Progesterone, brain-derived neurotrophic factor and neuroprotection

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Endocrinology

Background:

• Progesterone's central nervous system (CNS) effects traditionally linked to reproduction are now recognized for non-reproductive functions like cognition and mood.
• Progesterone exhibits neuroprotective properties across various models, including human studies.
• Mechanisms of progesterone's CNS actions are under investigation, with neurotrophins identified as key mediators.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the mechanisms by which progesterone modulates brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF).
• To highlight BDNF's role in progesterone-mediated neuroprotection within the brain.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on progesterone's effects on neurotrophins, specifically BDNF.
• Analysis of studies investigating progesterone's neuroprotective mechanisms in the CNS.

Main Results:

• Progesterone actively regulates the expression and function of BDNF.
• BDNF is a critical component of the neuroprotective pathways activated by progesterone.

Conclusions:

• Progesterone plays a significant role in CNS function beyond reproduction, impacting cognition and affect.
• The regulation of BDNF by progesterone is central to its neuroprotective actions in the brain.