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Quintana DS, Glaser BD, Kang H, Kildal ESM, Audunsdottir K, Sartorius AM, Barth C. The interplay of oxytocin and sex hormones. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 163:105765. [PMID: 38885888 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105765] [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: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
The neuropeptide oxytocin has historically been associated with reproduction and maternal behavior. However, more recent research has uncovered that oxytocin has a much wider range of roles in physiology and behavior. Despite the excitement surrounding potential therapeutical applications of intranasally administered oxytocin, the results of these intervention studies have been inconsistent. Various reasons for these mixed results have been proposed, which tend to focus on methodological issues, such as study design. While methodological issues are certainly important, emerging evidence suggests that the interaction between oxytocin and sex hormones may also account for these varied findings. To better understand the purpose and function of the interaction of oxytocin with sex hormones, with a focus on estrogens, progesterone, and testosterone, we conducted a comprehensive thematic review via four perspectives: evolutionary, developmental, mechanistic, and survival. Altogether, this synergistic approach highlights the critical function of sex hormone activity for accomplishing the diverse roles of oxytocin via the modulation of oxytocin release and oxytocin receptor activity, which is also likely to contribute to the heterogeneity of outcomes after oxytocin administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel S Quintana
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; KG Jebsen Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; NevSom, Department of Rare Disorders, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Bernt D Glaser
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Heemin Kang
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Emilie S M Kildal
- KG Jebsen Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Department of Psychiatry, Lovisenberg Diakonale Sykehus, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kristin Audunsdottir
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; KG Jebsen Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Claudia Barth
- Department of Psychiatric Research, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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2
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Aumailley L, Bodein A, Adjibade P, Leclercq M, Bourassa S, Droit A, Mazroui R, Lebel M. Combined transcriptomics and proteomics unveil the impact of vitamin C in modulating specific protein abundance in the mouse liver. Biol Res 2024; 57:26. [PMID: 38735981 PMCID: PMC11088995 DOI: 10.1186/s40659-024-00509-x] [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: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vitamin C (ascorbate) is a water-soluble antioxidant and an important cofactor for various biosynthetic and regulatory enzymes. Mice can synthesize vitamin C thanks to the key enzyme gulonolactone oxidase (Gulo) unlike humans. In the current investigation, we used Gulo-/- mice, which cannot synthesize their own ascorbate to determine the impact of this vitamin on both the transcriptomics and proteomics profiles in the whole liver. The study included Gulo-/- mouse groups treated with either sub-optimal or optimal ascorbate concentrations in drinking water. Liver tissues of females and males were collected at the age of four months and divided for transcriptomics and proteomics analysis. Immunoblotting, quantitative RT-PCR, and polysome profiling experiments were also conducted to complement our combined omics studies. RESULTS Principal component analyses revealed distinctive differences in the mRNA and protein profiles as a function of sex between all the mouse cohorts. Despite such sexual dimorphism, Spearman analyses of transcriptomics data from females and males revealed correlations of hepatic ascorbate levels with transcripts encoding a wide array of biological processes involved in glucose and lipid metabolisms as well as in the acute-phase immune response. Moreover, integration of the proteomics data showed that ascorbate modulates the abundance of various enzymes involved in lipid, xenobiotic, organic acid, acetyl-CoA, and steroid metabolism mainly at the transcriptional level, especially in females. However, several proteins of the mitochondrial complex III significantly correlated with ascorbate concentrations in both males and females unlike their corresponding transcripts. Finally, poly(ribo)some profiling did not reveal significant enrichment difference for these mitochondrial complex III mRNAs between Gulo-/- mice treated with sub-optimal and optimal ascorbate levels. CONCLUSIONS Thus, the abundance of several subunits of the mitochondrial complex III are regulated by ascorbate at the post-transcriptional levels. Our extensive omics analyses provide a novel resource of altered gene expression patterns at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels under ascorbate deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucie Aumailley
- Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, 2705 Laurier Blvd., Local R-2714, Québec City, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Antoine Bodein
- Endocrinology and Nephrology Unit, CHU de Québec-Laval University Research Center, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Pauline Adjibade
- Cancer Research Center, Université Laval, Québec, QC, G1R 3S3, Canada
| | - Mickaël Leclercq
- Endocrinology and Nephrology Unit, CHU de Québec-Laval University Research Center, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Sylvie Bourassa
- Proteomics Platform, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Arnaud Droit
- Endocrinology and Nephrology Unit, CHU de Québec-Laval University Research Center, Québec City, QC, Canada
- Proteomics Platform, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Rachid Mazroui
- Cancer Research Center, Université Laval, Québec, QC, G1R 3S3, Canada
| | - Michel Lebel
- Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, 2705 Laurier Blvd., Local R-2714, Québec City, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada.
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3
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Feraco A, Armani A, Amoah I, Guseva E, Camajani E, Gorini S, Strollo R, Padua E, Caprio M, Lombardo M. Assessing gender differences in food preferences and physical activity: a population-based survey. Front Nutr 2024; 11:1348456. [PMID: 38445208 PMCID: PMC10912473 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2024.1348456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Food preferences are influenced by various factors, such as culture, age, and gender. The relationship between food tastes, meal preferences, and eating habits has been studied extensively in recent years; however, research on gender differences in these fields still needs to be addressed. The aim of this study was to investigate gender differences in food preferences and eating habits through self-administered questionnaires in a large Italian population sample. Methods The online survey included questions on food tastes, meal preferences, eating habits, and sport involvement. Results The results of the study underline significant gender-specific dietary tendencies among the 2198 participants (1314 females and 884 males, average age 41.1 ± 12.7 yrs). The majority of subjects were in the annual income range between €20,000 and €40,000. Our analysis reveals significant gender differences in dietary preferences and eating habits. Men prefer red and processed meat, with significantly higher consumption rates than women. Women, on the other hand, show a greater inclination towards vegetables, whole grains, tofu, and high-cocoa-content dark chocolate, aligning with healthier food choices. The study also found differences in eating behaviors, including the frequency of meals, snacking habits, and hunger patterns: women tend to eat more frequently and report higher levels of hunger in the morning, while men tend to skip snacks. Furthermore, differences extend to eating contexts, such as the speed of eating, eating out, and eating alone, with men more likely to eat quickly and dine out. Episodes of uncontrolled eating without hunger also differ, with women reporting these behaviors more frequently than men. In addition, the analysis of sports preferences showed distinct patterns, with a lower percentage of women playing sports and those who do play sports preferring endurance and strength training, while men prefer strength training and endurance sports. Discussion These findings elucidate the complex interplay of biological, cultural, and gender-based factors in shaping dietary preferences and eating behaviors. In particular, our study reveals that gender dynamics significantly influence food choice and eating habits: women tend to choose healthier foods and eat regular meals, while men show preferences for specific tastes and meal-related behaviors. This analysis underscores the nuanced differences between male and female dietary patterns, influenced not only by inherent biological factors such as genetics and hormonal responses but also by societal norms and cultural contexts. Taken together, our results highlight the importance of integrating different perspectives, thus providing valuable insights into the development of public health strategies and tailored nutrition interventions aimed at chronic disease prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Feraco
- Department of Human Sciences and Promotion of the Quality of Life, San Raffaele Open University, Rome, Italy
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Endocrinology, San Raffaele Research Institute, IRCCS San Raffaele Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Armani
- Department of Human Sciences and Promotion of the Quality of Life, San Raffaele Open University, Rome, Italy
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Endocrinology, San Raffaele Research Institute, IRCCS San Raffaele Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Isaac Amoah
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Elena Guseva
- Department of Human Sciences and Promotion of the Quality of Life, San Raffaele Open University, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Camajani
- Department of Human Sciences and Promotion of the Quality of Life, San Raffaele Open University, Rome, Italy
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Endocrinology, San Raffaele Research Institute, IRCCS San Raffaele Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania Gorini
- Department of Human Sciences and Promotion of the Quality of Life, San Raffaele Open University, Rome, Italy
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Endocrinology, San Raffaele Research Institute, IRCCS San Raffaele Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Rocky Strollo
- Department of Human Sciences and Promotion of the Quality of Life, San Raffaele Open University, Rome, Italy
| | - Elvira Padua
- Department of Human Sciences and Promotion of the Quality of Life, San Raffaele Open University, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Caprio
- Department of Human Sciences and Promotion of the Quality of Life, San Raffaele Open University, Rome, Italy
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Endocrinology, San Raffaele Research Institute, IRCCS San Raffaele Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Mauro Lombardo
- Department of Human Sciences and Promotion of the Quality of Life, San Raffaele Open University, Rome, Italy
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Mauvais-Jarvis F. Sex differences in energy metabolism: natural selection, mechanisms and consequences. Nat Rev Nephrol 2024; 20:56-69. [PMID: 37923858 DOI: 10.1038/s41581-023-00781-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023]
Abstract
Metabolic homeostasis operates differently in men and women. This sex asymmetry is the result of evolutionary adaptations that enable women to resist loss of energy stores and protein mass while remaining fertile in times of energy deficit. During starvation or prolonged exercise, women rely on oxidation of lipids, which are a more efficient energy source than carbohydrates, to preserve glucose for neuronal and placental function and spare proteins necessary for organ function. Carbohydrate reliance in men could be an evolutionary adaptation related to defence and hunting, as glucose, unlike lipids, can be used as a fuel for anaerobic high-exertion muscle activity. The larger subcutaneous adipose tissue depots in healthy women than in healthy men provide a mechanism for lipid storage. As female mitochondria have higher functional capacity and greater resistance to oxidative damage than male mitochondria, uniparental inheritance of female mitochondria may reduce the transmission of metabolic disorders. However, in women, starvation resistance and propensity to obesity have evolved in tandem, and the current prevalence of obesity is greater in women than in men. The combination of genetic sex, programming by developmental testosterone in males, and pubertal sex hormones defines sex-specific biological systems in adults that produce phenotypic sex differences in energy homeostasis, metabolic disease and drug responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franck Mauvais-Jarvis
- Section of Endocrinology and Metabolism, John W. Deming Department of Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine and Tulane Center of Excellence in Sex-Based Biology & Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA.
- Endocrine service, Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System, New Orleans, LA, USA.
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Ansarin A, Mahdavi AM, Javadivala Z, Shanehbandi D, Zarredar H, Ansarin K. The cross-talk between leptin and circadian rhythm signaling proteins in physiological processes: a systematic review. Mol Biol Rep 2023; 50:10427-10443. [PMID: 37874505 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-08887-3] [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: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Today, modern lifestyles and disrupted sleep patterns cause circadian clock rhythm impairments that are associated with altered leptin levels, which subsequently affect a wide range of physiological processes and have significant health burdens on societies. Nevertheless, there has been no systematic review of circadian clock genes and proteins, leptin, and related signaling pathways. METHODS Accordingly, we systematically reviewed circadian clock proteins, leptin, and molecular mechanisms between them by searching Pubmed, Scopus, ProQuest, Web of Sciences, and Google Scholar until September 2022. After considering the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 20 animal studies were selected. The risk of bias was assessed in each study. RESULTS The results clarified the reciprocal interconnected relationship between circadian clock genes and leptin. Circadian clock genes regulate leptin expression and signaling via different mechanisms, such as CLOCK-BMAL1 heterodimers, which increase the expression of PPARs. PPARs induce the expression of C/EBPα, a key factor in upregulating leptin expression. CLOCK-BMAL1 also induces the expression of Per1 and Rev-erb genes. PER1 activates mTORC1 and mTORC1 enhances the expression of C/EBPα. In addition, REV-ERBs activate the leptin signaling pathway. Also, leptin controls the expression of circadian clock genes by triggering the AMPK and ERK/MAPK signaling pathways, which regulate the activity of PPARs. Moreover, the roles of these molecular mechanisms are elucidated in different physiological processes and organs. CONCLUSIONS Crosstalk between circadian clock genes and leptin and their affecting elements should be considered in the selection of new therapeutic targets for related disorders, especially obesity and metabolic impairments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atefeh Ansarin
- Tuberculosis and Lung Disease Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Pashmineh Research Complex, Daneshgah Street, P.O. Box: 5448151429, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Aida Malek Mahdavi
- Tuberculosis and Lung Disease Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Pashmineh Research Complex, Daneshgah Street, P.O. Box: 5448151429, Tabriz, Iran
- Connective Tissue Diseases Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Zeinab Javadivala
- Department of Health Education & Promotion, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Dariush Shanehbandi
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Habib Zarredar
- Tuberculosis and Lung Disease Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Pashmineh Research Complex, Daneshgah Street, P.O. Box: 5448151429, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Khalil Ansarin
- Tuberculosis and Lung Disease Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Pashmineh Research Complex, Daneshgah Street, P.O. Box: 5448151429, Tabriz, Iran.
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6
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Dolce A, Della Torre S. Sex, Nutrition, and NAFLD: Relevance of Environmental Pollution. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15102335. [PMID: 37242221 DOI: 10.3390/nu15102335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common form of chronic liver disease and represents an increasing public health issue given the limited treatment options and its association with several other metabolic and inflammatory disorders. The epidemic, still growing prevalence of NAFLD worldwide cannot be merely explained by changes in diet and lifestyle that occurred in the last few decades, nor from their association with genetic and epigenetic risk factors. It is conceivable that environmental pollutants, which act as endocrine and metabolic disruptors, may contribute to the spreading of this pathology due to their ability to enter the food chain and be ingested through contaminated food and water. Given the strict interplay between nutrients and the regulation of hepatic metabolism and reproductive functions in females, pollutant-induced metabolic dysfunctions may be of particular relevance for the female liver, dampening sex differences in NAFLD prevalence. Dietary intake of environmental pollutants can be particularly detrimental during gestation, when endocrine-disrupting chemicals may interfere with the programming of liver metabolism, accounting for the developmental origin of NAFLD in offspring. This review summarizes cause-effect evidence between environmental pollutants and increased incidence of NAFLD and emphasizes the need for further studies in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arianna Dolce
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Della Torre
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
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7
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Della Torre S. Diet and Fertility Status: Relevance in Health and Disease. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15071669. [PMID: 37049511 PMCID: PMC10097215 DOI: 10.3390/nu15071669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of obesity and other metabolic disorders is increasing worldwide [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Della Torre
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
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8
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Zhang G, Wang Y, Li R, Peng J, Zhang J, Hu R, Zhang L, Wu Y, Sun Q, Liu C. Sex difference in effects of intermittent heat exposure on hepatic lipid and glucose metabolisms. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 854:158704. [PMID: 36108838 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Global climate warming has drawn worldwide attention. However, the health impact of heat exposure is still controversial. This study aimed to explore the exact effects and sex differential vulnerability under intermittent heat exposure (IHE) patterns and tried to elucidate the potential mechanisms by which IHE modulated hepatic lipid and glucose homeostasis. Both female and male C57BL/6 N mice were randomly allocated to control group (22 ± 1 °C) or intermittent heat group (37 ± 1 °C for 6 h) for 9 consecutive days followed by 4-day recovery at 22 ± 1 °C in a whole-body exposure chamber. Male mice, but not female, being influenced by IHE with decreased body weight, improved insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance. Next, the levels of hepatic triglyceride (TG) were decreased and free fatty acid (FFA) increased in male mice exposed to intermittent heat, accompanied with upregulated expression of anti-oxidative enzymes in the liver. In addition, IHE led to enhanced lipid catabolism in male mice by inducing fatty acid uptake, lipid lipolysis, mitochondrial/peroxisomal fatty acid oxidation and lipid export. And glycolysis and glucose utilization were induced by IHE in male mice as well. Mechanically, heat shock protein 70 (HSP70)/insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1)/AMPKα pathways were activated in response to IHE. These findings provide new evidence that IHE sex-dependently enhanced the metabolism of lipid and glucose in male mice through HSP70/IRS1/AMPKα signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoqing Zhang
- School of Public Health, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Zhejiang International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Air Pollution and Health, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yindan Wang
- School of Public Health, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Zhejiang International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Air Pollution and Health, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ran Li
- School of Public Health, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Zhejiang International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Air Pollution and Health, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jing Peng
- School of Public Health, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Zhejiang International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Air Pollution and Health, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jinna Zhang
- School of Public Health, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Zhejiang International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Air Pollution and Health, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Renjie Hu
- School of Public Health, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Zhejiang International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Air Pollution and Health, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lu Zhang
- School of Public Health, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Zhejiang International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Air Pollution and Health, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yunlu Wu
- School of Public Health, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Zhejiang International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Air Pollution and Health, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qinghua Sun
- School of Public Health, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Zhejiang International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Air Pollution and Health, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Cuiqing Liu
- School of Public Health, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Zhejiang International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Air Pollution and Health, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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9
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Zhou G, Zhou Y, Chen R, Wang D, Zhou S, Zhong J, Zhao Y, Wan C, Yang B, Xu J, Geng E, Li G, Huang Y, Liu H, Liu J. The influencing factors of infectious complications after percutaneous nephrolithotomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Urolithiasis 2022; 51:17. [PMID: 36515726 PMCID: PMC9750925 DOI: 10.1007/s00240-022-01376-5] [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: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Infection is the most common complications of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) in treating urinary calculi. However, the risk factors for developing infectious complications after surgery have not been clarified, and the predictive value of some factors is controversial. This study aimed to assess the risk factors for postoperative infectious complications of PCNL. We performed a systematic search of PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE to obtain studies reporting risk factors for postoperative infection complications after PCNL. In this review, demographic factors, laboratory test factors, and perioperative factors were evaluated. The odds ratio (OR) or mean difference (MD) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated to assess the risk factors. A total of 18 studies were included, with a total of 7161 study patients with a mean age of 46.4 to 55.5 years and an incidence of infectious complications after PCNL ranging from 2.4% to 40.4%. Twelve factors were identified as independent risk factors for post-PCNL infection complications (P < 0.05), female (OR = 1.60, 95% CI 1.23-2.07), positive urine culture (UC) (OR = 3.16, 95% CI 2.11-4.74), positive renal pelvis urine culture (RPUC) (OR = 5.81, 95% CI 1.75-19.32), positive stone culture (SC) (OR = 5.11, 95% CI 1.46-17.89), positive urine leukocyte (OR = 3.61, 95% CI 2.45-5.34), infected stones (OR = 7.00, 95% CI 1.27-38.55), elevated blood leukocyte (MD = 0.71, 95% CI 0.31-1.10), elevated neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) (MD = 0.55, 95% CI 0.43-0.66), preoperative stenting (OR = 1.55, 95% CI 1.10-2.20), multiple puncture access (OR = 2.58, 95% CI 1.75-3.82), prolonged operative time (MD = 10 20, 95% CI 4.80-15.60), and postoperative residual stone (OR = 1.56, 95% CI 1.24-1.98). Female, UC positivity, RPUC positivity, SC positivity, urine leukocyte positivity, infected stones, elevated peripheral blood leukocytes, elevated NLR, preoperative stent implantation, multiple puncture channels, prolonged operation time, and postoperative residual stones were identified as independent risk factors for infection complications after PCNL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guiming Zhou
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, NO. 374 Dianmian Avenue, Wuhua District, Kunming, China
| | - Yuan Zhou
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, NO. 374 Dianmian Avenue, Wuhua District, Kunming, China
| | - Rui Chen
- Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture People's Hospital, Jinghong, Xishuangbanna, Yunnan, China
| | - Daoqi Wang
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, NO. 374 Dianmian Avenue, Wuhua District, Kunming, China
| | - Shumin Zhou
- Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Jiao Zhong
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, NO. 374 Dianmian Avenue, Wuhua District, Kunming, China
| | - Yuan Zhao
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, NO. 374 Dianmian Avenue, Wuhua District, Kunming, China
| | - Chuanping Wan
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, NO. 374 Dianmian Avenue, Wuhua District, Kunming, China
| | - Bin Yang
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, NO. 374 Dianmian Avenue, Wuhua District, Kunming, China
| | - Jinming Xu
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, NO. 374 Dianmian Avenue, Wuhua District, Kunming, China
| | - Erkang Geng
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, NO. 374 Dianmian Avenue, Wuhua District, Kunming, China
| | - Guoxiong Li
- Menghai County People's Hospital, Menghai, Xishuangbanna, Yunnan, China
| | - Yunfeng Huang
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, NO. 374 Dianmian Avenue, Wuhua District, Kunming, China
| | - Haoran Liu
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
| | - Jianhe Liu
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, NO. 374 Dianmian Avenue, Wuhua District, Kunming, China.
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ERα-Dependent Regulation of Adropin Predicts Sex Differences in Liver Homeostasis during High-Fat Diet. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14163262. [PMID: 36014766 PMCID: PMC9416503 DOI: 10.3390/nu14163262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 08/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) represents a public health issue, due to its prevalence and association with other cardiometabolic diseases. Growing evidence suggests that NAFLD alters the production of hepatokines, which, in turn, influence several metabolic processes. Despite accumulating evidence on the major role of estrogen signaling in the sexually dimorphic nature of NAFLD, dependency of hepatokine expression on sex and estrogens has been poorly investigated. Through in vitro and in vivo analysis, we determined the extent to which hepatokines, known to be altered in NAFLD, can be regulated, in a sex-specific fashion, under different hormonal and nutritional conditions. Our study identified four hepatokines that better recapitulate sex and estrogen dependency. Among them, adropin resulted as one that displays a sex-specific and estrogen receptor alpha (ERα)-dependent regulation in the liver of mice under an excess of dietary lipids (high-fat diet, HFD). Under HFD conditions, the hepatic induction of adropin negatively correlates with the expression of lipogenic genes and with fatty liver in female mice, an effect that depends upon hepatic ERα. Our findings support the idea that ERα-mediated induction of adropin might represent a potential approach to limit or prevent NAFLD.
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11
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Dalla C, Pavlidi P, Sakelliadou DG, Grammatikopoulou T, Kokras N. Sex Differences in Blood–Brain Barrier Transport of Psychotropic Drugs. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 16:844916. [PMID: 35677576 PMCID: PMC9169874 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.844916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders relies on the effective delivery of therapeutic molecules to the target organ, the brain. The blood–brain barrier (BBB) hinders such delivery and proteins acting as transporters actively regulate the influx and importantly the efflux of both endo- and xeno-biotics (including medicines). Neuropsychiatric disorders are also characterized by important sex differences, and accumulating evidence supports sex differences in the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of many drugs that act on the brain. In this minireview we gather preclinical and clinical findings on how sex and sex hormones can influence the activity of those BBB transporter systems and affect the brain pharmacokinetics of psychotropic medicines. It emerges that it is not well understood which psychotropics are substrates for each of the many and not well-studied brain transporters. Indeed, most evidence originates from studies performed in peripheral tissues, such as the liver and the kidneys. None withstanding, accumulated evidence supports the existence of several sex differences in expression and activity of transport proteins, and a further modulating role of gonadal hormones. It is proposed that a closer study of sex differences in the active influx and efflux of psychotropics from the brain may provide a better understanding of sex-dependent brain pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of psychotropic medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Dalla
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Pavlina Pavlidi
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Danai-Georgia Sakelliadou
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Tatiana Grammatikopoulou
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Kokras
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- First Department of Psychiatry, Eginition Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- *Correspondence: Nikolaos Kokras,
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12
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Carrieri L, Osella AR, Ciccacci F, Giannelli G, Scavo MP. Premenopausal Syndrome and NAFLD: A New Approach Based on Gender Medicine. Biomedicines 2022; 10:1184. [PMID: 35625920 PMCID: PMC9138606 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10051184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a multifactorial condition that affects 25% of the world's population. There is a clear difference in both geographical distribution and sex in childbearing age. These differences are reduced when women become older and senescence begins. The factors that affect the likelihood of developing NAFLD in a premenopausal woman are an imbalance of sex hormones (especially in estradiol and androgen), microbiome dysregulation, insulin resistance, early menarche, the length of time that the woman breastfeeds for and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). The aim of this review is to identify various physical ailments that may not appear to be serious to young women but that then affect the onset of NAFLD in perimenopause and can degenerate into NASH. These conditions should also be considered in future clinical management, as well as in research opportunities, in order to customize the monitoring and treatment of NAFLD, considering gender medicine for those women who had early metabolic symptoms that were not considered to be significant at the time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Livianna Carrieri
- Personalized Medicine Laboratory, National Institute of Gastroenterology IRCCS “S. de Bellis” Research Hospital, Via Turi 27, 70013 Castellana Grotte, Italy;
| | - Alberto Ruben Osella
- Laboratory of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, National Institute of Gastroenterology IRCCS “S. de Bellis” Research Hospital, Via Turi 27, 70013 Castellana Grotte, Italy;
| | - Fausto Ciccacci
- UniCamillus Saint Camillus International, University of Health Sciences, Via di Sant’Alessandro 8, 00131 Rome, Italy;
| | - Gianluigi Giannelli
- Scientific Direction, National Institute of Gastroenterology IRCCS “S. de Bellis” Research Hospital, Via Turi 27, 70013 Castellana Grotte, Italy;
| | - Maria Principia Scavo
- Personalized Medicine Laboratory, National Institute of Gastroenterology IRCCS “S. de Bellis” Research Hospital, Via Turi 27, 70013 Castellana Grotte, Italy;
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13
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Hsieh J, Molusky MM, McCabe KM, Fotakis P, Xiao T, Tascau L, Zeana-Schliep L, DaSilva-Jardine P, Tall AR. TTC39B destabilizes retinoblastoma protein promoting hepatic lipogenesis in a sex-specific fashion. J Hepatol 2022; 76:383-393. [PMID: 34600974 PMCID: PMC8766887 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2021.09.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Molecular mechanisms underlying the different susceptibility of men and women to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are poorly understood. The TTC39B locus encodes a scaffolding protein, associates with gynecological disorders and its deletion protects mice from diet-induced steatohepatitis. This study aimed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms linking TTC39B (T39) to the expression of lipogenic genes and to explore sex-specific effects. METHODS Co-expression in HEK293A cells validated the novel T39/pRb interaction predicted by a protein-protein interaction algorithm. T39 was knocked down using an antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) in mice with dietary NAFLD and a genetic deficiency of pRb or its downstream effector E2F1, as well as in primary human hepatocytes. RESULTS T39 interacts with pRb via its C-terminal TPR domain and promotes its proteasomal degradation. In female mice, T39 deficiency reduces the mRNA of lipogenic genes, especially Pnpla3, in a pRb- and E2F1-dependent manner. In contrast, in male mice, T39 deficiency results in a much smaller reduction in lipogenic gene expression that is independent of pRb/E2F1. T39 also interacts with VAPB via an N-terminal FFAT motif and stabilizes the interaction of VAPB with SCAP. Ovariectomy abolishes the effect of T39 knockdown on the hepatic pRb/E2F1/Pnpla3 axis. In both sexes T39 knockdown reduces SCAP independently of pRb. In primary human hepatocytes, T39 knockdown reduces expression of PNPLA3 and other lipogenic genes in women but not men. CONCLUSIONS We have uncovered a conserved sexual dimorphism in the regulation of hepatic lipogenic genes, with effects of T39 mediated through pRb/E2F1 in females and VAPB/SCAP in both sexes. T39 inhibition could be a novel strategy to downregulate PNPLA3 and treat NAFLD in women. LAY SUMMARY In females, the protein TTC39B degrades a tumor suppressor in the liver to promote the synthesis of new fat and the expression of a major genetic risk factor for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. TTC39B is a potential therapeutic target for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, especially in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne Hsieh
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
| | - Matthew M. Molusky
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Kristin M. McCabe
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Panagiotis Fotakis
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Tong Xiao
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Liana Tascau
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Lars Zeana-Schliep
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | | | - Alan R. Tall
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
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14
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Zhang J, Powell C, Meruvu S, Sonkar R, Choudhury M. Pyrroloquinoline quinone attenuated benzyl butyl phthalate induced metabolic aberration and a hepatic metabolomic analysis. Biochem Pharmacol 2021; 197:114883. [PMID: 34971587 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2021.114883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP) has recently been implicated as an obesogen. Our recent study demonstrated that BBP can exacerbate high fat diet (HFD) induced diabesity in male mice. Here, we explored if pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ), a natural antioxidant andphytochemical, can attenuate metabolic aberrations induced by HFD or HFD-BBPcombination. C57Bl/6 male and female mice were fed either a chow diet (CD) or HFD with or without BBP (3 mg/kg body weight/day)and/or PQQ (20 mg/kg/day)for 16 weeks. The mice's body and tissue weight, fasting blood glucose, glucose and insulin tolerance test, and liver metabolites level weremeasured. In HFD-fed male mice, PQQ significantly attenuated the increased body weight, liver weight, fasting blood glucose, and insulin intolerance under BBP exposure.Even though female mice did show some reversal of metabolic characteristics by PQQ, the response was not similar nor consistent with the male population. Amongthe 14 hepatic metabolites that were significantly altered by HFD compared to CD, only three major metabolites (acetyl-L-carnitine, DL-stachytine, and propionylcarnitine) were decreased. These three were shown to have more reduction under BBP exposure in the presence of HFD whereas with addition of PQQ, these metabolites were restored. Pathway analysis and literature search revealed that these metabolites were negatively associated with obesity and were involved in several pathways including beta-oxidation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial function. Overall,this finding indicated the potential use of PQQ to restore thewide range of aberrant metabolic effectinduced by an obesogen in the presence of a western diet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Irma Lerma Rangel College of Pharmacy, Texas A&M Health Science Center, College Station, TX 77843, United States
| | - Catherine Powell
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Irma Lerma Rangel College of Pharmacy, Texas A&M Health Science Center, College Station, TX 77843, United States
| | - Sunitha Meruvu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Irma Lerma Rangel College of Pharmacy, Texas A&M Health Science Center, College Station, TX 77843, United States
| | - Ravi Sonkar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Irma Lerma Rangel College of Pharmacy, Texas A&M Health Science Center, College Station, TX 77843, United States
| | - Mahua Choudhury
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Irma Lerma Rangel College of Pharmacy, Texas A&M Health Science Center, College Station, TX 77843, United States.
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15
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Tassinari R, Maranghi F. Rodent Model of Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapies as Specific Tool for Identifying Susceptibility and Vulnerability of Transgender People and Future Applications for Risk Assessment. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:12640. [PMID: 34886364 PMCID: PMC8656759 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182312640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Transgenders (TGs) are individuals with gender identity and behaviour different from the social norms; they often undergo gender-affirming hormone therapy (HT). HT for TG men involves testosterone treatment and, for TG women, oestrogen plus androgen-lowering agents. Due-but not limited-to the lifelong lasting HT, usually TG people experience several physical and behavioural conditions leading to different and specific susceptibility and vulnerability in comparison to general population, including the response to chemical contaminants present in daily life. In particular, the exposure to the widespread endocrine disrupters (EDs) may affect hormonal and metabolic processes, leading to tissue and organ damage. Since the endocrine system of TG people is overstimulated by HT and, often, the targets overlap with ED, it is reasonable to hypothesize that TG health deserves special attention. At present, no specific tools are available to study the toxicological effects of environmental contaminants, including EDs, and the potential long-term consequences of HT on TG people. In this context, the development of adequate and innovative animal models to mimic gender-affirming HT have a high priority, since they can provide robust data for hazard identification in TG women and men, leading to more reliable risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Tassinari
- Center for Gender-Specific Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy;
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16
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Della Torre S, Benedusi V, Pepe G, Meda C, Rizzi N, Uhlenhaut NH, Maggi A. Dietary essential amino acids restore liver metabolism in ovariectomized mice via hepatic estrogen receptor α. Nat Commun 2021; 12:6883. [PMID: 34824281 PMCID: PMC8617046 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-27272-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In female mammals, the cessation of ovarian functions is associated with significant metabolic alterations, weight gain, and increased susceptibility to a number of pathologies associated with ageing. The molecular mechanisms triggering these systemic events are unknown because most tissues are responsive to lowered circulating sex steroids. As it has been demonstrated that isoform alpha of the estrogen receptor (ERα) may be activated by both estrogens and amino acids, we test the metabolic effects of a diet enriched in specific amino acids in ovariectomized (OVX) mice. This diet is able to block the OVX-induced weight gain and fat deposition in the liver. The use of liver-specific ERα KO mice demonstrates that the hepatic ERα, through the control of liver lipid metabolism, has a key role in the systemic response to OVX. The study suggests that the liver ERα might be a valuable target for dietary treatments for the post-menopause.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Della Torre
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
- Center of Excellence on Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
| | - Valeria Benedusi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Center of Excellence on Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanna Pepe
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Center of Excellence on Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Clara Meda
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Rizzi
- Research Services Management Office, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Nina Henriette Uhlenhaut
- Molecular Endocrinology, Institute for Diabetes and Cancer (IDC), Helmholz Zentrum Munich, Helmholtz Diabetes Center (HMGU), Munich, Germany
- Metabolic Programming, TUM School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Adriana Maggi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
- Center of Excellence on Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
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17
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Robinson GA, Peng J, Peckham H, Radziszewska A, Butler G, Pineda-Torra I, Jury EC, Ciurtin C. Sex hormones drive changes in lipoprotein metabolism. iScience 2021; 24:103257. [PMID: 34761181 PMCID: PMC8567005 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.103257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Women have a reduced cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk compared with men, which could be partially driven by sex hormones influencing lipid levels post puberty. The interrelationship between sex hormones and lipids was explored in pre-pubertal children, young post-pubertal cis-men/women, and transgender individuals on cross-sex-hormone treatment (trans-men/women) using serum metabolomics assessing 149 lipids. High-density lipoproteins (HDL, typically atheroprotective) were significantly increased and very-low- and low-density lipoproteins (typically atherogenic) were significantly decreased in post-pubertal cis-women compared with cis-men. These differences were not observed pre-puberty and were induced appropriately by cross-sex-hormone treatment in transgender individuals, supporting that sex hormones regulate lipid metabolism in vivo. Only atheroprotective apolipoprotein (Apo)A1 expressing lipoproteins (HDL) were differentially expressed between all hormonally unique comparisons. Thus, estradiol drives a typically atheroprotective lipid profile through upregulation of HDL/ApoA1, which could contribute to the sexual dimorphism observed in CVD risk post puberty. Together, this could inform sex-specific therapeutic strategies for CVD management.
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Affiliation(s)
- George A. Robinson
- Centre for Rheumatology Research, Division of Medicine, University College London, Rayne Building, London WC1E 6JF, UK
- Centre for Adolescent Rheumatology Research, Division of Medicine, University College London, Rayne Building, London WC1E 6JF, UK
| | - Junjie Peng
- Centre for Adolescent Rheumatology Research, Division of Medicine, University College London, Rayne Building, London WC1E 6JF, UK
| | - Hannah Peckham
- Centre for Adolescent Rheumatology Research, Division of Medicine, University College London, Rayne Building, London WC1E 6JF, UK
| | - Anna Radziszewska
- Centre for Adolescent Rheumatology Research, Division of Medicine, University College London, Rayne Building, London WC1E 6JF, UK
| | - Gary Butler
- Department of Paediatric and Adolescent Endocrinology, UCLH and Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
- Gender Identity Development Service (GIDS), Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Ines Pineda-Torra
- Centre for Cardiometabolic and Vascular Science, Department of Medicine, University College London, London WC1E 6JF, UK
| | - Elizabeth C. Jury
- Centre for Rheumatology Research, Division of Medicine, University College London, Rayne Building, London WC1E 6JF, UK
| | - Coziana Ciurtin
- Centre for Rheumatology Research, Division of Medicine, University College London, Rayne Building, London WC1E 6JF, UK
- Centre for Adolescent Rheumatology Research, Division of Medicine, University College London, Rayne Building, London WC1E 6JF, UK
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18
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Lefebvre P, Staels B. Hepatic sexual dimorphism - implications for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Nat Rev Endocrinol 2021; 17:662-670. [PMID: 34417588 DOI: 10.1038/s41574-021-00538-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The liver is often thought of as a single functional unit, but both its structural and functional architecture make it highly multivalent and adaptable. In any given physiological situation, the liver can maintain metabolic homeostasis, conduct appropriate inflammatory responses, carry out endobiotic and xenobiotic transformation and synthesis reactions, as well as store and release multiple bioactive molecules. Moreover, the liver is a very resilient organ. This resilience means that chronic liver diseases can go unnoticed for decades, yet culminate in life-threatening clinical complications once the adaptive capacity of the liver is overwhelmed. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) predisposes individuals to cirrhosis and increases liver-related and cardiovascular disease-related mortality. This Review discusses the accumulating evidence of sexual dimorphism in NAFLD, which is currently rarely considered in preclinical and clinical studies. Increased awareness of the mechanistic causes of hepatic sexual dimorphism could lead to improved understanding of the biological processes that are dysregulated in NAFLD, to the identification of relevant therapeutic targets and to improved risk stratification of patients with NAFLD undergoing therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippe Lefebvre
- Université Lille, INSERM, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, Lille, France.
| | - Bart Staels
- Université Lille, INSERM, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, Lille, France
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19
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Della Torre S. Beyond the X Factor: Relevance of Sex Hormones in NAFLD Pathophysiology. Cells 2021; 10:2502. [PMID: 34572151 PMCID: PMC8470830 DOI: 10.3390/cells10092502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a major health issue worldwide, being frequently associated with obesity, unbalanced dietary regimens, and reduced physical activity. Despite their greater adiposity and reduced physical activity, women show a lower risk of developing NAFLD in comparison to men, likely a consequence of a sex-specific regulation of liver metabolism. In the liver, sex differences in the uptake, synthesis, oxidation, deposition, and mobilization of lipids, as well as in the regulation of inflammation, are associated with differences in NAFLD prevalence and progression between men and women. Given the major role of sex hormones in driving hepatic sexual dimorphism, this review will focus on the role of sex hormones and their signaling in the regulation of hepatic metabolism and in the molecular mechanisms triggering NAFLD development and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Della Torre
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milan, Italy
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20
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Morán-Costoya A, Proenza AM, Gianotti M, Lladó I, Valle A. Sex Differences in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Estrogen Influence on the Liver-Adipose Tissue Crosstalk. Antioxid Redox Signal 2021; 35:753-774. [PMID: 33736456 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2021.0044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Significance: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a hepatic and systemic disorder with a complex multifactorial pathogenesis. Owing to the rising incidence of obesity and diabetes mellitus, the prevalence of NAFLD and its impact on global health care are expected to increase in the future. Differences in NAFLD exist between males and females, and among females depending on their reproductive status. Clinical and preclinical data show that females in the fertile age are more protected against NAFLD, and studies in postmenopausal women and ovariectomized animal models support a protective role for estrogens. Recent Advances: An efficient crosstalk between the liver and adipose tissue is necessary to regulate lipid and glucose metabolism, protecting the liver from steatosis and insulin resistance contributing to NALFD. New advances in the knowledge of sexual dimorphism in liver and adipose tissue are providing interesting clues about the sex differences in NAFLD pathogenesis that could inspire new therapeutic strategies. Critical Issues: Sex hormones influence key master regulators of lipid metabolism and oxidative stress in liver and adipose tissue. All these sex-biased metabolic adjustments shape the crosstalk between liver and adipose tissue, contributing to the higher protection of females to NAFLD. Future Directions: The development of novel drugs based on the protective action of estrogens, but without its feminizing or undesired side effects, might provide new therapeutic strategies for the management of NAFLD. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 35, 753-774.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Morán-Costoya
- Energy Metabolism and Nutrition Group, Department of Fundamental Biology and Health Sciences, Research Institute of Health Sciences (IUNICS), University of the Balearic Islands, Palma, Spain.,Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Palma, Spain
| | - Ana M Proenza
- Energy Metabolism and Nutrition Group, Department of Fundamental Biology and Health Sciences, Research Institute of Health Sciences (IUNICS), University of the Balearic Islands, Palma, Spain.,Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Palma, Spain.,Center for Biomedical Research in the Pathophysiology of Obesity and Nutrition Network, Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain
| | - Magdalena Gianotti
- Energy Metabolism and Nutrition Group, Department of Fundamental Biology and Health Sciences, Research Institute of Health Sciences (IUNICS), University of the Balearic Islands, Palma, Spain.,Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Palma, Spain.,Center for Biomedical Research in the Pathophysiology of Obesity and Nutrition Network, Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain
| | - Isabel Lladó
- Energy Metabolism and Nutrition Group, Department of Fundamental Biology and Health Sciences, Research Institute of Health Sciences (IUNICS), University of the Balearic Islands, Palma, Spain.,Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Palma, Spain.,Center for Biomedical Research in the Pathophysiology of Obesity and Nutrition Network, Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain
| | - Adamo Valle
- Energy Metabolism and Nutrition Group, Department of Fundamental Biology and Health Sciences, Research Institute of Health Sciences (IUNICS), University of the Balearic Islands, Palma, Spain.,Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Palma, Spain.,Center for Biomedical Research in the Pathophysiology of Obesity and Nutrition Network, Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain
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21
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Costa G, Caputi FF, Serra M, Simola N, Rullo L, Stamatakos S, Sanna F, Germain M, Martinoli MG, Candeletti S, Morelli M, Romualdi P. Activation of Antioxidant and Proteolytic Pathways in the Nigrostriatal Dopaminergic System After 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine Administration: Sex-Related Differences. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:713486. [PMID: 34512343 PMCID: PMC8430399 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.713486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, “ecstasy”) is an amphetamine-related drug that may damage the dopaminergic nigrostriatal system. To investigate the mechanisms that sustain this toxic effect and ascertain their sex-dependence, we evaluated in the nigrostriatal system of MDMA-treated (4 × 20 mg/kg, 2 h apart) male and female mice the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), the gene expression of SOD type 1 and 2, together with SOD1/2 co-localization with tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-positive neurons. In the same mice and brain areas, activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and of β2/β5 subunits of the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) were also evaluated. After MDMA, SOD1 increased in striatal TH-positive terminals, but not nigral neurons, of males and females, while SOD2 increased in striatal TH-positive terminals and nigral neurons of males only. Moreover, after MDMA, SOD1 gene expression increased in the midbrain of males and females, whereas SOD2 increased only in males. Finally, MDMA increased the SOD activity in the midbrain of females, without affecting GPx activity, decreased the β2/β5 activities in the striatum of males and the β2 activity in the midbrain of females. These results suggest that the mechanisms of MDMA-induced neurotoxic effects are sex-dependent and dopaminergic neurons of males could be more sensitive to SOD2- and UPS-mediated toxic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Costa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Francesca Felicia Caputi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marcello Serra
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Nicola Simola
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Laura Rullo
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Serena Stamatakos
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Sanna
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Marc Germain
- Department of Medical Biology, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada.,CERMO-FC UQAM, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Maria-Grazia Martinoli
- Department of Medical Biology, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Université Laval and CHU Research Center, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Sanzio Candeletti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Micaela Morelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.,National Research Council of Italy, Neuroscience Institute, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Patrizia Romualdi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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22
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Yoshikawa N, Oda A, Yamazaki H, Yamamoto M, Kuribara-Souta A, Uehara M, Tanaka H. The Influence of Glucocorticoid Receptor on Sex Differences of Gene Expression Profile in Skeletal Muscle. Endocr Res 2021; 46:99-113. [PMID: 33590778 DOI: 10.1080/07435800.2021.1884874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Skeletal muscle functions as a locomotory system and maintains whole-body metabolism. Sex differences in such skeletal muscle morphology and function have been documented; however, their underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Glucocorticoids are adrenocortical hormones maintaining homeostasis, including regulating whole-body energy metabolism in addition to stress response. In skeletal muscle, glucocorticoids can reduce the synthesis of muscle proteins and simultaneously accelerate the breakdown of proteins to regulate skeletal muscle mass and energy metabolism via a transcription factor glucocorticoid receptor (GR). We herein evaluated the related contributions of the GR to sex differences of gene expression profiles in skeletal muscle using GR-floxed (GRf/f) and skeletal muscle-specific GR knockout (GRmKO) mice. There were no differences in GR mRNA and protein expression levels in gastrocnemius muscle between males and females. A DNA microarray analysis using gastrocnemius muscle from GRf/f and GRmKO mice revealed that, although most gene expression levels were identical in both sexes, genes related to cholesterol and apolipoprotein synthesis and fatty acid biosynthesis and the immunological system were predominantly expressed in males and females, respectively, in GRf/f but not in GRmKO mice. Moreover, many genes were up-regulated in response to starvation in GRf/f but not in GRmKO mice, many of which were sex-independent and functioned to maintain homeostasis, while genes that showed sex dominance related to a variety of functions. Although the genes expressed in skeletal muscle may be predominantly sex-independent, sex-dominant genes may relate to sex differences in energy metabolism and the immune system and could be controlled by the GR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noritada Yoshikawa
- Division of Rheumatology, Center for Antibody and Vaccine Therapy, IMSUT Hospital, the Institute of Medical Science, the University of Tokyo;, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Rheumatology and Allergy, IMSUT Hospital, the Institute of Medical Science, the University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Aya Oda
- Department of Rheumatology and Allergy, IMSUT Hospital, the Institute of Medical Science, the University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroki Yamazaki
- Department of Rheumatology and Allergy, IMSUT Hospital, the Institute of Medical Science, the University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Motohisa Yamamoto
- Division of Rheumatology, Center for Antibody and Vaccine Therapy, IMSUT Hospital, the Institute of Medical Science, the University of Tokyo;, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Rheumatology and Allergy, IMSUT Hospital, the Institute of Medical Science, the University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akiko Kuribara-Souta
- Department of Rheumatology and Allergy, IMSUT Hospital, the Institute of Medical Science, the University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masaaki Uehara
- Department of Rheumatology and Allergy, IMSUT Hospital, the Institute of Medical Science, the University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hirotoshi Tanaka
- Division of Rheumatology, Center for Antibody and Vaccine Therapy, IMSUT Hospital, the Institute of Medical Science, the University of Tokyo;, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Rheumatology and Allergy, IMSUT Hospital, the Institute of Medical Science, the University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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23
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Epidemiologic Landscape of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Is Changed During Lifetime by Menstrual and Reproductive Status and Sex Hormonal Factors. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021; 19:1114-1116. [PMID: 33157317 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2020.10.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2020] [Revised: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/31/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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24
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Chary S, Amrein K, Lasky-Su JA, Dobnig H, Christopher KB. Metabolomic differences between critically Ill women and men. Sci Rep 2021; 11:3951. [PMID: 33597589 PMCID: PMC7889607 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-83602-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabolism differs in women and men at homeostasis. Critically ill patients have profound dysregulation of homeostasis and metabolism. It is not clear if the metabolic response to critical illness differs in women compared to men. Such sex-specific differences in illness response would have consequences for personalized medicine. Our aim was to determine the sex-specific metabolomic response to early critical illness. We performed a post-hoc metabolomics study of the VITdAL-ICU trial where subjects received high dose vitamin D3 or placebo. Using mixed-effects modeling, we studied sex-specific changes in metabolites over time adjusted for age, Simplified Acute Physiology Score II, admission diagnosis, day 0 25-hydroxyvitamin D level, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D response to intervention. In women, multiple members of the sphingomyelin and lysophospholipid metabolite classes had significantly positive Bonferroni corrected associations over time compared to men. Further, multiple representatives of the acylcarnitine, androgenic steroid, bile acid, nucleotide and amino acid metabolite classes had significantly negative Bonferroni corrected associations over time compared to men. Gaussian graphical model analyses revealed sex-specific functional modules. Our findings show that robust and coordinated sex-specific metabolite differences exist early in critical illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sowmya Chary
- Biogen, Inc., 225 Binney St, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - Karin Amrein
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 15, 8036, Graz, Austria
| | - Jessica A Lasky-Su
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, 181 Longwood Avenue, Boston, USA
| | - Harald Dobnig
- Thyroid Endocrinology Osteoporosis Institute Dobnig, Jakob-Redtenbachergasse 10, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Kenneth B Christopher
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, 181 Longwood Avenue, Boston, USA.
- Division of Renal Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, 75 Francis Street, Boston, 02115, USA.
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25
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Della Torre S. Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease as a Canonical Example of Metabolic Inflammatory-Based Liver Disease Showing a Sex-Specific Prevalence: Relevance of Estrogen Signaling. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:572490. [PMID: 33071979 PMCID: PMC7531579 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.572490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
There is extensive evidence supporting the interplay between metabolism and immune response, that have evolved in close relationship, sharing regulatory molecules and signaling systems, to support biological functions. Nowadays, the disruption of this interaction in the context of obesity and overnutrition underlies the increasing incidence of many inflammatory-based metabolic diseases, even in a sex-specific fashion. During evolution, the interplay between metabolism and reproduction has reached a degree of complexity particularly high in female mammals, likely to ensure reproduction only under favorable conditions. Several factors may account for differences in the incidence and progression of inflammatory-based metabolic diseases between females and males, thus contributing to age-related disease development and difference in life expectancy between the two sexes. Among these factors, estrogens, acting mainly through Estrogen Receptors (ERs), have been reported to regulate several metabolic pathways and inflammatory processes particularly in the liver, the metabolic organ showing the highest degree of sexual dimorphism. This review aims to investigate on the interaction between metabolism and inflammation in the liver, focusing on the relevance of estrogen signaling in counteracting the development and progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a canonical example of metabolic inflammatory-based liver disease showing a sex-specific prevalence. Understanding the role of estrogens/ERs in the regulation of hepatic metabolism and inflammation may provide the basis for the development of sex-specific therapeutic strategies for the management of such an inflammatory-based metabolic disease and its cardio-metabolic consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Della Torre
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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26
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Rodrigues H, Goméz-Corona C, Valentin D. Femininities & masculinities: sex, gender, and stereotypes in food studies. Curr Opin Food Sci 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cofs.2020.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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27
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Freire T, Senior AM, Perks R, Pulpitel T, Clark X, Brandon AE, Wahl D, Hatchwell L, Le Couteur DG, Cooney GJ, Larance M, Simpson SJ, Solon-Biet SM. Sex-specific metabolic responses to 6 hours of fasting during the active phase in young mice. J Physiol 2020; 598:2081-2092. [PMID: 32198893 DOI: 10.1113/jp278806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS Night time/active phase food restriction for 6 h impaired glucose intolerance in young male and female mice. Females displayed increased capacity for lipogenesis and triglyceride storage in response to a short daily fast. Females had lower fasting insulin levels and an increased potential for utilizing fat for energy through β-oxidation compared to males. The need for the inclusion of both sexes, and the treatment of sex as an independent variable, is emphasized within the context of this fasting regime. ABSTRACT There is growing interest in understanding the mechanistic significance and benefits of fasting physiology in combating obesity. Increasing the fasting phase of a normal day can promote restoration and repair mechanisms that occur during the post-absorptive period. Most studies exploring the effect of restricting food access on mitigating obesity have done so with a large bias towards the use of male mice. Here, we disentangle the roles of sex, food intake and food withdrawal in the response to a short-term daily fasting intervention, in which food was removed for 6 h in the dark/active phase of young, 8-week-old mice. We showed that the removal of food during the dark phase impaired glucose tolerance in males and females, possibly due to the circadian disruption induced by this feeding protocol. Although both sexes demonstrated similar patterns of food intake, body composition and various metabolic markers, there were clear sex differences in the magnitude and extent of these responses. While females displayed enhanced capacity for lipogenesis and triglyceride storage, they also had low fasting insulin levels and an increased potential for utilizing available energy sources such as fat for energy through β-oxidation. Our results highlight the intrinsic biological and metabolic disparities between male and female mice, emphasizing the growing need for the inclusion of both sexes in scientific research. Furthermore, our results illustrate sex-specific metabolic pathways that regulate lipogenesis, obesity and overall metabolic health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Therese Freire
- Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Alistair M Senior
- Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Ruth Perks
- Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Tamara Pulpitel
- Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Ximonie Clark
- Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Amanda E Brandon
- Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Devin Wahl
- Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Luke Hatchwell
- Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - David G Le Couteur
- Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Ageing and Alzheimer's Institute and Centre for Education and Research on Ageing, Concord Hospital, Concord, NSW, Australia
| | - Gregory J Cooney
- Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Mark Larance
- Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Stephen J Simpson
- Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Samantha M Solon-Biet
- Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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28
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Sex/Gender-Specific Imbalance in CVD: Could Physical Activity Help to Improve Clinical Outcome Targeting CVD Molecular Mechanisms in Women? Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21041477. [PMID: 32098263 PMCID: PMC7073076 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21041477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Revised: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In the last two decades, new insights have been gained regarding sex/gender-related differences in cardiovascular disease (CVD). CVD represents the leading cause of death worldwide in both men and women, accounting for at least one-third of all deaths in women and half of deaths in women over 50 years in developing countries. Important sex-related differences in prevalence, presentation, management, and outcomes of different CVDs have been recently discovered, demonstrating sex/gender-specific pathophysiologic features in the presentation and prognosis of CVD in men and women. A large amount of evidence has highlighted the role of sex hormones in protecting women from CVDs, providing an advantage over men that is lost when women reach the menopause stage. This hormonal-dependent shift of sex-related CVD risk consequently affects the overall CVD epidemiology, particularly in light of the increasing trend of population aging. The benefits of physical activity have been recognized for a long time as a powerful preventive approach for both CVD prevention and aging-related morbidity control. Exercise training is indeed a potent physiological stimulus, which reduces primary and secondary cardiovascular events. However, the underlying mechanisms of these positive effects, including from a sex/gender perspective, still need to be fully elucidated. The aim of this work is to provide a review of the evidence linking sex/gender-related differences in CVD, including sex/gender-specific molecular mediators, to explore whether sex- and gender-tailored physical activity may be used as an effective tool to prevent CVD and improve clinical outcomes in women.
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29
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Wei M, Xu YR, Liu K, Wen P. Anastrozole-induced pulmonary cryptococcosis in a patient with early breast cancer: A case report. Medicine (Baltimore) 2020; 99:e18688. [PMID: 31914067 PMCID: PMC6959891 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000018688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Estrogen is a key factor in breast cancer carcinogenesis, and reductions in its synthesis can decrease breast cancer risk. Anastrozole can reduce plasma estrogen levels by inhibiting the enzyme aromatase, and is approved for adjuvant treatment of breast cancer. We report a case of pulmonary cryptococcosis in a patient who was treated with anastrozole for an early-stage tumor. This case is of special interest because the patient achieved a better curative effect after the administration of anastrozole was discontinued. PATIENT CONCERNS A 61-year-old woman was found to have multiple pulmonary nodules on chest computed tomography (CT) after being treated for 5 months with anastrozole as an adjuvant breast cancer therapy. A biopsy of the largest lesion of the right lung showed cryptococcus fungal bodies with granulomatous inflammation, so the patient was diagnosed with pulmonary cryptococcosis. She was treated with fluconazole (400 mg/day) for 1 month, but a follow-up CT scan of chest showed no improvement. DIAGNOSIS Pulmonary cryptococcosis. INTERVENTIONS Because the pulmonary cryptococcosis was not improving, the administration of anastrozole was discontinued. Fluconazole was continued. OUTCOMES The pulmonary lesions diminished in size 2 months after discontinuing anastrozole. The patient continued taking fluconazole for a total of 6 months without re-administration of anastrozole, and the lesions of pulmonary cryptococcosis almost disappeared. CONCLUSION This case of pulmonary cryptococcosis may have been induced by a decrease in estrogen level caused by the aromatase inhibitor, anastrozole. Treatment of pulmonary cryptococcosis with concurrent anastrozole use may be ineffective, and it may be better to discontinue the aromatase inhibitor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Wei
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shandong Chest Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan,
| | - Yu-Rong Xu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shandong Chest Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan,
| | - Kui Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, Shijiazhuang Third Hospital, Shijiazhuang,
| | - Peng Wen
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shandong Chest Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan,
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
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30
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Dimorphic metabolic and endocrine disorders in mice lacking the constitutive androstane receptor. Sci Rep 2019; 9:20169. [PMID: 31882815 PMCID: PMC6934754 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-56570-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2019] [Accepted: 12/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Metabolic diseases such as obesity, type II diabetes and hepatic steatosis are a public health concern in developed countries. The metabolic risk is gender‐dependent. The constitutive androstane receptor (CAR), which is at the crossroads between energy metabolism and endocrinology, has recently emerged as a promising therapeutic agent for the treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes. In this study we sought to determine its role in the dimorphic regulation of energy homeostasis. We tracked male and female WT and CAR deficient (CAR−/−) mice for over a year. During aging, CAR−/− male mice developed hypercortisism, obesity, glucose intolerance, insulin insensitivity, dyslipidemia and hepatic steatosis. Remarkably, the latter modifications were absent, or minor, in female CAR−/− mice. When ovariectomized, CAR−/− female mice developed identical patterns of metabolic disorders as observed in male mice. These results highlight the importance of steroid hormones in the regulation of energy metabolism by CAR. They unveil a sexually dimorphic role of CAR in the maintenance of endocrine and metabolic homeostasis underscoring the importance of considering sex in treatment of metabolic diseases.
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31
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Meda C, Barone M, Mitro N, Lolli F, Pedretti S, Caruso D, Maggi A, Della Torre S. Hepatic ERα accounts for sex differences in the ability to cope with an excess of dietary lipids. Mol Metab 2019; 32:97-108. [PMID: 32029233 PMCID: PMC6957843 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2019.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Revised: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Among obesity-associated metabolic diseases, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) represents an increasing public health issue due to its emerging association with atherogenic dyslipidemia and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). The lower prevalence of NAFLD in pre-menopausal women compared with men or post-menopausal women led us to hypothesize that the female-inherent ability to counteract this pathology might strongly rely on estrogen signaling. In female mammals, estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) is highly expressed in the liver, where it acts as a sensor of the nutritional status and adapts the metabolism to the reproductive needs. As in the male liver this receptor is little expressed, we here hypothesize that hepatic ERα might account for sex differences in the ability of males and females to cope with an excess of dietary lipids and counteract the accumulation of lipids in the liver. Methods Through liver metabolomics and transcriptomics we analyzed the relevance of hepatic ERα in the metabolic response of males and females to a diet highly enriched in fats (HFD) as a model of diet-induced obesity. Results The study shows that the hepatic ERα strongly contributes to the sex-specific response to an HFD and its action accounts for opposite consequences for hepatic health in males and females. Conclusion This study identified hepatic ERα as a novel target for the design of sex-specific therapies against fatty liver and its cardio-metabolic consequences. Hepatic ERα contributes to sex-specific response to a fat-enriched diet. Hepatic ERα action accounts for contrasting consequences in males and females. In males, hepatic ERα action does not prevent liver lipid accumulation. The lack of ERα is responsible for an altered plasma lipid profile in males. In females, liver ERα controls lipid catabolism and counteracts NAFLD development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Meda
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Italy
| | - Mara Barone
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, Italy; Center of Excellence on Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Milan, Italy
| | - Nico Mitro
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Lolli
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Pedretti
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Italy
| | - Donatella Caruso
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Italy
| | - Adriana Maggi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, Italy; Center of Excellence on Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Della Torre
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, Italy; Center of Excellence on Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Milan, Italy.
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32
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Handelman SK, Romero R, Tarca AL, Pacora P, Ingram B, Maymon E, Chaiworapongsa T, Hassan SS, Erez O. The plasma metabolome of women in early pregnancy differs from that of non-pregnant women. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0224682. [PMID: 31726468 PMCID: PMC6855901 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0224682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In comparison to the non-pregnant state, the first trimester of pregnancy is characterized by systemic adaptation of the mother. The extent to which these adaptive processes are reflected in the maternal blood metabolome is not well characterized. OBJECTIVE To determine the differences between the plasma metabolome of non-pregnant and pregnant women before 16 weeks gestation. STUDY DESIGN This study included plasma samples from 21 non-pregnant women and 50 women with a normal pregnancy (8-16 weeks of gestation). Combined measurements by ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry and by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry generated molecular abundance measurements for each sample. Molecular species detected in at least 10 samples were included in the analysis. Differential abundance was inferred based on false discovery adjusted p-values (FDR) from Mann-Whitney-Wilcoxon U tests <0.1 and a minimum median abundance ratio (fold change) of 1.5. Alternatively, metabolic data were quantile normalized to remove sample-to-sample differences in the overall metabolite abundance (adjusted analysis). RESULTS Overall, 637 small molecules met the inclusion criteria and were tested for association with pregnancy; 44% (281/637) of small molecules had significantly different abundance, of which 81% (229/281) were less abundant in pregnant than in non-pregnant women. Eight percent (14/169) of the metabolites that remained significant in the adjusted analysis also changed as a function of gestational age. A pathway analysis revealed enrichment in steroid metabolites related to sex hormones, caffeine metabolites, lysolipids, dipeptides, and polypeptide bradykinin derivatives (all, FDR < 0.1). CONCLUSIONS This high-throughput mass spectrometry study identified: 1) differences between pregnant vs. non-pregnant women in the abundance of 44% of the profiled plasma metabolites, including known and novel molecules and pathways; and 2) specific metabolites that changed with gestational age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel K. Handelman
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS), Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Roberto Romero
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS), Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
- Detroit Medical Center, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Adi L. Tarca
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS), Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
- Department of Computer Science, Wayne State University College of Engineering, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Percy Pacora
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS), Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Brian Ingram
- Metabolon Inc., Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Eli Maymon
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS), Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Soroka University Medical Center, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Tinnakorn Chaiworapongsa
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS), Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Sonia S. Hassan
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS), Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Offer Erez
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS), Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
- Maternity Department "D," Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Soroka University Medical Center, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
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Cui M, Xiao H, Li Y, Zhang S, Dong J, Wang B, Zhu C, Jiang M, Zhu T, He J, Wang H, Fan S. Sexual Dimorphism of Gut Microbiota Dictates Therapeutics Efficacy of Radiation Injuries. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2019; 6:1901048. [PMID: 31728280 PMCID: PMC6839645 DOI: 10.1002/advs.201901048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2019] [Revised: 08/14/2019] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Accidental or iatrogenic ionizing radiation exposure precipitates acute and chronic radiation injuries. The traditional paradigm of mitigating radiotherapy-associated adverse side effects has ignored the gender-specific dimorphism of patients' divergent responses. Here, the effects of sexual dimorphism on curative efficiencies of therapeutic agents is examined in murine models of irradiation injury. Oral gavage of simvastatin ameliorates radiation-induced hematopoietic injury and gastrointestinal tract dysfunction in male mice, but adversely deteriorates these radiation syndromes in female animals. In a sharp contrast, feeding animals with high-fat diet (HFD) elicites explicitly contrary results. High-throughput sequencing of microbial 16S rRNA, host miRNA, and mRNA shows that simvastatin or HFD administration preventes radiation-altered enteric bacterial taxonomic structure, preserves miRNA expression profile, and reprogrammes the spectrum of mRNA expression in small intestines of male or female mice, respectively. Notably, faecal microbiota transplantation of gut microbes from opposite sexual donors abrogates the curative effects of simvastatin or HFD in respective genders of animals. Together, these findings demonstrate that curative efficiencies of therapeutic strategies mitigating radiation toxicity might be dependent on the gender of patients, thus simvastatin or HFD might be specifically useful for fighting against radiation toxicity in a sex-dependent fashion partly based on sex-distinct gut microbiota composition in preclinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Cui
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Molecular Nuclear Medicine Institute of Radiation Medicine Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College 238 Baidi Road Tianjin 300192 China
| | - Huiwen Xiao
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Molecular Nuclear Medicine Institute of Radiation Medicine Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College 238 Baidi Road Tianjin 300192 China
| | - Yuan Li
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Molecular Nuclear Medicine Institute of Radiation Medicine Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College 238 Baidi Road Tianjin 300192 China
| | - Shuqin Zhang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Molecular Nuclear Medicine Institute of Radiation Medicine Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College 238 Baidi Road Tianjin 300192 China
| | - Jiali Dong
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Molecular Nuclear Medicine Institute of Radiation Medicine Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College 238 Baidi Road Tianjin 300192 China
| | - Bin Wang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Molecular Nuclear Medicine Institute of Radiation Medicine Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College 238 Baidi Road Tianjin 300192 China
| | - Changchun Zhu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Molecular Nuclear Medicine Institute of Radiation Medicine Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College 238 Baidi Road Tianjin 300192 China
| | - Mian Jiang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Molecular Nuclear Medicine Institute of Radiation Medicine Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College 238 Baidi Road Tianjin 300192 China
| | - Tong Zhu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Molecular Nuclear Medicine Institute of Radiation Medicine Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College 238 Baidi Road Tianjin 300192 China
| | - Junbo He
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Molecular Nuclear Medicine Institute of Radiation Medicine Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College 238 Baidi Road Tianjin 300192 China
| | - Haichao Wang
- Laboratory of Emergency Medicine Feinstein Institute for Medical Research Manhasset NY 11030 USA
| | - Saijun Fan
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Molecular Nuclear Medicine Institute of Radiation Medicine Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College 238 Baidi Road Tianjin 300192 China
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Matarrese P, Tieri P, Anticoli S, Ascione B, Conte M, Franceschi C, Malorni W, Salvioli S, Ruggieri A. X-chromosome-linked miR548am-5p is a key regulator of sex disparity in the susceptibility to mitochondria-mediated apoptosis. Cell Death Dis 2019; 10:673. [PMID: 31511496 PMCID: PMC6739406 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-019-1888-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Revised: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Sex dimorphism in cell response to stress has previously been investigated by different research groups. This dimorphism could be at least in part accounted for by sex-biased expression of regulatory elements such as microRNAs (miRs). In order to spot previously unknown miR expression differences we took advantage of prior knowledge on specialized databases to identify X chromosome-encoded miRs potentially escaping X chromosome inactivation (XCI). MiR-548am-5p emerged as potentially XCI escaper and was experimentally verified to be significantly up-regulated in human XX primary dermal fibroblasts (DFs) compared to XY ones. Accordingly, miR-548am-5p target mRNAs, e.g. the transcript for Bax, was differently modulated in XX and XY DFs. Functional analyses indicated that XY DFs were more prone to mitochondria-mediated apoptosis than XX ones. Experimentally induced overexpression of miR548am-5p in XY cells by lentivirus vector transduction decreased apoptosis susceptibility, whereas its down-regulation in XX cells enhanced apoptosis susceptibility. These data indicate that this approach could be used to identify previously unreported sex-biased differences in miR expression and that a miR identified with this approach, miR548am-5p, can account for sex-dependent differences observed in the susceptibility to mitochondrial apoptosis of human DFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Matarrese
- Center for Gender Specific Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, viale Regina Elena 299, Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Tieri
- CNR National Research Council, IAC Institute for Applied Computing, Via dei Taurini 19, Rome, Italy.,Data Science Program, La Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Simona Anticoli
- Center for Gender Specific Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, viale Regina Elena 299, Rome, Italy
| | - Barbara Ascione
- Center for Gender Specific Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, viale Regina Elena 299, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Conte
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine (DIMES), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,Interdepartmental Centre "L. Galvani" (CIG), University of Bologna, via San Giacomo 12, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Claudio Franceschi
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Via Altura 3, 40139, Bologna, Italy.,Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - Walter Malorni
- Center for Gender Specific Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, viale Regina Elena 299, Rome, Italy.,School of Mathematical, Physical and Natural Sciences and Faculty of Medicine, University of Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Salvioli
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine (DIMES), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy. .,Interdepartmental Centre "L. Galvani" (CIG), University of Bologna, via San Giacomo 12, 40126, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Anna Ruggieri
- Center for Gender Specific Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, viale Regina Elena 299, Rome, Italy.
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35
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Grossmann M, Wierman ME, Angus P, Handelsman DJ. Reproductive Endocrinology of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Endocr Rev 2019; 40:417-446. [PMID: 30500887 DOI: 10.1210/er.2018-00158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The liver and the reproductive system interact in a multifaceted bidirectional fashion. Sex steroid signaling influences hepatic endobiotic and xenobiotic metabolism and contributes to the pathogenesis of functional and structural disorders of the liver. In turn, liver function affects the reproductive axis via modulating sex steroid metabolism and transport to tissues via sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG). The liver senses the body's metabolic status and adapts its energy homeostasis in a sex-dependent fashion, a dimorphism signaled by the sex steroid milieu and possibly related to the metabolic costs of reproduction. Sex steroids impact the pathogenesis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, including development of hepatic steatosis, fibrosis, and carcinogenesis. Preclinical studies in male rodents demonstrate that androgens protect against hepatic steatosis and insulin resistance both via androgen receptor signaling and, following aromatization to estradiol, estrogen receptor signaling, through regulating genes involved in hepatic lipogenesis and glucose metabolism. In female rodents in contrast to males, androgens promote hepatic steatosis and dysglycemia, whereas estradiol is similarly protective against liver disease. In men, hepatic steatosis is associated with modest reductions in circulating testosterone, in part consequent to a reduction in circulating SHBG. Testosterone treatment has not been demonstrated to improve hepatic steatosis in randomized controlled clinical trials. Consistent with sex-dimorphic preclinical findings, androgens promote hepatic steatosis and dysglycemia in women, whereas endogenous estradiol appears protective in both men and women. In both sexes, androgens promote hepatic fibrosis and the development of hepatocellular carcinoma, whereas estradiol is protective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathis Grossmann
- Department of Medicine Austin Health, University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Endocrinology, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Margaret E Wierman
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado.,Research Service, Rocky Mountain Regional Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Peter Angus
- Department of Medicine Austin Health, University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia.,Departments of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - David J Handelsman
- ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, Concord Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Effect of diet in females (F1) from prenatally undernourished mothers on metabolism and liver function in the F2 progeny is sex-specific. Eur J Nutr 2018; 58:2411-2423. [PMID: 30167852 DOI: 10.1007/s00394-018-1794-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Poor maternal nutrition sensitises to the development of metabolic diseases and obesity in adulthood over several generations. The prevalence increases when offspring is fed with a high-fat (HF) diet after weaning. This study aims to determine whether such metabolic profiles can be transmitted to the second generation and even aggravated when the mothers were exposed to overnutrition, with attention to potential sex differences. METHODS Pregnant Wistar rats were subjected to ad libitum (control) or 70% food-restricted diet (FR) during gestation (F0). At weaning, F1 females were allocated to three food protocols: (1) standard diet prior to and throughout gestation and lactation, (2) HF diet prior to and standard diet throughout gestation and lactation, and (3) HF diet prior to and throughout gestation and lactation. F2 offspring was studied between 16 and 32 weeks of age. RESULTS FR-F2 offspring on standard diet showed normal adiposity and had no significant metabolic alterations in adulthood. Maternal HF diet resulted in sex-specific effects with metabolic disturbances more apparent in control offspring exposed to HF diet during gestation and lactation. Control offspring displayed glucose intolerance associated with insulin resistance in females. Female livers overexpressed lipogenesis genes and those of males the genes involved in lipid oxidation. Gene expression was significantly attenuated in the FR livers. Increased physical activity associated with elevated corticosterone levels was observed in FR females on standard diet and in all females from overnourished mothers. CONCLUSIONS Maternal undernutrition during gestation (F0) improves the metabolic health of second-generation offspring with more beneficial effects in females.
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Cardinale DA, Larsen FJ, Schiffer TA, Morales-Alamo D, Ekblom B, Calbet JAL, Holmberg HC, Boushel R. Superior Intrinsic Mitochondrial Respiration in Women Than in Men. Front Physiol 2018; 9:1133. [PMID: 30174617 PMCID: PMC6108574 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.01133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2018] [Accepted: 07/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Sexual dimorphism is apparent in humans, however, to date no studies have investigated mitochondrial function focusing on intrinsic mitochondrial respiration (i.e., mitochondrial respiration for a given amount of mitochondrial protein) and mitochondrial oxygen affinity (p50mito) in relation to biological sex in human. A skeletal muscle biopsy was donated by nine active women, and ten men matched for maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) and by nine endurance trained men. Intrinsic mitochondrial respiration, assessed in isolated mitochondria, was higher in women compared to men when activating complex I (CIP) and complex I+II (CI+IIP) (p < 0.05), and was similar to trained men (CIP, p = 0.053; CI+IIP, p = 0.066). Proton leak and p50mito were higher in women compared to men independent of VO2max. In conclusion, significant novel differences in mitochondrial oxidative function, intrinsic mitochondrial respiration and p50mito exist between women and men. These findings may represent an adaptation in the oxygen cascade in women to optimize muscle oxygen uptake to compensate for a lower oxygen delivery during exercise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele A Cardinale
- Åstrand Laboratory, The Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Filip J Larsen
- Åstrand Laboratory, The Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Tomas A Schiffer
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - David Morales-Alamo
- Department of Physical Education, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain.,Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Björn Ekblom
- Åstrand Laboratory, The Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jose A L Calbet
- Department of Physical Education, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain.,Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Gran Canaria, Spain.,School of Kinesiology, Faculty of Education, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Hans-Christer Holmberg
- School of Kinesiology, Faculty of Education, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Swedish Winter Sports Research Centre, Department of Health Sciences, Mid Sweden University, Östersund, Sweden
| | - Robert Boushel
- School of Kinesiology, Faculty of Education, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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38
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Della Torre S, Mitro N, Meda C, Lolli F, Pedretti S, Barcella M, Ottobrini L, Metzger D, Caruso D, Maggi A. Short-Term Fasting Reveals Amino Acid Metabolism as a Major Sex-Discriminating Factor in the Liver. Cell Metab 2018; 28:256-267.e5. [PMID: 29909969 PMCID: PMC6084280 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2018.05.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2017] [Revised: 01/15/2018] [Accepted: 05/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Sex impacts on liver physiology with severe consequences for energy metabolism and response to xenobiotic, hepatic, and extra-hepatic diseases. The comprehension of the biology subtending sex-related hepatic differences is therefore very relevant in the medical, pharmacological, and dietary perspective. The extensive application of metabolomics paired to transcriptomics here shows that, in the case of short-term fasting, the decision to maintain lipid synthesis using amino acids (aa) as a source of fuel is the key discriminant for the hepatic metabolism of male and female mice. Pharmacological and genetic interventions indicate that the hepatic estrogen receptor (ERα) has a key role in this sex-related strategy that is primed around birth by the aromatase-dependent conversion of testosterone into estradiol. This energy partition strategy, possibly the result of an evolutionary pressure enabling mammals to tailor their reproductive capacities to nutritional status, is most important to direct future sex-specific dietary and medical interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Della Torre
- Center of Excellence on Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Milan, Milan, Italy; Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Via Balzaretti 9, Milan 20133, Italy
| | - Nico Mitro
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Via Balzaretti 9, Milan 20133, Italy
| | - Clara Meda
- Center of Excellence on Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Milan, Milan, Italy; Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Via Balzaretti 9, Milan 20133, Italy
| | - Federica Lolli
- Center of Excellence on Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Milan, Milan, Italy; Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Via Balzaretti 9, Milan 20133, Italy
| | - Silvia Pedretti
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Via Balzaretti 9, Milan 20133, Italy
| | - Matteo Barcella
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Luisa Ottobrini
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Daniel Metzger
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, INSERM U964/CNRS UMR 7104, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Donatella Caruso
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Via Balzaretti 9, Milan 20133, Italy
| | - Adriana Maggi
- Center of Excellence on Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Milan, Milan, Italy; Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Via Balzaretti 9, Milan 20133, Italy.
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39
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Protein N-Glycosylation in Cardiovascular Diseases and Related Risk Factors. CURRENT CARDIOVASCULAR RISK REPORTS 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s12170-018-0579-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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40
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Baetta R, Pontremoli M, Fernandez AM, Spickett CM, Banfi C. Reprint of: Proteomics in cardiovascular diseases: Unveiling sex and gender differences in the era of precision medicine. J Proteomics 2018; 178:57-72. [PMID: 29622522 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2018.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2017] [Revised: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 11/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) represent the most important cause of mortality in women and in men. Contrary to the long-standing notion that the effects of the major risk factors on CVD outcomes are the same in both sexes, recent evidence recognizes new, potentially independent, sex/gender-related risk factors for CVDs, and sex/gender-differences in the clinical presentation of CVDs have been demonstrated. Furthermore, some therapeutic options may not be equally effective and safe in men and women. In this context, proteomics offers an extremely useful and versatile analytical platform for biomedical researches that expand from the screening of early diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers to the investigation of the molecular mechanisms underlying CDVs. In this review, we summarized the current applications of proteomics in the cardiovascular field, with emphasis on sex and gender-related differences in CVDs. SIGNIFICANCE Increasing evidence supports the profound effect of sex and gender on cardiovascular physio-pathology and the response to drugs. A clear understanding of the mechanisms underlying sexual dimorphisms in CVDs would not only improve our knowledge of the etiology of these diseases, but could also inform health policy makers and guideline committees in tailoring specific interventions for the prevention, treatment and management of CVDs in both men and women.
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41
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Trenti A, Tedesco S, Boscaro C, Trevisi L, Bolego C, Cignarella A. Estrogen, Angiogenesis, Immunity and Cell Metabolism: Solving the Puzzle. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19030859. [PMID: 29543707 PMCID: PMC5877720 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19030859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2018] [Revised: 03/09/2018] [Accepted: 03/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Estrogen plays an important role in the regulation of cardiovascular physiology and the immune system by inducing direct effects on multiple cell types including immune and vascular cells. Sex steroid hormones are implicated in cardiovascular protection, including endothelial healing in case of arterial injury and collateral vessel formation in ischemic tissue. Estrogen can exert potent modulation effects at all levels of the innate and adaptive immune systems. Their action is mediated by interaction with classical estrogen receptors (ERs), ERα and ERβ, as well as the more recently identified G-protein coupled receptor 30/G-protein estrogen receptor 1 (GPER1), via both genomic and non-genomic mechanisms. Emerging data from the literature suggest that estrogen deficiency in menopause is associated with an increased potential for an unresolved inflammatory status. In this review, we provide an overview through the puzzle pieces of how 17β-estradiol can influence the cardiovascular and immune systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalisa Trenti
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy.
| | - Serena Tedesco
- Venetian Institute of Molecular Medicine, 35129 Padua, Italy.
| | - Carlotta Boscaro
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy.
| | - Lucia Trevisi
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy.
| | - Chiara Bolego
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy.
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42
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Alquier T, Poitout V. Considerations and guidelines for mouse metabolic phenotyping in diabetes research. Diabetologia 2018; 61:526-538. [PMID: 29143855 PMCID: PMC5805661 DOI: 10.1007/s00125-017-4495-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2017] [Accepted: 10/12/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Mice are the most commonly used species in preclinical research on the pathophysiology of metabolic diseases. Although they are extremely useful for identifying pathways, mechanisms and genes regulating glucose and energy homeostasis, the specificities of the various mouse models and methodologies used to investigate a metabolic phenotype can have a profound impact on experimental results and their interpretation. This review aims to: (1) describe the most commonly used experimental tests to assess glucose and energy homeostasis in mice; (2) provide some guidelines regarding the design, analysis and interpretation of these tests, as well as for studies using genetic models; and (3) identify important caveats and confounding factors that must be taken into account in the interpretation of findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thierry Alquier
- Montreal Diabetes Research Center and Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), 900 rue Saint-Denis, Office R08-418, Montreal, QC, H2X 0A9, Canada.
- Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada.
| | - Vincent Poitout
- Montreal Diabetes Research Center and Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), 900 rue Saint-Denis, Office R08-418, Montreal, QC, H2X 0A9, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
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43
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Abstract
Background Epidemiological and clinical studies have largely demonstrated major differences in the prevalence of metabolic disorders in males and females, but the biological cause of these dissimilarities remain to be elucidated. Mammals are characterized by a major change in reproductive strategies and it is conceivable that these changes subjected females to a significant evolutionary pressure that perfected the coupling between energy metabolism and reproduction. Scope of review This review will address the plausibility that female liver functions diverged significantly from males given the role of liver in the control of metabolism. Indeed, it is well known that the liver is sexually dimorphic, and this might be relevant to explain the lower susceptibility to hepatic diseases and liver-derived metabolic disturbances (such as the cardiovascular diseases) characteristic of females during their fertile period. Furthermore, estrogens and the hepatic ERα play a significant role in liver sexual-specific functions and in the control of metabolic functions. Conclusions A better grasp of the role of male and female sex steroids in the liver of the two sexes may therefore represent an important element to conceive novel treatments aimed at preventing metabolic diseases particularly in ageing women or limiting undesired side effect in the treatment of gender dysphoria. Liver is a target for estrogens. Liver metabolism is regulated by estrogens. Metabolism and reproduction are reciprocally regulated functions. Liver sexual dimorphism is associated to female reproductive functions. Liver is sexually differentiated neonatally.
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44
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Baetta R, Pontremoli M, Martinez Fernandez A, Spickett CM, Banfi C. Proteomics in cardiovascular diseases: Unveiling sex and gender differences in the era of precision medicine. J Proteomics 2017; 173:62-76. [PMID: 29180046 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2017.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2017] [Revised: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 11/17/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) represent the most important cause of mortality in women and in men. Contrary to the long-standing notion that the effects of the major risk factors on CVD outcomes are the same in both sexes, recent evidence recognizes new, potentially independent, sex/gender-related risk factors for CVDs, and sex/gender-differences in the clinical presentation of CVDs have been demonstrated. Furthermore, some therapeutic options may not be equally effective and safe in men and women. In this context, proteomics offers an extremely useful and versatile analytical platform for biomedical researches that expand from the screening of early diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers to the investigation of the molecular mechanisms underlying CDVs. In this review, we summarized the current applications of proteomics in the cardiovascular field, with emphasis on sex and gender-related differences in CVDs. SIGNIFICANCE Increasing evidence supports the profound effect of sex and gender on cardiovascular physio-pathology and the response to drugs. A clear understanding of the mechanisms underlying sexual dimorphisms in CVDs would not only improve our knowledge of the etiology of these diseases, but could also inform health policy makers and guideline committees in tailoring specific interventions for the prevention, treatment and management of CVDs in both men and women.
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45
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Li J, Riaz Rajoka MS, Shao D, Jiang C, Jin M, Huang Q, Yang H, Shi J. Strategies to increase the efficacy of using gut microbiota for the modulation of obesity. Obes Rev 2017; 18:1260-1271. [PMID: 28742949 DOI: 10.1111/obr.12590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2017] [Revised: 06/03/2017] [Accepted: 06/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Obesity is one of the most serious global public health challenges of the 21st century. The adjustment of gut microbiota is often recommended as an efficient strategy to treat obesity. This modulation of gut microbiota can be performed by many methods, including dietary intervention, antibiotic application, the use of prebiotics and probiotics, bariatric surgery and faecal microbiota transplantation. In most cases, positive effects have been observed in response to treatment, but invalid and even contrary effects have also been observed in some cases due to factors that are unrelated to intervention methods, such as genetic factors, patient age or gender, environmental microbiota, climate, geography and lifestyle. These factors can cause variation of gut microbial populations and thus should also be taken into consideration when selecting modulation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Li
- Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - M S Riaz Rajoka
- Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - D Shao
- Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - C Jiang
- Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - M Jin
- Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Q Huang
- Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - H Yang
- Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - J Shi
- Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
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Loss of liver-specific and sexually dimorphic gene expression by aryl hydrocarbon receptor activation in C57BL/6 mice. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0184842. [PMID: 28922406 PMCID: PMC5602546 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0184842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2017] [Accepted: 08/31/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a highly conserved transcription factor that mediates a broad spectrum of species-, strain-, sex-, age-, tissue-, and cell-specific responses elicited by structurally diverse ligands including 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). Dose-dependent effects on liver-specific and sexually dimorphic gene expression were examined in male and female mice gavaged with TCDD every 4 days for 28 or 92 days. RNA-seq data revealed the coordinated repression of 181 genes predominately expressed in the liver including albumin (3.7-fold), α-fibrinogen (14.5-fold), and β-fibrinogen (17.4-fold) in males with corresponding AhR enrichment at 2 hr. Liver-specific genes exhibiting sexually dimorphic expression also demonstrated diminished divergence between sexes. For example, male-biased Gstp1 was repressed 3.0-fold in males and induced 4.5-fold in females, which were confirmed at the protein level. Disrupted regulation is consistent with impaired GHR-JAK2-STAT5 signaling and inhibition of female specific CUX2-mediated transcription as well as the repression of other key transcriptional regulators including Ghr, Stat5b, Bcl6, Hnf4a, Hnf6, Foxa1/2/3, and Zhx2. Attenuated liver-specific and sexually dimorphic gene expression was concurrent with the induction of fetal genes such as alpha-fetoprotein. The results suggest AhR activation causes the loss of liver-specific and sexually dimorphic gene expression producing a functionally "de-differentiated" hepatic phenotype.
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Cattaneo MG, Vanetti C, Decimo I, Di Chio M, Martano G, Garrone G, Bifari F, Vicentini LM. Sex-specific eNOS activity and function in human endothelial cells. Sci Rep 2017; 7:9612. [PMID: 28852041 PMCID: PMC5575132 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-10139-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2017] [Accepted: 08/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinical and epidemiological data show that biological sex is one of the major determinants for the development and progression of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Impaired endothelial function, characterized by an imbalance in endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase (eNOS) activity, precedes and accelerates the development of CVD. However, whether there is any sexual dimorphism in eNOS activity and function in endothelial cells (ECs) is still unknown. Here, by independently studying human male and female ECs, we found that female ECs expressed higher eNOS mRNA and protein levels both in vitro and ex vivo. The increased eNOS expression was associated to higher enzymatic activity and nitric oxide production. Pharmacological and genetic inhibition of eNOS affected migratory properties only in female ECs. In vitro angiogenesis experiments confirmed that sprouting mostly relied on eNOS-dependent migration in female ECs. At variance, capillary outgrowth from male ECs was independent of eNOS activity but required cell proliferation. In this study, we found sex-specific differences in the EC expression, activity, and function of eNOS. This intrinsic sexual dimorphism of ECs should be further evaluated to achieve more effective and precise strategies for the prevention and therapy of diseases associated to an impaired endothelial function such as CVD and pathological angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Grazia Cattaneo
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20129, Milano, Italy.
| | - Claudia Vanetti
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20129, Milano, Italy
| | - Ilaria Decimo
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Università di Verona, 37134, Verona, Italy
| | - Marzia Di Chio
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Università di Verona, 37134, Verona, Italy
| | | | - Giulia Garrone
- Fondazione IRCCS, Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Francesco Bifari
- Laboratory of Cell Metabolism and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20129, Milano, Italy
| | - Lucia Maria Vicentini
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20129, Milano, Italy.
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Origins and Functions of the Ventrolateral VMH: A Complex Neuronal Cluster Orchestrating Sex Differences in Metabolism and Behavior. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2017; 1043:199-213. [PMID: 29224096 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-70178-3_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The neuroendocrine brain or hypothalamus has emerged as one of the most highly sexually dimorphic brain regions in mammals, and specifically in rodents. It is not surprising that hypothalamic nuclei play a pivotal role in controlling sex-dependent physiology. This brain region functions as a chief executive officer or master regulator of homeostatic physiological systems to integrate both external and internal signals. In this review, we describe sex differences in energy homeostasis that arise in one area of the hypothalamus, the ventrolateral subregion of the ventromedial hypothalamus (VMHvl) with a focus on how male and female neurons function in metabolic and behavioral aspects. Because other chapters within this book provide details on signaling pathways in the VMH that contribute to sex differences in metabolism, our discussion will be limited to how the sexually dimorphic VMHvl develops and what key regulators are thought to control the many functional and physiological endpoints attributed to this region. In the last decade, several exciting new studies using state-of-the-art genetic and molecular tools are beginning to provide some understanding as to how specific neurons contribute to the coordinated physiological responses needed by male and females. New technology that combines intersectional spatial and genetic approaches is now allowing further refinement in how we describe, probe, and manipulate critical male and female neurocircuits involved in metabolism.
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Torre D, Lolli F, Ciana P, Maggi A. Sexual Dimorphism and Estrogen Action in Mouse Liver. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2017; 1043:141-151. [PMID: 29224094 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-70178-3_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies have demonstrated that in mice, the estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) is expressed in the liver and has a direct effect on the regulation of the hepatic genes relevant for energy metabolism and drug metabolism. The sex-related differential expression of the hepatic ERα raises the questions as to whether this receptor is responsible for the sexual differences observed in the physiopathology of the liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Della Torre
- Center of Excellence on Neurodegenerative Diseases and Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, MI, Italy
| | - Federica Lolli
- Center of Excellence on Neurodegenerative Diseases and Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, MI, Italy
| | - Paolo Ciana
- Center of Excellence on Neurodegenerative Diseases and Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, MI, Italy
| | - Adriana Maggi
- Center of Excellence on Neurodegenerative Diseases and Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, MI, Italy.
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