive functions, such as impotency or infertility, in both sexes.
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16
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Atwood CS, Bowen RL. The endocrine dyscrasia that accompanies menopause and andropause induces aberrant cell cycle signaling that triggers re-entry of post-mitotic neurons into the cell cycle, neurodysfunction, neurodegeneration and cognitive disease. Horm Behav 2015; 76:63-80. [PMID: 26188949 PMCID: PMC4807861 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2015.06.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2014] [Revised: 06/23/2015] [Accepted: 06/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
This article is part of a Special Issue "SBN 2014". Sex hormones are physiological factors that promote neurogenesis during embryonic and fetal development. During childhood and adulthood these hormones support the maintenance of brain structure and function via neurogenesis and the formation of dendritic spines, axons and synapses required for the capture, processing and retrieval of information (memories). Not surprisingly, changes in these reproductive hormones that occur with menopause and during andropause are strongly correlated with neurodegeneration and cognitive decline. In this connection, much evidence now indicates that Alzheimer's disease (AD) involves aberrant re-entry of post-mitotic neurons into the cell cycle. Cell cycle abnormalities appear very early in the disease, prior to the appearance of plaques and tangles, and explain the biochemical, neuropathological and cognitive changes observed with disease progression. Intriguingly, a recent animal study has demonstrated that induction of adult neurogenesis results in the loss of previously encoded memories while decreasing neurogenesis after memory formation during infancy mitigated forgetting. Here we review the biochemical, epidemiological and clinical evidence that alterations in sex hormone signaling associated with menopause and andropause drive the aberrant re-entry of post-mitotic neurons into an abortive cell cycle that leads to neurite retraction, neuron dysfunction and neuron death. When the reproductive axis is in balance, gonadotropins such as luteinizing hormone (LH), and its fetal homolog, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), promote pluripotent human and totipotent murine embryonic stem cell and neuron proliferation. However, strong evidence supports menopausal/andropausal elevations in the LH:sex steroid ratio as driving aberrant mitotic events. These include the upregulation of tumor necrosis factor; amyloid-β precursor protein processing towards the production of mitogenic Aβ; and the activation of Cdk5, a key regulator of cell cycle progression and tau phosphorylation (a cardinal feature of both neurogenesis and neurodegeneration). Cognitive and biochemical studies confirm the negative consequences of a high LH:sex steroid ratio on dendritic spine density and human cognitive performance. Prospective epidemiological and clinical evidence in humans supports the premise that rebalancing the ratio of circulating gonadotropins:sex steroids reduces the incidence of AD. Together, these data support endocrine dyscrasia and the subsequent loss of cell cycle control as an important etiological event in the development of neurodegenerative diseases including AD, stroke and Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig S Atwood
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA; Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Administration Hospital, Madison, WI 53705, USA; School of Exercise, Biomedical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, 6027 WA, Australia.
| | - Richard L Bowen
- OTB Research, 217 Calhoun St, Unit 1, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
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Moriyama S, Sasaki K, Hirajima T, Ideta K, Miyawaki J. Sorption properties of boron on Mg–Al bimetallic oxides calcined at different temperatures. Sep Purif Technol 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.seppur.2015.08.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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18
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Fokidis HB, Adomat HH, Kharmate G, Hosseini-Beheshti E, Guns ES, Soma KK. Regulation of local steroidogenesis in the brain and in prostate cancer: lessons learned from interdisciplinary collaboration. Front Neuroendocrinol 2015; 36:108-29. [PMID: 25223867 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2014.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2014] [Revised: 08/28/2014] [Accepted: 08/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Sex steroids play critical roles in the regulation of the brain and many other organs. Traditionally, researchers have focused on sex steroid signaling that involves travel from the gonads via the circulation to intracellular receptors in target tissues. This classic concept has been challenged, however, by the growing number of cases in which steroids are synthesized locally and act locally within diverse tissues. For example, the brain and prostate carcinoma were previously considered targets of gonadal sex steroids, but under certain circumstances, these tissues can upregulate their steroidogenic potential, particularly when circulating sex steroid concentrations are low. We review some of the similarities and differences between local sex steroid synthesis in the brain and prostate cancer. We also share five lessons that we have learned during the course of our interdisciplinary collaboration, which brought together neuroendocrinologists and cancer biologists. These lessons have important implications for future research in both fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Bobby Fokidis
- Department of Biology, Rollins College, Winter Park, FL 37289, USA; Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada; Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada.
| | - Hans H Adomat
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada
| | | | | | - Emma S Guns
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada; Department of Urological Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada
| | - Kiran K Soma
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada; Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada; Brain Research Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada; Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada.
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El Hajj Chehadeh S, Dreumont N, Willekens J, Canabady-Rochelle L, Jeannesson E, Alberto JM, Daval JL, Guéant JL, Leininger-Muller B. Early methyl donor deficiency alters cAMP signaling pathway and neurosteroidogenesis in the cerebellum of female rat pups. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2014; 307:E1009-19. [PMID: 25294213 PMCID: PMC4254983 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00364.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Early deficiency of the methyl donors folate and vitamin B12 produces hyperhomocysteinemia and cognitive and motor disorders in 21-day-old rat pups from dams fed a diet deficient in methyl donors during gestation and lactation. These disorders are associated with impaired neurogenesis and altered synaptic plasticity in cerebellum. We aimed to investigate whether these disorders could be related to impaired expression of neurosteroidogenesis-associated proteins, key regulator receptors, and some steroid content in the cerebellum. The methyl donor deficiency produced a decreased concentration of folate and vitamin B12, along with accumulation of homocysteine in Purkinje cells in both sexes, whereas the S-adenosylmethionine/S-adenosylhomocysteine ratio was reduced only in females. The transcription level and protein expression of StAR, aromatase, ERα, ERβ, and LH receptors were decreased only in females, with a marked effect in Purkinje cells, as shown by immunohistochemistry. Consistently, reduced levels of estradiol and pregnenolone were measured in cerebellar extracts of females only. The decreased expression levels of the transcriptional factors CREB, phospho-CREB, and SF-1, the lesser increase of cAMP concentration, and the lower level of phospho-PKC in the cerebellum of deficient females suggest that the activation of neurosteroidogenesis via cAMP-mediated signaling pathways associated with LHR activation would be altered. In conclusion, a gestational methyl donor deficiency impairs neurosteroidogenesis in cerebellum in a sex-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah El Hajj Chehadeh
- Institut National de la Sante et de la Recherche Medicale, U-954, Nutrition-Génétique et Exposition Aux Risques Environnementaux, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Lorraine, Vandoeuvre les Nancy, France
| | - Natacha Dreumont
- Institut National de la Sante et de la Recherche Medicale, U-954, Nutrition-Génétique et Exposition Aux Risques Environnementaux, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Lorraine, Vandoeuvre les Nancy, France
| | - Jérèmy Willekens
- Institut National de la Sante et de la Recherche Medicale, U-954, Nutrition-Génétique et Exposition Aux Risques Environnementaux, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Lorraine, Vandoeuvre les Nancy, France
| | - Laetitia Canabady-Rochelle
- Institut National de la Sante et de la Recherche Medicale, U-954, Nutrition-Génétique et Exposition Aux Risques Environnementaux, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Lorraine, Vandoeuvre les Nancy, France
| | - Elise Jeannesson
- Institut National de la Sante et de la Recherche Medicale, U-954, Nutrition-Génétique et Exposition Aux Risques Environnementaux, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Lorraine, Vandoeuvre les Nancy, France
| | - Jean-Marc Alberto
- Institut National de la Sante et de la Recherche Medicale, U-954, Nutrition-Génétique et Exposition Aux Risques Environnementaux, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Lorraine, Vandoeuvre les Nancy, France
| | - Jean-Luc Daval
- Institut National de la Sante et de la Recherche Medicale, U-954, Nutrition-Génétique et Exposition Aux Risques Environnementaux, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Lorraine, Vandoeuvre les Nancy, France
| | - Jean-Louis Guéant
- Institut National de la Sante et de la Recherche Medicale, U-954, Nutrition-Génétique et Exposition Aux Risques Environnementaux, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Lorraine, Vandoeuvre les Nancy, France
| | - Brigitte Leininger-Muller
- Institut National de la Sante et de la Recherche Medicale, U-954, Nutrition-Génétique et Exposition Aux Risques Environnementaux, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Lorraine, Vandoeuvre les Nancy, France
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Rosati F, Sturli N, Cungi MC, Morello M, Villanelli F, Bartolucci G, Finocchi C, Peri A, Serio M, Danza G. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone modulates cholesterol synthesis and steroidogenesis in SH-SY5Y cells. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2011; 124:77-83. [PMID: 21296663 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2011.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2010] [Revised: 01/26/2011] [Accepted: 01/27/2011] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Neurosteroids are involved in Central Nervous System development, brain functionality and neuroprotection but little is known about regulators of their biosynthesis. Recently gonadotropins, Gonadotropin-releasing Hormone (GnRH) and their receptors have been localized in different brain regions, such as hippocampus and cortex. Using human neuronal-like cells we found that GnRH up-regulates the expression of key genes of cholesterol and steroid synthesis when used in a narrow range around 1.0 nM. The expression of Hydroxysterol D24-reductase (seladin-1/DHCR24), that catalyzes the last step of cholesterol biosynthesis, is increased by 50% after 90 min of incubation with GnRH. StAR protein and P450 side chain cleavage (P450scc) are up-regulated by 3.3 times after 90 min and by 3.5 times after 3 h, respectively. GnRH action is mediated by LH and 1.0 nM GnRH enhances the expression of LHβ as well. A two fold increase of cell cholesterol is induced after 90 min of GnRH incubation and 17β-estradiol (E2) production is increased after 24, 48 and 72 h. These data indicate for the first time that GnRH regulates both cholesterol and steroid biosynthesis in human neuronal-like cells and suggest a new physiological role for GnRH in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiana Rosati
- Endocrine Unit, Department of Clinical Physiopathology, University of Florence, Viale G. Pieraccini 6, 50139 Firenze, Italy
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Alexander BM, Skinner DC, Roselli CE. Wired on steroids: sexual differentiation of the brain and its role in the expression of sexual partner preferences. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2011; 2:42. [PMID: 22654808 PMCID: PMC3356085 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2011.00042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2011] [Accepted: 09/12/2011] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The preference to seek out a sexual partner of the opposite sex is robust and ensures reproduction and survival of the species. Development of female-directed partner preference in the male is dependent on exposure of the developing brain to gonadal steroids synthesized during critical periods of sexual differentiation of the central nervous system. In the absence of androgen exposure, a male-directed partner preference develops. The development and expression of sexual partner preference has been extensively studied in rat, ferret, and sheep model systems. From these models it is clear that gonadal testosterone, often through estrogenic metabolites, cause both masculinization and defeminization of behavior during critical periods of brain development. Changes in the steroid environment during these critical periods result in atypical sexual partner preference. In this manuscript, we review the major findings which support the hypothesis that the organizational actions of sex steroids are responsible for sexual differentiation of sexual partner preferences in select non-human species. We also explore how this information has helped to frame our understanding of the biological influences on human sexual orientation and gender identity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Donal C. Skinner
- Department of Zoology and Physiology, University of WyomingLaramie, WY, USA
| | - Charles E. Roselli
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Oregon Health and Science UniversityPortland, OR, USA
- *Correspondence: Charles E. Roselli, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology L334, Oregon Health and Science University, 3181 Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR 97201-3098, USA. e-mail:
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King SR, Stocco DM. Steroidogenic acute regulatory protein expression in the central nervous system. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2011; 2:72. [PMID: 22649383 PMCID: PMC3355896 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2011.00072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2011] [Accepted: 10/24/2011] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Locally produced neurosteroids are proposed to have many functions in the central nervous system. The identification of the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein in steroid-producing neural cells provides a new tool to understand the sites, regulation, and importance of their synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven R. King
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences CenterLubbock, TX, USA
| | - Douglas M. Stocco
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences CenterLubbock, TX, USA
- *Correspondence: Douglas M. Stocco, Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 3601 4th Street, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA. e-mail:
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Wahjoepramono EJ, Wijaya LK, Taddei K, Bates KA, Howard M, Martins G, deRuyck K, Matthews PM, Verdile G, Martins RN. Direct exposure of guinea pig CNS to human luteinizing hormone increases cerebrospinal fluid and cerebral beta amyloid levels. Neuroendocrinology 2011; 94:313-22. [PMID: 21985789 DOI: 10.1159/000330812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2010] [Accepted: 06/28/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Luteinizing hormone (LH) has been shown to alter the metabolism of beta amyloid (Aβ), a key protein in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis. While LH and components required for LH receptor signalling are present in the brain, their role in the CNS remains unclear. In vitro, LH has been shown to facilitate neurosteroid production and alter Aβ metabolism. However, whether LH can directly modulate cerebral Aβ levels in vivo has not previously been studied. In this study, we investigated the effect of chronic administration of LH to the guinea pig CNS on cerebral Aβ levels. METHODS Gonadectomised male animals were administered, via cortical placement, either placebo or LH slow-release pellets. At 14 and 28 days after treatment, animals were sacrificed. Brain, plasma and CSF were collected and Aβ levels measured via ELISA. Levels of the Aβ precursor protein (APP) and the neurosteroidogenic enzyme cytochrome P450 side-chain cleavage enzyme (P450scc) were also assayed. RESULTS An increase in CSF Aβ40 levels was observed 28 days following treatment. These CSF data also reflected changes in Aβ40 levels observed in brain homogenates. No change was observed in plasma Aβ40 levels but APP and its C-terminal fragments (APP-CTF) were significantly increased in response to LH exposure. Protein expression of P450scc was increased after 28 days of LH exposure, suggesting activation of the LH receptor. CONCLUSION These data indicate that direct exposure of guinea pig CNS to LH results in altered brain Aβ levels, perhaps due to altered APP expression/metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eka J Wahjoepramono
- Centre of Excellence for Alzheimer's Disease Research and Care, School of Exercise, Biomedical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
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Frye CA, Rhodes ME. Fluoxetine-induced decrements in sexual responses of female rats and hamsters are reversed by 3α,5α-THP. J Sex Med 2010; 7:2670-80. [PMID: 20412429 DOI: 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2010.01814.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Sexual dysfunction, as a result of selective-serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) treatment among women, is relatively common and is a factor in medication compliance. The mechanisms that underlie these side-effects of SSRIs are not well-understood. SSRIs can alter activity of catabolic enzymes that are involved in progesterone's conversion to 5 α-pregnan-3 α-ol-20-one (3 α,5 α-THP). 3 α,5 α-THP plays a key role in female reproductive physiology and behavior. AIMS This study aimed to determine whether 3 α,5 α-THP, in the midbrain ventral tegmental area (VTA) may be a potential mechanism for fluoxetine's reduction in sexual responding of female rodents. We hypothesized that if fluoxetine induces decrements in sexual responding in part through actions of 3 α,5 α-THP, then fluoxetine will inhibit sexual receptivity concomitant with reducing 3 α,5 α-THP levels, effects which can be reversed by 3 α,5 α-THP administration. METHODS Experiment 1 investigated effects of acute systemic fluoxetine [20 mg/kg intraperitoneal (IP)] and/or 3 α,5 α-THP [500 µg, subcutaneous (SC)] administration on sexual responding of ovariectomized, hormone-primed rats. Experiment 2 examined effects of 3 α,5 α-THP administration to the midbrain VTA (100 ng) on fluoxetine-induced decrements in lordosis of ovariectomized, hormone-primed rats and hamsters. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Sexual responding was determined in rats and hamsters. For rats, the percentage of times that the lordosis response occurred following mounting by a sexually-vigorous male (lordosis quotients) was utilized. For hamsters, lateral displacement, the pelvic movement that females will make to facilitate intromissions by a male hamster, was utilized. RESULTS Fluoxetine significantly reduced lordosis, and this was reversed SC 3 α,5 α-THP. Intra-VTA 3 α,5 α-THP attenuated fluoxetine's detrimental effects on lordosis quotients and lateral displacement of rats and hamsters, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Thus, fluoxetine's effects to disrupt female sexual responses may involve its effects on progestogens in the midbrain VTA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheryl A Frye
- Departments of Psychology and Biology, Centers for Neuroscience and Life Sciences Research, University at Albany, SUNY, Albany, NY, USA.
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Bryan KJ, Mudd JC, Richardson SL, Chang J, Lee HG, Zhu X, Smith MA, Casadesus G. Down-regulation of serum gonadotropins is as effective as estrogen replacement at improving menopause-associated cognitive deficits. J Neurochem 2009; 112:870-81. [PMID: 19943850 DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2009.06502.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Declining levels of estrogen in women result in increases in gonadotropins such as luteinizing hormone (LH) through loss of feedback inhibition. LH, like estrogen, is modulated by hormone replacement therapy. However, the role of post-menopausal gonadotropin increases on cognition has not been evaluated. Here, we demonstrate that the down-regulation of ovariectomy-driven LH elevations using the gonadotropin releasing hormone super-analogue, leuprolide acetate, improves cognitive function in the Morris water maze and Y-maze tests in the absence of E2. Furthermore, our data suggest that these effects are independent of the modulation of estrogen receptors alpha and beta, or activation of CYP19 and StAR, associated with the production of endogenous E2. Importantly, pathways associated with improved cognition such as CaMKII and GluR1-Ser831 are up-regulated by leuprolide treatment but not by chronic long-term E2 replacement suggesting independent cognition-modulating properties. Our findings suggest that down-regulation of gonadotropins is as effective as E2 in modulating cognition but likely acts through different molecular mechanisms. These findings provide a potential novel protective strategy to treat menopause/age-related cognitive decline and/or prevent the development of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn J Bryan
- Department of Neurosciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
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Meethal SV, Liu T, Chan HW, Ginsburg E, Wilson AC, Gray DN, Bowen RL, Vonderhaar BK, Atwood CS. Identification of a regulatory loop for the synthesis of neurosteroids: a steroidogenic acute regulatory protein-dependent mechanism involving hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis receptors. J Neurochem 2009; 110:1014-27. [PMID: 19493163 DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2009.06192.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Brain sex steroids are derived from both peripheral (primarily gonadal) and local (neurosteroids) sources and are crucial for neurogenesis, neural differentiation and neural function. The mechanism(s) regulating the production of neurosteroids is not understood. To determine whether hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis components previously detected in the extra-hypothalamic brain comprise a feedback loop to regulate neuro-sex steroid (NSS) production, we assessed dynamic changes in expression patterns of steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) protein, a key regulator of steroidogenesis, and key hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal endocrine receptors, by modulating peripheral sex hormone levels in female mice. Ovariectomy (OVX; high serum gonadotropins, low serum sex steroids) had a differential effect on StAR protein levels in the extrahypothalamic brain; increasing the 30- and 32-kDa variants but decreasing the 37-kDa variant and is indicative of cholesterol transport into mitochondria for steroidogenesis. Treatment of OVX animals with E(2), P(4), or E(2) + P(4) for 3 days, which decreases OVX-induced increases in GnRH/gonadotropin production, reversed this pattern. Suppression of gonadotropin levels in OVX mice using the GnRH agonist leuprolide acetate inhibited the processing of the 37-kDa StAR protein into the 30-kDa StAR protein, confirming that the differential processing of brain StAR protein is regulated by gonadotropins. OVX dramatically suppressed extra-hypothalamic brain gonadotropin-releasing hormone 1 receptor expression, and was further suppressed in E(2)- or P(4)-treated OVX mice. Together, these data indicate the existence of endocrine and autocrine/paracrine feedback loops that regulate NSS synthesis. Further delineation of these feedback loops that regulate NSS production will aid in developing therapies to maintain brain sex steroid levels and cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sivan Vadakkadath Meethal
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin and Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Administration Hospital, Madison, Wisconsin 53705, USA
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Schmidt KL, Pradhan DS, Shah AH, Charlier TD, Chin EH, Soma KK. Neurosteroids, immunosteroids, and the Balkanization of endocrinology. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2008; 157:266-74. [PMID: 18486132 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2008.03.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2008] [Revised: 03/14/2008] [Accepted: 03/26/2008] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Traditionally, the production and regulation of steroid hormones has been viewed as a multi-organ process involving the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis for sex steroids and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis for glucocorticoids. However, active steroids can also be synthesized locally in target tissues, either from circulating inactive precursors or de novo from cholesterol. Here, we review recent work demonstrating local steroid synthesis, with an emphasis on steroids synthesized in the brain (neurosteroids) and steroids synthesized in the immune system (immunosteroids). Furthermore, recent evidence suggests that other components of the HPG axis (luteinizing hormone and gonadotropin-releasing hormone) and HPA axis (adrenocorticotropic hormone and corticotropin-releasing hormone) are expressed locally in target tissues, potentially providing a mechanism for local regulation of neurosteroid and immunosteroid synthesis. The balance between systemic and local steroid signals depends critically on life history stage, species adaptations, and the costs of systemic signals. During particular life history stages, there can be a shift from systemic to local steroid signals. We propose that the shift to local synthesis and regulation of steroids within target tissues represents a "Balkanization" of the endocrine system, whereby individual tissues and organs may become capable of autonomously synthesizing and modulating local steroid signals, perhaps independently of the HPG and HPA axes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim L Schmidt
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, 2136 West Mall, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Wilson AC, Clemente L, Liu T, Bowen RL, Meethal SV, Atwood CS. Reproductive hormones regulate the selective permeability of the blood-brain barrier. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2008; 1782:401-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2008.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2007] [Revised: 02/21/2008] [Accepted: 02/25/2008] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Haasl RJ, Ahmadi MR, Meethal SV, Gleason CE, Johnson SC, Asthana S, Bowen RL, Atwood CS. A luteinizing hormone receptor intronic variant is significantly associated with decreased risk of Alzheimer's disease in males carrying an apolipoprotein E epsilon4 allele. BMC MEDICAL GENETICS 2008; 9:37. [PMID: 18439297 PMCID: PMC2396156 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2350-9-37] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2007] [Accepted: 04/25/2008] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Genetic and biochemical studies support the apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 allele as a major risk factor for late-onset Alzheimer's disease (AD), though ~50% of AD patients do not carry the allele. APOE transports cholesterol for luteinizing hormone (LH)-regulated steroidogenesis, and both LH and neurosteroids have been implicated in the etiology of AD. Since polymorphisms of LH beta-subunit (LHB) and its receptor (LHCGR) have not been tested for their association with AD, we scored AD and age-matched control samples for APOE genotype and 14 polymorphisms of LHB and LHCGR. Thirteen gene-gene interactions between the loci of LHB, LHCGR, and APOE were associated with AD. The most strongly supported of these interactions was between an LHCGR intronic polymorphism (rs4073366; lhcgr2) and APOE in males, which was detected using all three interaction analyses: linkage disequilibrium, multi-dimensionality reduction, and logistic regression. While the APOE ε4 allele carried significant risk of AD in males [p = 0.007, odds ratio (OR) = 3.08(95%confidence interval: 1.37, 6.91)], ε4-positive males carrying 1 or 2 C-alleles at lhcgr2 exhibited significantly decreased risk of AD [OR = 0.06(0.01, 0.38); p = 0.003]. This suggests that the lhcgr2 C-allele or a closely linked locus greatly reduces the risk of AD in males carrying an APOE ε4 allele. The reversal of risk embodied in this interaction powerfully supports the importance of considering the role gene-gene interactions play in the etiology of complex biological diseases and demonstrates the importance of using multiple analytic methods to detect well-supported gene-gene interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan J Haasl
- Section of Geriatrics and Gerontology, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA.
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