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González-Gil A, Sánchez-Maldonado B, Rojo C, Flor-García M, Queiroga FL, Ovalle S, Ramos-Ruiz R, Fuertes-Recuero M, Picazo RA. Proneurogenic actions of follicle-stimulating hormone on neurospheres derived from ovarian cortical cells in vitro. BMC Vet Res 2024; 20:372. [PMID: 39160565 PMCID: PMC11334536 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-024-04203-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neural stem and progenitor cells (NSPCs) from extra-neural origin represent a valuable tool for autologous cell therapy and research in neurogenesis. Identification of proneurogenic biomolecules on NSPCs would improve the success of cell therapies for neurodegenerative diseases. Preliminary data suggested that follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) might act in this fashion. This study was aimed to elucidate whether FSH promotes development, self-renewal, and is proneurogenic on neurospheres (NS) derived from sheep ovarian cortical cells (OCCs). Two culture strategies were carried out: (a) long-term, 21-days NS culture (control vs. FSH group) with NS morphometric evaluation, gene expression analyses of stemness and lineage markers, and immunolocalization of NSPCs antigens; (b) NS assay to demonstrate FSH actions on self-renewal and differentiation capacity of NS cultured with one of three defined media: M1: positive control with EGF/FGF2; M2: control; and M3: M2 supplemented with FSH. RESULTS In long-term cultures, FSH increased NS diameters with respect to control group (302.90 ± 25.20 μm vs. 183.20 ± 7.63 on day 9, respectively), upregulated nestin (days 15/21), Sox2 (day 21) and Pax6 (days 15/21) and increased the percentages of cells immunolocalizing these proteins. During NS assays, FSH stimulated NSCPs proliferation, and self-renewal, increasing NS diameters during the two expansion periods and the expression of the neuron precursor transcript DCX during the second one. In the FSH-group there were more frequent cell-bridges among neighbouring NS. CONCLUSIONS FSH is a proneurogenic hormone that promotes OCC-NSPCs self-renewal and NS development. Future studies will be necessary to support the proneurogenic actions of FSH and its potential use in basic and applied research related to cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfredo González-Gil
- Department of Physiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Avda. Puerta de Hierro SN, Madrid, 28040, Spain.
| | - Belén Sánchez-Maldonado
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, 28040, Spain
| | - Concepción Rojo
- Department of Anatomy and Embriology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University Complutense of Madrid, Madrid, 28040, Spain
| | - Miguel Flor-García
- Department of Molecular Neuropathology, Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa" (CBMSO), Spanish Research Council (CSIC)-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, 28049, Spain
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, 28049, Spain
| | - Felisbina Luisa Queiroga
- Centre for the Study of Animal Science, CECA-ICETA, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Quinta dos Prados, Vila Real, 5000-801, Portugal.
| | - Susana Ovalle
- Genomic Unit Cantoblanco, Fundación Parque Científico de Madrid. C/ Faraday 7, Madrid, 28049, Spain
| | - Ricardo Ramos-Ruiz
- Genomic Unit Cantoblanco, Fundación Parque Científico de Madrid. C/ Faraday 7, Madrid, 28049, Spain
| | - Manuel Fuertes-Recuero
- Department of Physiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Avda. Puerta de Hierro SN, Madrid, 28040, Spain
| | - Rosa Ana Picazo
- Department of Physiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Avda. Puerta de Hierro SN, Madrid, 28040, Spain
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Jacob SM, Lee S, Kim SH, Sharkey KA, Pfeffer G, Nguyen MD. Brain-body mechanisms contribute to sexual dimorphism in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Nat Rev Neurol 2024; 20:475-494. [PMID: 38965379 DOI: 10.1038/s41582-024-00991-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most common form of human motor neuron disease. It is characterized by the progressive degeneration of upper and lower motor neurons, leading to generalized motor weakness and, ultimately, respiratory paralysis and death within 3-5 years. The disease is shaped by genetics, age, sex and environmental stressors, but no cure or routine biomarkers exist for the disease. Male individuals have a higher propensity to develop ALS, and a different manifestation of the disease phenotype, than female individuals. However, the mechanisms underlying these sex differences remain a mystery. In this Review, we summarize the epidemiology of ALS, examine the sexually dimorphic presentation of the disease and highlight the genetic variants and molecular pathways that might contribute to sex differences in humans and animal models of ALS. We advance the idea that sexual dimorphism in ALS arises from the interactions between the CNS and peripheral organs, involving vascular, metabolic, endocrine, musculoskeletal and immune systems, which are strikingly different between male and female individuals. Finally, we review the response to treatments in ALS and discuss the potential to implement future personalized therapeutic strategies for the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M Jacob
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Sukyoung Lee
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Seung Hyun Kim
- Department of Neurology, Hanyang University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Keith A Sharkey
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Gerald Pfeffer
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
- Department of Medical Genetics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
| | - Minh Dang Nguyen
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
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3
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Wang M, Hu S, Fu X, Zhou H, Yang S, Yang C. Neurosteroids: A potential target for neuropsychiatric disorders. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2024; 239:106485. [PMID: 38369032 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2024.106485] [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: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Neurosteroids are steroids produced by endocrine glands and subsequently entering the brain, and also include steroids synthesis in the brain. It has been widely known that neurosteroids influence many neurological functions, including neuronal signaling, synaptic adaptations, and neuroprotective effects. In addition, abnormality in the synthesis and function of neurosteroids has been closely linked to neuropsychiatric disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), schizophrenia (SZ), and epilepsy. Given their important role in brain pathophysiology and disorders, neurosteroids offer potential therapeutic targets for a variety of neuropsychiatric diseases, and that therapeutic strategies targeting neurosteroids probably exert beneficial effects. We therefore summarized the role of neurosteroids in brain physiology and neuropsychiatric disorders, and introduced the recent findings of synthetic neurosteroid analogues for potential treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders, thereby providing insights for further research in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyu Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Suwan Hu
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Xinghuo Fu
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Huixuan Zhou
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Siqi Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China.
| | - Chun Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China.
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4
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Monari PK, Hammond ER, Zhao X, Maksimoski AN, Petric R, Malone CL, Riters LV, Marler CA. Conditioned preferences: Gated by experience, context, and endocrine systems. Horm Behav 2024; 161:105529. [PMID: 38492501 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2024.105529] [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: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
Central to the navigation of an ever-changing environment is the ability to form positive associations with places and conspecifics. The functions of location and social conditioned preferences are often studied independently, limiting our understanding of their interplay. Furthermore, a de-emphasis on natural functions of conditioned preferences has led to neurobiological interpretations separated from ecological context. By adopting a naturalistic and ethological perspective, we uncover complexities underlying the expression of conditioned preferences. Development of conditioned preferences is a combination of motivation, reward, associative learning, and context, including for social and spatial environments. Both social- and location-dependent reward-responsive behaviors and their conditioning rely on internal state-gating mechanisms that include neuroendocrine and hormone systems such as opioids, dopamine, testosterone, estradiol, and oxytocin. Such reinforced behavior emerges from mechanisms integrating past experience and current social and environmental conditions. Moreover, social context, environmental stimuli, and internal state gate and modulate motivation and learning via associative reward, shaping the conditioning process. We highlight research incorporating these concepts, focusing on the integration of social neuroendocrine mechanisms and behavioral conditioning. We explore three paradigms: 1) conditioned place preference, 2) conditioned social preference, and 3) social conditioned place preference. We highlight nonclassical species to emphasize the naturalistic applications of these conditioned preferences. To fully appreciate the complex integration of spatial and social information, future research must identify neural networks where endocrine systems exert influence on such behaviors. Such research promises to provide valuable insights into conditioned preferences within a broader naturalistic context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick K Monari
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, Department of Psychology, Madison, WI, USA.
| | - Emma R Hammond
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, Department of Psychology, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Xin Zhao
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, Department of Psychology, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Alyse N Maksimoski
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, Department of Integrative Biology, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Radmila Petric
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, Department of Psychology, Madison, WI, USA; Institute for the Environment, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Candice L Malone
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, Department of Psychology, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Lauren V Riters
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, Department of Integrative Biology, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Catherine A Marler
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, Department of Psychology, Madison, WI, USA; University of Wisconsin-Madison, Department of Integrative Biology, Madison, WI, USA.
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5
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Lopez MS, Alward BA. Androgen receptor deficiency is associated with reduced aromatase expression in the ventromedial hypothalamus of male cichlids. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2024; 1532:73-82. [PMID: 38240562 PMCID: PMC10922992 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.15096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
Social behaviors are regulated by sex steroid hormones, such as androgens and estrogens. However, the specific molecular and neural processes modulated by steroid hormones to generate social behaviors remain to be elucidated. We investigated whether some actions of androgen signaling in the control of social behavior may occur through the regulation of estradiol synthesis in the highly social cichlid fish, Astatotilapia burtoni. Specifically, we examined the expression of cyp19a1, a brain-specific aromatase, in the brains of male A. burtoni lacking a functional ARα gene (ar1), which was recently found to be necessary for aggression in this species. We found that cyp19a1 expression is higher in wild-type males compared to ar1 mutant males in the anterior tuberal nucleus (ATn), the putative fish homolog of the mammalian ventromedial hypothalamus, a brain region that is critical for aggression across taxa. Using in situ hybridization chain reaction, we determined that cyp19a1+ cells coexpress ar1 throughout the brain, including in the ATn. We speculate that ARα may modulate cyp19a1 expression in the ATn to govern aggression in A. burtoni. These studies provide novel insights into the hormonal mechanisms of social behavior in teleosts and lay a foundation for future functional studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana S. Lopez
- Department of Psychology, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Beau A. Alward
- Department of Psychology, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry. University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
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6
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Zamir A, Ben Zeev T, Levi C, Einstein O, Ratamess NA, van Praag H, Hoffman JR. The effect of supraphysiological dose of nandrolone decanoate administration on the inflammatory, neurotrophin and behavioral response in adult and old male mice. Horm Behav 2023; 156:105444. [PMID: 38344953 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2023.105444] [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: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
This study examined the effect of 6 weeks of supraphysiological nandrolone decanoate (ND) administration in adult mice (7 months) on cognitive function and neuroinflammation during aging. Male C57BL/6 mice were randomized into ND (10 mg·kg-1·wk-1) or control (CTL) groups. Half of the mice were tested at a young (Y) age (ND-Y and CTL-Y), 1 week following final ND administration, while the remaining mice were tested at 16 months (O) (ND-O and CTL-O). Learning and memory were better in young mice compared to older mice, regardless of treatment. ND-O displayed decreased anxiety as compared to all other groups. TNFα and IL1β expression were higher in older mice, regardless of treatment. ND administration in young mice appeared to attenuate the neuroinflammatory response in aging mice as evidenced by decreased COX2, IL-4 and increased IL-10 expression in ND-O compared to CTL-O. BDNF AR and ER expression increased in ND-O compared to CTL-O. Results of the study indicated that supraphysiological ND administration had no negative effect on learning and memory but may attenuate anxiety in older mice. In addition, ND administration in young adult mice may attenuate the inflammatory response during aging, which may be related to elevations in both AR and ER expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Zamir
- Department of Physical Therapy, School of Health Sciences, Ariel University, Israel
| | - T Ben Zeev
- Department of Physical Therapy, School of Health Sciences, Ariel University, Israel
| | - C Levi
- Department of Physical Therapy, School of Health Sciences, Ariel University, Israel
| | - O Einstein
- Department of Physical Therapy, School of Health Sciences, Ariel University, Israel
| | - N A Ratamess
- Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences, The College of New Jersey, USA
| | - H van Praag
- Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, USA
| | - J R Hoffman
- Department of Physical Therapy, School of Health Sciences, Ariel University, Israel.
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7
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Poiret C, Bouyeure A, Patil S, Grigis A, Duchesnay E, Faillot M, Bottlaender M, Lemaitre F, Noulhiane M. A fast and robust hippocampal subfields segmentation: HSF revealing lifespan volumetric dynamics. Front Neuroinform 2023; 17:1130845. [PMID: 37396459 PMCID: PMC10308024 DOI: 10.3389/fninf.2023.1130845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The hippocampal subfields, pivotal to episodic memory, are distinct both in terms of cyto- and myeloarchitectony. Studying the structure of hippocampal subfields in vivo is crucial to understand volumetric trajectories across the lifespan, from the emergence of episodic memory during early childhood to memory impairments found in older adults. However, segmenting hippocampal subfields on conventional MRI sequences is challenging because of their small size. Furthermore, there is to date no unified segmentation protocol for the hippocampal subfields, which limits comparisons between studies. Therefore, we introduced a novel segmentation tool called HSF short for hippocampal segmentation factory, which leverages an end-to-end deep learning pipeline. First, we validated HSF against currently used tools (ASHS, HIPS, and HippUnfold). Then, we used HSF on 3,750 subjects from the HCP development, young adults, and aging datasets to study the effect of age and sex on hippocampal subfields volumes. Firstly, we showed HSF to be closer to manual segmentation than other currently used tools (p < 0.001), regarding the Dice Coefficient, Hausdorff Distance, and Volumetric Similarity. Then, we showed differential maturation and aging across subfields, with the dentate gyrus being the most affected by age. We also found faster growth and decay in men than in women for most hippocampal subfields. Thus, while we introduced a new, fast and robust end-to-end segmentation tool, our neuroanatomical results concerning the lifespan trajectories of the hippocampal subfields reconcile previous conflicting results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clement Poiret
- UNIACT, NeuroSpin, CEA Paris-Saclay, Frederic Joliot Institute, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
- NeuroSpin, CEA Paris-Saclay, Frederic Joliot Institute, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
- InDEV, NeuroDiderot, Université Paris Cité, Inserm, Paris, France
| | - Antoine Bouyeure
- UNIACT, NeuroSpin, CEA Paris-Saclay, Frederic Joliot Institute, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
- NeuroSpin, CEA Paris-Saclay, Frederic Joliot Institute, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
- InDEV, NeuroDiderot, Université Paris Cité, Inserm, Paris, France
| | - Sandesh Patil
- UNIACT, NeuroSpin, CEA Paris-Saclay, Frederic Joliot Institute, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
- NeuroSpin, CEA Paris-Saclay, Frederic Joliot Institute, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
- InDEV, NeuroDiderot, Université Paris Cité, Inserm, Paris, France
| | - Antoine Grigis
- NeuroSpin, CEA Paris-Saclay, Frederic Joliot Institute, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
- InDEV, NeuroDiderot, Université Paris Cité, Inserm, Paris, France
| | - Edouard Duchesnay
- NeuroSpin, CEA Paris-Saclay, Frederic Joliot Institute, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
- InDEV, NeuroDiderot, Université Paris Cité, Inserm, Paris, France
| | - Matthieu Faillot
- NeuroSpin, CEA Paris-Saclay, Frederic Joliot Institute, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
- BioMaps, Service Hospitalier Frédéric Joliot, CNRS, Inserm, Université Paris-Saclay, Orsay, France
| | - Michel Bottlaender
- NeuroSpin, CEA Paris-Saclay, Frederic Joliot Institute, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
- BioMaps, Service Hospitalier Frédéric Joliot, CNRS, Inserm, Université Paris-Saclay, Orsay, France
| | - Frederic Lemaitre
- CETAPS EA 3832, Université de Rouen, Rouen, France
- CRIOBE, UAR 3278, CNRS-EPHE-UPVD, Mooréa, France
| | - Marion Noulhiane
- UNIACT, NeuroSpin, CEA Paris-Saclay, Frederic Joliot Institute, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
- NeuroSpin, CEA Paris-Saclay, Frederic Joliot Institute, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
- InDEV, NeuroDiderot, Université Paris Cité, Inserm, Paris, France
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Jiang M, Jang SE, Zeng L. The Effects of Extrinsic and Intrinsic Factors on Neurogenesis. Cells 2023; 12:cells12091285. [PMID: 37174685 PMCID: PMC10177620 DOI: 10.3390/cells12091285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
In the mammalian brain, neurogenesis is maintained throughout adulthood primarily in two typical niches, the subgranular zone (SGZ) of the dentate gyrus and the subventricular zone (SVZ) of the lateral ventricles and in other nonclassic neurogenic areas (e.g., the amygdala and striatum). During prenatal and early postnatal development, neural stem cells (NSCs) differentiate into neurons and migrate to appropriate areas such as the olfactory bulb where they integrate into existing neural networks; these phenomena constitute the multistep process of neurogenesis. Alterations in any of these processes impair neurogenesis and may even lead to brain dysfunction, including cognitive impairment and neurodegeneration. Here, we first summarize the main properties of mammalian neurogenic niches to describe the cellular and molecular mechanisms of neurogenesis. Accumulating evidence indicates that neurogenesis plays an integral role in neuronal plasticity in the brain and cognition in the postnatal period. Given that neurogenesis can be highly modulated by a number of extrinsic and intrinsic factors, we discuss the impact of extrinsic (e.g., alcohol) and intrinsic (e.g., hormones) modulators on neurogenesis. Additionally, we provide an overview of the contribution of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection to persistent neurological sequelae such as neurodegeneration, neurogenic defects and accelerated neuronal cell death. Together, our review provides a link between extrinsic/intrinsic factors and neurogenesis and explains the possible mechanisms of abnormal neurogenesis underlying neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Jiang
- Department of Human Anatomy, Dongguan Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Tissue Engineering, Dongguan Campus, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, China
| | - Se Eun Jang
- Neural Stem Cell Research Lab, Research Department, National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore 308433, Singapore
| | - Li Zeng
- Neural Stem Cell Research Lab, Research Department, National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore 308433, Singapore
- Neuroscience and Behavioral Disorders Program, DUKE-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technology University, Novena Campus, 11 Mandalay Road, Singapore 308232, Singapore
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Pinson A, Sevrin E, Chatzi C, Le Gac B, Thiry M, Westbrook GL, Parent AS. Induction of Oxidative Stress and Alteration of Synaptic Gene Expression in Newborn Hippocampal Granule Cells after Developmental Exposure to Aroclor 1254. Neuroendocrinology 2022; 113:1248-1261. [PMID: 36257292 PMCID: PMC10110769 DOI: 10.1159/000527576] [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: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hippocampal newborn neurons integrate into functional circuits where they play an important role in learning and memory. We previously showed that perinatal exposure to Aroclor 1254, a commercial mixture of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) associated with alterations of cognitive function in children, disrupted the normal maturation of excitatory synapses in the dentate gyrus. We hypothesized that hippocampal immature neurons underlie some of the cognitive effects of PCBs. METHODS We used newly generated neurons to examine the effects of PCBs in mice following maternal exposure. Newborn dentate granule cells were tagged with enhanced green fluorescent protein using a transgenic mouse line. The transcriptome of the newly generated granule cells was assessed using RNA sequencing. RESULTS Gestational and lactational exposure to 6 mg/kg/day of Aroclor 1254 disrupted the mRNA expression of 1,308 genes in newborn granule cells. Genes involved in mitochondrial functions were highly enriched with 154 genes significantly increased in exposed compared to control mice. The upregulation of genes involved in oxidative phosphorylation was accompanied by signs of endoplasmic reticulum stress and an increase in lipid peroxidation, a marker of oxidative stress, in the subgranular zone of the dentate gyrus but not in mature granule cells in the granular zone. Aroclor 1254 exposure also disrupted the expression of synaptic genes. Using laser-captured subgranular and granular zones, this effect was restricted to the subgranular zone, where newborn neurons are located. CONCLUSION Our data suggest that gene expression in newborn granule cells is disrupted by Aroclor 1254 and provide clues to the effects of endocrine-disrupting chemicals on the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anneline Pinson
- Neuroendocrinology Unit, GIGA-Neurosciences, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Elena Sevrin
- Neuroendocrinology Unit, GIGA-Neurosciences, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Christina Chatzi
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Benjamin Le Gac
- Neuroendocrinology Unit, GIGA-Neurosciences, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Marc Thiry
- Cellular and tissular biology, GIGA-Neurosciences, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Gary L Westbrook
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Anne-Simone Parent
- Neuroendocrinology Unit, GIGA-Neurosciences, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
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10
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Immature excitatory neurons in the amygdala come of age during puberty. Dev Cogn Neurosci 2022; 56:101133. [PMID: 35841648 PMCID: PMC9289873 DOI: 10.1016/j.dcn.2022.101133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The human amygdala is critical for emotional learning, valence coding, and complex social interactions, all of which mature throughout childhood, puberty, and adolescence. Across these ages, the amygdala paralaminar nucleus (PL) undergoes significant structural changes including increased numbers of mature neurons. The PL contains a large population of immature excitatory neurons at birth, some of which may continue to be born from local progenitors. These progenitors disappear rapidly in infancy, but the immature neurons persist throughout childhood and adolescent ages, indicating that they develop on a protracted timeline. Many of these late-maturing neurons settle locally within the PL, though a small subset appear to migrate into neighboring amygdala subnuclei. Despite its prominent growth during postnatal life and possible contributions to multiple amygdala circuits, the function of the PL remains unknown. PL maturation occurs predominately during late childhood and into puberty when sex hormone levels change. Sex hormones can promote developmental processes such as neuron migration, dendritic outgrowth, and synaptic plasticity, which appear to be ongoing in late-maturing PL neurons. Collectively, we describe how the growth of late-maturing neurons occurs in the right time and place to be relevant for amygdala functions and neuropsychiatric conditions.
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11
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Winek K, Tzur Y, Soreq H. Biological underpinnings of sex differences in neurological disorders. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2022; 164:27-67. [PMID: 36038206 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2022.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The importance of sex differences in neurological disorders has been increasingly acknowledged in recent clinical and basic research studies, but the complex biology and genetics underlying sex-linked biological heterogeneity and its brain-to-body impact remained incompletely understood. Men and women differ substantially in their susceptibility to certain neurological diseases, in the severity of symptoms, prognosis as well as the nature and efficacy of their response to treatments. The detailed mechanisms underlying these differences, especially at the molecular level, are being addressed in many studies but leave a lot to be further revealed. Here, we provide an overview of recent advances in our understanding of how sex differences in the brain and brain-body signaling contribute to neurological disorders and further present some future prospects entailed in terms of diagnostics and therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Winek
- The Edmond & Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel; The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Yonat Tzur
- The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Hermona Soreq
- The Edmond & Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel; The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel.
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12
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Bispo JMM, Melo JEC, Gois AM, Medeiros KAAL, Silva RS, Leal PC, Franco HS, Souza MF, Lins LCRF, Ribeiro AM, Silva RH, Santos JR. Testosterone propionate improves motor alterations and dopaminergic damage in the reserpine-induced progressive model of Parkinson's disease. Brain Res Bull 2022; 187:162-168. [PMID: 35781030 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2022.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a chronic and progressive neurodegenerative disorder with a higher susceptibility to occur in men. Studies suggest that this susceptibility is related to the hormonal differences observed between men and women, being a risk factor for PD. In addition, testosterone supplementation has shown controversial results in animal models of PD and parkinsonian patients. This study evaluated the effect of chronic administration of testosterone propionate (TP) on motor behavior and neurochemical parameters in the reserpine-induced rat model of parkinsonism. Male Wistar rats received 15 injections of reserpine (RES - 0.1 mg/kg) every other day and were concomitantly treated with different doses (0.1, 1.0, or 5.0 mg/kg) of daily TP for 30 days. The rats were euthanized 48 h after the 15th injection of RES or vehicle. Brains were removed and subjected to Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunohistochemistry. TP at 1.0 mg/kg reduced the damages caused by reserpine in the vacuous chewing and tong protrusion behaviors and prevented dopaminergic damage in the SNpc, VTA, and Striatum. TP at 5.0 mg/kg reduced the damages caused by reserpine in the catalepsy and tong protrusion behaviors, prevented the weight loss, and prevented dopaminergic damage in the VTA. Our results suggest that chronic administration of TP has a protective effect in a rat model of parkinsonism, improving motor alterations and dopamine depletion induced by RES.
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Affiliation(s)
- José M M Bispo
- Behavioral and Evolutionary Neurobiology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences, Federal University of Sergipe, Itabaiana, SE, Brazil.
| | - João E C Melo
- Behavioral and Evolutionary Neurobiology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences, Federal University of Sergipe, Itabaiana, SE, Brazil.
| | - Auderlan M Gois
- Behavioral and Evolutionary Neurobiology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences, Federal University of Sergipe, Itabaiana, SE, Brazil.
| | - Katty A A L Medeiros
- Behavioral and Evolutionary Neurobiology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences, Federal University of Sergipe, Itabaiana, SE, Brazil.
| | - Rodolfo Santos Silva
- Behavioral and Evolutionary Neurobiology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences, Federal University of Sergipe, Itabaiana, SE, Brazil.
| | - Pollyana C Leal
- Behavioral and Evolutionary Neurobiology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences, Federal University of Sergipe, Itabaiana, SE, Brazil; Graduate Program in Dentistry / Federal University of Sergipe, Aracaju, SE, Brazil.
| | - Heitor S Franco
- Behavioral and Evolutionary Neurobiology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences, Federal University of Sergipe, Itabaiana, SE, Brazil.
| | - Marina F Souza
- Behavioral and Evolutionary Neurobiology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences, Federal University of Sergipe, Itabaiana, SE, Brazil.
| | - Lívia C R F Lins
- Department of Physiology, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão, SE, Brazil.
| | | | - Regina H Silva
- Department of Pharmacology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - José R Santos
- Behavioral and Evolutionary Neurobiology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences, Federal University of Sergipe, Itabaiana, SE, Brazil.
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Xie WS, Shehzadi K, Ma HL, Liang JH. A Potential Strategy for Treatment of Neurodegenerative Disorders by Regulation of Adult Hippocampal Neurogenesis in Human Brain. Curr Med Chem 2022; 29:5315-5347. [DOI: 10.2174/0929867329666220509114232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Abstract:
Adult hippocampal neurogenesis is a multistage mechanism that continues throughout the lifespan of human and non-human mammals. These adult-born neurons in the central nervous system (CNS) play a significant role in various hippocampus-dependent processes, including learning, mood regulation, pattern recognition, etc. Reduction of adult hippocampal neurogenesis, caused by multiple factors such as neurological disorders and aging, would impair neuronal proliferation and differentiation and result in memory loss. Accumulating studies have indicated that functional neuron impairment could be restored by promoting adult hippocampal neurogenesis. In this review, we summarized the small molecules that could efficiently promote the process of adult neurogenesis, particularly the agents that have the capacity of crossing the blood-brain barrier (BBB), and showed in vivo efficacy in mammalian brains. This may pave the way for the rational design of drugs to treat humnan neurodegenerative disorders in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Song Xie
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecule Science and Pharmaceutics Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 102488, China
| | - Kiran Shehzadi
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecule Science and Pharmaceutics Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 102488, China
| | - Hong-Le Ma
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecule Science and Pharmaceutics Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 102488, China
| | - Jian-Hua Liang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecule Science and Pharmaceutics Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 102488, China
- Yangtze Delta Region Academy of Beijing Institute of Technology, Jiaxing 314019, China
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14
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Kuwahara N, Nicholson K, Isaacs L, MacLusky NJ. Androgen Effects on Neural Plasticity. ANDROGENS: CLINICAL RESEARCH AND THERAPEUTICS 2021; 2:216-230. [PMID: 35024693 PMCID: PMC8744448 DOI: 10.1089/andro.2021.0022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Androgens are synthesized in the brain, gonads, and adrenal glands, in both sexes, exerting physiologically important effects on the structure and function of the central nervous system. These effects may contribute to the incidence and progression of neurological disorders such as autism spectrum disorder, schizophrenia, and Alzheimer's disease, which occur at different rates in males and females. This review briefly summarizes the current state of knowledge with respect to the neuroplastic effects of androgens, with particular emphasis on the hippocampus, which has been the focus of much of the research in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nariko Kuwahara
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Kate Nicholson
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Lauren Isaacs
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Neil J. MacLusky
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada
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Hodges TE, Puri TA, Blankers SA, Qiu W, Galea LAM. Steroid hormones and hippocampal neurogenesis in the adult mammalian brain. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2021; 118:129-170. [PMID: 35180925 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2021.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Hippocampal neurogenesis persists across the lifespan in many species, including rodents and humans, and is associated with cognitive performance and the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disease and psychiatric disorders. Neurogenesis is modulated by steroid hormones that change across development and differ between the sexes in rodents and humans. Here, we discuss the effects of stress and glucocorticoid exposure from gestation to adulthood as well as the effects of androgens and estrogens in adulthood on neurogenesis in the hippocampus. Throughout the review we highlight sex differences in the effects of steroid hormones on neurogenesis and how they may relate to hippocampal function and disease. These data highlight the importance of examining age and sex when evaluating the effects of steroid hormones on hippocampal neurogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Travis E Hodges
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Tanvi A Puri
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Samantha A Blankers
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Wansu Qiu
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Liisa A M Galea
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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16
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Hippocampal neuropathology in suicide: Gaps in our knowledge and opportunities for a breakthrough. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 132:542-552. [PMID: 34906612 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.12.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Suicide is a major global hazard. There is a need for increasing suicide awareness and effective and evidence-based interventions, targeting both suicidal ideation and conduct. However, anti-suicide pharmacological effects are unsatisfactory. The human hippocampus is vulnerable to neuropsychiatric damages and subsequently releases psychobiological signals. Human hippocampal studies of suicide completers have shown mechanistic changes in neurobiology, which, however, could not reflect the neuropathological 'fingerprints' of fatal suicide ideations and suicide attempts. In this review, we provide several leading theories of suicide, including the serotoninergic system, Wnt pathway and brain-derived neurotrophic factor/tropomyosin receptor kinase B signalling, and discuss the evidence for their roles in suicide and treatment. Moreover, the cognitive dysfunctions associated with suicide risk are discussed, as well as the novel evidence on cognitive therapies that decrease suicidal ideation. We highlight the need to apply multi-omics techniques (including single-nucleus RNA sequencing and mass spectrometry histochemistry) on hippocampal samples from donors who died by suicide or legal euthanasia, to clarify the aetiology of suicide and propose novel therapeutic strategies.
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Blankers SA, Galea LA. Androgens and Adult Neurogenesis in the Hippocampus. ANDROGENS: CLINICAL RESEARCH AND THERAPEUTICS 2021; 2:203-215. [PMID: 35024692 PMCID: PMC8744005 DOI: 10.1089/andro.2021.0016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Adult neurogenesis in the hippocampus is modulated by steroid hormones, including androgens, in male rodents. In this review, we summarize research showing that chronic exposure to androgens, such as testosterone and dihydrotestosterone, enhances the survival of new neurons in the dentate gyrus of male, but not female, rodents, via the androgen receptor. However, the neurogenesis promoting the effect of androgens in the dentate gyrus may be limited to younger adulthood as it is not evident in middle-aged male rodents. Although direct exposure to androgens in adult or middle age does not significantly influence neurogenesis in female rodents, the aromatase inhibitor letrozole enhances neurogenesis in the hippocampus of middle-aged female mice. Unlike other androgens, androgenic anabolic steroids reduce neurogenesis in the hippocampus of male rodents. Collectively, the research indicates that the ability of androgens to enhance hippocampal neurogenesis in adult rodents is dependent on dose, androgen type, sex, duration, and age. We discuss these findings and how androgens may be influencing neuroprotection, via neurogenesis in the hippocampus, in the context of health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha A. Blankers
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Liisa A.M. Galea
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- Department of Psychology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
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18
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Pillerová M, Borbélyová V, Hodosy J, Riljak V, Renczés E, Frick KM, Tóthová Ľ. On the role of sex steroids in biological functions by classical and non-classical pathways. An update. Front Neuroendocrinol 2021; 62:100926. [PMID: 34089761 PMCID: PMC8523217 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2021.100926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 05/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
The sex steroid hormones (SSHs) play several roles in regulation of various processes in the cardiovascular, immune, muscular and neural systems. SSHs affect prenatal and postnatal development of various brain structures, including regions associated with important physiological, behavioral, cognitive, and emotional functions. This action can be mediated by either intracellular or transmembrane receptors. While the classical mechanisms of SSHs action are relatively well examined, the physiological importance of non-classical mechanism of SSHs action through membrane-associated and transmembrane receptors in the brain remains unclear. The most recent summary describing the role of SSHs in different body systems is lacking. Therefore, the aim of this review is to discuss classical and non-classical signaling pathways of testosterone and estradiol action via their receptors at functional, cellular, tissue level and to describe the effects on various body systems and behavior. Particular emphasis will be on brain regions including the hippocampus, hypothalamus, frontal cortex and cerebellum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Pillerová
- Institute of Molecular Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Veronika Borbélyová
- Institute of Molecular Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Július Hodosy
- Institute of Molecular Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Vladimír Riljak
- Institute of Physiology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Emese Renczés
- Institute of Molecular Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Karyn M Frick
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Ľubomíra Tóthová
- Institute of Molecular Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia.
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19
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Carrizo E, Domini J, Quezada RYJ, Serra SV, Soria EA, Miranda AR. [Variations of the cognitive status in the puerperium and their determinants: a narrative review]. CIENCIA & SAUDE COLETIVA 2021; 25:3321-3334. [PMID: 32785563 DOI: 10.1590/1413-81232020258.26232018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2018] [Accepted: 11/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The neurobiological modifications that women experience during the puerperium, together with the consequent psychosocial changes, lead to variations in cognitive functions. In order to describe the cognitive variations that occur during postpartum and the determining factors, a narrative review was conducted by means of a bibliographic search in PubMed and Google Scholar. A steady increase in the number of published works was located (PubMed = 186; Google Scholar = 26,730). The analysis of the articles made it possible to: a) characterize the cognitive functions during the puerperium; b) analyze the neuropsychological effects produced by the endocrinological and anatomophysiological changes; c) analyze the effect of the quality of sleep on cognition; d) analyze cognitive functions according to obstetric experiences. In conclusion, puerperal women are characterized by variations in their cognitive functions, which are determined by structural, functional, psychological and social changes. It is necessary to conduct neuropsychological research in this population, since postpartum care still focuses on the care of the newborn, without addressing the puerperal woman in a comprehensive manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugenia Carrizo
- Escuela de Fonoaudiología, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Av. La Reforma, Ciudad Universitaria. 5014 Córdoba Argentina.
| | - Julia Domini
- Escuela de Fonoaudiología, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Av. La Reforma, Ciudad Universitaria. 5014 Córdoba Argentina.
| | - Ruth Yohana Julieta Quezada
- Escuela de Fonoaudiología, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Av. La Reforma, Ciudad Universitaria. 5014 Córdoba Argentina.
| | - Silvana Valeria Serra
- Escuela de Fonoaudiología, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Av. La Reforma, Ciudad Universitaria. 5014 Córdoba Argentina.
| | - Elio Andrés Soria
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Córdoba Argentina
| | - Agustín Ramiro Miranda
- Escuela de Fonoaudiología, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Av. La Reforma, Ciudad Universitaria. 5014 Córdoba Argentina.
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Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (Gnrh) Triggers Neurogenesis in the Hypothalamus of Adult Zebrafish. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22115926. [PMID: 34072957 PMCID: PMC8198740 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, it has been shown in adult mammals that the hypothalamus can generate new cells in response to metabolic changes, and tanycytes, putative descendants of radial glia, can give rise to neurons. Previously we have shown in vitro that neurospheres generated from the hypothalamus of adult zebrafish show increased neurogenesis in response to exogenously applied hormones. To determine whether adult zebrafish have a hormone-responsive tanycyte-like population in the hypothalamus, we characterized proliferative domains within this region. Here we show that the parvocellular nucleus of the preoptic region (POA) labels with neurogenic/tanycyte markers vimentin, GFAP/Zrf1, and Sox2, but these cells are generally non-proliferative. In contrast, Sox2+ proliferative cells in the ventral POA did not express vimentin and GFAP/Zrf1. A subset of the Sox2+ cells co-localized with Fezf2:GFP, a transcription factor important for neuroendocrine cell specification. Exogenous treatments of GnRH and testosterone were assayed in vivo. While the testosterone-treated animals showed no significant changes in proliferation, the GnRH-treated animals showed significant increases in the number of BrdU-labeled cells and Sox2+ cells. Thus, cells in the proliferative domains of the zebrafish POA do not express radial glia (tanycyte) markers vimentin and GFAP/Zrf1, and yet, are responsive to exogenously applied GnRH treatment.
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Almaguer-Mederos LE, Aguilera-Rodríguez R, Almaguer-Gotay D, Hechavarría-Barzaga K, Álvarez-Sosa A, Chapman-Rodríguez Y, Silva-Ricardo Y, González-Zaldivar Y, Vázquez-Mojena Y, Cuello-Almarales D, Rodríguez-Estupiñán A. Testosterone Levels Are Decreased and Associated with Disease Duration in Male Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 2 Patients. THE CEREBELLUM 2021; 19:597-604. [PMID: 32440846 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-020-01134-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder due to an unstable expansion of a CAG repeat in the ATXN2 gene. Despite clinical and experimental evidence indicating the relevance of the gonadotropic axis to the prognosis and therapeutics for several late-onset neurodegenerative disorders, its functioning and association with disease severity have not been previously explored in SCA2. To assess serum levels of testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and their clinical relevance in SCA2 patients. A case-control study involving 94 Cuban SCA2 patients and 101 gender- and age-matched healthy controls was conducted. Testosterone, LH, and FSH serum levels were determined by radioimmunoassay or immunoradiometric assay systems. Clinical outcomes included age at onset, disease duration, Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA) score, and progression rate. Univariate general linear models were generated. Testosterone, LH, and FSH serum levels were significantly reduced in male SCA2 patients relative to control individuals. On average, there was a 35% reduction in testosterone levels in male patients versus male control individuals. Testosterone levels were associated with disease duration (r = 0.383; p = 0.025) and age at onset (r = 0.414; p = 0.011) in male SCA2 patients, but no association was observed between testosterone and CAG expansion size, SARA score, or progression rate. Testosterone levels might be a biomarker of disease progression in male SCA2 patients. Further studies are needed to explore the effects of low testosterone levels on non-motor symptoms, and to assess the potential of testosterone replacement therapy in male SCA2 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis E Almaguer-Mederos
- Center for the Investigation and Rehabilitation of Hereditary Ataxias (CIRAH), Holguin, Cuba.
| | - Raúl Aguilera-Rodríguez
- Center for the Investigation and Rehabilitation of Hereditary Ataxias (CIRAH), Holguin, Cuba
| | - Dennis Almaguer-Gotay
- Center for the Investigation and Rehabilitation of Hereditary Ataxias (CIRAH), Holguin, Cuba
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Yaimé Vázquez-Mojena
- Center for the Investigation and Rehabilitation of Hereditary Ataxias (CIRAH), Holguin, Cuba
| | - Dany Cuello-Almarales
- Center for the Investigation and Rehabilitation of Hereditary Ataxias (CIRAH), Holguin, Cuba
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22
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Hoffman JR, Zuckerman A, Ram O, Sadot O, Cohen H. Changes in Hippocampal Androgen Receptor Density and Behavior in Sprague-Dawley Male Rats Exposed to a Low-Pressure Blast Wave. Brain Plast 2020; 5:135-145. [PMID: 33282677 PMCID: PMC7685673 DOI: 10.3233/bpl-200107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of exposure of a low-intensity blast wave on androgen receptor (AR) density in the hippocampus and the potential influence on behavioral and cognitive responses. Methods Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to either a blast exposed group (n = 27) or an unexposed (control) group (n = 10). Animals were treated identically, except that rats within the control group were not exposed to any of the characteristics of the blast wave. Behavior measures were conducted on day seven post-exposure. The rats were initially assessed in the elevated plus maze followed by the acoustic startle response paradigm. Spatial memory performance using the Morris water-maze test was assessed at 8-days post-exposure, for seven consecutive days. Following all behavioral tests AR immunofluorescence staining was performed in different hippocampal subregions. Results A significant elevation in anxiety index (p < 0.001) and impaired learning (p < 0.015) and spatial memory (p < 0.0015) were noted in exposed rats. In addition, a significant attenuation of the AR was noted in the CA1 (p = 0.006) and dentate gyrus (p = 0.031) subregions of the hippocampus in blast exposed animals. Correlational analyses revealed significant associations between AR and both anxiety index (r = -.36, p = 0.031) and memory (r = -0.38, p = 0.019). Conclusions The results of this study demonstrate that exposure to a low-pressure blast wave resulted in a decrease in AR density, which was associated with significant behavioral and cognitive changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jay R Hoffman
- Department of Physical Therapy, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
| | - Amitai Zuckerman
- Anxiety and Stress Research Unit, Beer-Sheva Mental Health Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, Division of Psychiatry, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Omri Ram
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Oren Sadot
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Ben-Gurion University, Israel
| | - Hagit Cohen
- Anxiety and Stress Research Unit, Beer-Sheva Mental Health Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, Division of Psychiatry, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
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23
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Jorgensen C, Wang Z. Hormonal Regulation of Mammalian Adult Neurogenesis: A Multifaceted Mechanism. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10081151. [PMID: 32781670 PMCID: PMC7465680 DOI: 10.3390/biom10081151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Adult neurogenesis—resulting in adult-generated functioning, integrated neurons—is still one of the most captivating research areas of neuroplasticity. The addition of new neurons in adulthood follows a seemingly consistent multi-step process. These neurogenic stages include proliferation, differentiation, migration, maturation/survival, and integration of new neurons into the existing neuronal network. Most studies assessing the impact of exogenous (e.g., restraint stress) or endogenous (e.g., neurotrophins) factors on adult neurogenesis have focused on proliferation, survival, and neuronal differentiation. This review will discuss the multifaceted impact of hormones on these various stages of adult neurogenesis. Specifically, we will review the evidence for hormonal facilitation (via gonadal hormones), inhibition (via glucocorticoids), and neuroprotection (via recruitment of other neurochemicals such as neurotrophin and neuromodulators) on newly adult-generated neurons in the mammalian brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Jorgensen
- Behavioral Science Department, Utah Valley University, Orem, UT 84058, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Zuoxin Wang
- Psychology Department and Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA;
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Camacho-Arroyo I, Piña-Medina AG, Bello-Alvarez C, Zamora-Sánchez CJ. Sex hormones and proteins involved in brain plasticity. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2020; 114:145-165. [PMID: 32723542 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2020.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
It is well known that peripheral sex steroid hormones cross the blood-brain barrier and control a broad spectrum of reproductive behaviors. However, their role in other essential brain functions was investigated since the 1980s, when the accumulation of pregnenolone and dehydroepiandrosterone in the brain of mammalian species was determined. Since then, numerous studies have demonstrated the participation of sex hormones in brain plasticity processes. Sex hormones through both genomic and non-genomic mechanisms of action are capable of inducing gene transcription or activating signaling cascades that result in the promotion of different physiological and pathological events of brain plasticity, such as remodeling or formation of dendritic spines, neurogenesis, synaptogenesis or myelination. In this chapter, we will present the effects of sex hormones and proteins involved in brain plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ignacio Camacho-Arroyo
- Unidad de Investigación en Reproducción Humana, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología-Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Mexico City, Mexico.
| | - Ana Gabriela Piña-Medina
- Facultad de Química, Departamento de Biología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Ciudad de México, México
| | - Claudia Bello-Alvarez
- Unidad de Investigación en Reproducción Humana, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología-Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Carmen J Zamora-Sánchez
- Unidad de Investigación en Reproducción Humana, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología-Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Mexico City, Mexico
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Abi-Ghanem C, Robison LS, Zuloaga KL. Androgens' effects on cerebrovascular function in health and disease. Biol Sex Differ 2020; 11:35. [PMID: 32605602 PMCID: PMC7328272 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-020-00309-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Androgens affect the cerebral vasculature and may contribute to sex differences in cerebrovascular diseases. Men are at a greater risk for stroke and vascular contributions to cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID) compared to women throughout much of the lifespan. The cerebral vasculature is a target for direct androgen actions, as it expresses several sex steroid receptors and metabolizing enzymes. Androgens’ actions on the cerebral vasculature are complex, as they have been shown to have both protective and detrimental effects, depending on factors such as age, dose, and disease state. When administered chronically, androgens are shown to be pro-angiogenic, promote vasoconstriction, and influence blood-brain barrier permeability. In addition to these direct effects of androgens on the cerebral vasculature, androgens also influence other vascular risk factors that may contribute to sex differences in cerebrovascular diseases. In men, low androgen levels have been linked to metabolic and cardiovascular diseases including hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and obesity, which greatly increase the risk of stroke and VCID. Thus, a better understanding of androgens’ interactions with the cerebral vasculature under physiological and pathological conditions is of key importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charly Abi-Ghanem
- Department of Neuroscience & Experimental Therapeutics, Albany Medical College, 47 New Scotland Avenue, MC-136, Albany, NY, 12208, USA
| | - Lisa S Robison
- Department of Neuroscience & Experimental Therapeutics, Albany Medical College, 47 New Scotland Avenue, MC-136, Albany, NY, 12208, USA
| | - Kristen L Zuloaga
- Department of Neuroscience & Experimental Therapeutics, Albany Medical College, 47 New Scotland Avenue, MC-136, Albany, NY, 12208, USA.
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26
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Sundermann EE, Panizzon MS, Chen X, Andrews M, Galasko D, Banks SJ. Sex differences in Alzheimer's-related Tau biomarkers and a mediating effect of testosterone. Biol Sex Differ 2020; 11:33. [PMID: 32560743 PMCID: PMC7304096 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-020-00310-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Women show greater pathological Tau biomarkers than men along the Alzheimer's disease (AD) continuum, particularly among apolipoprotein ε-E4 (APOE4) carriers; however, the reason for this sex difference in unknown. Sex differences often indicate an underlying role of sex hormones. We examined whether testosterone levels might influence this sex difference and the modifying role of APOE4 status. Analyses included 172 participants (25 cognitively normal, 97 mild cognitive impairment, 50 AD participants) from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (34% female, 54% APOE4 carriers, aged 55-90). We examined the separate and interactive effects of plasma testosterone levels and APOE4 on cerebrospinal fluid phosphorylated-tau181 (p-Tau) levels in the overall sample and the sex difference in p-Tau levels before and after adjusting for testosterone. A significant APOE4-by-testosterone interaction revealed that lower testosterone levels related to higher p-Tau levels among APOE4 carriers regardless of sex. As expected, women had higher p-Tau levels than men among APOE4 carriers only, yet this difference was eliminated upon adjustment for testosterone. Results suggest that testosterone is protective against p-Tau particularly among APOE4 carriers. The lower testosterone levels that typically characterize women may predispose them to pathological Tau, particularly among female APOE4 carriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin E. Sundermann
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, CA 92093 USA
| | - Matthew S. Panizzon
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, CA 92093 USA
| | - Xu Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, CA 92093 USA
| | - Murray Andrews
- Department of Neuroscience, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr, La Jolla, CA 92093 USA
| | - Douglas Galasko
- Department of Neuroscience, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr, La Jolla, CA 92093 USA
| | - Sarah J. Banks
- Department of Neuroscience, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr, La Jolla, CA 92093 USA
| | - for the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, CA 92093 USA
- Department of Neuroscience, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr, La Jolla, CA 92093 USA
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Kase Y, Shimazaki T, Okano H. Current understanding of adult neurogenesis in the mammalian brain: how does adult neurogenesis decrease with age? Inflamm Regen 2020; 40:10. [PMID: 32566044 PMCID: PMC7302355 DOI: 10.1186/s41232-020-00122-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Adult neurogenesis occurs throughout life in restricted brain regions in mammals. However, the number of neural stem cells (NSCs) that generate new neurons steadily decreases with age, resulting in a decrease in neurogenesis. Transplantation of mesenchymal cells or cultured NSCs has been studied as a promising treatment in models of several brain injuries including cerebral infarction and cerebral contusion. Considering the problems of host-versus-graft reactions and the tumorigenicity of transplanted cells, the mobilization of endogenous adult NSCs should be more feasible for the treatment of these brain injuries. However, the number of adult NSCs in the adult brain is limited, and their mitotic potential is low. Here, we outline what we know to date about why the number of NSCs and adult neurogenesis decrease with age. We also discuss issues applicable to regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshitaka Kase
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582 Japan.,Department of Geriatric Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655 Japan
| | - Takuya Shimazaki
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582 Japan
| | - Hideyuki Okano
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582 Japan
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Jiménez-Rubio G, Herrera-Pérez JJ, Martínez-Becerril HA, Márquez-Baltazar MS, Martínez-Mota L. Age-dependent effects of testosterone on spatial memory in male rats. Horm Behav 2020; 122:104748. [PMID: 32222529 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2020.104748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Revised: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Decreased spatial memory is common in aging populations and reduces their quality of life. Although its role is still controversial, low testosterone (T) may contribute to impaired cognition in aged men. This study aimed to identify the role of T in age-related deficiencies in spatial memory among male rats. Young adult (3 months old) and aged (21 months old) Wistar rats were assigned to independent groups: intact, orchidectomized, or orchidectomized + subcutaneous pellets of T propionate. The phases of spatial memory acquisition (4 daily trials/4 days) and spatial memory retention (1 trial/day, 3 and 12 days after acquisition) were evaluated using the Barnes maze. Compared with young adults, aged intact rats took longer to find the goal, made more mistakes, and showed only slight improvements in goal sector exploration across the acquisition period. The young orchidectomized rats showed no improvement in performance over the days during the acquisition phase. T treatment in hormonally deprived old rats produced a small improvement in goal sector exploration and number of errors during the acquisition phase. Meanwhile, in young adults, this treatment improved the goal sector searching in the retention phase (12 days after acquisition training). Our results suggested that age-related spatial memory deficits cannot be entirely explained by the decline in T levels; however, this androgen produced subtle and mild beneficial effects on spatial memory in young and old males. Taken together, our findings suggest age differences in the role of T on spatial memory in males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graciela Jiménez-Rubio
- Laboratorio de Farmacología Conductual, Dirección de Investigaciones en Neurociencias, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, Calzada México-Xochimilco 101, Col. San Lorenzo Huipulco, Delegación Tlalpan, 14370 Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - José Jaime Herrera-Pérez
- Laboratorio de Farmacología Conductual, Dirección de Investigaciones en Neurociencias, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, Calzada México-Xochimilco 101, Col. San Lorenzo Huipulco, Delegación Tlalpan, 14370 Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Hilda Angélica Martínez-Becerril
- Laboratorio de Farmacología Conductual, Dirección de Investigaciones en Neurociencias, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, Calzada México-Xochimilco 101, Col. San Lorenzo Huipulco, Delegación Tlalpan, 14370 Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Martín Sergio Márquez-Baltazar
- Laboratorio de Farmacología Conductual, Dirección de Investigaciones en Neurociencias, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, Calzada México-Xochimilco 101, Col. San Lorenzo Huipulco, Delegación Tlalpan, 14370 Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Lucía Martínez-Mota
- Laboratorio de Farmacología Conductual, Dirección de Investigaciones en Neurociencias, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, Calzada México-Xochimilco 101, Col. San Lorenzo Huipulco, Delegación Tlalpan, 14370 Ciudad de México, Mexico.
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29
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Low KL, Tomm RJ, Ma C, Tobiansky DJ, Floresco SB, Soma KK. Effects of aging on testosterone and androgen receptors in the mesocorticolimbic system of male rats. Horm Behav 2020; 120:104689. [PMID: 31954104 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2020.104689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2019] [Revised: 11/23/2019] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
As males age, systemic testosterone (T) levels decline. T regulates executive function, a collection of cognitive processes that are mediated by the mesocorticolimbic system. Here, we examined young adult (5 months) and aged (22 months) male Fischer 344 × Brown Norway rats, and measured systemic T levels in serum and local T levels in microdissected nodes of the mesocorticolimbic system (ventral tegmental area (VTA), nucleus accumbens (NAc), medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), and orbitofrontal cortex (OFC)). We also measured androgen receptor (AR) immunoreactivity (-ir) in the mesocorticolimbic system. As expected, systemic T levels decreased with age. Local T levels in mesocorticolimbic regions - except the VTA - also decreased with age. Mesocorticolimbic T levels were higher than serum T levels at both ages. AR-ir was present in the VTA, NAc, mPFC, and OFC and decreased with age in the mPFC. Taken together with previous results, the data suggest that changes in androgen signaling may contribute to changes in executive function during aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katelyn L Low
- Department of Psychology and Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Ryan J Tomm
- Department of Psychology and Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Chunqi Ma
- Department of Psychology and Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Daniel J Tobiansky
- Department of Psychology and Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Stan B Floresco
- Department of Psychology and Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Kiran K Soma
- Department of Psychology and Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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30
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Spritzer MD, Roy EA. Testosterone and Adult Neurogenesis. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10020225. [PMID: 32028656 PMCID: PMC7072323 DOI: 10.3390/biom10020225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Revised: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
It is now well established that neurogenesis occurs throughout adulthood in select brain regions, but the functional significance of adult neurogenesis remains unclear. There is considerable evidence that steroid hormones modulate various stages of adult neurogenesis, and this review provides a focused summary of the effects of testosterone on adult neurogenesis. Initial evidence came from field studies with birds and wild rodent populations. Subsequent experiments with laboratory rodents have tested the effects of testosterone and its steroid metabolites upon adult neurogenesis, as well as the functional consequences of induced changes in neurogenesis. These experiments have provided clear evidence that testosterone increases adult neurogenesis within the dentate gyrus region of the hippocampus through an androgen-dependent pathway. Most evidence indicates that androgens selectively enhance the survival of newly generated neurons, while having little effect on cell proliferation. Whether this is a result of androgens acting directly on receptors of new neurons remains unclear, and indirect routes involving brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and glucocorticoids may be involved. In vitro experiments suggest that testosterone has broad-ranging neuroprotective effects, which will be briefly reviewed. A better understanding of the effects of testosterone upon adult neurogenesis could shed light on neurological diseases that show sex differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark D. Spritzer
- Department of Biology, Middlebury College, Middlebury, VT 05753, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: 802-443-5676
| | - Ethan A. Roy
- Graduate School of Education, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA;
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Prolactin, Estradiol and Testosterone Differentially Impact Human Hippocampal Neurogenesis in an In Vitro Model. Neuroscience 2020; 454:15-39. [PMID: 31930958 PMCID: PMC7839971 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2019.12.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Revised: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Human hippocampal progenitor cells (HPCs) and tissue express classical sex hormone receptors. Prolactin does not impact human HPCs maintained in a proliferative state. Prolactin increases neuronal differentiation of human HPCs only in the short term. Estradiol and testosterone both increase the cell density of proliferating HPCs. Estradiol and testosterone have no observed effect on differentiating HPCs.
Previous studies have indicated that sex hormones such as prolactin, estradiol and testosterone may play a role in the modulation of adult hippocampal neurogenesis (AHN) in rodents and non-human primates, but so far there has been no investigation of their impact on human hippocampal neurogenesis. Here, we quantify the expression levels of the relevant receptors in human post-mortem hippocampal tissue and a human hippocampal progenitor cell (HPC) line. Secondly, we investigate how these hormones modulate hippocampal neurogenesis using a human in vitro cellular model. Human female HPCs were cultured with biologically relevant concentrations of either prolactin, estradiol or testosterone. Bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation, immunocytochemistry (ICC) and high-throughput analyses were used to quantify markers determining cell fate after HPCs were either maintained in a proliferative state or allowed to differentiate in the presence of these hormones. In proliferating cells, estrogen and testosterone increased cell density but had no clear effect on markers of proliferation or cell death to account for this. In differentiating cells, a 3-day treatment of prolactin elicited a transient effect, whereby it increased the proportion of microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP2)-positive and Doublecortin (DCX)-positive cells, but this effect was not apparent after 7-days. At this timepoint we instead observe a decrease in proliferation. Overall, our study demonstrates relatively minor, and possibly short-term effects of sex hormones on hippocampal neurogenesis in human cells. Further work will be needed to understand if our results differ to previous animal research due to species-specific differences, or whether it relates to limitations of our in vitro model.
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32
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Hillerer KM, Slattery DA, Pletzer B. Neurobiological mechanisms underlying sex-related differences in stress-related disorders: Effects of neuroactive steroids on the hippocampus. Front Neuroendocrinol 2019; 55:100796. [PMID: 31580837 PMCID: PMC7115954 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2019.100796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2018] [Revised: 09/26/2019] [Accepted: 09/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Men and women differ in their vulnerability to a variety of stress-related illnesses, but the underlying neurobiological mechanisms are not well understood. This is likely due to a comparative dearth of neurobiological studies that assess male and female rodents at the same time, while human neuroimaging studies often don't model sex as a variable of interest. These sex differences are often attributed to the actions of sex hormones, i.e. estrogens, progestogens and androgens. In this review, we summarize the results on sex hormone actions in the hippocampus and seek to bridge the gap between animal models and findings in humans. However, while effects of sex hormones on the hippocampus are largely consistent in animals and humans, methodological differences challenge the comparability of animal and human studies on stress effects. We summarise our current understanding of the neurobiological mechanisms that underlie sex-related differences in behavior and discuss implications for stress-related illnesses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina M Hillerer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Salzburger Landeskrankenhaus (SALK), Paracelsus Medical University (PMU), Clinical Research Center Salzburg (CRCS), Salzburg, Austria.
| | - David A Slattery
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Belinda Pletzer
- Department of Psychology, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria; Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
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Duarte-Guterman P, Lieblich SE, Wainwright SR, Chow C, Chaiton JA, Watson NV, Galea LAM. Androgens Enhance Adult Hippocampal Neurogenesis in Males but Not Females in an Age-Dependent Manner. Endocrinology 2019; 160:2128-2136. [PMID: 31219567 PMCID: PMC6736050 DOI: 10.1210/en.2019-00114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2019] [Accepted: 05/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Androgens (testosterone and DHT) increase adult hippocampal neurogenesis by increasing survival of new neurons in male rats and mice via an androgen receptor pathway, but it is not known whether androgens regulate neurogenesis in female rats and whether the effect is age-dependent. We investigated the effects of DHT, a potent androgen, on neurogenesis in young adult and middle-aged male and female rats. Rats were gonadectomized and injected with the DNA synthesis marker bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU). The following day, rats began receiving daily injections of oil or DHT for 30 days. We evaluated cell proliferation (Ki67) and survival of new neurons (BrdU and BrdU/NeuN) in the hippocampus of male and female rats by using immunohistochemistry. As expected, DHT increased the number of BrdU+ cells in young males but surprisingly not in middle-aged males or in young and middle-aged females. In middle age, DHT increased the proportion of BrdU/NeuN cells, an effect driven by females. Androgen receptor expression also increased with aging in both female and male rats, which may contribute to a lack of DHT neurogenic effect in middle age. Our results indicate that DHT regulates adult hippocampal neurogenesis in a sex- and age-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Duarte-Guterman
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health and Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Stephanie E Lieblich
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health and Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Steven R Wainwright
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health and Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Carmen Chow
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health and Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Jessica A Chaiton
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health and Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Neil V Watson
- Department of Psychology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Liisa A M Galea
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health and Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Correspondence: Liisa A. M. Galea, PhD, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, 2215 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z3, Canada. E-mail:
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Plata-Bello J, Plata-Bello A, Pérez-Martín Y, Fajardo V, Concepción-Massip T. Androgen deprivation therapy increases brain ageing. Aging (Albany NY) 2019; 11:5613-5627. [PMID: 31377745 PMCID: PMC6710035 DOI: 10.18632/aging.102142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prostate cancer (PC) is the most frequent neoplasia in the male population and androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is frequently used in the management of the disease. AIM To evaluate the effect of ADT exposure on cognitive status, grey matter volume (GMV) and white matter lesion (WML) load. METHODS Fifty ADT patients and fifteen PC-non-ADT (control) patients were included in the study. A neuropsychological evaluation was performed and a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), with anatomical T1 and FLAIR sequences, was performed to evaluate the GMV and the WML burden. RESULTS Most of the patients included in the study presented a significant cognitive impairment (CI). No significant differences were identified in the cognitive assessment between the studied groups, but when considering the educational background intragroup differences were found.No significant difference of GMV and WML volume were identified between groups, but a negative relationship between the ADT period and the GMV was identified. Furthermore, a significant positive association between the age and the lesion volume was found in the ADT group (β=.406; p=.004). CONCLUSION PC patients exposed to ADT present an acceleration of age-related brain changes, such as WML development and GMV loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julio Plata-Bello
- Department of Neuroscience, Hospital Universitario de Canarias, S/C de Tenerife, CP 38320, Spain
| | - Ana Plata-Bello
- Department of Urology, Hospital Universitario de Canarias, S/C de Tenerife, CP 38320, Spain
| | - Yaiza Pérez-Martín
- Department of Neuroscience, Hospital Universitario de Canarias, S/C de Tenerife, CP 38320, Spain
| | - Victor Fajardo
- Department of Neuroscience, Hospital Universitario de Canarias, S/C de Tenerife, CP 38320, Spain
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Chronic aromatase inhibition increases ventral hippocampal neurogenesis in middle-aged female mice. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2019; 106:111-116. [PMID: 30974324 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2019.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 04/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Letrozole, a third-generation aromatase inhibitor, prevents the production of estrogens in the final step in conversion from androgens. Due to its efficacy at suppressing estrogens, letrozole has recently taken favor as a first-line adjuvant treatment for hormone-responsive breast cancer in middle-aged women. Though patient response to letrozole has generally been positive, there is conflicting evidence surrounding its effects on the development of depression. It is possible that the potential adverse effects of letrozole on mood are a result of the impact of hormonal fluctuations on neurogenesis in the hippocampus. Thus, to clarify the effects of letrozole on the hippocampus and behavior, we examined how chronic administration affects hippocampal neurogenesis and depressive-like behavior in middle-aged, intact female mice. Mice were given either letrozole (1 mg/kg) or vehicle by injection (i.p.) daily for 3 weeks. Depressive-like behavior was assessed during the last 3 days of treatment using the forced swim test, tail suspension test, and sucrose preference test. The production of new neurons was quantified using the immature neuronal marker doublecortin (DCX), and cell proliferation was quantified using the endogenous marker Ki67. We found that letrozole increased DCX and Ki67 expression and maturation in the dentate gyrus, but had no significant effect on depressive-like behavior. Our findings suggest that a reduction in estrogens in middle-aged females increases hippocampal neurogenesis without any adverse impact on depressive-like behavior; as such, this furthers our understanding of how estrogens modulate neurogenesis, and to the rationale for the utilization of letrozole in the clinical management of breast cancer.
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36
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Long-term Surgical and Chemical Castration Deteriorates Memory Function Through Downregulation of PKA/CREB/BDNF and c-Raf/MEK/ERK Pathways in Hippocampus. Int Neurourol J 2019; 23:116-124. [PMID: 31260611 PMCID: PMC6606934 DOI: 10.5213/inj.1938103.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Goserelin is a drug used for chemical castration. In a rat model, we investigated whether surgical and chemical castration affected memory ability through the protein kinase A (PKA)/cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element-binding protein (CREB)/brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and c-Raf/mitogen-activated protein kinases-extracellular signal–regulated kinases (MEK)/extracellular signal–regulated kinases (ERK) pathways in the hippocampus. Methods Orchiectomy was performed for surgical castration and goserelin acetate was subcutaneously transplanted into the anterior abdominal wall for chemical castration. Immunohistochemistry was done to quantify neurogenesis. To assess the involvement of the PKA/CREB/BDNF and c-Raf/MEK/ERK pathways in the memory process, western blots were used. Results The orchiectomy group and the goserelin group showed less neurogenesis and impaired short-term and spatial memory. Phosphorylation of PKA/CREB/BDNF and phosphorylation of c-Raf/MEK/ERK decreased in the orchiectomy and goserelin groups. Conclusions Short-term memory and spatial memory were affected by surgical and chemical castration via the PKA/CREB/BDNF and c-Raf/MEK/ERK signaling pathways.
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Cobb AR, Josephs RA, Lancaster CL, Lee HJ, Telch MJ. Cortisol, Testosterone, and Prospective Risk for War-zone Stress-Evoked Depression. Mil Med 2019; 183:e535-e545. [PMID: 29718455 DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usy065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The major challenges of efforts to reveal biological risk factors and biomarkers of depression include the complexity of underlying systems, interactions with other systems, and contextual factors governing their expression. Altered endocrine function is believed to be a central contributor to depressive illness, but across studies, evidence for a link between endocrine markers and depression has been mixed, inconclusive, or conditional in nature. In the present study, we evaluated basal testosterone (T), cortisol (C), and CO2 inhalation-stress-reactivity measures of these hormones (TR, CR) as pre-deployment moderators of the later impact of war-zone stressors on depression symptoms in-theater. Materials and Methods At pre-deployment, U.S. soldiers (N = 120) completed demographic, clinical and hormone measures, and during deployment, they completed monthly, web-based assessments of war-zone stressors and depression symptoms (N = 533 observations). Mixed effects models estimated the effects of the pre-deployment hormone profiles in moderating war-zone stressors' impact on in-theater depression. Models also tested whether hormonally linked risk for later stress-evoked depression depends on pre-existing depression. Results Controlling for pre-deployment depression, high T was protective; whereas TR had depressogenic effects that were amplified by pre-deployment depression. Further, high C was protective, but heightened CR was depressogenic, but only among those with elevated pre-deployment depression. Conclusions Findings highlight the importance of examining basal and reactivity measures of endocrine function, and use of prospective, longitudinal models to test hypothesized causal pathways associated with depression vulnerability in the war-zone. Results also suggest that pre-existing depression and cortisol may work in tandem to increase vulnerability for later stress-evoked depression in the war-zone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam R Cobb
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin, 1 University Station, A8000, Austin, TX
| | - Robert A Josephs
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin, 1 University Station, A8000, Austin, TX
| | - Cynthia L Lancaster
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin, 1 University Station, A8000, Austin, TX
| | - Han-Joo Lee
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, 2441 E. Hartford Ave., Milwaukee, WI
| | - Michael J Telch
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin, 1 University Station, A8000, Austin, TX
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Walther A, Wasielewska JM, Leiter O. The antidepressant effect of testosterone: An effect of neuroplasticity? ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.npbr.2019.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Sex steroid hormone modulation of neural stem cells: a critical review. Biol Sex Differ 2019; 10:28. [PMID: 31146782 PMCID: PMC6543604 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-019-0242-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
While numerous in vivo experiments have sought to explore the effects of sex chromosome composition and sex steroid hormones on cellular proliferation and differentiation within the mammalian brain, far fewer studies as reviewed here, have explored these factors using a direct in vitro approach. Generally speaking, in vivo studies provide the gold standard to demonstrate applicable findings in regards to the role hormones play in development. However, in the case of neural stem cell (NSC) biology, there remain many unknown factors that likely contribute to observations made within the developed brain, specifically in regions where there are abundant sex steroid hormone receptors. For these reasons, using a NSC in vitro model may provide a more controlled and refined system to explore the direct effects of sex and hormone response, limiting the vast array of other influences on NSCs occurring during development and within adult cellular niches. These specific cellular models may have the ability to greatly improve the mechanistic understanding of changes occurring within the developing brain during the hormonal organization process, in addition to other modifications that may contribute to neuro-psychiatric sex-biased diseases.
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Cheng J, Wu H, Liu H, Li H, Zhu H, Zhou Y, Li H, Xu W, Xie J. Exposure of Hyperandrogen During Pregnancy Causes Depression- and Anxiety-Like Behaviors, and Reduced Hippocampal Neurogenesis in Rat Offspring. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:436. [PMID: 31139042 PMCID: PMC6519321 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2018] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The hippocampus is a region in which neurogenesis persists and retains substantial plasticity throughout lifespan. Accumulating evidences indicate an important role of androgens and androgenic signaling in the regulation of offspring hippocampal neurogenesis and the survival of mature or immature neurons and gliocyte. Hyperandrogenic disorders have been associated with depression and anxiety. Previous studies have found that pregnant hyperandrogenism may increase the susceptibility of the offspring to depression or anxiety and lead to abnormal hippocampal neurogenesis in rats. In this study, pregnant rats were given subcutaneous injection of aromatase inhibitor letrozole in order to establish a maternal hyperandrogenic environment for the fetal rats. The lithium chloride (LICl) was used as an intervention agent since a previous study has shown that lithium chloride could promote neurogenesis in the hippocampus. The results revealed that pregnant administration of letrozole resulted in depressive- and anxious-like behaviors in the adolescent period. A remarkable decrease in immature nerve cells marked by doublecortin and mature neurons co-expressed by Brdu and NeuN in adult years were detected in the hippocampal dentate gyrus of adolescent rats. Lithium chloride alleviated the effects on neurobehavioral and promoted the differentiation and proliferation of neural progenitor cells, while a hyperandrogenic intrauterine environment had no effects on astrocytes marked by GFAP in the dentate gyrus. Furthermore, the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway related to normal development of hippocampus was examined but there was no significant changes in Wnt signaling pathway members. Our study provides evidence that exposure of androgen during pregnancy leads to alterations in depressive, anxious and stereotypical behaviors and these phenotypes are possibly associated with changes in neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Cheng
- Chengdu Third People's Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest JiaoTong University Medical School, Chengdu, China.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Haojuan Wu
- Chengdu Third People's Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest JiaoTong University Medical School, Chengdu, China.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Huawei Liu
- Chengdu Third People's Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest JiaoTong University Medical School, Chengdu, China
| | - Hua Li
- Chengdu Third People's Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest JiaoTong University Medical School, Chengdu, China
| | - Hua Zhu
- Chengdu Third People's Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest JiaoTong University Medical School, Chengdu, China
| | - Yongmei Zhou
- Chengdu Third People's Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest JiaoTong University Medical School, Chengdu, China
| | - Hongxia Li
- Chengdu Third People's Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest JiaoTong University Medical School, Chengdu, China
| | - Wenming Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Joint Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, SCU-CUHK, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jiang Xie
- Chengdu Third People's Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest JiaoTong University Medical School, Chengdu, China
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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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42
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Foland-Ross LC, Ross JL, Reiss AL. Androgen treatment effects on hippocampus structure in boys with Klinefelter syndrome. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2019; 100:223-228. [PMID: 30388596 PMCID: PMC6644684 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2018.09.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2018] [Revised: 09/27/2018] [Accepted: 09/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Klinefelter syndrome (KS, 47,XXY) is the most common sex chromosome aneuploidy in males. A variety of complex clinical needs is associated with KS, including physical, cognitive and psychosocial impairments. Standard treatment for KS consists of androgen replacement therapy in adolescence to offset testosterone deficiency. Such treatment has a beneficial effect on the physical and behavioral manifestations of this syndrome. Whether androgen supplementation has a significant influence on the brain, however, is unknown. In the current study, we examined regional gray matter volume in boys with KS to assess whether treatment with oxandrolone, a synthetic hormone analog of testosterone, was associated with structural changes in the brain. Specifically, we focused our investigation on the hippocampus, given (1) its involvement in KS, and (2) the high concentration of androgen receptors found in this region. Structural magnetic resonance imaging data was acquired from a subsample of boys who completed a 2-year double-blind clinical trial in which patients were randomized to treatment with oxandrolone or to placebo, as well as from a sample of typically developing (TD) boys. Group differences in hippocampal volume were examined. A significant main effect of group was observed. Pairwise comparisons indicated smaller hippocampal volume in the placebo group relative to the oxandrolone group, as well as smaller volume in the placebo group relative to the TD control group. No difference in volume was observed between the treatment and TD groups. Moreover, across KS subgroups, a significant positive association was observed between hippocampus volume and performance on a spatial memory task, indicating treatment-based changes in brain structure may underlie cognitive change. These findings confirm prior reports implicating a role of the hippocampus in KS and are important in extending previous research by demonstrating a significant effect of androgens on brain structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara C Foland-Ross
- Center for Interdisciplinary Brain Sciences Research, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94304, United States.
| | - Judith L Ross
- Thomas Jefferson University, Department of Pediatrics, Philadelphia, PA, United States; A.I. DuPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE, United States
| | - Allan L Reiss
- Center for Interdisciplinary Brain Sciences Research, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94304, United States; Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, United States; Department of Radiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, United States
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Yagi S, Galea LAM. Sex differences in hippocampal cognition and neurogenesis. Neuropsychopharmacology 2019; 44:200-213. [PMID: 30214058 PMCID: PMC6235970 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-018-0208-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 191] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2018] [Revised: 08/29/2018] [Accepted: 08/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Sex differences are reported in hippocampal plasticity, cognition, and in a number of disorders that target the integrity of the hippocampus. For example, meta-analyses reveal that males outperform females on hippocampus-dependent tasks in rodents and in humans, furthermore women are more likely to experience greater cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease and depression, both diseases characterized by hippocampal dysfunction. The hippocampus is a highly plastic structure, important for processing higher order information and is sensitive to the environmental factors such as stress. The structure retains the ability to produce new neurons and this process plays an important role in pattern separation, proactive interference, and cognitive flexibility. Intriguingly, there are prominent sex differences in the level of neurogenesis and the activation of new neurons in response to hippocampus-dependent cognitive tasks in rodents. However, sex differences in spatial performance can be nuanced as animal studies have demonstrated that there are task, and strategy choice dependent sex differences in performance, as well as sex differences in the subregions of the hippocampus influenced by learning. This review discusses sex differences in pattern separation, pattern completion, spatial learning, and links between adult neurogenesis and these cognitive functions of the hippocampus. We emphasize the importance of including both sexes when studying genomic, cellular, and structural mechanisms of the hippocampal function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunya Yagi
- Department of Psychology, Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, 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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44
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Robison LS, Gannon OJ, Salinero AE, Zuloaga KL. Contributions of sex to cerebrovascular function and pathology. Brain Res 2018; 1710:43-60. [PMID: 30580011 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2018.12.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2018] [Revised: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 12/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Sex differences exist in how cerebral blood vessels function under both physiological and pathological conditions, contributing to observed sex differences in risk and outcomes of cerebrovascular diseases (CBVDs), such as vascular contributions to cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID) and stroke. Throughout most of the lifespan, women are protected from CBVDs; however, risk increases following menopause, suggesting sex hormones may play a significant role in this protection. The cerebrovasculature is a target for sex hormones, including estrogens, progestins, and androgens, where they can influence numerous vascular functions and pathologies. While there is a plethora of information on estrogen, the effects of progestins and androgens on the cerebrovasculature are less well-defined. Estrogen decreases cerebral tone and increases cerebral blood flow, while androgens increase tone. Both estrogens and androgens enhance angiogenesis/cerebrovascular remodeling. While both estrogens and androgens attenuate cerebrovascular inflammation, pro-inflammatory effects of androgens under physiological conditions have also been demonstrated. Sex hormones exert additional neuroprotective effects by attenuating oxidative stress and maintaining integrity and function of the blood brain barrier. Most animal studies utilize young, healthy, gonadectomized animals, which do not mimic the clinical conditions of aging individuals likely to get CBVDs. This is also concerning, as sex hormones appear to mediate cerebrovascular function differently based on age and disease state (e.g. metabolic syndrome). Through this review, we hope to inspire others to consider sex as a key biological variable in cerebrovascular research, as greater understanding of sex differences in cerebrovascular function will assist in developing personalized approaches to prevent and treat CBVDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa S Robison
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Albany Medical College, 47 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208, United States.
| | - Olivia J Gannon
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Albany Medical College, 47 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208, United States.
| | - Abigail E Salinero
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Albany Medical College, 47 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208, United States.
| | - Kristen L Zuloaga
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Albany Medical College, 47 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208, United States.
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45
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Gannon OJ, Robison LS, Custozzo AJ, Zuloaga KL. Sex differences in risk factors for vascular contributions to cognitive impairment & dementia. Neurochem Int 2018; 127:38-55. [PMID: 30471324 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2018.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2018] [Revised: 11/16/2018] [Accepted: 11/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Vascular contributions to cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID) is the second most common cause of dementia. While males overall appear to be at a slightly higher risk for VCID throughout most of the lifespan (up to age 85), some risk factors for VCID more adversely affect women. These include female-specific risk factors associated with pregnancy related disorders (e.g. preeclampsia), menopause, and poorly timed hormone replacement. Further, presence of certain co-morbid risk factors, such as diabetes, obesity and hypertension, also may more adversely affect women than men. In contrast, some risk factors more greatly affect men, such as hyperlipidemia, myocardial infarction, and heart disease. Further, stroke, one of the leading risk factors for VCID, has a higher incidence in men than in women throughout much of the lifespan, though this trend is reversed at advanced ages. This review will highlight the need to take biological sex and common co-morbidities for VCID into account in both preclinical and clinical research. Given that there are currently no treatments available for VCID, it is critical that we understand how to mitigate risk factors for this devastating disease in both sexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- O J Gannon
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Albany Medical College, 47 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY, 12208, USA.
| | - L S Robison
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Albany Medical College, 47 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY, 12208, USA.
| | - A J Custozzo
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Albany Medical College, 47 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY, 12208, USA.
| | - K L Zuloaga
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Albany Medical College, 47 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY, 12208, USA.
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Moser VA, Uchoa MF, Pike CJ. TLR4 inhibitor TAK-242 attenuates the adverse neural effects of diet-induced obesity. J Neuroinflammation 2018; 15:306. [PMID: 30396359 PMCID: PMC6217784 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-018-1340-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2018] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Obesity exerts negative effects on brain health, including decreased neurogenesis, impaired learning and memory, and increased risk for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. Because obesity promotes glial activation, chronic neuroinflammation, and neural injury, microglia are implicated in the deleterious effects of obesity. One pathway that is particularly important in mediating the effects of obesity in peripheral tissues is toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling. The potential contribution of TLR4 pathways in mediating adverse neural outcomes of obesity has not been well addressed. To investigate this possibility, we examined how pharmacological inhibition of TLR4 affects the peripheral and neural outcomes of diet-induced obesity. METHODS Male C57BL6/J mice were maintained on either a control or high-fat diet for 12 weeks in the presence or absence of the specific TLR4 signaling inhibitor TAK-242. Outcomes examined included metabolic indices, a range of behavioral assessments, microglial activation, systemic and neuroinflammation, and neural health endpoints. RESULTS Peripherally, TAK-242 treatment was associated with partial inhibition of inflammation in the adipose tissue but exerted no significant effects on body weight, adiposity, and a range of metabolic measures. In the brain, obese mice treated with TAK-242 exhibited a significant reduction in microglial activation, improved levels of neurogenesis, and inhibition of Alzheimer-related amyloidogenic pathways. High-fat diet and TAK-242 were associated with only very modest effects on a range of behavioral measures. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate a significant protective effect of TLR4 inhibition on neural consequences of obesity, findings that further define the role of microglia in obesity-mediated outcomes and identify a strategy for improving brain health in obese individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- V. Alexandra Moser
- 0000 0001 2156 6853grid.42505.36Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Southern California, 3641 Watt Way, HNB 120, Los Angeles, CA 90089 USA
| | - Mariana F. Uchoa
- 0000 0001 2156 6853grid.42505.36Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Southern California, 3641 Watt Way, HNB 120, Los Angeles, CA 90089 USA
| | - Christian J. Pike
- 0000 0001 2156 6853grid.42505.36Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Southern California, 3641 Watt Way, HNB 120, Los Angeles, CA 90089 USA ,0000 0001 2156 6853grid.42505.36Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, 3715 McClintock Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0191 USA
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Ramzan F, Azam AB, Monks DA, Zovkic IB. Androgen receptor is a negative regulator of contextual fear memory in male mice. Horm Behav 2018; 106:10-18. [PMID: 30172646 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2018.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2018] [Revised: 08/21/2018] [Accepted: 08/29/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Although sex-hormones have a well-documented role in memory formation, most literature has focused on estrogens, whereas the role of androgens and their receptor (the androgen receptor; AR) in fear memory is relatively unexplored. To address this gap, we used a transgenic mouse model of AR overexpression (CMV-AR) to determine if AR regulates fear memory, and if this effect can be reversed either by the removal of circulating androgens via gonadectomy, or by antagonising AR activity with flutamide. We found that AR overexpression results in reduced freezing in response to foot shock, and that this difference is reversed with both gonadectomy and flutamide treatment. Differences between genotypes were reinstated by testosterone replacement in gonadectomized mice, suggesting that reduced fear memory in mutants results from AR activation by testosterone and is not secondary to group differences in circulating testosterone. Potential transcriptional mechanisms by which CMV-AR exerts its effects on fear memory were assessed by quantitating the expression of memory-related genes in area CA1 of the hippocampus. Several genes that are altered with AR inhibition and activation, including genes that encode for the histone variant H2A.Z, cholinergic receptors, glutamate receptors, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor. Overall, our findings suggest that AR is a negative regulator of fear memory and identify potential gene targets through which AR may mediate this effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Firyal Ramzan
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON, Canada
| | - Amber B Azam
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON, Canada
| | - D Ashley Monks
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON, Canada; Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON, Canada
| | - Iva B Zovkic
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON, Canada.
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Kielbinski M, Setkowicz Z, Gzielo K, Janeczko K. Profiles of gene expression in the hippocampal formation of rats with experimentally-induced brain dysplasia. Dev Neurobiol 2018; 78:718-735. [DOI: 10.1002/dneu.22595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2017] [Revised: 03/28/2018] [Accepted: 04/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Michal Kielbinski
- Department of Neuroanatomy; Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 9; Krakow 30-387 Poland
| | - Zuzanna Setkowicz
- Department of Neuroanatomy; Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 9; Krakow 30-387 Poland
| | - Kinga Gzielo
- Department of Neuroanatomy; Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 9; Krakow 30-387 Poland
| | - Krzysztof Janeczko
- Department of Neuroanatomy; Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 9; Krakow 30-387 Poland
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Mhaouty-Kodja S. Role of the androgen receptor in the central nervous system. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2018; 465:103-112. [PMID: 28826929 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2017.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2017] [Revised: 07/30/2017] [Accepted: 08/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The involvement of gonadal androgens in functions of the central nervous system was suggested for the first time about half a century ago. Since then, the number of functions attributed to androgens has steadily increased, ranging from regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and reproductive behaviors to modulation of cognition, anxiety and other non-reproductive functions. This review focuses on the implication of the neural androgen receptor in these androgen-sensitive functions and behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sakina Mhaouty-Kodja
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, INSERM, CNRS, Neuroscience Paris Seine - Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, 7 Quai St Bernard, 75005 Paris, France.
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50
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Abstract
Estrogens influence nearly every aspect of hippocampal function, including memory formation. Although this research has traditionally focused on ovariectomized females, more recent work is providing insights into the ways in which estrogens regulate hippocampal function in both sexes. This review provides an overview of estrogenic regulation of hippocampal function in female and male rodents, with a particular emphasis on memory formation. Where applicable, we discuss the involvement of specific estrogen receptors and molecular mechanisms that mediate these effects. The review concludes by suggesting gaps in the literature that need to be filled to provide greater insights into potential sex differences in the effects of estrogens on hippocampal function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karyn M Frick
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI 53211
| | - Jaekyoon Kim
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI 53211
| | - Wendy A Koss
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI 53211
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