Neuroprotective Effects of Androgens describes the beneficial actions of male sex hormones, primarily testosterone and its metabolites, on the structure, function, and survival of neurons and glial cells within the central and peripheral nervous systems. These effects are crucial for maintaining cognitive health, mood regulation, and potentially reducing the risk of neurodegenerative conditions as men age. This biological function extends significantly beyond the hormones’ classical reproductive roles.
Origin
This concept is derived from neuroendocrinology, a field that studies the interaction between the nervous system and the endocrine system. The term recognizes that androgens act not only on classic target tissues but also possess non-genomic and genomic effects within the brain. Clinical interest has grown due to the observed correlation between age-related androgen decline and increased neurocognitive vulnerability.
Mechanism
Androgens exert their neuroprotective effects through several pathways, including binding to androgen receptors (AR) in specific brain regions like the hippocampus and cortex to promote neuronal growth and plasticity. They also possess antioxidant properties, mitigating oxidative stress and reducing excitotoxicity within the neural environment. Furthermore, testosterone can be locally aromatized to estradiol, which itself is a potent neuroprotectant via estrogen receptors, contributing to overall neuronal resilience.
We use cookies to personalize content and marketing, and to analyze our traffic. This helps us maintain the quality of our free resources. manage your preferences below.
Detailed Cookie Preferences
This helps support our free resources through personalized marketing efforts and promotions.
Analytics cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our website, improving user experience and website performance.
Personalization cookies enable us to customize the content and features of our site based on your interactions, offering a more tailored experience.