TY - JOUR
T1 - Advances in Knowledge of Androgens
T2 - How Intentional and Accidental Neurosteroid Changes Inform Us of Their Action and Role
AU - Frye, Cheryl A.
AU - DaCosta, Dan
AU - Lembo, Vincenzo F.
AU - Walf, Alicia A.
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2020, The Author(s).
PY - 2020/12
Y1 - 2020/12
N2 - Purpose of Review: Here, we summarize current knowledge of androgens’ action gained over the recent years. Recent Findings: Neurosteroids are produced in the brain and peripheral nerves, independent of endocrine glands have been investigated for how they are regulated, and have actions via non-steroid receptor targets to mediate social, affective, and cognitive behavior and to protect the brain. Androgens’ organizing actions in the peri-natal period have effects throughout the lifetime that may be recapitulated later in life during critical periods and at times of challenge. Developmental changes in androgens occur during mid-childhood, adrenarche, puberty, adolescence, young adulthood, middle age, and andropause. Changes in androgens with a 5α-reductase inhibitor, such as finasteride, result in disruptions in organizational and activational functions of androgens that can be unremitting. Summary: Normal developmental or perturbation in androgens through other means can cause changes in androgen-sensitive phenotypes throughout the lifespan, in part through actions of neurosteroids.
AB - Purpose of Review: Here, we summarize current knowledge of androgens’ action gained over the recent years. Recent Findings: Neurosteroids are produced in the brain and peripheral nerves, independent of endocrine glands have been investigated for how they are regulated, and have actions via non-steroid receptor targets to mediate social, affective, and cognitive behavior and to protect the brain. Androgens’ organizing actions in the peri-natal period have effects throughout the lifetime that may be recapitulated later in life during critical periods and at times of challenge. Developmental changes in androgens occur during mid-childhood, adrenarche, puberty, adolescence, young adulthood, middle age, and andropause. Changes in androgens with a 5α-reductase inhibitor, such as finasteride, result in disruptions in organizational and activational functions of androgens that can be unremitting. Summary: Normal developmental or perturbation in androgens through other means can cause changes in androgen-sensitive phenotypes throughout the lifespan, in part through actions of neurosteroids.
KW - 3α-Androstanediol
KW - Androgens
KW - Finasteride
KW - Neurosteroids
KW - Post-finasteride syndrome
KW - Traumatic brain injury
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U2 - 10.1007/s11930-020-00276-2
DO - 10.1007/s11930-020-00276-2
M3 - Review article
AN - SCOPUS:85159940052
SN - 1548-3584
VL - 12
SP - 209
EP - 220
JO - Current Sexual Health Reports
JF - Current Sexual Health Reports
IS - 4
ER -