Abstract
Neuron viability and defense against neurodegenerative disease can be achieved by targeting mitochondrial function to reduce oxidative stress, increase mitochondrial defense mechanisms, or promote energetic metabolism and Ca2+ homeostasis. Exposure to estrogen prior to contact with toxic agents can protect neurons against a wide range of degenerative insults. The proactive defense state induced by estrogen is mediated by complex mechanisms ranging from chemical to biochemical to genomic but which converge upon regulation of mitochondria function. Estrogen preserves ATP levels via increased / enhanced oxidative phosphorylation and reduced ATPase activity thereby increasing mitochondrial respiration efficiency, resulting in a lower oxidative load. In addition, estrogen increases antiapoptotic proteins, Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL, which prevents activation of the permeability transition pore protecting against estrogen-induced increase in mitochondrial Ca2+ sequestration. These effects are likely to be enhanced by antioxidant effects of estrogen, preventing the initiation of the deleterious “mitochondrial spiral”. The extent to which each of these mechanisms contribute to the overall proactive defense state induced by estrogen remains to be determined. However, each aspect of the cascade appears to make a significant if not obligatory impact on the neuroprotective effects of estrogens. Moreover each component of the cascade is required for estrogen regulation of mitochondrial function. Mechanisms of estrogen action and results of the clinical efficacy of estrogen therapy for prevention or treatment of Alzheimers disease are considered in the context of clinical use of estrogen therapy and the design of brain selective estrogens or NeuroSERMs.
Keywords: Mitochondria, NeuroSERMs, estrogen, neurodegenerative
Current Drug Targets - CNS & Neurological Disorders
Title: Mitochondria as Therapeutic Targets of Estrogen Action in the Central Nervous System
Volume: 3 Issue: 4
Author(s): Jon Nilsen and Roberta Diaz Brinton
Affiliation:
Keywords: Mitochondria, NeuroSERMs, estrogen, neurodegenerative
Abstract: Neuron viability and defense against neurodegenerative disease can be achieved by targeting mitochondrial function to reduce oxidative stress, increase mitochondrial defense mechanisms, or promote energetic metabolism and Ca2+ homeostasis. Exposure to estrogen prior to contact with toxic agents can protect neurons against a wide range of degenerative insults. The proactive defense state induced by estrogen is mediated by complex mechanisms ranging from chemical to biochemical to genomic but which converge upon regulation of mitochondria function. Estrogen preserves ATP levels via increased / enhanced oxidative phosphorylation and reduced ATPase activity thereby increasing mitochondrial respiration efficiency, resulting in a lower oxidative load. In addition, estrogen increases antiapoptotic proteins, Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL, which prevents activation of the permeability transition pore protecting against estrogen-induced increase in mitochondrial Ca2+ sequestration. These effects are likely to be enhanced by antioxidant effects of estrogen, preventing the initiation of the deleterious “mitochondrial spiral”. The extent to which each of these mechanisms contribute to the overall proactive defense state induced by estrogen remains to be determined. However, each aspect of the cascade appears to make a significant if not obligatory impact on the neuroprotective effects of estrogens. Moreover each component of the cascade is required for estrogen regulation of mitochondrial function. Mechanisms of estrogen action and results of the clinical efficacy of estrogen therapy for prevention or treatment of Alzheimers disease are considered in the context of clinical use of estrogen therapy and the design of brain selective estrogens or NeuroSERMs.
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Cite this article as:
Nilsen Jon and Brinton Diaz Roberta, Mitochondria as Therapeutic Targets of Estrogen Action in the Central Nervous System, Current Drug Targets - CNS & Neurological Disorders 2004; 3 (4) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1568007043337193
DOI https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1568007043337193 |
Print ISSN 1568-007X |
Publisher Name Bentham Science Publisher |
Online ISSN 1568-007X |
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