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Sengupta M, Pluciennik A, Merry DE. The role of ubiquitination in spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:1020143. [PMID: 36277484 PMCID: PMC9583669 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.1020143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA) is a neurodegenerative and neuromuscular genetic disease caused by the expansion of a polyglutamine-encoding CAG tract in the androgen receptor (AR) gene. The AR is an important transcriptional regulator of the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily; its levels are regulated in many ways including by ubiquitin-dependent degradation. Ubiquitination is a post-translational modification (PTM) which plays a key role in both AR transcriptional activity and its degradation. Moreover, the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) is a fundamental component of cellular functioning and has been implicated in diseases of protein misfolding and aggregation, including polyglutamine (polyQ) repeat expansion diseases such as Huntington’s disease and SBMA. In this review, we discuss the details of the UPS system, its functions and regulation, and the role of AR ubiquitination and UPS components in SBMA. We also discuss aspects of the UPS that may be manipulated for therapeutic effect in SBMA.
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2
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Ogura Y, Sahashi K, Hirunagi T, Iida M, Miyata T, Katsuno M. Mid1 is associated with androgen-dependent axonal vulnerability of motor neurons in spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:601. [PMID: 35821212 PMCID: PMC9276699 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-05001-6] [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] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA) is an adult-onset hereditary neurodegenerative disease caused by the expansions of CAG repeats in the androgen receptor (AR) gene. Androgen-dependent nuclear accumulation of pathogenic AR protein causes degeneration of lower motor neurons, leading to progressive muscle weakness and atrophy. While the successful induction of SBMA-like pathology has been achieved in mouse models, mechanisms underlying motor neuron vulnerability remain unclear. In the present study, we performed a transcriptome-based screening for genes expressed exclusively in motor neurons and dysregulated in the spinal cord of SBMA mice. We found upregulation of Mid1 encoding a microtubule-associated RNA binding protein which facilitates the translation of CAG-expanded mRNAs. Based on the finding that lower motor neurons begin expressing Mid1 during embryonic stages, we developed an organotypic slice culture system of the spinal cord obtained from SBMA mouse fetuses to study the pathogenic role of Mid1 in SBMA motor neurons. Impairment of axonal regeneration arose in the spinal cord culture in SBMA mice in an androgen-dependent manner, but not in mice with non-CAG-expanded AR, and was either exacerbated or ameliorated by Mid1 overexpression or knockdown, respectively. Hence, an early Mid1 expression confers vulnerability to motor neurons, at least by inducing axonogenesis defects, in SBMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yosuke Ogura
- grid.27476.300000 0001 0943 978XDepartment of Neurology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Kentaro Sahashi
- grid.27476.300000 0001 0943 978XDepartment of Neurology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Tomoki Hirunagi
- grid.27476.300000 0001 0943 978XDepartment of Neurology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Madoka Iida
- grid.27476.300000 0001 0943 978XDepartment of Neurology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Takaki Miyata
- grid.27476.300000 0001 0943 978XDepartment of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Masahisa Katsuno
- grid.27476.300000 0001 0943 978XDepartment of Neurology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan ,grid.27476.300000 0001 0943 978XDepartment of Clinical Research Education, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
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3
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Relationship between serum gonadal hormone levels and synkinesis in postmenopausal women and man with idiopathic facial paralysis. Auris Nasus Larynx 2022; 49:782-789. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anl.2022.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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4
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McLeod VM, Chiam MDF, Perera ND, Lau CL, Boon WC, Turner BJ. Mapping Motor Neuron Vulnerability in the Neuraxis of Male SOD1 G93A Mice Reveals Widespread Loss of Androgen Receptor Occurring Early in Spinal Motor Neurons. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:808479. [PMID: 35273564 PMCID: PMC8902593 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.808479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex steroid hormones have been implicated as disease modifiers in the neurodegenerative disorder amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Androgens, signalling via the androgen receptor (AR), predominate in males, and have widespread actions in the periphery and the central nervous system (CNS). AR translocates to the cell nucleus when activated upon binding androgens, whereby it regulates transcription of target genes via the classical genomic signalling pathway. We previously reported that AR protein is decreased in the lumbar spinal cord tissue of symptomatic male SOD1G93A mice. Here, we further explored the changes in AR within motor neurons (MN) of the CNS, assessing their nuclear AR content and propensity to degenerate by endstage disease in male SOD1G93A mice. We observed that almost all motor neuron populations had undergone significant loss in nuclear AR in SOD1G93A mice. Interestingly, loss of nuclear AR was evident in lumbar spinal MNs as early as the pre-symptomatic age of 60 days. Several MN populations with high AR content were identified which did not degenerate in SOD1G93A mice. These included the brainstem ambiguus and vagus nuclei, and the sexually dimorphic spinal MNs: cremaster, dorsolateral nucleus (DLN) and spinal nucleus of bulbocavernosus (SNB). In conclusion, we demonstrate that AR loss directly associates with MN vulnerability and disease progression in the SOD1G93A mouse model of ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria M. McLeod
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Mathew D. F. Chiam
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Nirma D. Perera
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Chew L. Lau
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Wah Chin Boon
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Bradley J. Turner
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Queen Elizabeth Medical Centre, Nedlands, WA, Australia
- *Correspondence: Bradley J. Turner,
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5
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Liao Z, Patel Y, Khairullah A, Parker N, Paus T. Pubertal Testosterone and the Structure of the Cerebral Cortex in Young Men. Cereb Cortex 2021; 31:2812-2821. [PMID: 33429422 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhaa389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Adolescence is a period of brain maturation that may involve a second wave of organizational effects of sex steroids on the brain. Rodent studies suggest that, overall, organizational effects of gonadal steroid hormones decrease from the prenatal/perinatal period to adulthood. Here we used multimodal magnetic resonance imaging to investigate whether 1) testosterone exposure during adolescence (9-17 years) correlates with the structure of cerebral cortex in young men (n = 216, 19 years of age); 2) this relationship is modulated by the timing of testosterone surge during puberty. Our results showed that pubertal testosterone correlates with structural properties of the cerebral cortex, as captured by principal component analysis of T1 and T2 relaxation times, myelin water fraction, magnetization transfer ratio, fractional anisotropy and mean diffusivity. Many of the correlations between pubertal testosterone and the cortical structure were stronger in individuals with earlier (vs. later) testosterone surge. We also demonstrated that the strength of the relationship between pubertal testosterone and cortical structure across the cerebral cortex varies as a function of inter-regional profiles of gene expression specific to dendrites, axonal cytoskeleton, and myelin. This finding suggests that the cellular substrate underlying the relationships between pubertal testosterone and cerebral cortex involves both dendritic arbor and axon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhijie Liao
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S3G3, Canada
| | - Yash Patel
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S3G3, Canada
| | - Ammar Khairullah
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S3G3, Canada
| | - Nadine Parker
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S3G3, Canada
| | - Tomas Paus
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S3G3, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S3G3, Canada
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6
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Bianchi VE, Rizzi L, Bresciani E, Omeljaniuk RJ, Torsello A. Androgen Therapy in Neurodegenerative Diseases. J Endocr Soc 2020; 4:bvaa120. [PMID: 33094209 PMCID: PMC7568521 DOI: 10.1210/jendso/bvaa120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer disease (AD), Parkinson disease (PD), multiple sclerosis (MS), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and Huntington disease, are characterized by the loss of neurons as well as neuronal function in multiple regions of the central and peripheral nervous systems. Several studies in animal models have shown that androgens have neuroprotective effects in the brain and stimulate axonal regeneration. The presence of neuronal androgen receptors in the peripheral and central nervous system suggests that androgen therapy might be useful in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. To illustrate, androgen therapy reduced inflammation, amyloid-β deposition, and cognitive impairment in patients with AD. As well, improvements in remyelination in MS have been reported; by comparison, only variable results are observed in androgen treatment of PD. In ALS, androgen administration stimulated motoneuron recovery from progressive damage and regenerated both axons and dendrites. Only a few clinical studies are available in human individuals despite the safety and low cost of androgen therapy. Clinical evaluations of the effects of androgen therapy on these devastating diseases using large populations of patients are strongly needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vittorio Emanuele Bianchi
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Clinical Center Stella Maris, Strada Rovereta, Falciano, San Marino
| | - Laura Rizzi
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Elena Bresciani
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | | | - Antonio Torsello
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
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Theis T, Kumar S, Wei E, Nguyen J, Glynos V, Paranjape N, Askarifirouzjaei H, Khajouienejad L, Berthiaume F, Young W, Schachner M. Myristoylated alanine-rich C-kinase substrate effector domain peptide improves sex-specific recovery and axonal regrowth after spinal cord injury. FASEB J 2020; 34:12677-12690. [PMID: 32729988 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202000026rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Myristoylated alanine-rich C-kinase substrate (MARCKS) is an intracellular receptor for polysialic acid. MARCKS supports development, synaptic plasticity, and regeneration after injury. MARCKS binds with its functionally essential effector domain (ED) to polysialic acid. A 25-mer peptide comprising the ED of MARCKS stimulates neuritogenesis of primary hippocampal neurons after addition to the culture. This motivated us to investigate whether ED peptide has similar effects in spinal cord injury. ED peptide supported recovery and regrowth of monoaminergic axons in female, but not in male mice. Sex-specific differences in response to ED peptide application also occurred in cultured neurons. In female but not male neurons, the ED peptide enhanced neurite outgrowth that could be suppressed by inhibitors of the estrogen receptors α and β, fibroblast growth factor receptor-1, protein kinase C, and matrix metalloproteinase 2. In addition, we observed female-specific elevation of phosphorylated MARCKS levels after ED peptide treatment. In male neurons, the ED peptide enhanced neuritogenesis in the presence of an androgen receptor inhibitor to the extent seen in ED peptide-treated female neurons. However, inhibition of androgen receptor did not lead to increased phosphorylation of MARCKS. These results provide insights into the functions of a novel compound contributing to gender-dependent regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Theis
- Keck Center for Collaborative Neuroscience and Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Suneel Kumar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Elena Wei
- Keck Center for Collaborative Neuroscience and Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Jennifer Nguyen
- Keck Center for Collaborative Neuroscience and Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Vicci Glynos
- Keck Center for Collaborative Neuroscience and Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Nikita Paranjape
- Keck Center for Collaborative Neuroscience and Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Hadi Askarifirouzjaei
- Keck Center for Collaborative Neuroscience and Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Leila Khajouienejad
- Keck Center for Collaborative Neuroscience and Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Francois Berthiaume
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Wise Young
- Keck Center for Collaborative Neuroscience and Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Melitta Schachner
- Keck Center for Collaborative Neuroscience and Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
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8
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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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9
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Takayama K, Fujiwara K, Inoue S. Amyloid precursor protein, an androgen‐regulated gene, is targeted by RNA‐binding protein PSF/SFPQ in neuronal cells. Genes Cells 2019; 24:719-730. [DOI: 10.1111/gtc.12721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Revised: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 09/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ken‐ichi Takayama
- Department of Systems Aging Science and Medicine Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology Tokyo Japan
| | - Kyoko Fujiwara
- Department of Medicine Nihon University School of Medicine Tokyo Japan
- Department of Anatomy Nihon University School of Dentistry Tokyo Japan
| | - Satoshi Inoue
- Department of Systems Aging Science and Medicine Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology Tokyo Japan
- Division of Gene Regulation and Signal Transduction Research Center for Genomic Medicine Saitama Medical University Hidaka Saitama Japan
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10
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McLeod VM, Lau CL, Chiam MDF, Rupasinghe TW, Roessner U, Djouma E, Boon WC, Turner BJ. Androgen receptor antagonism accelerates disease onset in the SOD1 G93A mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Br J Pharmacol 2019; 176:2111-2130. [PMID: 30849180 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2018] [Revised: 01/25/2019] [Accepted: 02/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease typically more common in males, implicating androgens in progression of both patients and mouse models. Androgen effects are mediated by androgen receptor which is highly expressed in spinal motor neurons and skeletal muscles. To clarify the role of androgen receptors in ALS, we therefore examined the effect of androgen receptor antagonism in the SOD1G93A mouse model. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH The androgen receptor antagonist, flutamide, was administered to presymptomatic SOD1G93A mice as a slow-release subcutaneous implant (5 mg·day-1 ). Testosterone, flutamide, and metabolite levels were measured in blood and spinal cord tissue by LC-MS-MS. Effects on disease onset and progression were assessed using motor function tests, survival, muscle, and neuropathological analyses. KEY RESULTS Flutamide was metabolised to 2-hydroxyflutamide achieving steady-state plasma levels across the study duration and reached the spinal cord at pharmacologically active concentrations. Flutamide treatment accelerated disease onset and locomotor dysfunction in male SOD1G93A mice, but not female mice, without affecting survival. Analysis of hindlimb muscles revealed exacerbation of myofibre atrophy in male SOD1G93A mice treated with flutamide, although motor neuron pathology was not affected. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS The androgen receptor antagonist accelerated disease onset in male SOD1G93A mice, leading to exacerbated muscle pathology, consistent with a role of androgens in modulating disease severity, sexual dimorphism, and peripheral pathology in ALS. These results also demonstrate a key contribution of skeletal muscle pathology to disease onset, but not outcome, in this mouse model of ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria M McLeod
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Chew L Lau
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Mathew D F Chiam
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Thusitha W Rupasinghe
- Metabolomics Australia, School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Ute Roessner
- Metabolomics Australia, School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Elvan Djouma
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| | - Wah C Boon
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Bradley J Turner
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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11
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Predictive Factors of Efficacy Maintenance after Testosterone Treatment Cessation. J Clin Med 2019; 8:jcm8020151. [PMID: 30699978 PMCID: PMC6406541 DOI: 10.3390/jcm8020151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2019] [Revised: 01/17/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
There is no conclusive evidence as to whether patients with testosterone deficiency (TD) who benefit from testosterone treatment (TRT) must continue the treatment for the rest of their lives. In some patients, the effect of TRT does not maintained after stopping TRT and, some patients show no significant TD symptoms, with normal testosterone levels after TRT cessation. Therefore, we investigated the predictive factors of response maintenance after TRT cessation. A total of 151 men with TD who responded to TRT were followed up for six months after TRT discontinuation. Ninety-two patients (Group I) failed to show response maintenance; 59 patients (Group II) had a maintained response. The groups did not differ in baseline characteristics or the type of TRT (oral, gel, short/long-acting injectables). However, TRT duration was significantly longer (10.7 vs. 5.2 months), and peak total testosterone (TT) level was significantly higher (713.7 vs. 546.1 ng/dL), in Group II than in Group I. More patients regularly exercised in Group II than in Group I (45.8% vs. 9.8%, p < 0.001). A multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that exercise (B = 2.325, odds ratio = 10.231, p < 0.001) and TRT duration (B = 0.153, Exp(B) = 1.166, p < 0.001) were independent predictive factors of response maintenance. In men with TD who respond to TRT, longer treatment periods can improve the response durability after TRT cessation, regardless of the type of TRT. Additionally, regular exercise can increase the probability of maintaining the response after TRT cessation.
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12
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Genes and Pathways Regulated by Androgens in Human Neural Cells, Potential Candidates for the Male Excess in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Biol Psychiatry 2018; 84:239-252. [PMID: 29428674 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2018.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2017] [Revised: 12/19/2017] [Accepted: 01/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prenatal exposure to androgens during brain development in male individuals may participate to increase their susceptibility to develop neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual disability. However, little is known about the action of androgens in human neural cells. METHODS We used human neural stem cells differentiated from embryonic stem cells to investigate targets of androgens. RESULTS RNA sequencing revealed that treatment with dihydrotestosterone (DHT) leads to subtle but significant changes in the expression of about 200 genes, encoding proteins of extracellular matrix or involved in signal transduction of growth factors (e.g., insulin/insulin growth factor 1). We showed that the most differentially expressed genes (DEGs), RGCC, RNF144B, NRCAM, TRIM22, FAM107A, IGFBP5, and LAMA2, are reproducibly regulated by different androgens in different genetic backgrounds. We showed, by overexpressing the androgen receptor in neuroblastoma cells SH-SY5Y or knocking it down in human neural stem cells, that this regulation involves the androgen receptor. A chromatin immunoprecipitation combined with direct sequencing analysis identified androgen receptor-bound sequences in nearly half of the DHT-DEGs and in numerous other genes. DHT-DEGs appear enriched in genes involved in ASD (ASXL3, NLGN4X, etc.), associated with ASD (NRCAM), or differentially expressed in patients with ASD (FAM107A, IGFBP5). Androgens increase human neural stem cell proliferation and survival in nutrient-deprived culture conditions, with no detectable effect on regulation of neurite outgrowth. CONCLUSIONS We characterized androgen action in neural progenitor cells, identifying DHT-DEGs that appear to be enriched in genes related to ASD. We also showed that androgens increase proliferation of neuronal precursors and protect them from death during their differentiation in nutrient-deprived conditions.
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13
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Yamada S, Sakakibara SI. Expression profile of the STAND protein Nwd1 in the developing and mature mouse central nervous system. J Comp Neurol 2018; 526:2099-2114. [PMID: 30004576 DOI: 10.1002/cne.24495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2018] [Revised: 06/02/2018] [Accepted: 06/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The orchestrated events required during brain development, as well as the maintenance of adult neuronal plasticity, highly depend on the accurate responses of neuronal cells to various cellular stress or environmental stimuli. Recent studies have defined a previously unrecognized, broad class of multidomain proteins, designated as signal transduction ATPases with numerous domains (STAND), which comprises a large number of proteins, including the apoptotic peptidase activating factor 1 (Apaf1) and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptors (NLRs), central players in cell death and innate immune responses, respectively. Although the involvement of STANDs in the central nervous system (CNS) has been postulated in terms of neuronal development and function, it remains largely unclear. Here, we identified Nwd1 (NACHT and WD repeat domain-containing protein 1), as a novel STAND protein, expressed in neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs). Structurally, Nwd1 was most analogous to the apoptosis regulator Apaf1, also involved in mitosis and axonal outgrowth regulation in the CNS. Using a specific antibody, we show that, during the embryonic and postnatal period, Nwd1 is expressed in nestin-positive NSPCs in vivo and in vitro, while postnatally it is found in terminally differentiated neurons and blood vessels. At the subcellular level, we demonstrate that Nwd1 is preferentially located in the cytosolic compartment of cultured NSPCs, partially overlapping with cytochrome c. These observations imply that Nwd1 might be involved in the neuronal lineage as a new STAND gene, including having a pro-apoptotic or nonapoptotic role, similar to Apaf1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seiya Yamada
- Laboratory for Molecular Neurobiology, Graduate School of Human Sciences, Waseda University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Shin-Ichi Sakakibara
- Laboratory for Molecular Neurobiology, Graduate School of Human Sciences, Waseda University, Saitama, Japan
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14
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Sengelaub DR, Xu XM. Protective effects of gonadal hormones on spinal motoneurons following spinal cord injury. Neural Regen Res 2018; 13:971-976. [PMID: 29926818 PMCID: PMC6022470 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.233434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) results in lesions that destroy tissue and disrupt spinal tracts, producing deficits in locomotor and autonomic function. The majority of treatment strategies after SCI have concentrated on the damaged spinal cord, for example working to reduce lesion size or spread, or encouraging regrowth of severed descending axonal projections through the lesion, hoping to re-establish synaptic connectivity with caudal targets. In our work, we have focused on a novel target for treatment after SCI, surviving spinal motoneurons and their target musculature, with the hope of developing effective treatments to preserve or restore lost function following SCI. We previously demonstrated that motoneurons, and the muscles they innervate, show pronounced atrophy after SCI. Importantly, SCI-induced atrophy of motoneuron dendrites can be attenuated by treatment with gonadal hormones, testosterone and its active metabolites, estradiol and dihydrotestosterone. Similarly, SCI-induced reductions in muscle fiber cross-sectional areas can be prevented by treatment with androgens. Together, these findings suggest that regressive changes in motoneuron and muscle morphology seen after SCI can be ameliorated by treatment with gonadal hormones, further supporting a role for steroid hormones as neurotherapeutic agents in the injured nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dale R. Sengelaub
- Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Xiao-Ming Xu
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
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15
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Sengelaub DR, Han Q, Liu NK, Maczuga MA, Szalavari V, Valencia SA, Xu XM. Protective Effects of Estradiol and Dihydrotestosterone following Spinal Cord Injury. J Neurotrauma 2018; 35:825-841. [PMID: 29132243 PMCID: PMC5863086 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2017.5329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) results in lesions that destroy tissue and disrupt spinal tracts, producing deficits in locomotor and autonomic function. We previously demonstrated that motoneurons and the muscles they innervate show pronounced atrophy after SCI, and these changes are prevented by treatment with testosterone. Here, we assessed whether the testosterone active metabolites estradiol and dihydrotestosterone have similar protective effects after SCI. Young adult female rats received either sham or T9 spinal cord contusion injuries and were treated with estradiol, dihydrotestosterone, both, or nothing via Silastic capsules. Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan locomotor testing was performed weekly and voiding behavior was assessed at 3 weeks post-injury. Four weeks after SCI, lesion volume and tissue sparing, quadriceps muscle fiber cross-sectional area, and motoneuron dendritic morphology were assessed. Spontaneous locomotor behavior improved after SCI, but hormone treatments had no effect. Voiding behavior was disrupted after SCI, but was significantly improved by treatment with either estradiol or dihydrotestosterone; combined treatment was maximally effective. Treatment with estradiol reduced lesion volume, but dihydrotestosterone alone and estradiol combined with dihydrotestosterone were ineffective. SCI-induced decreases in motoneuron dendritic length were attenuated by all hormone treatments. SCI-induced reductions in muscle fiber cross-sectional areas were prevented by treatment with either dihydrotestosterone or estradiol combined with dihydrotestosterone, but estradiol treatment was ineffective. These findings suggest that deficits in micturition and regressive changes in motoneuron and muscle morphology seen after SCI are ameliorated by treatment with estradiol or dihydrotestosterone, further supporting a role for steroid hormones as neurotherapeutic agents in the injured nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dale R. Sengelaub
- Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana
| | - Qi Han
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Nai-Kui Liu
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Melissa A. Maczuga
- Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana
| | - Violetta Szalavari
- Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana
| | | | - Xiao-Ming Xu
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
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16
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Cheung AS, Grossmann M. Physiological basis behind ergogenic effects of anabolic androgens. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2018; 464:14-20. [PMID: 28159654 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2017.01.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2016] [Revised: 01/28/2017] [Accepted: 01/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) are widely abused by the sporting community. Demonstrating performance enhancing effects of AAS in rigorous scientific studies is fraught with difficulty. In controlled studies, AAS have consistently been reported to increase muscle mass and strength. The clinical evidence that these anabolic effects are independent of, and additive to exercise are supported by preclinical studies suggesting that AAS and exercise affect muscle by overlapping, yet distinct mechanisms. AAS may also improve performance by their actions on other organ systems, such as the vasculature, and the erythropoietic and central nervous system, although this evidence is less strong. While most of the actions of AAS are thought to be mediated via classical androgen receptor-mediated genomic signalling, AAS may also produce rapid effects via non-genomic mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ada S Cheung
- Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia; Department of Endocrinology, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mathis Grossmann
- Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia; Department of Endocrinology, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia.
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17
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Barendse MEA, Simmons JG, Byrne ML, Seal ML, Patton G, Mundy L, Wood SJ, Olsson CA, Allen NB, Whittle S. Brain structural connectivity during adrenarche: Associations between hormone levels and white matter microstructure. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2018; 88:70-77. [PMID: 29175736 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2017.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2017] [Revised: 11/15/2017] [Accepted: 11/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Levels of the adrenal hormones dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), its sulfate (DHEAS), and testosterone, have all been linked to behavior and mental health during adrenarche, and preclinical studies suggest that these hormones influence brain development. However, little is known about how variation in these hormones is associated with white matter structure during this period of life. The current study aimed to examine associations between DHEA, DHEAS, and testosterone, and white matter microstructure during adrenarche. To avoid the confounding effect of age on hormone levels, we tested these associations in 87 children within a narrow age range (mean age 9.56 years, SD=0.34) but varying in hormone levels. All children provided saliva samples directly after waking and completed a diffusion-weighted MRI scan. Higher levels of DHEA were associated with higher mean diffusivity (MD) in a widespread cluster of white matter tracts, which was partially explained by higher radial diffusivity (RD) and partially by higher axial diffusivity (AD). In addition, there was an interaction between DHEA and testosterone, with higher levels of testosterone being associated with higher fractional anisotropy (FA) and lower MD and RD when DHEA levels were relatively high, but with lower FA and higher MD and RD when DHEA levels were low. These findings suggest that relatively early exposure to DHEA, as well as an imbalance between the adrenal hormones, may be associated with alterations in white matter microstructure. These findings highlight the potential relevance of adrenarcheal hormones for structural brain development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marjolein E A Barendse
- Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia.
| | - Julian G Simmons
- Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia; Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Michelle L Byrne
- Department of Psychology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, 97403, USA
| | - Marc L Seal
- Developmental Imaging, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - George Patton
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia; Centre for Adolescent Health, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Lisa Mundy
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia; Centre for Adolescent Health, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Stephen J Wood
- Orygen, the National Centre of Excellence for Youth Mental Health, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia; Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia; School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Craig A Olsson
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia; Centre for Adolescent Health, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia; Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, 3125, Australia
| | - Nicholas B Allen
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia; Department of Psychology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, 97403, USA
| | - Sarah Whittle
- Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia; Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
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18
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Bianchi VE, Locatelli V, Rizzi L. Neurotrophic and Neuroregenerative Effects of GH/IGF1. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18112441. [PMID: 29149058 PMCID: PMC5713408 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18112441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Revised: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 11/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction. Human neurodegenerative diseases increase progressively with age and present a high social and economic burden. Growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) are both growth factors exerting trophic effects on neuronal regeneration in the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS). GH and IGF-1 stimulate protein synthesis in neurons, glia, oligodendrocytes, and Schwann cells, and favor neuronal survival, inhibiting apoptosis. This study aims to evaluate the effect of GH and IGF-1 on neurons, and their possible therapeutic clinical applications on neuron regeneration in human subjects. Methods. In the literature, we searched the clinical trials and followed up studies in humans, which have evaluated the effect of GH/IGF-1 on CNS and PNS. The following keywords have been used: “GH/IGF-1” associated with “neuroregeneration”, “amyotrophic lateral sclerosis”, “Alzheimer disease”, “Parkinson’s disease”, “brain”, and “neuron”. Results. Of the retrieved articles, we found nine articles about the effect of GH in healthy patients who suffered from traumatic brain injury (TBI), and six studies (four using IGF-1 and two GH therapy) in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The administration of GH in patients after TBI showed a significantly positive recovery of brain and mental function. Treatment with GH and IGF-1 therapy in ALS produced contradictory results. Conclusions. Although strong findings have shown the positive effects of GH/IGF-1 administration on neuroregeneration in animal models, a very limited number of clinical studies have been conducted in humans. GH/IGF-1 therapy had different effects in patients with TBI, evidencing a high recovery of neurons and clinical outcome, while in ALS patients, the results are contradictory. More complex clinical protocols are necessary to evaluate the effect of GH/IGF-1 efficacy in neurodegenerative diseases. It seems evident that GH and IGF-1 therapy favors the optimal recovery of neurons when a consistent residual activity is still present. Furthermore, the effect of GH/IGF-1 could be mediated by, or be overlapped with that of other hormones, such as estradiol and testosterone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vittorio Emanuele Bianchi
- Endocrinology and Metabolism, Clinical Center Stella Maris, Strada Rovereta, 42-47891 Falciano, San Marino.
| | - Vittorio Locatelli
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca via Cadore, 48-20900 Monza Brianza, Italy.
| | - Laura Rizzi
- Molecular Biology, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, via Cadore, 48-20900 Monza Brianza, Italy.
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19
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Role of Estrogens in the Size of Neuronal Somata of Paravaginal Ganglia in Ovariectomized Rabbits. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 2017:2089645. [PMID: 28316975 PMCID: PMC5339489 DOI: 10.1155/2017/2089645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2016] [Revised: 12/18/2016] [Accepted: 01/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
We aimed to determine the role of estrogens in modulating the size of neuronal somata of paravaginal ganglia. Rabbits were allocated into control (C), ovariectomized (OVX), and OVX treated with estradiol benzoate (OVX + EB) groups to evaluate the neuronal soma area; total serum estradiol (E2) and testosterone (T) levels; the percentage of immunoreactive (ir) neurons anti-aromatase, anti-estrogen receptor (ERα, ERβ) and anti-androgen receptor (AR); the intensity of the immunostaining anti-glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and the GDNF family receptor alpha type 1 (GFRα1); and the number of satellite glial cells (SGCs) per neuron. There was a decrease in the neuronal soma size for the OVX group, which was associated with low T, high percentages of aromatase-ir and neuritic AR-ir neurons, and a strong immunostaining anti-GDNF and anti-GFRα1. The decrease in the neuronal soma size was prevented by the EB treatment that increased the E2 without affecting the T levels. Moreover, there was a high percentage of neuritic AR-ir neurons, a strong GDNF immunostaining in the SGC, and an increase in the SGCs per neuron. Present findings show that estrogens modulate the soma size of neurons of the paravaginal ganglia, likely involving the participation of the SGC.
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20
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Gordon T, Borschel GH. The use of the rat as a model for studying peripheral nerve regeneration and sprouting after complete and partial nerve injuries. Exp Neurol 2017; 287:331-347. [DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2016.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2015] [Revised: 01/14/2016] [Accepted: 01/15/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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21
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Castoria G, Auricchio F, Migliaccio A. Extranuclear partners of androgen receptor: at the crossroads of proliferation, migration, and neuritogenesis. FASEB J 2016; 31:1289-1300. [PMID: 28031322 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201601047r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2016] [Accepted: 12/19/2016] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
In this review, we focus on the role played by the protein partners of ligand-activated extranuclear androgen receptor (AR) in the final effects of hormone action, such as proliferation, migration, and neuritogenesis. The choice of AR partner, at least in part, depends on cell type. Androgen-activated receptor directly associates with cytoplasmic Src tyrosine kinase in epithelial cells, whereas in mesenchymal and neuronal cells, it prevalently interacts with filamin A. In the former, proliferation represents the final hormonal outcome, whereas in the latter, either migration or neuritogenesis, respectively, occurs. Furthermore, AR partner filamin A is replaced with Src when mesenchymal cells are stimulated with very low androgen concentrations. Consequently, the migratory effect is replaced by mitogenesis. Use of peptides that prevent receptor/partner assembly abolishes the effects that are dependent on their association and offers new therapeutic approaches to AR-related diseases. Perturbation of migration is often associated with metastatic spreading in cancer. In turn, cell cycle aberration causes tumors to grow faster, whereas toxic signaling triggers neurodegenerative events in the CNS. Here, we provide examples of new tools that interfere in rapid androgen effects, including migration, proliferation, and neuronal differentiation, together with their potential therapeutic applications in AR-dependent diseases-mainly prostate cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.-Castoria, G., Auricchio, F., Migliaccio, A. Extranuclear partners of androgen receptor: at the crossroads of proliferation, migration, and neuritogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella Castoria
- Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics, and General Pathology, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli," Naples, Italy
| | - Ferdinando Auricchio
- Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics, and General Pathology, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli," Naples, Italy
| | - Antimo Migliaccio
- Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics, and General Pathology, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli," Naples, Italy
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22
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Monaco GN, Brown TJ, Burgette RC, Fargo KN, Akst LM, Jones KJ, Foecking EM. Electrical stimulation and testosterone enhance recovery from recurrent laryngeal nerve crush. Restor Neurol Neurosci 2016; 33:571-8. [PMID: 23902984 DOI: 10.3233/rnn-130334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study investigated the effects of a combinatorial treatment, consisting of a brief period of nerve electrical stimulation (ES) and systemic supraphysiologic testosterone, on functional recovery following a crush of the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN). STUDY DESIGN Prospective, controlled animal study. METHODS After a crush of the left RLN, adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four treatment groups: 1) no treatment, 2) ES, 3) testosterone propionate (TP), and 4) ES + TP. Each group was subdivided into 1, 2, 3, or 4 weeks post-operative survival time points. Groups had an n of 4- 9. Recovery of vocal fold mobility (VFM) was assessed. RESULTS Brief ES of the proximal nerve alone or in combination with TP accelerated the initiation of functional recovery. TP administration by itself also produced increased VFM scores compared to controls, but there were no statistical differences between the ES-treated and TP-treated animals. Treatment with brief ES alone was sufficient to decrease the time required to recover complete VFM. Animals with complete VFM were seen in treatment groups as early as 1 week following injury; in the untreated group, this was not observed until at least 3 weeks post-injury, translating into a 66% decrease in time to complete recovery. CONCLUSIONS Brief ES, alone or in combination with TP, promise to be effective therapeutic interventions for promoting regeneration following RLN injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gina N Monaco
- Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy Program, Loyola University Chicago, Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, IL, USA
| | - Todd J Brown
- R&D Services, Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, IN, USA.,Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Indiana School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Ryan C Burgette
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL, USA
| | - Keith N Fargo
- R&D Services, Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital, Hines, IL, USA
| | - Lee M Akst
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL, USA
| | - Kathryn J Jones
- R&D Services, Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, IN, USA.,Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Indiana School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Eileen M Foecking
- R&D Services, Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital, Hines, IL, USA.,Department of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL, USA
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Abstract
Patient: Male, 25 Final Diagnosis: Charcot-Marie-Tooth 1 Symptoms: Muscular • spasticity Medication: Oxandrolone Clinical Procedure: Neural and muscle biopsies Specialty: Neurology
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Affiliation(s)
- Vittorio Bianchi
- Laboratory of Physiology of Exercise and Human Performance, Stella Maris Clinical Center, Falciano, San Marino
| | - Adriana Marbini
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
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24
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Di Donato M, Bilancio A, D'Amato L, Claudiani P, Oliviero MA, Barone MV, Auricchio A, Appella E, Migliaccio A, Auricchio F, Castoria G. Cross-talk between androgen receptor/filamin A and TrkA regulates neurite outgrowth in PC12 cells. Mol Biol Cell 2015; 26:2858-72. [PMID: 26063730 PMCID: PMC4571344 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e14-09-1352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2014] [Revised: 05/14/2015] [Accepted: 06/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Steroids and growth factors control neuronal development through their receptors under physiological and pathological conditions. We show that PC12 cells harbor endogenous androgen receptor (AR), whose inhibition or silencing strongly interferes with neuritogenesis stimulated by the nonaromatizable synthetic androgen R1881 or NGF. This implies a role for AR not only in androgen signaling, but also in NGF signaling. In turn, a pharmacological TrkA inhibitor interferes with NGF- or androgen-induced neuritogenesis. In addition, androgen or NGF triggers AR association with TrkA, TrkA interaction with PI3-K δ, and downstream activation of PI3-K δ and Rac in PC12 cells. Once associated with AR, filamin A (FlnA) contributes to androgen or NGF neuritogenesis, likely through its interaction with signaling effectors, such as Rac. This study thus identifies a previously unrecognized reciprocal cross-talk between AR and TrkA, which is controlled by β1 integrin. The contribution of FlnA/AR complex and PI3-K δ to neuronal differentiation by androgens and NGF is also novel. This is the first description of AR function in PC12 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marzia Di Donato
- Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and General Pathology, II University of Naples, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Bilancio
- Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and General Pathology, II University of Naples, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Loredana D'Amato
- Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and General Pathology, II University of Naples, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Pamela Claudiani
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine and Medical Genetics and Translational Medicine Department, University Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Antonietta Oliviero
- Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and General Pathology, II University of Naples, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Vittoria Barone
- European Laboratory for the Investigation of Food Induced Diseases and Medical Genetics and Translational Medicine Department, University Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Alberto Auricchio
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine and Medical Genetics and Translational Medicine Department, University Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Ettore Appella
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892-4256
| | - Antimo Migliaccio
- Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and General Pathology, II University of Naples, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Ferdinando Auricchio
- Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and General Pathology, II University of Naples, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Gabriella Castoria
- Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and General Pathology, II University of Naples, 80138 Naples, Italy
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25
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Yang XY, Jin K, Ma R, Yang JM, Luo WW, Han Z, Cong N, Ren DD, Chi FL. Role of the planar cell polarity pathway in regulating ectopic hair cell-like cells induced by Math1 and testosterone treatment. Brain Res 2015; 1615:22-30. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2015.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2014] [Revised: 04/07/2015] [Accepted: 04/10/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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26
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Pangelinan MM, Leonard G, Perron M, Pike GB, Richer L, Veillette S, Pausova Z, Paus T. Puberty and testosterone shape the corticospinal tract during male adolescence. Brain Struct Funct 2014; 221:1083-94. [PMID: 25503450 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-014-0956-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2014] [Accepted: 12/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Some of the known sex differences in white matter emerge during adolescence. Here, we replicate and extend our previous findings of sex differences in the structure of the corticospinal tract (Perrin et al. 2009; Hervé et al. 2009). In a large normative sample of adolescents, we observed age × sex interactions in the signal intensity of T1-weighted (T1W) images (n = 941) and in magnetization transfer ratio (MTR; n = 761); both features were inversely associated with age in males but not in females. Moreover, we hypothesized that the age-related differences in CST structure exhibited by males would be mediated by differences in puberty stage and levels of bioavailable testosterone. We confirmed this prediction using mediation analysis with bootstrapping. These findings suggest that sex differences in the CST structure observed during male adolescence may be due to multiple processes associated with puberty, including (but not limited to) the rising levels of testosterone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa M Pangelinan
- Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care, 3560 Bathurst Street, Toronto, ON, M6A 2E1, Canada
| | - Gabriel Leonard
- Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, 3801 University Street, Montreal, QC, H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Michel Perron
- ECOBES, Céjep de Jonquière, 2505 Rue Saint Hubert, Jonquière, QC, G7X 3W1, Canada
- Département des Sciences de la Santé, Université du Québec à Chicoutimi, 555 Boulevard de l'Université, Chicoutimi, QC, G7H 2B1, Canada
| | - G Bruce Pike
- Faculty of Medicine, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Louis Richer
- Département des Sciences de la Santé, Université du Québec à Chicoutimi, 555 Boulevard de l'Université, Chicoutimi, QC, G7H 2B1, Canada
| | - Suzanne Veillette
- ECOBES, Céjep de Jonquière, 2505 Rue Saint Hubert, Jonquière, QC, G7X 3W1, Canada
- Département des Sciences de la Santé, Université du Québec à Chicoutimi, 555 Boulevard de l'Université, Chicoutimi, QC, G7H 2B1, Canada
| | - Zdenka Pausova
- The Hospital of Sick Children, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X8, Canada
| | - Tomáš Paus
- Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care, 3560 Bathurst Street, Toronto, ON, M6A 2E1, Canada.
- Departments of Psychology and Psychiatry, University of Toronto, 100 St. George Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 3G3, Canada.
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27
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Amine M, Foecking EM, Marzo SJ. Intracranial facial nerve crush injury and facial motor nuclei cell loss in rats. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2014; 151:443-6. [PMID: 24946942 DOI: 10.1177/0194599814541412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to (1) assess the degree of motoneuron cell loss and (2) the combinatorial effects of electrical stimulation (ES) and testosterone propionate (TP) on cell survival following an intracranial facial nerve crush injury and (3) compare these results to distal injuries. STUDY DESIGN Prospective, randomized, controlled animal study. METHODS Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: intracranial sham surgery or intracranial crush injury with or without ES and TP treatments. The intracranial sham group underwent exposure of the meatal segment of the right facial nerve. The intracranial crush groups underwent a crush of the meatal segment following exposure with or without ES and TP treatment immediately following the injury and followed for 8 weeks. Brain sections were thionin-stained, and facial motor nuclei (FMN) were counted using light microscopy. Results were compared to intratemporal and extracranial facial nerve crush injuries. RESULTS Intracranial crush injury resulted in a significant decrease in cell survival (n = 6) of 65.6% as compared to the sham group (99.4%; n = 9). The treatments increased cell survival to 93.8% (n = 2). The cell loss in the intracranial facial nerve injury is more substantial than the intratemporal (85.8%; n = 7) and extracranial (103.3%; n = 4) injuries. CONCLUSIONS Intracranial injury results in a more profound cell loss compared to the distal injuries. These data suggest a critical importance for the development of treatment modalities that can help improve cell survival following facial nerve injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhamad Amine
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, Illinois, USA
| | - Eileen M Foecking
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, Illinois, USA Research and Development Service, Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital, Hines, Illinois, USA
| | - Sam J Marzo
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, Illinois, USA
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Garcia-Segura LM, Perez-Marquez J. A new mathematical function to evaluate neuronal morphology using the Sholl analysis. J Neurosci Methods 2014; 226:103-109. [PMID: 24503022 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2014.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2013] [Revised: 01/15/2014] [Accepted: 01/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Sholl analysis is a morphometric method that evaluates the neurite architecture of neurons by drawing a series of concentric circles around the cell soma. Based on the Sholl analysis, one mathematical method that gives a measure of the neurite arborization is the Schoenen ramification index (SRI): the ratio between the maximum number of the intersections of the neurites with the circles and the number of the primary neurites. A different method is the quantification of the number of bifurcations of the neurites (BN). NEW METHOD In this study we proposed a new mathematical function to quantify neurite morphology that we named the branching index (BI). The BI compares the difference in the number of intersections made in pairs of circles relative to the distance from the neuronal soma. To facilitate the morphometric analysis, we developed informatics software named CellTarget that obtains the quantitative variables of the Sholl analysis and neurite branching. RESULTS Using that bioinformatics application we compared the BI, the SRI and BN values in neuronal models and in neuronal hippocampal cultures treated or untreated with the androgen dihydrotestosterone, which is known to induce neurite branching. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHODS Although the SRI and the BN provided quantitative information of the degree of neurite morphology, it produced similar values in neurons that ramify very differently. By contrast, these differences were discriminated using the BI. CONCLUSIONS The BI is a useful parameter to discriminate among different neuronal morphologies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Julio Perez-Marquez
- Departamento de Biomedicina y Biotecnología, Universidad Alcalá de Henares, 28871 Madrid, Spain.
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Beitel LK, Alvarado C, Mokhtar S, Paliouras M, Trifiro M. Mechanisms mediating spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy: investigations into polyglutamine-expanded androgen receptor function and dysfunction. Front Neurol 2013; 4:53. [PMID: 23720649 PMCID: PMC3654311 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2013.00053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2013] [Accepted: 04/26/2013] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA, Kennedy’s disease), a late-onset neuromuscular disorder, is caused by expansion of the polymorphic polyglutamine tract in the androgen receptor (AR). The AR is a ligand-activated transcription factor, but plays roles in other cellular pathways. In SBMA, selective motor neuron degeneration occurs in the brainstem and spinal cord, thus the causes of neuronal dysfunction have been studied. However, pathogenic pathways in muscles may also be involved. Cultured cells, fly and mouse models are used to study the molecular mechanisms leading to SBMA. Both the structure of the polyglutamine-expanded AR (polyQ AR) and its interactions with other proteins are altered relative to the normal AR. The ligand-dependent translocation of the polyQ AR to the nucleus appears to be critical, as are interdomain interactions. The polyQ AR, or fragments thereof, can form nuclear inclusions, but their pathogenic or protective nature is unclear. Other data suggests soluble polyQ AR oligomers can be harmful. Post-translational modifications such as phosphorylation, acetylation, and ubiquitination influence AR function and modulate the deleterious effects of the polyQ AR. Transcriptional dysregulation is highly likely to be a factor in SBMA; deregulation of non-genomic AR signaling may also be involved. Studies on polyQ AR-protein degradation suggest inhibition of the ubiquitin proteasome system and changes to autophagic pathways may be relevant. Mitochondrial function and axonal transport may also be affected by the polyQ AR. Androgens, acting through the AR, can be neurotrophic and are important in muscle development; hence both loss of normal AR functions and gain of novel harmful functions by the polyQ AR can contribute to neurodegeneration and muscular atrophy. Thus investigations into polyQ AR function have shown that multiple complex mechanisms lead to the initiation and progression of SBMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lenore K Beitel
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital Montreal, QC, Canada ; Department of Medicine, McGill University Montreal, QC, Canada ; Department of Human Genetics, McGill University Montreal, QC, Canada
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Byers JS, Huguenard AL, Kuruppu D, Liu NK, Xu XM, Sengelaub DR. Neuroprotective effects of testosterone on motoneuron and muscle morphology following spinal cord injury. J Comp Neurol 2012; 520:2683-96. [PMID: 22314886 PMCID: PMC3960947 DOI: 10.1002/cne.23066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Treatment with testosterone is neuroprotective/neurotherapeutic after a variety of motoneuron injuries. Here we assessed whether testosterone might have similar beneficial effects after spinal cord injury (SCI). Young adult female rats received either sham or T9 spinal cord contusion injuries and were implanted with blank or testosterone-filled Silastic capsules. Four weeks later, motoneurons innervating the vastus lateralis muscle of the quadriceps were labeled with cholera toxin-conjugated horseradish peroxidase, and dendritic arbors were reconstructed in three dimensions. Soma volume, motoneuron number, lesion volume, and tissue sparing were also assessed, as were muscle weight, fiber cross-sectional area, and motor endplate size and density. Contusion injury resulted in large lesions, with no significant differences in lesion volume, percent total volume of lesion, or spared white or gray matter between SCI groups. SCI with or without testosterone treatment also had no effect on the number or soma volume of quadriceps motoneurons. However, SCI resulted in a decrease in dendritic length of quadriceps motoneurons in untreated animals, and this decrease was completely prevented by treatment with testosterone. Similarly, the vastus lateralis muscle weights and fiber cross-sectional areas of untreated SCI animals were smaller than those of sham-surgery controls, and these reductions were both prevented by testosterone treatment. No effects on motor endplate area or density were observed across treatment groups. These findings suggest that regressive changes in motoneuron and muscle morphology seen after SCI can be prevented by testosterone treatment, further supporting a role for testosterone as a neurotherapeutic agent in the injured nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- James S. Byers
- Program in Neuroscience and Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405
| | - Anna L. Huguenard
- Program in Neuroscience and Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405
| | - Dulanji Kuruppu
- Program in Neuroscience and Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405
| | - Nai-Kui Liu
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, and Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202
| | - Xiao-Ming Xu
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, and Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202
| | - Dale R. Sengelaub
- Program in Neuroscience and Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405
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Rametti G, Carrillo B, Gómez-Gil E, Junque C, Zubiaurre-Elorza L, Segovia S, Gomez A, Karadi K, Guillamon A. Effects of androgenization on the white matter microstructure of female-to-male transsexuals. A diffusion tensor imaging study. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2012; 37:1261-9. [PMID: 22260939 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2011.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2011] [Revised: 12/20/2011] [Accepted: 12/20/2011] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) can sensitively detect white matter sex differences and the effects of pharmacological treatments. Before cross-sex hormone treatment, the white matter microstructure of several brain bundles in female-to-male transsexuals (FtMs) differs from those in females but not from that in males. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether cross-sex hormone treatment (androgenization) affects the brain white matter microstructure. Using a Siemens 3 T Trio Tim Magneton, DTI was performed twice, before and during cross-sex hormonal treatment with testosterone in 15 FtMs scanned. Fractional anisotropy (FA) was analyzed on white matter of the whole brain, and the latter was spatially analyzed using Tract-Based Spatial Statistics. Before each scan the subjects were assessed for serum testosterone, sex hormone binding globulin level (SHBG), and their free testosterone index. After at least seven months of cross-gender hormonal treatment, FA values increased in the right superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF) and the right corticospinal tract (CST) in FtMs compared to their pre-treatment values. Hierarchical regression analyses showed that the increments in the FA values in the SLF and CST are predicted by the free testosterone index before hormonal treatment. All these observations suggest that testosterone treatment changes white matter microstructure in FtMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppina Rametti
- Clinical Institute of Neuroscience, Hospital Clinic i Provincial, Barcelona, Spain
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Yoo YE, Ko CP. Dihydrotestosterone ameliorates degeneration in muscle, axons and motoneurons and improves motor function in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis model mice. PLoS One 2012; 7:e37258. [PMID: 22606355 PMCID: PMC3351454 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0037258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2012] [Accepted: 04/19/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a lethal disease characterized by a progressive loss of motoneurons. The clinical symptoms include skeletal muscle weakness and atrophy, which impairs motor performance and eventually leads to respiratory failure. We tested whether dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which has both anabolic effects on muscle and neuroprotective effects on axons and motoneurons, can ameliorate clinical symptoms in ALS. A silastic tube containing DHT crystals was implanted subcutaneously in SOD1-G93A mice at early symptomatic age when decreases in body weight and grip-strength were observed as compared to wild-type mice. DHT-treated SOD1-G93A mice demonstrated ameliorated muscle atrophy and increased body weight, which was associated with stronger grip-strength. DHT treatment increased the expression of insulin-like growth factor-1 in muscle, which can exert myotrophic as well as neurotrophic effects through retrograde transport. DHT treatment attenuated neuromuscular junction denervation, and axonal and motoneuron loss. DHT-treated SOD1-G93A mice demonstrated improvement in motor behavior as assessed by rota-rod and gait analyses, and an increased lifespan. Application of DHT is a relatively simple and non-invasive procedure, which may be translated into therapy to improve the quality of life for ALS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young-Eun Yoo
- Section of Neurobiology, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
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Schindler M, Fabre C, de Weille J, Carreau S, Mersel M, Bakalara N. Disruption of nongenomic testosterone signaling in a model of spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy. Mol Endocrinol 2012; 26:1102-16. [PMID: 22570336 DOI: 10.1210/me.2011-1367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
As one of the nine hereditary neurodegenerative polyQ disorders, spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA) results from a polyQ tract expansion in androgen receptor (AR). Although protein aggregates are the pathological hallmark of many neurodegenerative diseases, their direct role in the neurodegeneration is more and more questioned. To determine the early molecular mechanisms causing motor neuron degeneration in SBMA, we established an in vitro system based on the tetracycline-inducible expression of normal (AR20Q), the mutated, 51 glutamine-extended (AR51Q), or polyQ-deleted (AR0Q) AR in NSC34, a motor neuron-like cell line lacking endogenous AR. Although no intracellular aggregates were formed, the expression of the AR51Q leads to a loss of function characterized by reduced neurite outgrowth and to a toxic gain of function resulting in decreased cell viability. In this study, we show that both AR20Q and AR51Q are recruited to lipid rafts in response to testosterone stimulation. However, whereas testosterone induces the activation of the c-jun N-terminal kinase/c-jun pathway via membrane-associated AR20Q, it does not so in NSC34 expressing AR51Q. Phosphorylation of c-jun N-terminal kinase plays a crucial role in AR20Q-dependent survival and differentiation of NSC34. Moreover, c-jun protein levels decrease more slowly in AR20Q- than in AR51Q-expressing NSC34 cells. This is due to a rapid and transient inhibition of glycogen synthase kinase 3α occurring in a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-independent manner. Our results demonstrate that the deregulation of nongenomic AR signaling may be involved in SBMA establishment, opening new therapeutic perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathilde Schindler
- Institut des Neurosciences de Montpellier, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale Unité 1051, 34295 Montpellier, France
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34
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Peper JS, van den Heuvel MP, Mandl RCW, Hulshoff Pol HE, van Honk J. Sex steroids and connectivity in the human brain: a review of neuroimaging studies. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2011; 36:1101-13. [PMID: 21641727 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2011.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2011] [Revised: 05/06/2011] [Accepted: 05/06/2011] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Our brain operates by the way of interconnected networks. Connections between brain regions have been extensively studied at a functional and structural level, and impaired connectivity has been postulated as an important pathophysiological mechanism underlying several neuropsychiatric disorders. Yet the neurobiological mechanisms contributing to the development of functional and structural brain connections remain to be poorly understood. Interestingly, animal research has convincingly shown that sex steroid hormones (estrogens, progesterone and testosterone) are critically involved in myelination, forming the basis of white matter connectivity in the central nervous system. To get insights, we reviewed studies into the relation between sex steroid hormones, white matter and functional connectivity in the human brain, measured with neuroimaging. Results suggest that sex hormones organize structural connections, and activate the brain areas they connect. These processes could underlie a better integration of structural and functional communication between brain regions with age. Specifically, ovarian hormones (estradiol and progesterone) may enhance both cortico-cortical and subcortico-cortical functional connectivity, whereas androgens (testosterone) may decrease subcortico-cortical functional connectivity but increase functional connectivity between subcortical brain areas. Therefore, when examining healthy brain development and aging or when investigating possible biological mechanisms of 'brain connectivity' diseases, the contribution of sex steroids should not be ignored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiska S Peper
- Institute of Psychology, Brain and Development Laboratory, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands.
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35
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Fargo KN, Foecking EM, Jones KJ. Muscle matters--dendrites grow up. Endocrinology 2011; 152:346-8. [PMID: 21252180 DOI: 10.1210/en.2010-1413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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36
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Sharma N, Moeller CW, Marzo SJ, Jones KJ, Foecking EM. Combinatorial treatments enhance recovery following facial nerve crush. Laryngoscope 2010; 120:1523-30. [PMID: 20641084 DOI: 10.1002/lary.20997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS To investigate the effects of various combinatorial treatments, consisting of a tapering dose of prednisone (P), a brief period of nerve electrical stimulation (ES), and systemic testosterone propionate (TP) on improving functional recovery following an intratemporal facial nerve crush injury. STUDY DESIGN Prospective, controlled animal study. METHODS After a right intratemporal facial nerve crush, adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into the following eight treatment groups: 1) no treatment, 2) P only, 3) ES only, 4) ES + P, 5) TP only, 6) TP + P, 7) ES + TP, and 8) ES + TP + P. For each group n = 4-8. Recovery of the eyeblink reflex and vibrissae orientation and movement were assessed. Changes in peak amplitude and latency of evoked response, in response to facial nerve stimulation, was also recorded weekly. RESULTS : Brief ES of the proximal nerve stump most effectively accelerated the initiation of functional recovery. Also, ES or TP treatments enhanced recovery of some functional parameters more than P treatment. When administered alone, none of the three treatments improved recovery of complete facial function. Only the combinatorial treatment of ES + TP, regardless of the presence of P, accelerated complete functional recovery and return of normal motor nerve conduction. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that a combinatorial treatment strategy of using brief ES and TP together promises to be an effective therapeutic intervention for promoting regeneration following facial nerve injury. Administration of P neither augments nor hinders recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nijee Sharma
- Neuroscience Program, Loyola University Chicago, Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, Illinois, USA
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37
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Electrical stimulation and testosterone differentially enhance expression of regeneration-associated genes. Exp Neurol 2010; 223:183-91. [DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2009.04.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2009] [Revised: 04/26/2009] [Accepted: 04/28/2009] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
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Fargo KN, Foster AM, Sengelaub DR. Neuroprotective effect of testosterone treatment on motoneuron recruitment following the death of nearby motoneurons. Dev Neurobiol 2009; 69:825-35. [PMID: 19658088 DOI: 10.1002/dneu.20743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Motoneuron loss is a significant medical problem, capable of causing severe movement disorders or even death. We have previously shown that motoneuron death induces marked dendritic atrophy in surviving nearby motoneurons. Additionally, in quadriceps motoneurons, this atrophy is accompanied by decreases in motor nerve activity. However, treatment with testosterone partially attenuates changes in both the morphology and activation of quadriceps motoneurons. Testosterone has an even larger neuroprotective effect on the morphology of motoneurons of the spinal nucleus of the bulbocavernosus (SNB), in which testosterone treatment can completely prevent dendritic atrophy. The present experiment was performed to determine whether the greater neuroprotective effect of testosterone on SNB motoneuron morphology was accompanied by a greater neuroprotective effect on motor activation. Right side SNB motoneurons were killed by intramuscular injection of cholera toxin-conjugated saporin in adult male Sprague-Dawley rats. Animals were either given Silastic testosterone implants or left untreated. Four weeks later, left side SNB motor activation was assessed with peripheral nerve recording. The death of right side SNB motoneurons resulted in several changes in the electrophysiological response properties of surviving left side SNB motoneurons, including decreased background activity, increased response latency, increased activity duration, and decreased motoneuron recruitment. Treatment with exogenous testosterone attenuated the increase in activity duration and completely prevented the decrease in motoneuron recruitment. These data provide a functional correlate to the known protective effects of testosterone treatment on the morphology of these motoneurons, and further support a role for testosterone as a therapeutic agent in the injured nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keith N Fargo
- Research and Development Service, Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital, Hines, Illinois 60141, USA.
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Aloisi AM, Aurilio C, Bachiocco V, Biasi G, Fiorenzani P, Pace MC, Paci V, Pari G, Passavanti G, Ravaioli L, Sindaco G, Vellucci R, Ceccarelli I. Endocrine consequences of opioid therapy. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2009; 34 Suppl 1:S162-8. [PMID: 19540049 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2009.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2009] [Revised: 05/17/2009] [Accepted: 05/19/2009] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Gonadal hormones are known to be affected by morphine and other opioids. In this paper, we summarize data collected in recent years which clearly indicate that the opioid-induced effects on steroid hormones depend on the opioid used and in some cases on the sex of the subject. Indeed morphine is able to reduce hormones like testosterone and cortisol in both male and female subjects in just a few hours, probably acting directly on peripheral glands. These depressant effects of morphine on hormones are also present in the treatment of surgical pain and are quickly reversible once opioid administration is suspended. Similar actions were also found to occur in experimental animals and in vitro in glial cells, further confirming the morphine-induced reduction of testosterone cell content. Testosterone and its metabolites are well known substances involved in the development and maintenance of the brain and all body structures. Thus when treating pain with opioids, their effects on hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal and hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal-related hormones must be considered and, where possible, hormone replacement therapy should be started.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Maria Aloisi
- University of Siena, Department of Physiology, Neuroscience and Applied Physiology Section, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy.
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Hervé PY, Leonard G, Perron M, Pike B, Pitiot A, Richer L, Veillette S, Pausova Z, Paus T. Handedness, motor skills and maturation of the corticospinal tract in the adolescent brain. Hum Brain Mapp 2009; 30:3151-62. [PMID: 19235881 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.20734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
With anatomical magnetic resonance imaging, the signal intensity of the corticospinal tract (CST) at the level of the internal capsule is often paradoxically similar to that of grey matter. As shown previously in histological studies, this is likely due to the presence of very large axons. We measured the apparent grey-matter density (aGMd) of the putative CST (pCST) in a large cohort of adolescents (n = 409, aged 12-18 years). We tested the following hypotheses: (1) The aGMd in the pCST shows a hemispheric asymmetry that is, in turn, related to hand preference; (2) the maturation of the CST during adolescence differs between both sexes, due to the influence of testosterone; (3) variations in aGMd in the pCST reflect inter-individual differences in manual skills. We confirmed the first two predictions. Thus, we found a strong left > right hemispheric asymmetry in aGMd that was, on average, less marked in the 40 left-handed subjects. Apparent GMd in the pCST increased with age in adolescent males but not females, and this was particularly related to rising plasma levels of testosterone in male adolescents. This finding is compatible with the idea that testosterone influences axonal calibre rather than myelination. The third prediction, namely that of a relationship between age-related changes in manual skills and maturation of the pCST, was not confirmed. We conclude that the leftward asymmetry of the pCST may reflect an early established asymmetry in the number of large corticomotoneuronal fibres in the pCST.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre-Yves Hervé
- Brain and Body Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom.
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Dose-dependent effects of androgens on outcome after focal cerebral ischemia in adult male mice. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2009; 29:1454-62. [PMID: 19436313 PMCID: PMC2821811 DOI: 10.1038/jcbfm.2009.60] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Males exhibit greater histologic and behavioral impairment after stroke than do age-matched females. However, the contribution of androgens to stroke outcome remains unclear. We compared outcomes from middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) in castrated mice with those in testosterone- or dihydrotestosterone (DHT)-replaced castrated mice. Castrates treated with 1.5 mg testosterone or 0.5 mg DHT before MCAO showed smaller infarct volumes (hemisphere: 27 or 26%) at 24 h after 90 mins MCAO than did untreated castrates (37%), whereas 5 mg testosterone or 1.5 mg DHT exacerbated infarcts (53 or 51%). These outcomes were blocked by the androgen receptor antagonist, flutamide, suggesting that androgen receptors mediate these responses to ischemia. We further evaluated long-term outcomes with a milder 60-min MCAO in castrates treated with the protective 1.5 mg testosterone dose. Consistent with data obtained at 24 h reperfusion, the infarct volume was decreased at 9 days reperfusion. Neurobehavioral analysis showed that motor functional recovery was improved during the first 3 days of reperfusion, but not improved at 7 days. We conclude that testosterone exhibits dose-dependent and time-sensitive effects after ischemia and that testosterone is likely to be an important factor in sex-linked differences in cerebrovascular disease.
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Current world literature. Curr Opin Endocrinol Diabetes Obes 2009; 16:260-77. [PMID: 19390324 DOI: 10.1097/med.0b013e32832c937e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Jordan CL, DonCarlos L. Androgens in health and disease: an overview. Horm Behav 2008; 53:589-95. [PMID: 18407273 PMCID: PMC2676684 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2008.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2008] [Revised: 02/15/2008] [Accepted: 02/15/2008] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
This special issue of Hormones and Behavior , “Androgens in health and disease: new insights into roles and mechanisms of action,” is prompted by a number of relatively recent findings that androgens affect brain morphology and function in ways not previously or widely appreciated. Moreover, recent results also make it clear that androgens utilize a variety of signaling molecules to exert their effects on the brain, which may or may not depend on the classic nuclear androgen receptor (AR). The papers in this issue underscore these two points. This overview is not intended as a comprehensive review of androgen action on the nervous system, since the papers in this issue serve that purpose, but rather to frame the basic issues and themes that tie these papers together. The sum effect of the stories told in this issue encourages us to broaden and refocus our view of androgen action on brain and behavior—to recognize that androgens affect many aspects of brain structure and function throughout the lifespan, from shaping its sexual phenotype to influencing its propensity for disease and repair, and that at least some of these actions are exerted via non-classical modes of action that in many cases were first identified in non-neural tissue or cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia L. Jordan
- Neuroscience Program and Psychology Department, 108 Giltner Hall, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, 48824
| | - Lydia DonCarlos
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy and Neuroscience Institute, 2160 S. First Avenue, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, 60153
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