In vivo brain estrogen receptor density by neuroendocrine aging and relationships with cognition and symptomatology.

Publication Type Academic Article
Authors Mosconi L, Nerattini M, Matthews D, Jett S, Andy C, Williams S, Yepez C, Zarate C, Carlton C, Fauci F, Ajila T, Pahlajani S, Andrews R, Pupi A, Ballon D, Kelly J, Osborne J, Nehmeh S, Fink M, Berti V, Dyke J, Brinton R
Journal Sci Rep
Volume 14
Issue 1
Pagination 12680
Date Published 06/20/2024
ISSN 2045-2322
Keywords Cognition, Brain, Aging, Receptors, Estrogen, Positron-Emission Tomography
Abstract 17β-estradiol, the most biologically active estrogen, exerts wide-ranging effects in brain through its action on estrogen receptors (ERs), influencing higher-order cognitive function and neurobiological aging. However, our knowledge of ER expression and regulation by neuroendocrine aging in the living human brain is limited. This in vivo brain 18F-fluoroestradiol (18F-FES) Positron Emission Tomography (PET) study of healthy midlife women reveals progressively higher ER density over the menopause transition in estrogen-regulated networks. Effects were independent of age, plasma estradiol and sex hormone binding globulin, and were highly consistent, correctly classifying all women as being postmenopausal or premenopausal. Higher ER density in target regions was associated with poorer memory performance for both postmenopausal and perimenopausal groups, and predicted presence of self-reported mood and cognitive symptoms after menopause. These findings provide novel insights on brain ER density modulation by female neuroendocrine aging, with clinical implications for women's health.
DOI 10.1038/s41598-024-62820-7
PubMed ID 38902275
PubMed Central ID PMC11190148
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