1
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Stanczyk FZ, McGough A, Chagam L, Sitruk-Ware R. Metabolism of progestogens used for contraception and menopausal hormone therapy. Steroids 2024; 207:109427. [PMID: 38663566 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2024.109427] [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: 02/17/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024]
Abstract
A variety of progestogens are widely used by women for contraception and menopausal hormone therapy. The progestogens undergo extensive metabolism by oral and parenteral routes of administration to form many metabolites. Although a small number of metabolites have been shown to be biologically active, most have not been tested for biologic activity. The present review shows that we know most about progesterone metabolism, followed by the metabolism of levonorgestrel and norethindrone. Very few studies have been carried out on metabolism of most of the progestogens. The clinical significance of this deficiency is that those progestogen metabolites that bind to the progesterone receptors may also bind to other steroid receptors and be responsible for some of the well-documented side effects of administered progestogens. We also discuss how obesity and genetic polymorphisms alter progestogen metabolism, and how development of oral progestogen formulations that are targeted to the colon, where the concentration of steroid-metabolizing enzymes is much lower than in the proximal gut, may have a beneficial effect on progestogen metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Z Stanczyk
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Alexandra McGough
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Laura Chagam
- Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton, FL, USA
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2
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Sitruk-Ware R, Sussman H, Brinton R, Schumacher M, Singer P, Kumar N, De Nicola AF, El-Etr M, Guennoun R, V Borlongan C. Nestorone (segesterone acetate) effects on neuroregeneration. Front Neuroendocrinol 2024; 73:101136. [PMID: 38670433 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2024.101136] [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: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Nestorone® (segesterone acetate) is a progestin with a chemical structure closely related to progesterone with high affinity and selectivity for the progesterone receptor without significant interaction with other steroid receptors. It has been developed for female and male contraception and is FDA-approved in a first long-acting contraceptive vaginal system for female contraception. Its safety has been extensively demonstrated in both preclinical and clinical studies for contraceptive indications. Nestorone was found to display neuroprotective and neuroregenerative activity in animal models of various central nervous system diseases, including multiple sclerosis, stroke, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Reviewed herein are neuroprotective and myelin- regenerating properties of Nestorone in various animal models and its translational potential as a therapeutic agent for debilitating neurological diseases for which limited therapeutic options are available (Table 1).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Roberta Brinton
- Center for Innovation in Brain Science, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | | | | | | | | | - Martine El-Etr
- U1195 Inserm and University Paris-Saclay Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France
| | - Rachida Guennoun
- U1195 Inserm and University Paris-Saclay Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France
| | - Cesar V Borlongan
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA
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3
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Louwagie EJ, Quinn GFL, Pond KL, Hansen KA. Male contraception: narrative review of ongoing research. Basic Clin Androl 2023; 33:30. [PMID: 37940863 PMCID: PMC10634021 DOI: 10.1186/s12610-023-00204-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since the release of the combined oral contraceptive pill in 1960, women have shouldered the burden of contraception and family planning. Over 60 years later, this is still the case as the only practical, effective contraceptive options available to men are condoms and vasectomy. However, there are now a variety of promising hormonal and non-hormonal male contraceptive options being studied. The purpose of this narrative review is to provide clinicians and laypeople with focused, up-to-date descriptions of novel strategies and targets for male contraception. We include a cautiously optimistic discussion of benefits and potential drawbacks, highlighting several methods in preclinical and clinical stages of development. RESULTS As of June 2023, two hormonal male contraceptive methods are undergoing phase II clinical trials for safety and efficacy. A large-scale, international phase IIb trial investigating efficacy of transdermal segesterone acetate (Nestorone) plus testosterone gel has enrolled over 460 couples with completion estimated for late 2024. A second hormonal method, dimethandrolone undecanoate, is in two clinical trials focusing on safety, pharmacodynamics, suppression of spermatogenesis and hormones; the first of these two is estimated for completion in December 2024. There are also several non-hormonal methods with strong potential in preclinical stages of development. CONCLUSIONS There exist several hurdles to novel male contraception. Therapeutic development takes decades of time, meticulous work, and financial investment, but with so many strong candidates it is our hope that there will soon be several safe, effective, and reversible contraceptive options available to male patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eli J Louwagie
- University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine, 1400 W 22nd St, Sioux Falls, SD, 57105, USA.
| | - Garrett F L Quinn
- University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine, 1400 W 22nd St, Sioux Falls, SD, 57105, USA
| | - Kristi L Pond
- University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine, 1400 W 22nd St, Sioux Falls, SD, 57105, USA
| | - Keith A Hansen
- Chair and Professor, Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine; Reproductive Endocrinologist, Sanford Fertility and Reproductive Medicine, 1500 W 22nd St Suite 102, Sioux Falls, SD, 57105, USA
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4
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Renke G, Callizo C, Paes R, Antunes M, Michels G, Concha L, Almeida O, Valente C, Baesso T, Giovannoni B. Clinical Approaches to Nestorone Subdermal Implant Therapy in Women's Health. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2586. [PMID: 37761027 PMCID: PMC10526950 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11092586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Segesterone acetate (SA) or Nestorone, a fourth-generation progestogen, is a synthetic compound with high progestational activity and no androgenic, glucocorticoid, or anabolic effects. However, due to its oral inactivity, SA must be used by other routes, such as subcutaneous. Thus, considering its peculiar properties, the SA subdermal implant is successfully used in female contraception and postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy (HRT). In recent years, its potential uses in endometriosis, polycystic ovaries syndrome (PCOS), and a new therapeutic possibility for neuroprotection have made this treatment extremely interesting. However, the absence of a standardized dose and the long-term safety of SA implant therapy in women is still controversial. Here, we present the possible indications, doses, limitations, and side effects of SA implant therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme Renke
- Nutrindo Ideais Performance and Nutrition Research Center, Rio de Janeiro 22411-040, Brazil (G.M.)
- Clementino Fraga Filho University Hospital, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-913, Brazil
| | - Consuelo Callizo
- Centro de Pesquisa e Assistência em Reprodução Humana, Salvador 40210-341, Brazil
| | - Raphaela Paes
- Nutrindo Ideais Performance and Nutrition Research Center, Rio de Janeiro 22411-040, Brazil (G.M.)
| | - Mariana Antunes
- Nutrindo Ideais Performance and Nutrition Research Center, Rio de Janeiro 22411-040, Brazil (G.M.)
| | - Glaycon Michels
- Nutrindo Ideais Performance and Nutrition Research Center, Rio de Janeiro 22411-040, Brazil (G.M.)
| | - Luana Concha
- Nutrindo Ideais Performance and Nutrition Research Center, Rio de Janeiro 22411-040, Brazil (G.M.)
| | - Ordânio Almeida
- Nutrindo Ideais Performance and Nutrition Research Center, Rio de Janeiro 22411-040, Brazil (G.M.)
| | - Christiane Valente
- Nutrindo Ideais Performance and Nutrition Research Center, Rio de Janeiro 22411-040, Brazil (G.M.)
| | - Thomaz Baesso
- Nutrindo Ideais Performance and Nutrition Research Center, Rio de Janeiro 22411-040, Brazil (G.M.)
| | - Bruna Giovannoni
- Nutrindo Ideais Performance and Nutrition Research Center, Rio de Janeiro 22411-040, Brazil (G.M.)
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5
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Cartwright M, Louw-du Toit R, Jackson H, Janse van Vuuren M, Africander D. Progesterone receptor isoform ratios influence the transcriptional activity of progestins via the progesterone receptor. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2023; 232:106348. [PMID: 37315868 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2023.106348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Progestins (synthetic progestogens) are progesterone receptor (PR) ligands used globally by women in both hormonal contraception and menopausal hormone therapy. Although four generations of unique progestins have been developed, studies seldom distinguish between the activities of progestins via the two functionally distinct PR isoforms, PR-A and PR-B. Moreover, not much is known about the action of progestins in breast cancer tumors where PR-A is mostly overexpressed relative to PR-B. Understanding progestin action in breast cancer is crucial since the clinical use of some progestins has been associated with an increased risk of developing breast cancer. This study directly compared the agonist activities of selected progestins from all four generations for transactivation and transrepression via either PR-A or PR-B, and when PR-A and PR-B were co-expressed at ratios comparable to those detected in breast cancer tumors. Comparative dose-response analysis showed that earlier generation progestins mostly displayed similar efficacies for transactivation on a minimal progesterone response element via the PR isoforms, while most of the 4th generation progestins, similar to the natural progestogen, progesterone (P4), were more efficacious via PR-B. Most of the progestogens were however more potent via PR-A. We are the first to show that the efficacies of the selected progestogens via the individual PR isoforms were generally decreased when PR-A and PR-B were co-expressed, irrespective of the ratio of PR-A:PR-B. While the potencies of most progestogens via PR-B were enhanced when the ratio of PR-A relative to PR-B was increased, those via PR-A were minimally influenced. This study is also the first to report that all progestogens evaluated, except 1st generation medroxyprogesterone acetate and 4th generation drospirenone, displayed similar agonist activity for transrepression via PR-A and PR-B on a minimal nuclear factor kappa B containing promoter. Moreover, we showed that the progestogen activity for transrepression was significantly increased when PR-A and PR-B were co-expressed. Taken together, our results highlight that PR agonists (progestogens) do not always display the same activity via PR-A and PR-B, or when PR-A and PR-B are co-expressed at ratios mimicking those found in breast cancer tumors. These results suggest that biological responses are progestogen- and PR isoform-dependent and may differ in target tissues expressing varying PR-A:PR-B ratios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan Cartwright
- Department of Biochemistry, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa.
| | - Renate Louw-du Toit
- Department of Biochemistry, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa.
| | - Hayley Jackson
- Department of Biochemistry, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa.
| | - Melani Janse van Vuuren
- Department of Biochemistry, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa.
| | - Donita Africander
- Department of Biochemistry, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa.
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6
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Jensen JT, Archer DF, Westhoff CL, Nelson AL, Graham S, Bernick B. Satisfaction with a Segesterone Acetate and Ethinyl Estradiol Contraceptive Vaginal System Among Recent Oral Contraceptive or Hormonal Contraceptive Vaginal Ring Users. J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2023; 32:808-815. [PMID: 37253139 DOI: 10.1089/jwh.2022.0264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: We evaluated satisfaction with use of a segesterone acetate and ethinyl estradiol (0.15/0.013 mg) contraceptive vaginal system (CVS) among women who had recently used a monthly contraceptive vaginal ring or contraceptive pills. The CVS is a ring-shaped device used in a 21-days-in/7-days-out regimen for 13 cycles. Materials and Methods: We analyzed post hoc satisfaction responses at cycle 3 and end of study (EOS) from a subset of participants with documented recent use of the monthly ring or daily pills before enrollment in a multinational, phase 3, 13-cycle trial evaluating the CVS. EOS included results from participants who had completed ≥10 cycles. Results were summarized descriptively. Results: We identified 128 recent ring and 219 recent pill users at cycle 3 (of 1033 survey participants), and 92 and 148, respectively, at EOS (of 622 survey participants); overall satisfaction with CVS use was high (≥90%). At EOS, most ring (89%) and pill (97%) users liked the CVS as much/better than any previous method. The two most-liked CVS features included ease of use and 1-year duration; the two most disliked features included ring insertion and feeling it coming out. At EOS, ≥88% of both groups reported no concern about using the same CVS for a year, and most (>80%) had recommended it to friends or family members. Conclusion: The CVS clinical trial participants who were recent ring/pill users reported high satisfaction and liked it as much/better than any previously used contraceptive; the CVS may be a good contraceptive option for switchers. Clinical trial registration NCT00263341.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey T Jensen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - David F Archer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia, USA
| | - Carolyn L Westhoff
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
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7
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Bernaud VE, Koebele SV, Northup-Smith SN, Willeman MN, Barker C, Schatzki-Lumpkin A, Sanchez MV, Bimonte-Nelson HA. Evaluations of memory, anxiety, and the growth factor IGF-1R after post-surgical menopause treatment with a highly selective progestin. Behav Brain Res 2023; 448:114442. [PMID: 37085118 PMCID: PMC11105077 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2023.114442] [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] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023]
Abstract
Progestogens are a key component of menopausal hormone therapies. While some progestogens can be detrimental to cognition, there is preclinical evidence that progestogens with a strong progesterone-receptor affinity benefit some molecular mechanisms believed to underlie cognitive function. Thus, a progestin that maximizes progesterone-receptor affinity and minimizes affinities to other receptors may be cognitively beneficial. We evaluated segesterone-acetate (SGA), a 19-norprogesterone derivative with a strong progesterone-receptor affinity and no androgenic or estrogenic-receptor activity, hypothesizing that it would enhance cognition. Middle-aged rats underwent Sham or Ovariectomy (Ovx) surgery followed by administration of medroxyprogesterone-acetate (MPA; used as a positive control as we have previously shown MPA-induced cognitive deficits), SGA (low or high dose), or vehicle (one Sham and one Ovx group). Spatial working and reference memory, delayed retention, and anxiety-like behavior were assessed, as were memory- and hormone- related protein assays within the frontal cortex, dorsal hippocampus, and entorhinal cortex. Low-dose SGA impaired spatial working memory, while high-dose SGA had a more extensive detrimental impact, negatively affecting spatial reference memory and delayed retention. Replicating previous findings, MPA impaired spatial reference memory and delayed retention. SGA, but not MPA, alleviated Ovx-induced anxiety-like behaviors. On two working memory measures, IGF-1R expression correlated with better working memory only in rats without hormone manipulation; any hormone manipulation or combination of hormone manipulations used herein altered this relationship. These findings suggest that SGA impairs spatial cognition after surgical menopause, and that surgical menopause with or without progestin administration disrupts relationships between a growth factor critical to neuroplasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria E Bernaud
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, 950 S. McAllister Ave., Tempe, AZ 85287, USA; Arizona Alzheimer's Consortium, 4745 N 7th St, Phoenix, AZ 85014, USA
| | - Stephanie V Koebele
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, 950 S. McAllister Ave., Tempe, AZ 85287, USA; Arizona Alzheimer's Consortium, 4745 N 7th St, Phoenix, AZ 85014, USA
| | - Steven N Northup-Smith
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, 950 S. McAllister Ave., Tempe, AZ 85287, USA; Arizona Alzheimer's Consortium, 4745 N 7th St, Phoenix, AZ 85014, USA
| | - Mari N Willeman
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, 950 S. McAllister Ave., Tempe, AZ 85287, USA; Arizona Alzheimer's Consortium, 4745 N 7th St, Phoenix, AZ 85014, USA; TGen Institute, 445 N 5th St, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA
| | - Charlotte Barker
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, 950 S. McAllister Ave., Tempe, AZ 85287, USA; Arizona Alzheimer's Consortium, 4745 N 7th St, Phoenix, AZ 85014, USA
| | - Alex Schatzki-Lumpkin
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, 950 S. McAllister Ave., Tempe, AZ 85287, USA; Arizona Alzheimer's Consortium, 4745 N 7th St, Phoenix, AZ 85014, USA
| | - Maria Valenzuela Sanchez
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, 950 S. McAllister Ave., Tempe, AZ 85287, USA; Arizona Alzheimer's Consortium, 4745 N 7th St, Phoenix, AZ 85014, USA
| | - Heather A Bimonte-Nelson
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, 950 S. McAllister Ave., Tempe, AZ 85287, USA; Arizona Alzheimer's Consortium, 4745 N 7th St, Phoenix, AZ 85014, USA.
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8
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Gage M, Vasanthi SS, Meyer CM, Rao NS, Thedens DR, Kannurpatti SS, Thippeswamy T. Sex-based structural and functional MRI outcomes in the rat brain after soman (GD) exposure-induced status epilepticus. Epilepsia Open 2023; 8:399-410. [PMID: 36718979 PMCID: PMC10235578 DOI: 10.1002/epi4.12701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Exposure to the nerve agent, soman (GD), induces status epilepticus (SE), epileptogenesis, and even death. Although rodent models studying the pathophysiological mechanisms show females to be more reactive to soman, no tangible sex differences in brains postexposure have been reported. In this study, we used multimodal imaging using MRI in adult rats to determine potential sex-based biomarkers of soman effects. METHODS Male and female Sprague Dawley rats were challenged with 1.2 × LD50 soman followed by medical countermeasures. Ten weeks later, the brains were analyzed via structural and functional MRI. RESULTS Despite no significant sex differences in the initial SE severity after soman exposure, long-term MRI-based structural and functional differences were evident in the brains of both sexes. While T2 MRI showed lesser soman-induced neurodegeneration, large areas of T1 enhancements occurred in females than in males, indicating a distinct pathophysiology unrelated to neurodegeneration. fMRI-based resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC), indicated greater reductions in soman-exposed females than in males, associating with the T1 enhancements (unrelated to neurodegeneration) rather than T2-hyperintensity or T1-hypointensity (representing neurodegeneration). The wider T1 enhancements associating with the decreased spontaneous neuronal activity in multiple resting-state networks in soman-exposed females than males suggest that neural changes unrelated to cellular atrophy impinge on brain function postexposure. Taken together with lower spontaneous neural activity in soman-exposed females, the results indicate some form of neuroprotective state that was not present in males. SIGNIFICANCE The results indicate that endpoints other than neurodegeneration may need to be considered to translate sex-based nerve agent effects in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan Gage
- Department of Biomedical SciencesCollege of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State UniversityAmesIowaUSA
| | - Suraj S Vasanthi
- Department of Biomedical SciencesCollege of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State UniversityAmesIowaUSA
| | - Christina M Meyer
- Department of Biomedical SciencesCollege of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State UniversityAmesIowaUSA
| | - Nikhil S Rao
- Department of Biomedical SciencesCollege of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State UniversityAmesIowaUSA
| | - Daniel R Thedens
- Department of RadiologyCarver College of Medicine, The University of IowaIowa CityIowaUSA
| | - Sridhar S. Kannurpatti
- Department of Radiology, Rutgers Biomedical and Health SciencesNew Jersey Medical SchoolNewarkNew JerseyUSA
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9
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Pletzer B, Winkler-Crepaz K, Hillerer K. Progesterone and contraceptive progestin actions on the brain: A systematic review of animal studies and comparison to human neuroimaging studies. Front Neuroendocrinol 2023; 69:101060. [PMID: 36758768 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2023.101060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
In this review we systematically summarize the effects of progesterone and synthetic progestins on neurogenesis, synaptogenesis, myelination and six neurotransmitter systems. Several parallels between progesterone and older generation progestin actions emerged, suggesting actions via progesterone receptors. However, existing results suggest a general lack of knowledge regarding the effects of currently used progestins in hormonal contraception regarding these cellular and molecular brain parameters. Human neuroimaging studies were reviewed with a focus on randomized placebo-controlled trials and cross-sectional studies controlling for progestin type. The prefrontal cortex, amygdala, salience network and hippocampus were identified as regions of interest for future preclinical studies. This review proposes a series of experiments to elucidate the cellular and molecular actions of contraceptive progestins in these areas and link these actions to behavioral markers of emotional and cognitive functioning. Emotional effects of contraceptive progestins appear to be related to 1) alterations in the serotonergic system, 2) direct/indirect modulations of inhibitory GABA-ergic signalling via effects on the allopregnanolone content of the brain, which differ between androgenic and anti-androgenic progestins. Cognitive effects of combined oral contraceptives appear to depend on the ethinylestradiol dose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belinda Pletzer
- Department of Psychology & Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience, Paris-Lodron-University Salzburg, Salzburg Austria.
| | | | - Katharina Hillerer
- Department of Gynaecology & Obstetrics, Private Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
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10
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Enfield K, Avenant C, Hapgood JP. Progestogens exhibit progestogen-, promoter- and isoform-specific effects via the progesterone receptor. Steroids 2022; 187:109094. [PMID: 35905833 PMCID: PMC9939308 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2022.109094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [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: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Hormonal contraceptives (HCs) and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) are therapies designed to target the progesterone receptor (PR) to prevent unwanted pregnancy and to alleviate the symptoms of menopause, respectively, in women. Although these therapies are widely used globally, few studies have investigated in parallel how the transcriptional responses of the progestogens used in these therapies compare to each other via the PR isoforms (PR-A and PR-B). Using dose-response promoter-reporter and endogenous gene expression assays, we compared the transcriptional responses of six widely-used progestogens via each PR isoform. The present study shows that progestogens exhibit progestogen-specific potencies and efficacies via both PR isoforms. In addition, the endogenous gene expression data reveals that progestogens exhibit promoter-specific effects. Furthermore, this study reveals that progestogen responses via PR-A are significantly more potent and less efficacious than those observed via PR-B, and that this is unlikely due to differences in PR protein levels. Correlation analysis revealed that there is no detectable correlation between potency or efficacy of progestogens for PR-B or PR-A versus reported relative binding affinity (RBA) of progestogens for the PR, consistent with complex mechanisms of PR regulation. Taken together, our data show that it cannot be assumed that all progestogens have similar transcriptional responses on all genes. Since the PR plays a role in cognition, regulation of inflammation, mitochondrial function, neurogenesis, female reproduction and disease, the data suggest that these important physiological functions could be differentially affected depending on progestogen, promoter, and ratios of PR isoforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim Enfield
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa.
| | - Chanel Avenant
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa.
| | - Janet P Hapgood
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa.
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11
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Casto KV, Jordan T, Petersen N. Hormone-based models for comparing menstrual cycle and hormonal contraceptive effects on human resting-state functional connectivity. Front Neuroendocrinol 2022; 67:101036. [PMID: 36126748 PMCID: PMC9649880 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2022.101036] [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: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Oral contraceptives (OCs) are widely used yet understudied given their potential for public health consequences. Emerging investigations scaling from single-subject, dense-sampling neuroimaging studies to population-level metrics have linked OCs to altered brain structure and function. Modeling the hypogonadal, hypergonadal, or mixed state effects of OCs in terms of their impact on hormone action in the brain is a valuable approach to synthesizing results across neuroimaging studies and comparing OC effects to companion findings from research on menstrual cycle phase effects on brain anatomy and function. Resting-state functional connectivity studies provide a powerful tool to evaluate the role of OCs on the intrinsic network connectivity that underlies multiple behavioral domains. The preponderance (but not consensus) of the current literature indicates that (1) as the menstrual cycle proceeds from a low to high progesterone state, prefrontal connectivity increases and parietal connectivity decreases; (2) OCs tend to mimic this connectivity pattern; therefore (3) OCs may produce a hyperprogestogenic state in the brain, in spite of overall reductions in endogenous steroid hormone levels. Alternative models are also considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen V Casto
- Social Sciences Division, New College of Florida, 5800 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota, FL 34243, USA
| | - Timothy Jordan
- Department of Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, 760 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Nicole Petersen
- Department of Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, 760 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
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12
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Lee JY, Castelli V, Kumar N, Sitruk-Ware R, Borlongan CV. Contraceptive drug, Nestorone, enhances stem cell-mediated remodeling of the stroke brain by dampening inflammation and rescuing mitochondria. Free Radic Biol Med 2022; 183:138-145. [PMID: 35341914 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2022.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Ischemic stroke remains a significant unmet need causing massive mortality and morbidity due to few treatment options with limited therapeutic window. The progestin Nestorone® (segesterone acetate) displays high affinity for the progesterone receptor in exerting its potent birth control and hormone replacement therapy. Accumulating evidence implicates a new utility of Nestorone in affording neuroprotection in a variety of central nervous system diseases, including stroke. However, the mechanism of action mediating Nestorone's neuroprotection in stroke remains unknown. Here, we showed that stand-alone treatments of Nestorone or human amniotic fluid-derived stem cells (hAFSc), but more pronounced with their combined treatment, led to significant improvements in behavioral function and reductions in infarction and peri-infarct cell loss in adult rats with ischemic stroke. We detected significantly lower levels of pro-inflammatory signals (OX6 and IBA1) coupled with enhanced levels of stem cell proliferation (Ki67) and differentiation (DCX and MAP2) in both brain and spleen of stroke rats that received stand-alone or combined treatments of Nestorone and hAFSc. In concert, the in vitro oxygen-glucose deprivation stroke model revealed that neural stem cells treated with Nestorone exhibited increased stem cell proliferation and differentiation that was accompanied by rescue of the mitochondrial respiratory activity characterized by reduced mitochondrial reactive oxygen species, increased ATP, elevated mitochondrial deacetylase Sirtuin 3 (SIRT3), and a normalized ratio of acetyl-superoxide dismutase 2 (Ac-SOD2)/SOD2, suggesting the key role of mitochondrial metabolism and oxidative protection in Nestorone's therapeutic effects in stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jea-Young Lee
- Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair, Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida College of Medicine, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
| | - Vanessa Castelli
- Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair, Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida College of Medicine, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
| | - Narender Kumar
- Population Council, Center for Biomedical Research, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Regine Sitruk-Ware
- Population Council, Center for Biomedical Research, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Cesario V Borlongan
- Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair, Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida College of Medicine, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA.
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13
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Contraceptive Technology: Present and Future. Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am 2021; 48:723-735. [PMID: 34756292 DOI: 10.1016/j.ogc.2021.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Many sexually active, reproductive-aged persons capable of becoming pregnant use some method of contraception. To expand options for those desiring birth control, new choices include a vaginal ring, transdermal patch, progestin-only pill, and spermicide. Compared with currently available methods, additional technologies that are highly effective, easy to use, cost efficient, and well-tolerated lay on the horizon. During contraceptive counseling, patient choice, and reproductive autonomy should remain paramount.
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Fréchou M, Zhu X, Kumar N, Sitruk-Ware R, Schumacher M, Mattern C, Guennoun R. Sex differences in the cerebroprotection by Nestorone intranasal delivery following stroke in mice. Neuropharmacology 2021; 198:108760. [PMID: 34437904 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2021.108760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Our previous studies showed that intranasal delivery of progesterone offers a good bioavailability and neuroprotective efficacy after experimental stroke. We have also demonstrated that progesterone receptors (PR) are essential for cerebroprotection by endogenous progesterone and by progesterone treatment. The identification of PR as a potential drug target for stroke therapy opens new therapeutic indications for selective synthetic progestins. Nestorone® (16-methylene-17α-acetoxy-19-nor-pregn-4-ene-3, 20-dione, also known as segesterone acetate) is a 19-norprogesterone derivative that more potently targets PR than progesterone. The objective of this study was to evaluate the cerebroprotective efficiency of intranasal administration of Nestorone after middle cerebral occlusion (MCAO) in mice. We show here that intranasal administration is a very efficient route to achieve a preferential delivery of Nestorone to the brain and confers a slow elimination and a sustained bioavailability. Furthermore, intranasal administration of Nestorone (at 0.08 mg/kg) improved the functional outcomes and decreased the ischemic lesion in male but not in female mice at 48 h post MCAO. Use of PRNesCre mice, selectively lacking expression of PR in neural cells, and their control PRloxP/loxP littermates showed that the cerebroprotective effects of Nestorone in male mice depended on neural PR as they were not observed in PRNesCre mice. Our findings show that intranasal delivery of Nestorone may be an efficient strategy to promote recovery after stroke in males and confirm the key role of PR in cerebroprotection. Furthermore, they point to sex differences in the response to Nestorone treatment and emphasize the necessity to include males and females in experimental studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magalie Fréchou
- U1195 Inserm and University Paris-Saclay, 80 Rue Du Général Leclerc, 94276, Kremlin-Bicêtre, France.
| | - Xiaoyan Zhu
- U1195 Inserm and University Paris-Saclay, 80 Rue Du Général Leclerc, 94276, Kremlin-Bicêtre, France.
| | - Narender Kumar
- Population Council, Rockefeller University, New York, USA.
| | | | - Michael Schumacher
- U1195 Inserm and University Paris-Saclay, 80 Rue Du Général Leclerc, 94276, Kremlin-Bicêtre, France.
| | - Claudia Mattern
- M et P Pharma AG, Schynweg 7, P.O.Box 11, 6376, Emmetten, Switzerland.
| | - Rachida Guennoun
- U1195 Inserm and University Paris-Saclay, 80 Rue Du Général Leclerc, 94276, Kremlin-Bicêtre, France.
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15
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Shiono S, Sun H, Batabyal T, Labuz A, Williamson J, Kapur J, Joshi S. Limbic progesterone receptor activity enhances neuronal excitability and seizures. Epilepsia 2021; 62:1946-1959. [PMID: 34164810 DOI: 10.1111/epi.16970] [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: 12/11/2020] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Emerging evidence raises the possibility that progesterone receptor (PR) signaling may contribute to the reproductive hormone fluctuation-linked seizure precipitation, called catamenial epilepsy. Therefore, we studied PR isoform expression in limbic regions involved in temporal lobe epilepsy and the effect of PR activation on neuronal activity and seizures. METHODS We evaluated PR expression in the limbic regions, entorhinal cortex (EC), hippocampus, and amygdala in female rats using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). A selective agonist, Nestorone (16-methylene-17 alpha-acetoxy-19-nor-pregn-4-ene-3,20-dione) activated PRs, and the effect on excitability and α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor (AMPAR)-mediated synaptic transmission of EC neurons was studied using electrophysiology. Finally, we assessed PR regulation of epileptic seizures and status epilepticus (SE) induced by lithium-pilocarpine in female rats with the global deletion of PRs (PR knockout; PRKO) using video electroencephalography (-EEG). RESULTS Limbic regions EC, hippocampus, and amygdala robustly expressed PR messenger RNA (mRNA). Nestorone (16-methylene-17 alpha-acetoxy-19-nor-pregn-4-ene-3,20-dione) treatment reduced the action potential threshold of layer II/III EC neurons and increased the frequency of AMPA receptor-mediated synaptic currents of ovariectomized and estrogen-primed female rats. Female rats lacking PRs (PRKO) experienced a shorter duration, less intense, and less fatal SE than wild-type (WT) animals. Furthermore, Nestorone treatment caused seizure exacerbation in the WT epileptic animals, but not in the PRKO epileptic animals. SIGNIFICANCE Activation of PRs expressed in the EC and hippocampus increased neuronal excitability and worsened seizures. These receptors may play a role in catamenial epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinnosuke Shiono
- Department of Neurology, University of Virginia-HSC, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Huayu Sun
- Department of Neurology, University of Virginia-HSC, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Tamal Batabyal
- Department of Neurology, University of Virginia-HSC, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Aleksandra Labuz
- Department of Neurology, University of Virginia-HSC, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - John Williamson
- Department of Neurology, University of Virginia-HSC, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Jaideep Kapur
- Department of Neurology, University of Virginia-HSC, Charlottesville, VA, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia-HSC, Charlottesville, VA, USA.,UVA Brain Institute, University of Virginia-HSC, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Suchitra Joshi
- Department of Neurology, University of Virginia-HSC, Charlottesville, VA, USA
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16
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Bick AJ, Louw-du Toit R, Skosana SB, Africander D, Hapgood JP. Pharmacokinetics, metabolism and serum concentrations of progestins used in contraception. Pharmacol Ther 2021; 222:107789. [PMID: 33316287 PMCID: PMC8122039 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2020.107789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Many different forms of hormonal contraception are used by millions of women worldwide. These contraceptives differ in the dose and type of synthetic progestogenic compound (progestin) used, as well as the route of administration and whether or not they contain estrogenic compounds. There is an increasing awareness that different forms of contraception and different progestins have different side-effect profiles, in particular their cardiovascular effects, effects on reproductive cancers and susceptibility to infectious diseases. There is a need to develop new methods to suit different needs and with minimal risks, especially in under-resourced areas. This requires a better understanding of the pharmacokinetics, metabolism, serum and tissue concentrations of progestins used in contraception as well as the biological activities of progestins and their metabolites via steroid receptors. Here we review the current knowledge on these topics and identify the research gaps. We show that there is a paucity of research on most of these topics for most progestins. We find that major impediments to clear conclusions on these topics include a lack of standardized methodologies, comparisons between non-parallel clinical studies and variability of data on serum concentrations between and within studies. The latter is most likely due, at least in part, to differences in intrinsic characteristics of participants. The review highlights the importance of insight on these topics in order to provide the best contraceptive options to women with minimal risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis J Bick
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch 7700, South Africa
| | - Renate Louw-du Toit
- Department of Biochemistry, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa
| | - Salndave B Skosana
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch 7700, South Africa
| | - Donita Africander
- Department of Biochemistry, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa
| | - Janet P Hapgood
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch 7700, South Africa; Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
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17
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Segesterone acetate serum levels with a regression model of continuous use of the segesterone acetate/ethinyl estradiol contraceptive vaginal system. Contraception 2021; 104:229-234. [PMID: 33785318 DOI: 10.1016/j.contraception.2021.03.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To predict serum segesterone (SA) and ethinyl estradiol (EE) levels after 364 days of hypothetical continuous use (without removal) of a cyclic contraceptive vaginal system (CVS) containing 0.15 mg SA and 0.013 mg EE. STUDY DESIGN We used pharmacokinetic (PK) data (n = 37) from a multicenter, open-label, nonrandomized study of healthy women (18-38 years) that used the CVS for 13 cycles in a 21 days-in/7 days-out regimen to develop a linear regression model to predict daily serum SA and EE levels for 364 days of continuous CVS use. We then determined residual SA/EE levels in vitro from 18 randomly chosen CVS used by women who completed 13 cycles. Serum SA and EE levels were also predicted for 364 days of continuous CVS use in another in vitro study. RESULTS After a hypothetical 364 days of continuous CVS use, we predicted daily mean serum levels to be 184 pmol/L (95% confidence interval [CI], 102‒332 pmol/L) for SA and 43 pmol/L (95% CI, 19‒95 pmol/L) for EE. We did predict that serum EE levels would not accumulate over time. Residual SA and EE in the CVS were 60% and 80% of the original load after 13 cycles, respectively. CONCLUSION The predicted serum SA level after 364 days of hypothetical continuous CVS use was comparable to reported levels at which no pregnancy occurred (>100 pmol/L), showing the potential of the CVS for one year of continuous use. Clinical trials on continuous CVS use are planned. IMPLICATIONS Based on statistical modeling, the long-term, user-controlled contraceptive vaginal system containing segesterone acetate and ethinyl estradiol may have the potential to provide effective pregnancy prevention if used continuously (without removal) for one year. Further investigation is warranted.
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18
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Aragon FFH, Haeck CM, Morais PC, Variano B. Polymorphism characterization of segesterone acetate: A comprehensive study using XRPD, FT-IR and Raman spectroscopy. Int J Pharm 2021; 596:120234. [PMID: 33484926 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2021.120234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 12/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Segesterone acetate (SA) is a promising and recently approved drug substance used as a contraceptive. SA has two major polymorphic forms, Form I and II. We have shown through indirect analysis that Form I is the more thermodynamically stable polymorphic form at room temperature, however, during the manufacturing process of SA drug products the solid-state stability must be shown to be under control. In the present work, a systematic study has been done using X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), Fourier Transformed Infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and room temperature Raman spectroscopy on both micronized and non-micronized SA powder samples. XRPD showed a crystalline structure in both powder samples with a distinct coexistence of the polymorphic Forms I and II which was confirmed by FT-IR and Raman spectroscopy. The study showed that after thermal annealing a noticeable reduction of the amount of polymorphic Form II was found in both samples. Our results suggest the possibility of reducing the amount of SA Form II by thermal treatment inducing an irreversible solid-state transition to yield the thermodynamically more stable polymorphic Form I. To quantify the ratio of polymorphs I and II we have implemented a method that can be used as a routine analysis step in the manufacturing process of SA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fermin F H Aragon
- Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, NY, USA
| | - Clement M Haeck
- Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, NY, USA
| | - Paulo C Morais
- Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, DF 70790-160, Brazil; Universidade de Brasília, Instituto de Física, Brasília, DF 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Bruce Variano
- Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, NY, USA.
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19
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Kapur J, Joshi S. Progesterone modulates neuronal excitability bidirectionally. Neurosci Lett 2021; 744:135619. [PMID: 33421486 PMCID: PMC7821816 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2020.135619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Progesterone acts on neurons directly by activating its receptor and through metabolic conversion to neurosteroids. There is emerging evidence that progesterone exerts excitatory effects by activating its cognate receptors (progesterone receptors, PRs) through enhanced expression of α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid receptors (AMPARs). Progesterone metabolite 5α,3α-tetrahydro-progesterone (allopregnanolone, THP) mediates its anxiolytic and sedative actions through the potentiation of synaptic and extrasynaptic γ-aminobutyric acid type-A receptors (GABAARs). Here, we review progesterone's neuromodulatory actions exerted through PRs and THP and their opposing role in regulating seizures, catamenial epilepsy, and seizure exacerbation associated with progesterone withdrawal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaideep Kapur
- Department of Neurology, University of Virginia-HSC, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, United States; Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia-HSC, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, United States; UVA Brain Institute, University of Virginia-HSC, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, United States
| | - Suchitra Joshi
- Department of Neurology, University of Virginia-HSC, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, United States.
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20
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Sitruk-Ware R, Bonsack B, Brinton R, Schumacher M, Kumar N, Lee JY, Castelli V, Corey S, Coats A, Sadanandan N, Gonzales-Portillo B, Heyck M, Shear A, Blaise C, Zhang H, Sheyner M, García-Sánchez J, Navarro L, El-Etr M, De Nicola AF, Borlongan CV. Progress in progestin-based therapies for neurological disorders. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 122:38-65. [PMID: 33359391 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2020] [Revised: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 12/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Hormone therapy, primarily progesterone and progestins, for central nervous system (CNS) disorders represents an emerging field of regenerative medicine. Following a failed clinical trial of progesterone for traumatic brain injury treatment, attention has shifted to the progestin Nestorone for its ability to potently and selectively transactivate progesterone receptors at relatively low doses, resulting in robust neurogenetic, remyelinating, and anti-inflammatory effects. That CNS disorders, including multiple sclerosis (MS), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), spinal cord injury (SCI), and stroke, develop via demyelinating, cell death, and/or inflammatory pathological pathways advances Nestorone as an auspicious candidate for these disorders. Here, we assess the scientific and clinical progress over decades of research into progesterone, progestins, and Nestorone as neuroprotective agents in MS, ALS, SCI, and stroke. We also offer recommendations for optimizing timing, dosage, and route of the drug regimen, and identifying candidate patient populations, in advancing Nestorone to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Brooke Bonsack
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA
| | | | | | | | - Jea-Young Lee
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Vanessa Castelli
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Sydney Corey
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Alexandreya Coats
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Nadia Sadanandan
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Bella Gonzales-Portillo
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Matt Heyck
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Alex Shear
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Cozene Blaise
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Henry Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Michael Sheyner
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Julián García-Sánchez
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Lisset Navarro
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA
| | | | | | - Cesar V Borlongan
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA.
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21
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Characterisation of progestins used in hormonal contraception and progesterone via the progesterone receptor. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2020; 533:879-885. [PMID: 33008590 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2020.09.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Different progestogens are widely used in hormonal therapy and mediate their therapeutic actions via the progesterone receptor (PR). Little published data exist on their relative efficacies and potencies via the PR, while those available may be confounded by off-target receptors, different methodologies and model systems. We performed dose-response analysis to investigate the efficacies and potencies for transcription of progesterone and several progestins widely used in contraception via the B isoform of human PR (PR-B). We compared responses using three different cell lines and two different transient transfection conditions. Results show that in vitro biological responses via PR-B for the select progestogens can vary significantly in biocharacter, rank order and absolute values for efficacies and potencies, depending on the cell line and transfection condition. Progestogen rank orders for published relative binding affinities are mostly different to those for relative efficacies and potencies. These in vitro differences suggest that rank orders and absolute values of the efficacies and potencies of the progestogens are likely to vary in vivo in a cell-specific and progestogen-specific manner, and cannot easily be extrapolated from in vitro data, as is usually the practice. While obtaining such data in vivo is not possible, these in vitro data show proof of concept for likely significant cell- and progestogen-specific PR-B effects.
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22
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Schumacher M, Liere P, Ghoumari A. Progesterone and fetal-neonatal neuroprotection. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 2020; 69:50-61. [PMID: 33039311 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2020.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The role of progesterone goes beyond the maintenance of pregnancy. The hormone, indeed, protects the developing fetal brain and influences its maturation. Metabolomes analyzed by mass spectrometric methods have revealed the great diversity of steroids in maternal plasma and fetal fluids, but their developmental significance remains to be investigated. Progesterone and its metabolites reach highest levels during the third trimester, when the brain growth spurt occurs: its volume triples, synaptogenesis is particularly active, and axons start to be myelinated. This developmental stage coincides with a period of great vulnerability. Studies in sheep have shown that progesterone and its metabolite allopregnanolone protect the vulnerable fetal brain. Work in rats and mice have demonstrated that progesterone plays an important role in myelin formation. These experimental studies are discussed in relation to preterm birth. Influences of progesterone on very early stages of neural development at the beginning of pregnancy are yet to be explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Schumacher
- U1195 "Diseases and Hormones of the Nervous System", Inserm and University Paris-Saclay, 80, Rue Du Général Leclerc, 94276, Kremlin-Bicêtre, France.
| | - Philippe Liere
- U1195 "Diseases and Hormones of the Nervous System", Inserm and University Paris-Saclay, 80, Rue Du Général Leclerc, 94276, Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Abdelmoumen Ghoumari
- U1195 "Diseases and Hormones of the Nervous System", Inserm and University Paris-Saclay, 80, Rue Du Général Leclerc, 94276, Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
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23
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Guennoun R. Progesterone in the Brain: Hormone, Neurosteroid and Neuroprotectant. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21155271. [PMID: 32722286 PMCID: PMC7432434 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21155271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Progesterone has a broad spectrum of actions in the brain. Among these, the neuroprotective effects are well documented. Progesterone neural effects are mediated by multiple signaling pathways involving binding to specific receptors (intracellular progesterone receptors (PR); membrane-associated progesterone receptor membrane component 1 (PGRMC1); and membrane progesterone receptors (mPRs)) and local bioconversion to 3α,5α-tetrahydroprogesterone (3α,5α-THPROG), which modulates GABAA receptors. This brief review aims to give an overview of the synthesis, metabolism, neuroprotective effects, and mechanism of action of progesterone in the rodent and human brain. First, we succinctly describe the biosynthetic pathways and the expression of enzymes and receptors of progesterone; as well as the changes observed after brain injuries and in neurological diseases. Then, we summarize current data on the differential fluctuations in brain levels of progesterone and its neuroactive metabolites according to sex, age, and neuropathological conditions. The third part is devoted to the neuroprotective effects of progesterone and 3α,5α-THPROG in different experimental models, with a focus on traumatic brain injury and stroke. Finally, we highlight the key role of the classical progesterone receptors (PR) in mediating the neuroprotective effects of progesterone after stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachida Guennoun
- U 1195 Inserm and University Paris Saclay, University Paris Sud, 94276 Le kremlin Bicêtre, France
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24
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Not All Progestins are Created Equally: Considering Unique Progestins Individually in Psychobehavioral Research. ADAPTIVE HUMAN BEHAVIOR AND PHYSIOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s40750-020-00137-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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25
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Nelson AL. Comprehensive overview of the recently FDA-approved contraceptive vaginal ring releasing segesterone acetate and ethinylestradiol: A new year-long, patient controlled, reversible birth control method. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2019; 12:953-963. [DOI: 10.1080/17512433.2019.1669448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Anita L. Nelson
- Obstetrics & Gynecology, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, USA
- Obstetrics & Gynecology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Obstetrics & Gynecology, University Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Research Division, Essential Access Health, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Tuazon JP, Sitruk-Ware R, Borlongan CV. Reprint of: Beyond contraception and hormone replacement therapy: Advancing Nestorone to a neuroprotective drug in the clinic. Brain Res 2019; 1719:285-287. [PMID: 31213288 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2019.05.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Neurological diseases such as ischemic stroke can be debilitating and have limited treatments available. The progestin Nestorone® (segesterone acetate) has been evaluated for use in birth control and hormone replacement therapy due to its potency and high affinity for the progesterone receptor. Interestingly, Nestorone also exerts neuroprotection in animals afflicted with various central nervous system diseases, including stroke, which implicates its potential for treating these maladies in clinical settings. In fact, a recent Brain Research paper by Tanaka and colleagues demonstrates Nestorone's ability to reduce infarct sizes and preclude functional impairments in rats subjected to ischemic stroke. This commentary highlights Nestorone's properties as a progestin, its neuroprotective capabilities in animal studies, and how the Tanaka team's findings and previous clinical trials contribute to Nestorone's translation into a therapeutic agent for stroke and other neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian P Tuazon
- Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair, Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida College of Medicine, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Regine Sitruk-Ware
- Population Council, Center for Biomedical Research, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Cesario V Borlongan
- Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair, Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida College of Medicine, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL 33612, USA.
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Tanaka M, Ogaeri T, Samsonov M, Sokabe M. Nestorone exerts long-term neuroprotective effects against transient focal cerebral ischemia in adult male rats. Brain Res 2019; 1719:288-296. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2018.09.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2018] [Revised: 09/18/2018] [Accepted: 09/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Shiono S, Williamson J, Kapur J, Joshi S. Progesterone receptor activation regulates seizure susceptibility. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2019; 6:1302-1310. [PMID: 31353848 PMCID: PMC6649646 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.50830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2019] [Revised: 06/06/2019] [Accepted: 06/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Progesterone is a potent neuromodulator that exerts effects on the brain through neurosteroids, progesterone receptors (PRs), and other molecules. Whether PR activation regulates seizures is not known. We determined whether PR activation increased seizure susceptibility. METHODS Adult female rats that developed epilepsy following lithium-pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus (SE) were used. Seizures were recorded by continuous-video EEG and read by an individual blinded to the treatment of the animals. The animals were treated for a week with progesterone (50 mg/kg per day), and the effect of progesterone withdrawal on seizure frequency was assessed during the subsequent week. During the week of progesterone treatment, the animals were treated with PR antagonist RU-486 (10 mg/kg per day) or a vehicle control, which was administered 30 min before progesterone. In another set of animals, we determined the effect of the PR agonist Nestorone (3 mg/kg per day) on seizure frequency. The animals were treated with Nestorone or vehicle for a week, and seizure frequencies at baseline and during the treatment week were compared. RESULTS Progesterone withdrawal induced twofold increase in seizures in 57% of animals (n = 14). RU-486 treatment in combination with progesterone, prevented this increase, and a smaller fraction of animals (17%) experienced withdrawal seizures (n = 13). The specific activation of PRs by Nestorone also increased the seizure frequency. Forty-six percent (n = 14) of Nestorone-treated animals experienced at least a 50% increase in seizures compared to only 9% of the vehicle-treated animals (n = 11). INTERPRETATION PR activation increased seizure frequency in epileptic animals. Thus, PRs may be novel targets for treating catamenial epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinnosuke Shiono
- Department of NeurologyUniversity of VirginiaCharlottesvilleVirginia22908
| | - John Williamson
- Department of NeurologyUniversity of VirginiaCharlottesvilleVirginia22908
| | - Jaideep Kapur
- Department of NeurologyUniversity of VirginiaCharlottesvilleVirginia22908
- Department of NeuroscienceUniversity of VirginiaCharlottesvilleVirginia22908
- UVA Brain Institute, University of VirginiaCharlottesvilleVirginia22908
| | - Suchitra Joshi
- Department of NeurologyUniversity of VirginiaCharlottesvilleVirginia22908
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Efficacy of the 1-year (13-cycle) segesterone acetate and ethinylestradiol contraceptive vaginal system: results of two multicentre, open-label, single-arm, phase 3 trials. LANCET GLOBAL HEALTH 2019; 7:e1054-e1064. [PMID: 31231065 PMCID: PMC6624423 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(19)30265-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2018] [Revised: 04/19/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Background A ring-shaped, contraceptive vaginal system designed to last 1 year (13 cycles) delivers an average of 0·15 mg segesterone acetate and 0·013 mg ethinylestradiol per day. We evaluated the efficacy of this contraceptive vaginal system and return to menses or pregnancy after use. Methods In two identically designed, multicentre, open-label, single-arm, phase 3 trials (one at 15 US academic and community sites and one at 12 US and international academic and community sites), participants followed a 21-days-in, 7-days-out segesterone acetate and ethinylestradiol contraceptive vaginal system schedule for up to 13 cycles. Participants were healthy, sexually active, non-pregnant, non-sterilised women aged 18–40 years. Women were cautioned that any removals during the 21 days of cyclic use should not exceed 2 h, and used daily paper diaries to record vaginal system use. Consistent with regulatory requirements for contraceptives, we calculated the Pearl Index for women aged 35 years and younger, excluding adjunctive contraception cycles, as the primary efficacy outcome measure. We also did intention-to-treat Kaplan-Meier life table analyses and followed up women who did not use hormonal contraceptives or desired pregnancy after study completion for 6 months for return to menses or pregnancy. The trials are registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, numbers NCT00455156 and NCT00263341. Findings Between Dec 19, 2006, and Oct 9, 2009, at the 15 US sites, and between Nov 1, 2006, and July 2, 2009, at the 12 US and international sites we enrolled 2278 women. Our overall efficacy analysis included 2265 participants (1130 in the US study and 1135 in the international study) and 1303 (57·5%) participants completed up to 13 cycles. The Pearl Index for the primary efficacy group was 2·98 (95% CI 2·13–4·06) per 100 woman-years, and was well within the range indicative of efficacy for a contraceptive under a woman's control. The Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed the contraceptive vaginal system was 97·5% effective, which provided further evidence of efficacy. Pregnancy occurrence was similar across cycles. All 290 follow-up participants reported return to menses or became pregnant (24 [63%] of 38 women who desired pregnancy) within 6 months. Interpretation The segesterone acetate and ethinylestradiol contraceptive vaginal system is an effective contraceptive for 13 consecutive cycles of use. This new product adds to the contraceptive method mix and the 1-year duration of use means that women do not need to return to the clinic or pharmacy for refills every few months. Funding Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development of the National Institutes of Health, the US Agency for International Development, and the WHO Reproductive Health Research Department.
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Skosana SB, Woodland JG, Cartwright M, Enfield K, Komane M, Louw-du Toit R, van der Spuy Z, Avenant C, Africander D, Storbeck KH, Hapgood JP. Differential metabolism of clinically-relevant progestogens in cell lines and tissue: Implications for biological mechanisms. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2019; 189:145-153. [PMID: 30822501 PMCID: PMC6646820 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2019.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Revised: 02/22/2019] [Accepted: 02/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Steroid hormones regulate a variety of physiological processes, including reproductive function, and are widely used in hormonal therapy. Synthetic progestogens, or progestins, were designed to mimic progesterone (P4) for use in contraception and hormonal replacement therapy in women. Medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) and norethisterone (NET) are the most widely used injectable contraceptives in the developing world, while other progestins such as levonorgestrel (LNG), etonogestrel (ETG) and nestorone (NES) are used in or being developed for other forms of contraception. As concerns remain about the most appropriate choice of progestin and dosage, and the associated side-effects, the mechanisms and biological effects of progestins are frequently investigated in various in vitro mammalian cell line and tissue models. However, whether progestogens are differentially metabolised in different cell types in vivo or in vitro is unknown. For nine mammalian cell lines commonly used to investigate progestogen mechanisms of action, we developed and validated an ultra-high performance supercritical fluid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPSFC-MS/MS) protocol for simultaneously quantifying the metabolism of the above-mentioned steroids. We show for the first time that, while 50-100% of P4 was metabolised within 24 h in all cell lines, the metabolism of the progestins is progestin- and cell line-specific. We also show that MPA and NET are significantly metabolised in human cervical tissue, but to a lesser extent than P4. Taken together, our findings suggest that differential progestogen metabolism may play a role in cell-specific therapeutic and side-effects. Relative affinities for binding to steroid receptors as well as potencies, efficacies and biocharacters for transcriptional activity of progestins, relative to P4, are most frequently determined using some of the cell lines investigated. Our results, however, suggest that differential metabolism of progestins and P4 may confound these results. In particular, metabolism may under-estimate the receptor-mediated intrinsic in vitro binding and dose-response values and predicted endogenous physiological effects of P4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salndave B Skosana
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | - John G Woodland
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Kim Enfield
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Maleshigo Komane
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Zephne van der Spuy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Cape Town, Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Chanel Avenant
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | | | - Janet P Hapgood
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, South Africa.
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Anawalt BD, Roth MY, Ceponis J, Surampudi V, Amory JK, Swerdloff RS, Liu PY, Dart C, Bremner WJ, Sitruk-Ware R, Kumar N, Blithe DL, Page ST, Wang C. Combined nestorone-testosterone gel suppresses serum gonadotropins to concentrations associated with effective hormonal contraception in men. Andrology 2019; 7:878-887. [PMID: 30969032 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2018] [Revised: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 02/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Novel male-based contraceptives are needed to broaden family planning choices. A progestin, Nestorone® (Nes) gel, plus a testosterone (T) gel suppresses sperm concentrations to levels associated with effective contraception in normal men. However, administration of two gels on different parts of the body daily is impractical. OBJECTIVE Compare the effectiveness of daily application of a single, combined 8.3 mg Nes-62.5 mg T gel (Nes-T) vs. 62.7 mg T gel to suppress serum FSH and LH concentrations to ≤1.0 IU/L (a threshold associated with suppression of sperm concentrations to ≤1 million and effective contraception) and to compare the pharmacokinetics of serum Nes and T concentrations between the gel groups. DESIGN We conducted a 28-day, double-blind, controlled trial of 44 healthy men randomized to daily Nes-T or T gel with measurement of hormones at baseline, treatment, and recovery and during 24-h pharmacokinetic studies on days 1 and 28 of treatment. RESULTS Of the subjects who met pre-defined inclusion criteria, 84% of the Nes-T group suppressed serum gonadotropin concentrations to ≤1.0 IU/L at days 21-28 vs. 16.7% in the T group (p < 0.001). On day 1, Nes concentrations rose significantly above baseline by 2 h and continued to rise up to 24 h after Nes-T gel application. Nes concentrations were not detectable in the T group. Serum total T concentrations rose and were significantly higher in the T gel group compared to the Nes-T group at 24 h on day 1 and days 11, 14, and 21 (p < 0.01). There were no serious adverse events in either group. About 80% of the subjects reported satisfaction with both gels. CONCLUSION Daily Nes-T gel effectively and safely suppresses serum gonadotropins and is acceptable to most men. It should be studied further in efficacy trials of hormonal male contraception.
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Affiliation(s)
- B D Anawalt
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - M Y Roth
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - J Ceponis
- Institute of Endocrinology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania.,Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center and Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute, Torrance, CA, USA
| | - V Surampudi
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center and Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute, Torrance, CA, USA
| | - J K Amory
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - R S Swerdloff
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center and Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute, Torrance, CA, USA
| | - P Y Liu
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center and Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute, Torrance, CA, USA
| | - C Dart
- Health Decisions, Durham, NC, USA
| | - W J Bremner
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - R Sitruk-Ware
- Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, NY, USA
| | - N Kumar
- Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, NY, USA
| | - D L Blithe
- Contraceptive Development Program, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - S T Page
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - C Wang
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center and Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute, Torrance, CA, USA
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Gemzell-Danielsson K, Sitruk-Ware R, Creinin MD, Thomas M, Barnhart KT, Creasy G, Sussman H, Alami M, Burke AE, Weisberg E, Fraser I, Miranda MJ, Gilliam M, Liu J, Carr BR, Plagianos M, Roberts K, Blithe D. Segesterone acetate/ethinyl estradiol 12-month contraceptive vaginal system safety evaluation. Contraception 2019; 99:323-328. [PMID: 30831102 DOI: 10.1016/j.contraception.2019.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2018] [Revised: 02/20/2019] [Accepted: 02/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate safety outcomes from clinical studies of a 12-month contraceptive vaginal system (CVS) releasing an average of segesterone acetate (SA) 150 mcg and ethinyl estradiol (EE) 13 mcg daily. STUDY DESIGN We integrated clinical safety data from nine studies in which women used the CVS for 21 consecutive days and removed it for 7 days of each 28-day cycle. Four studies used the final manufactured CVS, including a 1-year pharmacokinetic study, two 1-year phase 3 trials and a second-year treatment extension study. We assessed safety by evaluating adverse events women reported in a daily diary. We also included data from focused safety studies evaluating endometrial biopsies, vaginal microbiology and liver proteins from one of the phase 3 studies. RESULTS The combined studies included 3052 women; 2308 women [mean age 26.7±5.1 years; mean body mass index (BMI) 24.1±3.7 kg/m2] received the final manufactured CVS, of whom 999 (43.3%) completed 13 cycles of use. Women using the final CVS most commonly reported adverse events of headache (n=601, 26%), nausea (n=420, 18%), vaginal discharge/vulvovaginal mycotic infection (n=242, 10%) and abdominal pain (n=225, 10%). Few (<1.5%) women discontinued for these complaints. Four (0.2%) women experienced venous thromboembolism (VTE), three of whom had risk factors for thrombosis [Factor V Leiden mutation (n=1); BMI>29 kg/m2 (n=2)]. During 21,482 treatment cycles in the phase 3 studies evaluable for expulsion, women reported partial expulsions in 4259 (19.5%) cycles and complete expulsions in 1509 (7%) cycles, most frequently in the initial cycle [499/2050 (24.3%) and 190/2050 (9.3%), respectively]. Safety-focused studies revealed no safety concerns. CONCLUSION The 1-year SA/EE CVS has an acceptable safety profile. Additional studies are warranted in obese women at higher risk of VTE. IMPLICATIONS This 1-year contraceptive vaginal system represents a new long-term, user-controlled and procedure-free option with a safety profile similar to other combination hormonal contraceptives. The same precautions currently used for combination hormonal contraceptive prescriptions apply to this new contraceptive vaginal system.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mitchell D Creinin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Michael Thomas
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Kurt T Barnhart
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perelman School of medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - George Creasy
- Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, NY, USA
| | - Heather Sussman
- Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, NY, USA
| | - Mohcine Alami
- Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, NY, USA
| | - Anne E Burke
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Bayview Medical Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Edith Weisberg
- Family Planning NSW, and University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Ian Fraser
- University of New South Wales; Family Planning NSW, and University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Melissa Gilliam
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Pediatrics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - James Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | | | - Marlena Plagianos
- Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kevin Roberts
- Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, NY, USA
| | - Diana Blithe
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, MD, USA
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Tuazon JP, Sitruk-Ware R, Borlongan CV. Beyond contraception and hormone replacement therapy: Advancing Nestorone to a neuroprotective drug in the clinic. Brain Res 2019; 1704:161-163. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2018.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2018] [Accepted: 10/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
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Guennoun R, Zhu X, Fréchou M, Gaignard P, Slama A, Liere P, Schumacher M. Steroids in Stroke with Special Reference to Progesterone. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2018; 39:551-568. [DOI: 10.1007/s10571-018-0627-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2018] [Accepted: 10/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Mendell AL, MacLusky NJ. Neurosteroid Metabolites of Gonadal Steroid Hormones in Neuroprotection: Implications for Sex Differences in Neurodegenerative Disease. Front Mol Neurosci 2018; 11:359. [PMID: 30344476 PMCID: PMC6182082 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2018.00359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2018] [Accepted: 09/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Gonadal steroid hormones are neurotrophic and neuroprotective. These effects are modulated by local metabolism of the hormones within the brain. Such control is necessary to maintain normal function, as several signaling pathways that are activated by gonadal steroid hormones in the brain can also become dysregulated in disease. Metabolites of the gonadal steroid hormones—particularly 3α-hydroxy, 5α-reduced neurosteroids—are synthesized in the brain and can act through different mechanisms from their parent steroids. These metabolites may provide a mechanism for modulating the responses to their precursor hormones, thereby providing a regulatory influence on cellular responses. In addition, there is evidence that the 3α-hydroxy, 5α-reduced neurosteroids are neuroprotective in their own right, and therefore may contribute to the overall protection conferred by their precursors. In this review article, the rapidly growing body of evidence supporting a neuroprotective role for this class of neurosteroids will be considered, including a discussion of potential mechanisms that may be involved. In addition, we explore the hypothesis that differences between males and females in local neurosteroid production may contribute to sex differences in the development of neurodegenerative disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ari Loren Mendell
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Neil James MacLusky
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
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Chen S, Kumar N, Mao Z, Sitruk-Ware R, Brinton RD. Therapeutic progestin segesterone acetate promotes neurogenesis: implications for sustaining regeneration in female brain. Menopause 2018; 25:1138-1151. [PMID: 29846284 PMCID: PMC7731586 DOI: 10.1097/gme.0000000000001135] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Neurogenesis is the principal regenerative mechanism to sustain the plasticity potential in adult brains. Decreased neurogenesis parallels the cognition decline with aging, and has been suggested as a common hallmark in the progression of many neurodegeneration diseases. We previously reported that acute exposure to segesterone acetate (ST-1435; Nestorone), alone or in combination with 17β-estradiol (E2), increased human neural stem cells proliferation and survival both in vitro and in vivo. The present study expanded our previous findings to investigate the more clinical related chronic exposure in combination with E2 on the regenerative capacity of adult brain. METHODS To mimic the chronic contraception exposure in women, 3-month old female mice (n = 110) were treated with ST-1435, with or without co-administration of E2, for 4 weeks. Neural cell proliferation and survival, and oligodendrocyte generation were assessed. The involvement of insulin-like growth factor 1 signaling was studied. RESULTS Our results demonstrated that chronic ST-1435 and E2 alone or in combination increased neurogenesis by a comparable magnitude, with minimum to no antagonistic or additive effects between ST-1435 and E2. In addition, chronic exposure of ST-1435 or ST-1435 + E2 stimulated oligodendrocyte generation, indicating potential elevated myelination. Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R) were also up-regulated after chronic ST-1435 and E2 exposure, suggesting the involvement of IGF-1 signaling as the potential underlined regulatory pathway transducing ST-1435 effect. CONCLUSION These findings provide preclinical evidence and mechanistic insights for the development of ST-1435 as a neuroregenerative therapy to promote intrinsic regenerative capacity in female brains against aging and neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuhua Chen
- Center for Innovation in Brain Science, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Narendar Kumar
- Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council,, New York, NY, USA
| | - Zisu Mao
- Center for Innovation in Brain Science, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | | | - Roberta Diaz Brinton
- Center for Innovation in Brain Science, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
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Giatti S, Garcia-Segura LM, Barreto GE, Melcangi RC. Neuroactive steroids, neurosteroidogenesis and sex. Prog Neurobiol 2018; 176:1-17. [PMID: 29981391 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2018.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2018] [Revised: 05/25/2018] [Accepted: 06/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The nervous system is a target and a source of steroids. Neuroactive steroids are steroids that target neurons and glial cells. They include hormonal steroids originated in the peripheral glands, steroids locally synthesized by the neurons and glial cells (neurosteroids) and synthetic steroids, some of them used in clinical practice. Here we review the mechanisms of synthesis, metabolism and action of neuroactive steroids, including the role of epigenetic modifications and the mitochondria in their sex specific actions. We examine sex differences in neuroactive steroid levels under physiological conditions and their role in the establishment of sex dimorphic structures in the nervous system and sex differences in its function. In addition, particular attention is paid to neuroactive steroids under pathological conditions, analyzing how pathology alters their levels and their role as neuroprotective factors, considering the influence of sex in both cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Giatti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Luis M Garcia-Segura
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - George E Barreto
- Departamento de Nutrición y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
| | - Roberto C Melcangi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy.
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Jensen JT, Edelman AB, Chen BA, Archer DF, Barnhart KT, Thomas MA, Burke AE, Westhoff CL, Wan LS, Sitruk-Ware R, Kumar N, Variano B, Blithe DL. Continuous dosing of a novel contraceptive vaginal ring releasing Nestorone® and estradiol: pharmacokinetics from a dose-finding study. Contraception 2018; 97:422-427. [PMID: 29409834 PMCID: PMC5948142 DOI: 10.1016/j.contraception.2018.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2017] [Revised: 01/08/2018] [Accepted: 01/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND As part of a program to develop a novel estradiol-releasing contraceptive vaginal ring (CVR), we evaluated the pharmacokinetic (PK) profile of CVRs releasing segesterone acetate (Nestorone® (NES)) combined with one of three different estradiol (E2) doses. STUDY DESIGN A prospective, double-blind, randomized, multi-centered study to evaluate a 90-day CVR releasing NES [200mcg/day] plus E2, either 10mcg/day, 20mcg/day, or 40mcg/day in healthy reproductive-age women with regular cycles. Participants provided blood samples twice weekly for NES and E2 levels during the first 60 days (ring 1) and the last 30 days (ring 2) of use. A subset underwent formal PK assessments at ring initiation, ring exchange (limited PK), and study completion. RESULTS The main study enrolled 197 women; 22 participated in the PK substudy. Baseline characteristics between the main and PK participants were comparable, with an average BMI of 25.8 kg/m2 (SD 4.3). In the PK substudy, all three rings showed similar NES PK: mean area under the curve (AUC(0-72)) 34,181 pg*day/mL; concentration maximum (Cmax) 918 pg/mL; time to maximum concentration (Tmax) 3.5 h. For E2, the Cmax occurred at 2 h, and was significantly higher with the 20 mcg/day ring (mean 390 pg/mL); 10 mcg/day, 189 pg/mL, p=.003; 40 mcg/day, 189 pg/mL, p<.001), and declined rapidly to≤50 pg/mL for all doses by 24 h. For all subjects, the median E2 levels remained under 35 pg/mL during treatment. CONCLUSION PK parameters of NES were not affected when paired with different doses of E2, but E2 levels from all three doses were lower than anticipated and no dose response was observed. IMPLICATIONS While these novel estradiol-releasing combination contraceptive vaginal rings provided sustained release of contraceptive levels of Nestorone over 90 days, the E2 levels achieved were not consistent with bone protection, and a dose-response was not observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- J T Jensen
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR.
| | - A B Edelman
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR
| | - B A Chen
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - D F Archer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA
| | - K T Barnhart
- Pennsylvania Clinical Research Center, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
| | - M A Thomas
- Reproductive Medicine Research, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH
| | - A E Burke
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - C L Westhoff
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY
| | - L S Wan
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY
| | - R Sitruk-Ware
- Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, NY
| | - N Kumar
- Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, NY
| | - B Variano
- Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, NY
| | - D L Blithe
- Contraceptive Development Program, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, MD
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Zhu X, Fréchou M, Liere P, Zhang S, Pianos A, Fernandez N, Denier C, Mattern C, Schumacher M, Guennoun R. A Role of Endogenous Progesterone in Stroke Cerebroprotection Revealed by the Neural-Specific Deletion of Its Intracellular Receptors. J Neurosci 2017; 37:10998-11020. [PMID: 28986464 PMCID: PMC6596486 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.3874-16.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2016] [Revised: 08/28/2017] [Accepted: 09/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Treatment with progesterone protects the male and female brain against damage after middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). However, in both sexes, the brain contains significant amounts of endogenous progesterone. It is not known whether endogenously produced progesterone enhances the resistance of the brain to ischemic insult. Here, we used steroid profiling by gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) for exploring adaptive and sex-specific changes in brain levels of progesterone and its metabolites after MCAO. We show that, in the male mouse brain, progesterone is mainly metabolized via 5α-reduction leading to 5α-dihydroprogesterone (5α-DHP), also a progesterone receptor (PR) agonist ligand in neural cells, then to 3α,5α-tetrahydroprogesterone (3α,5α-THP). In the female mouse brain, levels of 5α-DHP and 3α,5α-THP are lower and levels of 20α-DHP are higher than in males. After MCAO, levels of progesterone and 5α-DHP are upregulated rapidly to pregnancy-like levels in the male but not in the female brain. To assess whether endogenous progesterone and 5α-DHP contribute to the resistance of neural cells to ischemic damage, we inactivated PR selectively in the CNS. Deletion of PR in the brain reduced its resistance to MCAO, resulting in increased infarct volumes and neurological deficits in both sexes. Importantly, endogenous PR ligands continue to protect the brain of aging mice. These results uncover the unexpected importance of endogenous progesterone and its metabolites in cerebroprotection. They also reveal that the female reproductive hormone progesterone is an endogenous cerebroprotective neurosteroid in both sexes.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The brain responds to injury with protective signaling and has a remarkable capacity to protect itself. We show here that, in response to ischemic stroke, levels of progesterone and its neuroactive metabolite 5α-dihydroprogesterone are upregulated rapidly in the male mouse brain but not in the female brain. An important role of endogenous progesterone in cerebroprotection was demonstrated by the conditional inactivation of its receptor in neural cells. These results show the importance of endogenous progesterone, its metabolites, and neural progesterone receptors in acute cerebroprotection after stroke. This new concept could be exploited therapeutically by taking into account the progesterone status of patients and by supplementing and reinforcing endogenous progesterone signaling for attaining its full cerebroprotective potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Zhu
- U1195 Inserm and University Paris-Sud and University Paris-Saclay, 94276 Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Magalie Fréchou
- U1195 Inserm and University Paris-Sud and University Paris-Saclay, 94276 Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Philippe Liere
- U1195 Inserm and University Paris-Sud and University Paris-Saclay, 94276 Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Shaodong Zhang
- U1195 Inserm and University Paris-Sud and University Paris-Saclay, 94276 Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
- Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Antoine Pianos
- U1195 Inserm and University Paris-Sud and University Paris-Saclay, 94276 Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Neïké Fernandez
- U1195 Inserm and University Paris-Sud and University Paris-Saclay, 94276 Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Christian Denier
- U1195 Inserm and University Paris-Sud and University Paris-Saclay, 94276 Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Center, Bicêtre Hospital, 94276 Kremlin-Bicêtre, France, and
| | | | - Michael Schumacher
- U1195 Inserm and University Paris-Sud and University Paris-Saclay, 94276 Kremlin-Bicêtre, France,
| | - Rachida Guennoun
- U1195 Inserm and University Paris-Sud and University Paris-Saclay, 94276 Kremlin-Bicêtre, France,
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Comparing the androgenic and estrogenic properties of progestins used in contraception and hormone therapy. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2017; 491:140-146. [PMID: 28711501 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2017.07.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2017] [Accepted: 07/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Progestins used in endocrine therapies bind to multiple steroid receptors and are associated with several side-effects. It is thus important to understand the relationship between steroid receptor cross-reactivity and the side-effect profile of progestins. In cell lines that express negligible levels of steroid receptors, we report for the first time the binding affinities, potencies and efficacies of selected progestins from different generations determined in parallel. We show that the progestins bind to the androgen receptor (AR) with similar affinities to each other and progesterone, while none bind estrogen receptor (ER)-β, and only norethisterone acetate, levonorgestrel and gestodene bind ERα. Comparative dose-response analysis revealed that progestins from the first three generations display similar androgenic activity to the natural androgen dihydrotestosterone for transactivation, while norethisterone acetate, levonorgestrel and gestodene are ERα agonists. We show for the first time that the anti-androgenic properties of progesterone and drospirenone are similar to the well-known AR antagonist hydroxyflutamide, while nomegestrol acetate is more potent and nestorone less potent than both hydroxyflutamide and progesterone. Moreover, we are the first to report that the older progestins, unlike progesterone and the fourth generation progestins, are efficacious ERα agonists for transrepression, while the selected progestins from the second and third generation are efficacious AR agonists for transrepression. Considering the progestin potencies and their reported free serum concentrations relative to dihydrotestosterone and estradiol, our results suggest that the progestins are likely to exert AR-, but not ERα- or ERβ-mediated effects in vivo.
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