1
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Lipatova O, Campolattaro MM, Lockhart BK, Hammad MB. Differential effects of acute stress on spatial learning and memory in the open-field tower maze across the female estrous cycle. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2023; 206:107862. [PMID: 37944635 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2023.107862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of the present investigation was to test how acute stress and levels of circulating estrogens together influence acquisition and retention of spatial learning, as well as explorative behaviors in female rats. We used the hippocampus-dependent Open-field Tower Maze (OFTM) task to assess acquisition followed by a retention test (reacquisition) that was given 48 h later. Immediately prior to acquisition, experimental rats were exposed to an acute restraint stress and were trained under bright lights. Female rats' estrous cycles were tracked throughout training and testing. Exposure to stress did not affect learning when levels of estrogens were low (i.e., during estrus and metestrus). However, acute stress exposure significantly lowered spatial acquisition of the female rats in the phases with rising levels of estrogens (i.e., during diestrus and proestrus). Furthermore, this stress-induced diminishment during acquisition was evident at the beginning of the retention without any presentation of stress. The present findings provide insight about the interactive relationship between stress and sex hormones on cognitive functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Lipatova
- Christopher Newport University, Newport News, VA, United States.
| | | | - Blakely K Lockhart
- Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Mariam B Hammad
- Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
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2
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Valencia-Olvera AC, Maldonado Weng J, Christensen A, LaDu MJ, Pike CJ. Role of estrogen in women's Alzheimer's disease risk as modified by APOE. J Neuroendocrinol 2023; 35:e13209. [PMID: 36420620 PMCID: PMC10049970 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by numerous sexual dimorphisms that impact the development, progression, and probably the strategies to prevent and treat the most common form of dementia. In this review, we consider this topic from a female perspective with a specific focus on how women's vulnerability to the disease is affected by the individual and interactive effects of estrogens and apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype. Importantly, APOE appears to modulate systemic and neural outcomes of both menopause and estrogen-based hormone therapy. In the brain, dementia risk is greater in APOE4 carriers, and the impacts of hormone therapy on cognitive decline and dementia risk vary according to both outcome measure and APOE genotype. Beyond the CNS, estrogen and APOE genotype affect vulnerability to menopause-associated bone loss, dyslipidemia and cardiovascular disease risk. An emerging concept that may link these relationships is the possibility that the effects of APOE in women interact with estrogen status by mechanisms that may include modulation of estrogen responsiveness. This review highlights the need to consider the key AD risk factors of advancing age in a sex-specific manner to optimize development of therapeutic approaches for AD, a view aligned with the principle of personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- AC Valencia-Olvera
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612 USA
| | - J Maldonado Weng
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612 USA
| | - A Christensen
- Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089 USA
| | - MJ LaDu
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612 USA
| | - CJ Pike
- Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089 USA
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3
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Paiva-Santos MA, Leão AHFF, Kurita JPF, Becegato MS, Lima AC, Bioni VS, Meurer YSR, Cunha DMG, Medeiros AM, Silva RH. Sex differences in the acute ethanol effects on object recognition memory: influence of estrous cycle. Behav Pharmacol 2022; 33:322-332. [PMID: 35502955 DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0000000000000680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Effects of acute ethanol (EtOH) on memory depend on several factors, including type of behavioral task. Sex differences in EtOH effects have been reported in humans and animals, and recognition memory can be influenced by circulating sex hormones. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of sex and estrous cycle in the acute effects of EtOH on novel object recognition memory in rats. Male and female Wistar rats were part of one of the groups: control, 0.6-g/kg EtOH and 1.8-g/kg EtOH (administered intraperitoneally before the training session). The estrous cycle was evaluated by vaginal smear. The task was conducted in an open field arena. During training, animals were exposed to two identical objects, and test sessions were performed 1 h (short-term) and 24 h (long-term) later. One of the objects was changed in each test. Increased novel object exploration was shown by male and female controls in the short- and long-term tests, respectively. In the short-term test, females did not show preference for the novel object, and EtOH 1.8 g/kg impaired performance in males. In the long-term test, both sexes showed object discrimination, and 1.8-g/kg EtOH reduced preference for the new object in male rats. The phase of the cycle, the performance on proestrus was worse compared with other phases, and EtOH failed to impair performance mainly on estrous. In conclusion, while male rats displayed ethanol-induced recognition memory deficit, female rats were unaffected by EtOH impairing effects. In addition, the performance of female rats was influenced by the estrous cycle phases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - João P F Kurita
- Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo
| | - Marcela S Becegato
- Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo
| | - Alvaro C Lima
- Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo
| | - Vinicius S Bioni
- Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo
| | - Ywlliane S R Meurer
- Memory and Cognition Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Universidade Federal da Paraíba, João Pessoa
| | - Débora M G Cunha
- Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo
| | - André M Medeiros
- Department of Health Sciences, Center of Health and Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido, Mossoró, Brazil
| | - Regina H Silva
- Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo
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4
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Bortz J, Klatt KC, Wallace TC. Perspective: Estrogen and the Risk of Cognitive Decline: A Missing Choline(rgic) Link? Adv Nutr 2021; 13:S2161-8313(22)00068-0. [PMID: 34849527 PMCID: PMC8970832 DOI: 10.1093/advances/nmab145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Factors that influence the risk of neurocognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease (AD) may provide insight into therapies for both disease treatment and prevention. While age is the most striking risk factor for AD, it is notable that the prevalence of AD is higher in women, representing two-thirds of cases. To explore potential underlying biological underpinnings of this observation, the intent of this article is to explore the interplay between cognitive aging and sex hormones, the cholinergic system, and novel hypotheses related to the essential nutrient, choline. Mechanistic evidence points toward estrogen's neuroprotective effects being strongly dependent on its interactions with the cholinergic system, a modulator of attentional functioning, learning, and memory. Estrogen has been shown to attenuate anticholinergic-induced impairments in verbal memory and normalize patterns of frontal and occipital cortex activation, resulting in a more "young adult" phenotype. However, similar to estrogen replacement's effect in cardiovascular diseases, its putative protective effects may be restricted to early postmenopausal women only, supportive of the "critical window hypothesis." Estrogen's impact on the cholinergic system may act both locally in the brain but also through peripheral tissues. Estrogen is critical for inducing endogenous choline synthesis via the phosphatidylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PEMT) pathway of phosphatidylcholine (PC) synthesis. PEMT is dramatically induced in response to estrogen, producing not only a PC molecule and source of choline for the brain but also a key source of the long-chain omega-3 fatty acid, DHA. Herein, we highlight novel hypotheses related to hormone replacement therapy and nutrient metabolism aimed at directing future preclinical and clinical investigation.
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5
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Xu J, Zhou Y, Yan C, Wang X, Lou J, Luo Y, Gao S, Wang J, Wu L, Gao X, Shao A. Neurosteroids: A novel promise for the treatment of stroke and post-stroke complications. J Neurochem 2021; 160:113-127. [PMID: 34482541 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 08/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Stroke is the primary reason for death and disability worldwide, with few treatment strategies to date. Neurosteroids, which are natural molecules in the brain, have aroused great interest in the field of stroke. Neurosteroids are a kind of steroid that acts on the nervous system, and are synthesized in the mitochondria of neurons or glial cells using cholesterol or other steroidal precursors. Neurosteroids mainly include estrogen, progesterone (PROG), allopregnanolone, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and vitamin D (VD). Most of the preclinical studies have confirmed that neurosteroids can decrease the risk of stroke, and improve stroke outcomes. In the meantime, neurosteroids have been shown to have a positive therapeutic significance in some post-stroke complications, such as epilepsy, depression, anxiety, cardiac complications, movement disorders, and post-stroke pain. In this review, we report the historical background, modulatory mechanisms of neurosteroids in stroke and post-stroke complications, and emphasize on the application prospect of neurosteroids in stroke therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiawei Xu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang, Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yunxiang Zhou
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Caochong Yan
- The Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics, Ministry of Education, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaoyu Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jianyao Lou
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yi Luo
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine (Changxing Branch), Changxing, Huzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shiqi Gao
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Junjie Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Liang Wu
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiangfu Gao
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang, Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Anwen Shao
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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6
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Sinha P, Rani A, Kumar A, Riva A, Brant JO, Foster TC. Examination of CA1 Hippocampal DNA Methylation as a Mechanism for Closing of Estrogen's Critical Window. Front Aging Neurosci 2021; 13:717032. [PMID: 34421577 PMCID: PMC8371553 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2021.717032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
There is a critical window for estrogen replacement therapy, beyond which estradiol (E2) fails to enhance cognition and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor function, and E2-responsive transcription decreases. Much less attention has been given to the mechanism for closing of the critical window, which is thought to involve the decline in estrogen signaling cascades, possibly involving epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA methylation. This study investigated changes in DNA methylation in region CA1 of the hippocampus of ovariectomized female rats over the course of brain aging and in response to E2-treatment, using whole genome bisulfite sequencing. Differential methylation of CpG and non-CpG (CHG and CHH) sites and associated genes were characterized in aged controls (AC), middle-age controls (MC), and young controls (YC) and differential methylation in response to E2-treatment (T) was examined in each age group (AT-AC, MT-MC, and YT-YC). Possible candidate genes for the closing of the critical window were defined as those that were hypomethylated by E2-treatment in younger animals, but were unresponsive in aged animals. Gene ontology categories for possible critical window genes were linked to response to hormones (Adcyap1, Agtr2, Apob, Ahr, Andpro, Calm2, Cyp4a2, Htr1b, Nr3c2, Pitx2, Pth, Pdk4, Slc2a2, Tnc, and Wnt5a), including G-protein receptor signaling (Gpr22 and Rgs4). Other possible critical window genes were linked to glutamate synapses (Nedd4, Grm1, Grm7, and Grin3a). These results suggest that decreased E2 signaling with advanced age, and/or prolonged E2 deprivation, results in methylation of E2-responsive genes, including those involved in rapid E2 signaling, which may limit subsequent transcription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Puja Sinha
- Department of Neuroscience, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Asha Rani
- Department of Neuroscience, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Ashok Kumar
- Department of Neuroscience, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Alberto Riva
- Bioinformatics Core, Interdisciplinary Center for Biotechnology Research, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Jason Orr Brant
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Thomas C Foster
- Department of Neuroscience, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States.,Genetics and Genomics Program, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
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7
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Cardinali CAEF, Martins YA, Torrão AS. Use of Hormone Therapy in Postmenopausal Women with Alzheimer's Disease: A Systematic Review. Drugs Aging 2021; 38:769-791. [PMID: 34342862 DOI: 10.1007/s40266-021-00878-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Around two-thirds of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) are women, which could be related to the depletion of female sexual hormones at menopause. The replacement of these hormones with hormone therapy (HT) to possibly decrease AD risk or treat AD patients has generated conflicting results in the literature. OBJECTIVE Our aim was to systematically review the relationship between HT use in postmenopausal women with AD and the risk of developing or treating AD symptoms. DATA SOURCES The PubMed, LILACS, Scopus, Scielo, and Web of Science databases were searched from January 1994 to December 2020 using the descriptors 'Alzheimer Disease OR Alzheimer's Disease' and 'Hormone Replacement Therapy OR Estrogen Replacement Therapy'. STUDY SELECTION Observational and controlled clinical trials including postmenopausal women diagnosed with AD and evaluating HT efficacy were eligible for inclusion. DATA EXTRACTION Extracted data comprise study design, covariates, inclusion criteria for sample selection, AD diagnosis criteria, biases, HT regimen, and cognitive measurement tools used. RESULTS Overall, 25 studies were selected. Among the 14 observational studies, 8 reported an improvement in cognitive function and a decrease in AD risk, especially in younger postmenopausal women. Five observational studies did not demonstrate any association between HT and AD, and one study reported an increase in AD risk, regardless of time of HT initiation. Of the 11 controlled clinical trials included, 7 showed an amelioration in cognitive function after HT. The remaining 4 trials saw no difference between HT and control. CONCLUSION Both observational and controlled clinical trials had methodological issues and discrepancies in inclusion criteria and HT protocols. These inconsistencies made it difficult to establish an association between HT and AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila A E F Cardinali
- Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofisica, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Av Professor Lineu Prestes 2415, São Paulo, 05508-900, Brazil
| | - Yandara A Martins
- Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofisica, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Av Professor Lineu Prestes 2415, São Paulo, 05508-900, Brazil.
| | - Andréa S Torrão
- Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofisica, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Av Professor Lineu Prestes 2415, São Paulo, 05508-900, Brazil
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8
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Koebele SV, Hiroi R, Plumley ZMT, Melikian R, Prakapenka AV, Patel S, Carson C, Kirby D, Mennenga SE, Mayer LP, Dyer CA, Bimonte-Nelson HA. Clinically Used Hormone Formulations Differentially Impact Memory, Anxiety-Like, and Depressive-Like Behaviors in a Rat Model of Transitional Menopause. Front Behav Neurosci 2021; 15:696838. [PMID: 34366807 PMCID: PMC8335488 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2021.696838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
A variety of U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved hormone therapy options are currently used to successfully alleviate unwanted symptoms associated with the changing endogenous hormonal milieu that occurs in midlife with menopause. Depending on the primary indication for treatment, different hormone therapy formulations are utilized, including estrogen-only, progestogen-only, or combined estrogen plus progestogen options. There is little known about how these formulations, or their unique pharmacodynamics, impact neurobiological processes. Seemingly disparate pre-clinical and clinical findings regarding the cognitive effects of hormone therapies, such as the negative effects associated with conjugated equine estrogens and medroxyprogesterone acetate vs. naturally circulating 17β-estradiol (E2) and progesterone, signal a critical need to further investigate the neuro-cognitive impact of hormone therapy formulations. Here, utilizing a rat model of transitional menopause, we administered either E2, progesterone, levonorgestrel, or combinations of E2 with progesterone or with levonorgestrel daily to follicle-depleted, middle-aged rats. A battery of assessments, including spatial memory, anxiety-like behaviors, and depressive-like behaviors, as well as endocrine status and ovarian follicle complement, were evaluated. Results indicate divergent outcomes for memory, anxiety, and depression, as well as unique physiological profiles, that were dependent upon the hormone regimen administered. Overall, the combination hormone treatments had the most consistently favorable profile for the domains evaluated in rats that had undergone experimentally induced transitional menopause and remained ovary-intact. The collective results underscore the importance of investigating variations in hormone therapy formulation as well as the menopause background upon which these formulations are delivered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie V. Koebele
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
- Arizona Alzheimer’s Consortium, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - Ryoko Hiroi
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
- Arizona Alzheimer’s Consortium, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - Zachary M. T. Plumley
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
- Arizona Alzheimer’s Consortium, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - Ryan Melikian
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
- Arizona Alzheimer’s Consortium, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - Alesia V. Prakapenka
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
- Arizona Alzheimer’s Consortium, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - Shruti Patel
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
- Arizona Alzheimer’s Consortium, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - Catherine Carson
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
- Arizona Alzheimer’s Consortium, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - Destiney Kirby
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
- Arizona Alzheimer’s Consortium, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - Sarah E. Mennenga
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
- Arizona Alzheimer’s Consortium, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | | | | | - Heather A. Bimonte-Nelson
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
- Arizona Alzheimer’s Consortium, Phoenix, AZ, United States
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9
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Koebele SV, Quihuis AM, Lavery CN, Plumley ZMT, Castaneda AJ, Bimonte-Nelson HA. Oestrogen treatment modulates the impact of cognitive experience and task complexity on memory in middle-aged surgically menopausal rats. J Neuroendocrinol 2021; 33:e13002. [PMID: 34378820 PMCID: PMC9124643 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Menopause has been linked to changes in memory. Oestrogen-containing hormone therapy is prescribed to treat menopause-related symptoms and can ameliorate memory changes, although the parameters impacting oestrogen-related memory efficacy are unclear. Cognitive experience and practice have been shown to be neuroprotective and to improve learning and memory during ageing, with the type of task playing a role in subsequent cognitive outcomes. Whether task complexity matters, and whether these outcomes interact with menopause and oestrogen status, remains unknown. To investigate this, we used a rat model of surgical menopause to systematically assess whether maze task complexity, as well as order of task presentation, impacts spatial learning and memory during middle age when rats received vehicle, low-17β-oestradiol (E2 ) or high-E2 treatment. The direction, and even presence, of the effects of prior maze experience differed depending on the E2 dose. Surgical menopause without E2 treatment yielded the least benefit, as prior maze experience did not have a substantial effect on subsequent task performance for vehicle treated rats regardless of task demand level during the first exposure to maze experience or final testing. High-dose E2 yielded a variable benefit, and low-dose E2 produced the greatest benefit. Specifically, low-dose E2 broadly enhanced learning and memory in surgically menopausal rats that had prior experience on another task, regardless of the complexity level of this prior experience. These results demonstrate that E2 dose influences the impact of prior cognitive experience on learning and memory during ageing, and highlights the importance of prior cognitive experience in subsequent learning and memory outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie V. Koebele
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
- Arizona Alzheimer’s Consortium, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Alicia M. Quihuis
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
- Arizona Alzheimer’s Consortium, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Courtney N. Lavery
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
- Arizona Alzheimer’s Consortium, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Zachary M. T. Plumley
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
- Arizona Alzheimer’s Consortium, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Arthur J. Castaneda
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
- Arizona Alzheimer’s Consortium, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Heather A. Bimonte-Nelson
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
- Arizona Alzheimer’s Consortium, Phoenix, AZ, USA
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10
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Bimonte-Nelson HA, Bernaud VE, Koebele SV. Menopause, hormone therapy and cognition: maximizing translation from preclinical research. Climacteric 2021; 24:373-381. [PMID: 33977823 DOI: 10.1080/13697137.2021.1917538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Menopause-associated and hormone-associated cognitive research has a rich history built from varied disciplines and species. This review discusses landmark rodent and human work addressing cognitive outcomes associated with varied experiences of menopause and hormone therapy. Critical variables in menopause and cognitive aging research are considered, including menopause etiology, background hormone milieu and parameters of exposure to estrogens and progestogens. Recent preclinical research has identified that menopause and ovarian hormone fluctuations across many neurobiological systems affect cognitive aging, mapping novel avenues for future research. Preclinical models provide insight into complex interdisciplinary relationships in a systematic and highly controlled fashion. We highlight that acknowledging the strengths and weaknesses for both preclinical and clinical research approaches is vital to accurate interpretation, optimal translation and the direction of future research. There is great value in collaboration and communication across preclinical and clinical realms, especially regarding reciprocal feedback of findings to advance preclinical models, improve experimental designs and enrich basic science translation to the clinic. In searching for biological mechanisms underlying the cognitive consequences of menopause and hormone therapies, it is noteworthy that clinical and preclinical scientists are grounded in the same fundamental goal of optimizing health outcomes for women across the lifespan.
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Affiliation(s)
- H A Bimonte-Nelson
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA.,Arizona Alzheimer's Consortium, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - V E Bernaud
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA.,Arizona Alzheimer's Consortium, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - S V Koebele
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA.,Arizona Alzheimer's Consortium, Phoenix, AZ, USA
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11
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Alsaab HO, Altowairqi E, Alzahrani N, Alzahrani R, Alshehri FS, Almalki AH, Alsanie WF, Gaber A, Alkhalifa T, Almalki A, Shah ZA, Althobaiti YS. Sex differences in pregabalin-seeking like behavior in a conditioned place preference paradigm. Saudi Pharm J 2020; 28:1749-1755. [PMID: 33424265 PMCID: PMC7783229 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2020.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Substance abuse is a chronic, relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive drug use regardless of negative consequences. Incremental increases in pregabalin abuse have been observed in Saudi Arabia and throughout the world. In previous studies, the potential for pregabalin abuse with escalating doses of the drug (30, 60, 90, and 120 mg/kg) were investigated in male mice. Notably, researchers have argued that women may exhibit a greater tendency to consume drugs without a prescription to alleviate stress and depression. Moreover, female subjects are more prone to impulsivity in drug intake or abuse than their male counterparts. Therefore, in the present study, we compared the potential for pregabalin abuse between male and female mice using a conditioned place preference paradigm. Male and female BALB/c mice were divided into four groups based on the pregabalin dose administered (30, 60, 90, or 120 mg/kg, intraperitoneal). Preference scores were then calculated and compared between male and female mice in each dosage group. Interestingly, preference scores were significantly higher in female mice than in male mice at dosages of 30 and 120 mg/kg. These findings indicate that female mice may be more prone to pregabalin abuse and tolerance than male mice. These results might be helpful to the healthcare providers and policymakers to consider these sex differences in choosing therapeutic plans and consider alternatives to the misused prescription medications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hashem O. Alsaab
- Addiction and Neuroscience Research Unit, Taif University, Health Science Campus, Al Haweiah, Taif 21974, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, College of Pharmacy, Taif University, Health Science Campus, Al Haweiah, Taif 21974, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ebtehal Altowairqi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Taif University, Health Science Campus, Al Haweiah, Taif 21974, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nada Alzahrani
- Addiction and Neuroscience Research Unit, Taif University, Health Science Campus, Al Haweiah, Taif 21974, Saudi Arabia
| | - Reem Alzahrani
- Addiction and Neuroscience Research Unit, Taif University, Health Science Campus, Al Haweiah, Taif 21974, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fahad S. Alshehri
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Atiah H. Almalki
- Addiction and Neuroscience Research Unit, Taif University, Health Science Campus, Al Haweiah, Taif 21974, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Taif University, Health Science Campus, Al Haweiah, Taif 21974, Saudi Arabia
| | - Walaa F. Alsanie
- Addiction and Neuroscience Research Unit, Taif University, Health Science Campus, Al Haweiah, Taif 21974, Saudi Arabia
- Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Department of Clinical Laboratories, Taif University, Taif 21974, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed Gaber
- Addiction and Neuroscience Research Unit, Taif University, Health Science Campus, Al Haweiah, Taif 21974, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Taif University, Taif 21974, Saudi Arabia
| | - Turki Alkhalifa
- General Administration for Precursors and Laboratories, General Directorate of Narcotics Control, Ministry of Interior, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmad Almalki
- General Administration for Precursors and Laboratories, General Directorate of Narcotics Control, Ministry of Interior, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Zahoor A. Shah
- Department of Medicinal and Biological Chemistry, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Yusuf S. Althobaiti
- Addiction and Neuroscience Research Unit, Taif University, Health Science Campus, Al Haweiah, Taif 21974, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Taif University, Health Science Campus, Al Haweiah, Taif 21974, Saudi Arabia
- General Administration for Precursors and Laboratories, General Directorate of Narcotics Control, Ministry of Interior, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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12
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Koebele SV, Mennenga SE, Poisson ML, Hewitt LT, Patel S, Mayer LP, Dyer CA, Bimonte-Nelson HA. Characterizing the effects of tonic 17β-estradiol administration on spatial learning and memory in the follicle-deplete middle-aged female rat. Horm Behav 2020; 126:104854. [PMID: 32949557 PMCID: PMC8032560 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2020.104854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Revised: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
17β-estradiol (E2)-containing hormone therapy is a safe, effective way to alleviate unwanted menopause symptoms. Preclinical research has focused upon the role of E2 in learning and memory using a surgically menopausal rodent model whereby the ovaries are removed. Given that most women retain their reproductive tract and undergo a natural menopause transition, it is necessary to understand how exogenous E2 impacts a structurally intact, but follicle-deplete, system. In the current study, 8 month old female rats were administered the ovatoxin 4-vinylcyclohexene diepoxide (VCD), which accelerates ovarian follicular depletion, to model the human menopause transition. After follicular depletion, at 11 months old, rats were administered Vehicle or tonic E2 treatment for 12 days prior to behavioral evaluation on spatial working and reference memory tasks. Results demonstrated that E2 had both enhancing and impairing effects on taxed working memory depending upon the learning or retention phases of the water radial-arm maze, with no impact on reference memory. Relationships between memory scores and circulating estrogen levels were specific to follicle-depleted rats without E2 treatment. Collectively, findings demonstrate the complexity of E2 administration in a follicle-depleted background, with cognitive effects specific to working memory; furthermore, E2 administration altered circulating hormonal milieu and relationships between hormone profiles and memory. In sum, menopausal etiology impacts the parameters of E2 effects on cognition, complementing prior work with other estrogen compounds. Deciphering estrogenic actions in a system wherein the reproductive tract remains intact with follicle-depleted ovaries, thus modeling the majority or menopausal women, is critical for translational perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie V Koebele
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, United States of America; Arizona Alzheimer's Consortium, Phoenix, AZ 85006, United States of America
| | - Sarah E Mennenga
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, United States of America; Arizona Alzheimer's Consortium, Phoenix, AZ 85006, United States of America
| | - Mallori L Poisson
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, United States of America; Arizona Alzheimer's Consortium, Phoenix, AZ 85006, United States of America
| | - Lauren T Hewitt
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, United States of America; Arizona Alzheimer's Consortium, Phoenix, AZ 85006, United States of America
| | - Shruti Patel
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, United States of America; Arizona Alzheimer's Consortium, Phoenix, AZ 85006, United States of America
| | | | - Cheryl A Dyer
- FYXX Foundation, Flagstaff, AZ, United States of America
| | - Heather A Bimonte-Nelson
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, United States of America; Arizona Alzheimer's Consortium, Phoenix, AZ 85006, United States of America.
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Hill RA, Kouremenos K, Tull D, Maggi A, Schroeder A, Gibbons A, Kulkarni J, Sundram S, Du X. Bazedoxifene - a promising brain active SERM that crosses the blood brain barrier and enhances spatial memory. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2020; 121:104830. [PMID: 32858306 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2020.104830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Over 20 years of accumulated evidence has shown that the major female sex hormone 17β-estradiol can enhance cognitive functioning. However, the utility of estradiol as a therapeutic cognitive enhancer is hindered by its unwanted peripheral effects (carcinogenic). Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) avoid the unwanted effects of estradiol by acting as estrogen receptor antagonists in some tissues such as breast and uterus, but as agonists in others such as bone, and are currently used for the treatment of osteoporosis. However, understanding of their actions in the brain are limited. The third generation SERM bazedoxifene has recently been FDA approved for clinical use with an improved biosafety profile. However, whether bazedoxifene can enter the brain and enhance cognition is unknown. Using mice, the current study aimed to explore if bazedoxifene can 1) cross the blood-brain barrier, 2) rescue ovariectomy-induced hippocampal-dependent spatial memory deficit, and 3) activate neural estrogen response element (ERE)-dependent gene transcription. Using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), we firstly demonstrate that a peripheral injection of bazedoxifene can enter the brain. Secondly, we show that an acute intraperitoneal injection of bazedoxifene can rescue ovariectomy-induced spatial memory deficits. And finally, using the ERE-luciferase reporter mouse, we show in vivo that bazedoxifene can activate the ERE in the brain. The evidence shown here suggest bazedoxifene could be a viable cognitive enhancer with promising clinical applicability.
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Affiliation(s)
- R A Hill
- Department of Psychiatry, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia; Florey Institute for Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia.
| | - K Kouremenos
- Metabolomics Australia, Bio21 Molecular Science & Biotechnology Institute, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - D Tull
- Metabolomics Australia, Bio21 Molecular Science & Biotechnology Institute, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - A Maggi
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, 20133, Italy
| | - A Schroeder
- Department of Psychiatry, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia
| | - A Gibbons
- Department of Psychiatry, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia
| | - J Kulkarni
- Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre, Monash University, St Kilda, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - S Sundram
- Department of Psychiatry, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia
| | - X Du
- Department of Psychiatry, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia; Florey Institute for Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
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14
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Torromino G, Maggi A, De Leonibus E. Estrogen-dependent hippocampal wiring as a risk factor for age-related dementia in women. Prog Neurobiol 2020; 197:101895. [PMID: 32781107 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2020.101895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Women are more prone than men to develop age-related dementia, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). This has been linked to the marked decrease in circulating estrogens during menopause. This review proposes to change this perspective and consider women's vulnerability to developing AD as a consequence of sex differences in the neurobiology of memory, focusing on the hippocampus. The hippocampus of cognitively impaired subjects tends to shrink with age; however, in many cases, this can be prevented by exercise or cognitive training, suggesting that if you do not use the hippocampus you lose it. We will review the developmental trajectory of sex steroids-regulated differences on the hippocampus, proposing that the overall shaping action of sex-steroids results in a lower usage of the hippocampus in females, which in turn makes them more vulnerable to the effects of ageing, the "network fragility hypothesis". To explain why women rely less on hippocampus-dependent strategies, we propose a "computational hypothesis" that is based on experimental evidence suggesting that the direct effects of estrogens on hippocampal synaptic and structural plasticity during the estrous-cycle confers instability to the memory-dependent hippocampal network. Finally, we propose to counteract AD with training and/or treatments, such as orienteering, which specifically favour the use of the hippocampus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Torromino
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Telethon Foundation, Pozzuoli, Naples, Italy; Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC), National Research Council, Monterotondo, Rome, Italy
| | - Adriana Maggi
- Center of Excellence on Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Elvira De Leonibus
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Telethon Foundation, Pozzuoli, Naples, Italy; Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC), National Research Council, Monterotondo, Rome, Italy.
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15
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Bakhti-Suroosh A, Nesil T, Lynch WJ. Tamoxifen Blocks the Development of Motivational Features of an Addiction-Like Phenotype in Female Rats. Front Behav Neurosci 2019; 13:253. [PMID: 31780909 PMCID: PMC6856674 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2019.00253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Women become addicted sooner after initiating cocaine use as compared to men. Preclinical studies reveal a similar vulnerability in females, with findings from ovariectomized rats suggesting that estradiol mediates the enhanced vulnerability. However, since ovariectomy depletes not only estradiol, but all ovarian hormones, its role in a physiological context is not clear. Thus, the goal of this study was to determine the role of estradiol in the development of an addiction-like phenotype in ovary-intact females treated chronically with the selective estrogen receptor (ER) modulator tamoxifen. We hypothesized that tamoxifen, by antagonizing ERs, would block the development of an addiction-like phenotype as defined by an enhanced motivation for cocaine (assessed under a progressive-ratio schedule), and a heightened vulnerability to relapse (assessed under an extinction/cue-induced reinstatement procedure). Effects were examined following extended access cocaine self-administration (24-h/day; 4-discrete trials/h; 1.5 mg/kg/infusion) and 14-days of abstinence, conditions optimized for inducing an addiction-like phenotype. As predicted, motivation for cocaine was increased following extended-access self-administration and protracted abstinence in the vehicle (sesame oil) and no-injection control groups, but not in the tamoxifen group indicating that ER signaling is critical for the development of this feature of an addiction-like phenotype. Surprisingly, the increase in motivation for cocaine following abstinence was also attenuated in the vehicle group as compared to no-injection controls suggesting that oil/injections also affected its development. Contrary to our hypothesis, tamoxifen did not decrease vulnerability to relapse as this group responded at similar levels during initial extinction sessions and cue-induced reinstatement testing as compared to controls. Tamoxifen did, however, impair extinction learning as this group took longer to extinguish as compared to controls. Taken together, these findings indicate that estradiol is critical for the extinction of drug-associated cues and the development of motivational features of addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anousheh Bakhti-Suroosh
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Tanseli Nesil
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Wendy J Lynch
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
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Sharifi F, Reisi P, Malek M. Synaptic plasticity in hippocampal CA1 neurons and learning behavior in acute kidney injury, and estradiol replacement in ovariectomized rats. BMC Neurosci 2019; 20:52. [PMID: 31585527 PMCID: PMC6778372 DOI: 10.1186/s12868-019-0534-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 09/28/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Neurological complications may occur in patients with acute or chronic renal failure; however, in cases of acute renal failure, the signs and symptoms are usually more pronounced, and progressed rapidly. Oxidative stress and nitric oxide in the hippocampus, following kidney injury may be involved in cognitive impairment in patients with uremia. Although many women continue taking hormone therapy for menopausal symptom relief, but there are also some controversies about the efficacy of exogenous sex hormones, especially estrogen therapy alone, in postmenopausal women with kidney injury. Herein, to the best of our knowledge for the first time, spatial memory and synaptic plasticity at the CA1 synapse of a uremic ovariectomized rat model of menopause was characterized by estradiol replacement alone. Results While estradiol replacement in ovariectomized rats without uremia, promotes synaptic plasticity, it has an impairing effect on spatial memory through hippocampal oxidative stress under uremic conditions, with no change on synaptic plasticity. It seems that exogenous estradiol potentiated the deleterious effect of acute kidney injury (AKI) with increasing hippocampal oxidative stress. Conclusions Although, estrogen may have some positive effects on cognitive function in healthy subjects, but its efficacy in menopause subjects under uremic states such as renal transplantation, needs to be further investigated in terms of dosage and duration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Sharifi
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Parham Reisi
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Maryam Malek
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
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17
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The cycling brain: menstrual cycle related fluctuations in hippocampal and fronto-striatal activation and connectivity during cognitive tasks. Neuropsychopharmacology 2019; 44:1867-1875. [PMID: 31195407 PMCID: PMC6785086 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-019-0435-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2019] [Revised: 05/30/2019] [Accepted: 06/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Estradiol and progesterone vary along the menstrual cycle and exert opposite effects on a variety of neurotransmitter systems. However, few studies have addressed menstrual cycle-dependent changes in the brain. In the present study we investigate menstrual cycle changes in brain activation and connectivity patterns underlying cognition. Thirty-six naturally cycling women underwent functional MRI during two cognitive tasks: spatial navigation and verbal fluency. While no significant performance differences were observed along the menstrual cycle, the changes in brain activation patterns are strikingly similar during both tasks. Irrespective of the task, estradiol boosts hippocampal activation during the pre-ovulatory cycle phase and progesterone boosts fronto-striatal activation during the luteal cycle phase. Connectivity analyses suggest that the increase in right-hemispheric frontal activation is the result of inter-hemispheric decoupling and is involved in the down-regulation of hippocampal activation.
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18
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Georgakis MK, Beskou-Kontou T, Theodoridis I, Skalkidou A, Petridou ET. Surgical menopause in association with cognitive function and risk of dementia: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2019; 106:9-19. [PMID: 30928686 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2019.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2018] [Revised: 03/10/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Experimental and epidemiological studies suggest female sex hormones to have long-lasting neuroprotective and anti-ageing properties. Surgically-induced menopause leads to a premature cessation of exposure to female sex hormones and could thus impact late-life cognitive function. Yet, evidence remains controversial. METHODS We systematically reviewed literature for articles investigating the association of surgical menopause (defined as bilateral oophorectomy before the onset of menopause) with risk of dementia, cognitive performance, cognitive decline, and Alzheimer's disease neuropathological indices later in life. We evaluated study quality with the Newcastle-Ottawa scale and performed random-effects meta-analyses. RESULTS We identified 11 eligible studies (N = 18,867). Although surgical menopause at any age was not associated with risk of dementia (4 studies; HR: 1.16, 95%CI: 0.96-1.43), early surgical menopause (≤45 years of age) was associated with a statistically significantly higher risk (2 studies; HR: 1.70, 95%CI: 1.07-2.69). Surgical menopause at any age was associated with faster decline in verbal memory, semantic memory, and processing speed, whereas early surgical menopause was further associated with faster global cognitive decline. No heterogeneity was noted. Among women undergoing surgical menopause, a younger age at surgery was associated with faster decline in global cognition, semantic and episodic memory, worse performance in verbal fluency and executive function, and accumulation of Alzheimer's neuropathology. CONCLUSIONS Current evidence is limited, but suggests surgical menopause induced by bilateral oophorectomy at ≤45 years of age to be associated with higher risk of dementia and cognitive decline. Additional large-scale cohort studies are necessary to replicate these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marios K Georgakis
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology, and Medical Statistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece; Institute for Stroke and Dementia Research (ISD), University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany; Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences (GSN), LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.
| | - Theano Beskou-Kontou
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology, and Medical Statistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Ioannis Theodoridis
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology, and Medical Statistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Alkistis Skalkidou
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Eleni Th Petridou
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology, and Medical Statistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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19
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Abstract
There are 3 common physiological estrogens, of which estradiol (E2) is seen to decline rapidly over the menopausal transition. This decline in E2 has been associated with a number of changes in the brain, including cognitive changes, effects on sleep, and effects on mood. These effects have been demonstrated in both rodent and non-human preclinical models. Furthermore, E2 interactions have been indicated in a number of neuropsychiatric disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, and depression. In normal brain aging, there are a number of systems that undergo changes and a number of these show interactions with E2, particularly the cholinergic system, the dopaminergic system, and mitochondrial function. E2 treatment has been shown to ameliorate some of the behavioral and morphological changes seen in preclinical models of menopause; however, in clinical populations, the effects of E2 treatment on cognitive changes after menopause are mixed. The future use of sex hormone treatment will likely focus on personalized or precision medicine for the prevention or treatment of cognitive disturbances during aging, with a better understanding of who may benefit from such treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason K Russell
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
- Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Carrie K Jones
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
- Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Paul A Newhouse
- Center for Cognitive Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 37212, USA.
- Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center (GRECC), Tennessee VA Health Systems, Nashville, TN, 37212, USA.
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Possible Existence of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Hippocampal (HPH) Axis: A Reciprocal Relationship Between Hippocampal Specific Neuroestradiol Synthesis and Neuroblastosis in Ageing Brains with Special Reference to Menopause and Neurocognitive Disorders. Neurochem Res 2019; 44:1781-1795. [PMID: 31254250 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-019-02833-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2019] [Revised: 05/13/2019] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The hippocampus-derived neuroestradiol plays a major role in neuroplasticity, independent of circulating estradiol that originates from gonads. The response of hypothalamus-pituitary regions towards the synthesis of neuroestradiol in the hippocampus is an emerging scientific concept in cognitive neuroscience. Hippocampal plasticity has been proposed to be regulated via neuroblasts, a major cellular determinant of functional neurogenesis in the adult brain. Defects in differentiation, integration and survival of neuroblasts in the hippocampus appear to be an underlying cause of neurocognitive disorders. Gonadotropin receptors and steroidogenic enzymes have been found to be expressed in neuroblasts in the hippocampus of the brain. However, the reciprocal relationship between hippocampal-specific neuroestradiol synthesis along neuroblastosis and response of pituitary based feedback regulation towards regulation of estradiol level in the hippocampus have not completely been ascertained. Therefore, this conceptual article revisits (1) the cellular basis of neuroestradiol synthesis (2) a potential relationship between neuroestradiol synthesis and neuroblastosis in the hippocampus (3) the possible involvement of aberrant neuroestradiol production with mitochondrial dysfunctions and dyslipidemia in menopause and adult-onset neurodegenerative disorders and (4) provides a hypothesis for the possible existence of the hypothalamic-pituitary-hippocampal (HPH) axis in the adult brain. Eventually, understanding the regulation of hippocampal neurogenesis by abnormal levels of neuroestradiol concentration in association with the feedback regulation of HPH axis might provide additional cues to establish a neuroregenerative therapeutic management for mood swings, depression and cognitive decline in menopause and neurocognitive disorders.
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21
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Maki PM, Weber MT. Do Menopausal Symptoms Account for the Declines in Cognitive Function During the Menopausal Transition? ISGE SERIES 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-11355-1_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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22
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Alese MO, Agbaje MA, Alese OO. Cadmium induced damage in Wistar rats, ameliorative potentials of progesterone. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2018; 50:276-282. [PMID: 30262291 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2018.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2018] [Revised: 07/02/2018] [Accepted: 07/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Asides the increased human exposure to Cadmium containing products; the adverse effects of Cadmium on human health is further exacerbated by its toxicity at low dosage, long biologic half-life and low rate of excretion from the body. This study investigated the protective potential of progesterone on cadmium-induced damage in Wistar rats. Adult male Wistar rats received CdCl2 once daily for 21 days. Progesterone was given 30 min. after administration of CdCl2 while 3 other groups were given distilled water, CdCl2 and progesterone alone. Blood samples were collected from the animals for the determination of liver function and antioxidant status while the liver, kidney, cerebellar and hippocampal tissues were excised and fixed in Neutral buffered formalin for histopathological studies. While Cadmium caused changes in liver function parameters which were indicative of oxidative stress, pre-treatment with progesterone caused restoration to values which were non-significant to the control. Similar findings were made for G6PD, GSH, SOD, CAT and MDA. Histopathology revealed tissue damage in the Cd treated group; this was attenuated by prior treatment with progesterone. Progesterone ameliorated the free radical induced oxidative stress and tissue injury arising from exposure to Cadmium; attention should be given to its antioxidant role in Cadmium toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- M O Alese
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria.
| | - M A Agbaje
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria
| | - O O Alese
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria
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23
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Long-term risk of depressive and anxiety symptoms after early bilateral oophorectomy. Menopause 2018; 25:1275-1285. [DOI: 10.1097/gme.0000000000001229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
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24
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Baxter MG, Santistevan AC, Bliss-Moreau E, Morrison JH. Timing of cyclic estradiol treatment differentially affects cognition in aged female rhesus monkeys. Behav Neurosci 2018; 132:213-223. [PMID: 29952604 PMCID: PMC6062474 DOI: 10.1037/bne0000259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Some evidence suggests that there may be a limited "window of opportunity" for beneficial effects of hormone therapy after menopause in women. We tested whether the timing of cyclic estradiol (E2) treatment impacted its effect on cognitive function in aged, surgically menopausal (ovariectomized) rhesus monkeys. Monkeys were assigned to one of four treatment conditions after ovariectomy: either vehicle or E2 treatment for the duration of the protocol, vehicle for the first 2 years of the protocol followed by E2 for the remainder (delayed treatment), or E2 for the first 11 months of the protocol followed by vehicle for the remainder (withdrawn treatment). Delayed treatment addressed the hypothesis that E2 treatment initiated more than 2 years postovariectomy would have a reduced effect on cognitive function. Withdrawn treatment mirrored current clinical advice to women to use hormone therapy in the initial postmenopausal period then discontinue it. Two periods of cognitive testing assessed treatment effects on cognition over time. E2 treatment predominantly affected a prefrontal cortex-dependent test of spatiotemporal working memory (delayed response). Monkeys with delayed E2 treatment modestly improved in delayed response performance over time, whereas vehicle-treated monkeys declined. Monkeys with withdrawn E2 treatment maintained their performance across assessments, as did monkeys treated with E2 across the entire protocol. These findings suggest that a "window of opportunity" for hormone treatment after cessation of ovarian function, if present in nonhuman primates, lasts longer than 2 years. They also support the notion that beneficial effects of hormone therapy may persist after discontinuation of treatment. (PsycINFO Database Record
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark G Baxter
- Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
| | - Anthony C Santistevan
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, and California National Primate Research Center, Davis
| | - Eliza Bliss-Moreau
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, and California National Primate Research Center, Davis
| | - John H Morrison
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, and California National Primate Research Center, Davis
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25
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Kundu P, Korol DL, Bandara S, Monaikul S, Ondera CE, Helferich WG, Khan IA, Doerge DR, Schantz SL. Licorice root components mimic estrogens in an object location task but not an object recognition task. Horm Behav 2018; 103:97-106. [PMID: 29920269 PMCID: PMC6086590 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2018.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2018] [Revised: 05/13/2018] [Accepted: 06/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the efficacy of components of licorice root to alter performance on two different recognition tasks, a hippocampus-sensitive metric change in object location (MCOL) task and a striatum-sensitive double object recognition (DOR) task. Isoliquiritigenin (ISL), licorice root extract (LRE), and whole licorice root powder (LRP) were assessed. Young adult female rats were ovariectomized (OVX) and exposed to ISL, LRE or LRP at 0.075%, 0.5% or 5% respectively in the diet. An estradiol group was included as a positive control based on our prior findings. Rats were allowed to explore two objects for three 5-min study trials (separated by 3-min intervals) before a fourth 5-min test trial where the objects were moved closer together (MCOL task) or replaced with two new objects (DOR task). Rats typically habituate to the objects across the three study trials. An increase in object exploration time in the test trial suggests the rat detected the change. Estradiol improved MCOL performance and impaired DOR performance, similar to previously shown effects of estradiol and other estrogens, which tend to improve learning and memory on hippocampus-sensitive tasks and impair striatum-sensitive cognition. LRP had no effect on recognition while exposure to ISL and LRE improved MCOL performance. Exposure to ISL, LRE and LRP failed to attenuate DOR, contrary to effects of estradiol shown here and to previous reports in young-adult OVX rats. These findings suggest components of licorice root may prove to be effective therapies targeting memory enhancement without unintended deleterious cognitive effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Payel Kundu
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Neuroscience Program, 405 N Mathews Ave, Urbana, IL 61801, USA.
| | - Donna L Korol
- Syracuse University, Department of Biology, 107 College Place, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA.
| | - Suren Bandara
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Neuroscience Program, 405 N Mathews Ave, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Supida Monaikul
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Neuroscience Program, 405 N Mathews Ave, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Caitlin E Ondera
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, 2001 S Lincoln Ave, Urbana, IL 61802, USA.
| | - William G Helferich
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, 905 S. Goodwin, Urbana, IL 61801, USA.
| | - Ikhlas A Khan
- The University of Mississippi, 1558 University Circle, P.O. Box 1848, University, MS 38677, USA.
| | - Daniel R Doerge
- National Center for Toxicological Research, U.S. Food & Drug Administration, 3900 NCTR Road, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA.
| | - Susan L Schantz
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Neuroscience Program, 405 N Mathews Ave, Urbana, IL 61801, USA; University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, 2001 S Lincoln Ave, Urbana, IL 61802, USA; University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Beckman Institute, 405 N Mathews Ave, Urbana, IL 61801, USA.
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26
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Del Río JP, Alliende MI, Molina N, Serrano FG, Molina S, Vigil P. Steroid Hormones and Their Action in Women's Brains: The Importance of Hormonal Balance. Front Public Health 2018; 6:141. [PMID: 29876339 PMCID: PMC5974145 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2018.00141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2017] [Accepted: 04/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex hormones significantly impact women's lives. Throughout the different stages of life, from menarche to menopause and all stages in between, women experience dramatic fluctuations in the levels of progesterone and estradiol, among other hormones. These fluctuations affect the body as a whole, including the central nervous system (CNS). In the CNS, sex hormones act via steroid receptors. They also have an effect on different neurotransmitters such as GABA, serotonin, dopamine, and glutamate. Additionally, studies show that sex hormones and their metabolites influence brain areas that regulate mood, behavior, and cognitive abilities. This review emphasizes the benefits a proper hormonal balance during the different stages of life has in the CNS. To achieve this goal, it is essential that hormone levels are evaluated considering a woman's age and ovulatory status, so that a correct diagnosis and treatment can be made. Knowledge of steroid hormone activity in the brain will give women and health providers an important tool for improving their health and well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Pilar Vigil
- Reproductive Health Research InstituteSantiago, Chile
- Vicerrectoría de ComunicacionesPontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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27
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Tenkorang MA, Snyder B, Cunningham RL. Sex-related differences in oxidative stress and neurodegeneration. Steroids 2018; 133:21-27. [PMID: 29274405 PMCID: PMC5864532 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2017.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2017] [Revised: 12/13/2017] [Accepted: 12/18/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Oxidative stress has been implicated in a number of neurodegenerative diseases spanning various fields of research. Reactive oxygen species can be beneficial or harmful, depending on their concentration. High levels of reactive oxygen species can lead to oxidative stress, which is an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants. Increased oxidative stress can result in cell loss. Interestingly, sex differences have been observed in oxidative stress generation, which may underlie sex differences observed in neurodegenerative disorders. An enhanced knowledge of the role of sex hormones on oxidative stress signaling and cell loss can yield valuable information, leading to sex-based mechanistic approaches to neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mavis A Tenkorang
- Department of Physiology and Anatomy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, United States
| | - Brina Snyder
- Department of Physiology and Anatomy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, United States
| | - Rebecca L Cunningham
- Department of Physiology and Anatomy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, United States.
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28
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Ruhal P, Dhingra D. Inosine improves cognitive function and decreases aging-induced oxidative stress and neuroinflammation in aged female rats. Inflammopharmacology 2018; 26:1317-1329. [PMID: 29619603 DOI: 10.1007/s10787-018-0476-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2018] [Accepted: 03/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
In the present study, the effect of inosine was evaluated on learning and memory of 18 months old aged female rats. Inosine (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg; i.p.) was administered to separate groups of rats for 15 successive days. Donepezil (1 mg/kg; i.p.), an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, was used as a standard drug. Behavioral models such as Morris water maze and elevated plus maze were used to evaluate the effect of drugs on learning and memory of rats. After behavioral studies, animals were killed and their brain was isolated and further processed for estimation of various biochemical parameters such as acetylcholinesterase activity, oxidative stress markers, proinflammatory marker and histological examinations. Inosine (100 and 200 mg/kg) significantly improved learning and memory of aged rats. Further, inosine significantly reduced lipid peroxidation and nitrite, and increased the levels of reduced glutathione and superoxide dismutase. However, no significant difference in AChEs activity was observed in inosine-treated rats as compared to aged control rats. TNF-α level was found to be ameliorated in aged rats by inosine. Histopathological evaluation showed that inosine-treated aged rats have less number of pyknotic neurons in hippocampal CA1 region as compared to aged control rats. In conclusion, inosine significantly improved learning and memory of aged female rats possibly through its antioxidant as well as anti-inflammatory effect and improvement of neuronal survival in the hippocampal CA1 region. However, additional studies are required to further explore the downstream signaling pathways involved in the neuroprotective effect of inosine in aged animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Poonam Ruhal
- Pharmacology Division, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology, Hisar, Haryana, 125001, India
| | - Dinesh Dhingra
- Pharmacology Division, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology, Hisar, Haryana, 125001, India.
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29
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Prakapenka AV, Hiroi R, Quihuis AM, Carson C, Patel S, Berns-Leone C, Fox C, Sirianni RW, Bimonte-Nelson HA. Contrasting effects of individual versus combined estrogen and progestogen regimens as working memory load increases in middle-aged ovariectomized rats: one plus one does not equal two. Neurobiol Aging 2018; 64:1-14. [PMID: 29316527 PMCID: PMC5820186 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2017.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2017] [Revised: 11/29/2017] [Accepted: 11/30/2017] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Most estrogen-based hormone therapies are administered in combination with a progestogen, such as Levonorgestrel (Levo). Individually, the estrogen 17β-estradiol (E2) and Levo can improve cognition in preclinical models. However, although these hormones are often given together clinically, the impact of the E2 + Levo combination on cognitive function has yet to be methodically examined. Thus, we investigated E2 + Levo treatment on a cognitive battery in middle-aged, ovariectomized rats. When administered alone, E2 and Levo treatments each enhanced spatial working memory relative to vehicle treatment, whereas the E2 + Levo combination impaired high working memory load performance relative to E2 only and Levo only treatments. There were no effects on spatial reference memory. Mitogen-activated protein kinases/extracellular signal-regulated kinases pathway activation, which is involved in memory formation and estrogen-induced memory effects, was evaluated in 5 brain regions implicated in learning and memory. A distinct relationship was seen in the E2-only treatment group between mitogen-activated protein kinases/extracellular signal-regulated kinases pathway activation in the frontal cortex and working memory performance. Collectively, the results indicate that the differential neurocognitive effects of combination versus sole treatments are vital considerations as we move forward as a field to develop novel, and to understand currently used, exogenous hormone regimens across the lifespan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alesia V Prakapenka
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona Alzheimer's Consortium, Phoenix, AZ, USA; Barrow Brain Tumor Research Center, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Ryoko Hiroi
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona Alzheimer's Consortium, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Alicia M Quihuis
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona Alzheimer's Consortium, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Catie Carson
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona Alzheimer's Consortium, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Shruti Patel
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona Alzheimer's Consortium, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Claire Berns-Leone
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona Alzheimer's Consortium, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Carly Fox
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona Alzheimer's Consortium, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Rachael W Sirianni
- Barrow Brain Tumor Research Center, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Heather A Bimonte-Nelson
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona Alzheimer's Consortium, Phoenix, AZ, USA.
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30
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Sbisa A, van den Buuse M, Gogos A. The effect of estrogenic compounds on psychosis-like behaviour in female rats. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0193853. [PMID: 29579065 PMCID: PMC5868772 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0193853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2017] [Accepted: 02/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
17β-estradiol treatment has shown benefit against schizophrenia symptoms, however long-term use may be associated with negative side-effects. Selective estrogen receptor modulators, such as raloxifene and tamoxifen, have been proposed as suitable alternatives to 17β-estradiol. An isomer of 17β-estradiol, 17α-estradiol, is considered less carcinogenic, and non-feminising in males, however little is known about its potential as a treatment for schizophrenia. Moreover, the mechanism underlying the therapeutic action of estrogens remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the ability of these estrogenic compounds to attenuate psychosis-like behaviour in rats. We used two acute pharmacologically-induced assays of psychosis-like behaviour: psychotomimetic drug-induced hyperlocomotion and disruption of prepulse inhibition (PPI). Female Long Evans rats were either intact, ovariectomised (OVX), or OVX and chronically treated with 17β-estradiol, 17α-estradiol, raloxifene or tamoxifen. Only 17β-estradiol treatment attenuated locomotor hyperactivity induced by the indirect dopamine receptor agonist, methamphetamine. 17β-estradiol- and tamoxifen-treated rats showed attenuated methamphetamine- and apomorphine (dopamine D1/D2 receptor agonist)-induced disruption of PPI. Raloxifene-treated rats showed attenuated apomorphine-induced PPI disruption only. Baseline PPI was significantly reduced following OVX, and this deficit was reversed by all estrogenic compounds. Further, PPI in OVX rats was increased following administration of apomorphine. This study confirms a protective effect of 17β-estradiol in two established animal models of psychosis, while tamoxifen showed beneficial effects against PPI disruption. In contrast, 17α-estradiol and raloxifene showed little effect on dopamine receptor-mediated psychosis-like behaviours. This study highlights the utility of some estrogenic compounds to attenuate psychosis-like behaviour in rats, supporting the notion that estrogens have therapeutic potential for psychotic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa Sbisa
- Hormones in Psychiatry Laboratory, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| | - Maarten van den Buuse
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia.,Department of Pharmacology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,The College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia
| | - Andrea Gogos
- Hormones in Psychiatry Laboratory, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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31
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Chamniansawat S, Sawatdiyaphanon C. Age-Related Memory Impairment Associated With Decreased Endogenous Estradiol in the Hippocampus of Female Rats. Int J Toxicol 2018; 37:207-215. [PMID: 29554823 DOI: 10.1177/1091581818761653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
It is widely known that not only the gonadal estradiol (E2) but also hippocampal E2 plays an essential role in memory process. However, the role of hippocampal E2-enhanced memory mechanism during aging is largely unknown. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of age on E2 concentration, the expression level of its receptors, and key steroidogenic enzymes in hippocampus. We also investigated the effect of microglia activation on E2 synthesis in hippocampal neurons. The results showed that serum E2 was higher in 19-month-old (aged) rats, which exhibited spatial memory decline in the Morris water maze (MWM) test when compared to the younger rats. Hence, serum E2 may not be associated with the reduced spatial memory performance in aging. In contrast, the level of E2 and the expressions of its receptors were significantly decreased in hippocampus of aged female rat compared to younger females. Furthermore, the expressions of key hippocampal steroidogenic enzymes, steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), and cytochrome P450 (P450) also significantly decreased with age, which resulted in lower hippocampal E2 levels. In addition, we found that the microglia of aged brain highly expressed interleukin 6 (IL-6), which directly inhibited E2 synthesis in hippocampal neurons via suppression of P450 synthesis. Taken together, we summarized that the microglia-derived IL-6 inhibited hippocampal E2 synthesis in aged rats which, in turn, contributed to the deficit of spatial memory performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siriporn Chamniansawat
- 1 Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Burapha University, Chonburi, Thailand
| | - Chattraporn Sawatdiyaphanon
- 1 Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Burapha University, Chonburi, Thailand
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32
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Cai H, Cao T, Zhou X, Yao JK. Neurosteroids in Schizophrenia: Pathogenic and Therapeutic Implications. Front Psychiatry 2018; 9:73. [PMID: 29568275 PMCID: PMC5852066 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2018.00073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2017] [Accepted: 02/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurosteroids are a group of important endogenous molecules affecting many neural functions in the brain. Increasing evidence suggests a possible role of these neurosteroids in the pathology and symptomatology of schizophrenia (SZ) and other mental disorders. The aim of this review is to summarize the current knowledge about the neural functions of neurosteroids in the brain, and to evaluate the role of the key neurosteroids as candidate modulators in the etiology and therapeutics of SZ. The present paper provides a brief introduction of neurosteroid metabolism and distribution, followed by a discussion of the mechanisms underlying neurosteroid actions in the brain. The content regarding the modulation of the GABAA receptor is elaborated, given the considerable knowledge of its interactions with other neurotransmitter and neuroprotective systems, as well as its ameliorating effects on stress that may play a role in the SZ pathophysiology. In addition, several preclinical and clinical studies suggested a therapeutic benefit of neurosteroids in SZ patients, even though the presence of altered neurosteroid pathways in the circulating blood and/or brain remains debatable. Following treatment of antipsychotic drugs in SZ, therapeutic benefits have also been linked to the regulation of neurosteroid signaling. Specifically, the neurosteroids such as pregnenolone and dehydroepiandrosterone affect a broad spectrum of behavioral functions through their unique molecular characteristics and may represent innovative therapeutic targets for SZ. Future investigations in larger cohorts with long-term follow-ups will be required to ascertain the neuropsychopharmacological role of this yet unexploited class of neurosteroid agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- HuaLin Cai
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
- The Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ting Cao
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
- The Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiang Zhou
- Medical Research Service, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Jeffrey K. Yao
- Medical Research Service, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
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33
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Bhatta S, Blair JA, Casadesus G. Luteinizing Hormone Involvement in Aging Female Cognition: Not All Is Estrogen Loss. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2018; 9:544. [PMID: 30319538 PMCID: PMC6165885 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2018.00544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2018] [Accepted: 08/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Pervasive age-related dysfunction in hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis is associated with cognitive impairments in aging as well as pathogenesis of age-related neurodegenerative diseases such as the Alzheimer's disease (AD). As a major regulator of the HPG axis, the steroid hormone estrogen has been widely studied for its role in regulation of memory. Although estrogen modulates both cognition as well as cognition associated morphological components in a healthy state, the benefits of estrogen replacement therapy on cognition and disease seem to diminish with advancing age. Emerging data suggests an important role for luteinizing hormone (LH) in CNS function, which is another component of the HPG axis that becomes dysregulated during aging, particularly in menopause. The goal of this review is to highlight the current existing literature on LH and provide new insights on possible mechanisms of its action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabina Bhatta
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, United States
| | - Jeffrey A. Blair
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, United States
| | - Gemma Casadesus
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, United States
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, United States
- *Correspondence: Gemma Casadesus
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34
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Garcia AN, Depena C, Bezner K, Yin W, Gore AC. The timing and duration of estradiol treatment in a rat model of the perimenopause: Influences on social behavior and the neuromolecular phenotype. Horm Behav 2018; 97:75-84. [PMID: 29108778 PMCID: PMC5771824 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2017.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2017] [Revised: 10/27/2017] [Accepted: 10/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
This study tested the effects of timing and duration of estradiol (E2) treatment, factors that are clinically relevant to hormone replacement in perimenopausal women, on social behavior and expression of genes in brain regions that regulate these behaviors. Female rats were ovariectomized (OVX) at 1year of age, roughly equivalent to middle-age in women, and given E2 or vehicle for different durations (3 or 6months) and timing (immediately or after a 3-month delay) relative to OVX. Social and ultrasonic vocalization (USV) behaviors were assessed at the 3 and 6month timepoints, and the rats' brains were then used for gene expression profiling in hypothalamus (supraoptic nucleus, paraventricular nucleus), bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, medial amygdala, and prefrontal cortex using a 48-gene qPCR platform. At the 3-month post-OVX testing period, E2 treatment significantly decreased the number of frequency-modulated USVs emitted. No effects of hormone were found at the 6-month testing period. There were few effects of timing and duration of E2 in a test of social preference of a rat given a choice between her same-sex cagemate and a novel conspecific. For gene expression, effects of timing and duration of E2 were region-specific, with the majority of changes found for genes involved in regulating social behavior such as neuropeptides (Oxt, Oxtr &Avp), neurotransmitters (Drd1, Drd2, Htr2a, Grin2d &Gabbr1), and steroid hormone receptors (Esr2, Ar, Pgr). These data suggest that the mode of E2 treatment has specific effects on social behavior and expression of target genes involved in the regulation of these behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra N Garcia
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Christina Depena
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Kelsey Bezner
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Weiling Yin
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Andrea C Gore
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA; Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA.
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35
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He Q, Luo Y, Lv F, Xiao Q, Chao F, Qiu X, Zhang L, Gao Y, Xiu Y, Huang C, Tang Y. Effects of estrogen replacement therapy on the myelin sheath ultrastructure of myelinated fibers in the white matter of middle-aged ovariectomized rats. J Comp Neurol 2017; 526:790-802. [PMID: 29205359 DOI: 10.1002/cne.24366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2017] [Revised: 11/22/2017] [Accepted: 11/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The effects of estrogen replacement therapy (ORT) on white matter and the myelin sheath ultrastructure in the white matter of middle-aged ovariectomized (OVX) rats were investigated in this study. Middle-aged rats were ovariectomized and divided into a placebo replacement (OVX + O) group and an estrogen replacement (OVX + E) group. Then, the Morris water maze, electron microscope techniques, and stereological methods were used to investigate the effects of ORT on spatial learning capacity, white matter volume and the myelin sheath ultrastructure in the white matter. We found that the spatial learning capacity of the OVX + E rats was significantly improved compared with that of the OVX + O rats. When compared with that of OVX + O rats, the total volume of the myelin sheaths in the white matter of the OVX + E rats was significantly increased by 27%, and the difference between the outer perimeter and inner perimeter of the myelin sheaths of the white matter in the OVX + E rats increased significantly by 12.6%. The myelinated fibers with mean diameters of 1.2-1.4 μm were significantly longer (46.1%) in the OVX + E rats; the difference between the mean diameter of myelinated fibers and the mean diameter of axons (0-0.4 μm) was significantly increased by 21.6% in the OVX + E rats. These results suggested that ORT had positive protective effects on the spatial learning ability and on the myelin sheath ultrastructure in the white matter of middle-aged OVX rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi He
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, P. R. China.,Laboratory of Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, P. R. China
| | - Yanmin Luo
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, P. R. China.,Laboratory of Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, P. R. China
| | - Fulin Lv
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, P. R. China.,Laboratory of Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, P. R. China
| | - Qian Xiao
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, P. R. China.,Laboratory of Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, P. R. China
| | - Fenglei Chao
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, P. R. China.,Laboratory of Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, P. R. China
| | - Xuan Qiu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, P. R. China.,Laboratory of Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, P. R. China.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, Key Laboratory of Diagnostic Medicine, Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, P. R. China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, P. R. China.,Laboratory of Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, P. R. China
| | - Yuan Gao
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, P. R. China.,Laboratory of Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, P. R. China.,Department of Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, P. R. China
| | - Yun Xiu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, P. R. China.,Institute of Life Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, P. R. China
| | - Chunxia Huang
- Department of Physiology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, P. R. China
| | - Yong Tang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, P. R. China.,Laboratory of Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, P. R. China
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McGregor C, Riordan A, Thornton J. Estrogens and the cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia: Possible neuroprotective mechanisms. Front Neuroendocrinol 2017; 47:19-33. [PMID: 28673758 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2017.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2016] [Revised: 06/25/2017] [Accepted: 06/27/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a complex neuropsychiatric illness with marked sex differences. Women have later onset and lesser symptoms, which has led to the hypothesis that estrogens are protective in schizophrenia. Cognitive dysfunction is a hallmark of the disease and the symptom most correlated with functional outcome. Here we describe a number of mechanisms by which estrogens may be therapeutic in schizophrenia, with a focus on cognitive symptoms. We review the relationship between estrogens and brain derived neurotrophic factor, neuroinflammation, NMDA receptors, GABA receptors, and luteinizing hormone. Exploring these pathways may enable novel treatments for schizophrenia and a greater understanding of this devastating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire McGregor
- Department of Neuroscience, Oberlin College, 119 Woodland St, Oberlin, OH 44074, USA.
| | - Alexander Riordan
- Department of Neuroscience, Oberlin College, 119 Woodland St, Oberlin, OH 44074, USA
| | - Janice Thornton
- Department of Neuroscience, Oberlin College, 119 Woodland St, Oberlin, OH 44074, USA
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Engler-Chiurazzi EB, Brown CM, Povroznik JM, Simpkins JW. Estrogens as neuroprotectants: Estrogenic actions in the context of cognitive aging and brain injury. Prog Neurobiol 2017; 157:188-211. [PMID: 26891883 PMCID: PMC4985492 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2015.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2015] [Revised: 11/06/2015] [Accepted: 12/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
There is ample empirical evidence to support the notion that the biological impacts of estrogen extend beyond the gonads to other bodily systems, including the brain and behavior. Converging preclinical findings have indicated a neuroprotective role for estrogen in a variety of experimental models of cognitive function and brain insult. However, the surprising null or even detrimental findings of several large clinical trials evaluating the ability of estrogen-containing hormone treatments to protect against age-related brain changes and insults, including cognitive aging and brain injury, led to hesitation by both clinicians and patients in the use of exogenous estrogenic treatments for nervous system outcomes. That estrogen-containing therapies are used by tens of millions of women for a variety of health-related applications across the lifespan has made identifying conditions under which benefits with estrogen treatment will be realized an important public health issue. Here we provide a summary of the biological actions of estrogen and estrogen-containing formulations in the context of aging, cognition, stroke, and traumatic brain injury. We have devoted special attention to highlighting the notion that estrogen appears to be a conditional neuroprotectant whose efficacy is modulated by several interacting factors. By developing criteria standards for desired beneficial peripheral and neuroprotective outcomes among unique patient populations, we can optimize estrogen treatments for attenuating the consequences of, and perhaps even preventing, cognitive aging and brain injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- E B Engler-Chiurazzi
- Center for Basic and Translational Stroke Research, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, United States; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, United States.
| | - C M Brown
- Center for Basic and Translational Stroke Research, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, United States; Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, United States.
| | - J M Povroznik
- Center for Basic and Translational Stroke Research, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, United States; Department of Pediatrics, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, United States.
| | - J W Simpkins
- Center for Basic and Translational Stroke Research, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, United States; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, United States.
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Gervais NJ, Mong JA, Lacreuse A. Ovarian hormones, sleep and cognition across the adult female lifespan: An integrated perspective. Front Neuroendocrinol 2017; 47:134-153. [PMID: 28803147 PMCID: PMC7597864 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2017.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2017] [Revised: 08/07/2017] [Accepted: 08/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Loss of ovarian function in women is associated with sleep disturbances and cognitive decline, which suggest a key role for estrogens and/or progestins in modulating these symptoms. The effects of ovarian hormones on sleep and cognitive processes have been studied in separate research fields that seldom intersect. However, sleep has a considerable impact on cognitive function. Given the tight connections between sleep and cognition, ovarian hormones may influence selective aspects of cognition indirectly, via the modulation of sleep. In support of this hypothesis, a growing body of evidence indicates that the development of sleep disorders following menopause contributes to accelerated cognitive decline and dementia in older women. This paper draws from both the animal and human literature to present an integrated view of the effects of ovarian hormones on sleep and cognition across the adult female lifespan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole J Gervais
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, 135 Hicks Way, Amherst, MA 01003, United States.
| | - Jessica A Mong
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 655 West Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States
| | - Agnès Lacreuse
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, 135 Hicks Way, Amherst, MA 01003, United States
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Sbisa AM, Gogos A, van den Buuse M. Spatial working memory in the touchscreen operant platform is disrupted in female rats by ovariectomy but not estrous cycle. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2017; 144:147-154. [PMID: 28729138 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2017.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2016] [Revised: 05/31/2017] [Accepted: 07/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Learning and memory deficits have been described in rats and mice after ovariectomy (OVX) and across the estrous cycle. Preclinical researchers therefore often avoid using female animals and, consequently, a large male bias exists in the preclinical cognitive literature. In the present study we examined the role of sex hormones in the touchscreen operant platform using the spatial working memory trial unique nonmatching-to-location (TUNL) task. Twenty-nine Long Evans rats were trained to acquire the TUNL task including three incremental spatial separations (S0, S1, S2). Following 20 consecutive days of training, subjects in experiment 1 (n=15) remained intact and immediately progressed to TUNL testing, while subjects in experiment 2 were OVX (n=6) or sham-operated (n=8) prior to testing. Subjects were tested on 4 spatial separations (S0-3) with a 1s or 6s delay between the sample and nonmatching stimuli. The estrous cycle of intact rats was monitored during the 4weeks of testing. The estrous cycle phase did not significantly affect performance. In contrast, compared to intact rats, OVX impaired performance at larger spatial separations (S2-3) during the 1s delay condition. Further, during the 6s delay, OVX impaired S2 performance, however not S3. Our results suggest a probable shift in cognitive strategy following OVX, when tested with a large and novel spatial separation. Our findings suggest that ovarian hormone deprivation following OVX, but not estrous cycle, impairs spatial working memory as measured by the TUNL task. This research is relevant for future studies utilising the touchscreen TUNL task and for cognitive testing of female rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa M Sbisa
- Hormones in Psychiatry Laboratory, The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andrea Gogos
- Hormones in Psychiatry Laboratory, The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Maarten van den Buuse
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia; Department of Pharmacology, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; The College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Queensland, Australia.
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Parkinson KC, Peterson RL, Mason JB. Cognitive behavior and sensory function were significantly influenced by restoration of active ovarian function in postreproductive mice. Exp Gerontol 2017; 92:28-33. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2017.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2016] [Revised: 02/13/2017] [Accepted: 03/01/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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Peterson RL, Parkinson KC, Mason JB. Restoration of immune and renal function in aged females by re-establishment of active ovarian function. Reprod Fertil Dev 2017; 29:2052-2059. [DOI: 10.1071/rd16333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2016] [Accepted: 12/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Proper immune functioning is necessary to maximize reproductive success. In addition, age-associated uremia in women is often associated with hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal dysfunction. In the present experiments, we tested immune and renal function to determine if exposure of postreproductive mice to young, reproductively cycling ovaries would influence non-reproductive physiological functions. Control female CBA/J mice were evaluated at 6, 13 and 16 months of age. Additional mice received new (60-day-old) ovaries at 12 months of age and were evaluated at 16 months of age. Consequently, 6-month-old control mice and 16-month-old recipient mice both possessed 6-month-old ovaries and were reproductively cycling. A significant age-related decline in immune function (T-cell subset analysis) was found in 16-month-old mice, but was improved 64% by ovarian transplantation. Renal function (blood urea nitrogen : creatinine ratio) was also decreased with aging, but ovarian transplantation restored function to levels found in 6-month-old mice. In summary, we have shown that immune and renal function, which are negatively influenced by aging, can be positively influenced or restored by re-establishment of active ovarian function in aged female mice. These findings provide a strong incentive for further investigation of the positive influence of young ovaries on restoration of health in postreproductive females.
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Benmansour S, Arroyo LD, Frazer A. Comparison of the Antidepressant-Like Effects of Estradiol and That of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors in Middle-Aged Ovariectomized Rats. Front Aging Neurosci 2016; 8:311. [PMID: 28066235 PMCID: PMC5174113 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2016.00311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2016] [Accepted: 12/06/2016] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the effect of age and that of the post-ovariectomy (OVX) time interval on the antidepressant (AD)-like effects of estradiol (E2) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in middle-aged (10 month) OVX rats (10m-OVX). Acute or chronic effects of these treatments in 10m-OVX were compared with those (1) in young adult (4-month) OVX rats (4m-OVX) or with older (14-month) OVX rats (14m-OVX), at a short time: 2 weeks post-OVX (+2w) and (2) in 10m-OVX rats after a longer times: 4 or 8 months post-OVX (+4m or +8m). Using in vivo chronoamperometry in the CA3 region of the hippocampus, E2 at 20 pmol, a dose shown previously to inhibit the serotonin transporter (SERT) in 4m-OVX, had no effect in 10m-OVX+2w. A higher dose of E2 (40 pmol) increased T80 value, a measure of serotonin or 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) clearance, and also blocked the ability of fluvoxamine to increase T80. By contrast, estradiol had no effects on SERT function in 10m-OVX+4m, even at a higher dose than 40 pmol. Fluvoxamine slowed 5-HT clearance in 10m-OVX at +2w, +4m and +8m post-OVX as it did in the 4m-OVX. Using the forced swim test, 2 weeks treatment with E2 (5 μg/day), a dose shown previously to induce AD-like effects in 4m-OVX, had no effect in 10m-OVX+2w. However, a higher dose (10 μg/day) of E2 induced an AD-like effect as demonstrated by significantly increased swimming behavior and decreased immobility. This effect was not seen in 10m-OVX+4m. By contrast, significant AD-like effects were obtained in 14m-OVX+2w, thereby demonstrating that the lack of an AD effect of E2 is due to the 4-month hormone withdrawal and not to an age effect. After 2 weeks treatment with the SSRI sertraline, similar AD-like effects were obtained in 10m-OVX tested at +2w, +4m or +8m post-OVX as those found in 4m-OVX. Thus, the potency of estradiol to produce effects consistent with inhibition of the SERT was not only decreased in older rats but its effects were markedly diminished the longer hormonal depletion occurred. By contrast, the ability of SSRIs to inhibit the SERT was not affected either by age or the length of hormonal depletion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saloua Benmansour
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio TX, USA
| | - Luis D Arroyo
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio TX, USA
| | - Alan Frazer
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San AntonioTX, USA; South Texas Veterans Health Care System, San AntonioTX, USA
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Hiroi R, Weyrich G, Koebele SV, Mennenga SE, Talboom JS, Hewitt LT, Lavery CN, Mendoza P, Jordan A, Bimonte-Nelson HA. Benefits of Hormone Therapy Estrogens Depend on Estrogen Type: 17β-Estradiol and Conjugated Equine Estrogens Have Differential Effects on Cognitive, Anxiety-Like, and Depressive-Like Behaviors and Increase Tryptophan Hydroxylase-2 mRNA Levels in Dorsal Raphe Nucleus Subregions. Front Neurosci 2016; 10:517. [PMID: 28008302 PMCID: PMC5143618 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2016.00517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2016] [Accepted: 10/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Decreased serotonin (5-HT) function is associated with numerous cognitive and affective disorders. Women are more vulnerable to these disorders and have a lower rate of 5-HT synthesis than men. Serotonergic neurons in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) are a major source of 5-HT in the forebrain and play a critical role in regulation of stress-related disorders. In particular, polymorphisms of tryptophan hydroxylase-2 (TpH2, the brain-specific, rate-limiting enzyme for 5-HT biosynthesis) are implicated in cognitive and affective disorders. Administration of 17β-estradiol (E2), the most potent naturally circulating estrogen in women and rats, can have beneficial effects on cognitive, anxiety-like, and depressive-like behaviors. Moreover, E2 increases TpH2 mRNA in specific subregions of the DRN. Although conjugated equine estrogens (CEE) are a commonly prescribed estrogen component of hormone therapy in menopausal women, there is a marked gap in knowledge regarding how CEE affects these behaviors and the brain 5-HT system. Therefore, we compared the effects of CEE and E2 treatments on behavior and TpH2 mRNA. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were ovariectomized, administered either vehicle, CEE, or E2 and tested on a battery of cognitive, anxiety-like, and depressive-like behaviors. The brains of these animals were subsequently analyzed for TpH2 mRNA. Both CEE and E2 exerted beneficial behavioral effects, although efficacy depended on the distinct behavior and for cognition, on the task difficulty. Compared to CEE, E2 generally had more robust anxiolytic and antidepressant effects. E2 increased TpH2 mRNA in the caudal and mid DRN, corroborating previous findings. However, CEE increased TpH2 mRNA in the caudal and rostral, but not the mid, DRN, suggesting that distinct estrogens can have subregion-specific effects on TpH2 gene expression. We also found differential correlations between the level of TpH2 mRNA in specific DRN subregions and behavior, depending on the type of behavior. These distinct associations imply that cognition, anxiety-like, and depressive-like behaviors are modulated by unique serotonergic neurocircuitry, opening the possibility of novel avenues of targeted treatment for different types of cognitive and affective disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryoko Hiroi
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State UniversityTempe, AZ, USA; Arizona Alzheimer's ConsortiumPhoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Giulia Weyrich
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State UniversityTempe, AZ, USA; Arizona Alzheimer's ConsortiumPhoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Stephanie V Koebele
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State UniversityTempe, AZ, USA; Arizona Alzheimer's ConsortiumPhoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Sarah E Mennenga
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State UniversityTempe, AZ, USA; Arizona Alzheimer's ConsortiumPhoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Joshua S Talboom
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State UniversityTempe, AZ, USA; Arizona Alzheimer's ConsortiumPhoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Lauren T Hewitt
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State UniversityTempe, AZ, USA; Arizona Alzheimer's ConsortiumPhoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Courtney N Lavery
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State UniversityTempe, AZ, USA; Arizona Alzheimer's ConsortiumPhoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Perla Mendoza
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State UniversityTempe, AZ, USA; Arizona Alzheimer's ConsortiumPhoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Ambra Jordan
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State UniversityTempe, AZ, USA; Arizona Alzheimer's ConsortiumPhoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Heather A Bimonte-Nelson
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State UniversityTempe, AZ, USA; Arizona Alzheimer's ConsortiumPhoenix, AZ, USA
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Osmanovic-Barilar J, Salkovic-Petrisi M. Evaluating the Role of Hormone Therapy in Postmenopausal Women with Alzheimer’s Disease. Drugs Aging 2016; 33:787-808. [DOI: 10.1007/s40266-016-0407-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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45
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Lisofsky N, Wiener J, de Condappa O, Gallinat J, Lindenberger U, Kühn S. Differences in navigation performance and postpartal striatal volume associated with pregnancy in humans. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2016; 134 Pt B:400-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2016.08.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2016] [Revised: 08/08/2016] [Accepted: 08/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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Black KL, Witty CF, Daniel JM. Previous Midlife Oestradiol Treatment Results in Long-Term Maintenance of Hippocampal Oestrogen Receptor α Levels in Ovariectomised Rats: Mechanisms and Implications for Memory. J Neuroendocrinol 2016; 28:10.1111/jne.12429. [PMID: 27603028 PMCID: PMC5527336 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2016] [Revised: 08/31/2016] [Accepted: 09/02/2016] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Ovariectomised rats that have received previous administration of oestradiol in midlife display enhanced cognition and increased hippocampal levels of oestrogen receptor (ER)α months after oestradiol treatment ended compared to ovariectomised controls. The present study aimed to investigate the mechanisms by which ERα levels are maintained following midlife oestradiol exposure and the role of ERα in memory in ageing females in the absence of circulating oestrogens. Unliganded ERα has increased interaction with the ubiquitin ligase, C-terminus of Hsc-70 interacting protein (CHIP), leading to increased degradation of the receptor. In our first experiment, we tested the hypothesis that midlife oestradiol exposure in ovariectomised rats results in decreased interaction between CHIP and hippocampal ERα, leading to increased levels of ERα. Middle-aged rats were ovariectomised and received oestradiol or vehicle implants. After 40 days, implants were removed. One month later, rats were killed and hippocampi were processed for whole protein western blotting and co-immunoprecipitation, in which ERα was immunoprecipitated from lysate. As expected, ERα protein expression was increased in rats previously treated with oestradiol compared to vehicle-treated rats. In rats treated with oestradiol, there was a decrease in CHIP-ERα interaction, suggesting that previous oestradiol treatment reduces interaction, slowing the degradation of ERα. In a second experiment, we determined the impact on memory of antagonism of ER in the absence of circulating oestrogens. Rats were ovariectomised and implanted with oestradiol capsules. Capsules were removed after 40 days. Rats received chronic i.c.v. infusion of ER antagonist, ICI 182 780, or artificial cerebrospinal fluid vehicle and were tested on a spatial memory radial-maze task. Rats treated with ICI 182 780 had significantly worse performance (more errors). These experiments provide evidence that previous midlife oestradiol treatment maintains hippocampal ERα by decreasing its interaction with CHIP and that activation of these receptors provides cognitive benefits in the absence of circulating oestrogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- K L Black
- Program in Neuroscience, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
- Brain Institute, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - C F Witty
- Program in Neuroscience, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - J M Daniel
- Program in Neuroscience, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA.
- Brain Institute, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA.
- Department of Psychology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA.
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Manipulation of Ovarian Function Significantly Influenced Sarcopenia in Postreproductive-Age Mice. J Transplant 2016; 2016:4570842. [PMID: 27747096 PMCID: PMC5055969 DOI: 10.1155/2016/4570842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2016] [Accepted: 08/24/2016] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Previously, transplantation of ovaries from young cycling mice into old postreproductive-age mice increased life span. We anticipated that the same factors that increased life span could also influence health span. Female CBA/J mice received new (60 d) ovaries at 12 and 17 months of age and were evaluated at 16 and 25 months of age, respectively. There were no significant differences in body weight among any age or treatment group. The percentage of fat mass was significantly increased at 13 and 16 months of age but was reduced by ovarian transplantation in 16-month-old mice. The percentages of lean body mass and total body water were significantly reduced in 13-month-old control mice but were restored in 16- and 25-month-old recipient mice by ovarian transplantation to the levels found in six-month-old control mice. In summary, we have shown that skeletal muscle mass, which is negatively influenced by aging, can be positively influenced or restored by reestablishment of active ovarian function in aged female mice. These findings provide strong incentive for further investigation of the positive influence of young ovaries on restoration of health in postreproductive females.
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Hejazian SH, Karimi S, Hosseini M, Mousavi SM, Soukhtanloo M. Protection against brain tissues oxidative damage as a possible mechanism for improving effects of low doses of estradiol on scopolamine-induced learning and memory impairments in ovariectomized rats. Adv Biomed Res 2016; 5:123. [PMID: 27563633 PMCID: PMC4976525 DOI: 10.4103/2277-9175.186981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2016] [Accepted: 05/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Regarding the anti-oxidative effects on the central nervous system, the possible protection against brain tissues oxidative damage as a possible mechanism for improving effects of low doses of estradiol on scopolamine-induced learning and memory impairments was investigated in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. Materials and Methods: The OVX rats treated by (1) vehicle, (2) scopolamine, and (3–4) scopolamine plus estradiol (20 or 20 or 60 μg/kg). Estradiol was administered (20 or 60 μg/kg, intraperitoneally) daily for 6 weeks after ovariectomy. The rats were examined for learning and memory using passive avoidance test. Scopolamine (2 mg/kg) was injected 30 min after training in the test. The brains were then removed to determine malondialdehyde (MDA) and thiol contents. Results: Scopolamine shortened the time latency to enter the dark compartment in (P < 0.01). Compared to scopolamine, pretreatment by both doses of estradiol prolonged the latency to enter the dark compartment (P < 0.01). The brain tissues MDA concentration as an index of lipid peroxidation was decreased (P < 0.05). Pretreatment by estradiol lowered the concentration of MDA, while it increased thiol content compared to scopolamine (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01). Conclusions: These results allow us to suggest a protection against brain tissues oxidative damage as a possible mechanism for improving effects of low doses of estradiol on scopolamine-induced learning and memory impairments in OVX rats.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sareh Karimi
- Neurocognitive Research Center, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mahmoud Hosseini
- Neurocognitive Research Center, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Seyed Mojtaba Mousavi
- Neurogenic Inflammation Research Center, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mohammad Soukhtanloo
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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Philpot RM, Ficken M, Wecker L. Doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide lead to long-lasting impairment of spatial memory in female, but not male mice. Behav Brain Res 2016; 307:165-75. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2016.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2016] [Revised: 04/08/2016] [Accepted: 04/10/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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50
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Zaccaroni M, Seta DD, Farabollini F, Fusani L, Dessì-Fulgheri F. Developmental Exposure to Very Low Levels of Ethynilestradiol Affects Anxiety in a Novelty Place Preference Test of Juvenile Rats. Neurotox Res 2016; 30:553-562. [DOI: 10.1007/s12640-016-9645-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2016] [Revised: 06/17/2016] [Accepted: 06/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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