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Miramontes S, Pereda Serras C, Woldemariam SR, Khan U, Li Y, Tang AS, Tsoy E, Oskotsky TT, Sirota M. Alzheimer's disease as a women's health challenge: a call for action on integrative precision medicine approaches. NPJ WOMEN'S HEALTH 2024; 2:17. [PMID: 38778871 PMCID: PMC11106001 DOI: 10.1038/s44294-024-00021-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is marked by pronounced sex differences in pathophysiology and progression. However, the field has yet to fully recognize AD as a women's health issue, delaying the development of targeted preventative strategies and treatments. This perspective explores the elements impacting AD in women, identifying sex specificity in risk factors, highlighting new diagnostic approaches with electronic health records, and reviewing key molecular studies to underscore the need for integrative precision medicine approaches. Established AD risk factors such as advancing age, the apolipoprotein E4 allele, and poorer cardiovascular health affect women differently. We also shed light on sociocultural risk factors, focusing on the gender disparities that may play a role in AD development. From a biological perspective, sex differences in AD are apparent in biomarkers and transcriptomics, further emphasizing the need for targeted diagnostics and treatments. The convergence of novel multiomics data and cutting-edge computational tools provides a unique opportunity to study the molecular underpinnings behind sex dimorphism in AD. Thus, precision medicine emerges as a promising framework for understanding AD pathogenesis through the integration of genetics, sex, environment, and lifestyle. By characterizing AD as a women's health challenge, we can catalyze a transformative shift in AD research and care, marked by improved diagnostic accuracy, targeted interventions, and ultimately, enhanced clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. Miramontes
- Bakar Computational Health Sciences Institute, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA USA
| | - C. Pereda Serras
- Bakar Computational Health Sciences Institute, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA USA
| | - S. R. Woldemariam
- Bakar Computational Health Sciences Institute, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA USA
| | - U. Khan
- Bakar Computational Health Sciences Institute, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA USA
| | - Y. Li
- Bakar Computational Health Sciences Institute, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA USA
| | - A. S. Tang
- Bakar Computational Health Sciences Institute, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA USA
| | - E. Tsoy
- Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA USA
- Global Brain Health Institute, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA USA
| | - T. T. Oskotsky
- Bakar Computational Health Sciences Institute, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA USA
| | - M. Sirota
- Bakar Computational Health Sciences Institute, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA USA
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Moses E, Atlan T, Sun X, Franek R, Siddiqui A, Marinov GK, Shifman S, Zucker DM, Oron-Gottesman A, Greenleaf WJ, Cohen E, Ram O, Harel I. The killifish germline regulates longevity and somatic repair in a sex-specific manner. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.12.18.572041. [PMID: 38187630 PMCID: PMC10769255 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.18.572041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Classical evolutionary theories propose tradeoffs between reproduction, damage repair, and lifespan. However, the specific role of the germline in shaping vertebrate aging remains largely unknown. Here, we use the turquoise killifish ( N. furzeri ) to genetically arrest germline development at discrete stages, and examine how different modes of infertility impact life-history. We first construct a comprehensive single-cell gonadal atlas, providing cell-type-specific markers for downstream phenotypic analysis. Next, we show that germline depletion - but not arresting germline differentiation - enhances damage repair in female killifish. Conversely, germline-depleted males instead showed an extension in lifespan and rejuvenated metabolic functions. Through further transcriptomic analysis, we highlight enrichment of pro-longevity pathways and genes in germline-depleted male killifish and demonstrate functional conservation of how these factors may regulate longevity in germline-depleted C. elegans . Our results therefore demonstrate that different germline manipulation paradigms can yield pronounced sexually dimorphic phenotypes, implying alternative responses to classical evolutionary tradeoffs.
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Rosano C, Karikari TK, Cvejkus R, Bellaver B, Ferreira PCL, Zmuda J, Wheeler V, Pascoal TA, Miljkovic I. Sex differences in Alzheimer's disease blood biomarkers in a Caribbean population of African ancestry: The Tobago Health Study. ALZHEIMER'S & DEMENTIA (NEW YORK, N. Y.) 2024; 10:e12460. [PMID: 38617114 PMCID: PMC11010267 DOI: 10.1002/trc2.12460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Alzheimer's disease (AD) is increasing in the Caribbean, especially for persons of African ancestry (PAA) and women. However, studies have mostly utilized surveys without AD biomarkers. METHODS In the Tobago Health Study (n = 309; 109 women, mean age 70.3 ± 6.6), we assessed sex differences and risk factors for serum levels of phosphorylated tau-181 (p-tau181), amyloid-beta (Aβ)42/40 ratio, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and neurofilament light chain (NfL). Blood samples were from 2010 to 2013 for men and from 2019 to 2023 for women. RESULTS Women were more obese, hypertensive, and sedentary but reported less smoking and alcohol use than men (age-adjusted p < 0.04). Compared to men, women had worse levels of AD biomarkers, with higher p-tau181 and lower Aβ42/40, independent of covariates (p < 0.001). In sex-stratified analyses, higher p-tau181 was associated with older age in women and with hypertension in men. GFAP and NfL did not differ by sex. DISCUSSION Women had worse AD biomarkers than men, unexplained by age, cardiometabolic diseases, or lifestyle. Studying risk factors for AD in PAA is warranted, especially for women earlier in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Rosano
- Department of EpidemiologySchool of Public HealthUniversity of PittsburghPittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Thomas K. Karikari
- Department of PsychiatryUniversity of PittsburghPittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
- Department of Psychiatry and NeurochemistryInstitute of Neuroscience and PhysiologyThe Sahlgrenska AcademyUniversity of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
| | - Ryan Cvejkus
- Department of EpidemiologySchool of Public HealthUniversity of PittsburghPittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Bruna Bellaver
- Department of PsychiatryUniversity of PittsburghPittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
| | | | - Joseph Zmuda
- Department of EpidemiologySchool of Public HealthUniversity of PittsburghPittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Victor Wheeler
- Tobago Health Studies OfficeScarboroughTobagoTrinidad and Tobago
| | - Tharick A. Pascoal
- Department of NeurologySchool of MedicineUniversity of PittsburghPittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Iva Miljkovic
- Department of EpidemiologySchool of Public HealthUniversity of PittsburghPittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
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Doucette MM, Kwan H, Premji Z, Duchesne A, Gawryluk JR, Garcia-Barrera MA. Integration of sex/gender and utilization of ecological Momentary assessment of cognition in clinical populations: a scoping review. Clin Neuropsychol 2024:1-32. [PMID: 38533627 DOI: 10.1080/13854046.2024.2333579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Objectives: We aimed to describe the methods of smartphone-based cognitive ecological momentary assessment designs in clinical populations, with an intention to evaluate how the role of sex and/or gender has been considered in the design and analyses, particularly including female-specific physiology. Methods: This scoping review was conducted based on JBI scoping review methodology. On March 2nd, 2023, we searched for literature across four databases. Screening of the results and data extraction were conducted in duplicate according to the a priori methods in the pre-registered protocol. Results: 31 articles were included in this review. Participants ranged in age from 15-85 years old with various clinical disorders. Prompts were given between 1-7 times per day for 7-84 days. Executive function was the most frequently assessed cognitive domain. Over half the studies (n = 17, 55%) did not investigate the effects of sex and/or gender, and only one study considered the impact of hormonal therapy. Many studies (n = 14, 45%) used sex and gender interchangeably or incorrectly. Conclusions: Studies varied in design, with heterogeneity in the reporting of methodological information. The lack of attention to sex/gender on neuropsychological outcomes can lead to confusion and contradiction regarding its potential impact on cognition in clinical populations. This may hinder the identification of effective interventions for those assigned female at birth who have been overlooked or considered indistinguishable from their male counterparts. Given the well-documented impact of sex/gender on cognition, it is essential that future neuropsychological research, especially EMA-based studies, prioritize investigating sex/gender to ensure better outcomes for all.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Heather Kwan
- Department of Psychology, University of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
- Institute on Aging & Lifelong Health, University of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Zahra Premji
- Libraries, University of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Annie Duchesne
- Department of Psychology, University of Northern British Columbia, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jodie R Gawryluk
- Department of Psychology, University of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
- Institute on Aging & Lifelong Health, University of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Mauricio A Garcia-Barrera
- Department of Psychology, University of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
- Institute on Aging & Lifelong Health, University of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
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Brandt E, Singh S, Bowren M, Bhagvathi A, Tranel D, Boes AD. The role of gender in cognitive outcomes from stroke. J Int Neuropsychol Soc 2023; 29:878-884. [PMID: 36781414 PMCID: PMC10757593 DOI: 10.1017/s1355617723000036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Stroke can cause cognitive impairment, which can lead to challenges returning to day-to-day activities. Knowing what factors are associated with cognitive impairment post-stroke can be useful for predicting outcomes and guiding rehabilitation. One such factor is gender: previous studies are inconclusive as to whether gender influences cognitive outcomes post-stroke. Accounting for key variables, we examined whether there are gender differences in cognitive outcomes after stroke. METHOD We analyzed data from neuropsychological assessments of 237 individuals tested in the chronic epoch (≥ 3 months) following ischemic stroke. Using ANCOVA and linear mixed modeling, we examined gender as a predictor of cognition as measured by general cognitive ability (g), Full-Scale IQ, and 18 cognitive tests, controlling for age at stroke onset, education, premorbid intelligence, and lesion volume. RESULTS There were no significant gender differences in overall cognitive outcomes as measured by g (p = .887) or Full-Scale IQ (p = .801). There were some significant gender differences on specific cognitive tests, with women outperforming men on scores from the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (ps < .01) and men outperforming women on the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale Arithmetic and Information subtests (ps < .01). CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that men and women have similar overall cognitive outcomes after stroke, when demographic and lesion factors are accounted for. Although men and women differed in their performance on some individual cognitive tests, neither gender performed systematically better or worse. However, for learning, working memory, and verbal knowledge/comprehension, gender may be an important predictor of outcome post-stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Brandt
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Sachinkumar Singh
- Department of Pediatrics, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Mark Bowren
- Department of Neurology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Amol Bhagvathi
- Department of Pediatrics, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Daniel Tranel
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Department of Neurology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Aaron D. Boes
- Department of Pediatrics, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Department of Neurology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
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Karstens AJ, Maynard TR, Tremont G. Sex-specific differences in neuropsychological profiles of mild cognitive impairment in a hospital-based clinical sample. J Int Neuropsychol Soc 2023; 29:821-830. [PMID: 36866579 DOI: 10.1017/s1355617723000085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is an etiologically nonspecific diagnosis including a broad spectrum of cognitive decline between normal aging and dementia. Several large-scale cohort studies have found sex effects on neuropsychological test performance in MCI. The primary aim of the current project was to examine sex differences in neuropsychological profiles in a clinically diagnosed MCI sample using clinical and research diagnostic criteria. METHOD The current study includes archival data from 349 patients (age M = 74.7; SD = 7.7) who underwent an outpatient neuropsychological evaluation and were diagnosed with MCI. Raw scores were converted to z-scores using normative datasets. Sex differences in neurocognitive profiles including severity, domain-specific composites (memory, executive functioning/information processing speed, and language), and modality-specific learning curves (verbal, visual) were examined using Analysis of Variance, Chi-square analyses, and linear mixed models. Post hoc analyses examined whether sex effects were uniform across age and education brackets. RESULTS Females exhibit worse non-memory domain and test-specific cognitive performances compared to males with otherwise comparable categorical MCI criteria and global cognition measured via screening and composite scores. Analysis of learning curves showed additional sex-specific advantages (visual Males>Females; verbal Females >Males) not captured by MCI subtypes. CONCLUSIONS Our results highlight sex differences in a clinical sample with MCI. The emphasis of verbal memory in the diagnosis of MCI may result in diagnosis at more advanced stages for females. Additional investigation is needed to determine whether these profiles confer greater risk for progressing to dementia or are confounded by other factors (e.g., delayed referral, medical comorbidities).
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Affiliation(s)
- Aimee J Karstens
- Mayo Clinic, Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Rochester, MN, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Brown University, Alpert School of Medicine, Department of Psychology, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Taylor R Maynard
- Neuropsychology Program, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
- Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Department of Psychology, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Geoffrey Tremont
- Neuropsychology Program, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Brown University, Alpert School of Medicine, Department of Psychology, Providence, RI, USA
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Jullienne A, Szu JI, Quan R, Trinh MV, Norouzi T, Noarbe BP, Bedwell AA, Eldridge K, Persohn SC, Territo PR, Obenaus A. Cortical cerebrovascular and metabolic perturbations in the 5xFAD mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. Front Aging Neurosci 2023; 15:1220036. [PMID: 37533765 PMCID: PMC10392850 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2023.1220036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The 5xFAD mouse is a popular model of familial Alzheimer's disease (AD) that is characterized by early beta-amyloid (Aβ) deposition and cognitive decrements. Despite numerous studies, the 5xFAD mouse has not been comprehensively phenotyped for vascular and metabolic perturbations over its lifespan. Methods Male and female 5xFAD and wild type (WT) littermates underwent in vivo 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) imaging at 4, 6, and 12 months of age to assess regional glucose metabolism. A separate cohort of mice (4, 8, 12 months) underwent "vessel painting" which labels all cerebral vessels and were analyzed for vascular characteristics such as vessel density, junction density, vessel length, network complexity, number of collaterals, and vessel diameter. Results With increasing age, vessels on the cortical surface in both 5xFAD and WT mice showed increased vessel length, vessel and junction densities. The number of collateral vessels between the middle cerebral artery (MCA) and the anterior and posterior cerebral arteries decreased with age but collateral diameters were significantly increased only in 5xFAD mice. MCA total vessel length and junction density were decreased in 5xFAD mice compared to WT at 4 months. Analysis of 18F-FDG cortical uptake revealed significant differences between WT and 5xFAD mice spanning 4-12 months. Broadly, 5xFAD males had significantly increased 18F-FDG uptake at 12 months compared to WT mice. In most cortical regions, female 5xFAD mice had reduced 18F-FDG uptake compared to WT across their lifespan. Discussion While the 5xFAD mouse exhibits AD-like cognitive deficits as early as 4 months of age that are associated with increasing Aβ deposition, we only found significant differences in cortical vascular features in males, not in females. Interestingly, 5xFAD male and female mice exhibited opposite effects in 18F-FDG uptake. The MCA supplies blood to large portions of the somatosensory cortex and portions of motor and visual cortex and increased vessel length alongside decreased collaterals which coincided with higher metabolic rates in 5xFAD mice. Thus, a potential mismatch between metabolic demand and vascular delivery of nutrients in the face of increasing Aβ deposition could contribute to the progressive cognitive deficits seen in the 5xFAD mouse model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amandine Jullienne
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Jenny I. Szu
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Ryan Quan
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Michelle V. Trinh
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Tannoz Norouzi
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Brenda P. Noarbe
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Amanda A. Bedwell
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, School of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Kierra Eldridge
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, School of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Scott C. Persohn
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, School of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Paul R. Territo
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, School of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, United States
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Andre Obenaus
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
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Ni X, Inoue R, Wu Y, Yoshida T, Yaku K, Nakagawa T, Saito T, Saido TC, Takao K, Mori H. Regional contributions of D-serine to Alzheimer's disease pathology in male AppNL-G-F/NL-G-F mice. Front Aging Neurosci 2023; 15:1211067. [PMID: 37455930 PMCID: PMC10339350 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2023.1211067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Neurodegenerative processes in Alzheimer's disease (AD) are associated with excitotoxicity mediated by the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR). D-Serine is an endogenous co-agonist necessary for NMDAR-mediated excitotoxicity. In the mammalian brain, it is produced by serine racemase (SRR) from L-serine, suggesting that dysregulation of L-serine, D-serine, or SRR may contribute to AD pathogenesis. Objective and methods We examined the contributions of D-serine to AD pathology in the AppNL-G-F/NL-G-F gene knock-in (APPKI) mouse model of AD. We first examined brain SRR expression levels and neuropathology in APPKI mice and then assessed the effects of long-term D-serine supplementation in drinking water on neurodegeneration. To further confirm the involvement of endogenous D-serine in AD progression, we generated Srr gene-deleted APPKI (APPKI-SRRKO) mice. Finally, to examine the levels of brain amino acids, we conducted liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Results Expression of SRR was markedly reduced in the retrosplenial cortex (RSC) of APPKI mice at 12 months of age compared with age-matched wild-type mice. Neuronal density was decreased in the hippocampal CA1 region but not altered significantly in the RSC. D-Serine supplementation exacerbated neuronal loss in the hippocampal CA1 of APPKI mice, while APPKI-SRRKO mice exhibited attenuated astrogliosis and reduced neuronal death in the hippocampal CA1 compared with APPKI mice. Furthermore, APPKI mice demonstrated marked abnormalities in the cortical amino acid levels that were partially reversed in APPKI-SRRKO mice. Conclusion These findings suggest that D-serine participates in the regional neurodegenerative process in the hippocampal CA1 during the amyloid pathology of AD and that reducing brain D-serine can partially attenuate neuronal loss and reactive astrogliosis. Therefore, regulating SRR could be an effective strategy to mitigate NMDAR-dependent neurodegeneration during AD progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiance Ni
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
- Graduate School of Innovative Life Science, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Ran Inoue
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
- Research Center for Idling Brain Science, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Yi Wu
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
- Graduate School of Innovative Life Science, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Yoshida
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
- Research Center for Idling Brain Science, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Keisuke Yaku
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Takashi Nakagawa
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
- Research Center for Pre-Disease Science, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Takashi Saito
- Laboratory for Proteolytic Neuroscience, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Saitama, Japan
- Department of Neurocognitive Science, Institute of Brain Science, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Aichi, Japan
| | - Takaomi C. Saido
- Laboratory for Proteolytic Neuroscience, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Saitama, Japan
| | - Keizo Takao
- Research Center for Idling Brain Science, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
- Research Center for Pre-Disease Science, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
- Department of Behavioral Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Hisashi Mori
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
- Research Center for Idling Brain Science, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
- Research Center for Pre-Disease Science, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
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Wrigglesworth J, Harding IH, Islam RM, Ward PGD, Woods RL, Bell RJ, McNeil JJ, Storey E, Egan G, Murray AM, Trevaks RE, Ward SA, Davis SR, Ryan J. The association between sex hormones and the change in brain-predicted age difference in older women. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2023; 98:692-699. [PMID: 36807922 PMCID: PMC10073334 DOI: 10.1111/cen.14898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The role of circulating sex hormones on structural brain ageing is yet to be established. This study explored whether concentrations of circulating sex hormones in older women are associated with the baseline and longitudinal changes in structural brain ageing, defined by the brain-predicted age difference (brain-PAD). DESIGN Prospective cohort study using data from NEURO and Sex Hormones in Older Women; substudies of the ASPirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly clinical trial. PATIENTS Community-dwelling older women (aged 70+ years). MEASUREMENTS Oestrone, testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and sex-hormone binding globulin (SHBG) were quantified from plasma samples collected at baseline. T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging was performed at baseline, 1 and 3 years. Brain age was derived from whole brain volume using a validated algorithm. RESULTS The sample comprised of 207 women not taking medications known to influence sex hormone concentrations. A statistically higher baseline brain-PAD (older brain age relative to chronological age) was seen for women in the highest DHEA tertile compared with the lowest in the unadjusted analysis (p = .04). This was not significant when adjusted for chronological age, and potential confounding health and behavioural factors. Oestrone, testosterone and SHBG were not associated with brain-PAD cross-sectionally, nor were any of the examined sex hormones or SHBG associated with brain-PAD longitudinally. CONCLUSION No strong evidence of an association between circulating sex hormones and brain-PAD. Given there is prior evidence to suggests sex hormones may be important for brain ageing, further studies of circulating sex hormones and brain health in postmenopausal women are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jo Wrigglesworth
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, 3004, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ian H. Harding
- Monash Biomedical Imaging, Monash University, Melbourne, 3800, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne Victoria, Australia
| | - Rakibul M. Islam
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, 3004, Victoria, Australia
| | - Phillip G. D. Ward
- Monash Biomedical Imaging, Monash University, Melbourne, 3800, Victoria, Australia
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Melbourne, 3800, Victoria Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Integrative Brain Function, Australia
| | - Robyn L. Woods
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, 3004, Victoria, Australia
| | - Robin J. Bell
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, 3004, Victoria, Australia
| | - John J. McNeil
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, 3004, Victoria, Australia
| | - Elsdon Storey
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, 3004, Victoria, Australia
| | - Gary Egan
- Monash Biomedical Imaging, Monash University, Melbourne, 3800, Victoria, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Integrative Brain Function, Australia
| | - Anne M. Murray
- Berman Centre for Outcomes & Clinical Research, Hennepin Healthcare Research Institute, Hennepin, Minneapolis, MN, 55404, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Geriatrics, Hennepin Healthcare, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55404, USA
| | - Ruth E. Trevaks
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, 3004, Victoria, Australia
| | - Stephanie A. Ward
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, 3004, Victoria, Australia
- Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA), University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, 2031, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Susan R. Davis
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, 3004, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Alfred Health, Melbourne, 3004, Victoria, Australia
| | - Joanne Ryan
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, 3004, Victoria, Australia
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Vila-Castelar C, Udeh-Momoh C, Aggarwal NT, Mielke MM. Sex and gender considerations in dementia: a call for global research. NATURE AGING 2023; 3:463-465. [PMID: 37202511 PMCID: PMC10331726 DOI: 10.1038/s43587-023-00374-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Studies have identified sex and/or gender differences in Alzheimer’s disease, but few have examined other dementias. We highlight sex and gender differences in other dementias, discuss sociocultural factors and provide a framework for future global studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Vila-Castelar
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Chinedu Udeh-Momoh
- Ageing Epidemiology (AGE) Research Unit, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society (NVS), Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- Global Brain Health Institute (GBHI), University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Neelum T Aggarwal
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
- Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Michelle M Mielke
- Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.
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11
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Puri TA, Richard JE, Galea LAM. Beyond sex differences: short- and long-term effects of pregnancy on the brain. Trends Neurosci 2023; 46:459-471. [PMID: 37120339 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2023.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
Growing attention has been directed to the inclusion of females in neuroscience studies, and to the importance of studying sex as a biological variable. However, how female-specific factors such as menopause and pregnancy, affect the brain remains understudied. In this review, we use pregnancy as a case in point of a female-unique experience that can alter neuroplasticity, neuroinflammation, and cognition. We examine studies in both humans and rodents indicating that pregnancy can modify neural function in the short term, as well as alter the trajectory of brain aging. Furthermore, we discuss the influence of maternal age, fetal sex, number of pregnancies, and presence of pregnancy complications on brain health outcomes. We conclude by encouraging the scientific community to prioritize researching female health by recognizing and including factors such as pregnancy history in research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanvi A Puri
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Djavad Mowafaghian Center for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Jennifer E Richard
- Djavad Mowafaghian Center for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Liisa A M Galea
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Djavad Mowafaghian Center for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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12
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Liu FC, Cheng ML, Lo CJ, Hsu WC, Lin G, Lin HT. Exploring the aging process of cognitively healthy adults by analyzing cerebrospinal fluid metabolomics using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. BMC Geriatr 2023; 23:217. [PMID: 37020298 PMCID: PMC10077689 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-023-03939-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND During biological aging, significant metabolic dysregulation in the central nervous system may lead to cognitive decline and neurodegeneration. However, the metabolomics of the aging process in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) has not been thoroughly explored. METHODS In this cohort study of CSF metabolomics using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), fasting CSF samples collected from 92 cognitively unimpaired adults aged 20-87 years without obesity or diabetes were analyzed. RESULTS We identified 37 metabolites in these CSF samples with significant positive correlations with aging, including cysteine, pantothenic acid, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), aspartic acid, and glutamate; and two metabolites with negative correlations, asparagine and glycerophosphocholine. The combined alterations of asparagine, cysteine, glycerophosphocholine, pantothenic acid, sucrose, and 5-HIAA showed a superior correlation with aging (AUC = 0.982). These age-correlated changes in CSF metabolites might reflect blood-brain barrier breakdown, neuroinflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction in the aging brain. We also found sex differences in CSF metabolites with higher levels of taurine and 5-HIAA in women using propensity-matched comparison. CONCLUSIONS Our LC-MS metabolomics of the aging process in a Taiwanese population revealed several significantly altered CSF metabolites during aging and between the sexes. These metabolic alterations in CSF might provide clues for healthy brain aging and deserve further exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fu-Chao Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, 5 Fu-Shin Street, Kwei-Shan, Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan
| | - Mei-Ling Cheng
- Metabolomics Core Laboratory, Healthy Aging Research Center, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan
- Clinical Metabolomics Core Laboratory, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Jen Lo
- Metabolomics Core Laboratory, Healthy Aging Research Center, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Chuin Hsu
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan
- Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan
| | - Gigin Lin
- Clinical Metabolomics Core Laboratory, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Imaging and Intervention, Imaging Core Lab, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan
| | - Huan-Tang Lin
- Department of Anesthesiology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, 5 Fu-Shin Street, Kwei-Shan, Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan.
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan.
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan.
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13
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Shang X, Roccati E, Zhu Z, Kiburg K, Wang W, Huang Y, Zhang X, Zhang X, Liu J, Tang S, Hu Y, Ge Z, Yu H, He M. Leading mediators of sex differences in the incidence of dementia in community-dwelling adults in the UK Biobank: a retrospective cohort study. Alzheimers Res Ther 2023; 15:7. [PMID: 36617573 PMCID: PMC9827665 DOI: 10.1186/s13195-022-01140-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little is known regarding whether sex assigned at birth modifies the association between several predictive factors for dementia and the risk of dementia itself. METHODS Our retrospective cohort study included 214,670 men and 214,670 women matched by age at baseline from the UK Biobank. Baseline data were collected between 2006 and 2010, and incident dementia was ascertained using hospital inpatient or death records until January 2021. Mediation analysis was tested for 133 individual factors. RESULTS Over 5,117,381 person-years of follow-up, 5928 cases of incident all-cause dementia (452 cases of young-onset dementia, 5476 cases of late-onset dementia) were documented. Hazard ratios (95% CI) for all-cause, young-onset, and late-onset dementias associated with the male sex (female as reference) were 1.23 (1.17-1.29), 1.42 (1.18-1.71), and 1.21 (1.15-1.28), respectively. Out of 133 individual factors, the strongest mediators for the association between sex and incident dementia were multimorbidity risk score (percentage explained (95% CI): 62.1% (45.2-76.6%)), apolipoprotein A in the blood (25.5% (15.2-39.4%)), creatinine in urine (24.9% (16.1-36.5%)), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in the blood (23.2% (16.2-32.1%)), and blood lymphocyte percentage (21.1% (14.5-29.5%)). Health-related conditions (percentage (95% CI) explained: 74.4% (51.3-88.9%)) and biomarkers (83.0% (37.5-97.5%)), but not lifestyle factors combined (30.1% (20.7-41.6%)), fully mediated sex differences in incident dementia. Health-related conditions combined were a stronger mediator for late-onset (75.4% (48.6-90.8%)) than for young-onset dementia (52.3% (25.8-77.6%)), whilst lifestyle factors combined were a stronger mediator for young-onset (42.3% (19.4-69.0%)) than for late-onset dementia (26.7% (17.1-39.2%)). CONCLUSIONS Our analysis matched by age has demonstrated that men had a higher risk of all-cause, young-onset, and late-onset dementias than women. This association was fully mediated by health-related conditions or blood/urinary biomarkers and largely mediated by lifestyle factors. Our findings are important for understanding potential mechanisms of sex in dementia risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianwen Shang
- Guangdong Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
- Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Melbourne, VIC, 3002, Australia.
- Department of Medicine (Royal Melbourne Hospital), University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3050, Australia.
| | - Eddy Roccati
- Department of Medicine (Royal Melbourne Hospital), University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3050, Australia
- Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, 7001, Australia
| | - Zhuoting Zhu
- Guangdong Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Melbourne, VIC, 3002, Australia
| | - Katerina Kiburg
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Melbourne, VIC, 3002, Australia
| | - Wei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Yu Huang
- Guangdong Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Xueli Zhang
- Guangdong Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Xiayin Zhang
- Guangdong Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Jiahao Liu
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Melbourne, VIC, 3002, Australia
| | - Shulin Tang
- Guangdong Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Yijun Hu
- Guangdong Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Zongyuan Ge
- Monash e-Research Center, Faculty of Engineering, Airdoc Research, Nvidia AI Technology Research Center, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Honghua Yu
- Guangdong Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
| | - Mingguang He
- Guangdong Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Melbourne, VIC, 3002, Australia.
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, China.
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14
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Nurkkala J, Kauko A, Palmu J, Aittokallio J, Niiranen T. Sex differences in coronary artery bypass grafting-related morbidity and mortality. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:1021363. [DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.1021363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundCoronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is associated with both cardiovascular disease (CVD) and non-CVD traits. In addition, women’s prognosis after coronary events and revascularizations is worse than in men. As the course of CVD in women differs from that of men, we performed a phenome-wide analysis on the sex differences in CABG -related morbidity and mortality.Materials and methodsWe performed an untargeted analysis on the sex differences in predictors and outcomes of CABG. We studied a sample of 176,680 FinnGen participants, including 5,950 individuals who underwent CABG (4,988 men and 962 women) and were followed between 1998 and 2019. Over 1,100 different traits were analyzed for both sexes and the results were adjusted with age, smoking status and BMI. Cox proportional hazards models with sex-trait interactions were used to estimate the associations between (1) traits and incident CABG; and (2) CABG and incident traits.ResultsIn women, CABG was more strongly related to greater increases in risk of diseases such as hypertension, Alzheimer’s, aortic aneurysms, gout, and chronic kidney disease compared to risk increases observed in men (all interaction p-values < 0.03). After CABG, men had 2.5-fold (p = 3.1E−15) and women 6.3-fold (p = 9.4E−08) greater risk of cardiac death compared to same-sex individuals who did not undergo CABG (p for interaction 8.2E−4). Moreover, the risk of death in women remained higher even 12 years after CABG, whereas the long-term risk of death in men was not increased, compared to same-sex individuals who did not undergo CABG.ConclusionThe adverse outcomes after CABG, both quantity and quality, also appear to differ between men and women. In women, CABG is related to greater long-term increases in risk of cardiac death and several other disease states than in men. Consideration should therefore be given to whether women receive adequate long-term post-operative therapy and follow-up as CABG is not associated with equally improved cardiovascular disease prognosis in women than in men.
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15
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Yan Y, Wang X, Chaput D, Shin MK, Koh Y, Gan L, Pieper AA, Woo JAA, Kang DE. X-linked ubiquitin-specific peptidase 11 increases tauopathy vulnerability in women. Cell 2022; 185:3913-3930.e19. [PMID: 36198316 PMCID: PMC9588697 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2022.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Although women experience significantly higher tau burden and increased risk for Alzheimer's disease (AD) than men, the underlying mechanism for this vulnerability has not been explained. Here, we demonstrate through in vitro and in vivo models, as well as human AD brain tissue, that X-linked ubiquitin specific peptidase 11 (USP11) augments pathological tau aggregation via tau deubiquitination initiated at lysine-281. Removal of ubiquitin provides access for enzymatic tau acetylation at lysines 281 and 274. USP11 escapes complete X-inactivation, and female mice and people both exhibit higher USP11 levels than males. Genetic elimination of usp11 in a tauopathy mouse model preferentially protects females from acetylated tau accumulation, tau pathology, and cognitive impairment. USP11 levels also strongly associate positively with tau pathology in females but not males. Thus, inhibiting USP11-mediated tau deubiquitination may provide an effective therapeutic opportunity to protect women from increased vulnerability to AD and other tauopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Yan
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA; Department of Molecular Medicine, USF Health College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Xinming Wang
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Dale Chaput
- Department of Molecular Medicine, USF Health College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Min-Kyoo Shin
- Department of Psychiatry, Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA; Harrington Discovery Institute, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Yeojung Koh
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA; Harrington Discovery Institute, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Li Gan
- Helen and Robert Appel Alzheimer's Disease Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Andrew A Pieper
- Department of Psychiatry, Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA; Institute for Transformative Molecular Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA; Geriatric Psychiatry, GRECC, Cleveland, Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center, OH, USA; Harrington Discovery Institute, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Jung-A A Woo
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA; Department of Molecular Medicine, USF Health College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA.
| | - David E Kang
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA; Louis Strokes Cleveland VA Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA; Department of Molecular Medicine, USF Health College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA.
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16
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Griksiene R, Monciunskaite R, Ruksenas O. What is there to know about the effects of progestins on the human brain and cognition? Front Neuroendocrinol 2022; 67:101032. [PMID: 36029852 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2022.101032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Progestins are an important component of hormonal contraceptives (HCs) and hormone replacement therapies (HRTs). Despite an increasing number of studies elucidating the effects of HCs and HRTs, little is known about the effects of different types of progestins included in these medications on the brain. Animal studies suggest that various progestins interact differently with sex steroid, mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid receptors and have specific modulatory effects on neurotransmitter systems and on the expression of neuropeptides, suggesting differential impacts on cognition and behavior. This review focuses on the currently available knowledge from human behavioral and neuroimaging studies pooled with evidence from animal research regarding the effects of progestins on the brain. The reviewed information is highly relevant for improving women's mental health and making informed choices regarding specific types of contraception or treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramune Griksiene
- Department of Neurobiology and Biophysics, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Lithuania
| | - Rasa Monciunskaite
- Department of Neurobiology and Biophysics, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Lithuania
| | - Osvaldas Ruksenas
- Department of Neurobiology and Biophysics, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Lithuania
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17
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Sha J, Fan J, Zhang R, Gu Y, Xu X, Ren S, Gu J. B-cell-specific ablation of β-1,4-galactosyltransferase 1 prevents aging-related IgG glycans changes and improves aging phenotype in mice. J Proteomics 2022; 268:104717. [PMID: 36084919 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2022.104717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
IgG N-glycans levels change with advancing age, making it a potential biomarker of aging. β-1,4-galactosyltransferase (B4GALT) gene expression levels also increase with aging. Ultra performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) was used to examine changes inserum IgG N-glycans at six time points during the aging process. Most serum IgG N-glycans changed with aging in WT but not in CD19-cre B4GALT1 floxed mice. The relative abundance of fucosylated biantennary glycans with or without Neu5Gc structures changed with aging in heterozygous B4GALT1 floxed mice but not in homozygous B4GALT1 floxed mice. Additionally, the aging phenotype was more apparent in WT mice than in B4GALT1 floxed mice. These results demonstrate that fucosylated biantennary glycans and fucosylated biantennary glycans containing N-glycolylneuraminic acid (Neu5Gc)-linked N-acetyllactosamine (LacNAc) were highly associated with aging and were affected by the B4GALT1 floxed mouse genotype. The changing levels of fucosylated monoantennary glycans observed with aging in WT mice was reversed in B4GALT1 floxed mice and was not sex specific. In summary, B-cell-specific ablation of B4GALT1 from a glycoproteomic perspective prevented age-related changes in IgG N-glycans in mice. SIGNIFICANCE: In this study, serum IgG glycoproteomic data in wild-type (WT) and B-cell-specific ablation of β-1,4-galactosyltransferase 1 mice (B4GALT) were analyzed. Results showed that fucosylated biantennary glycans with or without N-glycolylneuraminic acid (Neu5Gc)-linked N-acetyllactosamine (LacNAc) were highly associated with aging and were also affected by the B4GALT1 floxed mouse genotype. In terms of gender-specific information, the trend towards elevated fucosylated monoantennary glycans in WT mice was not seen in CD19-cre B4GALT1 floxed mice in either sex. B-cell-specific ablation of B4GALT1 plays an important role in age-related glycan changes; its specific functions and mechanisms are worthy of in-depth study. Our data suggest that investigating the relationship between galactosylation and aging may help advance the field of glycoproteomics and aging research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jichen Sha
- NHC Key Laboratory of Glycoconjugates Research, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, 130 Dongan Road, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Jiteng Fan
- NHC Key Laboratory of Glycoconjugates Research, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, 130 Dongan Road, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Rongrong Zhang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Glycoconjugates Research, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, 130 Dongan Road, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yong Gu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Glycoconjugates Research, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, 130 Dongan Road, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xiaoyan Xu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Glycoconjugates Research, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, 130 Dongan Road, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Shifang Ren
- NHC Key Laboratory of Glycoconjugates Research, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, 130 Dongan Road, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Jianxin Gu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Glycoconjugates Research, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, 130 Dongan Road, Shanghai 200032, China.
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Sex Differences in Metabolic Indices and Chronic Neuroinflammation in Response to Prolonged High-Fat Diet in ApoE4 Knock-In Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073921. [PMID: 35409283 PMCID: PMC8999114 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Late-onset Alzheimer’s disease (LOAD) likely results from combinations of risk factors that include both genetic predisposition and modifiable lifestyle factors. The E4 allele of apolipoprotein E (ApoE) is the most significant genetic risk factor for LOAD. A Western-pattern diet (WD) has been shown to strongly increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes, conditions which have been strongly linked to an increased risk for developing AD. Little is known about how the WD may contribute to, or enhance, the increased risk presented by possession of the ApoE4 allele. To model this interaction over the course of a lifetime, we exposed male and female homozygote ApoE4 knock-in mice and wild-type controls to nine months of a high-fat WD or standard chow diet. At eleven months of age, the mice were tested for glucose tolerance and then for general activity and spatial learning and memory. Postmortem analysis of liver function and neuroinflammation in the brain was also assessed. Our results suggest that behavior impairments resulted from the convergence of interacting metabolic alterations, made worse in a male ApoE4 mice group who also showed liver dysfunction, leading to a higher level of inflammatory cytokines in the brain. Interestingly, female ApoE4 mice on a WD revealed impairments in spatial learning and memory without the observed liver dysfunction or increase in inflammatory markers in the brain. These results suggest multiple direct and indirect pathways through which ApoE and diet-related factors interact. The striking sex difference in markers of chronic neuroinflammation in male ApoE4 mice fed the high-fat WD suggests a specific mechanism of interaction conferring significant enhanced LOAD risk for humans with the ApoE4 allele, which may differ between sexes. Additionally, our results suggest researchers exercise caution when designing and interpreting results of experiments employing a WD, being careful not to assume a WD impacts both sexes by the same mechanisms.
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Gallucci M, Cenesi L, White C, Antuono P, Quaglio G, Bonanni L. Lights and Shadows of Cerebrospinal Fluid Biomarkers in the Current Alzheimer's Disease Framework. J Alzheimers Dis 2022; 86:1061-1072. [PMID: 35180122 PMCID: PMC9108561 DOI: 10.3233/jad-215432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The most significant biomarkers that are included in the Alzheimer's disease (AD) research framework are amyloid-β plaques deposition, p-tau, t-tau, and neurodegeneration.Although cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers are included in the most recent AD research criteria, their use is increasing in the routine clinical practice and is applied also to the preclinical phases of AD, including mild cognitive impairment. The role of these biomarkers is still unclear concerning the preclinical stage of AD diagnosis, the CSF methodology, and the costs-benefits of the biomarkers' tests. The controversies regarding the use of biomarkers in the clinical practice are related to the concepts of analytical validity, clinical validity, and clinical utility and to the question of whether they are able to diagnose AD without the support of AD clinical phenotypes. OBJECTIVE The objective of the present work is to expose the strengths and weaknesses of the use of CSF biomarkers in the diagnosis of AD in a clinical context. METHODS We used PubMed as main source for articles published and the final reference list was generated on the basis of relevance to the topics covered in this work. RESULTS The use of CSF biomarkers for AD diagnosis is certainly important but its indication in routine clinical practice, especially for prodromal conditions, needs to be regulated and also contextualized considering the variety of possible clinical AD phenotypes. CONCLUSION We suggest that the diagnosis of AD should be understood both as clinical and pathological.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Gallucci
- Cognitive Impairment Center, Local Health Authority n. 2 Marca Trevigiana, Treviso, Italy.,Associazione Alzheimer Treviso Onlus, Treviso, Italy
| | - Leandro Cenesi
- Cognitive Impairment Center, Local Health Authority n. 2 Marca Trevigiana, Treviso, Italy
| | - Céline White
- Cognitive Impairment Center, Local Health Authority n. 2 Marca Trevigiana, Treviso, Italy
| | - Piero Antuono
- Department of Neurology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Gianluca Quaglio
- Scientific Foresight Unit (STOA), European Parliamentary Research Service, European Parliament, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Laura Bonanni
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, University G. d'Annunzio of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
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Hart DA. Learning From Human Responses to Deconditioning Environments: Improved Understanding of the "Use It or Lose It" Principle. Front Sports Act Living 2021; 3:685845. [PMID: 34927066 PMCID: PMC8677937 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2021.685845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Physical activity, mobility or patterned mobility (i.e., exercise) is intrinsic to the functioning of Homo sapiens, and required for maintenance of health. Thus, systems such as the musculoskeletal and cardiovascular systems appear to require constant reinforcement or conditioning to maintain integrity. Loss of conditioning or development of chronic deconditioning can have multiple consequences. The study of different types of deconditioning and their prevention or reversal can offer a number of clues to the regulation of these systems and point to how deconditioning poses risk for disease development and progression. From the study of deconditioning associated with spaceflight, a condition not predicted by evolution, prolonged bedrest, protracted sedentary behavior, as well as menopause and obesity and their consequences, provide a background to better understand human heterogeneity and how physical fitness may impact the risks for chronic conditions subsequent to the deconditioning. The effectiveness of optimized physical activity and exercise protocols likely depend on the nature of the deconditioning, the sex and genetics of the individual, whether one is addressing prevention of deconditioning-associated disease or disease-associated progression, and whether it is focused on acute or chronic deconditioning associated with different forms of deconditioning. While considerable research effort has gone into preventing deconditioning, the study of the process of deconditioning and its endpoints can provide clues to the regulation of the affected systems and their contributions to human heterogeneity that have been framed by the boundary conditions of Earth during evolution and the "use it or lose it" principle of regulation. Such information regarding heterogeneity that is elaborated by the study of deconditioning environments could enhance the effectiveness of individualized interventions to prevent deconditions or rescue those who have become deconditioned.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Hart
- Bone and Joint Health Strategic Clinical Network, Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Department of Surgery, Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,McCaig Institute for Bone and Joint Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Department of Family Practice, Centre for Hip Health and Mobility, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Schirò G, Balistreri CR. The close link between brain vascular pathological conditions and neurodegenerative diseases: Focus on some examples and potential treatments. Vascul Pharmacol 2021; 142:106951. [PMID: 34942382 DOI: 10.1016/j.vph.2021.106951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
A close relationship is emerging among the age-related neurodegenerative decline, and the age-related typical alterations, dysfunctions, and related diseases of the cerobro-and/or cardiovascular system, which contributes in a significative manner to the triggering and progressing of neurodegenerative diseases (NeuroDegD). Specifically, macroinfarcts, microinfarcts, micro-hemorrhages (and particularly their number), atherosclerosis, arteriolosclerosis and cerebral amyloid angiopathy have been documented to be significantly associated with the onset of the cognitive impairment. In addition, vascular alterations and dysfunctions resulting in a reduced cerebral blood flow, and anomalies in the brain blood barrier (BBB), have been also demonstrated to contribute to NeuroDegD pathophysiologic processes. At the same time, such vascular alterations are also observed in cognitively unimpaired subjects. Here, some of these aspects are described with a particular focus on some NeuroDegD, as well as potential strategies for delaying or stopping their onset and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Schirò
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (BiND), University of Palermo, 90134 Palermo, Italy
| | - Carmela Rita Balistreri
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (BiND), University of Palermo, 90134 Palermo, Italy.
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