ABOUT THIS EPISODE
Pregnenolone, a neurosteroid derived from cholesterol, affects brain activity and shows promise for treating mood and substance abuse disorders.
TOPICS DISCUSSED:
- Steroid Biosynthesis: Cholesterol converted to pregnenolone, the precursor for all steroid hormones including cortisol, aldosterone, and sex hormones.
- Corticosteroids: Synthetic versions like prednisone primarily target glucocorticoid receptors for anti-inflammatory uses but can impact mood and cognition.
- Pregnenolone Mechanisms: Positive allosteric modulator of NMDA receptors for cognition and negative allosteric modulator of CB1 cannabinoid receptors.
- Allopregnanolone: GABAergic derivative of pregnenolone; its IV form Brexanolone is FDA-approved for postpartum depression.
- Clinical Trials: Pregnenolone at 100-500 mg improved depressive symptoms in placebo-controlled studies of bipolar disorder patients.
- Cannabis Interaction: THC robustly induces brain pregnenolone production; supplementation may reduce cannabis and alcohol use.
- Corticosteroid Brain Impact: Prednisone use associated with smaller hippocampal volumes and memory deficits.
ABOUT THE GUEST: Sherwood Brown, MD, PhD is Vice Chair for Clinical Research in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. With a background in chemistry, his research focuses on steroids and comorbidities in people with mood disorders.
RELATED EPISODE:
- M&M 124: Hormonal Contraception, Sex Hormones, Menstruation, Pregnancy, Puberty, Estrogens, Androgens, Effects of Birth Control on Cognition | Adriene Beltz
Support my work:
- Good Chemistry: Personalized, science-based health consulting. Work with Dr. Nick Jikomes directly.
- Affiliate Partners: Visit this link to see my affiliate partners and get discounts codes for products & services to support health.
For all the ways you can support my efforts.
English
United States
IN THIS EPISODE
TRANSCRIPT 🔗
Are you the producer of this podcast?
Add a podcast transcript
Need Audio-to-Text?
Transcribe with Listen411 in Just 60 Seconds
OTHER EPISODES IN THIS PODCAST
Send us Fan Mail
Blood-brain barrier as a dynamic interface allowing selective passage of nutrients, peptides, and gut hormones.
TOPICS DISCUSSED:
Blood-Brain Barrier Structure: Capillary endothelial cells with tight junctions, absent fenestrae, and minimal vesicles create a selective interface; s…
Send us Fan Mail
GHK-Copper and peptides in skin care, aging, and general health.
TOPICS DISCUSSED:
Endogenous Decline: GHK-copper levels peak in young adulthood then fall with age, reducing natural support for skin repair and collagen maintenance.
Skin Penetration: Effective topical delivery depe…
Send us Fan Mail
The possible role of deuterium (heavy isotope of hydrogen) in regulating cell division, mitochondrial metabolism & cancer.
TOPICS DISCUSSED:
Deuterium Basics: Deuterium is twice as massive as regular hydrogen; natural water contains ~150 ppm, with stronger oxygen-deuterium bon…
Send us Fan Mail
Endogenous peptide diversity, GLP-1 drugs, and methods for novel peptide discovery.
TOPICS DISCUSSED:
Peptide Structure & Production: Short amino acid chains (3-50 residues) cleaved from larger precursors by PCSK enzymes, stored in dense-core vesicles, and released upon stimul…
Send us Fan Mail
Ferroptosis, an iron-dependent cell death pathway driven by lipid peroxidation; chronoferoptosis, in which chronic stress sensitizes neurons gradually.
TOPICS DISCUSSED:
Cell Death Pathways: Apoptosis proceeds through regulated steps with surface “eat me” signals that enable non-i…
Disclaimer: The podcast and artwork embedded on this page are from Nick Jikomes, which is the property of its owner and not affiliated with or endorsed by Listen Notes, Inc.
EDIT
Thank you for helping to keep the podcast database up to date.
