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Burmistrov DE, Gudkov SV, Franceschi C, Vedunova MV. Sex as a Determinant of Age-Related Changes in the Brain. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7122. [PMID: 39000227 PMCID: PMC11241365 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25137122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2024] [Revised: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The notion of notable anatomical, biochemical, and behavioral distinctions within male and female brains has been a contentious topic of interest within the scientific community over several decades. Advancements in neuroimaging and molecular biological techniques have increasingly elucidated common mechanisms characterizing brain aging while also revealing disparities between sexes in these processes. Variations in cognitive functions; susceptibility to and progression of neurodegenerative conditions, notably Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases; and notable disparities in life expectancy between sexes, underscore the significance of evaluating aging within the framework of gender differences. This comprehensive review surveys contemporary literature on the restructuring of brain structures and fundamental processes unfolding in the aging brain at cellular and molecular levels, with a focus on gender distinctions. Additionally, the review delves into age-related cognitive alterations, exploring factors influencing the acceleration or deceleration of aging, with particular attention to estrogen's hormonal support of the central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dmitriy E. Burmistrov
- Prokhorov General Physics Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 38 Vavilova St., 119991 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Sergey V. Gudkov
- Prokhorov General Physics Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 38 Vavilova St., 119991 Moscow, Russia;
- Institute of Biology and Biomedicine, Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, 23 Gagarin Ave., 603022 Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - Claudio Franceschi
- Institute of Biology and Biomedicine, Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, 23 Gagarin Ave., 603022 Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - Maria V. Vedunova
- Institute of Biology and Biomedicine, Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, 23 Gagarin Ave., 603022 Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
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Caldarelli M, Rio P, Marrone A, Ocarino F, Chiantore M, Candelli M, Gasbarrini A, Gambassi G, Cianci R. Gut-Brain Axis: Focus on Sex Differences in Neuroinflammation. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5377. [PMID: 38791415 PMCID: PMC11120930 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105377] [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: 03/30/2024] [Revised: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the concept of the "gut-brain axis". In addition to well-studied diseases associated with an imbalance in gut microbiota, such as cancer, chronic inflammation, and cardiovascular diseases, research is now exploring the potential role of gut microbial dysbiosis in the onset and development of brain-related diseases. When the function of the intestinal barrier is altered by dysbiosis, the aberrant immune system response interacts with the nervous system, leading to a state of "neuroinflammation". The gut microbiota-brain axis is mediated by inflammatory and immunological mechanisms, neurotransmitters, and neuroendocrine pathways. This narrative review aims to illustrate the molecular basis of neuroinflammation and elaborate on the concept of the gut-brain axis by virtue of analyzing the various metabolites produced by the gut microbiome and how they might impact the nervous system. Additionally, the current review will highlight how sex influences these molecular mechanisms. In fact, sex hormones impact the brain-gut microbiota axis at different levels, such as the central nervous system, the enteric nervous one, and enteroendocrine cells. A deeper understanding of the gut-brain axis in human health and disease is crucial to guide diagnoses, treatments, and preventive interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Caldarelli
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Catholic University of Rome, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Pierluigi Rio
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Catholic University of Rome, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Marrone
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Catholic University of Rome, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Ocarino
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Catholic University of Rome, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Monica Chiantore
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Catholic University of Rome, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Marcello Candelli
- Department of Emergency, Anesthesiological and Reanimation Sciences, Catholic University of Rome, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Gasbarrini
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Catholic University of Rome, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Gambassi
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Catholic University of Rome, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Rossella Cianci
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Catholic University of Rome, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
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Fernández A, Cuesta P, Marcos A, Montenegro-Peña M, Yus M, Rodríguez-Rojo IC, Bruña R, Maestú F, López ME. Sex differences in the progression to Alzheimer's disease: a combination of functional and structural markers. GeroScience 2024; 46:2619-2640. [PMID: 38105400 PMCID: PMC10828170 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-023-01020-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) has been frequently interpreted as a transitional phase between healthy cognitive aging and dementia, particularly of the Alzheimer's disease (AD) type. Of note, few studies explored that transition from a multifactorial perspective, taking into consideration the effect of basic factors such as biological sex. In the present study 96 subjects with MCI (37 males and 59 females) were followed-up and divided into two subgroups according to their clinical outcome: "progressive" MCI (pMCI = 41), if they fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for AD at the end of follow-up; and "stable" MCI (sMCI = 55), if they remained with the initial diagnosis. Different markers were combined to characterize sex differences between groups, including magnetoencephalography recordings, cognitive performance, and brain volumes derived from magnetic resonance imaging. Results indicated that the pMCI group exhibited higher low-frequency activity, lower scores in neuropsychological tests and reduced brain volumes than the sMCI group, being these measures significantly correlated. When sex was considered, results revealed that this pattern was mainly due to the influence of the females' sample. Overall, females exhibited lower cognitive scores and reduced brain volumes. More interestingly, females in the pMCI group showed an increased theta activity that correlated with a more abrupt reduction of cognitive and volumetric scores as compared with females in the sMCI group and with males in the pMCI group. These findings suggest that females' brains might be more vulnerable to the effects of AD pathology, since regardless of age, they showed signs of more pronounced deterioration than males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Fernández
- Department of Legal Medicine, Psychiatry and Pathology, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Center for Cognitive and Computational Neuroscience, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Institute of Sanitary Investigation (IdISSC), San Carlos University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pablo Cuesta
- Center for Cognitive and Computational Neuroscience, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Institute of Sanitary Investigation (IdISSC), San Carlos University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Radiology, Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alberto Marcos
- Institute of Sanitary Investigation (IdISSC), San Carlos University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
- Neurology Department, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mercedes Montenegro-Peña
- Centre for the Prevention of Cognitive Impairment, Madrid Salud, Madrid City Council, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Cognitive Processes and Speech Therapy, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel Yus
- Radiology Department, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Inmaculada Concepción Rodríguez-Rojo
- Center for Cognitive and Computational Neuroscience, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Nursing and Psysiotherapy, Universidad de Alcalá, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ricardo Bruña
- Center for Cognitive and Computational Neuroscience, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Institute of Sanitary Investigation (IdISSC), San Carlos University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Radiology, Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Fernando Maestú
- Center for Cognitive and Computational Neuroscience, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Institute of Sanitary Investigation (IdISSC), San Carlos University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Cognitive Processes and Speech Therapy, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Eugenia López
- Center for Cognitive and Computational Neuroscience, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
- Institute of Sanitary Investigation (IdISSC), San Carlos University Hospital, Madrid, Spain.
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Cognitive Processes and Speech Therapy, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
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Xu Q, Shen H, Zhu Y, Zhang J, Shen Z, Jiang J, Zhou J. Causal effects of genetically predicted testosterone on Alzheimer's disease: a two-sample mendelian randomization study. Acta Neurol Belg 2024; 124:591-601. [PMID: 38007406 DOI: 10.1007/s13760-023-02426-4] [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: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/27/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Although several studies have reported that testosterone may protect against Alzheimer's disease, no evidence of a causal relationship has been demonstrated. METHODS A Mendelian randomization (MR) study was performed to determine the causal role of testosterone in Alzheimer's disease. The study utilized public databases obtained from separately published genome-wide associationstudies (GWAS). Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for testosterone were extracted from the most recent and largest published GWAS meta-analysis (178,782 participants), and SNPs for Alzheimer's disease were extracted from UK Biobank (954 AD cases and 487,331 controls). The odds ratio (OR) of the inverse variance weighting (IVW) approach was the primary outcome, and the weighted median and MR Egger regression were used for sensitivity analysis. RESULTS Through IVW, we observed a causal association between genetically predicted testosterone and the risk of Alzheimer's disease, with an OR of 0.99 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.998-0.999, p = 0.047). In the sensitivity analyses, the weighted median regression showed directionally similar estimates (OR = 0.99, 95% CI = 0.998-0.999, p = 0.048). The MR Egger regression showed similar estimates (OR = 0.99, 95% CI = 0.998-1.00, p = 0.35), but with lower precision. Funnel plots, MR Egger intercepts, and Mendelian randomization pleiotropy residual sum and outlier (MR-PRESSO) analysis indicated the absence of directional pleiotropy effects. CONCLUSION In conclusion, our MR study provides evidence of a causal relationship between testosterone levels and Alzheimer's disease; however, this relationship must be validated in future studies with larger sample sizes. Early testosterone monitoring may enable the prevention of Alzheimer's and related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Xu
- Department of Neurology, Suzhou Wujiang District Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Suzhou Wujiang District Second People's Hospital), Wujiang District, Suzhou, 215200, China
| | - Hong Shen
- Department of Neurology, Suzhou Wujiang District Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Suzhou Wujiang District Second People's Hospital), Wujiang District, Suzhou, 215200, China
| | - Yifan Zhu
- Department of Neurology, Suzhou Wujiang District Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Suzhou Wujiang District Second People's Hospital), Wujiang District, Suzhou, 215200, China
| | - Junlei Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Suzhou Wujiang District Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Suzhou Wujiang District Second People's Hospital), Wujiang District, Suzhou, 215200, China
| | - Zhongmei Shen
- Department of Neurology, Suzhou Wujiang District Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Suzhou Wujiang District Second People's Hospital), Wujiang District, Suzhou, 215200, China
| | - Jianming Jiang
- Department of Neurology, Suzhou Wujiang District Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Suzhou Wujiang District Second People's Hospital), Wujiang District, Suzhou, 215200, China
| | - Jie Zhou
- Department of Neurology, Suzhou Wujiang District Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Suzhou Wujiang District Second People's Hospital), Wujiang District, Suzhou, 215200, China.
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Mouresan EF, Mentesidou E, Berglund A, McKay KA, Hillert J, Iacobaeus E. Clinical Characteristics and Long-Term Outcomes of Late-Onset Multiple Sclerosis: A Swedish Nationwide Study. Neurology 2024; 102:e208051. [PMID: 38394472 PMCID: PMC11033980 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000208051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Clinical onset of multiple sclerosis (MS) after the age of 50 years is uncommon and associated with a less favorable natural history. The differences in long-term outcomes in patients with late-onset MS (LOMS, onset 50 years or older) and adult-onset MS (AOMS, onset 18 years or older and younger than 50 years) during the disease-modifying therapy (DMT) era have been less studied. This study aimed to compare patient characteristics, DMT exposure, and disability progression in Swedish patients with LOMS and AOMS over 2 decades (2001-2022). METHODS The nationwide Swedish MS registry was searched for patients with an onset of MS between January 1, 2001, and December 31, 2018, with symptom onset at age 18 years or older and ≥2 recorded Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores. Clinical and demographic parameters and exposure to DMT were compared between LOMS and AOMS. Time to disability milestones (EDSS 4 and 6) was assessed using Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox proportional hazards regression models adjusted for sex, disease course, calendar year at onset, and DMT exposure. RESULTS Among 8739 patients with MS who met inclusion criteria, 1,028 (11.8%) were LOMS. Primary progressive MS was more frequently diagnosed in LOMS compared with that in AOMS (25.2% vs 4.5%; p < 0.001). Most of the patients had been prescribed DMT, but more rarely in LOMS compared with AOMS (74.7% vs 95.6%; p < 0.001). Less than half of patients with LOMS had been exposed to a high-efficacy DMT (45.8%) compared with 73.5% of AOMS (p < 0.001). The risk of reaching disability milestones was greater for LOMS compared with that for AOMS (EDSS 4; adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 2.71; 95% CI 2.22-3.30; p < 0.001, and EDSS 6; aHR 2.67; 95% CI 2.12-3.36; p < 0.001). DISCUSSION This study distinguishes LOMS as a particularly vulnerable group and clinically supports close vigilance of these patients. Further studies are needed to assess and clarify the benefit of DMT usage in older adults with MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena F Mouresan
- From the Department of Clinical Neuroscience (E.F.M., E.M., A.B., K.A.M., J.H., E.I.), and Centre for Molecular Medicine (J.H.), Karolinska Institutet; and Department of Neurology (E.M., K.A.M., E.I.), Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Eleni Mentesidou
- From the Department of Clinical Neuroscience (E.F.M., E.M., A.B., K.A.M., J.H., E.I.), and Centre for Molecular Medicine (J.H.), Karolinska Institutet; and Department of Neurology (E.M., K.A.M., E.I.), Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anders Berglund
- From the Department of Clinical Neuroscience (E.F.M., E.M., A.B., K.A.M., J.H., E.I.), and Centre for Molecular Medicine (J.H.), Karolinska Institutet; and Department of Neurology (E.M., K.A.M., E.I.), Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kyla A McKay
- From the Department of Clinical Neuroscience (E.F.M., E.M., A.B., K.A.M., J.H., E.I.), and Centre for Molecular Medicine (J.H.), Karolinska Institutet; and Department of Neurology (E.M., K.A.M., E.I.), Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jan Hillert
- From the Department of Clinical Neuroscience (E.F.M., E.M., A.B., K.A.M., J.H., E.I.), and Centre for Molecular Medicine (J.H.), Karolinska Institutet; and Department of Neurology (E.M., K.A.M., E.I.), Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ellen Iacobaeus
- From the Department of Clinical Neuroscience (E.F.M., E.M., A.B., K.A.M., J.H., E.I.), and Centre for Molecular Medicine (J.H.), Karolinska Institutet; and Department of Neurology (E.M., K.A.M., E.I.), Stockholm, Sweden
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Zhao Y, Ai W, Zheng J, Hu X, Zhang L. A bibliometric and visual analysis of epigenetic research publications for Alzheimer's disease (2013-2023). Front Aging Neurosci 2024; 16:1332845. [PMID: 38292341 PMCID: PMC10824959 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2024.1332845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Currently, the prevalence of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is progressively rising, particularly in developed nations. There is an escalating focus on the onset and progression of AD. A mounting body of research indicates that epigenetics significantly contributes to AD and holds substantial promise as a novel therapeutic target for its treatment. Objective The objective of this article is to present the AD areas of research interest, comprehend the contextual framework of the subject research, and investigate the prospective direction for future research development. Methods ln Web of Science Core Collection (WOSCC), we searched documents by specific subject terms and their corresponding free words. VOSviewer, CiteSpace and Scimago Graphica were used to perform statistical analysis on measurement metrics such as the number of published papers, national cooperative networks, publishing countries, institutions, authors, co-cited journals, keywords, and visualize networks of related content elements. Results We selected 1,530 articles from WOSCC from January 2013 to June 2023 about epigenetics of AD. Based on visual analysis, we could get that China and United States were the countries with the most research in this field. Bennett DA was the most contributed and prestigious scientist. The top 3 cited journals were Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, Neurobiology of Aging and Molecular Neurobiology. According to the analysis of keywords and the frequency of citations, ncRNAs, transcription factor, genome, histone modification, blood DNA methylation, acetylation, biomarkers were hot research directions in AD today. Conclusion According to bibliometric analysis, epigenetic research in AD was a promising research direction, and epigenetics had the potential to be used as AD biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- YaPing Zhao
- School of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - WenJing Ai
- School of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - JingFeng Zheng
- School of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - XianLiang Hu
- Chengdu Eighth People’s Hospital, Geriatric Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - LuShun Zhang
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Development and Regeneration, Department of Neurobiology, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
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Eren N, Gerike S, Üsekes B, Peters O, Cosma NC, Hellmann-Regen J. Effects of autologous serum on TREM2 and APOE in a personalized monocyte-derived macrophage assay of late-onset Alzheimer's patients. Immun Ageing 2023; 20:52. [PMID: 37833781 PMCID: PMC10576307 DOI: 10.1186/s12979-023-00376-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Age-associated deterioration of the immune system contributes to a chronic low-grade inflammatory state known as "inflammaging" and is implicated in the pathogenesis of late-onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD). Whether changes in the tissue environment caused by circulatory factors associated with aging may alter the innate immune response is unknown. Monocyte-derived macrophages (Mo-MФs) infiltrating the brain alongside microglia are postulated to play a modulatory role in LOAD and both express triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2). Apolipoprotein E (APOE) acts as a ligand for TREM2, and their role in amyloid beta (Aβ) clearance highlights their importance in LOAD. However, the influence of the patient's own milieu (autologous serum) on the synthesis of TREM2 and APOE in infiltrating macrophages remains unknown. OBJECTIVES To functionally assess patient-specific TREM2 and APOE synthesis, we designed a personalized assay based on Mo-MФs using monocytes from LOAD patients and matched controls (CO). We assessed the influence of each participant's own milieu, by examining the effect of short- (1 day) and long- (10 days) term differentiation of the cells in the presence of the donor´s autologous serum (AS) into M1-, M2- or M0-macrophages. Additionally, sex differences and Aβ-uptake ability in short- and long-term differentiated Mo-MФs were assessed. RESULTS We showed a time-dependent increase in TREM2 and APOE protein levels in LOAD- and CO-derived cells. While AS did not differentially modulate TREM2 compared to standard fetal calf serum (FCS), AS decreased APOE levels in M2 macrophages but increased levels in M1 macrophages. Interestingly, higher levels of TREM2 and lower levels of APOE were detected in female- than in male- LOAD patients. Finally, we report decreased Aβ-uptake in long-term differentiated CO- and LOAD-derived cells, particularly in APOEε4(+) carriers. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrate for the first time the suitability of a personalized Mo-MФ cell culture-based assay for studying functional TREM2 and APOE synthesis in a patient's own aged milieu. Our strategy may thus provide a useful tool for future research on diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neriman Eren
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Section Clinical Neurobiology, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Hindenburgdamm 30, 12203, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Susanna Gerike
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Section Clinical Neurobiology, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Hindenburgdamm 30, 12203, Berlin, Germany
| | - Berk Üsekes
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Section Clinical Neurobiology, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Hindenburgdamm 30, 12203, Berlin, Germany
| | - Oliver Peters
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Section Clinical Neurobiology, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Hindenburgdamm 30, 12203, Berlin, Germany
- German Center for Mental Health (DZPG) Partner Site Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Nicoleta-Carmen Cosma
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Section Clinical Neurobiology, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Hindenburgdamm 30, 12203, Berlin, Germany
- BIH Biomedical Innovation Academy, BIH Charité Clinician Scientist Program, Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, Berlin, 10117, Germany
| | - Julian Hellmann-Regen
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Section Clinical Neurobiology, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Hindenburgdamm 30, 12203, Berlin, Germany
- BIH Biomedical Innovation Academy, BIH Charité Clinician Scientist Program, Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, Berlin, 10117, Germany
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Xing Y, Xuan F, Wang K, Zhang H. Aging under endocrine hormone regulation. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1223529. [PMID: 37600699 PMCID: PMC10433899 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1223529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Aging is a biological process in which the environment interacts with the body to cause a progressive decline in effective physiological function. Aging in the human body can lead to a dysfunction of the vital organ systems, resulting in the onset of age-related diseases, such as neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases, which can seriously affect an individual's quality of life. The endocrine system acts on specific targets through hormones and related major functional factors in its pathways, which play biological roles in coordinating cellular interactions, metabolism, growth, and aging. Aging is the result of a combination of many pathological, physiological, and psychological processes, among which the endocrine system can achieve a bidirectional effect on the aging process by regulating the hormone levels in the body. In this paper, we explored the mechanisms of growth hormone, thyroid hormone, and estrogen in the aging process to provide a reference for the exploration of endocrine mechanisms related to aging.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Huifeng Zhang
- Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
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Guo L, Cao J, Hou J, Li Y, Huang M, Zhu L, Zhang L, Lee Y, Duarte ML, Zhou X, Wang M, Liu CC, Martens Y, Chao M, Goate A, Bu G, Haroutunian V, Cai D, Zhang B. Sex specific molecular networks and key drivers of Alzheimer's disease. Mol Neurodegener 2023; 18:39. [PMID: 37340466 PMCID: PMC10280841 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-023-00624-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive and age-associated neurodegenerative disorder that affects women disproportionally. However, the underlying mechanisms are poorly characterized. Moreover, while the interplay between sex and ApoE genotype in AD has been investigated, multi-omics studies to understand this interaction are limited. Therefore, we applied systems biology approaches to investigate sex-specific molecular networks of AD. METHODS We integrated large-scale human postmortem brain transcriptomic data of AD from two cohorts (MSBB and ROSMAP) via multiscale network analysis and identified key drivers with sexually dimorphic expression patterns and/or different responses to APOE genotypes between sexes. The expression patterns and functional relevance of the top sex-specific network driver of AD were further investigated using postmortem human brain samples and gene perturbation experiments in AD mouse models. RESULTS Gene expression changes in AD versus control were identified for each sex. Gene co-expression networks were constructed for each sex to identify AD-associated co-expressed gene modules shared by males and females or specific to each sex. Key network regulators were further identified as potential drivers of sex differences in AD development. LRP10 was identified as a top driver of the sex differences in AD pathogenesis and manifestation. Changes of LRP10 expression at the mRNA and protein levels were further validated in human AD brain samples. Gene perturbation experiments in EFAD mouse models demonstrated that LRP10 differentially affected cognitive function and AD pathology in sex- and APOE genotype-specific manners. A comprehensive mapping of brain cells in LRP10 over-expressed (OE) female E4FAD mice suggested neurons and microglia as the most affected cell populations. The female-specific targets of LRP10 identified from the single cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) data of the LRP10 OE E4FAD mouse brains were significantly enriched in the LRP10-centered subnetworks in female AD subjects, validating LRP10 as a key network regulator of AD in females. Eight LRP10 binding partners were identified by the yeast two-hybrid system screening, and LRP10 over-expression reduced the association of LRP10 with one binding partner CD34. CONCLUSIONS These findings provide insights into key mechanisms mediating sex differences in AD pathogenesis and will facilitate the development of sex- and APOE genotype-specific therapies for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Guo
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- Mount Sinai Center for Transformative Disease Modeling, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Jiqing Cao
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- James J Peters VA Medical Center, Research & Development, Bronx, NY, 10468, USA
| | - Jianwei Hou
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- James J Peters VA Medical Center, Research & Development, Bronx, NY, 10468, USA
| | - Yonghe Li
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Min Huang
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- James J Peters VA Medical Center, Research & Development, Bronx, NY, 10468, USA
| | - Li Zhu
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- James J Peters VA Medical Center, Research & Development, Bronx, NY, 10468, USA
| | - Larry Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- James J Peters VA Medical Center, Research & Development, Bronx, NY, 10468, USA
| | - Yeji Lee
- James J Peters VA Medical Center, Research & Development, Bronx, NY, 10468, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | - Mariana Lemos Duarte
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- James J Peters VA Medical Center, Research & Development, Bronx, NY, 10468, USA
| | - Xianxiao Zhou
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- Mount Sinai Center for Transformative Disease Modeling, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Minghui Wang
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- Mount Sinai Center for Transformative Disease Modeling, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Chia-Chen Liu
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Yuka Martens
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Michael Chao
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer's Disease, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Alison Goate
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer's Disease, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Guojun Bu
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Vahram Haroutunian
- James J Peters VA Medical Center, Research & Development, Bronx, NY, 10468, USA
- Alzheimer Disease Research Center Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- James J Peters VA Medical Center, MIRECC, Bronx, NY, 10468, USA
| | - Dongming Cai
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA.
- James J Peters VA Medical Center, Research & Development, Bronx, NY, 10468, USA.
- Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer's Disease, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA.
- Alzheimer Disease Research Center Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA.
| | - Bin Zhang
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA.
- Mount Sinai Center for Transformative Disease Modeling, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA.
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA.
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10
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Boziki M, Theotokis P, Kesidou E, Karafoulidou E, Konstantinou C, Michailidou I, Bahar Y, Altintas A, Grigoriadis N. Sex, aging and immunity in multiple sclerosis and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis: An intriguing interaction. Front Neurol 2023; 13:1104552. [PMID: 36698908 PMCID: PMC9869255 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.1104552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system (CNS) with a profound neurodegenerative component early in the disease pathogenesis. Age is a factor with a well-described effect on the primary disease phenotype, namely, the relapsing-remitting vs. the primary progressive disease. Moreover, aging is a prominent factor contributing to the transition from relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) to secondary progressive disease. However, sex also seems to, at least in part, dictate disease phenotype and evolution, as evidenced in humans and in animal models of the disease. Sex-specific gene expression profiles have recently elucidated an association with differential immunological signatures in the context of experimental disease. This review aims to summarize current knowledge stemming from experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) models regarding the effects of sex, either independently or as a factor combined with aging, on disease phenotype, with relevance to the immune system and the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Boziki
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurology and Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis Center, 2nd Neurological University Department, AHEPA General Hospital of Thessaloniki, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Paschalis Theotokis
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurology and Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis Center, 2nd Neurological University Department, AHEPA General Hospital of Thessaloniki, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Evangelia Kesidou
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurology and Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis Center, 2nd Neurological University Department, AHEPA General Hospital of Thessaloniki, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Eleni Karafoulidou
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurology and Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis Center, 2nd Neurological University Department, AHEPA General Hospital of Thessaloniki, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Chrystalla Konstantinou
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurology and Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis Center, 2nd Neurological University Department, AHEPA General Hospital of Thessaloniki, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Iliana Michailidou
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurology and Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis Center, 2nd Neurological University Department, AHEPA General Hospital of Thessaloniki, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Ayse Altintas
- School of Medicine, Koç University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Nikolaos Grigoriadis
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurology and Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis Center, 2nd Neurological University Department, AHEPA General Hospital of Thessaloniki, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece,*Correspondence: Nikolaos Grigoriadis ✉
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11
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Zhdanova DY, Kovalev VI, Chaplygina AV, Bobkova NV, Poltavtseva RA, Sukhikh GT. YB-1 Protein Prevents Age-Related Decline in Plasma Estradiol in Aging Female 5xFAD Transgenic Mice. J EVOL BIOCHEM PHYS+ 2023. [DOI: 10.1134/s0022093023010192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
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12
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Fiorini MR, Dilliott AA, Farhan SMK. Sex-stratified RNA-seq analysis reveals traumatic brain injury-induced transcriptional changes in the female hippocampus conducive to dementia. Front Neurol 2022; 13:1026448. [PMID: 36619915 PMCID: PMC9813497 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.1026448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Traumatic brain injury (TBI), resulting from a violent force that causes functional changes in the brain, is the foremost environmental risk factor for developing dementia. While previous studies have identified specific candidate genes that may instigate worse outcomes following TBI when mutated, TBI-induced changes in gene expression conducive to dementia are critically understudied. Additionally, biological sex seemingly influences TBI outcomes, but the discrepancies in post-TBI gene expression leading to progressive neurodegeneration between the sexes have yet to be investigated. Methods We conducted a whole-genome RNA sequencing analysis of post-mortem brain tissue from the parietal neocortex, temporal neocortex, frontal white matter, and hippocampus of 107 donors characterized by the Aging, Dementia, and Traumatic Brain Injury Project. Our analysis was sex-stratified and compared gene expression patterns between TBI donors and controls, a subset of which presented with dementia. Results We report three candidate gene modules from the female hippocampus whose expression correlated with dementia in female TBI donors. Enrichment analyses revealed that the candidate modules were notably enriched in cardiac processes and the immune-inflammatory response, among other biological processes. In addition, multiple candidate module genes showed a significant positive correlation with hippocampal concentrations of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 in females with post-TBI dementia, which has been previously described as a potential biomarker for TBI and susceptibility to post-injury dementia. We concurrently examined the expression profiles of these candidate modules in the hippocampus of males with TBI and found no apparent indicator that the identified candidate modules contribute to post-TBI dementia in males. Discussion Herein, we present the first sex-stratified RNA sequencing analysis of TBI-induced changes within the transcriptome that may be conducive to dementia. This work contributes to our current understanding of the pathophysiological link between TBI and dementia and emphasizes the growing interest in sex as a biological variable affecting TBI outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael R. Fiorini
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada,*Correspondence: Michael R. Fiorini ✉
| | - Allison A. Dilliott
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, The Neuro, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada,Allison A. Dilliott ✉
| | - Sali M. K. Farhan
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada,Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, The Neuro, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada,Sali M. K. Farhan ✉
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13
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Sawa M, Overk C, Becker A, Derse D, Albay R, Weldy K, Salehi A, Beach TG, Doran E, Head E, Yu YE, Mobley WC. Impact of increased APP gene dose in Down syndrome and the Dp16 mouse model. Alzheimers Dement 2022; 18:1203-1234. [PMID: 34757693 PMCID: PMC9085977 DOI: 10.1002/alz.12463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION People with Down syndrome (DS) are predisposed to Alzheimer's disease (AD). The amyloid hypothesis informs studies of AD. In AD-DS, but not sporadic AD, increased APP copy number is necessary, defining the APP gene dose hypothesis. Which amyloid precursor protein (APP) products contribute needs to be determined. METHODS Brain levels of full-length protein (fl-hAPP), C-terminal fragments (hCTFs), and amyloid beta (Aβ) peptides were measured in DS, AD-DS, non-demented controls (ND), and sporadic AD cases. The APP gene-dose hypothesis was evaluated in the Dp16 model. RESULTS DS and AD-DS differed from ND and AD for all APP products. In AD-DS, Aβ42 and Aβ40 levels exceeded AD. APP products were increased in the Dp16 model; increased APP gene dose was necessary for loss of vulnerable neurons, tau pathology, and activation of astrocytes and microglia. DISCUSSION Increases in APP products other than Aβ distinguished AD-DS from AD. Deciphering AD-DS pathogenesis necessitates deciphering which APP products contribute and how.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariko Sawa
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0624
| | - Cassia Overk
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0624
| | - Ann Becker
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0624
| | - Dominique Derse
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0624
| | - Ricardo Albay
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0624
| | - Kim Weldy
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0624
| | - Ahmad Salehi
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305
| | - Thomas G. Beach
- Brain and Body Donation Program, Banner Sun Health Research Institute, Sun City, AZ 85351
| | - Eric Doran
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697
| | - Elizabeth Head
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697
| | - Y. Eugene Yu
- The Children’s Guild Foundation Down Syndrome Research Program, Genetics and Genomics Program, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263
| | - William C Mobley
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0624,Correspondence to: William Mobley M.D., Department of Neurosciences, UCSD School of Medicine, 9500 Gilman Drive, GPL 355, La Jolla, CA 92093-0624;
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14
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Suanrueang P, Shen YJ, Lin HF, Er TK, Suen MW, Shieh FA. Gender differences in geriatric syndromes as mental illness and nervous system diseases in hospitalized Thai older patients. Psychogeriatrics 2021; 21:453-465. [PMID: 33847418 DOI: 10.1111/psyg.12679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2020] [Revised: 01/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Older persons are affected by mental and neurological disorders differently, and gender plays a significant role influencing geriatric disorder differentiation. Accordingly this study characterized gender differences in geriatric syndromes among hospitalized elderly Thai patients. METHODS Probabilities of disease occurrence reflecting gender differences were calculated using historical data obtained from the Ministry of Public Health website, Thailand. We selected older patients aged 60 years and above admitted to inpatient departments in public hospitals with mental disorders and nervous system diseases from 2014 to 2018, counting over 160 000 cases each year. Descriptive statistics and odds ratios (ORs) were used to analyse and demonstrate gender differences. RESULTS Compared to older females, older males had higher occurrences of four mental disorders revealed by OR and 95% confidence interval (CI) values: substance abuse (5.74, 5.08-6.49), alcohol use (5.66, 5.44-5.89), behavioural problems (1.34, 1.31-1.37), and schizophrenia (1.10, 1.06-1.14). Lower incidences for older males were seen in the same values for three mental disorders: neurotic issues (0.46, 0.44-0.49), mood disorders (0.58, 0.56-0.60), and dementia (0.91, 0.88-0.94). For neurological disorders, men had similar higher incidences for epilepsy (1.67, 1.63-1.72), cerebral palsy (1.61, 1.57-1.65), nervous system inflammatory diseases (1.53, 1.46-1.60), ischaemic attacks (1.42, 1.36-1.48), miscellaneous other nervous disorders (1.20; 1.18-1.22), and Parkinson's disease (1.15, 1.12-1.19). By contrast, older men had lower incidences of multiple sclerosis (0.55, 0.35-0.86), migraines (0.66, 0.62-0.70), and Alzheimer's disease (0.75, 0.71-0.78). CONCLUSION Accurate characterization of gender differences in geriatric syndromes can better inform policies for appropriate early detection and prevention, and contribute to the development of treatment and intervention for various issues affecting elderly men and women's health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Passakorn Suanrueang
- Department of Healthcare Administration Specialty in Psychology, College of Medical and Health Science, Asia University, Taichung City, Taiwan
| | - Yong-Jiang Shen
- Professor of School of Educational Science, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Hsiao-Fang Lin
- Associate Professor of Department and Graduate Institute of Early Childhood Development and Education, Chaoyang University of Technology, Taichung City, Taiwan
| | - Tze-Kiong Er
- Associate Professor of Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, Asia University, Taichung City, Taiwan.,Division of Laboratory Medicine, Asia University Hospital, Asia University, Taichung City, Taiwan
| | - Mein-Woei Suen
- Department of Psychology, College of Medical and Health Science, Asia University, Taichung City, Taiwan.,Gender Equality Education and Research Center, Asia University, Taichung City, Taiwan.,Department of Medical Research, Asia University Hospital, Asia University, Taichung City, Taiwan.,Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung City, Taiwan
| | - Fu-An Shieh
- Lecturer of Department of Food and Beverage Management, Jin-Wen University of Science and Technology, New Taipei City, Taiwan
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15
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Hernandez AR, Banerjee A, Carter CS, Buford TW. Angiotensin (1-7) Expressing Probiotic as a Potential Treatment for Dementia. FRONTIERS IN AGING 2021; 2:629164. [PMID: 34901930 PMCID: PMC8663799 DOI: 10.3389/fragi.2021.629164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Increasing life expectancies are unfortunately accompanied by increased prevalence of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Regrettably, there are no current therapeutic options capable of preventing or treating AD. We review here data indicating that AD is accompanied by gut dysbiosis and impaired renin angiotensin system (RAS) function. Therefore, we propose the potential utility of an intervention targeting both the gut microbiome and RAS as both are heavily involved in proper CNS function. One potential approach which our group is currently exploring is the use of genetically-modified probiotics (GMPs) to deliver therapeutic compounds. In this review, we specifically highlight the potential utility of utilizing a GMP to deliver Angiotensin (1-7), a beneficial component of the renin-angiotensin system with relevant functions in circulation as well as locally in the gut and brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abbi R. Hernandez
- Division of Gerontology, Geriatrics, and Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
- UAB Center for Exercise Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Anisha Banerjee
- Division of Gerontology, Geriatrics, and Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Christy S. Carter
- Division of Gerontology, Geriatrics, and Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
- UAB Center for Exercise Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
- Integrative Center for Aging Research, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
- Nathan Shock Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Thomas W. Buford
- Division of Gerontology, Geriatrics, and Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
- UAB Center for Exercise Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
- Integrative Center for Aging Research, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
- Nathan Shock Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
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16
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Kozyrev N, Albers S, Yang J, Prado VF, Prado MAM, Fonseca GJ, Rylett RJ, Dekaban GA. Infiltrating Hematogenous Macrophages Aggregate Around β-Amyloid Plaques in an Age- and Sex-Dependent Manner in a Mouse Model of Alzheimer Disease. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol 2021; 79:1147-1162. [PMID: 33011810 DOI: 10.1093/jnen/nlaa093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
β-Amyloid (Aβ) plaques can trigger chronic inflammation in the cellular environment that recruits infiltrating macrophages during the course of Alzheimer disease (AD). Activated macrophages release pro-inflammatory cytokines that increase neurotoxicity associated with AD. A major impediment to investigating neuroinflammation involving macrophage activity is the inability to discriminate resident microglial macrophages (mMϕ) from hematogenous macrophages (hMϕ), as they are morphologically and phenotypically similar when activated. To distinguish between mMϕ and hMϕ and to determine their respective roles in chronic inflammation associated with the progression of amyloidosis, we used lys-EGFP-ki transgenic mice that express enhanced green fluorescent protein in hMϕ, but not in mMϕ. These mice were crossed with 5XFAD mice. The offspring demonstrated robust AD pathology and enabled visual discrimination of mMϕ from hMϕ. Mutant mice demonstrated robust increases in Aβ1-42, area of Aβ plaques, gliosis and deficits in spatial learning by age 5 months. The time-course of Aβ accumulation, paralleled by the accumulation of hMϕ around Aβ plaques, was more robust in female compared with male mice and preceded behavioral changes. Thus, the accumulation of infiltrating hMϕ around Aβ plaques was age- and sex-dependent and preceded cognitive impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Kozyrev
- Molecular Medicine Research Laboratories, Robarts Research Institute, Western University, London, Ontario
| | - Shawn Albers
- Molecular Medicine Research Laboratories, Robarts Research Institute, Western University, London, Ontario.,Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jennifer Yang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Vania F Prado
- Molecular Medicine Research Laboratories, Robarts Research Institute, Western University, London, Ontario.,Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology (VFP, MAMP), Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Marco A M Prado
- Molecular Medicine Research Laboratories, Robarts Research Institute, Western University, London, Ontario.,Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology (VFP, MAMP), Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gregory J Fonseca
- Division of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medicine, McGill University, Canada
| | - R Jane Rylett
- Molecular Medicine Research Laboratories, Robarts Research Institute, Western University, London, Ontario.,Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gregory A Dekaban
- Molecular Medicine Research Laboratories, Robarts Research Institute, Western University, London, Ontario.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
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17
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Gilli F, DiSano KD, Pachner AR. SeXX Matters in Multiple Sclerosis. Front Neurol 2020; 11:616. [PMID: 32719651 PMCID: PMC7347971 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.00616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common chronic inflammatory and neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system (CNS). An interesting feature that this debilitating disease shares with many other inflammatory disorders is that susceptibility is higher in females than in males, with the risk of MS being three times higher in women compared to men. Nonetheless, while men have a decreased risk of developing MS, many studies suggest that males have a worse clinical outcome. MS exhibits an apparent sexual dimorphism in both the immune response and the pathophysiology of the CNS damage, ultimately affecting disease susceptibility and progression differently. Overall, women are predisposed to higher rates of inflammatory relapses than men, but men are more likely to manifest signs of disease progression and worse CNS damage. The observed sexual dimorphism in MS may be due to sex hormones and sex chromosomes, acting in parallel or combination. In this review, we outline current knowledge on the sexual dimorphism in MS and discuss the interplay of sex chromosomes, sex hormones, and the immune system in driving MS disease susceptibility and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Gilli
- Department of Neurology, Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, United States
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18
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Non-genomic mechanisms mediate androgen-induced PSD95 expression. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 11:2281-2294. [PMID: 31005955 PMCID: PMC6520003 DOI: 10.18632/aging.101913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2019] [Accepted: 04/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The non-genomic actions of androgen-induced synaptic plasticity have been extensively studied. However, the underlying mechanisms remain controversial. We recently found that testosterone-fetal bovine serum albumin (T-BSA), a cell membrane-impermeable complex, led to a rapid increase in the postsynaptic density 95 (PSD95) protein level through a transcription-independent mechanism in mouse hippocampal HT22 cells. Using T-BSA conjugated FITC, we verified the presence of membrane androgen-binding sites. Here, we show that T-BSA-induced PSD95 expression is mediated by G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR)-zinc transporter ZIP9 (SLC39A9), one of the androgen membrane binding sites, rather than the membrane-localized androgen receptor. Furthermore, we found that T-BSA induced an interaction between ZIP9 and Gnα11 that lead to the phosphorylation of Erk1/2 MAPK and eIF4E, which are critical in the mRNA translation process. The PSD95 and p-eIF4E expression decreased when knockdown of ZIP9 or Gnα11 expression or inhibition of Erk1/2 activation. Taken together, these findings suggest that ZIP9 mediates the non-genomic action of androgen on synaptic protein PSD95 synthesis through the Gnα11/Erk1/2/eIF4E pathway in HT22 cells. This novel mechanism provides a theoretical basis to understand the neuroprotective mechanism of androgen.
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19
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Kelicen-Ugur P, Cincioğlu-Palabıyık M, Çelik H, Karahan H. Interactions of Aromatase and Seladin-1: A Neurosteroidogenic and Gender Perspective. Transl Neurosci 2019; 10:264-279. [PMID: 31737354 PMCID: PMC6843488 DOI: 10.1515/tnsci-2019-0043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Aromatase and seladin-1 are enzymes that have major roles in estrogen synthesis and are important in both brain physiology and pathology. Aromatase is the key enzyme that catalyzes estrogen biosynthesis from androgen precursors and regulates the brain’s neurosteroidogenic activity. Seladin-1 is the enzyme that catalyzes the last step in the biosynthesis of cholesterol, the precursor of all hormones, from desmosterol. Studies indicated that seladin-1 is a downstream mediator of the neuroprotective activity of estrogen. Recently, we also showed that there is an interaction between aromatase and seladin-1 in the brain. Therefore, the expression of local brain aromatase and seladin-1 is important, as they produce neuroactive steroids in the brain for the protection of neuronal damage. Increasing steroid biosynthesis specifically in the central nervous system (CNS) without affecting peripheral hormone levels may be possible by manipulating brain-specific promoters of steroidogenic enzymes. This review emphasizes that local estrogen, rather than plasma estrogen, may be responsible for estrogens’ protective effects in the brain. Therefore, the roles of aromatase and seladin-1 and their interactions in neurodegenerative events such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), ischemia/reperfusion injury (stroke), and epilepsy are also discussed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pelin Kelicen-Ugur
- Hacettepe University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology, Sıhhiye Ankara Turkey
| | - Mehtap Cincioğlu-Palabıyık
- Turkish Medicines and Medical Devices Agency (TITCK), Department of Regulatory Affairs, Division of Pharmacological Assessment, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Hande Çelik
- Hacettepe University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology, Sıhhiye Ankara Turkey
| | - Hande Karahan
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.,Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
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Marongiu R. Accelerated Ovarian Failure as a Unique Model to Study Peri-Menopause Influence on Alzheimer's Disease. Front Aging Neurosci 2019; 11:242. [PMID: 31551757 PMCID: PMC6743419 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2019.00242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite decades of extensive research efforts, efficacious therapies for Alzheimer's disease (AD) are lacking. The multi-factorial nature of AD neuropathology and symptomatology has taught us that a single therapeutic approach will most likely not fit all. Women constitute ~70% of the affected AD population, and pathology and rate of symptoms progression are 2-3 times higher in women than men. Epidemiological data suggest that menopausal estrogen loss may be causative of the more severe symptoms observed in AD women, however, results from clinical trials employing estrogen replacement therapy are inconsistent. AD pathological hallmarks-amyloid β (Aβ), neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs), and chronic gliosis-are laid down during a 20-year prodromal period before clinical symptoms appear, which coincides with the menopause transition (peri-menopause) in women (~45-54-years-old). Peri-menopause is marked by widely fluctuating estrogen levels resulting in periods of irregular hormone-receptor interactions. Recent studies showed that peri-menopausal women have increased indicators of AD phenotype (brain Aβ deposition and hypometabolism), and peri-menopausal women who used hormone replacement therapy (HRT) had a reduced AD risk. This suggests that neuroendocrine changes during peri-menopause may be a trigger that increases risk of AD in women. Studies on sex differences have been performed in several AD rodent models over the years. However, it has been challenging to study the menopause influence on AD due to lack of optimal models that mimic the human process. Recently, the rodent model of accelerated ovarian failure (AOF) was developed, which uniquely recapitulates human menopause, including a transitional peri-AOF period with irregular estrogen fluctuations and a post-AOF stage with low estrogen levels. This model has proven useful in hypertension and cognition studies with wild type animals. This review article will highlight the molecular mechanisms by which peri-menopause may influence the female brain vulnerability to AD and AD risk factors, such as hypertension and apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype. Studies on these biological mechanisms together with the use of the AOF model have the potential to shed light on key molecular pathways underlying AD pathogenesis for the development of precision medicine approaches that take sex and hormonal status into account.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Marongiu
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurosurgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, Department of Neurosurgery, Cornell University, New York, NY, United States
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21
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Verma P, Verma R, Nair RR, Budhwar S, Khanna A, Agrawal NR, Sinha R, Birendra R, Rajender S, Singh K. Altered crosstalk of estradiol and progesterone with Myeloid-derived suppressor cells and Th1/Th2 cytokines in early miscarriage is associated with early breakdown of maternal-fetal tolerance. Am J Reprod Immunol 2019; 81:e13081. [PMID: 30589483 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2018] [Revised: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 12/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Decline in myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and Th2 cytokines levels lead to early miscarriage (EM) but how the hormonal milieu of the body regulates MDSCs and Th1/Th2 cytokine balance is still a matter of investigation. METHOD OF STUDY Peripheral blood and decidua samples were collected from 20 EM patients, and 20 healthy pregnant women opted for elective abortion. MDSCs and G-MDSCs levels were analyzed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and Th1/Th2 cytokines levels were determined in serum via flow cytometry. Estrogen (E2), Progesterone (P4), and Testosterone levels were measured via ELISA. Further, proliferation and apoptosis in decidual samples were checked via immunoblot/immunohistochemistry of estrogen receptor -α (ER-α), STAT-3/pSTAT-3, and caspase-3, respectively. RESULTS Our results clearly indicate that in EM patients; decline in E2 and P4 significantly correlates with decline in MDSCs, particularly with subtype granulocytic MDSCs (G-MDSCs) and skewness of the Th1/Th2 cytokines balance toward Th1 response. Downregulation of ER- α and increased caspase-3 expression in endometrium decidua signifies poor endometrial receptivity in EM. STAT-3 activation regulates proliferation, differentiation and suppressive potency of MDSCs. In decidua of EM, significantly lower expression of pSTAT-3 indicates that these processes pertaining to MDSCs are compromised. CONCLUSION Altogether, this unfavorable systemic milieu may drive toward early breakdown of maternal-fetal tolerance in EM. Therefore, regulated crosstalk of E2, P4 with MDSCs and balanced Th1/Th2 cytokines is prerequisite for successful pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Verma
- Department of Molecular & Human Genetics, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Rachna Verma
- Department of Molecular & Human Genetics, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Rohini R Nair
- Department of Molecular & Human Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Snehil Budhwar
- Department of Molecular & Human Genetics, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Anuradha Khanna
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Nisha Rani Agrawal
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Ruchi Sinha
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Ruchi Birendra
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | | | - Kiran Singh
- Department of Molecular & Human Genetics, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
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22
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Walther A, Philipp M, Lozza N, Ehlert U. The rate of change in declining steroid hormones: a new parameter of healthy aging in men? Oncotarget 2018; 7:60844-60857. [PMID: 27589836 PMCID: PMC5308620 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.11752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2016] [Accepted: 07/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Research on healthy aging in men has increasingly focused on age-related hormonal changes. Testosterone (T) decline is primarily investigated, while age-related changes in other sex steroids (dehydroepiandrosterone [DHEA], estradiol [E2], progesterone [P]) are mostly neglected. An integrated hormone parameter reflecting aging processes in men has yet to be identified. 271 self-reporting healthy men between 40 and 75 provided both psychometric data and saliva samples for hormone analysis. Correlation analysis between age and sex steroids revealed negative associations for the four sex steroids (T, DHEA, E2, and P). Principal component analysis including ten salivary analytes identified a principal component mainly unifying the variance of the four sex steroid hormones. Subsequent principal component analysis including the four sex steroids extracted the principal component of declining steroid hormones (DSH). Moderation analysis of the association between age and DSH revealed significant moderation effects for psychosocial factors such as depression, chronic stress and perceived general health. In conclusion, these results provide further evidence that sex steroids decline in aging men and that the integrated hormone parameter DSH and its rate of change can be used as biomarkers for healthy aging in men. Furthermore, the negative association of age and DSH is moderated by psychosocial factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Walther
- Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,University Research Priority Program - Dynamics of Healthy Aging, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michel Philipp
- Psychological Methods, Evaluation and Statistics, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Niclà Lozza
- Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ulrike Ehlert
- Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,University Research Priority Program - Dynamics of Healthy Aging, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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23
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Zárate S, Stevnsner T, Gredilla R. Role of Estrogen and Other Sex Hormones in Brain Aging. Neuroprotection and DNA Repair. Front Aging Neurosci 2018. [PMID: 29311911 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2017.00430/xml/nlm] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Aging is an inevitable biological process characterized by a progressive decline in physiological function and increased susceptibility to disease. The detrimental effects of aging are observed in all tissues, the brain being the most important one due to its main role in the homeostasis of the organism. As our knowledge about the underlying mechanisms of brain aging increases, potential approaches to preserve brain function rise significantly. Accumulating evidence suggests that loss of genomic maintenance may contribute to aging, especially in the central nervous system (CNS) owing to its low DNA repair capacity. Sex hormones, particularly estrogens, possess potent antioxidant properties and play important roles in maintaining normal reproductive and non-reproductive functions. They exert neuroprotective actions and their loss during aging and natural or surgical menopause is associated with mitochondrial dysfunction, neuroinflammation, synaptic decline, cognitive impairment and increased risk of age-related disorders. Moreover, loss of sex hormones has been suggested to promote an accelerated aging phenotype eventually leading to the development of brain hypometabolism, a feature often observed in menopausal women and prodromal Alzheimer's disease (AD). Although data on the relation between sex hormones and DNA repair mechanisms in the brain is still limited, various investigations have linked sex hormone levels with different DNA repair enzymes. Here, we review estrogen anti-aging and neuroprotective mechanisms, which are currently an area of intense study, together with the effect they may have on the DNA repair capacity in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Zárate
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED, UBA-CONICET), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Departamento de Histología, Embriología, Biología Celular y Genética, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Tinna Stevnsner
- Danish Center for Molecular Gerontology and Danish Aging Research Center, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, University of Aarhus, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Ricardo Gredilla
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
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24
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Zárate S, Stevnsner T, Gredilla R. Role of Estrogen and Other Sex Hormones in Brain Aging. Neuroprotection and DNA Repair. Front Aging Neurosci 2017; 9:430. [PMID: 29311911 PMCID: PMC5743731 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2017.00430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 167] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2017] [Accepted: 12/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Aging is an inevitable biological process characterized by a progressive decline in physiological function and increased susceptibility to disease. The detrimental effects of aging are observed in all tissues, the brain being the most important one due to its main role in the homeostasis of the organism. As our knowledge about the underlying mechanisms of brain aging increases, potential approaches to preserve brain function rise significantly. Accumulating evidence suggests that loss of genomic maintenance may contribute to aging, especially in the central nervous system (CNS) owing to its low DNA repair capacity. Sex hormones, particularly estrogens, possess potent antioxidant properties and play important roles in maintaining normal reproductive and non-reproductive functions. They exert neuroprotective actions and their loss during aging and natural or surgical menopause is associated with mitochondrial dysfunction, neuroinflammation, synaptic decline, cognitive impairment and increased risk of age-related disorders. Moreover, loss of sex hormones has been suggested to promote an accelerated aging phenotype eventually leading to the development of brain hypometabolism, a feature often observed in menopausal women and prodromal Alzheimer's disease (AD). Although data on the relation between sex hormones and DNA repair mechanisms in the brain is still limited, various investigations have linked sex hormone levels with different DNA repair enzymes. Here, we review estrogen anti-aging and neuroprotective mechanisms, which are currently an area of intense study, together with the effect they may have on the DNA repair capacity in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Zárate
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED, UBA-CONICET), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Departamento de Histología, Embriología, Biología Celular y Genética, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Tinna Stevnsner
- Danish Center for Molecular Gerontology and Danish Aging Research Center, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, University of Aarhus, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Ricardo Gredilla
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
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25
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Gaignard P, Liere P, Thérond P, Schumacher M, Slama A, Guennoun R. Role of Sex Hormones on Brain Mitochondrial Function, with Special Reference to Aging and Neurodegenerative Diseases. Front Aging Neurosci 2017; 9:406. [PMID: 29270123 PMCID: PMC5725410 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2017.00406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2017] [Accepted: 11/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The mitochondria have a fundamental role in both cellular energy supply and oxidative stress regulation and are target of the effects of sex steroids, particularly the neuroprotective ones. Aging is associated with a decline in the levels of different steroid hormones, and this decrease may underline some neural dysfunctions. Besides, modifications in mitochondrial functions associated with aging processes are also well documented. In this review, we will discuss studies that describe the modifications of brain mitochondrial function and of steroid levels associated with physiological aging and with neurodegenerative diseases. A special emphasis will be placed on describing and discussing our recent findings concerning the concomitant study of mitochondrial function (oxidative phosphorylation, oxidative stress) and brain steroid levels in both young (3-month-old) and aged (20-month-old) male and female mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline Gaignard
- U1195 Inserm and University Paris-Sud and University Paris-Saclay, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
- Biochemistry Laboratory, Bicêtre Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Philippe Liere
- U1195 Inserm and University Paris-Sud and University Paris-Saclay, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Patrice Thérond
- Biochemistry Laboratory, Bicêtre Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Michael Schumacher
- U1195 Inserm and University Paris-Sud and University Paris-Saclay, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Abdelhamid Slama
- Biochemistry Laboratory, Bicêtre Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Rachida Guennoun
- U1195 Inserm and University Paris-Sud and University Paris-Saclay, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
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26
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Snyder HM, Ahles T, Calderwood S, Carrillo MC, Chen H, Chang CCH, Craft S, De Jager P, Driver JA, Fillit H, Knopman D, Lotze M, Tierney MC, Petanceska S, Saykin A, Seshadri S, Shineman D, Ganguli M. Exploring the nexus of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias with cancer and cancer therapies: A convening of the Alzheimer's Association & Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation. Alzheimers Dement 2017; 13:267-273. [PMID: 27998721 PMCID: PMC5548424 DOI: 10.1016/j.jalz.2016.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2016] [Accepted: 11/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Recent population studies suggest an intriguing inverse relationship between several types of cancer and neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease. Understanding the intersection of the underlying biology for these two distinct families of diseases with one another may offer novel approaches to identify new therapeutic approaches and possible opportunities to repurpose existing drug candidates. The Alzheimer's Association and the Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation convened a one-day workshop to delve into this discussion. Workshop participants outlined research focus areas, potential collaborations, and partnerships for future action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather M Snyder
- Division of Medical and Scientific Relations, Alzheimer's Association, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Tim Ahles
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Stuart Calderwood
- Radiation Oncology, Harvard University Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Maria C Carrillo
- Division of Medical and Scientific Relations, Alzheimer's Association, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Honglei Chen
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Chung-Chou H Chang
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Department of Biostatistics, University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Department of Biostatistics, University of Pittsburgh Medical School, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Clinical and Translational Science, University of Pittsburgh Medical School, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Suzanne Craft
- Division of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Wake Forest University of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Philip De Jager
- Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, VA Boston HealthCare System, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jane A Driver
- Division of Aging, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Medicine, Harvard University Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Howard Fillit
- Scientific Affairs, Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation, New York, NY, USA
| | - David Knopman
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Michael Lotze
- Departments of Surgery, Immunology and Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh Medical School, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Mary C Tierney
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Sunnybrook Health Science Center, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Suzana Petanceska
- Division of Neurosciences, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Andrew Saykin
- Department of Radiology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Sudha Seshadri
- Division of Neurology, Boston University Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Diana Shineman
- Scientific Affairs, Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation, New York, NY, USA
| | - Mary Ganguli
- Professor of Psychiatry, Neurology, and Epidemiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and Graduate School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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27
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Snyder HM, Asthana S, Bain L, Brinton R, Craft S, Dubal DB, Espeland MA, Gatz M, Mielke MM, Raber J, Rapp PR, Yaffe K, Carrillo MC. Sex biology contributions to vulnerability to Alzheimer's disease: A think tank convened by the Women's Alzheimer's Research Initiative. Alzheimers Dement 2016; 12:1186-1196. [PMID: 27692800 DOI: 10.1016/j.jalz.2016.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 161] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2016] [Accepted: 08/17/2016] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
More than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's disease (AD) today, and nearly two-thirds of Americans with AD are women. This sex difference may be due to the higher longevity women generally experience; however, increasing evidence suggests that longevity alone is not a sufficient explanation and there may be other factors at play. The Alzheimer's Association convened an expert think tank to focus on the state of the science and level of evidence around gender and biological sex differences for AD, including the knowledge gaps and areas of science that need to be more fully addressed. This article summarizes the think tank discussion, moving forward a research agenda and funding program to better understand the biological underpinnings of sex- and gender-related disparities of risk for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather M Snyder
- Division of Medical & Scientific Relations, Alzheimer's Association, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Sanjay Asthana
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Lisa Bain
- Independent Science Writer, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Roberta Brinton
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Department of Neurology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Suzanne Craft
- Department of Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Dena B Dubal
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Mark A Espeland
- Department of Biostatistical Science, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Margaret Gatz
- Department of Psychology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Michelle M Mielke
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Health Sciences Research and Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Jacob Raber
- Departments of Behavioral Neuroscience, Neurology, and Radiation Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA; Division of Neuroscience, ONPRC, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Peter R Rapp
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, Neurocognitive Aging Section, National Institute on Aging Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kristine Yaffe
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Maria C Carrillo
- Division of Medical & Scientific Relations, Alzheimer's Association, Chicago, IL, USA
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28
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Toro-Urrego N, Garcia-Segura LM, Echeverria V, Barreto GE. Testosterone Protects Mitochondrial Function and Regulates Neuroglobin Expression in Astrocytic Cells Exposed to Glucose Deprivation. Front Aging Neurosci 2016; 8:152. [PMID: 27445795 PMCID: PMC4921852 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2016.00152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2016] [Accepted: 06/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Testosterone is a hormone that has been shown to confer neuroprotection from different insults affecting the central nervous system (CNS). Testosterone induces this protection by different mechanisms that include the activation of anti-apoptotic pathways that are directly implicated in neuronal survival. However, little attention has been devoted to its actions on glial cells. In the present study, we have assessed whether testosterone exerts protection in a human astrocyte cell model, the T98G cells. Our results indicate that testosterone improves cell survival and mitochondrial membrane potential and reduces nuclear fragmentation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. These effects were accompanied by a positive regulation of neuroglobin, an oxygen-binding and sensor protein, which may serve as a regulator of ROS and nitrogen reactive species (NOS), and these protective effects of testosterone may be at least in part mediated by estradiol and DHT. In conclusion, these findings suggest that astroglia may mediate some of the protective actions of testosterone in the brain upon pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Toro-Urrego
- Departamento de Nutrición y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad JaverianaBogotá, Colombia
| | | | | | - George E. Barreto
- Departamento de Nutrición y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad JaverianaBogotá, Colombia
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Autónoma de ChileSantiago, Chile
- Universidad Científica del SurLima, Perú
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29
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Heimovics SA, Trainor BC, Soma KK. Rapid Effects of Estradiol on Aggression in Birds and Mice: The Fast and the Furious. Integr Comp Biol 2015; 55:281-93. [PMID: 25980562 DOI: 10.1093/icb/icv048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Across invertebrates and vertebrates, steroids are potent signaling molecules that affect nearly every cell in the organism, including cells of the nervous system. Historically, researchers have focused on the genomic (or "nuclear-initiated") effects of steroids. However, all classes of steroids also have rapid non-genomic (or "membrane-initiated") effects, although there is far less basic knowledge of these non-genomic effects. In particular, steroids synthesized in the brain ("neurosteroids") have genomic and non-genomic effects on behavior. Here, we review evidence that estradiol has rapid effects on aggression, an important social behavior, and on intracellular signaling cascades in relevant regions of the brain. In particular, we focus on studies of song sparrows (Melospiza melodia) and Peromyscus mice, in which estradiol has rapid behavioral effects under short photoperiods only. Furthermore, in captive Peromyscus, estrogenic compounds (THF-diols) in corncob bedding profoundly alter the rapid effects of estradiol. Environmental factors in the laboratory, such as photoperiod, diet, and bedding, are critical variables to consider in experimental design. These studies are consistent with the hypothesis that locally-produced steroids are more likely than systemic steroids to act via non-genomic mechanisms. Furthermore, these studies illustrate the dynamic balance between genomic and non-genomic signaling for estradiol, which is likely to be relevant for other steroids, behaviors, and species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A Heimovics
- *Department of Biology, University of St Thomas, St Paul, MN 55105, USA;
| | - Brian C Trainor
- Department of Psychology, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Kiran K Soma
- Departments of Psychology and Zoology, Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z7, Canada
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30
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Hall JR, Wiechmann AR, Cunningham RL, Johnson LA, Edwards M, Barber RC, Singh M, Winter S, O'Bryant SE. Total testosterone and neuropsychiatric symptoms in elderly men with Alzheimer's disease. ALZHEIMERS RESEARCH & THERAPY 2015; 7:24. [PMID: 25937840 PMCID: PMC4416299 DOI: 10.1186/s13195-015-0107-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2014] [Accepted: 02/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Introduction There has been a significant increase in the use of testosterone in aging men, but little investigation into its impact on men with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The findings of the few studies that have been done are inconsistent. In the present study, we investigated the relationship between total testosterone (TT) and neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) in a well-characterized sample of elderly men with mild to moderate AD. Methods The sample, which was drawn from the Texas Alzheimer’s Research Care Consortium Longitudinal Research Cohort, included 87 men who met the criteria for mild to moderate AD. The occurrence of NPS was gathered from caregivers and/or family members with the Neuropsychiatric Inventory. TT was analyzed, and the sample was divided into a low-testosterone group (TT ≤2.5 ng/ml; n = 44) and a borderline/normal group (TT ≥2.6 ng/ml; n = 43). Results TT was correlated with symptoms of hallucinations, delusions, agitation, irritability and motor activity. The borderline/normal group was significantly more likely to have hallucinations (odds ratio (OR) = 5.56), delusions (OR = 3.87), motor activity (OR = 3.13) and irritability (OR = 2.77) than the low-testosterone group. Health status and apolipoprotein E ε4 status were not significant factors. Conclusions The findings of the present study have implications for the use of testosterone replacement therapy in men with AD or the prodromal stage of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- James R Hall
- Institute of Aging and Alzheimer's Disease Research, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76107 USA ; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76107 USA
| | - April R Wiechmann
- Institute of Aging and Alzheimer's Disease Research, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76107 USA ; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76107 USA
| | - Rebecca L Cunningham
- Institute of Aging and Alzheimer's Disease Research, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76107 USA ; Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76107 USA
| | - Leigh A Johnson
- Institute of Aging and Alzheimer's Disease Research, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76107 USA ; Department of Internal Medicine, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76107 USA
| | - Melissa Edwards
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76107 USA
| | - Robert C Barber
- Institute of Aging and Alzheimer's Disease Research, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76107 USA ; Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76107 USA
| | - Meharvan Singh
- Institute of Aging and Alzheimer's Disease Research, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76107 USA ; Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76107 USA
| | - Scott Winter
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76107 USA
| | - Sid E O'Bryant
- Institute of Aging and Alzheimer's Disease Research, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76107 USA ; Department of Internal Medicine, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76107 USA
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Sigma-2 receptor binding is decreased in female, but not male, APP/PS1 mice. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2015; 460:439-45. [PMID: 25796326 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2015.03.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2015] [Accepted: 03/10/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The sigma-2 receptor is a steroid-binding membrane-associated receptor which has been implicated in cell survival. Sigma-2 has recently been shown to bind amyloid-β (Aβ) oligomers in Alzheimer's disease (AD) brain. Furthermore, blocking this interaction was shown to prevent or reverse the effects of Aβ to cause cognitive impairment in mouse models and synaptic loss in neuronal cultures. In the present work, the density of sigma-2 receptors was measured in a double transgenic mouse model of amyloid-β deposition (APP/PS1). Comparisons were made between males and females and between transgenic and wt animals. Sigma-2 receptor density was assessed by quantitative autoradiography performed on coronal brain slices using [(3)H]N-[4-(3,4-dihydro-6,7-dimethoxyisoquinolin-2(1H)-yl)butyl]-2-methoxy-5-methyl-benzamide ([(3)H]RHM-1), which has a 300-fold selectivity for the sigma-2 receptor over the sigma-1 receptor. The translocator protein of 18 kDa (TSPO) is expressed on activated microglia and is a marker for neuroinflammation. TSPO has been found to be upregulated in neurodegenerative disorders, including AD. Therefore, in parallel with the sigma-2 autoradiography experiments, we measured TSPO expression using the selective radioligand, [(3)H]PBR28. We also quantified Aβ plaque burden in the same animals using a monoclonal antibody raised against aggregated Aβ. Sigma-2 receptor density was significantly decreased in piriform and motor cortices as well as striata of 16-month old female, but not male, APP/PS1 mice as compared to their wt counterparts. [(3)H]PBR28 binding and immunostaining for Aβ plaques were significantly increased in piriform and motor cortices of both male and female transgenic mice. In striatum however, significant increases were observed only in females.
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Hoffmann S, Beyer C. Gonadal steroid hormones as therapeutic tools for brain trauma: the time is ripe for more courageous clinical trials to get into emergency medicine. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2015; 146:1-2. [PMID: 25196186 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2014.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Hoffmann
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Medical School, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Cordian Beyer
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany.
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Shivers KY, Amador N, Abrams L, Hunter D, Jenab S, Quiñones-Jenab V. Estrogen alters baseline and inflammatory-induced cytokine levels independent from hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activity. Cytokine 2015; 72:121-9. [PMID: 25647266 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2015.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2014] [Revised: 12/18/2014] [Accepted: 01/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Although estrogen reduces inflammatory-mediated pain responses, the mechanisms behind its effects are unclear. This study investigated if estrogen modulates inflammatory signaling by reducing baseline or inflammation-induced cytokine levels in the injury-site, serum, dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and/or spinal cord. We further tested whether estrogen effects on cytokine levels are in part mediated through hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activation. Lumbar DRG, spinal cord, serum, and hind paw tissue were analyzed for cytokine levels in 17β-estradiol-(20%) or vehicle-(100% cholesterol) treated female rats following ovariectomy/sham adrenalectomy (OVX), adrenalectomy/sham ovariectomy (ADX) or ADX+OVX operation at baseline and post formalin injection. Formalin significantly increased pro-inflammatory interleukin (IL)-6 levels in the paw, as well as pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine levels in the DRG, spinal cord and serum in comparison to naïve conditions. Estrogen replacement significantly increased anti-inflammatory IL-10 levels in the DRG. Centrally, estradiol significantly decreased pro-inflammatory tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and IL-1β levels, as well as IL-10 levels, in the spinal cord in comparison to cholesterol treatment. At both sites, most estradiol modulatory effects occurred irrespective of pain or surgical condition. Estradiol alone had no influence on cytokine release in the paw or serum, indicating that estrogen effects were site-specific. Although cytokine levels were altered between surgical conditions at baseline and following formalin administration, ADX operation did not significantly reverse estradiol's modulation of cytokine levels. These results suggest that estrogen directly regulates cytokines independent of HPA axis activity in vivo, in part by reducing cytokine levels in the spinal cord.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai-Yvonne Shivers
- Hunter College and the Graduate Center, The City University of New York, 695 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA.
| | - Nicole Amador
- Hunter College and the Graduate Center, The City University of New York, 695 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Lisa Abrams
- Hunter College and the Graduate Center, The City University of New York, 695 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA; Rowan University, 201 Mullica Hill Road, Glassboro, NJ 08028, USA
| | - Deirtra Hunter
- Hunter College and the Graduate Center, The City University of New York, 695 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA; Marymount Manhattan College, 221 71st Street, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Shirzad Jenab
- Hunter College and the Graduate Center, The City University of New York, 695 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Vanya Quiñones-Jenab
- Hunter College and the Graduate Center, The City University of New York, 695 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA
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Sethi M, Joshi SS, Webb RL, Beckett TL, Donohue KD, Murphy MP, O'Hara BF, Duncan MJ. Increased fragmentation of sleep-wake cycles in the 5XFAD mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. Neuroscience 2015; 290:80-9. [PMID: 25637807 PMCID: PMC4361816 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2015.01.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2014] [Revised: 01/07/2015] [Accepted: 01/08/2015] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Sleep perturbations including fragmented sleep with frequent night-time awakenings and daytime naps are common in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD), and these daily disruptions are a major factor for institutionalization. The objective of this study was to investigate if sleep-wake patterns are altered in 5XFAD mice, a well-characterized double transgenic mouse model of AD which exhibits an early onset of robust AD pathology and memory deficits. These mice have five distinct human mutations in two genes, the amyloid precursor protein (APP) and Presenilin1 (PS1) engineered into two transgenes driven by a neuron-specific promoter (Thy1), and thus develop severe amyloid deposition by 4 months of age. Age-matched (4-6.5 months old) male and female 5XFAD mice were monitored and compared to wild-type littermate controls for multiple sleep traits using a non-invasive, high throughput, automated piezoelectric system which detects breathing and gross body movements to characterize sleep and wake. Sleep-wake patterns were recorded continuously under baseline conditions (undisturbed) for 3 days and after sleep deprivation of 4h, which in mice produces a significant sleep debt and challenge to sleep homeostasis. Under baseline conditions, 5XFAD mice exhibited shorter bout lengths (14% lower values for males and 26% for females) as compared to controls (p<0.001). In females, the 5XFAD mice also showed 12% less total sleep than WT (p<0.01). Bout length reductions were greater during the night (the active phase for mice) than during the day, which does not model the human condition of disrupted sleep at night (the inactive period). However, the overall decrease in bout length suggests increased fragmentation and disruption in sleep consolidation that may be relevant to human sleep. The 5XFAD mice may serve as a useful model for testing therapeutic strategies to improve sleep consolidation in AD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Sethi
- Department of Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506, USA
| | - S S Joshi
- Department of Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506, USA
| | - R L Webb
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; Sanders-Brown Center on Aging and Alzheimer's Disease Center, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - T L Beckett
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; Sanders-Brown Center on Aging and Alzheimer's Disease Center, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - K D Donohue
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Kentucky, KY 40506, USA
| | - M P Murphy
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; Sanders-Brown Center on Aging and Alzheimer's Disease Center, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - B F O'Hara
- Department of Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506, USA
| | - M J Duncan
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY 40536, USA.
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Zuloaga KL, Zhang W, Roese NE, Alkayed NJ. Soluble epoxide hydrolase gene deletion improves blood flow and reduces infarct size after cerebral ischemia in reproductively senescent female mice. Front Pharmacol 2015; 5:290. [PMID: 25642188 PMCID: PMC4295540 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2014.00290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2014] [Accepted: 12/12/2014] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH), a key enzyme in the metabolism of vasodilatory epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs), is sexually dimorphic, suppressed by estrogen, and contributes to underlying sex differences in cerebral blood flow and injury after cerebral ischemia. We tested the hypothesis that sEH inhibition or gene deletion in reproductively senescent (RS) female mice would increase cerebral perfusion and decrease infarct size following stroke. RS (15–18 month old) and young (3–4 month old) female sEH knockout (sEHKO) mice and wild type (WT) mice were subjected to 45 min middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) with laser Doppler perfusion monitoring. WT mice were treated with vehicle or a sEH inhibitor t-AUCB at the time of reperfusion and every 24 h thereafter for 3 days. Differences in regional cerebral blood flow were measured in vivo using optical microangiography (OMAG). Infarct size was measured 3 days after reperfusion. Infarct size and cerebral perfusion 24 h after MCAO were not altered by age. Both sEH gene deletion and sEH inhibition increased cortical perfusion 24 h after MCAO. Neither sEH gene deletion nor sEH inhibition reduced infarct size in young mice. However, sEH gene deletion, but not sEH inhibition of the hydrolase domain of the enzyme, decreased infarct size in RS mice. Results of these studies show that sEH gene deletion and sEH inhibition enhance cortical perfusion following MCAO and sEH gene deletion reduces damage after ischemia in RS female mice; however this neuroprotection in absent is young mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen L Zuloaga
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Oregon Health and Science University Portland, OR, USA
| | - Wenri Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Oregon Health and Science University Portland, OR, USA
| | - Natalie E Roese
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Oregon Health and Science University Portland, OR, USA
| | - Nabil J Alkayed
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Oregon Health and Science University Portland, OR, USA
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Fortress AM, Heisler JD, Frick KM. The mTOR and canonical Wnt signaling pathways mediate the mnemonic effects of progesterone in the dorsal hippocampus. Hippocampus 2014; 25:616-29. [DOI: 10.1002/hipo.22398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ashley M. Fortress
- Department of Psychology; University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee; Milwaukee Wisconsin
| | - John D. Heisler
- Department of Psychology; University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee; Milwaukee Wisconsin
| | - Karyn M. Frick
- Department of Psychology; University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee; Milwaukee Wisconsin
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37
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Moreno-Piovano GS, Varayoud J, Luque EH, Ramos JG. Long-term ovariectomy increases BDNF gene methylation status in mouse hippocampus. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2014; 144 Pt B:243-52. [PMID: 25102255 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2014.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2014] [Revised: 07/28/2014] [Accepted: 08/01/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Estradiol (E) has been suggested to have a neuroprotective effect in young animals but has neutral or harmful effects when it is administered to aged animals. In the present study, we determined whether the post-ovariectomy (post-OVX) timeframe elapsed before the initiation of chronic E treatment is critical for the estrogenic induction of neurotrophins (brain-derived neurotrophic factor, BDNF, and synaptophysin, SYN) in the rodent hippocampus. Adult mice were OVX and, a short period (short-term E (STE) animals) or a long period (long-term E (LTE) animals) after the OVX, were daily treated with E. Control animals were treated with sesame oil (short-term control (STC) and long-term control (LTC) animals). Protein expression was determined using an immunohistochemical approach. Transcriptional activity in the hippocampus of individual BDNF promoters was assessed by real-time quantitative RT-PCR, and the methylation levels of regulatory regions were analyzed by methylation-specific PCR and combined bisulfite restriction analysis. STE animals showed increased BDNF and SYN protein expression and a higher activity of BDNF II, IV, and V promoters. In contrast, LTE animals did not show E induction of neurotrophins. In these animals, the methylation levels of regulatory sequences of the BDNF were higher than in the STE animals in a CpG island of promoter V and in the CRE regulatory site located in promoter IV. With this experiment, we determined that a prolonged period of hypoestrogenicity disrupts the E-induction of neurotrophins, and we postulated that DNA methylation is one of the epigenetic mechanisms that could explain the E-insensitivity of the BDNF after a long period post-OVX.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillermo S Moreno-Piovano
- Laboratorio de Endocrinología y Tumores Hormonodependientes, Facultad de Bioquímica y Cs. Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Casilla de Correo 242, 3000 Santa Fe, Argentina.
| | - Jorgelina Varayoud
- Laboratorio de Endocrinología y Tumores Hormonodependientes, Facultad de Bioquímica y Cs. Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Casilla de Correo 242, 3000 Santa Fe, Argentina.
| | - Enrique H Luque
- Laboratorio de Endocrinología y Tumores Hormonodependientes, Facultad de Bioquímica y Cs. Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Casilla de Correo 242, 3000 Santa Fe, Argentina.
| | - Jorge G Ramos
- Laboratorio de Endocrinología y Tumores Hormonodependientes, Facultad de Bioquímica y Cs. Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Casilla de Correo 242, 3000 Santa Fe, Argentina; Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Facultad de Bioquímica y Cs. Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Casilla de Correo 242, 3000 Santa Fe, Argentina.
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38
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Li R, Singh M. Sex differences in cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease. Front Neuroendocrinol 2014; 35:385-403. [PMID: 24434111 PMCID: PMC4087048 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2014.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 333] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2013] [Revised: 12/31/2013] [Accepted: 01/06/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Studies have shown differences in specific cognitive ability domains and risk of Alzheimer's disease between the men and women at later age. However it is important to know that sex differences in cognitive function during adulthood may have their basis in both organizational effects, i.e., occurring as early as during the neuronal development period, as well as in activational effects, where the influence of the sex steroids influence brain function in adulthood. Further, the rate of cognitive decline with aging is also different between the sexes. Understanding the biology of sex differences in cognitive function will not only provide insight into Alzheimer's disease prevention, but also is integral to the development of personalized, gender-specific medicine. This review draws on epidemiological, translational, clinical, and basic science studies to assess the impact of sex differences in cognitive function from young to old, and examines the effects of sex hormone treatments on Alzheimer's disease in men and women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rena Li
- Center for Hormone Advanced Science and Education (CHASE), Roskamp Institute, Sarasota, FL 34243, United States.
| | - Meharvan Singh
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Institute for Aging and Alzheimer's Disease Research (IAADR), Center FOR HER, University of North Texas, Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, United States
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Li R, Cui J, Shen Y. Brain sex matters: estrogen in cognition and Alzheimer's disease. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2014; 389:13-21. [PMID: 24418360 PMCID: PMC4040318 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2013.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2013] [Revised: 12/31/2013] [Accepted: 12/31/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Estrogens are the primary female sex hormones and play important roles in both reproductive and non-reproductive systems. Estrogens can be synthesized in non-reproductive tissues such as liver, heart, muscle, bone and the brain. During the past decade, increasing evidence suggests that brain estrogen can not only be synthesized by neurons, but also by astrocytes. Brain estrogen also works locally at the site of synthesis in paracrine and/or intracrine fashion to maintain important tissue-specific functions. Here, we will focus on the biology of brain estrogen and its impact on cognitive function and Alzheimer's disease. This comprehensive review provides new insights into brain estrogens by presenting a better understanding of the tissue-specific estrogen effects and their roles in healthy ageing and cognitive function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rena Li
- Center for Hormone Advanced Science and Education (CHASE), Roskamp Institute, Sarasota, FL 34243, United States.
| | - Jie Cui
- Center for Hormone Advanced Science and Education (CHASE), Roskamp Institute, Sarasota, FL 34243, United States
| | - Yong Shen
- Center for Advanced Therapeutic Strategies for Brain Disorders (CATSBD), Roskamp Institute, Sarasota, FL 34243, United States
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17β-estradiol delays 6-OHDA-induced apoptosis by acting on Nur77 translocation from the nucleus to the cytoplasm. Neurotox Res 2013; 25:124-34. [PMID: 24277157 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-013-9442-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2013] [Revised: 11/08/2013] [Accepted: 11/13/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Nuclear receptors (Nurs) represent a large family of gene expression regulating proteins. Gathering evidence indicates an important role for Nurs as transcription factors in dopamine neurotransmission. Nur77, a member of the Nur superfamily, plays a role in mediating the effects of antiparkinsonian and neuroleptic drugs. Besides, Nur77 survival and apoptotic roles depend largely on its subcellular localization. Estrogens are known for their neuroprotective properties, as demonstrated in animal and clinical studies. However, their action on Nur77 translocation pertaining to neuroprotection has not been investigated yet. The aim of our study was to perform a kinetic study on the effect of neurotoxic 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) and 17β-estradiol (E2) on the subcellular localization of Nur77 with reference to the modulation of apoptosis in PC12 cells. Our results demonstrate that E2 administration alone does not affect Nur77 cytoplasmic/nuclear ratio, mRNA levels, or apoptosis in PC12 cells. The neurotoxin 6-OHDA significantly enhances cytoplasmic localization of Nur77 after merely 3 h, while precipitating apoptosis. 6-OHDA also increases Nur77 transcription, which could partly explain the rise in cytoplasmic localization of the protein. Finally, treatment with both E2 and 6-OHDA delays Nur77 accumulation in the cytoplasm and delays cell death for a few hours in our cellular paradigm. Pre-treatment with E2 does not alter the increase in levels of Nur77 mRNA produced by 6-OHDA, suggesting that a raise in nuclear translocation is likely responsible for the stabilization of the cytoplasmic/nuclear ratio until 6 h. These results suggest an intriguing cooperation between E2 and Nur77 toward cellular fate guidance.
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41
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Estrogen receptor polymorphisms and incident dementia: The prospective 3C study. Alzheimers Dement 2013; 10:27-35. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jalz.2012.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2012] [Revised: 11/22/2012] [Accepted: 12/14/2012] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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Vignini A, Giusti L, Raffaelli F, Giulietti A, Salvolini E, Luzzi S, Provinciali L, Mazzanti L, Nanetti L. Impact of gender on platelet membrane functions of Alzheimer's disease patients. Exp Gerontol 2012; 48:319-25. [PMID: 23228953 DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2012.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2012] [Revised: 11/28/2012] [Accepted: 11/29/2012] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
There are many evidences suggesting that oxidative stress is one of the earliest events in Alzheimer disease (AD) pathogenesis and plays a key role in the development of the AD pathology. The existence of substantial gender-related differences in the clinical features of AD has been recently confirmed (i.e. pathophysiologic features and epidemiologic trends). In addition, study results appear to indicate that the etiopathogenetic mechanisms of AD differ significantly in the 2 sexes. Based on previous results regarding changes in AD platelet plasma membrane, the purpose of the present study was to assess the impact of gender in the same model above reported. In particular we aimed at studying platelets from AD patients (M-AD and F-AD) and matched controls (M-C and F-C), divided into gender, by studying nitric oxide (NO) and peroxynitrite (ONOO(-)) production, the intracellular Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)]i), membrane Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase activity and fluidity. NO production was significantly elevated in platelets from both F-AD and M-AD compared to matched controls. M-AD showed NO production significantly higher than F-AD and it was the same between M-C and F-C. A similar trend was seen for ONOO(-). Platelets of both M-AD and F-AD had intracellular Ca(2+) concentrations significantly higher than F-C and M-C, while membrane Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase activity showed an opposite trend, but these differences are still significant. M-AD male subjects showed a significantly increased DPH fluorescence anisotropy (r) compared with controls, while for F-AD this discrepancy was not significant. The difference in DHP fluorescence anisotropy remained significant between M-AD and F-AD as well as between M-C and F-C. The TMA-DPH fluorescence anisotropy showed the same trend, but there were no significant differences between M-AD and F-AD, as well as between controls. The results of the current research support the conclusion that F-AD is not at greater risk than M-AD for oxidative stress injuries. Studies on gender differences could lead to a higher probability of improved health outcomes via better-targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arianna Vignini
- Department of Clinical Science - Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
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Giuffrida ML, Tomasello F, Caraci F, Chiechio S, Nicoletti F, Copani A. Beta-amyloid monomer and insulin/IGF-1 signaling in Alzheimer's disease. Mol Neurobiol 2012; 46:605-13. [PMID: 22886436 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-012-8313-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2012] [Accepted: 07/13/2012] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia among older people and is still untreatable. While β-amyloid protein is recognized as the disease determinant with a pivotal role in inducing neuronal loss and dementia, an impaired brain insulin signaling seems to account in part for the cognitive deficit associated with the disease. The origin of this defective signaling is uncertain. Accumulating toxic species of β-amyloid, the so-called oligomers, has been proposed to be responsible for downregulation of neuronal insulin receptors. We have found that the nontoxic form of β-amyloid, the monomer, is able to activate insulin/insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) receptor signaling and thus behaves as a neuroprotectant agent. Our suggestion is that depletion of β-amyloid monomers, occurring in the preclinical phase of Alzheimer's disease, might be the cause of early insulin/IGF-1 signaling disturbances that anticipate cognitive decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Laura Giuffrida
- Institute of Biostructure and Bioimaging, National Research Council, Viale Andrea Doria, Catania 95125, Italy
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Alzheimer's disease, oestrogen and mitochondria: an ambiguous relationship. Mol Neurobiol 2012; 46:151-60. [PMID: 22678467 PMCID: PMC3443477 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-012-8281-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2012] [Accepted: 05/21/2012] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Hormonal deficit in post-menopausal women has been proposed to be one risk factor in Alzheimer's disease (AD) since two thirds of AD patients are women. However, large treatment trials showed negative effects of long-term treatment with oestrogens in older women. Thus, oestrogen treatment after menopause is still under debate, and several hypotheses trying to explain the failure in outcome are under discussion. Concurrently, it was shown that amyloid-beta (Aβ) peptide, the main constituent of senile plaques, as well as abnormally hyperphosphorylated tau protein, the main component of neurofibrillary tangles, can modulate the level of neurosteroids which notably represent neuroactive steroids synthetized within the nervous system, independently of peripheral endocrine glands. In this review, we summarize the role of neurosteroids especially that of oestrogen in AD and discuss their potentially neuroprotective effects with specific regard to the role of oestrogens on the maintenance and function of mitochondria, important organelles which are highly vulnerable to Aβ- and tau-induced toxicity. We also discuss the role of Aβ-binding alcohol dehydrogenase (ABAD), a mitochondrial enzyme able to bind Aβ peptide thereby modifying mitochondrial function as well as oestradiol levels suggesting possible modes of interaction between the three, and the potential therapeutic implication of inhibiting Aβ-ABAD interaction.
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