1
|
Berger É, Larose MP, Capuano F, Letarte MJ, Geoffroy MC, Lupien S, Brendgen M, Boivin M, Vitaro F, Tremblay R, Masse B, Côté S, Ouellet-Morin I. Hair steroid before and after COVID-19 in preschoolers: the moderation of family characteristics. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2024; 166:107072. [PMID: 38733756 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2024.107072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Frequent or prolonged exposure to stressors may jeopardize young children's health. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with disruptions in daily routines and social isolation resulting from public health preventive measures, have raised concerns about its potential impact on children' experienced stress, particularly for young children and vulnerable families. However, whether the pandemic was accompanied by changes in physiological stress remains unknown as perceived stress is not a good proxy of physiological stress. This study examined if preschoolers showed increasing hair steroid concentrations following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and whether family characteristics may have exacerbated or buffered these changes. METHODS 136 preschoolers (2-4 years) provided hair for steroid measurement (cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), cortisone, cortisol-to-DHEA ratio, cortisol-to-cortisone ratio) in October-November 2019 (T0) and in July-August 2020 (T1). A 2-centimeter hair segment was analyzed, reflecting steroid production over the two months leading up to collection. Family income, conflict resolution and lack of cohesion, as well as parents' COVID-19 stress were reported by parents. Linear mixed models for repeated measures and Bayes factors were used. RESULTS No significant changes were noted from before to after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic for most hair steroids. However, a moderating role of family conflict resolution was noted. Children living with parents with a better ability to resolve conflicts had lower levels of DHEA compared to those who had more difficulty managing conflicts. Additionally, lower levels of family cohesion and income were linked to some steroids, especially DHEA, suggesting that these factors may relate to children's physiological stress. Finally, boys had higher DHEA levels than girls. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that stress biomarkers were comparable from before to during the COVID-19 pandemic. This observation holds true despite the pandemic being perceived by many as a novel, unpredictable, and potentially threatening event. Findings further suggest that family characteristics are associated with hair steroid, especially DHEA, which deserves further investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Éloise Berger
- School of Criminology, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada; Research Center of the Montreal Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, Canada
| | - Marie-Pier Larose
- INVEST Flagship Research Center/Department of Psychology and Speech-Language Pathology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - France Capuano
- Department of Education and Specialized Training, University of Quebec at Montreal, Montreal, Canada
| | | | - Marie-Claude Geoffroy
- Department of Psychiatry McGill University, Montreal, Canada; McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Department of Psychiatry, Montreal, Canada
| | - Sonia Lupien
- Research Center of the Montreal Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, Canada; Centre for Studies on Human Stress, Department Psychiatry, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Mara Brendgen
- Department of Psychology, University of Quebec at Montreal, Montreal, Canada; Ste Justine Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, Canada
| | - Michel Boivin
- School of Psychology, Laval University, Quebec City, Canada
| | - Frank Vitaro
- School of Psychoeducation, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada; Research Group on Child Maladjustment, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Richard Tremblay
- Department of Pediatrics and Psychology, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Benoît Masse
- School of Public Health, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Sylvana Côté
- Research Group on Child Maladjustment, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada; School of Public Health, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Isabelle Ouellet-Morin
- School of Criminology, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada; Research Center of the Montreal Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Huang Y, Li H, Liang R, Chen J, Tang Q. The influence of sex-specific factors on biological transformations and health outcomes in aging processes. Biogerontology 2024:10.1007/s10522-024-10121-x. [PMID: 39001953 DOI: 10.1007/s10522-024-10121-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024]
Abstract
The aging process demonstrates notable differences between males and females, which are key factors in disease susceptibility and lifespan. The differences in sex chromosomes are fundamental to the presence of sex bias in organisms. Moreover, sex-specific epigenetic modifications and changes in sex hormone levels impact the development of immunity differently during embryonic development and beyond. Mitochondria, telomeres, homeodynamic space, and intestinal flora are intricately connected to sex differences in aging. These elements can have diverse effects on men and women, resulting in unique biological transformations and health outcomes as they grow older. This review explores how sex interacts with these elements and shapes the aging process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yongyin Huang
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, 150040, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Hongyu Li
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, 150040, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Runyu Liang
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, 150040, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Jia Chen
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, 150040, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Qiang Tang
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, 150040, Heilongjiang, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Boylu ME, Turan Ş, Güler EM, Boylu FB, Kılıç Ö, Koçyiğit A, Kırpınar İ. Changes in neuroactive steroids, neurotrophins and immunological biomarkers after monotherapy 8-week rTMS treatment and their relationship with neurocognitive functions in depression. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2024; 274:849-865. [PMID: 37980294 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-023-01704-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023]
Abstract
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has proven effective in the treatment of major depression. The underlying mechanisms of action are still poorly understood. We aimed to evaluate the changes in the levels of neuroactive steroids, neurotrophins and immunological biomarkers before and after rTMS treatment and assess the relationship of this change between clinical response and cognitive functions after monotherapy rTMS treatment. Twenty-three patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) and 25 matched healthy controls were included in the study. The Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), Trail Making Test A and B forms and Digit Span Test were administered. Biomarkers (BDNF, TNF-α, IL-1ß, NAS) were run in the peripheral blood at the end of the first month that rTMS was administered daily and at the end of the 2nd month when that rTMS was administered once a week. Appropriate conditions were provided so that the relevant biomarkers were not affected by the biorhythm. After rTMS monotherapy, an increase in BDNF and allopregnanolone, a decrease in TNF-α, IL-1ß, DHEA, and DHEA-S levels was found to be statistically significant. The scores on cognitive tests increased with the treatment. Positive significant correlations was found between BDNF levels and cognitive tests at the end of the first and second months. Our findings suggest that the effects of rTMS treatment may be related to the neuroendocrine, neurotrophin, and immunological mechanisms. rTMS treatment is found to have positive effects on cognitive functions in the short term.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Muhammed Emin Boylu
- Faculty of Medicine, Psychiatry Department, Bezmialem Vakıf University, Istanbul, Türkiye.
- Council of Forensic Medicine, Expertise Department of Psychiatric Observation, Ministry of Justice, Istanbul, Türkiye.
| | - Şenol Turan
- Faculty of Medicine, Psychiatry Department, İstanbul University- Cerrahpaşa, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Eray Metin Güler
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Biochemistry, Bezmialem Vakıf University, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Fatma Betül Boylu
- Faculty of Medicine, Public Health Department, İstanbul University, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Özge Kılıç
- Faculty of Medicine, Psychiatry Department, Bezmialem Vakıf University, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Abdurrahim Koçyiğit
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Biochemistry, Bezmialem Vakıf University, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - İsmet Kırpınar
- Faculty of Medicine, Psychiatry Department, Bezmialem Vakıf University, Istanbul, Türkiye
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Cartier L, Guérin M, Saulnier F, Cotocea I, Mohammedi A, Moussaoui F, Kheloui S, Juster RP. Sex and gender correlates of sexually polymorphic cognition. Biol Sex Differ 2024; 15:3. [PMID: 38191503 PMCID: PMC10773055 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-023-00579-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sexually polymorphic cognition (SPC) results from the interaction between biological (birth-assigned sex (BAS), sex hormones) and socio-cultural (gender identity, gender roles, sexual orientation) factors. The literature remains quite mixed regarding the magnitude of the effects of these variables. This project used a battery of classic cognitive tests designed to assess the influence of sex hormones on cognitive performance. At the same time, we aimed to assess the inter-related and respective effects that BAS, sex hormones, and gender-related factors have on SPC. METHODS We recruited 222 adults who completed eight cognitive tasks that assessed a variety of cognitive domains during a 150-min session. Subgroups were separated based on gender identity and sexual orientation and recruited as follows: cisgender heterosexual men (n = 46), cisgender non-heterosexual men (n = 36), cisgender heterosexual women (n = 36), cisgender non-heterosexual women (n = 38), gender diverse (n = 66). Saliva samples were collected before, during, and after the test to assess testosterone, estradiol, progesterone, cortisol, and dehydroepiandrosterone. Psychosocial variables were derived from self-report questionnaires. RESULTS Cognitive performance reflects sex and gender differences that are partially consistent with the literature. Interestingly, biological factors seem to better explain differences in male-typed cognitive tasks (i.e., spatial), while psychosocial factors seem to better explain differences in female-typed cognitive tasks (i.e., verbal). CONCLUSION Our results establish a better comprehension of SPC over and above the effects of BAS as a binary variable. We highlight the importance of treating sex as a biological factor and gender as a socio-cultural factor together since they collectively influence SPC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Louis Cartier
- Center on Sex*Gender, Allostasis, and Resilience, Research Center of the Montreal Mental Health University Institute, 7331, Rue Hochelaga, Montreal, QC, H1N 3V2, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry and Addiction, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Mina Guérin
- Center on Sex*Gender, Allostasis, and Resilience, Research Center of the Montreal Mental Health University Institute, 7331, Rue Hochelaga, Montreal, QC, H1N 3V2, Canada
- Department of Psychology, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Fanny Saulnier
- Center on Sex*Gender, Allostasis, and Resilience, Research Center of the Montreal Mental Health University Institute, 7331, Rue Hochelaga, Montreal, QC, H1N 3V2, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry and Addiction, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Ioana Cotocea
- Center on Sex*Gender, Allostasis, and Resilience, Research Center of the Montreal Mental Health University Institute, 7331, Rue Hochelaga, Montreal, QC, H1N 3V2, Canada
| | - Amine Mohammedi
- Center on Sex*Gender, Allostasis, and Resilience, Research Center of the Montreal Mental Health University Institute, 7331, Rue Hochelaga, Montreal, QC, H1N 3V2, Canada
- Department of Psychology, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Fadila Moussaoui
- Center on Sex*Gender, Allostasis, and Resilience, Research Center of the Montreal Mental Health University Institute, 7331, Rue Hochelaga, Montreal, QC, H1N 3V2, Canada
- Department of Psychology, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Sarah Kheloui
- School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Robert-Paul Juster
- Center on Sex*Gender, Allostasis, and Resilience, Research Center of the Montreal Mental Health University Institute, 7331, Rue Hochelaga, Montreal, QC, H1N 3V2, Canada.
- Department of Psychiatry and Addiction, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Guzman JM, Boone MH, Suarez GL, Mitchell C, Monk CS, Hyde LW, Lopez-Duran NL. Relationship between COVID-related stressors and internalizing symptoms: Gendered neuroendocrine risk profiles. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2024; 159:106668. [PMID: 37944209 PMCID: PMC11214276 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2023.106668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic generated significant life stress and increases in internalizing disorders. Moreover, COVID-related stressors disproportionately impacted women, consistent with outcomes showing a gender gap in stress-related disorders. Gender-related stress vulnerability emerges in adolescence alongside gender-specific changes in neuroendocrine signaling. Most research on the neuroendocrinology of stress-related disorders has focused on differences in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis effector hormone cortisol. More recent studies, however, emphasize dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a neuroprotective and neuroactive hormone released concurrently with cortisol that balances its biobehavioral actions during stress. Notably, women show lower cortisol responses and higher DHEA responses to stress. However, lower cortisol and higher DHEA are associated with internalizing disorders in women, while those associations are opposite in men. Thus, gender-specific factors perhaps result in a neuroendocrine profile that places women at greater risk for stress-related disorders. The current study prospectively examined socially evaluated cold-pressor task (SECPT) induced neuroendocrine responses at age 15 and internalizing symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic at age 21 in a cohort of 175 primarily Black low-socioeconomic status participants, while controlling for internalizing symptoms at age 15. The association between COVID-related stress and internalizing symptoms was not stronger in women. Lower DHEA-cortisol ratios were associated with a weaker relationship between COVID-related stress and internalizing symptoms in women, while higher ratios were associated with a weaker relationship in men. These findings suggest gender differences in the relationship between DHEA and cortisol and internalizing outcomes during a stressful period, and support differential neuroendocrine protective and risk pathways for young men and women.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jose M Guzman
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Montana H Boone
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Gabriela L Suarez
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Colter Mitchell
- Survey Research Center, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Christopher S Monk
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Survey Research Center, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Luke W Hyde
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Survey Research Center, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Kusters CDJ, Paul KC, Romero T, Sinsheimer JS, Ritz BR. Among men, androgens are associated with a decrease in Alzheimer's disease risk. Alzheimers Dement 2023; 19:3826-3834. [PMID: 36938850 PMCID: PMC10509321 DOI: 10.1002/alz.13013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/21/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Increased levels of sex hormones have been hypothesized to decrease Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk. We assessed the association between sex steroid hormones with AD using a Mendelian randomization (MR) approach. METHODS An inverse-variance weighting (IVW) MR analysis was performed using effect estimates from external genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary statistics. We included independent variants (linkage disequilibrium R2 < 0.001) and a p-value threshold of 5 × 10-8 . RESULTS An increase in androgens was associated with a decreased AD risk among men: testosterone (odds ratio [OR]: 0.53; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.32-0.88; p-value: 0.01; false discovery rate [FDR] p-value: 0.03); dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS; OR: 0.56; 95% CI: 0.38-0.85; p-value: 0.01; FDR p-value: 0.03); and androsterone sulfate (OR: 0.69; 95% CI: 0.46-1.02; p-value: 0.06; FDR p-value: 0.10). There was no association between sex steroid hormones and AD among women, although analysis for estradiol had limited statistical power. DISCUSSION A higher concentration of androgens was associated with a decreased risk of AD among men of European ancestry, suggesting that androgens among men might be neuroprotective and could potentially prevent or delay an AD diagnosis. HIGHLIGHTS Sex hormones are hypothesized to play a role in developing Alzheimer's disease (AD). The effect of sex hormones on AD was assessed using Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis. Among women, genetically determined effects of sex hormones were limited or null. Among men, a higher concentration of androgens decreased AD risk. This study suggests a causal relationship between androgens and AD among men.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia D J Kusters
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Kimberly C Paul
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Tahmineh Romero
- Statistics Core, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Janet S Sinsheimer
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Computational Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Beate R Ritz
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Environmental Health, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Gender and Neurosteroids: Implications for Brain Function, Neuroplasticity and Rehabilitation. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054758. [PMID: 36902197 PMCID: PMC10003563 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurosteroids are synthesized de novo in the nervous system; they mainly moderate neuronal excitability, and reach target cells via the extracellular pathway. The synthesis of neurosteroids occurs in peripheral tissues such as gonads tissues, liver, and skin; then, because of their high lipophilia, they cross the blood-brain barrier and are stored in the brain structure. Neurosteroidogenesis occurs in brain regions such as the cortex, hippocampus, and amygdala by enzymes necessary for the in situ synthesis of progesterone from cholesterol. Neurosteroids could be considered the main players in both sexual steroid-induced hippocampal synaptic plasticity and normal transmission in the hippocampus. Moreover, they show a double function of increasing spine density and enhancing long term potentiation, and have been related to the memory-enhancing effects of sexual steroids. Estrogen and progesterone affect neuronal plasticity differently in males and females, especially regarding changes in the structure and function of neurons in different regions of the brain. Estradiol administration in postmenopausal women allowed for improving cognitive performance, and the combination with aerobic motor exercise seems to enhance this effect. The paired association between rehabilitation and neurosteroids treatment could provide a boosting effect in order to promote neuroplasticity and therefore functional recovery in neurological patients. The aim of this review is to investigate the mechanisms of action of neurosteroids as well as their sex-dependent differences in brain function and their role in neuroplasticity and rehabilitation.
Collapse
|
8
|
Andrabi SS, Kaushik P, Mumtaz SM, Alam MM, Tabassum H, Parvez S. Pregnenolone Attenuates the Ischemia-Induced Neurological Deficit in the Transient Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion Model of Rats. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:19122-19130. [PMID: 35721911 PMCID: PMC9202047 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.1c07016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Neurosteroids are apparent to be connected in the cerebral ischemic injury for their potential neuroprotective effects. We previously demonstrated that progesterone induces neuroprotection via the mitochondrial cascade in the cerebral ischemic stroke of rodents. Here, we sought to investigate whether or not pregnenolone, a different neurosteroid, can protect the ischemic injury in the transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) rodent model. Male Wistar rats were chosen for surgery for inducing stroke using the tMCAO method. Pregnenolone (2 mg/kg b.w.) at 1 h postsurgery was administered. The neurobehavioral tests and (TTC staining) 2, 3, 5-triphenyl tetrazolium chloride staining were performed after 24 h of the surgery. The mitochondrial membrane potential and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured using flow cytometry. Oxygraph was used to examine mitochondrial bioenergetics. The spectrum of neurobehavioral tests and 2, 3, 5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining showed that pregnenolone enhanced neurological recovery. Pregnenolone therapy after a stroke lowered mitochondrial ROS following ischemia. Our data demonstrated that pregnenolone was not able to inhibit mitochondrial permeability transition pores. There was no effect on mitochondrial bioenergetics such as oxygen consumption and respiratory coupling. Overall, the findings demonstrated that pregnenolone reduced the neurological impairments via reducing mitochondria ROS but not through the inhibition of the mitochondria permeability transition pore (mtPTP).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Syed Suhail Andrabi
- Department
of Toxicology, School of Chemical &
Life Sciences, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi 110062, India
| | - Pooja Kaushik
- Department
of Toxicology, School of Chemical &
Life Sciences, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi 110062, India
| | - Sayed Md Mumtaz
- Department
of Toxicology, School of Chemical &
Life Sciences, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi 110062, India
| | - Mohammad Mumtaz Alam
- Drug
Design & Medicinal Chemistry Lab, Department of Pharmaceutical
Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Education
and Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi 110062, India
| | - Heena Tabassum
- Division
of Basic Medical Sciences, Indian Council
of Medical Research, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt.
of India, V. Ramalingaswami Bhawan, P.O. Box No. 4911, New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Suhel Parvez
- Department
of Toxicology, School of Chemical &
Life Sciences, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi 110062, India
- . Tel.: +91
11 26059688x5573. Fax: +91 11 26059663
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Beamer E, Kuchukulla M, Boison D, Engel T. ATP and adenosine-Two players in the control of seizures and epilepsy development. Prog Neurobiol 2021; 204:102105. [PMID: 34144123 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2021.102105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Despite continuous advances in understanding the underlying pathogenesis of hyperexcitable networks and lowered seizure thresholds, the treatment of epilepsy remains a clinical challenge. Over one third of patients remain resistant to current pharmacological interventions. Moreover, even when effective in suppressing seizures, current medications are merely symptomatic without significantly altering the course of the disease. Much effort is therefore invested in identifying new treatments with novel mechanisms of action, effective in drug-refractory epilepsy patients, and with the potential to modify disease progression. Compelling evidence has demonstrated that the purines, ATP and adenosine, are key mediators of the epileptogenic process. Extracellular ATP concentrations increase dramatically under pathological conditions, where it functions as a ligand at a host of purinergic receptors. ATP, however, also forms a substrate pool for the production of adenosine, via the action of an array of extracellular ATP degrading enzymes. ATP and adenosine have assumed largely opposite roles in coupling neuronal excitability to energy homeostasis in the brain. This review integrates and critically discusses novel findings regarding how ATP and adenosine control seizures and the development of epilepsy. This includes purine receptor P1 and P2-dependent mechanisms, release and reuptake mechanisms, extracellular and intracellular purine metabolism, and emerging receptor-independent effects of purines. Finally, possible purine-based therapeutic strategies for seizure suppression and disease modification are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Edward Beamer
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin D02 YN77, Ireland; Centre for Bioscience, Manchester Metropolitan University, John Dalton Building, All Saints Campus, Manchester M15 6BH, UK
| | - Manvitha Kuchukulla
- Department of Neurosurgery, Robert Wood Johnson & New Jersey Medical Schools, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Detlev Boison
- Department of Neurosurgery, Robert Wood Johnson & New Jersey Medical Schools, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA.
| | - Tobias Engel
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin D02 YN77, Ireland; FutureNeuro, Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre for Chronic and Rare Neurological Diseases, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin D02 YN77, Ireland.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Tsuchiya T, Takei A, Tsujikado K, Inukai T. Effects of androgens and estrogens on sirtuin 1 gene expression in human aortic endothelial cells. Saudi Med J 2021; 41:361-368. [PMID: 32291422 PMCID: PMC7841601 DOI: 10.15537/smj.2020.4.25006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: To investigate the effect of androgens and estrogens on surtuin 1 (SIRT1) expression in human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs). Methods: Real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis of SIRT-1 expression over 48 hours (h) was performed in HAECs treated with various concentrations of dehydroepiandrostendione (DHEA), androstenedione and testosterone (androgens), estrone (E1), estradiol (E2), and estriol (E3) (estrogens) to investigate the dose-dependency of time courses. The influence of high glucose on SIRT1 expression induced by the androgens and estrogens was also examined. Results: Dehydroepiandrostendione, androstenedione, and testosterone remarkably produced a dose-dependent increase in SIRT1 expression in the range of 10 to 20 μg/ml. High glucose (40mM) medium had significantly inhibitory effects on 10 μg/ml DHEA-induced SIRT1 expression (p=0.024). Estrone and E2, but not E3, caused a marked dose-dependent increase in SIRT1 expression from 10 to 20 μg/ml. Treatment with 20 mM or 40 mM glucose medium did not significantly inhibit E1- and E3-induced SIRT1 expression in control medium; however, both high glucose mediums significantly emphasized E2-induced SIRT1 expression in control medium (p=0.007, p=0.005). Conclusion: These results suggest that DHEA, androstenedione, testosterone, E1, and E2 definitely activate SIRT1 expression in HAECs. A high glucose medium is potent to inhibit the basal gene expression; however, it could not reduce powerful androgen- and estrogen-induced SIRT1 expression in HAECs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Takafumi Tsuchiya
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dokkyo Medical University, Saitama Medical Center, Koshigaya, Japan. E-mail.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Cao T, Tang M, Jiang P, Zhang B, Wu X, Chen Q, Zeng C, Li N, Zhang S, Cai H. A Potential Mechanism Underlying the Therapeutic Effects of Progesterone and Allopregnanolone on Ketamine-Induced Cognitive Deficits. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:612083. [PMID: 33767621 PMCID: PMC7985688 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.612083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ketamine exposure can model cognitive deficits associated with schizophrenia. Progesterone (PROG) and its active metabolite allopregnanolone (ALLO) have neuroprotective effects and the pathway involving progesterone receptor membrane component 1 (PGRMC1), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R), phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K), and protein kinase B (Akt) appears to play a key role in their neuroprotection. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of PROG (8,16 mg kg−1) and ALLO (8,16 mg kg−1) on the reversal of cognitive deficits induced by ketamine (30 mg kg−1) via the PGRMC1 pathway in rat brains, including hippocampus and prefrontal cortex (PFC). Cognitive performance was evaluated by Morris water maze (MWM) test. Western blot and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction were utilized to assess the expression changes of protein and mRNA. Additionally, concentrations of PROG and ALLO in plasma, hippocampus and PFC were measured by a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method. We demonstrated that PROG or ALLO could reverse the impaired spatial learning and memory abilities induced by ketamine, accompanied with the upregulation of PGRMC1/EGFR/GLP-1R/PI3K/Akt pathway. Additionally, the coadministration of AG205 abolished their neuroprotective effects and induced cognitive deficits similar with ketamine. More importantly, PROG concentrations were markedly elevated in PROG-treated groups in hippocampus, PFC and plasma, so as for ALLO concentrations in ALLO-treated groups. Interestingly, ALLO (16 mg kg−1) significantly increased the levels of PROG. These findings suggest that PROG can exert its neuroprotective effects via activating the PGRMC1/EGFR/GLP-1R/PI3K/Akt pathway in the brain, whereas ALLO also restores cognitive deficits partially via increasing the level of PROG in the brain to activate the PGRMC1 pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ting Cao
- Department of Pharmacy, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - MiMi Tang
- Department of Pharmacy, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China.,Institute of Hospital Pharmacy, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Pei Jiang
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Jining First People's Hospital, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - BiKui Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - XiangXin Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Qian Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - CuiRong Zeng
- Department of Pharmacy, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - NaNa Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - ShuangYang Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - HuaLin Cai
- Department of Pharmacy, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Strac DS, Konjevod M, Perkovic MN, Tudor L, Erjavec GN, Pivac N. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its Sulphate (DHEAS) in Alzheimer's Disease. Curr Alzheimer Res 2020; 17:141-157. [PMID: 32183671 DOI: 10.2174/1567205017666200317092310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Revised: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurosteroids Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulphate (DHEAS) are involved in many important brain functions, including neuronal plasticity and survival, cognition and behavior, demonstrating preventive and therapeutic potential in different neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's disease. OBJECTIVE The aim of the article was to provide a comprehensive overview of the literature on the involvement of DHEA and DHEAS in Alzheimer's disease. METHODS PubMed and MEDLINE databases were searched for relevant literature. The articles were selected considering their titles and abstracts. In the selected full texts, lists of references were searched manually for additional articles. RESULTS We performed a systematic review of the studies investigating the role of DHEA and DHEAS in various in vitro and animal models, as well as in patients with Alzheimer's disease, and provided a comprehensive discussion on their potential preventive and therapeutic applications. CONCLUSION Despite mixed results, the findings of various preclinical studies are generally supportive of the involvement of DHEA and DHEAS in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease, showing some promise for potential benefits of these neurosteroids in the prevention and treatment. However, so far small clinical trials brought little evidence to support their therapy in AD. Therefore, large-scale human studies are needed to elucidate the specific effects of DHEA and DHEAS and their mechanisms of action, prior to their applications in clinical practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dubravka S Strac
- Laboratory for Molecular Neuropsychiatry, Division of Molecular Medicine, Rudjer Boskovic Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Marcela Konjevod
- Laboratory for Molecular Neuropsychiatry, Division of Molecular Medicine, Rudjer Boskovic Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Matea N Perkovic
- Laboratory for Molecular Neuropsychiatry, Division of Molecular Medicine, Rudjer Boskovic Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Lucija Tudor
- Laboratory for Molecular Neuropsychiatry, Division of Molecular Medicine, Rudjer Boskovic Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Gordana N Erjavec
- Laboratory for Molecular Neuropsychiatry, Division of Molecular Medicine, Rudjer Boskovic Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Nela Pivac
- Laboratory for Molecular Neuropsychiatry, Division of Molecular Medicine, Rudjer Boskovic Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Cai Z, Li H. An Updated Review: Androgens and Cognitive Impairment in Older Men. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:586909. [PMID: 33281745 PMCID: PMC7691320 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.586909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Androgens are some of the most important sex hormones in men, and they maintain important physiological activities in the human body. Cognitive impairment is one of the most common manifestations of aging in the elderly population and an important factor affecting the quality of life of elderly individuals. The levels of sex hormones in elderly people decrease with age, and low levels of androgens in older male individuals have been closely linked to the development of cognitive impairment. Basic studies have shown that androgens have neuroprotective effects and that androgen deficiency impairs cognitive function by increasing oxidative stress and decreasing synaptic plasticity, among other effects. Additionally, clinical studies have also shown that androgen deficiency is closely related to cognitive impairment. This article reviews the relationship between low androgen levels and cognitive impairment, their potential mechanisms, and the effects of testosterone supplementation in improving cognition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhonglin Cai
- Department of Urology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hongjun Li
- Department of Urology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Knytl P, Voráčková V, Dorazilová A, Rodriguez M, Cvrčková A, Kofroňová E, Kuchař M, Kratochvílová Z, Šustová P, Čerešňáková S, Mohr P. Neuroactive Steroids and Cognitive Functions in First-Episode Psychosis Patients and Their Healthy Siblings. Front Psychiatry 2019; 10:390. [PMID: 31275177 PMCID: PMC6591670 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2019] [Accepted: 05/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Neuroactive steroids (NAS) affect neurotransmitter systems and cognition; thus, they play role in etiopathogenesis of psychiatric disorders. Aims: The primary aim was to examine cognition and effects of NAS on cognitive functioning in first-episode psychosis patients and in their healthy siblings. The secondary aims were to verify whether cognitive deficit is an endophenotype of psychosis and whether higher NAS levels represent a high-risk factor for psychosis. Methods: Studied participants were 1) patients with first episode of psychosis, 2) healthy siblings of the patients, and 3) matching healthy controls. Study procedures included administration of a battery of neuropsychological tests assessing six cognitive domains and examination of NAS plasma levels [cortisol (CORT), 11-deoxycorticosterone (DOC), testosterone (TEST), dehydroepiandrostendione (DHEA), dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and progesterone (PROG)]. Results: A total of 67 subjects were analyzed (16 patients, 22 siblings, and 29 controls). Significant group differences were found in most of the cognitive domains; the patients had the lowest scores. The Kruskal-Wallis test revealed significant group differences in CORT levels (p < 0.01), TEST (p < 0.01), and DHT (p < 0.001); no difference was found in PROG, DHEA, and DOC. All cognitive domains, except for attention, were affected by the NAS levels. CORT levels of patients correlated with speed of processing (r = 0.55) and working memory (r = 0.52), while PROG levels correlated with abstraction (r = -0.63). In siblings, there was a negative correlation between TEST levels and verbal memory (r = -0.51) and PROG with attention (r = -0.47). Conclusions: Our results verified that individual domains of cognitive deficit (abstraction and verbal memory) can be considered as an endophenotype of psychosis. Higher levels of cortisol and testosterone in siblings are consistent with high-risk states for psychosis. Multiple interactions between NAS and cognitive functioning, particularly memory functions, were observed. Study limitations (small sample size and administration of antipsychotic medication) did not allow us to establish unequivocally NAS as an endophenotype.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pavel Knytl
- National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czechia.,Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Veronika Voráčková
- National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czechia.,Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Aneta Dorazilová
- National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czechia.,Faculty of Arts, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Mabel Rodriguez
- National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czechia.,Faculty of Arts, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Aneta Cvrčková
- National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czechia.,Faculty of Social Studies, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | | | - Martin Kuchař
- National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czechia.,University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Czechia
| | | | - Petra Šustová
- National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czechia
| | - Silvie Čerešňáková
- National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czechia.,First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Pavel Mohr
- National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czechia.,Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| |
Collapse
|