The role of steroid hormones in the neurodegenerative diseases

Abstract

An increasing number of elders in a general population and longer life expectancy have a negative outcome in the growth of dissemination of neurodegenerative diseases (NDs). The NDs like Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) show sex-dependent prevalence. It is considered that sex steroids could influence on the NDs occurrence. Epidemiological studies indicate that women suffer more frequently from AD, whereas men from PD and ALS. Research suggest neuroprotective effects of estrogens and confirm that factors reducing their level may have a contribution to a higher morbidity rate to NDs. Adverse effects of androgens on NDs have been noticed, however some data suggest their beneficial actions. Therefore, the understanding of the potential role of sex steroids and their receptors in the pathogenesis and course of NDs would contribute to broadening the knowledge of molecular mechanisms leading to NDs. Moreover effective prevention and treatment could be assessed in the future.