Neuroprotective role of estrogens: relationship with insulin/IGF-1 signaling.
Postmenopausal women have an elevated risk of developing a neurodegenerative disease. These clinical observation supported by basic research, suggest that estrogens are neuroprotective. Insulin resistance represents an independent factor in the etiology of age-associated disease and metabolic syndrome should be considered as a contributing factor to the higher post-menopausal vulnerability to neurological disorders. Elucidating the relationship between insulin resistance associated with aging in females, and the cross-talk between estradiol, insulin, and insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) signaling pathways, will lead to a more complete understanding of the mechanism underlying estradiol-mediated neuroprotection. In past decades, estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) was commonly used as a palliative therapy during menopause, but the mid-term and long-term effects of estrogen as possible promoters of breast cancer and the increased risk of coronary illness or stroke, has limited current usage. A deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms common to all forms of neurodegenerative diseases may hasten the development of protective strategies against chronic age-related deterioration and acute illness, ultimately providing a better quality of life for the elderly.
Department of Functional Biology. Physiology Area. Faculty of Medicine. Oviedo University, C/Julian Claveria 33006 Oviedo, Spain.
Ana
A
Alonso
Celestino
C
Gonzalez
D001921:Brain / Q000378:metabolism*; D004967:Estrogens / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007328:Insulin / Q000378:metabolism*; D007333:Insulin Resistance; D007334:Insulin-Like Growth Factor I / Q000378:metabolism*; D019636:Neurodegenerative Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015398:Signal Transduction
D004967:Estrogens; D007328:Insulin; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents; D007334:Insulin-Like Growth Factor I