1
|
Sakaguchi K, Tawata S. Giftedness and atypical sexual differentiation: enhanced perceptual functioning through estrogen deficiency instead of androgen excess. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1343759. [PMID: 38752176 PMCID: PMC11094242 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1343759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Syndromic autism spectrum conditions (ASC), such as Klinefelter syndrome, also manifest hypogonadism. Compared to the popular Extreme Male Brain theory, the Enhanced Perceptual Functioning model explains the connection between ASC, savant traits, and giftedness more seamlessly, and their co-emergence with atypical sexual differentiation. Overexcitability of primary sensory inputs generates a relative enhancement of local to global processing of stimuli, hindering the abstraction of communication signals, in contrast to the extraordinary local information processing skills in some individuals. Weaker inhibitory function through gamma-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptors and the atypicality of synapse formation lead to this difference, and the formation of unique neural circuits that process external information. Additionally, deficiency in monitoring inner sensory information leads to alexithymia (inability to distinguish one's own emotions), which can be caused by hypoactivity of estrogen and oxytocin in the interoceptive neural circuits, comprising the anterior insular and cingulate gyri. These areas are also part of the Salience Network, which switches between the Central Executive Network for external tasks and the Default Mode Network for self-referential mind wandering. Exploring the possibility that estrogen deficiency since early development interrupts GABA shift, causing sensory processing atypicality, it helps to evaluate the co-occurrence of ASC with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, dyslexia, and schizophrenia based on phenotypic and physiological bases. It also provides clues for understanding the common underpinnings of these neurodevelopmental disorders and gifted populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kikue Sakaguchi
- Research Department, National Institution for Academic Degrees and Quality Enhancement of Higher Education (NIAD-QE), Kodaira-shi, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shintaro Tawata
- Graduate School of Human Sciences, Sophia University, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Hosseinzadeh S, Afshari S, Molaei S, Rezaei N, Dadkhah M. The role of genetics and gender specific differences in neurodegenerative disorders: Insights from molecular and immune landscape. J Neuroimmunol 2023; 384:578206. [PMID: 37813041 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2023.578206] [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: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative disorders (NDDs) are the most common neurological disorders with high prevalence and have significant socioeconomic implications. Understanding the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms associated with the immune system can be effective in disease etiology, leading to more effective therapeutic approaches for both females and males. The central nervous system (CNS) actively participates in immune responses, both within and outside the CNS. Immune system activation is a common feature in NDDs. Gender-specific factors play a significant role in the prevalence, progression, and manifestation of NDDs. Neuroinflammation, in both inflammatory neurological and neurodegenerative conditions, is defined by the triggering of microglia and astrocyte cell activation. This results in the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Numerous studies have documented the role of neuroinflammation in neurological diseases, highlighting the involvement of immune signaling pathways in disease development. Converging evidence support immune system involvement during neurodegeneration in NDDs. In this review, we summarize emerging evidence that reveals gender-dependent differences in immune responses related to NDDs. Also, we highlight sex differences in immune responses and discuss how these sex-specific influences can increase the risk of NDDs. Understanding the role of gender-specific factors can aid in developing targeted therapeutic strategies and improving patient outcomes. Ultimately, the better understanding of these mechanisms contributed to sex-dependent immune response in NDDs, can be critically usful in targeting of immune signaling cascades in such disorders. In this regard, sex-related immune responses in NDDs may be promising and effective targets in therapeutic strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shahnaz Hosseinzadeh
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, School of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Iran; Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Research Center, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Salva Afshari
- Students Research Committee, Pharmacy School, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Soheila Molaei
- Zoonoses Research Center, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Nima Rezaei
- Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1419733151, Iran; Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Masoomeh Dadkhah
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
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: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ren Y, Zheng J, Wang H. Transiently gene-modulated cell reporter for ultrasensitive detection of estrogen-like compounds in tap water. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 289:133161. [PMID: 34883127 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.133161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2021] [Revised: 11/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Abnormal elevation of indispensable steroid hormone estrogens and exposure to exogenous estrogen-like compounds pose adverse health effects to aquatic animals and human alike. These compounds generally display functionally important estrogenic activity even at extremely low picomolar concentrations. In this study we identified one critical but lethal gene (TAF1) that remarkably represses estrogenic activity. This gene is selected as a candidate for genetically modulating an estrogen-responding cell line. To overcome its lethality, instead of adopting a gene knockout strategy, we developed a transient TAF1 depletion strategy using a designed small interfering RNA. By the transient knockdown of TAF1 in the estrogen-responding reporter cell line, the maximum induction signals for endogenous estrogen 17β-estradiol (E2) and environmental estrogens 17α-ethynyl estradiol (EE2) and bisphenol compounds were enhanced by 4.8-13.3 folds. The limit of detection for EE2 is about 8 × 10-15 mol/L. Moreover, by the established method, trace estrogenic activity (14.7-24.2 pg E2 equivalents (E2Eq)/L) can be detected in a portion of Tap water samples.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yun Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Jing Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Hailin Wang
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, UCAS, Hangzhou, 310024, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; Institute of Environment and Health, Jianghan University, Wuhan, 430056, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Kalarani A, Vinodha V, Moses IR. Inter-relations of brain neurosteroids and monoamines towards reproduction in fish. REPRODUCTION AND BREEDING 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.repbre.2021.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
|
6
|
Liu M, Shen L, Xu M, Wang DQH, Tso P. Estradiol Enhances Anorectic Effect of Apolipoprotein A-IV through ERα-PI3K Pathway in the Nucleus Tractus Solitarius. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:E1494. [PMID: 33322656 PMCID: PMC7764025 DOI: 10.3390/genes11121494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Estradiol (E2) enhances the anorectic action of apolipoprotein A-IV (apoA-IV), however, the intracellular mechanisms are largely unclear. Here we reported that the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling pathway was significantly activated by E2 and apoA-IV, respectively, in primary neuronal cells isolated from rat embryonic brainstem. Importantly, the combination of E2 and apoA-IV at their subthreshold doses synergistically activated the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. These effects, however, were significantly diminished by the pretreatment with LY294002, a selective PI3K inhibitor. E2-induced activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway was through membrane-associated ERα, because the phosphorylation of Akt was significantly increased by PPT, an ERα agonist, and by E2-BSA (E2 conjugated to bovine serum albumin) which activates estrogen receptor on the membrane. Centrally administered apoA-IV at a low dose (0.5 µg) significantly suppressed food intake and increased the phosphorylation of Akt in the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) of ovariectomized (OVX) rats treated with E2, but not in OVX rats treated with vehicle. These effects were blunted by pretreatment with LY294002. These results indicate that E2's regulatory role in apoA-IV's anorectic action is through the ERα-PI3K pathway in the NTS. Manipulation of the PI3K/Akt signaling activation in the NTS may provide a novel therapeutic approach for the prevention and the treatment of obesity-related disorders in females.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Min Liu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45237, USA; (L.S.); (M.X.); (P.T.)
| | - Ling Shen
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45237, USA; (L.S.); (M.X.); (P.T.)
| | - Meifeng Xu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45237, USA; (L.S.); (M.X.); (P.T.)
| | - David Q.-H. Wang
- Department of Medicine and Genetics, Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Marion Bessin Liver Research Center, Einstein-Mount Sinai Diabetes Research Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA;
| | - Patrick Tso
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45237, USA; (L.S.); (M.X.); (P.T.)
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Dai X, Hong L, Shen H, Du Q, Ye Q, Chen X, Zhang J. Estradiol-induced senescence of hypothalamic astrocytes contributes to aging-related reproductive function declines in female mice. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 12:6089-6108. [PMID: 32259796 PMCID: PMC7185128 DOI: 10.18632/aging.103008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Hypothalamic astrocytes are important contributors that activate gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons and promote GnRH/LH (luteinizing hormone) surge. However, the potential roles and mechanisms of astrocytes during the early reproductive decline remain obscure. The current study reported that, in intact middle-aged female mice, astrocytes within the hypothalamic RP3V accumulated senescence-related markers with increasing age. It employed an ovariectomized animal model and a cell model receiving estrogen intervention to confirm the estrogen-induced senescence of hypothalamic astrocytes. It found that estrogen metabolites may be an important factor for the estrogen-induced astrocyte senescence. In vitro molecular analysis revealed that ovarian estradiol activated PKA and up-regulated CYPs expression, metabolizing estradiol into 2-OHE2 and 4-OHE2. Of note, in middle-aged mice, the progesterone synthesis and the ability to promote GnRH release were significantly reduced. Besides, the expression of growth factors decreased and the mRNA levels of proinflammatory cytokines significantly increased in the aging astrocytes. The findings confirm that ovarian estradiol induces the senescence of hypothalamic astrocytes and that the senescent astrocytes compromise the regulation of progesterone synthesis and GnRH secretion, which may contribute to the aging-related declines in female reproductive function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoman Dai
- Department of Neurology and Geriatrics, Fujian Institute of Geriatrics, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350001, Fujian, China
| | - Luyan Hong
- Department of Neurology and Geriatrics, Fujian Institute of Geriatrics, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350001, Fujian, China.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, Jiangxi. China
| | - Hui Shen
- Department of Neurology and Geriatrics, Fujian Institute of Geriatrics, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350001, Fujian, China
| | - Qiang Du
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Fujian Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou 350001, FujianChina
| | - Qinyong Ye
- Department of Neurology and Geriatrics, Fujian Institute of Geriatrics, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350001, Fujian, China
| | - Xiaochun Chen
- Department of Neurology and Geriatrics, Fujian Institute of Geriatrics, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350001, Fujian, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Neurology and Geriatrics, Fujian Institute of Geriatrics, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350001, Fujian, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Ibrahim MMH, Bheemanapally K, Sylvester PW, Briski KP. Sex-specific estrogen regulation of hypothalamic astrocyte estrogen receptor expression and glycogen metabolism in rats. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2020; 504:110703. [PMID: 31931041 PMCID: PMC7325597 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2020.110703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2019] [Revised: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Brain astrocytes are implicated in estrogenic neuroprotection against bio-energetic insults, which may involve their glycogen energy reserve. Forebrain estrogen receptors (ER)-alpha (ERα) and -beta (ERβ) exert differential control of glycogen metabolic enzyme [glycogen synthase (GS); phosphorylase (GP)] expression in hypoglycemic male versus female rats. Studies were conducted using a rat hypothalamic astrocyte primary culture model along with selective ER agonists to investigate the premise that estradiol (E2) exerts sex-dimorphic control over astrocyte glycogen mass and metabolism. Female astrocyte GS and GP profiles are more sensitive to E2 stimulation than the male. E2 did not regulate expression of phospho-GS (inactive enzyme form) in either sex. Data also show that transmembrane G protein-coupled ER-1 (GPER) signaling is implicated in E2 control of GS profiles in each sex and alongside ERα, GP expression in females. E2 increases total 5'-AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) protein in female astrocytes, but stimulated pAMPK (active form) expression with equivalent potency via GPER in females and ERα in males. In female astrocytes, ERα protein was up-regulated at a lower E2 concentration and over a broader dosage range compared to males, whereas ERβ was increased after exposure to 1-10 nM versus 100 pM E2 levels in females and males, respectively. GPER profiles were stimulated by E2 in female, but not male astrocytes. E2 increased astrocyte glycogen content in female, but not male astrocytes; selective ERβ or ERα stimulation elevated glycogen levels in the female and male, respectively. Outcomes imply that dimorphic astrocyte ER and glycogen metabolic responses to E2 may reflect, in part, differential steroid induction of ER variant expression and/or regulation of post-receptor signaling in each sex.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mostafa M H Ibrahim
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana Monroe, Monroe, LA, 71201, USA
| | - Khaggeswar Bheemanapally
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana Monroe, Monroe, LA, 71201, USA
| | - Paul W Sylvester
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana Monroe, Monroe, LA, 71201, USA
| | - Karen P Briski
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana Monroe, Monroe, LA, 71201, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Mariani MM, Mojziszek K, Curley E, Thornton JE. Lowering luteinizing hormone (LH) reverses spatial memory deficits associated with neurotoxin infusion into the hippocampus of ovx rats. Horm Behav 2020; 119:104631. [PMID: 31759942 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2019.104631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Revised: 10/24/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Monica M Mariani
- Neuroscience Department, Oberlin College, 119 Woodland Street, Oberlin, OH 44074, USA.
| | - Kirsten Mojziszek
- Neuroscience Department, Oberlin College, 119 Woodland Street, Oberlin, OH 44074, USA
| | - Emily Curley
- Neuroscience Department, Oberlin College, 119 Woodland Street, Oberlin, OH 44074, USA
| | - Janice E Thornton
- Neuroscience Department, Oberlin College, 119 Woodland Street, Oberlin, OH 44074, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Shafiee M, Mafi A, Nilipour Y, Sourati A, Sassanpour P, Tabatabaeefar M. Estrogen Receptor Expression in Glial Tumors of Iranian Patients: A Single Center Experience. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2020; 15:7-12. [PMID: 32095143 PMCID: PMC6995676 DOI: 10.30699/ijp.2019.95525.1946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Background & Objective Gliomas are the most common type of primary intracranial tumors in adults. The expression of estrogen receptors varies in different grades of glial tumors, and some studies have suggested that this expression might have a prognostic value. It seems that estrogen receptor expression negatively correlates with the histological grade of gliomas. In the present study, we aimed to determine the expression of estrogen receptor in different glial tumors in Iranian patients and to find a possible correlation between its expression and the grade of glial tumors. Methods The brain tumors pathology reports from 2014 to 2017 in the Pathology Department of Shohaday-e Tajrish Hospital in Tehran, Iran were evaluated and 104 different gliomas: 79 cases of astrocytoma and 25 cases of oligodendroglioma were selected. All the samples were re-evaluated by a neuropathologist in order to accurately determine the tumor grade. The immunohistochemistry was carried out to detect the expression of estrogen receptor alpha and beta on brain tumors. Results None of the samples expressed estrogen receptor alpha. In the case of estrogen receptor beta (ERβ), all samples showed various degrees of positivity: 9% weak, 40% moderate, and 51% strong expressions. The level of ERβ expression was found to be conversely correlated with tumor grade. Conclusion Our study demonstrated that ERβ is expressed in the majority (if not all) of the glial tumors and its expression was conversely related to the tumor grade. Because of well-tolerability and acceptable adverse effects, ER agonists might be considered as therapeutic agents for the patients with glial tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Masoumeh Shafiee
- Shohaday-e Tajrish Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ahmad Mafi
- Imam Hussein Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Yalda Nilipour
- Pediatric Pathology Research Center, Research Institute for Children Health, Mofid and Shohaday-e Tajrish Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ainaz Sourati
- Shohaday-e Tajrish Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Pegah Sassanpour
- Shohaday-e Tajrish Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Effect of oestrogen-dependent vasopressin on HPA axis in the median eminence of female rats. Sci Rep 2019; 9:5153. [PMID: 30914732 PMCID: PMC6435644 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-41714-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2018] [Accepted: 03/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The median eminence (ME) anatomically consists of external (eME) and internal (iME) layers. The hypothalamic neurosecretory cells terminate their axons in the eME and secrete their neurohormones regulating anterior pituitary hormone secretion involved in stress responses into the portal vein located in the eME. Magnocellular neurosecretory cells (MNCs) which produce arginine vasopressin (AVP) and oxytocin in the paraventricular (PVN) and supraoptic nuclei (SON) terminate their axons in the posterior pituitary gland (PP) through the iME. Here, we provide the first evidence that oestrogen modulates the dynamic changes in AVP levels in the eME axon terminals in female rats, using AVP-eGFP and AVP-DREADDs transgenic rats. Strong AVP-eGFP fluorescence in the eME was observed at all oestrus cycle stages in adult female rats but not in male transgenic rats. AVP-eGFP fluorescence in the eME was depleted after bilateral ovariectomy but re-appeared with high-dose 17β-oestradiol. AVP-eGFP fluorescence in the MNCs and PP did not change significantly in most treatments. Peripheral clozapine-N-oxide administration induced AVP-DREADDs neurone activation, causing a significant increase in plasma corticosterone levels in the transgenic rats. These results suggest that stress-induced activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis may be caused by oestrogen-dependent upregulation of AVP in the eME of female rats.
Collapse
|
12
|
Martin-Jiménez C, Gaitán-Vaca DM, Areiza N, Echeverria V, Ashraf GM, González J, Sahebkar A, Garcia-Segura LM, Barreto GE. Astrocytes Mediate Protective Actions of Estrogenic Compounds after Traumatic Brain Injury. Neuroendocrinology 2019; 108:142-160. [PMID: 30391959 DOI: 10.1159/000495078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2018] [Accepted: 11/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a serious public health problem. It may result in severe neurological disabilities and in a variety of cellular metabolic alterations for which available therapeutic strategies are limited. In the last decade, the use of estrogenic compounds, which activate protective mechanisms in astrocytes, has been explored as a potential experimental therapeutic approach. Previous works have suggested estradiol (E2) as a neuroprotective hormone that acts in the brain by binding to estrogen receptors (ERs). Several steroidal and nonsteroidal estrogenic compounds can imitate the effects of estradiol on ERs. These include hormonal estrogens, phytoestrogens and synthetic estrogens, such as selective ER modulators or tibolone. Current evidence of the role of astrocytes in mediating protective actions of estrogenic compounds after TBI is reviewed in this paper. We conclude that the use of estrogenic compounds to modulate astrocytic properties is a promising therapeutic approach for the treatment of TBI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia Martin-Jiménez
- Departamento de Nutrición y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Diana Milena Gaitán-Vaca
- Departamento de Nutrición y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Natalia Areiza
- Departamento de Nutrición y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Valentina Echeverria
- Universidad San Sebastián, Fac. Cs de la Salud, Concepción, Chile
- Research and Development Service, Bay Pines VA Healthcare System, Bay Pines, Florida, USA
| | - Ghulam Md Ashraf
- King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Janneth González
- Departamento de Nutrición y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Neurogenic Inflammation Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Luis Miguel Garcia-Segura
- Instituto Cajal, CSIC, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - George E Barreto
- Departamento de Nutrición y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia,
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Pappalardo LW, Samad OA, Liu S, Zwinger PJ, Black JA, Waxman SG. Nav1.5 in astrocytes plays a sex-specific role in clinical outcomes in a mouse model of multiple sclerosis. Glia 2018; 66:2174-2187. [PMID: 30194875 DOI: 10.1002/glia.23470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2018] [Revised: 05/22/2018] [Accepted: 05/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Astrogliosis is a hallmark of neuroinflammatory disorders such as multiple sclerosis (MS). A detailed understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms governing astrogliosis might facilitate the development of therapeutic targets. We investigated whether Nav1.5 expression in astrocytes plays a role in the pathogenesis of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a murine model of MS. We created a conditional knockout of Nav1.5 in astrocytes and determined whether this affects the clinical course of EAE, focal macrophage and T cell infiltration, and diffuse activation of astrocytes. We show that deletion of Nav1.5 from astrocytes leads to significantly worsened clinical outcomes in EAE, with increased inflammatory infiltrate in both early and late stages of disease, unexpectedly, in a sex-specific manner. Removal of Nav1.5 in astrocytes leads to increased inflammation in female mice with EAE, including increased astroglial response and infiltration of T cells and phagocytic monocytes. These cellular changes are consistent with more severe EAE clinical scores. Additionally, we found evidence suggesting possible dysregulation of the immune response-particularly with regard to infiltrating macrophages and activated microglia-in female Nav1.5 KO mice compared with WT littermate controls. Together, our results show that deletion of Nav1.5 from astrocytes leads to significantly worsened clinical outcomes in EAE, with increased inflammatory infiltrate in both early and late stages of disease, in a sex-specific manner.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura W Pappalardo
- Department of Neurology and Center for Neuroscience and Regeneration Research, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, 06510.,Rehabilitation Research Center, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, 06516
| | - Omar A Samad
- Department of Neurology and Center for Neuroscience and Regeneration Research, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, 06510.,Rehabilitation Research Center, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, 06516
| | - Shujun Liu
- Department of Neurology and Center for Neuroscience and Regeneration Research, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, 06510.,Rehabilitation Research Center, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, 06516
| | - Pamela J Zwinger
- Department of Neurology and Center for Neuroscience and Regeneration Research, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, 06510.,Rehabilitation Research Center, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, 06516
| | - Joel A Black
- Department of Neurology and Center for Neuroscience and Regeneration Research, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, 06510.,Rehabilitation Research Center, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, 06516
| | - Stephen G Waxman
- Department of Neurology and Center for Neuroscience and Regeneration Research, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, 06510.,Rehabilitation Research Center, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, 06516
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Acaz-Fonseca E, Avila-Rodriguez M, Garcia-Segura LM, Barreto GE. Regulation of astroglia by gonadal steroid hormones under physiological and pathological conditions. Prog Neurobiol 2016; 144:5-26. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2016.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2015] [Accepted: 06/05/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
|
15
|
Regulation and the Mechanism of Estrogen on Cav1.2 Gene in Rat-Cultured Cortical Astrocytes. J Mol Neurosci 2016; 60:205-13. [PMID: 27498200 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-016-0803-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2016] [Accepted: 07/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
L-type calcium channel (LTCC) gene Cav1.2 is believed to play an important role in the alteration of Ca(2+) homeostasis in brain astrocytes. Increasing evidence shows that alteration of intracellular Ca(2+) concentration is related to the effect of 17β-estradiol (E2) in a variety of neurophysiological and neuropathological conditions. In this study, we measured immunoreactivity of Cav1.2 protein expression in rat primary cortical astrocytes by using Western blots. We demonstrated that E2 upregulated Cav1.2 expression in a dose- and time-dependent manner and the effect of E2 on Cav1.2 expression were blocked by an estrogen receptor (ER) antagonist, ICI-182,780. The ER subtype-selective ERα agonists propylpyrazole triole (PPT) and ERβ agonist diarylpropionitrile (DPN) both increase the expression of Cav1.2 in a dose-dependent manner. Also, the PPT most closely mimicked the upregulation of Cav1.2 protein expression by E2. Similar experiments of 10 nM E2-treated ERα- or ERβ-knockdown astrocytes have also shown that the E2 regulation of Cav1.2 protein expression is mediated through an ERα-dependent pathway. Furthermore, we established that E2 did not change the level of Cav1.2 mRNA. The induction of E2-mediated Cav1.2 expression was inhibited by cycloheximide (CHX) but not by actinomycin D (Act-D), suggesting that E2 regulation of Cav1.2 expression occurred at a posttranscriptional level. We also found that E2 may increase Cav1.2 levels by decreasing its ubiquitination and degradation rate. These findings provide new information about the effect of E2 on Cav1.2 in astrocytes, particularly necessary for the treatment of neurological disease.
Collapse
|
16
|
Naugle MM, Lozano SA, Guarraci FA, Lindsey LF, Kim JE, Morrison JH, Janssen WG, Yin W, Gore AC. Age and Long-Term Hormone Treatment Effects on the Ultrastructural Morphology of the Median Eminence of Female Rhesus Macaques. Neuroendocrinology 2016; 103:650-64. [PMID: 26536204 PMCID: PMC4860175 DOI: 10.1159/000442015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2015] [Accepted: 10/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The median eminence (ME) of the hypothalamus comprises the hypothalamic nerve terminals, glia (especially tanycytes) and the portal capillary vasculature that transports hypothalamic neurohormones to the anterior pituitary gland. The ultrastructure of the ME is dynamically regulated by hormones and undergoes organizational changes during development and reproductive cycles in adult females, but relatively little is known about the ME during aging, especially in nonhuman primates. Therefore, we used a novel transmission scanning electron microscopy technique to examine the cytoarchitecture of the ME of young and aged female rhesus macaques in a preclinical monkey model of menopausal hormone treatments. Rhesus macaques were ovariectomized and treated for 2 years with vehicle, estradiol (E2), or estradiol + progesterone (E2 + P4). While the overall cytoarchitecture of the ME underwent relatively few changes with age and hormones, changes to some features of neural and glial components near the portal capillaries were observed. Specifically, large neuroterminal size was greater in aged compared to young adult animals, an effect that was mitigated or reversed by E2 alone but not by E2 + P4 treatment. Overall glial size and the density and tissue fraction of the largest subset of glia were greater in aged monkeys, and in some cases reversed by E2 treatment. Mitochondrial size was decreased by E2, but not E2 + P4, only in aged macaques. These results contrast substantially with work in rodents, suggesting that the ME of aging macaques is less vulnerable to age-related disorganization, and that the effects of E2 on monkeys' ME are age specific.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Sateria A. Lozano
- Division of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX
| | - Fay A. Guarraci
- Department of Psychology, Southwestern University, Georgetown, TX
| | - Larry F. Lindsey
- Center for Learning and Memory, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX
| | - Ji E. Kim
- Division of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX
| | - John H. Morrison
- Fishberg Department of Neuroscience and the Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - William G.M. Janssen
- Fishberg Department of Neuroscience and the Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Weiling Yin
- Division of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX
| | - Andrea C. Gore
- Institute for Neuroscience, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX
- Division of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX
- Institute for Cellular & Molecular Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX
- Correspondence: Andrea C Gore, PhD, The University of Texas at Austin, 107 West Dean Keeton, C0875, Austin, TX, 78712, USA, ; Tel: +1-512-471-3669; Fax: +1-512-471-5002
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Wicher G, Norlin M. Estrogen-mediated regulation of steroid metabolism in rat glial cells; effects on neurosteroid levels via regulation of CYP7B1-mediated catalysis. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2015; 145:21-7. [PMID: 25263657 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2014.09.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [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: 04/30/2014] [Revised: 09/22/2014] [Accepted: 09/23/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Many neuroactive steroids, including dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), pregnenolone, 27-hydroxycholesterol and 17β-estradiol, are known to affect development and function of the brain and nervous system. These and other steroids can undergo tissue and/or cell-specific enzymatic conversions into steroid metabolites. Carefully regulated production of steroids with various physiological effects is important for cells of the nervous system. Astrocytes express many steroidogenic enzymes and are considered important producers of brain steroids. The quantitative roles of different pathways for steroid metabolism in rat astrocytes are not clear. In the current study we examined effects of estrogens on steroid metabolism catalyzed by CYP7B1 and other enzymes in primary cultures of rat astrocytes. The CYP7B1 enzyme, which has been linked to neurodegenerative disease, is involved in the metabolism of several important neurosteroids. In the present study, we found that 7α-hydroxylation, performed by CYP7B1, is the quantitatively most important pathway for DHEA metabolism in rat astrocytes. In addition, our present experiments on catalytic steroid conversions revealed that estrogens significantly suppress the CYP7B1-catalyzed metabolism of not only DHEA but also of pregnenolone and 27-hydroxycholesterol in rat astrocytes. These novel findings point to a regulatory mechanism for control of the cellular levels of these neurosteroids via CYP7B1. Our hypothesis that estrogens can regulate neurosteroid levels via this enzymatic reaction was supported by experiments using ELISA to assay levels of DHEA and pregnenolone in the presence or absence of estrogen. Furthermore, the present results show that estrogen suppresses CYP7B1-catalyzed 7α-hydroxylation also in primary cultures of rat Schwann cells, indicating that regulation by estrogen via this enzyme may be of relevance in both the CNS and the PNS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Grzegorz Wicher
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, Sweden
| | - Maria Norlin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Wang C, Jie C, Dai X. Possible roles of astrocytes in estrogen neuroprotection during cerebral ischemia. Rev Neurosci 2014; 25:255-68. [PMID: 24566361 DOI: 10.1515/revneuro-2013-0055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2013] [Accepted: 01/29/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
17β-Estradiol (E2), one of female sex hormones, has well-documented neuroprotective effects in a variety of clinical and experimental disorders of the central cerebral ischemia, including stroke and neurodegenerative diseases. The cellular mechanisms that underlie these protective effects of E2 are uncertain because a number of different cell types express estrogen receptors in the central nervous system. Astrocytes are the most abundant cells in the central nervous system and provide structural and nutritive support of neurons. They interact with neurons by cross-talk, both physiologically and pathologically. Proper astrocyte function is particularly important for neuronal survival under ischemic conditions. Dysfunction of astrocytes resulting from ischemia significantly influences the responses of other brain cells to injury. Recent studies demonstrate that estrogen receptors are expressed in astrocytes, indicating that E2 may exert multiple regulatory actions on astrocytes. Cerebral ischemia induced changes in the expression of estrogen receptors in astrocytes. In the present review, we summarize the data in support of possible roles for astrocytes in the mediation of neuroprotection by E2 against cerebral ischemia.
Collapse
|
19
|
Chen C, Kuo J, Wong A, Micevych P. Estradiol modulates translocator protein (TSPO) and steroid acute regulatory protein (StAR) via protein kinase A (PKA) signaling in hypothalamic astrocytes. Endocrinology 2014; 155:2976-85. [PMID: 24877623 PMCID: PMC4097996 DOI: 10.1210/en.2013-1844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The ability of the central nervous system to synthesize steroid hormones has wide-ranging implications for physiology and pathology. Among the proposed roles of neurosteroids is the regulation of the LH surge. This involvement in the estrogen-positive feedback demonstrates the integration of peripheral steroids with neurosteroids. Within the female hypothalamus, estradiol from developing follicles stimulates progesterone synthesis in astrocytes, which activate neural circuits regulating gonadotropin (GnRH) neurons. Estradiol acts at membrane estrogen receptor-α to activate cellular signaling that results in the release of inositol trisphosphate-sensitive calcium stores that are sufficient to induce neuroprogesterone synthesis. The purpose of the present studies was to characterize the estradiol-induced signaling leading to activation of steroid acute regulatory protein (StAR) and transporter protein (TSPO), which mediate the rate-limiting step in steroidogenesis, ie, the transport of cholesterol into the mitochondrion. Treatment of primary cultures of adult female rat hypothalamic astrocytes with estradiol induced a cascade of phosphorylation that resulted in the activation of a calcium-dependent adenylyl cyclase, AC1, elevation of cAMP, and activation of both StAR and TSPO. Blocking protein kinase A activation with H-89 abrogated the estradiol-induced neuroprogesterone synthesis. Thus, together with previous results, these experiments completed the characterization of how estradiol action at the membrane leads to the augmentation of neuroprogesterone synthesis through increasing cAMP, activation of protein kinase A, and the phosphorylation of TSPO and StAR in hypothalamic astrocytes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claire Chen
- Departments of Obstetrics/Gynecology (C.C., J.K.) and Neurobiology (A.W., P.M.), David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, and Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology of the Brain Research Institute (A.W., P.M.), University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Neural mechanisms of female sexual behavior in the rat; comparison with male ejaculatory control. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2014; 121:16-30. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2013.11.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2013] [Revised: 11/12/2013] [Accepted: 11/18/2013] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
|
21
|
Acaz-Fonseca E, Sanchez-Gonzalez R, Azcoitia I, Arevalo MA, Garcia-Segura LM. Role of astrocytes in the neuroprotective actions of 17β-estradiol and selective estrogen receptor modulators. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2014; 389:48-57. [PMID: 24444786 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2014.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2013] [Revised: 01/08/2014] [Accepted: 01/08/2014] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Neuroprotective actions of 17β-estradiol (estradiol) are in part mediated by direct actions on neurons. Astrocytes, which play an essential role in the maintenance of the homeostasis of neural tissue, express estrogen receptors and are also involved in the neuroprotective actions of estradiol in the brain. Estradiol controls gliosis and regulates neuroinflammation, edema and glutamate transport acting on astrocytes. In addition, the hormone regulates the release of neurotrophic factors and other neuroprotective molecules by astrocytes. In addition, reactive astrocytes are a local source of neuroprotective estradiol for the injured brain. Since estradiol therapy is not free from peripheral risks, alternatives for the hormone have been explored. Some selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), which are already in use in clinical practice for the treatment of breast cancer, osteoporosis or menopausal symptoms, exert similar actions to estradiol on astrocytes. Therefore, SERMs represent therapeutic alternatives to estradiol for the activation of astroglia-mediated neuroprotective mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Iñigo Azcoitia
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Facultad de Biología, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, E-28040 Madrid, Spain
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
FitzGerald RE, Wilks MF. Bisphenol A--Why an adverse outcome pathway framework needs to be applied. Toxicol Lett 2014; 230:368-74. [PMID: 24831966 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2014.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2014] [Revised: 04/17/2014] [Accepted: 05/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Bisphenol A (BPA) is one of the most widely used and extensively studied chemicals. Numerous studies have reported in vitro effects or animal adverse findings at BPA doses lower than the no observed adverse effect levels (NOAELs) established in regulatory toxicity studies and used for human health risk assessment. Intensive discussions on the adequacy and relevance of test systems have not satisfactorily resolved whether positive or negative animal and/or in vitro findings are more relevant for human health risk assessment purposes. BPA imperfectly mimics endogenous estrogens at membrane-bound estrogen receptors in the fM-nM concentration range, and may have downstream pleiotropic effects such as human seminoma proliferation and mammary gland hyperplasia after in utero exposure which are not detectable in regulatory toxicology studies. We argue that a structured approach like the OECD Adverse Outcome Pathway (AOP) framework is needed to help researchers in designing relevant studies, and risk assessors in evaluating them. The huge amount of experimental data generated for BPA has highlighted data gaps in basic biology and the shortcomings of current approaches to hazard characterization and risk assessment. Establishing AOPs for BPA, and other endocrine active chemicals, will require major scientific as well as training investments by all responsible stakeholders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R E FitzGerald
- Swiss Centre for Applied Human Toxicology (SCAHT), University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 61, 4056 Basel, Switzerland.
| | - M F Wilks
- Swiss Centre for Applied Human Toxicology (SCAHT), University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 61, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Uranova NA, Vikhreva OV, Rakhmanova VI, Orlovskaia DD. [Reactivity of perineuronal astrocytes in the prefrontal cortex in schizophrenia: an ultrastructural morphometric study]. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova 2014; 114:65-72. [PMID: 25726783 DOI: 10.17116/jnevro201411412165-72] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Previously the ultrastructural alterations of astrocytes have been reported in schizophrenia. Reduced dendritic arborization of the neurons in layer 5 of the prefrontal cortex has been found in schizophrenia. Authors hypothesized that the abnormalities in perineuronal astrocytes (PA) might contribute to these neuronal changes. It was aimed to study the ultrastructure of PA in the prefrontal cortex in schizophrenia. MATERIAL AND METHODS Postmortem electron microscopic morphometric study of PA was performed in layer 5, area 10 of the prefrontal cortex in 39 cases of schizophrenia and 37 controls. RESULTS No significant group differences were found in areas of cell, nucleus, cytoplasm, volume fraction (Vv) of lipofuscin granules and areal density of PA. However, in the subgroup of women with schizophrenia, the areal density of PA was significantly lower and the area of PA was significantly higher as compared to the subgroup of healthy women (-52%, p<0,01; +32%, p<0.05 respectively) and to the subgroup of men with schizophrenia (-56%, p<0,01; +23%, p<0,05 respectively). The area of PA nucleus was negatively correlated with the duration of disease (r= -0.37, p=0.02) and positively with the age of disease onset (ADO) (r=0,47, p<0,01). Areas of PA and of PA nucleus were significantly lower in early ADO (<21 y.o.) as compared to the adult ADO (>21 y.o.) (-24%, p<0.05). Vv of lypofuscin granules was correlated with the age in control group (r=0.52, p=0.001), but not in schizophrenia group (r=0.13, p=0.4). CONCLUSION Significant differences in PA reactivity in the prefrontal cortex in the schizophrenia are associated with gender and age at onset of the disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- N A Uranova
- FGBU 'Nauchnyĭ tsentr psikhicheskogo zdorov'ia' RAMN, Moskva
| | - O V Vikhreva
- FGBU 'Nauchnyĭ tsentr psikhicheskogo zdorov'ia' RAMN, Moskva
| | - V I Rakhmanova
- FGBU 'Nauchnyĭ tsentr psikhicheskogo zdorov'ia' RAMN, Moskva
| | - D D Orlovskaia
- FGBU 'Nauchnyĭ tsentr psikhicheskogo zdorov'ia' RAMN, Moskva
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Fuente-Martin E, Garcia-Caceres C, Morselli E, Clegg DJ, Chowen JA, Finan B, Brinton RD, Tschöp MH. Estrogen, astrocytes and the neuroendocrine control of metabolism. Rev Endocr Metab Disord 2013; 14:331-8. [PMID: 24009071 PMCID: PMC3825572 DOI: 10.1007/s11154-013-9263-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Obesity, and its associated comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and certain cancers, represent major health challenges. Importantly, there is a sexual dimorphism with respect to the prevalence of obesity and its associated metabolic diseases, implicating a role for gonadal hormones. Specifically, estrogens have been demonstrated to regulate metabolism perhaps by acting as a leptin mimetic in the central nervous system (CNS). CNS estrogen receptors (ERs) include ER alpha (ERα) and ER beta (ERβ), which are found in nuclear, cytoplasmic and membrane sites throughout the brain. Additionally, estrogens can bind to and activate a G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER), which is a membrane-associated ER. ERs are expressed on neurons as well as glia, which are known to play a major role in providing nutrient supply for neurons and have recently received increasing attention for their potentially important involvement in the CNS regulation of systemic metabolism and energy balance. This brief overview summarizes data focusing on the potential role of astrocytic estrogen action as a key component of estrogenic modulation responsible for mediating the sexual dimorphism in body weight regulation and obesity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E. Fuente-Martin
- Institute for Diabetes and Obesity, Helmholtz Zentrum München and Department of Medicine, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - C. Garcia-Caceres
- Institute for Diabetes and Obesity, Helmholtz Zentrum München and Department of Medicine, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - E. Morselli
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX USA
| | - D. J. Clegg
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX USA
| | - J. A. Chowen
- Hospital Infantil Universitario Niño Jesús, Department of Endocrinology, Instituto de Investigación La Princesa, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red (CIBER) de la Fisiopatología de Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - B. Finan
- Institute for Diabetes and Obesity, Helmholtz Zentrum München and Department of Medicine, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - R. D. Brinton
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | - M. H. Tschöp
- Institute for Diabetes and Obesity, Helmholtz Zentrum München and Department of Medicine, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
- Institute for Diabetes and Obesity, Helmholtz Center Munich, HelmholtzZentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Ingolstaedter Landstr. 1, 85764 Neuherberg/Munich, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Iwabuchi J, Koshimizu K, Nakagawa T. Expression profile of the aromatase enzyme in the Xenopus brain and localization of estradiol and estrogen receptors in each tissue. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2013; 194:286-94. [PMID: 24135319 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2013.09.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2013] [Revised: 09/02/2013] [Accepted: 09/28/2013] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Estradiol (E2) with the strongest bioactivity of the estrogens, is synthesized by the cytochrome p450 aromatase enzyme and plays a key role in sex differentiation of the vertebrate's gonads. In Xenopus, aromatase mRNA is highly expressed in the brain rather than in the gonad during sex differentiation. In this study, we analyzed the stage change, tissue specificity, and localization of the aromatase expression in the Xenopus brain. Regardless of the sex difference, expression level of aromatase was remarkably higher in the brain than in other tissues during the early stages of brain morphogenesis and was observed in the formation regions of the choroid plexus of cerebral ventricle and the paleocortex and olfactory bulb of the prosencephalon. However, E2 concentrations in each tissue indicated a different localization of aromatase and were seen in the heart at almost double the level as seen in the brain. In addition, while aromatase expression level in the brain was increasing, E2 in the whole body began to increase at the same stage. Since the expression level of estrogen receptor α also corresponded to localization of E2, these results may imply that the E2 synthesized by the high aromatase expression in the choroid plexus, which generates cerebrospinal fluid, circulates to the heart and acts through ERα.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junshin Iwabuchi
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, College of Humanities and Sciences, Nihon University, 3-25-40 Sakurajosui, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 156-8550, Japan.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Srivastava DP, Woolfrey KM, Penzes P. Insights into rapid modulation of neuroplasticity by brain estrogens. Pharmacol Rev 2013; 65:1318-50. [PMID: 24076546 PMCID: PMC3799233 DOI: 10.1124/pr.111.005272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Converging evidence from cellular, electrophysiological, anatomic, and behavioral studies suggests that the remodeling of synapse structure and function is a critical component of cognition. This modulation of neuroplasticity can be achieved through the actions of numerous extracellular signals. Moreover, it is thought that it is the integration of different extracellular signals regulation of neuroplasticity that greatly influences cognitive function. One group of signals that exerts powerful effects on multiple neurologic processes is estrogens. Classically, estrogens have been described to exert their effects over a period of hours to days. However, there is now increasing evidence that estrogens can rapidly influence multiple behaviors, including those that require forebrain neural circuitry. Moreover, these effects are found in both sexes. Critically, it is now emerging that the modulation of cognition by rapid estrogenic signaling is achieved by activation of specific signaling cascades and regulation of synapse structure and function, cumulating in the rewiring of neural circuits. The importance of understanding the rapid effects of estrogens on forebrain function and circuitry is further emphasized as investigations continue to consider the potential of estrogenic-based therapies for neuropathologies. This review focuses on how estrogens can rapidly influence cognition and the emerging mechanisms that underlie these effects. We discuss the potential sources and the biosynthesis of estrogens within the brain and the consequences of rapid estrogenic-signaling on the remodeling of neural circuits. Furthermore, we argue that estrogens act via distinct signaling pathways to modulate synapse structure and function in a manner that may vary with cell type, developmental stage, and sex. Finally, we present a model in which the coordination of rapid estrogenic-signaling and activity-dependent stimuli can result in long-lasting changes in neural circuits, contributing to cognition, with potential relevance for the development of novel estrogenic-based therapies for neurodevelopmental or neurodegenerative disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Deepak P Srivastava
- Department of Neuroscience & Centre for the Cellular Basis of Behaviour, 125 Coldharbour Lane, The James Black Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, London, SE5 9NU, UK.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Giuliani FA, Escudero C, Casas S, Bazzocchini V, Yunes R, Laconi MR, Cabrera R. Allopregnanolone and puberty: modulatory effect on glutamate and GABA release and expression of 3α-hydroxysteroid oxidoreductase in the hypothalamus of female rats. Neuroscience 2013; 243:64-75. [PMID: 23562943 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2013.03.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2012] [Revised: 02/26/2013] [Accepted: 03/26/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The hypothalamic release of glutamate and GABA regulates neurosecretory functions that may control the onset of puberty. This release may be influenced by neurosteroids such as allopregnanolone. Using superfusion experiments we examined the role of allopregnanolone on the K(+)-evoked and basal [(3)H]-glutamate and [(3)H]-GABA release from mediobasal hypothalamus and anterior preoptic area in prepubertal, vaginal opening and pubertal (P) rats and evaluated its modulatory effect on GABAA and NMDA (N-methyl-d-aspartic acid) receptors. Also, we examined the hypothalamic activity and mRNA expression of 3α-hydroxysteroid oxidoreductase (3α-HSOR) - enzyme that synthesizes allopregnanolone - using a spectrophotometric method and RT-PCR, respectively. Allopregnanolone increased both the K(+)-evoked [(3)H]-glutamate and [(3)H]-GABA release in P rats, being the former effect mediated by the modulation of NMDA receptors - as was reverted by Mg(2+) and by the NMDA receptor antagonist AP-7 and the latter by the modulation of NMDA and GABAA receptors - as was reverted by Mg(2+) and the GABAA receptor antagonist bicuculline. The neurosteroid also increased the basal release of [(3)H]-glutamate in VO rats in an effect that was dependent on the modulation of NMDA receptors as was reverted by Mg(2+). On the other hand we show that allopregnanolone reduced the basal release of [(3)H]-GABA in P rats although we cannot elucidate the precise mechanism by which the neurosteroid exerted this latter effect. The enzymatic activity and the mRNA expression of 3α-HSOR were both increased in P rats regarding the other two studied stages of sexual development. These results suggest an important physiological function of allopregnanolone in the hypothalamus of the P rat where it might be involved in the 'fine tuning' of neurosecretory functions related to the biology of reproduction of the female rats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- F A Giuliani
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), Universidad de Mendoza, IMBECU-CONICET, Paseo Dr. Emilio Descotte 720, 5500 Mendoza, Argentina
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Mahmoodzadeh S, Pham TH, Kuehne A, Fielitz B, Dworatzek E, Kararigas G, Petrov G, Davidson MM, Regitz-Zagrosek V. 17β-Estradiol-induced interaction of ERα with NPPA regulates gene expression in cardiomyocytes. Cardiovasc Res 2012; 96:411-21. [DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvs281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
|
29
|
Kuo J, Micevych P. Neurosteroids, trigger of the LH surge. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2012; 131:57-65. [PMID: 22326732 PMCID: PMC3474707 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2012.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2011] [Revised: 01/19/2012] [Accepted: 01/22/2012] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Recent experiments from our laboratory are consistent with the idea that hypothalamic astrocytes are critical components of the central nervous system (CNS) mediated estrogen positive feedback mechanism. The "astrocrine hypothesis" maintains that ovarian estradiol rapidly increases free cytoplasmic calcium concentrations ([Ca(2+)](i)) that facilitate progesterone synthesis in astrocytes. This hypothalamic neuroprogesterone along with the elevated estrogen from the ovaries allows for the surge release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) that triggers the pituitary luteinizing hormone (LH) surge. A narrow range of estradiol stimulated progesterone production supports an "off-on-off" mechanism regulating the transition from estrogen negative feedback to estrogen positive feedback, and back again. The rapidity of the [Ca(2+)](i) response and progesterone synthesis support a non-genomic, membrane-initiated signaling mechanism. In hypothalamic astrocytes, membrane-associated estrogen receptors (mERs) signal through transactivation of the metabotropic glutamate receptor type 1a (mGluR1a), implying that astrocytic function is influenced by surrounding glutamatergic nerve terminals. Although other putative mERs, such as mERβ, STX-activated mER-Gα(q), and G protein-coupled receptor 30 (GPR30), are present and participate in membrane-mediated signaling, their influence in reproduction is still obscure since female reproduction be it estrogen positive feedback or lordosis behavior requires mERα. The astrocrine hypothesis is also consistent with the well-known sexual dimorphism of estrogen positive feedback. In rodents, only post-pubertal females exhibit this positive feedback. Hypothalamic astrocytes cultured from females, but not males, responded to estradiol by increasing progesterone synthesis. Estrogen autoregulates its own signaling by regulating levels of mERα in the plasma membrane of female astrocytes. In male astrocytes, the estradiol-induced increase in mERα was attenuated, suggesting that membrane-initiated estradiol signaling (MIES) would also be blunted. Indeed, estradiol induced [Ca(2+)](i) release in male astrocytes, but not to levels required to stimulate progesterone synthesis. Investigation of this sexual differentiation was performed using hypothalamic astrocytes from post-pubertal four core genotype (FCG) mice. In this model, genetic sex is uncoupled from gonadal sex. We demonstrated that animals that developed testes (XYM and XXM) lacked estrogen positive feedback, strongly suggesting that the sexual differentiation of progesterone synthesis is driven by the sex steroid environment during early development. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled 'Neurosteroids'.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John Kuo
- Department of Neurobiology, Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology of the Brain Research Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States
| | - Paul Micevych
- Department of Neurobiology, Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology of the Brain Research Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States
- Corresponding author at: Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, 10833 LeConte Avenue, 73-078 CHS, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1763, United States. Tel.: +1 310 206 8265; fax: +1 310 825 2224. (P. Micevych)
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Guo J, Duckles SP, Weiss JH, Li X, Krause DN. 17β-Estradiol prevents cell death and mitochondrial dysfunction by an estrogen receptor-dependent mechanism in astrocytes after oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion. Free Radic Biol Med 2012; 52:2151-60. [PMID: 22554613 PMCID: PMC3377773 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2012.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2011] [Revised: 03/07/2012] [Accepted: 03/08/2012] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
17β-Estradiol (E2) has been shown to protect against ischemic brain injury, yet its targets and the mechanisms are unclear. E2 may exert multiple regulatory actions on astrocytes that may greatly contribute to its ability to protect the brain. Mitochondria are recognized as playing central roles in the development of injury during ischemia. Increasing evidence indicates that mitochondrial mechanisms are critically involved in E2-mediated protection. In this study, the effects of E2 and the role of mitochondria were evaluated in primary cultures of astrocytes subjected to an ischemia-like condition of oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD)/reperfusion. We showed that E2 treatment significantly protects against OGD/reperfusion-induced cell death as determined by cell viability, apoptosis, and lactate dehydrogenase leakage. The protective effects of E2 on astrocytic survival were blocked by an estrogen receptor (ER) antagonist (ICI-182,780) and were mimicked by an ER agonist selective for ERα (PPT), but not by an ER agonist selective for ERβ (DPN). OGD/reperfusion provoked mitochondrial dysfunction as manifested by an increase in cellular reactive oxygen species production, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, and depletion of ATP. E2 pretreatment significantly inhibited OGD/reperfusion-induced mitochondrial dysfunction, and this effect was also blocked by ICI-182,780. Therefore, we conclude that E2 provides direct protection to astrocytes from ischemic injury by an ER-dependent mechanism, highlighting an important role for ERα. Estrogen protects against mitochondrial dysfunction at the early phase of ischemic injury. However, overall implications for protection against brain ischemia and its complex sequelae await further exploration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiabin Guo
- Department of Pharmacology (J.G., S.P.D., D.N.K), Department of Neurology (J.H.W.), School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medicine, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
- Evaluation and Research Centre for Toxicology, Institute of Disease Control and Prevention, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Sue P. Duckles
- Department of Pharmacology (J.G., S.P.D., D.N.K), Department of Neurology (J.H.W.), School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - John H. Weiss
- Department of Pharmacology (J.G., S.P.D., D.N.K), Department of Neurology (J.H.W.), School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Xuejun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medicine, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Diana N. Krause
- Department of Pharmacology (J.G., S.P.D., D.N.K), Department of Neurology (J.H.W.), School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Barreto GE, Gonzalez J, Capani F, Morales L. Neuroprotective agents in brain injury: a partial failure? Int J Neurosci 2012; 122:223-6. [PMID: 22176297 DOI: 10.3109/00207454.2011.648292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Brain injury leads to inflammation, stress, and cell death. Neurons are more susceptible to injury than astrocytes, as they have limited antioxidant capacity, and rely heavily on their metabolic coupling with astrocytes to combat oxidative stress. Both normally and after brain injury, astrocytes support neurons by providing antioxidant protection, substrates for neuronal metabolism, and glutamate clearance. Although astrocytes are generally more resilient than neurons after injury, severe damage also results in astrocyte dysfunction, leading to increased neuronal death. This mini review provides a very insightful and brief overview on a few examples of promising neuroprotective compounds targeting astrocyte function, with specific attention on how these treatments alter astrocyte response or viability, and how this may be critical for neuronal survival following brain injury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- George E Barreto
- Departamento de Nutrición y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá D.C., Colombia.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Abstract
17β-Oestradiol (E(2)) is essential for cyclical gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neuronal activity and secretion. In particular, E(2) increases the excitability of GnRH neurones during the afternoon of pro-oestrus in the rodent, which is associated with increased synthesis and secretion of GnRH. It is well established that E(2) regulates the activity of GnRH neurones through both presynaptic and postsynaptic mechanisms. E(2) significantly modulates the mRNA expression of numerous ion channels in GnRH neurones and alters the associated endogenous conductances, including potassium (K(ATP) , A-type) currents and low-voltage T-type and high-voltage L-type calcium currents. Notably, K(ATP) channels are critical for maintaining GnRH neurones in a hyperpolarised state for recruiting the T-type calcium channels, which are important for burst firing in GnRH neurones. In addition, there are other critical channels contributing to burst firing pattern, including the small conductance Ca(2+) -activated K(+) channels that may be modulated by E(2) . Despite these advances, the cellular mechanisms underlying the cyclical GnRH neuronal activity and GnRH release are largely unknown. Ultimately, the ensemble of both pre- and postsynaptic targets of the actions of E(2) will dictate the excitability and activity pattern of GnRH neurones.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- O K Rønnekleiv
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239-3098, USA.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Diotel N, Servili A, Gueguen MM, Mironov S, Pellegrini E, Vaillant C, Zhu Y, Kah O, Anglade I. Nuclear progesterone receptors are up-regulated by estrogens in neurons and radial glial progenitors in the brain of zebrafish. PLoS One 2011; 6:e28375. [PMID: 22140581 PMCID: PMC3227669 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0028375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2011] [Accepted: 11/07/2011] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
In rodents, there is increasing evidence that nuclear progesterone receptors are transiently expressed in many regions of the developing brain, notably outside the hypothalamus. This suggests that progesterone and/or its metabolites could be involved in functions not related to reproduction, particularly in neurodevelopment. In this context, the adult fish brain is of particular interest, as it exhibits constant growth and high neurogenic activity that is supported by radial glia progenitors. However, although synthesis of neuroprogestagens has been documented recently in the brain of zebrafish, information on the presence of progesterone receptors is very limited. In zebrafish, a single nuclear progesterone receptor (pgr) has been cloned and characterized. Here, we demonstrate that this pgr is widely distributed in all regions of the zebrafish brain. Interestingly, we show that Pgr is strongly expressed in radial glial cells and more weakly in neurons. Finally, we present evidence, based on quantitative PCR and immunohistochemistry, that nuclear progesterone receptor mRNA and proteins are upregulated by estrogens in the brain of adult zebrafish. These data document for the first time the finding that radial glial cells are preferential targets for peripheral progestagens and/or neuroprogestagens. Given the crucial roles of radial glial cells in adult neurogenesis, the potential effects of progestagens on their activity and the fate of daughter cells require thorough investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Diotel
- Neurogenesis and Oestrogens, UMR CNRS 6026, IFR140, Université de Rennes 1, Rennes, France
| | - Arianna Servili
- Neurogenesis and Oestrogens, UMR CNRS 6026, IFR140, Université de Rennes 1, Rennes, France
| | | | - Svetlana Mironov
- Neurogenesis and Oestrogens, UMR CNRS 6026, IFR140, Université de Rennes 1, Rennes, France
| | - Elisabeth Pellegrini
- Neurogenesis and Oestrogens, UMR CNRS 6026, IFR140, Université de Rennes 1, Rennes, France
| | - Colette Vaillant
- Neurogenesis and Oestrogens, UMR CNRS 6026, IFR140, Université de Rennes 1, Rennes, France
| | - Yong Zhu
- Department of Biology, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Olivier Kah
- Neurogenesis and Oestrogens, UMR CNRS 6026, IFR140, Université de Rennes 1, Rennes, France
- * E-mail:
| | - Isabelle Anglade
- Neurogenesis and Oestrogens, UMR CNRS 6026, IFR140, Université de Rennes 1, Rennes, France
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Srivastava DP, Waters EM, Mermelstein PG, Kramár EA, Shors TJ, Liu F. Rapid estrogen signaling in the brain: implications for the fine-tuning of neuronal circuitry. J Neurosci 2011; 31:16056-63. [PMID: 22072656 PMCID: PMC3245715 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.4097-11.2011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2011] [Revised: 09/26/2011] [Accepted: 09/27/2011] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Rapid actions of estrogens were first described >40 years ago. However, the importance of rapid estrogen-mediated actions in the CNS is only now becoming apparent. Several lines of evidence demonstrate that rapid estrogen-mediated signaling elicits potent effects on molecular and cellular events, resulting in the "fine-tuning" of neuronal circuitry. At an ultrastructural level, the details of estrogen receptor localization and how these are regulated by the circulating hormone and age are now becoming evident. Furthermore, the mechanisms that allow membrane-associated estrogen receptors to couple with intracellular signaling pathways are also now being revealed. Elucidation of complex actions of rapid estrogen-mediated signaling on synaptic proteins, connectivity, and synaptic function in pyramidal neurons has demonstrated that this neurosteroid engages specific mechanisms in different areas of the brain. The regulation of synaptic properties most likely underlies the fine-tuning of neuronal circuitry. This in turn may influence how learned behaviors are encoded by different circuitry in male and female subjects. Importantly, as estrogens have been suggested as potential treatments of a number of disorders of the CNS, advancements in our understanding of rapid estrogen signaling in the brain will serve to aid in the development of potential novel estrogen-based treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Deepak P. Srivastava
- Department of Physiology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60611
- Department of Neuroscience and Centre for the Cellular Basis of Behaviour, The James Black Centre, King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, London SE5 8AF, United Kingdom
| | - Elizabeth M. Waters
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York 10065
| | - Paul G. Mermelstein
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455
| | - Enikö A. Kramár
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Irvine, California 92697
| | - Tracey J. Shors
- Department of Psychology and Center for Collaborative Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, and
| | - Feng Liu
- Neuroscience Research Unit, Pfizer Global Research and Development, Groton, Connecticut 06340
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Meitzen J, Mermelstein PG. Estrogen receptors stimulate brain region specific metabotropic glutamate receptors to rapidly initiate signal transduction pathways. J Chem Neuroanat 2011; 42:236-41. [PMID: 21458561 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2011.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2010] [Revised: 02/14/2011] [Accepted: 02/15/2011] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Estradiol and other steroid hormones modulate the nervous system and behavior on both acute and long-term time scales. Though estradiol was originally characterized as a regulator of gene expression through the action of nuclear estrogen receptors (ERs) that directly bind DNA, research over the past thirty years has firmly established that estradiol can bind to extra-nuclear ERs associated with the cellular membrane, producing changes in neurons through stimulation of various intracellular signaling pathways. Several studies have determined that the classical ERs, ERα and ERβ, mediate some of these fast-acting signaling pathways through activation of G proteins. Since ERα and ERβ are not G protein-coupled receptors, the mechanisms by which ERs can stimulate signal transduction pathways are a focus of recent research. Here we discuss recent studies illustrating one mechanism by which ERα and ERβ initiate these pathways: through direct association with metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs). Estradiol binding to these membrane-localized estrogen receptors results in mGluR signaling independent of glutamate. ERs are organized with mGluRs into functional signaling microdomains via caveolin proteins. The pairing of ERs to specific mGluRs via caveolins is region specific, with ERs being linked to different mGluRs in hippocampal, striatal, and other neurons. It is becoming clear that ER signaling through mGluRs is one important mechanism by which estrogens can modulate neuron and glial physiology, ultimately impacting various aspects of nervous system function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John Meitzen
- Dept. of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Modulatory Effects of Melatonin on Cadmium-Induced Changes in Biogenic Amines in Rat Hypothalamus. Neurotox Res 2011; 20:240-9. [DOI: 10.1007/s12640-010-9237-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2010] [Revised: 12/21/2010] [Accepted: 12/23/2010] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
|
37
|
Micevych P, Sinchak K. The Neurosteroid Progesterone Underlies Estrogen Positive Feedback of the LH Surge. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2011; 2:90. [PMID: 22654832 PMCID: PMC3356049 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2011.00090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2011] [Accepted: 11/16/2011] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Our understanding the steroid regulation of neural function has rapidly evolved in the past decades. Not long ago the prevailing thoughts were that peripheral steroid hormones carried information to the brain which passively responded to these steroids. These steroid actions were slow, taking hours to days to be realized because they regulated gene expression. Over the past three decades, discoveries of new steroid receptors, rapid membrane-initiated signaling mechanisms, and de novo neurosteroidogenesis have shed new light on the complexity of steroids actions within the nervous system. Sexual differentiation of the brain during development occurs predominately through timed steroid-mediated expression of proteins and long term epigenetic modifications. In contrast across the estrous cycle, estradiol release from developing ovarian follicles initially increases slowly and then at proestrus increases rapidly. This pattern of estradiol release acts through both classical genomic mechanisms and rapid membrane-initiated signaling in the brain to coordinate reproductive behavior and physiology. This review focuses on recently discovered estrogen receptor-α membrane signaling mechanisms that estradiol utilizes during estrogen positive feedback to stimulate de novo progesterone synthesis within the hypothalamus to trigger the luteinizing hormone (LH) surge important for ovulation and estrous cyclicity. The activation of these signaling pathways appears to be coordinated by the rising and waning of estradiol throughout the estrous cycle and integral to the negative and positive feedback mechanisms of estradiol. This differential responsiveness is part of the timing mechanism triggering the LH surge.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paul Micevych
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology, Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, Brain Research Institute, University of CaliforniaLos Angeles, CA, USA
- *Correspondence: Paul Micevych, Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1763, USA. e-mail:
| | - Kevin Sinchak
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State UniversityLong Beach, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Parent AS, Naveau E, Gerard A, Bourguignon JP, Westbrook GL. Early developmental actions of endocrine disruptors on the hypothalamus, hippocampus, and cerebral cortex. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART B, CRITICAL REVIEWS 2011; 14:328-45. [PMID: 21790315 PMCID: PMC3165012 DOI: 10.1080/10937404.2011.578556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Sex steroids and thyroid hormones play a key role in the development of the central nervous system. The critical role of these hormonal systems may explain the sensitivity of the hypothalamus, the cerebral cortex, and the hippocampus to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDC). This review examines the evidence for endocrine disruption of glial-neuronal functions in the hypothalamus, hippocampus, and cerebral cortex. Focus was placed on two well-studied EDC, the insecticide dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB). DDT is involved in neuroendocrine disruption of the reproductive axis, whereas polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) interact with both the thyroid hormone- and sex steroid-dependent systems and disturb the neuroendocrine control of reproduction and development of hippocampus and cortex. These results highlight the impact of EDC on the developing nervous system and the need for more research in this area.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Simone Parent
- Developmental Neuroendocrinology Unit, GIGA Neurosciences, University of Liège, CHU Sart-Tilman, B4000 Liège, Belgium.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Azcoitia I, Santos-Galindo M, Arevalo MA, Garcia-Segura LM. Role of astroglia in the neuroplastic and neuroprotective actions of estradiol. Eur J Neurosci 2010; 32:1995-2002. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1460-9568.2010.07516.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
|
40
|
Kuo J, Hamid N, Bondar G, Dewing P, Clarkson J, Micevych P. Sex differences in hypothalamic astrocyte response to estradiol stimulation. Biol Sex Differ 2010; 1:7. [PMID: 21208471 PMCID: PMC3016240 DOI: 10.1186/2042-6410-1-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2010] [Accepted: 11/22/2010] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Reproductive functions controlled by the hypothalamus are highly sexually differentiated. One of the most dramatic differences involves estrogen positive feedback, which leads to ovulation. A crucial feature of this positive feedback is the ability of estradiol to facilitate progesterone synthesis in female hypothalamic astrocytes. Conversely, estradiol fails to elevate hypothalamic progesterone levels in male rodents, which lack the estrogen positive feedback-induced luteinizing hormone (LH) surge. To determine whether hypothalamic astrocytes are sexually differentiated, we examined the cellular responses of female and male astrocytes to estradiol stimulation. Methods Primary adult hypothalamic astrocyte cultures were established from wild type rats and mice, estrogen receptor-α knockout (ERKO) mice, and four core genotype (FCG) mice, with the sex determining region of the Y chromosome (Sry) deleted and inserted into an autosome. Astrocytes were analyzed for Sry expression with reverse transcription PCR. Responses to estradiol stimulation were tested by measuring free cytoplasmic calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) with fluo-4 AM, and progesterone synthesis with column chromatography and radioimmunoassay. Membrane estrogen receptor-α (mERα) levels were examined using surface biotinylation and western blotting. Results Estradiol stimulated both [Ca2+]i release and progesterone synthesis in hypothalamic astrocytes from adult female mice. Male astrocytes had a significantly elevated [Ca2+]i response but it was significantly lower than in females, and progesterone synthesis was not enhanced. Surface biotinylation demonstrated mERα in both female and male astrocytes, but only in female astrocytes did estradiol treatment increase insertion of the receptor into the membrane, a necessary step for maximal [Ca2+]i release. Regardless of the chromosomal sex, estradiol facilitated progesterone synthesis in astrocytes from mice with ovaries (XX and XY-), but not in mice with testes (XY-Sry and XXSry). Conclusions Astrocytes are sexually differentiated, and in adulthood reflect the actions of sex steroids during development. The response of hypothalamic astrocytes to estradiol stimulation was determined by the presence or absence of ovaries, regardless of chromosomal sex. The trafficking of mERα in female, but not male, astrocytes further suggests that cell signaling mechanisms are sexually differentiated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John Kuo
- Department of Neurobiology, Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology of the Brain Research Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|