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Zhong Q, Lai S, He J, Zhong S, Song X, Wang Y, Zhang Y, Chen G, Yan S, Jia Y. Gender-related alterations of serum trace elements and neurometabolism in the anterior cingulate cortex of patients with major depressive disorder. J Affect Disord 2024; 360:176-187. [PMID: 38723680 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.05.039] [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: 10/29/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is widely known that sex differences have a significant impact on patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). This study aims to evaluate the sex-related connection between serum trace elements and changes in neurometabolism in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) of MDD patients. METHODS 109 untreated MDD patients and 59 healthy controls underwent proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) under resting conditions. We measured metabolic ratios in the ACC from both sides. Additionally, venous blood samples were taken from all participants to detect calcium (Ca), phosphorus, magnesium (Mg), copper (Cu), ceruloplasmin (CER), zinc (Zn), and iron (Fe) levels. We performed association and interaction analyses to explore the connections between the disease and gender. RESULTS In individuals with MDD, the Cu/Zn ratio increased, while the levels of Mg, CER, Zn and Fe decreased. Male MDD patients had lower Cu levels, while female patients had an increased Cu/Zn ratio. We observed significant gender differences in Cu, CER and the Cu/Zn ratio in MDD. Male patients showed a reduced N-acetyl aspartate (NAA)/phosphocreatine + creatine (PCr + Cr) ratio in the left ACC. The NAA/PCr + Cr ratio decreased in the right ACC in patients with MDD. In the left ACC of male MDD patients, the Cu/Zn ratio was inversely related to the NAA/PCr + Cr ratio, and Fe levels were negatively associated with the GPC + PC/PCr + Cr ratio. CONCLUSIONS Our findings highlight gender-specific changes in Cu homeostasis among male MDD patients. The Cu/Zn ratio and Fe levels in male MDD patients were significantly linked to neurometabolic alterations in the ACC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qilin Zhong
- Department of Psychiatry, First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Shunkai Lai
- Department of Psychiatry, First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Jiali He
- Department of Psychiatry, First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Shuming Zhong
- Department of Psychiatry, First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510630, China.
| | - Xiaodong Song
- Department of Psychiatry, First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Medical Imaging Center, First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Yiliang Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry, First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Guanmao Chen
- Medical Imaging Center, First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Shuya Yan
- Department of Psychiatry, First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Yanbin Jia
- Department of Psychiatry, First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510630, China.
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Li FJ, Zhang ZX, Li YDY, Li JY, Liu YN, Liu XJ, Zhang RY, Liu X, Zhang W, Xu CY, Cui GY. High bioavailable testosterone levels increase the incidence of isolated REM sleep behavior disorder: Results from multivariable and network Mendelian randomization analysis. Sleep Med 2024; 121:102-110. [PMID: 38959716 DOI: 10.1016/j.sleep.2024.06.024] [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: 02/15/2024] [Revised: 06/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To explore the causal relationships between sex hormone levels and incidence of isolated REM sleep behavior disorder (iRBD). METHODS In our study, we utilized Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) data for iRBD, including 9447 samples with 1061 cases of iRBD provided by the International RBD Study Group. Initially, we conducted a two-sample univariate MR analysis to explore the impact of sex hormone-related indicators on iRBD. This was followed by the application of multivariable MR methods to adjust for other hormone levels and potential confounders. Finally, we undertook a network MR analysis, employing brain structure Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) characteristics as potential mediators, to examine whether sex hormones could indirectly influence the incidence of iRBD by affecting brain structure. RESULTS Bioavailable testosterone (BioT) is an independent risk factor for iRBD (Odds Ratio [95 % Confidence Interval] = 2.437 [1.308, 4.539], P = 0.005, corrected-P = 0.020), a finding that remained consistent even after adjusting for other sex hormone levels and potential confounders. Additionally, BioT appears to indirectly increase the risk of iRBD by reducing axial diffusivity and increasing the orientation dispersion index in the left cingulum and cingulate gyrus. CONCLUSIONS Our research reveals that elevated levels of BioT contribute to the development of iRBD. However, the specific impact of BioT on different sexes remains unclear. Furthermore, high BioT may indirectly lead to iRBD by impairing normal pathways in the left cingulum and cingulate gyrus and fostering abnormal pathway formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fu-Jia Li
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221006, People's Republic of China
| | - Zi-Xuan Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221006, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang-Dan-Yu Li
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221006, People's Republic of China
| | - Jin-Yu Li
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221006, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu-Ning Liu
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221006, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuan-Jing Liu
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221006, People's Republic of China
| | - Ru-Yu Zhang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221006, People's Republic of China
| | - Xu Liu
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221006, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221006, People's Republic of China
| | - Chuan-Ying Xu
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221006, People's Republic of China
| | - Gui-Yun Cui
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221006, People's Republic of China.
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Jiang Z, Sullivan PF, Li T, Zhao B, Wang X, Luo T, Huang S, Guan PY, Chen J, Yang Y, Stein JL, Li Y, Liu D, Sun L, Zhu H. The pivotal role of the X-chromosome in the genetic architecture of the human brain. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2023.08.30.23294848. [PMID: 37693466 PMCID: PMC10491353 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.30.23294848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Genes on the X-chromosome are extensively expressed in the human brain. However, little is known for the X-chromosome's impact on the brain anatomy, microstructure, and functional network. We examined 1,045 complex brain imaging traits from 38,529 participants in the UK Biobank. We unveiled potential autosome-X-chromosome interactions, while proposing an atlas outlining dosage compensation (DC) for brain imaging traits. Through extensive association studies, we identified 72 genome-wide significant trait-locus pairs (including 29 new associations) that share genetic architectures with brain-related disorders, notably schizophrenia. Furthermore, we discovered unique sex-specific associations and assessed variations in genetic effects between sexes. Our research offers critical insights into the X-chromosome's role in the human brain, underscoring its contribution to the differences observed in brain structure and functionality between sexes.
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Huang S. Efficient analysis of toxicity and mechanisms of environmental pollutants with network toxicology and molecular docking strategy: Acetyl tributyl citrate as an example. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 905:167904. [PMID: 37858827 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167904] [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: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
The study aims to promote network toxicology strategy to efficiently investigate the putative toxicity and underlying molecular mechanisms of environmental pollutants through an example of exploring brain injury induced by ATBC exposure. By utilizing ChEMBL, STITCH, GeneCards, and OMIM databases, we identified 213 potential targets associated with ATBC exposure and brain injury. Further refinements via STRING and Cytoscape software highlight 23 core targets, including AKT1, CASP3, and HSP90AA1. GO and KEGG pathway analysis conducted through DAVID and FUMA databases reveal that core targets of ATBC-induced brain toxicity are predominantly enriched in cancer signaling and neuroactive ligand receptor interaction pathways. Molecular docking was performed with Autodock, which confirmed robust binding between ATBC and core targets. Together, these findings suggest that ATBC may impact the occurrence and development of brain cancer and brain related inflammation, whereas pose risks for cognitive impairment and neurodegeneration, by modulating the apoptosis and proliferation of brain cancer cells, activating inflammatory signaling pathways, and regulating neuroplasticity. This research provides a theoretical basis for understanding the molecular mechanism of ATBC-induced brain toxicity, as well as establishing a foundation for the prevention and treatment of prostatic diseases associated with exposure to plastic products containing ATBC and certain ATBC-overwhelmed environments. Moreover, our network toxicology approach also expedites the elucidation of toxicity pathways for uncharacterized environmental chemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shujun Huang
- West China School Of Public Health, West China Medical Center, Sichuan University, China.
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Walsh MJM, Pagni B, Monahan L, Delaney S, Smith CJ, Baxter L, Braden BB. Sex-related brain connectivity correlates of compensation in adults with autism: insights into female protection. Cereb Cortex 2022; 33:316-329. [PMID: 35212373 PMCID: PMC9837609 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhac069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The male preponderance in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) led to the hypothesis that aspects of female biology are protective against ASD. Females with ASD (ASD-F) report more compensatory behaviors (i.e. "camouflaging") to overcome ASD-related social differences, which may be a mechanism of protection. No studies have examined sex-related brain pathways supporting camouflaging in ASD-F, despite its potential to inform mechanisms underlying the ASD sex bias. We used functional connectivity (FC) to investigate "sex-atypical" and "sex-typical" FC patterns linked to camouflaging in adults with ASD and examined multimodal coherence of findings via structural connectometry. Exploratory associations with cognitive/emotional functioning examined the adaptive nature of FC patterns. We found (i) "sex-atypical" FC patterns linked to camouflaging in the hypothalamus and precuneus and (ii) "sex-typical" patterns in the right anterior cingulate and anterior parahippocampus. Higher hypothalamic FC with a limbic reward cluster also correlated with better cognitive control/emotion recognition. Structural connectometry validated FC results with consistent brain pathways/effect patterns implicated in ASD-F. In summary, "male-typical" and "female-typical" brain connectivity patterns support camouflaging in ASD-F in circuits implicated in reward, emotion, and memory retrieval. "Sex-atypical" results are consistent with fetal steroidogenic/neuroinflammatory hypotheses. However, female genetics/biology may contribute to "female-typical" patterns implicated in camouflaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa J M Walsh
- College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA
| | - Broc Pagni
- College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA
| | - Leanna Monahan
- College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA
| | - Shanna Delaney
- College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA
| | | | | | - B Blair Braden
- College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA
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Walsh MJM, Wallace GL, Gallegos SM, Braden BB. Brain-based sex differences in autism spectrum disorder across the lifespan: A systematic review of structural MRI, fMRI, and DTI findings. Neuroimage Clin 2021; 31:102719. [PMID: 34153690 PMCID: PMC8233229 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2021.102719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Females with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have been long overlooked in neuroscience research, but emerging evidence suggests they show distinct phenotypic trajectories and age-related brain differences. Sex-related biological factors (e.g., hormones, genes) may play a role in ASD etiology and have been shown to influence neurodevelopmental trajectories. Thus, a lifespan approach is warranted to understand brain-based sex differences in ASD. This systematic review on MRI-based sex differences in ASD was conducted to elucidate variations across the lifespan and inform biomarker discovery of ASD in females We identified articles through two database searches. Fifty studies met criteria and underwent integrative review. We found that regions expressing replicable sex-by-diagnosis differences across studies overlapped with regions showing sex differences in neurotypical cohorts. Furthermore, studies investigating age-related brain differences across a broad age-span suggest distinct neurodevelopmental patterns in females with ASD. Qualitative comparison across youth and adult studies also supported this hypothesis. However, many studies collapsed across age, which may mask differences. Furthermore, accumulating evidence supports the female protective effect in ASD, although only one study examined brain circuits implicated in "protection." When synthesized with the broader literature, brain-based sex differences in ASD may come from various sources, including genetic and endocrine processes involved in brain "masculinization" and "feminization" across early development, puberty, and other lifespan windows of hormonal transition. Furthermore, sex-related biology may interact with peripheral processes, in particular the stress axis and brain arousal system, to produce distinct neurodevelopmental patterns in males and females with ASD. Future research on neuroimaging-based sex differences in ASD would benefit from a lifespan approach in well-controlled and multivariate studies. Possible relationships between behavior, sex hormones, and brain development in ASD remain largely unexamined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa J M Walsh
- College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, 975 S. Myrtle Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA
| | - Gregory L Wallace
- Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, The George Washington University, 2115 G St. NW, Washington, DC 20052, USA.
| | - Stephen M Gallegos
- College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, 975 S. Myrtle Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA
| | - B Blair Braden
- College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, 975 S. Myrtle Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA.
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Qi S, Han Q, Xing D, Qian L, Yu X, Ren D, Wang H, Chen Q. Functional Analysis of Estrogen Receptor 1 in Diabetic Wound Healing: A Knockdown Cell-Based and Bioinformatic Study. Med Sci Monit 2020; 26:e928788. [PMID: 33338031 PMCID: PMC7754692 DOI: 10.12659/msm.928788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Diabetic wound (DW) treatment is a serious challenge for clinicians, and the underlying mechanisms of DWs remain elusive. We sought to identify the critical genes in the development of DWs and provide potential targets for DW therapies. Material/Methods Datasets of GSE38396 from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database were reviewed. Pathway analysis was performed using the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), Gene Ontology term analyses were carried out, and Cytoscape software (Cytoscape 3.7.2) was used to construct the protein interaction network. Serum samples from patients with diabetes and control participants were collected, and the expression of estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1) was measured by quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. In addition, the function of ESR1 in human skin fibroblasts was investigated in vitro. Results Eight samples were analyzed using the Morpheus online tool, which identified 637 upregulated and 448 downregulated differentially expressed genes. The top 5 KEGG pathways of upregulated differentially expressed genes were associated with sphingolipid metabolism, estrogen signaling, ECM-receptor interaction, MAPK signaling, and PI3K-Akt signaling. The hub genes for DWs were JUN, ESR1, CD44, SMARCA4, MMP2, BMP4, GSK3B, WDR5, PTK2, and PTGS2. JUN, MMP2, and ESR1 were the upregulated hub genes, and ESR1 was found to be consistently enriched in DW patients. Inhibition of ESR1 had a stimulative role in human skin fibroblasts. Conclusions ESR1 was identified as a crucial gene in the development of DWs, which suggests potential therapeutic targets for DW healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sha Qi
- Department of Hand Surgery, Wuhan Fourth Hospital; Puai Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China (mainland)
| | - Qiong Han
- Department of Hand Surgery, Wuhan Fourth Hospital; Puai Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China (mainland)
| | - Danmou Xing
- Department of Hand Surgery, Wuhan Fourth Hospital; Puai Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China (mainland)
| | - Long Qian
- Department of Hand Surgery, Wuhan Fourth Hospital; Puai Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China (mainland)
| | - Xiang Yu
- Department of Hand Surgery, Wuhan Fourth Hospital; Puai Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China (mainland)
| | - Dong Ren
- Department of Hand Surgery, Wuhan Fourth Hospital; Puai Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China (mainland)
| | - Huan Wang
- Department of Hand Surgery, Wuhan Fourth Hospital; Puai Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China (mainland)
| | - Quan Chen
- Department of Hand Surgery, Wuhan Fourth Hospital; Puai Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China (mainland)
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