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Cignarella A, Bolego C, Barton M. Sex and sex steroids as determinants of cardiovascular risk. Steroids 2024; 206:109423. [PMID: 38631602 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2024.109423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
There are considerable sex differences regarding the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), including arterial hypertension, coronary artery disease (CAD) and stroke, as well as chronic renal disease. Women are largely protected from these conditions prior to menopause, and the risk increases following cessation of endogenous estrogen production or after surgical menopause. Cardiovascular diseases in women generally begin to occur at a later age than in men (on average with a delay of 10 years). Cessation of estrogen production also impacts metabolism, increasing the risk of developing obesity and diabetes. In middle-aged individuals, hypertension develops earlier and faster in women than in men, and smoking increases cardiovascular risk to a greater degree in women than it does in men. It is not only estrogen that affects female cardiovascular health and plays a protective role until menopause: other sex hormones such as progesterone and androgen hormones generate a complex balance that differentiates heart and blood vessel function in women compared to men. Estrogens improve vasodilation of epicardial coronary arteries and the coronary microvasculature by augmenting the release of vasodilating factors such as nitric oxide and prostacyclin, which are mechanisms of coronary vasodilatation that are more pronounced in women compared to men. Estrogens are also powerful inhibitors of inflammation, which in part explains their protective effects on CVD and chronic renal disease. Emerging evidence suggests that sex chromosomes also play a significant role in shaping cardiovascular risk. The cardiovascular protection conferred by endogenous estrogens may be extended by hormone therapy, especially using bioidentical hormones and starting treatment early after menopause.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chiara Bolego
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Matthias Barton
- Molecular Internal Medicine, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland; Andreas Grüntzig Foundation, Zürich, Switzerland.
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2
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Whigham CA, Vollenhoven B, Vincent AJ. Reproductive health in Turner syndrome: A narrative review. Prenat Diagn 2023; 43:261-271. [PMID: 36336873 DOI: 10.1002/pd.6261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Turner syndrome (TS), a common chromosomal abnormality affecting females, is associated with partial or complete loss of the second sex chromosome. Although the classic karyotype is 45, X, the detection of mosaic TS is increasing. TS is a multi-system disorder with significant endocrine, cardiovascular and reproductive impacts. Accelerated ovarian follicular loss leads to primary amenorrhoea or premature ovarian insufficiency and infertility. Early diagnosis and counselling regarding hormone replacement therapy and future reproductive capacity, including fertility preservation, are essential to improve reproductive outcomes. Pubertal induction or estrogen replacement is usually required to optimise long-term health outcomes; however, initiation may be delayed due to delayed diagnosis. Spontaneous pregnancy occurs in a small number of women; however, many require donor oocytes and assisted reproductive technology to achieve a pregnancy. Pregnancy is a high risk especially when associated with congenital heart disease. Prepregnancy counselling by the multidisciplinary team (MDT) to identify contraindications and optimise pre-existing health issues is essential. Pregnancy management should be led by a maternal-fetal medicine unit with input from the MDT. This review examines reproductive health outcomes in women with TS and how best to manage them to reduce health risks and improve maternal and neonatal outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carole-Anne Whigham
- Women's and Newborn Program, Monash Health, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Beverley Vollenhoven
- Women's and Newborn Program, Monash Health, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Monash IVF, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Amanda J Vincent
- Department of Endocrinology, Monash Health, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
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Tian W, Qi H, Wang Z, Qiao S, Wang P, Dong J, Wang H. Hormone supply to the pituitary gland: A comprehensive investigation of female‑related tumors (Review). Int J Mol Med 2022; 50:122. [PMID: 35946461 PMCID: PMC9387558 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2022.5178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The hypothalamus acts on the pituitary gland after signal integration, thus regulating various physiological functions of the body. The pituitary gland includes the adenohypophysis and neurohypophysis, which differ in structure and function. The hypothalamus-hypophysis axis controls the secretion of adenohypophyseal hormones through the pituitary portal vein system. Thyroid-stimulating hormone, adrenocorticotropic hormone, gonadotropin, growth hormone (GH), and prolactin (PRL) are secreted by the adenohypophysis and regulate the functions of the body in physiological and pathological conditions. The aim of this review was to summarize the functions of female-associated hormones (GH, PRL, luteinizing hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone) in tumors. Their pathophysiology was described and the mechanisms underlying female hormone-related diseases were investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxiu Tian
- School of Basic Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong 261000, P.R. China
| | - Huimin Qi
- School of Basic Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong 261000, P.R. China
| | - Zhimei Wang
- Jiangsu Province Hi‑Tech Key Laboratory for Biomedical Research, and School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210000, P.R. China
| | - Sen Qiao
- Department of Pharmacology, Center for Molecular Signaling (PZMS), Saarland University School of Medicine, D‑66421 Homburg‑Saar, Germany
| | - Ping Wang
- School of Basic Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong 261000, P.R. China
| | - Junhong Dong
- School of Basic Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong 261000, P.R. China
| | - Hongmei Wang
- School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210000, P.R. China
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Stefil M, Kotalczyk A, Blair J, Lip GYH. Cardiovascular considerations in management of patients with Turner syndrome. Trends Cardiovasc Med 2021; 33:150-158. [PMID: 34906657 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcm.2021.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Turner syndrome (TS) is a chromosomal disorder that affects 25-50 per 100,000 live born females. Patients with TS face a heavy burden of cardiovascular disease (congenital and acquired) with an increased risk of mortality and morbidity compared to the general population. Cardiovascular diseases are a major cause of death in females with TS. Approximately 50% of TS patients have a congenital heart abnormality, with a high incidence of bicuspid aortic valve (BAV), coarctation of the aorta (CoA) and generalised arteriopathy. Frequently, females with TS have systemic hypertension, which is also a risk factor for progressive cardiac dysfunction and aortopathy. This paper aims to provide an overview of the cardiovascular assessment, management and follow up strategies in this high-risk population of TS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Stefil
- Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool United Kingdom; Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, United Kingdom; Department of Endocrinology, Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, United Kingdom.
| | - Agnieszka Kotalczyk
- Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool United Kingdom; Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, United Kingdom; Department of Cardiology, Congenital Heart Diseases and Electrotherapy, Medical University of Silesia, Silesian Centre for Heart Diseases, Zabrze, Poland
| | - Joanne Blair
- Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool United Kingdom; Department of Endocrinology, Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Gregory Y H Lip
- Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool United Kingdom; Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, United Kingdom; Department of Cardiology, Congenital Heart Diseases and Electrotherapy, Medical University of Silesia, Silesian Centre for Heart Diseases, Zabrze, Poland; Aalborg Thrombosis Research Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
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A Review of Recent Developments in Turner Syndrome Research. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2021; 8:jcdd8110138. [PMID: 34821691 PMCID: PMC8623498 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd8110138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Turner syndrome is a rare disorder resulting from complete or partial loss of the second sex chromosome. Common manifestations include delayed growth, premature ovarian failure, congenital heart defects, endocrine disorders, lymphedema, and webbed neck. People with Turner syndrome have significantly increased mortality risk primarily due to cardiovascular abnormalities. The mechanisms that lead to these defects are not completely understood and are obscured by the significant variability of both karyotype and phenotype without consistent correlation between the two. This paper presents a review of the recent literature surrounding the symptoms, mechanisms, diagnosis, and treatment of Turner syndrome with a focus on cardiovascular manifestations. With technological advancements in genetics, the molecular processes of Turner syndrome have begun to be dissected. Certain genes on the X chromosome that typically escape inactivation have been implicated in both specific manifestations and broader risk categories. Recently identified genome-wide epigenetic changes may help explain the variability in presentation. It remains unclear as to how the combination of these factors results in the overall clinical picture, but advances in genomic, genetic, epigenetic, and -omics technology hold promise for providing insights that will improve the medical management of individuals with Turner syndrome.
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Delayed Puberty in Girls with Primary Amenorrhea: A Report of Cases. JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICINE AND TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH 2021. [DOI: 10.14710/jbtr.v7i2.12054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background:Female puberty starts when the pituitary hormone producing follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), which will stimulate the ovaries to produce estrogen. Delayed puberty with primary amenorrhea in female is the lack of breast development followed by the absence of menses 3 years after the initiation of breast development. Sex chromosomes have an important role in determining the sex, germ cell differentiation of foetus, and reproductive functions of an offspring, thus, sex chromosomal aberrations frequently cause primary amenorrheaCase presentation: We report two delayed puberty cases with the chief complain of primary amenorrhea. Both cases showed hypoplasia of uterus and ovaries on pelvic imaging and hormonal assay showed low of FSH. The first case was gonadal dysgenesis with 46,XX karyotype and low level of estrogen and the second case was a turner syndrome with 45,X karyotype and normal level of estrogen. Conclusion:This study reported delayed puberty with primary amenorrhea cases due to different chromosomal aberration pattern which have similar clinical features. Therefore, cytogenetic examination is needed for any primary amenorrhea cases in order to accomplish the confirmatory diagnosis and for the clinicians to make a correct intervention and treatment.
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Kooijman SS, Duijnhouwer AL, van Kimmenade RRJ, van Dijk APJ, Hink E, de Boer MJ, Timmermans J, Roos-Hesselink JW. Influence of Pregnancy on Aortic Diameter in Women With the Turner Syndrome. Am J Cardiol 2021; 140:122-127. [PMID: 33144162 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2020.10.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2020] [Revised: 10/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Women with Turner syndrome (TS) have high prevalence of cardiovascular anomalies. Literature suggests pregnancy is associated with a higher dissection risk, presumably preceded by aortic dilatation. Whether the aortic diameter truly changes during pregnancy in TS is not well investigated. This study aims to evaluate ascending aortic diameter change during pregnancy and reports on cardiac events during and directly after pregnancy. This tertiary hospital retrospective study investigated all TS women pregnancies (2009 to 2018). Outcome parameters included aortic diameter growth and aortic complications, specifically dissection. Thirty-five pregnancies in 30 TS women, 57% assisted by oocyte donation. Mean age at delivery 32 ± 5 years. In 27 pregnancies of 22 women imaging was available. From over 350 childless TS women a comparison group of 27 was individually matched. The median ascending aortic diameter growth between pre- and postpregnancy imaging was 1.0 mm (IQR -1.0; 2.0), no significant change (p = 0.077). Whether the patient had a bicuspid aortic valve (p = 0.571), monosomy X or mosaic karyotype (p = 0.071) or spontaneous pregnancy or resulting from oocyte donation (p = 0.686) had no significant influence on diameter change. Aortic growth between pregnancy and matched childless group (0.23 vs 0.32 mm/year, p = 0.788) was not significant over 3.3 ± 2 versus 4.4 ± 1 years. During pregnancy or the first 6 months after delivery no aortic complications were observed. In conclusion, this study suggests pregnancy in TS women does not induce faster ascending aortic diameter increase. Also not in presence of a bicuspid aortic valve, monosomy X karyotype, and oocyte donation. No aortic complications occurred. Based on current study pregnancy in TS women seems safe.
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Kostopoulou E, Bosdou JK, Anagnostis P, Stevenson JC, Goulis DG. Cardiovascular Complications in Patients with Turner's Syndrome. Curr Pharm Des 2020; 26:5650-5659. [PMID: 32473616 DOI: 10.2174/1381612826666200531152459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Turner's or Turner syndrome (TS) is the most prevalent chromosomal abnormality in live female births. Patients with TS are predisposed to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), mainly due to the frequently observed congenital structural cardiovascular defects, such as valvular and aortic abnormalities (coarctation, dilatation, and dissection). The increased prevalence of cardiometabolic risk factors, such as arterial hypertension, insulin resistance, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidaemia, central obesity, and increased carotid intima-media thickness, also contribute to increased morbidity and mortality in TS patients. Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) is the treatment of choice, combined with growth hormone (GH). Although MHT may, in general, ameliorate CVD risk factors, its effect on CVD mortality in TS has not yet been established. The exact effect of GH on these parameters has not been clarified. Specific considerations should be provided in TS cases during pregnancy, due to the higher risk of CVD complications, such as aortic dissection. Optimal cardiovascular monitoring, including physical examination, electrocardiogram, CVD risk factor assessment, and transthoracic echocardiography, is recommended. Moreover, the cardiac magnetic resonance from the age of 12 years is recommended due to the high risk of aortic aneurysm and other anatomical vascular complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eirini Kostopoulou
- Division of Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Paediatrics, University of Patras School of Medicine, Patras, 26500, Greece
| | - Julia K Bosdou
- Unit for Human Reproduction, 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Anagnostis
- Unit of Reproductive Endocrinology, 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - John C Stevenson
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Foundation Trust, London SW3 6NP, United Kingdom
| | - Dimitrios G Goulis
- Unit of Reproductive Endocrinology, 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
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Alvarez R, Rodríguez ML, Martín M. Turner syndrome and pregnancy: A multidisciplinary approach. Rev Port Cardiol 2018; 37:951. [PMID: 30449609 DOI: 10.1016/j.repc.2018.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2018] [Accepted: 09/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Alvarez
- Cardiology Department, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturia, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
| | - María Luisa Rodríguez
- Cardiology Department, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturia, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
| | - María Martín
- Cardiology Department, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturia, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain.
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Alvarez R, Rodríguez ML, Martín M. Turner syndrome and pregnancy: A multidisciplinary approach. REVISTA PORTUGUESA DE CARDIOLOGIA (ENGLISH EDITION) 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.repce.2018.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
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