Interaction of gonadal hormones, dopaminergic system, and epigenetic regulation in the generation of sex differences in substance use disorders: A systematic review
Raquel Santos-Toscano , Maria Angeles Arevalo , Luis Miguel Garcia-Segura , Daniela Grassi , Natalia Lagunas
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Substance use disorder (SUD) is a chronic condition characterized by pathological drug-taking and seeking behaviors. Remarkably different between males and females, suggesting that drug addiction is a sexually differentiated disorder. The neurobiological bases of sex differences in SUD include sex-specific reward system activation, influenced by interactions between gonadal hormone level changes, dopaminergic reward circuits, and epigenetic modifications of key reward system genes. This systematic review, adhering to PICOS and PRISMA-P 2015 guidelines, highlights the sex-dependent roles of estrogens, progesterone, and testosterone in SUD. In particular, estradiol elevates and progesterone reduces dopaminergic activity in SUD females, whilst testosterone and progesterone augment SUD behavior in males. Finally, SUD is associated with a sex-specific increase in the rate of opioid and monoaminergic gene methylation. The study reveals the need for detailed research on gonadal hormone levels, dopaminergic or reward system activity, and epigenetic landscapes in both sexes for efficient SUD therapy development.
期刊介绍:
Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology (FIN) publishes a wide range of informative articles including comprehensive reviews, systematic reviews, opinion pieces, and meta-analyses. While the majority of reviews are invited, we also embrace unsolicited reviews and meta-analyses, as well as proposals for thematic special issues, provided they meet our rigorous quality standards. In addition, we encourage authors to submit commentaries that concisely present fresh ideas or offer further analysis to delve deeper into the implications of an article published in our journal.