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Niwa M, Lockhart S, Wood DJ, Yang K, Francis-Oliveira J, Kin K, Ahmed A, Wand GS, Kano SI, Payne JL, Sawa A. Prolonged HPA axis dysregulation in postpartum depression associated with adverse early life experiences: A cross-species translational study. NATURE. MENTAL HEALTH 2024; 2:593-604. [PMID: 38736646 PMCID: PMC11087073 DOI: 10.1038/s44220-024-00217-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
Childhood and adolescent stress increase the risk of postpartum depression (PPD), often providing an increased probability of treatment refractoriness. Nevertheless, the mechanisms linking childhood/adolescent stress to PPD remain unclear. Our study investigated the longitudinal effects of adolescent stress on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and postpartum behaviors in mice and humans. Adolescent social isolation prolonged glucocorticoid elevation, leading to long-lasting postpartum behavioral changes in female mice. These changes were unresponsive to current PPD treatments but improved with post-delivery glucocorticoid receptor antagonist treatment. Childhood/adolescent stress significantly impacted HPA axis dysregulation and PPD in human females. Repurposing glucocorticoid receptor antagonists for some cases of treatment-resistant PPD may be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minae Niwa
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, USA
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Engineering, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Sedona Lockhart
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Daniel J. Wood
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kun Yang
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jose Francis-Oliveira
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Kyohei Kin
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Adeel Ahmed
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Gary S. Wand
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Shin-ichi Kano
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, USA
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Jennifer L. Payne
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlotte, VA, USA
| | - Akira Sawa
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
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2
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Chellian R, Behnood-Rod A, Bruijnzeel AW. Mifepristone decreases nicotine intake in dependent and non-dependent adult rats. J Psychopharmacol 2024; 38:280-296. [PMID: 38332661 PMCID: PMC11061865 DOI: 10.1177/02698811241230255] [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] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Addiction to tobacco and nicotine products has adverse health effects and afflicts more than a billion people worldwide. Therefore, there is an urgent need for new treatments to reduce tobacco and nicotine use. Glucocorticoid receptor blockade shows promise as a novel treatment for drug abuse and stress-related disorders. AIM These studies aim to investigate whether glucocorticoid receptor blockade with mifepristone diminishes the reinforcing properties of nicotine in rats with intermittent or daily long access to nicotine. METHODS The rats self-administered 0.06 mg/kg/inf of nicotine for 6 h per day, with either intermittent or daily access for 4 weeks before treatment with mifepristone. Daily nicotine self-administration models regular smoking, while intermittent nicotine self-administration models occasional smoking. To determine whether the rats were dependent, they were treated with the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist mecamylamine, and somatic signs were recorded. RESULTS The rats with intermittent access to nicotine had a higher level of nicotine intake per session than those with daily access but only the rats with daily access to nicotine showed signs of physical dependence. Furthermore, mecamylamine increased nicotine intake during the first hour of access in rats with daily access but not in those with intermittent access. Mifepristone decreased total nicotine intake in rats with intermittent and daily access to nicotine. Moreover, mifepristone decreased the distance traveled and rearing in the open field test and operant responding for food pellets. CONCLUSION These findings indicate that mifepristone decreases nicotine intake but this effect may be partially attributed to the sedative effects of mifepristone.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Azin Behnood-Rod
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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3
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Meyer M, Meijer O, Hunt H, Belanoff J, Lima A, de Kloet ER, Gonzalez Deniselle MC, De Nicola AF. Stress-induced Neuroinflammation of the Spinal Cord is Restrained by Cort113176 (Dazucorilant), A Specific Glucocorticoid Receptor Modulator. Mol Neurobiol 2024; 61:1-14. [PMID: 37566177 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03554-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Glucocorticoids exert antiinflammatory, antiproliferative and immunosupressive effects. Paradoxically they may also enhance inflammation particularly in the nervous system, as shown in Cushing´ syndrome and neurodegenerative disorders of humans and models of human diseases. ."The Wobbler mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis shows hypercorticoidism and neuroinflammation which subsided by treatment with the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) modulator Dazucorilant (CORT113176). This effect suggests that GR mediates the chronic glucocorticoid unwanted effects. We now tested this hypothesis using a chronic stress model resembling the condition of the Wobbler mouse Male NFR/NFR mice remained as controls or were subjected to a restraining / rotation stress protocol for 3 weeks, with a group of stressed mice receiving CORT113176 also for 3 weeks. We determined the mRNAS or reactive protein for the proinflamatory factors HMGB1, TLR4, NFkB, TNFα, markers of astrogliosis (GFAP, SOX9 and acquaporin 4), of microgliosis (Iba, CD11b, P2RY12 purinergic receptor) as well as serum IL1β and corticosterone. We showed that chronic stress produced high levels of serum corticosterone and IL1β, decreased body and spleen weight, produced microgliosis and astrogliosis and increased proinflammatory mediators. In stressed mice, modulation of the GR with CORT113176 reduced Iba + microgliosis, CD11b and P2RY12 mRNAs, immunoreactive HMGB1 + cells, GFAP + astrogliosis, SOX9 and acquaporin expression and TLR4 and NFkB mRNAs vs. stress-only mice. The effects of CORT113176 indicate that glucocorticoids are probably involved in neuroinflammation. Thus, modulation of the GR would become useful to dampen the inflammatory component of neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Meyer
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrine Biochemistry, Instituto de Biologia y Medicina Experimental-CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Onno Meijer
- Dept. of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Hazel Hunt
- Corcept Therapeutics, Menlo Park, Ca, USA
| | | | - Analia Lima
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrine Biochemistry, Instituto de Biologia y Medicina Experimental-CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - E Ronald de Kloet
- Dept. of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Maria Claudia Gonzalez Deniselle
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrine Biochemistry, Instituto de Biologia y Medicina Experimental-CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Dept. of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Alejandro F De Nicola
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrine Biochemistry, Instituto de Biologia y Medicina Experimental-CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- Dept. of Human Biochemiistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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4
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Sethi Y, Padda I, Sebastian SA, Malhi A, Malhi G, Fulton M, Khehra N, Mahtani A, Parmar M, Johal G. Glucocorticoid Receptor Antagonism and Cardiomyocyte Regeneration Following Myocardial Infarction: A Systematic Review. Curr Probl Cardiol 2023; 48:101986. [PMID: 37481215 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpcardiol.2023.101986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
Myocardial regeneration has been a topic of interest in literature and research in recent years. An evolving approach reported is glucocorticoid (GC) receptor antagonism and its role in the regeneration of cardiomyocytes. The authors of this study aim to explore the reported literature on GC receptor antagonism and its effects on cardiomyocyte remodeling, hypertrophy, scar formation, and ongoing cardiomyocyte death following cardiac injury. This article overviews cellular biology, mechanisms of action, clinical implications, challenges, and future considerations. The authors of this study conducted a systematic review utilizing the Cochrane methodology and PRISMA guidelines. This study includes data collected and interpreted from 30 peer-reviewed articles from 3 databases with the topic of interest. The mammalian heart has regenerative potential during its embryonic and fetal phases which is lost during its developmental processes. The microenvironment, intrinsic molecular mechanisms, and systemic and external factors impact cardiac regeneration. GCs influence these aspects in some cases. Consequently, GC receptor antagonism is emerging as a promising potential target for stimulating endogenous cardiomyocyte proliferation, aiding in cardiomyocyte regeneration following a cardiac injury such as a myocardial infarction (MI). Experimental studies on neonatal mice and zebrafish have shown promising results with GC receptor ablation (or brief pharmacological antagonism) promoting the survival of myocardial cells, re-entry into the cell cycle, and cellular division, resulting in cardiac muscle regeneration and diminished scar formation. Transient GC receptor antagonism has the potential to stimulate cardiomyocyte regeneration and help prevent the dreaded complications of MI. More trials based on human populations are encouraged to justify their applications and weigh the risk-benefit ratio.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yashendra Sethi
- Department of Medicine, Government Doon Medical College, Dehradun, Uttrakhand, India; PearResearch, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India.
| | - Inderbir Padda
- Department of Medicine, Richmond University Medical Center, Staten Island, NY
| | | | - Amarveer Malhi
- Department of Medicine, Caribbean Medical University SOM, Willemstad, Curacao, The Netherlands
| | - Gurnaaz Malhi
- Department of Medicine, Caribbean Medical University SOM, Willemstad, Curacao, The Netherlands
| | - Matthew Fulton
- Department of Medicine, Richmond University Medical Center, Staten Island, NY
| | - Nimrat Khehra
- Department of Medicine, Saint James School of Medicine, Arnos Vale, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
| | - Arun Mahtani
- Department of Medicine, Richmond University Medical Center, Staten Island, NY
| | - Mayur Parmar
- Department of Foundational Sciences, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Clearwater, FL
| | - Gurpreet Johal
- Department of Cardiology, University of Washington, Valley Medical Center, Seattle, WA
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5
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Blin J, Gautier C, Aubert P, Durand T, Oullier T, Aymeric L, Naveilhan P, Masson D, Neunlist M, Bach-Ngohou K. Psychological stress induces an increase in cholinergic enteric neuromuscular pathways mediated by glucocorticoid receptors. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1100473. [PMID: 36866332 PMCID: PMC9971731 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1100473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Repeated acute stress (RASt) is known to be associated with gastrointestinal dysfunctions. However, the mechanisms underlying these effects have not yet been fully understood. While glucocorticoids are clearly identified as stress hormones, their involvement in RASt-induced gut dysfunctions remains unclear, as does the function of glucocorticoid receptors (GR). The aim of our study was to evaluate the involvement of GR on RASt-induced changes in gut motility, particularly through the enteric nervous system (ENS). Methods Using a murine water avoidance stress (WAS) model, we characterized the impact of RASt upon the ENS phenotype and colonic motility. We then evaluated the expression of glucocorticoid receptors in the ENS and their functional impact upon RASt-induced changes in ENS phenotype and motor response. Results We showed that GR were expressed in myenteric neurons in the distal colon under basal conditions, and that RASt enhanced their nuclear translocation. RASt increased the proportion of ChAT-immunoreactive neurons, the tissue concentration of acetylcholine and enhanced cholinergic neuromuscular transmission as compared to controls. Finally, we showed that a GR-specific antagonist (CORT108297) prevented the increase of acetylcholine colonic tissue level and in vivo colonic motility. Discussion Our study suggests that RASt-induced functional changes in motility are, at least partly, due to a GR-dependent enhanced cholinergic component in the ENS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justine Blin
- Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, INSERM, The Enteric Nervous System in Gut and Brain Disorders, IMAD, Nantes, France,Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, Department of Biochemistry, Nantes, France,*Correspondence: Justine Blin,
| | - Camille Gautier
- Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, INSERM, The Enteric Nervous System in Gut and Brain Disorders, IMAD, Nantes, France
| | - Philippe Aubert
- Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, INSERM, The Enteric Nervous System in Gut and Brain Disorders, IMAD, Nantes, France
| | - Tony Durand
- Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, INSERM, The Enteric Nervous System in Gut and Brain Disorders, IMAD, Nantes, France
| | - Thibauld Oullier
- Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, INSERM, The Enteric Nervous System in Gut and Brain Disorders, IMAD, Nantes, France
| | - Laetitia Aymeric
- Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, INSERM, The Enteric Nervous System in Gut and Brain Disorders, IMAD, Nantes, France,Université d’Angers, Department of Biology, Angers, France
| | - Philippe Naveilhan
- Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, INSERM, The Enteric Nervous System in Gut and Brain Disorders, IMAD, Nantes, France
| | - Damien Masson
- Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, INSERM, The Enteric Nervous System in Gut and Brain Disorders, IMAD, Nantes, France,Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, Department of Biochemistry, Nantes, France
| | - Michel Neunlist
- Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, INSERM, The Enteric Nervous System in Gut and Brain Disorders, IMAD, Nantes, France,Michel Neunlist,
| | - Kalyane Bach-Ngohou
- Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, INSERM, The Enteric Nervous System in Gut and Brain Disorders, IMAD, Nantes, France,Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, Department of Biochemistry, Nantes, France,Kalyane Bach-Ngohou,
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6
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Gehrand AL, Phillips J, Welhouse KD, Siddiqui H, Schulgit M, Hoffman J, Hunt H, Raff H. Glucocorticoid Receptor Antagonist Alters Corticosterone and Receptor-sensitive mRNAs in the Hypoxic Neonatal Rat. Endocrinology 2022; 163:6429713. [PMID: 34791109 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqab232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Hypoxia, a common stressor with preterm birth, increases morbidity and mortality associated with prematurity. Glucocorticoids (GCs) are administered to the preterm infant to improve oxygenation; prolonged use of GCs remains controversial. We evaluated a selective glucocorticoid receptor (GR) antagonist (CORT113176) in our neonatal rat model of human prematurity to assess how fasting and hypoxia-induced increases in neonatal corticosterone affects endogenous hormones and endocrine pancreas function. Neonatal rat pups at postnatal day (PD) 2, PD8, and PD15 were pretreated with CORT113176 and, after 60 minutes of separation and fasting, exposed to hypoxia (8% O2) or control (normoxia) for 30 or 60 minutes while fasting was continued. Plasma corticosterone, ACTH, glucose, and insulin were measured and fasting Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance was calculated. Glucocorticoid and insulin receptor-sensitive gene mRNAs were analyzed in liver, muscle, and adipose to evaluate target tissue biomarkers. CORT113176 pretreatment augmented baseline and hypoxia-induced increases in corticosterone and attenuated hypoxia-induced increases in insulin resistance at PD2. Normoxic and hypoxic stress increased the hepatic GR-sensitive gene mRNAs, Gilz and Per1; this was eliminated by pretreatment with CORT113176. CORT113176 pretreatment decreased baseline insulin receptor-sensitive gene mRNAs Akt2, Irs1, Pik3r1, and Srebp1c at PD2. We show that CORT113176 variably augments the stress-induced increases in corticosterone concentrations (attenuation of negative feedback) and that GR is critical for hepatic responses to stress in the hypoxic neonate. We also propose that measurement of Gilz and Per1 mRNA expression may be useful to evaluate the effectiveness of GR antagonism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley L Gehrand
- Endocrine Research Laboratory, Aurora St. Luke's Medical Center, Advocate Aurora Research Institute, Milwaukee, WI 53215, USA
| | - Jonathan Phillips
- Endocrine Research Laboratory, Aurora St. Luke's Medical Center, Advocate Aurora Research Institute, Milwaukee, WI 53215, USA
| | - Kyle D Welhouse
- Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Hana Siddiqui
- Endocrine Research Laboratory, Aurora St. Luke's Medical Center, Advocate Aurora Research Institute, Milwaukee, WI 53215, USA
| | - Matthew Schulgit
- Endocrine Research Laboratory, Aurora St. Luke's Medical Center, Advocate Aurora Research Institute, Milwaukee, WI 53215, USA
| | | | - Hazel Hunt
- Corcept Therapeutics, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA
| | - Hershel Raff
- Endocrine Research Laboratory, Aurora St. Luke's Medical Center, Advocate Aurora Research Institute, Milwaukee, WI 53215, USA
- Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
- Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
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7
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Medar ML, Andric SA, Kostic TS. Stress-induced glucocorticoids alter the Leydig cells' timing and steroidogenesis-related systems. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2021; 538:111469. [PMID: 34601003 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2021.111469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The study aimed to analyze the time-dependent consequences of stress on gene expression responsible for diurnal endocrine Leydig cell function connecting them to the glucocorticoid-signaling. In the first 24h after the stress event, a daily variation of blood corticosterone increased, and testosterone decreased; the testosterone/corticosterone were lowest at the end of the stress session overlapping with inhibition of Leydig cells' steroidogenesis-related genes (Nr3c1/GR, Hsd3b1/2, Star, Cyp17a1) and changed circadian activity of the clock genes (the increased Bmal1/BMAL1 and Per1/2/PER1 and decreased Cry1 and Rev-erba). The glucocorticoid-treated rats showed a similar response. The principal-component-analysis (PCA) displayed an absence of significant differences between treatments especially on Per1 and Rev-erba, the findings confirmed by the in vivo blockade of the testicular glucocorticoid receptor (GR) during stress and ex vivo treatment of the Leydig cells with hydrocortisone and GR-blocker. In summary, stressful stimuli can entrain the clock in the Leydig cells through glucocorticoid-mediated communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marija Lj Medar
- The University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Sciences Novi Sad, Department of Biology and Ecology, Laboratory for Chronobiology and Aging, Laboratory for Reproductive Endocrinology and Signaling, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Silvana A Andric
- The University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Sciences Novi Sad, Department of Biology and Ecology, Laboratory for Chronobiology and Aging, Laboratory for Reproductive Endocrinology and Signaling, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Tatjana S Kostic
- The University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Sciences Novi Sad, Department of Biology and Ecology, Laboratory for Chronobiology and Aging, Laboratory for Reproductive Endocrinology and Signaling, Novi Sad, Serbia.
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Kokkinopoulou I, Diakoumi A, Moutsatsou P. Glucocorticoid Receptor Signaling in Diabetes. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222011173. [PMID: 34681832 PMCID: PMC8537243 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222011173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Stress and depression increase the risk of Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) development. Evidence demonstrates that the Glucocorticoid (GC) negative feedback is impaired (GC resistance) in T2D patients resulting in Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis hyperactivity and hypercortisolism. High GCs, in turn, activate multiple aspects of glucose homeostasis in peripheral tissues leading to hyperglycemia. Elucidation of the underlying molecular mechanisms revealed that Glucocorticoid Receptor (GR) mediates the GC-induced dysregulation of glucose production, uptake and insulin signaling in GC-sensitive peripheral tissues, such as liver, skeletal muscle, adipose tissue, and pancreas. In contrast to increased GR peripheral sensitivity, an impaired GR signaling in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMCs) of T2D patients, associated with hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and increased inflammation, has been shown. Given that GR changes in immune cells parallel those in brain, the above data implicate that a reduced brain GR function may be the biological link among stress, HPA hyperactivity, hypercortisolism and hyperglycemia. GR polymorphisms have also been associated with metabolic disturbances in T2D while dysregulation of micro-RNAs—known to target GR mRNA—has been described. Collectively, GR has a crucial role in T2D, acting in a cell-type and context-specific manner, leading to either GC sensitivity or GC resistance. Selective modulation of GR signaling in T2D therapy warrants further investigation.
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Canet G, Pineau F, Zussy C, Hernandez C, Hunt H, Chevallier N, Perrier V, Torrent J, Belanoff JK, Meijer OC, Desrumaux C, Givalois L. Glucocorticoid receptors signaling impairment potentiates amyloid-β oligomers-induced pathology in an acute model of Alzheimer's disease. FASEB J 2019; 34:1150-1168. [PMID: 31914623 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201900723rrr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2019] [Revised: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis occurs early in Alzheimer's disease (AD), associated with elevated circulating glucocorticoids (GC) and glucocorticoid receptors (GR) signaling impairment. However, the precise role of GR in the pathophysiology of AD remains unclear. Using an acute model of AD induced by the intracerebroventricular injection of amyloid-β oligomers (oAβ), we analyzed cellular and behavioral hallmarks of AD, GR signaling pathways, processing of amyloid precursor protein, and enzymes involved in Tau phosphorylation. We focused on the prefrontal cortex (PFC), particularly rich in GR, early altered in AD and involved in HPA axis control and cognitive functions. We found that oAβ impaired cognitive and emotional behaviors, increased plasma GC levels, synaptic deficits, apoptosis and neuroinflammatory processes. Moreover, oAβ potentiated the amyloidogenic pathway and enzymes involved both in Tau hyperphosphorylation and GR activation. Treatment with a selective GR modulator (sGRm) normalized plasma GC levels and all behavioral and biochemical parameters analyzed. GR seems to occupy a central position in the pathophysiology of AD. Deregulation of the HPA axis and a feed-forward effect on PFC GR sensitivity could participate in the etiology of AD, in perturbing Aβ and Tau homeostasis. These results also reinforce the therapeutic potential of sGRm in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey Canet
- Molecular Mechanisms in Neurodegenerative Dementia (MMDN) Laboratory, INSERM U1198, Team Environmental Impact in Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders (EiAlz), Montpellier, France.,University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France.,EPHE, Paris, France
| | - Fanny Pineau
- Molecular Mechanisms in Neurodegenerative Dementia (MMDN) Laboratory, INSERM U1198, Team Environmental Impact in Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders (EiAlz), Montpellier, France.,University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France.,EPHE, Paris, France
| | - Charleine Zussy
- Molecular Mechanisms in Neurodegenerative Dementia (MMDN) Laboratory, INSERM U1198, Team Environmental Impact in Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders (EiAlz), Montpellier, France.,University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France.,EPHE, Paris, France
| | - Célia Hernandez
- Molecular Mechanisms in Neurodegenerative Dementia (MMDN) Laboratory, INSERM U1198, Team Environmental Impact in Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders (EiAlz), Montpellier, France.,University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France.,EPHE, Paris, France
| | - Hazel Hunt
- Corcept Therapeutics, Menlo Park, CA, USA
| | - Nathalie Chevallier
- Molecular Mechanisms in Neurodegenerative Dementia (MMDN) Laboratory, INSERM U1198, Team Environmental Impact in Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders (EiAlz), Montpellier, France.,University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France.,EPHE, Paris, France
| | - Véronique Perrier
- Molecular Mechanisms in Neurodegenerative Dementia (MMDN) Laboratory, INSERM U1198, Team Environmental Impact in Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders (EiAlz), Montpellier, France.,University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France.,EPHE, Paris, France
| | - Joan Torrent
- Molecular Mechanisms in Neurodegenerative Dementia (MMDN) Laboratory, INSERM U1198, Team Environmental Impact in Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders (EiAlz), Montpellier, France.,University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France.,EPHE, Paris, France
| | | | - Onno C Meijer
- Einthoven Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Catherine Desrumaux
- Molecular Mechanisms in Neurodegenerative Dementia (MMDN) Laboratory, INSERM U1198, Team Environmental Impact in Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders (EiAlz), Montpellier, France.,University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France.,EPHE, Paris, France
| | - Laurent Givalois
- Molecular Mechanisms in Neurodegenerative Dementia (MMDN) Laboratory, INSERM U1198, Team Environmental Impact in Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders (EiAlz), Montpellier, France.,University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France.,EPHE, Paris, France
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10
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Meyer M, Kruse MS, Garay L, Lima A, Roig P, Hunt H, Belanoff J, de Kloet ER, Deniselle MCG, De Nicola AF. Long-term effects of the glucocorticoid receptor modulator CORT113176 in murine motoneuron degeneration. Brain Res 2019; 1727:146551. [PMID: 31726042 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2019.146551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Revised: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 11/09/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The Wobbler mouse spinal cord shows vacuolated motoneurons, glial reaction, inflammation and abnormal glutamatergic parameters. Wobblers also show deficits of motor performance. These conditions resemble amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Wobbler mice also show high levels of corticosterone in blood, adrenals and brain plus adrenal hypertrophy, suggesting that chronically elevated glucocorticoids prime spinal cord neuroinflammation. Therefore, we analyzed if treatment of Wobbler mice with the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) antagonist CORT113176 mitigated the mentioned abnormalities. 30 mg/kg CORT113176 given daily for 3 weeks reduced motoneuron vacuolation, decreased astro and microgliosis, lowered the inflammatory mediators high mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1), toll-like receptor 4, myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (MyD88), p50 subunit of nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB), tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor, and interleukin 18 (IL18) compared to untreated Wobblers. CORT113176 increased the survival signal pAKT (serine-threonine kinase) and decreased the death signal phosphorylated Junk-N-terminal kinase (pJNK), symptomatic of antiapoptosis. There was a moderate positive effect on glutamine synthase and astrocyte glutamate transporters, suggesting decreased glutamate excitotoxicity. In this pre-clinical study, Wobblers receiving CORT113176 showed enhanced resistance to fatigue in the rota rod test and lower forelimb atrophy at weeks 2-3. Therefore, long-term treatment with CORT113176 attenuated degeneration and inflammation, increased motor performance and decreased paw deformity. Antagonism of the GR may be of potential therapeutic value for neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Meyer
- Laboratories of Neuroendocrine Biochemistry and Neurobiology, Instituto de Biologia y Medicina Experimental-CONICET, Obligado 2490, 1428 Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Maria Sol Kruse
- Laboratories of Neuroendocrine Biochemistry and Neurobiology, Instituto de Biologia y Medicina Experimental-CONICET, Obligado 2490, 1428 Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Laura Garay
- Laboratories of Neuroendocrine Biochemistry and Neurobiology, Instituto de Biologia y Medicina Experimental-CONICET, Obligado 2490, 1428 Buenos Aires, Argentina; Dept. of Human Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires, Paraguay 2155, 1425 Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Analia Lima
- Laboratories of Neuroendocrine Biochemistry and Neurobiology, Instituto de Biologia y Medicina Experimental-CONICET, Obligado 2490, 1428 Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Paulina Roig
- Laboratories of Neuroendocrine Biochemistry and Neurobiology, Instituto de Biologia y Medicina Experimental-CONICET, Obligado 2490, 1428 Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Hazel Hunt
- CORCEPT Therapeutics, 149 Commonwealth Dr, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA
| | - Joseph Belanoff
- CORCEPT Therapeutics, 149 Commonwealth Dr, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA
| | - E Ronald de Kloet
- Division of Endocrinology, Dept. of Internal Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Maria Claudia Gonzalez Deniselle
- Laboratories of Neuroendocrine Biochemistry and Neurobiology, Instituto de Biologia y Medicina Experimental-CONICET, Obligado 2490, 1428 Buenos Aires, Argentina; Dept. of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires, Paraguay 2155, 1425 Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Alejandro F De Nicola
- Laboratories of Neuroendocrine Biochemistry and Neurobiology, Instituto de Biologia y Medicina Experimental-CONICET, Obligado 2490, 1428 Buenos Aires, Argentina; Dept. of Human Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires, Paraguay 2155, 1425 Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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11
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Canet G, Hernandez C, Zussy C, Chevallier N, Desrumaux C, Givalois L. Is AD a Stress-Related Disorder? Focus on the HPA Axis and Its Promising Therapeutic Targets. Front Aging Neurosci 2019; 11:269. [PMID: 31611783 PMCID: PMC6776918 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2019.00269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 09/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that has important health and economic impacts in the elderly. Despite a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms leading to the appearance of major pathological hallmarks (senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles), effective treatments are still lacking. Sporadic AD forms (98% of all cases) are multifactorial, and a panoply of risk factors have been identified. While the major risk factor is aging, growing evidence suggests that chronic stress or stress-related disorders increase the probability to develop AD. An early dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA axis or stress axis) has been observed in patients. The direct consequence of such perturbation is an oversecretion of glucocorticoids (GC) associated with an impairment of its receptors (glucocorticoid receptors, GR). These steroids hormones easily penetrate the brain and act in synergy with excitatory amino acids. An overexposure could be highly toxic in limbic structures (prefrontal cortex and hippocampus) and contribute in the cognitive decline occurring in AD. GC and GR dysregulations seem to be involved in lots of functions disturbed in AD and a vicious cycle appears, where AD induces HPA axis dysregulation, which in turn potentiates the pathology. This review article presents some preclinical and clinical studies focusing on the HPA axis hormones and their receptors to fight AD. Due to its primordial role in the maintenance of homeostasis, the HPA axis appears as a key-actor in the etiology of AD and a prime target to tackle AD by offering multiple angles of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey Canet
- Molecular Mechanisms in Neurodegenerative Dementia Laboratory (MMDN), INSERM, U1198, Environmental Impact in Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders (EiAlz) Team, EPHE, University of Montpellier, Paris, France
| | - Célia Hernandez
- Molecular Mechanisms in Neurodegenerative Dementia Laboratory (MMDN), INSERM, U1198, Environmental Impact in Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders (EiAlz) Team, EPHE, University of Montpellier, Paris, France
| | - Charleine Zussy
- Molecular Mechanisms in Neurodegenerative Dementia Laboratory (MMDN), INSERM, U1198, Environmental Impact in Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders (EiAlz) Team, EPHE, University of Montpellier, Paris, France
| | - Nathalie Chevallier
- Molecular Mechanisms in Neurodegenerative Dementia Laboratory (MMDN), INSERM, U1198, Environmental Impact in Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders (EiAlz) Team, EPHE, University of Montpellier, Paris, France
| | - Catherine Desrumaux
- Molecular Mechanisms in Neurodegenerative Dementia Laboratory (MMDN), INSERM, U1198, Environmental Impact in Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders (EiAlz) Team, EPHE, University of Montpellier, Paris, France
| | - Laurent Givalois
- Molecular Mechanisms in Neurodegenerative Dementia Laboratory (MMDN), INSERM, U1198, Environmental Impact in Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders (EiAlz) Team, EPHE, University of Montpellier, Paris, France
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12
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Nguyen ET, Berman S, Streicher J, Estrada CM, Caldwell JL, Ghisays V, Ulrich-Lai Y, Solomon MB. Effects of combined glucocorticoid/mineralocorticoid receptor modulation (CORT118335) on energy balance, adiposity, and lipid metabolism in male rats. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2019; 317:E337-E349. [PMID: 31112405 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00018.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [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] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Psychological stress and excess glucocorticoids are associated with metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. Glucocorticoids act primarily through mineralocorticoid (MR) and glucocorticoid receptors (GR), and compounds modulating these receptors show promise in mitigating metabolic and cardiovascular-related phenotypes. CORT118335 (GR/MR modulator) prevents high-fat diet-induced weight gain and adiposity in mice, but the ability of this compound to reverse obesity-related symptoms is unknown. Adult male rats were subcutaneously administered CORT118335 (3, 10, or 30 mg/kg) or vehicle once daily. A 5-day treatment with CORT118335 at 30 mg/kg induced weight loss in rats fed a chow diet by decreasing food intake. However, lower doses of the compound attenuated body weight gain primarily because of decreased calorific efficiency, as there were no significant differences in food intake compared with vehicle. Notably, the body weight effects of CORT118335 persisted during a 2-wk treatment hiatus, suggesting prolonged effects of the compound. To our knowledge, we are the first to demonstrate a sustained effect of combined GR/MR modulation on body weight gain. These findings suggest that CORT118335 may have long-lasting effects, likely due to GR/MR-induced transcriptional changes. Prolonged (18 days) treatment of CORT118335 (10 mg/kg) reversed body weight gain and adiposity in animals fed a high-fat diet for 13 wk. Surprisingly, this occurred despite a worsening of the lipid profile and glucose homeostasis as well as a disrupted diurnal corticosterone rhythm, suggesting GR agonistic effects in the periphery. We conclude that species and tissue-specific targeting may result in promising leads for exploiting the metabolically beneficial aspects of GR/MR modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth T Nguyen
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Sarah Berman
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Joshua Streicher
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Christina M Estrada
- Experimental Psychology Graduate Program, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Jody L Caldwell
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Valentina Ghisays
- Experimental Psychology Graduate Program, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Yvonne Ulrich-Lai
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Matia B Solomon
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
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13
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Tonsing-Carter E, Hernandez KM, Kim CR, Harkless RV, Oh A, Bowie KR, West-Szymanski DC, Betancourt-Ponce MA, Green BD, Lastra RR, Fleming GF, Chandarlapaty S, Conzen SD. Glucocorticoid receptor modulation decreases ER-positive breast cancer cell proliferation and suppresses wild-type and mutant ER chromatin association. Breast Cancer Res 2019; 21:82. [PMID: 31340854 PMCID: PMC6651939 DOI: 10.1186/s13058-019-1164-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Non-ER nuclear receptor activity can alter estrogen receptor (ER) chromatin association and resultant ER-mediated transcription. Consistent with GR modulation of ER activity, high tumor glucocorticoid receptor (GR) expression correlates with improved relapse-free survival in ER+ breast cancer (BC) patients. Methods In vitro cell proliferation assays were used to assess ER-mediated BC cell proliferation following GR modulation. ER chromatin association following ER/GR co-liganding was measured using global ChIP sequencing and directed ChIP analysis of proliferative gene enhancers. Results We found that GR liganding with either a pure agonist or a selective GR modulator (SGRM) slowed estradiol (E2)-mediated proliferation in ER+ BC models. SGRMs that antagonized transcription of GR-unique genes both promoted GR chromatin association and inhibited ER chromatin localization at common DNA enhancer sites. Gene expression analysis revealed that ER and GR co-activation decreased proliferative gene activation (compared to ER activation alone), specifically reducing CCND1, CDK2, and CDK6 gene expression. We also found that ligand-dependent GR occupancy of common ER-bound enhancer regions suppressed both wild-type and mutant ER chromatin association and decreased corresponding gene expression. In vivo, treatment with structurally diverse SGRMs also reduced MCF-7 Y537S ER-expressing BC xenograft growth. Conclusion These studies demonstrate that liganded GR can suppress ER chromatin occupancy at shared ER-regulated enhancers, including CCND1 (Cyclin D1), regardless of whether the ligand is a classic GR agonist or antagonist. Resulting GR-mediated suppression of ER+ BC proliferative gene expression and cell division suggests that SGRMs could decrease ER-driven gene expression. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13058-019-1164-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Tonsing-Carter
- Department of Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Kyle M Hernandez
- Center for Research Informatics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Caroline R Kim
- Department of Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Ryan V Harkless
- Department of Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Alyce Oh
- Department of Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Kathleen R Bowie
- Department of Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | | | | | - Bradley D Green
- Ben May Department for Cancer Research, The University of Chicago, 900 E 57th St, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Ricardo R Lastra
- Department of Pathology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Gini F Fleming
- Department of Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Sarat Chandarlapaty
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Suzanne D Conzen
- Department of Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA. .,Ben May Department for Cancer Research, The University of Chicago, 900 E 57th St, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA.
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14
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Usanov SA, Kliuchenovich AV, Strushkevich NV. Drug design strategies for Cushing's syndrome. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2018; 14:143-151. [PMID: 30572739 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2019.1559146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cushing's syndrome (CS) is a metabolic disorder caused by chronic hypercortisolism. CS is associated with cardiovascular, metabolic, skeletal and psychological dysfunctions and can be fatal if left untreated. The first-line treatment for all forms of CS is a surgery. However, medical therapy has to be chosen if surgical resection is not an option or is deemed ineffective. Currently available therapeutics are either not selective and have side effects or are only available as an injection (pasireotide). Areas covered: The authors discuss the recent drug developments for the medical treatment of CS through two validated molecular targets. Specifically, the authors look at selective inhibitors of CYP11B1 that reduce cortisol production by inhibiting steroid 11beta-hydroxylase and glucocorticoid receptor (GR) antagonists that interrupt cortisol-mediating transcriptional regulation of related genes. Expert opinion: Patients with CS have limited treatment options; indeed, there is an unmet need for new compounds that target CYP11B1 selectively versus several steroidogenic enzymes and/or GR-signaling pathways. The complexity of steroid biosynthesis and signaling requires the application of structure-based drug discovery techniques that use molecular targets and highly similar off-targets. Significant differences in steroidogenesis between humans and other species necessitates caution over the choice of in vivo model for the preclinical evaluation of future potential compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- S A Usanov
- a Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the National Academy of Science of Belarus , Minsk , Republic of Belarus
| | - A V Kliuchenovich
- b Target Medicals LLC , Skolkovo Innovation Center (Technopark) , Moscow , Russian Federation
| | - N V Strushkevich
- a Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the National Academy of Science of Belarus , Minsk , Republic of Belarus
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15
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Canet G, Chevallier N, Zussy C, Desrumaux C, Givalois L. Central Role of Glucocorticoid Receptors in Alzheimer's Disease and Depression. Front Neurosci 2018; 12:739. [PMID: 30459541 PMCID: PMC6232776 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2018.00739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2018] [Accepted: 09/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the principal neurodegenerative pathology in the world displaying negative impacts on both the health and social ability of patients and inducing considerable economic costs. In the case of sporadic forms of AD (more than 95% of patients), even if mechanisms are unknown, some risk factors were identified. The principal risk is aging, but there is growing evidence that lifetime events like chronic stress or stress-related disorders may increase the probability to develop AD. This mini-review reinforces the rationale to consider major depressive disorder (MDD) as an important risk factor to develop AD and points the central role played by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, glucocorticoids (GC) and their receptors (GR) in the etiology of MDD and AD. Several strategies directly targeting GR were tested to neutralize the HPA axis dysregulation and GC overproduction. Given the ubiquitous expression of GR, antagonists have many undesired side effects, limiting their therapeutic potential. However, a new class of molecules was developed, highly selective and acting as modulators. They present the advantage to selectively abrogate pathogenic GR-dependent processes, while retaining beneficial aspects of GR signaling. In fact, these “selective GR modulators” induce a receptor conformation that allows activation of only a subset of downstream signaling pathways, explaining their capacity to combine agonistic and antagonistic properties. Thus, targeting GR with selective modulators, alone or in association with current strategies, becomes particularly attractive and relevant to develop novel preventive and/or therapeutic strategies to tackle disorders associated with a dysregulation of the HPA axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey Canet
- Molecular Mechanisms in Neurodegenerative Dementia Laboratory, INSERM, U1198, Team Environmental Impact in Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders (EiAlz), Montpellier, France.,University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France.,EPHE, Paris, France
| | - Nathalie Chevallier
- Molecular Mechanisms in Neurodegenerative Dementia Laboratory, INSERM, U1198, Team Environmental Impact in Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders (EiAlz), Montpellier, France.,University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France.,EPHE, Paris, France
| | - Charleine Zussy
- Molecular Mechanisms in Neurodegenerative Dementia Laboratory, INSERM, U1198, Team Environmental Impact in Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders (EiAlz), Montpellier, France.,University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France.,EPHE, Paris, France
| | - Catherine Desrumaux
- Molecular Mechanisms in Neurodegenerative Dementia Laboratory, INSERM, U1198, Team Environmental Impact in Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders (EiAlz), Montpellier, France.,University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France.,EPHE, Paris, France
| | - Laurent Givalois
- Molecular Mechanisms in Neurodegenerative Dementia Laboratory, INSERM, U1198, Team Environmental Impact in Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders (EiAlz), Montpellier, France.,University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France.,EPHE, Paris, France
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16
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Dalm S, Karssen AM, Meijer OC, Belanoff JK, de Kloet ER. Resetting the Stress System with a Mifepristone Challenge. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2018; 39:503-522. [PMID: 30173378 PMCID: PMC6469632 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-018-0614-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2018] [Accepted: 08/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Psychotic depression is characterized by elevated circulating cortisol, and high daily doses of the glucocorticoid/progesterone antagonist mifepristone for 1 week are required for significant improvement. Using a rodent model, we find that such high doses of mifepristone are needed because the antagonist is rapidly degraded and poorly penetrates the blood–brain barrier, but seems to facilitate the entry of cortisol. We also report that in male C57BL/6J mice, after a 7-day treatment with a high dose of mifepristone, basal blood corticosterone levels were similar to that of vehicle controls. This is surprising because after the first mifepristone challenge, corticosterone remained elevated for about 16 h, and then decreased towards vehicle control levels at 24 h. At that time, stress-induced corticosterone levels of the 1xMIF were sevenfold higher than the 7xMIF group, the latter response being twofold lower than controls. The 1xMIF mice showed behavioral hyperactivity during exploration of the circular hole board, while the 7xMIF mice rather engaged in serial search patterns. To explain this rapid reset of corticosterone secretion upon recurrent mifepristone administration, we suggest the following: (i) A rebound glucocorticoid feedback after cessation of mifepristone treatment. (ii) Glucocorticoid agonism in transrepression and recruitment of cell-specific coregulator cocktails. (iii) A more prominent role of brain MR function in control of stress circuit activity. An overview table of neuroendocrine MIF effects is provided. The data are of interest for understanding the mechanistic underpinning of stress system reset as treatment strategy for stress-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergiu Dalm
- Division of Medical Pharmacology, Leiden/Amsterdam Center for Drug Research and Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9502, 2300 RA, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Adriaan M Karssen
- Division of Medical Pharmacology, Leiden/Amsterdam Center for Drug Research and Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9502, 2300 RA, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Onno C Meijer
- Division of Medical Pharmacology, Leiden/Amsterdam Center for Drug Research and Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9502, 2300 RA, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Leiden University Medical Center, Room C-7-44, Postal zone C7-Q, PO Box 9600, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - E Ronald de Kloet
- Division of Medical Pharmacology, Leiden/Amsterdam Center for Drug Research and Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9502, 2300 RA, Leiden, The Netherlands. .,Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Leiden University Medical Center, Room C-7-44, Postal zone C7-Q, PO Box 9600, Leiden, The Netherlands.
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17
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Meyer M, Lara A, Hunt H, Belanoff J, de Kloet ER, Gonzalez Deniselle MC, De Nicola AF. The Selective Glucocorticoid Receptor Modulator Cort 113176 Reduces Neurodegeneration and Neuroinflammation in Wobbler Mice Spinal Cord. Neuroscience 2018; 384:384-396. [PMID: 29890290 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2018.05.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2018] [Revised: 05/18/2018] [Accepted: 05/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Wobbler mice are experimental models for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. As such they show motoneuron degeneration, motor deficits, and astrogliosis and microgliosis of the spinal cord. Additionally, Wobbler mice show increased plasma, spinal cord and brain corticosterone levels and focal adrenocortical hyperplasia, suggesting a pathogenic role for glucocorticoids in this disorder. Considering this endocrine background, we examined whether the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) modulator CORT 113176 prevents spinal cord neuropathology of Wobblers. CORT 113176 shows high affinity for the GR, with low or null affinity for other steroid receptors. We employed five-month-old genotyped Wobbler mice that received s.c. vehicle or 30 mg/kg/day for 4 days of CORT 113176 dissolved in sesame oil. The mice were used on the 4th day, 2 h after the last dose of CORT 113176. Vehicle-treated Wobbler mice presented vacuolated motoneurons, increased glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)+ astrocytes and decreased glutamine synthase (GS)+ cells. There was strong neuroinflammation, shown by increased staining for IBA1+ microglia and CD11b mRNA, enhanced expression of tumor necrosis factor-α, its cognate receptor TNFR1, toll-like receptor 4, the inducible nitric oxide synthase, NFkB and the high-mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1). Treatment of Wobbler mice with CORT 113176 reversed the abnormalities of motoneurons and down-regulated proinflammatory mediators and glial reactivity. Expression of glutamate transporters GLT1 and GLAST mRNAs and GLT1 protein was significantly enhanced over untreated Wobblers. In summary, antagonism of GR with CORT 113176 prevented neuropathology and showed anti-inflammatory and anti-glutamatergic effects in the spinal cord of Wobbler mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Meyer
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrine Biochemistry, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Obligado 2490, 1428 Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Agustina Lara
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrine Biochemistry, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Obligado 2490, 1428 Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Hazel Hunt
- CORCEPT Therapeutics, Menlo Park, CA, USA
| | | | - E Ronald de Kloet
- Division of Endocrinology, Dept. of Internal Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Maria Claudia Gonzalez Deniselle
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrine Biochemistry, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Obligado 2490, 1428 Buenos Aires, Argentina; Dept. of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires, Paraguay 2155, 1425 Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Alejandro F De Nicola
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrine Biochemistry, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Obligado 2490, 1428 Buenos Aires, Argentina; Dept. of Human Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires, Paraguay 2155, 1425 Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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18
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Abstract
The glucocorticoid hormone cortisol acts throughout the body to support circadian processes and adaptation to stress. The glucocorticoid receptor is the target of cortisol and of synthetic glucocorticoids, which are used widely in the clinic. Both agonism and antagonism of the glucocorticoid receptor may be beneficial in disease, but given the wide expression of the receptor and involvement in various processes, beneficial effects are often accompanied by unwanted side effects. Selective glucocorticoid receptor modulators are ligands that induce a receptor conformation that allows activation of only a subset of downstream signaling pathways. Such molecules thereby combine agonistic and antagonistic properties. Here we discuss the mechanisms underlying selective receptor modulation and their promise in treating diseases in several organ systems where cortisol signaling plays a role.
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19
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Lee SJ, Jokiaho AJ, Sanchez-Watts G, Watts AG. Catecholaminergic projections into an interconnected forebrain network control the sensitivity of male rats to diet-induced obesity. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2018; 314:R811-R823. [PMID: 29384699 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00423.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Hindbrain catecholamine neurons convey gut-derived metabolic signals to an interconnected neuronal network in the hypothalamus and adjacent forebrain. These neurons are critical for short-term glycemic control, glucocorticoid and glucoprivic feeding responses, and glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) signaling. Here we investigate whether these pathways also contribute to long-term energy homeostasis by controlling obesogenic sensitivity to a high-fat/high-sucrose choice (HFSC) diet. We ablated hindbrain-originating catecholaminergic projections by injecting anti-dopamine-β-hydroxylase-conjugated saporin (DSAP) into the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVH) of male rats fed a chow diet for up to 12 wk or a HFSC diet for 8 wk. We measured the effects of DSAP lesions on food choices; visceral adiposity; plasma glucose, insulin, and leptin; and indicators of long-term ACTH and corticosterone secretion. We also determined lesion effects on the number of carbohydrate or fat calories required to increase visceral fat. Finally, we examined corticotropin-releasing hormone levels in the PVH and arcuate nucleus expression of neuropeptide Y ( Npy), agouti-related peptide ( Agrp), and proopiomelanocortin ( Pomc). DSAP-injected chow-fed rats slowly increase visceral adiposity but quickly develop mild insulin resistance and elevated blood glucose. DSAP-injected HFSC-fed rats, however, dramatically increase food intake, body weight, and visceral adiposity beyond the level in control HFSC-fed rats. These changes are concomitant with 1) a reduction in the number of carbohydrate calories required to generate visceral fat, 2) abnormal Npy, Agrp, and Pomc expression, and 3) aberrant control of insulin secretion and glucocorticoid negative feedback. Long-term metabolic adaptations to high-carbohydrate diets, therefore, require intact forebrain catecholamine projections. Without them, animals cannot alter forebrain mechanisms to restrain increased visceral adiposity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shin J Lee
- Physiology and Behavior Laboratory, ETH Zürich, Schwerzenbach, Switzerland
| | - Anne J Jokiaho
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dana and David Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, University of Southern California , Los Angeles, California
| | - Graciela Sanchez-Watts
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dana and David Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, University of Southern California , Los Angeles, California
| | - Alan G Watts
- Physiology and Behavior Laboratory, ETH Zürich, Schwerzenbach, Switzerland.,Department of Biological Sciences, Dana and David Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, University of Southern California , Los Angeles, California
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20
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Dang TQ, Yoon N, Chasiotis H, Dunford EC, Feng Q, He P, Riddell MC, Kelly SP, Sweeney G. Transendothelial movement of adiponectin is restricted by glucocorticoids. J Endocrinol 2017; 234:101-114. [PMID: 28705835 PMCID: PMC6231241 DOI: 10.1530/joe-16-0363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2017] [Accepted: 05/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Altered permeability of the endothelial barrier in a variety of tissues has implications both in disease pathogenesis and treatment. Glucocorticoids are potent mediators of endothelial permeability, and this forms the basis for their heavily prescribed use as medications to treat ocular disease. However, the effect of glucocorticoids on endothelial barriers elsewhere in the body is less well studied. Here, we investigated glucocorticoid-mediated changes in endothelial flux of Adiponectin (Ad), a hormone with a critical role in diabetes. First, we used monolayers of endothelial cells in vitro and found that the glucocorticoid dexamethasone increased transendothelial electrical resistance and reduced permeability of polyethylene glycol (PEG, molecular weight 4000 Da). Dexamethasone reduced flux of Ad from the apical to basolateral side, measured both by ELISA and Western blotting. We then examined a diabetic rat model induced by treatment with exogenous corticosterone, which was characterized by glucose intolerance and hyperinsulinemia. There was no change in circulating Ad but less Ad protein in skeletal muscle homogenates, despite slightly higher mRNA levels, in diabetic vs control muscles. Dexamethasone-induced changes in Ad flux across endothelial monolayers were associated with alterations in the abundance of select claudin tight junction (TJ) proteins. shRNA-mediated knockdown of one such gene, claudin-7, in HUVEC resulted in decreased TEER and increased adiponectin flux, confirming the functional significance of Dex-induced changes in its expression. In conclusion, our study identifies glucocorticoid-mediated reductions in flux of Ad across endothelial monolayers in vivo and in vitro This suggests that impaired Ad action in target tissues, as a consequence of reduced transendothelial flux, may contribute to the glucocorticoid-induced diabetic phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thanh Q Dang
- Department of BiologyFaculty of Science York University, Toronto, Canada
| | - Nanyoung Yoon
- Department of BiologyFaculty of Science York University, Toronto, Canada
| | - Helen Chasiotis
- Department of BiologyFaculty of Science York University, Toronto, Canada
| | - Emily C Dunford
- School of Kinesiology and Health ScienceFaculty of Health and Muscle Health Research Center, York University, Toronto, Canada
| | - Qilong Feng
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, College of Medicine, Pennsylvania State University, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Pingnian He
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, College of Medicine, Pennsylvania State University, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Michael C Riddell
- School of Kinesiology and Health ScienceFaculty of Health and Muscle Health Research Center, York University, Toronto, Canada
| | - Scott P Kelly
- Department of BiologyFaculty of Science York University, Toronto, Canada
| | - Gary Sweeney
- Department of BiologyFaculty of Science York University, Toronto, Canada
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21
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Joseph JJ, Golden SH. Cortisol dysregulation: the bidirectional link between stress, depression, and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2017; 1391:20-34. [PMID: 27750377 PMCID: PMC5334212 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.13217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 314] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Controversy exists over the role of stress and depression in the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Depression has been shown to increase the risk for progressive insulin resistance and incident type 2 diabetes mellitus in multiple studies, whereas the association of stress with diabetes is less clear, owing to differences in study designs and in forms and ascertainment of stress. The biological systems involved in adaptation that mediate the link between stress and physiological functions include the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the autonomic nervous and immune systems. The HPA axis is a tightly regulated system that represents one of the body's mechanisms for responding to acute and chronic stress. Depression is associated with cross-sectional and longitudinal alterations in the diurnal cortisol curve, including a blunted cortisol awakening response and flattening of the diurnal cortisol curve. Flattening of the diurnal cortisol curve is also associated with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus. In this article, we review and summarize the evidence supporting HPA axis dysregulation as an important biological link between stress, depression, and type 2 diabetes mellitus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua J Joseph
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Medicine, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Sherita H Golden
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Medicine, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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22
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Dunford EC, Mandel ER, Mohajeri S, Haas TL, Riddell MC. Metabolic effects of prazosin on skeletal muscle insulin resistance in glucocorticoid-treated male rats. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2017; 312:R62-R73. [PMID: 27834289 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00146.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2016] [Revised: 11/07/2016] [Accepted: 11/07/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
High-dose glucocorticoids (GC) induce skeletal muscle atrophy, insulin resistance, and reduced muscle capillarization. Identification of treatments to prevent or reverse capillary rarefaction and metabolic deterioration caused by prolonged elevations in GCs would be therapeutically beneficial. Chronic administration of prazosin, an α1-adrenergic antagonist, increases skeletal muscle capillarization in healthy rodents and, recently, in a rodent model of elevated GCs and hyperglycemia. The purpose of this study was to determine whether prazosin administration would improve glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity, through prazosin-mediated sparing of capillary rarefaction, in this rodent model of increased GC exposure. Prazosin was provided in drinking water (50 mg/l) to GC-treated or control rats (400 mg implants of either corticosterone or a wax pellet) for 7 or 14 days (n = 5-14/group). Whole body measures of glucose metabolism were correlated with skeletal muscle capillarization (C:F) at 7 and 14 days in the four groups of rats. Individual C:F was found to be predictive of insulin sensitivity (r2 = 0.4781), but not of glucose tolerance (r2 = 0.1601) and compared with water only, prazosin treatment decreased insulin values during oral glucose challenge by approximately one-third in corticosterone (Cort)-treated animals. Cort treatment, regardless of duration, induced significant glycolytic skeletal muscle atrophy (P < 0.05), decreased IRS-1 protein content (P < 0.05), and caused elevations in FOXO1 protein expression (P < 0.05), which were unaffected with prazosin administration. In summary, it appears that α1-adrenergic antagonism improves Cort-induced skeletal muscle vascular impairments and reduces insulin secretion during an oral glucose tolerance test, but is unable to improve the negative alterations directly affecting the myocyte, including muscle size and muscle signaling protein expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily C Dunford
- School of Kinesiology and Health Science, Faculty of Health, Muscle Health Research Center and Physical Activity and Chronic Disease Unit, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Erin R Mandel
- School of Kinesiology and Health Science, Faculty of Health, Muscle Health Research Center and Physical Activity and Chronic Disease Unit, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sepideh Mohajeri
- School of Kinesiology and Health Science, Faculty of Health, Muscle Health Research Center and Physical Activity and Chronic Disease Unit, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tara L Haas
- School of Kinesiology and Health Science, Faculty of Health, Muscle Health Research Center and Physical Activity and Chronic Disease Unit, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael C Riddell
- School of Kinesiology and Health Science, Faculty of Health, Muscle Health Research Center and Physical Activity and Chronic Disease Unit, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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23
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New selective glucocorticoid receptor modulators reverse amyloid-β peptide–induced hippocampus toxicity. Neurobiol Aging 2016; 45:109-122. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2016.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2016] [Revised: 05/18/2016] [Accepted: 05/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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24
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van den Heuvel JK, Boon MR, van Hengel I, Peschier-van der Put E, van Beek L, van Harmelen V, van Dijk KW, Pereira AM, Hunt H, Belanoff JK, Rensen PCN, Meijer OC. Identification of a selective glucocorticoid receptor modulator that prevents both diet-induced obesity and inflammation. Br J Pharmacol 2016; 173:1793-804. [PMID: 26990179 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2015] [Revised: 02/14/2016] [Accepted: 02/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE High-fat diet consumption results in obesity and chronic low-grade inflammation in adipose tissue. Whereas glucocorticoid receptor (GR) antagonism reduces diet-induced obesity, GR agonism reduces inflammation, the combination of which would be desired in a strategy to combat the metabolic syndrome. The purpose of this study was to assess the beneficial effects of the selective GR modulator C108297 on both diet-induced weight gain and inflammation in mice and to elucidate underlying mechanisms. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Ten-week-old C57Bl/6 J mice were fed a high-fat diet for 4 weeks while being treated with the selective GR modulator C108297, a full GR antagonist (RU486/mifepristone) or vehicle. KEY RESULTS C108297 and, to a lesser extent, mifepristone reduced body weight gain and fat mass. C108297 decreased food and fructose intake and increased lipolysis in white adipose tissue (WAT) and free fatty acid levels in plasma, resulting in decreased fat cell size and increased fatty acid oxidation. Furthermore, C108297 reduced macrophage infiltration and pro-inflammatory cytokine expression in WAT, as well as in vitro LPS-stimulated TNF-α secretion in macrophage RAW 264.7 cells. However, mifepristone also increased energy expenditure, as measured by fully automatic metabolic cages, and enhanced expression of thermogenic markers in energy-combusting brown adipose tissue (BAT) but did not affect inflammation. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS C108297 attenuates obesity by reducing caloric intake and increasing lipolysis and fat oxidation, and in addition attenuates inflammation. These data suggest that selective GR modulation may be a viable strategy for the reduction of diet-induced obesity and inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- José K van den Heuvel
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Einthoven Laboratory for Experimental Vascular Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Mariëtte R Boon
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Einthoven Laboratory for Experimental Vascular Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Ingmar van Hengel
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Einthoven Laboratory for Experimental Vascular Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Emma Peschier-van der Put
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Einthoven Laboratory for Experimental Vascular Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Lianne van Beek
- Einthoven Laboratory for Experimental Vascular Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Vanessa van Harmelen
- Einthoven Laboratory for Experimental Vascular Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Ko Willems van Dijk
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Einthoven Laboratory for Experimental Vascular Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Alberto M Pereira
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Einthoven Laboratory for Experimental Vascular Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Hazel Hunt
- Corcept Therapeutics, Menlo Park, California, USA
| | | | - Patrick C N Rensen
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Einthoven Laboratory for Experimental Vascular Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Onno C Meijer
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Einthoven Laboratory for Experimental Vascular Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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25
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Joseph JJ, Wang X, Spanakis E, Seeman T, Wand G, Needham B, Golden SH. Diurnal salivary cortisol, glycemia and insulin resistance: The multi-ethnic study of atherosclerosis. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2015; 62:327-35. [PMID: 26356041 PMCID: PMC4637243 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2015.08.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2015] [Revised: 08/25/2015] [Accepted: 08/25/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Hypercortisolism is associated with insulin resistance (IR) and diabetes mellitus (DM); however, to our knowledge prior studies have not examined the association of diurnal cortisol curve features with measures of glycemia or IR in a population-based setting. Using log-transformed salivary cortisol data on 850 ethnically diverse men and women from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis, we investigated the cross-sectional association of cortisol curve features with (1) glycemia in those with and without DM and (2) IR, in non-diabetic subjects. The log-transformed salivary cortisol curve features included wake-up cortisol, cortisol awakening response (CAR), early decline slope (30min to 2h post-awakening), late decline slope (2h post-awakening to bedtime), overall decline slope (0min to bedtime, excluding 30min cortisol), bedtime cortisol and total area under the curve (AUC). Overall, following multivariable adjustment, among those with diabetes mellitus (DM), early decline slope, overall decline slope, bedtime cortisol, and AUC were significantly and positively associated with a 5.4% (95% CI: 1.3, 9.7), 54.7% (95% CI: 12.4, 112.9), 4.0% (95% CI: 1.6,6.4), and 6.8% (95% CI: 3.3,10.4) higher HbA1c per 1 unit increase in log cortisol feature, respectively. Cortisol curve features were not associated with HbA1c among non-diabetic participants; however, wake-up cortisol and AUC were associated with a 8.2% lower (95% CI: -13.3,-2.7) and 7.9% lower (95% CI: -14.6, -0.6) log HOMA-IR, respectively. This was attenuated by adjustment for waist circumference. Among participants with DM, cortisol curve parameters suggestive of higher hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity and dysfunction were associated with higher HbA1c. In non-diabetic participants, greater HPA activity was paradoxically associated with lower insulin resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua J. Joseph
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Xu Wang
- School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Elias Spanakis
- Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Teresa Seeman
- Division of Geriatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Gary Wand
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Belinda Needham
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Sherita Hill Golden
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States; Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States.
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26
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1H-Pyrazolo[3,4-g]hexahydro-isoquinolines as potent GR antagonists with reduced hERG inhibition and an improved pharmacokinetic profile. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2015; 25:5720-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2015.10.097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2015] [Revised: 10/29/2015] [Accepted: 10/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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27
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Beaudry JL, Dunford EC, Leclair E, Mandel ER, Peckett AJ, Haas TL, Riddell MC. Voluntary exercise improves metabolic profile in high-fat fed glucocorticoid-treated rats. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2015; 118:1331-43. [PMID: 25792713 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00467.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2014] [Accepted: 03/15/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Diabetes is rapidly induced in young male Sprague-Dawley rats following treatment with exogenous corticosterone (CORT) and a high-fat diet (HFD). Regular exercise alleviates insulin insensitivity and improves pancreatic β-cell function in insulin-resistant/diabetic rodents, but its effect in an animal model of elevated glucocorticoids is unknown. We examined the effect of voluntary exercise (EX) on diabetes development in CORT-HFD-treated male Sprague-Dawley rats (∼6 wk old). Animals were acclimatized to running wheels for 2 wk, then given a HFD, either wax (placebo) or CORT pellets, and split into 4 groups: placebo-sedentary (SED) or -EX and CORT-SED or -EX. After 2 wk of running combined with treatment, CORT-EX animals had reduced visceral adiposity, and increased skeletal muscle type IIb/x fiber area, oxidative capacity, capillary-to-fiber ratio and insulin sensitivity compared with CORT-SED animals (all P < 0.05). Although CORT-EX animals still had fasting hyperglycemia, these values were significantly improved compared with CORT-SED animals (14.3 ± 1.6 vs. 18.8 ± 0.9 mM). In addition, acute in vivo insulin response to an oral glucose challenge was enhanced ∼2-fold in CORT-EX vs. CORT-SED (P < 0.05) which was further demonstrated ex vivo in isolated islets. We conclude that voluntary wheel running in rats improves, but does not fully normalize, the metabolic profile and skeletal muscle composition of animals administered CORT and HFD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline L Beaudry
- School of Kinesiology and Health Science, Faculty of Health, Muscle Health Research Center and Physical Activity and Chronic Disease Unit, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Emily C Dunford
- School of Kinesiology and Health Science, Faculty of Health, Muscle Health Research Center and Physical Activity and Chronic Disease Unit, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Erwan Leclair
- School of Kinesiology and Health Science, Faculty of Health, Muscle Health Research Center and Physical Activity and Chronic Disease Unit, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Erin R Mandel
- School of Kinesiology and Health Science, Faculty of Health, Muscle Health Research Center and Physical Activity and Chronic Disease Unit, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ashley J Peckett
- School of Kinesiology and Health Science, Faculty of Health, Muscle Health Research Center and Physical Activity and Chronic Disease Unit, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tara L Haas
- School of Kinesiology and Health Science, Faculty of Health, Muscle Health Research Center and Physical Activity and Chronic Disease Unit, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael C Riddell
- School of Kinesiology and Health Science, Faculty of Health, Muscle Health Research Center and Physical Activity and Chronic Disease Unit, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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