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Lymer J, Bergman H, Yang S, Mallick R, Galea LAM, Choleris E, Fergusson D. The effects of estrogens on spatial learning and memory in female rodents - A systematic review and meta-analysis. Horm Behav 2024; 164:105598. [PMID: 38968677 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2024.105598] [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: 06/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024]
Abstract
Estrogens have inconsistent effects on learning and memory in both the clinical and preclinical literature. Preclinical literature has the advantage of investigating an array of potentially important factors contributing to the varied effects of estrogens on learning and memory, with stringently controlled studies. This study set out to identify specific factors in the animal literature that influence the effects of estrogens on cognition, for possible translation back to clinical practice. The literature was screened and studies meeting strict inclusion criteria were included in the analysis. Eligible studies included female ovariectomized rodents with an adequate vehicle for the estrogen treatment, with an outcome of spatial learning and memory in the Morris water maze. Training days of the Morris water maze were used to assess acquisition of spatial learning, and the probe trial was used to evaluate spatial memory recall. Continuous outcomes were pooled using a random effects inverse variance method and reported as standardized mean differences with 95 % confidence intervals. Subgroup analyses were developed a priori to assess important factors. The overall analysis favoured treatment for the later stages of training and for the probe trial. Factors including the type of estrogen, route, schedule of administration, age of animals, timing relative to ovariectomy, and duration of treatment were all found to be important. The subgroup analyses showed that chronic treatment with 17β-estradiol, either cyclically or continuously, to young animals improved spatial recall. These results, observed in animals, can inform and guide further clinical research on hormone replacement therapy for cognitive benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Lymer
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada; Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
| | - Hailey Bergman
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
| | - Sabrina Yang
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
| | | | - Liisa A M Galea
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, ON, Canada; Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Elena Choleris
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada.
| | - Dean Fergusson
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada; Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
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Rai A, Das M, Tripathi A. Occurrence and toxicity of a fusarium mycotoxin, zearalenone. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2019; 60:2710-2729. [DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2019.1655388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ankita Rai
- Food, Drugs and Chemical Toxicology Group, CSIR- Indian Institute of Toxicology Research, Lucknow, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR) CSIR-IITR campus, Lucknow, India
| | - Mukul Das
- Food, Drugs and Chemical Toxicology Group, CSIR- Indian Institute of Toxicology Research, Lucknow, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR) CSIR-IITR campus, Lucknow, India
| | - Anurag Tripathi
- Food, Drugs and Chemical Toxicology Group, CSIR- Indian Institute of Toxicology Research, Lucknow, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR) CSIR-IITR campus, Lucknow, India
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Sheppard PAS, Choleris E, Galea LAM. Structural plasticity of the hippocampus in response to estrogens in female rodents. Mol Brain 2019; 12:22. [PMID: 30885239 PMCID: PMC6423800 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-019-0442-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2019] [Accepted: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
It is well established that estrogens affect neuroplasticity in a number of brain regions. In particular, estrogens modulate and mediate spine and synapse formation as well as neurogenesis in the hippocampal formation. In this review, we discuss current research exploring the effects of estrogens on dendritic spine plasticity and neurogenesis with a focus on the modulating factors of sex, age, and pregnancy. Hormone levels, including those of estrogens, fluctuate widely across the lifespan from early life to puberty, through adulthood and into old age, as well as with pregnancy and parturition. Dendritic spine formation and modulation are altered both by rapid (likely non-genomic) and classical (genomic) actions of estrogens and have been suggested to play a role in the effects of estrogens on learning and memory. Neurogenesis in the hippocampus is influenced by age, the estrous cycle, pregnancy, and parity in female rodents. Furthermore, sex differences exist in hippocampal cellular and molecular responses to estrogens and are briefly discussed throughout. Understanding how structural plasticity in the hippocampus is affected by estrogens and how these effects can influence function and be influenced by other factors, such as experience and sex, is critical and can inform future treatments in conditions involving the hippocampus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul A. S. Sheppard
- Department of Psychology, Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3 Canada
| | - Elena Choleris
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience Program, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1 Canada
| | - Liisa A. M. Galea
- Department of Psychology, Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3 Canada
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Estrogenic Effect of the Extract of QingYan Formula on Reproductive Tissues in Immature Mice. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2019; 2019:5493714. [PMID: 30728846 PMCID: PMC6341256 DOI: 10.1155/2019/5493714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2018] [Revised: 11/11/2018] [Accepted: 12/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
A Chinese herbal preparation, QingYan formula (QYF), has been used clinically for kidney-invigorating. However, no evidence base links QYF to estrogen replacement therapy. In this study, the estrogenic effects of QingYan formula 70% ethanol extract (QYFE) were investigated in immature mice. Immature mice were treated with QYFE at doses of 1, 2, and 4g/kg for 7 days. QYFE treatments promoted vaginal cornification and prolonged the estrus status of the immature mice, promoted the growth and development of uterus and vagina, upregulated ERα and ERβ expression at protein level in uterus and vagina, increased the level of estradiol (E2), and decreased concentration of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in serum. This study demonstrated that QYFE exerts estrogenic effects by stimulating biosynthesis of estrogen and increasing estrogen receptors (ERs) in target tissues and provided an evidence base for QYFE treatment instead of estrogen replacement therapy.
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Mohamed SK, Ahmed AAE, El Morsy EM, Nofal S. The protective effect of zeranol in cerebral ischemia reperfusion via p-CREB overexpression. Life Sci 2019; 217:212-221. [PMID: 30550883 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2018.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2018] [Revised: 12/09/2018] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Cerebral ischemia reperfusion (I/R) is a neurovascular disease leading to cerebral damage. It was found that postmenopausal women are liable to more dangerous effects than men at same age in stroke. The objective of this study is to investigate the neuroprotective effect of zeranol against cerebral ischemia reperfusion in ovariectomized rats. MAIN METHODS 36 female wistar rats divided in to 3 groups: sham group, I/R group (where I/R was induced 7 weeks after ovariectomy), zeranol group (0.5 mg/kg every 3 days for 5 weeks before I/R). Cerebral ischemia reperfusion (I/R) was performed by bilateral common carotid artery occlusion then de-ligated to restore blood flow. After 24 h of reperfusion, rats performed cylinder test to evaluate behavioral dysfunction followed by decapitation. Brain tissues were collected for biochemical measures such as oxidative stress marker malondialdehyde, antioxidant markers reduced glutathione, inflammatory markers (interleukin-1 beta, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and inducible nitric oxide synthase), matrix metalloproteinase-9, adenosine triphosphate, brain derived neurotrophic factor, glucose transporter-3, phosphorylated c-AMP response element binding protein and finally nissl staining for histopathological examination. KEY FINDINGS The zeranol administered group showed a reversal of neuronal damage caused by ischemia evidenced by the decrease in MDA, IL-1β, TNF-α, and MMP-9 levels, increase GSH, and ATP levels, decrease expression of iNOS in both regions cortex and hippocampus, increase protein level of p-CREB, GLUT-3 and BDNF, increase number of intact neuron cells in both regions and attenuated histological changes in both cortex and hippocampus regions. SIGNIFICANCE Zeranol has neuroprotective potential against cerebral ischemia reperfusion in ovariectomized rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shimaa K Mohamed
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Helwan University, Ein Helwan, Cairo 11795, Egypt
| | - Amany A E Ahmed
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Helwan University, Ein Helwan, Cairo 11795, Egypt
| | - Engy M El Morsy
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Helwan University, Ein Helwan, Cairo 11795, Egypt
| | - Shahira Nofal
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Helwan University, Ein Helwan, Cairo 11795, Egypt.
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Fatemi I, Delrobaee F, Bahmani M, Shamsizadeh A, Allahtavakoli M. The effect of the anti-diabetic drug metformin on behavioral manifestations associated with ovariectomy in mice. Neurosci Lett 2018; 690:95-98. [PMID: 30321576 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2018.10.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2018] [Revised: 10/06/2018] [Accepted: 10/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-diabetic drug metformin (Met) effects on the anxiety and cognitive impairment in ovariectomized mice. Thirty-two female adult mice were distributed into four groups: control, sham ovariectomy, ovariectomy + Met 7 mg/kg and ovariectomy + Met 15 mg/kg. The vaginal cytology was used to confirm the ovariectomy surgery. Anxiety was monitored using elevated plus maze test and cognitive function was assessed by novel object recognition task. Animal's brains were analyzed for the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Our results demonstrated that ovariectomy caused cognitive impairments and anxiety, as well as decreased BDNF levels. Moreover, administration of Met improves ovariectomy-related disorders such as cognitive impairments and anxiety, as well as increased BDNF levels. The results of the present study suggest that Met could be used as a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of ovariectomy-related conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iman Fatemi
- Physiology-Pharmacology Research Center, Research Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Delrobaee
- Student Research Committee, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
| | - Maryam Bahmani
- Student Research Committee, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
| | - Ali Shamsizadeh
- Physiology-Pharmacology Research Center, Research Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Allahtavakoli
- Physiology-Pharmacology Research Center, Research Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran.
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Assessment of the potential activity of major dietary compounds as selective estrogen receptor modulators in two distinct cell models for proliferation and differentiation. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2017; 325:61-70. [DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2017.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2016] [Revised: 02/01/2017] [Accepted: 04/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
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Kowalska K, Habrowska-Górczyńska DE, Piastowska-Ciesielska AW. Zearalenone as an endocrine disruptor in humans. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2016; 48:141-149. [PMID: 27771507 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2016.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 149] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2016] [Revised: 10/10/2016] [Accepted: 10/16/2016] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Zearalenone (ZEA), a fungal mycotoxin, is present in a wide range of human foods. Many animal studies have found ZEA to possess a disruptive effect on the hormonal balance, mainly due to its similarity to naturally-occurring estrogens. With increasing consciousness of the adverse effects of endocrine disruptors on human health, it is becoming more important to monitor ZEA concentrations in food and identify its potential effects on human health. Based on a review of recent studies on animal models and molecular pathways in which ZEA is reported to have an influence on humans, we postulate that ZEA might act as an endocrine disruptor in humans in a similar way to animals. Moreover, its endocrine-disrupting effect might be also a causative factor in carcinogenesis. This review article summarizes the latest knowledge about the influence of ZEA on the human hormonal balance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Kowalska
- Department of Comparative Endocrinology, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences and Postgraduate Training, Medical University of Lodz, Zeligowskiego 7/9, Lodz 90-752, Poland
| | - Dominika Ewa Habrowska-Górczyńska
- Department of Comparative Endocrinology, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences and Postgraduate Training, Medical University of Lodz, Zeligowskiego 7/9, Lodz 90-752, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Wanda Piastowska-Ciesielska
- Department of Comparative Endocrinology, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences and Postgraduate Training, Medical University of Lodz, Zeligowskiego 7/9, Lodz 90-752, Poland.
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Gender Differences in the Neurobiology of Anxiety: Focus on Adult Hippocampal Neurogenesis. Neural Plast 2016; 2016:5026713. [PMID: 26885403 PMCID: PMC4738969 DOI: 10.1155/2016/5026713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2015] [Revised: 11/30/2015] [Accepted: 12/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the literature reports a higher incidence of anxiety disorders in women, the majority of basic research has focused on male rodents, thus resulting in a lack of knowledge on the neurobiology of anxiety in females. Bridging this gap is crucial for the design of effective translational interventions in women. One of the key brain mechanisms likely to regulate anxious behavior is adult hippocampal neurogenesis (AHN). This review paper aims to discuss the evidence on the differences between male and female rodents with regard to anxiety-related behavior and physiology, with a special focus on AHN. The differences between male and female physiologies are greatly influenced by hormonal differences. Gonadal hormones and their fluctuations during the estrous cycle have often been identified as agents responsible for sexual dimorphism in behavior and AHN. During sexual maturity, hormone levels fluctuate cyclically in females more than in males, increasing the stress response and the susceptibility to anxiety. It is therefore of great importance that future research investigates anxiety and other neurophysiological aspects in the female model, so that results can be more accurately applicable to the female population.
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