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Ferreira AFF, Ulrich H, Feng ZP, Sun HS, Britto LR. Neurodegeneration and glial morphological changes are both prevented by TRPM2 inhibition during the progression of a Parkinson's disease mouse model. Exp Neurol 2024; 377:114780. [PMID: 38649091 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2024.114780] [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: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by dopaminergic neuron death and neuroinflammation. Emerging evidence points to the involvement of the transient receptor potential melastatin 2 (TRPM2) channel in neuron death and glial activation in several neurodegenerative diseases. However, the involvement of TRPM2 in PD and specifically its relation to the neuroinflammation aspect of the disease remains poorly understood. Here, we hypothesized that AG490, a TRPM2 inhibitor, can be used as a treatment in a mouse model of PD. Mice underwent stereotaxic surgery for 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) administration in the right striatum. Motor behavioral tests (apomorphine, cylinder, and rotarod) were performed on day 3 post-injection to confirm the PD model induction. AG490 was then daily injected i.p. between days 3 to 6 after surgery. On day 6, motor behavior was assessed again. Substantia nigra (SNc) and striatum (CPu) were collected for immunohistochemistry, immunoblotting, and RT-qPCR analysis on day 7. Our results revealed that AG490 post-treatment reduced motor behavior impairment and nigrostriatal neurodegeneration. In addition, the compound prevented TRPM2 upregulation and changes of the Akt/GSK-3β/caspase-3 signaling pathway. The TRPM2 inhibition also avoids the glial morphology changes observed in the PD group. Remarkably, the morphometrical analysis revealed that the ameboid-shaped microglia, found in 6-OHDA-injected animals, were no longer present in the AG490-treated group. These results indicate that AG490 treatment can reduce dopaminergic neuronal death and suppress neuroinflammation in a PD mouse model. Inhibition of TRPM2 by AG490 could then represent a potential therapeutical strategy to be evaluated for PD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Flavia F Ferreira
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil; Department of Physiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
| | - Henning Ulrich
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Zhong-Ping Feng
- Department of Physiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Hong-Shuo Sun
- Department of Physiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Department of Surgery, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Luiz Roberto Britto
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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2
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Bernstein BJ, Kendricks DR, Fry S, Wilson L, Koopmans B, Loos M, Stevanovic KD, Cushman JD. Sex differences in spontaneous behavior and cognition in mice using an automated behavior monitoring system. Physiol Behav 2024; 283:114595. [PMID: 38810714 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2024.114595] [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: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Isolation of sex differences as a key characteristic underlying neurobehavioral differentiation is an essential component of studies in neuroscience. The current study sought to address this concern by observing behavioral differences using an automated home cage system for neurobehavioral assessment, a method rapidly increasing in use due to advances in technology and advantages such as reduced handling stress and cross-lab variability. Sex differences in C57BL/6 mice arose for motor activity and circadian-linked behavior, with females being more active compared to males, and males having a stronger anticipatory increase in activity leading up to the onset of the light phase compared to females. These activity differences were observed not only across the lifespan, but also in different genetic background mouse strains across different testing sites showing the generalizability and robustness of these observed effects. Activity differences were also observed in performance on a spatial learning and reversal task with females making more responses and receiving a corresponding elevation in reward pellets. Notably, there were no sex differences in learning nor achieved accuracy, suggesting these observed effects were predominantly in activity. The outcomes of this study align with previous reports showcasing differences in activity between males and females. The comparison across strains and testing sites showed robust and reproducible differences in behavior between female and male mice that are relevant to consider when designing behavioral studies. Furthermore, the observed sex differences in performance on the learning and reversal procedure raise concern for interpretation of behavior differences between sexes due to the attribution of these differences to motor activity rather than cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Briana J Bernstein
- Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20007, USA
| | - Dalisa R Kendricks
- Neurobiology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Science (NIEHS), National Institute of Health, NC, USA
| | - Sydney Fry
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, University of Colorado, CO, USA
| | - Leslie Wilson
- Neurobiology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Science (NIEHS), National Institute of Health, NC, USA
| | - Bastijn Koopmans
- Sylics (Synaptologics B.V.), Bilthoven, the Netherlands; InnoSer Nederland B.V., Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Maarten Loos
- Sylics (Synaptologics B.V.), Bilthoven, the Netherlands; InnoSer Nederland B.V., Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Korey D Stevanovic
- Neurobiology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Science (NIEHS), National Institute of Health, NC, USA
| | - Jesse D Cushman
- Neurobiology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Science (NIEHS), National Institute of Health, NC, USA.
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3
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Bourque M, Morissette M, Di Paolo T. Neuroactive steroids and Parkinson's disease: Review of human and animal studies. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 156:105479. [PMID: 38007170 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105479] [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: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/27/2023]
Abstract
The greater prevalence and incidence of Parkinson's disease (PD) in men suggest a beneficial effect of sex hormones. Neuroactive steroids have neuroprotective activities thus offering interesting option for disease-modifying therapy for PD. Neuroactive steroids are also neuromodulators of neurotransmitter systems and may thus help to control PD symptoms and side effect of dopamine medication. Here, we review the effect on sex hormones (estrogen, androgen, progesterone and its metabolites) as well as androstenediol, pregnenolone and dehydroepiandrosterone) in human studies and in animal models of PD. The effect of neuroactive steroids is reviewed by considering sex and hormonal status to help identify specifically for women and men with PD what might be a preventive approach or a symptomatic treatment. PD is a complex disease and the pathogenesis likely involves multiple cellular processes. Thus it might be useful to target different cellular mechanisms that contribute to neuronal loss and neuroactive steroids provide therapeutics options as they have multiple mechanisms of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mélanie Bourque
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Axe Neurosciences, 2705, Boulevard Laurier, Québec G1V4G2, Canada
| | - Marc Morissette
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Axe Neurosciences, 2705, Boulevard Laurier, Québec G1V4G2, Canada
| | - Thérèse Di Paolo
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Axe Neurosciences, 2705, Boulevard Laurier, Québec G1V4G2, Canada; Faculté de pharmacie, Pavillon Ferdinand-Vandry, 1050, avenue de la Médecine, Université Laval, Québec G1V 0A6, Canada.
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4
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Raheel K, Deegan G, Di Giulio I, Cash D, Ilic K, Gnoni V, Chaudhuri KR, Drakatos P, Moran R, Rosenzweig I. Sex differences in alpha-synucleinopathies: a systematic review. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1204104. [PMID: 37545736 PMCID: PMC10398394 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1204104] [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: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Past research indicates a higher prevalence, incidence, and severe clinical manifestations of alpha-synucleinopathies in men, leading to a suggestion of neuroprotective properties of female sex hormones (especially estrogen). The potential pathomechanisms of any such effect on alpha-synucleinopathies, however, are far from understood. With that aim, we undertook to systematically review, and to critically assess, contemporary evidence on sex and gender differences in alpha-synucleinopathies using a bench-to-bedside approach. Methods In this systematic review, studies investigating sex and gender differences in alpha-synucleinopathies (Rapid Eye Movement (REM) Behavior Disorder (RBD), Parkinson's Disease (PD), Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB), Multiple System Atrophy (MSA)) from 2012 to 2022 were identified using electronic database searches of PubMed, Embase and Ovid. Results One hundred sixty-two studies were included; 5 RBD, 6 MSA, 20 DLB and 131 PD studies. Overall, there is conclusive evidence to suggest sex-and gender-specific manifestation in demographics, biomarkers, genetics, clinical features, interventions, and quality of life in alpha-synucleinopathies. Only limited data exists on the effects of distinct sex hormones, with majority of studies concentrating on estrogen and its speculated neuroprotective effects. Conclusion Future studies disentangling the underlying sex-specific mechanisms of alpha-synucleinopathies are urgently needed in order to enable novel sex-specific therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kausar Raheel
- Sleep and Brain Plasticity Centre, Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Gemma Deegan
- Sleep and Brain Plasticity Centre, Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- BRAIN, Imaging Centre, CNS, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Irene Di Giulio
- Sleep and Brain Plasticity Centre, Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- School of Basic and Medical Biosciences, Faculty of Life Science and Medicine, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Diana Cash
- Sleep and Brain Plasticity Centre, Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- BRAIN, Imaging Centre, CNS, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Katarina Ilic
- Sleep and Brain Plasticity Centre, Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- BRAIN, Imaging Centre, CNS, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Valentina Gnoni
- Sleep and Brain Plasticity Centre, Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases and the Aging Brain, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Lecce, Italy
| | - K. Ray Chaudhuri
- Movement Disorders Unit, King’s College Hospital and Department of Clinical and Basic Neurosciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience and Parkinson Foundation Centre of Excellence, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Panagis Drakatos
- School of Basic and Medical Biosciences, Faculty of Life Science and Medicine, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- Sleep Disorders Centre, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Rosalyn Moran
- Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ivana Rosenzweig
- Sleep and Brain Plasticity Centre, Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- Sleep Disorders Centre, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
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5
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Li R, Wang Y, Yang Y, Wu Z, Wang L, Tang G, Yang J, Liu J. The α1 and γ2 subunit-containing GABA A receptor-mediated inhibitory transmission in the anteroventral bed nucleus of stria terminalis is involved in the regulation of anxiety in rats with substantia nigra lesions. Neuropharmacology 2023:109645. [PMID: 37392819 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2023.109645] [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: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023]
Abstract
The anteroventral bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (avBNST) is widely acknowledged as a key brain structure that regulates negative emotional states, such as anxiety. At present, it is still unclear whether GABAA receptor-mediated inhibitory transmission in the avBNST is involved in Parkinson's disease (PD)-related anxiety. In this study, unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) lesions of the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) in rats induced anxiety-like behaviors, increased GABA synthesis and release, and upregulated expression of GABAA receptor subunits in the avBNST, as well as decreased level of dopamine (DA) in the basolateral amygdala (BLA). In both sham and 6-OHDA rats, intra-avBNST injection of GABAA receptor agonist muscimol induced the following changes: (i) anxiolytic-like responses, (ii) inhibition of the firing activity of GABAergic neurons in the avBNST, (iii) excitation of dopaminergic neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and serotonergic neurons in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN), and (iv) increase of DA and 5-HT release in the BLA, whereas antagonist bicuculline induced the opposite effects. Collectively, these findings suggest that degeneration of the nigrostriatal pathway enhances GABAA receptor-mediated inhibitory transmission in the avBNST, which is involved in PD-related anxiety. Further, activation and blockade of avBNST GABAA receptors affect the firing activity of VTA dopaminergic and DRN serotonergic neurons, and then change release of BLA DA and 5-HT, thereby regulating anxiety-like behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruotong Li
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Yong Wang
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Yaxin Yang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, China
| | - Zhongheng Wu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, China
| | - Ling Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, China
| | - Guoyi Tang
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Jie Yang
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Jian Liu
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710061, China.
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6
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Ocañas SR, Ansere VA, Kellogg CM, Isola JVV, Chucair-Elliott AJ, Freeman WM. Chromosomal and gonadal factors regulate microglial sex effects in the aging brain. Brain Res Bull 2023; 195:157-171. [PMID: 36804773 PMCID: PMC10810555 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2023.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
Biological sex contributes to phenotypic sex effects through genetic (sex chromosomal) and hormonal (gonadal) mechanisms. There are profound sex differences in the prevalence and progression of age-related brain diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases. Inflammation of neural tissue is one of the most consistent age-related phenotypes seen with healthy aging and disease. The pro-inflammatory environment of the aging brain has primarily been attributed to microglial reactivity and adoption of heterogeneous reactive states dependent upon intrinsic (i.e., sex) and extrinsic (i.e., age, disease state) factors. Here, we review sex effects in microglia across the lifespan, explore potential genetic and hormonal molecular mechanisms of microglial sex effects, and discuss currently available models and methods to study sex effects in the aging brain. Despite recent attention to this area, significant further research is needed to mechanistically understand the regulation of microglial sex effects across the lifespan, which may open new avenues for sex informed prevention and treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah R Ocañas
- Genes & Human Disease Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.
| | - Victor A Ansere
- Genes & Human Disease Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Collyn M Kellogg
- Genes & Human Disease Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Jose V V Isola
- Aging & Metabolism Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Ana J Chucair-Elliott
- Genes & Human Disease Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Willard M Freeman
- Genes & Human Disease Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
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7
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Tiberi J, Cesarini V, Stefanelli R, Canterini S, Fiorenza MT, Rosa PL. Sex differences in antioxidant defence and the regulation of redox homeostasis in physiology and pathology. Mech Ageing Dev 2023; 211:111802. [PMID: 36958540 DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2023.111802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023]
Abstract
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) is a term that defines a group of unstable compounds derived from exogenous sources or endogenous metabolism. Under physiological conditions, low levels of ROS play a key role in the regulation of signal transduction- or transcription-mediated cellular responses. In contrast, excessive and uncontrolled loading of ROS results in a pathological state known as oxidative stress (OS), a leading contributor to aging and a pivotal factor for the onset and progression of many disorders. Evolution has endowed cells with an antioxidant system involved in stabilizing ROS levels to a specific threshold, preserving ROS-induced signalling function and limiting negative side effects. In mammals, a great deal of evidence indicates that females defence against ROS is more proficient than males, determining a longer lifespan and lower incidence of most chronic diseases. In this review, we will summarize the most recent sex-related differences in the regulation of redox homeostasis. We will highlight the peculiar aspects of the antioxidant defence in sex-biased diseases whose onset or progression is driven by OS, and we will discuss the molecular, genetic, and evolutionary determinants of female proficiency to cope with ROS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Tiberi
- Division of Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy; PhD program in Behavioral Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Valeriana Cesarini
- Department of Biomedicine Institute of Translational Pharmacology (IFT), National Research Council (CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Stefanelli
- Division of Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Sonia Canterini
- Division of Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy; European Center for Brain Research, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Fiorenza
- Division of Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy; European Center for Brain Research, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Piergiorgio La Rosa
- Division of Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy; European Center for Brain Research, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy.
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8
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Chen YH, Kuo YY, You YQ, Lin YT, Chen PC. Endonuclease VIII-like 1 deficiency potentiates nigrostriatal dopaminergic neuron degeneration in a male mouse model of Parkinson's disease. J Neurochem 2023; 165:741-755. [PMID: 36840377 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common movement disorder caused by a characteristic loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra and degeneration of dopamine terminals in the dorsal striatum. Previous studies have suggested that oxidative stress-induced DNA damage may be involved in PD pathogenesis, as steady-state levels of several types of oxidized nucleobases were shown to be elevated in PD brain tissues. These DNA lesions are normally removed from the genome by base excision repair, which is initiated by DNA glycosylase enzymes such as endonuclease VIII-like 1 (Neil1). In this study, we show that Neil1 plays an important role in limiting oxidative stress-induced degeneration of dopaminergic neurons. In particular, Neil1-deficient male mice exhibited enhanced sensitivity to nigrostriatal degeneration after 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) administration, and Neil1-deficient animals had higher levels of γH2AX-marked DNA damage than wild-type (WT) controls, regardless of treatment status. Moreover, MPTP-treated Neil1-/- male mice had slightly elevated expression of genes related to the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-dependent antioxidant pathway. Treatment with the Nrf2 activator, monomethyl fumarate, reduced PD-like behaviors and pathology in Neil1-/- male mice, suggesting that Neil1 is an important defense molecule in an oxidative cellular environment. Taken together, these results suggest that Neil1 DNA glycosylase may play an important role in limiting oxidative stress-mediated PD pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Hsuan Chen
- Department of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ying Kuo
- Department of Physiology, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.,Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Qian You
- Department of Physiology, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Tin Lin
- Graduate Institute of Metabolism and Obesity sciences, College of Nutrition, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Chun Chen
- Department of Physiology, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.,Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
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9
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Three-Dimensional Analysis of Sex- and Gonadal Status- Dependent Microglial Activation in a Mouse Model of Parkinson’s Disease. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023. [DOI: 10.3390/ph16020152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is characterized by neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation. PD prevalence and incidence are higher in men than in women and modulation of gonadal hormones could have an impact on the disease course. This was investigated in male and female gonadectomized (GDX) and SHAM operated (SHAM) mice. Dutasteride (DUT), a 5α-reductase inhibitor, was administered to these mice for 10 days to modulate their gonadal sex hormones. On the fifth day of DUT treatment, mice received 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) to model PD. We have previously shown in these mice the toxic effect of MPTP in SHAM and GDX males and in GDX females on dopamine markers and astrogliosis whereas SHAM females were protected by their female sex hormones. In SHAM males, DUT protected against MPTP toxicity. In the present study, microglial density and the number of doublets, representative of a microglial proliferation, were increased by the MPTP lesion only in male mice and prevented by DUT in SHAM males. A three-dimensional morphological microglial analysis showed that MPTP changed microglial morphology from quiescent to activated only in male mice and was not prevented by DUT. In conclusion, microgliosis can be modulated by sex hormone-dependent and independent factors in a mice model of PD.
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10
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Safiri S, Noori M, Nejadghaderi SA, Mousavi SE, Sullman MJM, Araj-Khodaei M, Singh K, Kolahi AA, Gharagozli K. The burden of Parkinson's disease in the Middle East and North Africa region, 1990-2019: results from the global burden of disease study 2019. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:107. [PMID: 36642724 PMCID: PMC9841703 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-15018-x] [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: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parkinson's disease (PD) remains a common disabling progressive neurodegenerative disorder. We aimed to report the prevalence, death and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) attributable to PD in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region and its 21 countries by age, sex and socio-demographic index (SDI), between 1990 and 2019. METHODS Publicly available data on the burden of PD in the MENA countries were retrieved from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2019 project. The results are presented with age-standardised numbers and rates per 100,000 population, along with their corresponding 95% uncertainty intervals (UIs). RESULTS In 2019, PD had an age-standardised point prevalence of 82.6 per 100,000 population in MENA and an age-standardised death rate of 5.3, which have increased from 1990 to 2019 by 15.4% and 2.3%, respectively. In 2019, the age-standardised DALY rate of PD was 84.4, which was 0.9% higher than in 1990. The highest and lowest age-standardised DALY rates of PD in 2019 were found in Qatar and Kuwait, respectively. Also in 2019, the highest number of prevalent cases and number of DALYs were found in the 75-79 age group for both sexes. In 2019, females in MENA had an overall higher DALY rate. Furthermore, from 1990 to 2019 the burden of PD generally decreased with increasing socio-economic development, up to an SDI of around 0.4, and then increased with higher levels of SDI. CONCLUSION An upward trend was observed in the point prevalence of PD over the last three decades. This highlights the need to allocate more resources for research. Furthermore, properly equipped healthcare services are needed for the increasing number of patients with PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeid Safiri
- grid.412888.f0000 0001 2174 8913Neurosciences Research Center, Aging Research Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran ,grid.412888.f0000 0001 2174 8913Research Center for Integrative Medicine in Aging, Aging Research Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran ,grid.412888.f0000 0001 2174 8913Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Maryam Noori
- grid.411746.10000 0004 4911 7066Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Aria Nejadghaderi
- grid.411600.2School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran ,grid.510410.10000 0004 8010 4431Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Expert Group (SRMEG), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Ehsan Mousavi
- grid.412888.f0000 0001 2174 8913Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mark J. M. Sullman
- grid.413056.50000 0004 0383 4764Department of Life and Health Sciences, University of Nicosia, Nicosia, Cyprus ,grid.413056.50000 0004 0383 4764Department of Social Sciences, University of Nicosia, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Mostafa Araj-Khodaei
- grid.412888.f0000 0001 2174 8913Research Center for Integrative Medicine in Aging, Aging Research Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Kuljit Singh
- grid.1022.10000 0004 0437 5432Department of Medicine, Griffith University, Southport, QLD Australia
| | - Ali-Asghar Kolahi
- grid.411600.2Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kurosh Gharagozli
- grid.411600.2Brain Mapping Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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11
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Sexual Dimorphism in Neurodegenerative Diseases and in Brain Ischemia. Biomolecules 2022; 13:biom13010026. [PMID: 36671411 PMCID: PMC9855831 DOI: 10.3390/biom13010026] [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: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Epidemiological studies and clinical observations show evidence of sexual dimorphism in brain responses to several neurological conditions. It is suggested that sex-related differences between men and women may have profound effects on disease susceptibility, pathophysiology, and progression. Sexual differences of the brain are achieved through the complex interplay of several factors contributing to this phenomenon, such as sex hormones, as well as genetic and epigenetic differences. Despite recent advances, the precise link between these factors and brain disorders is incompletely understood. This review aims to briefly outline the most relevant aspects that differ between men and women in ischemia and neurodegenerative disorders (AD, PD, HD, ALS, and SM). Recognition of disparities between both sexes could aid the development of individual approaches to ameliorate or slow the progression of intractable disorders.
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12
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Chronic Treatment with the Probiotics Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG and Bifidobacterium lactis BB12 Attenuates Motor Impairment, Striatal Microglial Activation, and Dopaminergic Loss in Rats with 6-Hydroxydopamine-induced Hemiparkinsonism. Neuroscience 2022; 507:79-98. [PMID: 36370934 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2022.11.004] [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: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Gut dysbiosis is considered a risk factor for Parkinson's disease (PD), and chronic treatment with probiotics could prevent it. Here we report the assessment of a probiotic mixture [Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG), and Bifidobacterium animalis lactis BB-12 (BB-12)] administered to male rats 2 weeks before and 3 weeks after injecting 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) into the right striatum, a model that mimics the early stages of PD. Before and after lesion, animals were subjected to behavioral tests: narrow beam, cylinder test, and apomorphine (APO)-induced rotations. Dopaminergic (DA) denervation and microglia recruitment were assessed with tyrosine hydroxylase (TH+) and ionized calcium-binding protein-1 adapter (Iba1+) immunostaining, respectively. Post 6-OHDA injury, rats treated with sunflower oil (probiotics vehicle) developed significant decrease in crossing speed and increases in contralateral paw slips (narrow beam), forepaw use asymmetry (cylinder), and APO-induced rotations. In striatum, 6-OHDA eliminated ≈2/3 of TH+ area and caused significant increase of Iba1+ microglia population. Retrograde axonal degeneration suppressed ≈2/5 of TH+ neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc). In hemiparkinsonian rats, probiotics treatment significantly improved the crossing speed, and also reduced paw slips (postlesion days 14 and 21), the loss of TH+ neurons in SNpc, and the loss of TH+ area and of Iba1+ microglia count in striatum, without affecting the proportion of microglia morphological phenotypes. Probiotics treatment did not attenuate forepaw use asymmetry nor APO-induced rotations. These results indicate that the mixture of probiotics LGG and BB-12 protects nigrostriatal DA neurons against 6-OHDA-induced damage, supporting their potential as preventive treatment of PD.
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13
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Guo Y, Wang YY, Sun TT, Xu JJ, Yang P, Ma CY, Guan WJ, Wang CJ, Liu GF, Liu CQ. Neural progenitor cells derived from fibroblasts induced by small molecule compounds under hypoxia for treatment of Parkinson's disease in rats. Neural Regen Res 2022; 18:1090-1098. [PMID: 36254998 PMCID: PMC9827776 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.355820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Neural progenitor cells (NPCs) capable of self-renewal and differentiation into neural cell lineages offer broad prospects for cell therapy for neurodegenerative diseases. However, cell therapy based on NPC transplantation is limited by the inability to acquire sufficient quantities of NPCs. Previous studies have found that a chemical cocktail of valproic acid, CHIR99021, and Repsox (VCR) promotes mouse fibroblasts to differentiate into NPCs under hypoxic conditions. Therefore, we used VCR (0.5 mM valproic acid, 3 μM CHIR99021, and 1 μM Repsox) to induce the reprogramming of rat embryonic fibroblasts into NPCs under a hypoxic condition (5%). These NPCs exhibited typical neurosphere-like structures that can express NPC markers, such as Nestin, SRY-box transcription factor 2, and paired box 6 (Pax6), and could also differentiate into multiple types of functional neurons and astrocytes in vitro. They had similar gene expression profiles to those of rat brain-derived neural stem cells. Subsequently, the chemically-induced NPCs (ciNPCs) were stereotactically transplanted into the substantia nigra of 6-hydroxydopamine-lesioned parkinsonian rats. We found that the ciNPCs exhibited long-term survival, migrated long distances, and differentiated into multiple types of functional neurons and glial cells in vivo. Moreover, the parkinsonian behavioral defects of the parkinsonian model rats grafted with ciNPCs showed remarkable functional recovery. These findings suggest that rat fibroblasts can be directly transformed into NPCs using a chemical cocktail of VCR without introducing exogenous factors, which may be an attractive donor material for transplantation therapy for Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Guo
- School of Laboratory Medicine, School of Life Sciences, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui Province, China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Wang
- School of Laboratory Medicine, School of Life Sciences, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui Province, China
| | - Ting-Ting Sun
- School of Laboratory Medicine, School of Life Sciences, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui Province, China
| | - Jia-Jia Xu
- School of Laboratory Medicine, School of Life Sciences, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui Province, China
| | - Pan Yang
- School of Laboratory Medicine, School of Life Sciences, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui Province, China
| | - Cai-Yun Ma
- School of Laboratory Medicine, School of Life Sciences, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui Province, China,National Germplasm Resource Center for Domestic Animals, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Beijing, China
| | - Wei-Jun Guan
- National Germplasm Resource Center for Domestic Animals, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Beijing, China
| | - Chun-Jing Wang
- School of Laboratory Medicine, School of Life Sciences, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui Province, China
| | - Gao-Feng Liu
- School of Laboratory Medicine, School of Life Sciences, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui Province, China,Correspondence to: Chang-Qing Liu, ; Gao-Feng Liu, .
| | - Chang-Qing Liu
- School of Laboratory Medicine, School of Life Sciences, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui Province, China,Department of Neuroscience, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, USA,Correspondence to: Chang-Qing Liu, ; Gao-Feng Liu, .
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14
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Хамадьянова АУ, Кузнецов КО, Гайфуллина ЭИ, Каландин ДА, Хамидуллина РР, Халитова ИФ, Фаизов РМ, Камалетдинова НО, Асланова БФ, Накиева АГ, Бурангулова ЛЭ, Гайсина ГО. [Androgens and Parkinson's disease: the role in humans and in experiment]. PROBLEMY ENDOKRINOLOGII 2022; 68:146-156. [PMID: 36689720 PMCID: PMC9939975 DOI: 10.14341/probl13148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 08/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer's disease. There is evidence that PD has a wider prevalence among men, which indicates the existing role of sex hormones in the pathogenesis of the disease. The article presents an overview of studies devoted to the study of sex differences in the incidence and symptoms of PD. Drug therapy with androgens, androgen precursors, antiandrogens and drugs that modify androgen metabolism is available for the treatment of various endocrine conditions, having translational significance for PD, but none of these drugs has yet shown sufficient effectiveness. Although PD has now been proven to be more common in men than in women, androgens do not always have any effect on the symptoms or progression of the disease. 5α-reductase inhibitors have shown neuroprotective and anti-dyskinetic activity and need further investigation. Despite the fact that the neuroprotective effect of dutasteride was observed only before damage to DA neurons, the absence of a negative effect makes it an attractive drug for use in patients with PD due to its anti-dyskinetic properties.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Д. А. Каландин
- Первый Санкт-Петербургский государственный медицинский университет им. акад. И.П. Павлова
| | | | | | - Р. М. Фаизов
- Башкирский государственный медицинский университет
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15
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Modulation by Estradiol of L-Dopa-Induced Dyskinesia in a Rat Model of Post-Menopausal Hemiparkinsonism. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12050640. [PMID: 35629308 PMCID: PMC9143229 DOI: 10.3390/life12050640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Treatment with levodopa (L-dopa) in Parkinson’s disease (PD) leads to involuntary movements termed L-dopa-induced dyskinesia (LID). There are contradictory data about the influence of hormone therapy in female PD patients with LID and of 17-β-estradiol (E2) on animal correlates of LID-abnormal involuntary movements (AIMs). Our aim was to characterize the influence of E2 on motor impairment and AIMs in ovariectomized 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) rat model of PD. Half of the rats received empty and the other half implants filled with E2. Following the 6-OHDA surgery, the rats received daily treatment with either L-dopa or saline for 16 days. They were assessed for AIMs, contralateral rotations, and FAS. In the L-dopa-treated rats, E2 intensified and prolonged AIMs and contralateral rotations. On the other hand, it had no effect on motor impairment. Postmortem tyrosine hydroxylase immunostaining revealed an almost complete unilateral lesion of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons. E2 partially prevented the upregulation of striatal ΔFosB caused by dopamine depletion. L-dopa potentiated the upregulation of ΔFosB within the dopamine-depleted striatum and this effect was further enhanced by E2. We speculate that the potentiating effects of E2 on AIMs and on contralateral rotations could be explained by the molecular adaptations within the striatal medium spiny neurons of the direct and indirect striatofugal pathways.
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16
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Calcaterra V, Nappi RE, Farolfi A, Tiranini L, Rossi V, Regalbuto C, Zuccotti G. Perimenstrual Asthma in Adolescents: A Shared Condition in Pediatric and Gynecological Endocrinology. CHILDREN 2022; 9:children9020233. [PMID: 35204953 PMCID: PMC8870409 DOI: 10.3390/children9020233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Asthma is a frequent medical condition in adolescence. The worsening of the most common symptoms perimenstrually is defined as perimenstrual asthma (PMA). The cause of PMA remains unclear, but a role for hormonal milieu is plausible. Data on PMA in adolescents are limited, and its management is not fully established. We aimed to discuss the PMA phenomenon in young females from pathophysiology to preventive strategies, focusing on the relationship with the hormonal pattern. The fluctuation of estrogens at ovulation and before menstruation and the progesterone secretion during the luteal phase and its subsequent withdrawal seem to be the culprits, because the deterioration of asthma is cyclical during the luteal phase and/or during the first days of the menstrual cycle. Conventional asthma therapies are not always effective for PMA. Preventive strategies may include innovative hormonal contraception. Even a possible beneficial effect of other hormonal treatments, including estrogens, progestogens, and androgens, as well as leukotriene receptor antagonists and explorative approach using microbial-directed therapy, is considered. The underlying mechanisms, through which sex-hormone fluctuations influence asthma symptoms, represent a challenge in the clinical management of such a distressing condition. Further studies focused on young females are mandatory to promote adolescent health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Calcaterra
- Pediatric and Adolescent Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Department of Pediatrics, “Vittore Buzzi” Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milano, Italy; (A.F.); (V.R.); (G.Z.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Rossella Elena Nappi
- Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Gynecological Endocrinology and Menopause, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (R.E.N.); (L.T.)
- Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Andrea Farolfi
- Department of Pediatrics, “Vittore Buzzi” Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milano, Italy; (A.F.); (V.R.); (G.Z.)
| | - Lara Tiranini
- Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Gynecological Endocrinology and Menopause, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (R.E.N.); (L.T.)
- Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Virginia Rossi
- Department of Pediatrics, “Vittore Buzzi” Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milano, Italy; (A.F.); (V.R.); (G.Z.)
| | - Corrado Regalbuto
- Pediatric Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Gianvincenzo Zuccotti
- Department of Pediatrics, “Vittore Buzzi” Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milano, Italy; (A.F.); (V.R.); (G.Z.)
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Science “L. Sacco”, University of Milano, 20157 Milano, Italy
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17
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Bourque M, Soulet D, Di Paolo T. Androgens and Parkinson's Disease: A Review of Human Studies and Animal Models. ANDROGENS: CLINICAL RESEARCH AND THERAPEUTICS 2022; 2:294-303. [PMID: 35024696 PMCID: PMC8744006 DOI: 10.1089/andro.2021.0011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder after Alzheimer's disease. A greater prevalence and incidence of PD are reported in men than in women, suggesting a potential contribution of sex, genetic difference and/or sex hormones. This review presents an overview of epidemiological and clinical studies investigating sex differences in the incidence and symptoms of PD. This sex difference is replicated in animal models of PD showing an important neuroprotective role of sex steroids. Therefore, although gender and genetic factors likely contribute to the sex difference in PD, focus here will be on sex hormones because of their neuroprotective role. Androgens receive less attention than estrogen. It is well known that endogenous androgens are more abundant in healthy men than in women and decrease with aging; lower levels are reported in PD men than in healthy male subjects. Drug treatments with androgens, androgen precursors, antiandrogens, and drugs modifying androgen metabolism are available to treat various endocrine conditions, thus having translational value for PD but none have yet given sufficient positive effects for PD. Variability in the androgen receptor is reported in humans and is an additional factor in the response to androgens. In animal models of PD used to study neuroprotective activity, the androgens testosterone and dihydrotestosterone have given inconsistent results. 5α-Reductase inhibitors have shown neuroprotective activity in animal models of PD and antidyskinetic activity. Hence, androgens have not consistently shown beneficial or deleterious effects in PD but numerous androgen-related drugs are available that could be repurposed for PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mélanie Bourque
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Axe Neurosciences, Québec, Canada
| | - Denis Soulet
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Axe Neurosciences, Québec, Canada.,Faculté de pharmacie, Pavillon Ferdinand-Vandry, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Thérèse Di Paolo
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Axe Neurosciences, Québec, Canada.,Faculté de pharmacie, Pavillon Ferdinand-Vandry, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
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18
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Isenbrandt A, Morissette M, Bourque M, Lamontagne-Proulx J, Coulombe K, Soulet D, Di Paolo T. Effect of sex and gonadectomy on brain MPTP toxicity and response to dutasteride treatment in mice. Neuropharmacology 2021; 201:108784. [PMID: 34555366 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2021.108784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The main neuropathological feature of Parkinson's disease (PD) is degeneration of dopamine (DA) neurons in the substantia nigra (SN); PD prevalence is higher in men, suggesting a role of sex hormones in neuroprotection. This study sought the effects of sex hormones in the brain in a mouse model of PD and modulation of steroid metabolism/synthesis with the 5α-reductase inhibitor dutasteride shown to protect 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) male mice. Male and female mice were gonadectomized (GDX) or SHAM operated. They were treated with vehicle or dutasteride (5 mg/kg) for 10 days and administered a low dose of MPTP (5.5 mg/kg) or saline on the 5th day to model early PD; brains were collected thereafter. Striatal measures of the active metabolite 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+) contents showed no difference supporting an effect of the experimental conditions investigated. In SHAM MPTP male mice loss of striatal DA and metabolites, DA transporter (DAT) and vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) specific binding in the striatum and SN was prevented by dutasteride treatment; these changes were inversely correlated with glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP, an astrogliosis marker) levels. In SHAM female mice MPTP treatment had little or no effect on striatal and SN DA markers and GFAP levels whereas GDX male and female mice showed a similar loss of striatal DA markers and increase of GFAP. No effect of dutasteride treatment was observed in GDX male and female mice. In conclusion, sex differences in mice MPTP toxicity and response to dutasteride were observed that were lost upon gonadectomy implicating neuroinflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amandine Isenbrandt
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Axe Neurosciences, 2705, Boulevard Laurier, Québec, (Québec), G1V4G2, Canada; Faculté de Pharmacie, Pavillon Ferdinand-Vandry, 1050, avenue de la Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, (Québec) G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Marc Morissette
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Axe Neurosciences, 2705, Boulevard Laurier, Québec, (Québec), G1V4G2, Canada
| | - Mélanie Bourque
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Axe Neurosciences, 2705, Boulevard Laurier, Québec, (Québec), G1V4G2, Canada
| | - Jérôme Lamontagne-Proulx
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Axe Neurosciences, 2705, Boulevard Laurier, Québec, (Québec), G1V4G2, Canada; Faculté de Pharmacie, Pavillon Ferdinand-Vandry, 1050, avenue de la Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, (Québec) G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Katherine Coulombe
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Axe Neurosciences, 2705, Boulevard Laurier, Québec, (Québec), G1V4G2, Canada
| | - Denis Soulet
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Axe Neurosciences, 2705, Boulevard Laurier, Québec, (Québec), G1V4G2, Canada; Faculté de Pharmacie, Pavillon Ferdinand-Vandry, 1050, avenue de la Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, (Québec) G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Thérèse Di Paolo
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Axe Neurosciences, 2705, Boulevard Laurier, Québec, (Québec), G1V4G2, Canada; Faculté de Pharmacie, Pavillon Ferdinand-Vandry, 1050, avenue de la Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, (Québec) G1V 0A6, Canada.
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19
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Co-Expression of Nogo-A in Dopaminergic Neurons of the Human Substantia Nigra Pars Compacta Is Reduced in Parkinson’s Disease. Cells 2021; 10:cells10123368. [PMID: 34943877 PMCID: PMC8699585 DOI: 10.3390/cells10123368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson’s disease is mainly characterized by a progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. Together with the small number, the high vulnerability of the dopaminergic neurons is a major pathogenic culprit of Parkinson’s disease. Our previous findings of a higher survival of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra co-expressing Nogo-A in an animal model of Parkinson’s disease suggested that Nogo-A may be associated with dopaminergic neurons resilience against Parkinson’s disease neurodegeneration. In the present study, we have addressed the expression of Nogo-A in the dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra in postmortem specimens of diseased and non-diseased subjects of different ages. For this purpose, in a collaborative effort we developed a tissue micro array (TMA) that allows for simultaneous staining of many samples in a single run. Interestingly, and in contrast to the observations gathered during normal aging and in the animal model of Parkinson’s disease, increasing age was significantly associated with a lower co-expression of Nogo-A in nigral dopaminergic neurons of patients with Parkinson’s disease. In sum, while Nogo-A expression in dopaminergic neurons is higher with increasing age, the opposite is the case in Parkinson’s disease. These observations suggest that Nogo-A might play a substantial role in the vulnerability of dopaminergic neurons in Parkinson’s disease.
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20
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Lima AC, Meurer YSR, Bioni VS, Cunha DMG, Gonçalves N, Lopes-Silva LB, Becegato M, Soares MBL, Marinho GF, Santos JR, Silva RH. Female Rats Are Resistant to Cognitive, Motor and Dopaminergic Deficits in the Reserpine-Induced Progressive Model of Parkinson's Disease. Front Aging Neurosci 2021; 13:757714. [PMID: 34759815 PMCID: PMC8573221 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2021.757714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease. The main symptoms are motor signs such as resting tremor and difficulty in initializing movements. Non-motor alterations, such as cognitive deficits, can precede the motor symptoms. PD is more frequent in men than women. The mechanisms related to this difference are not completely understood. There is evidence that females present distinct characteristics in dopaminergic function compared to males. While the severity of motor impairments is often compared between sexes, little is known about sex differences in the prodromal stage. Most animal models of PD present acute severe motor impairment, which precludes the study of non-motor symptoms. Our research group have proposed an adaptation of the classic reserpine protocol, using low doses in a chronic treatment. This method allows the observation of progressive motor impairment as well as premotor deficits. Here we investigate possible behavioral and neuronal sex differences in the effects of the repeated treatment with a low dose of reserpine in rats. Male and female Wistar rats received 10–15 injections of reserpine (0.1 mg/kg) or vehicle, on alternate days. We followed-up the estrous cycle phases and conducted motor and cognitive assessments (catalepsy, open field, oral movements and object recognition tests). The euthanasia occurred 48 h after the 10th or 15th injections, with the collection of blood for the quantification of sex hormones and brains for tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunohistochemistry in the substantia nigra pars compact (SNpc). Reserpine induced progressive catalepsy, involuntary oral movements and cognitive deficits in male rats. The behavioral effects of reserpine were attenuated (motor) or absent (cognitive) in females. Reserpine decreased TH immunoreactivity in males, but not in females. Estrogen levels in females negatively correlated with catalepsy duration. Our findings show that females present a delay and/or a prevention in the reserpine-induced motor alterations in the progressive PD model, compatible with the lower prevalence of this disease in women. Further, females were protected from the deficit in object recognition at the prodromal stage. The absence of reserpine-induce decrease in TH immunoreactivity suggests that differences in dopaminergic function/plasticity are related to this protection in female sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alvaro C Lima
- Behavioral Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ywlliane S R Meurer
- Behavioral Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Memory and Cognition Studies Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Universidade Federal da Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil
| | - Vinicius S Bioni
- Behavioral Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Débora M G Cunha
- Behavioral Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Narriman Gonçalves
- Behavioral Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Leonardo B Lopes-Silva
- Behavioral Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcela Becegato
- Behavioral Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Manuela B L Soares
- Behavioral Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gabriela F Marinho
- Behavioral Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - José R Santos
- Behavioral and Evolutionary Neurobiology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences, Universidade Federal de Sergipe, Itabaiana, Brazil
| | - Regina H Silva
- Behavioral Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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21
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Shuster B, Casserly R, Lipford E, Olszewski R, Milon B, Viechweg S, Davidson K, Enoch J, McMurray M, Rutherford MA, Ohlemiller KK, Hoa M, Depireux DA, Mong JA, Hertzano R. Estradiol Protects against Noise-Induced Hearing Loss and Modulates Auditory Physiology in Female Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:12208. [PMID: 34830090 PMCID: PMC8620009 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have identified sex-differences in auditory physiology and in the susceptibility to noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). We hypothesize that 17β-estradiol (E2), a known modulator of auditory physiology, may underpin sex-differences in the response to noise trauma. Here, we gonadectomized B6CBAF1/J mice and used a combination of electrophysiological and histological techniques to study the effects of estrogen replacement on peripheral auditory physiology in the absence of noise exposure and on protection from NIHL. Functional analysis of auditory physiology in gonadectomized female mice revealed that E2-treatment modulated the peripheral response to sound in the absence of changes to the endocochlear potential compared to vehicle-treatment. E2-replacement in gonadectomized female mice protected against hearing loss following permanent threshold shift (PTS)- and temporary threshold shift (TTS)-inducing noise exposures. Histological analysis of the cochlear tissue revealed that E2-replacement mitigated outer hair cell loss and cochlear synaptopathy following noise exposure compared to vehicle-treatment. Lastly, using fluorescent in situ hybridization, we demonstrate co-localization of estrogen receptor-2 with type-1C, high threshold spiral ganglion neurons, suggesting that the observed protection from cochlear synaptopathy may occur through E2-mediated preservation of these neurons. Taken together, these data indicate the estrogen signaling pathways may be harnessed for the prevention and treatment of NIHL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Shuster
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; (B.S.); (R.C.); (E.L.); (B.M.); (M.M.)
| | - Ryan Casserly
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; (B.S.); (R.C.); (E.L.); (B.M.); (M.M.)
| | - Erika Lipford
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; (B.S.); (R.C.); (E.L.); (B.M.); (M.M.)
| | - Rafal Olszewski
- Auditory Development and Restoration Program, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (R.O.); (M.H.)
| | - Béatrice Milon
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; (B.S.); (R.C.); (E.L.); (B.M.); (M.M.)
| | - Shaun Viechweg
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; (S.V.); (K.D.); (J.E.); (J.A.M.)
| | - Kanisa Davidson
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; (S.V.); (K.D.); (J.E.); (J.A.M.)
| | - Jennifer Enoch
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; (S.V.); (K.D.); (J.E.); (J.A.M.)
| | - Mark McMurray
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; (B.S.); (R.C.); (E.L.); (B.M.); (M.M.)
| | - Mark A. Rutherford
- Department of Otolaryngology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; (M.A.R.); (K.K.O.)
| | - Kevin K. Ohlemiller
- Department of Otolaryngology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; (M.A.R.); (K.K.O.)
| | - Michael Hoa
- Auditory Development and Restoration Program, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (R.O.); (M.H.)
| | | | - Jessica A. Mong
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; (S.V.); (K.D.); (J.E.); (J.A.M.)
| | - Ronna Hertzano
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; (B.S.); (R.C.); (E.L.); (B.M.); (M.M.)
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
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22
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Makav M, Eroğlu HA. Recuperative effect of estrogen on rotenone-induced experimental model of Parkinson's disease in rats. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:21266-21275. [PMID: 33410082 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-11985-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/06/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is described as the loss of dopaminergic neurons located in the substantia nigra (SN) region of the brain and a progressive motor failure. Increased frequency of PD in women, especially after menopause, suggests the effect of estrogen. This view has been supported with empirical studies. Therefore, the effect of estrogen in an experimental model of Parkinson's disease induced by rotenone was investigated. A total of 32 female Wistar Albino rats were randomly assigned to four groups (control group, ovariectomy group, Parkinson's group, Parkinson's + estrogen group). The Parkinson's group received rotenone subcutanously at the dose of 2.5 mg/kg bw, on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd 4th, 6th, 9th, 12th, 15th, 18th, and 21st days animals in the Parkinson's + estrogen group received retonon as in the Parkinson's group and was additionally subcutaneously given estrogen (implant containing 0.5 mg 17 β-estradiol lasting for 21 days). The rats were subjected to rotarod, pole, and swimming tests at the end of the experiment for comparison of their motor activities, and then, histopathological and biochemical analyses were performed on the tissues that were extracted. The rotarod results revealed that Parkinson's group had the shortest time (32.33 ± 3.98 sn) than the groups of control (92.50 ± 12.60 s) ovariectomy (71.42 ± 10.58 s), and Parkinson's + estrogen (71.37 ± 9.26 s). The results of pole disclosed that return and landing time prolonged for Parkinson's group when compared with other groups (return time for control 2.98 ± 0.38 s, ovariectomy 3.02 ± 0.75 s, Parkinson 5.91 ± 0.33 s, Parkinson's + estrogen 3.48 ± 0.42 s and landing time for control 5.30 ± 0.59 s, ovariectomy 5.45 ± 0.73 s, Parkinson 9.80 ± 0.90 s, Parkinson's + estrogen 5.37 ± 1.02 s). Parkinson's group had longest (90.71 ± 12.56 s) swimming time to reach the target when compared with control (33.16 ± 8.68 s), ovariectomy (47.37 ± 12.19 s), and Parkinson's + estrogen (49.82 ± 5.78 s). Histopathological examination indicated a significant difference in tyrosine hydroxylase-stained cells (dopaminergic neurons and dopamine) between the Parkinson's + estrogen group and the Parkinson's group. The biochemical analyses of Caspas-3 activation in SN and striatum (STR) was significantly different between the Parkinson's + estrogen group and the Parkinson's group, but this difference was not observed in STR while evaluating Bcl-2. The results of this study suggested that estrogen may have a recuperative effect on PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustafa Makav
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafkas University, Paşaçayırı Campus, TR-36100, Kars, Turkey.
| | - Hüseyin Avni Eroğlu
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Çanakkale, Turkey
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23
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A probabilistic atlas of the human ventral tegmental area (VTA) based on 7 Tesla MRI data. Brain Struct Funct 2021; 226:1155-1167. [PMID: 33580320 PMCID: PMC8036186 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-021-02231-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) BOLD signal is commonly localized by using neuroanatomical atlases, which can also serve for region of interest analyses. Yet, the available MRI atlases have serious limitations when it comes to imaging subcortical structures: only 7% of the 455 subcortical nuclei are captured by current atlases. This highlights the general difficulty in mapping smaller nuclei deep in the brain, which can be addressed using ultra-high field 7 Tesla (T) MRI. The ventral tegmental area (VTA) is a subcortical structure that plays a pivotal role in reward processing, learning and memory. Despite the significant interest in this nucleus in cognitive neuroscience, there are currently no available, anatomically precise VTA atlases derived from 7 T MRI data that cover the full region of the VTA. Here, we first provide a protocol for multimodal VTA imaging and delineation. We then provide a data description of a probabilistic VTA atlas based on in vivo 7 T MRI data.
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24
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Parkinson's disease in women: Mechanisms underlying sex differences. Eur J Pharmacol 2021; 895:173862. [PMID: 33450279 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.173862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disease which is associated with different motor, cognitive and mood-related problems. Though it has been established that Parkinson's disease is less prevalent in women in comparison to men, the differences tend to diminish with the advancing age. Different genetic, hormonal, neuroendocrinal and molecular players contribute towards the differences in the Parkinson's disease pathogenesis. Furthermore, data available with respect to the therapeutic management of Parkinson's disease in females is limited; women often tend to suffer more from the side effects of the currently available drugs. The present review highlights the sex-specific differences which play a role in the manifestation of these symptoms and side effects of the currently available therapeutic strategies. We have also discussed the current and upcoming therapeutic strategies which are in the clinical trials such as adenosine 2A (A2A) receptor antagonists, estrogen replacement therapy, α-synuclein targeting vaccines and antibodies, Botulinum toxin A, Fas-associated factor-1 (FAF-1) inhibitors, thiazolidinediones, 5-HT1A receptor agonists, dopamine D1/D5 receptor agonists, Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) analogues and certain plant based principles for the treatment of Parkinson's disease in women.
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25
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Jacobs BM, Belete D, Bestwick J, Blauwendraat C, Bandres-Ciga S, Heilbron K, Dobson R, Nalls MA, Singleton A, Hardy J, Giovannoni G, Lees AJ, Schrag AE, Noyce AJ. Parkinson's disease determinants, prediction and gene-environment interactions in the UK Biobank. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2020; 91:1046-1054. [PMID: 32934108 PMCID: PMC7509524 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2020-323646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2020] [Revised: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To systematically investigate the association of environmental risk factors and prodromal features with incident Parkinson's disease (PD) diagnosis and the interaction of genetic risk with these factors. To evaluate whether existing risk prediction algorithms are improved by the inclusion of genetic risk scores. METHODS We identified individuals with an incident diagnosis of PD (n=1276) and controls (n=500 406) in UK Biobank. We determined the association of risk factors with incident PD using adjusted logistic regression models. We constructed polygenic risk scores (PRSs) using external weights and selected the best PRS from a subset of the cohort (30%). The PRS was used in a separate testing set (70%) to examine gene-environment interactions and compare predictive models for PD. RESULTS Strong evidence of association (false discovery rate <0.05) was found between PD and a positive family history of PD, a positive family history of dementia, non-smoking, low alcohol consumption, depression, daytime somnolence, epilepsy and earlier menarche. Individuals with the highest 10% of PRSs had increased risk of PD (OR 3.37, 95% CI 2.41 to 4.70) compared with the lowest risk decile. A higher PRS was associated with earlier age at PD diagnosis and inclusion of the PRS in the PREDICT-PD algorithm led to a modest improvement in model performance. We found evidence of an interaction between the PRS and diabetes. INTERPRETATION Here, we used UK Biobank data to reproduce several well-known associations with PD, to demonstrate the validity of a PRS and to demonstrate a novel gene-environment interaction, whereby the effect of diabetes on PD risk appears to depend on background genetic risk for PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Meir Jacobs
- Preventive Neurology Unit, Wolfson Institute of Preventive Medicine, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, London, UK
| | - Daniel Belete
- Preventive Neurology Unit, Wolfson Institute of Preventive Medicine, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, London, UK
| | - Jonathan Bestwick
- Preventive Neurology Unit, Wolfson Institute of Preventive Medicine, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, London, UK
| | - Cornelis Blauwendraat
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Sara Bandres-Ciga
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Ruth Dobson
- Preventive Neurology Unit, Wolfson Institute of Preventive Medicine, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, London, UK
| | - Mike A Nalls
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Andrew Singleton
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - John Hardy
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Gavin Giovannoni
- Preventive Neurology Unit, Wolfson Institute of Preventive Medicine, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, London, UK.,Centre for Neuroscience and Trauma, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Blizard Institute, London, UK
| | - Andrew John Lees
- Reta Lila Weston Institute of Neurological Studies and Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Anette-Eleonore Schrag
- Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Alastair J Noyce
- Preventive Neurology Unit, Wolfson Institute of Preventive Medicine, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, London, UK .,Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK
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26
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De Miranda BR, Fazzari M, Rocha EM, Castro S, Greenamyre JT. Sex Differences in Rotenone Sensitivity Reflect the Male-to-Female Ratio in Human Parkinson's Disease Incidence. Toxicol Sci 2020; 170:133-143. [PMID: 30907971 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfz082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a critical need to include female subjects in disease research; however, in Parkinson's disease, where the male-to-female incidence is about 1.5-to-1, the majority of preclinical research is conducted in male animals. The mitochondrial complex I inhibitor, rotenone, is selectively toxic to dopaminergic neurons, and reproduces several neuropathological features of Parkinson's disease, including α-synuclein pathology. Rotenone has been primarily utilized in male Lewis rats; however, pilot studies in age-matched female Lewis rats revealed that our usual dose (2.8 mg/kg/day intraperitoneal [i.p.]) did not cause dopaminergic neurodegeneration. Therefore, we compared rotenone-treated males (2.8 mg/kg/day, i.p.) to females at increasing doses (2.8 mg/kg/day, 3.2 mg/kg/day, 3.6 mg/kg/day, and 1.6 mg/kg bis in die, i.p.). Female rats receiving 3.2 mg/kg, and 3.6 mg/kg rotenone displayed significant loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra as assessed by stereology, which was accompanied by a loss of striatal dopaminergic terminals. Even at these higher doses, however, females showed less inflammation, and less accumulation of α-synuclein and transferrin, possibly as a result of preserved autophagy. Thus, the bias toward increased male incidence of human Parkinson's disease is reflected in the rotenone model. Whether such sex differences will translate into differences in responses to mechanism-driven therapeutic interventions remains to be determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Briana R De Miranda
- Pittsburgh Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases.,Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15213
| | - Marco Fazzari
- Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15261.,Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15261.,Fondazione Ri.MED, Via Bandiera 11, Palermo 90133, Italy
| | - Emily M Rocha
- Pittsburgh Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases.,Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15213
| | - Sandra Castro
- Pittsburgh Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases.,Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15213
| | - J Timothy Greenamyre
- Pittsburgh Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases.,Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15213
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27
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Vegeto E, Villa A, Della Torre S, Crippa V, Rusmini P, Cristofani R, Galbiati M, Maggi A, Poletti A. The Role of Sex and Sex Hormones in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Endocr Rev 2020; 41:5572525. [PMID: 31544208 PMCID: PMC7156855 DOI: 10.1210/endrev/bnz005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) are a wide class of disorders of the central nervous system (CNS) with unknown etiology. Several factors were hypothesized to be involved in the pathogenesis of these diseases, including genetic and environmental factors. Many of these diseases show a sex prevalence and sex steroids were shown to have a role in the progression of specific forms of neurodegeneration. Estrogens were reported to be neuroprotective through their action on cognate nuclear and membrane receptors, while adverse effects of male hormones have been described on neuronal cells, although some data also suggest neuroprotective activities. The response of the CNS to sex steroids is a complex and integrated process that depends on (i) the type and amount of the cognate steroid receptor and (ii) the target cell type-either neurons, glia, or microglia. Moreover, the levels of sex steroids in the CNS fluctuate due to gonadal activities and to local metabolism and synthesis. Importantly, biochemical processes involved in the pathogenesis of NDs are increasingly being recognized as different between the two sexes and as influenced by sex steroids. The aim of this review is to present current state-of-the-art understanding on the potential role of sex steroids and their receptors on the onset and progression of major neurodegenerative disorders, namely, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's diseases, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and the peculiar motoneuron disease spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy, in which hormonal therapy is potentially useful as disease modifier.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Vegeto
- Center of Excellence on Neurodegenerative Diseases, Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy.,Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche (DiSFarm), Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy
| | - Alessandro Villa
- Center of Excellence on Neurodegenerative Diseases, Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy.,Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute (DiSS), Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy
| | - Sara Della Torre
- Center of Excellence on Neurodegenerative Diseases, Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy.,Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche (DiSFarm), Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy
| | - Valeria Crippa
- Center of Excellence on Neurodegenerative Diseases, Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy.,Dipartimento di Eccellenza di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari (DiSFeB), Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy
| | - Paola Rusmini
- Center of Excellence on Neurodegenerative Diseases, Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy.,Dipartimento di Eccellenza di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari (DiSFeB), Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy
| | - Riccardo Cristofani
- Center of Excellence on Neurodegenerative Diseases, Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy.,Dipartimento di Eccellenza di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari (DiSFeB), Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy
| | - Mariarita Galbiati
- Center of Excellence on Neurodegenerative Diseases, Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy.,Dipartimento di Eccellenza di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari (DiSFeB), Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy
| | - Adriana Maggi
- Center of Excellence on Neurodegenerative Diseases, Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy.,Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche (DiSFarm), Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy
| | - Angelo Poletti
- Center of Excellence on Neurodegenerative Diseases, Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy.,Dipartimento di Eccellenza di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari (DiSFeB), Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy
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28
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Sexual hormones regulate the redox status and mitochondrial function in the brain. Pathological implications. Redox Biol 2020; 31:101505. [PMID: 32201220 PMCID: PMC7212485 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2020.101505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Revised: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Compared to other organs, the brain is especially exposed to oxidative stress. In general, brains from young females tend to present lower oxidative damage in comparison to their male counterparts. This has been attributed to higher antioxidant defenses and a better mitochondrial function in females, which has been linked to neuroprotection in this group. However, these differences usually disappear with aging, and the incidence of brain pathologies increases in aged females. Sexual hormones, which suffer a decrease with normal aging, have been proposed as the key factors involved in these gender differences. Here, we provide an overview of redox status and mitochondrial function regulation by sexual hormones and their influence in normal brain aging. Furthermore, we discuss how sexual hormones, as well as phytoestrogens, may play an important role in the development and progression of several brain pathologies, including neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, stroke or brain cancer. Sex hormones are reduced with aging, especially in females, affecting redox balance. Normal aging is associated to a worse redox homeostasis in the brain. Young females show better mitochondrial function and higher antioxidant defenses. Development of brain pathologies is influenced by sex hormones and phytoestrogens.
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29
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Alves JM, Luo S, Chow T, Herting M, Xiang AH, Page KA. Sex differences in the association between prenatal exposure to maternal obesity and hippocampal volume in children. Brain Behav 2020; 10:e01522. [PMID: 31903710 PMCID: PMC7010582 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.1522] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2019] [Revised: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Animal studies have shown that male but not female offspring exposed to maternal obesity have abnormal hippocampal development. Similar sex differences were observed in animal models of developmental programming by prenatal stress or maternal diabetes. We aimed to translate this work into humans by examining sex-specific effects of exposure to maternal obesity on hippocampal volume in children. METHODS Eighty-eight children (37 boys and 51 girls) aged 7-11 years completed the study. Maternal prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) was obtained from electronic medical records. A high-resolution anatomical scan was performed using a 3-Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner. Total hippocampal volume and hippocampal subfield volumes were analyzed using FreeSurfer 6.0. Linear regression was used to investigate sex differences in relationships between maternal prepregnancy BMI and child hippocampal volume. RESULTS Maternal prepregnancy BMI ranged from 19.0 to 50.4 kg/m2 . We observed a significant interaction between maternal prepregnancy BMI and sex on total hippocampal volume (p < .001) such that boys (r = -.39, p = .018) but not girls (r = .11, p = .45) had a significant negative relationship between maternal prepregnancy BMI and total hippocampal volume. This relationship in boys remained significant after adjusting for child and maternal covariates (β = -126.98, p = .012). The sex interactions with prepregnancy BMI were consistently observed in hippocampal subfields CA1 (p = .008), CA2/3 (p = .016), CA4 (p = .002), dentate gyrus (p < .001), and subiculum (p < .001). CONCLUSIONS Our results support findings in animal models and suggest that boys may be more vulnerable to the adverse effects of exposure to maternal obesity on hippocampal development than girls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmin M Alves
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Diabetes and Obesity Research Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Shan Luo
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Diabetes and Obesity Research Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Ting Chow
- Department of Research and Evaluation, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Megan Herting
- Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Anny H Xiang
- Department of Research and Evaluation, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Kathleen A Page
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Diabetes and Obesity Research Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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30
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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: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [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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31
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Kolmancic K, Perellón-Alfonso R, Pirtosek Z, Rothwell JC, Bhatia K, Kojovic M. Sex differences in Parkinson's disease: A transcranial magnetic stimulation study. Mov Disord 2019; 34:1873-1881. [PMID: 31603570 DOI: 10.1002/mds.27870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Revised: 08/25/2019] [Accepted: 08/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Demographic and clinical studies imply that female sex may be protective for PD, but pathophysiological evidence to support these observations is missing. In early PD, functional changes may be detected in primary motor cortex using transcranial magnetic stimulation. OBJECTIVE We hypothesised that if pathophysiology differs between sexes in PD, this will be reflected in differences of motor cortex measurements. METHODS Forty-one newly diagnosed PD patients (22 males, 19 females) were clinically assessed using MDS-UPDRS part III, and various measures of cortical excitability and sensorimotor cortex plasticity were measured over both hemispheres, corresponding to the less and more affected side, using transcranial magnetic stimulation. Twenty-three healthy (10 men, 13 women) participants were studied for comparison. RESULTS Among patients, no significant differences between sexes were found in age, age of diagnosis, symptom duration, and total or lateralized motor score. However, male patients had disturbed interhemispheric balance of motor thresholds, caused by decreased resting and active motor thresholds in the more affected hemisphere. Short interval intracortical inhibition was more effective in female compared to male patients in both hemispheres. Female patients had a preserved physiological focal response to sensorimotor plasticity protocol, whereas male patients showed an abnormal spread of the protocol effect. CONCLUSION The study provides one of the first neurophysiological evidences of sex differences in early PD. Female patients have a more favorable profile of transcranial magnetic stimulation measures, possibly reflecting a more successful cortical compensation or delayed maladaptive changes in the sensorimotor cortex. © 2019 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaja Kolmancic
- Institute of Pathophysiology, University of Ljubljana, Medical Faculty, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Department of Neurology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | | | - Zvezdan Pirtosek
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - John C Rothwell
- UCL Queen's Square, Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Kailash Bhatia
- UCL Queen's Square, Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Maja Kojovic
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Sex differences in the progressive model of parkinsonism induced by reserpine in rats. Behav Brain Res 2019; 363:23-29. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2019.01.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2018] [Revised: 01/05/2019] [Accepted: 01/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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Feng H, Larrivee CL, Demireva EY, Xie H, Leipprandt JR, Neubig RR. Mouse models of GNAO1-associated movement disorder: Allele- and sex-specific differences in phenotypes. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0211066. [PMID: 30682176 PMCID: PMC6347370 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0211066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2018] [Accepted: 01/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infants and children with dominant de novo mutations in GNAO1 exhibit movement disorders, epilepsy, or both. Children with loss-of-function (LOF) mutations exhibit Epileptiform Encephalopathy 17 (EIEE17). Gain-of-function (GOF) mutations or those with normal function are found in patients with Neurodevelopmental Disorder with Involuntary Movements (NEDIM). There is no animal model with a human mutant GNAO1 allele. OBJECTIVES Here we develop a mouse model carrying a human GNAO1 mutation (G203R) and determine whether the clinical features of patients with this GNAO1 mutation, which includes both epilepsy and movement disorder, would be evident in the mouse model. METHODS A mouse Gnao1 knock-in GOF mutation (G203R) was created by CRISPR/Cas9 methods. The resulting offspring and littermate controls were subjected to a battery of behavioral tests. A previously reported GOF mutant mouse knock-in (Gnao1+/G184S), which has not been found in patients, was also studied for comparison. RESULTS Gnao1+/G203R mutant mice are viable and gain weight comparably to controls. Homozygotes are non-viable. Grip strength was decreased in both males and females. Male Gnao1+/G203R mice were strongly affected in movement assays (RotaRod and DigiGait) while females were not. Male Gnao1+/G203R mice also showed enhanced seizure propensity in the pentylenetetrazole kindling test. Mice with a G184S GOF knock-in also showed movement-related behavioral phenotypes but females were more strongly affected than males. CONCLUSIONS Gnao1+/G203R mice phenocopy children with heterozygous GNAO1 G203R mutations, showing both movement disorder and a relatively mild epilepsy pattern. This mouse model should be useful in mechanistic and preclinical studies of GNAO1-related movement disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huijie Feng
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States of America
| | - Casandra L. Larrivee
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States of America
| | - Elena Y. Demireva
- Transgenic and Genome Editing Facility, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States of America
| | - Huirong Xie
- Transgenic and Genome Editing Facility, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States of America
| | - Jeff R. Leipprandt
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States of America
| | - Richard R. Neubig
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States of America
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Villa A, Della Torre S, Maggi A. Sexual differentiation of microglia. Front Neuroendocrinol 2019; 52:156-164. [PMID: 30481522 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2018.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2018] [Revised: 11/07/2018] [Accepted: 11/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Sex plays a role in the incidence and outcome of neurological illnesses, also influencing the response to treatments. Despite sexual differentiation of the brain has been extensively investigated, the study of sex differences in microglia, the brain's resident immune cells, has been largely neglected until recently. To fulfill this gap, our laboratory developed several tools, including cellular and animal models, which bolstered in-depth studies on sexual differentiation of microglia and its impact on brain physiology, as well as on the onset and progression of neurological disorders. Here, we summarize the current status of knowledge on the sex-dependent function of microglia, and report recent evidence linking these cells to the sexual bias in the susceptibility to neurological brain diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Villa
- Center of Excellence on Neurodegenerative Diseases and Dept of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, via Balzaretti, 9, Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Della Torre
- Center of Excellence on Neurodegenerative Diseases and Dept of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, via Balzaretti, 9, Milan, Italy
| | - Adriana Maggi
- Center of Excellence on Neurodegenerative Diseases and Dept of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, via Balzaretti, 9, Milan, Italy.
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Snyder B, Duong P, Trieu J, Cunningham RL. Androgens modulate chronic intermittent hypoxia effects on brain and behavior. Horm Behav 2018; 106:62-73. [PMID: 30268884 PMCID: PMC6486829 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2018.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2018] [Revised: 09/19/2018] [Accepted: 09/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Sleep apnea is associated with testosterone dysregulation as well as increased risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD). A rodent model of the hypoxemic events of sleep apnea, chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH), has been previously documented to impair cognitive function and elevate oxidative stress in male rats, while simultaneously decreasing testosterone. Therefore, androgens may modulate neuronal function under CIH. To investigate the role of androgens during CIH, male rats were assigned to one of four hormone groups: 1) gonadally intact, 2) gonadectomized (GDX), 3) GDX + testosterone (T) supplemented, or 4) GDX + dihydrotestosterone (DHT) supplemented. Each group was exposed to either normal room air or CIH exposure for one week, followed by memory and motor task assessments. Brain regions associated with AD and PD (entorhinal cortex, dorsal hippocampus, and substantia nigra) were examined for oxidative stress and inflammatory markers, key characteristics of AD and PD. Gonadally intact rats exhibited elevated oxidative stress due to CIH, but no significant memory and motor impairments. GDX increased memory impairments, regardless of CIH exposure. T preserved memory function and prevented detrimental CIH-induced changes. In contrast, DHT was not protective, as evidenced by exacerbated oxidative stress under CIH. Further, CIH induced significant spatial memory impairment in rats administered DHT. These results indicate androgens can have both neuroprotective and detrimental effects under CIH, which may have clinical relevance for men with untreated sleep apnea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brina Snyder
- Department of Physiology and Anatomy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, United States of America
| | - Phong Duong
- Department of Physiology and Anatomy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, United States of America
| | - Jenny Trieu
- Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, United States of America
| | - Rebecca L Cunningham
- Department of Physiology and Anatomy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, United States of America.
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Li X, Feng Z, Tang W, Yu X, Qian Y, Liu B, Li X, Yang R, Yu Y. Sex Differences in Clinical Characteristics and Brain MRI Change in Patients With Wilson's Disease in a Chinese Population. Front Physiol 2018; 9:1429. [PMID: 30356741 PMCID: PMC6189412 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.01429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2018] [Accepted: 09/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Wilson’s disease (WD) is an inborn copper metabolism disease. Sex differences in clinical features of WD patients have been reported; however, the effect of sex on brain MRI is still unclear, especially for Chinese WD patients. Therefore, we aimed to examine sex differences in clinical correlates and brain MRI changes in WD patients in a Chinese Han population. Methods: 535 WD patients were enrolled and underwent MRI scanning. These patients were subdivided by the clinical symptoms, Kayser–Fleischer (K–F) rings, laboratory tests and sex. The mean age of onset and diagnosis, disease latency, localization of brain MRI lesions, and the level of copper metabolism were compared between male and female patients. Results: The neuropsychiatric form (452 and 84.5%) was the most common subtype. Compared to female patients, male patients had a higher percentage in three clinical forms: neuropsychiatric form (263 and 58.2%), hepatic form (41 and 59.4%), and presymptomatic form (10 and 71.4%). In the neuropsychiatric form, male patients had the earlier age of onset and definitive diagnosis, and shorter time of disease latency than female patients. Putamen was the most common site for lesions in brain MRI of three groups. In the hepatic form, more male patients showed the ventricular widening than female patients (14/41 vs. 3/28; p < 0.05). The level of serum ceruloplasmin and copper of WD patients with neuropsychiatric form was higher than that of male patients with hepatic or presymptomatic form. In women, however, patients of presymptomatic form have the highest level of the ceruloplasmin, and the level of serum copper in hepatic patients was highest. Conclusion: Our findings suggest sex differences in the percentage of three clinical forms. Meanwhile, the mean age of onset and diagnosis of female was higher than male, also happened in the disease latency. Only in the hepatic form, there was a sex difference in the ventricular widening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohu Li
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Zhiqiang Feng
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Wei Tang
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Xuen Yu
- Department of Neurology, The Hospital Affiliated of Anhui College of TCM, Hefei, China
| | - Yinfeng Qian
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Bin Liu
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Xiaoshu Li
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Renmin Yang
- Department of Neurology, The Hospital Affiliated of Anhui College of TCM, Hefei, China
| | - Yongqiang Yu
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
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Neurological health and premature ovarian insufficiency - pathogenesis and clinical management. PRZEGLAD MENOPAUZALNY = MENOPAUSE REVIEW 2018; 17:120-123. [PMID: 30356991 PMCID: PMC6196775 DOI: 10.5114/pm.2018.78555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2018] [Accepted: 07/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is related to neurological problems through neurological symptoms of oestrogen deficiency, diseases caused by oestrogen deficiency, and neurological genetic diseases. Neurological symptoms of oestrogen deficiency are usually reported as climacteric symptoms. Diseases caused by oestrogen deficiency are dementia, cognitive decline, and Parkinsonism. Among genetic neurological disorders, ovarioleukodystrophy and fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS) are reported.
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Pinares-Garcia P, Stratikopoulos M, Zagato A, Loke H, Lee J. Sex: A Significant Risk Factor for Neurodevelopmental and Neurodegenerative Disorders. Brain Sci 2018; 8:E154. [PMID: 30104506 PMCID: PMC6120011 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci8080154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2018] [Revised: 08/08/2018] [Accepted: 08/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Males and females sometimes significantly differ in their propensity to develop neurological disorders. Females suffer more from mood disorders such as depression and anxiety, whereas males are more susceptible to deficits in the dopamine system including Parkinson's disease (PD), attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism. Despite this, biological sex is rarely considered when making treatment decisions in neurological disorders. A better understanding of the molecular mechanism(s) underlying sex differences in the healthy and diseased brain will help to devise diagnostic and therapeutic strategies optimal for each sex. Thus, the aim of this review is to discuss the available evidence on sex differences in neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders regarding prevalence, progression, symptoms and response to therapy. We also discuss the sex-related factors such as gonadal sex hormones and sex chromosome genes and how these might help to explain some of the clinically observed sex differences in these disorders. In particular, we highlight the emerging role of the Y-chromosome gene, SRY, in the male brain and its potential role as a male-specific risk factor for disorders such as PD, autism, and ADHD in many individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulo Pinares-Garcia
- Brain and Gender laboratory, Centre for Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia.
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia.
| | - Marielle Stratikopoulos
- Brain and Gender laboratory, Centre for Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia.
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia.
| | - Alice Zagato
- Brain and Gender laboratory, Centre for Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia.
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria 3125, Australia.
| | - Hannah Loke
- Brain and Gender laboratory, Centre for Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia.
| | - Joohyung Lee
- Brain and Gender laboratory, Centre for Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia.
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia.
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Giatti S, Garcia-Segura LM, Barreto GE, Melcangi RC. Neuroactive steroids, neurosteroidogenesis and sex. Prog Neurobiol 2018; 176:1-17. [PMID: 29981391 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2018.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2018] [Revised: 05/25/2018] [Accepted: 06/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The nervous system is a target and a source of steroids. Neuroactive steroids are steroids that target neurons and glial cells. They include hormonal steroids originated in the peripheral glands, steroids locally synthesized by the neurons and glial cells (neurosteroids) and synthetic steroids, some of them used in clinical practice. Here we review the mechanisms of synthesis, metabolism and action of neuroactive steroids, including the role of epigenetic modifications and the mitochondria in their sex specific actions. We examine sex differences in neuroactive steroid levels under physiological conditions and their role in the establishment of sex dimorphic structures in the nervous system and sex differences in its function. In addition, particular attention is paid to neuroactive steroids under pathological conditions, analyzing how pathology alters their levels and their role as neuroprotective factors, considering the influence of sex in both cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Giatti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Luis M 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
| | - George E Barreto
- Departamento de Nutrición y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
| | - Roberto C Melcangi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy.
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Bourque M, Morissette M, Di Paolo T. Repurposing sex steroids and related drugs as potential treatment for Parkinson's disease. Neuropharmacology 2018; 147:37-54. [PMID: 29649433 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2018.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2018] [Revised: 03/27/2018] [Accepted: 04/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder for which a greater prevalence and incidence is described in men. This suggests a protective effect of sex hormones in the brain. Therefore, steroids and drugs to treat endocrine conditions could have additional application for PD. Here, we review the protective effect of sex hormones, particularly estrogens, progesterone, androgens and dehydroepiandrosterone, in animal models of PD and also in human studies. Data also support that drugs affecting estrogen neurotransmission such as selective estrogen receptor modulators or affecting steroid metabolism with 5α-reductase inhibitors could be repositioned for treatment of PD. Sex steroids are also modulator of neurotransmission, thus they could repurposed to treat PD motor symptoms and to modulate the response to PD medication. No drug is yet available to limit PD progression. PD is a complex disease implicating multiple pathological processes and a therapeutic strategy using drugs with several mechanisms of action, such as sex steroids and endocrine drugs are interesting repositioning options for symptomatic treatment and disease-modifying activity for PD. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'Drug Repurposing: old molecules, new ways to fast track drug discovery and development for CNS disorders'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mélanie Bourque
- Neuroscience Research Unit, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec, CHUL, Quebec City, G1V 4G2, Canada; Faculty of Pharmacy, Université Laval, Quebec City, G1K 7P4, Canada
| | - Marc Morissette
- Neuroscience Research Unit, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec, CHUL, Quebec City, G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Thérèse Di Paolo
- Neuroscience Research Unit, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec, CHUL, Quebec City, G1V 4G2, Canada; Faculty of Pharmacy, Université Laval, Quebec City, G1K 7P4, Canada.
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Pesaresi M, Giatti S, Spezzano R, Romano S, Diviccaro S, Borsello T, Mitro N, Caruso D, Garcia-Segura LM, Melcangi RC. Axonal transport in a peripheral diabetic neuropathy model: sex-dimorphic features. Biol Sex Differ 2018; 9:6. [PMID: 29351809 PMCID: PMC5775621 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-018-0164-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2017] [Accepted: 01/02/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Disruption of axonal transport plays a pivotal role in diabetic neuropathy. A sex-dimorphism exists in the incidence and symptomatology of diabetic neuropathy; however, no studies so far have addressed sex differences in axonal motor proteins expression in early diabetes as well as the possible involvement of neuroactive steroids. Interestingly, recent data point to a role for mitochondria in the sexual dimorphism of neurodegenerative diseases. Mitochondria have a fundamental role in axonal transport by producing the motors’ energy source, ATP. Moreover, neuroactive steroids can also regulate mitochondrial function. Methods Here, we investigated the impact of short-term diabetes in the peripheral nervous system of male and female rats on key motor proteins important for axonal transport, mitochondrial function, and neuroactive steroids levels. Results We show that short-term diabetes alters mRNA levels and axoplasm protein contents of kinesin family member KIF1A, KIF5B, KIF5A and Myosin Va in male but not in female rats. Similarly, the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ co-activator-1α, a subunit of the respiratory chain complex IV, ATP levels and the key regulators of mitochondrial dynamics were affected in males but not in females. Concomitant analysis of neuroactive steroid levels in sciatic nerve showed an alteration of testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, and allopregnanolone in diabetic males, whereas no changes were observed in female rats. Conclusions These findings suggest that sex-specific decrease in neuroactive steroid levels in male diabetic animals may cause an alteration in their mitochondrial function that in turn might impact in axonal transport, contributing to the sex difference observed in diabetic neuropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marzia Pesaresi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Silvia Giatti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Roberto Spezzano
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Simone Romano
- 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
| | - Tiziana Borsello
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy.,Department of Neuroscience, IRCCS-Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research, Milano, Italy
| | - Nico Mitro
- 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, CSIC, CIBER 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, Milano, Italy.
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Su XL, Luo XG, Lv H, Wang J, Ren Y, He ZY. Factors predicting the instant effect of motor function after subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation in Parkinson's disease. Transl Neurodegener 2017; 6:14. [PMID: 28580139 PMCID: PMC5452406 DOI: 10.1186/s40035-017-0084-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2017] [Accepted: 05/03/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (STN-DBS) is an effective treatment for Parkinson’s disease (PD), the predictive effect of levodopa responsiveness on surgical outcomes was confirmed by some studies, however there were different conclusions about that through long- and short-term follow-ups. We aimed to investigate the factors which influence the predictive value of levodopa responsiveness, and discover more predictive factors of surgical outcomes. Methods Twenty-three PD patients underwent bilateral STN-DBS and completed our follow-up. Clinical evaluations were performed 1 week before and 3 months after surgery. Results STN-DBS significantly improved motor function of PD patients after 3 months; preoperative levodopa responsiveness and disease subtype predicted the effect of DBS on motor function; gender, disease duration and duration of motor fluctuations modified the predictive effect of levodopa responsiveness on motor improvement; the duration of motor fluctuations and severity of preoperative motor symptoms modified the predictive effect of disease subtype on motor improvement. Conclusions The intensity of levodopa responsiveness served as a predictor of motor improvement more accurately in female patients, patients with shorter disease duration or shorter motor fluctuations; PD patients with dominant axial symptoms benefit less from STN-DBS compared to those with limb-predominant symptoms, especially in their later disease stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Ling Su
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, China Medical University, 155 Nanjing North Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110001 China
| | - Xiao-Guang Luo
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, China Medical University, 155 Nanjing North Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110001 China
| | - Hong Lv
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, China Medical University, 155 Nanjing North Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110001 China
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, First Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yan Ren
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, China Medical University, 155 Nanjing North Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110001 China
| | - Zhi-Yi He
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, China Medical University, 155 Nanjing North Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110001 China
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Enterría-Morales D, López-López I, López-Barneo J, d’Anglemont de Tassigny X. Striatal GDNF Production Is Independent to Circulating Estradiol Level Despite Pan-Neuronal Activation in the Female Mouse. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0164391. [PMID: 27741271 PMCID: PMC5065215 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0164391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2016] [Accepted: 09/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Gender difference in Parkinson’s disease (PD) suggests that female sex steroids may promote dopaminergic neuron survival and protect them from degeneration. The glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is believed to be dopaminotrophic; thus it is considered as a potential therapeutic target in PD. Additionally, GDNF is endogenously synthetized in the caudate/putamen of humans and striatum in rodents. A neuroprotective role of estrogens on the nigrostriatal pathway via the stimulation of GDNF has been proposed. Since the GDNF-producing parvalbumin (Parv) interneurons express the estrogen receptor alpha in the mouse striatum, we sought to determine whether ectopic estrogenic compound modulates the GDNF synthesis in mice. Using an ovariectomized-estradiol (E2) replacement regimen, which reliably generates a rise of plasma estradiol, we assessed the effects of different levels of E2 on the activation of striatal neuronal populations, and GDNF production. A strong correlation was found between plasma E2 and the expression of the immediate early gene cFos in the striatum, as well as in other cortical regions. However, moderate and high E2 treatments failed to induce any striatal GDNF mRNA and protein synthesis. High E2 only stimulates cFos induction in a low percentage of striatal Parv neurons whereas the majority of cFos-positive cells are medium spiny neurons. Activation of these projecting neurons by E2 suggests a role of circulating sex steroids in the modulation of striatal neural pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Enterría-Morales
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBIS), Departamento de Fisiología Médica y Biofísica, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/ CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Ivette López-López
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBIS), Departamento de Fisiología Médica y Biofísica, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/ CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| | - José López-Barneo
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBIS), Departamento de Fisiología Médica y Biofísica, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/ CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Xavier d’Anglemont de Tassigny
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBIS), Departamento de Fisiología Médica y Biofísica, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/ CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
- * E-mail:
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Botsakis K, Theodoritsi S, Grintzalis K, Angelatou F, Antonopoulos I, Georgiou C, Margarity M, Matsokis N, Panagopoulos N. 17β-Estradiol/N-acetylcysteine interaction enhances the neuroprotective effect on dopaminergic neurons in the weaver model of dopamine deficiency. Neuroscience 2016; 320:221-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2016.01.068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2015] [Revised: 01/26/2016] [Accepted: 01/30/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Kuhn C. Emergence of sex differences in the development of substance use and abuse during adolescence. Pharmacol Ther 2015; 153:55-78. [PMID: 26049025 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2015.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2015] [Accepted: 04/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Substance use and abuse begin during adolescence. Male and female adolescent humans initiate use at comparable rates, but males increase use faster. In adulthood, more men than women use and abuse addictive drugs. However, some women progress more rapidly from initiation of use to entry into treatment. In animal models, adolescent males and females consume addictive drugs similarly. However, reproductively mature females acquire self-administration faster, and in some models, escalate use more. Sex/gender differences exist in neurobiologic factors mediating both reinforcement (dopamine, opioids) and aversiveness (CRF, dynorphin), as well as intrinsic factors (personality, psychiatric co-morbidities) and extrinsic factors (history of abuse, environment especially peers and family) which influence the progression from initial use to abuse. Many of these important differences emerge during adolescence, and are moderated by sexual differentiation of the brain. Estradiol effects which enhance both dopaminergic and CRF-mediated processes contribute to the female vulnerability to substance use and abuse. Testosterone enhances impulsivity and sensation seeking in both males and females. Several protective factors in females also influence initiation and progression of substance use including hormonal changes of pregnancy as well as greater capacity for self-regulation and lower peak levels of impulsivity/sensation seeking. Same sex peers represent a risk factor more for males than females during adolescence, while romantic partners increase risk for women during this developmental epoch. In summary, biologic factors, psychiatric co-morbidities as well as personality and environment present sex/gender-specific risks as adolescents begin to initiate substance use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia Kuhn
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Box 3813, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, United States.
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46
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Loke H, Harley V, Lee J. Biological factors underlying sex differences in neurological disorders. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2015; 65:139-50. [PMID: 26028290 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2015.05.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2015] [Revised: 05/25/2015] [Accepted: 05/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The prevalence, age of onset, pathophysiology, and symptomatology of many neurological and neuropsychiatric conditions differ significantly between males and females. Females suffer more from mood disorders such as depression and anxiety, whereas males are more susceptible to deficits in the dopamine system including Parkinson's disease (PD), attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), schizophrenia, and autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Until recently, these sex differences have been explained solely by the neuroprotective actions of sex hormones in females. Emerging evidence however indicates that the sex chromosome genes (i.e. X- and Y-linked genes) also contribute to brain sex differences. In particular, the Y-chromosome gene, SRY (Sex-determining Region on the Y chromosome) is an interesting candidate as it is expressed in dopamine-abundant brain regions, where it regulates dopamine biosynthesis and dopamine-mediated functions such as voluntary movement in males. Furthermore, SRY expression is dysregulated in a toxin-induced model of PD, suggesting a role for SRY in the pathogenesis of dopamine cells. Taken together, these studies highlight the importance of understanding the interplay between sex-specific hormones and sex-specific genes in healthy and diseased brain. In particular, better understanding of regulation and function of SRY in the male brain could provide entirely novel and important insights into genetic factors involved in the susceptibility of men to neurological disorders, as well as development of novel sex-specific therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Loke
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia; Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Vincent Harley
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia; Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia; Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.
| | - Joohyung Lee
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia; Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia; Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.
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47
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Cunningham RL, Singh M, O'Bryant SE, Hall JR, Barber RC. Oxidative stress, testosterone, and cognition among Caucasian and Mexican-American men with and without Alzheimer's disease. J Alzheimers Dis 2014; 40:563-73. [PMID: 24496073 DOI: 10.3233/jad-131994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of testosterone among aging men has been increasing, but results from studies addressing the effectiveness of testosterone replacement therapy have been equivocal. OBJECTIVE Given our prior pre-clinical studies that reported a major influence of oxidative stress on testosterone's neuroprotective effects, we investigated whether the negative effects of testosterone on brain function were predicted by oxidative load. METHODS In order to test our hypothesis, we determined whether circulating total testosterone and luteinizing hormone correlated with cognition in a subset of the Texas Alzheimer's Research & Care Consortium (TARCC) cohort, consisting of Caucasian (n = 116) and Mexican-American (n = 117) men. We also assessed whether oxidative stress (as indexed by homocysteine levels) modified this relationship between sex hormones and cognition, and whether the levels of two antioxidants, superoxide dismutase-1 and glutathione S-transferase (GST), varied as a function of circulating testosterone. RESULTS In a low oxidative stress environment, testosterone was positively associated with the level of the antioxidant, GST, while no deleterious effects on cognitive function were noted. In contrast, under conditions of high oxidative stress (homocysteine levels >12 μmol/L), testosterone and luteinizing hormone were associated with cognitive impairment, but only among Caucasians. The ethnic difference was attributed to significantly higher GST levels among Mexican-Americans. CONCLUSION While testosterone may be beneficial under conditions of low oxidative stress, testosterone appears to have negative consequences under conditions of elevated oxidative stress, but only in Caucasians. Mexican-Americans, however, were protected from any deleterious effects of testosterone, potentially due to higher levels of endogenous antioxidant defenses such as GST.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca L Cunningham
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA Institute for Aging and Alzheimer's Disease Research, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA Center FOR HER, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA
| | - Meharvan Singh
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA Institute for Aging and Alzheimer's Disease Research, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA Center FOR HER, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA
| | - Sid E O'Bryant
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA Institute for Aging and Alzheimer's Disease Research, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA
| | - James R Hall
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA Institute for Aging and Alzheimer's Disease Research, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA
| | - Robert C Barber
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA Institute for Aging and Alzheimer's Disease Research, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA
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Gillies G, Virdee K, McArthur S, Dalley J. Sex-dependent diversity in ventral tegmental dopaminergic neurons and developmental programing: A molecular, cellular and behavioral analysis. Neuroscience 2014; 282:69-85. [PMID: 24943715 PMCID: PMC4245713 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2014.05.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2014] [Revised: 05/12/2014] [Accepted: 05/18/2014] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The knowledge that diverse populations of dopaminergic neurons within the ventral tegmental area (VTA) can be distinguished in terms of their molecular, electrophysiological and functional properties, as well as their differential projections to cortical and subcortical regions has significance for key brain functions, such as the regulation of motivation, working memory and sensorimotor control. Almost without exception, this understanding has evolved from landmark studies performed in the male sex. However, converging evidence from both clinical and pre-clinical studies illustrates that the structure and functioning of the VTA dopaminergic systems are intrinsically different in males and females. This may be driven by sex differences in the hormonal environment during adulthood ('activational' effects) and development (perinatal and/or pubertal 'organizational' effects), as well as genetic factors, especially the SRY gene on the Y chromosome in males, which is expressed in a sub-population of adult midbrain dopaminergic neurons. Stress and stress hormones, especially glucocorticoids, are important factors which interact with the VTA dopaminergic systems in order to achieve behavioral adaptation and enable the individual to cope with environmental change. Here, also, there is male/female diversity not only during adulthood, but also in early life when neurobiological programing by stress or glucocorticoid exposure differentially impacts dopaminergic developmental trajectories in male and female brains. This may have enduring consequences for individual resilience or susceptibility to pathophysiological change induced by stressors in later life, with potential translational significance for sex bias commonly found in disorders involving dysfunction of the mesocorticolimbic dopaminergic systems. These findings highlight the urgent need for a better understanding of the sexual dimorphism in the VTA if we are to improve strategies for the prevention and treatment of debilitating conditions which differentially affect men and women in their prevalence and nature, including schizophrenia, attention/deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorders, anxiety, depression and addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- G.E. Gillies
- Division of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK,Corresponding author. Address: Division of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK. Tel: +44-(0)-20-7594-7050.
| | - K. Virdee
- Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EB, UK,Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EB, UK
| | - S. McArthur
- William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Charterhouse Square, London EC1 6BQ, UK
| | - J.W. Dalley
- Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EB, UK,Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EB, UK,Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Hill’s Road, Cambridge CB2 2QQ, UK
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Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) displays a greater prevalence and earlier age at onset in men. This review addresses the concept that sex differences in PD are determined, largely, by biological sex differences in the NSDA system which, in turn, arise from hormonal, genetic and environmental influences. Current therapies for PD rely on dopamine replacement strategies to treat symptoms, and there is an urgent, unmet need for disease modifying agents. As a significant degree of neuroprotection against the early stages of clinical or experimental PD is seen, respectively, in human and rodent females compared with males, a better understanding of brain sex dimorphisms in the intact and injured NSDA system will shed light on mechanisms which have the potential to delay, or even halt, the progression of PD. Available evidence suggests that sex-specific, hormone-based therapeutic agents hold particular promise for developing treatments with optimal efficacy in men and women.
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50
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Didonet JJ, Cavalcante JC, Souza LDS, Costa MSMO, André E, Soares-Rachetti VDP, Guerrini R, Calo' G, Gavioli EC. Neuropeptide S counteracts 6-OHDA-induced motor deficits in mice. Behav Brain Res 2014; 266:29-36. [PMID: 24613977 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2014.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2014] [Revised: 02/28/2014] [Accepted: 03/03/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Neuropeptide S (NPS) is a 20-aminoacid peptide that selectively activates a G-protein coupled receptor named NPSR. Preclinical studies have shown that NPSR activation promotes anxiolysis, hyperlocomotion, arousal and weakfullness. Previous findings suggest that dopamine neurotransmission plays a role in the actions of NPS. Based on the close relationship between dopamine and Parkinson disease (PD) and on the evidence that NPSR are expressed on brain dopaminergic nuclei, the present study investigated the effects of NPS in motor deficits induced by intracerebroventricular (icv) administration of the dopaminergic neurotoxin 6-OHDA in the mouse rotarod test. 6-OHDA injection evoked motor deficits and significantly reduced tyrosine hidroxylase (TH)-positive cells in the substantia nigra (SN) and ventral tegmental area. However, a positive correlation was found only between the motor performance of 6-OHDA-injected mice and the number of TH-positive cells in SN. The systemic administration of l-DOPA+benserazide (25+6.25 mg/kg) counteracted 6-OHDA-induced motor deficits in mice. Similar to L-DOPA, the icv injection of NPS (0.1 and 1 nmol) reversed motor deficits evoked by 6-OHDA. In conclusion, NPS attenuated 6-OHDA-induced motor impairments in mice assessed in the rota-rod test. We discussed the beneficial actions of NPS based on a putative facilitation of dopaminergic neurotransmission in the brain. Finally, these findings candidate NPSR agonists as a potential innovative treatment for PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia J Didonet
- Behavioral Pharmacology Laboratory, Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Judney C Cavalcante
- Laboratory of Neuroanatomy, Department of Morphology, Biosciences Center, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Lisiane de S Souza
- Behavioral Pharmacology Laboratory, Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Miriam S M O Costa
- Laboratory of Neuroanatomy, Department of Morphology, Biosciences Center, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Eunice André
- Department of Pharmacology, Federal University of Parana, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Vanessa de P Soares-Rachetti
- Behavioral Pharmacology Laboratory, Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Remo Guerrini
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Girolamo Calo'
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, and National Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Elaine C Gavioli
- Behavioral Pharmacology Laboratory, Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil.
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