Androgens show sex-dependent differences in myelination in immune and non-immune murine models of CNS demyelination.

ABSTRACT: Neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and remyelinating properties of androgens are well-characterized in demyelinated male mice and men suffering from multiple sclerosis. However, androgen effects mediated by the androgen receptor (AR), have been only poorly studied in females who make low androgen levels. Here, we show a predominant microglial AR expression in demyelinated lesions from female mice and women with multiple sclerosis, but virtually undetectable AR expression in lesions from male animals and men with multiple sclerosis. In female mice, androgens and estrogens act in a synergistic way while androgens drive microglia response towards regeneration. Transcriptomic comparisons of demyelinated mouse spinal cords indicate that, regardless of the sex, androgens up-regulate genes relat

SUBMITTER: Zahaf A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10033728 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature