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Lodhi S, Kibret T, Mangalgi S, Reid L, Noel A, Syed S, Beauregard N, Dhaliwal S, Hussain J, Vinson AJ, Van Spall HG, Sood MM, Shorr R, Bugeja A. Systematic Review of Women Leading and Participating in Nephrology Randomized Clinical Trials. Kidney Int Rep 2024; 9:898-906. [PMID: 38765601 PMCID: PMC11101787 DOI: 10.1016/j.ekir.2024.01.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Women are underrepresented in the leadership of and participation in randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We conducted a bibliometric review of nephrology RCTs to examine trial leadership by women and participation of women in nephrology RCTs. Methods A bibliometric review of RCTs published in top medical, surgical, or nephrology journals was conducted using MEDLINE and EMBASE from January 2011 to December 2021. Leadership by women as corresponding authors, women trial participation, and trial characteristics were examined with duplicate independent data extraction. Logistic regression was used to examine associations between trial characteristics and women leadership and trial participation. Results A total of 1770 studies were screened and 395 RCTs met eligibility criteria. The number (%) of women in corresponding, first, and last authorship positions were as follows: 89 (22%), 109 (28%), and 74 (19%), respectively, without change over time (P = 0.94). The median percentage (interquartile range [IQR]) of women trial participants was 39.0% (13.5%) with no difference between women or men lead authors (P = 0.15). Men lead authors were statistically less likely to enroll women in RCTs. Women lead authors were less likely to be funded by industry (odds ratio [OR]: 0.30; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.14-0.63; P = 0.002) or lead international trials (OR: 0.11; 95% CI: 0.01-0.83; P = 0.03). Trials with sex-specific eligibility criteria were more likely to have women leaders (OR: 2.56; 95% CI: 1.19-5.49; P = 0.02) than those without. Discussion Gender inequalities in RCT leadership and RCT participation exist in nephrology and did not improve over time. Strategies to improve inequalities need to be implemented and evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumiya Lodhi
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Taddele Kibret
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shreepriya Mangalgi
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, The Ottawa Hospital and Kidney Research Centre, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lindsay Reid
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ariana Noel
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, The Ottawa Hospital and Kidney Research Centre, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sarah Syed
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nickolas Beauregard
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shan Dhaliwal
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Junayd Hussain
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Amanda J. Vinson
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Harriette G.C. Van Spall
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Manish M. Sood
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, The Ottawa Hospital and Kidney Research Centre, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Risa Shorr
- Learning Services, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ann Bugeja
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, The Ottawa Hospital and Kidney Research Centre, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Cox AL, Mole SE. Five questions on improving diversity, equity and inclusion in UK bioscience research or "How can UK bioscience be changed so that those from marginalised groups can thrive?". BBA ADVANCES 2024; 5:100114. [PMID: 38333771 PMCID: PMC10850888 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadva.2024.100114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Diversity, equity, and inclusion play pivotal roles in advancing science and innovation by fostering a rich and supportive environment that benefits both individuals and society. UK bioscience research units are still on a journey towards being inclusive, and existing research on effecting changes in diversity, equity, and inclusion has yet to make an impact at the scale needed to transform the sector, leaving many to wonder How can UK bioscience be changed so that those from marginalised groups can thrive? This paper considers some of the questions that arise in addressing this, discusses what we already know and what we do not, and in doing so outlines a research agenda that aims to find out what works to effect diversity, equity and inclusion in UK bioscience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna L Cox
- UCL Interaction Centre, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Sara E Mole
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
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3
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Stangl V, Lorenz M. Why you should pay more attention to your cells' sex. J Physiol 2023; 601:5581-5584. [PMID: 37963009 DOI: 10.1113/jp284819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Verena Stangl
- Deutsches Herzzentrum der Charité, Klinik für Kardiologie, Angiologie und Intensivmedizin, Berlin, Germany
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Mario Lorenz
- Deutsches Herzzentrum der Charité, Klinik für Kardiologie, Angiologie und Intensivmedizin, Berlin, Germany
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Taliaferro LP, Agarwal RK, Coleman CN, DiCarlo AL, Hofmeyer KA, Loelius SG, Molinar-Inglis O, Tedesco DC, Satyamitra MM. Sex differences in radiation research. Int J Radiat Biol 2023; 100:466-485. [PMID: 37991728 PMCID: PMC10922591 DOI: 10.1080/09553002.2023.2283089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The Sex Differences in Radiation Research workshop addressed the role of sex as a confounder in radiation research and its implication in real-world radiological and nuclear applications. METHODS In April 2022, HHS-wide partners from the Radiation and Nuclear Countermeasures Program, the Office of Research on Women's Health National Institutes of Health Office of Women's Health, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and the Radiological and Nuclear Countermeasures Branch at the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority conducted a workshop to address the scientific implication and knowledge gaps in understanding sex in basic and translational research. The goals of this workshop were to examine sex differences in 1. Radiation animal models and understand how these may affect radiation medical countermeasure development; 2. Biodosimetry and/or biomarkers used to assess acute radiation syndrome, delayed effects of acute radiation exposure, and/or predict major organ morbidities; 3. medical research that lacks representation from both sexes. In addition, regulatory policies that influence inclusion of women in research, and the gaps that exist in drug development and device clearance were discussed. Finally, real-world sex differences in human health scenarios were also considered. RESULTS This report provides an overview of the two-day workshop, and open discussion among academic investigators, industry researchers, and U.S. government representatives. CONCLUSIONS This meeting highlighted that current study designs lack the power to determine statistical significance based on sex, and much is unknown about the underlying factors that contribute to these differences. Investigators should accommodate both sexes in all stages of research to ensure that the outcome is robust, reproducible, and accurate, and will benefit public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lanyn P. Taliaferro
- Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Transplantation (DAIT), National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Radiation and Nuclear Countermeasures Program (RNCP), Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Rajeev K. Agarwal
- Office of Research on Women’s Health (ORWH), Office of the Director, NIH, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - C. Norman Coleman
- Radiation Research Program Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, Radiation Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute (NCI) and Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Washington, DC, USA
| | - Andrea L. DiCarlo
- Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Transplantation (DAIT), National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Radiation and Nuclear Countermeasures Program (RNCP), Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Kimberly A. Hofmeyer
- Radiological and Nuclear Countermeasures Branch, Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), ASPR, HHS, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Shannon G. Loelius
- Radiological and Nuclear Countermeasures Branch, Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), ASPR, HHS, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Olivia Molinar-Inglis
- Previously RNCP, DAIT, NIAID, NIH; now Antivirals and Antitoxins Program, Division of CBRN Countermeasures, BARDA, ASPR, HHS, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Dana C. Tedesco
- Radiological and Nuclear Countermeasures Branch, Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), ASPR, HHS, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Merriline M. Satyamitra
- Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Transplantation (DAIT), National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Radiation and Nuclear Countermeasures Program (RNCP), Rockville, MD, USA
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Correa BH, Moreira CR, Hildebrand ME, Vieira LB. The Role of Voltage-Gated Calcium Channels in Basal Ganglia Neurodegenerative Disorders. Curr Neuropharmacol 2023; 21:183-201. [PMID: 35339179 PMCID: PMC10190140 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x20666220327211156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Calcium (Ca2+) plays a central role in regulating many cellular processes and influences cell survival. Several mechanisms can disrupt Ca2+ homeostasis to trigger cell death, including oxidative stress, mitochondrial damage, excitotoxicity, neuroinflammation, autophagy, and apoptosis. Voltage-gated Ca2+ channels (VGCCs) act as the main source of Ca2+ entry into electrically excitable cells, such as neurons, and they are also expressed in glial cells such as astrocytes and oligodendrocytes. The dysregulation of VGCC activity has been reported in both Parkinson's disease (PD) and Huntington's (HD). PD and HD are progressive neurodegenerative disorders (NDs) of the basal ganglia characterized by motor impairment as well as cognitive and psychiatric dysfunctions. This review will examine the putative role of neuronal VGCCs in the pathogenesis and treatment of central movement disorders, focusing on PD and HD. The link between basal ganglia disorders and VGCC physiology will provide a framework for understanding the neurodegenerative processes that occur in PD and HD, as well as a possible path towards identifying new therapeutic targets for the treatment of these debilitating disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernardo H.M. Correa
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Carlos Roberto Moreira
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - Luciene Bruno Vieira
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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Daitch V, Turjeman A, Poran I, Tau N, Ayalon-Dangur I, Nashashibi J, Yahav D, Paul M, Leibovici L. Underrepresentation of women in randomized controlled trials: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Trials 2022; 23:1038. [PMID: 36539814 PMCID: PMC9768985 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-022-07004-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although regulatory changes towards correcting the underrepresentation of women in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) occurred (National Institutes of Health 1994), concerns exist about whether an improvement is taking place. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to assess the inclusion rates of women in recent RCTs and to explore the potential barriers for the enrollment of women. METHODS RCTs published in 2017 examining any type of intervention in adults were searched in PubMed and Cochrane Library. The following predefined medical fields were included: cardiovascular diseases, neoplasms, endocrine system diseases, respiratory tract diseases, bacterial and fungal infections, viral diseases, digestive system diseases, and immune system diseases. Studies were screened independently by two reviewers, and an equal number of studies was randomly selected per calendric month. The primary outcome was the enrollment rate of women, calculated as the number of randomized women patients divided by the total number of randomized patients. Rates were weighted by their inverse variance; statistical significance was tested using general linear models (GLM). RESULTS Out of 398 RCTs assessed for eligibility, 300 RCTs were included. The enrollment rate of women in all the examined fields was lower than 50%, except for immune system diseases [median enrollment rate of 68% (IQR 46 to 81)]. The overall median enrollment rate of women was 41% (IQR 27 to 54). The median enrollment rate of women decreased with older age of the trials' participants [mean age of trials' participants ≤ 45 years: 47% (IQR 30-64), 46-55 years: 46% (IQR 33-58), 56-62 years: 38% (IQR 27-50), ≥ 63 years: 33% (IQR 20-46), p < 0.001]. Methodological quality characteristics showed no significant association with the enrollment rates of women. Out of the 300 included RCTs, eleven did not report on the number of included women. There was no significant difference between these studies and the studies included in the analysis. CONCLUSIONS Women are being inadequately represented, in the selected medical fields analyzed in our study, in recent RCTs. Older age is a potential barrier for the enrollment of women in clinical trials. Low inclusion rates of elderly women might create a lack of crucial knowledge in the adverse effects and the benefit/risk profile of any given treatment. Factors that might hinder the participation of women should be sought and addressed in the design of the study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vered Daitch
- grid.413156.40000 0004 0575 344XDepartment of Medicine E, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Hospital, 39 Jabotinski Road, 49100 Petah Tikva, Israel ,grid.12136.370000 0004 1937 0546Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Adi Turjeman
- grid.413156.40000 0004 0575 344XDepartment of Medicine E, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Hospital, 39 Jabotinski Road, 49100 Petah Tikva, Israel ,grid.12136.370000 0004 1937 0546Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Itamar Poran
- grid.413156.40000 0004 0575 344XDepartment of Medicine E, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Hospital, 39 Jabotinski Road, 49100 Petah Tikva, Israel ,grid.12136.370000 0004 1937 0546Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Noam Tau
- grid.12136.370000 0004 1937 0546Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel ,grid.413795.d0000 0001 2107 2845Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Irit Ayalon-Dangur
- grid.413156.40000 0004 0575 344XDepartment of Medicine E, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Hospital, 39 Jabotinski Road, 49100 Petah Tikva, Israel
| | - Jeries Nashashibi
- grid.413731.30000 0000 9950 8111Department of Internal Medicine D, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel
| | - Dafna Yahav
- grid.12136.370000 0004 1937 0546Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel ,grid.413156.40000 0004 0575 344XInfectious Diseases Unit, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Hospital, Petah Tikva, Israel
| | - Mical Paul
- grid.413731.30000 0000 9950 8111Infectious Diseases Institute, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel ,grid.6451.60000000121102151The Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Leonard Leibovici
- grid.413156.40000 0004 0575 344XDepartment of Medicine E, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Hospital, 39 Jabotinski Road, 49100 Petah Tikva, Israel ,grid.12136.370000 0004 1937 0546Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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McShane A, Mole SE. Sex bias and omission exists in Batten disease research: Systematic review of the use of animal disease models. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2022; 1868:166489. [PMID: 35840041 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2022.166489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Batten disease, also known as the neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCL), is a group of inherited neurodegenerative disorders mainly affecting children. NCL are characterised by seizures, loss of vision, and progressive motor and cognitive decline, and are the most common form of childhood dementia. At least one type of Batten disease and three types of mouse disease models show sex differences in their severity and progression. Scientific research has a recognised prevalent omission of female animals when using model organisms for basic and preclinical research. Sex bias and omission in research using animal models of Batten disease may affect understanding and treatment development. We conducted a systematic review of research publications since the first identification of NCL genes in 1995, identifying those using animal models. We found that <10 % of these papers considered sex as a biological variable. There was consistent omission of female model organisms in studies. This varied over the period but is improving; one third of papers considered sex as a biological variable in the last decade, and there is a noticeable increase in the last 5 years. The wide-ranging reasons for this published sex bias are discussed, including misunderstanding regarding oestrogen, impact on sample size, and the underrepresentation of female scientists. Their implications for Batten disease and future research are considered. Recommendations going forward support requirements by funders for consideration of sex in all stages of experimental design and implementation, and a role for publishers, families and others with a particular interest in Batten disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annie McShane
- Division of Biosciences, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Sara E Mole
- MRC Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology and Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK.
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8
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Webb EK, Etter JA, Kwasa JA. Addressing racial and phenotypic bias in human neuroscience methods. Nat Neurosci 2022; 25:410-414. [PMID: 35383334 PMCID: PMC9138180 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-022-01046-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Despite their premise of objectivity, neuroscience tools for physiological data collection, such as electroencephalography and functional near-infrared spectroscopy, introduce racial bias into studies by excluding individuals on the basis of phenotypic differences in hair type and skin pigmentation. Furthermore, at least one methodology-electrodermal activity recording (skin conductance responses)-may be influenced not only by potential phenotypic differences but also by negative psychological effects stemming from the lived experience of racism. Here we situate these issues within structural injustice, urge researchers to challenge racism in their scientific work and propose procedures and changes that may lead to more equitable science.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Kate Webb
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, USA.
- Division of Depression and Anxiety, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - J Arthur Etter
- Department of Philosophy, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Jasmine A Kwasa
- Neuroscience Institute, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Dedek A, Xu J, Lorenzo LÉ, Godin AG, Kandegedara CM, Glavina G, Landrigan JA, Lombroso PJ, De Koninck Y, Tsai EC, Hildebrand ME. Sexual dimorphism in a neuronal mechanism of spinal hyperexcitability across rodent and human models of pathological pain. Brain 2022; 145:1124-1138. [PMID: 35323848 PMCID: PMC9050559 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awab408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 10/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The prevalence and severity of many chronic pain syndromes differ across sex, and recent studies have identified differences in immune signalling within spinal nociceptive circuits as a potential mediator. Although it has been proposed that sex-specific pain mechanisms converge once they reach neurons within the superficial dorsal horn, direct investigations using rodent and human preclinical pain models have been lacking. Here, we discovered that in the Freund’s adjuvant in vivo model of inflammatory pain, where both male and female rats display tactile allodynia, a pathological coupling between KCC2-dependent disinhibition and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) potentiation within superficial dorsal horn neurons was observed in male but not female rats. Unlike males, the neuroimmune mediator brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) failed to downregulate inhibitory signalling elements (KCC2 and STEP61) and upregulate excitatory elements (pFyn, GluN2B and pGluN2B) in female rats, resulting in no effect of ex vivo brain-derived neurotrophic factor on synaptic NMDAR responses in female lamina I neurons. Importantly, this sex difference in spinal pain processing was conserved from rodents to humans. As in rodents, ex vivo spinal treatment with BDNF downregulated markers of disinhibition and upregulated markers of facilitated excitation in superficial dorsal horn neurons from male but not female human organ donors. Ovariectomy in female rats recapitulated the male pathological pain neuronal phenotype, with BDNF driving a coupling between disinhibition and NMDAR potentiation in adult lamina I neurons following the prepubescent elimination of sex hormones in females. This discovery of sexual dimorphism in a central neuronal mechanism of chronic pain across species provides a foundational step towards a better understanding and treatment for pain in both sexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annemarie Dedek
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, K1S 5B6 Ontario, Canada.,Neuroscience Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, K1Y 4M9 Ontario, Canada
| | - Jian Xu
- Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06519, USA
| | | | - Antoine G Godin
- CERVO Brain Research Centre, Quebec Mental Health Institute, Quebec G1E 1T2, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Université Laval, Quebec G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Chaya M Kandegedara
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, K1S 5B6 Ontario, Canada.,Neuroscience Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, K1Y 4M9 Ontario, Canada
| | - Geneviève Glavina
- CERVO Brain Research Centre, Quebec Mental Health Institute, Quebec G1E 1T2, Canada
| | | | - Paul J Lombroso
- Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06519, USA
| | - Yves De Koninck
- CERVO Brain Research Centre, Quebec Mental Health Institute, Quebec G1E 1T2, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Université Laval, Quebec G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Eve C Tsai
- Neuroscience Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, K1Y 4M9 Ontario, Canada.,Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6N5, Canada.,Department of Surgery, Division of Neurosurgery, The Ottawa Hospital, Ontario K1Y 4E9, Canada
| | - Michael E Hildebrand
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, K1S 5B6 Ontario, Canada.,Neuroscience Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, K1Y 4M9 Ontario, Canada
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Bollinger J. Uncovering microglial pathways driving sex-specific neurobiological effects in stress and depression. Brain Behav Immun Health 2021; 16:100320. [PMID: 34589809 PMCID: PMC8474553 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2021.100320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Women suffer from major depressive disorder (MDD) more often than men and report greater MDD symptom severity. Mounting evidence suggests that sex differences in MDD may be driven, in part, by sex-specific neurobiological mechanisms. Chronic stress is a significant risk factor in MDD, and preclinical rodent models show differential patterns of stress-induced neural remodeling and cognitive-behavioral dysfunction in males and females. For instance, chronic stress leads to synapse loss in the medial prefrontal cortex in male rodents yet has either no effect on- or increases-synapse number in females. Recent reports have implicated microglia, the immune cells of the brain, in MDD, and findings demonstrate sex-specific microglial signatures in both preclinical stress models and MDD patients. Given that microglia can remodel neural architecture, modulate synaptic transmission, and affect subsequent changes in behavior, it is plausible that microglial pathways contribute to differential stress effects on neuroplasticity and function in males and females. As such, this review examines the evidence for sex-specific microglia-neuron interactions in preclinical stress models and in patients with MDD. Discoveries highlighted herein demonstrate divergent microglial contributions in males and females and suggest that future studies investigating stress-linked disorders should be guided by sex-dependent neurobiological and behavioral findings. Examining these pathways represents a clear avenue toward both a richer understanding of brain, behavior, and immunity, and innovative psychoneuroimmunology-based applications in personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- J.L. Bollinger
- Department of Pharmacology and Systems Physiology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 2120 East Galbraith Road, Cincinnati, OH, 45237, USA
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