1
|
Quercetin inhibits cytotoxicity of PC12 cells induced by amyloid-beta 25–35 via stimulating estrogen receptor α, activating ERK1/2, and inhibiting apoptosis. Open Life Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1515/biol-2021-0014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
The accumulation of β-amyloid (Aβ) in the brain plays an important role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The lack of estrogen is one of the risk factors for AD. Quercetin is a phytoestrogen with a chemical structure similar to that of estrogen. However, the mechanism by which quercetin prevents AD is unclear. PC12 cells were cultured with Aβ25–35 for 24 h. Then the cells were further treated with 17β-estradiol, genistein, and quercetin for another 24 h, respectively. Next, ICI182780 and U0126 were used to study the mechanisms of estrogen-like neuroprotection. Methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay was performed to detect cell survival. The protein expression was analyzed by immunofluorescence and western blot. The survival of PC12 cells induced by Aβ25–35 was increased by quercetin. The levels of estrogen receptor α (ERα) and p-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 were improved by quercetin, but not those of ERβ. On the contrary, Bcl-2/Bax was increased and the expression of Caspase-3 was decreased. When the cell was pretreated with ICI182780, the p-ERK1/2 and Bcl-2/Bax ratio was decreased, but Caspase-3 expression was increased. In addition, pretreatment with U0126 would reduce Bcl-2/Bax ratio and increase Caspase-3 protein expression. Conclusively, quercetin plays a neuroprotective role through the ER pathway and the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. The MAPK signaling pathways could also be activated by quercetin via the mediation of ERα.
Collapse
|
2
|
Tozzi A, Bellingacci L, Pettorossi VE. Rapid Estrogenic and Androgenic Neurosteroids Effects in the Induction of Long-Term Synaptic Changes: Implication for Early Memory Formation. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:572511. [PMID: 33192257 PMCID: PMC7653679 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.572511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Mounting experimental evidence demonstrate that sex neuroactive steroids (neurosteroids) are essential for memory formation. Neurosteroids have a profound impact on the function and structure of neural circuits and their local synthesis is necessary for the induction of both long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD) of synaptic transmission and for neural spine formation in different areas of the central nervous system (CNS). Several studies demonstrated that in the hippocampus, 17β-estradiol (E2) is necessary for inducing LTP, while 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is necessary for inducing LTD. This contribution has been proven by administering sex neurosteroids in rodent models and by using blocking agents of their synthesis or of their specific receptors. The general opposite role of sex neurosteroids in synaptic plasticity appears to be dependent on their different local availability in response to low or high frequency of synaptic stimulation, allowing the induction of bidirectional synaptic plasticity. The relevant contribution of these neurosteroids to synaptic plasticity has also been described in other brain regions involved in memory processes such as motor learning, as in the case of the vestibular nuclei, the cerebellum, and the basal ganglia, or as the emotional circuit of the amygdala. The rapid effects of sex neurosteroids on neural synaptic plasticity need the maintenance of a tonic or phasic local steroid synthesis determined by neural activity but might also be influenced by circulating hormones, age, and gender. To disclose the exact mechanisms how sex neurosteroids participate in finely tuning long-term synaptic changes and spine remodeling, further investigation is required.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Tozzi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Laura Bellingacci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
McLaurin KA, Li H, Cook AK, Booze RM, Mactutus CF. S-EQUOL: a neuroprotective therapeutic for chronic neurocognitive impairments in pediatric HIV. J Neurovirol 2020; 26:704-718. [PMID: 32870477 DOI: 10.1007/s13365-020-00886-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Chronic neurocognitive impairments, commonly associated with pediatric human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (PHIV), are a detrimental consequence of early exposure to HIV-1 viral proteins. Strong evidence supports S-Equol (SE) as an efficacious adjunctive neuroprotective and/or neurorestorative therapeutic for neurocognitive impairments in adult ovariectomized female HIV-1 transgenic (Tg) rats. There remains, however, a critical need to assess the therapeutic efficacy of SE when treatment occurs at an earlier age (i.e., resembling a therapeutic for children with PHIV) and across the factor of biological sex. Utilization of a series of signal detection operant tasks revealed prominent, sex-dependent neurocognitive deficits in the HIV-1 Tg rat, characterized by alterations in stimulus-reinforcement learning, the response profile, and temporal processing. Early (i.e., postnatal day 28) initiation of SE treatment precluded the development of chronic neurocognitive impairments in all (i.e., 100%) HIV-1 Tg animals, albeit not for all neurocognitive domains. Most notably, the therapeutic effects of SE are generalized across the factor of biological sex, despite the presence of endogenous hormones. Results support, therefore, the efficacy of SE as a neuroprotective therapeutic for chronic neurocognitive impairments in the post-cART era; an adjunctive therapeutic that demonstrates high efficacy in both males and females. Optimizing treatment conditions by evaluating multiple factors (i.e., age, neurocognitive domains, and biological sex) associated with PHIV and HIV-1 associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) affords a key opportunity to improve the therapeutic efficacy of SE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristen A McLaurin
- Program in Behavioral Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, University of South Carolina, 1512 Pendleton Street, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
| | - Hailong Li
- Program in Behavioral Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, University of South Carolina, 1512 Pendleton Street, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
| | - Anna K Cook
- Program in Behavioral Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, University of South Carolina, 1512 Pendleton Street, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
| | - Rosemarie M Booze
- Program in Behavioral Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, University of South Carolina, 1512 Pendleton Street, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
| | - Charles F Mactutus
- Program in Behavioral Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, University of South Carolina, 1512 Pendleton Street, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Mohandass A, Krishnan V, Gribkova ED, Asuthkar S, Baskaran P, Nersesyan Y, Hussain Z, Wise LM, George RE, Stokes N, Alexander BM, Cohen AM, Pavlov EV, Llano DA, Zhu MX, Thyagarajan B, Zakharian E. TRPM8 as the rapid testosterone signaling receptor: Implications in the regulation of dimorphic sexual and social behaviors. FASEB J 2020; 34:10887-10906. [PMID: 32609392 PMCID: PMC7496617 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202000794r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2020] [Revised: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Testosterone regulates dimorphic sexual behaviors in all vertebrates. However, the molecular mechanism underlying these behaviors remains unclear. Here, we report that a newly identified rapid testosterone signaling receptor, Transient Receptor Potential Melastatin 8 (TRPM8), regulates dimorphic sexual and social behaviors in mice. We found that, along with higher steroid levels in the circulation, TRPM8-/- male mice exhibit increased mounting frequency indiscriminate of sex, delayed sexual satiety, and increased aggression compared to wild-type controls, while TRPM8-/- females display an increased olfaction-exploratory behavior. Furthermore, neuronal responses to acute testosterone application onto the amygdala were attenuated in TRPM8-/- males but remained unchanged in females. Moreover, activation of dopaminergic neurons in the ventral tegmental area following mating was impaired in TRPM8-/- males. Together, these results demonstrate that TRPM8 regulates dimorphic sexual and social behaviors, and potentially constitutes a signalosome for mediation of sex-reward mechanism in males. Thus, deficiency of TRPM8 might lead to a delayed sexual satiety phenomenon.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adithya Mohandass
- College of Health Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, USA
| | - Vivek Krishnan
- College of Health Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, USA
| | - Ekaterina D Gribkova
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, Neuroscience Program and Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Swapna Asuthkar
- Department of Cancer Biology and Pharmacology, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Peoria, IL, USA
| | - Padmamalini Baskaran
- College of Health Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, USA
| | - Yelena Nersesyan
- Department of Cancer Biology and Pharmacology, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Peoria, IL, USA
| | - Zahir Hussain
- Department of Cancer Biology and Pharmacology, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Peoria, IL, USA.,Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Leslie M Wise
- Department of Cancer Biology and Pharmacology, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Peoria, IL, USA
| | - Robert E George
- Department of Cancer Biology and Pharmacology, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Peoria, IL, USA
| | - Nadarra Stokes
- Department of Cancer Biology and Pharmacology, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Peoria, IL, USA
| | | | - Alejandro M Cohen
- Biological Mass Spectrometry Core Facility, Life Sciences Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Evgeny V Pavlov
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, New York University College of Dentistry, New York, NY, USA
| | - Daniel A Llano
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, Neuroscience Program and Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Michael X Zhu
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Baskaran Thyagarajan
- College of Health Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, USA
| | - Eleonora Zakharian
- Department of Cancer Biology and Pharmacology, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Peoria, IL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Osteopontin and Integrin Mediated Modulation of Post-Synapses in HIV Envelope Glycoprotein Exposed Hippocampal Neurons. Brain Sci 2020; 10:brainsci10060346. [PMID: 32512754 PMCID: PMC7349055 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10060346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Revised: 05/30/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The advent of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) antiretrovirals have reduced the severity of HIV related neurological comorbidities but they nevertheless remain prevalent. Synaptic degeneration due to the action of several viral factors released from infected brain myeloid and glia cells and inflammatory cytokines has been attributed to the manifestation of a range of cognitive and behavioral deficits. The contributions of specific pro-inflammatory factors and their interplay with viral factors in the setting of treatment and persistence are incompletely understood. Exposure of neurons to chemokine receptor-4(CXCR4)-tropic HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein (Env) can lead to post-synaptic degradation of dendritic spines. The contribution of members of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and specifically, of perineuronal nets (PNN) toward synaptic degeneration, is not fully known, even though these structures are found to be disrupted in post-mortem HIV-infected brains. Osteopontin (Opn, gene name SPP1), a cytokine-like protein, is found in abundance in the HIV-infected brain. In this study, we investigated the role of Opn and its ECM integrin receptors, β1- and β3 integrin in modifying neuronal synaptic sculpting. We found that in hippocampal neurons incubated with HIV-1 Env protein and recombinant Opn, post-synaptic-95 (PSD-95) puncta were significantly increased and distributed to dendritic spines when compared to Env-only treated neurons. This effect was mediated through β3 integrin, as silencing of this receptor abrogated the increase in post-synaptic spines. Silencing of β1 integrin, however, did not block the increase of post-synaptic spines in hippocampal cultures treated with Opn. However, a decrease in the PNN to βIII-tubulin ratio was found, indicating an increased capacity to support spine growth. From these results, we conclude that one of the mechanisms by which Opn counters the damaging impact of the HIV Env protein on hippocampal post-synaptic plasticity is through complex interactions between Opn and components of the ECM which activate downstream protective signaling pathways that help maintain the potential for effective post-synaptic plasticity.
Collapse
|
6
|
Zubizarreta L, Silva AC, Quintana L. The estrogenic pathway modulates non-breeding female aggression in a teleost fish. Physiol Behav 2020; 220:112883. [PMID: 32199998 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2020.112883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Revised: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Aggressive behaviors are widespread among animals and are critical in the competition for resources. The physiological mechanisms underlying aggression have mostly been examined in breeding males, in which gonadal androgens, acting in part through their aromatization to estrogens, have a key role. There are two alternative models that contribute to further understanding hormonal mechanisms underlying aggression: aggression displayed in the non-breeding season, when gonadal steroids are low, and female aggression. In this study we approach, for the first time, the modulatory role of estrogens and androgens upon non-breeding aggression in a wild female teleost fish. We characterized female aggression in the weakly electric fish Gymnotus omarorum and carried out acute treatments 1 h prior to agonistic encounters in dyads treated with either an aromatase inhibitor or an antagonist of androgen receptors. Anti-androgen treatment had no effect on behavior whereas acute aromatase inhibition caused a strong distortion of aggressive behavior. Territorial non-breeding aggression was robust and depended on rapid estrogen actions to maintain high levels of aggression, and ultimately reach conflict resolution from which dominant/subordinate status emerged. Our results, taken together with our own reports in males and the contributions from non-breeding aggression in bird and mammal models, suggest a common strategy involving fast-acting estrogens in the control of this behavior across species. In addition, further analysis of female non-breeding aggression may shed light on potential sexual differences in the fine tuning of social behaviors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucía Zubizarreta
- Laboratorio de Neurofisiología Celular y Sináptica, Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Avenida Gral. Flores 2125, Montevideo, Uruguay; Unidad Bases Neurales de la Conducta, Departamento de Neurofisiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Avenida Italia 3318, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Ana C Silva
- Unidad Bases Neurales de la Conducta, Departamento de Neurofisiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Avenida Italia 3318, Montevideo, Uruguay; Laboratorio de Neurociencias, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Iguá 4225, 11400 Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Laura Quintana
- Unidad Bases Neurales de la Conducta, Departamento de Neurofisiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Avenida Italia 3318, Montevideo, Uruguay.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Guo G, Kang L, Geng D, Han S, Li S, Du J, Wang C, Cui H. Testosterone modulates structural synaptic plasticity of primary cultured hippocampal neurons through ERK - CREB signalling pathways. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2020; 503:110671. [PMID: 31805308 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2019.110671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Revised: 11/24/2019] [Accepted: 11/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Although hippocampus-derived androgens play an important role in hippocampal synaptic plasticity, studies at the cellular level have received relatively less attention. Furthermore, the underlying signalling pathways associated with synaptic plasticity remain unclear. Results of the present study demonstrated that testosterone treatment of primary cultured rat hippocampal neurons resulted in a rapid increase in spine density, accompanied by the elevation of protein and messenger RNA levels of synaptophysin, developmentally regulated brain protein (Drebrin), and the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor NR1 subunit. Testosterone treatment also increased the phosphorylation levels of extracellular-regulated protein kinase (ERK)1/2 and cAMP-responsive element binding protein (CREB), rather than p38 and Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). U0126 significantly reversed the testosterone-mediated phosphorylation of CREB. Importantly, the increase in spine density was not induced by testosterone under U0126 treatment. These findings suggest that the ERK1/2-CREB signalling pathway plays an important role in testosterone-mediated rapid spinogenesis of cultured rat hippocampal neurons. Results of this study will be helpful in further clarifying the physiological function of testosterone and related signalling pathways in vitro.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guoxin Guo
- Department of Anatomy, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Lin Kang
- Department of Anatomy, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Dandan Geng
- Department of Anatomy, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Shuo Han
- Department of Anatomy, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Sha Li
- Department of Anatomy, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China; Neuroscience Research Center, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China; Human Brain Bank, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Juan Du
- Department of Anatomy, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China; Neuroscience Research Center, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China; Human Brain Bank, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Chang Wang
- Department of Anatomy, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Huixian Cui
- Department of Anatomy, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China; Neuroscience Research Center, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China; Human Brain Bank, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Finney CA, Shvetcov A, Westbrook RF, Jones NM, Morris MJ. The role of hippocampal estradiol in synaptic plasticity and memory: A systematic review. Front Neuroendocrinol 2020; 56:100818. [PMID: 31843506 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2019.100818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2019] [Revised: 11/29/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The consolidation of long-term memory is influenced by various neuromodulators. One of these is estradiol, a steroid hormone that is synthesized both in peripheral endocrine tissue and in the brain, including the hippocampus. Here, we examine the evidence regarding the role of estradiol in the hippocampus, specifically, in memory formation and its effects on the molecular mechanisms underlying synaptic plasticity. We conclude that estradiol improves memory consolidation and, thereby, long-term memory. Previous studies have shown that it does this in three, interconnected ways: (1) via functional changes in excitatory activity, (2) signaling changes in calcium dynamics, protein phosphorylation and protein expression, and (3) structural changes to synaptic morphology. Through a functional network analysis of proteins affected by estradiol, we identify potential protein-protein interactions that further support a role for estradiol in modulating synaptic plasticity as well as highlight signaling pathways that may be involved in these changes within the hippocampus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C A Finney
- School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - A Shvetcov
- School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - R F Westbrook
- School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - N M Jones
- School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - M J Morris
- School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Brandt N, Rune GM. Sex-dependency of oestrogen-induced structural synaptic plasticity: Inhibition of aromatase versus application of estradiol in rodents. Eur J Neurosci 2019; 52:2548-2559. [PMID: 31403726 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.14541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2019] [Revised: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Sex-dependent differences in learning and memory formation in humans have been frequently shown. The mechanisms underlying the formation and retention of memories are assumed to involve synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus. Estradiol was shown to effect synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus of rodents. The effects after exogenous application of estradiol to animals frequently produce inconsistent results, in particular, if sex is not considered in the studies. Recently we provided evidence that locally synthesized estradiol plays an essential role on synaptic connectivity in the hippocampus of females but not of male mice. In females, inhibition of local estradiol synthesis leads to synapse loss, which results from impairment of long-term potentiation and dephosphorylation of cofilin, and thereby the destabilization of postsynaptic dendritic spines. This sex-dependency was also seen in the classical aromatase knock-out mouse. Intriguingly, no differences between sexes have been found in a conditional forebrain-specific aromatase knock-out mouse. Altogether, the findings underscore the necessity of including 'Sex as a Biological Variable' in studies of sex steroid-induced synaptic plasticity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Brandt
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Gabriele M Rune
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Smeeth DM, Dima D, Jones L, Jones I, Craddock N, Owen MJ, Rietschel M, Maier W, Korszun A, Rice JP, Mors O, Preisig M, Uher R, Lewis CM, Thuret S, Powell TR. Polygenic risk for circulating reproductive hormone levels and their influence on hippocampal volume and depression susceptibility. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2019; 106:284-292. [PMID: 31039525 PMCID: PMC6597945 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2019.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2018] [Revised: 04/04/2019] [Accepted: 04/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Altered reproductive hormone levels have been associated with the pathophysiology of depressive disorders and this risk may be imparted by their modulatory effect upon hippocampal structure and function. Currently it is unclear whether altered levels of reproductive hormones are causally associated with hippocampal volume reductions and the risk of depressive disorders. Here, we utilize genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary statistics from a GWAS focusing on reproductive hormones, consisting of 2913 individuals. Using this data, we generated polygenic risk scores (PRS) for estradiol, progesterone, prolactin and testosterone in the European RADIANT cohort consisting of 176 postpartum depression (PPD) cases (100% female, mean age: 41.6 years old), 2772 major depressive disorder (MDD) cases (68.6% female, mean age: 46.9 years old) and 1588 control participants (62.5% female, mean age: 42.4 years old), for which there was also a neuroimaging subset of 111 individuals (60.4% female, mean age: 50.0 years old). Only the best-fit PRS for estradiol showed a significant negative association with hippocampal volume, as well as many of its individual subfields; including the molecular layer and granule cell layer of the dentate gyrus, subiculum, CA1, CA2/3 and CA4 regions. Interestingly, several of these subfields are implicated in adult hippocampal neurogenesis. When we tested the same estradiol PRS for association with case-control status for PPD or MDD there was no significant relationship observed. Here, we provide evidence that genetic risk for higher plasma estradiol is negatively associated with hippocampal volume, but this does not translate into an increased risk of MDD or PPD. This work suggests that the relationship between reproductive hormones, the hippocampus, and depression is complex, and that there may not be a clear-cut pathway for etiology or risk moderation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Demelza M Smeeth
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Danai Dima
- Department of Psychology, School of Arts and Social Sciences, City, University of London, London, UK; Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Lisa Jones
- Institute of Health & Society, University of Worcester, Worcester, UK
| | - Ian Jones
- MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Nick Craddock
- MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Michael J Owen
- MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Marcella Rietschel
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany; Division of Genetic Epidemiology in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Maier
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Ania Korszun
- Barts and The London Medical School, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - John P Rice
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Ole Mors
- Psychosis Research Unit, Aarhus University Hospital, Risskov, Denmark
| | - Martin Preisig
- University Hospital Center and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Rudolf Uher
- Department of Psychiatry, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Cathryn M Lewis
- Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Sandrine Thuret
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Timothy R Powell
- Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Rodríguez-Lozano DC, Piña-Medina AG, Hansberg-Pastor V, Bello-Alvarez C, Camacho-Arroyo I. Testosterone Promotes Glioblastoma Cell Proliferation, Migration, and Invasion Through Androgen Receptor Activation. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:16. [PMID: 30778332 PMCID: PMC6369181 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2018] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastomas (GBM) are the most frequent and aggressive human brain tumors due to their high capacity to migrate and invade normal brain tissue. Epidemiological data report that GBM occur in a greater proportion in men than in women (3:2), suggesting the participation of sex hormones in the development of these tumors. It has been reported an increase in testosterone (T) levels in patients with GBM. In addition, androgen receptor (AR) is overexpressed in human GBM, and genetic silencing of AR, and its pharmacological inhibition, induce GBM cell death in vivo and in vitro. However, the role of T in proliferation, migration and invasion in human GBM cell lines has not been evaluated. We observed that T increased the number of U87, U251, and D54 cells derived from human GBM due to an increase in cell proliferation. This induction was blocked with flutamide, an antagonist of AR. T also induced migration and invasion of GBM cells that flutamide partially blocked. These data suggest that T through AR contributes to the progression of GBM by promoting proliferation, migration, and invasion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dulce Carolina Rodríguez-Lozano
- Unidad de Investigación en Reproducción Humana, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología-Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Ana Gabriela Piña-Medina
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - Claudia Bello-Alvarez
- Unidad de Investigación en Reproducción Humana, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología-Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Ignacio Camacho-Arroyo
- Unidad de Investigación en Reproducción Humana, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología-Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Mexico City, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Bleach R, McIlroy M. The Divergent Function of Androgen Receptor in Breast Cancer; Analysis of Steroid Mediators and Tumor Intracrinology. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2018; 9:594. [PMID: 30416486 PMCID: PMC6213369 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2018.00594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Accepted: 09/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Androgen receptor (AR) is the most widely expressed steroid receptor protein in normal breast tissue and is detectable in approximately 90% of primary breast cancers and 75% of metastatic lesions. However, the role of AR in breast cancer development and progression is mired in controversy with evidence suggesting it can either inhibit or promote breast tumorigenesis. Studies have shown it to antagonize estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) DNA binding, thereby preventing pro-proliferative gene transcription; whilst others have demonstrated AR to take on the mantle of a pseudo ERα particularly in the setting of triple negative breast cancer. Evidence for a potentiating role of AR in the development of endocrine resistant breast cancer has also been mounting with reports associating high AR expression with poor response to endocrine treatment. The resurgence of interest into the function of AR in breast cancer has resulted in various emergent clinical trials evaluating anti-AR therapy and selective androgen receptor modulators in the treatment of advanced breast cancer. Trials have reported varied response rates dependent upon subtype with overall clinical benefit rates of ~19-29% for anti-androgen monotherapy, suggesting that with enhanced patient stratification AR could prove efficacious as a breast cancer therapy. Androgens and AR have been reported to facilitate tumor stemness in some cancers; a process which may be mediated through genomic or non-genomic actions of the AR, with the latter mechanism being relatively unexplored in breast cancer. Steroidogenic ligands of the AR are produced in females by the gonads and as sex-steroid precursors secreted from the adrenal glands. These androgens provide an abundant reservoir from which all estrogens are subsequently synthesized and their levels are undiminished in the event of standard hormonal therapeutic intervention in breast cancer. Steroid levels are known to be altered by lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise; understanding their potential role in dictating the function of AR in breast cancer development could therefore have wide-ranging effects in prevention and treatment of this disease. This review will outline the endogenous biochemical drivers of both genomic and non-genomic AR activation and how these may be modulated by current hormonal therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Marie McIlroy
- Endocrine Oncology Research Group, Department of Surgery, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|