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Meng F, Fu J, Zhang L, Guo M, Zhuang P, Yin Q, Zhang Y. Function and therapeutic value of astrocytes in diabetic cognitive impairment. Neurochem Int 2023; 169:105591. [PMID: 37543309 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2023.105591] [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: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Abstract
Diabetic cognitive impairment (DCI) is a complex complication of diabetes in the central nervous system, and its pathological mechanism is still being explored. Astrocytes are abundant glial cells in central nervous system that perform diverse functions in health and disease. Accumulating excellent research has identified astrocyte dysfunction in many neurodegenerative diseases (such as Alzheimer's disease, aging and Parkinson's disease), and summarized and discussed its pathological mechanisms and potential therapeutic value. However, the contribution of astrocytes to DCI has been largely overlooked. In this review, we first systematically summarized the effects and mechanisms of diabetes on brain astrocytes, and found that the diabetic environment (such as hyperglycemia, advanced glycation end products and cerebral insulin resistance) mediated brain reactive astrogliosis, which was specifically reflected in the changes of cell morphology and the remodeling of signature molecules. Secondly, we emphasized the contribution and potential targets of reactive astrogliosis to DCI, and found that reactive astrogliosis-induced increased blood-brain barrier permeability, glymphatic system dysfunction, neuroinflammation, abnormal cell communication and cholesterol metabolism dysregulation worsened cognitive function. In addition, we summarized effective strategies for treating DCI by targeting astrocytes. Finally, we discuss the application of new techniques in astrocytes, including single-cell transcriptome, in situ sequencing, and prospected new functions, new subsets and new targets of astrocytes in DCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanyu Meng
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China
| | - Jiafeng Fu
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China
| | - Lin Zhang
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China
| | - Mengqing Guo
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China
| | - Pengwei Zhuang
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China; State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China; Haihe Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China
| | - Qingsheng Yin
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China; State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China; Haihe Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China.
| | - Yanjun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China; Haihe Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China; First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 300193, China; National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, 300193, China.
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2
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Diviccaro S, Cioffi L, Piazza R, Caruso D, Melcangi RC, Giatti S. Neuroactive Steroid-Gut Microbiota Interaction in T2DM Diabetic Encephalopathy. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1325. [PMID: 37759725 PMCID: PMC10527303 DOI: 10.3390/biom13091325] [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: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The pathological consequences of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) also involve the central nervous system; indeed, T2DM patients suffer from learning and memory disabilities with a higher risk of developing dementia. Although several factors have been proposed as possible contributors, how neuroactive steroids and the gut microbiome impact brain pathophysiology in T2DM remain unexplored. On this basis, in male Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats, we studied whether T2DM alters memory abilities using the novel object recognition test, neuroactive steroid levels by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, hippocampal parameters using molecular assessments, and gut microbiome composition using 16S next-generation sequencing. Results obtained reveal that T2DM worsens memory abilities and that these are correlated with increased levels of corticosterone in plasma and with a decrease in allopregnanolone in the hippocampus, where neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction were reported. Interestingly, our analysis highlighted a small group of taxa strictly related to both memory impairment and neuroactive steroid levels. Overall, the data underline an interesting role for allopregnanolone and microbiota that may represent candidates for the development of therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Diviccaro
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy; (S.D.); (L.C.); (D.C.); (R.C.M.)
| | - Lucia Cioffi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy; (S.D.); (L.C.); (D.C.); (R.C.M.)
| | - Rocco Piazza
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università di Milano—Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy;
| | - Donatella Caruso
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy; (S.D.); (L.C.); (D.C.); (R.C.M.)
| | - Roberto Cosimo Melcangi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy; (S.D.); (L.C.); (D.C.); (R.C.M.)
| | - Silvia Giatti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy; (S.D.); (L.C.); (D.C.); (R.C.M.)
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3
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Diviccaro S, Falvo E, Piazza R, Cioffi L, Herian M, Brivio P, Calabrese F, Giatti S, Caruso D, Melcangi RC. Gut microbiota composition is altered in a preclinical model of type 1 diabetes mellitus: Influence on gut steroids, permeability, and cognitive abilities. Neuropharmacology 2023; 226:109405. [PMID: 36572179 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2022.109405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Sex steroid hormones are not only synthesized from the gonads but also by other tissues, such as the brain (i.e., neurosteroids) and colon (i.e., gut steroids). Gut microbiota can be shaped from sex steroid hormones synthesized from the gonads and locally interacts with gut steroids as in turn modulates neurosteroids. Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is characterized by dysbiosis and also by diabetic encephalopathy. However, the interactions of players of gut-brain axis, such as gut steroids, gut permeability markers and microbiota, have been poorly explored in this pathology and, particularly in females. On this basis, we have explored, in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced adult female rats, whether one month of T1DM may alter (I) gut microbiome composition and diversity by 16S next-generation sequencing, (II) gut steroid levels by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, (III) gut permeability markers by gene expression analysis, (IV) cognitive behavior by the novel object recognition (NOR) test and whether correlations among these aspects may occur. Results obtained reveal that T1DM alters gut β-, but not α-diversity. The pathology is also associated with a decrease and an increase in colonic pregnenolone and allopregnanolone levels, respectively. Additionally, diabetes alters gut permeability and worsens cognitive behavior. Finally, we reported a significant correlation of pregnenolone with Blautia, claudin-1 and the NOR index and of allopregnanolone with Parasutterella, Gammaproteobacteria and claudin-1. Altogether, these results suggest new putative roles of these two gut steroids related to cognitive deficit and dysbiosis in T1DM female experimental model. This article is part of the Special Issue on "Microbiome & the Brain: Mechanisms & Maladies".
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Diviccaro
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Eva Falvo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Rocco Piazza
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università di Milano - Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Lucia Cioffi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Monika Herian
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Brivio
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Calabrese
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Giatti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Donatella Caruso
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberto Cosimo Melcangi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.
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4
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Diabetic Encephalopathy in a Preclinical Experimental Model of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: Observations in Adult Female Rat. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021196. [PMID: 36674713 PMCID: PMC9860834 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021196] [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: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients affected by diabetes mellitus (DM) show diabetic encephalopathy with an increased risk of cognitive deficits, dementia and Alzheimer's disease, but the mechanisms are not fully explored. In the male animal models of DM, the development of cognitive impairment seems to be the result of the concomitance of different processes such as neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and aberrant synaptogenesis. However, even if diabetic encephalopathy shows some sex-dimorphic features, no observations in female rats have been so far reported on these aspects. Therefore, in an experimental model of type 1 DM (T1DM), we explored the impact of one month of pathology on memory abilities by the novel object recognition test and on neuroinflammation, synaptogenesis and mitochondrial functionality. Moreover, given that steroids are involved in memory and learning, we also analysed their levels and receptors. We reported that memory dysfunction can be associated with different features in the female hippocampus and cerebral cortex. Indeed, in the hippocampus, we observed aberrant synaptogenesis and neuroinflammation but not mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress, possibly due to the results of locally increased levels of progesterone metabolites (i.e., dihydroprogesterone and allopregnanolone). These observations suggest specific brain-area effects of T1DM since different alterations are observed in the cerebral cortex.
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Abe A, Maekawa M, Sato T, Sato Y, Kumondai M, Takahashi H, Kikuchi M, Higaki K, Ogura J, Mano N. Metabolic Alteration Analysis of Steroid Hormones in Niemann-Pick Disease Type C Model Cell Using Liquid Chromatography/Tandem Mass Spectrometry. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23084459. [PMID: 35457276 PMCID: PMC9025463 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23084459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Niemann–Pick disease type C (NPC) is an autosomal recessive disease caused by a functional deficiency of cholesterol-transporting proteins in lysosomes, and exhibits various clinical symptoms. Since mitochondrial dysfunction in NPC has recently been reported, cholesterol catabolism to steroid hormones may consequently be impaired. In this study, we developed a comprehensive steroid hormone analysis method using liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) and applied it to analyze changes in steroid hormone concentrations in NPC model cells. We investigated the analytical conditions for simultaneous LC–MS/MS analysis, which could be readily separated from each other and showed good reproducibility. The NPC phenotype was verified as an NPC model with mitochondrial abnormalities using filipin staining and organelle morphology observations. Steroid hormones in the cell suspension and cell culture medium were also analyzed. Steroid hormone analysis indicated that the levels of six steroid hormones were significantly decreased in the NPC model cell and culture medium compared to those in the wild-type cell and culture medium. These results indicate that some steroid hormones change during NPC pathophysiology and this change is accompanied by mitochondrial abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ai Abe
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8574, Japan; (A.A.); (M.K.); (N.M.)
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University Hospital, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8574, Japan; (T.S.); (Y.S.); (M.K.); (H.T.); (J.O.)
| | - Masamitsu Maekawa
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8574, Japan; (A.A.); (M.K.); (N.M.)
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University Hospital, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8574, Japan; (T.S.); (Y.S.); (M.K.); (H.T.); (J.O.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-22-717-7541
| | - Toshihiro Sato
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University Hospital, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8574, Japan; (T.S.); (Y.S.); (M.K.); (H.T.); (J.O.)
| | - Yu Sato
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University Hospital, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8574, Japan; (T.S.); (Y.S.); (M.K.); (H.T.); (J.O.)
| | - Masaki Kumondai
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University Hospital, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8574, Japan; (T.S.); (Y.S.); (M.K.); (H.T.); (J.O.)
| | - Hayato Takahashi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University Hospital, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8574, Japan; (T.S.); (Y.S.); (M.K.); (H.T.); (J.O.)
| | - Masafumi Kikuchi
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8574, Japan; (A.A.); (M.K.); (N.M.)
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University Hospital, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8574, Japan; (T.S.); (Y.S.); (M.K.); (H.T.); (J.O.)
| | - Katsumi Higaki
- Division of Functional Genomics, Research Centre for Bioscience and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, 86 Nishi-cho, Yonago 683-8503, Japan;
| | - Jiro Ogura
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University Hospital, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8574, Japan; (T.S.); (Y.S.); (M.K.); (H.T.); (J.O.)
| | - Nariyasu Mano
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8574, Japan; (A.A.); (M.K.); (N.M.)
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University Hospital, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8574, Japan; (T.S.); (Y.S.); (M.K.); (H.T.); (J.O.)
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Bai X, Mai M, Yao K, Zhang M, Huang Y, Zhang W, Guo X, Xu Y, Zhang Y, Qurban A, Duan L, Bu J, Zhang J, Wu J, Zhao Y, Yuan X, Zu H. The role of DHCR24 in the pathogenesis of AD: re-cognition of the relationship between cholesterol and AD pathogenesis. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2022; 10:35. [PMID: 35296367 PMCID: PMC8925223 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-022-01338-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous studies show that 3β-hydroxysterol-Δ24 reductase (DHCR24) has a remarked decline in the brain of AD patients. In brain cholesterol synthetic metabolism, DHCR24 is known as the heavily key synthetase in cholesterol synthesis. Moreover, mutations of DHCR24 gene result in inhibition of the enzymatic activity of DHCR24, causing brain cholesterol deficiency and desmosterol accumulation. Furthermore, in vitro studies also demonstrated that DHCR24 knockdown lead to the inhibition of cholesterol synthesis, and the decrease of plasma membrane cholesterol and intracellular cholesterol level. Obviously, DHCR24 could play a crucial role in maintaining cholesterol homeostasis via the control of cholesterol synthesis. Over the past two decades, accumulating data suggests that DHCR24 activity is downregulated by major risk factors for AD, suggesting a potential link between DHCR24 downregulation and AD pathogenesis. Thus, the brain cholesterol loss seems to be induced by the major risk factors for AD, suggesting a possible causative link between brain cholesterol loss and AD. According to previous data and our study, we further found that the reduced cholesterol level in plasma membrane and intracellular compartments by the deficiency of DHCR24 activity obviously was involved in β-amyloid generation, tau hyperphosphorylation, apoptosis. Importantly, increasing evidences reveal that the brain cholesterol loss and lipid raft disorganization are obviously linked to neuropathological impairments which are associated with AD pathogenesis. Therefore, based on previous data and research on DHCR24, we suppose that the brain cholesterol deficiency/loss might be involved in the pathogenesis of AD.
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Diviccaro S, Cioffi L, Falvo E, Giatti S, Melcangi RC. Allopregnanolone: An overview on its synthesis and effects. J Neuroendocrinol 2022; 34:e12996. [PMID: 34189791 PMCID: PMC9285581 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Allopregnanolone, a 3α,5α-progesterone metabolite, acts as a potent allosteric modulator of the γ-aminobutyric acid type A receptor. In the present review, the synthesis of this neuroactive steroid occurring in the nervous system is discussed with respect to physiological and pathological conditions. In addition, its physiological and neuroprotective effects are also reported. Interestingly, the levels of this neuroactive steroid, as well as its effects, are sex-dimorphic, suggesting a possible gender medicine based on this neuroactive steroid for neurological disorders. However, allopregnanolone presents low bioavailability and extensive hepatic metabolism, limiting its use as a drug. Therefore, synthetic analogues or a different therapeutic strategy able to increase allopregnanolone levels have been proposed to overcome any pharmacokinetic issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Diviccaro
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e BiomolecolariUniversità degli Studi di MilanoMilanoItaly
| | - Lucia Cioffi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e BiomolecolariUniversità degli Studi di MilanoMilanoItaly
| | - Eva Falvo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e BiomolecolariUniversità degli Studi di MilanoMilanoItaly
| | - Silvia Giatti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e BiomolecolariUniversità degli Studi di MilanoMilanoItaly
| | - Roberto Cosimo Melcangi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e BiomolecolariUniversità degli Studi di MilanoMilanoItaly
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Salahuddin MF, Qrareya AN, Mahdi F, Moss E, Akins NS, Li J, Le HV, Paris JJ. Allopregnanolone and neuroHIV: Potential benefits of neuroendocrine modulation in the era of antiretroviral therapy. J Neuroendocrinol 2022; 34:e13047. [PMID: 34651359 PMCID: PMC8866218 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Forty years into the HIV pandemic, approximately 50% of infected individuals still suffer from a constellation of neurological disorders collectively known as 'neuroHIV.' Although combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) has been a tremendous success, in its present form, it cannot eradicate HIV. Reservoirs of virus reside within the central nervous system, serving as sources of HIV virotoxins that damage mitochondria and promote neurotoxicity. Although understudied, there is evidence that HIV or the HIV regulatory protein, trans-activator of transcription (Tat), can dysregulate neurosteroid formation potentially contributing to endocrine dysfunction. People living with HIV commonly suffer from endocrine disorders, including hypercortisolemia accompanied by paradoxical adrenal insufficiency upon stress. Age-related comorbidities often onset sooner and with greater magnitude among people living with HIV and are commonly accompanied by hypogonadism. In the post-cART era, these derangements of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal and -gonadal axes are secondary (i.e., relegated to the brain) and indicative of neuroendocrine dysfunction. We review the clinical and preclinical evidence for neuroendocrine dysfunction in HIV, the capacity for hormone therapeutics to play an ameliorative role and the future steroid-based therapeutics that may have efficacy as novel adjunctives to cART.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed F. Salahuddin
- Department of BioMolecular SciencesSchool of PharmacyUniversity of MississippiUniversityMSUSA
| | - Alaa N. Qrareya
- Department of BioMolecular SciencesSchool of PharmacyUniversity of MississippiUniversityMSUSA
| | - Fakhri Mahdi
- Department of BioMolecular SciencesSchool of PharmacyUniversity of MississippiUniversityMSUSA
| | - Emaya Moss
- Department of BioMolecular SciencesSchool of PharmacyUniversity of MississippiUniversityMSUSA
| | - Nicholas S. Akins
- Department of BioMolecular SciencesSchool of PharmacyUniversity of MississippiUniversityMSUSA
| | - Jing Li
- Department of BioMolecular SciencesSchool of PharmacyUniversity of MississippiUniversityMSUSA
- Research Institute of Pharmaceutical SciencesSchool of PharmacyUniversity of MississippiUniversityMSUSA
| | - Hoang V. Le
- Department of BioMolecular SciencesSchool of PharmacyUniversity of MississippiUniversityMSUSA
- Research Institute of Pharmaceutical SciencesSchool of PharmacyUniversity of MississippiUniversityMSUSA
| | - Jason J. Paris
- Department of BioMolecular SciencesSchool of PharmacyUniversity of MississippiUniversityMSUSA
- Research Institute of Pharmaceutical SciencesSchool of PharmacyUniversity of MississippiUniversityMSUSA
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9
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Giatti S, Diviccaro S, Cioffi L, Falvo E, Caruso D, Melcangi RC. Effects of paroxetine treatment and its withdrawal on neurosteroidogenesis. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2021; 132:105364. [PMID: 34325207 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2021.105364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/18/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) show high efficacy in treating depression, however during treatment side effects, like for instance sexual dysfunction, may appear, decreasing compliance. In some cases, this condition will last after drug discontinuation, leading to the so-called post-SSRI sexual dysfunction (PSSD). The etiology of PSSD is still unknown, however a role for neuroactive steroids may be hypothesized. Indeed, these molecules are key physiological regulators of the nervous system, and their alteration has been associated with several neuropathological conditions, including depression. Additionally, neuroactive steroids are also involved in the control of sexual function. Interestingly, sexual dysfunction induced by SSRI treatment has been also observed in animal models. On this basis, we have here evaluated whether a subchronic treatment with paroxetine for two weeks and/or its withdrawal (i.e., a month) may affect the levels of neuroactive steroids in brain areas (i.e., hippocampus, hypothalamus, and cerebral cortex) and/or in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid of male rats. Data obtained indicate that the SSRI treatment alters neuroactive steroid levels and the expression of key enzymes of the steroidogenesis in a brain tissue- and time-dependent manner. Indeed, these observations with the finding that plasma levels of neuroactive steroids are not affected suggest that the effect of paroxetine treatment is directly on neurosteroidogenesis. In particular, a negative impact on the expression of steroidogenic enzymes was observed at the withdrawal. Therefore, it is possible to hypothesize that altered neurosteroidogenesis may also occur in PSSD and consequently it may represent a possible pharmacological target for this disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Giatti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Silvia Diviccaro
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Lucia Cioffi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Eva Falvo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Donatella Caruso
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Roberto C Melcangi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy.
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Gazzo G, Salgado Ferrer M, Poisbeau P. The non-benzodiazepine anxiolytic etifoxine limits mechanical allodynia and anxiety-like symptoms in a mouse model of streptozotocin-induced diabetic neuropathy. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0248092. [PMID: 34351930 PMCID: PMC8341594 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0248092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
More than 450 million people worldwide suffer from diabetes, or 1 in 11 people. Chronic hyperglycemia degrades patients’ quality of life and the development of neuropathic pain contributes to the burden of this disease. In this study, we used the mouse model of streptozocin-induced diabetic type 1 neuropathy to assess the analgesic potential of etifoxine. Etifoxine is a prescribed anxiolytic that increases GABAAA receptor function through a direct positive allosteric modulation effect and, indirectly, by stimulating the production of endogenous GABAA receptor positive modulators such as allopregnanolone-type neurosteroids. We show that a post-symptomatic or preventive treatment strongly and durably reduces mechanical hyperalgesia and anxiety in diabetic neuropathic mice. This analgesic and neuroprotective effect on painful symptoms and emotional comorbidities is promising and should now be clinically evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Géraldine Gazzo
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institute for Cellular and Integrative Neuroscience (INCI), University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Marlene Salgado Ferrer
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institute for Cellular and Integrative Neuroscience (INCI), University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Pierrick Poisbeau
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institute for Cellular and Integrative Neuroscience (INCI), University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
- * E-mail:
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11
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Kuang H, Zhang W, Yang L, Aguilar ZP, Xu H. Reproductive organ dysfunction and gene expression after orally administration of ZnO nanoparticles in murine. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2021; 36:550-561. [PMID: 33236829 DOI: 10.1002/tox.23060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Accepted: 11/08/2020] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) are among the most manufactured nanoparticles in the consumer products, industries, and researches. An increasing body of evidence indicated that ZnO NPs show toxicological effects in vivo. Sex differences in the toxicity of ZnO NPs are not clear, thus the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of ZnO NPs on the female and male reproductive organs (uterus, ovary and testes). ZnO NPs were orally administered to female and male mice at dosages level of 0 and 100 mg/kg body weight. The biological material was sampled 3 days after tube feeding. The results demonstrated that Zinc contents were accumulated in the reproductive organs of treated mice. Furthermore, ZnO NPs administration induced significant decrease in the testes weight, an imbalance of hematological and serum biochemical parameters in male mice. The histopathological examinations showed that structural disorder and the appearance of cell apoptosis and death in the ZnO NPs-exposed mice. Additionally, the RT-qPCR data indicated ZnO NPs can activate mitochondrial-mediated signaling pathway and induce caspase depend damage that ultimately injured the uterus. In the ovary, ZnO NPs induce cell apoptosis in Shh pathway activated ovary cells, and affect the synthesis of steroidogenesis. In the testes, ZnO NPs effectively changed the expression level of genes related to oxidant stress, detox/metabolic process, and apoptosis. It was found that ZnO NPs caused more serious reproductive toxicity in the male mice than female mice. Overall, these findings indicated that ZnO NPs could induce exposure-related risks to reproductive health, especially in those who are at the occupational level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huijuan Kuang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Wanyi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Lin Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | | | - Hengyi Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
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12
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Pagotto MA, Roldán ML, Molinas SM, Raices T, Pisani GB, Pignataro OP, Monasterolo LA. Impairment of renal steroidogenesis at the onset of diabetes. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2021; 524:111170. [PMID: 33482284 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2021.111170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Revised: 12/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Accumulating evidence indicates the association between changes in circulating sex steroid hormone levels and the development of diabetic nephropathy. However, the renal synthesis of steroid hormones during diabetes is essentially unknown. Male Wistar rats were injected with streptozotocin (STZ) or vehicle. After one week, no changes in functional or structural parameters related to kidney damage were observed in STZ group; however, a higher renal expression of proinflammatory cytokines and HSP70 was found. Expression of Steroidogenic Acute Regulatory protein (StAR) and P450scc (CYP11A1) was decreased in STZ kidneys. Incubation of isolated mitochondria with 22R-hydroxycholesterol revealed a marked inhibition in CYP11A1 function at the medullary level in STZ group. The inhibition of these first steps of renal steroidogenesis in early STZ-induced diabetes led to a decreased local synthesis of pregnenolone and progesterone. These findings stimulate investigation of the probable role of nephrosteroids in kidney damage associated with diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melina A Pagotto
- Institute of Experimental Physiology, National Scientific and Technical Research Council (IFISE-CONICET), Suipacha 531, PC 2000, Rosario, Argentina.
| | - María L Roldán
- Pharmacology, Faculty of Biochemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, National University of Rosario, Suipacha 531, PC 2000, Rosario, Argentina.
| | - Sara M Molinas
- Pharmacology, Faculty of Biochemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, National University of Rosario, Suipacha 531, PC 2000, Rosario, Argentina; National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Argentina.
| | - Trinidad Raices
- Laboratory of Molecular Endocrinology and Signal Transduction, Institute of Biology and Experimental Medicine (IBYME)- National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), PC C1428ADN, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Gerardo B Pisani
- Morphology, Faculty of Biochemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, National University of Rosario, Suipacha 531, PC 2000, Rosario, Argentina.
| | - Omar P Pignataro
- Laboratory of Molecular Endocrinology and Signal Transduction, Institute of Biology and Experimental Medicine (IBYME)- National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), PC C1428ADN, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Department of Biological Chemistry, School of Sciences, University of Buenos Aires (UBA), PC 1428, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Liliana A Monasterolo
- Pharmacology, Faculty of Biochemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, National University of Rosario, Suipacha 531, PC 2000, Rosario, Argentina; National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Argentina; Research Council of the National University of Rosario (CIC-UNR), Argentina.
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13
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Youssef OM, Morsy AI, El-Shahat MA, Shams AM, Abd-Elhady SL. The neuroprotective effect of simvastatin on the cerebellum of experimentally-induced diabetic rats through klotho upregulation: An immunohistochemical study. J Chem Neuroanat 2020; 108:101803. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2020.101803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Revised: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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14
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Giatti S, Diviccaro S, Falvo E, Garcia-Segura LM, Melcangi RC. Physiopathological role of the enzymatic complex 5α-reductase and 3α/β-hydroxysteroid oxidoreductase in the generation of progesterone and testosterone neuroactive metabolites. Front Neuroendocrinol 2020; 57:100836. [PMID: 32217094 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2020.100836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Revised: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The enzymatic complex 5α-reductase (5α-R) and 3α/3β-hydroxysteroid oxidoreductase (HSOR) is expressed in the nervous system, where it transforms progesterone (PROG) and testosterone (T) into neuroactive metabolites. These metabolites regulate myelination, brain maturation, neurotransmission, reproductive behavior and the stress response. The expression of 5α-R and 3α-HSOR and the levels of PROG and T reduced metabolites show regional and sex differences in the nervous system and are affected by changing physiological conditions as well as by neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders. A decrease in their nervous tissue levels may negatively impact the course and outcome of some pathological events. However, in other pathological conditions their increased levels may have a negative impact. Thus, the use of synthetic analogues of these steroids or 5α-R modulation have been proposed as therapeutic approaches for several nervous system pathologies. However, further research is needed to fully understand the consequences of these manipulations, in particular with 5α-R inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Giatti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Diviccaro
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Eva Falvo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Luis Miguel Garcia-Segura
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Roberto Cosimo Melcangi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.
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15
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Kulas JA, Weigel TK, Ferris HA. Insulin resistance and impaired lipid metabolism as a potential link between diabetes and Alzheimer's disease. Drug Dev Res 2020; 81:194-205. [PMID: 32022298 DOI: 10.1002/ddr.21643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2019] [Revised: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Diabetes disrupts organs throughout the body including the brain. Evidence suggests diabetes is a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD) and neurodegeneration. In this review, we focus on understanding how diabetes contributes to the progression of neurodegeneration by influencing several aspects of the disease process. We emphasize the potential roles of brain insulin resistance, as well as cholesterol and lipid disruption, as factors which worsen AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua A Kulas
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Thaddeus K Weigel
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Heather A Ferris
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia.,Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
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16
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Giatti S, Diviccaro S, Serafini MM, Caruso D, Garcia-Segura LM, Viviani B, Melcangi RC. Sex differences in steroid levels and steroidogenesis in the nervous system: Physiopathological role. Front Neuroendocrinol 2020; 56:100804. [PMID: 31689419 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2019.100804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Revised: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The nervous system, in addition to be a target for steroid hormones, is the source of a variety of neuroactive steroids, which are synthesized and metabolized by neurons and glial cells. Recent evidence indicates that the expression of neurosteroidogenic proteins and enzymes and the levels of neuroactive steroids are different in the nervous system of males and females. We here summarized the state of the art of neuroactive steroids, particularly taking in consideration sex differences occurring in the synthesis and levels of these molecules. In addition, we discuss the consequences of sex differences in neurosteroidogenesis for the function of the nervous system under healthy and pathological conditions and the implications of neuroactive steroids and neurosteroidogenesis for the development of sex-specific therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Giatti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Silvia Diviccaro
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Melania Maria Serafini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Donatella Caruso
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Luis Miguel Garcia-Segura
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Barbara Viviani
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Roberto C Melcangi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy.
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17
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Khorolskaya VG, Gureev AP, Shaforostova EA, Laver DA, Popov VN. The Fenofibrate Effect on Genotoxicity in Brain and Liver and on the Expression of Genes Regulating Fatty Acids Metabolism of Mice. BIOCHEMISTRY (MOSCOW), SUPPLEMENT SERIES B: BIOMEDICAL CHEMISTRY 2020. [DOI: 10.1134/s1990750820010084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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18
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Oxidized cholesterol species as signaling molecules in the brain: diabetes and Alzheimer's disease. Neuronal Signal 2019; 3:NS20190068. [PMID: 32269839 PMCID: PMC7104322 DOI: 10.1042/ns20190068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Revised: 11/13/2019] [Accepted: 11/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes is associated with adverse central nervous system effects, including a doubled risk for Alzheimer's disease (AD) and increased risk of cognitive impairment, but the mechanisms connecting diabetes to cognitive decline and dementia are unknown. One possible link between these diseases may be the associated alterations to cholesterol oxidation and metabolism in the brain. We will survey evidence demonstrating alterations to oxysterols in the brain in AD and diabetes and how these oxysterols could contribute to pathology, as well as identifying research questions that have not yet been addressed to allow for a fuller understanding of the role of oxysterols in AD and diabetes.
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19
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Khorolskaya VG, Gureev AP, Shaforostova EA, Laver DA, Popov VN. [The fenofibrate effect on genotoxicity in brain and liver and on the expression of genes regulating fatty acids metabolism of mice]. BIOMEDIT︠S︡INSKAI︠A︡ KHIMII︠A︡ 2019; 65:388-397. [PMID: 31666411 DOI: 10.18097/pbmc20196505388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Fibrates are well-known agonists of the PPAR family (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors). This class of drugs is used for the treatment of dyslipidemia and atherosclerosis. Fenofibrate is one of the members of this class of synthetic PPARα receptor ligands. The oral administration of 0.3% fenofibrate caused a decrease in strength due to loss of body weight in laboratory animals when improving behavioural features. Analysis of the mitochondrial DNA of liver cells showed a genotoxic effect of fenofibrate, due to accumulation of reactive oxygen species, which could be attributed to activation of peroxisomal β-oxidation processes, as well as to the lack of increase in the expression of genes encoding antioxidant defense proteins. Treatment with fenofibrate did not cause brain mtDNA damage. It has been shown that fenofibrate induced mitochondrial β-oxidation in the brain, as indicated by the increased expression of the Acadm and Cpt1a and Ppargc1a and Ppara. The study found no effect of fenofibrate on the increase of mitochondrial biogenesis in brain and liver cells. Thus, we can conclude that fenofibrate significantly affects lipid metabolism in the liver and brain, but in the liver it is associated with an increase of oxidative stress, resulting in mtDNA oxidative damage. However, fenofibrate-induced increase in the expression of Ppargc1a is not associated with an increase of mitochondrial biogenesis. This is consistent with the recent suggestion that PGC-1α might not be a master regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - A P Gureev
- Voronezh State University, Voronezh, Russia
| | | | - D A Laver
- Voronezh State University, Voronezh, Russia
| | - V N Popov
- Voronezh State University, Voronezh, Russia; Voronezh State University of Engineering Technologies, Voronezh, Russia
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20
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Leicaj ML, Pasquini LA, Lima A, Gonzalez Deniselle MC, Pasquini JM, De Nicola AF, Garay LI. Changes in neurosteroidogenesis during demyelination and remyelination in cuprizone-treated mice. J Neuroendocrinol 2018; 30:e12649. [PMID: 30303567 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Revised: 09/20/2018] [Accepted: 10/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Changes of neurosteroids may be involved in the pathophysiology of multiple sclerosis (MS). The present study investigated whether changes of neurosteroidogenesis also occurred in the grey and white matter regions of the brain in mice subjected to cuprizone-induced demyelination. Accordingly, we compared the expression of neurosteroidogenic proteins, including steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC) and 18 kDa translocator protein (TSPO), as well as neurosteroidogenic enzymes, including the side chain cleavage enzyme (P450scc), 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/isomerase and 5α-reductase (5α-R), during the demyelination and remyelination periods. Using immunohistochemistry and a quantitative polymerase chain reaction, we demonstrated a decreased expression of StAR, P450scc and 5α-R with respect to an increase astrocytic and microglial reaction and elevated levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)α during the cuprizone demyelination period in the hippocampus, cortex and corpus callosum. These parameters, as well as the glial reaction, were normalised after 2 weeks of spontaneous remyelination in regions containing grey matter. Conversely, persistent elevated levels of TNFα and low levels of StAR and P450scc were observed during remyelination in corpus callosum white matter. We conclude that neurosteroidogenesis/myelination status and glial reactivity are inversely related in the hippocampus and neocortex. Establishing a cause and effect relationship for the measured variables remains a future challenge for understanding the pathophysiology of MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- María L Leicaj
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrine Biochemistry, Instituto de Biologia y Medicina Experimental and National Research Council (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Laura A Pasquini
- Department of Biological Chemistry, School of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry and Biological Physicochemistry (IQUIFIB), University of Buenos Aires and National Research Council (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Analia Lima
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrine Biochemistry, Instituto de Biologia y Medicina Experimental and National Research Council (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Maria C Gonzalez Deniselle
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrine Biochemistry, Instituto de Biologia y Medicina Experimental and National Research Council (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Juana M Pasquini
- Department of Biological Chemistry, School of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry and Biological Physicochemistry (IQUIFIB), University of Buenos Aires and National Research Council (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Alejandro F De Nicola
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrine Biochemistry, Instituto de Biologia y Medicina Experimental and National Research Council (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Department of Human Biochemistry, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Laura I Garay
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrine Biochemistry, Instituto de Biologia y Medicina Experimental and National Research Council (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Department of Human Biochemistry, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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21
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Giatti S, Diviccaro S, Melcangi RC. Neuroactive Steroids and Sex-Dimorphic Nervous Damage Induced by Diabetes Mellitus. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2018; 39:493-502. [PMID: 30109515 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-018-0613-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2018] [Accepted: 08/09/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease where improper glycaemic control may induce severe complications in different organs. In this review, we will discuss alterations occurring in peripheral and central nervous system of patients with type 1 (i.e., insulin dependent diabetes mellitus,) or type 2 diabetes (i.e., non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus), as well as related experimental models. A particular focus will be on the role exerted by neuroactive steroids (i.e., important regulators of nervous functions) in the nervous damage induced by diabetes. Indeed, the nervous levels of these molecules are affected by the pathology and, in agreement, their neuroprotective effects have been reported. Interestingly, the sex is another important variable. As discussed, nervous diabetic complications show sex dimorphic features in term of incidence, functional outcomes and neuroactive steroid levels. Therefore, these features represent an interesting background for possible sex-oriented therapies with neuroactive steroids aimed to counteract nervous damage observed in diabetic pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Giatti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Silvia Diviccaro
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Roberto Cosimo Melcangi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy.
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