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He J, Dai Y, Liu J, Lin H, Gao F, Chen Z, Wu Y. Construction of competing endogenous RNA networks in systemic lupus erythematosus by integrated analysis. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 11:1383186. [PMID: 38835801 PMCID: PMC11149421 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1383186] [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: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a disease characterised by immune inflammation and damage to multiple organs. Recent investigations have linked competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) to lupus. However, the exact mechanism through which the ceRNAs network affects SLE is still unclear. This study aims to investigate the regulatory functions of the ceRNAs network, which are important pathways that control the pathophysiological processes of SLE. Methods CircRNA microarray for our tested assays were derived from bone marrow samples from three healthy individuals and three SLE patients in our hospital. The other sequencing data of circRNA, miRNA and mRNA were obtained from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets. Using the limma package of R program, the differential expression of mRNA and miRNA in the GEO database was discovered. Then predicted miRNA-mRNA and circRNA-miRNA were established using miRMap, miRanda, miRDB, TargetScan, and miTarBase. CircRNA-miRNA-mRNA ceRNA network was constructed using Cytoscape, and hub genes were screened using a protein-protein interaction network. Immune infiltration analysis of the hub gene was also performed by CIBERSORT and GSEA. Results 230 overlapped circRNAs, 86 DEmiRNAs and 2083 DEmRNAs were identified in SLE patients as compared to healthy controls. We constructed a circRNA-miRNA-mRNA ceRNAs network contained 11 overlapped circRNAs, 9 miRNAs and 51 mRNAs. ESR1 and SIRT1 were the most frequently associated protein-protein interactions in the PPI network. KEGG analysis showed that DEGs was enriched in FoxO signaling pathway as well as lipids and atherosclerosis. We constructed a novel circRNA-miRNA-mRNA ceRNA network (HSA circ 0000345- HSA miR-22-3-P-ESR1/SIRT1) that may have a major impact on SLE. Conclusion Through this bioinformatics and integrated analysis, we suggest a regulatory role for ceRNA network in the pathogenesis and treatment of SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juanjuan He
- Fujian Medical University Shengli Clinical Medical College, Fuzhou, China
- Department of Rheumatology, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yunfeng Dai
- Fujian Medical University Shengli Clinical Medical College, Fuzhou, China
- Department of Rheumatology, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jianwen Liu
- Fujian Medical University Shengli Clinical Medical College, Fuzhou, China
- Department of Rheumatology, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - He Lin
- Fujian Medical University Shengli Clinical Medical College, Fuzhou, China
- Department of Rheumatology, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Fei Gao
- Fujian Medical University Shengli Clinical Medical College, Fuzhou, China
- Department of Rheumatology, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zhihan Chen
- Fujian Medical University Shengli Clinical Medical College, Fuzhou, China
- Department of Rheumatology, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yanfang Wu
- Fujian Medical University Shengli Clinical Medical College, Fuzhou, China
- Department of Rheumatology, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, China
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Kor A, Sungu N, Karabulut Ş, Erten Ş. Renal tubular estrogen ß receptors are expressed at high levels in small vessel vasculitis and are primarily localized in the distal tubule. FASEB J 2024; 38:e23497. [PMID: 38376916 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202302362rr] [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: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
This study investigated the possible roles of renal estrogen receptors (ER) in glomerulonephritis associated with small vessel vasculitis. The relationships of ERs were investigated in antineutrophilic cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated glomerulonephritis and immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy groups, which are small vessel vasculitis subtypes with two different glomerulonephritis development pathophysiologies. The design of this study was prepared as a retrospective cohort study. The study included 42 patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis and 18 with IgA nephropathy in the small vessel vasculitis group. For the control group, intact renal tissues of 28 patients who underwent nephrectomy due to renal cell carcinoma were used. Renal biopsy samples of the groups were stained with ER beta (ß) and ER alpha (α). Tubular ER ß expression score (TERßES) median values were found to be significantly higher in ANCA- associated vasculitis (B = 0.724, OR [95%CI]: 2.064 [1.141-3.731], p = .016) and IgA nephropathy (B = 0.898, OR [95%CI]: 2.454 [1.307-4.609], p = .005) than in intact kidney tissue. It was determined that tubular ERß was most frequently localized in the distal tubule at 57.9% and the second most common in the proximal tubule at 20.4%. The expression of tubular ERß is increased in glomerulonephritis due to small vessel vasculitis. Tubular ERßs are most commonly localized in the distal tubule. Further studies are needed to understand the physiological and pathophysiological effects of altered renal ER levels in small vessel vasculitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmet Kor
- Department of Rheumatology, Ministry of Health, Aksaray University Training and Research Hospital, Aksaray, Turkey
| | - Nuran Sungu
- Department of Medical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine Ankara Bilkent City Hospital, Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Şefika Karabulut
- Gulhane Department of Microbiology, Virology, Health Sciences University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Şükran Erten
- Department of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine Ankara Bilkent City Hospital, Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University, Ankara, Turkey
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3
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Hansda AK, Biswas B, Goswami R. 17-β Estradiol (E2) distinctly regulates the expression of IL-4 and IL-13 in Th2 cells via modulating the interplay between GATA3 and PU.1. Cytokine 2024; 173:156440. [PMID: 37984154 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2023.156440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
17-β Estradiol (E2) has long standing known functions in regulating human physiology as well as immune system. E2 is known to elicit a protective role against experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) and has been used as a drug for treatment against multiple sclerosis. Moreover, E2 regulates the adaptive immune system by directly affecting the T helper cell subsets differentiation and antibody secretion mediated by B cells. Reports have shown that E2 promotes Th1 and Treg cell differentiation; whereas it attenuated the Th17 and Tfh cell differentiation. Albeit multiple and contrasting studies, the mechanisms of behind E2 action on Th2 cells remained understudied. Hence, we sought to dissect the impact of E2 in Th2 cell differentiation. In this study, we elucidated the molecular mechanisms behind E2-mediated regulation of the differentiation of Th2 cells. We observed that E2 significantly attenuated the IL-4-secreting Th2 population in an ERα-dependent manner. We validated these findings using ICI 182, 780, an antagonist to ERα, not ERβ and ectopically overexpressing ERα in Th2 cells. We further determined that ERα alters the recruitment of GATA3 and PU.1 to Il4 gene by directly interacting with them. This altered recruitment was observed to be stronger at Il4 than Il13 locus. Interestingly, we detected a distinct recruitment of GATA3 and PU.1 at Il13 gene; however, there was no E2-mediated broad alteration in the recruitment of histone-modifiers at Il13 locus. These findings suggest that E2 regulates Il4 in a distinctly separate mechanism as opposed to Il13 locus in Th2 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Biswajit Biswas
- School of Bioscience, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, India
| | - Ritobrata Goswami
- School of Bioscience, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, India.
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4
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Kor A, Süngü N, Biçer C, Erten Ş. Renal tubular and glomerular estrogen receptor ß levels are lower in lupus nephritis than in familial Mediterranean fever-associated renal amyloidosis. Lupus 2023; 32:1536-1547. [PMID: 37908062 DOI: 10.1177/09612033231210728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Estrogen has been thought to play an essential role in the disease pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus, which is 9-10 times more prevalent in the female population. It has been shown that irregular estrogen/estrogen receptor signaling pathways may contribute to the pathophysiology of various renal diseases. In this study, we compared renal estrogen receptors between lupus nephritis, familial Mediterranean fever-associated renal amyloidosis, ANCA-associated nephritis, and intact kidney to investigate their role in the pathophysiology of renal diseases. METHODS This study was designed as a retrospective cohort study. Thirty systemic lupus erythematosus patients with lupus nephritis, 12 familial Mediterranean fever amyloidosis and 10 ANCA-associated glomerulonephrites, and 14 individuals with normal renal histology were included in the study. RESULTS Tubular estrogen receptor ß expression score was found to be significantly higher in the familial Mediterranean fever [5 (1-8)] group than in the lupus nephritis [0 (0-1)] (B = 1.385, OR = 3.996, CI %95 = 1.805-8.846, p = .001) and ANCA [4 (1-6.5)] (B = -1.431, OR = 0.239, CI 95% = 0.093-0.614, p = .003) groups. A significant correlation was found between serum creatinine values and tubular estrogen receptor ß expression score (OR = 0.565, CI 95% = 0.622-1.402, p < .0001). In ANCA-associated glomerulonephritis, a significant relationship was found between fibro cellular crescents in renal biopsy and glomerular estrogen receptor ß expression score (OR = 0.247, CI 95% = 0.11-0.999, p = .045) and tubular estrogen receptor ß expression score (OR = 0.282, CI 95% = -0.180-2.812, p = .026). CONCLUSIONS This study showed that tubular estrogen receptor ß expression score was elevated in familial Mediterranean fever amyloidosis and correlated with serum creatinine levels and renal crescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmet Kor
- Department of Rheumatology, Aksaray Education and Research Hospital, Aksaray, Turkey
| | - Nuran Süngü
- Department of Medical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine Ankara City Hospital, Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Cemile Biçer
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine Ankara City Hospital, Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Şükran Erten
- Department of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine Ankara City Hospital, Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University, Ankara, Turkey
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Conte C, Antonelli G, Melica ME, Tarocchi M, Romagnani P, Peired AJ. Role of Sex Hormones in Prevalent Kidney Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24098244. [PMID: 37175947 PMCID: PMC10179191 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24098244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a constantly growing global health burden, with more than 840 million people affected worldwide. CKD presents sex disparities in the pathophysiology of the disease, as well as in the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and disease progression. Overall, while CKD is more frequent in females, males have a higher risk to progress to end-stage kidney disease. In recent years, numerous studies have highlighted the role of sex hormones in the health and diseases of several organs, including the kidney. In this review, we present a clinical overview of the sex-differences in CKD and a selection of prominent kidney diseases causing CKD: lupus nephritis, diabetic kidney disease, IgA nephropathy, and autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease. We report clinical and experimental findings on the role of sex hormones in the development of the disease and its progression to end-stage kidney disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Conte
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
- Nephrology and Dialysis Unit, Meyer Children's Hospital IRCCS, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Giulia Antonelli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
- Nephrology and Dialysis Unit, Meyer Children's Hospital IRCCS, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Maria Elena Melica
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Mirko Tarocchi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Paola Romagnani
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
- Nephrology and Dialysis Unit, Meyer Children's Hospital IRCCS, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Anna Julie Peired
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
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Fan M, Lan X, Wang Q, Shan M, Fang X, Zhang Y, Wu D, Luo H, Gao W, Zhu D. Renal function protection and the mechanism of ginsenosides: Current progress and future perspectives. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1070738. [PMID: 36814491 PMCID: PMC9939702 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1070738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Nephropathy is a general term for kidney diseases, which refers to changes in the structure and function of the kidney caused by various factors, resulting in pathological damage to the kidney, abnormal blood or urine components, and other diseases. The main manifestations of kidney disease include hematuria, albuminuria, edema, hypertension, anemia, lower back pain, oliguria, and other symptoms. Early detection, diagnosis, and active treatment are required to prevent chronic renal failure. The concept of nephropathy encompasses a wide range of conditions, including acute renal injury, chronic kidney disease, nephritis, renal fibrosis, and diabetic nephropathy. Some of these kidney-related diseases are interrelated and may lead to serious complications without effective control. In serious cases, it can also develop into chronic renal dysfunction and eventually end-stage renal disease. As a result, it seriously affects the quality of life of patients and places a great economic burden on society and families. Ginsenoside is one of the main active components of ginseng, with anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, antioxidant, and other pharmacological activities. A variety of monomers in ginsenosides can play protective roles in multiple organs. According to the difference of core structure, ginsenosides can be divided into protopanaxadiol-type (including Rb1, Rb3, Rg3, Rh2, Rd and CK, etc.), and protopanaxatriol (protopanaxatriol)- type (including Rg1, Rg2 and Rh1, etc.), and other types (including Rg5, Rh4, Rh3, Rk1, and Rk3, etc.). All of these ginsenosides showed significant renal function protection, which can reduce renal damage in renal injury, nephritis, renal fibrosis, and diabetic nephropathy models. This review summarizes reports on renal function protection and the mechanisms of action of these ginsenosides in various renal injury models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiling Fan
- The Affiliated Hospital of Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Xintian Lan
- School of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China,Key Laboratory of Effective Components of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Qunling Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China,Key Laboratory of Effective Components of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Mengyao Shan
- School of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China,Key Laboratory of Effective Components of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Xiaoxue Fang
- School of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China,Key Laboratory of Effective Components of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Yegang Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China,Key Laboratory of Effective Components of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Donglu Wu
- Key Laboratory of Effective Components of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China,School of Clinical Medical, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Haoming Luo
- School of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China,Key Laboratory of Effective Components of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Wenyi Gao
- School of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China,*Correspondence: Wenyi Gao, ; Difu Zhu,
| | - Difu Zhu
- School of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China,Key Laboratory of Effective Components of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China,*Correspondence: Wenyi Gao, ; Difu Zhu,
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7
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Sung WY, Lin YZ, Hwang DY, Lin CH, Li RN, Tseng CC, Wu CC, Ou TT, Yen JH. Methylation of TET2 Promoter Is Associated with Global Hypomethylation and Hypohydroxymethylation in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12123006. [PMID: 36553013 PMCID: PMC9776498 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12123006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: It is widely accepted that aberrant methylation patterns contribute to the development of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Ten-eleven translocation (TET) methylcytosine dioxygenase is an essential enzyme of which there are three members, TET1, 2, and 3, involved in hydroxymethylation, a newly uncovered mechanism of active DNA methylation. The epigenomes of gene transcription are regulated by 5-hydroxymethylcytocine (5-hmC) and TETs, leading to dysregulation of the immune system in SLE. The purpose of this study was to investigate the global hydroxymethylation status in SLE peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and to explore the role of TETs in changing the patterns of methylation. (2) Methods: We collected PBMCs from 101 SLE patients and 100 healthy donors. TaqMan real-time polymerase chain-reaction assay was performed for the detection of 5-methylcytosine (5-mC), 5-hmC, and TET2 mRNA expression and single-nucleotide polymorphism genotyping. The methylation rates in different CpG sites of TET2 promoters were examined using next-generation sequencing-based deep bisulfite sequencing. Putative transcription factors were investigated using the UCSC Genome Browser on the Human Dec. 2013 (GRCh38/hg38) Assembly. (3) Results: 5-mC and 5-hmC were both decreased in SLE. The mRNA expression level of TET2 was notably high and found to be correlated with the levels of immunologic biomarkers that are indicative of SLE disease activity. The analysis of methylation rates in the TET2 promoter revealed that SLE patients had significantly higher and lower rates of methylation in TET2 105146072-154 and TET2 105146218-331, respectively. (4) Conclusions: TET2 may play an important role in 5-mC/5-hmC dynamics in the PBMCs of SLE patients. The epigenetic modification of TET2 promoters could contribute to the pathogenesis of SLE and the intensity of the immunologic reaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wan-Yu Sung
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 80756, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (W.-Y.S.); (J.-H.Y.)
| | - Yuan-Zhao Lin
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 80756, Taiwan
| | - Daw-Yang Hwang
- National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, Tainan 350401, Taiwan
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 80756, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Hui Lin
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 80756, Taiwan
| | - Ruei-Nian Li
- Department of Biomedical Science and Environmental Biology, College of Life Science, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80756, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Chun Tseng
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 80756, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Chin Wu
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 80756, Taiwan
| | - Tsan-Teng Ou
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 80756, Taiwan
| | - Jeng-Hsien Yen
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 80756, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
- College of Biological Science and Technology, National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 30010, Taiwan
- Institute of Medical Science and Technology, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung 80424, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (W.-Y.S.); (J.-H.Y.)
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Dodd KC, Menon M. Sex bias in lymphocytes: Implications for autoimmune diseases. Front Immunol 2022; 13:945762. [PMID: 36505451 PMCID: PMC9730535 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.945762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune diseases are characterized by a significant sex dimorphism, with women showing increased susceptibility to disease. This is, at least in part, due to sex-dependent differences in the immune system that are influenced by the complex interplay between sex hormones and sex chromosomes, with contribution from sociological factors, diet and gut microbiota. Sex differences are evident in the number and function of lymphocyte populations. Women mount a stronger pro-inflammatory response than males, with increased lymphocyte proliferation, activation and pro-inflammatory cytokine production, whereas men display expanded regulatory cell subsets. Ageing alters the immune landscape of men and women in differing ways, resulting in changes in autoimmune disease susceptibility. Here we review the current literature on sex differences in lymphocyte function, the factors that influence this, and the implications for autoimmune disease. We propose that improved understanding of sex bias in lymphocyte function can provide sex-specific tailoring of treatment strategies for better management of autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine C. Dodd
- Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Division of Immunology, Immunity to Infection and Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom,Manchester Centre for Clinical Neurosciences, Salford Royal Hospital, Salford, United Kingdom
| | - Madhvi Menon
- Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Division of Immunology, Immunity to Infection and Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom,*Correspondence: Madhvi Menon,
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Kim JW, Kim HA, Suh CH, Jung JY. Sex hormones affect the pathogenesis and clinical characteristics of systemic lupus erythematosus. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:906475. [PMID: 36035435 PMCID: PMC9402996 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.906475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) affects women more frequently than men, similar to the female predilection for other autoimmune diseases. Moreover, male patients with SLE exhibit different clinical features than female patients. Sex-associated differences in SLE required special considerations for disease management such as during pregnancy or hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Sex hormones, namely, estrogen and testosterone, are known to affect immune responses and autoimmunity. While estrogen and progesterone promote type I immune response, and testosterone enhances T-helper 1 response. Sex hormones also influence Toll-like receptor pathways, and estrogen receptor signaling is involved in the activation and tolerance of immune cells. Further, the clinical features of SLE vary according to hormonal changes in female patients. Alterations in sex hormones during pregnancy can alter the disease activity of SLE, which is associated with pregnancy outcomes. Additionally, HRT may change SLE status. Sex hormones affect the pathogenesis, clinical features, and management of SLE; thus, understanding the occurrence and exacerbation of disease caused by sex hormones is necessary to improve its management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Won Kim
- Department of Rheumatology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Hyoun-Ah Kim
- Department of Rheumatology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Chang-Hee Suh
- Department of Rheumatology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, South Korea
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Ju-Yang Jung
- Department of Rheumatology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, South Korea
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10
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Ma HY, Chen S, Du Y. Estrogen and estrogen receptors in kidney diseases. Ren Fail 2021; 43:619-642. [PMID: 33784950 PMCID: PMC8018493 DOI: 10.1080/0886022x.2021.1901739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are posing great threats to global health within this century. Studies have suggested that estrogen and estrogen receptors (ERs) play important roles in many physiological processes in the kidney. For instance, they are crucial in maintaining mitochondrial homeostasis and modulating endothelin-1 (ET-1) system in the kidney. Estrogen takes part in the kidney repair and regeneration via its receptors. Estrogen also participates in the regulation of phosphorus homeostasis via its receptors in the proximal tubule. The ERα polymorphisms have been associated with the susceptibilities and outcomes of several renal diseases. As a consequence, the altered or dysregulated estrogen/ERs signaling pathways may contribute to a variety of kidney diseases, including various causes-induced AKI, diabetic kidney disease (DKD), lupus nephritis (LN), IgA nephropathy (IgAN), CKD complications, etc. Experimental and clinical studies have shown that targeting estrogen/ERs signaling pathways might have protective effects against certain renal disorders. However, many unsolved problems still exist in knowledge regarding the roles of estrogen and ERs in distinct kidney diseases. Further research is needed to shed light on this area and to enable the discovery of pathway-specific therapies for kidney diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao-Yang Ma
- Department of Geriatrics, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Nanjing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shuang Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Nanjing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yang Du
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Nanjing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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11
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Brown MA, Su MA. An Inconvenient Variable: Sex Hormones and Their Impact on T Cell Responses. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2020; 202:1927-1933. [PMID: 30885988 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1801403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2018] [Accepted: 12/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Epidemiologic data demonstrate sex differences in autoimmune diseases, immune responses against infection, and antitumor immunity, and accumulating evidence suggests a major role for sex hormones in mediating these differences. In this study, we review recent advances in understanding how sex hormones regulate T cell responses to alter susceptibility to autoimmunity. Although sex hormones can directly alter gene transcriptional programs of T cells, we focus in this study on how sex hormones alter T cell development and function through their effects on thymic stromal cells and innate cell types. In addition to contributing to our understanding of sex differences, these findings also have implications for the therapeutic use of sex hormones and sex hormone modulators, which are now being prescribed to increasing numbers of patients for a wide variety of indications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa A Brown
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611
| | - Maureen A Su
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, College of Life Sciences, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095; and .,Department of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095
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12
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DNA methylation was involved in total glucosides of paeony regulating ERα for the treatment of female systemic lupus erythematosus mice. J Pharmacol Sci 2019; 140:187-192. [PMID: 31345653 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphs.2019.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2019] [Revised: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Total glucosides of paeony (TGP) is a bioactive compound extracted from paeony roots and has been used in therapy for autoimmune diseases. However the molecular mechanism of TGP in the therapy of autoimmune diseases remains unclear. ERα has a pro-inflammatory role in SLE disease. In this study, we found that TGP treatment significantly decreased the expression of ERα by up-regulating ERα promoter methylation levels. Further investigation revealed that treatment with TGP increased the expression of DNMT in lupus mice. We also used DNA methyltransferase inhibitors to verify whether DNA methylation was involved in these process. HE staining results showed that TGP can reduce renal injury in SLE mice. Moreover, cytokines including IFN-γ, IL6 and IL12 expression and dsDNA levels in serum were inhibited by TGP treatment. These findings indicate that TGP inhibits autoimmunity in SLE mice possibly by downregulate ERα expression, which may in turn be due to its ability to regulate the methylation status of the ERα promoter.
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13
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Moulton VR. Sex Hormones in Acquired Immunity and Autoimmune Disease. Front Immunol 2018; 9:2279. [PMID: 30337927 PMCID: PMC6180207 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 315] [Impact Index Per Article: 52.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2018] [Accepted: 09/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Women have stronger immune responses to infections and vaccination than men. Paradoxically, the stronger immune response comes at a steep price, which is the high incidence of autoimmune diseases in women. The reasons why women have stronger immunity and higher incidence of autoimmunity are not clear. Besides gender, sex hormones contribute to the development and activity of the immune system, accounting for differences in gender-related immune responses. Both innate and adaptive immune systems bear receptors for sex hormones and respond to hormonal cues. This review focuses on the role of sex hormones particularly estrogen, in the adaptive immune response, in health, and autoimmune disease with an emphasis on systemic lupus erythematosus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vaishali R Moulton
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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14
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Rider V, Abdou NI, Kimler BF, Lu N, Brown S, Fridley BL. Gender Bias in Human Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Problem of Steroid Receptor Action? Front Immunol 2018; 9:611. [PMID: 29643853 PMCID: PMC5882779 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.00611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2017] [Accepted: 03/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease resulting from abnormal interactions between T and B cells. The acquisition of SLE is linked to genetic susceptibility, and diverse environmental agents can trigger disease onset in genetically susceptible individuals. However, the strongest risk factor for developing SLE is being female (9:1 female to male ratio). The female sex steroid, estradiol, working through its receptors, contributes to the gender bias in SLE although the mechanisms remain enigmatic. In a small clinical trial, monthly administration of the estrogen receptor (ERα) antagonist, ICI182,780 (fulvestrant), significantly reduced disease indicators in SLE patients. In order to identify changes that could account for improved disease status, the present study utilized fulvestrant (Faslodex) to block ERα action in cultured SLE T cells that were purified from blood samples collected from SLE patients (n = 18, median age 42 years) and healthy control females (n = 25, median age 46 years). The effects of ERα antagonism on estradiol-dependent gene expression and canonical signaling pathways were analyzed. Pathways that were significantly altered by addition of Faslodex included T helper (Th) cell differentiation, steroid receptor signaling [glucocorticoid receptor (GR), ESR1 (ERα)], ubiquitination, and sumoylation pathways. ERα protein expression was significantly lower (p < 0.018) in freshly isolated, resting SLE T cells suggesting ERα turnover is inherently faster in SLE T cells. In contrast, ERα/ERβ mRNA and ERβ protein levels were not significantly different between SLE and normal control T cell samples. Plasma estradiol levels did not differ (p > 0.05) between SLE patients and controls. A previously undetected interaction between GR and ERα signaling pathways suggests posttranslational modification of steroid receptors in SLE T cells may alter ERα/GR actions and contribute to the strong gender bias of this autoimmune disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia Rider
- Department of Biology, Pittsburg State University, Pittsburg, KS, United States
| | - Nabih I Abdou
- Center for Rheumatic Diseases, St. Luke's Hospital, Kansas City, MO, United States
| | - Bruce F Kimler
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, MO, United States
| | - Nanyan Lu
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, United States
| | - Susan Brown
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, United States
| | - Brooke L Fridley
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, MO, United States
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15
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Guo S, Zhang C, Bratton M, Mottamal M, Liu J, Ma P, Zheng S, Zhong Q, Yang L, Wiese TE, Wu Y, Ellis MJ, Matossian M, Burow ME, Miele L, Houtman R, Wang G. ZB716, a steroidal selective estrogen receptor degrader (SERD), is orally efficacious in blocking tumor growth in mouse xenograft models. Oncotarget 2018; 9:6924-6937. [PMID: 29467940 PMCID: PMC5805526 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.24023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2017] [Accepted: 12/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Advances in oral SERDs development so far have been confined to nonsteroidal molecules such as those containing a cinnamic acid moiety, which are in earlystage clinical evaluation. ZB716 was previously reported as an orally bioavailable SERD structurally analogous to fulvestrant. In this study, we examined the binding details of ZB716 to the estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) by computer modeling to reveal its interactions with the ligand binding domain as a steroidal molecule. We also found that ZB716 modulates ERα-coregulator interactions in nearly identical manner to fulvestrant. The ability of ZB716 to inhibit cell growth and downregulate ER expression in endocrine resistant, ERα mutant breast cancer cells was demonstrated. Moreover, in both the MCF-7 xenograft and a patient derived xenograft model, orally administered ZB716 showed superior efficacy in blocking tumor growth when compared to fulvestrant. Importantly, such enhanced efficacy of ZB716 was shown to be attributable to its markedly higher bioavailability, as evidenced in the final plasma and tumor tissue concentrations of ZB716 in mice where drug concentrations were found significantly higher than in the fulvestrant treatment group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanchun Guo
- Department of Chemistry, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA 70125, USA.,RCMI Cancer Research Center, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA 70125, USA
| | - Changde Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA 70125, USA.,RCMI Cancer Research Center, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA 70125, USA
| | - Melyssa Bratton
- RCMI Cancer Research Center, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA 70125, USA.,College of Pharmacy, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA 70125, USA
| | - Madhusoodanan Mottamal
- Department of Chemistry, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA 70125, USA.,RCMI Cancer Research Center, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA 70125, USA
| | - Jiawang Liu
- Department of Chemistry, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA 70125, USA.,RCMI Cancer Research Center, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA 70125, USA
| | - Peng Ma
- RCMI Cancer Research Center, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA 70125, USA.,College of Pharmacy, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA 70125, USA
| | - Shilong Zheng
- Department of Chemistry, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA 70125, USA.,RCMI Cancer Research Center, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA 70125, USA
| | - Qiu Zhong
- Department of Chemistry, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA 70125, USA.,RCMI Cancer Research Center, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA 70125, USA
| | - Lin Yang
- College of Pharmacy Chongqing Medical and Pharmaceutical College, University Town, Chongqing, 401331, China
| | - Thomas E Wiese
- RCMI Cancer Research Center, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA 70125, USA.,College of Pharmacy, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA 70125, USA
| | - Yong Wu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Charles Drew University, Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA
| | - Matthew J Ellis
- Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Margarite Matossian
- Section of Hematology & Medical Oncology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Matthew E Burow
- Section of Hematology & Medical Oncology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Lucio Miele
- Department of Genetics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - René Houtman
- Nuclear Receptor Group, PamGene International, 5211HH Den Bosch, The Netherlands
| | - Guangdi Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA 70125, USA.,RCMI Cancer Research Center, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA 70125, USA
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16
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Young NA, Valiente GR, Hampton JM, Wu LC, Burd CJ, Willis WL, Bruss M, Steigelman H, Gotsatsenko M, Amici SA, Severin M, Claverie LM, Guerau-de-Arellano M, Lovett-Racke A, Ardoin S, Jarjour WN. Estrogen-regulated STAT1 activation promotes TLR8 expression to facilitate signaling via microRNA-21 in systemic lupus erythematosus. Clin Immunol 2016; 176:12-22. [PMID: 28039018 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2016.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2016] [Revised: 12/08/2016] [Accepted: 12/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies implicate innate immunity to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) pathogenesis. Toll-like receptor (TLR)8 is estrogen-regulated and binds viral ssRNA to stimulate innate immune responses, but recent work indicates that microRNA (miR)-21 within extracellular vesicles (EVs) can also trigger this receptor. Our objective was to examine TLR8 expression/activation to better understand sex-biased responses involving TLR8 in SLE. Our data identify an estrogen response element that promotes STAT1 expression and demonstrate STAT1-dependent transcriptional activation of TLR8 with estrogen stimulation. In lieu of viral ssRNA activation, we explored EV-encapsulated miR-21 as an endogenous ligand and observed induction of both TLR8 and cytokine expression in vitro. Moreover, extracellular miR detection was found predominantly within EVs. Thus, just as a cytokine or chemokine, EV-encapsulated miR-21 can act as an inflammatory signaling molecule, or miRokine, by virtue of being an endogenous ligand of TLR8. Collectively, our data elucidates a novel innate inflammatory pathway in SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas A Young
- Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Wexner Medical Center at The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, Wexner Medical Center at The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Giancarlo R Valiente
- Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Wexner Medical Center at The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, Wexner Medical Center at The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Jeffrey M Hampton
- Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Wexner Medical Center at The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, Wexner Medical Center at The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Lai-Chu Wu
- Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Wexner Medical Center at The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, Wexner Medical Center at The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Craig J Burd
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Wexner Medical Center at The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - William L Willis
- Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Wexner Medical Center at The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, Wexner Medical Center at The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Michael Bruss
- Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Wexner Medical Center at The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, Wexner Medical Center at The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Holly Steigelman
- Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Wexner Medical Center at The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, Wexner Medical Center at The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Maya Gotsatsenko
- Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Wexner Medical Center at The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, Wexner Medical Center at The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Stephanie A Amici
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Division of Medical Laboratory Science, and Department of Neuroscience, Wexner Medical Center at The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Mary Severin
- Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, Wexner Medical Center at The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | | | - Mireia Guerau-de-Arellano
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Division of Medical Laboratory Science, and Department of Neuroscience, Wexner Medical Center at The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Amy Lovett-Racke
- Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, Wexner Medical Center at The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Stacy Ardoin
- Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Wexner Medical Center at The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, Wexner Medical Center at The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Wael N Jarjour
- Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Wexner Medical Center at The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, Wexner Medical Center at The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
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17
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Xue L, Liu Z, Hu J, Huang J, Wen J, Liu Z. Estrogen-induced expression of tumor necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis through ERα accelerates the progression of lupus nephritis. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2016; 55:1880-8. [PMID: 27354685 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kew248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Oestrogens have been shown to play key roles in the pathogenesis of SLE. The aim of this study was to investigate the roles and mechanisms of 17β-estradiol (E2) in TNF-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK) expression in LN. METHODS Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) obtained from LN patients were used for in vitro experiments, while female MRL/lpr and MRL/MpJ mice were used for in vivo studies. E2, ICI 182 780 [estrogen receptor (ER)-selective antagonist], methyl-piperidino-pyrazole (MPP, ERα-selective modulator), lentivirus (LV)-TWEAK-short hairpin RNA (shRNA) and LV-control-shRNA treatments were used in this study. RESULTS TWEAK mRNA expression in PBMCs was significantly increased following E2 treatment and downregulated after incubation with ICI 182 780 or MPP. Compared with sham-operated MRL/lpr mice, ovariectomized mice, treated with dimethyl sulphoxide vehicle alone, showed lower expression levels of renal TWEAK mRNA and protein. The expression of both mRNA and protein in ovariectomized mice was upregulated after E2 treatment and downregulated after ICI 182 780 or MPP co-treatment. Severe renal damage was observed in E2-treated ovariectomized mice, as were higher serum levels of IL-6, compared with dimethyl sulphoxide vehicle-treated ovariectomized mice. Co-treatment with LV-TWEAK-shRNA reversed these changes, and LV-control-shRNA treatment had no effect on them. CONCLUSION Our results demonstrated that E2 plays an important role in the upregulation of TWEAK expression in LN, most likely through an ERα-dependent pathway, causing kidney damage. This provides a novel insight into the mechanisms of the E2-TWEAK signalling pathway in LN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leixi Xue
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou
| | - Zhiqin Liu
- Department of Biological Science & Engineering, Hebei University of Science & Technology, Hebei, China
| | - Ji Hu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou
| | - Jun Huang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou
| | - Jian Wen
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou
| | - Zhichun Liu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou
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18
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Female cotton rats (Sigmodon hispidus) develop chronic anemia with renal inflammation and cystic changes. Histochem Cell Biol 2016; 146:351-62. [PMID: 27099161 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-016-1438-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/13/2016] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The cotton rat (Sigmodon hispidus) is a laboratory rodent that has been used for studies on human infectious diseases. In the present study, we observed that female cotton rats, not the male cotton rats, developed chronic anemia characterized by reduced red blood cell, hemoglobin, and hematocrit levels from 5 to 9 months of age without any changes in the mean corpuscular hemoglobin and volume levels. In peripheral blood, the reticulocyte count did not increase in response to anemia in female cotton rats, and no extramedullary hematopoiesis was observed in the liver or spleen. Further, the serum levels of urea nitrogen and creatinine increased from 5 to 9 months of age in female cotton rats compared to male cotton rats, and these increases became more prominent from 10 months of age onward, indicating chronic kidney disease. Histopathologically, female cotton rats manifested tubulointerstitial lesions characterized by the infiltration of mononuclear cells, including plasma cells and CD3(+) T-cells, as well as the dilation of calbindin-D28k(+) distal tubules from 5 to 9 months of age. The severity of these lesions progressed from 10 months of age onward, and renal fibrotic features and numerous tubular cysts appeared without any obvious glomerular lesions. A significant decrease in the erythropoietin protein levels was observed in the kidney of aged female cotton rats, and significant correlations were detected between anemia and tubulointerstitial damage. These results suggest that aged female cotton rats chronically develop renal anemia, and this rodent may serve as a novel model to elucidate its pathogenesis.
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19
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Khan D, Ansar Ahmed S. The Immune System Is a Natural Target for Estrogen Action: Opposing Effects of Estrogen in Two Prototypical Autoimmune Diseases. Front Immunol 2016; 6:635. [PMID: 26779182 PMCID: PMC4701921 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2015.00635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 236] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2015] [Accepted: 12/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Analogous to other physiological systems, the immune system also demonstrates remarkable sex differences. Although the reasons for sex differences in immune responses are not precisely understood, it potentially involves differences in sex hormones (estrogens, androgens, and differential sex hormone receptor-mediated events), X-chromosomes, microbiome, epigenetics among others. Overall, females tend to have more responsive and robust immune system compared to their male counterparts. It is therefore not surprising that females respond more aggressively to self-antigens and are more susceptible to autoimmune diseases. Female hormone (estrogen or 17β-estradiol) can potentially act on all cellular subsets of the immune system through estrogen receptor-dependent and -independent mechanisms. This minireview highlights differential expression of estrogen receptors on immune cells, major estrogen-mediated signaling pathways, and their effect on immune cells. Since estrogen has varied effects in female-predominant autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis and systemic lupus erythematosus, we will mechanistically postulate the potential differential role of estrogen in these chronic debilitating diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deena Khan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech , Blacksburg, VA , USA
| | - S Ansar Ahmed
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech , Blacksburg, VA , USA
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20
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Furman D. Sexual dimorphism in immunity: improving our understanding of vaccine immune responses in men. Expert Rev Vaccines 2014; 14:461-71. [PMID: 25278153 DOI: 10.1586/14760584.2015.966694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Weaker immune responses are often observed in males compared to females. Since female hormones have proinflammatory properties and androgens have potent immunomodulatory effects, this sexual dimorphism in the immune response seems to be hormone dependent. Despite our current knowledge about the effect of sex hormones on immune cells, definition of the factors driving the sex differences in immunoclinical outcomes, such as the diminished response to infection and vaccination observed in men or the higher rates of autoimmunity observed in females, remains elusive. Recently, systems approaches to immune function have started to suggest a way toward establishing this connection. Such studies promise to improve our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the sexual dimorphism observed in the human immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Furman
- Institute for Immunity, Transplantation and Infection, Stanford University, 279 Campus Drive, B240 Beckman Center, Stanford, CA 94305-5124, USA
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21
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Demethylation within the proximal promoter region of human estrogen receptor alpha gene correlates with its enhanced expression: Implications for female bias in lupus. Mol Immunol 2014; 61:28-37. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2014.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2013] [Revised: 04/28/2014] [Accepted: 05/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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22
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Mathian A, Arnaud L, Amoura Z. Physiopathologie du lupus systémique : le point en 2014. Rev Med Interne 2014; 35:503-11. [DOI: 10.1016/j.revmed.2013.10.334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2012] [Revised: 08/06/2013] [Accepted: 10/16/2013] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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23
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Dasgupta S, Eudaly J. Estrogen receptor-alpha mediates Toll-like receptor-2 agonist-induced monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 production in mesangial cells. RESULTS IN IMMUNOLOGY 2012; 2:196-203. [PMID: 24371584 DOI: 10.1016/j.rinim.2012.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2012] [Revised: 10/02/2012] [Accepted: 10/09/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
TLR2 agonists are well known for inducing NF-kB activation and inflammation, while estrogen receptor-alpha (ER-α) is a regulator of estrogen-mediated anti-inflammatory responses. In the present work, we determined the role of ER-α and phosphorylated ER-α in TLR2 agonist-induced MCP1 production in mesangial cells. We found that TLR2 agonists induced nuclear localization of phospho-ER-α (serine 118), and estrogen and TLR2 agonists both induced phosphorylation of ER-α at the serine 118 and 104/106 positions. Incubation of MRL/lpr mesangial cells with estrogen was found to attenuate TLR2 agonist-mediated MCP1 production. To determine the mode of action of ER-α/pER-α (serine-118), we used the ER-α inhibitor MPP and transfected mesangial cells with ER-α siRNA. ER-α inhibition was found to decrease MCP1 production in mesangial cells. Thus, ER-α/pER-α is an intermediate regulator for both TLR2-mediated MCP1 production during inflammation and estrogen-mediated anti-inflammatory signals in mesangial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subhajit Dasgupta
- (Autoimmunity and Neurodegeneration), Department of Neuroscience, (Neurosciences and Neuroscience research), Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Jackie Eudaly
- Rheumatology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
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24
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Colasanti T, Maselli A, Conti F, Sanchez M, Alessandri C, Barbati C, Vacirca D, Tinari A, Chiarotti F, Giovannetti A, Franconi F, Valesini G, Malorni W, Pierdominici M, Ortona E. Autoantibodies to estrogen receptor α interfere with T lymphocyte homeostasis and are associated with disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 64:778-87. [PMID: 21968947 DOI: 10.1002/art.33400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Estrogens influence many physiologic processes and are also implicated in the development or progression of numerous diseases, including autoimmune disorders. Aberrations of lymphocyte homeostasis that lead to the production of multiple pathogenic autoantibodies, including autoantibodies specific to estrogen receptor (ER), have been detected in the peripheral blood of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This study was undertaken to assess the presence of both anti-ERα and anti-ERβ antibodies in sera from patients with SLE, to analyze the effect of these antibodies on peripheral blood T lymphocyte homeostasis, and to evaluate their role as determinants of disease pathogenesis and progression. METHODS Anti-ER antibody serum immunoreactivity was analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in samples from 86 patients with SLE and 95 healthy donors. Phenotypic and functional analyses were performed by flow cytometry and Western blotting. RESULTS Anti-ERα antibodies were present in 45% of the patients with SLE, whereas anti-ERβ antibodies were undetectable. In healthy donors, anti-ERα antibodies induced cell activation and consequent apoptotic cell death in resting lymphocytes as well as proliferation of anti-CD3-stimulated T lymphocytes. A significant association between anti-ERα antibody values and clinical parameters, i.e., the SLE Disease Activity Index and arthritis, was found. CONCLUSION Our data suggest that anti-ERα autoantibodies interfere with T lymphocyte homeostasis and are significantly associated with lupus disease activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania Colasanti
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy, and San Raffaele Institute Sulmona, L'Aquila, Italy
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25
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Feng F, Silvin CJ, Fiore NC, Stoll ML, Price KE, Shanley PS, Silverstone AE, Gavalchin J. 17β-Estradiol (E-2) administration to male (NZB × SWR)F1 mice results in increased IdLNF1-reactive memory T-lymphocytes and accelerated glomerulonephritis. Lupus 2011; 21:288-301. [DOI: 10.1177/0961203311425519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
While it has been shown that estradiol treatment accelerates the onset of lupus nephritis with autoantibody production and kidney damage in both male and female lupus-prone mice, the specific mechanism(s) involved are unknown. Our previous work has shown that alterations in IdLNF1-reactive T cells and IdLNF1+ antibodies correlated closely with the onset of autoimmune nephritis in female F1 progeny of SWR and NZB (SNF1) mice, supporting a critical role for the IdLNF1 idiotype in the development of disease. Since male SNF1 mice normally do not develop nephritis, we tested whether administration of 17β-estradiol (E-2) to male SNF1 mice would increase IdLNF1 IgG levels and autoreactive T cells, and further, induce nephritis. We found that E-2-treated male SNF1 mice developed nephritis with the same time course and mean survival as normal female SNF1 mice. Moreover, it appeared that the mechanism involved increased serum IdLNF1+IgG and its deposition in kidney glomeruli, preceded by astriking twofold increase in T-lymphocytes expressing the memory phenotype (CD44+CD45RBlo) predominantly in the IdLNF1-reactive T-cell population. In addition, we noted that cells with this phenotype were increased in the nephritic kidneys of treated mice, suggesting a direct involvement of those cells in the renal pathology. E-2 treatment also induced increased numbers of pathogenic IdLNF1+ antibody-producing B cells and elevated presentation of pathogenic IdLNF1+ peptide. Taken together, these results suggest a mechanism of E-2-induced acceleration of autoimmune disease in lupus-prone mice may involve expansion of autoreactive idiotypic T and B-cell populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Feng
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - CJ Silvin
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - NC Fiore
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - ML Stoll
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - KE Price
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - PS Shanley
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - AE Silverstone
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - J Gavalchin
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA
- Department of Animal Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
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Maj T, S Awek A, Kaleta-Kuratewicz K, Che Mo Ska-Soyta A. 17β-Estradiol and interferon tau interact in the regulation of the immune response in a model of experimental autoimmune orchitis. J Interferon Cytokine Res 2011; 31:825-37. [PMID: 21787220 DOI: 10.1089/jir.2010.0147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunoregulatory activity of type I interferons (IFNs) and estrogen is convergent in some cases of autoimmune disorders. The aim of our study was to determine whether a potent interaction of IFN and estradiol (E2) has an influence on immune response and estrogen receptor alpha (ER-?) expression in antigen-presenting cells in a model of experimental autoimmune orchitis (EAO). C3H/He/W male mice were immunized with testicular germ cells (TGCs) and orally treated with interferon tau (IFN-?), E2, or both simultaneously. The delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction was intensified after the administration of either IFN-? or E2, but their co-administration had no effect. IFN-? treatment increased immunoglobulin G2a (IgG2a) and decreased IgG1 levels of TGC-specific antibodies, whereas E2 abolished the effects of the used cytokine. The total splenic cellularity and the number of spleen CD11c+MHC II+ and F4/80+MHC II? cells were increased after IFN-? treatment, whereas E2 antagonized this effect. After IFN-? administration the level of ER-? was significantly higher in F4/80+MHC II? cells, whereas E2 had no effect. However, the administration of E2 significantly reduced the ER-? level in F4/80+MHC II+ and CD11c+MHC II+ cells in comparison with the IFN-??treated groups. In the EAO model, the type I IFN and E2 cooperated at the general and cellular levels of immune response, but E2 treatment usually abolished the effects exerted by the cytokine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomasz Maj
- Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology, L. Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wroclaw
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Lin HL, Yen JH, Chiou SS, Tsai WC, Ou TT, Wu CC, Liu HW, 林慧麗, 顏正賢, 邱世欣, 蔡文展, 歐燦騰, 吳正欽, 劉宏文. Estradiol upregulates calcineurin expression via overexpression of estrogen receptor alpha gene in systemic lupus erythematosus. Kaohsiung J Med Sci 2011; 27:125-31. [DOI: 10.1016/j.kjms.2010.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2010] [Accepted: 11/04/2010] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
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Gulinello M, Putterman C. The MRL/lpr mouse strain as a model for neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus. J Biomed Biotechnol 2011; 2011:207504. [PMID: 21331367 PMCID: PMC3038428 DOI: 10.1155/2011/207504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2010] [Accepted: 12/28/2010] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
To date, CNS disease and neuropsychiatric symptoms of systemic lupus erythematosus (NP-SLE) have been understudied compared to end-organ failure and peripheral pathology. In this review, we focus on a specific mouse model of lupus and the ways in which this model reflects some of the most common manifestations and potential mechanisms of human NP-SLE. The mouse MRL lymphoproliferation strain (a.k.a. MRL/lpr) spontaneously develops the hallmark serological markers and peripheral pathologies typifying lupus in addition to displaying the cognitive and affective dysfunction characteristic of NP-SLE, which may be among the earliest symptoms of lupus. We suggest that although NP-SLE may share common mechanisms with peripheral organ pathology in lupus, especially in the latter stages of the disease, the immunologically privileged nature of the CNS indicates that early manifestations of particularly mood disorders maybe derived from some unique mechanisms. These include altered cytokine profiles that can activate astrocytes, microglia, and alter neuronal function before dysregulation of the blood-brain barrier and development of clinical autoantibody titres.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Gulinello
- Behavioral Core Facility, Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1410 Pelham Pkwy S Kennedy 925, Bronx, NY 10461, USA.
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Zhang Y, Saha S, Rosenfeld G, Gonzalez J, Pepeljugoski KP, Peeva E. Raloxifene modulates estrogen-mediated B cell autoreactivity in NZB/W F1 mice. J Rheumatol 2010; 37:1646-57. [PMID: 20551107 DOI: 10.3899/jrheum.090911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Estrogen has been found to exacerbate disease activity in murine lupus and to induce a lupus-like syndrome in nonspontaneously autoimmune mice. This has led to the consideration that estrogen may be a risk factor for the development of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERM) may serve to ameliorate lupus activity. We evaluated the effects and mechanism of action of the SERM raloxifene in murine lupus. METHODS Effects of raloxifene on the development of lupus in NZB/W F1 mice were evaluated in the presence and absence of estrogen by assessing the serum DNA reactivity, glomerular IgG deposition and kidney damage, B cell maturation and selection, and activation status of marginal zone and follicular B cells. RESULTS Compared to estradiol-treated mice, mice treated with estradiol and raloxifene had significantly lower serum anti-DNA antibody levels and less kidney damage. These effects of raloxifene were due, at least in part, to antagonism of the influence of estrogen on DNA-reactive B cells. Raloxifene was found to prevent estrogen-mediated suppression of autoreactive B cell elimination at the T1/T2 selection checkpoint, to reduce estrogen-induced CD40 overexpression on follicular B cells, making them less responsive to T cell costimulation, and to ameliorate estrogen-mediated CD22 downregulation on marginal zone B cells, thereby decreasing their responsiveness to B cell antigen receptor-mediated stimuli. CONCLUSION Raloxifene suppressed estrogen-mediated effects on the survival, maturation, and activation of autoreactive B cells in NZB/W F1 mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhang
- Department of Medicine and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA.
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30
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Panchanathan R, Shen H, Zhang X, Ho SM, Choubey D. Mutually positive regulatory feedback loop between interferons and estrogen receptor-alpha in mice: implications for sex bias in autoimmunity. PLoS One 2010; 5:e10868. [PMID: 20526365 PMCID: PMC2878324 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0010868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2010] [Accepted: 05/05/2010] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), an autoimmune disease, predominantly affects women of childbearing age. Moreover, increased serum levels of interferon-α (IFN-α) are associated with the disease. Although, the female sex hormone estrogen (E2) is implicated in sex bias in SLE through up-regulation of IFN-γ expression, the molecular mechanisms remain unknown. Here we report that activation of IFN (α or γ)-signaling in immune cells up-regulates expression of estrogen receptor-α (ERα; encoded by the Esr1 gene) and stimulates expression of target genes. Methodology/Principal Findings We found that treatment of mouse splenic cells and mouse cell lines with IFN (α or γ) increased steady-state levels of ERα mRNA and protein. The increase in the ERα mRNA levels was primarily due to the transcriptional mechanisms and it was dependent upon the activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription-1 (STAT1) factor by IFN. Moreover, the IFN-treatment of cells also stimulated transcription of a reporter gene, expression of which was driven by the promoter region of the murine Esr1 gene. Notably, splenic cells from pre-autoimmune lupus-prone (NZB × NZW)F1 female mice had relatively higher steady-state levels of mRNAs encoded by the IFN and ERα-responsive genes as compared to the age-matched males. Conclusions/Significance Our observations identify a novel mutually positive regulatory feedback loop between IFNs and ERα in immune cells in mice and support the idea that activation of this regulatory loop contributes to sex bias in SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravichandran Panchanathan
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
- Cincinnati Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Hui Shen
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
- Cincinnati Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Xiang Zhang
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Shuk-mei Ho
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Divaker Choubey
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
- Cincinnati Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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