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Wolcott NS, Redman WT, Karpinska M, Jacobs EG, Goard MJ. The estrous cycle modulates hippocampal spine dynamics, dendritic processing, and spatial coding. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.08.02.606418. [PMID: 39131375 PMCID: PMC11312567 DOI: 10.1101/2024.08.02.606418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/13/2024]
Abstract
Histological evidence suggests that the estrous cycle exerts a powerful effect on CA1 neurons in mammalian hippocampus. Decades have passed since this landmark observation, yet how the estrous cycle shapes dendritic spine dynamics and hippocampal spatial coding in vivo remains a mystery. Here, we used a custom hippocampal microperiscope and two-photon calcium imaging to track CA1 pyramidal neurons in female mice over multiple cycles. Estrous cycle stage had a potent effect on spine dynamics, with heightened density during periods of greater estradiol (proestrus). These morphological changes were accompanied by greater somatodendritic coupling and increased infiltration of back-propagating action potentials into the apical dendrite. Finally, tracking CA1 response properties during navigation revealed enhanced place field stability during proestrus, evident at the single-cell and population level. These results establish the estrous cycle as a driver of large-scale structural and functional plasticity in hippocampal circuits essential for learning and memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nora S Wolcott
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - William T Redman
- Interdepartmental Graduate Program in Dynamical Neuroscience, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
- Intelligent Systems Center, Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab, Laurel, MD 20723, USA
| | - Marie Karpinska
- Department of Computer Science, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Emily G Jacobs
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
- Ann S. Bowers Women's Brain Health Initiative, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
- Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Michael J Goard
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
- Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
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2
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Zhvania M, Japaridze N, Tizabi Y, Lomidze N, Pochkhidze N, Rzayev F, Gasimov E. Differential effects of aging on hippocampal ultrastructure in male vs. female rats. Biogerontology 2023; 24:925-935. [PMID: 37515624 DOI: 10.1007/s10522-023-10052-z] [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: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023]
Abstract
Age-related decline in physical and cognitive functions are facts of life that do not affect everyone to the same extent. We had reported earlier that such cognitive decline is both sex- and context-dependent. Moreover, age-associated ultrastructural changes were observed in the hippocampus of male rats. In this study, we sought to determine potential differences in ultrastructural changes between male and female rats at various stages of life. We performed quantitative electron microscopic evaluation of hippocampal CA1 region, an area intimately involved in cognitive behavior, in both male and female adolescent, adult and old Wistar rats. Specifically, we measured the number of docking synaptic vesicles in axo-dendritic synapses, the length of active zone as well as the total number of synaptic vesicles. Distinct age- and sex-dependent effects were observed in several parameters. Thus, adult female rats had the lowest synaptic active zone compared to both adolescent and old female rats. Moreover, the same parameter was significantly lower in adult and old female rats compared to their male counterparts. On the other hand, old male rats had significantly lower number of total synaptic vesicles compared to both adolescent and adult male rats as well as compared to their female counterparts. Taken together, it may be suggested that age- and sex-dependent ultrastructural changes in the hippocampus may underlie at least some of the differences in cognitive functions among these groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mzia Zhvania
- School of Natural Sciences and Medicine, Ilia State University, 3/5 K. Cholokashvili Avenue, 0162, Tbilisi, Georgia.
- Department of Brain Ultrastructure and Nanoarchitecture, Ivane Beritashvili Center of Experimental Biomedicine, Tbilisi, Georgia.
| | - Nadezhda Japaridze
- Department of Brain Ultrastructure and Nanoarchitecture, Ivane Beritashvili Center of Experimental Biomedicine, Tbilisi, Georgia
- New Vision University, Tbilisi, Georgia
| | - Yousef Tizabi
- Department of Pharmacology, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Nino Lomidze
- School of Natural Sciences and Medicine, Ilia State University, 3/5 K. Cholokashvili Avenue, 0162, Tbilisi, Georgia
- Department of Brain Ultrastructure and Nanoarchitecture, Ivane Beritashvili Center of Experimental Biomedicine, Tbilisi, Georgia
| | - Nino Pochkhidze
- School of Natural Sciences and Medicine, Ilia State University, 3/5 K. Cholokashvili Avenue, 0162, Tbilisi, Georgia
- Department of Brain Ultrastructure and Nanoarchitecture, Ivane Beritashvili Center of Experimental Biomedicine, Tbilisi, Georgia
| | - Fuad Rzayev
- Department of Histology, Embryology and Cytology, Azerbaijan Medical University, Baku, Azerbaijan
| | - Eldar Gasimov
- Department of Histology, Embryology and Cytology, Azerbaijan Medical University, Baku, Azerbaijan
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3
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Chen MH, Lin HC, Chao T, Lee VSY, Hou CL, Wang TJ, Chen JR. Hyaluronic Acid Conjugated with 17β-Estradiol Effectively Alleviates Estropause-Induced Cognitive Deficits in Rats. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15569. [PMID: 37958552 PMCID: PMC10649161 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Women are at a higher risk of cognitive impairments and Alzheimer's disease (AD), particularly after the menopause, when the estrous cycle becomes irregular and diminishes. Numerous studies have shown that estrogen deficiency, especially estradiol (E2) deficiency, plays a key role in this phenomenon. Recently, a novel polymeric drug, hyaluronic acid-17β-estradiol conjugate (HA-E2), has been introduced for the delivery of E2 to brain tissues. Studies have indicated that HA-E2 crosses the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and facilitates a prolonged E2 release profile while lowering the risk of estrogen-supplement-related side effects. In this study, we used ovariohysterectomy (OHE) rats, a postmenopausal cognitive deficit model, to explore the effect of a 2-week HA-E2 treatment (210 ng/kg body weight, twice a week) on the cholinergic septo-hippocampal innervation system, synaptic transmission in hippocampal pyramidal neurons and cognitive improvements. Our study revealed an 11% rise in choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) expression in both the medial septal nucleus (MS nucleus) and the hippocampus, along with a 14-18% increase in dendritic spine density in hippocampal pyramidal neurons, following HA-E2 treatment in OHE rats. These enhancements prompted the recovery of cognitive functions such as spatial learning and memory. These findings suggest that HA-E2 may prevent and improve estrogen-deficiency-induced cognitive impairment and AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mu-Hsuan Chen
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Chung-Hsing University, No. 145, Xingda Rd., Taichung 402202, Taiwan; (M.-H.C.); (H.-C.L.); (T.C.)
| | - Hsiao-Chun Lin
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Chung-Hsing University, No. 145, Xingda Rd., Taichung 402202, Taiwan; (M.-H.C.); (H.-C.L.); (T.C.)
| | - Tzu Chao
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Chung-Hsing University, No. 145, Xingda Rd., Taichung 402202, Taiwan; (M.-H.C.); (H.-C.L.); (T.C.)
| | - Viola Szu-Yuan Lee
- Basic Research Division, Holy Stone Healthcare Co., Ltd., Taipei 11493, Taiwan; (V.S.-Y.L.); (C.-L.H.)
| | - Chia-Lung Hou
- Basic Research Division, Holy Stone Healthcare Co., Ltd., Taipei 11493, Taiwan; (V.S.-Y.L.); (C.-L.H.)
| | - Tsyr-Jiuan Wang
- Department of Nursing, National Taichung University of Science and Technology, No. 193, Section 1, Sanmin Rd., Taichung 403027, Taiwan
| | - Jeng-Rung Chen
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Chung-Hsing University, No. 145, Xingda Rd., Taichung 402202, Taiwan; (M.-H.C.); (H.-C.L.); (T.C.)
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Terrin F, Tesoriere A, Plotegher N, Dalla Valle L. Sex and Brain: The Role of Sex Chromosomes and Hormones in Brain Development and Parkinson's Disease. Cells 2023; 12:1486. [PMID: 37296608 PMCID: PMC10252697 DOI: 10.3390/cells12111486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Sex hormones and genes on the sex chromosomes are not only key factors in the regulation of sexual differentiation and reproduction but they are also deeply involved in brain homeostasis. Their action is crucial for the development of the brain, which presents different characteristics depending on the sex of individuals. The role of these players in the brain is fundamental in the maintenance of brain function during adulthood as well, thus being important also with respect to age-related neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we explore the role of biological sex in the development of the brain and analyze its impact on the predisposition toward and the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. In particular, we focus on Parkinson's disease, a neurodegenerative disorder that has a higher incidence in the male population. We report how sex hormones and genes encoded by the sex chromosomes could protect from the disease or alternatively predispose toward its development. We finally underline the importance of considering sex when studying brain physiology and pathology in cellular and animal models in order to better understand disease etiology and develop novel tailored therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Nicoletta Plotegher
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; (F.T.); (A.T.)
| | - Luisa Dalla Valle
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; (F.T.); (A.T.)
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Wang J, Pratap UP, Lu Y, Sareddy GR, Tekmal RR, Vadlamudi RK, Brann DW. Development and Characterization of Inducible Astrocyte-Specific Aromatase Knockout Mice. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:621. [PMID: 37106821 PMCID: PMC10135694 DOI: 10.3390/biology12040621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
17β-estradiol (E2) is produced in the brain as a neurosteroid, in addition to being an endocrine signal in the periphery. The current animal models for studying brain-derived E2 include global and conditional non-inducible knockout mouse models. The aim of this study was to develop a tamoxifen (TMX)-inducible astrocyte-specific aromatase knockout mouse line (GFAP-ARO-iKO mice) to specifically deplete the E2 synthesis enzymes and aromatase in astrocytes after their development in adult mice. The characterization of the GFAP-ARO-iKO mice revealed a specific and robust depletion in the aromatase expressions of their astrocytes and a significant decrease in their hippocampal E2 levels after a GCI. The GFAP-ARO-iKO animals were alive and fertile and had a normal general brain anatomy, with a normal astrocyte shape, intensity, and distribution. In the hippocampus, after a GCI, the GFAP-ARO-iKO animals showed a major deficiency in their reactive astrogliosis, a dramatically increased neuronal loss, and increased microglial activation. These findings indicate that astrocyte-derived E2 (ADE2) regulates the ischemic induction of reactive astrogliosis and microglial activation and is neuroprotective in the ischemic brain. The GFAP-ARO-iKO mouse models thus provide an important new model to help elucidate the roles and functions of ADE2 in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Uday P. Pratap
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Health, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Yujiao Lu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Gangadhara R. Sareddy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Health, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Rajeshwar R. Tekmal
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Health, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Ratna K. Vadlamudi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Health, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Darrell W. Brann
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
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Ren XQ, Huang X, Xing SY, Long Y, Yuan DH, Hong H, Tang SS. Neuroprotective effects of novel compound FMDB on cognition, neurogenesis and apoptosis in APP/PS1 transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. Neurochem Int 2023; 165:105510. [PMID: 36893915 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2023.105510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
Clinical and experimental studies have shown that the sharp reduction of estrogen is one of the important reasons for the high incidence of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in elderly women, but there is currently no such drug for treatment of AD. Our group first designed and synthesized a novel compound R-9-(4fluorophenyl)-3-methyl-10,10,-Hydrogen-6-hydrogen-benzopyran named FMDB. In this study, our aim is to investigate the neuroprotective effects and mechanism of FMDB in APP/PS1 transgenic mice. 6 months old APP/PS1 transgenic mice were intragastrical administered with FMDB (1.25, 2.5 and 5 mg/kg) every other day for 8 weeks. LV-ERβ-shRNA was injected bilaterally into the hippocampus of APP/PS1 mice to knockdown estrogen receptor β (ERβ). We found that FMDB ameliorated cognitive impairment in the Morris water maze and novel object recognition tests, increased hippocampal neurogenesis and prevented hippocampal apoptotic responses in APP/PS1 mice. Importantly, FMDB activated nuclear ERβ mediated CBP/p300, CREB and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling, and membrane ERβ mediated PI3K/Akt, CREB and BDNF signaling in the hippocampus. Our study demonstrated the contributions and mechanism of FMDB to cognition, neurogenesis and apoptosis in APP/PS1 mice. These lay the experimental foundation for the development of new anti-AD drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Qian Ren
- Department of Pharmacology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xin Huang
- Department of Pharmacology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shu-Yun Xing
- Department of Pharmacology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yan Long
- Department of Pharmacology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Dan-Hua Yuan
- Department of Pharmacology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hao Hong
- Department of Pharmacology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Su-Su Tang
- Department of Pharmacology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.
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7
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Rocks D, Kundakovic M. Hippocampus-based behavioral, structural, and molecular dynamics across the estrous cycle. J Neuroendocrinol 2023; 35:e13216. [PMID: 36580348 PMCID: PMC10050126 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The activity of neurons in the rodent hippocampus contributes to diverse behaviors, with the activity of ventral hippocampal neurons affecting behaviors related to anxiety and emotion regulation, and the activity of dorsal hippocampal neurons affecting performance in learning- and memory-related tasks. Hippocampal cells also express receptors for ovarian hormones, estrogen and progesterone, and are therefore affected by physiological fluctuations of those hormones that occur over the rodent estrous cycle. In this review, we discuss the effects of cycling ovarian hormones on hippocampal physiology. Starting with behavior, we explore the role of the estrous cycle in regulating hippocampus-dependent behaviors. We go on to detail the cellular mechanisms through which cycling estrogen and progesterone, through changes in the structural and functional properties of hippocampal neurons, may be eliciting these changes in behavior. Then, providing a basis for these cellular changes, we outline the epigenetic, chromatin regulatory mechanisms through which ovarian hormones, by binding to their receptors, can affect the regulation of behavior- and synaptic plasticity-related genes in hippocampal neurons. We also highlight an unconventional role that chromatin dynamics may have in regulating neuronal function across the estrous cycle, including in sex hormone-driven X chromosome plasticity and hormonally-induced epigenetic priming. Finally, we discuss directions for future studies and the translational value of the rodent estrous cycle for understanding the effects of the human menstrual cycle on hippocampal physiology and brain disease risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devin Rocks
- Department of Biological Sciences, Fordham University; Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Marija Kundakovic
- Department of Biological Sciences, Fordham University; Bronx, NY, USA
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8
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Ronchetti S, Labombarda F, Roig P, De Nicola AF, Pietranera L. Beneficial effects of the phytoestrogen genistein on hippocampal impairments of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). J Neuroendocrinol 2023; 35:e13228. [PMID: 36690381 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Hippocampal neuropathology is a recognized feature of the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR). The hippocampal alterations associate with cognitive impairment. We have shown that hippocampal abnormalities are reversed by 17β-estradiol, a steroid binding to intracellular receptors (estrogen receptor α and β subtypes) or the membrane-located G-protein coupled estradiol receptor. Genistein (GEN) is a neuroprotective phytoestrogen which binds to estrogen receptor β and G-protein coupled estradiol receptor. Here, we investigated whether GEN neuroprotection extends to SHR. For this purpose, we treated 5-month-old SHR for 2 weeks with 10 mg kg-1 daily s.c injections of GEN. We analyzed the expression of doublecortin+ neuronal progenitors, glial fibrillary acidic protein+ astrocytes and ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1+ microglia in the CA1 region and dentate gyrus of the hippocampus using immunocytochemistry, whereas a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to measure the expression of pro- and anti-inflammatory factors tumor necrosis factor α, cyclooxygenase-2 and transforming growth factor β. We also evaluated hippocampal dependent memory using the novel object recognition test. The results showed a decreased number of doublecortin+ neural progenitors in the dentate gyrus of SHR that was reversed with GEN. The number of glial fibrillary acidic protein+ astrocytes in the dentate gyrus and CA1 was increased in SHR but significantly decreased by GEN treatment. Additionally, GEN shifted microglial morphology from the predominantly activated phenotype present in SHR, to the more surveillance phenotype found in normotensive rats. Furthermore, treatment with GEN decreased the mRNA of the pro-inflammatory factors tumor necrosis factor α and cyclooxygenase-2 and increased the mRNA of the anti-inflammatory factor transforming growth factor β. Discrimination index in the novel object recognition test was decreased in SHR and treatment with GEN increased this parameter. Our results indicate important neuroprotective effects of GEN at the neurochemical and behavioral level in SHR. Our data open an interesting possibility for proposing this phytoestrogen as an alternative therapy in hypertensive encephalopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santiago Ronchetti
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrine Biochemistry, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Florencia Labombarda
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrine Biochemistry, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Department of Human Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Paulina Roig
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrine Biochemistry, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Alejandro F De Nicola
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrine Biochemistry, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Department of Human Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Luciana Pietranera
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrine Biochemistry, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Department of Human Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Fabian CB, Seney ML, Joffe ME. Sex differences and hormonal regulation of metabotropic glutamate receptor synaptic plasticity. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2022; 168:311-347. [PMID: 36868632 PMCID: PMC10392610 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2022.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Striking sex differences exist in presentation and incidence of several psychiatric disorders. For example, major depressive disorder is more prevalent in women than men, and women who develop alcohol use disorder progress through drinking milestones more rapidly than men. With regards to psychiatric treatment responses, women respond more favorably to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors than men, whereas men have better outcomes when prescribed tricyclic antidepressants. Despite such well-documented biases in incidence, presentation, and treatment response, sex as a biological variable has long been neglected in preclinical and clinical research. An emerging family of druggable targets for psychiatric diseases, metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptors are G-protein coupled receptors broadly distributed throughout the central nervous system. mGlu receptors confer diverse neuromodulatory actions of glutamate at the levels of synaptic plasticity, neuronal excitability, and gene transcription. In this chapter, we summarize the current preclinical and clinical evidence for sex differences in mGlu receptor function. We first highlight basal sex differences in mGlu receptor expression and function and proceed to describe how gonadal hormones, notably estradiol, regulate mGlu receptor signaling. We then describe sex-specific mechanisms by which mGlu receptors differentially modulate synaptic plasticity and behavior in basal states and models relevant for disease. Finally, we discuss human research findings and highlight areas in need of further research. Taken together, this review emphasizes how mGlu receptor function and expression can differ across sex. Gaining a more complete understanding of how sex differences in mGlu receptor function contribute to psychiatric diseases will be critical in the development of novel therapeutics that are effective in all individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carly B Fabian
- Center for Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Translational Neuroscience Program, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Marianne L Seney
- Center for Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Translational Neuroscience Program, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Max E Joffe
- Center for Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Translational Neuroscience Program, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.
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10
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Jett S, Schelbaum E, Jang G, Boneu Yepez C, Dyke JP, Pahlajani S, Diaz Brinton R, Mosconi L. Ovarian steroid hormones: A long overlooked but critical contributor to brain aging and Alzheimer's disease. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:948219. [PMID: 35928995 PMCID: PMC9344010 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.948219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian hormones, particularly 17β-estradiol, are involved in numerous neurophysiological and neurochemical processes, including those subserving cognitive function. Estradiol plays a key role in the neurobiology of aging, in part due to extensive interconnectivity of the neural and endocrine system. This aspect of aging is fundamental for women's brains as all women experience a drop in circulating estradiol levels in midlife, after menopause. Given the importance of estradiol for brain function, it is not surprising that up to 80% of peri-menopausal and post-menopausal women report neurological symptoms including changes in thermoregulation (vasomotor symptoms), mood, sleep, and cognitive performance. Preclinical evidence for neuroprotective effects of 17β-estradiol also indicate associations between menopause, cognitive aging, and Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common cause of dementia affecting nearly twice more women than men. Brain imaging studies demonstrated that middle-aged women exhibit increased indicators of AD endophenotype as compared to men of the same age, with onset in perimenopause. Herein, we take a translational approach to illustrate the contribution of ovarian hormones in maintaining cognition in women, with evidence implicating menopause-related declines in 17β-estradiol in cognitive aging and AD risk. We will review research focused on the role of endogenous and exogenous estrogen exposure as a key underlying mechanism to neuropathological aging in women, with a focus on whether brain structure, function and neurochemistry respond to hormone treatment. While still in development, this research area offers a new sex-based perspective on brain aging and risk of AD, while also highlighting an urgent need for better integration between neurology, psychiatry, and women's health practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Jett
- Department of Neurology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States
| | - Eva Schelbaum
- Department of Neurology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States
| | - Grace Jang
- Department of Neurology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States
| | - Camila Boneu Yepez
- Department of Neurology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States
| | - Jonathan P. Dyke
- Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States
| | - Silky Pahlajani
- Department of Neurology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States
| | - Roberta Diaz Brinton
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
- Department of Neurology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Lisa Mosconi
- Department of Neurology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States
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11
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PELTONEN HEIKKI, MIKKONEN-TAIPALE RITVA, UIMONEN TEEMU, WALKER SIMON, HACKNEY ANTHONYC, VALTONEN MAARIT, KYRÖLÄINEN HEIKKI, IHALAINEN JOHANNAK. Power Loading-Induced Fatigue Is Influenced by Menstrual Cycle Phase. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2022; 54:1190-1198. [PMID: 35320150 PMCID: PMC9208809 DOI: 10.1249/mss.0000000000002904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to examine the effects of fatiguing power loading on neuromuscular properties, force production, and metabolic capacities during four phases of the menstrual cycle (MC): menstruation (M), midfollicular (mid FOL), ovulation (OV), and midluteal (mid LUT). METHODS Sixteen eumenorrheic women performed sessions of maximal explosive leg press (2 × 10 at 60% one-repetition maximum load with 2-min recovery between sets). Serum hormones and neuromuscular responses were measured. RESULTS The loading protocol significantly decreased power (between -14.2% and -12.5%; P < 0.001) and maximal force production (between maximum voluntary force (MVC); -15.0% and -7.8%; P < 0.001-0.05), while decreasing activation level (between AL; -6.9% and -2.2%; P < 0.001-0.05) in all MC phases. The decreases in AL were greater during mid LUT (P < 0.01) compared with OV. Changes in MVC and AL were associated (r2 = 0.53; P < 0.01) at all MC phases. The decrease in EMG during MVC did not differ between the MC phases; however, mean power frequency was higher during M (+7.7%; P < 0.05) and mid LUT (+3.1%; P < 0.05) compared with OV (-7.5%). Resting twitch force decreased during mid FOL (-6.9%; P < 0.05) and mid LUT (-16.2%; P < 0.001), and these values were significantly decreased (P < 0.05) compared with OV. In addition, resting twitch force at mid LUT was lower (P < 0.01) compared with M. Blood lactate levels increased more (P < 0.05) during M compared with mid LUT. Some serum hormone concentrations were associated with fatigue-induced changes in neuromuscular properties and force production, but these correlations behaved differently between the MC phases. CONCLUSIONS OV may offer a more favorable hormonal milieu for acute neural responses, whereas mid FOL and mid LUT seem to be superior for acute muscular responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- HEIKKI PELTONEN
- NeuroMuscular Research Center, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, FINLAND
| | - RITVA MIKKONEN-TAIPALE
- NeuroMuscular Research Center, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, FINLAND
- Sports Technology Unit, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Vuokatti, FINLAND
| | - TEEMU UIMONEN
- NeuroMuscular Research Center, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, FINLAND
| | - SIMON WALKER
- NeuroMuscular Research Center, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, FINLAND
| | - ANTHONY C. HACKNEY
- Department of Exercise & Sport Science–Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - MAARIT VALTONEN
- Research Institute for Olympic Sports (KIHU), Jyväskylä, FINLAND
| | - HEIKKI KYRÖLÄINEN
- NeuroMuscular Research Center, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, FINLAND
| | - JOHANNA K. IHALAINEN
- NeuroMuscular Research Center, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, FINLAND
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12
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Wang S, Bryan C, Xie J, Zhao H, Lin L, Tai JAC, Horzmann KA, Sanchez O, Zhang M, Freeman JL, Yuan C. Atrazine exposure in zebrafish induces aberrant genome-wide methylation. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2022; 92:107091. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2022.107091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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13
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Jett S, Malviya N, Schelbaum E, Jang G, Jahan E, Clancy K, Hristov H, Pahlajani S, Niotis K, Loeb-Zeitlin S, Havryliuk Y, Isaacson R, Brinton RD, Mosconi L. Endogenous and Exogenous Estrogen Exposures: How Women's Reproductive Health Can Drive Brain Aging and Inform Alzheimer's Prevention. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:831807. [PMID: 35356299 PMCID: PMC8959926 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.831807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
After advanced age, female sex is the major risk factor for late-onset Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common cause of dementia affecting over 24 million people worldwide. The prevalence of AD is higher in women than in men, with postmenopausal women accounting for over 60% of all those affected. While most research has focused on gender-combined risk, emerging data indicate sex and gender differences in AD pathophysiology, onset, and progression, which may help account for the higher prevalence in women. Notably, AD-related brain changes develop during a 10-20 year prodromal phase originating in midlife, thus proximate with the hormonal transitions of endocrine aging characteristic of the menopause transition in women. Preclinical evidence for neuroprotective effects of gonadal sex steroid hormones, especially 17β-estradiol, strongly argue for associations between female fertility, reproductive history, and AD risk. The level of gonadal hormones to which the female brain is exposed changes considerably across the lifespan, with relevance to AD risk. However, the neurobiological consequences of hormonal fluctuations, as well as that of hormone therapies, are yet to be fully understood. Epidemiological studies have yielded contrasting results of protective, deleterious and null effects of estrogen exposure on dementia risk. In contrast, brain imaging studies provide encouraging evidence for positive associations between greater cumulative lifetime estrogen exposure and lower AD risk in women, whereas estrogen deprivation is associated with negative consequences on brain structure, function, and biochemistry. Herein, we review the existing literature and evaluate the strength of observed associations between female-specific reproductive health factors and AD risk in women, with a focus on the role of endogenous and exogenous estrogen exposures as a key underlying mechanism. Chief among these variables are reproductive lifespan, menopause status, type of menopause (spontaneous vs. induced), number of pregnancies, and exposure to hormonal therapy, including hormonal contraceptives, hormonal therapy for menopause, and anti-estrogen treatment. As aging is the greatest risk factor for AD followed by female sex, understanding sex-specific biological pathways through which reproductive history modulates brain aging is crucial to inform preventative and therapeutic strategies for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Jett
- Department of Neurology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States
| | - Niharika Malviya
- Department of Neurology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States
| | - Eva Schelbaum
- Department of Neurology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States
| | - Grace Jang
- Department of Neurology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States
| | - Eva Jahan
- Department of Neurology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States
| | - Katherine Clancy
- Department of Neurology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States
| | - Hollie Hristov
- Department of Neurology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States
| | - Silky Pahlajani
- Department of Neurology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States
| | - Kellyann Niotis
- Department of Neurology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States
| | - Susan Loeb-Zeitlin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States
| | - Yelena Havryliuk
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States
| | - Richard Isaacson
- Department of Neurology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States
| | - Roberta Diaz Brinton
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
- Department of Neurology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Lisa Mosconi
- Department of Neurology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States
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14
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Laine M, Shansky R. Rodent models of stress and dendritic plasticity – Implications for psychopathology. Neurobiol Stress 2022; 17:100438. [PMID: 35257016 PMCID: PMC8897597 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2022.100438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Stress, as commonplace as it is, is a major environmental risk factor for psychopathology. While this association intuitively, anecdotally, and empirically makes sense, we are still very early in the process of understanding what the neurobiological manifestations of this risk truly are. Seminal work from the past few decades has established structural plasticity in the brain as a potential key mechanism. In this review we discuss evidence linking particularly chronic stress exposure in rodent models to plasticity at the dendrites, like remodeling of dendritic branches and spines, in a range of brain regions. A number of candidate mechanisms that seek to explain how stress influences neuroanatomy at this level have been proposed, utilizing in vivo, ex vivo and in vitro methods. However, a large gap still remains in our knowledge of how such dynamic structural changes ultimately relate to downstream effects such as altered affective and cognitive states relevant for psychopathology. We propose that future work expand our understanding of plasticity of specific stress-related brain circuits and cell-types. We also note that the vast majority of the work has been conducted solely on male rodents. The next big strides in our understanding of the neurobiology of psychopathology will require the inclusion of female subjects, as several studies have suggested both sex divergent and convergent features. By understanding plasticity, we can harness it. The growth of this body of knowledge will inform our efforts to improve the therapeutic options for stress-related psychopathology.
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15
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Gao L, Zhang Y, Sterling K, Song W. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor in Alzheimer's disease and its pharmaceutical potential. Transl Neurodegener 2022; 11:4. [PMID: 35090576 PMCID: PMC8796548 DOI: 10.1186/s40035-022-00279-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 155] [Impact Index Per Article: 77.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Synaptic abnormalities are a cardinal feature of Alzheimer's disease (AD) that are known to arise as the disease progresses. A growing body of evidence suggests that pathological alterations to neuronal circuits and synapses may provide a mechanistic link between amyloid β (Aβ) and tau pathology and thus may serve as an obligatory relay of the cognitive impairment in AD. Brain-derived neurotrophic factors (BDNFs) play an important role in maintaining synaptic plasticity in learning and memory. Considering AD as a synaptic disorder, BDNF has attracted increasing attention as a potential diagnostic biomarker and a therapeutical molecule for AD. Although depletion of BDNF has been linked with Aβ accumulation, tau phosphorylation, neuroinflammation and neuronal apoptosis, the exact mechanisms underlying the effect of impaired BDNF signaling on AD are still unknown. Here, we present an overview of how BDNF genomic structure is connected to factors that regulate BDNF signaling. We then discuss the role of BDNF in AD and the potential of BDNF-targeting therapeutics for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina Gao
- Shandong Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis, Treatment and Behavioral Interventions of Mental Disorders, Institute of Mental Health, College of Pharmacy, Jining Medical University, Jining, 272067, Shandong, China
- Townsend Family Laboratories, Department of Psychiatry, The University of British Columbia, 2255 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Yun Zhang
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100053, China
| | - Keenan Sterling
- Townsend Family Laboratories, Department of Psychiatry, The University of British Columbia, 2255 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Weihong Song
- Shandong Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis, Treatment and Behavioral Interventions of Mental Disorders, Institute of Mental Health, College of Pharmacy, Jining Medical University, Jining, 272067, Shandong, China.
- Townsend Family Laboratories, Department of Psychiatry, The University of British Columbia, 2255 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada.
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100053, China.
- Institute of Aging, Key Laboratory of Alzheimer's Disease of Zhejiang Province, School of Mental Health and The Affiliated Kangning Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang, China.
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Wenzhou, 325001, Zhejiang, China.
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16
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The influence of estradiol and progesterone on neurocognition during three phases of the menstrual cycle: Modulating factors. Behav Brain Res 2022; 417:113593. [PMID: 34560130 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2021.113593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Estradiol is an ovarian steroid hormone that peaks shortly before ovulation and significantly affects various brain regions and neurotransmitter systems, with similar and differential effects with progesterone, another ovarian hormone. Studies investigating the neurocognitive processes during the menstrual cycle have focused on the early follicular phase (EFP) characterized by low estradiol and progesterone levels and the mid-luteal phase (MLP) with high estradiol and progesterone levels. However, most studies have failed to include the ovulatory phase, characterized by high estradiol and low progesterone levels. Given the various hormonal changes in the menstrual cycle, we revisited studies suggesting that the menstrual cycle did not affect verbal and spatial abilities and observed that many contain mixed results. Comparing these studies makes it possible to identify relevant modulating factors, such as sample size, participant age, accurate selection of days for testing, asymmetrical practice effects, genetic polymorphisms, and task difficulty. More robust findings are related to improved mental rotation capacity during EFP with challenging tasks and differences in brain activation among menstrual cycle phases during the execution of spatial and verbal tasks. During MLP, less robust findings were observed, possibly modulated by the complex effects of the two hormones on the brain. In conclusion, we propose that it is crucial to include all three menstrual cycle phases and consider these modulating factors to avoid confounding findings.
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17
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Perez-Rando M, Guirado R, Tellez-Merlo G, Carceller H, Nacher J. Estradiol Regulates Polysialylated Form of the Neural Cell Adhesion Molecule Expression and Connectivity of O-LM Interneurons in the Hippocampus of Adult Female Mice. Neuroendocrinology 2022; 112:51-67. [PMID: 33550289 DOI: 10.1159/000515052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The estrous cycle is caused by the changing concentration of ovarian hormones, particularly 17β-estradiol, a hormone whose effect on excitatory circuits has been extensively reported. However, fewer studies have tried to elucidate how this cycle, or this hormone, affects the plasticity of inhibitory networks and the structure of interneurons. Among these cells, somatostatin-expressing O-LM neurons of the hippocampus are especially interesting. They have a role in the modulation of theta oscillations, and they receive direct input from the entorhinal cortex, which place them in the center of hippocampal function. In this study, we report that the expression of polysialylated form of the neural cell adhesion molecule (PSA-NCAM) in the hippocampus, a molecule involved in the plasticity of somatostatin-expressing interneurons in the adult brain, fluctuated through the different stages of the estrous cycle. Likewise, these stages and the expression of PSA-NCAM affected the density of dendritic spines of O-LM cells. We also describe that 17β-estradiol replacement of adult ovariectomized female mice caused an increase in the perisomatic inhibitory puncta in O-LM interneurons as well as an increase in their axonal bouton density. Interestingly, this treatment also induced a decrease in their dendritic spine density, specifically in O-LM interneurons lacking PSA-NCAM expression. Finally, using an ex vivo real-time assay with entorhinal-hippocampal organotypic cultures, we show that this hormone decreased the dynamics in spinogenesis, altogether highlighting the modulatory effect that 17β-estradiol has on inhibitory circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Perez-Rando
- Neurobiology Unit, Program in Neurosciences and BIOTECMED Institute, Universitat de València, Burjassot, Spain
- Fundación Investigación Hospital Clínico de Valencia, INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain
| | - Ramon Guirado
- Neurobiology Unit, Program in Neurosciences and BIOTECMED Institute, Universitat de València, Burjassot, Spain
- Fundación Investigación Hospital Clínico de Valencia, INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain
- Dirección General de Universidades, Gobierno de Aragón, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Guillermina Tellez-Merlo
- Lab. Neuropsiquiatría, Instituto de Fisiología, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla, Mexico
- Departamento de Fisiología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Hector Carceller
- Neurobiology Unit, Program in Neurosciences and BIOTECMED Institute, Universitat de València, Burjassot, Spain
| | - Juan Nacher
- Neurobiology Unit, Program in Neurosciences and BIOTECMED Institute, Universitat de València, Burjassot, Spain
- Fundación Investigación Hospital Clínico de Valencia, INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain
- CIBERSAM: Spanish National Network for Research in Mental Health, Valencia, Spain
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18
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Brann DW, Lu Y, Wang J, Zhang Q, Thakkar R, Sareddy GR, Pratap UP, Tekmal RR, Vadlamudi RK. Brain-derived estrogen and neural function. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 132:793-817. [PMID: 34823913 PMCID: PMC8816863 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Although classically known as an endocrine signal produced by the ovary, 17β-estradiol (E2) is also a neurosteroid produced in neurons and astrocytes in the brain of many different species. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the localization, regulation, sex differences, and physiological/pathological roles of brain-derived E2 (BDE2). Much of what we know regarding the functional roles of BDE2 has come from studies using specific inhibitors of the E2 synthesis enzyme, aromatase, as well as the recent development of conditional forebrain neuron-specific and astrocyte-specific aromatase knockout mouse models. The evidence from these studies support a critical role for neuron-derived E2 (NDE2) in the regulation of synaptic plasticity, memory, socio-sexual behavior, sexual differentiation, reproduction, injury-induced reactive gliosis, and neuroprotection. Furthermore, we review evidence that astrocyte-derived E2 (ADE2) is induced following brain injury/ischemia, and plays a key role in reactive gliosis, neuroprotection, and cognitive preservation. Finally, we conclude by discussing the key controversies and challenges in this area, as well as potential future directions for the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darrell W Brann
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA.
| | - Yujiao Lu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
| | - Quanguang Zhang
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
| | - Roshni Thakkar
- Department of Neurology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Gangadhara R Sareddy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Health, San Antoio TX, 78229, USA
| | - Uday P Pratap
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Health, San Antoio TX, 78229, USA
| | - Rajeshwar R Tekmal
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Health, San Antoio TX, 78229, USA
| | - Ratna K Vadlamudi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Health, San Antoio TX, 78229, USA; Audie L. Murphy Division, South Texas Veterans Health Care System, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA.
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19
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Conde DM, Verdade RC, Valadares ALR, Mella LFB, Pedro AO, Costa-Paiva L. Menopause and cognitive impairment: A narrative review of current knowledge. World J Psychiatry 2021; 11:412-428. [PMID: 34513605 PMCID: PMC8394691 DOI: 10.5498/wjp.v11.i8.412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
A severe impairment of cognitive function characterizes dementia. Mild cognitive impairment represents a transition between normal cognition and dementia. The frequency of cognitive changes is higher in women than in men. Based on this fact, hormonal factors likely contribute to cognitive decline. In this sense, cognitive complaints are more common near menopause, a phase marked by a decrease in hormone levels, especially estrogen. Additionally, a tendency toward worsened cognitive performance has been reported in women during menopause. Vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes, sweating, and dizziness), vaginal dryness, irritability and forgetfulness are common and associated with a progressive decrease in ovarian function and a subsequent reduction in the serum estrogen concentration. Hormone therapy (HT), based on estrogen with or without progestogen, is the treatment of choice to relieve menopausal symptoms. The studies conducted to date have reported conflicting results regarding the effects of HT on cognition. This article reviews the main aspects of menopause and cognition, including the neuroprotective role of estrogen and the relationship between menopausal symptoms and cognitive function. We present and discuss the findings of the central observational and interventional studies on HT and cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Délio Marques Conde
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia 74605-050, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Roberto Carmignani Verdade
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-881, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ana L R Valadares
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-881, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lucas F B Mella
- Department of Medical Psychology and Psychiatry-Geriatric Psychiatry and Neuropsychiatric Division, State University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-887, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Adriana Orcesi Pedro
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-881, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lucia Costa-Paiva
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-881, São Paulo, Brazil
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20
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Lenert ME, Avona A, Garner KM, Barron LR, Burton MD. Sensory Neurons, Neuroimmunity, and Pain Modulation by Sex Hormones. Endocrinology 2021; 162:bqab109. [PMID: 34049389 PMCID: PMC8237991 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqab109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [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: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The inclusion of women in preclinical pain studies has become more commonplace in the last decade as the National Institutes of Health (NIH) released its "Sex as a Biological Variable" mandate. Presumably, basic researchers have not had a comprehensive understanding about neuroimmune interactions in half of the population and how hormones play a role in this. To date, we have learned that sex hormones contribute to sexual differentiation of the nervous system and sex differences in behavior throughout the lifespan; however, the cycling of sex hormones does not always explain these differences. Here, we highlight recent advances in our understanding of sex differences and how hormones and immune interactions influence sensory neuron activity to contribute to physiology and pain. Neuroimmune mechanisms may be mediated by different cell types in each sex, as the actions of immune cells are sexually dimorphic. Unfortunately, the majority of studies assessing neuronal contributions to immune function have been limited to males, so it is unclear if the mechanisms are similar in females. Finally, pathways that control cellular metabolism, like nuclear receptors, have been shown to play a regulatory role both in pain and inflammation. Overall, communication between the neuroimmune and endocrine systems modulate pain signaling in a sex-dependent manner, but more research is needed to reveal nuances of these mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa E Lenert
- Neuroimmunology and Behavior Laboratory, Center for Advanced Pain Studies (CAPS), Department of Neuroscience, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas 75080, USA
| | - Amanda Avona
- Neuroimmunology and Behavior Laboratory, Center for Advanced Pain Studies (CAPS), Department of Neuroscience, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas 75080, USA
| | - Katherine M Garner
- Neuroimmunology and Behavior Laboratory, Center for Advanced Pain Studies (CAPS), Department of Neuroscience, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas 75080, USA
| | - Luz R Barron
- Neuroimmunology and Behavior Laboratory, Center for Advanced Pain Studies (CAPS), Department of Neuroscience, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas 75080, USA
| | - Michael D Burton
- Neuroimmunology and Behavior Laboratory, Center for Advanced Pain Studies (CAPS), Department of Neuroscience, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas 75080, USA
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Pinkas J, Bojar I, Gujski M, Sarecka-Hujar B, Owoc A, Raczkiewicz D. Effect of interactions between APOE and ESR1 polymorphisms on cognitive functions in postmenopausal women. Arch Med Sci 2021; 17:31-39. [PMID: 33488853 PMCID: PMC7811303 DOI: 10.5114/aoms.2018.72972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2017] [Accepted: 11/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION During menopause the level of estrogens is decreased, which may lead to cognitive impairment or dementia. Some forms of genetic polymorphism were found to be related to cognitive functions, including APOE and ESR1 (PvuII and XbaI) polymorphisms. In the present study we aimed to analyze the impact of interactions between APOE and ESR1 polymorphisms on cognitive functions in the group of postmenopausal women. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study group consisted of 266 postmenopausal women aged 50-65 years without symptoms of dementia. A computerized battery of the Central Nervous System Vital Signs (CNS VS) test was used to diagnose cognitive functions. APOE and ESR1 polymorphisms were genotyped using multiplex PCR and PCR-RFLP methods, respectively. Statistical analysis was performed using two-way analysis of variance in Statistica software. RESULTS The best memory, visual memory, processing and psychomotor speeds were found in women carrying the C allele of the PvuII polymorphism (TC + CC genotypes) in the presence of the APOE ε2/ε3 genotype, while a lower outcome was noted in women with ε3/ε3, and the lowest if they had the ε4 allele. In the case of women with TT genotype of the PvuII polymorphism, cognitive functioning did not decrease in women with the ε4 allele. A similar effect on cognitive functions was observed for AG + GG genotypes of the XbaI and APOE polymorphisms. Women who simultaneously carried CC PvuII and GG XbaI genotypes had the lowest cognitive functions. CONCLUSIONS Interactions of polymorphic variants of APOE and ESR1 genes influenced cognitive functions in postmenopausal women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jarosław Pinkas
- School of Public Health, Center of Postgraduate Medical Education, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Iwona Bojar
- Department of Women’s Health, Institute of Rural Health, Lublin, Poland
| | - Mariusz Gujski
- Department of Prevention of Environmental Hazards and Allergology, Medical University of Warsaw, Poland
| | - Beata Sarecka-Hujar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Alfred Owoc
- Polish Society of Social Medicine and Public Health, Poland
| | - Dorota Raczkiewicz
- Department of Demography, Institute of Statistics and Demography, Collegium of Economic Analysis, SGH Warsaw School of Economics, Warsaw, Poland
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22
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Zou X, Sun Y. Bibliometrics Analysis of the Research Status and Trends of the Association Between Depression and Insulin From 2010 to 2020. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:683474. [PMID: 34366917 PMCID: PMC8339804 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.683474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Depression is one of the common mental illnesses. Because it is an important complication of diabetes, its association with changes in insulin levels and insulin resistance, the causative factors of diabetes, has attracted widespread attention. However, the association between insulin and depression has not been systematically studied through bibliometric and visual analysis. This study is based on 3131 publications of Web of Science to identify the current research status and research trends in this field. The results show that since 2010, the number of publications has been growing rapidly. Cooperative network analysis shows that the United States, the University of Toronto and Roger S Mcintyre are the most influential countries, research institutes and scholars, respectively. Insulin resistance, obesity, and metabolic syndrome are hot topics in this field. Analysis of keywords and references reveals that "sex hormones," is new research area that constantly emerging. As far as we know, this study is the first one to visualize the association between depression and insulin and predict potential future research trends through bibliometric and visual analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohan Zou
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yuan Sun
- Public Computer Education and Research Center, Jilin University, Changchun, China
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23
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Distinct Function of Estrogen Receptors in the Rodent Anterior Cingulate Cortex in Pain-related Aversion. Anesthesiology 2020; 133:165-184. [PMID: 32349075 DOI: 10.1097/aln.0000000000003324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Background
Brain-derived estrogen is implicated in pain-related aversion; however, which estrogen receptors mediate this effect remains unclear. This study hypothesized that the different estrogen receptors in the rostral anterior cingulate cortex play distinct roles in pain-related aversion.
Methods
Formalin-induced conditioned place avoidance and place escape/avoidance paradigms were used to evaluate pain-related aversion in rodents. Immunohistochemistry and Western blotting were used to detect estrogen receptor expression. Patch-clamp recordings were used to examine N-methyl-d-aspartate–mediated excitatory postsynaptic currents in rostral anterior cingulate cortex slices.
Results
The administration of the estrogen receptor-β antagonist 4-(2-phenyl-5,7-bis [trifluoromethyl] pyrazolo [1,5-a] pyrimidin-3-yl) phenol (PHTPP) or the G protein–coupled estrogen receptor-1 antagonist (3aS*,4R*,9bR*)-4-(6-bromo-1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-3a,4,5,9b-3H-cyclopenta [c] quinolone (G15) but not the estrogen receptor-α antagonist 1,3-bis (4-hydroxyphenyl)-4-methyl-5-[4-(2-piperidinylethoxy) phenol]-1H-pyrazole dihydrochloride (MPP) into the rostral anterior cingulate cortex blocked pain-related aversion in rats (avoidance score, mean ± SD: 1,3-bis [4-hydroxyphenyl]-4-methyl-5-(4-[2-piperidinylethoxy] phenol)-1H-pyrazole dihydrochloride (MPP): 47.0 ± 18.9%, 4-(2-phenyl-5,7-bis [trifluoromethyl] pyrazolo [1,5-a] pyrimidin-3-yl) phenol (PHTPP): −7.4 ± 20.6%, and [3aS*,4R*,9bR*]-4-[6-bromo-1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl]-3a,4,5,9b-3H-cyclopenta [c] quinolone (G15): −4.6 ± 17.0% vs. vehicle: 46.5 ± 12.2%; n = 7 to 9; P < 0.0001). Consistently, estrogen receptor-β knockdown but not estrogen receptor-α knockdown by short-hairpin RNA also inhibited pain-related aversion in mice (avoidance score, mean ± SD: estrogen receptor-α–short-hairpin RNA: 26.0 ± 7.1% and estrogen receptor-β–short-hairpin RNA: 6.3 ± 13.4% vs. control short-hairpin RNA: 29.1 ± 9.1%; n = 7 to 10; P < 0.0001). Furthermore, the direct administration of the estrogen receptor-β agonist 2,3-bis (4-hydroxyphenyl)-propionitrile (DPN) or the G protein–coupled estrogen receptor-1 agonist (±)-1-([3aR*,4S*,9bS*]-4-(6-bromo-1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-3a,4,5,9b-tetrahydro-3H-cyclopenta [c]quinolin-8-yl)-ethanone (G1) into the rostral anterior cingulate cortex resulted in conditioned place avoidance (avoidance score, mean ± SD: 2,3-bis (4-hydroxyphenyl)-propionitrile (DPN): 35.3 ± 9.5% and (±)-1-([3aR*,4S*,9bS*]-4-(6-bromo-1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-3a,4,5,9b-tetrahydro-3H-cyclopenta [c]quinolin-8-yl)-ethanone (G1): 43.5 ± 22.8% vs. vehicle: 0.3 ± 14.9%; n = 8; P < 0.0001) but did not affect mechanical or thermal sensitivity. The activation of the estrogen receptor-β/protein kinase A or G protein–coupled estrogen receptor-1/protein kinase B pathway elicited the long-term potentiation of N-methyl-d-aspartate–mediated excitatory postsynaptic currents.
Conclusions
These findings indicate that estrogen receptor-β and G protein–coupled estrogen receptor-1 but not estrogen receptor-α in the rostral anterior cingulate cortex contribute to pain-related aversion by modulating N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor–mediated excitatory synaptic transmission.
Editor’s Perspective
What We Already Know about This Topic
What This Article Tells Us That Is New
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24
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Contreras-Zárate MJ, Cittelly DM. Sex steroid hormone function in the brain niche: Implications for brain metastatic colonization and progression. Cancer Rep (Hoboken) 2020; 5:e1241. [PMID: 33350105 PMCID: PMC8022872 DOI: 10.1002/cnr2.1241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Revised: 01/04/2020] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While sex hormones and their receptors play well-known roles in progression of primary tumors through direct action on sex steroid hormone-responsive cancer cells, emerging evidence suggest that hormones also play important roles in metastatic progression by modulating the tumor microenvironment. Estrogens and androgens synthesized in gonads and within the brain influence memory, behavior, and outcomes of brain pathologies. Yet, their impact on brain metastatic colonization and progression is just beginning to be explored. RECENT FINDINGS Estradiol and testosterone cross the blood-brain barrier and are synthesized de novo in astrocytes and other cells within the adult brain. Circulating and brain-synthesized estrogens have been shown to promote brain metastatic colonization of tumors lacking estrogen receptors (ERs), through mechanisms involving the upregulation of growth factors and neurotrophins in ER+ reactive astrocytes. In this review, we discuss additional mechanisms by which hormones may influence brain metastases, through modulation of brain endothelial cells, astrocytes, and microglia. CONCLUSION A greater understanding of hormone-brain-tumor interactions may shed further light on the mechanisms underlying the adaptation of cancer cells to the brain niche, and provide therapeutic alternatives modulating the brain metastatic niche.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Diana M Cittelly
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, Colorado
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25
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Duncan KA, Saldanha CJ. Central aromatization: A dramatic and responsive defense against threat and trauma to the vertebrate brain. Front Neuroendocrinol 2020; 56:100816. [PMID: 31786088 PMCID: PMC9366903 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2019.100816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2019] [Revised: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Aromatase is the requisite and limiting enzyme in the production of estrogens from androgens. Estrogens synthesized centrally have more recently emerged as potent neuroprotectants in the vertebrate brain. Studies in rodents and songbirds have identified key mechanisms that underlie both; the injury-dependent induction of central aromatization, and the protective effects of centrally synthesized estrogens. Injury-induced aromatase expression in astrocytes occurs following a broad range of traumatic brain damage including excitotoxic, penetrating, and concussive injury. Responses to neural insult such as edema and inflammation involve signaling pathways the components of which are excellent candidates as inducers of this astrocytic response. Finally, estradiol from astrocytes exerts a paracrine neuroprotective influence via the potent inhibition of inflammatory pathways. Taken together, these data suggest a novel role for neural aromatization as a protective mechanism against the threat of inflammation and suggests that central estrogen provision is a wide-ranging neuroprotectant in the vertebrate brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelli A Duncan
- Department of Biology, Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, NY 12604, United States.
| | - Colin J Saldanha
- Department of Biology and Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, American University, Washington, DC 20016, United States.
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26
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Tsutsui K. Kobayashi award: Discovery of cerebellar and pineal neurosteroids and their biological actions on the growth and survival of Purkinje cells during development (review). Gen Comp Endocrinol 2019; 284:113051. [PMID: 30339808 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2018.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2018] [Revised: 10/09/2018] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The brain has traditionally been considered to be a target site of peripheral steroid hormones. On the other hand, extensive studies over the past thirty years have demonstrated that the brain is a site of biosynthesis of several steroids. Such steroids synthesized de novo from cholesterol in the brain are called neurosteroids. To investigate the biosynthesis and biological actions of neurosteroids in the brain, data on the regio- and temporal-specific synthesis of neurosteroids are needed. In the mid 1990s, the Purkinje cell, an important cerebellar neuron, was discovered as a major cell producing neurosteroids in the brain of vertebrates. It was the first demonstration of de novo neuronal biosynthesis of neurosteroids in the brain. Subsequently, neuronal biosynthesis of neurosteroids and biological actions of neurosteroids have become clear by the follow-up studies using the Purkinje cell as an excellent cellular model. Progesterone and estradiol, which are known as sex steroid hormones, are actively synthesized de novo from cholesterol in the Purkinje cell during development, when cerebellar neuronal circuit formation occurs. Importantly, progesterone and estradiol synthesized in the Purkinje cell promote dendritic growth, spinogenesis and synaptogenesis via their cognate nuclear receptors in the Purkinje cell. Neurotrophic factors may mediate these neurosteroid actions. Futhermore, allopregnanolone (3α,5α-tetrahydroprogesterone), a progesterone metabolite, is also synthesized in the cerebellum and acts on the survival of Purkinje cells. On the other hand, at the beginning of 2010s, the pineal gland, an endocrine organ located close to the cerebellum, was discovered as an important site of the biosynthesis of neurosteroids. Allopregnanolone, a major pineal neurosteroid, acts on the Purkinje cell for the survival of Purkinje cells by suppressing the expression of caspase-3, a crucial mediator of apoptosis. I as a recipient of Kobayashi Award from the Japan Society for Comparative Endocrinology in 2016 summarize the discovery of cerebellar and pineal neurosteroids and their biological actions on the growth and survival of Purkinje cells during development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuyoshi Tsutsui
- Laboratory of Integrative Brain Sciences, Department of Biology, Waseda University, and Center for Medical Life Science of Waseda University, 2-2 Wakamatsu-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8480, Japan.
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27
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Moyano P, Sanjuan J, García JM, Anadon MJ, Lobo M, Pelayo A, García J, Frejo MT, Del Pino J. Primary hippocampal estrogenic dysfunction induces synaptic proteins alteration and neuronal cell death after single and repeated paraquat exposure. Food Chem Toxicol 2019; 136:110961. [PMID: 31715309 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2019.110961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2019] [Revised: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The extensively utilized herbicide Paraquat (PQ) was reported to generate cognitive disorders and hippocampal neuronal cell death after unique and extended exposure. Although, most of the mechanisms that mediate these actions remain unknown. We researched whether PQ induces synaptic protein disruption, Tau and amyloid beta protein formation, oxidative stress generation, and hippocampal neuronal cell loss through anti-estrogen action in primary hippocampal neurons, after day and two weeks PQ treatment, as a probable mechanism of such learning and memory impairment. Our results reveal that PQ did not alter estrogen receptors (ERα and ERβ) gene expression, yet it decreased ER activation, which led to synaptic proteins disruption and amyloid beta proteins generation and Tau proteins hyperphosphorylation. Estrogenic signaling disruption induced by PQ also downregulated the NRF2 pathway leading to oxidative stress generation. Finally, PQ exposure induced cell death mediated by ER dysfunction partially through oxidative stress and amyloid beta proteins generation and Tau proteins hyperphosphorylation. The results presented provide a therapeutic strategy to protect against PQ toxic effects, possibly giving an explanation for the learning and memory impairment generated following PQ exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Moyano
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Veterinary School, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Sanjuan
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Veterinary School, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - José Manuel García
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Veterinary School, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - María José Anadon
- Department of Legal Medicine, Psychiatry and Pathology, Medical School, Complutense University of Madrid, 28041, Madrid, Spain
| | - Margarita Lobo
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Veterinary School, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Adela Pelayo
- Department of Legal Medicine, Psychiatry and Pathology, Medical School, Complutense University of Madrid, 28041, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jimena García
- Department of Pharmacology, Health Sciences School, Alfonso X University, 28691, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Teresa Frejo
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Veterinary School, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Del Pino
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Veterinary School, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
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28
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Wang YX, Zhu L, Li LX, Xu HN, Wang HG, An D, Heng B, Zhao Q, Liu YQ. Postnatal Expression Patterns of Estrogen Receptor Subtypes and Choline Acetyltransferase in Different Regions of the Papez Circuit. Dev Neurosci 2019; 41:203-211. [PMID: 31536986 DOI: 10.1159/000502686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The Papez circuit is crucial for several brain functions, including long-term memory and emotion. Estradiol modulates cognitive functions based on the expression pattern of its receptor subtypes including estrogen receptor (ER) α, β, and G protein-coupled receptor 30 (GPR30). Similarly, the activity in the cholinergic system correlates with several brain functions, such as learning and memory. In this study, we used immunofluorescence to examine the expression patterns of ERβ and Western blotting to analyze GPR30 and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) expression, in different regions of the Papez circuit, including the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, hypothalamus, anterior nucleus of the thalamus, and cingulum in female rats at postnatal days (PND) 1, 10, and 56. Our main finding was that the highest expression of ERβ and GPR30 was noted in each brain area of the Papez circuit in the PND1 rats, whereas the expression of ChAT was the highest in PND10 rats. These results provide vital information on the postnatal expression patterns of ER subtypes and ChAT in different regions of the Papez circuit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Xiang Wang
- Department of Zoology and Developmental Biology,College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Lin Zhu
- Department of Zoology and Developmental Biology,College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Li-Xia Li
- Department of Zoology and Developmental Biology,College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Hui-Nan Xu
- Department of Zoology and Developmental Biology,College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Hong-Gang Wang
- Department of Zoology and Developmental Biology,College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Di An
- Department of Zoology and Developmental Biology,College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Bin Heng
- Department of Zoology and Developmental Biology,College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Qiang Zhao
- Department of Zoology and Developmental Biology,College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yan-Qiang Liu
- Department of Zoology and Developmental Biology,College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China,
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29
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Marongiu R. Accelerated Ovarian Failure as a Unique Model to Study Peri-Menopause Influence on Alzheimer's Disease. Front Aging Neurosci 2019; 11:242. [PMID: 31551757 PMCID: PMC6743419 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2019.00242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite decades of extensive research efforts, efficacious therapies for Alzheimer's disease (AD) are lacking. The multi-factorial nature of AD neuropathology and symptomatology has taught us that a single therapeutic approach will most likely not fit all. Women constitute ~70% of the affected AD population, and pathology and rate of symptoms progression are 2-3 times higher in women than men. Epidemiological data suggest that menopausal estrogen loss may be causative of the more severe symptoms observed in AD women, however, results from clinical trials employing estrogen replacement therapy are inconsistent. AD pathological hallmarks-amyloid β (Aβ), neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs), and chronic gliosis-are laid down during a 20-year prodromal period before clinical symptoms appear, which coincides with the menopause transition (peri-menopause) in women (~45-54-years-old). Peri-menopause is marked by widely fluctuating estrogen levels resulting in periods of irregular hormone-receptor interactions. Recent studies showed that peri-menopausal women have increased indicators of AD phenotype (brain Aβ deposition and hypometabolism), and peri-menopausal women who used hormone replacement therapy (HRT) had a reduced AD risk. This suggests that neuroendocrine changes during peri-menopause may be a trigger that increases risk of AD in women. Studies on sex differences have been performed in several AD rodent models over the years. However, it has been challenging to study the menopause influence on AD due to lack of optimal models that mimic the human process. Recently, the rodent model of accelerated ovarian failure (AOF) was developed, which uniquely recapitulates human menopause, including a transitional peri-AOF period with irregular estrogen fluctuations and a post-AOF stage with low estrogen levels. This model has proven useful in hypertension and cognition studies with wild type animals. This review article will highlight the molecular mechanisms by which peri-menopause may influence the female brain vulnerability to AD and AD risk factors, such as hypertension and apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype. Studies on these biological mechanisms together with the use of the AOF model have the potential to shed light on key molecular pathways underlying AD pathogenesis for the development of precision medicine approaches that take sex and hormonal status into account.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Marongiu
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurosurgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, Department of Neurosurgery, Cornell University, New York, NY, United States
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30
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Yousuf H, Smies CW, Hafenbreidel M, Tuscher JJ, Fortress AM, Frick KM, Mueller D. Infralimbic Estradiol Enhances Neuronal Excitability and Facilitates Extinction of Cocaine Seeking in Female Rats via a BDNF/TrkB Mechanism. Front Behav Neurosci 2019; 13:168. [PMID: 31417375 PMCID: PMC6684748 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2019.00168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Accepted: 07/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Women are more susceptible to developing cocaine dependence than men, but paradoxically, are more responsive to treatment. The potent estrogen, 17β-estradiol (E2), mediates these effects by augmenting cocaine seeking but also promoting extinction of cocaine seeking through E2's memory-enhancing functions. Although we have previously shown that E2 facilitates extinction, the neuroanatomical locus of action and underlying mechanisms are unknown. Here we demonstrate that E2 infused directly into the infralimbic-medial prefrontal cortex (IL-mPFC), a region critical for extinction consolidation, enhances extinction of cocaine seeking in ovariectomized (OVX) female rats. Using patch-clamp electrophysiology, we show that E2 may facilitate extinction by potentiating intrinsic excitability of IL-mPFC neurons. Because the mnemonic effects of E2 are known to be regulated by brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its receptor, tropomyosin-related kinase B (TrkB), we examined whether BDNF/TrkB signaling was necessary for E2-induced enhancement of excitability and extinction. We found that E2-mediated increases in excitability of IL-mPFC neurons were abolished by Trk receptor blockade. Moreover, blockade of TrkB signaling impaired E2-facilitated extinction of cocaine seeking in OVX female rats. Thus, E2 enhances IL-mPFC neuronal excitability in a TrkB-dependent manner to support extinction of cocaine seeking. Our findings suggest that pharmacological enhancement of E2 or BDNF/TrkB signaling during extinction-based therapies would improve therapeutic outcome in cocaine-addicted women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Yousuf
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Chad W Smies
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Madalyn Hafenbreidel
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Jennifer J Tuscher
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Ashley M Fortress
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Karyn M Frick
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Devin Mueller
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, United States.,Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, United States
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31
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Gintzler AR, Storman EM, Liu NJ. Estrogens as arbiters of sex-specific and reproductive cycle-dependent opioid analgesic mechanisms. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2019; 111:227-246. [PMID: 31421702 PMCID: PMC7136895 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2019.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The organization of estrogenic signaling in the CNS is exceedingly complex. It is comprised of peripherally and centrally synthesized estrogens, and a plethora of types of estrogen receptor that can localize to both the nucleus and the plasma membrane. Moreover, CNS estrogen receptors can exist independent of aromatase (aka estrogen synthase) as well as oligomerize with it, along with a host of other membrane signaling proteins. This ability of CNS estrogen receptors to either to physically pair or exist separately enables locally produced estrogens to act on multiple spatial levels, with a high degree of gradated regulation and plasticity, signaling either in-phase or out-of phase with circulating estrogens. This complexity explains the numerous contradictory findings regarding sex-dependent pain processing and sexually dimorphic opioid antinociception. This review highlights the increasing awareness that estrogens are major endogenous arbiters of both opioid analgesic actions and the mechanisms used to achieve them. This behooves us to understand, and possibly intercede at, the points of intersection of estrogenic signaling and opioid functionality. Factors that integrate estrogenic actions at subcellular, synaptic, and CNS regional levels are likely to be prime drug targets for novel pharmacotherapies designed to modulate CNS estrogen-dependent opioid functionalities and possibly circumvent the current opioid epidemic.
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MESH Headings
- Analgesia
- Analgesics, Opioid/pharmacology
- Animals
- Aromatase
- Brain/physiology
- Dynorphins/physiology
- Estrogens/physiology
- Female
- Humans
- Male
- Neurosecretory Systems/physiology
- Nociception/drug effects
- Nociception/physiology
- Receptors, Estrogen/physiology
- Receptors, Opioid, kappa/drug effects
- Receptors, Opioid, kappa/physiology
- Receptors, Opioid, mu/drug effects
- Receptors, Opioid, mu/physiology
- Reproduction/physiology
- Sex Characteristics
- Signal Transduction/physiology
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan R Gintzler
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, State University of New York, Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, United States.
| | - Emiliya M Storman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, State University of New York, Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, United States
| | - Nai-Jiang Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, State University of New York, Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, United States
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Liu L, Yan J, Ge F, Xu X, Lu J, Shi H, Li S, Zhao Y, Zhang C. Saikosaponin‑D improves fear memory deficits in ovariectomized rats via the action of estrogen receptor‑α in the hippocampus. Mol Med Rep 2019; 20:332-340. [PMID: 31115535 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2019.10232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2018] [Accepted: 04/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Saikosaponin‑D (SSD), which is the main bioactive component in the traditional Chinese medicine Chai Hu (Bupleurum falcatum L), possesses estrogen‑like properties and is widely used in treating estrogen‑related neurological disorders. The current study aimed to investigate the protective effects of SSD on the fear memory deficit in ovariectomized (OVX) rats and the potential underlying mechanism. SSD treatment significantly prolonged freezing time in OVX rats in a manner similar to that of estradiol (E2), whereas this effect was markedly suppressed by co‑administration of ICI182780, a non‑selective estrogen receptor (ER) inhibitor. The expression of ERα in the hippocampus of OVX rats was significantly elevated by SSD; however, Erβ expression and E2 synthesis were not markedly affected by SSD treatment. Collectively, this study demonstrated that SSD‑mediated fear memory improvement in OVX rats may be attributed not to E2 levels or ERβ activity, but to ERα activation in the hippocampus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina Liu
- Department of Hepatology, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, P.R. China
| | - Jing Yan
- Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases in Chinese Medicine, First Clinical Medical College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, P.R. China
| | - Fei Ge
- Department of Gastroenterology, Haian Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Haian, Jiangsu 226600, P.R. China
| | - Xiangtao Xu
- Department of Hepatology, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, P.R. China
| | - Jun Lu
- Department of Hepatology, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, P.R. China
| | - Huilian Shi
- Department of Hepatology, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, P.R. China
| | - Shuihong Li
- Department of Psychiatry and Imageology, Central People's Hospital of Zhanjiang Affiliated to Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong 524048, P.R. China
| | - Yue Zhao
- Department of Psychiatry and Imageology, Central People's Hospital of Zhanjiang Affiliated to Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong 524048, P.R. China
| | - Changzheng Zhang
- Department of Psychology and Key Laboratory of Psychological Assessment and Rehabilitation for Exceptional Children, Lingnan Normal University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong 524048, P.R. China
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Chronic Amyloid β Oligomer Infusion Evokes Sustained Inflammation and Microglial Changes in the Rat Hippocampus via NLRP3. Neuroscience 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2018.02.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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Blaustein JD. A personal view on traits useful for success in science: Daniel S. Lehrman Award Lecture. Horm Behav 2019; 111:3-6. [PMID: 30578819 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2018.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2018] [Revised: 11/27/2018] [Accepted: 12/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
As the 2018 recipient of the Daniel S. Lehrman Lifetime Achievement Award from the Society for Behavioral Neuroendocrinology, I was asked to give a short lecture in the Young Investigator Symposium of the combined Society for Behavioral Neuroendocrinology/International Congress on Neuroendocrinology meeting in Toronto. This lecture focused on one person's thoughts on what it takes to be successful in an academic science career. In this paper, I elaborate on success, on traits that may be useful for success in science, and on where the field of Behavioral Neuroendocrinology may be going.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey D Blaustein
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Center for Neuroendocrine Studies, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA.
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Ligocki IY, Munson A, Farrar V, Viernes R, Sih A, Connon RE, Calisi RM. Environmentally relevant concentrations of bifenthrin affect the expression of estrogen and glucocorticoid receptors in brains of female western mosquitofish. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2019; 209:121-131. [PMID: 30769158 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2018.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2018] [Revised: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 12/02/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
In recent decades, pyrethroid pesticides have been deemed a safer alternative to previously used pesticides. While some evidence supports this assumption in mammals and birds, exposure to certain pyrethroids can affect concentrations of hormones vital to reproduction in fish. Thus, we hypothesized that pyrethroid exposure impacts fish reproductive behavior and the expression of genes associated with reproduction. We tested our hypothesis by examining effects of the widely used pyrethroid pesticide, bifenthrin, on the reproductive behaviors of the broadly distributed livebearing western mosquitofish, Gambusia affinis. We exposed sexually mature female fish to one of five environmentally relevant concentrations of bifenthrin and conducted behavioral assays to assess reproductive, social, and space use behaviors before and after exposure. We did not detect changes in behaviors measured in response to bifenthrin. However, exposure was associated with increased expression of an estrogen receptor gene (ER-α) and glucocorticoid receptor (GR) in brain tissue at bifenthrin concentrations at concentrations of 5.90 and 24.82 ng/L, and 5.90 and 12.21 ng/L, respectively. Our study supports the perspective that the use of multiple endpoints through integrative approaches is essential for understanding the cumulative impact of pollutants. Integrating physiological, morphological, and behavioral investigations of nonlethal concentrations of pollutants like bifenthrin may heighten our potential to predict their impact on individuals, populations, and communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isaac Y Ligocki
- Dept. of Evolution, Ecology, and Org. Biology, The Ohio State University, 43210, United States; Department of Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior, University of California, Davis, United States.
| | - Amelia Munson
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of California, Davis, United States
| | - Victoria Farrar
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior, University of California, Davis, United States
| | - Rechelle Viernes
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior, University of California, Davis, United States
| | - Andrew Sih
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of California, Davis, United States
| | - Richard E Connon
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Cell Biology, University of California, Davis, United States
| | - Rebecca M Calisi
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior, University of California, Davis, United States
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ERα and/or ERβ activation ameliorates cognitive impairment, neurogenesis and apoptosis in type 2 diabetes mellitus mice. Exp Neurol 2018; 311:33-43. [PMID: 30201537 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2018.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2018] [Revised: 08/30/2018] [Accepted: 09/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Estrogen receptors (ERs) are thought to be associated with the onset and progression of neurodegenerative injuries and diseases, but the relationship and mechanisms underlying between ERs and cognition in type 2 diabetes remain elusive. In the current study, we investigated the effects of ERα and ERβ on the cognition, neurogenesis and apoptosis in high-fat diet and streptozocin-induced diabetic mice. We found that ERα and/or ERβ activation using their agonists (0.5 mg/kg E2, PPT or DPN) ameliorate memory impairment in the Morris water maze and Y-maze tests, increase hippocampal neurogenesis and prevent hippocampal apoptotic responses. Importantly, treatment with the pharmacologic ERs agonists caused significant increases in the membrane ERα and ERβ expression and subsequent PI3K/Akt, CREB and BDNF activation in the hippocampus of type 2 diabetes mellitus mice. Our data indicate that ERα and ERβ are involved in the cognitive impairment in type 2 diabetes, and that activated ERs, such as application of ERs agonists, could be a novel and promising strategy for the treatment of diabetic cognitive impairment.
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Tang SS, Ren Y, Xu LJ, Cao JR, Hong H, Ji H, Hu QH. Activation of ERα and/or ERβ ameliorates cognitive impairment and apoptosis in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. Horm Behav 2018; 105:95-103. [PMID: 30096284 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2018.08.002] [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: 02/15/2018] [Revised: 07/18/2018] [Accepted: 08/07/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Estrogen receptors (ERs) are thought to be associated with the onset and progression of neurodegenerative injuries and diseases, but the relationship and mechanisms underlying between ERs and cognition in type 1 diabetes remain elusive. In the current study, we investigated the effects of ERα and ERβ on the memory impairment and apoptosis in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. We found that ERα and/or ERβ activation using their agonists (0.5 mg/kg E2, PPT or DPN) ameliorate memory impairment in the Morris water maze (MWM) and Y-maze tests and suppress apoptosis as evidenced by decreased caspase-3 activity and increased ratio of Bcl-2/Bax. Importantly, treatment with the pharmacologic ERs agonists caused significant increases in the membrane ERα and ERβ expression and subsequent PI3K/Akt, CREB and BDNF activation in the hippocampus of diabetic mice. Our data indicate that ERα and ERβ are involved in the cognitive impairment of type 1 diabetes and that activation of ERs via administration of ERs agonists could be a novel and promising strategy for the treatment of diabetic cognitive impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su-Su Tang
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Yi Ren
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Li-Jie Xu
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Jing-Ran Cao
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Hao Hong
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Hui Ji
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Qing-Hua Hu
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
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Li J, Rao D, Gibbs RB. Effects of Cholinergic Lesions and Cholinesterase Inhibitors on Aromatase and Estrogen Receptor Expression in Different Regions of the Rat Brain. Neuroscience 2018; 384:203-213. [PMID: 29852246 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2018.05.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2018] [Revised: 05/07/2018] [Accepted: 05/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Cholinergic projections have been shown to interact with estrogens in ways that influence synaptic plasticity and cognitive performance. The mechanisms are not well understood. The goal of this study was to investigate whether cholinergic projections influence brain estrogen production by affecting aromatase (ARO), or influence estrogen signaling by affecting estrogen receptor expression. In the first experiment, ovariectomized rats received intraseptal injection of the selective immunotoxin 192IgG-saporin to destroy cholinergic inputs to the hippocampus. In the second experiment ovariectomized rats received daily intraperitoneal injections of the cholinesterase inhibitors donepezil or galantamine for 1 week. ARO activity and relative levels of ARO, ERα, ERß, and GPR30 mRNAs were quantified in the hippocampus, frontal cortex, amygdala and preoptic area. Results show that the cholinergic lesions effectively removed cholinergic inputs to the hippocampus, but had no significant effect on ARO or on relative levels of ER mRNAs. Likewise, injections of the cholinesterase inhibitors had no effect on ARO or ER expression in most regions of the brain. This suggests that effects of cholinergic inputs on synaptic plasticity and neuronal function are not mediated by effects on local estrogen production or ER expression. One exception was the amygdala where treating with galantamine was associated with a significant increase in ARO activity. The amygdala is a key structure involved in registering fear and anxiety. Hence this finding may be clinically relevant to elderly patients who are treated for memory impairment and who also struggle with fear and anxiety disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junyi Li
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Di Rao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Robert B Gibbs
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA.
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Estrogens synthesized and acting within a spinal oligomer suppress spinal endomorphin 2 antinociception: ebb and flow over the rat reproductive cycle. Pain 2018; 158:1903-1914. [PMID: 28902684 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000000991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The magnitude of antinociception elicited by intrathecal endomorphin 2 (EM2), an endogenous mu-opioid receptor (MOR) ligand, varies across the rat estrous cycle. We now report that phasic changes in analgesic responsiveness to spinal EM2 result from plastic interactions within a novel membrane-bound oligomer containing estrogen receptors (mERs), aromatase (aka estrogen synthase), metabotropic glutamate receptor 1 (mGluR1), and MOR. During diestrus, spinal mERs, activated by locally synthesized estrogens, act with mGluR1 to suppress spinal EM2/MOR antinociception. The emergence of robust spinal EM2 antinociception during proestrus results from the loss of mER-mGluR1 suppression, a consequence of altered interactions within the oligomer. The chemical pairing of aromatase with mERs within the oligomer containing MOR and mGluR1 allows estrogens to function as intracellular messengers whose synthesis and actions are confined to the same signaling oligomer. This form of estrogenic signaling, which we term "oligocrine," enables discrete, highly compartmentalized estrogen/mER-mGluR1 signaling to regulate MOR-mediated antinociception induced by EM2. Finally, spinal neurons were observed not only to coexpress MOR, mERα, aromatase, and mGluR1 but also be apposed by EM2 varicosities. This suggests that modulation of spinal analgesic responsiveness to exogenous EM2 likely reflects changes in its endogenous analgesic activity. Analogous suppression of spinal EM2 antinociception in women (eg, around menses, comparable with diestrus in rats) as well as the (pathological) inability to transition out of that suppressed state at other menstrual cycle stages could underlie, at least in part, the much greater prevalence and severity of chronic pain in women than men.
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Mechanisms of Sex Differences in Fear and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. Biol Psychiatry 2018; 83:876-885. [PMID: 29331353 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2017.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2017] [Revised: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 11/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Following sexual maturity, females disproportionately have higher rates of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and experience greater symptom severity and chronicity as compared with males. This observation has led many to examine sex differences in PTSD risk factors. Though relatively few, these studies reveal that the root causes of PTSD sex differences are complex, and partly represent interactions between sex-specific nonbiological and biological risk factors, which differentially shape PTSD vulnerability. Moreover, these studies suggest that sex-specific PTSD vulnerability is partly regulated by sex differences in fear systems. Fear, which represents a highly conserved adaptive response to threatening environmental stimuli, becomes pathological in trauma- and stress-based psychiatric syndromes, such as PTSD. Over the last 30 years, considerable progress has been made in understanding normal and pathological molecular and behavioral fear processes in humans and animal models. Thus, fear mechanisms represent a tractable PTSD biomarker in the study of sex differences in fear. In this review, we discuss studies that examine nonbiological and biological sex differences that contribute to normal and pathological fear behaviors in humans and animal models. This, we hope, will shed greater light on the potential mechanisms that contribute to increased PTSD vulnerability in females.
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Chen YW, Akad A, Aderogba R, Chowdhury TG, Aoki C. Dendrites of the dorsal and ventral hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons of singly housed female rats exhibit lamina-specific growths and retractions during adolescence that are responsive to pair housing. Synapse 2018; 72:e22034. [PMID: 29631321 DOI: 10.1002/syn.22034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2018] [Revised: 03/27/2018] [Accepted: 04/01/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Adolescence is accompanied by increased vulnerability to psychiatric illnesses, including anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, and eating disorders. The hippocampus is important for regulating emotional state through its ventral compartment and spatial cognition through its dorsal compartment. Previous animal studies have examined hippocampal development at stages before, after or at single time points during adolescence. However, only one study has investigated morphological changes at multiple time points during adolescence, and no study has yet compared developmental changes of dorsal versus ventral hippocampi. We analyzed the dorsal and ventral hippocampi of rats to determine the developmental trajectory of Golgi-stained hippocampal CA1 neurons by sampling at five time points, ranging from postnatal day (P) 35 (puberty) to 55 (end of adolescence). We show that the dorsal hippocampus undergoes transient dendritic retractions in stratum radiatum (SR), while the ventral hippocampus undergoes transient dendritic growths in SR. During adulthood, stress and hormonal fluctuations have been shown to alter the physiology and morphology of hippocampal neurons, but studies of the impact of these factors upon adolescent hippocampi are scarce. In addition, we show that female-female pair housing from P 36-44 significantly increases branching in the dorsal SR and reduces branching in the ventral SR. Taken together with data on spine density, these results indicate that pyramidal cells in the dorsal and ventral CA1 of female adolescents are remodeled differently following single housing. Social housing during adolescence elicits pathway-specific changes in the hippocampus that may underlie behavioral benefits, including stability of emotion regulation and superior cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Wen Chen
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, New York 10003
| | - Ada Akad
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, New York 10003
| | - Ruka Aderogba
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, New York 10003
| | - Tara G Chowdhury
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, New York 10003
| | - Chiye Aoki
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, New York 10003.,Neuroscience Institute, Langone Medical Center, New York University, New York, New York 10016
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Hwang DS, Kim N, Choi JG, Kim HG, Kim H, Oh MS. Dangguijakyak-san ameliorates memory deficits in ovariectomized mice by upregulating hippocampal estrogen synthesis. Altern Ther Health Med 2017; 17:501. [PMID: 29178947 PMCID: PMC5702078 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-017-2015-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2017] [Accepted: 11/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Background Dangguijakyak-san (DJS) is an herbal formulation that has been clinically applicable for treating postmenopausal symptoms and neurological disorders. It is reported that hippocampal estrogen attenuates memory impairment via neuroprotection and synaptogenesis. However, the effect of DJS on hippocampal estrogen synthesis remains unknown. In this study, we explored the effect of DJS and its neuroprotective mechanism against memory impairment in ovariectomized (OVX) mice, with respect to hippocampal estrogen stimulation. Methods Cell cultures were prepared from the hippocampi of 18-day-old embryos from timed pregnant Sprague–Dawley rats. The hippocampi were dissected, collected, dissociated, and plated in 60-mm dishes. The cells were treated with DJS for 48 h and the supernatant was collected to determine estrogen levels. Female ICR mice (8-weeks-old) were housed for 1 week and ovariectomy was performed to remove the influence of ovary-synthesized estrogens. Following a 2-week post-surgical recovery period, the mice were administrated with DJS (50 and 100 mg/kg/day, p.o.) or 17β-estradiol (200 μg/kg/day, i.p.) once daily for 21 days. Hippocampal and serum estrogen levels were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. Memory behavioral tests, western blot, and immunohistochemical analyses were performed to evaluate the neuroprotective effects of DJS in this model. Results DJS treatment promoted estrogen synthesis in primary hippocampal cells and the hippocampus of OVX mice, resulting in the amelioration of OVX-induced memory impairment. Hippocampal estrogen stimulated by DJS treatment contributed to the activation of cAMP response element-binding protein and synaptic protein in OVX mice. Conclusion DJS may attenuate memory deficits in postmenopausal women via hippocampal estrogen synthesis. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12906-017-2015-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Plasticity of Signaling by Spinal Estrogen Receptor α, κ-Opioid Receptor, and Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors over the Rat Reproductive Cycle Regulates Spinal Endomorphin 2 Antinociception: Relevance of Endogenous-Biased Agonism. J Neurosci 2017; 37:11181-11191. [PMID: 29025923 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1927-17.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2017] [Revised: 09/06/2017] [Accepted: 10/02/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
We previously showed that intrathecal application of endomorphin 2 [EM2; the highly specific endogenous μ-opioid receptor (MOR) ligand] induces antinociception that varies with stage of the rat estrous cycle: minimal during diestrus and prominent during proestrus. Earlier studies, however, did not identify proestrus-activated signaling strategies that enable spinal EM2 antinociception. We now report that in female rats, increased spinal dynorphin release and κ-opioid receptor (KOR) signaling, as well as the emergence of glutamate-activated metabotropic glutamate receptor 1 (mGluR1) signaling, are critical to the transition from an EM2 nonresponsive state (during diestrus) to an analgesically responsive state (during proestrus). Differential signaling by mGluR1, depending on its activation by membrane estrogen receptor α (mERα; during diestrus) versus glutamate (during proestrus), concomitant with the ebb and flow of spinal dynorphin/KOR signaling, functions as a switch, preventing or promoting, respectively, spinal EM2 antinociception. Importantly, EM2 and glutamate-containing varicosities appose spinal neurons that express MOR along with mGluRs and mERα, suggesting that signaling mechanisms regulating analgesic effectiveness of intrathecally applied EM2 also pertain to endogenous EM2. Regulation of spinal EM2 antinociception by both the nature of the endogenous mGluR1 activator (i.e., endogenous biased agonism at mGluR1) and changes in spinal dynorphin/KOR signaling represent a novel mechanism for modulating analgesic responsiveness to endogenous EM2 (and perhaps other opioids). This points the way for developing noncanonical pharmacological approaches to pain management by harnessing endogenous opioids for pain relief.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The current prescription opioid abuse epidemic underscores the urgency to develop alternative pharmacotherapies for managing pain. We find that the magnitude of spinal endomorphin 2 (EM2) antinociception not only varies with stage of reproductive cycle, but is also differentially regulated during diestrus and proestrus. This finding highlights the need for sex-specific and cycle-specific approaches to pain management. Additionally, our finding that spinal EM2 antinociception in female rats is regulated by both the ebb and flow of spinal dynorphin/κ-opioid receptor signaling over the estrous cycle, as well as the nature of the endogenous mGluR1 activator, could encourage noncanonical pharmacological approaches to pain management, such as harnessing endogenous opioids for pain relief.
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Bravo Durán DA, Silva Gómez AB, Gutiérrez Rosas AC, Trujillo A. Hemi-ovariectomies promote a decrease in the dendritic lengths of CA1 and CA3 neurons: A dimorphic effect of the cerebral hemispheres. Brain Res 2017; 1662:102-109. [PMID: 28267433 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2017.03.001] [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: 10/01/2016] [Revised: 02/24/2017] [Accepted: 03/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Certain structures of the central nervous system (CNS) are morphologically and functionally related to the ovaries. Ovariectomy has been used to study the functional role of the ovaries in the CNS, as well as the role of the CNS on the reproductive system. In the present study, the effects of left and right hemi-ovariectomy on the morphology of pyramidal neurons from the CA1 and CA3 regions of the ventral hippocampus were studied. During the estrus phase, female Long-Evans rats underwent either left and right hemi-ovariectomies or left and right sham surgeries. Three estrous cycles later, the animals were sacrificed, and their brains were processed in Golgi-Cox stain and analyzed by the Sholl method to calculate the dendritic length of the CA1 and CA3 neurons of the left and right hemispheres. The results indicate that the dendritic lengths of the basilar and apical arbors of the CA1 neurons from the left hemisphere were shorter after both left and right hemi-ovariectomy, while the CA1 neurons from the right hemisphere were not affected by either procedure. However, the basilar dendritic arbors of the CA3 neurons from both hemispheres were affected by right hemi-ovariectomy. The spine density only decreased in the apical arbors in the CA3 neurons from the left hemisphere of rats that underwent right hemi-ovariectomy. This study's results indicate that hemi-ovariectomy in adult rats changes in the morphology of the CA1 and CA3 pyramidal neurons in the ventral hippocampus and that there are dimorphic responses between the hemispheres.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dolores Adriana Bravo Durán
- Laboratorio de Neurofisiología Experimental, Escuela de Biología, Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Edificio 112A, Ciudad Universitaria, CP 72520 Puebla, Puebla, Mexico
| | - Adriana Berenice Silva Gómez
- Laboratorio de Neurofisiología Experimental, Escuela de Biología, Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Edificio 112A, Ciudad Universitaria, CP 72520 Puebla, Puebla, Mexico.
| | - Ana Coral Gutiérrez Rosas
- Laboratorio de Neurofisiología Experimental, Escuela de Biología, Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Edificio 112A, Ciudad Universitaria, CP 72520 Puebla, Puebla, Mexico
| | - Angélica Trujillo
- Laboratorio de Neuroendocrinología, Escuela de Biología, Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Edificio 112A, Ciudad Universitaria, CP 72520 Puebla, Puebla, Mexico
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Evaluating the role of astrocytes on β-estradiol effect on seizures of Pilocarpine epileptic model. Eur J Pharmacol 2017; 797:32-38. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2017.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2016] [Revised: 01/03/2017] [Accepted: 01/11/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Ghazvini H, Shabani M, Asadi-Shekaari M, Khalifeh S, Esmaeilpour K, Khodamoradi M, Sheibani V. Estrogen and Progesterone Replacement Therapy Prevent Methamphetamine-Induced Synaptic Plasticity Impairment in Ovariectomized Rats. ADDICTION & HEALTH 2016; 8:145-156. [PMID: 28496953 PMCID: PMC5422011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Methamphetamine (METH) is one of the most popular psychostimulants which produce long lasting learning and memory impairment. Previous studies have indicated that estrogen and progesterone replacement therapy attenuate cognitive impairment against a wide array of neurodegenerative diseases. Present study was designed to figure out the effects of estrogen, progesterone alone or in combination, on early long-term potentiation (E-LTP) at the cornu ammonis (CA1) area of the hippocampus in METH-exposed ovariectomized (OVX) rat. METHODS Twenty-one days after ovariectomy, the OVX rats received vehicle, estrogen [1 mg/kg, intraperitoneal (IP)] or progesterone (8 mg/kg, IP) and co-administration of estrogen plus progesterone during 14 consecutive days. On the 28th day, animals were exposed to neurotoxic METH regimens [four injections 6 mg/kg, subcutaneous (SC), 2 h intervals] 30 min after the hormones replacement. Finally, we investigated the effect of those ovarian hormones on synaptic plasticity using in vivo extracellular recording in the CA1 area of the hippocampus 2 days after last treatment. FINDINGS The findings showed that the induction and maintenance phase of E-LTP was impaired in the METH exposed animals compared to the saline group. Data from this study demonstrated that treatment with estrogen and progesterone showed a significant facilitation for induction and enhancement of the maintenance of LTP in animals that received METH. In addition, co-administration of estrogen plus progesterone did not significantly affect the hippocampal synaptic plasticity in METH-exposed OVX rats in comparison with METH-exposed animals that received vehicle injections. CONCLUSION The present findings provide new insight about treatment with ovarian hormones on synaptic plasticity deficits induced by METH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamed Ghazvini
- PhD Candidate, Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mohammad Shabani
- Associate Professor, Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Majid Asadi-Shekaari
- Associate Professor, Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Solmaz Khalifeh
- Assistant Professor, Cognitive and Neuroscience Research Center, Tehran Medical Sciences Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Khadijeh Esmaeilpour
- PhD Candidate, Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mehdi Khodamoradi
- PhD Candidate, Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Vahid Sheibani
- Professor, Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran,Correspondence to: Vahid Sheibani PhD,
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Espinosa-Jeffrey A, Arrazola RA, Chu B, Taniguchi A, Barajas SM, Bokhoor P, Garcia J, Feria-Velasco A, de Vellis J. Trophic factors intervention regenerates the nestin-expressing cell population in a model of perinatal excitotoxicity: Implications for perinatal brain injury and prematurity. INTEGRATIVE MOLECULAR MEDICINE 2016; 3:703-715. [PMID: 35558521 PMCID: PMC9094396 DOI: 10.15761/imm.1000228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
We previously showed that TSC1 (a combination of transferrin and IGF-1) is a potent inductor of myelinogenesis in myelin deficient rats and in demyelinated adult mice. More recently, we demonstrated that regeneration of oligodendrocyte progenitors and myelin are possible with a single dose of TSC1 in a mouse model of Premature birth. Here, using the same mouse model of perinatal white matter damage due to glutamate excitotoxicity (GME), we tested the hypothesis that regeneration of endogenous nestin-expressing neural progenitors improves the outcome of prematurity. Treatments: N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA), saline, NMDA+TSC1 together or NMDA followed byTSC1 3 days later, were stereotaxically delivered into the corpus callosum of P4 mouse pups. Fluorescence analysis showed an intense enrichment of nestin-expressing cells in groups injected with NMDA+TSC1 from which many were generated by proliferation. Moreover, when TSC1 was injected three days after the primary insult it was still able to reduce ventricular enlargement and extensively rescue nestin-expressing progenitors. Cells co-expressing the proliferation marker Ki67, CNPase and faint nestin label were more abundant in groups injected with MNDA+TSC1 at 35 days after injection. Stereological analysis showed that the number of nestin-expressing cells in the sub-ventricular zone correlated inversely with the volume of the ventricle. A delayed administration of TSC1 after excitotoxicity reduced ventriculomegaly but not as much as, when NMDA and TSC1 were injected simultaneously. Thus, the earliest TSC1 was administered, the more tissue was rescued as shown by reduced ventriculomegaly. Astrocytes responded to GME by upregulating the expression of estrogen receptor and this expression was attenuated in the presence of TSC1 suggesting a decreased inflammation and a lesser need for estrogen-mediated central nervous system (CNS) neuroprotection.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Espinosa-Jeffrey
- Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Neuroscience Research Building, 635 Charles E. Young Drive South, Los Angeles, California 90095-7332, USA
| | - R A Arrazola
- Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Neuroscience Research Building, 635 Charles E. Young Drive South, Los Angeles, California 90095-7332, USA
| | - B Chu
- Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Neuroscience Research Building, 635 Charles E. Young Drive South, Los Angeles, California 90095-7332, USA
| | - A Taniguchi
- Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Neuroscience Research Building, 635 Charles E. Young Drive South, Los Angeles, California 90095-7332, USA
| | - S M Barajas
- Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Neuroscience Research Building, 635 Charles E. Young Drive South, Los Angeles, California 90095-7332, USA
| | - P Bokhoor
- Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Neuroscience Research Building, 635 Charles E. Young Drive South, Los Angeles, California 90095-7332, USA
| | - J Garcia
- Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Neuroscience Research Building, 635 Charles E. Young Drive South, Los Angeles, California 90095-7332, USA
| | - A Feria-Velasco
- Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Neuroscience Research Building, 635 Charles E. Young Drive South, Los Angeles, California 90095-7332, USA
| | - J de Vellis
- Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Neuroscience Research Building, 635 Charles E. Young Drive South, Los Angeles, California 90095-7332, USA
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48
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Yuen EY, Wei J, Yan Z. Estrogen in prefrontal cortex blocks stress-induced cognitive impairments in female rats. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2016; 160:221-6. [PMID: 26321384 PMCID: PMC4769981 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2015.08.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2015] [Revised: 08/20/2015] [Accepted: 08/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Animal and human studies have found that males and females show distinct stress responses. Recent studies suggest the contribution of estrogen in the brain to this sexual dimorphism. Repeated stress has been found to impair cognitive behaviors via suppressing glutamatergic transmission and glutamate receptor surface expression in pyramidal neurons of prefrontal cortex (PFC) in male rats. On the contrary, female rats exposed to the same stress paradigms show normal synaptic function and PFC-mediated cognition. The level of aromatase, the enzyme for the biosynthesis of estrogen, is significantly higher in the PFC of females than males. The stress-induced glutamatergic deficits and memory impairment are unmasked by blocking estrogen receptors or aromatase in females, suggesting a protective role of estrogen against the detrimental effects of repeated stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunice Y Yuen
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, State University of New York at Buffalo, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA
| | - Jing Wei
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, State University of New York at Buffalo, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA
| | - Zhen Yan
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, State University of New York at Buffalo, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA.
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Buniello A, Ingham NJ, Lewis MA, Huma AC, Martinez-Vega R, Varela-Nieto I, Vizcay-Barrena G, Fleck RA, Houston O, Bardhan T, Johnson SL, White JK, Yuan H, Marcotti W, Steel KP. Wbp2 is required for normal glutamatergic synapses in the cochlea and is crucial for hearing. EMBO Mol Med 2016; 8:191-207. [PMID: 26881968 PMCID: PMC4772953 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.201505523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2015] [Revised: 12/18/2015] [Accepted: 12/21/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
WBP2 encodes the WW domain-binding protein 2 that acts as a transcriptional coactivator for estrogen receptor α (ESR1) and progesterone receptor (PGR). We reported that the loss of Wbp2 expression leads to progressive high-frequency hearing loss in mouse, as well as in two deaf children, each carrying two different variants in the WBP2 gene. The earliest abnormality we detect in Wbp2-deficient mice is a primary defect at inner hair cell afferent synapses. This study defines a new gene involved in the molecular pathway linking hearing impairment to hormonal signalling and provides new therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalisa Buniello
- Wolfson Centre For Age-Related Diseases, King's College London, London, UK Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, UK
| | - Neil J Ingham
- Wolfson Centre For Age-Related Diseases, King's College London, London, UK Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, UK
| | - Morag A Lewis
- Wolfson Centre For Age-Related Diseases, King's College London, London, UK Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, UK
| | - Andreea C Huma
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, UK
| | - Raquel Martinez-Vega
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, UK Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Alberto Sols, CSIC-UAM, Madrid, Spain Centre for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Unit 761, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Isabel Varela-Nieto
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Alberto Sols, CSIC-UAM, Madrid, Spain Centre for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Unit 761, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Roland A Fleck
- Centre for Ultrastructural Imaging, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Oliver Houston
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Tanaya Bardhan
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Stuart L Johnson
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Jacqueline K White
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, UK
| | - Huijun Yuan
- Medical Genetics Center, Southwest Hospital Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Walter Marcotti
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Karen P Steel
- Wolfson Centre For Age-Related Diseases, King's College London, London, UK Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, UK
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50
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Wang Q, Xia X, Deng X, Li N, Wu D, Zhang L, Yang C, Tao F, Zhou J. Lambda-cyhalothrin disrupts the up-regulation effect of 17β-estradiol on post-synaptic density 95 protein expression via estrogen receptor α-dependent Akt pathway. J Environ Sci (China) 2016; 41:252-260. [PMID: 26969072 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2015.04.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2015] [Revised: 03/30/2015] [Accepted: 04/02/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Lambda-cyhalothrin (LCT), one of the type II pyrethroids, has been widely used throughout the world. The estrogenic effect of LCT to increase cell proliferation has been well established. However, whether the estrogenic effect of LCT will influence neurodevelopment has not been investigated. In addition, 17β-Estradiol (E2) plays a crucial role in neurodevelopment and induces an increase in synaptic proteins. The post-synaptic density 95 (PSD95) protein, which is involved in the development of the structure and function of new spines and localized with estrogen receptor α (ERα) at the post-synaptic density (PSD), was detected in our study by using hippocampal neuron cell line HT22. We found that LCT up-regulated PSD95 and ERα expression, estrogen receptor (ER) antagonist ICI182,780 and phosphatidylinositol-4; 5-bisphosphate 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor LY294,002 blocked this effect. In addition, LCT disrupted the promotion effect of E2 on PSD95. To investigate whether the observed changes are caused by ERα-dependent signaling activation, we next detected the effects of LCT on the ERα-mediated PI3K-Protein kinase B (PKB/Akt)-eukaryotic initiation factor (eIF) 4E-binding protein 1 (4E-BP1) pathway. There existed an activation of Akt and the downstream factor 4E-BP1 after LCT treatment. In addition, LCT could disrupt the activation effect of E2 on the Akt pathway. However, no changes in cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) activation and PSD95 messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) were observed. Our findings demonstrated that LCT could increase the PSD95 protein level via the ERα-dependent Akt pathway, and LCT might disrupt the up-regulation effect of E2 on PSD95 protein expression via this signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qunan Wang
- Chinese Academy of Science Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Diseases, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, Anhui, China; Department of Toxicology, College of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China.
| | - Xin Xia
- Department of Toxicology, College of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Xiaomei Deng
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Anhui Provincial Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230001, China
| | - Nian Li
- Department of Toxicology, College of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Daji Wu
- Department of Toxicology, College of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Long Zhang
- Department of Toxicology, College of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Chengwei Yang
- Department of Toxicology, College of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Fangbiao Tao
- Department of Maternal and Child health, College of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Jiangning Zhou
- Chinese Academy of Science Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Diseases, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, Anhui, China.
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