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Niu L, Du Z, Xie Z, Liu X, Wang Q, Zhao Y, Wang H, Hao C, Xue D, Wang L. Total testosterone plays a crucial role in the pathway from hypothyroidism to broad depression in women. J Affect Disord 2024; 359:164-170. [PMID: 38768827 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.05.085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Depression tends to develop in correlation with hypothyroidism, however it's unclear how testosterone traits contribute to this association. We examined the causal association between depression, testosterone traits, and hypothyroidism using Mendelian randomization (MR). METHOD We conducted univariable and multivariable MR studies using summary-level statistics from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of Hypothyroidism (n = 213,990), broad depression (n = 322,580), probable major depressive disorder (probable MDD) (n = 174,519), and International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-9 or ICD-10-coded MDD (n = 217,584) from European ancestry. The inverse variance weighted (IVW) method was used as the main MR analysis. RESULTS In univariate MR analysis, there is a positive causal relationship between hypothyroidism and broad depression (P = 0.0074; OR = 1.0066; 95%CI: 1.0018-1.0114) and probable MDD (P = 0.0242; OR = 1.0056; 95%CI: 1.0007-1.0105). In females, there is a causal relationship between hypothyroidism and decreased total testosterone (P < 0.001; OR = 0.9747; 95%CI: 0.9612-0.9885) and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) levels (P = 0.0418; OR = 0.9858; 95%CI: 0.9723-0.9995). In females, there is an inverse causal relationship between total testosterone and broad depression (P = 0.0349; OR = 0.9898; 95%CI: 0.9804-0.9993). Furthermore, in multivariate MR analysis, after adjusting for total testosterone in females, hypothyroidism only has a positive causal relationship with probable MDD, and the relationship with broad depression is no longer significant. Most notably, after adjusting for hypothyroidism, the inverse causal effect of female total testosterone levels on broad depression becomes more significant (P = 0.0154; OR = 0.9878; 95%CI: 0.9780-0.9977). CONCLUSION Hypothyroidism increases the risk of broad depression and probable MDD development. Total Testosterone appears to play an important role in the relationship between hypothyroidism and broad depression in female.
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Affiliation(s)
- Le Niu
- Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Zhiwei Du
- Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Zhihong Xie
- Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Xuxu Liu
- Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Qiang Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Shandong, China
| | - Yong Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Hao Wang
- Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Chenjun Hao
- Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Dongbo Xue
- Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.
| | - Liyi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.
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Kische H, Voss C, Haring R, Ollmann TM, Pieper L, Kirschbaum C, Beesdo-Baum K. Hair androgen concentrations and depressive disorders in adolescents from the general population. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2023; 32:1375-1389. [PMID: 35112167 PMCID: PMC10326161 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-021-01929-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Although the link between androgens and depression is well established in adults, the effects of cofactors on this association are less clearly understood, particularly in youth. Epidemiological cohort study of adolescents in Dresden, Germany. Analyses comprised data of 985 individuals assessed at baseline and of 512 individuals at 1-year follow-up. We investigated multivariable regression models for cross-sectional and longitudinal associations of hair testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and their cortisol ratios with 12-month diagnoses of major depressive disorder (MDD) and MDD without any anxiety disorder assessed with standardized diagnostic interview (DIA-X-5), and with dimensional depression scores (PHQ-9, PROMIS), separately for males and females. The potential moderating effect of social support was determined. Cross-sectional analyses yielded inverse associations of testosterone and DHEA with MDD and MDD without any anxiety disorders in males. In cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses, baseline ratio cortisol/DHEA was significantly, inversely associated to PROMIS-depression in males. Only cross-sectional associations for ratio cortisol/DHEA and PROMIS-depression remained significant after Bonferroni-Holm correction. No robust associations were observed in female participants. Social support exerted no consistent moderating effect on the investigated association. The present observational cohort study showed no consistent association of hair androgen concentrations with depressive disorders in adolescents. However, findings provide some support for the association between the cortisol/DHEA ratio and depression in males. Longitudinal research designs in large samples are needed to understand the interplay between androgens, depression, and developmental and social factors in youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Kische
- Institute of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Behavioral Epidemiology, Technische Universität Dresden, Chemnitzer Str. 46, 01187, Dresden, Germany.
| | - Catharina Voss
- Institute of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Behavioral Epidemiology, Technische Universität Dresden, Chemnitzer Str. 46, 01187, Dresden, Germany
| | - Robin Haring
- Faculty of Applied Public Health, European University of Applied Sciences, Rostock, Germany
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Theresa Magdalena Ollmann
- Institute of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Behavioral Epidemiology, Technische Universität Dresden, Chemnitzer Str. 46, 01187, Dresden, Germany
| | - Lars Pieper
- Institute of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Behavioral Epidemiology, Technische Universität Dresden, Chemnitzer Str. 46, 01187, Dresden, Germany
- Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Longitudinal Studies (CELOS), Institute of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Clemens Kirschbaum
- Department of Biopsychology, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Katja Beesdo-Baum
- Institute of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Behavioral Epidemiology, Technische Universität Dresden, Chemnitzer Str. 46, 01187, Dresden, Germany
- Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Longitudinal Studies (CELOS), Institute of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
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Zito S, Nosari G, Pigoni A, Moltrasio C, Delvecchio G. Association between testosterone levels and mood disorders: A minireview. J Affect Disord 2023; 330:48-56. [PMID: 36841309 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.02.108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although many studies reported the neuropsychiatric involvement of testosterone (T) levels in the development of mood disorders, its role in this disabling disorder is still not well understood. Therefore, in this review, we aim to summarize the current literature exploring serum testosterone levels in both major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder (BD), with particular attention given to the possible causal relationship between pathological mood alterations and T levels. METHODS We selected 9 original studies from a bibliographic search on PubMed, excluding studies on hormonal therapy and other psychiatric disorders other than mood disorders. RESULTS The results reported by the reviewed studies were conflicting especially with regards to the presence of dysfunctional levels of T in patients with BD. Specifically, while MDD was found to be associated with low levels of T compared to healthy controls (HC), in BD the results were highly heterogeneous, with a mixed picture of reduced, increased or no difference in T levels in BD patients compared to HC. LIMITATIONS Studies were highly heterogeneous in terms of samples employed, psychometric scales used for assessing depressive symptoms, T assay methods and therapeutic regimens. CONCLUSIONS Overall, T levels were shown to be reduced in both MDD and BD patients, ultimately suggesting that T could be useful as a biomarker in mood disorders and provide guidance for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvana Zito
- Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Guido Nosari
- Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy; Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Pigoni
- Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Moltrasio
- Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Delvecchio
- Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.
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Söderqvist G, Naessén S. Androgens impact on psychopathological variables according to CPRS, and EDI 2 scores: In women with bulimia nervosa, and eating disorder not otherwise specified. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2023; 226:106217. [PMID: 36368624 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2022.106217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Bulimia nervosa (BN) is characterized by binge eating, compensatory behavior, over-evaluation of weight and shape, which often co-occur with symptoms of anxiety and depression. Depression is the most common comorbid diagnosis in women with eating disorders. The role of androgens in the pathophysiology of depression has been recognized in recent years. However, the research on psychopathological comorbidity and androgen levels in bulimic disease is sparse. This study aimed to investigate, if there were any correlations between the androgens, testosterone (T), dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS), androstenedione (A4), 5α-dihydrotestosterone, (5α-DHT), and test scores of psychopathological variables, in women with bulimia nervosa (BN), eating disorder not otherwise specified of purging subtype (EDNOS-P) assessed by CPRS, and EDI 2. Women with DSM-IV diagnosis of BN (n = 36), EDNOS-P (n = 27), and healthy control subjects (n = 58) evaluated for fifteen psychopathological variables, i.a. depressive symptoms, impulsivity, personal traits, as well as serum androgen levels. All women were euthyroid, and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) diagnosis was excluded. Although androgen levels were almost equal for all three groups, significant correlations between core psychopathological symptoms (9/15) of bulimia nervosa and the most potent endogenous androgen, 5α-DHT, was found only in the EDNOS-P group. The role of 5α-DHT in women is not fully elucidated. Both animal and human studies have shown that the brain is able to locally synthesize steroids de novo and is a target of steroid hormones. Maybe these results can be interpreted in the light of differences in androgen receptor variability, metabolism and origin of T and 5α-DHT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gunnar Söderqvist
- Department of Women's, and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sabine Naessén
- Department of Women's, and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Gender differences in the association of depression trajectories with executive and memory functions: Evidence from the longitudinal study of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (2004-2017). J Psychiatr Res 2022; 149:177-184. [PMID: 35278782 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2022.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Gender differences in depression trajectories and their effects on cognitive function are poorly understood. This article aims to identify depression trajectories in both genders and further explore the association of depression trajectories with executive and memory functions by gender. A total 3990 participants aged 50 years or older with repeated measurements from waves 1 to 7 (wave 3 excluded) of the Study of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) were included. Group-based trajectory modeling (GBTM) was conducted to identify the optimal number of depression trajectories. Generalized estimating equation (GEE) models were used to examine the relation of depression trajectories to cognitive function after stratification by gender. Three distinct depression trajectories were identified in both genders, but the patterns of trajectories among genders were nonidentical. The trajectories of depression in males were characterized by non-low, moderate, persistent-depressive symptoms but with an unstable trend, while in females, they were characterized by non-low, moderate, persistent-depressive symptoms and with a worsening trend. The prevalence of persistent high depression in women (20.08%) was higher than that in men (3.13%). Moderate and persistent high depression trajectories were negatively associated with episodic memory (β = -0.53 and -0.72, respectively, p < 0.001) and verbal fluency in females (β = -0.96 and -1.47, p=0.01 and < 0.001, respectively). Older women had a greater frequency of developing depression than older men. Gender differences in depression trajectories existed. Moderate and persistent high depression trajectories exerted a negative effect on some domains of cognitive impairment only in females.
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BİLSEL BA, DURUSOY E, MUTUŞ R. Testosteron Hormonunun Duygusal, Bilişsel ve Davranışsal Etkileri. İSTANBUL GELIŞIM ÜNIVERSITESI SAĞLIK BILIMLERI DERGISI 2022. [DOI: 10.38079/igusabder.1087451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
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Fernández-Sevillano J, Alberich S, Zorrilla I, González-Ortega I, López MP, Pérez V, Vieta E, González-Pinto A, Saíz P. Cognition in Recent Suicide Attempts: Altered Executive Function. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:701140. [PMID: 34366931 PMCID: PMC8339467 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.701140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Neuropsychological alterations can lead to inaccurate perception, interpretation, and response to environmental information, which could be a risk factor for suicide. Methods: Ninety-six subjects were recruited from the Psychiatry Department of the Araba University Hospital-Santiago, including 20 patients with a recent attempt and diagnosis of major depressive disorder (MDD) according to DSM-V, 33 MDD patients with history of attempted suicide, 23 non-attempter MDD patients, and 20 healthy controls. All participants underwent a clinical interview and neuropsychological assessment on the following cognitive domains: working memory, processing speed, decision-making, executive function, and attention. Backward multiple regressions were performed adjusting for significant confounding variables. For group comparisons, ANOVA and Bonferroni post-hoc tests were performed with a p < 0.05 significance level. Results: The patient groups did not differ regarding severity of depression and stressful events in the last 6 months. In comparison to healthy controls, depressed patients with lifetime suicide attempts had more general trauma (p = 0.003), emotional abuse (p = 0.003), emotional negligence (p = 0.006), and physical negligence (p = 0.009), and depressed patients with recent suicide attempts had experienced more child sexual abuse (p = 0.038). Regarding neuropsychological assessment, all patient groups performed significantly worse than did healthy controls in processing speed, decision-making, and attention. Comparisons between patient groups indicated that recent suicide attempters had poorer performance on executive function in comparison to both depressed lifetime attempters and depressed non-attempters (B = 0.296, p = 0.019, and B = 0.301, p = 0.028, respectively). Besides, women with recent attempts had slightly better scores on executive function than males. Regarding the rest of the cognitive domains, there were no significant differences between groups. Conclusion: Executive function performance is altered in recent suicide attempts. As impaired executive function can be risk factor for suicide, preventive interventions on suicide should focus on its assessment and rehabilitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Fernández-Sevillano
- Department of Neuroscience, Universidad del País Vasco/Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea, Bilbao, Spain
- Department of Psychiatry, Bioaraba Research Institute, Araba University Hospital, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
- Biomedical Research Networking Centre in Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Susana Alberich
- Department of Psychiatry, Bioaraba Research Institute, Araba University Hospital, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
- Biomedical Research Networking Centre in Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Iñaki Zorrilla
- Department of Neuroscience, Universidad del País Vasco/Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea, Bilbao, Spain
- Department of Psychiatry, Bioaraba Research Institute, Araba University Hospital, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
- Biomedical Research Networking Centre in Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Itxaso González-Ortega
- Department of Psychiatry, Bioaraba Research Institute, Araba University Hospital, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
- Biomedical Research Networking Centre in Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - María Purificación López
- Department of Neuroscience, Universidad del País Vasco/Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea, Bilbao, Spain
- Department of Psychiatry, Bioaraba Research Institute, Araba University Hospital, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
- Biomedical Research Networking Centre in Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Víctor Pérez
- Biomedical Research Networking Centre in Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain
- Institut Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques (IMIM) Department of Psychiatry, Institut de Neuropsiquiatria i Addicions, Hospital del Mar, Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eduard Vieta
- Biomedical Research Networking Centre in Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain
- Hospital Clinic, Institute of Neuroscience, University of Barcelona, Institut D'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ana González-Pinto
- Department of Neuroscience, Universidad del País Vasco/Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea, Bilbao, Spain
- Department of Psychiatry, Bioaraba Research Institute, Araba University Hospital, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
- Biomedical Research Networking Centre in Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Pilar Saíz
- Biomedical Research Networking Centre in Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Psychiatry, Universidad de Oviedo, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias, Servicio de Salud del Principado de Asturias, Oviedo, Spain
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Amiel Castro RT, Ehlert U, Fischer S. Variation in genes and hormones of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis in female mood disorders - A systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Neuroendocrinol 2021; 62:100929. [PMID: 34171352 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2021.100929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Women's increased risk for depression during reproductive transitions suggests an involvement of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis. This is the first systematic review and meta-analysis of HPO functioning in female mood disorders. Inclusionary criteria were: i) women suffering from premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) or a depressive disorder, ii) assessment of HPO-axis related biomarkers, iii) a case-control design. Sixty-three studies (N = 5,129) were included. There was evidence for PMDD to be paralleled by lower luteal oestradiol levels. Women with depression unrelated to reproductive transition showed lower testosterone levels than healthy controls and there was some evidence for lower dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate levels. There were no differences in HPO-related parameters between women with pregnancy, postpartum, and perimenopausal depression and controls. Women with PMDD and depression unrelated to reproductive transitions exhibit specific changes in the HPO-axis, which potentially contribute to their symptoms. Further research into reproductive mood disorders characterised by extreme endocrine changes is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita T Amiel Castro
- University of Zurich, Institute of Psychology, Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Binzmühlestrasse 14/26, 8050-Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Ulrike Ehlert
- University of Zurich, Institute of Psychology, Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Binzmühlestrasse 14/26, 8050-Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Susanne Fischer
- University of Zurich, Institute of Psychology, Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Binzmühlestrasse 14/26, 8050-Zurich, Switzerland
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Maharjan DT, Syed AAS, Lin GN, Ying W. Testosterone in Female Depression: A Meta-Analysis and Mendelian Randomization Study. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11030409. [PMID: 33802106 PMCID: PMC7999217 DOI: 10.3390/biom11030409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Testosterone's role in female depression is not well understood, with studies reporting conflicting results. Here, we use meta-analytical and Mendelian randomization techniques to determine whether serum testosterone levels differ between depressed and healthy women and whether such a relationship is casual. Our meta-analysis shows a significant association between absolute serum testosterone levels and female depression, which remains true for the premenopausal group while achieving borderline significance in the postmenopausal group. The results from our Mendelian randomization analysis failed to show any causal relationship between testosterone and depression. Our results show that women with depression do indeed display significantly different serum levels of testosterone. However, the directions of the effect of this relationship are conflicting and may be due to menopausal status. Since our Mendelian randomization analysis was insignificant, the difference in testosterone levels between healthy and depressed women is most likely a manifestation of the disease itself. Further studies could be carried out to leverage this newfound insight into better diagnostic capabilities culminating in early intervention in female depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhruba Tara Maharjan
- Med-X Research Institute and School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China; (D.T.M.); (G.N.L.)
| | - Ali Alamdar Shah Syed
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 1954 Huashan Road, Shanghai 200030, China
- Correspondence: (A.A.S.S.); (W.Y.)
| | - Guan Ning Lin
- Med-X Research Institute and School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China; (D.T.M.); (G.N.L.)
| | - Weihai Ying
- Med-X Research Institute and School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China; (D.T.M.); (G.N.L.)
- Correspondence: (A.A.S.S.); (W.Y.)
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10
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Giatti S, Diviccaro S, Serafini MM, Caruso D, Garcia-Segura LM, Viviani B, Melcangi RC. Sex differences in steroid levels and steroidogenesis in the nervous system: Physiopathological role. Front Neuroendocrinol 2020; 56:100804. [PMID: 31689419 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2019.100804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Revised: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The nervous system, in addition to be a target for steroid hormones, is the source of a variety of neuroactive steroids, which are synthesized and metabolized by neurons and glial cells. Recent evidence indicates that the expression of neurosteroidogenic proteins and enzymes and the levels of neuroactive steroids are different in the nervous system of males and females. We here summarized the state of the art of neuroactive steroids, particularly taking in consideration sex differences occurring in the synthesis and levels of these molecules. In addition, we discuss the consequences of sex differences in neurosteroidogenesis for the function of the nervous system under healthy and pathological conditions and the implications of neuroactive steroids and neurosteroidogenesis for the development of sex-specific therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Giatti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Silvia Diviccaro
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Melania Maria Serafini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Donatella Caruso
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Luis Miguel Garcia-Segura
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Barbara Viviani
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Roberto C Melcangi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy.
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11
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Labaka A, Goñi-Balentziaga O, Lebeña A, Pérez-Tejada J. Biological Sex Differences in Depression: A Systematic Review. Biol Res Nurs 2018; 20:383-392. [DOI: 10.1177/1099800418776082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide, and its prevalence is 2 times higher in women than in men. There is, however, a lack of data on sex-specific pathophysiology of this disorder. The purpose of this systematic review is to identify the biological sex differences found in major depressive disorder (MDD) in studies published in the last 10 years. We conducted a literature search using the Medline, PsycInfo, PubMed, and Web of Science databases, selecting English-language studies that included physiological measures compared by sex in addition to MDD. We identified 20 relevant studies, which consisted primarily of mixed methodology and samples. The reported physiological measures comprised a variety of serum biomarkers, gene mRNA expression, and brain activity. Findings suggest different biological patterns in those with MDD depending on sex. Specifically, women presented higher levels of inflammatory, neurotrophic, and serotonergic markers and a stronger correlation between levels of some inflammatory and neurotrophic factors and the severity of symptoms. This review provides information about possible different biological patterns for women and men with depressive disorder and may have important implications for treatment. Future research should include homogeneous samples; make comparisons based on sex, control sex hormone fluctuations and pharmacological treatment; and use consistent criteria for evaluating psychobiological changes in MDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ainitze Labaka
- Department of Basic Psychological Processes and their Development, University of the Basque Country, San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Olatz Goñi-Balentziaga
- Department of Basic Psychological Processes and their Development, University of the Basque Country, San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Andrea Lebeña
- Department of Basic Psychological Processes and their Development, University of the Basque Country, San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Joana Pérez-Tejada
- Department of Basic Psychological Processes and their Development, University of the Basque Country, San Sebastián, Spain
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Alves B, Zakka TM, Teixeira MJ, Kaziyama HH, Siqueira JTT, Siqueira SRDT. Depression, sexuality and fibromyalgia syndrome: clinical findings and correlation to hematological parameters. ARQUIVOS DE NEURO-PSIQUIATRIA 2017; 74:863-868. [PMID: 27901249 DOI: 10.1590/0004-282x20160141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2016] [Accepted: 07/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Objective To investigate sexuality and depression in women with FM compared with controls and to correlate the findings with hematological parameters. Methods 33 women with FM and 19 healthy women were included and evaluated with the following instruments: Female Sexual Function Index, Beck Inventory, Visual Analogue Scale, medical history and laboratory exams. Results The prevalence of sexual dysfunction (P = 0.007) and depression (P < 0.001) were higher in the study group than in the control group; they were positively correlated (P = 0.023). The study group showed lower serum concentrations of testosterone, free T4, antinuclear factor, and lower blood hemoglobin and hematocrit. Conclusions FM was associated with high scores of sexual dysfunction and depression, and there were correlations with hematological parameters. We suggest the involvement of immune-inflammatory mediators and FM, which need further investigation to understand their role in FM syndrome and its comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruna Alves
- Universidade de São Paulo, Escola de Artes, Ciências e Humanidades, São Paulo SP, Brasil.,Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina, Centro Interdisciplinar de Dor, Departamento de Neurologia, São Paulo SP, Brasil
| | - Telma M Zakka
- Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina, Centro Interdisciplinar de Dor, Departamento de Neurologia, São Paulo SP, Brasil
| | - Manoel J Teixeira
- Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina, Centro Interdisciplinar de Dor, Departamento de Neurologia, São Paulo SP, Brasil
| | - Helena H Kaziyama
- Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina, Centro Interdisciplinar de Dor, Departamento de Neurologia, São Paulo SP, Brasil
| | - Jose T T Siqueira
- Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina, Hospital das Clínicas, Grupo de Dor Orofacial, São Paulo SP, Brasil
| | - Silvia R D T Siqueira
- Universidade de São Paulo, Escola de Artes, Ciências e Humanidades, São Paulo SP, Brasil.,Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina, Centro Interdisciplinar de Dor, Departamento de Neurologia, São Paulo SP, Brasil
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13
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Levels and actions of neuroactive steroids in the nervous system under physiological and pathological conditions: Sex-specific features. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2016; 67:25-40. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2015.09.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2015] [Revised: 09/15/2015] [Accepted: 09/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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14
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Hui LY, Wang YW, Zhou FL, Ma XC, Yan RZ, Zhang L, Wang QL, Yu X. Association Between MKP-1, BDNF, and Gonadal Hormones with Depression on Perimenopausal Women. J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2015; 25:71-7. [PMID: 26176177 PMCID: PMC4741204 DOI: 10.1089/jwh.2015.5214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies suggest that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) exerts effects on the neuronal function of hippocampal neurons and increases hippocampal mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase-1 (MKP-1) expression, which causes depressive behaviors in rat or mouse. Here we focus on the change of serum MKP-1, BDNF, testosterone (T), and estradiol (E2) levels, in order to test the hypothesis that dysregulation of MKP-1, BDNF, T, and E2 are associated with depression in perimenopausal women. METHODS Women with depression, after meeting criteria in the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10th Revision, for mental and behaviural disorders and the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), were included in the study. Psychosocial data and blood samples were obtained from the subjects in the study, including 38 perimenopausal and 32 young women with depression, 26 healthy control perimenopausal women, and 34 young women. RESULTS Serum MKP-1 levels were higher and T was lower in the women with depression compared to controls (p<0.05), and depressed perimenopausal women exhibited the highest serum MKP-1 levels and lowest T levels. Logistic regression analyses showed that MKP-1 levels were positively correlated with HDRS scores in the women, and T levels were inversely correlated with HDRS scores in the perimenopausal women (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that high serum MKP-1 levels are associated with depression in women, and this association did not appear to be confounded by age. Further, the results provide evidence of association between depressive symptom severity and increasing serum MKP-1 levels in women, and decreasing T levels in perimenopausal women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling-yun Hui
- 1 First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University , Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Ya-wen Wang
- 1 First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University , Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Fu-ling Zhou
- 2 Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University , Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xian-cang Ma
- 1 First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University , Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Run-zhi Yan
- 1 First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University , Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Lin Zhang
- 1 First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University , Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Quan-li Wang
- 3 Medical College of Xi'an Jiaotong University , Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xuewen Yu
- 1 First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University , Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
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Celec P, Ostatníková D, Hodosy J. On the effects of testosterone on brain behavioral functions. Front Neurosci 2015; 9:12. [PMID: 25741229 PMCID: PMC4330791 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2015.00012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2014] [Accepted: 01/12/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Testosterone influences the brain via organizational and activational effects. Numerous relevant studies on rodents and a few on humans focusing on specific behavioral and cognitive parameters have been published. The results are, unfortunately, controversial and puzzling. Dosing, timing, even the application route seem to considerably affect the outcomes. In addition, the methods used for the assessment of psychometric parameters are a bit less than ideal regarding their validity and reproducibility. Metabolism of testosterone contributes to the complexity of its actions. Reduction to dihydrotestosterone by 5-alpha reductase increases the androgen activity; conversion to estradiol by aromatase converts the androgen to estrogen activity. Recently, the non-genomic effects of testosterone on behavior bypassing the nuclear receptors have attracted the interest of researchers. This review tries to summarize the current understanding of the complexity of the effects of testosterone on brain with special focus on their role in the known sex differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Celec
- Institute of Molecular Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University Bratislava, Slovakia ; Center for Molecular Medicine, Slovak Academy of Sciences Bratislava, Slovakia ; Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University Bratislava, Slovakia ; Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Daniela Ostatníková
- Institute of Molecular Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University Bratislava, Slovakia ; Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Július Hodosy
- Institute of Molecular Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University Bratislava, Slovakia ; Center for Molecular Medicine, Slovak Academy of Sciences Bratislava, Slovakia ; Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University Bratislava, Slovakia
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