Abstract
Estradiol exerts neuroprotective actions that are mediated by the regulation of a variety of signaling pathways and homeostatic molecules. Among these is neuroglobin, which is upregulated by estradiol and translocated to the mitochondria to sustain neuronal and glial cell adaptation to injury. In this paper, we will discuss the role of neuroglobin in the neuroprotective mechanisms elicited by estradiol acting on neurons, astrocytes and microglia. We will also consider the role of neuroglobin in the neuroprotective actions of clinically relevant synthetic steroids, such as tibolone. Finally, the possible contribution of the estrogenic regulation of neuroglobin to the generation of sex differences in brain pathology and the potential application of neuroglobin as therapy against neurological diseases will be examined.
Highlights
The central nervous system (CNS) is a target for the ovarian hormone estradiol, which regulates the activity of the neuronal circuits controlling reproductive physiology, sexual behavior and energy homeostasis, and of those participating in the processing of tactile, nociceptive, visual and auditory information, motor coordination, emotions, verbal skills, cognition, learning and memory
Nuclear-initiated estrogen signaling is mediated by classical estrogen receptors (ERs), α (ERα) and β (ERβ), which are transcription factors expressed by neurons, astrocytes and microglia [7,8] and are widely distributed in numerous brain regions, including those that are frequently involved in neurodegenerative diseases, such as the hippocampus, cerebral cortex and the striatum [7,8]
This is in agreement with the fact that neuroglobin expression is enhanced in astrocytes and microglia after brain injury [53,56,57,58,59]
Summary
The central nervous system (CNS) is a target for the ovarian hormone estradiol, which regulates the activity of the neuronal circuits controlling reproductive physiology, sexual behavior and energy homeostasis, and of those participating in the processing of tactile, nociceptive, visual and auditory information, motor coordination, emotions, verbal skills, cognition, learning and memory. Estradiol is neuroprotective in animal models of depression, stroke, traumatic CNS injury, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, diabetic and hypertensive encephalopathies, Alzheimer’s disease and other illnesses of the nervous system [1,2,3,4,5,6] Both under physiological conditions and after CNS injury, estradiol regulates neuronal and glial cell function by a coordinated activation of extranuclear and nuclear signaling events [1]. We will review the protective actions of neuroglobin over glial and neuronal cells, focusing especially on the neuroglobin-enhancing actions of hormonal compounds as a therapeutic strategy to alleviate brain damage
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
