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Impellizzeri D, Siracusa R, D'Amico R, Fusco R, Cordaro M, Cuzzocrea S, Di Paola R. Açaí berry ameliorates cognitive impairment by inhibiting NLRP3/ASC/CASP axis in STZ-induced diabetic neuropathy in mice. J Neurophysiol 2023; 130:671-683. [PMID: 37584088 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00239.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Diabetes complications such as diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) are linked to morbidity and mortality. Peripheral nerve damages in DPN are accompanied by discomfort, weakness, and sensory loss. Some drugs may demonstrate their therapeutic promise by reducing neuroinflammation, but they have side effects. Based on these considerations, the objective of this study was to examine the beneficial properties of açaí berry in a mouse model of DPN generated by injection of streptozotocin (STZ). Açaí berry was given orally to diabetic and control mice every day beginning 2 wk after STZ injection. The animals were euthanized after 16 wk, and tissues from the spinal cord and sciatic nerve and urine were taken. Our findings showed that daily treatment of açaí berry at a dose of 500 mg/kg was able to prevent behavioral changes as well as mast cell activation and nerve deterioration via NOD-like receptor family pyrin-domain-containing-3 (NLRP3)/apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a card (ASC)/caspase (CASP) regulation after diabetes induction.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Our research shows that açaí berry reduces mast cells degranulation and histological damage in diabetic neuropathy, improves physiological defense against reactive oxygen species, modulates the NLRP3/ASC/CASP axis, and ameliorates inflammation and oxidative stress. Diet could help treatment for diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Impellizzeri
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Rosalba Siracusa
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Ramona D'Amico
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Roberta Fusco
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Marika Cordaro
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Salvatore Cuzzocrea
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Rosanna Di Paola
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
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2
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Kaur S, Hickman TM, Lopez-Ramirez A, McDonald H, Lockhart LM, Darwish O, Averitt DL. Estrogen modulation of the pronociceptive effects of serotonin on female rat trigeminal sensory neurons is timing dependent and dosage dependent and requires estrogen receptor alpha. Pain 2022; 163:e899-e916. [PMID: 35121697 PMCID: PMC9288423 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT The role of the major estrogen estradiol (E2) on orofacial pain conditions remains controversial with studies reporting both a pronociceptive and antinociceptive role of E2. E2 modulation of peripheral serotonergic activity may be one mechanism underlying the female prevalence of orofacial pain disorders. We recently reported that female rats in proestrus and estrus exhibit greater serotonin (5HT)-evoked orofacial nocifensive behaviors compared with diestrus and male rats. Further coexpression of 5HT 2A receptor mRNA in nociceptive trigeminal sensory neurons that express transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 ion channels contributes to pain sensitization. E2 may exacerbate orofacial pain through 5HT-sensitive trigeminal nociceptors, but whether low or high E2 contributes to orofacial pain and by what mechanism remains unclear. We hypothesized that steady-state exposure to a proestrus level of E2 exacerbates 5HT-evoked orofacial nocifensive behaviors in female rats, explored the transcriptome of E2-treated female rats, and determined which E2 receptor contributes to sensitization of female trigeminal sensory neurons. We report that a diestrus level of E2 is protective against 5HT-evoked orofacial pain behaviors, which increase with increasing E2 concentrations, and that E2 differentially alters several pain genes in the trigeminal ganglia. Furthermore, E2 receptors coexpressed with 5HT 2A and transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 and enhanced capsaicin-evoked signaling in the trigeminal ganglia through estrogen receptor α. Overall, our data indicate that low, but not high, physiological levels of E2 protect against orofacial pain, and we provide evidence that estrogen receptor α receptor activation, but not others, contributes to sensitization of nociceptive signaling in trigeminal sensory neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sukhbir Kaur
- Department of Biology, Texas Woman’s University, Denton, TX 76204
| | | | | | - Hanna McDonald
- Department of Biology, Texas Woman’s University, Denton, TX 76204
| | | | - Omar Darwish
- Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Texas Woman’s University, Denton, TX 76204
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3
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Cipriani S, Maseroli E, Di Stasi V, Scavello I, Todisco T, Rastrelli G, Fambrini M, Sorbi F, Petraglia F, Jannini EA, Maggi M, Vignozzi L. Effects of testosterone treatment on clitoral haemodynamics in women with sexual dysfunction. J Endocrinol Invest 2021; 44:2765-2776. [PMID: 34118018 PMCID: PMC8572206 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-021-01598-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To explore the effects of 6-month systemic testosterone (T) administration on clitoral color Doppler ultrasound (CDU) parameters in women with female sexual dysfunction (FSD). METHODS 81 women with FSD were retrospectively recruited. Data on CDU parameters at baseline and after 6 months with four different treatments were available and thus further longitudinally analyzed: local non-hormonal moisturizers (NH group), n = 37; transdermal 2% T gel 300 mcg/day (T group), n = 23; local estrogens (E group), n = 12; combined therapy (T + E group), n = 9. Patients underwent physical, laboratory, and genital CDU examinations at both visits and completed different validated questionnaires, including the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). RESULTS At 6-month visit, T therapy significantly increased clitoral artery peak systolic velocity (PSV) when compared to both NH (p < 0.0001) and E (p < 0.0001) groups. A similar increase was found in the T + E group (p = 0.039 vs. E). In addition, T treatment was associated with significantly higher FSFI desire, pain, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, and total scores at 6-month visit vs. baseline. Similar findings were observed in the T + E group. No significant differences in the variations of total and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, triglycerides, fasting glycemia, insulin and glycated hemoglobin levels were found among the four groups. No adverse events were observed. CONCLUSION In women complaining for FSD, systemic T administration, either alone or combined with local estrogens, was associated with a positive effect on clitoral blood flow and a clinical improvement in sexual function, showing a good safety profile. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT04336891; date of registration: April 7, 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Cipriani
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental, Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Gaetano Pieraccini 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - E Maseroli
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental, Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Gaetano Pieraccini 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - V Di Stasi
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental, Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Gaetano Pieraccini 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - I Scavello
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental, Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Gaetano Pieraccini 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - T Todisco
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental, Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Gaetano Pieraccini 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - G Rastrelli
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental, Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Gaetano Pieraccini 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - M Fambrini
- Department of Experimental, Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", Gynecology Unit, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - F Sorbi
- Department of Experimental, Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", Gynecology Unit, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - F Petraglia
- Department of Experimental, Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", Gynecology Unit, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - E A Jannini
- Endocrinology and Medical Sexology (ENDOSEX), Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - M Maggi
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Experimental, Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- I.N.B.B. (Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture E Biosistemi), Rome, Italy
| | - L Vignozzi
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental, Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Gaetano Pieraccini 6, 50139, Florence, Italy.
- I.N.B.B. (Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture E Biosistemi), Rome, Italy.
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4
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Zheng T, Wang Q, Bian F, Zhao Y, Ma W, Zhang Y, Lu W, Lei P, Zhang L, Hao X, Chen L. Salidroside alleviates diabetic neuropathic pain through regulation of the AMPK-NLRP3 inflammasome axis. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2021; 416:115468. [PMID: 33639149 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2021.115468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2020] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
High glucose (HG)-induced nucleotide-binding and oligomerization (NACHT) domain, leucine-rich repeat (LRR), and pyrin domain (PYD)-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation leads to diabetic neuropathic pain. We recently showed that salidroside could suppress NLRP3 inflammasome activation in hepatocytes exposed to HG. The aim of this study was to evaluate the analgesic effect of salidroside on diabetic rats and to explore its underlying mechanisms. Rat models with diabetic neuropathic pain were induced by high-fat diet feeding combined with low dose streptozotocin injections. Doses of salidroside at 50 and 100 mg.kg-1.day-1 were administered by gavage to diabetic rats for 6 weeks. Mechanical allodynia test, thermal hyperalgesia test and biochemical analysis were performed to evaluate therapeutic effects. Primary dorsal root ganglion (DRG) cells exposed to HG at 45 mM were used to further study the effects of salidroside on the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)-NLRP3 inflammasome axis and insulin sensitivity in vitro. Salidroside administration improved hyperglycemia, ameliorated insulin resistance, and alleviated neuropathic pain in diabetic rats. Moreover, salidroside induced AMPK activation and suppressed NLRP3 inflammasome activation in the DRGs of diabetic rats. In addition, salidroside treatment relieved oxidative stress, improved insulin sensitivity and regulated the AMPK-NLRP3 inflammasome axis in HG-treated DRGs in vitro. Furthermore, AMPK inhibition in vivo or AMPK silencing in vitro abolished the beneficial effects of salidroside on diabetic neuropathic pain. Together, these results indicate that salidroside alleviates diabetic neuropathic pain through its regulation of the AMPK-NLRP3 inflammasome axis in DRGs.
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MESH Headings
- AMP-Activated Protein Kinases/metabolism
- Analgesics/pharmacology
- Animals
- Blood Glucose/drug effects
- Blood Glucose/metabolism
- Cells, Cultured
- Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/blood
- Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/complications
- Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/drug therapy
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/blood
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/complications
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/drug therapy
- Diabetic Neuropathies/enzymology
- Diabetic Neuropathies/etiology
- Diabetic Neuropathies/physiopathology
- Diabetic Neuropathies/prevention & control
- Ganglia, Spinal/drug effects
- Ganglia, Spinal/enzymology
- Ganglia, Spinal/physiopathology
- Glucosides/pharmacology
- Hypoglycemic Agents/pharmacology
- Inflammasomes/metabolism
- Insulin Resistance
- Male
- NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein/metabolism
- Neuralgia/enzymology
- Neuralgia/etiology
- Neuralgia/physiopathology
- Neuralgia/prevention & control
- Oxidative Stress/drug effects
- Pain Threshold/drug effects
- Phenols/pharmacology
- Rats, Sprague-Dawley
- Signal Transduction
- Rats
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Zheng
- Institute of Wudang Traditional Chinese Medicine, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, China; Department of Pharmacy, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, China.
| | - Qibin Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, China
| | - Fang Bian
- Department of Pharmacy, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, Hubei, China
| | - Yan Zhao
- Institute of Wudang Traditional Chinese Medicine, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, China
| | - Weidong Ma
- Institute of Wudang Traditional Chinese Medicine, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, China
| | - Yonghong Zhang
- Institute of Wudang Traditional Chinese Medicine, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, China
| | - Wei Lu
- Department of Pharmacy, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, China
| | - Pan Lei
- Institute of Wudang Traditional Chinese Medicine, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Wudang Local Chinese Medicine Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, China
| | - Lulu Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, China
| | - Xincai Hao
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Wudang Local Chinese Medicine Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, China
| | - Li Chen
- Institute of Wudang Traditional Chinese Medicine, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, China; Department of Pharmacy, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, China.
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5
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Giatti S, Diviccaro S, Falvo E, Garcia-Segura LM, Melcangi RC. Physiopathological role of the enzymatic complex 5α-reductase and 3α/β-hydroxysteroid oxidoreductase in the generation of progesterone and testosterone neuroactive metabolites. Front Neuroendocrinol 2020; 57:100836. [PMID: 32217094 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2020.100836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Revised: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The enzymatic complex 5α-reductase (5α-R) and 3α/3β-hydroxysteroid oxidoreductase (HSOR) is expressed in the nervous system, where it transforms progesterone (PROG) and testosterone (T) into neuroactive metabolites. These metabolites regulate myelination, brain maturation, neurotransmission, reproductive behavior and the stress response. The expression of 5α-R and 3α-HSOR and the levels of PROG and T reduced metabolites show regional and sex differences in the nervous system and are affected by changing physiological conditions as well as by neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders. A decrease in their nervous tissue levels may negatively impact the course and outcome of some pathological events. However, in other pathological conditions their increased levels may have a negative impact. Thus, the use of synthetic analogues of these steroids or 5α-R modulation have been proposed as therapeutic approaches for several nervous system pathologies. However, further research is needed to fully understand the consequences of these manipulations, in particular with 5α-R inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Giatti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Diviccaro
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Eva Falvo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Luis Miguel Garcia-Segura
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Roberto Cosimo Melcangi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.
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6
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Giatti S, Diviccaro S, Serafini MM, Caruso D, Garcia-Segura LM, Viviani B, Melcangi RC. Sex differences in steroid levels and steroidogenesis in the nervous system: Physiopathological role. Front Neuroendocrinol 2020; 56:100804. [PMID: 31689419 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2019.100804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Revised: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The nervous system, in addition to be a target for steroid hormones, is the source of a variety of neuroactive steroids, which are synthesized and metabolized by neurons and glial cells. Recent evidence indicates that the expression of neurosteroidogenic proteins and enzymes and the levels of neuroactive steroids are different in the nervous system of males and females. We here summarized the state of the art of neuroactive steroids, particularly taking in consideration sex differences occurring in the synthesis and levels of these molecules. In addition, we discuss the consequences of sex differences in neurosteroidogenesis for the function of the nervous system under healthy and pathological conditions and the implications of neuroactive steroids and neurosteroidogenesis for the development of sex-specific therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Giatti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Silvia Diviccaro
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Melania Maria Serafini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Donatella Caruso
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Luis Miguel Garcia-Segura
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Barbara Viviani
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Roberto C Melcangi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy.
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7
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Neurosteroids and neuropathic pain management: Basic evidence and therapeutic perspectives. Front Neuroendocrinol 2019; 55:100795. [PMID: 31562849 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2019.100795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Revised: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Complex mechanisms involved in neuropathic pain that represents a major health concern make its management complicated. Because neurosteroids are bioactive steroids endogenously synthesized in the nervous system, including in pain pathways, they appear relevant to develop effective treatments against neuropathic pain. Neurosteroids act in paracrine or autocrine manner through genomic mechanisms and/or via membrane receptors of neurotransmitters that pivotally modulate pain sensation. Basic studies which uncovered a direct link between neuropathic pain symptoms and endogenous neurosteroid production/regulation, paved the way for the investigations of neurosteroid therapeutic potential against pathological pain. Concordantly, antinociceptive properties of synthetic neurosteroids were evidenced in humans and animals. Neurosteroids promote peripheral analgesia mediated by T-type calcium and gamma-aminobutyric acid type A channels, counteract chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain and ameliorate neuropathic symptoms of injured spinal cord animals by stimulating anti-inflammatory, remyelinating and neuroprotective processes. Together, these data open interesting perspectives for neurosteroid-based strategies to manage/alleviate efficiently neuropathic pain.
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8
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Targeting the Nav1.8 ion channel engenders sex-specific responses in lysophosphatidic acid-induced joint neuropathy. Pain 2019; 160:269-278. [PMID: 30211781 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000001399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Joint neuropathic pain occurs in a subset of arthritis patients, and lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) has been implicated as a mediator of joint neuropathy. The mechanism by which LPA promotes neuropathic pain is unknown but may be related to altered signalling of the voltage-gated sodium channel Nav1.8 located on nociceptors. Because arthritis and neuropathic pain are more prevalent in females, this study aimed to explore potential sex differences in the development of LPA-induced joint neuropathy and whether Nav1.8 played a role in the associated neuropathic pain. Joint neuropathy was induced in male and female Wistar rats (179-284 g) by intra-articular injection of 50-µg LPA. Pain behaviour was assessed over 21 days using von Frey hair algesiometry. On day 21, electrophysiological recordings of joint primary afferents were conducted to measure peripheral sensitisation. Saphenous nerve morphology and expression of the nerve-damage marker ATF3 and Nav1.8 in ipsilateral dorsal root ganglions were compared on the basis of sex. The analgesic properties of the selective Nav1.8 antagonist A-803467 was determined in pain behaviour and electrophysiology experiments. Females developed more severe mechanical allodynia than males after LPA treatment. Lysophosphatidic acid caused more pronounced demyelination of the saphenous nerve in females, but no sex differences were observed in the expression of ATF3 or Nav1.8 in dorsal root ganglion neurones. Blockade of Nav1.8 channels with A-803467 resulted in a decrease in joint mechanosensitivity and secondary allodynia with females exhibiting a greater response. These findings suggest that LPA has sex-specific effects on joint neuropathy and Nav1.8 gating, which should be considered when treating neuropathic arthritis patients.
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9
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Progesterone relates to enhanced incisional acute pain and pinprick hyperalgesia in the luteal phase of female volunteers. Pain 2019; 160:1781-1793. [DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000001561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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10
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Mendell AL, MacLusky NJ. Neurosteroid Metabolites of Gonadal Steroid Hormones in Neuroprotection: Implications for Sex Differences in Neurodegenerative Disease. Front Mol Neurosci 2018; 11:359. [PMID: 30344476 PMCID: PMC6182082 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2018.00359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2018] [Accepted: 09/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Gonadal steroid hormones are neurotrophic and neuroprotective. These effects are modulated by local metabolism of the hormones within the brain. Such control is necessary to maintain normal function, as several signaling pathways that are activated by gonadal steroid hormones in the brain can also become dysregulated in disease. Metabolites of the gonadal steroid hormones—particularly 3α-hydroxy, 5α-reduced neurosteroids—are synthesized in the brain and can act through different mechanisms from their parent steroids. These metabolites may provide a mechanism for modulating the responses to their precursor hormones, thereby providing a regulatory influence on cellular responses. In addition, there is evidence that the 3α-hydroxy, 5α-reduced neurosteroids are neuroprotective in their own right, and therefore may contribute to the overall protection conferred by their precursors. In this review article, the rapidly growing body of evidence supporting a neuroprotective role for this class of neurosteroids will be considered, including a discussion of potential mechanisms that may be involved. In addition, we explore the hypothesis that differences between males and females in local neurosteroid production may contribute to sex differences in the development of neurodegenerative disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ari Loren Mendell
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Neil James MacLusky
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
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11
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Giatti S, Diviccaro S, Melcangi RC. Neuroactive Steroids and Sex-Dimorphic Nervous Damage Induced by Diabetes Mellitus. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2018; 39:493-502. [PMID: 30109515 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-018-0613-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2018] [Accepted: 08/09/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease where improper glycaemic control may induce severe complications in different organs. In this review, we will discuss alterations occurring in peripheral and central nervous system of patients with type 1 (i.e., insulin dependent diabetes mellitus,) or type 2 diabetes (i.e., non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus), as well as related experimental models. A particular focus will be on the role exerted by neuroactive steroids (i.e., important regulators of nervous functions) in the nervous damage induced by diabetes. Indeed, the nervous levels of these molecules are affected by the pathology and, in agreement, their neuroprotective effects have been reported. Interestingly, the sex is another important variable. As discussed, nervous diabetic complications show sex dimorphic features in term of incidence, functional outcomes and neuroactive steroid levels. Therefore, these features represent an interesting background for possible sex-oriented therapies with neuroactive steroids aimed to counteract nervous damage observed in diabetic pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Giatti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Silvia Diviccaro
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Roberto Cosimo Melcangi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy.
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12
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Giatti S, Garcia-Segura LM, Barreto GE, Melcangi RC. Neuroactive steroids, neurosteroidogenesis and sex. Prog Neurobiol 2018; 176:1-17. [PMID: 29981391 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2018.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2018] [Revised: 05/25/2018] [Accepted: 06/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The nervous system is a target and a source of steroids. Neuroactive steroids are steroids that target neurons and glial cells. They include hormonal steroids originated in the peripheral glands, steroids locally synthesized by the neurons and glial cells (neurosteroids) and synthetic steroids, some of them used in clinical practice. Here we review the mechanisms of synthesis, metabolism and action of neuroactive steroids, including the role of epigenetic modifications and the mitochondria in their sex specific actions. We examine sex differences in neuroactive steroid levels under physiological conditions and their role in the establishment of sex dimorphic structures in the nervous system and sex differences in its function. In addition, particular attention is paid to neuroactive steroids under pathological conditions, analyzing how pathology alters their levels and their role as neuroprotective factors, considering the influence of sex in both cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Giatti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Luis M Garcia-Segura
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - George E Barreto
- Departamento de Nutrición y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
| | - Roberto C Melcangi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy.
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13
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Archey M, Goldey K, Crockett E, Boyette-Davis J. An Investigation of the Effects of Testosterone and Behavioral Expressions of Pain on Sex/Gender Differences in Pain Perception. Psychol Rep 2018; 122:826-840. [DOI: 10.1177/0033294118781320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Research indicates that women are more susceptible to pain than men, but the reason for this difference is unclear. While estrogen and progesterone have been implicated, testosterone has not received adequate consideration in the literature. Additionally, incorporating behavioral expressions, or exaggerations, of pain as an important aspect of pain perception is receiving increasing attention. The current study examined the role of testosterone in female pain expression and perception via the cold pressor test. Following all participant exclusions, 46 healthy participants (32 women) provided saliva samples for testosterone analysis using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay before and after rating their pain during the cold pressor test. Participants used a visual analog scale to indicate how the 2℃ water was perceived, ranging from “worst pain imaginable” to “no pain.” The researcher also noted whether a participant displayed overt behavioral expressions of pain such as jumping and cursing. The results revealed that men reported lower visual analog scale scores than women, indicating less perceived pain. A subgroup of women who displayed overt behavioral responses to pain seemed to be driving this sex/gender difference. It was expected that this subgroup of females would have corresponding changes in testosterone that would further explain the observed sex/gender differences, but this was not supported. Collectively, these data add to the previous literature investigating sex/gender differences in pain perception and highlight the importance of studying overt behavioral expressions of pain. Testosterone may alter this behavior and subsequent pain perception, but the contributions of testosterone are likely subtle and were not detected in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meggan Archey
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Katherine Goldey
- Department of Psychology and Behavioral Neuroscience, St. Edward’s University, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Erin Crockett
- Department of Psychology, Southwestern University, Georgetown, TX, USA
| | - Jessica Boyette-Davis
- Department of Psychology and Behavioral Neuroscience, St. Edward’s University, Austin, TX, USA
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14
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Mendell AL, Chung BY, Creighton CE, Kalisch BE, Bailey CD, MacLusky NJ. Neurosteroid metabolites of testosterone and progesterone differentially inhibit ERK phosphorylation induced by amyloid β in SH-SY5Y cells and primary cortical neurons. Brain Res 2018; 1686:83-93. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2018.02.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2017] [Revised: 12/12/2017] [Accepted: 02/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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15
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Romano S, Mitro N, Giatti S, Diviccaro S, Pesaresi M, Spezzano R, Audano M, Garcia-Segura LM, Caruso D, Melcangi RC. Diabetes induces mitochondrial dysfunction and alters cholesterol homeostasis and neurosteroidogenesis in the rat cerebral cortex. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2018; 178:108-116. [PMID: 29183767 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2017.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2017] [Revised: 11/21/2017] [Accepted: 11/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The nervous system synthesizes and metabolizes steroids (i.e., neurosteroidogenesis). Recent observations indicate that neurosteroidogenesis is affected by different nervous pathologies. Among these, long-term type 1 diabetes, together with other functional and biochemical changes, has been shown to alter neuroactive steroid levels in the nervous system. Using an experimental model of type 1 diabetes (i.e., streptozotocin injection) we here show that the levels of these molecules are already decreased in the rat cerebral cortex after one month of the initiation of the pathology. Moreover, decreased levels of free cholesterol, together with alterations in the expression of molecules involved in cholesterol biosynthesis, bioavailability, trafficking and metabolism were detected in the rat cerebral cortex after one month of diabetes. Furthermore, mitochondrial functionality was also affected in the cerebral cortex and consequently may also contribute to the decrease in neuroactive steroid levels. Altogether, these results indicate that neurosteroidogenesis is an early target for the effect of type 1 diabetes in the cerebral cortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Romano
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Nico Mitro
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Silvia Giatti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Silvia Diviccaro
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Marzia Pesaresi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Roberto Spezzano
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Matteo Audano
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Luis Miguel Garcia-Segura
- Instituto Cajal, CSIC, Madrid, Spain; CIBER de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Donatella Caruso
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Roberto Cosimo Melcangi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy.
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16
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Alvarez P, Green PG, Levine JD. Neonatal Handling Produces Sex Hormone-Dependent Resilience to Stress-Induced Muscle Hyperalgesia in Rats. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2018; 19:670-677. [PMID: 29432863 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2018.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2017] [Revised: 01/18/2018] [Accepted: 01/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Neonatal handling (NH) of male rat pups strongly attenuates stress response and stress-induced persistent muscle hyperalgesia in adults. Because female sex is a well established risk factor for stress-induced chronic muscle pain, we explored whether NH provides resilience to stress-induced hyperalgesia in adult female rats. Rat pups underwent NH, or standard (control) care. Muscle mechanical nociceptive threshold was assessed before and after water avoidance (WA) stress, when they were adults. In contrast to male rats, NH produced only a modest protection against WA stress-induced muscle hyperalgesia in female rats. Gonadectomy completely abolished NH-induced resilience in male rats but produced only a small increase in this protective effect in female rats. The administration of the antiestrogen drug fulvestrant, in addition to gonadectomy, did not enhance the protective effect of NH in female rats. Finally, knockdown of the androgen receptor by intrathecal antisense treatment attenuated the protective effect of NH in intact male rats. Together, these data indicate that androgens play a key role in NH-induced resilience to WA stress-induced muscle hyperalgesia. PERSPECTIVE NH induces androgen-dependent resilience to stress-induced muscle pain. Therefore, androgens may contribute to sex differences observed in chronic musculoskeletal pain and its enhancement by stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Alvarez
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, California; Division of Neuroscience, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Paul G Green
- Division of Neuroscience, University of California, San Francisco, California; Department of Preventive and Restorative Dental Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Jon D Levine
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, California; Division of Neuroscience, University of California, San Francisco, California; Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California.
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17
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Giatti S, Mastrangelo R, D'Antonio M, Pesaresi M, Romano S, Diviccaro S, Caruso D, Mitro N, Melcangi RC. Neuroactive steroids and diabetic complications in the nervous system. Front Neuroendocrinol 2018; 48:58-69. [PMID: 28739507 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2017.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2017] [Revised: 07/19/2017] [Accepted: 07/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Important complications of diabetes mellitus in the nervous system are represented by diabetic peripheral neuropathy and diabetic encephalopathy. In this context, an important link is represented by neuroactive steroids (i.e., steroids coming from peripheral glands and affecting nervous functionality as well as directly synthesized in the nervous system). Indeed, diabetes does not only affect the reproductive axis and consequently the levels of sex steroid hormones, but also those of neuroactive steroids. Indeed, as will be here summarized, the levels of these neuromodulators present in the central and peripheral nervous system are affected by the pathology in a sex-dimorphic way. In addition, some of these neuroactive steroids, such as the metabolites of progesterone or testosterone, as well as pharmacological tools able to increase their levels have been demonstrated, in experimental models, to be promising protective agents against diabetic peripheral neuropathy and diabetic encephalopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Giatti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - R Mastrangelo
- Division of Genetic and Cell Biology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, DIBIT, Milano, Italy
| | - M D'Antonio
- Division of Genetic and Cell Biology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, DIBIT, Milano, Italy
| | - M Pesaresi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - S Romano
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - S Diviccaro
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - D Caruso
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - N Mitro
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - R C Melcangi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy.
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18
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Levels and actions of neuroactive steroids in the nervous system under physiological and pathological conditions: Sex-specific features. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2016; 67:25-40. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2015.09.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2015] [Revised: 09/15/2015] [Accepted: 09/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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19
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George E, Elman I, Becerra L, Berg S, Borsook D. Pain in an era of armed conflicts: Prevention and treatment for warfighters and civilian casualties. Prog Neurobiol 2016; 141:25-44. [PMID: 27084355 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2016.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2016] [Revised: 03/23/2016] [Accepted: 04/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Chronic pain is a common squealae of military- and terror-related injuries. While its pathophysiology has not yet been fully elucidated, it may be potentially related to premorbid neuropsychobiological status, as well as to the type of injury and to the neural alterations that it may evoke. Accordingly, optimized approaches for wounded individuals should integrate primary, secondary and tertiary prevention in the form of thorough evaluation of risk factors along with specific interventions to contravene and mitigate the ensuing chronicity. Thus, Premorbid Events phase may encompass assessments of psychological and neurobiological vulnerability factors in conjunction with fostering preparedness and resilience in both military and civilian populations at risk. Injuries per se phase calls for immediate treatment of acute pain in the field by pharmacological agents that spare and even enhance coping and adaptive capabilities. The key objective of the Post Injury Events is to prevent and/or reverse maladaptive peripheral- and central neural system's processes that mediate transformation of acute to chronic pain and to incorporate timely interventions for concomitant mental health problems including post-traumatic stress disorder and addiction We suggest that the proposed continuum of care may avert more disability and suffering than the currently employed less integrated strategies. While the requirements of the armed forces present a pressing need for this integrated continuum and a framework in which it can be most readily implemented, this approach may be also instrumental for the care of civilian casualties.
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Affiliation(s)
- E George
- Center for Pain and the Brain, Harvard Medical School (HMS), United States; Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, MGH, HMS, Boston, MA, United States; Commander, MC, USN (Ret), United States
| | - I Elman
- Center for Pain and the Brain, Harvard Medical School (HMS), United States; Department of Psychiatry, Boonshoft School of Medicine and Dayton VA Medical Center, United States; Veterans Administration Medical Center, Dayton, OH, United States
| | - L Becerra
- Center for Pain and the Brain, Harvard Medical School (HMS), United States; Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, BCH, HMS, Boston, MA, United States; Departments of Psychiatry and Radiology, MGH, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Sheri Berg
- Center for Pain and the Brain, Harvard Medical School (HMS), United States; Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, MGH, HMS, Boston, MA, United States
| | - D Borsook
- Center for Pain and the Brain, Harvard Medical School (HMS), United States; Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, BCH, HMS, Boston, MA, United States; Departments of Psychiatry and Radiology, MGH, Boston, MA, United States.
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20
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Giatti S, Romano S, Pesaresi M, Cermenati G, Mitro N, Caruso D, Tetel MJ, Garcia-Segura LM, Melcangi RC. Neuroactive steroids and the peripheral nervous system: An update. Steroids 2015; 103:23-30. [PMID: 25824325 PMCID: PMC6314841 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2015.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2014] [Revised: 03/14/2015] [Accepted: 03/17/2015] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
In the present review we summarize observations to date supporting the concept that neuroactive steroids are synthesized in the peripheral nervous system, regulate the physiology of peripheral nerves and exert notable neuroprotective actions. Indeed, neuroactive steroids have been recently proposed as therapies for different types of peripheral neuropathy, like for instance those occurring during aging, chemotherapy, physical injury and diabetes. Moreover, pharmacological tools able to increase the synthesis of neuroactive steroids might represent new interesting therapeutic strategy to be applied in case of peripheral neuropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Giatti
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Simone Romano
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Marzia Pesaresi
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Gaia Cermenati
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Nico Mitro
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Donatella Caruso
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Marc J Tetel
- Neuroscience Program, Wellesley College, Wellesley, MA, USA
| | | | - Roberto C Melcangi
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.
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21
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Traish AM, Melcangi RC, Bortolato M, Garcia-Segura LM, Zitzmann M. Adverse effects of 5α-reductase inhibitors: What do we know, don't know, and need to know? Rev Endocr Metab Disord 2015; 16:177-98. [PMID: 26296373 DOI: 10.1007/s11154-015-9319-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Steroids are important physiological orchestrators of endocrine as well as peripheral and central nervous system functions. One of the key processes for regulation of these molecules lies in their enzymatic processing by a family of 5α-reductase (5α-Rs) isozymes. By catalyzing a key rate-limiting step in steroidogenesis, this family of enzymes exerts a crucial role not only in the physiological control but also in pathological events. Indeed, both 5α-R inhibition and supplementation of 5α-reduced metabolites are currently used or have been proposed as therapeutic strategies for a wide array of pathological conditions. In particular, the potent 5α-R inhibitors finasteride and dutasteride are used in the treatments of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), as well as in male pattern hair loss (MPHL) known as androgenetic alopecia (AGA). Recent preclinical and clinical findings indicate that 5α-R inhibitors evoke not only beneficial, but also adverse effects. Future studies should investigate the biochemical and physiological mechanisms that underlie the persistence of the adverse sexual side effects to determine why a subset of patients is afflicted with such persistence or irreversible adverse effects. Also a better focus of clinical research is urgently needed to better define those subjects who are likely to be adversely affected by such agents. Furthermore, research on the non-sexual adverse effects such as diabetes, psychosis, depression, and cognitive function are needed to better understand the broad spectrum of the effects these drugs may elicit during their use in treatment of AGA or BPH. In this review, we will summarize the state of art on this topic, overview the key unresolved questions that have emerged on the pharmacological targeting of these enzymes and their products, and highlight the need for further studies to ascertain the severity and duration of the adverse effects of 5α-R inhibitors, as well as their biological underpinnings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulmaged M Traish
- Department of Biochemistry and Department of Urology, Boston University School of Medicine, 715 Albany Street, A502, Boston, MA, 02118, USA.
| | - Roberto Cosimo Melcangi
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences- Center of Excellence on Neurodegenerative Diseases, Iniversità degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Bortolato
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
| | | | - Michael Zitzmann
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Clinics Muenster, Domagkstrasse 11, D-48149, Muenster, Germany
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22
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Sex differences in a Murine Model of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2015; 123:100-9. [PMID: 26070658 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2015.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2015] [Revised: 05/21/2015] [Accepted: 06/03/2015] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a major cause of chronic pain after surgery or trauma to the limbs. Despite evidence showing that the prevalence and severity of many forms of chronic pain, including CRPS, differ between males and females, laboratory studies on sex-related differences in animal models of CRPS are not available, and the impact of sex on the transition from acute to chronic CRPS pain and disability are unexplored. Here we make use of a tibia fracture/cast mouse model that recapitulates the nociceptive, functional, vascular, trophic, inflammatory and immune aspects of CRPS. Our aim is to describe the chronic time course of nociceptive, motor and memory changes associated with fracture/cast in male and female mice, in addition to exploring their underlying spinal mechanisms. Our behavioral data shows that, compared to males, female mice display lower nociceptive thresholds following fracture in the absence of any differences in ongoing or spontaneous pain. Furthermore, female mice show exaggerated signs of motor dysfunction, deficits in fear memory, and latent sensitization that manifests long after the normalization of nociceptive thresholds. Our biochemical data show differences in the spinal cord levels of the glutamate receptor NR2b, suggesting sex differences in mechanisms of central sensitization that could account for differences in duration and severity of CRPS symptoms between the two groups.
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23
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Zuo ZF, Liao YH, Ding T, Dong YL, Qu J, Wang J, Wei YY, Lu YC, Liu XZ, Li YQ. Astrocytic NDRG2 is involved in glucocorticoid-mediated diabetic mechanical allodynia. Diabetes Res Clin Pract 2015; 108:128-36. [PMID: 25656762 DOI: 10.1016/j.diabres.2015.01.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2014] [Revised: 11/14/2014] [Accepted: 01/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
AIMS The present study aims to test whether astrocytes contribute to glucocorticoid-mediated diabetic mechanical allodynia. METHODS Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats were used in our study. The intrathecal operation was performed 21 days after the onset of diabetes. Diabetic mechanical allodynia was present 28 d after the onset of diabetes, and the mechanical threshold was tested using von Frey filaments. Immunohistochemistry, including immunofluorescent histochemical staining, was performed to observe the morphology of the spinal dorsal horn (SDH). Western blot analysis was employed as a semi-quantitative assay of the expression levels of GFAP and NDRG2 associated with diabetic mechanical allodynia. RESULTS Diabetic rats displayed mechanical allodynia and activated astrocytes in the SDH 28 days after the onset of diabetes. This allodynia was attenuated by intrathecal administration of the astrocyte-specific inhibitor l-α-aminoadipate. In parallel, intrathecal injection of RU486, a glucocorticoid receptor antagonist, inhibited the activation of astrocytes in the SDH, alleviating the diabetes-induced mechanical allodynia. Furthermore, we found that dorsal horn astrocytes express abundant N-myc downstream-regulated gene 2 (NDRG2), which contributes to astrocyte reactivity. NDRG2 was over-expressed in activated astrocytes in diabetic rats with mechanical allodynia. Intrathecal injection of RU486 prevented the over-expression of NDRG2, which reversed the astrocyte reactivity and diabetic tactile allodynia. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that glucocorticoid-mediated over-expression of NDRG2 may contribute to the activation of dorsal horn astrocytes, which play a crucial role in diabetic mechanical allodynia. Thus, inhibiting glucocorticoid receptors and/or astrocyte reactivity in the SDH may be a therapeutic strategy for treating diabetic tactile allodynia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhong-Fu Zuo
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology & K.K. Leung Brain Research Centre, Preclinical School of Medicine, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, PR China; Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Liaoning Medical University, No. 3-40 Songpo Road, Jinzhou, Liaoning 121000, PR China
| | - Yong-Hui Liao
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology & K.K. Leung Brain Research Centre, Preclinical School of Medicine, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, PR China
| | - Tan Ding
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology & K.K. Leung Brain Research Centre, Preclinical School of Medicine, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, PR China
| | - Yu-Lin Dong
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology & K.K. Leung Brain Research Centre, Preclinical School of Medicine, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, PR China
| | - Juan Qu
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology & K.K. Leung Brain Research Centre, Preclinical School of Medicine, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, PR China
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology & K.K. Leung Brain Research Centre, Preclinical School of Medicine, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, PR China
| | - Yan-Yan Wei
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology & K.K. Leung Brain Research Centre, Preclinical School of Medicine, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, PR China
| | - Ya-Cheng Lu
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology & K.K. Leung Brain Research Centre, Preclinical School of Medicine, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, PR China
| | - Xue-Zheng Liu
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Liaoning Medical University, No. 3-40 Songpo Road, Jinzhou, Liaoning 121000, PR China.
| | - Yun-Qing Li
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology & K.K. Leung Brain Research Centre, Preclinical School of Medicine, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, PR China.
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24
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Liu X, Li W, Dai L, Zhang T, Xia W, Liu H, Ma K, Xu J, Jin Y. Early repeated administration of progesterone improves the recovery of neuropathic pain and modulates spinal 18kDa-translocator protein (TSPO) expression. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2014; 143:130-40. [PMID: 24607808 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2014.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2013] [Revised: 02/20/2014] [Accepted: 02/21/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Although progesterone was reported to be a neuroprotective agent against injuries to the nervous system, including the peripheral neuropathy, the mechanisms of its dose or timing-related effects remain unclear. Translocator protein (TSPO) is predominantly located in the mitochondrial outer membrane and has been recently implicated in modulation of several brain injuries and nociception. This experiment was conducted using a rat model of L5 spinal nerve ligation (SNL) to observe the effects of progesterone against allodynia development in an 84-day period and to explore the spinal TSPO expression after treatment. Our results demonstrated that a 10-day progesterone treatment started right after injury at a dose of 15 mg/kg/d or more could significantly increase the mechanical thresholds within the 84-day observation period. Moreover, increased TSPO expression was observed in the ipsilateral spinal dorsal horn after SNL surgery and reached its peak on Day 14. A treatment regimen of pharmacological progesterone augmented this spinal TSPO activation and expression before Day 28 and after Day 56. Both the anti-nociception and TSPO activation augment effect of progesterone were completely abolished by 5α-reductase inhibitor finasteride but not progesterone receptor antagonist mifepristone. These results indicate that early repeated administration of progesterone could improve the recovery of neuropathic pain and modulate spinal TSPO activation which were dependent on its 5α-reductase metabolites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoming Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Nanjing Jinling Hospital, Nanjing, China.
| | - Weiyan Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Nanjing Jinling Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Lihua Dai
- Department of Anesthesiology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Tingting Zhang
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Med-X Research Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Weiliang Xia
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Med-X Research Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongjun Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Nanjing Jinling Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Ke Ma
- Department of Anesthesiology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianguo Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Nanjing Jinling Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Yi Jin
- Department of Anesthesiology, Nanjing Jinling Hospital, Nanjing, China.
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