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Zito S, Nosari G, Pigoni A, Moltrasio C, Delvecchio G. Association between testosterone levels and mood disorders: A minireview. J Affect Disord 2023; 330:48-56. [PMID: 36841309 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.02.108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although many studies reported the neuropsychiatric involvement of testosterone (T) levels in the development of mood disorders, its role in this disabling disorder is still not well understood. Therefore, in this review, we aim to summarize the current literature exploring serum testosterone levels in both major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder (BD), with particular attention given to the possible causal relationship between pathological mood alterations and T levels. METHODS We selected 9 original studies from a bibliographic search on PubMed, excluding studies on hormonal therapy and other psychiatric disorders other than mood disorders. RESULTS The results reported by the reviewed studies were conflicting especially with regards to the presence of dysfunctional levels of T in patients with BD. Specifically, while MDD was found to be associated with low levels of T compared to healthy controls (HC), in BD the results were highly heterogeneous, with a mixed picture of reduced, increased or no difference in T levels in BD patients compared to HC. LIMITATIONS Studies were highly heterogeneous in terms of samples employed, psychometric scales used for assessing depressive symptoms, T assay methods and therapeutic regimens. CONCLUSIONS Overall, T levels were shown to be reduced in both MDD and BD patients, ultimately suggesting that T could be useful as a biomarker in mood disorders and provide guidance for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvana Zito
- Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Guido Nosari
- Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy; Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Pigoni
- Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Moltrasio
- Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Delvecchio
- Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.
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Chaudhary S, Zhornitsky S, Roy A, Summers C, Ahles T, Li CR, Chao HH. The effects of androgen deprivation on working memory and quality of life in prostate cancer patients: The roles of hypothalamic connectivity. Cancer Med 2022; 11:3425-3436. [PMID: 35315585 PMCID: PMC9487881 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.4704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) has been associated with adverse effects on the brain. ADT alters testosterone levels via its action on the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis and may influence hypothalamic functions. Given the wide regional connectivity of the hypothalamus and its role in regulating cognition and behavior, we assessed the effects of ADT on hypothalamic resting state functional connectivity (rsFC) and their cognitive and clinical correlates. METHODS In a prospective observational study, 22 men with nonmetastatic prostate cancer receiving ADT and 28 patients not receiving ADT (controls), matched in age, years of education, and Montreal Cognitive Assessment score, participated in N-back task and quality of life (QoL) assessments and brain imaging at baseline and at 6 months. Imaging data were processed with published routines and the results of a group by time flexible factorial analysis were evaluated at a corrected threshold. RESULTS ADT and control groups did not differ in N-back performance or QoL across time points. Relative to controls, patients receiving ADT showed significantly higher hypothalamus-right mid-cingulate cortex (MCC) and precentral gyrus (PCG) rsFC during follow-up versus baseline. Further, the changes in MCC and PCG rsFC were correlated positively with the change in QoL score and 0-back correct response rate, respectively, in patients with undergoing ADT. CONCLUSION Six-month ADT affects hypothalamic functional connectivity with brain regions critical to cognitive motor and affective functions. Elevated hypothalamic MCC and PCG connectivity likely serve to functionally compensate for the effects of ADT and sustain attention and overall QoL. The longer-term effects of ADT remain to be investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shefali Chaudhary
- Department of PsychiatryYale University School of MedicineNew HavenConnecticutUSA
| | - Simon Zhornitsky
- Department of PsychiatryYale University School of MedicineNew HavenConnecticutUSA
| | - Alicia Roy
- VA Connecticut Healthcare SystemWest HavenConnecticutUSA
| | | | - Tim Ahles
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral SciencesMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer CenterNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Chiang‐Shan R. Li
- Departments of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Interdepartmental Neuroscience ProgramYale University School of Medicine, Wu Tsai Institute, Yale UniversityNew HavenConnecticutUSA
| | - Herta H. Chao
- VA Connecticut Healthcare SystemWest HavenConnecticutUSA
- Department of Medicine & Yale Comprehensive Cancer CenterYale University School of MedicineNew HavenCTUSA
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Baltodano-Calle MJ, Onton-Díaz M, Gonzales GF. Androgens, brain and androgen deprivation therapy in paraphilic disorders: A narrative review. Andrologia 2022; 54:e14561. [PMID: 35995581 DOI: 10.1111/and.14561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Sexual delinquency is a global problem where those with paraphilic disorders, such as paedophiles, are more likely to commit and reoffend. Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) has been suggested as a solution. The objective of this narrative review is to present current information on its risks, benefits and limitations as a treatment for paraphilias. The importance of testosterone in sexual function, the effect of its deficiency by age or by pharmacological treatment (anti-androgens, GnRH agonists and GnRH antagonists) and the effect of testosterone replacement therapy will be reviewed. The relationship between androgens, brain, sexual behaviour and pathophysiology of paraphilic disorders will also be explored. ADT reduces sexual urges, but has adverse effects and, because its reversible nature, it does not ensure less recidivism. Likewise, the research quality of ADT drugs is limited and not enough to support their use. Child sex offenders, and not paraphilic subjects who have not committed assaults, show signs of elevated prenatal exposure to androgens and a higher methylation state of the androgen receptor gene. Sexual behaviour is regulated by subcortical (hypothalamus, brainstem and spinal cord) and cortical structures of the brain, in addition to brain circuits (dopaminergic, serotonergic). Those with paraphilic disorders show abnormalities at these levels that could relate to the risk of sexual offences. In conclusion, androgens represent a significant part of the pathophysiology of paraphilias and therefore, ADT seems promising. Nonetheless, more studies are needed to make definite conclusions about the efficacy of long-term ADT in paraphilic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Melisa Onton-Díaz
- Faculty of Medicine, Cayetano Heredia Peruvian University., Lima, Peru
| | - Gustavo F Gonzales
- Laboratorio de Endocrinología y Reproducción, Laboratorios de Investigación y Desarrollo (LID), Facultad de Ciencias y Filosofía, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru.,Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas y Fisiológicas, Facultad de Ciencias y Filosofía, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru.,Instituto de Investigaciones de la Altura, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
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Ng DQ, Chan D, Agrawal P, Zhao W, Xu X, Acharya M, Chan A. EVIDENCE OF BRAIN-DERIVED NEUROTROPHIC FACTOR IN AMELIORATING CANCER-RELATED COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF HUMAN STUDIES. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2022; 176:103748. [PMID: 35718064 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2022.103748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays an essential role in neurogenesis and neuroplasticity and may be a key protein in cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI). This systematic review assessed the relationship between BDNF biomarkers and neurocognitive outcomes in cancer patients and survivors. A search in PubMed, Scopus, and PsycINFO yielded 638 articles, of which 26 were eligible. Fourteen (54%)studied BDNF protein levels while 15 (58%) analyzed BDNF rs6265 polymorphism. Of the nine observational studies reporting BDNF plasma/serum levels, five (56%) exhibited a positive association between BDNF and cognitive function. One study reported intra-tumoral BDNF levels that were negatively associated with memory. For rs6265, three (20%) of 15 studies reported an association with cognitive function with inconsistent directions. Among seven neuroimaging studies, three (43%) demonstrated an effect of BDNF on brain function and structure. These results suggest that BDNF is a potential monitoring biomarker and druggable target for CRCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ding Quan Ng
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy Practice, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - Daniella Chan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - Parisa Agrawal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - Weian Zhao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America; Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Henry Samueli School of Engineering, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, USA; Institute for Immunology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, USA; Sue and Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, USA; Edwards Life Sciences Center for Advanced Cardiovascular Technology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, USA; Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Xiangmin Xu
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, USA; The Center for Neural Circuit Mapping, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Munjal Acharya
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, USA; Department of Radiation Oncology, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Alexandre Chan
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy Practice, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America; Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, USA.
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Országhová Z, Mego M, Chovanec M. Long-Term Cognitive Dysfunction in Cancer Survivors. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 8:770413. [PMID: 34970595 PMCID: PMC8713760 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.770413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) is a frequent side effect experienced by an increasing number of cancer survivors with a significant impact on their quality of life. Different definitions and means of evaluation have been used in available literature; hence the exact incidence of CRCI remains unknown. CRCI can be described as cognitive symptoms reported by cancer patients in self-reported questionnaires or as cognitive changes evaluated by formal neuropsychological tests. Nevertheless, association between cognitive symptoms and objectively assessed cognitive changes is relatively weak or absent. Studies have focused especially on breast cancer patients, but CRCI has been reported in multiple types of cancer, including colorectal, lung, ovarian, prostate, testicular cancer and hematological malignancies. While CRCI has been associated with various treatment modalities, including radiotherapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy and novel systemic therapies, it has been also detected prior to cancer treatment. Therefore, the effects of cancer itself with or without the psychological distress may be involved in the pathogenesis of CRCI as a result of altered coping mechanisms after cancer diagnosis. The development of CRCI is probably multifactorial and the exact mechanisms are currently not completely understood. Possible risk factors include administered treatment, genetic predisposition, age and psychological factors such as anxiety, depression or fatigue. Multiple mechanisms are suggested to be responsible for CRCI, including direct neurotoxic injury of systemic treatment and radiation while other indirect contributing mechanisms are hypothesized. Chronic neuroinflammation mediated by active innate immune system, DNA-damage or endothelial dysfunction is hypothesized to be a central mechanism of CRCI pathogenesis. There is increasing evidence of potential plasma (e.g., damage associated molecular patterns, inflammatory components, circulating microRNAs, exosomes, short-chain fatty acids, and others), cerebrospinal fluid and radiological biomarkers of cognitive dysfunction in cancer patients. Discovery of biomarkers of cognitive impairment is crucial for early identification of cancer patients at increased risk for the development of CRCI or development of treatment strategies to lower the burden of CRCI on long-term quality of life. This review summarizes current literature on CRCI with a focus on long-term effects of different cancer treatments, possible risk factors, mechanisms and promising biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuzana Országhová
- 2nd Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University and National Cancer Institute, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Michal Mego
- 2nd Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University and National Cancer Institute, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Michal Chovanec
- 2nd Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University and National Cancer Institute, Bratislava, Slovakia
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