Neuro-image guided investigation of the critical role of aromatase inhibitors on brain function

The hormone estrogen has neuroprotective function in the brain. Thus synthesis of estrogen in the brain and ovaries is important for healthy brain functioning. The cythorome P450 aromatase, a key enzyme in the biosynthetic pathway of estrogen, catalyzes the conversion of androgens to estrogen in neurons and activated astrocytes. Aromatase inhibitors are commonly used to treat women with invasive estrogen receptor positive breast cancer. In these patients, however, diminished estrogen levels have been linked with cognitive decline and an increased risk for developing Alzheimer's disease. How aromatase inhibition relates to cognitive dysfunction and AD needs to be investigated. The association between aromatase activity, estrogen level and cognitive performance is complicated and is not completely understood. The aim of this study is to assess how aromatase inhibitors affect the functional and structural network organization of the brain via resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and diffusion tensor imaging. Both of these MRI techniques provide significant information into brain function in disease and health and into the effects of interventions in functional and structural networks.

Keywords:NEUROSCIENCE

Disciplines:Neurosciences, Biological and physiological psychology, Cognitive science and intelligent systems, Developmental psychology and ageing