1
|
Johnson-Ferguson L, Shanahan L, Loher M, Bechtiger L, Binz TM, Baumgartner M, Ribeaud D, Eisner M, Quednow BB. Higher paracetamol levels are associated with elevated glucocorticoid concentrations in hair: findings from a large cohort of young adults. Arch Toxicol 2024; 98:2261-2268. [PMID: 38615315 PMCID: PMC11168975 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-024-03747-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
Paracetamol is one of the most commonly used over-the-counter medications. Experimental studies suggest a possible stress-suppressing effect of paracetamol in humans facing experimental stress-inducing paradigms. However, no study has investigated whether paracetamol and steroid hormones covary over longer time frames and under real-life conditions. This study addresses this gap by investigating associations between steroid hormones (cortisol, cortisone, and testosterone) and paracetamol concentrations measured in human hair, indexing a timeframe of approximately three months. The data came from a large community sample of young adults (N = 1002). Hair data were assayed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Multiple regression models tested associations between paracetamol and steroid hormones, while adjusting for a wide range of potential confounders, such as sex, stressful live events, psychoactive substance use, hair colour, and body mass index. Almost one in four young adults from the community had detectable paracetamol in their hair (23%). Higher paracetamol hair concentrations were robustly associated with more cortisol (β = 0.13, ηp = 0.016, p < 0.001) and cortisone (β = 0.16, ηp = 0.025, p < 0.001) in hair. Paracetamol and testosterone hair concentrations were not associated. Paracetamol use intensity positively correlated with corticosteroid functioning across several months. However, a potential corticosteroid-inducing effect of chronic paracetamol use has yet to be tested in future experimental designs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lydia Johnson-Ferguson
- Jacobs Center for Productive Youth Development, University of Zurich, Andreasstrasse 15, 8050, Zurich, Switzerland.
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Lilly Shanahan
- Jacobs Center for Productive Youth Development, University of Zurich, Andreasstrasse 15, 8050, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michelle Loher
- Jacobs Center for Productive Youth Development, University of Zurich, Andreasstrasse 15, 8050, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Laura Bechtiger
- Jacobs Center for Productive Youth Development, University of Zurich, Andreasstrasse 15, 8050, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Tina M Binz
- Center for Forensic Hair Analytics, Zurich Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Markus Baumgartner
- Center for Forensic Hair Analytics, Zurich Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Denis Ribeaud
- Jacobs Center for Productive Youth Development, University of Zurich, Andreasstrasse 15, 8050, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Manuel Eisner
- Institute of Criminology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Boris B Quednow
- Jacobs Center for Productive Youth Development, University of Zurich, Andreasstrasse 15, 8050, Zurich, Switzerland
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, ETH Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Cignarella A, Bolego C, Barton M. Sex and sex steroids as determinants of cardiovascular risk. Steroids 2024; 206:109423. [PMID: 38631602 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2024.109423] [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] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
There are considerable sex differences regarding the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), including arterial hypertension, coronary artery disease (CAD) and stroke, as well as chronic renal disease. Women are largely protected from these conditions prior to menopause, and the risk increases following cessation of endogenous estrogen production or after surgical menopause. Cardiovascular diseases in women generally begin to occur at a later age than in men (on average with a delay of 10 years). Cessation of estrogen production also impacts metabolism, increasing the risk of developing obesity and diabetes. In middle-aged individuals, hypertension develops earlier and faster in women than in men, and smoking increases cardiovascular risk to a greater degree in women than it does in men. It is not only estrogen that affects female cardiovascular health and plays a protective role until menopause: other sex hormones such as progesterone and androgen hormones generate a complex balance that differentiates heart and blood vessel function in women compared to men. Estrogens improve vasodilation of epicardial coronary arteries and the coronary microvasculature by augmenting the release of vasodilating factors such as nitric oxide and prostacyclin, which are mechanisms of coronary vasodilatation that are more pronounced in women compared to men. Estrogens are also powerful inhibitors of inflammation, which in part explains their protective effects on CVD and chronic renal disease. Emerging evidence suggests that sex chromosomes also play a significant role in shaping cardiovascular risk. The cardiovascular protection conferred by endogenous estrogens may be extended by hormone therapy, especially using bioidentical hormones and starting treatment early after menopause.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Chiara Bolego
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Matthias Barton
- Molecular Internal Medicine, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland; Andreas Grüntzig Foundation, Zürich, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ikeuchi Y, Fujita A, Kohta M, Yamanishi S, Tanaka K, Sasayama T. Multiple Synchronous Spinal Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas: A Systematic Literature Review. Neurosurgery 2024:00006123-990000000-01136. [PMID: 38647293 DOI: 10.1227/neu.0000000000002958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas (SDAVFs) lead to progressive neurological decline with symptoms such as paraparesis, bowel and bladder dysfunction, and sensory disturbances because of impaired spinal cord venous drainage. This study aimed to systematically review the literature on multiple synchronous SDAVFs and present 2 cases from our institution. METHODS A comprehensive search was performed to identify all published cases of multiple synchronous SDAVFs. Overall, 23 patients with multiple synchronous SDAVFs were identified, including 21 from 19 articles and 2 from this study. The clinical presentation, lesion location, radiographic features, surgical treatment, and outcomes were analyzed in each patient. RESULTS All patients in this study were male, and the duration from symptom onset to diagnosis in many of these patients was longer than that previously reported. Previous studies suggested that multiple SDAVFs typically occurred within 3 or fewer vertebral levels. However, >50% of the examined patients had remote lesions separated by more than 3 vertebral levels. Patients with remote lesions had a significantly worse outcome (1/7 vs 8/11, 95% CI 0.001-0.998; P = .049). CONCLUSION Accurately locating fistulas before spinal angiography is critical for managing multiple remote SDAVFs. Considering the possibility of multiple remote SDAVFs, careful interpretation of imaging findings is essential for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment planning.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Ikeuchi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Draghici AE, Ely MR, Hamner JW, Taylor JA. Nitric oxide-mediated vasodilation in human bone. Microcirculation 2024; 31:e12842. [PMID: 38133925 PMCID: PMC10922487 DOI: 10.1111/micc.12842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Regulation of blood flow to bone is critical but poorly understood, particularly in humans. This study aims to determine whether nitric oxide (NO), a major regulator of vascular tone to other tissues, contributes also to the regulation of blood flow to bone. METHODS In young healthy adults (n = 16, 8F, 8M), we characterized NO-mediated vasodilation in the tibia in response to sublingual nitroglycerin and contrasted it to lower leg. Blood flow responses were assessed in supine individuals by continuously measuring tibial total hemoglobin (tHb) via near-infrared spectroscopy and lower leg blood flow (LBF) as popliteal flow velocity via Doppler ultrasound in the same leg. RESULTS LBF increased by Δ9.73 ± 0.66 cm/s and peaked 4.4 min after NO administration and declined slowly but remained elevated (Δ3.63 ± 0.60 cm/s) at 10 min. In contrast, time to peak response was longer and smaller in magnitude in the tibia as tHb increased Δ2.08 ± 0.22 μM and peaked 5.3 min after NO administration and declined quickly but remained elevated (Δ0.87±0.22 μM) at 10 min (p = .01). CONCLUSIONS In young adults, the tibial vasculature demonstrates robust NO-mediated vasodilation, but tHb is delayed and diminishes faster compared to LBF, predominately reflective of skeletal muscle responses. Thus, NO-mediated vasodilation in bone may be characteristically different from other vascular beds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adina E. Draghici
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Cardiovascular Research Laboratory, Spaulding Hospital Cambridge, Cambridge, MA
- Schoen Adams Research Institute at Spaulding Rehabilitation, Boston, MA
| | - Matthew R. Ely
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Cardiovascular Research Laboratory, Spaulding Hospital Cambridge, Cambridge, MA
- Schoen Adams Research Institute at Spaulding Rehabilitation, Boston, MA
| | - Jason W. Hamner
- Cardiovascular Research Laboratory, Spaulding Hospital Cambridge, Cambridge, MA
- Schoen Adams Research Institute at Spaulding Rehabilitation, Boston, MA
| | - J. Andrew Taylor
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Cardiovascular Research Laboratory, Spaulding Hospital Cambridge, Cambridge, MA
- Schoen Adams Research Institute at Spaulding Rehabilitation, Boston, MA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Meakin AS, Nathanielsz PW, Li C, Clifton VL, Wiese MD, Morrison JL. Maternal obesity impacts fetal liver androgen signalling in a sex-specific manner. Life Sci 2024; 337:122344. [PMID: 38081408 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.122344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maternal obesity (MO) increases fetal androgen concentrations, the prevalence of macrosomia, and predisposes offspring to metabolic dysfunction in later life, especially males. These risks may be, in part, the result of increased liver-specific androgen signalling pathway activity in utero. Androgen signalling activity can be suppressed by androgen metabolism via cytochrome P450 (CYP) isoenzymes (CYP2B6, CYP3A) or through inhibition of the full-length androgen receptor (AR-FL) via the antagonistic isoform, AR-45. We hypothesised MO impairs CYP enzyme activity and AR-45 expression in male fetal livers, thereby enhancing activity of androgen signalling pathways. METHODS Nine months prior to pregnancy, nulliparous female baboons were assigned to either ad libitum control or high fat diet. At 165 day (d) gestation (term, 180 d) fetal liver was collected (n = 6/sex/group). CYP activity was quantified using functional assays; subcellular AR expression was measured using Western blot. RESULTS CYP2B6 and CYP3A activity, and nuclear expression of AR-45, was reduced in MO males only. Nuclear AR-45 expression was inversely related with fetal body weight of MO males only. CONCLUSIONS Reduced CYP2B6 and CYP3A activity in conjunction with decreased nuclear AR-45 expression may enhance liver androgen signalling in males from MO pregnancies, thereby increasing the risk of macrosomia, as well as metabolic dysfunction in later life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ashley S Meakin
- Early Origins of Adult Health Research Group, Health and Biomedical Innovation, Clinical & Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
| | | | - Cun Li
- Department of Animal Science, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, USA
| | - Vicki L Clifton
- Mater Medical Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Michael D Wiese
- Centre for Pharmaceutical Innovation, Clinical & Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Janna L Morrison
- Early Origins of Adult Health Research Group, Health and Biomedical Innovation, Clinical & Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Sciarra F, Campolo F, Franceschini E, Carlomagno F, Venneri M. Gender-Specific Impact of Sex Hormones on the Immune System. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076302. [PMID: 37047274 PMCID: PMC10094624 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Sex hormones are key determinants of gender-related differences and regulate growth and development during puberty. They also exert a broad range modulation of immune cell functions, and a dichotomy exists in the immune response between the sexes. Both clinical and animal models have demonstrated that androgens, estrogens, and progestogens mediate many of the gender-specific differences in immune responses, from the susceptibility to infectious diseases to the prevalence of autoimmune disorders. Androgens and progestogens mainly promote immunosuppressive or immunomodulatory effects, whereas estrogens enhance humoral immunity both in men and in women. This study summarizes the available evidence regarding the physiological effects of sex hormones on human immune cell function and the underlying biological mechanisms, focusing on gender differences triggered by different amounts of androgens between males and females.
Collapse
|
7
|
Yuan D, Chu J, Lin H, Zhu G, Qian J, Yu Y, Yao T, Ping F, Chen F, Liu X. Mechanism of homocysteine-mediated endothelial injury and its consequences for atherosclerosis. Front Cardiovasc Med 2023; 9:1109445. [PMID: 36727029 PMCID: PMC9884709 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.1109445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Homocysteine (Hcy) is an intermediate amino acid formed during the conversion from methionine to cysteine. When the fasting plasma Hcy level is higher than 15 μmol/L, it is considered as hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy). The vascular endothelium is an important barrier to vascular homeostasis, and its impairment is the initiation of atherosclerosis (AS). HHcy is an important risk factor for AS, which can promote the development of AS and the occurrence of cardiovascular events, and Hcy damage to the endothelium is considered to play a very important role. However, the mechanism by which Hcy damages the endothelium is still not fully understood. This review summarizes the mechanism of Hcy-induced endothelial injury and the treatment methods to alleviate the Hcy induced endothelial dysfunction, in order to provide new thoughts for the diagnosis and treatment of Hcy-induced endothelial injury and subsequent AS-related diseases.
Collapse
|
8
|
Vasorelaxant Mechanism of Herbal Extracts from Mentha suaveolens, Conyza canadensis, Teucrium polium and Salvia verbenaca in the Aorta of Wistar Rats. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27248752. [PMID: 36557886 PMCID: PMC9784123 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27248752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Mentha suaveolens (MS), Conyza canadensis (CC), Teucrium polium (TP) and Salvia verbenaca (SV) are used in Morocco to treat hypertension. Our aim was to characterize the composition and vasoreactivity of extracts of MS, CC, TP and SV. The chemical compositions of aqueous extracts of MS, SV and TP, and of a hydromethanolic extract of CC, were identified by HPLC-DAD. The vasoreactive effect was tested in rings of the thoracic aorta of female Wistar rats (8-14 weeks-old) pre-contracted with 10 µM noradrenaline, in the absence or presence of L-NAME 100 µM, indomethacin 10 µM or atropine 6 µM, to inhibit nitric oxide synthase, cyclooxygenase or muscarinic receptors, respectively. L-NAME and atropine decreased the vasorelaxant effect caused by low concentrations of MS. Atropine and indomethacin decreased the vasorelaxant effect of low concentrations of SV. High concentrations of MS or SV and the effect of SV and TP were not altered by any antagonist. The activation of muscarinic receptors and NO or the cyclooxygenase pathway underlie the vasorelaxant effect of MS and SV, respectively. Neither of those mechanisms underlines the vasorelaxant effect of CC and TP. These vasorelaxant effect might support the use of herbal teas from these plants as anti-hypertensives in folk medicine.
Collapse
|