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Fan L, Tang K, Li J, Tan Y, Liu X, Bai Z, Tao A, Tan N. Mailuoning oral liquid ameliorates vasculitis in thromboangiitis obliterans rats via inactivating cGAS-STING-IRF3 and TLR4-MAPKs/NF-κB signaling pathways. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 337:118707. [PMID: 39181282 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2024] [Revised: 08/07/2024] [Accepted: 08/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Mailuoning oral liquid (MLN O), one traditional Chinese patent medicine, has a good therapeutic effect on thromboangiitis obliterans (TAO) in clinical practice. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY This study aimed to explore the effects and potential mechanisms of MLN O against TAO based on network pharmacology and experimental verification. MATERIALS AND METHODS Network pharmacology was used to identify the intersectional targets and signaling pathways of MLN O and TAO. In vivo, the TAO model was established by injecting sodium laurate and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) into the femoral arteries of Wistar rats. Rats were given the indicated drugs by intragastric administration (i.g.), intravenous injection (i.v.), or subcutaneous injection (s.c.) per day for 21 days since a week before surgery. In vitro, HUVECs, RAW264.7, and THP-1 cells were stimulated by LPS and DHT to simulate the pathological changes of TAO. The anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant, and immunomodulatory effects of MLN O were evaluated by histological observation, blood biochemical indexes detection, H&E staining, immunohistochemistry, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), qRT-PCR, western blotting and immunofluorescence assays. Furthermore, the vascular ring test was applied to explore the vasodilatory activity of MLN O. RESULTS MLN O significantly improved the pathological signs in TAO rats through its excellent anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant, immunomodulatory, and vasodilatory effects. Specifically, MLN O alleviated the gangrene and reduced the thrombosis in TAO rats, meanwhile, suppressed the expressions of inflammatory factors and clotting factors, which is related to the inactivations of cGAS-STING-IRF3 and TLR4-MAPKs/NF-κB signaling pathways. However, the superphysiological dose of DHT deteriorated the pathological development of TAO in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, the results of network pharmacology are consistent with the experimental verification. CONCLUSION Collectively, this study indicates for the first time that MLN O could alleviate TAO by inhibiting cGAS-STING-IRF3 and TLR4-MAPKs/NF-κB signaling pathways, which sheds light on a novel clinical therapeutic strategy for TAO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingling Fan
- Department of TCMs Pharmaceuticals, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Kai Tang
- Department of TCMs Pharmaceuticals, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Jian Li
- Department of TCMs Pharmaceuticals, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China; Jinling Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Yajie Tan
- Department of TCMs Pharmaceuticals, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Xiaoqiong Liu
- Department of TCMs Pharmaceuticals, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Ziyu Bai
- Department of TCMs Pharmaceuticals, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Anhua Tao
- Department of TCMs Pharmaceuticals, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Ninghua Tan
- Department of TCMs Pharmaceuticals, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China.
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Blaj LA, Cucu AI, Tamba BI, Turliuc MD. The Role of the NF-kB Pathway in Intracranial Aneurysms. Brain Sci 2023; 13:1660. [PMID: 38137108 PMCID: PMC10871091 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13121660] [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: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The pathophysiology of intracranial aneurysms (IA) has been proven to be closely linked to hemodynamic stress and inflammatory pathways, most notably the NF-kB pathway. Therefore, it is a potential target for therapeutic intervention. In the present review, we investigated alterations in the vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), extracellular matrix, and endothelial cells by the mediators implicated in the NF-kB pathway that lead to the formation, growth, and rupture of IAs. We also present an overview of the NF-kB pathway, focusing on stimuli and transcriptional targets specific to IAs, as well as a summary of the current strategies for inhibiting NF-kB activation in IAs. Our report adds to previously reported data and future research directions for treating IAs using compounds that can suppress inflammation in the vascular wall.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurentiu Andrei Blaj
- Department of Neurosurgery, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (L.A.B.); (M.D.T.)
- “Prof. Dr. N. Oblu” Emergency Clinical Hospital, 700309 Iasi, Romania
| | - Andrei Ionut Cucu
- “Prof. Dr. N. Oblu” Emergency Clinical Hospital, 700309 Iasi, Romania
- Faculty of Medicine and Biological Sciences, University Stefan cel Mare of Suceava, 720229 Suceava, Romania
| | - Bogdan Ionel Tamba
- Advanced Research and Development Center for Experimental Medicine (CEMEX), “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania;
- Department of Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacology and Algesiology, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Mihaela Dana Turliuc
- Department of Neurosurgery, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (L.A.B.); (M.D.T.)
- “Prof. Dr. N. Oblu” Emergency Clinical Hospital, 700309 Iasi, Romania
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Abdel-Fattah MM, Abo-El Fetoh ME, Afify H, Ramadan LAA, Mohamed WR. Probenecid ameliorates testosterone-induced benign prostatic hyperplasia: Implications of PGE-2 on ADAM-17/EGFR/ERK1/2 signaling cascade. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2023; 37:e23450. [PMID: 37352135 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.23450] [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: 02/04/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023]
Abstract
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is one of the most prevalent clinical disorders in the elderly. Probenecid (Prob) is a well-known FDA-approved therapy for gout owing to its uricosuric effect. The present study evaluated the use of Prob for BPH as a COX-2 inhibitor. Prob (100 and 200 mg/kg) was intraperitoneally injected into male Wistar rats daily for 3 weeks. In the second week, testosterone (3 mg/kg) was subcutaneously injected to induce BPH. Compared with BPH-induced rats, Prob treatment reduced prostate weight and index and improved histopathological architecture. The protease activity of ADAM-17/TACE and its ligands (TGF-α and TNF-α) were regulated by prob, which in turn abolished EGFR phosphorylation, and several inflammatory mediators (COX-2, PGE2, NF-κB (p65), and IL-6) were suppressed. By reducing the nuclear import of extracellular regulated kinase protein 1/2 (ERK1/2), Prob helped re-establish the usual equilibrium between antiapoptotic proteins like Bcl-2 and cyclin D1 and proapoptotic proteins like Bax. All of these data point to Prob as a promising treatment for BPH because of its ability to inhibit COX-2-syntheiszed PGE2 and control the ADAM-17/TGF-α-induced EGFR/ERK1/2 signaling cascade. These findings might help to repurpose Prob for the treatment of BPH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maha M Abdel-Fattah
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Mohammed E Abo-El Fetoh
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Egyptian-Russian University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Hassan Afify
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Egyptian-Russian University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Laila A A Ramadan
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Egyptian-Russian University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Wafaa R Mohamed
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
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Lynch KM, Sepehrband F, Toga AW, Choupan J. Brain perivascular space imaging across the human lifespan. Neuroimage 2023; 271:120009. [PMID: 36907282 PMCID: PMC10185227 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2023.120009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Enlarged perivascular spaces (PVS) are considered a biomarker for vascular pathology and are observed in normal aging and neurological conditions; however, research on the role of PVS in health and disease are hindered by the lack of knowledge regarding the normative time course of PVS alterations with age. To this end, we characterized the influence of age, sex and cognitive performance on PVS anatomical characteristics in a large cross-sectional cohort (∼1400) of healthy subjects between 8 and 90 years of age using multimodal structural MRI data. Our results show age is associated with wider and more numerous MRI-visible PVS over the course of the lifetime with spatially-varying patterns of PVS enlargement trajectories. In particular, regions with low PVS volume fraction in childhood are associated with rapid age-related PVS enlargement (e.g., temporal regions), while regions with high PVS volume fraction in childhood are associated with minimal age-related PVS alterations (e.g., limbic regions). PVS burden was significantly elevated in males compared to females with differing morphological time courses with age. Together, these findings contribute to our understanding of perivascular physiology across the healthy lifespan and provide a normative reference for the spatial distribution of PVS enlargement patterns to which pathological alterations can be compared.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten M Lynch
- Laboratory of Neuro Imaging (LONI), USC Mark and Mary Stevens Institute for Neuroimaging and Informatics, USC Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA.
| | - Farshid Sepehrband
- Laboratory of Neuro Imaging (LONI), USC Mark and Mary Stevens Institute for Neuroimaging and Informatics, USC Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA; NeuroScope Inc., New York, USA
| | - Arthur W Toga
- Laboratory of Neuro Imaging (LONI), USC Mark and Mary Stevens Institute for Neuroimaging and Informatics, USC Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
| | - Jeiran Choupan
- Laboratory of Neuro Imaging (LONI), USC Mark and Mary Stevens Institute for Neuroimaging and Informatics, USC Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA; NeuroScope Inc., New York, USA
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5
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Age-related decrease in serum dihydrotestosterone concentration is accompanied by impaired vascular status. Exp Gerontol 2023; 173:112104. [PMID: 36693531 DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2023.112104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The effect of androgens on the cardiovascular system in humans is ambiguous. Moreover, still little is known about the effects of the most potent androgen, dihydrotestosterone, on arterial stiffness and endothelial function. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether age-dependent alterations in serum concentration of dihydrotestosterone and its circulating metabolite are accompanied by changes in endothelial function and arterial stiffness. METHODS In 12 young and 11 older men, basal serum concentrations of testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHAE-S), androstenedione (AE), dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and androstanediol glucuronide (ADG) were analyzed in relation to vascular status including cIMT - carotid intima media thickness, cAI - central augmentation index, crPWV - carotid radial pulse wave velocity, SI - stiffness index, endothelial and inflammatory markers. RESULTS Although concentration of testosterone was not different between young and older group, it was demonstrated that DHT, DHEA-S, AE and ADG were significantly lower in older men in comparison to young men (p < 0.01). Interestingly the most surprising difference was found for DHT concentration, that was as much as 61 % lower in aged men that displayed significantly higher values of cIMT, AI, crPWV and SI (p < 10-4), suggestive of arterial stiffness. Furthermore, DHT was negatively correlated to all arterial wall parameters (cAI, crPWV, SI and cIMT), c-reactive protein (CRP) and hyaluronic acid (HA) concentration, as well as positively correlated to markers of endothelial function (MNA and 6-keto-PGF1α) in all studied individuals (n = 23). CONCLUSIONS We have shown that ageing leads to a significant decrease in DHT concentration that is accompanied by impaired arterial wall characteristics and worsened endothelial function. Therefore more attention should be paid to the DHT, DHEA-S and ADG concentrations as a biomarkers for vascular dysfunction in ageing men.
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Abo-El Fetoh ME, Abdel-Fattah MM, Mohamed WR, Ramadan LAA, Afify H. Cyclooxygenase-2 activates EGFR-ERK1/2 pathway via PGE2-mediated ADAM-17 signaling in testosterone-induced benign prostatic hyperplasia. Inflammopharmacology 2023; 31:499-516. [PMID: 36586043 PMCID: PMC9958186 DOI: 10.1007/s10787-022-01123-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN Prostatic inflammation is the driving force in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This work investigated the potential modulatory effect of COX-2 inhibition on ADAM-17/EGFR/ERK1/2 axis. MATERIALS OR SUBJECTS Adult male Wistar rats were used. TREATMENT Celecoxib (10 and 20 mg/kg; i.p.) was injected i.p. daily for three weeks. Testosterone (TST) (3 mg/kg; s.c.) was used to induce BPH. METHODS Prostatic inflammation and hyperplasia were assessed by organ weight and histopathology. Inflammatory mediators were measured using ELISA technique. Protein analysis was performed using western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Gene expression analysis was performed using qRT-PCR. Statistical analyses included one-way ANOVA and Tukey's multiple comparison test. RESULTS Testosterone-treated rats had a marked increase in COX-2, prostate weight, and index. Moreover, TST-induced COX-2 was inferred from cytoskeletal changes and was attributable to the overexpression of PGE2, NF-κB (p65), and IL-6. COX-2-derived PGE2 increased the activity of ADAM-17, TGF-α, and TNF-α. Consequently, EGFR-ERK1/2 pathway was over-activated, disrupting anti-apoptotic Bcl-2, cyclin D1, and pro-apoptotic Bax. Celecoxib reversed these effects. CONCLUSION COX-2 stimulates the ERK1/2 pathway via PGE2-ADAM-17-catalyzed shedding of TGF-α in testosterone-induced BPH. The results indicate a functional correlation between inflammation and hyperplasia in BPH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed E. Abo-El Fetoh
- grid.442695.80000 0004 6073 9704Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Egyptian Russian University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Maha M. Abdel-Fattah
- grid.411662.60000 0004 0412 4932Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, 62514 Egypt
| | - Wafaa R. Mohamed
- grid.411662.60000 0004 0412 4932Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, 62514 Egypt
| | - Laila A. A. Ramadan
- grid.442695.80000 0004 6073 9704Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Egyptian Russian University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Hassan Afify
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Egyptian Russian University, Cairo, Egypt.
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Esposito P, Gandelman M, Rodriguez C, Liang J, Ismail N. The acute effects of antimicrobials and lipopolysaccharide on the cellular mechanisms associated with neurodegeneration in pubertal male and female CD1 mice. Brain Behav Immun Health 2022; 26:100543. [PMID: 36345322 PMCID: PMC9636049 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2022.100543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Exposure to stressors during puberty can cause enduring effects on brain functioning and behaviours related to neurodegeneration. However, the mechanisms underlying these effects remain unclear. The gut microbiome is a complex and dynamic system that could serve as a possible mechanism through which early life stress may increase the predisposition to neurodegeneration. Therefore, the current study was designed to examine the acute effects of pubertal antimicrobial and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatments on the cellular mechanisms associated with neurodegenerative disorders in male and female mice. At five weeks of age, male and female CD-1 mice received 200 μL of broad-spectrum antimicrobials or water, through oral gavage, twice daily for seven days. Mice received an intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of either saline or LPS at 6 weeks of age (i.e., pubertal period). Sickness behaviours were recorded and mice were euthanized 8 h post-injection. Following euthanasia, brains and blood samples were collected. The results indicated that puberal antimicrobial and LPS treatment induced sex-dependent changes in biomarkers related to sickness behaviour, peripheral inflammation, intestinal permeability, and neurodegeneration. The findings suggest that pubertal LPS and antimicrobial treatment may increase susceptibility to neurodegenerative diseases later in life, particularly in males. Pubertal antimicrobial and LPS treatment increase cytokine concentrations. Antimicrobial and LPS treatment have sex-specific effects on intestinal permeability. They also induce sex-specific changes in neurodegenerative markers. Antimicrobial treatment did not potentiate LPS-induced sickness behaviours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pasquale Esposito
- NISE Laboratory, School of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Michelle Gandelman
- NISE Laboratory, School of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Cloudia Rodriguez
- NISE Laboratory, School of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Jacky Liang
- NISE Laboratory, School of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Nafissa Ismail
- NISE Laboratory, School of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 6N5, Canada,Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 6N5, Canada,Corresponding author. 136 Jean-Jacques Lussier Vanier Hall, Room 2076A, Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 6N5, Canada.
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Gannon OJ, Robison LS, Salinero AE, Abi-Ghanem C, Mansour FM, Kelly RD, Tyagi A, Brawley RR, Ogg JD, Zuloaga KL. High-fat diet exacerbates cognitive decline in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease and mixed dementia in a sex-dependent manner. J Neuroinflammation 2022; 19:110. [PMID: 35568928 PMCID: PMC9107741 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-022-02466-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Approximately 70% of Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients have co-morbid vascular contributions to cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID); this highly prevalent overlap of dementia subtypes is known as mixed dementia (MxD). AD is more prevalent in women, while VCID is slightly more prevalent in men. Sex differences in risk factors may contribute to sex differences in dementia subtypes. Unlike metabolically healthy women, diabetic women are more likely to develop VCID than diabetic men. Prediabetes is 3× more prevalent than diabetes and is linked to earlier onset of dementia in women, but not men. How prediabetes influences underlying pathology and cognitive outcomes across different dementia subtypes is unknown. To fill this gap in knowledge, we investigated the impact of diet-induced prediabetes and biological sex on cognitive function and neuropathology in mouse models of AD and MxD. METHODS Male and female 3xTg-AD mice received a sham (AD model) or unilateral common carotid artery occlusion surgery to induce chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (MxD model). Mice were fed a control or high fat (HF; 60% fat) diet from 3 to 7 months of age. In both sexes, HF diet elicited a prediabetic phenotype (impaired glucose tolerance) and weight gain. RESULTS In females, but not males, metabolic consequences of a HF diet were more severe in AD or MxD mice compared to WT. In both sexes, HF-fed AD or MxD mice displayed deficits in spatial memory in the Morris water maze (MWM). In females, but not males, HF-fed AD and MxD mice also displayed impaired spatial learning in the MWM. In females, but not males, AD or MxD caused deficits in activities of daily living, regardless of diet. Astrogliosis was more severe in AD and MxD females compared to males. Further, AD/MxD females had more amyloid beta plaques and hippocampal levels of insoluble amyloid beta 40 and 42 than AD/MxD males. In females, but not males, more severe glucose intolerance (prediabetes) was correlated with increased hippocampal microgliosis. CONCLUSIONS High-fat diet had a wider array of metabolic, cognitive, and neuropathological consequences in AD and MxD females compared to males. These findings shed light on potential underlying mechanisms by which prediabetes may lead to earlier dementia onset in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia J. Gannon
- grid.413558.e0000 0001 0427 8745Department of Neuroscience & Experimental Therapeutics, Albany Medical College, 47 New Scotland Avenue; MC-136, Albany, NY 12208 USA
| | - Lisa S. Robison
- grid.413558.e0000 0001 0427 8745Department of Neuroscience & Experimental Therapeutics, Albany Medical College, 47 New Scotland Avenue; MC-136, Albany, NY 12208 USA ,grid.261241.20000 0001 2168 8324Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, Nova Southeastern University, 3301 College Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33314 USA ,grid.264307.40000 0000 9688 1551Department of Psychology, Stetson University, 421 N Woodland Blvd, DeLand, FL 32723 USA
| | - Abigail E. Salinero
- grid.413558.e0000 0001 0427 8745Department of Neuroscience & Experimental Therapeutics, Albany Medical College, 47 New Scotland Avenue; MC-136, Albany, NY 12208 USA
| | - Charly Abi-Ghanem
- grid.413558.e0000 0001 0427 8745Department of Neuroscience & Experimental Therapeutics, Albany Medical College, 47 New Scotland Avenue; MC-136, Albany, NY 12208 USA
| | - Febronia M. Mansour
- grid.413558.e0000 0001 0427 8745Department of Neuroscience & Experimental Therapeutics, Albany Medical College, 47 New Scotland Avenue; MC-136, Albany, NY 12208 USA
| | - Richard D. Kelly
- grid.413558.e0000 0001 0427 8745Department of Neuroscience & Experimental Therapeutics, Albany Medical College, 47 New Scotland Avenue; MC-136, Albany, NY 12208 USA
| | - Alvira Tyagi
- grid.413558.e0000 0001 0427 8745Department of Neuroscience & Experimental Therapeutics, Albany Medical College, 47 New Scotland Avenue; MC-136, Albany, NY 12208 USA
| | - Rebekah R. Brawley
- grid.264307.40000 0000 9688 1551Department of Psychology, Stetson University, 421 N Woodland Blvd, DeLand, FL 32723 USA
| | - Jordan D. Ogg
- grid.264307.40000 0000 9688 1551Department of Psychology, Stetson University, 421 N Woodland Blvd, DeLand, FL 32723 USA
| | - Kristen L. Zuloaga
- grid.413558.e0000 0001 0427 8745Department of Neuroscience & Experimental Therapeutics, Albany Medical College, 47 New Scotland Avenue; MC-136, Albany, NY 12208 USA
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Therapeutic Effect of Finasteride through its Antiandrogenic and Antioxidant Role in a Propionic acid-induced Autism Model: Demonstrated by Behavioral tests, Histological Findings and MR Spectroscopy’. Neurosci Lett 2022; 779:136622. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2022.136622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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Vezer M, Demeter Á, Szekeres M, Jósvai A, Bányai B, Oláh A, Balogh F, Horváth EM, Radovits T, Merkely B, Ács N, Nádasy GL, Török M, Várbiró S. Sex differences in rat renal arterial responses following exercise training. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2022; 322:H310-H318. [PMID: 34995166 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00398.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
During aerobic exercise, hemodynamic alterations occure; while blood flow in skeletal muscle arteries increases, it decreases in visceral vessels due to mesenterial vasoconstriction. However, maintaining renal blood flow during intensive sport is also a priority. Our aim was to investigate the changes of vascular reactivity and histology of isolated renal artery of male and female rats in response to swim-training. Wistar rats were distributed into four groups: male sedentary (MSed), male trained (MTr), female sedentary (FSed), and female trained (FTr). Trained animals underwent a 12-week-long intensive swimming program. Vascular function of isolated renal artery segments was examined by wire myography. Phenylephrine-induced contraction was lower in FSed compared to MSed animals, and it was decreased by training in male but not in female animals. Inhibition of cyclooxygenases by indomethacin reduced contraction in both sedentary groups, and in MTr but not in FTr animals. Inhibition of nitric oxide production increased contraction in both trained groups. Acetylcholine induced relaxation was similar in all experimental groups showing predominant NO-dependency. Elastin and smooth muscle cell actin density was reduced in female rats after aerobic training. This study shows that, as a result of 12-weeks-long training, there are sex differences in renal arterial responses following exercise training. Swimming moderates renal artery vasoconstriction in male animals, while it depresses elastic fiber and smooth muscle actin density in females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marton Vezer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.,Department of Physiology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ágota Demeter
- Department of Physiology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Maria Szekeres
- Department of Physiology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.,Department of Morphology and Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Semmelweis University, Hungary
| | - Attila Jósvai
- Department of Neurosurgery, Military Hospital, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Bálint Bányai
- Department of Physiology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Attila Oláh
- Heart and Vascular Centre, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Fruzsina Balogh
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Informatics, Technical University Budapest, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Eszter M Horváth
- Department of Physiology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Tamás Radovits
- Heart and Vascular Centre, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Béla Merkely
- Heart and Vascular Centre, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Nándor Ács
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - György L Nádasy
- Department of Physiology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Marianna Török
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.,Workgroup for Science Management, Doctoral School, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Szabolcs Várbiró
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.,Workgroup for Science Management, Doctoral School, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
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Xiao L, Sun W, Su Y, Lu N, He Y, Sheng X, Qi X, Xing K, Guo Y, Chang D, Wang X, Zhao J, Ni H. Dihydrotestosterone regulation of cyclooxygenase-2 expression in bovine endometrial epithelium cells by androgen receptor mediated EGFR/PI3K/Akt pathway. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2021; 214:106001. [PMID: 34547381 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2021.106001] [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: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Uterine prostaglandins F2α (PGF2α) is essential for implantation, initiation of luteolysis and delivery. Previous studies have demonstrated that the expression of Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), an enzyme limiting PGF2α rate, is regulated by steroid hormones, and also dihydrotestosterone (DHT) may be involved in regulating COX-2 expression both positively and negatively. However, it remains unclear how whether DHT regulates COX-2 expression and consequent PGF2α release in bovine endometrial epithelial cells (EECs). In this study, we evaluated the localization of the two isoforms of DHT synthetase 5α-reductase (5α-red1 and 5α-red2) and androgen receptor (AR) in bovine endometria by immunohistochemistry, and investigated 5α-red1, 5α-red2, AR, and DHT levels at the different stages of endometria (follicle, early-, mid-, and late-pregnancy phases). The results showed that 5α-red1, 5α-red2 and AR all were expressed in endometria, and their expressions and the level of DHT significantly increased in the late-pregnancy phase compared with the mid-pregnancy phase. Moreover, we cultured EECs from the mid-pregnancy phase and the in vitro study showed that DHT dose-dependently increased COX-2 expression and PGF2a release, but AR antagonist (flutamide) inhibited the stimulating effect via DHT. In addition, the DHT-induced COX-2 expression and PGF2α release were subjected to the regulation of both EGFR/PI3K/Akt/NFkB signaling as the inhibitors of EGFR (AG1478) and PI3K/Akt (LY294002) and NFkB (QNZ) attenuated the DHT mediated effect. Taken together, the results demonstrated that DHT-induced COX-2 expression and consequent PGF2α release in bovine EECs were mediated through AR-derived EGFR transactivation and PI3K/Akt cascade leading to NFkB activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longfei Xiao
- Animal Science and Technology College, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, China
| | - Wanxu Sun
- Animal Science and Technology College, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, China
| | - Yue Su
- Animal Science and Technology College, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, China
| | - Ning Lu
- Animal Science and Technology College, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, China
| | - Yanan He
- Zhangjiagang Agriculture and Rural Affairs Bureau, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xihui Sheng
- Animal Science and Technology College, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaolong Qi
- Animal Science and Technology College, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, China
| | - Kai Xing
- Animal Science and Technology College, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, China
| | - Yong Guo
- Animal Science and Technology College, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, China
| | - Di Chang
- Animal Science and Technology College, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, China
| | - Xiangguo Wang
- Animal Science and Technology College, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, China.
| | - Junjin Zhao
- National Grazing Headquarter, Beijing, China
| | - Hemin Ni
- Animal Science and Technology College, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, China.
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12
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Kolmogorova D, Ah-Yen EG, Taylor BC, Vaggas T, Liang J, Davis T, Ismail N. Sex-specific responses of the pubertal neuroimmune axis in CD-1 mice. Brain Behav Immun Health 2021; 13:100229. [PMID: 34589744 PMCID: PMC8474685 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2021.100229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The mechanistic relationship between the sexually dimorphic neuroimmune system and the sex-specific outcomes of a pubertal immune challenge is unclear. Therefore, we examined sex differences in the progression of cytotoxic microglial responses and blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption to a peripubertal lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment in brain regions relevant to stress responses and cognitive function. Six-week-old (i.e., stress-sensitive pubertal period) male and female CD-1 mice were treated with LPS (1.5 mg/kg body weight, ip) or 0.9% saline (LPS-matched volume, ip). Sex and treatment differences in microglial (Iba1+) and apoptotic neuronal (caspase-3+/NeuN+) and non-neuronal (caspase-3+/NeuN−) expression were examined in the hippocampus, medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), and paraventricular nucleus 24 h (sickness), one week (symptomatic recovery) and four weeks (early adulthood) post-treatment (n = 8/group). Microglial morphology was quantified with fractal analyses. Group differences in BBB permeability to 14C-sucrose were examined 24 h (whole-brain, hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, hypothalamus, and cerebellum) and one week (whole-brain) post-treatment. The acute effects of pubertal LPS were specific to females (i.e., global BBB disruption, altered microglial expression and morphology in the mPFC and hippocampus, increased hippocampal apoptosis). The residual effects of pubertal LPS-induced sickness observed in microglia persisted into adulthood in a sex- and region-specific manner. In addition to highlighting these sex-specific responses of the pubertal neuroimmune system, we report baseline region-specific sex differences in microglia spanning puberty through adulthood. We propose that these sex differences in neuroimmune-neurovascular interactions during the stress-sensitive pubertal period create sex biases in stress-related disorders of brain and behaviour. Pubertal LPS alters baseline sex differences in microglial numbers and morphology. Pubertal CD-1 mice mount sexually dimorphic neuroimmune responses to systemic LPS. Treatment effects on microglial expression and morphology differ by sex and region. The acute LPS-induced effects were specific to females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daria Kolmogorova
- NISE Laboratory, School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Emily Grace Ah-Yen
- NISE Laboratory, School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Tiffany Vaggas
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - Jacky Liang
- NISE Laboratory, School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tama Davis
- NISE Laboratory, School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nafissa Ismail
- NISE Laboratory, School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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13
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Wu S, Huang D, Su X, Yan H, Ma A, Li L, Wu J, Sun Z. The prostaglandin synthases, COX-2 and L-PGDS, mediate prostate hyperplasia induced by low-dose bisphenol A. Sci Rep 2020; 10:13108. [PMID: 32753632 PMCID: PMC7403327 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-69809-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to identify prostaglandin synthases (PGS) that mediate bisphenol A (BPA)-induced prostatic hyperplasia and explore their underlying mechanisms. In an in vivo study, male adult Sprague–Dawley rats were treated with different concentrations of BPA (10, 30, 90, or 270 μg/kg, i.g., daily), or with vehicle for 4 weeks. Results revealed that low-dose BPA induced prostatic hyperplasia with increased PCNA/TUNEL ratio. It significantly upregulated the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and NF-κB in the dorsolateral prostate (P < 0.05) and the expression of lipocalin-type prostaglandin D synthase (L-PGDS) in ventral prostate (P < 0.05). The level of estradiol (E2)/testosterone (T) and expression of androgen receptor (AR) and estrogen receptor α (ERα) were also altered. In vitro studies showed that low-dose BPA (0.1–10 nM) promoted the proliferation of human prostate fibroblasts and epithelial cells, and significantly upregulated the expression of COX-2 and L-PGDS in the cells. The two types of cell proliferation induced by BPA were inhibited by COX-2 inhibitor (NS398) and L-PGDS inhibitor (AT56), with increased apoptosis level. These findings suggested that COX-2 and L-PGDS could mediate low-dose BPA-induced prostatic hyperplasia through pathways involved in cell proliferation and apoptosis, which might be related to the functions of ERα and AR. The role of COX-2/NF-κB pathway in dorsolateral prostate requires further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuangshuang Wu
- Pharmacy School of Fudan University, Shanghai, 201203, China.,National Evaluation Centre for Toxicology of Fertility Regulating Drugs, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation of NPFPC, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Reproductive and Developmental Research Institute of Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Dongyan Huang
- National Evaluation Centre for Toxicology of Fertility Regulating Drugs, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation of NPFPC, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Reproductive and Developmental Research Institute of Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xin Su
- National Evaluation Centre for Toxicology of Fertility Regulating Drugs, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation of NPFPC, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Reproductive and Developmental Research Institute of Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Han Yan
- National Evaluation Centre for Toxicology of Fertility Regulating Drugs, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation of NPFPC, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Reproductive and Developmental Research Institute of Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Aicui Ma
- National Evaluation Centre for Toxicology of Fertility Regulating Drugs, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation of NPFPC, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Reproductive and Developmental Research Institute of Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Lei Li
- National Evaluation Centre for Toxicology of Fertility Regulating Drugs, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation of NPFPC, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Reproductive and Developmental Research Institute of Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jianhui Wu
- National Evaluation Centre for Toxicology of Fertility Regulating Drugs, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Shanghai, 200032, China. .,Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation of NPFPC, Shanghai, 200032, China. .,Reproductive and Developmental Research Institute of Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Zuyue Sun
- National Evaluation Centre for Toxicology of Fertility Regulating Drugs, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation of NPFPC, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Reproductive and Developmental Research Institute of Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
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14
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Pace S, Werz O. Impact of Androgens on Inflammation-Related Lipid Mediator Biosynthesis in Innate Immune Cells. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1356. [PMID: 32714332 PMCID: PMC7344291 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, allergic rhinitis and many other disorders related to an aberrant immune response have a higher incidence and severity in women than in men. Emerging evidences from scientific studies indicate that the activity of the immune system is superior in females and that androgens may act as “immunosuppressive” molecules with inhibitory effects on inflammatory reactions. Among the multiple factors that contribute to the inflammatory response, lipid mediators (LM), produced from polyunsaturated fatty acids, represent a class of bioactive small molecules with pivotal roles in the onset, maintenance and resolution of inflammation. LM encompass pro-inflammatory eicosanoids and specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPM) that coexist in a tightly regulated balance necessary for the return to homeostasis. Innate immune cells including neutrophils, monocytes and macrophages possess high capacities to generate distinct LM. In the last decades it became more and more evident that sex represents an important variable in the regulation of inflammation where sex hormones play crucial roles. Recent findings showed that the biosynthesis of inflammation-related LM is sex-biased and that androgens impact LM formation with consequences not only for pathophysiology but also for pharmacotherapy. Here, we review the modulation of the inflammatory response by sex and androgens with a specific focus on LM pathways. In particular, we highlight the impact of androgens on the biosynthetic pathway of inflammation-related eicosanoids in innate immune cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Pace
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Oliver Werz
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
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15
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Abi-Ghanem C, Robison LS, Zuloaga KL. Androgens' effects on cerebrovascular function in health and disease. Biol Sex Differ 2020; 11:35. [PMID: 32605602 PMCID: PMC7328272 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-020-00309-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Androgens affect the cerebral vasculature and may contribute to sex differences in cerebrovascular diseases. Men are at a greater risk for stroke and vascular contributions to cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID) compared to women throughout much of the lifespan. The cerebral vasculature is a target for direct androgen actions, as it expresses several sex steroid receptors and metabolizing enzymes. Androgens’ actions on the cerebral vasculature are complex, as they have been shown to have both protective and detrimental effects, depending on factors such as age, dose, and disease state. When administered chronically, androgens are shown to be pro-angiogenic, promote vasoconstriction, and influence blood-brain barrier permeability. In addition to these direct effects of androgens on the cerebral vasculature, androgens also influence other vascular risk factors that may contribute to sex differences in cerebrovascular diseases. In men, low androgen levels have been linked to metabolic and cardiovascular diseases including hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and obesity, which greatly increase the risk of stroke and VCID. Thus, a better understanding of androgens’ interactions with the cerebral vasculature under physiological and pathological conditions is of key importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charly Abi-Ghanem
- Department of Neuroscience & Experimental Therapeutics, Albany Medical College, 47 New Scotland Avenue, MC-136, Albany, NY, 12208, USA
| | - Lisa S Robison
- Department of Neuroscience & Experimental Therapeutics, Albany Medical College, 47 New Scotland Avenue, MC-136, Albany, NY, 12208, USA
| | - Kristen L Zuloaga
- Department of Neuroscience & Experimental Therapeutics, Albany Medical College, 47 New Scotland Avenue, MC-136, Albany, NY, 12208, USA.
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16
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Cruz-Topete D, Dominic P, Stokes KY. Uncovering sex-specific mechanisms of action of testosterone and redox balance. Redox Biol 2020; 31:101490. [PMID: 32169396 PMCID: PMC7212492 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2020.101490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Revised: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The molecular and pharmacological manipulation of the endogenous redox system is a promising therapy to limit myocardial damage after a heart attack; however, antioxidant therapies have failed to fully establish their cardioprotective effects, suggesting that additional factors, including antioxidant system interactions with other molecular pathways, may alter the pharmacological effects of antioxidants. Since gender differences in cardiovascular disease (CVD) are prevalent, and sex is an essential determinant of the response to oxidative stress, it is of particular interest to understand the effects of sex hormone signaling on the activity and expression of cellular antioxidants and the pharmacological actions of antioxidant therapies. In the present review, we briefly summarize the current understanding of testosterone effects on the modulation of the endogenous antioxidant systems in the CV system, cardiomyocytes, and the heart. We also review the latest research on redox balance and sexual dimorphism, with particular emphasis on the role of the natural antioxidant system glutathione (GSH) in the context of myocardial infarction, and the pro- and antioxidant effects of testosterone signaling via the androgen receptor (AR) on the heart. Finally, we discuss future perspectives regarding the potential of using combing antioxidant and testosterone replacement therapies to protect the aging myocardium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Cruz-Topete
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Shreveport, LA, USA; Center for Cardiovascular Diseases and Sciences, Shreveport, LA, USA.
| | - Paari Dominic
- Center for Cardiovascular Diseases and Sciences, Shreveport, LA, USA; Department of Cardiology, LSU Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA, USA
| | - Karen Y Stokes
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Shreveport, LA, USA; Center for Cardiovascular Diseases and Sciences, Shreveport, LA, USA
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17
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Yang L, Zhou R, Tong Y, Chen P, Shen Y, Miao S, Liu X. Neuroprotection by dihydrotestosterone in LPS-induced neuroinflammation. Neurobiol Dis 2020; 140:104814. [PMID: 32087283 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2020.104814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Revised: 02/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Microglia-induced neuroinflammation plays a vital role in the etiology and progression of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis. The neuroprotective role of androgens, including testosterone and its metabolite dihydrotestosterone (DHT), has been increasingly demonstrated in these diseases, but few studies investigated the effects of androgen on neuroinflammation. This study investigated the role of DHT in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced neuroinflammation, neuronal damage and behavioral dysfunction, as well as underlying mechanisms. We showed that DHT inhibited LPS-induced release of proinflammatory factors, including TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6; iNOS, COX-2, NO, and PGE2 in BV2 cells and primary microglia by suppressing the TLR4-mediated NF-κB and MAPK p38 signaling pathways, thus protecting SH-SY5Y neurons from inflammatory damage induced by activated microglia. In an LPS-induced neuroinflammation mouse model, endogenous DHT depletion by castration exacerbated inflammatory responses by upregulating the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, iNOS, and COX-2 in the serum and brain by increasing the LR4-mediated NF-κB and MAPK pathway activation, but these effects were restored by exogenous DHT supplementation. Moreover, DHT also regulated the mRNA levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-10 and IL-13 in the brain. In addition, DHT modulated the expression of Aβ, the apoptotic proteins caspase-3, Bcl-2, and Bax, and synaptophysin, as well as neuronal damage in LPS-treated mouse brains. Further behavioral tests revealed that DHT ameliorated LPS-induced spatial and learning impairment and motor incoordination, and partly improved the locomotor activity in LPS-injected mice. Therefore, this study suggests that DHT exerts anti-neuroinflammatory and neuroprotective effects; thus, androgen replacement therapy is a potential therapeutic strategy for improving cognitive and behavioral function in neuroinflammation-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Yang
- Department of Urology, Jing'an District Central Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Renyuan Zhou
- Department of Urology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin Medical University 300070 Tianjin, China; Department of Urology, Jing'an District Central Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Yu Tong
- Department of Urology, Jing'an District Central Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Pengfei Chen
- Department of Urology, Jing'an District Central Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Yu Shen
- Department of Urology, Jing'an District Central Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Shuai Miao
- Department of Urology, Jing'an District Central Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China.
| | - Xiaoqiang Liu
- Department of Urology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin Medical University 300070 Tianjin, China.
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18
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Xiao L, Song L, Hu J, Zhang Q, Jiang Y, Duan H, Zhang Y, Zhao X, Hua Y. Dihydrotestosterone synthesis in the sheep corpus luteum and its potential mechanism in luteal regression. J Cell Physiol 2019; 234:15182-15193. [PMID: 30671954 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.28159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2018] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Corpus luteum (CL) regression is a complex physiological process. Previous studies have shown that dihydrotestosterone (DHT) may be involved in regulating CL regression, but the mechanism is still unclear. In this study, we evaluated the localization of the two isoforms of DHT synthetase 5α-reductase (5α-red1 and 5α-red2) and androgen receptor (AR) in sheep CL, and investigated 5α-red1, 5α-red2, AR, and DHT levels at different luteal stages of CL (early, middle, and late phase) by immunohistochemistry, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and western blot analysis. Moreover, we cultured luteal cells from middle phase CL and treated them with different concentrations of DHT (10-10 -10 -6 M) and the AR antagonist flutamide (10 -5 M), to evaluate whether DHT is involved in the regulation of progesterone (P4) secretion and progesterone nuclear receptor (PGR) expression and whether these effects are regulated by the AR pathway. We also investigated the effects of DHT and flutamide on prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) secretion and apoptotic gene and protein expression. Our results showed that 5α-red1, 5α-red2, and AR were expressed in the CL, and their expression and DHT levels were changed during the luteal phase. DHT was involved in mediating P4 and PGF2α secretion and PGR and apoptotic gene and protein expression. The effects of DHT on CL were at least partially regulated by the AR pathway. This study reveals the mechanism of action of DHT on sheep CL regression and lays the foundation for further exploration of androgen regulation of CL function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longfei Xiao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Liangli Song
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Junjie Hu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Quanwei Zhang
- College of Life Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Yuting Jiang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Hongwei Duan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Xingxu Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Yongli Hua
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
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19
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Farrokhi M, Gashti MZ, Hoormand M, Bakhtiarian A, Habibi R. Combination therapy profoundly improved skin flap survival by modulating KATP channels and nitric oxide. Adv Med Sci 2019; 64:117-123. [PMID: 30640077 DOI: 10.1016/j.advms.2018.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2017] [Revised: 07/20/2018] [Accepted: 08/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE A potential therapeutic approach on skin flap necrosis is to target parallel pathways involved in necrosis. Azelaic Acid, Minoxidil and Caffeine combination was tried on skin flap survival by their possible interaction with ATP sensitive potassium (KATP) channels and nitric oxide pathway. MATERIAL AND METHODS Sprauge-Dawley rats were divided into 8 groups for skin flap surgery. Azelaic acid, minoxidil, caffeine, or their combination were applied topically in different groups. Two additional groups were treated with L-NAME or glibenclamide in addition to the combination therapy. Percentage of flap necrosis was calculated and flap samples were removed to measure tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) and expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), Bcl-2 and Bax proteins. RESULTS Combination therapy profoundly decreased skin flap necrosis, tissue MDA contents, and expression of the pro-apoptotic protein Bax (p < 0.05 vs. single treatments). These effects were reversed by L-NAME and glibenclamide pre-treatments. Further evaluations showed combination therapy increases flap tissue NO content and iNOS expression (p < 0.05 vs. single treatments). CONCLUSION Beneficial effect of the combination therapy with azelaic acid, minoxidil and caffeine therapy on rescuing the flap from necrosis by targeting parallel signaling pathways suggested potential applications in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahtab Farrokhi
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Mahmood Hoormand
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Azam Bakhtiarian
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Rohalah Habibi
- Physiology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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20
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Robison LS, Gannon OJ, Salinero AE, Zuloaga KL. Contributions of sex to cerebrovascular function and pathology. Brain Res 2018; 1710:43-60. [PMID: 30580011 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2018.12.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2018] [Revised: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 12/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Sex differences exist in how cerebral blood vessels function under both physiological and pathological conditions, contributing to observed sex differences in risk and outcomes of cerebrovascular diseases (CBVDs), such as vascular contributions to cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID) and stroke. Throughout most of the lifespan, women are protected from CBVDs; however, risk increases following menopause, suggesting sex hormones may play a significant role in this protection. The cerebrovasculature is a target for sex hormones, including estrogens, progestins, and androgens, where they can influence numerous vascular functions and pathologies. While there is a plethora of information on estrogen, the effects of progestins and androgens on the cerebrovasculature are less well-defined. Estrogen decreases cerebral tone and increases cerebral blood flow, while androgens increase tone. Both estrogens and androgens enhance angiogenesis/cerebrovascular remodeling. While both estrogens and androgens attenuate cerebrovascular inflammation, pro-inflammatory effects of androgens under physiological conditions have also been demonstrated. Sex hormones exert additional neuroprotective effects by attenuating oxidative stress and maintaining integrity and function of the blood brain barrier. Most animal studies utilize young, healthy, gonadectomized animals, which do not mimic the clinical conditions of aging individuals likely to get CBVDs. This is also concerning, as sex hormones appear to mediate cerebrovascular function differently based on age and disease state (e.g. metabolic syndrome). Through this review, we hope to inspire others to consider sex as a key biological variable in cerebrovascular research, as greater understanding of sex differences in cerebrovascular function will assist in developing personalized approaches to prevent and treat CBVDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa S Robison
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Albany Medical College, 47 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208, United States.
| | - Olivia J Gannon
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Albany Medical College, 47 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208, United States.
| | - Abigail E Salinero
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Albany Medical College, 47 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208, United States.
| | - Kristen L Zuloaga
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Albany Medical College, 47 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208, United States.
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21
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Quintero-García M, Delgado-González E, Sánchez-Tusie A, Vázquez M, Aceves C, Anguiano B. Iodine prevents the increase of testosterone-induced oxidative stress in a model of rat prostatic hyperplasia. Free Radic Biol Med 2018; 115:298-308. [PMID: 29248723 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2017.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2017] [Revised: 12/11/2017] [Accepted: 12/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Oxidative stress and inflammation are involved in the development and/or progression of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Molecular iodine (I2) induces antiproliferative and apoptotic effects in prostate cancer cells, but it is unknown if I2 regulates oxidative stress in the normal and/or tumoral prostate. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of I2 and celecoxib (Cxb) on oxidative stress and inflammation in a model of prostatic hyperplasia. Cxb was used as positive control of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibition. Prostatic hyperplasia was induced in male Wistar rats (170g) with testosterone (5mg/kg/week, for three weeks). One week before hyperplasia induction, I2 (25mg/day/rat) or Cxb (1.25mg/day/rat) was supplied for four weeks in the drinking water. Prostatic hyperplasia was evaluated by histological analysis, DNA content, and/or proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) expression. Lipoperoxidation (malondialdehyde) and nitrite (NO2-) levels were analyzed by colorimetric methods, while nitric oxide synthase (NOS), COX, and myeloperoxidase (MPO) enzymes were analyzed using RT-PCR, immunoblotting, and/or enzymatic assays. Levels of 15-F2t-isoprostanes, prostaglandins (PGE2), leukotrienes (LTB4), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) were measured by ELISA. Control testosterone-treated animals exhibited hyperplasia in the dorsolateral prostate, as well as increments in almost all oxidative parameters except for COX-1, TNFα, or MPO. I2 and Cxb prevented epithelial hyperplasia (DNA content) and oxidative stress induction generated by testosterone in almost the same intensity, and the minimum I2 dose required was 2.5mg/rat. The antioxidant capacity of I2 was also analyzed in a cell-free system, showing that this element inhibited the conversion of nitrate (NO3-) to NO2-. I2 did not modify the prostatic oxidative state in testosterone untreated rats. In summary, our data showed that antiproliferative and antioxidant effects of I2 involve the inhibition of NOS and the COX-2 pathway. Further studies are necessary to analyze the therapeutic and/or adjuvant effects of I2 with first-line medications used to treat BPH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Quintero-García
- Departamento de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Campus Juriquilla, 76230 Querétaro, Mexico
| | - Evangelina Delgado-González
- Departamento de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Campus Juriquilla, 76230 Querétaro, Mexico
| | - Ana Sánchez-Tusie
- Departamento de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Campus Juriquilla, 76230 Querétaro, Mexico
| | - Mario Vázquez
- Departamento de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Campus Juriquilla, 76230 Querétaro, Mexico
| | - Carmen Aceves
- Departamento de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Campus Juriquilla, 76230 Querétaro, Mexico
| | - Brenda Anguiano
- Departamento de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Campus Juriquilla, 76230 Querétaro, Mexico.
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22
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Raman P, Madhavpeddi L, Gonzales RJ. Palmitate induces glycosylation of cyclooxygenase-2 in primary human vascular smooth muscle cells. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2018; 314:C545-C553. [PMID: 29384693 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00254.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Vascular basal cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression and activity can be induced by endotoxin, hypoxia, or ischemia. During vascular pathologies such as atherosclerosis, increases in COX-2 activity result in prostanoid production, a contributor to the development and progression of vascular inflammation leading to unstable atherosclerotic plaques and increased risk for thrombotic events. Recent studies demonstrate that select free fatty acids, such as palmitate, can act as proinflammatory mediators. However, the effect of palmitate on COX-2 expression and activity, and its impact on the development and progression of vascular inflammation, are not well elucidated. We investigated the effect of palmitate on COX-2 expression and function in human vascular smooth muscle cells. Cells were treated with palmitate, COX-2 protein levels were assessed using Western analysis, and activity was assessed via ELISA. We observed that palmitate dose-dependently increased COX-2 levels and specifically enhanced band intensity of the COX-2 74 kDa band (slowest migrating band). This response was attenuated by N-linked glycosylation inhibition, suggesting that palmitate impacts expression of the fully activated glycoform of COX-2. Palmitate-induced increases in COX-2 levels correlated with an increase in prostaglandin E2 production that was also attenuated by a glycosylation inhibitor. Additionally, palmitate altered cell morphology and increased cell density which were reversed by selective COX-2 inhibition. Thus, we conclude that palmitate acts on COX-2 by two separate mechanisms of action in human vascular smooth muscle. It elicits dose-dependent increases in COX-2 protein expression and modulates regulation of COX-2 activity via modification of posttranslational glycosylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Puneet Raman
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix , Phoenix, Arizona
| | - Lakshmi Madhavpeddi
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix , Phoenix, Arizona
| | - Rayna J Gonzales
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix , Phoenix, Arizona
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23
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Boese AC, Chang L, Yin KJ, Chen YE, Lee JP, Hamblin MH. Sex differences in abdominal aortic aneurysms. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2018; 314:H1137-H1152. [PMID: 29350999 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00519.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a vascular disorder with a high case fatality rate in the instance of rupture. AAA is a multifactorial disease, and the etiology is still not fully understood. AAA is more likely to occur in men, but women have a greater risk of rupture and worse prognosis. Women are reportedly protected against AAA possibly by premenopausal levels of estrogen and are, on average, diagnosed at older ages than men. Here, we review the present body of research on AAA pathophysiology in humans, animal models, and cultured cells, with an emphasis on sex differences and sex steroid hormone signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Austin C Boese
- Department of Pharmacology, Tulane University School of Medicine , New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Lin Chang
- Center for Advanced Models for Translational Sciences and Therapeutics, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan , Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Ke-Jie Yin
- Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine , Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Y Eugene Chen
- Center for Advanced Models for Translational Sciences and Therapeutics, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan , Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Jean-Pyo Lee
- Department of Physiology, Tulane University School of Medicine , New Orleans, Louisiana.,Center for Stem Cell Research and Regenerative Medicine , New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Milton H Hamblin
- Department of Pharmacology, Tulane University School of Medicine , New Orleans, Louisiana
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24
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Abstract
The severity and course of inflammatory processes differ between women and men, but the biochemical mechanisms underlying these sex differences are elusive. Prostaglandins (PG) and leukotrienes (LT) are lipid mediators linked to inflammation. We demonstrated superior LT biosynthesis in human neutrophils and monocytes, and in mouse macrophages from females, and we confirmed these sex differences in vivo where female mice produced more LTs during zymosan-induced peritonitis versus males. Here, we report sex differences in PG production in neutrophils during acute inflammation. In the late phase (4–8 hrs) of mouse zymosan-induced peritonitis and rat carrageenan-induced pleurisy, PG levels in males were higher versus females, seemingly due to higher PG production in infiltrated neutrophils. Accordingly, human neutrophils from males produced more PGE2 than cells from females. Increased PG biosynthesis in males was accompanied by elevated cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 expression connected to increased nuclear factor-kappa B activation, and was abolished when LT synthesis was pharmacologically blocked, suggesting that elevated PG production in males might be caused by increased COX-2 expression and by shunting phenomena due to suppressed LT formation. Conclusively, our data reveal that the biosynthesis of pro-inflammatory PGs and LTs is conversely regulated by sex with consequences for the inflammatory response.
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25
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Dual effects of testosterone in Behcet's disease: implications for a role in disease pathogenesis. Genes Immun 2016; 17:335-41. [PMID: 27467286 DOI: 10.1038/gene.2016.28] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2016] [Accepted: 05/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Behcet's disease (BD) exhibits more severe disease course and higher mortality among male patients. However, underlying mechanisms of gender differences in clinical manifestations and disease severity are unclear. The aim of this study was to determine whether testosterone (T) has any role on BD pathogenesis. We studied peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and neutrophils of BD patients and controls. Functional assay of neutrophils, cytokine measurements of culture supernatants and gene expressions on both cells were analyzed before and after T incubation. Neutrophils were significantly activated after incubation with T in only BD patients. Incubation with T caused significantly elevated interleukin (IL)-12 and IL-2 in BD. Gene expression of IL-10 was significantly downregulated after incubation with T in BD, especially in male patients. The same difference was observed in IL-10 levels in culture supernatant after T. Baseline TLR4 expression was significantly higher in BD patients compared to healthy donors (HC). Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 expression on PBMC was significantly elevated in female BD patients. ERAP1 expressions of all patients and controls were decreased under the T effect but it differed significantly between BD vs HC. Baseline IL23R expression was higher in BD males compared with females but the difference disappeared after T. When BD patients were analyzed separately, baseline C-C motif chemokine receptor1 (CCR1), STAT4, TLR4 and KLRC4 expressions were lower in males. Despite immunosuppressive behavior in healthy subjects, T causes neutrophil hyperactivation and TH1 type immune alterations in BD patients. Our results suggest that T may have a role in BD pathogenesis by altering the expression level of IL-10, TLR4, ERAP1, CCR1.
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26
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Turillazzi E, Neri M, Cerretani D, Cantatore S, Frati P, Moltoni L, Busardò FP, Pomara C, Riezzo I, Fineschi V. Lipid peroxidation and apoptotic response in rat brain areas induced by long-term administration of nandrolone: the mutual crosstalk between ROS and NF-kB. J Cell Mol Med 2016; 20:601-12. [PMID: 26828721 PMCID: PMC5125979 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.12748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2015] [Accepted: 11/02/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the played by oxidative stress in the apoptotic response in different brain areas of rats chronically treated with supra-physiological doses of nandrolone decanoate (ND). Immunohistochemical study and Western blot analysis were performed to evaluate cells' apoptosis and to measure the effects of expression of specific mediators, such as NF-κB (nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells), Bcl-2 (B-cell lymphoma 2), SMAC/DIABLO (second mitochondria-derived activator of caspases/direct IAP-binding protein with low PI) and VMAT2 (vesicular monoamine transporter 2) on apoptosis. The results of the present study indicate that a long-term administration of ND promotes oxidative injury in rat brain specific areas. A link between oxidative stress and NF-κB signalling pathways is supported by our results. In addition to high levels of oxidative stress, we consistently observed a strong immunopositivity to NF-κB. It has been argued that one of the pathways leading to the activation of NF-κB could be under reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated control. In fact, growing evidence suggests that although in limited doses, endogenous ROS may play an activating role in NF-κB signalling, while above a certain threshold, they may negatively impact upon this signalling. However, a mutual crosstalk between ROS and NF-κB exists and recent studies have shown that ROS activity is subject to negative feedback regulation by NF-κB, and that this negative regulation of ROS is the means through which NF-κB counters programmed cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Turillazzi
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Margherita Neri
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Daniela Cerretani
- Pharmacology Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Italy
| | - Santina Cantatore
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Paola Frati
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Roma, Italy.,Neuromed, Istituto Mediterraneo Neurologico (IRCCS), Pozzilli, Isernia, Italy
| | - Laura Moltoni
- Pharmacology Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Italy
| | - Francesco Paolo Busardò
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Roma, Italy
| | - Cristoforo Pomara
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Irene Riezzo
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Vittorio Fineschi
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Roma, Italy
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27
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Tostes RC, Carneiro FS, Carvalho MHC, Reckelhoff JF. Reactive oxygen species: players in the cardiovascular effects of testosterone. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2015; 310:R1-14. [PMID: 26538238 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00392.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2014] [Accepted: 10/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Androgens are essential for the development and maintenance of male reproductive tissues and sexual function and for overall health and well being. Testosterone, the predominant and most important androgen, not only affects the male reproductive system, but also influences the activity of many other organs. In the cardiovascular system, the actions of testosterone are still controversial, its effects ranging from protective to deleterious. While early studies showed that testosterone replacement therapy exerted beneficial effects on cardiovascular disease, some recent safety studies point to a positive association between endogenous and supraphysiological levels of androgens/testosterone and cardiovascular disease risk. Among the possible mechanisms involved in the actions of testosterone on the cardiovascular system, indirect actions (changes in the lipid profile, insulin sensitivity, and hemostatic mechanisms, modulation of the sympathetic nervous system and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system), as well as direct actions (modulatory effects on proinflammatory enzymes, on the generation of reactive oxygen species, nitric oxide bioavailability, and on vasoconstrictor signaling pathways) have been reported. This mini-review focuses on evidence indicating that testosterone has prooxidative actions that may contribute to its deleterious actions in the cardiovascular system. The controversial effects of testosterone on ROS generation and oxidant status, both prooxidant and antioxidant, in the cardiovascular system and in cells and tissues of other systems are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita C Tostes
- University of São Paulo, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, Ribeirao Preto, São Paulo, Brazil;
| | - Fernando S Carneiro
- University of São Paulo, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, Ribeirao Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Jane F Reckelhoff
- University of Mississippi Medical Center, Women's Health Research Center, Jackson, Mississippi
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28
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Matsumoto T, Goulopoulou S, Taguchi K, Tostes RC, Kobayashi T. Constrictor prostanoids and uridine adenosine tetraphosphate: vascular mediators and therapeutic targets in hypertension and diabetes. Br J Pharmacol 2015; 172:3980-4001. [PMID: 26031319 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2015] [Revised: 04/16/2015] [Accepted: 05/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular dysfunction plays a pivotal role in the development of systemic complications associated with arterial hypertension and diabetes. The endothelium, or more specifically, various factors derived from endothelial cells tightly regulate vascular function, including vascular tone. In physiological conditions, there is a balance between endothelium-derived factors, that is, relaxing factors (endothelium-derived relaxing factors; EDRFs) and contracting factors (endothelium-derived contracting factors; EDCFs), which mediate vascular homeostasis. However, in disease states, such as diabetes and arterial hypertension, there is an imbalance between EDRF and EDCF, with a reduction of EDRF signalling and an increase of EDCF signalling. Among EDCFs, COX-derived vasoconstrictor prostanoids play an important role in the development of vascular dysfunction associated with hypertension and diabetes. Moreover, uridine adenosine tetraphosphate (Up4 A), identified as an EDCF in 2005, also modulates vascular function. However, the role of Up4 A in hypertension- and diabetes-associated vascular dysfunction is unclear. In the present review, we focused on experimental and clinical evidence that implicate these two EDCFs (vasoconstrictor prostanoids and Up4 A) in vascular dysfunction associated with hypertension and diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takayuki Matsumoto
- Department of Physiology and Morphology, Institute of Medicinal Chemistry, Hoshi University, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Styliani Goulopoulou
- Department of Integrative Physiology and Anatomy, Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA
| | - Kumiko Taguchi
- Department of Physiology and Morphology, Institute of Medicinal Chemistry, Hoshi University, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Rita C Tostes
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirao Preto Medical School University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Tsuneo Kobayashi
- Department of Physiology and Morphology, Institute of Medicinal Chemistry, Hoshi University, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, Japan
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29
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Karimi AA, Ajami M, Asadi Y, Aboutaleb N, Gorjipour F, Malekloo R, Pazoki-Toroudi H. Improvement of tissue survival of skin flaps by 5α-reductase inhibitors: possible involvement of nitric oxide and inducible nitric oxide synthase. IRANIAN BIOMEDICAL JOURNAL 2015; 19:111-6. [PMID: 25864816 PMCID: PMC4412922 DOI: 10.6091/ibj.1408.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background: Skin flap grafting is a popular approach for reconstruction of critical skin and underlying soft tissue injuries. In a previous study, we demonstrated the beneficial effects of two 5α-reductase inhibitors, azelaic acid and finasteride, on tissue survival in a rat model of skin flap grafting. In the current study, we investigated the involvement of nitric oxide and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in graft survival mediated by these agents. Methods: A number of 42 male rats were randomly allocated into six groups: 1, normal saline topical application; 2, azelaic acid (100 mg/flap); 3, finasteride (1 mg/flap); 4, injection of L-NG-nitroarginine methyl ester (L-NAME) (i.p., 20 mg/kg); 5, L-NAME (20 mg/kg, i.p.) + azelaic acid (100 mg/flap, topical); 6, L-NAME (20 mg/kg, i.p.) + finasteride (1 mg/flap, topical). Tissue survival, level of nitric oxide, and iNOS expression in groups were measured. Results: Our data revealed that azelaic acid and finasteride significantly increased the expression of iNOS protein and nitric oxide (NO) levels in graft tissue (P < 0.05). These increases in iNOS expression and NO level were associated with higher survival of the graft tissue. Conclusion: It appears that alterations of the NO metabolism are implicated in the azelaic acid- and finasteride-mediated survival of the skin flaps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Asghar Karimi
- Dept. of Physiology and Physiology Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Physiology Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Marjan Ajami
- Dept. of Food and Nutrition Policy and Planning Research, National Nutrition and Food Technology Research Institute, Faculty of Nutrition and Food Technology, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Yasin Asadi
- Physiology Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nahid Aboutaleb
- Physiology Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fazel Gorjipour
- Dept. of Physiology and Physiology Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Physiology Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Roya Malekloo
- Physiology Research Center, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Hamidreza Pazoki-Toroudi
- Dept. of Physiology and Physiology Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Physiology Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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30
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Witt KA, Sandoval KE. Steroids and the blood-brain barrier: therapeutic implications. ADVANCES IN PHARMACOLOGY (SAN DIEGO, CALIF.) 2014; 71:361-390. [PMID: 25307223 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apha.2014.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Steroids have a wide spectrum of impact, serving as fundamental regulators of nearly every physiological process within the human body. Therapeutic applications of steroids are equally broad, with a diverse range of medications and targets. Within the central nervous system (CNS), steroids influence development, memory, behavior, and disease outcomes. Moreover, steroids are well recognized as to their impact on the vascular endothelium. The blood-brain barrier (BBB) at the level of the brain microvascular endothelium serves as the principle interface between the peripheral circulation and the brain. Steroids have been identified to impact several critical properties of the BBB, including cellular efflux mechanisms, nutrient uptake, and tight junction integrity. Such actions not only influence brain homeostasis but also the delivery of CNS-targeted therapeutics. A greater understanding of the respective steroid-BBB interactions may shed further light on the differential treatment outcomes observed across CNS pathologies. In this chapter, we examine the current therapeutic implications of steroids respective to BBB structure and function, with emphasis on glucocorticoids and estrogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken A Witt
- Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville, Illinois, USA.
| | - Karin E Sandoval
- Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville, Illinois, USA
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31
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Wan R, Zhu C, Guo R, Jin L, Liu Y, Li L, Zhang H, Li S. Dihydrotestosterone alters urocortin levels in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. J Endocrinol 2013; 218:321-30. [PMID: 23801677 DOI: 10.1530/joe-13-0138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Urocortin (UCN1) is a member of corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF) family, which has been proven to participate in inflammation. Previous work showed that dihydrotestosterone (DHT) could promote the inflammatory process. Little is known about the effect of DHT on UCN1 expression. The aim of our study is to investigate the effects and underlying mechanisms of DHT on endothelial UCN1 expression in the absence and presence of induced inflammation. Therefore, we tested the alterations of endothelial UCN1 expression treated with DHT in the presence or absence of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Our data showed that DHT alone decreased UCN1 levels, which were attenuated in the presence of the androgen receptor (AR) antagonist flutamide. Conversely, in the presence of LPS, DHT augmented the LPS-induced increase in UCN1 expression, which was, interestingly, not affected by flutamide. When cells were treated with DHT alone, AR was upregulated and translocated into the nuclei, which might repress UCN1 expression via a potential androgen-responsive element found in human CRF family promoter. In the presence of LPS, DHT did not influence AR expression and location while it increased toll-like receptor 4 expression and activation, which was not altered by flutamide. DHT enhanced LPS-induced p38MAPK, ERK1/2, and nuclear factor κB pathway activation, which may contribute to the elevated expression of UCN1. These data suggest that DHT differentially influences UCN1 levels under normal and inflammatory conditions in human umbilical vein endothelial cells, which involves AR-dependent and -independent mechanisms respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Wan
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Lab of Cardiovascular Diseases and Molecular Intervention, Department of Pharmacology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, People's Republic of China
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32
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Gonzales RJ. Androgens and the cerebrovasculature: modulation of vascular function during normal and pathophysiological conditions. Pflugers Arch 2013; 465:627-42. [DOI: 10.1007/s00424-013-1267-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2013] [Accepted: 03/08/2013] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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33
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Zuloaga KL, Swift SN, Gonzales RJ, Wu TJ, Handa RJ. The androgen metabolite, 5α-androstane-3β,17β-diol, decreases cytokine-induced cyclooxygenase-2, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 expression, and P-glycoprotein expression in male human brain microvascular endothelial cells. Endocrinology 2012; 153:5949-60. [PMID: 23117931 PMCID: PMC3512076 DOI: 10.1210/en.2012-1316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
P-glycoprotein (Pgp), a multiple drug resistance transporter expressed by vascular endothelial cells, is a key component of the blood-brain barrier and has been shown to increase after inflammation. The nonaromatizable androgen, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), decreases inflammatory markers in vascular smooth muscle cells, independent of androgen receptor (AR) stimulation. The principal metabolite of DHT, 5α-androstane-3β,17β-diol (3β-diol), activates estrogen receptor (ER)β and similarly decreases inflammatory markers in vascular cells. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that either DHT or 3β-diol decrease cytokine-induced proinflammatory mediators, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), to regulate Pgp expression in male primary human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMECs). Using RT-qPCR, the mRNAs for AR, ERα, and ERβ and steroid metabolizing enzymes necessary for DHT conversion to 3β-diol were detected in male HBMECs demonstrating that the enzymes and receptors for production of and responsiveness to 3β-diol are present. Western analysis showed that 3β-diol reduced COX-2 and Pgp expression; the effect on Pgp was inhibited by the ER antagonist, ICI-182,780. IL-1β-caused an increase in COX-2 and VCAM-1 that was reduced by either DHT or 3β-diol. 3β-diol also decreased cytokine-induced Pgp expression. ICI-182,780 blocked the effect of 3β-diol on COX-2 and VCAM-1, but not Pgp expression. Therefore, in cytokine-stimulated male HBMECs, the effect of 3β-diol on proinflammatory mediator expression is ER dependent, whereas its effect on Pgp expression is ER independent. These studies suggest a novel role of 3β-diol in regulating blood-brain barrier function and support the concept that 3β-diol can be protective against proinflammatory mediator stimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen L Zuloaga
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ 85004-2157, USA
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34
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Zuloaga KL, O’Connor DT, Handa RJ, Gonzales RJ. Estrogen receptor beta dependent attenuation of cytokine-induced cyclooxygenase-2 by androgens in human brain vascular smooth muscle cells and rat mesenteric arteries. Steroids 2012; 77:835-44. [PMID: 22542504 PMCID: PMC3809122 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2012.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2012] [Revised: 04/06/2012] [Accepted: 04/10/2012] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Androgens may provide protective effects in the vasculature under pathophysiological conditions. Our past studies have shown that dihydrotestosterone (DHT) decreases expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) during cytokine, endotoxin, or hypoxic stimulation in human vascular smooth muscle cells, in an androgen receptor (AR)-independent fashion. Classically DHT is regarded as a pure AR agonist; however, it can be endogenously metabolized to 5α-androstane-3β, 17β-diol (3β-diol), which has recently been shown to be a selective estrogen receptor (ERβ) agonist. Therefore, we hypothesized that DHT's anti-inflammatory properties following cytokine stimulation are mediated through ERβ. Using primary human brain vascular smooth muscle cells (HBVSMC), we tested whether DHT's effect on IL-1β induced COX-2 expression was mediated via AR or ERβ. The metabolism of DHT to 3β-diol is a viable pathway in HBVSMC since mRNA for enzymes necessary for the synthesis and metabolism of 3β-diol [3alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD), 3β-HSD, 17β-HSD, CYP7B1] was detected. In addition, the expression of AR, ERα, and ERβ mRNA was detected. When applied to HBVSMC, DHT (10nM; 18 h) attenuated IL-1β-induced increases in COX-2 protein expression. The AR antagonist bicalutamide did not block DHT's ability to reduce COX-2. Both the non-selective estrogen receptor antagonist ICI 182,780 (1 μM) and the selective ERβ antagonist PHTPP (1 μM) inhibited the effect of DHT, suggesting that DHT actions are ERβ-mediated. In HBVSMC and in rat mesenteric arteries, 3β-diol, similar to DHT, reduced cytokine-induced COX-2 levels. In conclusion, DHT appears to be protective against the progression of vascular inflammation through metabolism to 3β-diol and activation of ERβ.
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MESH Headings
- Androgens/pharmacology
- Animals
- Blotting, Western
- Brain/cytology
- Cells, Cultured
- Cyclooxygenase 2/metabolism
- Cytokines/pharmacology
- Estrogen Receptor beta/genetics
- Estrogen Receptor beta/metabolism
- Humans
- In Vitro Techniques
- Male
- Mesenteric Arteries/drug effects
- Mesenteric Arteries/metabolism
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/cytology
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/drug effects
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/cytology
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/drug effects
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/metabolism
- Rats
- Rats, Sprague-Dawley
- Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Receptors, Androgen/genetics
- Receptors, Androgen/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Rayna J. Gonzales
- Corresponding author. Address: Department of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine, 425 N. 5th Street, Building ABC1, Phoenix, AZ 85004-2157, United States. Tel.: +1 602 827 2143; fax: +1 602 827 2127. (R.J. Gonzales)
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Zuloaga KL, Gonzales RJ. Dihydrotestosterone attenuates hypoxia inducible factor-1α and cyclooxygenase-2 in cerebral arteries during hypoxia or hypoxia with glucose deprivation. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2011; 301:H1882-90. [DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00446.2011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) attenuates cytokine-induced cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in coronary vascular smooth muscle. Since hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) activation can lead to COX-2 production, this study determined the influence of DHT on HIF-1α and COX-2 following hypoxia or hypoxia with glucose deprivation (HGD) in the cerebral vasculature. COX-2 and HIF-1α levels were assessed via Western blot, and HIF-1α activation was indirectly measured via a DNA binding assay. Experiments were performed using cerebral arteries isolated from castrated male rats treated in vivo with placebo or DHT (18 days) followed by hypoxic exposure ex vivo (1% O2), cerebral arteries isolated from castrated male rats treated ex vivo with vehicle or DHT (10 or 100 nM; 18 h) and then exposed to hypoxia ex vivo (1% O2), or primary human brain vascular smooth muscle cells treated with DHT (10 nM; 6 h) or vehicle then exposed to hypoxia or HGD. Under normoxic conditions, DHT increased COX-2 (cells 51%; arteries ex vivo 31%; arteries in vivo 161%) but had no effect on HIF-1α. Following hypoxia or HGD, HIF-1α and COX-2 levels were increased; this response was blunted by DHT (cells HGD: −47% COX-2, −34% HIF-1α; cells hypoxia: −29% COX-2, −54% HIF-1α; arteries ex vivo: −37% COX-2; arteries in vivo: −35% COX-2) and not reversed by androgen receptor blockade. Hypoxia-induced HIF-1α DNA-binding was also attenuated by DHT (arteries ex vivo and in vivo: −55%). These results demonstrate that upregulation of COX-2 and HIF-1α in response to hypoxia is suppressed by DHT via an androgen receptor-independent mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen L. Zuloaga
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix, Arizona; and
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Rayna J. Gonzales
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix, Arizona; and
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Si ML, Long C, Chen MF, Lee TJF. Estrogen prevents β-amyloid inhibition of sympathetic α7-nAChR-mediated nitrergic neurogenic dilation in porcine basilar arteries. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2011; 203:13-23. [PMID: 21073661 DOI: 10.1111/j.1748-1716.2010.02224.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
AIM β-amyloid peptides (Aβs) have been shown to block cerebral nitrergic neurogenic vasodilation by blocking sympathetic α7-nAChRs, and that oestrogen prevents Aβ-induced neurotoxicity. We examined whether Aβ-inhibition of α7-nAChR-mediated cerebral nitrergic vasodilation was prevented by oestrogen. METHODS Effects of Aβ and 17β-oestradiol on neurogenic nitrergic vasodilation in isolated porcine basilar arteries were examined using wire-myography. Drug effects on nicotine- and choline-induced calcium influx and inward currents in porcine cultured superior cervical ganglion (SCG) were investigated using confocal microscopy and patch-clamp techniques respectively. RESULTS Precontracted endothelium-denuded basilar arteries relaxed exclusively upon transmural nerve stimulation (TNS, 8 Hz), and applications of nicotine (100 μm) or choline (1 mm), which was sensitive to nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA, 30 μm) and tetrodotoxin (0.3 μm). The relaxation induced by nicotine and choline but not that by TNS was blocked reversibly by Aβ(1-40) in a concentration-dependent manner. Aβ(1-40) also reversibly blocked nicotine- and choline-induced increase of calcium influx and inward currents in the SCG neurons. Aβ inhibition of nicotine- and choline-induced α7-nAChR-mediated nitrergic vasodilation and inward currents was prevented by 17β-oestradiol (10 μm), but not by α-oestradiol (10 μm) or testosterone (10 μm). CONCLUSION These results provide further evidence supporting that Aβ is an antagonist for the α7-nAChR found on post-ganglionic sympathetic adrenergic nerve terminals originating in the SCG. Aβ can cause constriction of cerebral arteries with possible decreased regional cerebral blood flow by blocking sympathetic nerve-mediated release of nitric oxide from the perivascular nitrergic nerves. This effect of Aβ can be prevented by endogenous oestrogen but not testosterone.
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Affiliation(s)
- M-L Si
- Department of Pharmacology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, USA
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Abstract
Reproductive effects of sex steroids are well-known; however it is increasingly apparent that these hormones have important actions on non-reproductive tissues such as the vasculature. The latter effects can be relevant throughout the lifespan, not just limited to reproductive years, and are not necessarily restricted to one gender or the other. Our work has established that cerebral blood vessels are a non-reproductive target tissue for sex steroids. We have found that oestrogen and androgens alter vascular tone, endothelial function, oxidative stress and inflammatory responses in cerebral vessels. Often the actions of oestrogen and androgens oppose each other. Moreover, it is clear that cerebral vessels are directly targeted by sex steroids, as they express specific receptors for these hormones. Interestingly, cerebral blood vessels also express enzymes that metabolize sex steroids. These findings suggest that local synthesis of 17ß-estradiol and dihydrotestosterone can occur within the vessel wall. One of the enzymes present, aromatase, converts testosterone to 17ß-estradiol, which would alter the local balance of androgenic and oestrogenic influences. Thus cerebral vessels are affected by circulating sex hormones as well as locally synthesized sex steroids. The presence of vascular endocrine effector mechanisms has important implications for male-female differences in cerebrovascular function and disease. Moreover, the cerebral circulation is a target for gonadal hormones as well as anabolic steroids and therapeutic drugs used to manipulate sex steroid actions. The long-term consequences of these influences are yet to be determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- D N Krause
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, 92697-4625, USA
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Caraci F, Pistarà V, Corsaro A, Tomasello F, Giuffrida ML, Sortino MA, Nicoletti F, Copani A. Neurotoxic properties of the anabolic androgenic steroids nandrolone and methandrostenolone in primary neuronal cultures. J Neurosci Res 2011; 89:592-600. [PMID: 21290409 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.22578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2010] [Revised: 10/22/2010] [Accepted: 11/08/2010] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) abuse is associated with multiple neurobehavioral disturbances. The sites of action and the neurobiological sequels of AAS abuse are unclear at present. We investigated whether two different AASs, nandrolone and methandrostenolone, could affect neuronal survival in culture. The endogenous androgenic steroid testosterone was used for comparison. Both testosterone and nandrolone were neurotoxic at micromolar concentrations, and their effects were prevented by blockade of androgen receptors (ARs) with flutamide. Neuronal toxicity developed only over a 48-hr exposure to the steroids. The cell-impermeable analogues testosterone-BSA and nandrolone-BSA, which preferentially target membrane-associated ARs, were also neurotoxic in a time-dependent and flutamide-sensitive manner. Testosterone-BSA and nandrolone-BSA were more potent than their parent compounds, suggesting that membrane-associated ARs were the relevant sites for the neurotoxic actions of the steroids. Unlike testosterone and nandrolone, toxicity by methandrostenolone and methandrostenolone-BSA was insensitive to flutamide, but it was prevented by the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) antagonist RU-486. Methandrostenolone-BSA was more potent than the parent compound, suggesting that its toxicity relied on the preferential activation of putative membrane-associated GRs. Consistently with the evidence that membrane-associated GRs can mediate rapid effects, a brief challenge with methandrostenolone-BSA was able to promote neuronal toxicity. Activation of putative membrane steroid receptors by nontoxic (nanomolar) concentrations of either nandrolone-BSA or methandrostenolone-BSA became sufficient to increase neuronal susceptibility to the apoptotic stimulus provided by β-amyloid (the main culprit of AD). We speculate that AAS abuse might facilitate the onset or progression of neurodegenerative diseases not usually linked to drug abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Caraci
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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Abstract
Androgens within physiological ranges protect castrated male mice from cerebral ischemic injury. Yet, underlying mechanisms are unclear. Here, we report that, after middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO), salt-induced kinase 1 (SIK1) was induced by a potent androgen-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) at protective doses. To investigate whether SIK1 contributes to DHT neuroprotection after cerebral ischemia, we constructed lentivirus-expressing small interference RNA (siRNA) against SIK1. The SIK1 knockdown by siRNA exacerbated oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD)-induced cell death in primary cortical neurons, suggesting that SIK1 is an endogenous neuroprotective gene against cerebral ischemia. Furthermore, lentivirus-mediated SIK1 knockdown increased both cortical and striatal infarct sizes in castrated mice treated with a protective dose of DHT. Earlier studies show that SIK1 inhibits histone deacetylase (HDAC) activities by acting as a class IIa HDAC kinase. We observed that SIK1 knockdown decreased histone H3 acetylation in primary neurons. The SIK1 siRNA also exacerbated OGD-induced neuronal death in the presence of trichostatin A (TSA), an HDAC inhibitor, and decreased histone H3 acetylation at 4 hours reoxygenation in TSA-treated neurons. Finally, we showed that DHT at protective doses prevented ischemia-induced histone deacetylation after MCAO. Our finding suggests that SIK1 contributes to neuroprotection by androgens within physiological ranges by inhibiting histone deacetylation.
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Andric SA, Janjic MM, Stojkov NJ, Kostic TS. Testosterone-induced modulation of nitric oxide-cGMP signaling pathway and androgenesis in the rat Leydig cells. Biol Reprod 2010; 83:434-42. [PMID: 20463352 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.110.083626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Testosterone, acting as a systemic and local factor, is one of the major regulatory molecules that initiate and maintain testicular function. In the present study, different experimental approaches were used to evaluate the role of testosterone in regulation of the nitric oxide (NO)-cGMP pathway in Leydig cells derived from normal and hypogonadotropic male rats treated with testosterone for 24 h and 2 wk. Real-time quantitative PCR and Western blot analysis revealed increased inducible NO synthase (NOS2) expression followed by increased NO secretion from Leydig cells ex vivo after continuous treatment with testosterone for 2 wk in vivo. The cGMP-specific phosphodiesterases Pde5, Pde6, and Pde9 were up-regulated, whereas PRKG1 protein was decreased after a 2-wk testosterone treatment. Induction of Nos2 and Pde5 in Leydig cells was blocked by androgen receptor antagonist. In experimental hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, expression of NOS2 was significantly reduced, and treatment with testosterone increased NOS2 expression above control levels. PDE5 protein level was unchanged in hypogonadal rats, whereas treatment of hypogonadal rats with testosterone significantly increased it. In contrast, hypogonadism and testosterone replacement reduced PRKG1 protein in Leydig cells. In vitro treatment with testosterone caused gradually increased Nos2 gene expression followed by increased nitrite and cGMP production by purified Leydig cells. In summary, testosterone up-regulated NO signaling via increased NOS2 expression and contributed to down-regulation of cGMP signaling in Leydig cells. Thus, testosterone-induced modulation of NO-cGMP signaling may serve as a potent autocrine regulator of testicular steroidogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvana A Andric
- Reproductive Endocrinology and Signaling Group, Department of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
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Osterlund KL, Handa RJ, Gonzales RJ. Dihydrotestosterone alters cyclooxygenase-2 levels in human coronary artery smooth muscle cells. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2010; 298:E838-45. [PMID: 20103743 PMCID: PMC2853212 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00693.2009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Both protective and nonprotective effects of androgens on the cardiovascular system have been reported. Our previous studies show that the potent androgen receptor (AR) agonist dihydrotestosterone (DHT) increases levels of the vascular inflammatory mediator cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 in rodent cerebral arteries independent of an inflammatory stimulus. Little is known about the effects of androgens on inflammation in human vascular tissues. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that DHT alters COX-2 levels in the absence and presence of induced inflammation in primary human coronary artery smooth muscle cells (HCASMC). Furthermore, we tested the ancillary hypothesis that DHT's effects on COX-2 levels are AR-dependent. Cells were treated with DHT (10 nM) or vehicle for 6 h in the presence or absence of LPS or IL-1beta. Similar to previous observations in rodent arteries, in HCASMC, DHT alone increased COX-2 levels compared with vehicle. This effect of DHT was attenuated in the presence of the AR antagonist bicalutamide. Conversely, in the presence of LPS or IL-1beta, increases in COX-2 were attenuated by cotreatment with DHT. Bicalutamide did not affect this response, suggesting that DHT-induced decreases in COX-2 levels occur independent of AR stimulation. Thus we conclude that DHT differentially influences COX-2 levels under physiological and pathophysiological conditions in HCASMC. This effect of DHT on COX-2 involves AR-dependent and- independent mechanisms, depending on the physiological state of the cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen L Osterlund
- Dept. of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix, USA
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42
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Lee WJ, Jung HD, Chi SG, Kim BS, Lee SJ, Kim DW, Kim MK, Kim JC. Effect of dihydrotestosterone on the upregulation of inflammatory cytokines in cultured sebocytes. Arch Dermatol Res 2009; 302:429-33. [DOI: 10.1007/s00403-009-1019-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2009] [Revised: 12/15/2009] [Accepted: 12/15/2009] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Lu JP, Monardo L, Bryskin I, Hou ZF, Trachtenberg J, Wilson BC, Pinthus JH. Androgens induce oxidative stress and radiation resistance in prostate cancer cells though NADPH oxidase. Prostate Cancer Prostatic Dis 2009; 13:39-46. [PMID: 19546883 PMCID: PMC2834342 DOI: 10.1038/pcan.2009.24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) facilitates the response of prostate cancer (PC) to radiation. Androgens have been shown to induce elevated basal levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in PC, leading to adaptation to radiation-induced cytotoxic oxidative stress. Here, we show that androgens increase the expression of p22phox and gp91phox subunits of NADPH oxidase (NOX) and ROS production by NOX2 and NOX4 in PC. Pre-radiation treatment of 22Rv1 human PC cells with NOX inhibitors sensitize the cells to radiation similarly to ADT, suggesting that their future usage may spare the need for adjuvant ADT in PC patients undergoing radiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- J P Lu
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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