1
|
Allegra A, Caserta S, Genovese S, Pioggia G, Gangemi S. Gender Differences in Oxidative Stress in Relation to Cancer Susceptibility and Survival. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:1255. [PMID: 37371985 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12061255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetic, developmental, biochemical, and environmental variables interact intricately to produce sex differences. The significance of sex differences in cancer susceptibility is being clarified by numerous studies. Epidemiological research and cancer registries have revealed over the past few years that there are definite sex variations in cancer incidence, progression, and survival. However, oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction also have a significant impact on the response to treatment of neoplastic diseases. Young women may be more protected from cancer than men because most of the proteins implicated in the regulation of redox state and mitochondrial function are under the control of sexual hormones. In this review, we describe how sexual hormones control the activity of antioxidant enzymes and mitochondria, as well as how they affect several neoplastic diseases. The molecular pathways that underlie the gender-related discrepancies in cancer that have been identified may be better understood, which may lead to more effective precision medicine and vital information on treatment options for both males and females with neoplastic illnesses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Allegra
- Division of Hematology, Department of Human Pathology in Adulthood and Childhood 'Gaetano Barresi', University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Santino Caserta
- Division of Hematology, Department of Human Pathology in Adulthood and Childhood 'Gaetano Barresi', University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Sara Genovese
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), 98164 Messina, Italy
| | - Giovanni Pioggia
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), 98164 Messina, Italy
| | - Sebastiano Gangemi
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98100 Messina, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
The Effects of Sex and Strain on Pneumocystis murina Fungal Burdens in Mice. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8101101. [PMID: 36294666 PMCID: PMC9605296 DOI: 10.3390/jof8101101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Many preclinical studies of infectious diseases have neglected experimental designs that evaluate potential differences related to sex with a concomitant over-reliance on male model systems. Hence, the NIH implemented a monitoring system for sex inclusion in preclinical studies. Methods: Per this mandate, we examined the lung burdens of Pneumocystis murina infection in three mouse strains in both male and female animals at early, mid, and late time points. Results: Females in each strain had higher infection burdens compared to males at the later time points. Conclusion: Females should be included in experimental models studying Pneumocystis spp.
Collapse
|
3
|
Fitzgerald PJ. Serious infection may systemically increase noradrenergic signaling and produce psychological effects. Med Hypotheses 2020; 139:109692. [PMID: 32234608 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2020.109692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2020] [Revised: 03/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Serious infection elicits inflammatory processes that act through a range of molecular pathways, including cytokine signaling. It is not established however that noradrenaline (NA), a widely distributed neurotransmitter in the brain that is also a principal output molecule of the sympathetic nervous system, can produce psychological effects associated with infection. This paper puts forth the hypothesis that through neural-immune crosstalk, serious infection increases noradrenergic signaling, both in the central nervous system and in peripheral organs. In this manner, elevated noradrenergic transmission may help produce basic symptoms of infection such as fever, fatigue, aches and pains (including headache), nausea, and loss of appetite. NA may also promote cognitive impairment, major depression, unipolar mania, and even epileptic seizures in some cases. The paper focuses on three major types of infection: influenza (viral), tuberculosis (bacterial), malaria (parasitic), while also summarizing the potential relationship between NA and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Four lines of evidence are used to test association between NA and influenza, tuberculosis, and malaria: direct measures of NA and its metabolites; and incidence of hypertension, bipolar mania, and epileptic seizures, since the latter three conditions may be associated with elevated NA. In addition, heart rate variability data are examined with respect to a number of infectious diseases, since those data provide information on sympathetic nervous system activity. While the data do not unequivocally support elevated noradrenergic signaling promoting psychological symptomatology with infection, many studies are consistent with this view.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paul J Fitzgerald
- University of Michigan, Department of Psychiatry, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Sexual hormones regulate the redox status and mitochondrial function in the brain. Pathological implications. Redox Biol 2020; 31:101505. [PMID: 32201220 PMCID: PMC7212485 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2020.101505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Revised: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Compared to other organs, the brain is especially exposed to oxidative stress. In general, brains from young females tend to present lower oxidative damage in comparison to their male counterparts. This has been attributed to higher antioxidant defenses and a better mitochondrial function in females, which has been linked to neuroprotection in this group. However, these differences usually disappear with aging, and the incidence of brain pathologies increases in aged females. Sexual hormones, which suffer a decrease with normal aging, have been proposed as the key factors involved in these gender differences. Here, we provide an overview of redox status and mitochondrial function regulation by sexual hormones and their influence in normal brain aging. Furthermore, we discuss how sexual hormones, as well as phytoestrogens, may play an important role in the development and progression of several brain pathologies, including neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, stroke or brain cancer. Sex hormones are reduced with aging, especially in females, affecting redox balance. Normal aging is associated to a worse redox homeostasis in the brain. Young females show better mitochondrial function and higher antioxidant defenses. Development of brain pathologies is influenced by sex hormones and phytoestrogens.
Collapse
|
5
|
Ruszkiewicz JA, Miranda-Vizuete A, Tinkov AA, Skalnaya MG, Skalny AV, Tsatsakis A, Aschner M. Sex-Specific Differences in Redox Homeostasis in Brain Norm and Disease. J Mol Neurosci 2019; 67:312-342. [DOI: 10.1007/s12031-018-1241-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2018] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
|
6
|
Apoorv TS, Karthik C, Babu PP. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is decreased in the mouse brain during experimental cerebral malaria. Neurosci Lett 2017; 662:290-294. [PMID: 29107705 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2017.10.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2017] [Revised: 10/09/2017] [Accepted: 10/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Cerebral malaria (CM) is a severe form of malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum and P.vivax. CM affects the brain leading to coma and is the leading cause of death in malaria patients. The enzyme, adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), is an important metabolic sensor that helps in maintaining energy homeostasis during normal physiological as well as pathological conditions. In the present study, we studied the status of AMPK in the mouse model of CM. The C57BL/6 mice infected by rodent-specific P.berghei ANKA were used for the study. We found a statistically significant reduction in the gene expressions of Prkaa1 (α1 subunit) and Prkaa2 (α2 subunit) in the brains of CM mice compared to uninfected control. Also, there was a statistically significant reduction in the ratio of phospho-AMPK/AMPK protein levels in CM compared to uninfected control. There was no statistically significant decrease in phospho-ACC/ACC ratio in the brain compared to control. As AMPK is downregulated in CM, there is a possible involvement in neuronal cell death during CM pathogenesis, and therefore we feel that novel AMPK activating drugs might be helpful as an adjunctive therapy for conferring neuroprotection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thittayil Suresh Apoorv
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, 500 046, Telangana State, India
| | - Chintanuri Karthik
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, 500 046, Telangana State, India
| | - Phanithi Prakash Babu
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, 500 046, Telangana State, India.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Al-Shaebi EM, Mohamed WF, Al-Quraishy S, Dkhil MA. Susceptibility of mice strains to oxidative stress and neurotransmitter activity induced by Plasmodium berghei. Saudi J Biol Sci 2017; 25:167-170. [PMID: 29379375 PMCID: PMC5775085 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2017.01.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2016] [Revised: 01/03/2017] [Accepted: 01/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the susceptibility of female C57Bl/6 and Swiss Albino mice to oxidative stress and neurotransmitters activity induced by Plasmodium berghei. On day 9 p.i. with P. berghei infected erythrocytes, the mice reduced in weight. This weight loss was markedly higher in SW mice and reached about −14%. Also, the infection was able to cause oxidative damage to the brain tissue. Catalase activity as well as glutathione, malondialdehyde and nitric oxide levels were different in the two mice strains. Moreover, the brain content of neurotransmitters, epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin in mice brain was higher in SW mice than B6 mice. We concluded that, the strain of mice is one factor that could alter the response of mice to P. berghei infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Esam M Al-Shaebi
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Saudi Arabia
| | - Walid F Mohamed
- Department of Biological and Geological Sciences, Faculty of Education, Ain Shams University, Egypt
| | - Saleh Al-Quraishy
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed A Dkhil
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Zoology and Entomology, Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Liu Y, Yao Y, Li H, Qiao F, Wu J, Du ZY, Zhang M. Influence of Endogenous and Exogenous Estrogenic Endocrine on Intestinal Microbiota in Zebrafish. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0163895. [PMID: 27701432 PMCID: PMC5049800 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0163895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2016] [Accepted: 09/18/2016] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Gender is one of the factors influencing the intestinal microbial composition in mammals, but whether fish also have gender-specific intestinal microbial patterns remains unknown. In this decade, endocrine disrupting chemicals in surface and ground water of many areas and increasing observation of freshwater male fish displaying female sexual characteristics have been reported. Here we identified the difference in intestinal microbiota between male and female zebrafish, and revealed the influence of endocrine disrupting chemicals on zebrafish intestinal microbiota by using high-throughput sequencing. The results indicated that Fusobacteria, Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria were dominant in the gut of zebrafish and there were no obvious gender-specific intestinal microbial patterns. Two endocrine disrupting chemicals, Estradiol (E2) and Bisphenol A (BPA), were selected to treat male zebrafish for 5 weeks. E2 and BPA increased vitellogenin expression in the liver of male zebrafish and altered the intestinal microbial composition with the abundance of the phylum CKC4 increased significantly. Our results suggested that because of the developmental character and living environment, gender did not influence the assembly of intestinal microbiota in zebrafish as it does in mammals, but exposure extra to endocrine disrupting chemicals disturbed the intestinal microbial composition, which may be related to changes in host physiological metabolism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yukun Liu
- Laboratory of Aquaculture Nutrition and Environmental Health, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Yayun Yao
- Laboratory of Aquaculture Nutrition and Environmental Health, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Huan Li
- Nextomics Biosciences Co. Ltd., Wuhan, 430073, China
| | - Fang Qiao
- Laboratory of Aquaculture Nutrition and Environmental Health, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Junlin Wu
- Laboratory of Aquaculture Nutrition and Environmental Health, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Zhen-yu Du
- Laboratory of Aquaculture Nutrition and Environmental Health, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
- * E-mail: (MZ); (ZD)
| | - Meiling Zhang
- Laboratory of Aquaculture Nutrition and Environmental Health, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
- * E-mail: (MZ); (ZD)
| |
Collapse
|