1
|
Dronse J, Ohndorf A, Richter N, Bischof GN, Fassbender R, Behfar Q, Gramespacher H, Dillen K, Jacobs HIL, Kukolja J, Fink GR, Onur OA. Serum cortisol is negatively related to hippocampal volume, brain structure, and memory performance in healthy aging and Alzheimer's disease. Front Aging Neurosci 2023; 15:1154112. [PMID: 37251803 PMCID: PMC10213232 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2023.1154112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Elevated cortisol levels have been frequently reported in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and linked to brain atrophy, especially of the hippocampus. Besides, high cortisol levels have been shown to impair memory performance and increase the risk of developing AD in healthy individuals. We investigated the associations between serum cortisol levels, hippocampal volume, gray matter volume and memory performance in healthy aging and AD. Methods In our cross-sectional study, we analyzed the relationships between morning serum cortisol levels, verbal memory performance, hippocampal volume, and whole-brain voxel-wise gray matter volume in an independent sample of 29 healthy seniors (HS) and 29 patients along the spectrum of biomarker-based AD. Results Cortisol levels were significantly elevated in patients with AD as compared to HS, and higher cortisol levels were correlated with worse memory performance in AD. Furthermore, higher cortisol levels were significantly associated with smaller left hippocampal volumes in HS and indirectly negatively correlated to memory function through hippocampal volume. Higher cortisol levels were further related to lower gray matter volume in the hippocampus and temporal and parietal areas in the left hemisphere in both groups. The strength of this association was similar in HS and AD. Conclusion In AD, cortisol levels are elevated and associated with worse memory performance. Furthermore, in healthy seniors, higher cortisol levels show a detrimental relationship with brain regions typically affected by AD. Thus, increased cortisol levels seem to be indirectly linked to worse memory function even in otherwise healthy individuals. Cortisol may therefore not only serve as a biomarker of increased risk for AD, but maybe even more importantly, as an early target for preventive and therapeutic interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julian Dronse
- Cognitive Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-3), Jülich Research Centre, Jülich, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Anna Ohndorf
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Nils Richter
- Cognitive Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-3), Jülich Research Centre, Jülich, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Gérard N. Bischof
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Multimodal Neuroimaging Group, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Ronja Fassbender
- Cognitive Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-3), Jülich Research Centre, Jülich, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Qumars Behfar
- Cognitive Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-3), Jülich Research Centre, Jülich, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Hannes Gramespacher
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Kim Dillen
- Cognitive Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-3), Jülich Research Centre, Jülich, Germany
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Multimodal Neuroimaging Group, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Heidi I. L. Jacobs
- Department of Radiology, Gordon Center for Medical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Alzheimer Centre Limburg, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Juraj Kukolja
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology, Helios University Hospital Wuppertal, Wuppertal, Germany
- Faculty of Health Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
| | - Gereon R. Fink
- Cognitive Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-3), Jülich Research Centre, Jülich, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Oezguer A. Onur
- Cognitive Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-3), Jülich Research Centre, Jülich, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Campos HC, Ribeiro DE, Hashiguchi D, Glaser T, Milanis MDS, Gimenes C, Suchecki D, Arida RM, Ulrich H, Monteiro Longo B. Neuroprotective effects of resistance physical exercise on the APP/PS1 mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1132825. [PMID: 37090809 PMCID: PMC10116002 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1132825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Physical exercise has beneficial effects by providing neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory responses to AD. Most studies, however, have been conducted with aerobic exercises, and few have investigated the effects of other modalities that also show positive effects on AD, such as resistance exercise (RE). In addition to its benefits in developing muscle strength, balance and muscular endurance favoring improvements in the quality of life of the elderly, RE reduces amyloid load and local inflammation, promotes memory and cognitive improvements, and protects the cortex and hippocampus from the degeneration that occurs in AD. Similar to AD patients, double-transgenic APPswe/PS1dE9 (APP/PS1) mice exhibit Αβ plaques in the cortex and hippocampus, hyperlocomotion, memory deficits, and exacerbated inflammatory response. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of 4 weeks of RE intermittent training on the prevention and recovery from these AD-related neuropathological conditions in APP/PS1 mice. Methods For this purpose, 6-7-month-old male APP/PS1 transgenic mice and their littermates, negative for the mutations (CTRL), were distributed into three groups: CTRL, APP/PS1, APP/PS1+RE. RE training lasted four weeks and, at the end of the program, the animals were tested in the open field test for locomotor activity and in the object recognition test for recognition memory evaluation. The brains were collected for immunohistochemical analysis of Aβ plaques and microglia, and blood was collected for plasma corticosterone by ELISA assay. Results APP/PS1 transgenic sedentary mice showed increased hippocampal Aβ plaques and higher plasma corticosterone levels, as well as hyperlocomotion and reduced central crossings in the open field test, compared to APP/PS1 exercised and control animals. The intermittent program of RE was able to recover the behavioral, corticosterone and Aβ alterations to the CTRL levels. In addition, the RE protocol increased the number of microglial cells in the hippocampus of APP/PS1 mice. Despite these alterations, no memory impairment was observed in APP/PS1 mice in the novel object recognition test. Discussion Altogether, the present results suggest that RE plays a role in alleviating AD symptoms, and highlight the beneficial effects of RE training as a complementary treatment for AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Henrique Correia Campos
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Department of Physiology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Deidiane Elisa Ribeiro
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Debora Hashiguchi
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Department of Physiology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Instituto do Cérebro - ICe, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Talita Glaser
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Milena da Silva Milanis
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Christiane Gimenes
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Department of Physiology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Deborah Suchecki
- Department of Psychobiology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Mario Arida
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Department of Physiology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Henning Ulrich
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Henning Ulrich, ; Beatriz Monteiro Longo, ;
| | - Beatriz Monteiro Longo
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Department of Physiology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Henning Ulrich, ; Beatriz Monteiro Longo, ;
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Wang Y, Liu Y, Zhao Z, Wu X, Lin J, Li Y, Yan W, Wu Y, Shi Y, Wu X, Xue Y, He J, Liu S, Zhang X, Xu H, Tang Y, Yin S. The involvement of ADAR1 in chronic unpredictable stress-induced cognitive impairment by targeting DARPP-32 with miR-874-3p in BALB/c mice. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:919297. [PMID: 37123418 PMCID: PMC10132208 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.919297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Chronic stress exposure is the main environmental factor leading to cognitive impairment, but the detailed molecular mechanism is still unclear. Adenosine Deaminase acting on double-stranded RNA1(ADAR1) is involved in the occurrence of chronic stress-induced cognitive impairment. In addition, dopamine and Adenosine 3'5'-monophosphate-regulated phospho-protein (DARPP-32) gene variation affects cognitive function. Therefore, we hypothesized that ADAR1 plays a key role in chronic stress-induced cognitive impairment by acting on DARPP-32. Methods: In this study, postnatal 21-day-old male BALB/c mice were exposed to chronic unpredictable stressors. After that, the mice were treated with ADAR1 inducer/inhibitor. The cognitive ability and cerebral DARPP-32 protein expression of BALB/c mice were evaluated. In order to explore the link between ADAR1 and DARPP-32, the effects of ADAR1 high/low expression on DARPP-32 protein expression in vitro were detected. Results: ADAR1 inducer alleviates cognitive impairment and recovers decreased DARPP-32 protein expression of the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex in BALB/c mice with chronic unpredictable stress exposure. In vivo and in vitro studies confirm the results predicted by bio-informatics; that is, ADAR1 affects DARPP-32 expression via miR-874-3p. Discussion: The results in this study demonstrate that ADAR1 affects the expression of DARPP-32 via miR-874-3p, which is involved in the molecular mechanism of pathogenesis in chronic unpredictable stress-induced cognitive impairment. The new findings of this study provide a new therapeutic strategy for the prevention and treatment of stress cognitive impairment from epigenetics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanfang Wang
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Yingxin Liu
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Ziwei Zhao
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Xinyu Wu
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Jiabin Lin
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Yufei Li
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Drug Research and Development of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Dalian, China
| | - Wei Yan
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Yi Wu
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Yanfei Shi
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Xindi Wu
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Ying Xue
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Jiaqian He
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Shuqi Liu
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Xiaonan Zhang
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Hong Xu
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Yiyuan Tang
- College of Health Solutions, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - Shengming Yin
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
- *Correspondence: Shengming Yin,
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Shade RD, Ross JA, Van Bockstaele EJ. Targeting the cannabinoid system to counteract the deleterious effects of stress in Alzheimer’s disease. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:949361. [PMID: 36268196 PMCID: PMC9577232 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.949361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized histologically in postmortem human brains by the presence of dense protein accumulations known as amyloid plaques and tau tangles. Plaques and tangles develop over decades of aberrant protein processing, post-translational modification, and misfolding throughout an individual’s lifetime. We present a foundation of evidence from the literature that suggests chronic stress is associated with increased disease severity in Alzheimer’s patient populations. Taken together with preclinical evidence that chronic stress signaling can precipitate cellular distress, we argue that chronic psychological stress renders select circuits more vulnerable to amyloid- and tau- related abnormalities. We discuss the ongoing investigation of systemic and cellular processes that maintain the integrity of protein homeostasis in health and in degenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease that have revealed multiple potential therapeutic avenues. For example, the endogenous cannabinoid system traverses the central and peripheral neural systems while simultaneously exerting anti-inflammatory influence over the immune response in the brain and throughout the body. Moreover, the cannabinoid system converges on several stress-integrative neuronal circuits and critical regions of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, with the capacity to dampen responses to psychological and cellular stress. Targeting the cannabinoid system by influencing endogenous processes or exogenously stimulating cannabinoid receptors with natural or synthetic cannabis compounds has been identified as a promising route for Alzheimer’s Disease intervention. We build on our foundational framework focusing on the significance of chronic psychological and cellular stress on the development of Alzheimer’s neuropathology by integrating literature on cannabinoid function and dysfunction within Alzheimer’s Disease and conclude with remarks on optimal strategies for treatment potential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ronnie D. Shade
- Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Jennifer A. Ross
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, College of Medicine, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- *Correspondence: Jennifer A. Ross,
| | - Elisabeth J. Van Bockstaele
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, College of Medicine, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Estevao C. The role of yoga in inflammatory markers. Brain Behav Immun Health 2022; 20:100421. [PMID: 35199049 PMCID: PMC8842003 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2022.100421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
|
6
|
Udeh-Momoh C, Watermeyer T. Female specific risk factors for the development of Alzheimer's disease neuropathology and cognitive impairment: Call for a precision medicine approach. Ageing Res Rev 2021; 71:101459. [PMID: 34508876 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2021.101459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) includes a long asymptomatic stage, which precedes the formal diagnosis of dementia. AD biomarker models provide a framework for precision medicine approaches during this stage. However, such approaches have ignored the possible influence of sex on cognition and brain health, despite female sex noted as a major risk factor. Since AD-related changes may emerge in midlife, intervention efforts are being redirected around this period. Midlife coincides with several endocrinological changes, such as the menopausal transition experienced by women. In this narrative review, we discuss evidence for sex-differences in AD neuropathological burden and outline key endocrinological mechanisms for both sexes, focussing on hormonal events throughout the lifespan that may influence female susceptibility to AD neuropathology and dementia onset. We further consider common non-modifiable (genetic) and modifiable (lifestyle and health) risk factors, highlighting possible sex-dependent differential effects for the AD disease course. Finally, we evaluate the studies selected for this review demonstrating sex-differences in cognitive, pathological and health factors, summarising the state of sex differences in AD risk factors. We further provide recommendations for targeted research on female-specific risk factors, to inform personalised strategies for AD-prevention and the promotion of female brain health.
Collapse
|
7
|
Saelzler UG, Verhaeghen P, Panizzon MS, Moffat SD. Intact circadian rhythm despite cortisol hypersecretion in Alzheimer's disease: A meta-analysis. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2021; 132:105367. [PMID: 34340133 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2021.105367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Hypersecretion of the glucocorticoid steroid hormone cortisol by individuals with Alzheimer's disease (AD) has been suspected for several decades, during which time dozens of examinations of this phenomenon have been conducted and published. The goals of this investigation were to summarize this sizeable body of literature, test whether participant and methodological characteristics modify the magnitude of the AD-associated basal cortisol hypersecretion, and examine whether cortisol circadian rhythmicity is maintained among individuals with AD. To this end, the present meta-analysis and systematic review examined over 300 comparisons of indices of basal HPA-axis functioning between individuals with AD and cognitively normal older adults. AD was associated with basal cortisol elevations (g = 0.45) but the magnitude of the effect was not systematically impacted by any of the participant characteristics considered or the time-of-day of the cortisol sampling. Further, there was no evidence of group differences among direct indices of circadian rhythmicity such as the cortisol awakening response or the diurnal cortisol slope. These results suggest that basal hypersecretion of cortisol, but not circadian dysrhythmia, is characteristic of individuals with AD. Mechanistically, the observed hypersecretion is consistent with the theorized AD-driven deterioration of the hippocampus and subsequent reduction in hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis inhibition. Further investigation is warranted to elucidate the role and timing of cortisol elevations in the progression of AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ursula G Saelzler
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr. La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92093, USA.
| | - Paul Verhaeghen
- Department of Psychology, Georgia Institute of Technology, 648 Cherry St. NW, Atlanta GA 30313, USA.
| | - Matthew S Panizzon
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr. La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92093, USA.
| | - Scott D Moffat
- Department of Psychology, Georgia Institute of Technology, 648 Cherry St. NW, Atlanta GA 30313, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Hüttenrauch M, Lopez-Noguerola JS, Castro-Obregón S. Connecting Mind-Body Therapy-Mediated Effects to Pathological Features of Alzheimer's Disease. J Alzheimers Dis 2021; 82:S65-S90. [PMID: 33044183 DOI: 10.3233/jad-200743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a complex, multifactorial neurodegenerative disorder that represents a major and increasing global health challenge. In most cases, the first clinical symptoms of AD are preceded by neuropathological changes in the brain that develop years to decades before their onset. Therefore, research in the last years has focused on this preclinical stage of AD trying to discover intervention strategies that might, if implemented effectively, delay or prevent disease progression. Among those strategies, mind-body therapies such as yoga and meditation have gained increasing interest as complementary alternative interventions. Several studies have reported a positive impact of yoga and meditation on brain health in both healthy older adults and dementia patients. However, the underlying neurobiological mechanisms contributing to these effects are currently not known in detail. More specifically, it is not known whether yogic interventions, directly or indirectly, can modulate risk factors or pathological mechanisms involved in the development of dementia. In this article, we first review the literature on the effects of yogic practices on outcomes such as cognitive functioning and neuropsychiatric symptoms in patients with mild cognitive impairment and dementia. Then, we analyze how yogic interventions affect different risk factors as well as aspects of AD pathophysiology based on observations of studies in healthy individuals or subjects with other conditions than dementia. Finally, we integrate this evidence and propose possible mechanisms that might explain the positive effects of yogic interventions in cognitively impaired individuals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Hüttenrauch
- División de Neurosciencias, Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Ciudad Universitaria, Ciudad de México, México
| | - José Sócrates Lopez-Noguerola
- Área Académica de Gerontología, Instituto de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo, Pachuca de Soto, México
| | - Susana Castro-Obregón
- División de Neurosciencias, Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Ciudad Universitaria, Ciudad de México, México
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Zhang SQ, Cao LL, Liang YY, Wang P. The Molecular Mechanism of Chronic High-Dose Corticosterone-Induced Aggravation of Cognitive Impairment in APP/PS1 Transgenic Mice. Front Mol Neurosci 2021; 13:613421. [PMID: 33519376 PMCID: PMC7844096 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2020.613421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Clinical studies have found that some Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients suffer from Cushing’s syndrome (CS). CS is caused by the long-term release of excess glucocorticoids (GCs) from the adrenal gland, which in turn, impair brain function and induce dementia. Thus, we investigated the mechanism of the effect of corticosterone (CORT) on the development and progression of AD in a preclinical model. Specifically, the plasma CORT levels of 9-month-old APP/PS1 Tg mice were abnormally increased, suggesting an association between GCs and AD. Long-term administration of CORT accelerated cognitive dysfunction by increasing the production and deposition of β-amyloid (Aβ). The mechanism of action of CORT treatment involved stimulation of the expression of BACE-1 and presenilin (PS) 1 in in vitro and in vivo. This observation was confirmed in mice with adrenalectomy (ADX), which had lower levels of GCs. Moreover, the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) mediated the effects of CORT on the stimulation of the expression of BACE-1 and PS1 via the PKA and CREB pathways in neuroblastoma N2a cells. In addition to these mechanisms, CORT can induce a cognitive decline in APP/PS1 Tg mice by inducing apoptosis and decreasing the differentiation of neurons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shen-Qing Zhang
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
| | - Long-Long Cao
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yun-Yue Liang
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
| | - Pu Wang
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Cortisol hypersecretion and the risk of Alzheimer's disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Ageing Res Rev 2020; 64:101171. [PMID: 32971258 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2020.101171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Morning cortisol levels have been reported to be elevated among patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD); yet no meta-analysis has been conducted to confirm the existence and magnitude of this association. It also remains unclear whether hypercortisolism is a risk factor for AD. METHODS PubMed, EMBASE, and PsycINFO were systematically searched for eligible studies. Cross-sectional data were pooled using random-effects meta-analyses; the differences in morning cortisol levels between patients and cognitively normal controls were quantified. Longitudinal studies were qualitatively synthesised due to methodological heterogeneity. RESULTS 17,245 participants from 57 cross-sectional studies and 19 prospective cohort studies were included. Compared with cognitively normal controls, AD patients had moderately increased morning cortisol in blood (g = 0.422, P < 0.001; I2 = 48.5 %), saliva (g = 0.540, P < 0.001; I2 = 13.6 %), and cerebrospinal fluids (g = 0.565, P = 0.003; I2 = 75.3 %). A moderate elevation of morning cortisol was also detected in cerebrospinal fluids from patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) versus controls (g = 0.309, P = 0.001; I2 = 0.0 %). Cohort studies suggested that higher morning cortisol may accelerate cognitive decline in MCI or mild AD patients, but the results in cognitively healthy adults were inconsistent. CONCLUSIONS Morning cortisol was confirmed to be moderately elevated in AD patients and may have diagnostic and prognostic values for AD.
Collapse
|
11
|
Bouji M, Lecomte A, Gamez C, Blazy K, Villégier AS. Impact of Cerebral Radiofrequency Exposures on Oxidative Stress and Corticosterone in a Rat Model of Alzheimer's Disease. J Alzheimers Dis 2020; 73:467-476. [PMID: 31796670 DOI: 10.3233/jad-190593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common type of neurodegenerative disease leading to dementia. Several studies suggested that mobile phone radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) exposures modified AD memory deficits in rodent models. OBJECTIVE Here we aimed to test the hypothesis that RF-EMF exposure may modify memory through corticosterone and oxidative stress in the Samaritan rat model of AD. METHODS Long-Evans male rats received intracerebroventricular infusion with ferrous sulphate, amyloid-beta 1-42 peptide, and buthionine-sufloximine (AD rats) or with vehicle (control rats). To mimic cell phone use, RF-EMF were exposed to the head for 1 month (5 days/week, in restraint). To look for hazard thresholds, high brain averaged specific absorption rates (BASAR) were tested: 1.5 W/Kg (15 min), 6 W/Kg (15 min), and 6 W/Kg (45 min). The sham group was in restraint for 45 min. Endpoints were spatial memory in the radial maze, plasmatic corticosterone, heme oxygenase-1 (HO1), and amyloid plaques. RESULTS Results indicated similar corticosterone levels but impaired memory performances and increased cerebral staining of thioflavine and of HO1 in the sham AD rats compared to the controls. A correlative increase of cortical HO1 staining was the only effect of RF-EMF in control rats. In AD rats, RF-EMF exposures induced a correlative increase of hippocampal HO1 staining and reduced corticosterone. DISCUSSION According to our data, neither AD nor control rats showed modified memory after RF-EMF exposures. Unlike control rats, AD rats showed higher hippocampal oxidative stress and reduced corticosterone with the higher BASAR. This data suggests more fragility related to neurodegenerative disease toward RF-EMF exposures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marc Bouji
- Unité de Toxicologie Expérimentale, Institut National de l'Environnement Industriel et des Risques (INERIS), Parc Technologique ALATA, Verneuil-en-Halatte, France
| | - Anthony Lecomte
- Unité de Toxicologie Expérimentale, Institut National de l'Environnement Industriel et des Risques (INERIS), Parc Technologique ALATA, Verneuil-en-Halatte, France.,PERITOX UMR I-01 INERIS 01 UFR de médecine, Amiens, France
| | - Christelle Gamez
- Unité de Toxicologie Expérimentale, Institut National de l'Environnement Industriel et des Risques (INERIS), Parc Technologique ALATA, Verneuil-en-Halatte, France.,PERITOX UMR I-01 INERIS 01 UFR de médecine, Amiens, France
| | - Kelly Blazy
- Unité de Toxicologie Expérimentale, Institut National de l'Environnement Industriel et des Risques (INERIS), Parc Technologique ALATA, Verneuil-en-Halatte, France.,PERITOX UMR I-01 INERIS 01 UFR de médecine, Amiens, France
| | - Anne-Sophie Villégier
- Unité de Toxicologie Expérimentale, Institut National de l'Environnement Industriel et des Risques (INERIS), Parc Technologique ALATA, Verneuil-en-Halatte, France.,PERITOX UMR I-01 INERIS 01 UFR de médecine, Amiens, France
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Nguyen ET, Selmanovic D, Maltry M, Morano R, Franco-Villanueva A, Estrada CM, Solomon MB. Endocrine stress responsivity and social memory in 3xTg-AD female and male mice: A tale of two experiments. Horm Behav 2020; 126:104852. [PMID: 32949555 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2020.104852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Stress confers risk for the development and progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Relative to men, women are disproportionately more likely to be diagnosed with this neurodegenerative disease. We hypothesized that sex differences in endocrine stress responsiveness may be a factor in this statistic. To test this hypothesis, we assessed basal and stress-induced corticosterone, social recognition, and coat state deterioration (surrogate for depression-like behavior) in male and female 3xTg-AD mice. Prior to reported amyloid plaque deposition, 3xTg females (4 months), but not 3xTg males, had heightened corticosterone responses to restraint exposure. Subsequently, only 3xTg females (6 months) displayed deficits in social memory concomitant with prominent β-amyloid (Aβ) immunostaining. These data suggest that elevated corticosterone stress responses may precede cognitive impairments in genetically vulnerable females. 3xTg mice of both sexes exhibited coat state deterioration relative to same-sex controls. Corticolimbic glucocorticoid receptor (GR) dysfunction is associated with glucocorticoid hypersecretion and cognitive impairment. Our findings indicate sex- and brain-region specific effects of genotype on hippocampal and amygdala GR protein expression. Because olfactory deficits may impede social recognition, in Experiment 2, we assessed olfaction and found no differences between genotypes. Notably, in this cohort, heightened corticosterone stress responses in 3xTg females was not accompanied by social memory deficits or coat state deterioration. However, coat state deterioration was consistent in 3xTg males. We report consistent heightened stress-induced corticosterone levels and Aβ pathology in female 3xTg-AD mice. However, the behavioral findings illuminate unknown inconsistencies in certain phenotypes in this AD mouse model.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth T Nguyen
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA; Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
| | - Din Selmanovic
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Marissa Maltry
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Rachel Morano
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Ana Franco-Villanueva
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Christina M Estrada
- Experimental Psychology Graduate Program, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Matia B Solomon
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA; Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA; Experimental Psychology Graduate Program, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
de Souza-Talarico JN, Alves AR, Brucki SMD, Nitrini R, Lupien SJ, Suchecki D. Cortisol reactivity to a psychosocial stressor significantly increases the risk of developing Cognitive Impairment no Dementia five years later. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2020; 115:104601. [PMID: 32087524 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2020.104601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Revised: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients show high cortisol levels suggesting that biological mediators of stress may play a role in the neurodegenerative process of cognitive disorders. However, there is no consensus as to whether cortisol concentrations represent a risk factor for the development of cognitive impairment. We analyzed the potential association between the incidence of cognitive impairment and cortisol concentrations under basal and acute stress conditions in 129 individuals aged 50 years or older, with preserved cognitive and functional abilities. All participants were recruited in 2011 for assessment of cognitive performance and cortisol levels. Cortisol was analyzed in saliva samples collected during two typical and consecutive days, in the morning, afternoon, and night, and also during exposure to an acute psychosocial stressor (Trier Social Stress Test - TSST). After a five-year follow-up, 69 of these volunteers were reassessed for cognitive performance, functional evaluation, memory complaints, and depression. The incidence of cognitive impairment not dementia (CIND) was 26.1 %, and was positively associated with greater TSST-induced cortisol release (responsiveness) [(95 % CI = 1.001-1.011; B = 0.006), p = 0.023]. Moreover, five years before diagnosis, participants who later developed CIND had greater responsiveness to TSST (p = 0.019) and lower cortisol awakening response (CAR: p = 0.018), as compared to those who did not develop CIND. These findings suggest that higher psychosocial stress responsiveness profiles may represent a preclinical sign of cognitive impairment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrea Regiani Alves
- Department of Medical-Surgical Nursing, School of Nursing, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, 05403 000, Brazil
| | - Sonia Maria Dozzi Brucki
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, 05403 000, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Nitrini
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, 05403 000, Brazil
| | - Sonia J Lupien
- Centre for Studies on Human Stress, Mental Health Research Centre Fernand Seguin, Hospital Louis H. Lafontaine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, H1N 3V2, Canada
| | - Deborah Suchecki
- Department of Psychobiology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, 04023-062, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Pedrazzoli M, Losurdo M, Paolone G, Medelin M, Jaupaj L, Cisterna B, Slanzi A, Malatesta M, Coco S, Buffelli M. Glucocorticoid receptors modulate dendritic spine plasticity and microglia activity in an animal model of Alzheimer's disease. Neurobiol Dis 2019; 132:104568. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2019.104568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Revised: 07/24/2019] [Accepted: 08/02/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
|
15
|
Pan X, Kaminga AC, Wen SW, Wu X, Acheampong K, Liu A. Dopamine and Dopamine Receptors in Alzheimer's Disease: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis. Front Aging Neurosci 2019; 11:175. [PMID: 31354471 PMCID: PMC6637734 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2019.00175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2019] [Accepted: 06/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The dopaminergic system has been associated with the progression of Alzheimer's disease. But previous studies found inconsistent results regarding the relationship between Alzheimer's disease and dopamine when looking at dopamine receptor concentrations. Objective: The aim of this review was to synthesize, using a random-effects model of meta-analysis, the link between the dopaminergic system and Alzheimer's disease. Methods: A detailed analysis protocol was registered at the PROSPERO database prior to data extraction (CRD42018110798). Electronic databases of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Psyc-ARTICLES were searched up to December 2018 for studies that examined dopamine and dopamine receptors in relation to Alzheimer's disease. Standardized mean differences (SMD) were calculated to assess group differences in the levels of dopaminergic neurometabolites. Results: Seventeen studies met the eligibility criteria. Collectively, they included 512 patients and 500 healthy controls. There were significantly lower levels of dopamine in patients with Alzheimer's disease compared with controls (SMD = -1.56, 95% CI: -2.64 to -0.49). In addition, dopamine 1 receptor (SMD = -5.05, 95% CI: -6.14 to -3.97) and dopamine 2 receptor (SMD = -1.13, 95% CI: -1.52 to -0.74) levels were decreased in patients with Alzheimer's disease compared with controls. The results of network meta-analysis indicated that the rank of correlation with Alzheimer's disease from highest to lowest was dopamine (0.74), dopamine 2 receptor (0.49), dopamine 3 receptor (0.46), dopamine 4 receptor (0.33), dopamine 5 receptor (0.31), and dopamine 1 receptor (0.64). Conclusions: Overall, decreased levels of dopaminergic neurotransmitters were linked with the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease. Nonetheless, there is a clear need for more prospective studies to validate these hypotheses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiongfeng Pan
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Atipatsa C Kaminga
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Mzuzu University, Mzuzu, Malawi
| | - Shi Wu Wen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Xinyin Wu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Department of Medicine & Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Sha Tin, Hong Kong
| | - Kwabena Acheampong
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Department of Public, School of Postgraduate Studies, Adventist University of Africa, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Aizhong Liu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, China
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Peña-Bautista C, Baquero M, Ferrer I, Hervás D, Vento M, García-Blanco A, Cháfer-Pericás C. Neuropsychological assessment and cortisol levels in biofluids from early Alzheimer's disease patients. Exp Gerontol 2019; 123:10-16. [PMID: 31117002 DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2019.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Revised: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 05/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cortisol dysregulation is proposed as a factor in the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD). AD patients can show high cortisol levels in prodromal phases of AD, early enough that neuropsychological alterations exist but activities of daily living remain unimpaired. Nevertheless, it is unknown if biofluid cortisol levels can have some AD predictive power together with neuropsychological assessment in prodromal stages in comparison with other cognitive disorders. In this work, an analytical method based on ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) was applied to determine the cortisol levels in different biofluids (urine, plasma, saliva, cerebrospinal fluid). Early AD patients and non-AD patients recruited at out-patient neurological unit were classified from the standard cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers levels (β-amyloid, tau, phosphorylated tau), and studied with an extensive neuropsychological assessment including global, neuropsychological, functional and affective scales. We used a logistic regression model to discriminate between the AD and non-AD groups. Higher plasma cortisol levels were found in the AD group than in the non-AD group (p < 0.001). Regarding neuropsychological evaluation, delayed memory was used as representative of the neuropsychological status, and lower scores were obtained in the AD group (p < 0.001). The prediction model, including plasma cortisol levels and delayed memory scores, achieved an AUC of 0.93, as well as a sensitivity of 97% and a specificity of 69.4%. In conclusion, plasma cortisol levels and delayed memory scores were specifically impaired in early AD, allowing the development of a new diagnostic model which could be employed as a very satisfactory screening system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Peña-Bautista
- Neonatal Research Unit, Health Research Institute La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - M Baquero
- Neurology Unit, University and Polytechnic Hospital La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - I Ferrer
- Neurology Unit, University and Polytechnic Hospital La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - D Hervás
- Biostatistical Unit Platform, Health Research Institute La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - M Vento
- Neonatal Research Unit, Health Research Institute La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - A García-Blanco
- Neonatal Research Unit, Health Research Institute La Fe, Valencia, Spain.
| | - C Cháfer-Pericás
- Neonatal Research Unit, Health Research Institute La Fe, Valencia, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Drogos LL, Wynne-Edwards K, Zhou R, Hall SE, Tyndall AV, Longman RS, Eskes G, Poulin MJ. Aerobic exercise increases cortisol awakening response in older adults. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2019; 103:241-248. [PMID: 30721838 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2019.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2018] [Revised: 01/11/2019] [Accepted: 01/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Evidence from both preclinical and clinical studies suggests aerobic exercise may dampen age-related decline in cognitive performance. Alterations in hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis function and reactivity may be a mechanism by which aerobic exercise benefits cognitive performance, and reduces perceived stress. This investigation was completed as an ancillary investigation of the Brain in Motion (BIM) study, a 6-month supervised aerobic exercise intervention. Participants were generally healthy and screened for inclusion/exclusion criteria for the parent study. Thirty-eight participants were recruited (Mean age = 65.0 [SD = 5.1]; 60% female) and the final longitudinal sample was 32 participants. Participants provided a passive drool sample at: waking, 15, 30, and 45 min post-waking to assess the cortisol awakening response (CAR) and 3, 6, 9, and 12 h post-waking to assess daily area under the curve for cortisol. Salivary cortisol was quantified by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry. The exercise intervention increased CAR but no differences were observed in daily AUC. In addition, larger increases in CAR were positively associated with greater decreases in subjective stress. Thus, aerobic exercise improved the CAR in otherwise healthy, but sedentary older adults and greater improvements in CAR were associated with greater reductions in perceived stress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lauren L Drogos
- University of Calgary, Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Canada; University of Calgary Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Canada
| | | | - Ruokun Zhou
- University of Calgary, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Canada
| | - Samantha E Hall
- University of Calgary, Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Canada; University of Calgary Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Canada
| | - Amanda V Tyndall
- University of Calgary, Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Canada; University of Calgary Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Canada
| | - R Stewart Longman
- University of Calgary Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Canada; University of Calgary, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Canada; University of Calgary, Department of Psychology, Canada; Alberta Health Services, Foothills Medical Centre, Canada
| | - Gail Eskes
- Dalhousie University, Departments of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, Canada
| | - Marc J Poulin
- University of Calgary, Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Canada; University of Calgary Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Canada; University of Calgary, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Canada; University of Calgary Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta, Canada; University of Calgary, Department of Faculty of Kinesiology, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Matos TM, Souza-Talarico JND. How stress mediators can cumulatively contribute to Alzheimer's disease An allostatic load approach. Dement Neuropsychol 2019; 13:11-21. [PMID: 31073376 PMCID: PMC6497016 DOI: 10.1590/1980-57642018dn13-010002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2018] [Accepted: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Allostatic load is defined as the frequent activation of the neuroendocrine, immunological, metabolic and cardiovascular systems, which makes individuals more susceptible to stress-related health problems. According to this model, physiological dysregulations start to emerge decades before diseases manifest. Consequently, stress research has shifted its attention to anticipating the degree of this dysregulation to better understand the impact of stress hormones and other biomarkers on disease progression. In view of the growing number of studies that demonstrate the influence of modifiable risk factors on cognitive decline, in addition to the effects of chronic stress mediators, the objective of the present review was to present an overview of the development of cognitive changes based on studies on stress and its mediators.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tatiane Martins Matos
- Nurse, Master of Science from the School of Nursing, University of
São Paulo (EE-USP), SP, Brazil
| | - Juliana Nery De Souza-Talarico
- Professor at the Department of Medical-Surgical Nursing, School of
Nursing, University of São Paulo (EE-USP), SP, Brazil. PhD In the Area of
Neurobiology of Stress and Cognition
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Sierra-Fonseca JA, Gosselink KL. Tauopathy and neurodegeneration: A role for stress. Neurobiol Stress 2018; 9:105-112. [PMID: 30450376 PMCID: PMC6234266 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2018.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2018] [Revised: 08/30/2018] [Accepted: 08/31/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by an irreversible and progressive loss of neuronal structure and function. While many alterations to normal cellular processes occur during neurodegeneration, a pathological accumulation of aggregated proteins constitutes a hallmark of several neurodegenerative disorders. Alzheimer's disease, specifically, is pathologically defined by the formation of amyloid plaques and tangles of hyperphosphorylated tau protein. Stress has emerged as an important factor in the development and progression of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's. Very little is known, however, regarding the effects of stress on the mechanisms controlling abnormal protein aggregation and clearance. Chronic stress activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, causing an excessive secretion of glucocorticoids that are capable of impacting diverse physiological and cellular processes. The present review focuses on the influence of stress on a key feature of Alzheimer's disease pathology, emphasizing the relationship between tau phosphorylation and accumulation and its connection to HPA axis dysfunction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jorge A Sierra-Fonseca
- Department of Biological Sciences and Border Biomedical Research Center, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, 79968, USA
| | - Kristin L Gosselink
- Department of Biological Sciences and Border Biomedical Research Center, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, 79968, USA
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Ross JA, Gliebus G, Van Bockstaele EJ. Stress induced neural reorganization: A conceptual framework linking depression and Alzheimer's disease. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2018; 85:136-151. [PMID: 28803923 PMCID: PMC5809232 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2017.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2016] [Revised: 08/04/2017] [Accepted: 08/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Chronic stress is a risk factor for a number of physiological disorders including cardiovascular disease, obesity and gastrointestinal disorders, as well as psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. There are a number of underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms altered in the course of chronic stress, which may increase the vulnerability of individuals to develop psychiatric disorders such as depression, and neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's Disease (AD). This is evident in the influence of stress on large-scale brain networks, including the resting state Default Mode Network (DMN), the effects of stress on neuronal circuitry and architecture, and the cellular and molecular adaptations to stress, which may render individuals with stress related psychiatric disorders more vulnerable to neurodegenerative disease later in life. These alterations include decreased negative feedback inhibition of the hypothalamic pituitary axis (HPA) axis, decreased dendritic arborization and spine density in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and hippocampus, and the release of proinflammatory cytokines, which may suppress neurogenesis and promote neuronal cell death. Each of these factors are thought to play a role in stress-related psychiatric disease as well as AD, and have been observed in clinical and post-mortem studies of individuals with depression and AD. The goal of the current review is to summarize clinical and preclinical evidence supporting a role for chronic stress as a putative link between neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disease. Moreover, we provide a rationale for the importance of taking a medical history of stress-related psychiatric diseases into consideration during clinical trial design, as they may play an important role in the etiology of AD in stratified patient populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer A. Ross
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, College of Medicine, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19102
| | - Gediminas Gliebus
- Department of Neurology, Drexel Neuroscience Institute, Philadelphia, PA 19107
| | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Chang YS, Wu YH, Wang CJ, Tang SH, Chen HL. Higher levels of thyroxine may predict a favorable response to donepezil treatment in patients with Alzheimer disease: a prospective, case-control study. BMC Neurosci 2018; 19:36. [PMID: 29929471 PMCID: PMC6013955 DOI: 10.1186/s12868-018-0436-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2018] [Accepted: 06/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cholinergic hypothesis has been advanced as an etiology of Alzheimer disease (AD) on the basis of the presynaptic deficit found in the diseased brains, and cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEIs) are the treatment of choice for these patients. However, only about half of treatment efficacy was found. Because increasing evidence supports an extensive interrelationship between thyroid hormones (THs), cortisol level and the cholinergic system, the aim of the present study was to evaluate thyroid function and cortisol level in patients with mild to moderate AD before and after ChEIs treatment, and to identify possible variations in response. This was a prospective, case–control, follow-up study. Levels of cortisol and THs were evaluated in 21 outpatients with mild to moderate AD and 20 normal controls. All patients were treated with 5 mg/day of donepezil (DPZ) and were reevaluated after 24–26 weeks of treatment.
Results The patients had worse cognitive function, higher cortisol level, and lower levels of triiodothyronine (T3) and its free fraction than the controls. There were no significant differences in global cognitive function or cortisol level after treatment, however, significant reductions in T3 and thyroxin (T4) levels were observed. Responders had higher levels of T4 than non-responders, followed by a significant reduction after treatment.
Conclusions These results suggest that relatively higher levels of T4 may predict a favorable response to DPZ treatment. Further studies are warranted to confirm the relationship between THs and ChEIs therapy in AD and to explore new therapeutic strategies. On the other hand, cortisol levels are more likely to respond to interventions for stress-related neuropsychiatric symptoms in patients with AD rather than ChEIs treatment. Further studies are warranted to investigate the association between cortisol level and the severity of stress-related neuropsychiatric symptoms in patients with AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu San Chang
- Kaohsiung Municipal Kai-Syuan Psychiatric Hospital, No. 130, Kai-Syuan, 2nd Road, Ling-Ya District, Kaohsiung, 802, Taiwan. .,Faculty of Nursing Department, Meiho University, No. 23, Pingguang Road, Neipu, Pingtung, Taiwan.
| | - Yu Hsuan Wu
- Kaohsiung Municipal Kai-Syuan Psychiatric Hospital, No. 130, Kai-Syuan, 2nd Road, Ling-Ya District, Kaohsiung, 802, Taiwan
| | - Chin Jen Wang
- Kaohsiung Municipal Kai-Syuan Psychiatric Hospital, No. 130, Kai-Syuan, 2nd Road, Ling-Ya District, Kaohsiung, 802, Taiwan
| | - Shu Hui Tang
- Kaohsiung Municipal Kai-Syuan Psychiatric Hospital, No. 130, Kai-Syuan, 2nd Road, Ling-Ya District, Kaohsiung, 802, Taiwan
| | - Hsiang Lan Chen
- Kaohsiung Municipal Kai-Syuan Psychiatric Hospital, No. 130, Kai-Syuan, 2nd Road, Ling-Ya District, Kaohsiung, 802, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Fisher DW, Bennett DA, Dong H. Sexual dimorphism in predisposition to Alzheimer's disease. Neurobiol Aging 2018; 70:308-324. [PMID: 29754747 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2018.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2017] [Revised: 04/08/2018] [Accepted: 04/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Clinical studies indicate that Alzheimer's disease (AD) disproportionately affects women in both disease prevalence and rate of symptom progression, but the mechanisms underlying this sexual divergence are unknown. Although some have suggested this difference in risk is a reflection of the known differences in longevity between men and women, mounting clinical and preclinical evidence supports women also having intrinsic susceptibilities toward the disease. Although a number of potential risk factors have been hypothesized to mediate these differences, none have been definitively verified. In this review, we first summarize the epidemiologic studies of prevalence and incidence of AD among the sexes. Next, we discuss the most likely risk factors to date that interact with biological sex, including (1) genetic factors, (2) sex hormones (3) deviations in brain structure, (4) inflammation and microglia, and (5) and psychosocial stress responses. Overall, though differences in life span are likely to account for part of the divide between the sexes in AD prevalence, the abundance of preclinical and clinical evidence presented here suggests an increase in intrinsic AD risk for women. Therefore, future studies focusing on the underlying biological mechanisms for this phenomenon are needed to better understand AD pathogenesis in both sexes, with the eventual goal of sex-specific prevention and treatment strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel W Fisher
- Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - David A Bennett
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center, Rush Medical College, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Hongxin Dong
- Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Yan Y, Dominguez S, Fisher DW, Dong H. Sex differences in chronic stress responses and Alzheimer's disease. Neurobiol Stress 2018; 8:120-126. [PMID: 29888307 PMCID: PMC5991323 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2018.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2017] [Revised: 02/10/2018] [Accepted: 03/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinical studies indicate that Alzheimer's disease (AD) disproportionately affects women in both disease prevalence and severity, but the mechanisms underlying this sex divergence are unknown. Though some have suggested this difference in risk is a reflection of known differences in longevity between men and women, mounting clinical and preclinical evidence supports women also having intrinsic susceptibilities towards the disease. While a number of potential risk factors have been hypothesized to affect these differences in risks, none have been definitively verified. In this review, we discuss a novel hypothesis whereby women's susceptibility to chronic stress also mediates increased risk for AD. As stress is a risk factor for AD, and women are twice as likely to develop mood disorders where stress is a major etiology, it is possible that sex dimorphisms in stress responses contribute to the increase in women with AD. In line with this, sex divergence in biochemical responses to stress have been noted along the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and among known molecular effectors of AD, with crosstalk between these processes also being likely. In addition, activation of the cortical corticotrophin-releasing factor receptor 1 (CRF1) signaling pathway leads to distinct female-biased increases in molecules associated with AD pathogenesis. Therefore, the different biochemical responses to stress between women and men may represent an intrinsic, sex-dependent risk factor for AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan Yan
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, 303 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Department of Physiology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi Guizhou 563099, China
| | - Sky Dominguez
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, 303 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Daniel W. Fisher
- Department of Neurology, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, 303 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Hongxin Dong
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, 303 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Department of Physiology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi Guizhou 563099, China
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
|
25
|
Ishijima S, Baba H, Maeshima H, Shimano T, Inoue M, Suzuki T, Arai H. Glucocorticoid may influence amyloid β metabolism in patients with depression. Psychiatry Res 2018; 259:191-196. [PMID: 29073556 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2017.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2017] [Revised: 09/25/2017] [Accepted: 10/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Epidemiological studies have demonstrated that depression may be a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD); however, the biological mechanisms of the transition from depression to AD are still not clear. Changes of amyloid β protein (Aβ) metabolism and increased glucocorticoid (GC) levels have been found in both depression and AD. Moreover, several studies in animal models have demonstrated that GC administration changes Aβ metabolism. To reveal whether GC affects amyloid metabolism in patients with depression, we evaluated serum levels of Aβ40, Aβ42 and cortisol at admission in 187 inpatients with major depressive disorder (MDD) and 224 healthy comparisons. Additionally, we re-evaluated the serum levels of Aβs in 27 patients with MDD 1 year later. The results of multiple regression analyses revealed that serum cortisol and Aβ levels are not correlated at the time of admission. However, serum cortisol levels at admission correlated with serum Aβ42 levels and Aβ40/Aβ42 ratio 1 year later. These findings suggest that increased cortisol in patients with MDD may influence the metabolism of Aβ over prolonged periods of time.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Satoko Ishijima
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Science, Juntendo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan; Juntendo University Mood Disorder Project (JUMP), Department of Psychiatry, Juntendo Koshigaya Hospital, Saitama, Japan
| | - Hajime Baba
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Science, Juntendo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan; Juntendo University Mood Disorder Project (JUMP), Department of Psychiatry, Juntendo Koshigaya Hospital, Saitama, Japan.
| | - Hitoshi Maeshima
- Juntendo University Mood Disorder Project (JUMP), Department of Psychiatry, Juntendo Koshigaya Hospital, Saitama, Japan
| | - Takahisa Shimano
- Juntendo University Mood Disorder Project (JUMP), Department of Psychiatry, Juntendo Koshigaya Hospital, Saitama, Japan
| | - Megumi Inoue
- Juntendo University Mood Disorder Project (JUMP), Department of Psychiatry, Juntendo Koshigaya Hospital, Saitama, Japan
| | - Toshihito Suzuki
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Science, Juntendo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan; Juntendo University Mood Disorder Project (JUMP), Department of Psychiatry, Juntendo Koshigaya Hospital, Saitama, Japan
| | - Heii Arai
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Science, Juntendo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Corticotropin-releasing factor overexpression gives rise to sex differences in Alzheimer's disease-related signaling. Mol Psychiatry 2017; 22:1126-1133. [PMID: 27752081 PMCID: PMC5395355 DOI: 10.1038/mp.2016.185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2016] [Revised: 08/28/2016] [Accepted: 08/31/2016] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Several neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders share stress as a risk factor and are more prevalent in women than in men. Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) orchestrates the stress response, and excessive CRF is thought to contribute to the pathophysiology of these diseases. We previously found that the CRF1 receptor (CRF1) is sex biased whereby coupling to its GTP-binding protein, Gs, is greater in females, whereas β-arrestin-2 coupling is greater in males. This study used a phosphoproteomic approach in CRF-overexpressing (CRF-OE) mice to test the proof of principle that when CRF is in excess, sex-biased CRF1 coupling translates into divergent cell signaling that is expressed as different brain phosphoprotein profiles. Cortical phosphopeptides that distinguished female and male CRF-OE mice were overrepresented in unique pathways that were consistent with Gs-dependent signaling in females and β-arrestin-2 signaling in males. Notably, phosphopeptides that were more abundant in female CRF-OE mice were overrepresented in an Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathway. Phosphoproteomic results were validated by demonstrating that CRF overexpression in females was associated with increased tau phosphorylation and, in a mouse model of AD pathology, phosphorylation of β-secretase, the enzyme involved in the formation of amyloid β. These females exhibited increased formation of amyloid β plaques and cognitive impairments relative to males. Collectively, the findings are consistent with a mechanism whereby the excess CRF that characterizes stress-related diseases initiates distinct cellular processes in male and female brains, as a result of sex-biased CRF1 signaling. Promotion of AD-related signaling pathways through this mechanism may contribute to female vulnerability to AD.
Collapse
|
27
|
Ennis GE, An Y, Resnick SM, Ferrucci L, O'Brien RJ, Moffat SD. Long-term cortisol measures predict Alzheimer disease risk. Neurology 2016; 88:371-378. [PMID: 27986873 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000003537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2016] [Accepted: 10/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine whether long-term measures of cortisol predict Alzheimer disease (AD) risk. METHOD We used a prospective longitudinal design to examine whether cortisol dysregulation was related to AD risk. Participants were from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (BLSA) and submitted multiple 24-hour urine samples over an average interval of 10.56 years. Urinary free cortisol (UFC) and creatinine (Cr) were measured, and a UFC/Cr ratio was calculated to standardize UFC. To measure cortisol regulation, we used within-person UFC/Cr level (i.e., within-person mean), change in UFC/Cr over time (i.e., within-person slope), and UFC/Cr variability (i.e., within-person coefficient of variation). Cox regression was used to assess whether UFC/Cr measures predicted AD risk. RESULTS UFC/Cr level and UFC/Cr variability, but not UFC/Cr slope, were significant predictors of AD risk an average of 2.9 years before AD onset. Elevated UFC/Cr level and elevated UFC/Cr variability were related to a 1.31- and 1.38-times increase in AD risk, respectively. In a sensitivity analysis, increased UFC/Cr level and increased UFC/Cr variability predicted increased AD risk an average of 6 years before AD onset. CONCLUSIONS Cortisol dysregulation as manifested by high UFC/Cr level and high UFC/Cr variability may modulate the downstream clinical expression of AD pathology or be a preclinical marker of AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gilda E Ennis
- From the School of Psychology (G.E.E., S.D.M.), Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta; Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience (Y.A., S.M.R.) and Longitudinal Studies Section (L.F.), National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD; and School of Medicine (R.J.O.), Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD. Dr. O'Brien is now at the School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC
| | - Yang An
- From the School of Psychology (G.E.E., S.D.M.), Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta; Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience (Y.A., S.M.R.) and Longitudinal Studies Section (L.F.), National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD; and School of Medicine (R.J.O.), Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD. Dr. O'Brien is now at the School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC
| | - Susan M Resnick
- From the School of Psychology (G.E.E., S.D.M.), Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta; Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience (Y.A., S.M.R.) and Longitudinal Studies Section (L.F.), National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD; and School of Medicine (R.J.O.), Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD. Dr. O'Brien is now at the School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC
| | - Luigi Ferrucci
- From the School of Psychology (G.E.E., S.D.M.), Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta; Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience (Y.A., S.M.R.) and Longitudinal Studies Section (L.F.), National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD; and School of Medicine (R.J.O.), Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD. Dr. O'Brien is now at the School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC
| | - Richard J O'Brien
- From the School of Psychology (G.E.E., S.D.M.), Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta; Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience (Y.A., S.M.R.) and Longitudinal Studies Section (L.F.), National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD; and School of Medicine (R.J.O.), Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD. Dr. O'Brien is now at the School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC
| | - Scott D Moffat
- From the School of Psychology (G.E.E., S.D.M.), Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta; Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience (Y.A., S.M.R.) and Longitudinal Studies Section (L.F.), National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD; and School of Medicine (R.J.O.), Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD. Dr. O'Brien is now at the School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Baglietto-Vargas D, Chen Y, Suh D, Ager RR, Rodriguez-Ortiz CJ, Medeiros R, Myczek K, Green KN, Baram TZ, LaFerla FM. Short-term modern life-like stress exacerbates Aβ-pathology and synapse loss in 3xTg-AD mice. J Neurochem 2015; 134:915-26. [PMID: 26077803 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.13195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2015] [Revised: 05/16/2015] [Accepted: 05/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurological disorder that impairs memory and other cognitive functions in the elderly. The social and financial impacts of AD are overwhelming and are escalating exponentially as a result of population aging. Therefore, identifying AD-related risk factors and the development of more efficacious therapeutic approaches are critical to cure this neurological disorder. Current epidemiological evidence indicates that life experiences, including chronic stress, are a risk for AD. However, it is unknown if short-term stress, lasting for hours, influences the onset or progression of AD. Here, we determined the effect of short-term, multi-modal 'modern life-like' stress on AD pathogenesis and synaptic plasticity in mice bearing three AD mutations (the 3xTg-AD mouse model). We found that combined emotional and physical stress lasting 5 h severely impaired memory in wild-type mice and tended to impact it in already low-performing 3xTg-AD mice. This stress reduced the number of synapse-bearing dendritic spines in 3xTg-AD mice and increased Aβ levels by augmenting AβPP processing. Thus, short-term stress simulating modern-life conditions may exacerbate cognitive deficits in preclinical AD by accelerating amyloid pathology and reducing synapse numbers. Epidemiological evidence indicates that life experiences, including chronic stress, are a risk for Alzheimer disease (AD). However, it is unknown if short stress in the range of hours influences the onset or progression of AD. Here, we determined the effect of short, multi-modal 'modern-lifelike'stress on AD pathogenesis and synaptic plasticity in mice bearing three AD mutations (the 3xTg-AD mouse model). We found that combined emotional and physical stress lasting 5 h severely impaired memory in wild-type mice and tended to impact it in already low-performing 3xTg-AD mice. This stress reduced the number of synapse-bearing dendritic spines in 3xTg-AD mice and increased Aβ levels by augmenting AβPP processing. Thus, short stress simulating modern-life conditions may exacerbate cognitive deficits in preclinical AD by accelerating amyloid pathology and reducing synapse numbers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Baglietto-Vargas
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior and Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, University of California, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Yuncai Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Dongjin Suh
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior and Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, University of California, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Rahasson R Ager
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior and Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, University of California, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Carlos J Rodriguez-Ortiz
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior and Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, University of California, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Rodrigo Medeiros
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior and Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, University of California, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Kristoffer Myczek
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior and Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, University of California, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Kim N Green
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior and Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, University of California, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Tallie Z Baram
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Irvine, California, USA.,Department of Anatomy/Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Frank M LaFerla
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior and Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, University of California, Irvine, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Dong H, Wang S, Zeng Z, Li F, Montalvo-Ortiz J, Tucker C, Akhtar S, Shi J, Meltzer HY, Rice KC, Csernansky JG. Effects of corticotrophin-releasing factor receptor 1 antagonists on amyloid-β and behavior in Tg2576 mice. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2014; 231:4711-22. [PMID: 24862368 PMCID: PMC4233002 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-014-3629-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2013] [Accepted: 05/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Previous studies indicate that psychosocial stressors could accelerate amyloid-β (Aβ) levels and accelerate plaque deposition in mouse models of Alzheimer disease (AD). Stressors enhanced the release of corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF), and exogenous CRF administration mimicked the effects of stress on Aβ levels in mouse models of AD. However, whether CRF receptor 1 (CRF1) antagonists could influence the stress-induced acceleration of an AD-like process in mouse models has not been well studied. OBJECTIVE We sought to examine whether CRF1 antagonists inhibit the effects of isolation stress on tissue Aβ levels, Aβ plaque deposition, and behaviors related to anxiety and memory in Tg2576 mice, and to investigate the molecular mechanism underlying such effects. METHODS Cohorts of Tg2576 mouse pups were isolated or group-housed at 21 days of age, and then the subgroups of these cohorts received daily intraperitoneal injections of the CRF1 antagonists, antalarmin or R121919 (5, 10, and 20 mg/kg), or vehicle for 1 week. Other cohorts of Tg2576 mouse pups were isolated or group-housed at 21 days of age, and then at 4 months of age, subgroups of these mice were administered antalarmin (20 mg/kg) or vehicle in their drinking water for 6 months. Finally, cultured primary hippocampal neurons from regular Tg2576 pups (P0) were incubated with CRF (0.1, 1, and 10 nM), antalarmin (100 nM) or H-89 (1 μM) for 48 h. Brain tissues or cultured neurons were collected for histological and biochemical analyses, and behavioral measures were collected in the cohorts of mice that were chronically stressed. RESULTS Administration of antalarmin at 20 mg/kg dose for 1 week significantly reduced Aβ1-42 levels in isolation stressed mice. Administration of antalarmin for 6 months significantly decreased plasma corticosterone levels, tissue Aβ1-42 levels, and Aβ plaque deposition in the brain and blocked the effects of isolation stress on behaviors related to anxiety and memory. Finally, incubation of neurons with 100 nM antalarmin inhibited the ability of 10 nM CRF to increase Aβ1-42 levels and protein kinase A IIβ expression. The effect of CRF1 on Aβ1-42 levels was also diminished by treatment with H-89, a c-AMP/PKA inhibitor. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that CRF1 antagonists can slow an AD-like process in Tg2576 mice and that the c-AMP/PKA signaling pathway may be involved in this effect.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hongxin Dong
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Feinberg School Medicine, Northwestern University, 303 E. Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA,
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Abdanipour A, Sagha M, Noori-Zadeh A, Pakzad I, Tiraihi T. In vitrostudy of the long-term cortisol treatment effects on the growth rate and proliferation of the neural stem/precursor cells. Neurol Res 2014; 37:117-24. [DOI: 10.1179/1743132814y.0000000431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
|
31
|
Rothman SM, Herdener N, Frankola KA, Mughal MR, Mattson MP. Chronic mild sleep restriction accentuates contextual memory impairments, and accumulations of cortical Aβ and pTau in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. Brain Res 2013; 1529:200-8. [PMID: 23856323 PMCID: PMC3779872 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2013.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2012] [Revised: 06/17/2013] [Accepted: 07/08/2013] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Age-associated dysregulation of sleep can be worsened by Alzheimer's disease (AD). AD and sleep restriction both impair cognition, yet it is unknown if mild chronic sleep restriction modifies the proteopathic processes involved in AD. The goal of this work was to test the hypothesis that sleep restriction worsens memory impairments, and amyloid β-peptide (Aβ) and pTau accumulations in the brain in a mouse model of AD, with a focus on a role for circulating glucocorticoids (GC). Male 3xTgAD mice were subjected to sleep restriction (SR) for 6h/day for 6 weeks using the modified multiple platform technique, and behavioral (Morris water maze, fear conditioning, open field) and biochemical (immunoblot) outcomes were compared to mice undergoing daily cage transfers (large cage control; LCC) as well as control mice that remained in their home cage (control; CTL). At one week, both LCC and SR mice displayed significant elevations in plasma corticosterone compared to CTL (p<0.002). By four weeks, SR mice displayed a two-fold increase in circulating corticosterone levels compared to CTL. Behavioral data indicated deficits in contextual and cued memory in SR mice that were not present for LCC or CTL (p<0.04). Both Aβ and pTau levels increased in the cortex of SR mice compared to CTL and LCC; however these changes were not noted in the hippocampus. Significant positive correlations between cortical Aβ and pTau levels and circulating corticosterone indicate a potential role for GCs in mediating behavioral and biochemical changes observed after sleep restriction in a mouse model of AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M. Rothman
- Laboratory of Neurosciences, National Institute on Aging Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, 251 Bayview Blvd Baltimore, MD 21224
| | - Nathan Herdener
- Laboratory of Neurosciences, National Institute on Aging Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, 251 Bayview Blvd Baltimore, MD 21224
| | - Kathryn A. Frankola
- Laboratory of Neurosciences, National Institute on Aging Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, 251 Bayview Blvd Baltimore, MD 21224
| | - Mohamed R. Mughal
- Laboratory of Neurosciences, National Institute on Aging Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, 251 Bayview Blvd Baltimore, MD 21224
- US Army Public Health Command, Army Institute of Public Health 5158 Black Hawk Drive, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21010
| | - Mark P. Mattson
- Laboratory of Neurosciences, National Institute on Aging Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, 251 Bayview Blvd Baltimore, MD 21224
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Baglietto-Vargas D, Medeiros R, Martinez-Coria H, LaFerla FM, Green KN. Mifepristone alters amyloid precursor protein processing to preclude amyloid beta and also reduces tau pathology. Biol Psychiatry 2013; 74:357-66. [PMID: 23312564 PMCID: PMC3633722 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2012.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2012] [Revised: 12/03/2012] [Accepted: 12/06/2012] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increased circulating glucocorticoids are features of both aging and Alzheimer's disease (AD), and increased glucocorticoids accelerate the accumulation of AD pathologies. Here, we analyzed the effects of the glucocorticoid receptor antagonist mifepristone (RU486) in the 3xTg-AD mouse model at an age where hippocampal damage leads to high circulating corticosterone levels. METHODS The effects of mifepristone were investigated in 3xTg-AD mice using a combination of biochemical, histological, and behavior analyses. RESULTS Mifepristone treatment rescues the pathologically induced cognitive impairments and markedly reduces amyloid beta (Aβ)-load and levels, as well as tau pathologies. Analysis of amyloid precursor protein (APP) processing revealed concomitant decreases in both APP C-terminal fragments C99 and C83 and the appearance of a larger 17-kDa C-terminal fragment. Hence, mifepristone induces a novel C-terminal cleavage of APP that prevents it being cleaved by α- or β-secretase, thereby precluding Aβ generation in the central nervous system; this cleavage and the production of the 17-kDa APP fragment was generated by a calcium-dependent cysteine protease. In addition, mifepristone treatment also reduced the phosphorylation and accumulation of tau, concomitant with reductions in p25. Notably, deficits in cyclic-AMP response element-binding protein signaling were restored with the treatment. CONCLUSIONS These preclinical results point to a potential therapeutic role for mifepristone as an effective treatment for AD and further highlight the impact the glucocorticoid system has as a regulator of Aβ generation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Kim N Green
- Corresponding Author: () Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders 3208 Biological Sciences III University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697-4545, USA (949) 824-3859
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Zvěřová M, Fišar Z, Jirák R, Kitzlerová E, Hroudová J, Raboch J. Plasma cortisol in Alzheimer's disease with or without depressive symptoms. Med Sci Monit 2013; 19:681-9. [PMID: 23955525 PMCID: PMC3751335 DOI: 10.12659/msm.889110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cortisol is presumed to be a risk factor for stress- and age-related disorders, such as depressive disorder and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The aim of this study was to investigate the association of plasma cortisol concentration with AD in presence or absence of comorbid depressive symptoms. Material/Methods Plasma cortisol concentration was measured in 80 AD patients (35 of them with depressive symptoms), 27 elderly depressive patients without AD, and 37 elderly controls. Results Compared to controls, a significant increase of mean plasma cortisol was found in AD patients but not in depressive patients. Plasma cortisol was positively correlated with cognitive impairment in AD patients. We confirmed a U-shaped association between plasma cortisol and major depression and a linear association between plasma cortisol and AD without depressive symptoms. Significantly increased relative risk of disease in people with high plasma cortisol was found for AD with depressive symptoms and for AD with mild dementia. Conclusions Plasma cortisol reflects the degree of cognitive impairment in AD rather than the severity of comorbid depression. We confirmed that both hypercortisolemia and hypocortisolemia are associated with depressive disorder. Significant association between high plasma cortisol and AD was found, supporting the use of high plasma cortisol as a component of a panel of biochemical markers for AD with depressive symptoms as well as AD in the early stage of dementia development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martina Zvěřová
- Department of Psychiatry, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague and General University Hospital in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Ancelin ML, Carrière I, Helmer C, Rouaud O, Pasquier F, Berr C, Chaudieu I, Ritchie K. Steroid and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, cognitive decline, and dementia. Neurobiol Aging 2012; 33:2082-90. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2011.09.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2011] [Revised: 08/22/2011] [Accepted: 09/30/2011] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|
35
|
Dong H, Murphy KM, Meng L, Montalvo-Ortiz J, Zeng Z, Kolber BJ, Zhang S, Muglia LJ, Csernansky JG. Corticotrophin releasing factor accelerates neuropathology and cognitive decline in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. J Alzheimers Dis 2012; 28:579-92. [PMID: 22045495 DOI: 10.3233/jad-2011-111328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Chronic stress has been suggested to influence the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD); however, the mechanism underlying this influence remains unknown. In this study, we created a triple transgenic mouse model that overexpresses corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF) and human amyloid-β protein precursor (AβPP), to investigate whether increases in the expression of CRF can mimic the effects of stress on amyloid metabolism and the neurodegeneration. Tg2576 mice that overexpresses human AβPP gene were crossbreed with Tetop-CRF (CRF) mice and CaMKII-tTA (tTA) mice to create a novel triple transgenic mouse model that conditioned overexpresses CRF in forebrain and overexpresses human AβPP (called AβPP+/CRF+/tTA+, or TT mice). Then we evaluated serial neuro-anatomical and behavioral phenotypes on TT mice using histological, biochemical, and behavioral assays. TT mice showed a Cushingoid-like phenotype starting at 3 months of age. At 6 months of age, these mice demonstrated increases in tissue-soluble amyloid-β (Aβ) and Aβ plaques in the cortex and hippocampus, as compared to control mice. Moreover, TT mice characterized substantial decreases in dendritic branching and dendritic spine density in pyramidal neurons in layer 4 of the frontal cortex and CA1 of the hippocampus. Finally, TT mice showed significantly impaired working memory and contextual memory, with a modest increase in anxiety-like behavior. Our results suggested genetic increases in the brain of CRF expression mimicked chronic stress on the effects of amyloid deposition, neurodegeneration, and behavioral deficits. The novel transgenic mouse model will provide a unique tool to further investigate the mechanisms between stress and AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hongxin Dong
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Increased serum levels of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in women with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. Int Psychogeriatr 2011; 23:1386-92. [PMID: 21729423 DOI: 10.1017/s1041610211000810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It has been suggested that hypercortisolism contributes to the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD), based on the fact that excess glucocorticoid exposure has potent adverse effects on the central nervous system. In contrast, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) has been linked to a broad range of beneficial physiological effects including neuronal excitability and neuroprotection and even memory enhancing properties. Of note, proinflammatory cytokines are present in neuritic plaques (a hallmark of AD) and may regulate cortisol/DHEA release. In this exploratory study, we hypothesized that there is a flattened diurnal curve of cortisol and DHEA in mild to moderate AD, linked to increased cytokine levels. METHODS Diurnal profiles of cortisol, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and DHEA were studied in 15 patients with mild to moderate AD (7 men and 8 women, 75.6 ± 5.5 years) and 15 healthy elderly controls (7 men and 8 women, 73.3 ± 5.8 years, respectively). Interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and soluble TNF receptors were analyzed. RESULTS Women with AD had significantly increased morning levels of ACTH, DHEA, and IL-6 compared to healthy elderly women. Cortisol levels were significantly increased in men with AD at 0300 h versus healthy elderly men, in spite of slightly decreased ACTH levels. CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest important sex differences in hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis regulation and steroid hormone clearance in patients with AD. Increased secretion of IL-6 may have a contributory role in this difference.
Collapse
|
37
|
Johansson P, Johansson JO, Labrie F, Mattsson N, Hansson O, Blennow K, Zetterberg H, Wallin A, Ohlsson C, Svensson J. Mild dementia is associated with increased adrenal secretion of cortisol and precursor sex steroids in women. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2011; 75:301-8. [PMID: 21521348 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2265.2011.04082.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Sex steroid levels decrease with increasing age, but little is known whether this is of importance for the age-related decline in cognitive function. DESIGN AND PATIENTS A cross-sectional study of 50 (26 men) consecutive patients under primary evaluation of cognitive impairment (D group) and 18 (9 men) matched healthy controls (C group). MEASUREMENTS Sex steroid and precursor levels were determined in serum and, when measurable, in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) using gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) or liquid chromatography/mass spectroscopy (LC-MS). Sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and cortisol concentrations were measured using conventional assays. RESULTS Patients in the D group had higher 24-h urine cortisol levels and increased serum levels of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulphate ester dihydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS), androsterone (ADT), and oestrone (E1) and its sulphate ester E1S, compared with the controls. When men and women were analysed separately, increased serum concentrations of E1 and E1S were observed in both D men and D women, whereas increased levels of other sex steroids and cortisol were seen only in D women. CONCLUSIONS In both D men and women, serum E1 and E1S levels were increased, whereas other changes were gender specific and only seen in D women. Further studies are needed to determine whether these changes are a cause of, or merely a consequence of, cognitive impairment in elderly subjects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Per Johansson
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Skaraborg Hospital, Falköping,
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Rothman SM, Herdener N, Camandola S, Texel SJ, Mughal MR, Cong WN, Martin B, Mattson MP. 3xTgAD mice exhibit altered behavior and elevated Aβ after chronic mild social stress. Neurobiol Aging 2011; 33:830.e1-12. [PMID: 21855175 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2011.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2011] [Revised: 06/30/2011] [Accepted: 07/08/2011] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Chronic stress may be a risk factor for developing Alzheimer's disease (AD), but most studies of the effects of stress in models of AD utilize acute adverse stressors of questionable clinical relevance. The goal of this work was to determine how chronic psychosocial stress affects behavioral and pathological outcomes in an animal model of AD, and to elucidate underlying mechanisms. A triple-transgenic mouse model of AD (3xTgAD mice) and nontransgenic control mice were used to test for an affect of chronic mild social stress on blood glucose, plasma glucocorticoids, plasma insulin, anxiety, and hippocampal amyloid β-particle (Aβ), phosphorylated tau (ptau), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels. Despite the fact that both control and 3xTgAD mice experienced rises in corticosterone during episodes of mild social stress, at the end of the 6-week stress period 3xTgAD mice displayed increased anxiety, elevated levels of Aβ oligomers and intraneuronal Aβ, and decreased brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels, whereas control mice did not. Findings suggest 3xTgAD mice are more vulnerable than control mice to chronic psychosocial stress, and that such chronic stress exacerbates Aβ accumulation and impairs neurotrophic signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M Rothman
- Laboratory of Neurosciences, National Institute on Aging, Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
A transdisciplinary perspective of chronic stress in relation to psychopathology throughout life span development. Dev Psychopathol 2011; 23:725-76. [DOI: 10.1017/s0954579411000289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 170] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
AbstractThe allostatic load (AL) model represents an interdisciplinary approach to comprehensively conceptualize and quantify chronic stress in relation to pathologies throughout the life cycle. This article first reviews the AL model, followed by interactions among early adversity, genetics, environmental toxins, as well as distinctions among sex, gender, and sex hormones as integral antecedents of AL. We next explore perspectives on severe mental illness, dementia, and caregiving as unique human models of AL that merit future investigations in the field of developmental psychopathology. A complimenting transdisciplinary perspective is applied throughout, whereby we argue that the AL model goes beyond traditional stress–disease theories toward the advancement of person-centered research and practice that promote not only physical health but also mental health.
Collapse
|
40
|
Monachelli GG, Meyer M, Rodríguez G, Garay L, Sica RE, De Nicola AF, González Deniselle MC. Progesterone and cortisol levels in sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (sALS): correlation with prognostic factors. Horm Mol Biol Clin Investig 2011; 6:167-73. [PMID: 25961252 DOI: 10.1515/hmbci.2011.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disorder. Worse prognostic factors in ALS are: (a) advanced age, (b) bulbar onset, and (c) short time between onset and diagnosis. Progesterone (PROG) has been associated with neuroprotective and promyelinating activities in injury, ischemia and degeneration of the central and peripheral nervous system. Cortisol is connected to the response to stress situations and could contribute to neuronal damage. The goals of this study were: (i) to investigate whether PROG levels are modified by ALS prognostic factors and (ii) to determine whether cortisol follows the same pattern. We determined serum steroid levels in 27 patients with sporadic ALS (sALS) and 21 controls. Both steroid hormones showed significantly increased levels in ALS patients versus controls (mean±SEM: PROG ALS vs. CONTROL 0.54±0.05 vs. 0.39±0.04 ng/mL, p<0.05; cortisol ALS vs. CONTROL 17.02±1.60 vs. 11.83±1.38 μg/dL, p<0.05).1 A trend towards higher levels of PROG were demonstrated in spinal onset patients compared with bulbar onset (p=0.07), positive correlation with survival time (RRho=0.43, p=0.04) and a trend towards significance with time to diagnosis (RRho=0.36, p=0.06). These correlations have not been demonstrated for cortisol. Elevated serum steroid levels in sALS were probably due to hyperfunction of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. However, only PROG correlated with better prognostic factors. Future studies will determine if the different behavior of PROG and cortisol relate to any particular role they might play during the course of this motor neuron degenerative disease.
Collapse
|
41
|
Marin MF, Lord C, Andrews J, Juster RP, Sindi S, Arsenault-Lapierre G, Fiocco AJ, Lupien SJ. Chronic stress, cognitive functioning and mental health. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2011; 96:583-95. [PMID: 21376129 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2011.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 307] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2010] [Revised: 02/05/2011] [Accepted: 02/22/2011] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
This review aims to discuss the evidence supporting the link between chronic stress, cognitive function and mental health. Over the years, the associations between these concepts have been investigated in different populations. This review summarizes the findings that have emerged from older populations as well as from populations suffering from pathological aging, namely Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer's Disease. Although older adults are an interesting population to study in terms of chronic stress, other stress-related diseases can occur throughout the lifespan. The second section covers some of these stress-related diseases that have recently received a great deal of attention, namely burnout, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Given that chronic stress contributes to the development of certain pathologies by accelerating and/or exacerbating pre-existing vulnerabilities that vary from one individual to the other, the final section summarizes data obtained on potential variables contributing to the association between chronic stress and cognition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marie-France Marin
- Center for Studies on Human Stress, Fernand-Seguin Research Center, Louis-H. Lafontaine Hospital, Canada
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
Guldiken S, Guldiken B. Arylsulfonamidothiazoles for the early stages of Alzheimer type dementia: A new potential for treatment. Med Hypotheses 2011; 76:145. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2010.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2009] [Revised: 09/06/2010] [Accepted: 09/08/2010] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
|
43
|
de Souza-Talarico JN, Marin MF, Sindi S, Lupien SJ. Effects of stress hormones on the brain and cognition: Evidence from normal to pathological aging. Dement Neuropsychol 2011; 5:8-16. [PMID: 29213714 PMCID: PMC5619133 DOI: 10.1590/s1980-57642011dn05010003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2010] [Accepted: 02/14/2011] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Several studies have demonstrated a wide cognitive variability among aged individuals. One factor thought to be associated with this heterogeneity is exposure to chronic stress throughout life. Animal and human evidence demonstrates that glucocorticoids (GCs), the main class of stress hormones, are strongly linked to memory performance whereby elevated GC levels are associated with memory performance decline in both normal and pathological cognitive aging. Accordingly, it is believed that GCs may increase the brain's vulnerability to the effects of internal and external insults, and thus may play a role in the development of age-related cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). The aim of this review article was to investigate the effects of GCs on normal and pathological cognitive aging by showing how these hormones interact with different brain structures involved in cognitive abilities, subsequently worsen memory performance, and increase the risk for developing dementia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Nery de Souza-Talarico
- PhD, Department of Medical-Surgical Nursing, School of
Nursing, University of São Paulo, São Paulo SP, Brazil and Behavioral
and Cognitive Neurology Unit, Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine,
University of São Paulo, São Paulo SP, Brazil
| | - Marie-France Marin
- MSc, Center for Studies on Human Stress, Mental Health
Research Center Fernand-Seguin, Louis-H. Lafontaine Hospital, Université de
Montreal, Canada
| | - Shireen Sindi
- MSc, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill
University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Sonia J. Lupien
- PhD, Center for Studies on Human Stress, Mental Health
Research Center Fernand-Seguin, Louis-H. Lafontaine Hospital, Université de
Montreal, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Impact of the Hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal/gonadal Axes on Trajectory of Age-Related Cognitive Decline. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2010; 182:31-76. [DOI: 10.1016/s0079-6123(10)82002-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
|
45
|
Dong H, Csernansky JG. Effects of stress and stress hormones on amyloid-beta protein and plaque deposition. J Alzheimers Dis 2009; 18:459-69. [PMID: 19584430 DOI: 10.3233/jad-2009-1152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Growing evidence indicates that physical and psychosocial stressors, in part acting through the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, may accelerate the process of Alzheimer's disease (AD). In this review, we summarize recent research related to the effects of stress and stress hormones on the various disease process elements associated with AD. Specifically, we focus on the relationships among chronic stressors, HPA axis activity, amyloid-beta protein, and amyloid-beta plaque deposition in mouse models of AD. The potential mechanisms by which stress and stress-related components, especially corticotrophin-releasing factor and its receptors, influence the pathogenesis of AD are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hongxin Dong
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
Rothman SM, Mattson MP. Adverse stress, hippocampal networks, and Alzheimer's disease. Neuromolecular Med 2009; 12:56-70. [PMID: 19943124 DOI: 10.1007/s12017-009-8107-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2009] [Accepted: 11/06/2009] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Recent clinical data have implicated chronic adverse stress as a potential risk factor in the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and data also suggest that normal, physiological stress responses may be impaired in AD. It is possible that pathology associated with AD causes aberrant responses to chronic stress, due to potential alterations in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Recent study in rodent models of AD suggests that chronic adverse stress exacerbates the cognitive deficits and hippocampal pathology that are present in the AD brain. This review summarizes recent findings obtained in experimental AD models regarding the influence of chronic adverse stress on the underlying cellular and molecular disease processes including the potential role of glucocorticoids. Emerging findings suggest that both AD and chronic adverse stress affect hippocampal neural networks in a similar fashion. We describe alterations in hippocampal plasticity, which occur in both chronic stress and AD including dendritic remodeling, neurogenesis, and long-term potentiation. Finally, we outline potential roles for oxidative stress and neurotrophic factor signaling as the key determinants of the impact of chronic stress on the plasticity of neural networks and AD pathogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M Rothman
- Laboratory of Neurosciences, National Institute on Aging Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
47
|
Spijker AT, Van Rossum EFC. Glucocorticoid Receptor Polymorphisms in Major Depression. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2009; 1179:199-215. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2009.04985.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
|
48
|
|
49
|
Charalampopoulos I, Remboutsika E, Margioris AN, Gravanis A. Neurosteroids as modulators of neurogenesis and neuronal survival. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2008; 19:300-7. [PMID: 18771935 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2008.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 142] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2008] [Revised: 07/11/2008] [Accepted: 07/11/2008] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Neurons and glia in the central nervous system express the necessary enzymes for the synthesis of neurosteroids that are produced in concentrations high enough to exert paracrine effects. Synthesis of brain neurosteroids declines with age, during stressful conditions (including major depression, chronic psychological stress), and in chronic inflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases. Recent reports associate the decrease of brain neurosteroids to neuronal dysfunction and degeneration. This review summarizes the recent findings on how the most studied neurosteroids (dehydroepiandrosterone, pregnenolone and their sulphate esters, progesterone and allopregnanolone) affect neuronal survival, neurite outgrowth and neurogenesis; furthermore, this review discusses potential applications of these neurosteroids in the therapeutic management of neurodegenerative conditions, including that of age-related brain atrophy.
Collapse
|
50
|
Sack RL, Auckley D, Auger RR, Carskadon MA, Wright KP, Vitiello MV, Zhdanova IV. Circadian rhythm sleep disorders: part II, advanced sleep phase disorder, delayed sleep phase disorder, free-running disorder, and irregular sleep-wake rhythm. An American Academy of Sleep Medicine review. Sleep 2008; 30:1484-501. [PMID: 18041481 DOI: 10.1093/sleep/30.11.1484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 260] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This the second of two articles reviewing the scientific literature on the evaluation and treatment of circadian rhythm sleep disorders (CRSDs), employing the methodology of evidence-based medicine. We herein report on the accumulated evidence regarding the evaluation and treatment of Advamced Sleep Phase Disorder (ASPD), Delayed Sleep Phase Disorder (DSPD), Free-Running Disorder (FRD) and Irregular Sleep-Wake Rhythm ISWR). METHODS A set of specific questions relevant to clinical practice were formulated, a systematic literature search was performed, and relevant articles were abstracted and graded. RESULTS A substantial body of literature has accumulated that provides a rational basis the evaluation and treatment of CRSDs. Physiological assessment has involved determination of circadian phase using core body temperature and the timing of melatonin secretion. Behavioral assessment has involved sleep logs, actigraphy and the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ). Treatment interventions fall into three broad categories: 1) prescribed sleep scheduling, 2) circadian phase shifting ("resetting the clock"), and 3) symptomatic treatment using hypnotic and stimulant medications. CONCLUSION Circadian rhythm science has also pointed the way to rational interventions for CRSDs and these treatments have been introduced into the practice of sleep medicine with varying degrees of success. More translational research is needed using subjects who meet current diagnostic criteria.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert L Sack
- Department of Psychiatry, Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland, OR, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|