Singh Meharvan, Dykens James A, Simpkins James W
Department of Pharmacology & Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA.
Exp Biol Med (Maywood). 2006 May;231(5):514-21. doi: 10.1177/153537020623100505.
Estrogens are gonadal steroid hormones that are present in the circulation of both males and females and that can no longer be considered within the strict confines of reproductive function. In fact, the bone, the cardiovascular system, and extrahypothalamic regions of the brain are now well-established targets of estrogens. Among the numerous aspects of brain function regulated by estrogens are their effects on mood, cognitive function, and neuronal viability. Here, we review the supporting evidence for estrogens as neuroprotective agents and summarize the various mechanisms that may be involved in this effect, focusing particularly on the mitochondria as an important target. On the basis of this evidence, we discuss the clinical applicability of estrogens in treating various age-related disorders, including Alzheimer disease and stroke, and identify the caveats that must be considered.
雌激素是性腺甾体激素，存在于男性和女性的血液循环中，不再仅仅被视为与生殖功能相关。事实上，骨骼、心血管系统和大脑下丘脑外区域现在已被确认为雌激素的作用靶点。雌激素调节脑功能的众多方面包括对情绪、认知功能和神经元活力的影响。在此，我们综述支持雌激素作为神经保护剂的证据，并总结可能参与此效应的各种机制，特别关注线粒体这一重要靶点。基于这些证据，我们讨论雌激素在治疗包括阿尔茨海默病和中风在内的各种与年龄相关疾病中的临床适用性，并指出必须考虑的注意事项。
