Hormonal regulation of circuit function: sex, systems and depression

Abstract

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a debilitating chronic illness that is two times more prevalent in women than in men. The mechanisms associated with the increased female susceptibility to depression remain poorly characterized. Aberrant neuronal oscillatory activity within the putative depression network is an emerging mechanism underlying MDD. However, innate sex differences in network activity and its contribution to depression vulnerability have not been well described. In this review, current evidence of sex differences in neuronal oscillatory activity, including the influence of sex hormones and female cycling, will first be described followed by evidence of disrupted neuronal circuit function in MDD and the effects of antidepressant treatment. Lastly, current knowledge of sex differences in MDD-associated aberrant circuit function and oscillatory activity will be highlighted, with an emphasis on the role of sex steroids and female cycling. Collectively, it is clear that there are significant gaps in the literature regarding innate and pathologically associated sex differences in network activity and that the elucidation of these differences is invaluable to our understanding of sex-specific vulnerabilities and therapies for MDD.

Treatment-Resistant Depression Revisited: A Glimmer of Hope

“…As mentioned previously, the literature suggests that the HPA axis and HPG axis are closely intertwined, and in fact, it has been shown that testosterone and cortisol inhibit the release of each other [ 67 , 68 , 69 ]. If the HPG axis negatively regulates the HPA axis, then the HPG axis may play an essential role in decreasing TRD, since chronic high levels of glucocorticoids are a key contributor to the development of these disorders [ 67 , 70 ].…”

“…Transdermal estrogen treatment has been shown to improve ratings on depression rating scales. In other studies, premenopausal females who were taking oral contraceptives (OC) were found to have decreased rates of mood disorders in the transition to menopause [ 70 ]. In another study, longer use of oral contraceptives from menarche to menopause showed a reduced risk of postmenopausal depression [ 79 ].…”

“…The results of the above studies suggest that ovarian hormones are protective against mood disorders. Estrogen and progestin hormone replacement therapy and allopregnanolone (a progesterone metabolite) are the best studied ovarian hormonal interventions for depression in women [ 70 , 71 ]. In fact, studies have found moderate evidence of efficacy of estrogen replacement therapy or hormone replacement therapy for perimenopausal or early postmenopausal women with major depression and physical symptoms of menopause.…”

Intimate partner violence, spouse extramarital affairs, and depression among women in rural Uganda

“…We excluded women who had a physical illness that could have impaired their ability to stand the length of the interview and those whose spouses did not give permission to participate to avoid misunderstandings in the family. Pregnant women, postpartum women, and those aged 45 years and above were excluded, due to hormonal changes in these women associated with higher prevalence of depression [27]. Women above 45 years may be experiencing premenopausal or menopausal symptoms that may present as symptoms of depression hence overestimating the prevalence [28].…”

L-Metiyoninin Neden Olduğu Nörokognitif Yıkılma: Bir Nörodejenerasyon Fare Modeli

“…Bu test ile yalnızca hipokampüse değil hafızanın işlenmesine katılan diğer kortikal yapıları da (entorinal, peririnal korteks ve parahipokampal bölge) test etmiş olduk. Nesne tanıma testinin sonuçları iki yönlü ANOVA ile analiz edildiğinde l-metiyonin alan ve almayan dişi ve erkek grupları arasında anlamlı bir istatistiksel bir farklılık gözlenmemiştir (F(1,34) =2.147; p=0.1521) (Şekil 2-D).…”