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Matuszewska A, Kowalski K, Jawień P, Tomkalski T, Gaweł-Dąbrowska D, Merwid-Ląd A, Szeląg E, Błaszczak K, Wiatrak B, Danielewski M, Piasny J, Szeląg A. The Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal Axis in Men with Schizophrenia. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076492. [PMID: 37047464 PMCID: PMC10094807 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder with a chronic, progressive course. The etiology of this condition is linked to the interactions of multiple genes and environmental factors. The earlier age of onset of schizophrenia, the higher frequency of negative symptoms in the clinical presentation, and the poorer response to antipsychotic treatment in men compared to women suggests the involvement of sex hormones in these processes. This article aims to draw attention to the possible relationship between testosterone and some clinical features in male schizophrenic patients and discuss the complex nature of these phenomena based on data from the literature. PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases were searched to select the papers without limiting the time of the publications. Hormone levels in the body are regulated by many organs and systems, and take place through the neuroendocrine, hormonal, neural, and metabolic pathways. Sex hormones play an important role in the development and function of the organism. Besides their impact on secondary sex characteristics, they influence brain development and function, mood, and cognition. In men with schizophrenia, altered testosterone levels were noted. In many cases, evidence from available single studies gave contradictory results. However, it seems that the testosterone level in men affected by schizophrenia may differ depending on the phase of the disease, types of clinical symptoms, and administered therapy. The etiology of testosterone level disturbances may be very complex. Besides the impact of the illness (schizophrenia), stress, and antipsychotic drug-induced hyperprolactinemia, testosterone levels may be influenced by, i.a., obesity, substances of abuse (e.g., ethanol), or liver damage.
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Misiak B, Pruessner M, Samochowiec J, Wiśniewski M, Reginia A, Stańczykiewicz B. A meta-analysis of blood and salivary cortisol levels in first-episode psychosis and high-risk individuals. Front Neuroendocrinol 2021; 62:100930. [PMID: 34171354 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2021.100930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Dysregulated cortisol responses and glucose metabolism have been reported in psychosis. We performed a random-effects meta-analysis of cortisol responses in first-episode psychosis (FEP) and psychosis risk states, taking into consideration glucose metabolism. A total of 47 studies were included. Unstimulated blood cortisol levels were significantly higher (g = 0.48, 95 %CI: 0.25-0.70, p < 0.001) in FEP, but not in psychosis risk states (g = 0.39, 95 %CI: -0.42-1.21, p = 0.342), compared to controls. Cortisol awakening response (CAR) was attenuated in FEP (g = -0.40, 95 %CI: -0.68 - -0.12, p = 0.006), but not in psychosis risk states (p = 0.433). Glucose and insulin levels were positively correlated with unstimulated blood cortisol levels in FEP. Our meta-analysis supports previous findings of elevated blood cortisol levels and attenuated CAR in FEP. Future research should focus on identifying the common denominators for alterations in stress hormones and glucose metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Błażej Misiak
- Department of Psychiatry, Division of Consultation Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Wroclaw Medical University, Pasteura 10 Street, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland.
| | - Marita Pruessner
- Prevention and Early Intervention Program for Psychosis, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Canada; Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Jerzy Samochowiec
- Department of Psychiatry, Pomeranian Medical University, Broniewskiego 26 Street, 71-457 Szczecin, Poland
| | | | - Artur Reginia
- Department of Psychiatry, Pomeranian Medical University, Broniewskiego 26 Street, 71-457 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Bartłomiej Stańczykiewicz
- Department of Nervous System Diseases, Wroclaw Medical University, Bartla 5 Street, 51-618 Wroclaw, Poland
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Allimuthu P, Nandeesha H, Chinniyappan R, Bhardwaz B, Blessed Raj J. Relationship of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor with Interleukin-23, Testosterone and Disease Severity in Schizophrenia. Indian J Clin Biochem 2020; 36:365-369. [PMID: 34220013 DOI: 10.1007/s12291-020-00880-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Hormonal imbalance, inflammation and alteration in synaptic plasticity are reported to play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. The objective of the study was to assess the serum levels of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its association with interleukin-23 (IL-23), testosterone and disease severity in schizophrenia. 40 cases and 40 controls were included in the study. Serum levels of BDNF, IL-23 and testosterone were estimated in all the subjects. Disease severity was assessed using Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). The study was designed in Tertiary care hospital, South India. The results were compared between two groups using Mann-Whitney U test. Spearman Correlation analysis was used to assess the association between biochemical parameters and PANSS. Interleukin-23 and testosterone were significantly increased and BDNF was significantly reduced in schizophrenia cases when compared with controls. BDNF was negatively correlated with IL-23 (r = - 400, p = 0.011), positive symptom subscale (r = - 0.393, p = 0.012), general psychopathology score subscale (r = - 407, p = 0.009) and total symptom subscale (r = - 404, p = 0.010). There was no significant association of IL-23 and testosterone with disease severity in schizophrenia cases. BDNF was reduced in schizophrenia cases and negatively associated with interleukin-23 and disease severity scores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priya Allimuthu
- Department of Biochemistry and Psychiatry, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry, India
| | - Hanumanthappa Nandeesha
- Department of Biochemistry and Psychiatry, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry, India
| | - Raghavi Chinniyappan
- Department of Biochemistry and Psychiatry, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry, India
| | - Balaji Bhardwaz
- Department of Biochemistry and Psychiatry, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry, India.,Department of Psychiatry, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry, India
| | - Jesudas Blessed Raj
- Department of Biochemistry and Psychiatry, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry, India
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Petrikis P, Tigas S, Tzallas AT, Karampas A, Papadopoulos I, Skapinakis P. Sex hormone levels in drug-naïve, first-episode patients with psychosis. Int J Psychiatry Clin Pract 2020; 24:20-24. [PMID: 31825684 DOI: 10.1080/13651501.2019.1699117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Aim: Sex differences have long been reported in schizophrenia leading to the hypothesis that sex hormones may be implicated in the pathophysiology of the disorder. We assessed gonadal hormones during the fasted state in drug-naïve patients with psychosis.Method: Fasting serum concentrations of follicular-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone, free-testosterone, Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) and oestradiol (E2) were compared between a group of 55 newly diagnosed, drug-naïve, first-episode men with psychosis and a group of 55 healthy controls, matched for age, smoking status and BMI. Testosterone, free-testosterone and SHBG were compared between a group of 32 drug-naïve, first-episode females with psychosis and a group of 32 healthy controls matched for age, smoking status and BMI.Results: Testosterone and free-testosterone levels were significantly lower in the patients' group and SHBG levels significantly higher in the patients' group compared to those in healthy controls. The two female groups had similar values in the hormones which were measured.Conclusion: Our findings provide evidence of lower testosterone and free-testosterone levels and increased SHBG levels in drug-naïve, first-episode males with psychosis.KEY POINTSReduced testosterone and free-testosterone levels in drug-naive, first-episode males with psychosis.Increased SHBG levels in drug-naive first-episode males with psychosis.No difference in FSH, LH and E2 levels between drug-naive first episode males with psychosis and controls.No difference in testosterone, free-testosterone and SHBG levels between drug-naive, first-episode women with psychosis and controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petros Petrikis
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Ioannina School of Medicine, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Stelios Tigas
- Department of Endocrinology, University of Ioannina School of Medicine, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Alexandros T Tzallas
- Department of Informatics and Telecommunications, University of Ioannina School of Informatics and Telecommunications, Arta, Greece
| | - Andreas Karampas
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Ioannina School of Medicine, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Ioannis Papadopoulos
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Ioannina School of Medicine, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Petros Skapinakis
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Ioannina School of Medicine, Ioannina, Greece
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Misiak B, Frydecka D, Loska O, Moustafa AA, Samochowiec J, Kasznia J, Stańczykiewicz B. Testosterone, DHEA and DHEA-S in patients with schizophrenia: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2018; 89:92-102. [PMID: 29334627 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2018.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2017] [Revised: 01/04/2018] [Accepted: 01/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Neuroactive steroids, including testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulfate (DHEA-S) might play an important role in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. Therefore, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies comparing the levels of testosterone, DHEA and DHEA-S in patients with schizophrenia and healthy controls. We searched electronic databases from their inception until Oct 29, 2017. Effect size (ES) estimates were calculated as Hedges' g. Data analysis was performed using random-effects models. Our analysis included 34 eligible studies, representing 1742 patients and 1604 controls. Main analysis revealed elevated DHEA-S levels in the whole group of patients (ES = 0.75, 95%CI: 0.23-1.28, p = 0.005). In subgroup analyses, patients with first-episode psychosis (FEP) had significantly higher levels of free testosterone (ES = 1.21, 95%CI: 0.30-2.12, p = 0.009) and DHEA-S (ES = 1.19, 95%CI: 0.66-1.71, p < 0.001). Acutely relapsed schizophrenia patients presented significantly higher levels of total testosterone (ES = 0.50, 95%CI: 0.21-0.70, p < 0.001). Total testosterone levels were also elevated in stable multi-episode schizophrenia (sMES) females (ES = 0.56, 95%CI: 0.33-0.80, p < 0.001) and reduced in sMES males (ES = -0.62, 95%CI: -1.07 to 0.18, p = 0.006). Increased levels of biologically active, free testosterone and DHEA-S in FEP suggest that these alterations might appear as a response to stress that becomes blunted during subsequent exacerbations of schizophrenia. Differential changes in total testosterone levels in male and female sMES patients might represent medication effects related to prolactin-releasing effects of antipsychotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Błażej Misiak
- Department of Genetics, Wroclaw Medical University, Marcinkowskiego 1 Street, 50-368 Wroclaw, Poland.
| | - Dorota Frydecka
- Department of Psychiatry, Wroclaw Medical University, Pasteura 10 Street, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Olga Loska
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Mikulicza-Radeckiego 4 Street, 50-345 Wroclaw, Poland; Department of Laboratory Diagnostics, 4th Military Hospital, Weigla 5 Street, 50-981 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Ahmed A Moustafa
- School of Social Sciences and Psychology, Marcs Institute of Brain and Behaviour, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia
| | - Jerzy Samochowiec
- Department of Psychiatry, Pomeranian Medical University, Broniewskiego 26 Street, 71-460 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Justyna Kasznia
- Inpatient Psychiatric Unit, Municipal General Hospital, Limanowskiego 20/22 Street, 63-400 Ostrów Wielkopolski, Poland
| | - Bartłomiej Stańczykiewicz
- Department of Nervous System Diseases, Wroclaw Medical University, Bartla 5 Street, 51-618 Wroclaw, Poland
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Huang YC, Hung CF, Lin PY, Lee Y, Wu CC, Hsu ST, Chen CC, Chong MY, Lin CH, Wang LJ. Gender differences in susceptibility to schizophrenia: Potential implication of neurosteroids. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2017; 84:87-93. [PMID: 28686904 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2017.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2017] [Revised: 06/21/2017] [Accepted: 06/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Past research has indicated gender differences in the clinical characteristics and course of schizophrenia. In this study, we investigated whether gender differences in the manifestation of schizophrenia are correlated with neurosteroids, including dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S), and pregnenolone. We further explored the potential relationship between the aforementioned neurosteroids and psychopathology. We recruited 65 schizophrenic patients (36 males and 29 females) and 103 healthy control subjects (47 males and 56 females) and obtained blood samples from the subjects in the morning while in a fasting state to determine the serum levels of DHEA, DHEA-S, and pregnenolone. The psychopathology and mood symptoms of patients with schizophrenia were evaluated using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, respectively. Compared to the male control subjects, male patients with schizophrenia had significantly lower serum levels of DHEA and pregnenolone. In males with schizophrenia, the serum levels of DHEA and DHEA-S were associated with the age of onset and the duration of illness, while pregnenolone levels were associated with general symptoms of the PANSS. However, none of the neurosteroid levels were different between the female patients with schizophrenia and the female controls, and no significant correlation between neurosteroid levels and psychopathology evaluations was found among the schizophrenic females. Neurosteroids, including DHEA, DHEA-S, and pregnenolone, are involved in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia in male patients, but not in female ones. Therefore, our findings suggest that neurosteroids may be associated with gender differences in susceptibility to schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Chi Huang
- Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Chung Shan Medical University School of Medicine, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Fa Hung
- Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Pao-Yen Lin
- Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Institute for Translational Research in Biomedical Sciences, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yu Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Ching Wu
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Chang Gung University, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan; Department of Medical Biotechnology and Laboratory Science, Chang Gung University, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan
| | - Su-Ting Hsu
- Kaohsiung Municipal Kai-Syuan Psychiatric Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Chih Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Mian-Yoon Chong
- Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chieh-Hsin Lin
- Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Liang-Jen Wang
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
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