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Fu Y, Xue L, Niu M, Gao Y, Huang Y, Zhang H, Tian M, Zhuo C. Sex-dependent nonlinear Granger connectivity patterns of brain aging in healthy population. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2024; 135:111088. [PMID: 39033955 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2024.111088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Brain aging is a complex process that involves functional alterations in multiple subnetworks and brain regions. However, most previous studies investigating aging-related functional connectivity (FC) changes using resting-state functional magnetic resonance images (rs-fMRIs) have primarily focused on the linear correlation between brain subnetworks, ignoring the nonlinear casual properties of fMRI signals. METHODS We introduced the neural Granger causality technique to investigate the sex-dependent nonlinear Granger connectivity (NGC) during aging on a publicly available dataset of 227 healthy participants acquired cross-sectionally in Leipzig, Germany. RESULTS Our findings indicate that brain aging may cause widespread declines in NGC at both regional and subnetwork scales. These findings exhibit high reproducibility across different network sparsities, demonstrating the efficacy of static and dynamic analysis strategies. Females exhibit greater heterogeneity and reduced stability in NGC compared to males during aging, especially the NGC between the visual network and other subnetworks. Besides, NGC strengths can well reflect the individual cognitive function, which may therefore work as a sensitive metric in cognition-related experiments for individual-scale or group-scale mechanism understanding. CONCLUSION These findings indicate that NGC analysis is a potent tool for identifying sex-dependent brain aging patterns. Our results offer valuable perspectives that could substantially enhance the understanding of sex differences in neurological diseases in the future, especially in degenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Fu
- Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China; Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Le Xue
- Huashan Hospital and Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Meng Niu
- Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China; Department of Radiology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | | | | | - Hong Zhang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Medical PET Center, The Second Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Mei Tian
- Huashan Hospital and Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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Kalathoor S, Ghazi S, Otieno B, Babcook MA, Chen S, Nidhi N, Bae J, Pierre-Charles J, Breathett K, Mazimba S, Johnson A, Brewer L, Mohammed S, Carter RR, Bonsu JM, Ferdousi M, Kola-Kehinde O, McLaughlin E, Brammer J, Ruz P, Khan S, Odei B, Mitchell D, Wei L, Patel P, Paskett ED, Addison D. Representation of women in clinical trials supporting FDA-approval of contemporary cancer therapies. Int J Cancer 2024; 155:1958-1968. [PMID: 39155749 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.35110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/20/2024]
Abstract
Contemporary anticancer therapies frequently have different efficacy and side effects in men and women. Yet, whether women are well-represented in pivotal trials supporting contemporary anticancer drugs is unknown. Leveraging the Drugs@FDA database, clinicaltrials.gov, MEDLINE, and publicly available FDA-drug-reviews, we identified all pivotal (phase II and III) non-sex specific trials supporting FDA-approval of anticancer drugs (1998-2018). Observed-enrollment-rates were compared to expected-population-rates derived from concurrent US-National-Cancer-Institute's Surveillance-Epidemiology-and-End-Results (SEER) reported rates and US-Census databases. Primary outcome was the proportional representation of women across trials, evaluated by a participation-to-prevalence ratio (PPR), according to cancer type. Secondary outcome was the report of any sex-specific analysis of efficacy and/or safety, irrespective of treatment-arm. Overall, there were 148 trials, enrolling 60,216 participants (60.5 ± 4.0 years, 40.7% female, 79.1% biologic, targeted, or immune-based therapies) evaluating 99 drugs. Sex was reported in 146 (98.6%) trials, wherein 40.7% (24,538) were women, compared to 59.3% (35,678) men (p < .01). Altogether, women were under-represented in 66.9% trials compared to the proportional incidence of cancers by respective disease type; weight-average PPR of 0.91 (relative difference: -9.1%, p < .01). Women were most under-represented in gastric (PPR = 0.63), liver (PPR = 0.71), and lung (PPR = .81) cancer trials. Sex-based safety data was reported in 4.0% trials. There was no association between adequate female enrollment and drug efficacy (HR: 0.616 vs. 0.613, p = .96). Over time, there was no difference in the percentage of women recruited into clinical trials. Among pivotal clinical trials supporting contemporary FDA-approved cancer drugs, women were frequently under-represented and sex-specific-efficacy and safety-outcomes were commonly not reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sujay Kalathoor
- Cardio-Oncology Program, Division of Cardiology, The Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Sanam Ghazi
- Cardio-Oncology Program, Division of Cardiology, The Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Beryl Otieno
- Cardio-Oncology Program, Division of Cardiology, The Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- Department of Medicine, Greater Baltimore Medical Center, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Melissa A Babcook
- Cardio-Oncology Program, Division of Cardiology, The Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- Division of Oncology, James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute at The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Sunnia Chen
- Cardio-Oncology Program, Division of Cardiology, The Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Neha Nidhi
- Cardio-Oncology Program, Division of Cardiology, The Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Junu Bae
- Cardio-Oncology Program, Division of Cardiology, The Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Jovan Pierre-Charles
- Cardio-Oncology Program, Division of Cardiology, The Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | | | - Sula Mazimba
- Division of Cardiology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Amber Johnson
- Division of Cardiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Selma Mohammed
- Division of Cardiology, Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Rebecca R Carter
- Cardio-Oncology Program, Division of Cardiology, The Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- Center for the Advancement of Team Science, Analytics, and Systems Thinking (CATALYST), Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Janice M Bonsu
- Cardio-Oncology Program, Division of Cardiology, The Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Mussammat Ferdousi
- Cardio-Oncology Program, Division of Cardiology, The Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Onaopepo Kola-Kehinde
- Cardio-Oncology Program, Division of Cardiology, The Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Eric McLaughlin
- Center for Biostatistics, Department of Biomedical Informatics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Jonathan Brammer
- Division of Hematology, James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute at The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Patrick Ruz
- Cardio-Oncology Program, Division of Cardiology, The Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Sarah Khan
- Cardio-Oncology Program, Division of Cardiology, The Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Bismarck Odei
- Department of Radiation Oncology, James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute at The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Darrion Mitchell
- Department of Radiation Oncology, James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute at The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Lai Wei
- Center for Biostatistics, Department of Biomedical Informatics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Prem Patel
- Cardio-Oncology Program, Division of Cardiology, The Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Electra D Paskett
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Daniel Addison
- Cardio-Oncology Program, Division of Cardiology, The Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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3
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Breeze B, Connell E, Wileman T, Muller M, Vauzour D, Pontifex MG. Menopause and Alzheimer's disease susceptibility: Exploring the potential mechanisms. Brain Res 2024; 1844:149170. [PMID: 39163895 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2024.149170] [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: 07/09/2024] [Revised: 08/15/2024] [Accepted: 08/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/22/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's Disease (AD), responsible for 62% of all dementia cases, is a progressive neurodegenerative condition that leads to cognitive dysfunction. The prevalence of AD is consistently higher in women suggesting they are disproportionately affected by this disease. Despite this, our understanding of this female AD vulnerability remains limited. Menopause has been identified as a potential contributing factor to AD in women, with earlier menopause onset associated with greater AD risk. However, the underlying mechanisms responsible for this increased risk are not fully understood. This review examines the potential role of menopause in the development of Alzheimer's Disease providing a mechanistic overview of the available literature from hormones to pathology. While literature is now emerging that indicates a role of hormonal shifts, gut dysbiosis, lipid dysregulation and inflammation, more research is needed to fully elucidate the mechanisms involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernadette Breeze
- Norwich Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Emily Connell
- Norwich Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Tom Wileman
- Norwich Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom; Quadram Institute Biosciences, Norwich NR4 7UQ, United Kingdom
| | - Michael Muller
- Norwich Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom
| | - David Vauzour
- Norwich Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew G Pontifex
- Norwich Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom.
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Sohn E, Lim HS, Jin Kim Y, Kim BY, Yoon J, Kim JH, Jeong SJ. Exploring the therapeutic potential of Potentilla fragarioides var. major (Rosaceae) extract in Alzheimer's disease using in vitro and in vivo models: A multi-faceted approach. Neuroscience 2024; 559:77-90. [PMID: 39179018 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2024.08.029] [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: 04/23/2024] [Revised: 08/12/2024] [Accepted: 08/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/26/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia and is caused by various factors including amyloid-beta (Aβ) aggregation. We investigated the pharmacological effects of the ethanol extract of Potentilla fragarioides var. major (Rosaceae) (EEPF) on AD-related pathogenesis, which remain elusive. We observed the effects of EEPF on Aβ disaggregation and free-radical scavenging activities for 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) using in vitro assays, evaluated the effects of EEPF on memory loss in two animal models, and examined the molecular regulatory mechanisms of EEPF using an antibody-protein microarray in EEPF-treated neuronal cell lines. EEPF inhibited Aβ aggregation in a concentration-dependent manner and enhanced free-radical scavenging activities for ABTS and DPPH. EEPF significantly inhibited memory impairment in the passive avoidance task, Y-maze test, and Morris water maze test in scopolamine-induced short-term memory loss mice and Aβ-injected AD-like mice. Nissl staining and immunohistochemistry for NeuN and Iba-1 confirmed the neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects of EEPF in both animal models. In H2O2-treated HT22 hippocampal cells, EEPF significantly prevented cell damage, enhanced CaMK2, and reduced ferric reductase. In lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated BV-2 microglia, EEPF significantly inhibited LPS-induced production of inflammatory factors, such as nitric oxide, prostaglandin E2, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-6, and decreased the phosphorylation of Smad3 and cyclin D3. High-performance liquid chromatography confirmed that EEPF has five major components: neochlorogenic acid, chlorogenic acid, polydatin, isochlorogenic acid A, and buddleoside, with amounts ranging across 1.91-9.41 mg/g. EEPF may be a promising drug for treatment of AD and AD-related brain disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunjin Sohn
- Korean Medicine Convergence Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine1672 Yuseong-daero, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34054, Republic of Korea.
| | - Hye-Sun Lim
- Herbal Medicine Resources Research Center, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, 111 Geonjae-ro, Naju, Jeollanam-do 58245, Republic of Korea.
| | - Yu Jin Kim
- Korean Medicine Convergence Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine1672 Yuseong-daero, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34054, Republic of Korea.
| | - Bu-Yeo Kim
- Korean Medicine Convergence Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine1672 Yuseong-daero, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34054, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jiyeon Yoon
- Korean Medicine Convergence Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine1672 Yuseong-daero, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34054, Republic of Korea.
| | - Joo-Hwan Kim
- Department of Life Science, Gachon University, 1342, Seongnam-daero, Sujeong-gu, Seongnam, Gyeonggi-do 13120, Republic of Korea.
| | - Soo-Jin Jeong
- Korean Medicine Convergence Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine1672 Yuseong-daero, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34054, Republic of Korea.
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Shintani T, Yanai S, Kanasaki A, Iida T, Endo S. Long-term d-allose administration ameliorates age-related cognitive impairment and loss of bone strength in male mice. Exp Gerontol 2024; 196:112555. [PMID: 39179160 DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2024.112555] [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: 05/22/2024] [Revised: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 08/26/2024]
Abstract
Age-related physical and cognitive decline may be ameliorated by consuming functional foods. d-Allose, reported to have multiple health benefits, may temper aging phenotypes, particularly brain function. We investigated whether d-allose supplementation improves cognitive function. A standard battery of behavioral tests was administered to 18-month-old male mice after consuming diet containing 3 % d-allose for 6 months. Following a wire-hanging test, an open-field test, Morris water maze, fear-conditioning, and an analgesia test were sequentially performed. Bone density and strength were assessed afterwards. Possible mechanism(s) under-lying memory changes in hippocampus were also examined with a DNA microarray. d-Allose failed to influence muscle strength, locomotor activity and anxiety, fear memory, or pain sensitivity. However, d-allose improved hippocampus-dependent spatial learning and memory, and it may contribute to increase bone strength. d-Allose also changed the expression of some genes in hippocampus involved in cognitive functions. Long-term d-allose supplementation appears to modestly change aging phenotypes and improve spatial memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoya Shintani
- Research and Development, Matsutani Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., 5-3 Kita-Itami, Itami City, Hyogo 664-8508, Japan
| | - Shuichi Yanai
- Aging Neuroscience Research Team, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute for Geriatrics and Gerontology, 35-2 Sakae-cho, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo 173-0015, Japan; Animal Facility, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute for Geriatrics and Gerontology, 35-2 Sakae-cho, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo 173-0015, Japan
| | - Akane Kanasaki
- Research and Development, Matsutani Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., 5-3 Kita-Itami, Itami City, Hyogo 664-8508, Japan.
| | - Tetsuo Iida
- Research and Development, Matsutani Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., 5-3 Kita-Itami, Itami City, Hyogo 664-8508, Japan
| | - Shogo Endo
- Aging Neuroscience Research Team, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute for Geriatrics and Gerontology, 35-2 Sakae-cho, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo 173-0015, Japan
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Zhang AY, Elias E, Manners MT. Sex-dependent astrocyte reactivity: Unveiling chronic stress-induced morphological changes across multiple brain regions. Neurobiol Dis 2024; 200:106610. [PMID: 39032799 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2024.106610] [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: 05/28/2024] [Revised: 07/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic stress is a major precursor to various neuropsychiatric disorders and is linked with increased inflammation in the brain. However, the bidirectional association between inflammation and chronic stress has yet to be fully understood. Astrocytes are one of the key inflammatory regulators in the brain, and the morphological change in reactive astrocytes serves as an important indicator of inflammation. In this study, we evaluated the sex-specific astrocyte response to chronic stress or systemic inflammation in key brain regions associated with mood disorders. We conducted the unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS) paradigm to model chronic stress, or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection to model systemic inflammation. To evaluate stress-induced morphological changes in astrocyte complexity, we measured GFAP fluorescent intensity for astrocyte expression, branch bifurcation by quantifying branch points and terminal points, branch arborization by conducting Sholl analysis, and calculated the ramification index. Our analysis indicated that chronic stress-induced morphological changes in astrocytes in all brain regions investigated. The effects of chronic stress were region and sex specific. Notably, females had greater stress or inflammation-induced astrocyte activation in the hypothalamus (HYPO), CA1, CA3, and amygdala (AMY) than males. These findings indicate that chronic stress induces astrocyte activation that may drive sex and region-specific effects in females, potentially contributing to sex-dependent mechanisms of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariel Y Zhang
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ 08028, USA.
| | - Elias Elias
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ 08028, USA.
| | - Melissa T Manners
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ 08028, USA.
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Becegato M, Silva RH. Female rodents in behavioral neuroscience: Narrative review on the methodological pitfalls. Physiol Behav 2024; 284:114645. [PMID: 39047942 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2024.114645] [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: 04/11/2024] [Revised: 07/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
Since the NIH 'Sex as biological variable' policy, the percentage of studies including female subjects have increased largely. Nonetheless, many researchers fail to adequate their protocols to include females. In this narrative review, we aim to discuss the methodological pitfalls of the inclusion of female rodents in behavioral neuroscience. We address three points to consider in studies: the manipulations conducted only in female animals (such as estrous cycle monitoring, ovariectomy, and hormone replacement), the consideration of males as the standard, and biases related to interpretation and publication of the results. In addition, we suggest guidelines and perspectives for the inclusion of females in preclinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcela Becegato
- Behavioral Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Regina H Silva
- Behavioral Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil; MaternaCiência, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Kim BY, Sohn E, Lee MY, Jeon WY, Jo K, Kim YJ, Jeong SJ. Neurodegenerative pathways and metabolic changes in the hippocampus and cortex of mice exposed to urban particulate matter: Insights from an integrated interactome analysis. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 945:173673. [PMID: 38839008 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173673] [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: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Recently, urban particulate matter (UPM) exposure has been associated with the development of brain disorders. This study uses bioinformatic analyses to elucidate the molecular unexplored mechanisms underlying the effects of UPM exposure on the brain. Mice are exposed to UPM (from 3 days to 20 weeks), and their behavioral patterns measured. We measure pathology and gene expression in the hippocampus and cortical regions of the brain. An integrated interactome of genes is established, which enriches information on metabolic processes. Using this network, we isolate the core genes that are differentially expressed in the samples. We observe cognitive loss and pathological changes in the brains of mice at 16 or 20 weeks of exposure. Through network analysis of core-differential genes and measurement of pathway activity, we identify differences in the response to UPM exposure between the hippocampus and cortex. However, neurodegenerative disease pathways are implicated in both tissues following short-term exposure to UPM. There were also significant changes in metabolic function in both tissues depending on UPM exposure time. Additionally, the cortex of UPM-exposed mice shows more similarities with psychiatric disorders than with neurodegenerative diseases. The connectivity map database is used to isolate genes contributing to changes in expression due to UPM exposure. New approaches for inhibiting or preventing the brain damage caused by UPM exposure can be developed by targeting the functions and selected genes identified in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bu-Yeo Kim
- KM Convergence Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, 1672 Yuseong-daero, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34054, Republic of Korea.
| | - Eunjin Sohn
- KM Convergence Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, 1672 Yuseong-daero, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34054, Republic of Korea
| | - Mee-Young Lee
- KM Convergence Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, 1672 Yuseong-daero, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34054, Republic of Korea
| | - Woo-Young Jeon
- KM Convergence Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, 1672 Yuseong-daero, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34054, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyuhyung Jo
- KM Convergence Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, 1672 Yuseong-daero, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34054, Republic of Korea
| | - Yu Jin Kim
- KM Convergence Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, 1672 Yuseong-daero, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34054, Republic of Korea
| | - Soo-Jin Jeong
- KM Convergence Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, 1672 Yuseong-daero, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34054, Republic of Korea.
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Voelkl B, Würbel H. Heterogeneity of animal experiments and how to deal with it. Lab Anim 2024; 58:493-497. [PMID: 39315551 DOI: 10.1177/00236772241260173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/25/2024]
Abstract
Heterogeneity of study samples is ubiquitous in animal experiments. Here, we discuss the different options of how to deal with heterogeneity in the statistical analysis of a single experiment. Specifically, data from different sub-groups (e.g. sex, strain, age cohorts) may be analysed separately, heterogenization factors may be ignored and data pooled for analysis, or heterogenization factors may be included as additional variables in the statistical model. The cost of ignoring a heterogenization factor is an inflated estimate of the variance and a consequent loss of statistical power. Therefore, it is usually preferable to include the heterogenization factor in the statistical model, especially if the heterogenization factor has been introduced intentionally (e.g. using both sexes). If heterogenization factors are included, they can be treated either as fixed factors in an analysis of variance design or sometimes as random effects in mixed effects regression models. Finally, for an appropriate sample size estimation, it is necessary to decide whether to treat heterogenization factors as nuisance variables, or whether the experiment should be powered to be able to detect not only the main effect of the treatment but also interactions between heterogenization factors and the treatment variable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernhard Voelkl
- Division of Animal Welfare, VPH Institute, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Hanno Würbel
- Division of Animal Welfare, VPH Institute, University of Bern, Switzerland
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Tigano AM, Job MO. Overestimation of sex differences in psychostimulant activity via comparisons of males and females from different behavioral groups. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.09.26.615282. [PMID: 39386628 PMCID: PMC11463375 DOI: 10.1101/2024.09.26.615282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/12/2024]
Abstract
Background There are inconsistencies in the observation of sex differences in baseline activity and psychostimulant activity. To address this, we have developed the MISSING (Mapping Intrinsic Sex Similarities as an Integral quality of Normalized Groups) model. MISSING model proposes that sex similarities are observed when we compare similar behavioral groups of males and females, with sex differences occurring when we compare distinct groups of sexes, but this model has not been tested. Methods To test this model, we identified within-sex groups of Sprague Dawley rats (male n = 22, female n = 23) by conducted normal mixtures clustering of baseline activity, cocaine activity (as distance traveled in cm over 90 min) and cocaine activity normalized-to-baseline activity (NBA) of all subjects. We employed 2-way ANOVA to determine the impact of within-sex heterogeneity on sex differences. We compared our cluster-based method to current median-split approaches. Results Our new cluster-based method revealed three distinct clusters, each consisting of both males and females. We determined there were no sex differences in any of the variables when males and females from the same clusters were compared. The within-sex clusters for females were not defined by estrous phase. Median split analysis was ineffective in accurately identifying within-sex groups. Conclusions Our results validate the MISSING model: there are no sex differences in psychostimulant activity except when we compare males and females from different behavioral groups. This has significant implications for how we proceed with research towards understanding the mechanism governing sex differences in psychostimulant activity.
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Wada H, Choi W, Coutts VM, Hoffman AJ, Steury TD. Modeling Population Growth under Climate Stressors Using Age-Structured Matrix Models. Integr Comp Biol 2024; 64:944-952. [PMID: 38794901 DOI: 10.1093/icb/icae045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Climate resilience, a focus of many recent studies, has been examined from ecological, physiological, and evolutionary perspectives. However, sampling biases toward adults, males, and certain species have made establishing the link between environmental change and population-level change problematic. Here, we used data from four laboratory studies, in which we administered pre- and postnatal stressors, such as suboptimal incubation temperature, heat stress, and food restriction, to zebra finches. We then quantified hatching success, posthatch survival, and reproductive success, to parameterize age-structured population dynamics models with the goal of estimating the effect of the stressors on relative population growth rates. Using the same model structure, we tested the hypothesis that early life stages influence population growth rate more than later life stages. Our models suggested that stressful events during embryonic development, such as suboptimal incubation temperatures and reduced gas exchange for the embryos, have a greater total impact on population growth than posthatch stressors, such as heat stress and food restriction. However, among life history traits, differences in hatching success and sex ratio of offspring in response to stressors changed population growth rates more than differences in any other demographic rate estimates. These results suggest that when predicting population resilience against climate change, it is critical to account for effects of climate change on all life stages, including early stages of life, and to incorporate individuals' physiology and stress tolerance that likely influence future stress responses, reproduction, and survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haruka Wada
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Wonil Choi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Victoria M Coutts
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | | | - Todd D Steury
- School of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
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12
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Regensteiner JG, Templeton K. Review of the Influences of Sex Differences on Health and Disease: What Is the Role of Journals? J Bone Joint Surg Am 2024; 106:00004623-990000000-01215. [PMID: 39325861 DOI: 10.2106/jbjs.24.00297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/28/2024]
Abstract
➢ Sex-based differences are understudied, which has potential consequences for the health of everyone.➢ Women's health is particularly affected given a lack of sex-specific data across many disease states.➢ Journals do not consistently require the inclusion of both sexes and the disaggregation of data by sex in cell, animal model, and human studies.➢ Instructions for investigators and journals regarding the inclusion of sex-specific data are found in guidelines such as those by the Sex and Gender Equity in Research (SAGER) group, but these guidelines are underutilized.➢ Consistency in the inclusion of both sexes in studies (except in studies on diseases affecting only 1 sex), as well as in the disaggregation and reporting of results by sex, has the potential to improve health for all people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith G Regensteiner
- Ludeman Family Center for Women's Health Research, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Kimberly Templeton
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
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13
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Barbetti M, Sgoifo A, Carnevali L. Sex-specific behavioral, cardiac, and neuroendocrine responses to repeated witness social stress in adult rats. Physiol Behav 2024; 287:114702. [PMID: 39332593 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2024.114702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2024] [Revised: 08/26/2024] [Accepted: 09/20/2024] [Indexed: 09/29/2024]
Abstract
In humans, sex disparities exist in the prevalence of social stress-related disorders, yet our understanding of the predisposing factors and underlying mechanisms is still elusive. Also at the preclinical level, the investigation of sex differences in social stress responses is limited. In this study, adult male and female wild-type Groningen rats were repeatedly exposed to witness social defeat stress (WS) to assess sex-specific behavioral, neuroendocrine, and cardiac responses to the same social stress paradigm. Male and female rats bore witness to an aggressive social defeat episode between two males for nine consecutive days or were exposed to a control (CTR) procedure. Stress-related parameters were assessed in correspondence to the first and last WS/CTR exposure and also during subsequent exposure to the stress context alone in the absence of social defeat. During WS, rats of both sexes displayed larger amounts of burying behavior and smaller amounts of rearing and grooming behaviors, but with a greater extent in female witnesses. Cardiac autonomic responses to WS were similar between the sexes, yet only females displayed higher plasma corticosterone levels after the first WS exposure compared to CTRs, and had a larger corticosterone increase than male witnesses upon repeated WS. Exposure to the stress context alone (i.e., without the presence of the aggressive resident rat) elicited greater amount of burying behavior and more pronounced and persistent tachycardic responses in females than males with a history of WS. Our findings suggest sex-disparities in the response of adult rats to WS at multiple behavioral, cardiac, and neuroendocrine levels, highlighting the utility of this social stress paradigm for investigating predisposing factors and pathophysiological mechanisms underlying sex-specific vulnerabilities to stress-related pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margherita Barbetti
- Stress Physiology Lab, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Andrea Sgoifo
- Stress Physiology Lab, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Luca Carnevali
- Stress Physiology Lab, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.
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14
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Iyer AR, Scholz-Carlson E, Bell E, Biondi G, Richhariya S, Fernandez MP. The Circadian Neuropeptide PDF has Sexually Dimorphic Effects on Activity Rhythms. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.31.578273. [PMID: 38352594 PMCID: PMC10862788 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.31.578273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/27/2024]
Abstract
The circadian system regulates the timing of multiple molecular, physiological, metabolic, and behavioral phenomena. In Drosophila as in other species, most of the research on how the timekeeping system in the brain controls timing of behavioral outputs has been conducted in males, or sex was not included as a biological variable. The main circadian pacemaker neurons in Drosophila release the neuropeptide Pigment Dispersing Factor (PDF), which functions as a key synchronizing factor in the network with complex effects on other clock neurons. Lack of Pdf or its receptor, PdfR, results in most flies displaying arrhythmicity in activity-rest cycles under constant conditions. However, our results show that female circadian rhythms are less affected by mutations in both Pdf and PdfR. Crispr-Cas9 mutagenesis of Pdf specifically in the ventral lateral neurons (LNvs) also has a greater effect on male rhythms. We tested the influence of the M-cells over the circadian network and show that speeding up the molecular clock specifically in the M-cells leads to sexually dimorphic phenotypes, with a more pronounced effect on male rhythmic behavior. Our results suggest that the female circadian system is more resilient to manipulations of the PDF pathway and that circadian timekeeping is more distributed across the clock neuron network in females.
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15
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Xu C, Jiang F, Mao Y, Wei W, Song J, Jia F, Du X, Zhong D, Li G. Disulfiram attenuates cell and tissue damage and blood‒brain barrier dysfunction after intracranial haemorrhage by inhibiting the classical pyroptosis pathway. Sci Rep 2024; 14:21860. [PMID: 39300102 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-67118-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 09/22/2024] Open
Abstract
No single treatment significantly reduces the mortality rate and improves neurological outcomes after intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH). New evidence suggests that pyroptosis-specific proteins are highly expressed in the perihaematomal tissues of patients with ICH and that the disulfiram (DSF) inhibits pyroptosis. An ICH model was established in C57BL/6 mice by intracranial injection of collagenase, after which DSF was used to treat the mice. Cell model of ICH was constructed, and DSF was used to treat the cells. HE, TUNEL, Nissl, FJC and IF staining were performed to evaluate the morphology of brain tissues; Western blotting and ELISA were performed to measure the protein expression of NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3)/Caspase-1/gasdermin D (GSDMD) classical pyroptosis pathway and Toll-likereceptor4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) inflammatory signaling pathway and blood‒brain barrier-associated factoes, and the wet/dry weight method was used to determine the brain water content. The expression of proteins related to the NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD pathway and the TLR4/NF-κB pathway was upregulated in tissues surrounding the haematoma compared with that in control tissues; Moreover, the expression of the blood-brain barrier structural proteins occludin and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) was downregulated, and the expression of Aquaporin Protein-4 (AQP4) and matrix metalloprotein 9 (MMP-9) was upregulated. DSF significantly inhibited these changes, reduced the haematoma volume, decreased the brain water content, reduced neuronal death and degeneration and improved neurological function after ICH. ICH activated the classical pyroptosis pathway and TLR4/NF-κB inflammatory pathway, disruped the expression of blood-brain barrier structural proteins, and exacerbated brain injury and neurological dysfunction. DSF inhibited these changes and exerted the therapeutic effects on pathological changes and dysfunction caused by ICH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Xu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Fangchao Jiang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yuanfu Mao
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Wan Wei
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Jihe Song
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Feihong Jia
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Xinshu Du
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Di Zhong
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.
| | - Guozhong Li
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.
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16
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Murata EM, Pritschet L, Grotzinger H, Taylor CM, Jacobs EG. Circadian Rhythms Tied to Changes in Brain Morphology in a Densely Sampled Male. J Neurosci 2024; 44:e0573242024. [PMID: 39147588 PMCID: PMC11411591 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0573-24.2024] [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: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 08/08/2024] [Accepted: 08/10/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Circadian, infradian, and seasonal changes in steroid hormone secretion have been tied to changes in brain volume in several mammalian species. However, the relationship between circadian changes in steroid hormone production and rhythmic changes in brain morphology in humans is largely unknown. Here, we examined the relationship between diurnal fluctuations in steroid hormones and multiscale brain morphology in a precision imaging study of a male who completed 40 MRI and serological assessments at 7 A.M. and 8 P.M. over the course of a month, targeting hormone concentrations at their peak and nadir. Diurnal fluctuations in steroid hormones were tied to pronounced changes in global and regional brain morphology. From morning to evening, total brain volume, gray matter volume, and cortical thickness decreased, coincident with decreases in steroid hormone concentrations (testosterone, estradiol, and cortisol). In parallel, cerebrospinal fluid and ventricle size increased from A.M. to P.M. Global changes were driven by decreases within the occipital and parietal cortices. These findings highlight natural rhythms in brain morphology that keep time with the diurnal ebb and flow of steroid hormones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elle M Murata
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106
| | - Laura Pritschet
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106
| | - Hannah Grotzinger
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106
| | - Caitlin M Taylor
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106
| | - Emily G Jacobs
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106
- Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106
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17
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Tir S, White R, Spitschan M. Inclusion, reporting and analysis of demographic variables in chronobiology and sleep research. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1421026. [PMID: 39351394 PMCID: PMC11439876 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1421026] [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: 04/21/2024] [Accepted: 08/07/2024] [Indexed: 10/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Many aspects of sleep and circadian physiology are sensitive to participant-level characteristics. While recent research robustly highlights the importance of considering participant-level demographic information, the extent to which this information is consistently collected, and reported in the literature, remains unclear. This article investigates study sample characteristics within the published sleep and chronobiology research over the past 40 years. 6,777 articles were identified and a random sample of 20% was included. The reporting of sample size, age, sex, gender, ethnicity, level of education, socio-economic status, and profession of the study population was scored, and any reported aggregate summary statistics for these variables were recorded. We observed a significant upward trend in the reporting and analysis of demographic variables in sleep and chronobiology research. However, we found that while > 90% of studies reported age or sex, all other variables were reported in < 25% of cases. Reporting quality was highly variable, indicating an opportunity to standardize reporting guidelines for participant-level characteristics to facilitate Meta analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selma Tir
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Sleep and Circadian Neuroscience Institute, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Rhiannon White
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Manuel Spitschan
- Department of Health and Sport Sciences, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Translational Sensory and Circadian Neuroscience, Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics, Tübingen, Germany
- TUM Institute of Advanced Study (TUM-IAS), Technical University of Munich, Garching, Germany
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18
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Soni ND, Swain A, Juul H, Cao Q, Haris M, Wolk DA, Lee VMY, Detre JA, Nanga RPR, Reddy R. Detection of sex-specific glutamate changes in subregions of hippocampus in an early-stage Alzheimer's disease mouse model using GluCEST MRI. Alzheimers Dement 2024. [PMID: 39262197 DOI: 10.1002/alz.14190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2024] [Revised: 07/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 09/13/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Regional glucose hypometabolism resulting in glutamate loss has been shown as one of the characteristics of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Because the impact of AD varies between the sexes, we utilized glutamate-weighted chemical exchange saturation transfer (GluCEST) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for high-resolution spatial mapping of cerebral glutamate and investigated subregional changes in a sex-specific manner. METHODS Eight-month-old male and female AD mice harboring mutant amyloid precursor protein (APPNL-F/NL-F: n = 36) and wild-type (WT: n = 39) mice underwent GluCEST MRI, followed by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) in hippocampus and thalamus/hypothalamus using 9.4T preclinical MR scanner. RESULTS GluCEST measurements revealed significant (p ≤ 0.02) glutamate loss in the entorhinal cortex (% change ± standard error: 8.73 ± 2.12%), hippocampus (11.29 ± 2.41%), and hippocampal fimbriae (19.15 ± 2.95%) of male AD mice. A similar loss of hippocampal glutamate in male AD mice (11.22 ± 2.33%; p = 0.01) was also observed in 1H-MRS. DISCUSSIONS GluCEST MRI detected glutamate reductions in the fimbria and entorhinal cortex of male AD mice, which was not reported previously. Resilience in female AD mice against these changes indicates an intact status of cerebral energy metabolism. HIGHLIGHTS Glutamate levels were monitored in different brain regions of early-stage Alzheimer's disease (AD) and wild-type male and female mice using glutamate-weighted chemical exchange saturation transfer (GluCEST) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Male AD mice exhibited significant glutamate loss in the hippocampus, entorhinal cortex, and the fimbriae of the hippocampus. Interestingly, female AD mice did not have any glutamate loss in any brain region and should be investigated further to find the probable cause. These findings demonstrate previously unreported sex-specific glutamate changes in hippocampal sub-regions using high-resolution GluCEST MRI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narayan Datt Soni
- Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine, Center for Advanced Metabolic Imaging in Precision Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Anshuman Swain
- Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine, Center for Advanced Metabolic Imaging in Precision Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Halvor Juul
- Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine, Center for Advanced Metabolic Imaging in Precision Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Quy Cao
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Mohammad Haris
- Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine, Center for Advanced Metabolic Imaging in Precision Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - David A Wolk
- Center for Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Virginia M-Y Lee
- Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - John A Detre
- Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ravi Prakash Reddy Nanga
- Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine, Center for Advanced Metabolic Imaging in Precision Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ravinder Reddy
- Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine, Center for Advanced Metabolic Imaging in Precision Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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19
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Kendig MD, Corbit LH. Cue-potentiated feeding in rodents: Implications for weight regulation in obesogenic environments. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2024; 215:107984. [PMID: 39265925 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2024.107984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2024] [Revised: 08/16/2024] [Accepted: 09/06/2024] [Indexed: 09/14/2024]
Abstract
Cue-potentiated feeding (CPF) describes instances where food intake is increased by exposure to conditioned cues associated with food, often in the absence of hunger. CPF effects have been reported in a range of experimental protocols developed by researchers working across diverse fields spanning behavioural neuroscience, social psychology and ecology. Here we review the evolution of research on cue-potentiated feeding in animal models to identify important behavioural parameters and key neural circuits and pharmacological systems underlying the effect. Overall, evidence indicates that social, discrete and contextual stimuli can be used to elicit CPF effects across multiple species, though effects are often subtle and sensitive to procedural variables. While regular exposure to food cues is thought to be a key risk factor for overeating in so-called 'obesogenic' environments, further work is needed to identify whether CPF promotes positive energy balance and weight gain over the longer term. We suggest several methodological and conceptual areas for inquiry to elucidate the contribution of CPF to the regulation of food choice and energy intake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael D Kendig
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Australia.
| | - Laura H Corbit
- Department of Psychology and Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Canada.
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20
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Ryan MJ, Clemmer JS, Mathew RO, Faulkner JL, Taylor EB, Abais-Battad JM, Hollis F, Sullivan JC. Revisiting sex as a biological variable in hypertension research. J Clin Invest 2024; 134:e180078. [PMID: 39225093 PMCID: PMC11364402 DOI: 10.1172/jci180078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Half of adults in the United States have hypertension as defined by clinical practice guidelines. Interestingly, women are generally more likely to be aware of their hypertension and have their blood pressure controlled with treatment compared with men, yet hypertension-related mortality is greater in women. This may reflect the fact that the female sex remains underrepresented in clinical and basic science studies investigating the effectiveness of therapies and the mechanisms controlling blood pressure. This Review provides an overview of the impact of the way hypertension research has explored sex as a biological variable (SABV). Emphasis is placed on epidemiological studies, hypertension clinical trials, the genetics of hypertension, sex differences in immunology and gut microbiota in hypertension, and the effect of sex on the central control of blood pressure. The goal is to offer historical perspective on SABV in hypertension, highlight recent studies that include SABV, and identify key gaps in SABV inclusion and questions that remain in the field. Through continued awareness campaigns and engagement/education at the level of funding agencies, individual investigators, and in the editorial peer review system, investigation of SABV in the field of hypertension research will ultimately lead to improved clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J. Ryan
- Columbia VA Health Care System, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
- University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - John S. Clemmer
- University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi, USA
| | - Roy O. Mathew
- Loma Linda VA Health Care System, Loma Linda, California, USA
| | | | - Erin B. Taylor
- University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi, USA
| | | | - Fiona Hollis
- University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
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21
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Bernstein BJ, Kendricks DR, Fry S, Wilson L, Koopmans B, Loos M, Stevanovic KD, Cushman JD. Sex differences in spontaneous behavior and cognition in mice using an automated behavior monitoring system. Physiol Behav 2024; 283:114595. [PMID: 38810714 PMCID: PMC11246821 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2024.114595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Isolation of sex differences as a key characteristic underlying neurobehavioral differentiation is an essential component of studies in neuroscience. The current study sought to address this concern by observing behavioral differences using an automated home cage system for neurobehavioral assessment, a method rapidly increasing in use due to advances in technology and advantages such as reduced handling stress and cross-lab variability. Sex differences in C57BL/6 mice arose for motor activity and circadian-linked behavior, with females being more active compared to males, and males having a stronger anticipatory increase in activity leading up to the onset of the light phase compared to females. These activity differences were observed not only across the lifespan, but also in different genetic background mouse strains across different testing sites showing the generalizability and robustness of these observed effects. Activity differences were also observed in performance on a spatial learning and reversal task with females making more responses and receiving a corresponding elevation in reward pellets. Notably, there were no sex differences in learning nor achieved accuracy, suggesting these observed effects were predominantly in activity. The outcomes of this study align with previous reports showcasing differences in activity between males and females. The comparison across strains and testing sites showed robust and reproducible differences in behavior between female and male mice that are relevant to consider when designing behavioral studies. Furthermore, the observed sex differences in performance on the learning and reversal procedure raise concern for interpretation of behavior differences between sexes due to the attribution of these differences to motor activity rather than cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Briana J Bernstein
- Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20007, USA
| | - Dalisa R Kendricks
- Neurobiology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Science (NIEHS), National Institute of Health, NC, USA
| | - Sydney Fry
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, University of Colorado, CO, USA
| | - Leslie Wilson
- Neurobiology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Science (NIEHS), National Institute of Health, NC, USA
| | - Bastijn Koopmans
- Sylics (Synaptologics B.V.), Bilthoven, the Netherlands; InnoSer Nederland B.V., Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Maarten Loos
- Sylics (Synaptologics B.V.), Bilthoven, the Netherlands; InnoSer Nederland B.V., Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Korey D Stevanovic
- Neurobiology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Science (NIEHS), National Institute of Health, NC, USA
| | - Jesse D Cushman
- Neurobiology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Science (NIEHS), National Institute of Health, NC, USA.
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22
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Hadaya D, Soundia A, Bezouglaia O, Pirih F, Aghaloo TL, Tetradis S. The Incidence and Severity of Medication Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaws is Similar in Male and Female Mice. J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2024; 82:1139-1146. [PMID: 38909629 DOI: 10.1016/j.joms.2024.06.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medication related osteonecrosis of the jaws (MRONJ), a rare side-effect of antiresorptive medications, is described as exposed bone in the oral cavity that lasts for at least 8 weeks. Most studies report a female predilection for MRONJ; these findings could be due to the increased use of antiresorptives in females, or due to inherent differences between male versus female patients. PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to measure and compare the incidence and severity of osteonecrosis of the jaws (ONJ) between male and female mice. STUDY DESIGN, SETTING, SAMPLE We designed a randomized in-vivo animal study utilizing male and female mice treated with zoledronic acid (ZA). Experimental periodontitis was induced in 24 male and 24 female mice using a silk ligature following administration of saline or a potent bisphosphonate. After 8 weeks, animals were evaluated radiographically and histologically. INDEPENDENT VARIABLE The independent variables were sex (male vs female) and treatment group (ZA vs saline control). Treatment was randomly assigned with balanced distribution between male and female animals. MAIN OUTCOME VARIABLE The main outcome variable was ONJ status coded as present or absent. ONJ was defined as present if there was histologic contact between the ligature and the alveolar bone. Secondary outcomes of interest were radiographic and histologic parameters. ANALYSIS Statistical differences were analyzed using a two-way analysis of variance with Tukey's post hoc test using a P value of 0.05 for significance. RESULTS The final sample was composed of 24 vehicle treated and 24 ZA treated animals. In vehicle treated animals, 8% of female and 8% of male animals developed ONJ. In ZA treated animals, 83% of female and 92% of male animals developed ONJ. Sex was not associated with the risk (measured as incidence of disease) for developing ONJ or in the radiographic or histologic parameters that were assessed (P values >.1). CONCLUSIONS Sex does not appear to affect the incidence of MRONJ or the severity of the disease as assessed by the radiographic and histologic parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danny Hadaya
- Resident, Section of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Division of Diagnostic and Surgical Sciences, UCLA School of Dentistry, Los Angeles, CA
| | | | - Olga Bezouglaia
- Staff Research Associate, Division of Diagnostic and Surgical Sciences, UCLA School of Dentistry, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Flavia Pirih
- Professor, Tarrson Family Endowed Chair in Periodontics, Chair of Division of Regenerative and Reconstructive Sciences, UCLA School of Dentistry, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Tara L Aghaloo
- Professor, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Division of Diagnostic and Surgical Sciences, UCLA School of Dentistry, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Sotirios Tetradis
- Professor, Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Division of Diagnostic and Surgical Sciences, & Senior Associate Dean, UCLA School of Dentistry, Los Angeles, CA.
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23
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Hunter SK, Senefeld JW. Sex differences in human performance. J Physiol 2024; 602:4129-4156. [PMID: 39106346 DOI: 10.1113/jp284198] [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: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Sex as a biological variable is an underappreciated aspect of biomedical research, with its importance emerging in more recent years. This review assesses the current understanding of sex differences in human physical performance. Males outperform females in many physical capacities because they are faster, stronger and more powerful, particularly after male puberty. This review highlights key sex differences in physiological and anatomical systems (generally conferred via sex steroids and puberty) that contribute to these sex differences in human physical performance. Specifically, we address the effects of the primary sex steroids that affect human physical development, discuss insight gained from an observational study of 'real-world data' and elite athletes, and highlight the key physiological mechanisms that contribute to sex differences in several aspects of physical performance. Physiological mechanisms discussed include those for the varying magnitude of the sex differences in performance involving: (1) absolute muscular strength and power; (2) fatigability of limb muscles as a measure of relative performance; and (3) maximal aerobic power and endurance. The profound sex-based differences in human performance involving strength, power, speed and endurance, and that are largely attributable to the direct and indirect effects of sex-steroid hormones, sex chromosomes and epigenetics, provide a scientific rationale and framework for policy decisions on sex-based categories in sports during puberty and adulthood. Finally, we highlight the sex bias and problem in human performance research of insufficient studies and information on females across many areas of biology and physiology, creating knowledge gaps and opportunities for high-impact studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra K Hunter
- Movement Science Program, School of Kinesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Jonathon W Senefeld
- Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
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24
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Shansky RM. Behavioral neuroscience's inevitable SABV growing pains. Trends Neurosci 2024; 47:669-676. [PMID: 39034262 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2024.06.007] [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: 05/06/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
The field of rodent behavioral neuroscience is undergoing two major sea changes: an ever-growing technological revolution, and worldwide calls to consider sex as a biological variable (SABV) in experimental design. Both have enormous potential to improve the precision and rigor with which the brain can be studied, but the convergence of these shifts in scientific practice has exposed critical limitations in classic and widely used behavioral paradigms. While our tools have advanced, our behavioral metrics - mostly developed in males and often allowing for only binary outcomes - have not. This opinion article explores how this disconnect has presented challenges for the accurate depiction and interpretation of sex differences in brain function, arguing for the expansion of current behavioral constructs to better account for behavioral diversity.
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Li Z, Mukherjee D, Duric B, Austin-Zimmerman I, Trotta G, Spinazzola E, Quattrone D, Murray RM, Di Forti M. Systematic review and meta-analysis on the effects of chronic peri-adolescent cannabinoid exposure on schizophrenia-like behaviour in rodents. Mol Psychiatry 2024:10.1038/s41380-024-02668-5. [PMID: 39090371 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-024-02668-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The link between cannabis use and schizophrenia is well-established in epidemiological studies, especially among adolescents with early-onset use. However, this association in rodent models is less clear. This meta-analysis examined the effects of adolescent cannabinoid exposure on distinct schizophrenia-like behaviours in rodents and how experimental variations influence outcomes. METHODS Following a pre-registered protocol (CRD42022338761), we searched PubMed, Ovid Medline, Embse and APA PsychInfo for English-language original studies until May 2024. We synthesised data from experiments on schizophrenia-like behaviour in rats and mice after repeated peri-pubertal (onset between P23-P45) cannabinoid exposure. Risk of bias was assessed using the SYRCLE's tool. RESULTS We included 359 experiments from 108 articles across 9 behavioural tests. We found meta-analytic evidence supporting that CB1R agonists, both natural and synthetic, elicited broad schizophrenia-like behavioural alterations, including impaired working memory [g = -0.56; (CI: -0.93, -0.18)], novel object recognition [g = -0.66; (CI: -0.97, -0.35)], novel object location recognition [g = -0.70; (CI: -1.07, -0.33]), social novelty preference [g = -0.52; (CI: -0.93, -0.11)], social motivation [g = -0.21; (CI: -0.42, -0.00)], pre-pulse inhibition [g = -0.43; (CI: -0.76, -0.10)], and sucrose preference [g = -0.87; (CI: -1.46, -0.27)]. By contrast, effects on novelty-induced locomotion were negligible. Subgroup analyses revealed similar effects across sexes and species. Substantial variance in the protocols and moderate-to-high heterogeneity in behavioural outcomes were observed. We found CBD may enhance fear memory recall, but data was limited. DISCUSSION This is the first meta-analysis to comprehensively assess the link between cannabinoids and schizophrenia-like behaviours in rodents. Our results support epidemiological links between early cannabis use and schizophrenia-like phenotypes, confirming the utility of animal models. Standardising protocols will optimise models to strengthen reproducibility and comparisons, our work provides a framework for refining rodent models to elucidate biological pathways linking cannabis and schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhikun Li
- Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Diptendu Mukherjee
- MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, London, SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Bea Duric
- GKT School of Medical Education, King's College London, London, SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Isabelle Austin-Zimmerman
- Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Giulia Trotta
- Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, SE5 8AF, UK
- South London and Maudsley NHS Mental Health Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Edoardo Spinazzola
- Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, SE5 8AF, UK
- South London and Maudsley NHS Mental Health Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Diego Quattrone
- Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, SE5 8AF, UK
- South London and Maudsley NHS Mental Health Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Robin M Murray
- South London and Maudsley NHS Mental Health Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, De Crespigny Park, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Marta Di Forti
- Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, SE5 8AF, UK.
- South London and Maudsley NHS Mental Health Foundation Trust, London, UK.
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Mental Health Biomedical Research Centre at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust and King's College London, London, UK.
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Robles TF. Interpersonal relationships, PNI, and health: Seeds in the 1980s, fruiting trees today. COMPREHENSIVE PSYCHONEUROENDOCRINOLOGY 2024; 19:100247. [PMID: 39036379 PMCID: PMC11260297 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpnec.2024.100247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2024] [Revised: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
In this contribution to the Special Issue, I highlight how Janice Kiecolt-Glaser's research in the 1980s planted the seeds for two areas of social relationships and health research: loneliness and intimate/marital relationships. I review the foundational "seed" studies from the mid-to late-1980s, the research "saplings" that sprouted and grew during the subsequent twenty years, and the "mature trees" that have gone on to fruit and grow their respective areas of inquiry over the past twenty years. In addition to highlighting the mature trees that have borne rich empirical fruit, my other goal for this contribution is to draw attention to ideas and concepts from Kiecolt-Glaser's work and writing that merit further conceptual and empirical examination in the next generation of research on social relationships, psychoneuroendocrinology, psychoneuroimmunology, and health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theodore F. Robles
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, United States
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27
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Sullivan-Baca E, Modiano YA, McKenney KM, Carlew AR. Pregnancy-related stroke through a neuropsychology lens. Clin Neuropsychol 2024; 38:1293-1312. [PMID: 36215407 DOI: 10.1080/13854046.2022.2131631] [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: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Objective: Stroke represents a primary cause of morbidity and mortality in pregnant and postpartum people. While pregnancy-related stroke has drawn increased attention in certain domains of health research (e.g. obstetrics, neurology), neuropsychology has yet to contribute to this literature. Given neuropsychologists' crucial role in stroke evaluation and rehabilitation efforts, our field is poised to offer insights into this important topic. Method: This review presents facts about pregnancy-related stroke most relevant for neuropsychologists, including epidemiology, risk factors, and mechanisms, alongside clinical considerations and open areas of inquiry. Structured in the format of a traditional neuropsychological evaluation, we walk readers through factors to consider in record review, the clinical interview, and providing feedback and recommendations. Conclusions: Pregnancy-related stroke can be associated with marked functional disability and decreased quality of life, and it is notable that prevalence rates are increasing. Presenting at a time when people are experiencing adjustment to a new phase of life, and most commonly affecting women of color and other vulnerable populations, pregnancy-related stroke is a unique condition warranting special attention within the broader stroke discourse. This review aims to serve as a starting point for neuropsychologists to better understand the unique attributes of pregnancy-related stroke through a neuropsychology lens. Beyond that, it aims to promote broader meaningful discussion of neuropsychology's role in women's health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yosefa A Modiano
- Vivian L Smith Department of Neurosurgery, UT Health Neurosciences, McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kathryn M McKenney
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Anne R Carlew
- Department of Psychiatry, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
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Berberoglu I, Sabbagh SW, Cederna PS, Kemp SWP. A novel animal model of symptomatic neuroma for assessing neuropathic pain. Neurosci Lett 2024; 836:137896. [PMID: 39002881 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2024.137896] [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: 05/08/2024] [Revised: 07/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Following amputation, peripheral nerves lack distal targets for regeneration, often resulting in symptomatic neuromas and debilitating neuropathic pain. Animal models can establish a practical method for symptomatic neuroma formation for better understanding of neuropathic pain pathophysiology through behavioral and histological assessments. We created a clinically translatable animal model of symptomatic neuroma to mimic neuropathic pain in patients and assess sexual differences in pain behaviors. METHODS Twenty-two male and female rats were randomly assigned to one of two experimental groups: (1) neuroma surgery, or (2) sham surgery. For the neuroma experimental group, the tibial nerve was transected in the thigh, and the proximal segment was placed under the skin for mechanical testing at the site of neuroma. For the sham surgery, rats underwent tibial nerve isolation without transection. Behavioral testing consisted of neuroma-site pain, mechanical allodynia, cold allodynia, and thermal hyperalgesia at baseline, and then weekly over 8 weeks. RESULTS Male and female neuroma rats demonstrated significantly higher neuroma-site pain response compared to sham groups starting at weeks 3 and 4, indicating symptomatic neuroma formation. Weekly assessment of mechanical and cold allodynia among neuroma groups showed a significant difference in pain behavior compared to sham groups (p < 0.001). Overall, males and females did not display significant differences in their pain responses. Histology revealed a characteristic neuroma bulb at week 8, including disorganized axons, fibrotic tissue, Schwann cell displacement, and immune cell infiltration. CONCLUSION This novel animal model is a useful tool to investigate underlying mechanisms of neuroma formation and neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ipek Berberoglu
- Department of Surgery, Section of Plastic Surgery, The University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, MI, United States.
| | - Scott W Sabbagh
- Department of Surgery, Section of Plastic Surgery, The University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Paul S Cederna
- Department of Surgery, Section of Plastic Surgery, The University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, MI, United States; Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Stephen W P Kemp
- Department of Surgery, Section of Plastic Surgery, The University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, MI, United States; Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States.
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Mackenzie ACL, Chung S, Hoppes E, Mickler AK, Cartwright AF. Measurement of changes to the menstrual cycle: A transdisciplinary systematic review evaluating measure quality and utility for clinical trials. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0306491. [PMID: 39052601 PMCID: PMC11271926 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0306491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite the importance of menstruation and the menstrual cycle to health, human rights, and sociocultural and economic wellbeing, the study of menstrual health suffers from a lack of funding, and research remains fractured across many disciplines. We sought to systematically review validated approaches to measure four aspects of changes to the menstrual cycle-bleeding, blood, pain, and perceptions-caused by any source and used within any field. We then evaluated the measure quality and utility for clinical trials of the identified instruments. We searched MEDLINE, Embase, and four instrument databases and included peer-reviewed articles published between 2006 and 2023 that reported on the development or validation of instruments assessing menstrual changes using quantitative or mixed-methods methodology. From a total of 8,490 articles, 8,316 were excluded, yielding 174 articles reporting on 94 instruments. Almost half of articles were from the United States or United Kingdom and over half of instruments were only in English, Spanish, French, or Portuguese. Most instruments measured bleeding parameters, uterine pain, or perceptions, but few assessed characteristics of blood. Nearly 60% of instruments were developed for populations with menstrual or gynecologic disorders or symptoms. Most instruments had fair or good measure quality or clinical trial utility; however, most instruments lacked evidence on responsiveness, question sensitivity and/or transferability, and only three instruments had good scores of both quality and utility. Although we took a novel, transdisciplinary approach, our systematic review found important gaps in the literature and instrument landscape, pointing towards a need to examine the menstrual cycle in a more comprehensive, inclusive, and standardized way. Our findings can inform the development of new or modified instruments, which-if used across the many fields that study menstrual health and within clinical trials-can contribute to a more systemic and holistic understanding of menstruation and the menstrual cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelia C. L. Mackenzie
- Global Health and Population, FHI 360, Washington, District of Columbia, United States of America
| | - Stephanie Chung
- Global Health and Population, FHI 360, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, University of North Carolina Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Emily Hoppes
- Global Health and Population, FHI 360, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Alexandria K Mickler
- Research, Technology and Utilization Division, United States Agency for International Development and the Public Health Institute, Office of Population and Reproductive Health, Bureau for Global Health, Washington, District of Columbia, United States of America
| | - Alice F. Cartwright
- Global Health and Population, FHI 360, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, University of North Carolina Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
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30
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Salazar AL, Centanni SW. Sex Differences in Mouse Models of Voluntary Alcohol Drinking and Abstinence-Induced Negative Emotion. Alcohol 2024; 121:45-57. [PMID: 39053705 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2024.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2024] [Revised: 07/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is a growing problem worldwide, causing an incredible burden on health and the economy. Though AUD impacts people of all backgrounds and demographics, increasing evidence has suggested robust sex differences in alcohol drinking patterns and AUD-induced negative emotionality or hyperkatifeia. Rates of problematic drinking have significantly risen among women, and women face more severe negative emotional consequences in abstinence such as increased risk of comorbidity with an anxiety or mood disorder and more severe symptoms of depression. As such, a bevy of preclinical literature using contingent methods of alcohol (ethanol) consumption has amassed in recent years to better understand sex as a biological variable in alcohol drinking and abstinence-induced negative emotionality. Mice are widely used to model alcohol drinking, as they are conducive to genetic manipulation strategies, and many strains will voluntarily consume alcohol. Sex-specific results from these mouse studies, however, have been inconsistent. Therefore, this review aims to summarize the current knowledge on sex differences in AUD-related contingent ethanol drinking and abstinence-induced negative emotionality in mice. Various contingent mouse drinking models and negative emotional-based behavioral paradigms are introduced and subsequently discussed in the context of sex differences to show increasing indications of sex specificity in mouse preclinical studies of AUD. With this review, we hope to inform future research on potential sex differences in preclinical mouse models of AUD and provide mounting evidence supporting the need for more widespread inclusion of preclinical female subjects in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda L Salazar
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, USA
| | - Samuel W Centanni
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, USA.
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31
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Okitsu M, Fujita M, Moriya Y, Kotajima-Murakami H, Ide S, Kojima R, Sekiyama K, Takahashi K, Ikeda K. Mouse Model of Parkinson's Disease with Bilateral Dorsal Striatum Lesion with 6-Hydroxydopamine Exhibits Cognitive Apathy-like Behavior. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7993. [PMID: 39063235 PMCID: PMC11276653 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25147993] [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: 06/27/2024] [Revised: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Among the symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD), apathy comprises a set of behavioral, affective, and cognitive features that can be classified into several subtypes. However, the pathophysiology and brain regions that are involved in these different apathy subtypes are still poorly characterized. We examined which subtype of apathy is elicited in a mouse model of PD with 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) lesions and the behavioral symptoms that are exhibited. Male C57/BL6J mice were allocated to sham (n = 8) and 6-OHDA (n = 13) groups and locally injected with saline or 4 µg 6-OHDA bilaterally in the dorsal striatum. We then conducted motor performance tests and apathy-related behavioral experiments. We then pathologically evaluated tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunostaining. The 6-OHDA group exhibited significant impairments in motor function. In the behavioral tests of apathy, significant differences were observed between the sham and 6-OHDA groups in the hole-board test and novelty-suppressed feeding test. The 6-OHDA group exhibited impairments in inanimate novel object preference, whereas social preference was maintained in the three-chamber test. The number of TH+ pixels in the caudate putamen and substantia nigra compacta was significantly reduced in the 6-OHDA group. The present mouse model of PD predominantly showed dorsal striatum dopaminergic neuronal loss and a decrease in novelty seeking as a symptom that is related to the cognitive apathy component.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masato Okitsu
- Addictive Substance Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo 156-8506, Japan; (M.O.); (M.F.); (Y.M.); (H.K.-M.); (S.I.)
- Department of Neurology, Tokyo Metropolitan Neurological Hospital, Tokyo 183-0042, Japan;
| | - Masayo Fujita
- Addictive Substance Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo 156-8506, Japan; (M.O.); (M.F.); (Y.M.); (H.K.-M.); (S.I.)
| | - Yuki Moriya
- Addictive Substance Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo 156-8506, Japan; (M.O.); (M.F.); (Y.M.); (H.K.-M.); (S.I.)
| | - Hiroko Kotajima-Murakami
- Addictive Substance Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo 156-8506, Japan; (M.O.); (M.F.); (Y.M.); (H.K.-M.); (S.I.)
| | - Soichiro Ide
- Addictive Substance Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo 156-8506, Japan; (M.O.); (M.F.); (Y.M.); (H.K.-M.); (S.I.)
| | - Rika Kojima
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology and Histology, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo 156-8506, Japan; (R.K.); (K.S.)
| | - Kazunari Sekiyama
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology and Histology, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo 156-8506, Japan; (R.K.); (K.S.)
| | - Kazushi Takahashi
- Department of Neurology, Tokyo Metropolitan Neurological Hospital, Tokyo 183-0042, Japan;
| | - Kazutaka Ikeda
- Addictive Substance Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo 156-8506, Japan; (M.O.); (M.F.); (Y.M.); (H.K.-M.); (S.I.)
- Department of Neuropsychopharmacology, National Institute of Mental Health, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo 187-8553, Japan
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Franx B, Dijkhuizen RM, Dippel DWJ. Acute Ischemic Stroke in the Clinic and the Laboratory: Targets for Translational Research. Neuroscience 2024; 550:114-124. [PMID: 38670254 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2024.04.006] [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: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Ischemic stroke research has enabled significant advancements in diagnosis, treatment, and management of this debilitating disease, yet challenges remain standing in the way of better patient prognoses. In this narrative review, a fictional case illustrates challenges and uncertainties that medical professionals still face - penumbra identification, lack of neuroprotective agents, side-effects of tissue plasminogen activator, dearth of molecular biomarkers, incomplete microvascular reperfusion or no-reflow, post-recanalization hyperperfusion, blood pressure management and procedural anesthetic effects. The current state of the field is broadly reviewed per topic, with the aim to introduce a broad audience (scientist and clinician alike) to recent successes in translational stroke research and pending scientific queries that are tractable for preclinical assessment. Opportunities for co-operation between clinical and experimental stroke experts are highlighted to increase the size and frequency of strides the field makes to improve our understanding of this disease and ways of treating it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bart Franx
- Translational Neuroimaging Group, Center for Image Sciences, University Medical Center Utrecht and Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Rick M Dijkhuizen
- Translational Neuroimaging Group, Center for Image Sciences, University Medical Center Utrecht and Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Diederik W J Dippel
- Stroke Center, Dept of Neurology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
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Shadani S, Conn K, Andrews ZB, Foldi CJ. Potential Differences in Psychedelic Actions Based on Biological Sex. Endocrinology 2024; 165:bqae083. [PMID: 38980913 PMCID: PMC11259856 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqae083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2024] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
The resurgence of interest in psychedelics as treatments for psychiatric disorders necessitates a better understanding of potential sex differences in response to these substances. Sex as a biological variable (SABV) has been historically neglected in medical research, posing limits to our understanding of treatment efficacy. Human studies have provided insights into the efficacy of psychedelics across various diagnoses and aspects of cognition, yet sex-specific effects remain unclear, making it difficult to draw strong conclusions about sex-dependent differences in response to psychedelic treatments. Compounding this further, animal studies used to understand biological mechanisms of psychedelics predominantly use one sex and present mixed neurobiological and behavioral outcomes. Studies that do include both sexes often do not investigate sex differences further, which may hinder the translation of findings to the clinic. In reviewing sex differences in responses to psychedelics, we will highlight the direct interaction between estrogen (the most extensively studied steroid hormone) and the serotonin system (central to the mechanism of action of psychedelics), and the potential that estrogen-serotonin interactions may influence the efficacy of psychedelics in female participants. Estrogen influences serotonin neurotransmission by affecting its synthesis and release, as well as modulating the sensitivity and responsiveness of serotonin receptor subtypes in the brain. This could potentially influence the efficacy of psychedelics in females by modifying their therapeutic efficacy across menstrual cycles and developmental stages. Investigating this interaction in the context of psychedelic research could aid in the advancement of therapeutic outcomes, especially for conditions with sex-specific prevalence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheida Shadani
- Department of Physiology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Kyna Conn
- Department of Physiology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Zane B Andrews
- Department of Physiology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Claire J Foldi
- Department of Physiology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
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Schildkrout B, MacGillivray L, Raj S, Lauterbach M. Dysphoric Milk Ejection Reflex (D-MER): A Novel Neuroendocrine Condition with Psychiatric Manifestations. Harv Rev Psychiatry 2024; 32:133-139. [PMID: 38990901 DOI: 10.1097/hrp.0000000000000402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
LEARNING OBJECTIVES AFTER PARTICIPATING IN THIS CME ACTIVITY, READERS SHOULD BE BETTER ABLE TO • Describe how the symptoms of dysphoric milk ejection reflex (D-MER) affect nursing patients.• Discuss how physicians, psychologists, and clinicians can support their patients experiencing D-MER. ABSTRACT Dysphoric milk ejection reflex (D-MER) is characterized by a sudden onset of profoundly negative emotions that are temporally linked to milk letdown when breastfeeding or pumping breast milk. These affective experiences have no psychological precipitants and only last for minutes. D-MER is relatively underappreciated in the physician-oriented medical literature, although there are important clinical and public health consequences when a nursing parent experiences unwanted, negative emotions paired with breastfeeding. D-MER can undermine the parent's confidence and may affect bonding with their infant; it may also contribute to weaning earlier than planned. It is especially important for psychiatrists and other health care professionals who may be called upon to evaluate postpartum patients or nursing parents to be knowledgeable about D-MER. This perspective article aims to provide information about D-MER to the psychiatric and broader medical communities, and to underscore the need for additional research on this topic. Drawing on a literature search, the article first traces historical recognition of D-MER as a clinical entity, then summarizes the clinical characteristics of D-MER and recommends an assessment and management approach that emphasizes psychoeducation. The article also discusses factors that have contributed to the underappreciation of this condition, outlines gaps in our understanding, and suggests next steps for epidemiological and clinical research. D-MER is likely a neuroendocrine condition with psychiatric manifestations. Given that it is episodic but with predictable timing, this condition presents a unique opportunity for scientific investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Schildkrout
- From Harvard Medical School, Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA (Drs. Schildkrout and Raj); Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada (Dr. MacGillivray); Sheppard Pratt and University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD (Dr. Lauterbach)
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Forsyth KS, Jiwrajka N, Lovell CD, Toothacre NE, Anguera MC. The conneXion between sex and immune responses. Nat Rev Immunol 2024; 24:487-502. [PMID: 38383754 PMCID: PMC11216897 DOI: 10.1038/s41577-024-00996-9] [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] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
There are notable sex-based differences in immune responses to pathogens and self-antigens, with female individuals exhibiting increased susceptibility to various autoimmune diseases, and male individuals displaying preferential susceptibility to some viral, bacterial, parasitic and fungal infections. Although sex hormones clearly contribute to sex differences in immune cell composition and function, the presence of two X chromosomes in female individuals suggests that differential gene expression of numerous X chromosome-linked immune-related genes may also influence sex-biased innate and adaptive immune cell function in health and disease. Here, we review the sex differences in immune system composition and function, examining how hormones and genetics influence the immune system. We focus on the genetic and epigenetic contributions responsible for altered X chromosome-linked gene expression, and how this impacts sex-biased immune responses in the context of pathogen infection and systemic autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine S Forsyth
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Nikhil Jiwrajka
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Claudia D Lovell
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Natalie E Toothacre
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Montserrat C Anguera
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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36
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Christian-Hinman CA. The Promise and Practicality of Addressing Sex as a Biological Variable and the Ovarian Cycle in Preclinical Epilepsy Research. Epilepsy Curr 2024; 24:274-279. [PMID: 39309055 PMCID: PMC11412390 DOI: 10.1177/15357597241261463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Seizures and epilepsy affect people of all sexes and genders. In the last several years, funding agency initiatives such as the U.S. National Institutes of Health policy on sex as a biological variable (SABV) have intended to encourage researchers to study both males and females from cell to tissue to organism and analyze and report the resulting data with sex as a factor. Preclinical epilepsy research, however, continues to be plagued by confusion regarding both the SABV policy and its implementation, reflecting similar beliefs in the larger neuroscience research community. This article aims to address some common misconceptions and provide practical tools and suggestions for preclinical epilepsy researchers in implementing SABV and analysis of the female ovarian cycle (estrous cycle in rodents) in their research programs, with a focus on studies using rodent models. Examples of recent publications in preclinical epilepsy research highlighting the value of incorporating SABV and information on the estrous cycle are included. The specifics of how best to address SABV and the estrous cycle can vary depending on the needs and goals of a particular research program, but an embrace of these physiological factors by the preclinical epilepsy research community promises to yield more rigorous research and improved treatment strategies for all people with epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine A. Christian-Hinman
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, Neuroscience Program, Beckman Institute of Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
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37
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Younes S. The relationship between gender and pharmacology. CURRENT RESEARCH IN PHARMACOLOGY AND DRUG DISCOVERY 2024; 7:100192. [PMID: 39101002 PMCID: PMC11295939 DOI: 10.1016/j.crphar.2024.100192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 08/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The part of sexuality in pharmacology research was not acknowledged, and it was not thought-out to be a determinant that could impact strength and disease. For decades research has mainly contained male, women and animals, leading to a lack of news about syndromes in females. Still, it is critical to guarantee equal likeness so that determine the security, influence, and resistance of healing agents for all individuals. The underrepresentation of female models in preclinical studies over various decades has surpassed to disparities in the understanding, disease, and treatment of ailments 'tween genders. The closeness of sexuality bias has happened recognized as a contributing determinant to the restricted interpretation and replicability of preclinical research. Many demands operation have stressed the significance of including sexuality as a organic changeable, and this view is acquire growing support. Regardless of important progress in incorporating more female models into preclinical studies, differences prevail contemporary. The current review focuses on the part of sexuality and common in biomedical research and, therefore, their potential function in pharmacology and analyze the potential risks guide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samer Younes
- Department of Pharmacy, Tartous University, Syria
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38
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Grissom NM, Glewwe N, Chen C, Giglio E. Sex mechanisms as nonbinary influences on cognitive diversity. Horm Behav 2024; 162:105544. [PMID: 38643533 PMCID: PMC11338071 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2024.105544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
Essentially all neuropsychiatric diagnoses show some degree of sex and/or gender differences in their etiology, diagnosis, or prognosis. As a result, the roles of sex-related variables in behavior and cognition are of strong interest to many, with several lines of research showing effects on executive functions and value-based decision making in particular. These findings are often framed within a sex binary, with behavior of females described as less optimal than male "defaults"-- a framing that pits males and females against each other and deemphasizes the enormous overlap in fundamental neural mechanisms across sexes. Here, we propose an alternative framework in which sex-related factors encompass just one subset of many sources of valuable diversity in cognition. First, we review literature establishing multidimensional, nonbinary impacts of factors related to sex chromosomes and endocrine mechanisms on cognition, focusing on value- based decision-making tasks. Next, we present two suggestions for nonbinary interpretations and analyses of sex-related data that can be implemented by behavioral neuroscientists without devoting laboratory resources to delving into mechanisms underlying sex differences. We recommend (1) shifting interpretations of behavior away from performance metrics and towards strategy assessments to avoid the fallacy that the performance of one sex is worse than another; and (2) asking how much variance sex explains in measures and whether any differences are mosaic rather than binary, to avoid assuming that sex differences in separate measures are inextricably correlated. Nonbinary frameworks in research on cognition will allow neuroscience to represent the full spectrum of brains and behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola M Grissom
- Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota, United States of America.
| | - Nic Glewwe
- Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Cathy Chen
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Erin Giglio
- Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota, United States of America
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García-Bouyssou I, Laredo C, Massons M, Serrano M, Moreira F, Cabero-Arnold A, Urra X, Chamorro A. Clinical and neuroanatomical predictors of post-stroke fatigue. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis 2024; 33:107708. [PMID: 38582265 DOI: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2024.107708] [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: 10/15/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Post-stroke fatigue (PSF) has been described as early exhaustion with tiredness that develops during physical or mental activity and generally does not improve with rest. There are inconsistent findings on the relationship between the characteristics of the ischemic brain lesion and PSF. However, some studies suggest that specific neuroanatomical and neuroplastic changes could explain post-stroke fatigue. The aim was to evaluate the severity of PSF in relation to the location and the size of the ischemic lesion in acute stroke patients to establish possible predictors of PSF. PATIENTS AND METHODS We performed a prospective observational study to establish potential early predictors of long-term PSF, which was assessed using the Fatigue Assessment Scale six months after ischemic stroke. After segmenting brain infarcts on Diffusion-Weighted Imaging (DWI) images, we studied the association with PSF using Voxel-Based Lesion-Symptom Mapping (VLSM). RESULTS Out of 104 patients, 61 (59 %) reported PSF. Female sex and history of diabetes mellitus were associated with a greater risk of developing PSF. The association of PSF with female sex was confirmed in a replication cohort of 50 patients. The ischemic lesion volume was not associated with PSF, and VBLSM analysis did not identify any specific brain area significantly associated with PSF. CONCLUSIONS PSF is frequent in stroke patients, especially women, even after six months. The absence of neuroanatomical correlates of PSF suggests that it is a multifactorial process with biological, psychological, and social risk factors that require further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- I García-Bouyssou
- Institut Clínic de Malalties Mèdiques i Quirúrgiques, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - C Laredo
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging Core Facility, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - M Massons
- Comprehensive Stroke Center, Department of Neuroscience, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - M Serrano
- Comprehensive Stroke Center, Department of Neuroscience, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - F Moreira
- Centro Médico Altiplano Salud, Jumilla, Spain
| | - A Cabero-Arnold
- Comprehensive Stroke Center, Department of Neuroscience, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - X Urra
- Comprehensive Stroke Center, Department of Neuroscience, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain; Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain; University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - A Chamorro
- Comprehensive Stroke Center, Department of Neuroscience, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain; Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain; University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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Misrani A, Tabassum S, Wang T, Huang H, Jiang J, Diao H, Zhao Y, Huang Z, Tan S, Long C, Yang L. Vibration-reduced anxiety-like behavior relies on ameliorating abnormalities of the somatosensory cortex and medial prefrontal cortex. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:1351-1359. [PMID: 37905885 PMCID: PMC11467954 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.385840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Tibetan singing bowls emit low-frequency sounds and produce perceptible harmonic tones and vibrations through manual tapping. The sounds the singing bowls produce have been shown to enhance relaxation and reduce anxiety. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we used chronic restraint stress or sleep deprivation to establish mouse models of anxiety that exhibit anxiety-like behaviors. We then supplied treatment with singing bowls in a bottomless cage placed on the top of a cushion. We found that unlike in humans, the combination of harmonic tones and vibrations did not improve anxiety-like behaviors in mice, while individual vibration components did. Additionally, the vibration of singing bowls increased the level of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor 1 in the somatosensory cortex and prefrontal cortex of the mice, decreased the level of γ-aminobutyric acid A (GABA) receptor α 1 subtype, reduced the level of CaMKII in the prefrontal cortex, and increased the number of GABAergic interneurons. At the same time, electrophysiological tests showed that the vibration of singing bowls significantly reduced the abnormal low-frequency gamma oscillation peak frequency in the medial prefrontal cortex caused by stress restraint pressure and sleep deprivation. Results from this study indicate that the vibration of singing bowls can alleviate anxiety-like behaviors by reducing abnormal molecular and electrophysiological events in somatosensory and medial prefrontal cortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afzal Misrani
- South China Normal University-Panyu Central Hospital Joint Laboratory of Translational Medical Research, Panyu Central Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Sidra Tabassum
- South China Normal University-Panyu Central Hospital Joint Laboratory of Translational Medical Research, Panyu Central Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Tintin Wang
- Guangzhou Hongai Cultural Development, Inc., Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- Yinguo Health Management Team, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Huixian Huang
- South China Normal University-Panyu Central Hospital Joint Laboratory of Translational Medical Research, Panyu Central Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Jinxiang Jiang
- School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Hongjun Diao
- Guangzhou Hongai Cultural Development, Inc., Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- Yinguo Health Management Team, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yanping Zhao
- College of Biophotonics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Zhen Huang
- South China Normal University-Panyu Central Hospital Joint Laboratory of Translational Medical Research, Panyu Central Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Shaohua Tan
- South China Normal University-Panyu Central Hospital Joint Laboratory of Translational Medical Research, Panyu Central Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Cheng Long
- South China Normal University-Panyu Central Hospital Joint Laboratory of Translational Medical Research, Panyu Central Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Li Yang
- School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
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Shi Y, Yan D, Nan C, Sun Z, Zhuo Y, Huo H, Jin Q, Yan H, Zhao Z. Salvianolic acid A inhibits ferroptosis and protects against intracerebral hemorrhage. Sci Rep 2024; 14:12427. [PMID: 38816543 PMCID: PMC11140002 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-63277-4] [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: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a common cerebral vascular disease with high incidence, disability, and mortality. Ferroptosis is a regulated type of iron-dependent, non-apoptotic programmed cell death. There is increasing evidence that ferroptosis may lead to neuronal damage mediated by hemorrhagic stroke mediated neuronal damage. Salvianolic acid A (SAA) is a natural bioactive polyphenol compound extracted from salvia miltiorrhiza, which has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antifibrosis activities. SAA is reported to be an iron chelator that inhibits lipid peroxidation and provides neuroprotective effects. However, whether SAA improves neuronal ferroptosis mediated by hemorrhagic stroke remains unclear. The study aims to evaluate the therapeutic effect of SAA on Ferroptosis mediated by Intracerebral hemorrhage and explore its potential mechanisms. We constructed in vivo and in vitro models of intracerebral hemorrhage in rats. Multiple methods were used to analyze the inhibitory effect of SAA on ferroptosis in both in vivo and in vitro models of intracerebral hemorrhage in rats. Then, network pharmacology is used to identify potential targets and mechanisms for SAA treatment of ICH. The SAA target ICH network combines SAA and ICH targets with protein-protein interactions (PPIs). Find the specific mechanism of SAA acting on ferroptosis through molecular docking and functional enrichment analysis. In rats, SAA (10 mg/kg in vivo and 50 μM in vitro, p < 0.05) alleviated dyskinesia and brain injury in the ICH model by inhibiting ferroptosis (p < 0.05). The molecular docking results and functional enrichment analyses suggested that AKT (V-akt murine thymoma viral oncogene homolog) could mediate the effect of SAA. NRF2 (Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2) was a potential target of SAA. Our further experiments showed that salvianolic acid A enhanced the Akt /GSK-3β/Nrf2 signaling pathway activation in vivo and in vitro. At the same time, SAA significantly expanded the expression of GPX4, XCT proteins, and the nuclear expression of Nrf2, while the AKT inhibitor SH-6 and the Nrf2 inhibitor ML385 could reduce them to some extent. Therefore, SAA effectively ameliorated ICH-mediated neuronal ferroptosis. Meanwhile, one of the critical mechanisms of SAA inhibiting ferroptosis was activating the Akt/GSK-3β/Nrf2 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunpeng Shi
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, China
| | - Dongdong Yan
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, China
| | - Chengrui Nan
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, China
| | - Zhimin Sun
- Department of Neurosurgery, Third Hospital of Shijiazhuang, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, China
| | - Yayu Zhuo
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, China
| | - Haoran Huo
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, China
| | - Qianxu Jin
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, China
| | - Hongshan Yan
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, China
| | - Zongmao Zhao
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, China.
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, China.
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Wang Z, Zhang L, Yang J, Zeng Y, Su C, Yao M, Zhang H, Hu W, Liu Y, Lai Y, Wang X, Zeng J, Liu R. Chronic stress induces Alzheimer's disease-like pathologies through DNA damage-Chk1-CIP2A signaling. Aging (Albany NY) 2024; 16:9168-9187. [PMID: 38819231 PMCID: PMC11164505 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205862] [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: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Stress is an important initiating factor in promoting Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis. However, the mechanism by which stress induces AD-like cognitive impairment remains to be clarified. Here, we demonstrate that DNA damage is increased in stress hormone Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF)-treated cells and in brains of mice exposed to chronic restraint stress. Accumulation of DNA damage drives activation of cell cycle checkpoint protein kinase 1 (Chk1), upregulation of cancerous inhibitor of PP2A (CIP2A), tau hyperphosphorylation, and Aβ overproduction, eventually resulting in synaptic impairment and cognitive deficits. Pharmacological intervention targeting Chk1 by specific inhibitor and DNA damage by vitamin C, suppress DNA damage-Chk1-CIP2A signaling pathway in chronic stress animal model, which in turn attenuate AD-like pathologies, synaptic impairments and cognitive deficits. Our study uncovers a novel molecular mechanism of stress-induced AD-like pathologies and provides effective preventive and therapeutic strategies targeting this signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuoqun Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education/Hubei Province for Neurological Disorders, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Lun Zhang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education/Hubei Province for Neurological Disorders, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Wuhan Fourth Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiayu Yang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education/Hubei Province for Neurological Disorders, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yi Zeng
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education/Hubei Province for Neurological Disorders, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Chengke Su
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education/Hubei Province for Neurological Disorders, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Mengdong Yao
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education/Hubei Province for Neurological Disorders, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Huiliang Zhang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education/Hubei Province for Neurological Disorders, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wenting Hu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education/Hubei Province for Neurological Disorders, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Department of Pathology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education/Hubei Province for Neurological Disorders, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yiwen Lai
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education/Hubei Province for Neurological Disorders, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaochuan Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education/Hubei Province for Neurological Disorders, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Shenzhen Huazhong University of Science and Technology Research Institute, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ji Zeng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Wuhan Fourth Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Rong Liu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education/Hubei Province for Neurological Disorders, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Shenzhen Huazhong University of Science and Technology Research Institute, Shenzhen, China
- Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Institute for Brain Research, Wuhan Center of Brain Science, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Mitul MT, Kastenschmidt JM, Sureshchandra S, Wagoner ZW, Sorn AM, Mcllwain DR, Hernandez-Davies JE, Jain A, de Assis R, Trask D, Davies DH, Wagar LE. Tissue-specific sex differences in pediatric and adult immune cell composition and function. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1373537. [PMID: 38812520 PMCID: PMC11133680 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1373537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Sex-based differences in immune cell composition and function can contribute to distinct adaptive immune responses. Prior work has quantified these differences in peripheral blood, but little is known about sex differences within human lymphoid tissues. Here, we characterized the composition and phenotypes of adaptive immune cells from male and female ex vivo tonsils and evaluated their responses to influenza antigens using an immune organoid approach. In a pediatric cohort, female tonsils had more memory B cells compared to male tonsils direct ex vivo and after stimulation with live-attenuated but not inactivated vaccine, produced higher influenza-specific antibody responses. Sex biases were also observed in adult tonsils but were different from those measured in children. Analysis of peripheral blood immune cells from in vivo vaccinated adults also showed higher frequencies of tissue homing CD4 T cells in female participants. Together, our data demonstrate that distinct memory B and T cell profiles are present in male vs. female lymphoid tissues and peripheral blood respectively and suggest that these differences may in part explain sex biases in response to vaccines and viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahina Tabassum Mitul
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- Institute for Immunology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- Center for Virus Research, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- Vaccine Research and Development Center, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Jenna M. Kastenschmidt
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- Institute for Immunology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- Center for Virus Research, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- Vaccine Research and Development Center, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Suhas Sureshchandra
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- Institute for Immunology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- Center for Virus Research, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- Vaccine Research and Development Center, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Zachary W. Wagoner
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- Institute for Immunology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- Center for Virus Research, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- Vaccine Research and Development Center, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Andrew M. Sorn
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- Institute for Immunology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- Center for Virus Research, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- Vaccine Research and Development Center, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - David R. Mcllwain
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Reno School of Medicine, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, United States
| | - Jenny E. Hernandez-Davies
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- Institute for Immunology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- Center for Virus Research, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- Vaccine Research and Development Center, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Aarti Jain
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- Institute for Immunology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- Vaccine Research and Development Center, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Rafael de Assis
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- Institute for Immunology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- Vaccine Research and Development Center, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Douglas Trask
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - D. Huw Davies
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- Institute for Immunology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- Center for Virus Research, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- Vaccine Research and Development Center, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Lisa E. Wagar
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- Institute for Immunology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- Center for Virus Research, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- Vaccine Research and Development Center, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
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Toniolo L, Gazzin S, Rosso N, Giraudi P, Bonazza D, Concato M, Zanconati F, Tiribelli C, Giacomello E. Gender Differences in the Impact of a High-Fat, High-Sugar Diet in Skeletal Muscles of Young Female and Male Mice. Nutrients 2024; 16:1467. [PMID: 38794705 PMCID: PMC11124085 DOI: 10.3390/nu16101467] [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: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
In the context of the increasing number of obese individuals, a major problem is represented by obesity and malnutrition in children. This condition is mainly ascribable to unbalanced diets characterized by high intakes of fat and sugar. Childhood obesity and malnutrition are not only associated with concurrent pathologies but potentially compromise adult life. Considering the strict correlation among systemic metabolism, obesity, and skeletal muscle health, we wanted to study the impact of juvenile malnutrition on the adult skeletal muscle. To this aim, 3-week-old C56BL/6 female and male mice were fed for 20 weeks on a high-fat. high-sugar diet, and their muscles were subjected to a histological evaluation. MyHCs expression, glycogen content, intramyocellular lipids, mitochondrial activity, and capillary density were analyzed on serial sections to obtain the metabolic profile. Our observations indicate that a high-fat, high-sugar diet alters the metabolic profile of skeletal muscles in a sex-dependent way and induces the increase in type II fibers, mitochondrial activity, and lipid content in males, while reducing the capillary density in females. These data highlight the sex-dependent response to nutrition, calling for the development of specific strategies and for a systematic inclusion of female subjects in basic and applied research in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luana Toniolo
- Laboratory of Muscle Biophysics, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Silvia Gazzin
- Fondazione Italiana Fegato-Onlus, Bldg. Q, AREA Science Park, ss14, Km 163.5, Basovizza, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (S.G.); (N.R.); (P.G.); (C.T.)
| | - Natalia Rosso
- Fondazione Italiana Fegato-Onlus, Bldg. Q, AREA Science Park, ss14, Km 163.5, Basovizza, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (S.G.); (N.R.); (P.G.); (C.T.)
| | - Pablo Giraudi
- Fondazione Italiana Fegato-Onlus, Bldg. Q, AREA Science Park, ss14, Km 163.5, Basovizza, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (S.G.); (N.R.); (P.G.); (C.T.)
| | - Deborah Bonazza
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (D.B.); (M.C.); (F.Z.)
| | - Monica Concato
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (D.B.); (M.C.); (F.Z.)
| | - Fabrizio Zanconati
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (D.B.); (M.C.); (F.Z.)
| | - Claudio Tiribelli
- Fondazione Italiana Fegato-Onlus, Bldg. Q, AREA Science Park, ss14, Km 163.5, Basovizza, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (S.G.); (N.R.); (P.G.); (C.T.)
| | - Emiliana Giacomello
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (D.B.); (M.C.); (F.Z.)
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Zhang N, Zhao S, Ma Y, Xiao Z, Xue B, Dong Y, Wang Q, Xu H, Zhang X, Wang Y. Hyperexcitation of ovBNST CRF neurons during stress contributes to female-biased expression of anxiety-like avoidance behaviors. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadk7636. [PMID: 38728397 PMCID: PMC11086623 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adk7636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) network in the oval nucleus of bed nuclei of the stria terminalis (ovBNST) is generally indicated in stress, but its role in female-biased susceptibility to anxiety is unknown. Here, we established a female-biased stress paradigm. We found that the CRF release in ovBNST during stress showed female-biased pattern, and ovBNST CRF neurons were more prone to be hyperexcited in female mice during stress in both in vitro and in vivo studies. Moreover, optogenetic modulation to exchange the activation pattern of ovBNST CRF neurons during stress between female and male mice could reverse their susceptibility to anxiety. Last, CRF receptor type 1 (CRFR1) mediated the CRF-induced excitation of ovBNST CRF neurons and showed female-biased expression. Specific knockdown of the CRFR1 level in ovBNST CRF neurons in female or overexpression that in male could reverse their susceptibility to anxiety. Therefore, we identify that CRFR1-mediated hyperexcitation of ovBNST CRF neurons in female mice encode the female-biased susceptibility to anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Zhang
- Institute of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
- Qingdao Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (Qingdao Municipal Hospital), Qingdao 266000, China
| | - Sha Zhao
- Institute of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Yanqiao Ma
- Institute of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Zhixin Xiao
- Institute of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Bao Xue
- Institute of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Yuan Dong
- Institute of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Qingyu Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266000, China
| | - Huamin Xu
- Institute of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Xia Zhang
- Institute of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Institute of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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George SA, Trampel KA, Brunner K, Efimov IR. Moderate Endurance Exercise Increases Arrhythmia Susceptibility and Modulates Cardiac Structure and Function in a Sexually Dimorphic Manner. J Am Heart Assoc 2024; 13:e033317. [PMID: 38686869 PMCID: PMC11179941 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.123.033317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although moderate endurance exercise has been reported to improve cardiovascular health, its effects on cardiac structure and function are not fully characterized, especially with respect to sexual dimorphism. We aimed to assess the effects of moderate endurance exercise on cardiac physiology in male versus female mice. METHODS AND RESULTS C57BL/6J mice of both sexes were run on a treadmill for 6 weeks. ECG and echocardiography were performed every 2 weeks. After 6 weeks of exercise, mice were euthanized, and triple parametric optical mapping was performed on Langendorff perfused hearts to assess cardiac electrophysiology. Arrhythmia inducibility was tested by programmed electrical stimulation. Left ventricular tissue was fixed, and RNA sequencing was performed to determine exercise-induced transcriptional changes. Exercise-induced left ventricular dilatation was observed in female mice alone, as evidenced by increased left ventricular diameter and reduced left ventricular wall thickness. Increased cardiac output was also observed in female exercised mice but not males. Optical mapping revealed further sexual dimorphism in exercise-induced modulation of cardiac electrophysiology. In female mice, exercise prolonged action potential duration and reduced voltage-calcium influx delay. In male mice, exercise reduced the calcium decay constant, suggesting faster calcium reuptake. Exercise increased arrhythmia inducibility in both male and female mice; however, arrhythmia duration was increased only in females. Lastly, exercise-induced transcriptional changes were sex dependent: females and males exhibited the most significant changes in contractile versus metabolism-related genes, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest that moderate endurance exercise can significantly alter multiple aspects of cardiac physiology in a sex-dependent manner. Although some of these effects are beneficial, like improved cardiac mechanical function, others are potentially proarrhythmic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon A George
- Department of Biomedical Engineering George Washington University Washington DC
- Department of Biomedical Engineering Northwestern University Chicago IL
| | - Katy Anne Trampel
- Department of Biomedical Engineering George Washington University Washington DC
- Department of Biomedical Engineering Northwestern University Chicago IL
| | - Kelsey Brunner
- Department of Biomedical Engineering George Washington University Washington DC
| | - Igor R Efimov
- Department of Biomedical Engineering George Washington University Washington DC
- Department of Biomedical Engineering Northwestern University Chicago IL
- Department of Medicine Northwestern University Chicago IL
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Hardaker N, King D, Hume PA, Stewart T, Sims S, Basu I, Shilton B, Selfe J. Female RNA concussion (FeRNAC) study: assessing hormone profiles and salivary RNA in females with concussion by emergency departments in New Zealand: a study protocol. BMC Neurol 2024; 24:149. [PMID: 38698312 PMCID: PMC11064333 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-024-03653-9] [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: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Females of reproductive age with concussion report a greater number of symptoms that can be more severe and continue for longer than age matched males. Underlying mechanisms for sex differences are not well understood. Short non-coding Ribonucleic Acids (sncRNAs) are candidate salivary biomarkers for concussion and have been studied primarily in male athletes. Female sex hormones influence expression of these biomarkers, and it remains unclear whether a similar pattern of sncRNA expression would be observed in females following concussion. This study aims to evaluate recovery time, the ratio of salivary sncRNAs and symptom severity across different hormone profiles in females presenting to emergency departments (ED) with concussion and, to investigate the presence of low energy availability (LEA) as a potential modifier of concussion symptoms. METHODS This prospective cohort study recruits participants from New Zealand EDs who are biologically female, of reproductive age (16-50 years) and with a confirmed diagnosis of concussion from an ED healthcare professional. Participants are excluded by ED healthcare professionals from study recruitment as part of initial routine assessment if they have a pre-diagnosed psychiatric condition, neurological condition (i.e., epilepsy, cerebral palsy) or more than three previously diagnosed concussions. Participants provide a saliva sample for measurement of sncRNA's, and online survey responses relating to hormone profile and symptom recovery at 7-day intervals after injury until they report a full return to work/study. The study is being performed in accordance with ethical standards of the Declaration of Helsinki with ethics approval obtained from the Health and Disability Ethics Committee (HDEC #2021 EXP 11655), Auckland University of Technology Ethics Committee (AUTEC #22/110) and locality consent through Wellington hospital research office. DISCUSSION If saliva samples confirm presence of sncRNAs in females with concussion, it will provide evidence of the potential of saliva sampling as an objective tool to aid in diagnosis of, and confirmation of recovery from, concussion. Findings will determine whether expression of sncRNAs is influenced by steroid hormones in females and may outline the need for sex specific application and interpretation of sncRNAs as a clinical and/or research tool. TRIAL REGISTRATION Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR) registration number ACTRN12623001129673.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Hardaker
- Faculty of Health and Environmental Science, Sports Performance Research Institute New Zealand (SPRINZ), Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand Wellington, New Zealand.
- Accident Compensation Corporation, Wellington, New Zealand.
- Traumatic Brain Injury Network (TBIN), Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand.
| | - Doug King
- Faculty of Health and Environmental Science, Sports Performance Research Institute New Zealand (SPRINZ), Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand Wellington, New Zealand
- Traumatic Brain Injury Network (TBIN), Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Wolfson Research Institute for Health and Wellbeing, Durham University, Durham, UK
| | - Patria A Hume
- Faculty of Health and Environmental Science, Sports Performance Research Institute New Zealand (SPRINZ), Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand Wellington, New Zealand
- Traumatic Brain Injury Network (TBIN), Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Technology and Policy Lab - Law School, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Tom Stewart
- Faculty of Health and Environmental Science, Sports Performance Research Institute New Zealand (SPRINZ), Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Stacy Sims
- Faculty of Health and Environmental Science, Sports Performance Research Institute New Zealand (SPRINZ), Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand Wellington, New Zealand
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Stanford Lifestyle Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | | | | | - James Selfe
- Department of Health Professions, Faculty of Health and Education, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
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Why it's essential to study sex and gender, even as tensions rise. Nature 2024; 629:7-8. [PMID: 38693407 DOI: 10.1038/d41586-024-01207-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
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Arnold AP, Klein SL, McCarthy MM, Mogil JS. Male-female comparisons are powerful in biomedical research - don't abandon them. Nature 2024; 629:37-40. [PMID: 38693409 DOI: 10.1038/d41586-024-01205-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
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Holden JM, Barbaro A, Azure K, Arth M. Acute MK-801 increases measures of both sign-tracking and goal-tracking in male Sprague-Dawley rats. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2024; 238:173740. [PMID: 38447709 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2024.173740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Sign-tracking is a Pavlovian conditioned approach behavior thought to be important in understanding cue-driven relapse to drug use, and strategies for reducing sign-tracking may have some benefit in preventing relapse. A previous study successfully employed the NMDA receptor antagonist MK-801 in preventing the development of sign-tracking (but not goal-tracking) in a conditioned approach task. In this study, we focused on whether MK-801 would have similar effects on previously established sign-tracking behavior. MK-801 was administered after training in a standard sign-/goal-tracking task using a retractable lever as a conditioned stimulus and a sucrose pellet as unconditioned stimulus. It was found that MK-801 increased measures of both sign- and goal-tracking in subjects who had previously learned the task. The NMDA receptor appears to play a complex role in governing behavior related to sign-tracking.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kiya Azure
- Winona State University, United States of America.
| | - Megan Arth
- Winona State University, United States of America.
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