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Krysiak R, Basiak M, Machnik G, Okopień B. Impaired Gonadotropin-Lowering Effects of Metformin in Postmenopausal Women with Autoimmune Thyroiditis: A Pilot Study. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:922. [PMID: 37513834 PMCID: PMC10383171 DOI: 10.3390/ph16070922] [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: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Metformin has been found to reduce elevated gonadotropin levels. Hashimoto's thyroiditis is the most common thyroid disorder in iodine-sufficient areas, and it often develops in postmenopausal women. The aim of this study was to investigate whether autoimmune thyroiditis determines the impact of metformin on gonadotrope secretory function. Two matched groups of postmenopausal women were studied: 35 with euthyroid Hashimoto's thyroiditis (group A) and 35 without thyroid disorders (group B). Throughout the study, all participants received oral metformin (2.55-3 g daily). Plasma glucose, insulin, gonadotropins, estradiol, progesterone, thyrotropin, free thyroid hormones, prolactin, adrenocorticotropic hormone, insulin-like growth factor-1, hsCRP, thyroid peroxidase, and thyroglobulin antibody titers were measured at the beginning of the study and six months later. At entry, both groups differed in thyroid peroxidase antibody titers, thyroglobulin antibody titers, and hsCRP levels. In group A, baseline antibody titers correlated positively with hsCRP and negatively with insulin sensitivity. Although metformin improved glucose homeostasis and reduced hsCRP levels in both study groups, these effects were more pronounced in group B than in group A. Only in group B did metformin decrease FSH levels and tend to reduce LH levels. Thyroid antibody titers and the levels of the remaining hormones did not change throughout the study. The impact of metformin on gonadotropin levels correlated with their baseline values and the degree of improvement in insulin sensitivity, as well as with the baseline and treatment-induced reduction in hsCRP. Moreover, the impact on gonadotropins and insulin sensitivity in group A depended on baseline antibody titers. The obtained results indicate that coexisting autoimmune thyroiditis impairs the gonadotropin-lowering effects of metformin in postmenopausal women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Krysiak
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Silesia, 40-752 Katowice, Poland
| | - Marcin Basiak
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Silesia, 40-752 Katowice, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Machnik
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Silesia, 40-752 Katowice, Poland
| | - Bogusław Okopień
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Silesia, 40-752 Katowice, Poland
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2
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Radaghdam S, Karamad V, Nourazarian A, Shademan B, Khaki-Khatibi F, Nikanfar M. Molecular mechanisms of sex hormones in the development and progression of Alzheimer's disease. Neurosci Lett 2021; 764:136221. [PMID: 34500000 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2021.136221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a form of brain disorder characterized by various pathological changes in the brain. Numerous studies have shown that sex hormones are involved in the disease. For instance, progesterone, estrogen, and testosterone are well-known steroid sex hormones that play an essential role in AD pathogenesis. The Gender-dependency of AD is attributed to the effect of these hormones on the brain, which plays a neuroprotective role. In recent years, much research has been performed on the protective role of these hormones against nerve cell damage, which are promising for AD management. Hence, in the current review, we aim to decipher the protective role of steroid hormones in AD. Accordingly, we will discuss their functional mechanisms at the genomic and non-genomic scales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeed Radaghdam
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratories, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Vahidreza Karamad
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, EGE University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Alireza Nourazarian
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratories, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Neurosciences Research Center (NSRC), Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Behrouz Shademan
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, EGE University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Fatemeh Khaki-Khatibi
- Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratories, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Masoud Nikanfar
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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Anderson RC, Newton CL, Anderson RA, Millar RP. Gonadotropins and Their Analogs: Current and Potential Clinical Applications. Endocr Rev 2018; 39:911-937. [PMID: 29982442 DOI: 10.1210/er.2018-00052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2018] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The gonadotropin receptors LH receptor and FSH receptor play a central role in governing reproductive competency/fertility. Gonadotropin hormone analogs have been used clinically for decades in assisted reproductive therapies and in the treatment of various infertility disorders. Though these treatments are effective, the clinical protocols demand multiple injections, and the hormone preparations can lack uniformity and stability. The past two decades have seen a drive to develop chimeric and modified peptide analogs with more desirable pharmacokinetic profiles, with some displaying clinical efficacy, such as corifollitropin alfa, which is now in clinical use. More recently, low-molecular-weight, orally active molecules with activity at gonadotropin receptors have been developed. Some have excellent characteristics in animals and in human studies but have not reached the market-largely as a result of acquisitions by large pharma. Nonetheless, such molecules have the potential to mitigate risks currently associated with gonadotropin-based fertility treatments, such as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and the demands of injection-based therapies. There is also scope for novel use beyond the current remit of gonadotropin analogs in fertility treatments, including application as novel contraceptives; in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome; in the restoration of function to inactivating mutations of gonadotropin receptors; in the treatment of ovarian and prostate cancers; and in the prevention of bone loss and weight gain in postmenopausal women. Here we review the properties and clinical application of current gonadotropin preparations and their analogs, as well as the development of novel orally active, small-molecule nonpeptide analogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ross C Anderson
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.,Department of Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Claire L Newton
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.,Department of Immunology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Richard A Anderson
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Robert P Millar
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.,Department of Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.,Department of Immunology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.,Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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4
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The Dynamics of Neurosteroids and Sex-Related Hormones in the Pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s Disease. Neuromolecular Med 2018; 20:215-224. [DOI: 10.1007/s12017-018-8493-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Accepted: 04/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Martins RN, Villemagne V, Sohrabi HR, Chatterjee P, Shah TM, Verdile G, Fraser P, Taddei K, Gupta VB, Rainey-Smith SR, Hone E, Pedrini S, Lim WL, Martins I, Frost S, Gupta S, O’Bryant S, Rembach A, Ames D, Ellis K, Fuller SJ, Brown B, Gardener SL, Fernando B, Bharadwaj P, Burnham S, Laws SM, Barron AM, Goozee K, Wahjoepramono EJ, Asih PR, Doecke JD, Salvado O, Bush AI, Rowe CC, Gandy SE, Masters CL. Alzheimer's Disease: A Journey from Amyloid Peptides and Oxidative Stress, to Biomarker Technologies and Disease Prevention Strategies-Gains from AIBL and DIAN Cohort Studies. J Alzheimers Dis 2018; 62:965-992. [PMID: 29562546 PMCID: PMC5870031 DOI: 10.3233/jad-171145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Worldwide there are over 46 million people living with dementia, and this number is expected to double every 20 years reaching about 131 million by 2050. The cost to the community and government health systems, as well as the stress on families and carers is incalculable. Over three decades of research into this disease have been undertaken by several research groups in Australia, including work by our original research group in Western Australia which was involved in the discovery and sequencing of the amyloid-β peptide (also known as Aβ or A4 peptide) extracted from cerebral amyloid plaques. This review discusses the journey from the discovery of the Aβ peptide in Alzheimer's disease (AD) brain to the establishment of pre-clinical AD using PET amyloid tracers, a method now serving as the gold standard for developing peripheral diagnostic approaches in the blood and the eye. The latter developments for early diagnosis have been largely achieved through the establishment of the Australian Imaging Biomarker and Lifestyle research group that has followed 1,100 Australians for 11 years. AIBL has also been instrumental in providing insight into the role of the major genetic risk factor apolipoprotein E ɛ4, as well as better understanding the role of lifestyle factors particularly diet, physical activity and sleep to cognitive decline and the accumulation of cerebral Aβ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralph N. Martins
- Centre of Excellence for Alzheimer’s Disease Research and Care, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
- Australian Alzheimer’s Research Foundation, Ralph and Patricia Sarich Neuroscience Research Institute, Nedlands, WA, Australia
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- School of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, University of Western Australia, Perth WA, Australia
- KaRa Institute of Neurological Diseases, Sydney NSW, Australia
| | - Victor Villemagne
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Centre for PET, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Australia
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Hamid R. Sohrabi
- Centre of Excellence for Alzheimer’s Disease Research and Care, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
- Australian Alzheimer’s Research Foundation, Ralph and Patricia Sarich Neuroscience Research Institute, Nedlands, WA, Australia
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- School of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, University of Western Australia, Perth WA, Australia
- KaRa Institute of Neurological Diseases, Sydney NSW, Australia
- Cooperative Research Centre for Mental Health, Carlton, VIC, Australia
| | - Pratishtha Chatterjee
- Centre of Excellence for Alzheimer’s Disease Research and Care, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- KaRa Institute of Neurological Diseases, Sydney NSW, Australia
| | - Tejal M. Shah
- Centre of Excellence for Alzheimer’s Disease Research and Care, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
- Australian Alzheimer’s Research Foundation, Ralph and Patricia Sarich Neuroscience Research Institute, Nedlands, WA, Australia
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Giuseppe Verdile
- Centre of Excellence for Alzheimer’s Disease Research and Care, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
- Australian Alzheimer’s Research Foundation, Ralph and Patricia Sarich Neuroscience Research Institute, Nedlands, WA, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University of Technology, Bentley, WA, Australia
| | - Paul Fraser
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Kevin Taddei
- Centre of Excellence for Alzheimer’s Disease Research and Care, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
- Australian Alzheimer’s Research Foundation, Ralph and Patricia Sarich Neuroscience Research Institute, Nedlands, WA, Australia
- Cooperative Research Centre for Mental Health, Carlton, VIC, Australia
| | - Veer B. Gupta
- Centre of Excellence for Alzheimer’s Disease Research and Care, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
- Cooperative Research Centre for Mental Health, Carlton, VIC, Australia
| | - Stephanie R. Rainey-Smith
- Centre of Excellence for Alzheimer’s Disease Research and Care, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
- Australian Alzheimer’s Research Foundation, Ralph and Patricia Sarich Neuroscience Research Institute, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Eugene Hone
- Centre of Excellence for Alzheimer’s Disease Research and Care, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
- Cooperative Research Centre for Mental Health, Carlton, VIC, Australia
| | - Steve Pedrini
- Centre of Excellence for Alzheimer’s Disease Research and Care, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
- Cooperative Research Centre for Mental Health, Carlton, VIC, Australia
| | - Wei Ling Lim
- Centre of Excellence for Alzheimer’s Disease Research and Care, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
| | - Ian Martins
- Centre of Excellence for Alzheimer’s Disease Research and Care, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
| | - Shaun Frost
- CSIRO Australian e-Health Research Centre/Health and Biosecurity, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Sunil Gupta
- Centre of Excellence for Alzheimer’s Disease Research and Care, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
- Australian Alzheimer’s Research Foundation, Ralph and Patricia Sarich Neuroscience Research Institute, Nedlands, WA, Australia
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- KaRa Institute of Neurological Diseases, Sydney NSW, Australia
| | - Sid O’Bryant
- University of North Texas Health Science Centre, Fort Worth, TX, USA
| | - Alan Rembach
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - David Ames
- National Ageing Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- University of Melbourne Academic Unit for Psychiatry of Old Age, St George’s Hospital, Kew, VIC, Australia
| | - Kathryn Ellis
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Stephanie J. Fuller
- Australian Alzheimer’s Research Foundation, Ralph and Patricia Sarich Neuroscience Research Institute, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Belinda Brown
- Australian Alzheimer’s Research Foundation, Ralph and Patricia Sarich Neuroscience Research Institute, Nedlands, WA, Australia
- School of Psychology and Exercise Science, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Samantha L. Gardener
- Centre of Excellence for Alzheimer’s Disease Research and Care, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
- Australian Alzheimer’s Research Foundation, Ralph and Patricia Sarich Neuroscience Research Institute, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Binosha Fernando
- Centre of Excellence for Alzheimer’s Disease Research and Care, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
| | - Prashant Bharadwaj
- Centre of Excellence for Alzheimer’s Disease Research and Care, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
| | - Samantha Burnham
- Centre of Excellence for Alzheimer’s Disease Research and Care, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
- eHealth, CSIRO Health and Biosecurity, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Simon M. Laws
- Centre of Excellence for Alzheimer’s Disease Research and Care, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
- Cooperative Research Centre for Mental Health, Carlton, VIC, Australia
- Collaborative Genomics Group, Centre of Excellence for Alzheimer’s Disease Research and Care, School of Medical Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
| | - Anna M. Barron
- School of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, University of Western Australia, Perth WA, Australia
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Kathryn Goozee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- School of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, University of Western Australia, Perth WA, Australia
- KaRa Institute of Neurological Diseases, Sydney NSW, Australia
- Anglicare, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Cooperative Research Centre for Mental Health, Carlton, VIC, Australia
| | - Eka J. Wahjoepramono
- Centre of Excellence for Alzheimer’s Disease Research and Care, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
| | - Prita R. Asih
- KaRa Institute of Neurological Diseases, Sydney NSW, Australia
- School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW, Australia
| | - James D. Doecke
- CSIRO Health and Biosecurity, Australian E-Health Research Centre, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Olivier Salvado
- CSIRO Health and Biosecurity, Australian E-Health Research Centre, Brisbane, Australia
- Cooperative Research Centre for Mental Health, Carlton, VIC, Australia
| | - Ashley I. Bush
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Cooperative Research Centre for Mental Health, Carlton, VIC, Australia
| | - Christopher C. Rowe
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Centre for PET, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Australia
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Samuel E. Gandy
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Colin L. Masters
- Cooperative Research Centre for Mental Health, Carlton, VIC, Australia
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Abstract
Alzheimer disease (AD) is a slow progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects more elderly women than elderly men. It impairs memory, typically progresses into multidomain cognitive decline that destroys the quality of life, and ultimately leads to death. About 5.3 million older Americans are now living with this disease, and this number is projected to rise to 14 million by 2050. Annual health-care costs in the United States alone are projected to increase to about US$1.1 trillion by 2050. The initial theory that decreasing estrogen levels leads to AD development in postmenopausal women has been proven inconclusive. For example, Women's Health Research Initiative Memory Study and the population-based nested case-control study have failed to demonstrate that estrogen/progesterone (hormone replacement therapy [HRT]) or estrogen replacement therapy could prevent the cognitive decline or reduce the risk of AD. This led to the realization that AD development could be due to a progressive increase in luteinizing hormone (LH) levels in postmenopausal women. Accordingly, a large number of studies have demonstrated that an increase in LH levels is positively correlated with neuropathological, behavioral, and cognitive changes in AD. In addition, LH has been shown to promote amyloidogenic pathway of precursor protein metabolism and deposition of amyloid β plaques in the hippocampus, a region involved in AD. Cognate receptors that mediate LH effects are abundantly expressed in the hippocampus. Reducing the LH levels by treatment with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists could provide therapeutic benefits. Despite these advances, many questions remain and require further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- C V Rao
- 1 Department of Cellular Biology and Pharmacology, Reproduction and Development Program, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA.,2 Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Reproduction and Development Program, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA.,3 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproduction and Development Program, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
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Schally AV. Endocrine approaches to treatment of Alzheimer's disease and other neurological conditions: Part I: Some recollections of my association with Dr. Abba Kastin: A tale of successful collaboration. Peptides 2015; 72:154-63. [PMID: 25843023 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2015.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2015] [Accepted: 03/12/2015] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew V Schally
- Endocrine, Polypeptide and Cancer Institute, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL, United States; South Florida VA Foundation for Research and Education, Miami, FL, United States; Department of Pathology, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States; Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States; Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States.
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Narayan P. Genetic Models for the Study of Luteinizing Hormone Receptor Function. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2015; 6:152. [PMID: 26483755 PMCID: PMC4586495 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2015.00152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2015] [Accepted: 09/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The luteinizing hormone/chorionic gonadotropin receptor (LHCGR) is essential for fertility in men and women. LHCGR binds luteinizing hormone (LH) as well as the highly homologous chorionic gonadotropin. Signaling from LHCGR is required for steroidogenesis and gametogenesis in males and females and for sexual differentiation in the male. The importance of LHCGR in reproductive physiology is underscored by the large number of naturally occurring inactivating and activating mutations in the receptor that result in reproductive disorders. Consequently, several genetically modified mouse models have been developed for the study of LHCGR function. They include targeted deletion of LH and LHCGR that mimic inactivating mutations in hormone and receptor, expression of a constitutively active mutant in LHCGR that mimics activating mutations associated with familial male-limited precocious puberty and transgenic models of LH and hCG overexpression. This review summarizes the salient findings from these models and their utility in understanding the physiological and pathological consequences of loss and gain of function in LHCGR signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prema Narayan
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, USA
- *Correspondence: Prema Narayan, Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Southern Illinois University, LSIII, 1135 Lincoln Drive, Carbondale, IL 62901, USA,
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Kelly B, Maguire-Herring V, Rose CM, Gore HE, Ferrigno S, Novak MA, Lacreuse A. Short-term testosterone manipulations do not affect cognition or motor function but differentially modulate emotions in young and older male rhesus monkeys. Horm Behav 2014; 66:731-42. [PMID: 25308086 PMCID: PMC4262694 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2014.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2014] [Revised: 07/15/2014] [Accepted: 08/12/2014] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Human aging is characterized by declines in cognition and fine motor function as well as improved emotional regulation. In men, declining levels of testosterone (T) with age have been implicated in the development of these age-related changes. However, studies examining the effects of T replacement on cognition, emotion and fine motor function in older men have not provided consistent results. Rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) are excellent models for human cognitive aging and may provide novel insights on this issue. We tested 10 aged intact male rhesus monkeys (mean age=19, range 15-25) on a battery of cognitive, motor and emotional tasks at baseline and under low or high T experimental conditions. Their performance was compared to that of 6 young males previously tested in the same paradigm (Lacreuse et al., 2009; Lacreuse et al., 2010). Following a 4-week baseline testing period, monkeys were treated with a gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist (Depot Lupron, 200 μg/kg) to suppress endogenous T and were tested on the task battery under a 4-week high T condition (injection of Lupron+T enanthate, 20 mg/kg, n=8) or 4-week low T condition (injection of Lupron+oil vehicle, n=8) before crossing over to the opposite treatment. The cognitive tasks consisted of the Delayed Non-Matching-to-Sample (DNMS), the Delayed Response (DR), and the Delayed Recognition Span Test (spatial-DRST). The emotional tasks included an object Approach-Avoidance task and a task in which monkeys were played videos of unfamiliar conspecifics in different emotional context (Social Playbacks). The fine motor task was the Lifesaver task that required monkeys to remove a Lifesaver candy from rods of different complexity. T manipulations did not significantly affect visual recognition memory, working memory, reference memory or fine motor function at any age. In the Approach-Avoidance task, older monkeys, but not younger monkeys, spent more time in proximity of novel objects in the high T condition relative to the low T condition. In both age groups, high T increased watching time of threatening social stimuli in the Social Playbacks. These results suggest that T affects some aspects of emotional processing but has no effect on fine motor function or cognition in young or older male macaques. It is possible that the duration of T treatment was not long enough to affect cognition or fine motor function or that T levels were too high to improve these outcomes. An alternative explanation for the discrepancies of our findings with some of the cognitive and emotional effects of T reported in rodents and humans may be the use of a chemical castration, which reduced circulating gonadotropins in addition to T. Further studies will investigate whether the luteinizing hormone LH mediates the effects of T on brain function in male primates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Kelly
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA; Harvard Medical School, New England Primate Research Center, Southborough, MA 01772, USA; Behavioral Sciences, Fitchburg State University, Fitchburg MA 01420, USA
| | | | - Christian M Rose
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Heather E Gore
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Stephen Ferrigno
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Melinda A Novak
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA; Harvard Medical School, New England Primate Research Center, Southborough, MA 01772, USA
| | - Agnès Lacreuse
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA.
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Nuruddin S, Syverstad GHE, Lillehaug S, Leergaard TB, Nilsson LNG, Ropstad E, Krogenæs A, Haraldsen IRH, Torp R. Elevated mRNA-levels of gonadotropin-releasing hormone and its receptor in plaque-bearing Alzheimer's disease transgenic mice. PLoS One 2014; 9:e103607. [PMID: 25089901 PMCID: PMC4121068 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0103607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2013] [Accepted: 07/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Research on Alzheimer's disease (AD) has indicated an association between hormones of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis and cognitive senescence, indicating that post meno-/andropausal changes in HPG axis hormones are implicated in the neuropathology of AD. Studies of transgenic mice with AD pathologies have led to improved understanding of the pathophysiological processes underlying AD. The aims of this study were to explore whether mRNA-levels of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (Gnrh) and its receptor (Gnrhr) were changed in plaque-bearing Alzheimer's disease transgenic mice and to investigate whether these levels and amyloid plaque deposition were downregulated by treatment with a gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog (Gnrh-a; Leuprorelin acetate). The study was performed on mice carrying the Arctic and Swedish amyloid-β precursor protein (AβPP) mutations (tgArcSwe). At 12 months of age, female tgArcSwe mice showed a twofold higher level of Gnrh mRNA and more than 1.5 higher level of Gnrhr mRNA than age matched controls. Male tgArcSwe mice showed the same pattern of changes, albeit more pronounced. In both sexes, Gnrh-a treatment caused significant down-regulation of Gnrh and Gnrhr mRNA expression. Immunohistochemistry combined with quantitative image analysis revealed no significant changes in the plaque load after Gnrh-a treatment in hippocampus and thalamus. However, plaque load in the cerebral cortex of treated females tended to be lower than in female vehicle-treated mice. The present study points to the involvement of hormonal changes in AD mice models and demonstrates that these changes can be effectively counteracted by pharmacological treatment. Although known to increase in normal aging, our study shows that Gnrh/Gnrhr mRNA expression increases much more dramatically in tgArcSwe mice. Treatment with Leuprorelin acetate successfully abolished the transgene specific effects on Gnrh/Gnrhr mRNA expression. The present experimental approach should serve as a platform for further studies on the usefulness of Gnrh-a treatment in suppressing plaque development in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syed Nuruddin
- Norwegian School of Veterinary Science, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Sveinung Lillehaug
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Trygve B. Leergaard
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Lars N. G. Nilsson
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Public Health & Caring Sciences / Geriatrics, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Erik Ropstad
- Norwegian School of Veterinary Science, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Ira Ronit Hebold Haraldsen
- Department of Neuropsychiatry and Psychosomatic Medicine, Division of Surgery and Clinical Neuroscience, Oslo University Hospital - Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
| | - Reidun Torp
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- * E-mail:
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11
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Suarez-Jimenez B, Gore HE, Hachey J, King HM, Lacreuse A. Testosterone modulation of anxiety in gonadally-suppressed male rhesus monkeys: a role for gonadotropins? Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2013; 104:97-104. [PMID: 23333155 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2013.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2012] [Revised: 01/03/2013] [Accepted: 01/07/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Testosterone (T) has repeatedly been shown to have anxiolytic properties in rodents, but findings in primates are more mixed. To examine the effects of exogenous T on anxiety, we tested pharmacologically-castrated adult male rhesus monkeys in a modified version of the Human Intruder Paradigm, which measured defensive responses to an unfamiliar human staring directly at them for 2 min. Monkeys were tested at 2 week intervals during 4 experimental conditions lasting 4 weeks each: at baseline, during treatment with the gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist leuprolide acetate (200 μg/kg; Lupron phase), during treatment with Lupron+T enanthate (TE, 5 mg/kg; TE phase) and during treatment with Lupron+oil vehicle (oil phase). We found that the number of anxious behaviors was lower during periods of low T (Lupron only and Lupron+oil phases) than during the Lupron+TE phase. No change in pacing or watching behavior was observed. Thus, in contrast to rodent data, we found no evidence for anxiolytic properties of T in male rhesus monkeys. Rather, T supplementation restored baseline levels of anxiety in Lupron-treated monkeys. These discrepant findings may be best explained by the low levels of gonadotropins achieved by the GnRH agonist. We suggest that Lupron-induced luteinizing hormone (LH) suppression reduced anxiety and that this effect was abolished by T administration. This interpretation is consistent with the view that T increases emotional reactivity to a potential threat and facilitates adaptive arousal response in face of immediate social challenge.
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12
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Rosario ER, Carroll JC, Pike CJ. Evaluation of the effects of testosterone and luteinizing hormone on regulation of β-amyloid in male 3xTg-AD mice. Brain Res 2012; 1466:137-45. [PMID: 22587890 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2012.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2012] [Revised: 04/12/2012] [Accepted: 05/05/2012] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
During normal aging, men experience a significant decline in testosterone levels and a compensatory elevation in levels of gonadotropin luteinizing hormone (LH). Both low testosterone and elevated LH have been identified as significant risk factors for the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in men. It is unclear whether changes in testosterone or LH primarily underlie the relationship with AD, and therefore may be a more suitable therapeutic target. To examine this issue, we compared levels of β-amyloid (Aβ) immunoreactivity in male 3xTg-AD mice under varying experimental conditions associated with relatively low or high levels of testosterone and/or LH. In gonadally intact mice, Aβ accumulation increased after treatment with the gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist leuprolide, which inhibits the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis and reduces both testosterone and LH levels. In gonadectomized (GDX) mice with low testosterone and high LH, we also observed increased Aβ levels. Treatment of GDX mice with testosterone significantly reduced Aβ levels. In contrast, leuprolide did not significantly decrease Aβ levels and moreover, inhibited the Aβ-lowering effect of testosterone. Evaluation of hippocampal-dependent behavior revealed parallel findings, with performance in GDX mice improved by testosterone but not leuprolide. These data suggest that Aβ-lowering actions of testosterone are mediated directly by androgen pathways rather than indirectly via regulation of LH and the HPG axis. These findings support the clinical evaluation of androgen therapy in the prevention and perhaps treatment of AD in hypogonadal men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily R Rosario
- USC Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA.
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13
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Abstract
During the last two decades a large number of genetically modified mouse lines with altered gonadotropin action have been generated. These mouse lines fall into three categories: the lack-of-function mice, gain-of-function mice, and the mice generated by breeding the abovementioned lines with other disease model lines. The mouse strains lacking gonadotropin action have elucidated the necessity of the pituitary hormones in pubertal development and function of gonads, and revealed the processes from the original genetic defect to the pathological phenotype such as hypo- or hypergonadotropic hypogonadism. Conversely, the strains of the second group depict consequences of chronic gonadotropin action. The lines vary from those expressing constitutively active receptors and those secreting follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) with slowly increasing amounts to those producing human choriogonadotropin (hCG), amount of which corresponds to 2000-fold luteinizing hormone (LH)/hCG biological activity. Accordingly, the phenotypes diverge from mild anomalies and enhanced fertility to disrupted gametogenesis, but eventually chronic, enhanced and non-pulsatile action of both FSH and LH leads to female and male infertility and/or hyper- and neoplasias in most of the gonadotropin gain-of-function mice. Elevated gonadotropin levels also alter the function of several extra-gonadal tissues either directly or indirectly via increased sex steroid production. These effects include promotion of tumorigenesis in tissues such as the pituitary, mammary and adrenal glands. Finally, the crossbreedings of the current mouse strains with other disease models are likely to uncover the contribution of gonadotropins in novel biological systems, as exemplified by the recent crossbreed of LHCG receptor deficient mice with Alzheimer disease mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hellevi Peltoketo
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, DuCane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK.
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14
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Barron AM, Verdile G, Taddei K, Bates KA, Martins RN. Effect of chronic hCG administration on Alzheimer's-related cognition and A beta accumulation in PS1KI mice. Endocrinology 2010; 151:5380-8. [PMID: 20844010 DOI: 10.1210/en.2009-1168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Age-associated changes in the reproductive hormones-the gonadal steroid hormones and the gonadotropins-have been identified as potential risk factors for Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, levels of gonadotropins and estrogens are closely linked in vivo, and it has proven difficult to separate the effects of gonadotropins from the well-documented estrogenic effects on AD-related neuropathology in experimental models of menopause. To assess the effects of gonadotropins on cognition and AD biochemical markers independent of estrogenic effects, a potent analog of luteinizing hormone [human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)] was administered to ovariectomized presenilin1 knock-in mice (PS1KI). Gonadotropin administration was found to induce hyperactivity and anxiety (Open Field Maze and Taste Neophobia Task) and working memory dysfunction, without altering reference memory (Morris Water Maze). Although gonadotropin administration modestly altered β amyloid (Aβ40) levels, levels of the longer more toxic form (Aβ42) were unaffected. Furthermore, altered Aβ40 levels were not associated with observed behavioral and cognitive impairments. These findings provide proof, in principle, that the gonadotropin hormones play a role in the modulation of AD-related behavior, cognition, and neuropathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M Barron
- School of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, 6009, Australia
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15
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Carroll JC, Rosario ER, Kreimer S, Villamagna A, Gentzschein E, Stanczyk FZ, Pike CJ. Sex differences in β-amyloid accumulation in 3xTg-AD mice: role of neonatal sex steroid hormone exposure. Brain Res 2010; 1366:233-45. [PMID: 20934413 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2010.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 196] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2010] [Revised: 10/01/2010] [Accepted: 10/01/2010] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is higher in women than in men, a sex difference that likely results from the effects of sex steroid hormones. To investigate this relationship, we first compared progression of β-amyloid (Aβ) pathology in male and female triple transgenic (3xTg-AD) mice. We found that female 3xTg-AD mice exhibit significantly greater Aβ burden and larger behavioral deficits than age-matched males. Next, we evaluated how the organizational effects of sex steroid hormones during postnatal development may affect adult vulnerability to Aβ pathology. We observed that male 3xTg-AD mice demasculinized during early development exhibit significantly increased Aβ accumulation in adulthood. In contrast, female mice defeminized during early development exhibit a more male-like pattern of Aβ pathology in adulthood. Taken together, these results demonstrate significant sex differences in pathology in 3xTg-AD mice and suggest that these differences may be mediated by organizational actions of sex steroid hormones during development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenna C Carroll
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
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16
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Effects of the LHRH antagonist Cetrorelix on affective and cognitive functions in rats. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010; 159:142-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.regpep.2009.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2009] [Revised: 08/06/2009] [Accepted: 08/16/2009] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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17
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Rahman NA, Rao C. Recent progress in luteinizing hormone/human chorionic gonadotrophin hormone research. Mol Hum Reprod 2009; 15:703-11. [DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gap067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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18
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Telegdy G, Tanaka M, Schally AV. Effects of the LHRH antagonist Cetrorelix on the brain function in mice. Neuropeptides 2009; 43:229-34. [PMID: 19375162 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2009.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2008] [Revised: 03/01/2009] [Accepted: 03/16/2009] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The decapeptide Cetrorelix, an LHRH antagonist, inhibits gonadotropin and sex steroid secretion. Cetrorelix is used for IVF-ET procedures and for the treatment of patients with prostate carcinoma, benign prostatic hyperplasia, endometriosis, leiomyomas and, ovarian cancer. However little is known about the effects of Cetrorelix on the brain function. In the present work the influence of Cetrorelix on different aspects of the brain function was studied following its administration into the lateral brain ventricle in mice. The effects tested included the impairment of the consolidation of a passive avoidance reflex caused by beta-amyloid 25-35, anxiolytic action in the plus-maze, antidepressive action in a forced swimming test and a tail suspension test and open-field behavior. In the passive avoidance test, beta-amyloid 25-35 administered immediately after the learning trial impaired the consolidation of passive avoidance learning. Cetrorelix fully blocked the impairment of the consolidation of passive avoidance learning when given icv 30 min following beta-amyloid 25-35 administration. If beta-amyloid 25-35 and Cetrorelix icv were given simultaneously, the Cetrorelix attenuated, but did not block the action of the beta-amyloid 25-35. Cetrorelix elicited anxiolytic action in the plus-maze, depending on the dose used. In the forced swimming and tail suspension tests, Cetrorelix demonstrated antidepressive-like action. Concerning open-field behavior, Cetrorelix displayed no action on locomotion, rearing or grooming. The results demonstrate that Cetrorelix affects brain function: and is able to correct the impairment of the memory consolidation caused by beta-amyloid 25-35. Cetrorelix also elicits anxiolytic and antidepressive action, but it does not influence the open-field activity. Further experimental work with Cetrorelix is necessary, but the results imply the possible merit of a clinical trial with Cetrorelix in patients with anxiety, depression and Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gyula Telegdy
- Department of Pathophysiology, University of Szeged, Semmelweis 1, 6701 Szeged, Csongrad, Hungary.
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19
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Clearance mechanisms of Alzheimer's amyloid-beta peptide: implications for therapeutic design and diagnostic tests. Mol Psychiatry 2009; 14:469-86. [PMID: 18794889 DOI: 10.1038/mp.2008.96] [Citation(s) in RCA: 172] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Currently, the 'amyloid hypothesis' is the most widely accepted explanation for the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). According to this hypothesis, altered metabolism of the amyloid-beta (Abeta) peptide is central to the pathological cascade involved in the pathogenesis of AD. Although Abeta is produced by almost every cell in the body, a physiological function for the peptide has not been determined, and the pathways by which Abeta leads to cognitive dysfunction and cell death are unclear. Numerous therapeutic approaches that target the production, toxicity and removal of Abeta are being developed worldwide. Although therapeutic treatment for AD may be imminent, the value and effectiveness of such treatment are largely dependent on early diagnosis of the disease. This review summarizes current knowledge of Abeta clearance, transport and degradation, and evaluates the use of such information in the development of diagnostic tools. The conflicting results of plasma Abeta ELISAs are discussed, as are the more promising results of Abeta imaging by positron emission tomography. Current knowledge of Abeta-binding proteins and Abeta-degrading enzymes is analysed in the context of a potential therapy for AD. Transport across the blood-brain barrier by the receptor for advanced glycation end products and efflux via the multi-ligand lipoprotein receptor LRP-1 is also reviewed. Enhancing clearance and degradation of Abeta remains an attractive therapeutic strategy, and improved understanding of Abeta clearance may lead to advances in diagnostics and interventions designed to prevent or delay the onset of AD.
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20
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Casadesus G, Rolston RK, Webber KM, Atwood CS, Bowen RL, Perry G, Smith MA. Menopause, estrogen, and gonadotropins in Alzheimer's disease. Adv Clin Chem 2008; 45:139-53. [PMID: 18429496 DOI: 10.1016/s0065-2423(07)00006-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
For decades, Alzheimer's disease (AD) has been linked to aging, gender, and menopause. Not surprisingly, this led most investigators to focus on the role of estrogen. While undoubtedly important, estrogen is unlikely the key determinant of disease pathogenesis. Rather, it appears that estrogen may work in conjunction with a novel determinant of disease pathogenesis, namely gonadotropins. The fact that gonadotropins, specifically luteinizing hormone, play a pivotal role in disease is apparent from significant etiological, epidemiological, and pathological evidences. Moreover, targeting gonadotropins appears to have beneficial actions as a therapeutic regimen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gemma Casadesus
- Department of Neurosciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, USA
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Rosario ER, Pike CJ. Androgen regulation of beta-amyloid protein and the risk of Alzheimer's disease. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007; 57:444-53. [PMID: 17658612 PMCID: PMC2390933 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresrev.2007.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2007] [Revised: 04/25/2007] [Accepted: 04/27/2007] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Advancing age is the most significant risk factor for the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD), however the age-related changes that underlie this effect remain unclear. In men, one normal consequence of aging is a robust decline in circulating and brain levels of the sex steroid hormone testosterone. Testosterone depletion leads to functional impairments and increased risk of disease in androgen-responsive tissues throughout the body, including brain. In this review we discuss the relationship between age-related testosterone depletion and the development of AD. Specifically, we focus on androgen regulation of beta-amyloid protein (Abeta), the accumulation of which is a key initiating factor in AD pathogenesis. Emerging data suggest that the regulatory actions of androgens on both Abeta and the development of AD support consideration of androgen therapy for the prevention and treatment of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily R Rosario
- Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, 3715 McClintock Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0191, USA
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22
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Barron AM, Fuller SJ, Verdile G, Martins RN. Reproductive hormones modulate oxidative stress in Alzheimer's disease. Antioxid Redox Signal 2006; 8:2047-59. [PMID: 17034349 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2006.8.2047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by gradual cognitive decline, impairments in speech and language, and dysfunction in the sensorimotor systems, culminating in complete reliance on nursing care. Oxidative stress, caused by an imbalance in the pro-oxidant/antioxidant mechanisms in the body, has been implicated in AD pathogenesis, as in many other age-associated diseases such as atherosclerosis, Parkinson disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Although the hormones estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and luteinizing hormone are best known for their roles in reproduction, many studies show these hormones have other roles, including neuroprotection. Changes in the levels of these hormones that occur in reproductive senescence are hypothesized to increase risk of AD, as a result of reduced protection against oxidative insults. The Abeta peptide, overproduction of which is thought to be a key pathogenic event in the development of AD, is neurotoxic, most likely due to its ability to promote oxidative stress. The reproductive hormones are known to influence Abeta metabolism, and this review discusses the beneficial and detrimental effects these hormones have on Abeta production and oxidative stress, and their relevance in potential AD therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna M Barron
- School of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Australia
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