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Jacob SM, Lee S, Kim SH, Sharkey KA, Pfeffer G, Nguyen MD. Brain-body mechanisms contribute to sexual dimorphism in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Nat Rev Neurol 2024; 20:475-494. [PMID: 38965379 DOI: 10.1038/s41582-024-00991-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most common form of human motor neuron disease. It is characterized by the progressive degeneration of upper and lower motor neurons, leading to generalized motor weakness and, ultimately, respiratory paralysis and death within 3-5 years. The disease is shaped by genetics, age, sex and environmental stressors, but no cure or routine biomarkers exist for the disease. Male individuals have a higher propensity to develop ALS, and a different manifestation of the disease phenotype, than female individuals. However, the mechanisms underlying these sex differences remain a mystery. In this Review, we summarize the epidemiology of ALS, examine the sexually dimorphic presentation of the disease and highlight the genetic variants and molecular pathways that might contribute to sex differences in humans and animal models of ALS. We advance the idea that sexual dimorphism in ALS arises from the interactions between the CNS and peripheral organs, involving vascular, metabolic, endocrine, musculoskeletal and immune systems, which are strikingly different between male and female individuals. Finally, we review the response to treatments in ALS and discuss the potential to implement future personalized therapeutic strategies for the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M Jacob
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Sukyoung Lee
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Seung Hyun Kim
- Department of Neurology, Hanyang University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Keith A Sharkey
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Gerald Pfeffer
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
- Department of Medical Genetics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
| | - Minh Dang Nguyen
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
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2
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Yin J, Liu G, Zhang Y, Zhou Y, Pan Y, Zhang Q, Yu R, Gao S. Gender differences in gliomas: From epidemiological trends to changes at the hormonal and molecular levels. Cancer Lett 2024; 598:217114. [PMID: 38992488 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.217114] [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: 05/29/2024] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
Gender plays a crucial role in the occurrence and development of cancer, as well as in the metabolism of nutrients and energy. Men and women display significant differences in the incidence, prognosis, and treatment response across various types of cancer, including certain sex-specific tumors. It has been observed that male glioma patients have a higher incidence and worse prognosis than female patients, but there is currently a limited systematic evaluation of sex differences in gliomas. The purpose of this study is to provide an overview of the association between fluctuations in sex hormone levels and changes in their receptor expression with the incidence, progression, treatment, and prognosis of gliomas. Estrogen may have a protective effect on glioma patients, while exposure to androgens increases the risk of glioma. We also discussed the specific genetic and molecular differences between genders in terms of the malignant nature and prognosis of gliomas. Factors such as TP53, MGMT methylation status may play a crucial role. Therefore, it is essential to consider the gender of patients while treating glioma, particularly the differences at the hormonal and molecular levels. This approach can help in the adoption of an individualized treatment strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiale Yin
- Institute of Nervous System Diseases, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221002, China; Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221002, China
| | - Gai Liu
- Institute of Nervous System Diseases, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221002, China; Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221002, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- Institute of Nervous System Diseases, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221002, China; Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221002, China
| | - Yu Zhou
- Institute of Nervous System Diseases, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221002, China; Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221002, China
| | - Yuchun Pan
- Institute of Nervous System Diseases, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221002, China; Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221002, China
| | - Qiaoshan Zhang
- Institute of Nervous System Diseases, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221002, China; Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221002, China
| | - Rutong Yu
- Institute of Nervous System Diseases, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221002, China; Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221002, China
| | - Shangfeng Gao
- Institute of Nervous System Diseases, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221002, China; Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221002, China.
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3
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Risby-Jones G, Lee JD, Woodruff TM, Fung JN. Sex differences in Huntington's disease from a neuroinflammation perspective. Front Neurol 2024; 15:1384480. [PMID: 38915800 PMCID: PMC11194371 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1384480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a debilitating neurodegenerative condition characterized by motor, cognitive and psychiatric abnormalities. Immune dysregulation, prominently featuring increased immune activity, plays a significant role in HD pathogenesis. In addition to the central nervous system (CNS), systemic innate immune activation and inflammation are observed in HD patients, exacerbating the effects of the Huntingtin (HTT) gene mutation. Recent attention to sex differences in HD symptom severity underscores the need to consider gender as a biological variable in neurodegenerative disease research. Understanding sex-specific immune responses holds promise for elucidating HD pathophysiology and informing targeted treatment strategies to mitigate cognitive and functional decline. This perspective will highlight the importance of investigating gender influence in HD, particularly focusing on sex-specific immune responses predisposing individuals to disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace Risby-Jones
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - John D. Lee
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Trent M. Woodruff
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Jenny N. Fung
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
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4
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Hidalgo-Lanussa O, González Santos J, Barreto GE. Sex-specific vulnerabilities in human astrocytes underpin the differential impact of palmitic acid. Neurobiol Dis 2024; 195:106489. [PMID: 38552721 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2024.106489] [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: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Obesity and neurometabolic diseases have been linked to neurodegenerative diseases. Our hypothesis is that the endogenous estrogenic component of human astrocytes plays a critical role in cell response during lipotoxic damage, given that obesity can disrupt hormonal homeostasis and cause brain inflammation. Our findings showed that high concentrations of palmitic acid (PA) significantly reduced cell viability more in male astrocytes, indicating sex-specific vulnerabilities. PA induced a greater increase in cytosolic reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in males, while female astrocytes exhibited higher superoxide ion levels in mitochondria. In addition, female astrocytes treated with PA showed increased expression of antioxidant proteins, including catalase, Gpx-1 and Nrf2 suggesting a stronger cellular defence mechanism. Interestingly, there was a difference in the expression of estrogenic components, such as estrogen, androgens, and progesterone receptors, as well as aromatase and 5α-reductase enzymes, between males and females. PA induced their expression mainly in females, indicating a potential protective mechanism mediated by endogenous hormones. In summary, our findings highlight the impact of sex on the response of human astrocytes to lipotoxicity. Male astrocytes appear to be more susceptible to cellular damage when exposed to high concentrations of fatty acids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oscar Hidalgo-Lanussa
- Departamento de Nutrición y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá D.C., Colombia; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Janneth González Santos
- Departamento de Nutrición y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
| | - George E Barreto
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.
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5
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Muñoz-Ballester C, Robel S. Astrocyte-mediated mechanisms contribute to traumatic brain injury pathology. WIREs Mech Dis 2023; 15:e1622. [PMID: 37332001 PMCID: PMC10526985 DOI: 10.1002/wsbm.1622] [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: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Astrocytes respond to traumatic brain injury (TBI) with changes to their molecular make-up and cell biology, which results in changes in astrocyte function. These changes can be adaptive, initiating repair processes in the brain, or detrimental, causing secondary damage including neuronal death or abnormal neuronal activity. The response of astrocytes to TBI is often-but not always-accompanied by the upregulation of intermediate filaments, including glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and vimentin. Because GFAP is often upregulated in the context of nervous system disturbance, reactive astrogliosis is sometimes treated as an "all-or-none" process. However, the extent of astrocytes' cellular, molecular, and physiological adjustments is not equal for each TBI type or even for each astrocyte within the same injured brain. Additionally, new research highlights that different neurological injuries and diseases result in entirely distinctive and sometimes divergent astrocyte changes. Thus, extrapolating findings on astrocyte biology from one pathological context to another is problematic. We summarize the current knowledge about astrocyte responses specific to TBI and point out open questions that the field should tackle to better understand how astrocytes shape TBI outcomes. We address the astrocyte response to focal versus diffuse TBI and heterogeneity of reactive astrocytes within the same brain, the role of intermediate filament upregulation, functional changes to astrocyte function including potassium and glutamate homeostasis, blood-brain barrier maintenance and repair, metabolism, and reactive oxygen species detoxification, sex differences, and factors influencing astrocyte proliferation after TBI. This article is categorized under: Neurological Diseases > Molecular and Cellular Physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Muñoz-Ballester
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Stefanie Robel
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
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Rocha SM, Kirkley KS, Chatterjee D, Aboellail TA, Smeyne RJ, Tjalkens RB. Microglia-specific knock-out of NF-κB/IKK2 increases the accumulation of misfolded α-synuclein through the inhibition of p62/sequestosome-1-dependent autophagy in the rotenone model of Parkinson's disease. Glia 2023; 71:2154-2179. [PMID: 37199240 PMCID: PMC10330367 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is the most common neurodegenerative movement disorder worldwide, with a greater prevalence in men than women. The etiology of PD is largely unknown, although environmental exposures and neuroinflammation are linked to protein misfolding and disease progression. Activated microglia are known to promote neuroinflammation in PD, but how environmental agents interact with specific innate immune signaling pathways in microglia to stimulate conversion to a neurotoxic phenotype is not well understood. To determine how nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling dynamics in microglia modulate neuroinflammation and dopaminergic neurodegeneration, we generated mice deficient in NF-κB activation in microglia (CX3CR1-Cre::IKK2fl/fl ) and exposed them to 2.5 mg/kg/day of rotenone for 14 days, followed by a 14-day post-lesioning incubation period. We postulated that inhibition of NF-κB signaling in microglia would reduce overall inflammatory injury in lesioned mice. Subsequent analysis indicated decreased expression of the NF-κB-regulated autophagy gene, sequestosome 1 (p62), in microglia, which is required for targeting ubiquitinated α-synuclein (α-syn) for lysosomal degradation. Knock-out animals had increased accumulation of misfolded α-syn within microglia, despite an overall reduction in neurodegeneration. Interestingly, this occurred more prominently in males. These data suggest that microglia play key biological roles in the degradation and clearance of misfolded α-syn and this process works in concert with the innate immune response associated with neuroinflammation. Importantly, the accumulation of misfolded α-syn protein aggregates alone did not increase neurodegeneration following exposure to rotenone but required the NF-κB-dependent inflammatory response in microglia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Savannah M. Rocha
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523
| | - Kelly S. Kirkley
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523
| | - Debotri Chatterjee
- Jefferson Comprehensive Parkinson’s Center, Vickie & Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107
| | - Tawfik A. Aboellail
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523
| | - Richard J. Smeyne
- Jefferson Comprehensive Parkinson’s Center, Vickie & Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107
| | - Ronald B. Tjalkens
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523
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Colombo E, De Angelis A, Bassani C, Ruffini F, Ottoboni L, Garzetti L, Finardi A, Martino G, Furlan R, Farina C. iAstrocytes do not restrain T cell proliferation in vitro. BMC Neurosci 2023; 24:33. [PMID: 37286983 DOI: 10.1186/s12868-023-00806-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The cross-talk between T cells and astrocytes occurring under physiological and, even more, neuroinflammatory conditions may profoundly impact the generation of adaptive immune responses in the nervous tissue. In this study, we used a standardized in vitro co-culture assay to investigate the immunomodulatory properties of astrocytes differing for age, sex, and species. Mouse neonatal astrocytes enhanced T cell vitality but suppressed T lymphocyte proliferation in response to mitogenic stimuli or myelin antigens, regardless of the Th1, Th2 or Th17 T cell phenotype. Studies comparing glia cells from adult and neonatal animals showed that adult astrocytes were more efficient in inhibiting T lymphocyte activation than neonatal astrocytes, regardless of their sex. Differently from primary cultures, mouse and human astrocytes derived from reprogrammed fibroblasts did not interfere with T cell proliferation. Overall, we describe a standardized astrocyte-T cell interaction in vitro assay and demonstrate that primary astrocytes and iAstrocytes may differ in modulating T cell function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Colombo
- Institute of Experimental Neurology (INSpe), Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Anthea De Angelis
- Institute of Experimental Neurology (INSpe), Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Claudia Bassani
- Institute of Experimental Neurology (INSpe), Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Ruffini
- Institute of Experimental Neurology (INSpe), Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Linda Ottoboni
- Institute of Experimental Neurology (INSpe), Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Livia Garzetti
- Institute of Experimental Neurology (INSpe), Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Annamaria Finardi
- Institute of Experimental Neurology (INSpe), Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Gianvito Martino
- Institute of Experimental Neurology (INSpe), Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberto Furlan
- Institute of Experimental Neurology (INSpe), Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Cinthia Farina
- Institute of Experimental Neurology (INSpe), Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy.
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8
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Niu P, Li L, Zhang Y, Su Z, Wang B, Liu H, Zhang S, Qiu S, Li Y. Immune regulation based on sex differences in ischemic stroke pathology. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1087815. [PMID: 36793730 PMCID: PMC9923235 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1087815] [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: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Ischemic stroke is one of the world's leading causes of death and disability. It has been established that gender differences in stroke outcomes prevail, and the immune response after stroke is an important factor affecting patient outcomes. However, gender disparities lead to different immune metabolic tendencies closely related to immune regulation after stroke. The present review provides a comprehensive overview of the role and mechanism of immune regulation based on sex differences in ischemic stroke pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pingping Niu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Huzhou Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine (Huzhou Central Hospital), Huzhou, China.,Huzhou Key Laboratory of Basic Research and Clinical Translation for Neuro Modulation, Huzhou, China
| | - Liqin Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Huzhou Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine (Huzhou Central Hospital), Huzhou, China.,Huzhou Key Laboratory of Basic Research and Clinical Translation for Neuro Modulation, Huzhou, China
| | - Yonggang Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Huzhou Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine (Huzhou Central Hospital), Huzhou, China.,Huzhou Key Laboratory of Basic Research and Clinical Translation for Neuro Modulation, Huzhou, China
| | - Zhongzhou Su
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Huzhou Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine (Huzhou Central Hospital), Huzhou, China.,Huzhou Key Laboratory of Basic Research and Clinical Translation for Neuro Modulation, Huzhou, China
| | - Binghao Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Huzhou Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine (Huzhou Central Hospital), Huzhou, China.,Huzhou Key Laboratory of Basic Research and Clinical Translation for Neuro Modulation, Huzhou, China
| | - He Liu
- Huzhou Key Laboratory of Basic Research and Clinical Translation for Neuro Modulation, Huzhou, China
| | - Shehong Zhang
- Huzhou Key Laboratory of Basic Research and Clinical Translation for Neuro Modulation, Huzhou, China
| | - Sheng Qiu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Huzhou Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine (Huzhou Central Hospital), Huzhou, China.,Huzhou Key Laboratory of Basic Research and Clinical Translation for Neuro Modulation, Huzhou, China
| | - Yuntao Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Huzhou Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine (Huzhou Central Hospital), Huzhou, China.,Huzhou Key Laboratory of Basic Research and Clinical Translation for Neuro Modulation, Huzhou, China
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Tang T, Hu L, Liu Y, Fu X, Li J, Yan F, Cao S, Chen G. Sex-Associated Differences in Neurovascular Dysfunction During Ischemic Stroke. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:860959. [PMID: 35431804 PMCID: PMC9012443 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.860959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurovascular units (NVUs) are basic functional units in the central nervous system and include neurons, astrocytes and vascular compartments. Ischemic stroke triggers not only neuronal damage, but also dissonance of intercellular crosstalk within the NVU. Stroke is sexually dimorphic, but the sex-associated differences involved in stroke-induced neurovascular dysfunction are studied in a limited extend. Preclinical studies have found that in rodent models of stroke, females have less neuronal loss, stronger repairing potential of astrocytes and more stable vascular conjunction; these properties are highly related to the cerebroprotective effects of female hormones. However, in humans, these research findings may be applicable only to premenopausal stroke patients. Women who have had a stroke usually have poorer outcomes compared to men, and because stoke is age-related, hormone replacement therapy for postmenopausal women may exacerbate stroke symptoms, which contradicts the findings of most preclinical studies. This stark contrast between clinical and laboratory findings suggests that understanding of neurovascular differences between the sexes is limited. Actually, apart from gonadal hormones, differences in neuroinflammation as well as genetics and epigenetics promote the sexual dimorphism of NVU functions. In this review, we summarize the confirmed sex-associated differences in NVUs during ischemic stroke and the possible contributing mechanisms. We also describe the gap between clinical and preclinical studies in terms of sexual dimorphism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianchi Tang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Libin Hu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Ultrasonography, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiongjie Fu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jianru Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Feng Yan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shenglong Cao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Shenglong Cao,
| | - Gao Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Gao Chen,
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Archie SR, Sharma S, Burks E, Abbruscato T. Biological determinants impact the neurovascular toxicity of nicotine and tobacco smoke: A pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics perspective. Neurotoxicology 2022; 89:140-160. [PMID: 35150755 PMCID: PMC8958572 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2022.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Accumulating evidence suggests that the detrimental effect of nicotine and tobacco smoke on the central nervous system (CNS) is caused by the neurotoxic role of nicotine on blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability, nicotinic acetylcholine receptor expression, and the dopaminergic system. The ultimate consequence of these nicotine associated neurotoxicities can lead to cerebrovascular dysfunction, altered behavioral outcomes (hyperactivity and cognitive dysfunction) as well as future drug abuse and addiction. The severity of these detrimental effects can be associated with several biological determinants. Sex and age are two important biological determinants which can affect the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of several systemically available substances, including nicotine. With regard to sex, the availability of gonadal hormone is impacted by the pregnancy status and menstrual cycle resulting in altered metabolism rate of nicotine. Additionally, the observed lower smoking cessation rate in females compared to males is a consequence of differential effects of sex on pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of nicotine. Similarly, age-dependent alterations in the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of nicotine have also been observed. One such example is related to severe vulnerability of adolescence towards addiction and long-term behavioral changes which may continue through adulthood. Considering the possible neurotoxic effects of nicotine on the central nervous system and the deterministic role of sex as well as age on these neurotoxic effects of smoking, it has become important to consider sex and age to study nicotine induced neurotoxicity and development of treatment strategies for combating possible harmful effects of nicotine. In the future, understanding the role of sex and age on the neurotoxic actions of nicotine can facilitate the individualization and optimization of treatment(s) to mitigate nicotine induced neurotoxicity as well as smoking cessation therapy. Unfortunately, however, no such comprehensive study is available which has considered both the sex- and age-dependent neurotoxicity of nicotine, as of today. Hence, the overreaching goal of this review article is to analyze and summarize the impact of sex and age on pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of nicotine and possible neurotoxic consequences associated with nicotine in order to emphasize the importance of including these biological factors for such studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Rahman Archie
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC), Amarillo, TX, USA
| | - Sejal Sharma
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC), Amarillo, TX, USA
| | - Elizabeth Burks
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC), Amarillo, TX, USA
| | - Thomas Abbruscato
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC), Amarillo, TX, USA.
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11
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Human-Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Based Models for Studying Sex-Specific Differences in Neurodegenerative Diseases. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1387:57-88. [PMID: 34921676 DOI: 10.1007/5584_2021_683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases is steadily increasing worldwide, and epidemiological studies strongly suggest that many of the diseases are sex-biased. It has long been suggested that biological sex differences are crucial for neurodegenerative diseases; however, how biological sex affects disease initiation, progression, and severity is not well-understood. Sex is a critical biological variable that should be taken into account in basic research, and this review aims to highlight the utility of human-induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC)-derived models for studying sex-specific differences in neurodegenerative diseases, with advantages and limitations. In vitro systems utilizing species-specific, renewable, and physiologically relevant cell sources can provide powerful platforms for mechanistic studies, toxicity testings, and drug discovery. Matched healthy, patient-derived, and gene-corrected human iPSCs, from both sexes, can be utilized to generate neuronal and glial cell types affected by specific neurodegenerative diseases to study sex-specific differences in two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) human culture systems. Such relatively simple and well-controlled systems can significantly contribute to the elucidation of molecular mechanisms underlying sex-specific differences, which can yield effective, and potentially sex-based strategies, against neurodegenerative diseases.
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12
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Florijn BW, Bijkerk R, Kruyt ND, van Zonneveld AJ, Wermer MJH. Sex-Specific MicroRNAs in Neurovascular Units in Ischemic Stroke. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:11888. [PMID: 34769320 PMCID: PMC8585074 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence pinpoints sex differences in stroke incidence, etiology and outcome. Therefore, more understanding of the sex-specific mechanisms that lead to ischemic stroke and aggravation of secondary damage after stroke is needed. Our current mechanistic understanding of cerebral ischemia states that endothelial quiescence in neurovascular units (NVUs) is a major physiological parameter affecting the cellular response to neuron, astrocyte and vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) injury. Although a hallmark of the response to injury in these cells is transcriptional activation, noncoding RNAs such as microRNAs exhibit cell-type and context dependent regulation of gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. This review assesses whether sex-specific microRNA expression (either derived from X-chromosome loci following incomplete X-chromosome inactivation or regulated by estrogen in their biogenesis) in these cells controls NVU quiescence, and as such, could differentiate stroke pathophysiology in women compared to men. Their adverse expression was found to decrease tight junction affinity in endothelial cells and activate VSMC proliferation, while their regulation of paracrine astrocyte signaling was shown to neutralize sex-specific apoptotic pathways in neurons. As such, these microRNAs have cell type-specific functions in astrocytes and vascular cells which act on one another, thereby affecting the cell viability of neurons. Furthermore, these microRNAs display actual and potential clinical implications as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in ischemic stroke and in predicting therapeutic response to antiplatelet therapy. In conclusion, this review improves the current mechanistic understanding of the molecular mechanisms leading to ischemic stroke in women and highlights the clinical promise of sex-specific microRNAs as novel diagnostic biomarkers for (silent) ischemic stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barend W. Florijn
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZR Leiden, The Netherlands; (N.D.K.); (M.J.H.W.)
- Einthoven Laboratory for Vascular and Regenerative Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands; (R.B.); (A.J.v.Z.)
| | - Roel Bijkerk
- Einthoven Laboratory for Vascular and Regenerative Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands; (R.B.); (A.J.v.Z.)
- Department of Internal Medicine (Nephrology), Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Nyika D. Kruyt
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZR Leiden, The Netherlands; (N.D.K.); (M.J.H.W.)
| | - Anton Jan van Zonneveld
- Einthoven Laboratory for Vascular and Regenerative Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands; (R.B.); (A.J.v.Z.)
- Department of Internal Medicine (Nephrology), Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Marieke J. H. Wermer
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZR Leiden, The Netherlands; (N.D.K.); (M.J.H.W.)
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13
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Bottenfield KR, Bowley BGE, Pessina MA, Medalla M, Rosene DL, Moore TL. Sex differences in recovery of motor function in a rhesus monkey model of cortical injury. Biol Sex Differ 2021; 12:54. [PMID: 34627376 PMCID: PMC8502310 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-021-00398-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stroke disproportionately affects men and women, with women over 65 years experiencing increased severity of impairment and higher mortality rates than men. Human studies have explored risk factors that contribute to these differences, but additional research is needed to investigate how sex differences affect functional recovery and hence the severity of impairment. In the present study, we used our rhesus monkey model of cortical injury and fine motor impairment to compare sex differences in the rate and degree of motor recovery following this injury. METHODS Aged male and female rhesus monkeys were trained on a task of fine motor function of the hand before undergoing surgery to produce a cortical lesion limited to the hand area representation of the primary motor cortex. Post-operative testing began two weeks after the surgery and continued for 12 weeks. All trials were video recorded and latency to retrieve a reward was quantitatively measured to assess the trajectory of post-operative response latency and grasp pattern compared to pre-operative levels. RESULTS Postmortem analysis showed no differences in lesion volume between male and female monkeys. However, female monkeys returned to their pre-operative latency and grasp patterns significantly faster than males. CONCLUSIONS These findings demonstrate the need for additional studies to further investigate the role of estrogens and other sex hormones that may differentially affect recovery outcomes in the primate brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen R Bottenfield
- Dept. of Anatomy & Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine, 700 Albany Street, W701, Boston, MA, 02118, USA.
| | - Bethany G E Bowley
- Dept. of Anatomy & Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine, 700 Albany Street, W701, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Monica A Pessina
- Dept. of Anatomy & Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine, 700 Albany Street, W701, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Maria Medalla
- Dept. of Anatomy & Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine, 700 Albany Street, W701, Boston, MA, 02118, USA.,Center for Systems Neuroscience, Boston University, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Douglas L Rosene
- Dept. of Anatomy & Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine, 700 Albany Street, W701, Boston, MA, 02118, USA.,Center for Systems Neuroscience, Boston University, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Tara L Moore
- Dept. of Anatomy & Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine, 700 Albany Street, W701, Boston, MA, 02118, USA.,Center for Systems Neuroscience, Boston University, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
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14
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Sex-dependent effects of amyloid precursor-like protein 2 in the SOD1-G37R transgenic mouse model of MND. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:6605-6630. [PMID: 34476545 PMCID: PMC8558206 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-03924-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Motor neurone disease (MND) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterised by progressive destruction of motor neurons, muscle paralysis and death. The amyloid precursor protein (APP) is highly expressed in the central nervous system and has been shown to modulate disease outcomes in MND. APP is part of a gene family that includes the amyloid precursor-like protein 1 (APLP1) and 2 (APLP2) genes. In the present study, we investigated the role of APLP2 in MND through the examination of human spinal cord tissue and by crossing APLP2 knockout mice with the superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1-G37R) transgenic mouse model of MND. We found the expression of APLP2 is elevated in the spinal cord from human cases of MND and that this feature of the human disease is reproduced in SOD1-G37R mice at the End-stage of their MND-like phenotype progression. APLP2 deletion in SOD1-G37R mice significantly delayed disease progression and increased the survival of female SOD1-G37R mice. Molecular and biochemical analysis showed female SOD1-G37R:APLP2-/- mice displayed improved innervation of the neuromuscular junction, ameliorated atrophy of muscle fibres with increased APP protein expression levels in the gastrocnemius muscle. These results indicate a sex-dependent role for APLP2 in mutant SOD1-mediated MND and further support the APP family as a potential target for further investigation into the cause and regulation of MND.
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15
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Molecular Mechanisms of Neuroimmune Crosstalk in the Pathogenesis of Stroke. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22179486. [PMID: 34502395 PMCID: PMC8431165 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22179486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Stroke disrupts the homeostatic balance within the brain and is associated with a significant accumulation of necrotic cellular debris, fluid, and peripheral immune cells in the central nervous system (CNS). Additionally, cells, antigens, and other factors exit the brain into the periphery via damaged blood–brain barrier cells, glymphatic transport mechanisms, and lymphatic vessels, which dramatically influence the systemic immune response and lead to complex neuroimmune communication. As a result, the immunological response after stroke is a highly dynamic event that involves communication between multiple organ systems and cell types, with significant consequences on not only the initial stroke tissue injury but long-term recovery in the CNS. In this review, we discuss the complex immunological and physiological interactions that occur after stroke with a focus on how the peripheral immune system and CNS communicate to regulate post-stroke brain homeostasis. First, we discuss the post-stroke immune cascade across different contexts as well as homeostatic regulation within the brain. Then, we focus on the lymphatic vessels surrounding the brain and their ability to coordinate both immune response and fluid homeostasis within the brain after stroke. Finally, we discuss how therapeutic manipulation of peripheral systems may provide new mechanisms to treat stroke injury.
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16
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Umbilical cord blood therapy modulates neonatal hypoxic ischemic brain injury in both females and males. Sci Rep 2021; 11:15788. [PMID: 34349144 PMCID: PMC8338979 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-95035-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Preclinical and clinical studies have shown that sex is a significant risk factor for perinatal morbidity and mortality, with males being more susceptible to neonatal hypoxic ischemic (HI) brain injury. No study has investigated sexual dimorphism in the efficacy of umbilical cord blood (UCB) cell therapy. HI injury was induced in postnatal day 10 (PND10) rat pups using the Rice-Vannucci method of carotid artery ligation. Pups received 3 doses of UCB cells (PND11, 13, 20) and underwent behavioural testing. On PND50, brains were collected for immunohistochemical analysis. Behavioural and neuropathological outcomes were assessed for sex differences. HI brain injury resulted in a significant decrease in brain weight and increase in tissue loss in females and males. Females and males also exhibited significant cell death, region-specific neuron loss and long-term behavioural deficits. Females had significantly smaller brains overall compared to males and males had significantly reduced neuron numbers in the cortex compared to females. UCB administration improved multiple aspects of neuropathology and functional outcomes in males and females. Females and males both exhibited injury following HI. This is the first preclinical evidence that UCB is an appropriate treatment for neonatal brain injury in both female and male neonates.
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17
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Moulson AJ, Squair JW, Franklin RJM, Tetzlaff W, Assinck P. Diversity of Reactive Astrogliosis in CNS Pathology: Heterogeneity or Plasticity? Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:703810. [PMID: 34381334 PMCID: PMC8349991 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.703810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are essential for the development and homeostatic maintenance of the central nervous system (CNS). They are also critical players in the CNS injury response during which they undergo a process referred to as "reactive astrogliosis." Diversity in astrocyte morphology and gene expression, as revealed by transcriptional analysis, is well-recognized and has been reported in several CNS pathologies, including ischemic stroke, CNS demyelination, and traumatic injury. This diversity appears unique to the specific pathology, with significant variance across temporal, topographical, age, and sex-specific variables. Despite this, there is limited functional data corroborating this diversity. Furthermore, as reactive astrocytes display significant environmental-dependent plasticity and fate-mapping data on astrocyte subsets in the adult CNS is limited, it remains unclear whether this diversity represents heterogeneity or plasticity. As astrocytes are important for neuronal survival and CNS function post-injury, establishing to what extent this diversity reflects distinct established heterogeneous astrocyte subpopulations vs. environmentally dependent plasticity within established astrocyte subsets will be critical for guiding therapeutic development. To that end, we review the current state of knowledge on astrocyte diversity in the context of three representative CNS pathologies: ischemic stroke, demyelination, and traumatic injury, with the goal of identifying key limitations in our current knowledge and suggesting future areas of research needed to address them. We suggest that the majority of identified astrocyte diversity in CNS pathologies to date represents plasticity in response to dynamically changing post-injury environments as opposed to heterogeneity, an important consideration for the understanding of disease pathogenesis and the development of therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron J. Moulson
- Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Jordan W. Squair
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Faculty of Life Sciences, Center for Neuroprosthetics and Brain Mind Institute, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), NeuroRestore, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), University of Lausanne (UNIL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Robin J. M. Franklin
- Wellcome Trust - MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Wolfram Tetzlaff
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Peggy Assinck
- Wellcome Trust - MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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18
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Carrano A, Juarez JJ, Incontri D, Ibarra A, Cazares HG. Sex-Specific Differences in Glioblastoma. Cells 2021; 10:cells10071783. [PMID: 34359952 PMCID: PMC8303471 DOI: 10.3390/cells10071783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex differences have been well identified in many brain tumors. Even though glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common primary malignant brain tumor in adults and has the worst outcome, well-established differences between men and women are limited to incidence and outcome. Little is known about sex differences in GBM at the disease phenotype and genetical/molecular level. This review focuses on a deep understanding of the pathophysiology of GBM, including hormones, metabolic pathways, the immune system, and molecular changes, along with differences between men and women and how these dimorphisms affect disease outcome. The information analyzed in this review shows a greater incidence and worse outcome in male patients with GBM compared with female patients. We highlight the protective role of estrogen and the upregulation of androgen receptors and testosterone having detrimental effects on GBM. Moreover, hormones and the immune system work in synergy to directly affect the GBM microenvironment. Genetic and molecular differences have also recently been identified. Specific genes and molecular pathways, either upregulated or downregulated depending on sex, could potentially directly dictate GBM outcome differences. It appears that sexual dimorphism in GBM affects patient outcome and requires an individualized approach to management considering the sex of the patient, especially in relation to differences at the molecular level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Carrano
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA;
| | - Juan Jose Juarez
- Centro de Investigación en Ciencias de la Salud (CICSA), FCS, Universidad Anáhuac México Campus Norte, Huixquilucan 52786, Edo. de México, Mexico; (J.J.J.); (D.I.); (A.I.)
| | - Diego Incontri
- Centro de Investigación en Ciencias de la Salud (CICSA), FCS, Universidad Anáhuac México Campus Norte, Huixquilucan 52786, Edo. de México, Mexico; (J.J.J.); (D.I.); (A.I.)
| | - Antonio Ibarra
- Centro de Investigación en Ciencias de la Salud (CICSA), FCS, Universidad Anáhuac México Campus Norte, Huixquilucan 52786, Edo. de México, Mexico; (J.J.J.); (D.I.); (A.I.)
| | - Hugo Guerrero Cazares
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA;
- Correspondence:
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19
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Kim GS, Stephenson JM, Al Mamun A, Wu T, Goss MG, Min JW, Li J, Liu F, Marrelli SP. Determining the effect of aging, recovery time, and post-stroke memantine treatment on delayed thalamic gliosis after cortical infarct. Sci Rep 2021; 11:12613. [PMID: 34131204 PMCID: PMC8206333 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-91998-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Secondary injury following cortical stroke includes delayed gliosis and eventual neuronal loss in the thalamus. However, the effects of aging and the potential to ameliorate this gliosis with NMDA receptor (NMDAR) antagonism are not established. We used the permanent distal middle cerebral artery stroke model (pdMCAO) to examine secondary thalamic injury in young and aged mice. At 3 days post-stroke (PSD3), slight microgliosis (IBA-1) and astrogliosis (GFAP) was evident in thalamus, but no infarct. Gliosis increased dramatically through PSD14, at which point degenerating neurons were detected. Flow cytometry demonstrated a significant increase in CD11b+/CD45int microglia (MG) in the ipsilateral thalamus at PSD14. CCR2-RFP reporter mouse further demonstrated that influx of peripheral monocytes contributed to the MG/Mϕ population. Aged mice demonstrated reduced microgliosis and astrogliosis compared with young mice. Interestingly, astrogliosis demonstrated glial scar-like characteristics at two years post-stroke, but not by 6 weeks. Lastly, treatment with memantine (NMDAR antagonist) at 4 and 24 h after stroke significantly reduced gliosis at PSD14. These findings expand our understanding of gliosis in the thalamus following cortical stroke and demonstrate age-dependency of this secondary injury. Additionally, these findings indicate that delayed treatment with memantine (an FDA approved drug) provides significant reduction in thalamic gliosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gab Seok Kim
- Department of Neurology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 6431 Fannin St, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Jessica M Stephenson
- Department of Neurology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 6431 Fannin St, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Abdullah Al Mamun
- Department of Neurology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 6431 Fannin St, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Ting Wu
- Department of Neurology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 6431 Fannin St, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Monica G Goss
- Department of Neurology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 6431 Fannin St, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Jia-Wei Min
- Department of Neurology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 6431 Fannin St, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Neurology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 6431 Fannin St, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Fudong Liu
- Department of Neurology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 6431 Fannin St, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Sean P Marrelli
- Department of Neurology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 6431 Fannin St, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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20
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Chowen JA, Garcia-Segura LM. Role of glial cells in the generation of sex differences in neurodegenerative diseases and brain aging. Mech Ageing Dev 2021; 196:111473. [PMID: 33766745 DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2021.111473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 03/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Diseases and aging-associated alterations of the nervous system often show sex-specific characteristics. Glial cells play a major role in the endogenous homeostatic response of neural tissue, and sex differences in the glial transcriptome and function have been described. Therefore, the possible role of these cells in the generation of sex differences in pathological alterations of the nervous system is reviewed here. Studies have shown that glia react to pathological insults with sex-specific neuroprotective and regenerative effects. At least three factors determine this sex-specific response of glia: sex chromosome genes, gonadal hormones and neuroactive steroid hormone metabolites. The sex chromosome complement determines differences in the transcriptional responses in glia after brain injury, while gonadal hormones and their metabolites activate sex-specific neuroprotective mechanisms in these cells. Since the sex-specific neuroprotective and regenerative activity of glial cells causes sex differences in the pathological alterations of the nervous system, glia may represent a relevant target for sex-specific therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie A Chowen
- Department of Endocrinology, Hospital Infantil Universitario Niño Jesús, Instituto de Investigación la Princesa, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutriciόn (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, and IMDEA Food Institute, CEIUAM+CSIC, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Luis M Garcia-Segura
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
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21
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Weber CM, Clyne AM. Sex differences in the blood-brain barrier and neurodegenerative diseases. APL Bioeng 2021; 5:011509. [PMID: 33758788 PMCID: PMC7968933 DOI: 10.1063/5.0035610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The number of people diagnosed with neurodegenerative diseases is on the rise. Many of these diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and motor neuron disease, demonstrate clear sexual dimorphisms. While sex as a biological variable must now be included in animal studies, sex is rarely included in in vitro models of human neurodegenerative disease. In this Review, we describe these sex-related differences in neurodegenerative diseases and the blood-brain barrier (BBB), whose dysfunction is linked to neurodegenerative disease development and progression. We explain potential mechanisms by which sex and sex hormones affect BBB integrity. Finally, we summarize current in vitro BBB bioengineered models and highlight their potential to study sex differences in BBB integrity and neurodegenerative disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Callie M Weber
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, USA
| | - Alisa Morss Clyne
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, USA
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22
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Lennol MP, Canelles S, Guerra-Cantera S, Argente J, García-Segura LM, de Ceballos ML, Chowen JA, Frago LM. Amyloid-β 1-40 differentially stimulates proliferation, activation of oxidative stress and inflammatory responses in male and female hippocampal astrocyte cultures. Mech Ageing Dev 2021; 195:111462. [PMID: 33609535 DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2021.111462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia and has a higher incidence in women. The main component of the senile plaques characteristic of AD is amyloid-beta (Aβ), with surrounding astrocytes contributing to the degenerative process. We hypothesized that the sex difference in the incidence of AD could be partially due to differential astrocytic responses to Aβ. Thus, the effect of Aβ1-40 on cell viability, the inflammatory response, and oxidative status was studied in cultures of hippocampal astrocytes from male and female rats. Aβ1-40 increased astrocyte viability in both female and male cultures by activating proliferation and survival pathways. Pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses were induced in astrocytes from both sexes. Aβ1-40 did not affect endoplasmic reticulum stress although it induced oxidative stress in male and female astrocytes. Interestingly, male astrocytes had an increase in cell number and significantly lower cell death in response to Aβ1-40. Conversely, astrocytes from females displayed a greater inflammatory response after the Aβ1-40 challenge. These results suggest that the inflammatory and oxidative environment induced by Aβ1-40 in female astrocytes may contribute to enhance the vulnerability to AD and warrants further studies to unveil the mechanisms underlying sex differences in astrocytic responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew P Lennol
- Department of Paediatrics, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Arzobispo Morcillo, 4, Madrid, 28029, Spain; Department of Endocrinology, Hospital Infantil Universitario Niño Jesús, Av. Menéndez Pelayo, 65, Madrid, 28009, Spain
| | - Sandra Canelles
- Department of Endocrinology, Hospital Infantil Universitario Niño Jesús, Av. Menéndez Pelayo, 65, Madrid, 28009, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Princesa, IIS-IP, Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Av. Monforte de Lemos, 3-5 Pabellón 11, Planta 0, Madrid, 28029, Spain
| | - Santiago Guerra-Cantera
- Department of Paediatrics, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Arzobispo Morcillo, 4, Madrid, 28029, Spain; Department of Endocrinology, Hospital Infantil Universitario Niño Jesús, Av. Menéndez Pelayo, 65, Madrid, 28009, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Princesa, IIS-IP, Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Av. Monforte de Lemos, 3-5 Pabellón 11, Planta 0, Madrid, 28029, Spain
| | - Jesús Argente
- Department of Paediatrics, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Arzobispo Morcillo, 4, Madrid, 28029, Spain; Department of Endocrinology, Hospital Infantil Universitario Niño Jesús, Av. Menéndez Pelayo, 65, Madrid, 28009, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Princesa, IIS-IP, Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Av. Monforte de Lemos, 3-5 Pabellón 11, Planta 0, Madrid, 28029, Spain; IMDEA Food Institute, CEI UAM + CSIC, Carretera de Cantoblanco 8, Madrid, 28049, Spain
| | - Luis Miguel García-Segura
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Av. Doctor Arce, 37, Madrid, 28002, Spain; CIBER de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Av. Monforte de Lemos, 3-5 Pabellón 11, Planta 0, Madrid, 28029, Spain
| | - María L de Ceballos
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Av. Doctor Arce, 37, Madrid, 28002, Spain; CIBER de Investigación Biomédica en Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Av. Monforte de Lemos, 3-5 Pabellón 11, Planta 0, Madrid, 28029, Spain
| | - Julie A Chowen
- Department of Endocrinology, Hospital Infantil Universitario Niño Jesús, Av. Menéndez Pelayo, 65, Madrid, 28009, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Princesa, IIS-IP, Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Av. Monforte de Lemos, 3-5 Pabellón 11, Planta 0, Madrid, 28029, Spain; IMDEA Food Institute, CEI UAM + CSIC, Carretera de Cantoblanco 8, Madrid, 28049, Spain
| | - Laura M Frago
- Department of Paediatrics, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Arzobispo Morcillo, 4, Madrid, 28029, Spain; Department of Endocrinology, Hospital Infantil Universitario Niño Jesús, Av. Menéndez Pelayo, 65, Madrid, 28009, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Princesa, IIS-IP, Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Av. Monforte de Lemos, 3-5 Pabellón 11, Planta 0, Madrid, 28029, Spain.
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Christian CA, Reddy DS, Maguire J, Forcelli PA. Sex Differences in the Epilepsies and Associated Comorbidities: Implications for Use and Development of Pharmacotherapies. Pharmacol Rev 2021; 72:767-800. [PMID: 32817274 DOI: 10.1124/pr.119.017392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The epilepsies are common neurologic disorders characterized by spontaneous recurrent seizures. Boys, girls, men, and women of all ages are affected by epilepsy and, in many cases, by associated comorbidities as well. The primary courses of treatment are pharmacological, dietary, and/or surgical, depending on several factors, including the areas of the brain affected and the severity of the epilepsy. There is a growing appreciation that sex differences in underlying brain function and in the neurobiology of epilepsy are important factors that should be accounted for in the design and development of new therapies. In this review, we discuss the current knowledge on sex differences in epilepsy and associated comorbidities, with emphasis on those aspects most informative for the development of new pharmacotherapies. Particular focus is placed on sex differences in the prevalence and presentation of various focal and generalized epilepsies; psychiatric, cognitive, and physiologic comorbidities; catamenial epilepsy in women; sex differences in brain development; the neural actions of sex and stress hormones and their metabolites; and cellular mechanisms, including brain-derived neurotrophic factor signaling and neuronal-glial interactions. Further attention placed on potential sex differences in epilepsies, comorbidities, and drug effects will enhance therapeutic options and efficacy for all patients with epilepsy. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder that often presents together with various comorbidities. The features of epilepsy and seizure activity as well as comorbid afflictions can vary between men and women. In this review, we discuss sex differences in types of epilepsies, associated comorbidities, pathophysiological mechanisms, and antiepileptic drug efficacy in both clinical patient populations and preclinical animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine A Christian
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, Neuroscience Program, and Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois (C.A.C.); Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, Texas (D.S.R.); Neuroscience Department, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts (J.M.); and Departments of Pharmacology and Physiology and Neuroscience, Georgetown University, Washington, D.C. (P.A.F.)
| | - Doodipala Samba Reddy
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, Neuroscience Program, and Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois (C.A.C.); Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, Texas (D.S.R.); Neuroscience Department, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts (J.M.); and Departments of Pharmacology and Physiology and Neuroscience, Georgetown University, Washington, D.C. (P.A.F.)
| | - Jamie Maguire
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, Neuroscience Program, and Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois (C.A.C.); Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, Texas (D.S.R.); Neuroscience Department, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts (J.M.); and Departments of Pharmacology and Physiology and Neuroscience, Georgetown University, Washington, D.C. (P.A.F.)
| | - Patrick A Forcelli
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, Neuroscience Program, and Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois (C.A.C.); Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, Texas (D.S.R.); Neuroscience Department, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts (J.M.); and Departments of Pharmacology and Physiology and Neuroscience, Georgetown University, Washington, D.C. (P.A.F.)
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24
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Manwani B, Fall P, Zhu L, O'Reilly MR, Conway S, Staff I, McCullough LD. Increased P450 aromatase levels in post-menopausal women after acute ischemic stroke. Biol Sex Differ 2021; 12:8. [PMID: 33413673 PMCID: PMC7792154 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-020-00357-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Sex differences in stroke have been attributed to the neuroprotective effects of estrogen, yet most clinical trials of estrogen supplementation for stroke prevention have failed. The contribution of sex hormones to stroke outcome remains a subject of debate. Aromatization of testosterone to estradiol in neural tissue leads to sexual differentiation. Emerging data suggests aromatase activity increases in response to brain injury, and increased aromatase expression is seen in the ischemic penumbra in animal models. The objective of this study was to examine the levels of endogenous sex steroids after acute ischemic stroke and determine if levels of sex steroids were associated with acute stroke outcomes. Methods Peripheral blood from ischemic stroke patients and controls was collected under an approved IRB within 24 h of symptom onset. 17β-estradiol, testosterone, and aromatase levels were measured in the serum of both men and women using ELISA. Hormone levels were compared in men vs. women in stroke and control groups and correlated with outcomes (NIHSS and change in the modified Rankin Scale (mRS), defined as the difference of premorbid and discharge mRS) using multivariate regression. Results We found no significant difference in estradiol levels 24 h after stroke in men (p = 0.86) or women (p = 0.10). In men, testosterone significantly decreased after stroke as compared with controls (1.83 ± 0.12 vs. 2.86 ± 0.65, p = 0.01). Aromatase levels were significantly increased in women after stroke as compared with controls (2.27 ± 0.22 vs. 0.97 ± 0.22, p = 0.002), but not in men (p = 0.84). Estradiol levels positively correlated with change in mRS in both women (r = 0.38, p = 0.02) and men (r = 0.3, p = 0.04). Conclusions Estradiol levels correlated with functional outcomes (change in mRS) in both men and women, at least in the acute phase (24 h) of stroke. However, no significant difference in estradiol levels is seen 24 h post-stroke in men or women. Testosterone levels decrease at 24 h after stroke in men. As seen in animal models, aromatase levels increase after acute ischemic stroke, but this was only true for women. These indicate an active aromatization process in post-menopausal women after acute ischemic stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bharti Manwani
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience, University of Texas, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Pamela Fall
- University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Liang Zhu
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Sarah Conway
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ilene Staff
- Department of Research, Hartford Hospital, Hartford, CT, USA
| | - Louise D McCullough
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience, University of Texas, Houston, TX, USA.
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25
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Yasuda K, Maki T, Kinoshita H, Kaji S, Toyokawa M, Nishigori R, Kinoshita Y, Ono Y, Kinoshita A, Takahashi R. Sex-specific differences in transcriptomic profiles and cellular characteristics of oligodendrocyte precursor cells. Stem Cell Res 2020; 46:101866. [PMID: 32563975 DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2020.101866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2019] [Revised: 03/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The susceptibility to neurological and psychiatric disorders reveals sexual dimorphism in the structure and function of human brains. Recent evidence has also demonstrated the sex-related differences in cellular components of the brain, including neurons, microglia, astrocytes, and endothelial cells. Oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) regulate the neuronal system in various ways and play crucial roles in brain homeostasis beyond their well-known role as a reservoir for mature oligodendrocytes. Although recent studies have shown regional diversities and heterogeneities of OPCs, sex-related differences in OPCs are largely unknown. Here, we revealed transcriptomic differences in OPCs isolated from male and female neonatal rat brains. Furthermore, we demonstrated sex-dependent differences in OPCs regarding proliferation, migration, differentiation, tolerance against ischemic stress, energy metabolism, and the ability to regulate the blood-brain barrier integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken Yasuda
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, 54 Shogoin-Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8397, Japan
| | - Takakuni Maki
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, 54 Shogoin-Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8397, Japan.
| | - Hisanori Kinoshita
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, 54 Shogoin-Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8397, Japan
| | - Seiji Kaji
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, 54 Shogoin-Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8397, Japan
| | - Masaru Toyokawa
- Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, 53 Shogoin-kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Ryusei Nishigori
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, 54 Shogoin-Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8397, Japan
| | - Yusuke Kinoshita
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, KAN Research Institute, Inc., Kobe, Hyogo 650-0047, Japan
| | - Yuichi Ono
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, KAN Research Institute, Inc., Kobe, Hyogo 650-0047, Japan
| | - Ayae Kinoshita
- Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, 53 Shogoin-kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Takahashi
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, 54 Shogoin-Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8397, Japan
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26
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Crespo-Castrillo A, Garcia-Segura LM, Arevalo MA. The synthetic steroid tibolone exerts sex-specific regulation of astrocyte phagocytosis under basal conditions and after an inflammatory challenge. J Neuroinflammation 2020; 17:37. [PMID: 31992325 PMCID: PMC6986022 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-020-1719-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2019] [Accepted: 01/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tibolone is a synthetic steroid used in clinical practice for the treatment of climacteric symptoms and osteoporosis. Active metabolites of tibolone, generated in target tissues, have an affinity for estrogen and androgen receptors. Astrocytes are direct targets for estrogenic compounds and previous studies have shown that tibolone protects brain cortical neurons in association with a reduction in reactive astrogliosis in a mouse model of traumatic brain injury. Since phagocytosis is a crucial component of the neuroprotective function exerted by astrocytes, in the present study, we have assessed whether tibolone regulates phagocytosis in primary astrocytes incubated with brain-derived cellular debris. METHODS Male and female astrocyte cell cultures were obtained from newborn (P0-P2) female and male Wistar rats. Astrocytic phagocytosis was first characterized using carboxylate beads, Escherichia coli particles, or brain-derived cellular debris. Then, the effect of tibolone on the phagocytosis of Cy3-conjugated cellular debris was quantified by measuring the intensity of Cy3 dye-emitted fluorescence in a given GFAP immunoreactive area. Before the phagocytosis assays, astrocytes were incubated with tibolone in the presence or absence of estrogen or androgen receptor antagonists or an inhibitor of the enzyme that synthesizes estradiol. The effect of tibolone on phagocytosis was analyzed under basal conditions and after inflammatory stimulation with lipopolysaccharide. RESULTS Tibolone stimulated phagocytosis of brain-derived cellular debris by male and female astrocytes, with the effect being more pronounced in females. The effect of tibolone in female astrocytes was blocked by a selective estrogen receptor β antagonist and by an androgen receptor antagonist. None of these antagonists affected tibolone-induced phagocytosis in male astrocytes. In addition, the inhibition of estradiol synthesis in the cultures enhanced the stimulatory effect of tibolone on phagocytosis in male astrocytes but blocked the effect of the steroid in female cells under basal conditions. However, after inflammatory stimulation, the inhibition of estradiol synthesis highly potentiated the stimulation of phagocytosis by tibolone, particularly in female astrocytes. CONCLUSIONS Tibolone exerts sex-specific regulation of phagocytosis in astrocytes of both sexes, both under basal conditions and after inflammatory stimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Luis-Miguel Garcia-Segura
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludables (CIBERFES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria-Angeles Arevalo
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain. .,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludables (CIBERFES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
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27
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Giatti S, Diviccaro S, Serafini MM, Caruso D, Garcia-Segura LM, Viviani B, Melcangi RC. Sex differences in steroid levels and steroidogenesis in the nervous system: Physiopathological role. Front Neuroendocrinol 2020; 56:100804. [PMID: 31689419 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2019.100804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Revised: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The nervous system, in addition to be a target for steroid hormones, is the source of a variety of neuroactive steroids, which are synthesized and metabolized by neurons and glial cells. Recent evidence indicates that the expression of neurosteroidogenic proteins and enzymes and the levels of neuroactive steroids are different in the nervous system of males and females. We here summarized the state of the art of neuroactive steroids, particularly taking in consideration sex differences occurring in the synthesis and levels of these molecules. In addition, we discuss the consequences of sex differences in neurosteroidogenesis for the function of the nervous system under healthy and pathological conditions and the implications of neuroactive steroids and neurosteroidogenesis for the development of sex-specific therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Giatti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Silvia Diviccaro
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Melania Maria Serafini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Donatella Caruso
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Luis Miguel Garcia-Segura
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Barbara Viviani
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Roberto C Melcangi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy.
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28
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Duncan KA, Saldanha CJ. Central aromatization: A dramatic and responsive defense against threat and trauma to the vertebrate brain. Front Neuroendocrinol 2020; 56:100816. [PMID: 31786088 PMCID: PMC9366903 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2019.100816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2019] [Revised: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Aromatase is the requisite and limiting enzyme in the production of estrogens from androgens. Estrogens synthesized centrally have more recently emerged as potent neuroprotectants in the vertebrate brain. Studies in rodents and songbirds have identified key mechanisms that underlie both; the injury-dependent induction of central aromatization, and the protective effects of centrally synthesized estrogens. Injury-induced aromatase expression in astrocytes occurs following a broad range of traumatic brain damage including excitotoxic, penetrating, and concussive injury. Responses to neural insult such as edema and inflammation involve signaling pathways the components of which are excellent candidates as inducers of this astrocytic response. Finally, estradiol from astrocytes exerts a paracrine neuroprotective influence via the potent inhibition of inflammatory pathways. Taken together, these data suggest a novel role for neural aromatization as a protective mechanism against the threat of inflammation and suggests that central estrogen provision is a wide-ranging neuroprotectant in the vertebrate brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelli A Duncan
- Department of Biology, Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, NY 12604, United States.
| | - Colin J Saldanha
- Department of Biology and Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, American University, Washington, DC 20016, United States.
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29
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Sex-Dependent Effects of Perinatal Inflammation on the Brain: Implication for Neuro-Psychiatric Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20092270. [PMID: 31071949 PMCID: PMC6539135 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20092270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2019] [Revised: 05/03/2019] [Accepted: 05/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Individuals born preterm have higher rates of neurodevelopmental disorders such as schizophrenia, autistic spectrum, and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorders. These conditions are often sexually dimorphic and with different developmental trajectories. The etiology is likely multifactorial, however, infections both during pregnancy and in childhood have emerged as important risk factors. The association between sex- and age-dependent vulnerability to neuropsychiatric disorders has been suggested to relate to immune activation in the brain, including complex interactions between sex hormones, brain transcriptome, activation of glia cells, and cytokine production. Here, we will review sex-dependent effects on brain development, including glia cells, both under normal physiological conditions and following perinatal inflammation. Emphasis will be given to sex-dependent effects on brain regions which play a role in neuropsychiatric disorders and inflammatory reactions that may underlie early-life programming of neurobehavioral disturbances later in life.
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30
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Mason B, Rollins LG, Asumadu E, Cange C, Walton N, Donaldson ST. Nesting Environment Provides Sex-Specific Neuroprotection in a Rat Model of Neonatal Hypoxic-Ischemic Injury. Front Behav Neurosci 2018; 12:221. [PMID: 30356904 PMCID: PMC6190890 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2018.00221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2018] [Accepted: 09/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypoxic-ischemic (HI) encephalopathy is a devastating injury that occurs when the fetal brain is deprived of oxygen and blood to a degree that may lead to neurological damage, seizing and cerebral palsy. In rodents, early environmental enrichment that promotes maternal care-taking behavior (mCTB) can improve neurobehavioral outcomes and protect against neurological decline. We hypothesized that an enhanced nesting environment would improve mCTB as measured by pup weight gain, and support greater HI recovery in developing rats. Pregnant dams (E15-16) were introduced to either control Standard Facility (SF) housing or closed nestbox (CN) conditions and maintained in larger cages through pup weaning. On postnatal day (PND) 7, male and female Long-Evans rat pups (N = 73) were randomly sorted into one of two surgical conditions: control and HI. HI pups received isoflurane anesthesia and right carotid artery ligation, a 2-h rest followed by 90 min exposure to a moist hypoxic (92% N, 8% O2) chamber. Pups (PND 8) were weighed daily, and tested on the Morris Water Maze (MWM) task (PND 35-50). Results demonstrate significant differences afforded to male and female pups based on weight measure, where CN-rearing modifies pre-weaning adolescent weights in females and increases post-weaning weights in males and females by an average of 10 g. Following successful MWM training and acquisition (PND 35-37), both male and female CN-raised animals demonstrated faster latency to find the hidden platform (HP) during HP trials (PND 38-42) and appeared to freely explore the MWM pool during an additional probe trial (PND 43). Moreover, after sacrifice (PND 60), CN rearing created sex-specific alterations in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), glial-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) immunopositive cell staining of the dorsomedial striatum and CA1 of the hippocampus. CN-rearing afforded HI males higher BDNF levels in the striatum and produced greater GDNF levels in the hippocampus of HI-injured females. These results suggest that early life environmental enrichment positively modifies nesting environment, increases weight gain, as well as spatial learning and memory in a sex-specific directionality. Our findings also implicate correlative changes in corticolimbic neurotrophin protein levels in the CN-reared animals that may contribute to these benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Briana Mason
- Developmental and Brain Sciences, Department of Psychology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, United States
| | - L. G. Rollins
- Clinical Psychology Program, Department of Psychology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, United States
- Warren Alpert Medical School, Department of Psychiatry, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Evans Asumadu
- Developmental and Brain Sciences, Department of Psychology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Christina Cange
- Developmental and Brain Sciences, Department of Psychology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Najah Walton
- Developmental and Brain Sciences, Department of Psychology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, United States
| | - S. Tiffany Donaldson
- Developmental and Brain Sciences, Department of Psychology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, United States
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31
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Brocca ME, Garcia-Segura LM. Non-reproductive Functions of Aromatase in the Central Nervous System Under Physiological and Pathological Conditions. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2018; 39:473-481. [PMID: 30084008 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-018-0607-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2018] [Accepted: 07/25/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The modulation of brain function and behavior by steroid hormones was classically associated with their secretion by peripheral endocrine glands. The discovery that the brain expresses the enzyme aromatase, which produces estradiol from testosterone, expanded this traditional concept. One of the best-studied roles of brain estradiol synthesis is the control of reproductive behavior. In addition, there is increasing evidence that estradiol from neural origin is also involved in a variety of non-reproductive functions. These include the regulation of neurogenesis, neuronal development, synaptic transmission, and plasticity in brain regions not directly related with the control of reproduction. Central aromatase is also involved in the modulation of cognition, mood, and non-reproductive behaviors. Furthermore, under pathological conditions aromatase is upregulated in the central nervous system. This upregulation represents a neuroprotective and likely also a reparative response by increasing local estradiol levels in order to maintain the homeostasis of the neural tissue. In this paper, we review the non-reproductive functions of neural aromatase and neural-derived estradiol under physiological and pathological conditions. We also consider the existence of sex differences in the role of the enzyme in both contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Elvira Brocca
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain.
| | - Luis Miguel Garcia-Segura
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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32
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Roy-O’Reilly M, McCullough LD. Age and Sex Are Critical Factors in Ischemic Stroke Pathology. Endocrinology 2018; 159:3120-3131. [PMID: 30010821 PMCID: PMC6963709 DOI: 10.1210/en.2018-00465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 208] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2018] [Accepted: 07/04/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Ischemic stroke is a devastating brain injury resulting in high mortality and substantial loss of function. Understanding the pathophysiology of ischemic stroke risk, mortality, and functional loss is critical to the development of new therapies. Age and sex have a complex and interactive effect on ischemic stroke risk and pathophysiology. Aging is the strongest nonmodifiable risk factor for ischemic stroke, and aged stroke patients have higher mortality and morbidity and poorer functional recovery than their young counterparts. Importantly, patient age modifies the influence of patient sex in ischemic stroke. Early in life, the burden of ischemic stroke is higher in men, but stroke becomes more common and debilitating for women in elderly populations. The profound effects of sex and age on clinical ischemic stroke are mirrored in the results of experimental in vivo and in vitro studies. Here, we review current knowledge on the influence of age and sex in the incidence, mortality, and functional outcome of ischemic stroke in clinical populations. We also discuss the experimental evidence for sex and age differences in stroke pathophysiology and how a better understanding of these biological variables can improve clinical care and enhance development of novel therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meaghan Roy-O’Reilly
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Louise D McCullough
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas
- Correspondence: Louise D. McCullough, MD, PhD, Department of Neurology, University of Texas Health Science Center, 6431 Fannin Street, Houston, Texas 77030. E-mail:
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33
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Ischemic stroke across sexes: What is the status quo? Front Neuroendocrinol 2018; 50:3-17. [PMID: 29753797 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2018.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2017] [Revised: 04/11/2018] [Accepted: 05/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Stroke prevalence is expected to increase in the next decades due to the aging of the Western population. Ischemic stroke (IS) shows an age- and sex-dependent distribution in which men represent the most affected population within 65 years of age, being passed by post-menopausal women in older age groups. Furthermore, a sexual dimorphism concerning risk factors, presentation and treatment of IS has been widely recognized. In order to address these phenomena, a number of issue have been raised involving both socio-economical and biological factors. The latter can be either dependent on sex hormones or due to intrinsic factors. Although women have poorer outcomes and are more likely to die after a cerebrovascular event, they are still underrepresented in clinical trials and this is mirrored by the lack of sex-tailored therapies. A greater effort is needed in the future to ensure improved treatment and quality of life to both sexes.
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34
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Liberale L, Carbone F, Montecucco F, Gebhard C, Lüscher TF, Wegener S, Camici GG. Ischemic stroke across sexes: what is the status quo? Front Neuroendocrinol 2018:S0091-3022(18)30040-2. [PMID: 29763641 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2018.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2017] [Revised: 04/13/2018] [Accepted: 04/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Stroke prevalence is expected to increase in the next decades due to the aging of the Western population. Ischemic stroke (IS) shows an age- and sex-dependent distribution in which men represent the most affected population within 65 years of age, being passed by post-menopausal women in older age groups. Furthermore, a sexual dimorphism concerning risk factors, presentation and treatment of IS has been widely recognized. In order to address these phenomena, a number of issue have been raised involving both socio-economical and biological factors. The latter can be either dependent on sex hormones or due to intrinsic factors. Although women have poorer outcomes and are more likely to die after a cerebrovascular event, they are still underrepresented in clinical trials and this is mirrored by the lack of sex-tailored therapies. A greater effort is needed in the future to ensure improved treatment and quality of life to both sexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Liberale
- Center for Molecular Cardiology, University of Zürich, Wagistrasse 12, CH-8952 Schlieren, Switzerland; First Clinic of Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, 6 viale Benedetto XV, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Federico Carbone
- First Clinic of Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, 6 viale Benedetto XV, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Montecucco
- First Clinic of Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, 6 viale Benedetto XV, 16132 Genoa, Italy; Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 10 Largo Benzi, 16132 Genoa, Italy; Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research (CEBR), University of Genoa, 9 viale Benedetto XV, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Cathérine Gebhard
- Center for Molecular Cardiology, University of Zürich, Wagistrasse 12, CH-8952 Schlieren, Switzerland; Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, Rämistrasse 100, CH-8091 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Thomas F Lüscher
- Center for Molecular Cardiology, University of Zürich, Wagistrasse 12, CH-8952 Schlieren, Switzerland; Cardiology, Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals and Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Susanne Wegener
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, Rämistrasse 100, CH-8091 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Giovanni G Camici
- Center for Molecular Cardiology, University of Zürich, Wagistrasse 12, CH-8952 Schlieren, Switzerland.
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Sex modulated effects of sarin exposure in rats: Toxicity, hypothermia and inflammatory markers. Neurotoxicology 2018; 66:121-127. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2018.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2017] [Revised: 03/28/2018] [Accepted: 04/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Spychala MS, Honarpisheh P, McCullough LD. Sex differences in neuroinflammation and neuroprotection in ischemic stroke. J Neurosci Res 2017; 95:462-471. [PMID: 27870410 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.23962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2016] [Revised: 09/06/2016] [Accepted: 09/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Stroke is not only a leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide it also disproportionally affects women. There are currently over 500,000 more women stroke survivors in the US than men, and elderly women bear the brunt of stroke-related disability. Stroke has dropped to the fifth leading cause of death in men, but remains the third in women. This review discusses sex differences in common stroke risk factors, the efficacy of stroke prevention therapies, acute treatment responses, and post-stroke recovery in clinical populations. Women have an increased lifetime risk of stroke compared to men, largely due to a steep increase in stroke incidence in older postmenopausal women, yet most basic science studies continue to only evaluate young male animals. Women also have an increased lifetime prevalence of many common stroke risk factors, including hypertension and atrial fibrillation, as well as abdominal obesity and metabolic syndrome. None of these age-related risk factors have been well modeled in the laboratory. Evidence from the bench has implicated genetic and epigenetic factors, differential activation of cell-death programs, cell-cell signaling pathways, and systemic immune responses as contributors to sex differences in ischemic stroke. The most recent basic scientific findings have been summarized in this review, with an emphasis on factors that differ between males and females that are pertinent to stroke outcomes. Identification and understanding of the underlying biological factors that contribute to sex differences will be critical to the development of translational targets to improve the treatment of women after stroke. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica S Spychala
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston McGovern Medical School, 6431 Fannin Street, Houston, TX, 77030
| | - Pedram Honarpisheh
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston McGovern Medical School, 6431 Fannin Street, Houston, TX, 77030
| | - Louise D McCullough
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston McGovern Medical School, 6431 Fannin Street, Houston, TX, 77030
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Zhong YH, Dhawan J, Kovoor JA, Sullivan J, Zhang WX, Choi D, Biegon A. Aromatase and neuroinflammation in rat focal brain ischemia. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2017; 174:225-233. [PMID: 28964927 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2017.09.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2017] [Revised: 09/24/2017] [Accepted: 09/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Accumulating evidence suggests that expression of aromatase, the enzyme responsible for the conversion of androgens to estrogens, is transiently upregulated in rat stroke models. It was further suggested that increased aromatase expression is linked to neuroinflammation and that it is neuroprotective in females. Our goal was to investigate aromatase upregulation in male rats subjected to experimental stroke in relationship to neuroinflammation, infarct and response to treatment with different putative neuroprotective agents. Intact male rats were subjected to transient (90min) middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) and administered selfotel (N-methyl-d-aspartic acid (NMDA) receptor competitive antagonist), TPEN (a zinc chelator), a combination of the two drugs or vehicle, injected immediately after reperfusion. Animals were killed 14days after MCAO and consecutive brain sections used to measure aromatase expression, cerebral infarct volume and neuroinflammation. Quantitative immunohistochemistry (IHC) demonstrated increased brain aromatase expression in the peri-infarct area relative to contralesional area, which was partially abrogated by neuroprotective agents. There was no correlation between aromatase expression in the peri-infarct zone and infarct volume, which was reduced by neuroprotective agents. Microglial activation, measured by quantitative autoradiography, was positively correlated with infarct and inversely correlated with aromatase expression in the peri-infarct zone. Our findings indicate that focal ischemia upregulates brain aromatase in the male rat brain at 14days post surgery, which is within the time frame documented in females. However, the lack of negative correlation between aromatase expression and infarct volume and lack of positive correlation between microgliosis and aromatase do not support a major role for aromatase as a mediator of neuroprotection or a causal relationship between microglial activation and increased aromatase expression in male focal ischemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu H Zhong
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, No. 58, Zhongshan Road II, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510080, PR China; Department of Neurology, Stony Brook University, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook, NY 11794-2565, USA.
| | - Jasbeer Dhawan
- Department of Neurology, Stony Brook University, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook, NY 11794-2565, USA.
| | - Joel A Kovoor
- Department of Neurology, Stony Brook University, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook, NY 11794-2565, USA.
| | - John Sullivan
- Department of Neurology, Stony Brook University, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook, NY 11794-2565, USA.
| | - Wei X Zhang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, No. 58, Zhongshan Road II, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510080, PR China.
| | - Dennis Choi
- Department of Neurology, Stony Brook University, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook, NY 11794-2565, USA.
| | - Anat Biegon
- Department of Neurology, Stony Brook University, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook, NY 11794-2565, USA.
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Bansal R, Singh R. Exploring the potential of natural and synthetic neuroprotective steroids against neurodegenerative disorders: A literature review. Med Res Rev 2017; 38:1126-1158. [PMID: 28697282 DOI: 10.1002/med.21458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2017] [Revised: 06/01/2017] [Accepted: 06/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Neurodegeneration is a complex process, which leads to progressive brain damage due to loss of neurons. Despite exhaustive research, the cause of neuronal loss in various degenerative disorders is not entirely understood. Neuroprotective steroids constitute an important line of attack, which could play a major role against the common mechanisms associated with various neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Natural endogenous steroids induce the neuroprotection by protecting the nerve cells from neuronal injury through multiple mechanisms, therefore the structural modifications of the endogenous steroids could be helpful in the generation of new therapeutically useful neuroprotective agents. The review article will keep the readers apprised of the detailed description of natural as well as synthetic neuroprotective steroids from the medicinal chemistry point of view, which would be helpful in drug discovery efforts aimed toward neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranju Bansal
- University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
| | - Ranjit Singh
- University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
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Acaz-Fonseca E, Avila-Rodriguez M, Garcia-Segura LM, Barreto GE. Regulation of astroglia by gonadal steroid hormones under physiological and pathological conditions. Prog Neurobiol 2016; 144:5-26. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2016.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2015] [Accepted: 06/05/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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40
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Levels and actions of neuroactive steroids in the nervous system under physiological and pathological conditions: Sex-specific features. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2016; 67:25-40. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2015.09.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2015] [Revised: 09/15/2015] [Accepted: 09/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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Chisholm NC, Sohrabji F. Astrocytic response to cerebral ischemia is influenced by sex differences and impaired by aging. Neurobiol Dis 2016; 85:245-253. [PMID: 25843666 PMCID: PMC5636213 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2015.03.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2015] [Revised: 03/16/2015] [Accepted: 03/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Ischemic stroke occurs more often among the elderly, and within this demographic, women are at an increased risk for stroke and have poorer functional recovery than men. This is also well replicated in animal studies where aging females are shown to have more extensive brain tissue loss as compared to adult females. Astrocytes provide nutrients for neurons, regulate glutamate levels, and release neurotrophins and thus play a key role in the events that occur following ischemia. In addition, astrocytes express receptors for gonadal hormones and synthesize several neurosteroids suggesting that the sex differences in stroke outcome may be mediated through astrocytes. This review discusses key astrocytic responses to ischemia including, reactive gliosis, excitotoxicity, and neuroinflammation. In light of the age and sex differences in stroke outcomes, this review highlights how aging and gonadal hormones influence these responses. Lastly, astrocyte specific changes in gene expression and epigenetic modifications during aging and following ischemia are discussed as possible molecular mechanisms for impaired astrocytic functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nioka C Chisholm
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A & M Health Science Center, College of Medicine, Bryan, TX 77807, USA
| | - Farida Sohrabji
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A & M Health Science Center, College of Medicine, Bryan, TX 77807, USA.
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The impact of gender on stroke pathology and treatment. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2015; 67:119-24. [PMID: 26657813 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2015.08.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2015] [Revised: 08/13/2015] [Accepted: 08/25/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Cerebral ischemic stroke is a leading cause of mortality and functional disability. However, unfortunately few effective treatments exist to counteract the deleterious pathological mechanisms triggered following an ischemic event. Epidemiological and experimental studies have revealed a significant difference in the vulnerability of males versus females to both the incidence of stroke and amount of resulting pathology following an ischemic stroke which is also dependent on the stage of lifespan. Here we review the evidence for gender differences in both the overall pathology and cellular mechanisms of injury following ischemic stroke. In addition, we discuss the evidence for any gender differences that may occur in the effectiveness of treatments and how this supports the need for the investigation and development of gender-specific therapies.
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Wilhelm CJ, Hashimoto JG, Roberts ML, Bloom SH, Andrew MR, Wiren KM. Astrocyte Dysfunction Induced by Alcohol in Females but Not Males. Brain Pathol 2015; 26:433-51. [PMID: 26088166 DOI: 10.1111/bpa.12276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2015] [Accepted: 06/10/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic alcohol abuse is associated with brain damage in a sex-specific fashion, but the mechanisms involved are poorly described and remain controversial. Previous results have suggested that astrocyte gene expression is influenced by ethanol intoxication and during abstinence in vivo. Here, bioinformatic analysis of astrocyte-enriched ethanol-regulated genes in vivo revealed ubiquitin pathways as an ethanol target, but with sexually dimorphic cytokine signaling and changes associated with brain aging in females and not males. Consistent with this result, astrocyte activation was observed after exposure in female but not male animals, with reduced S100β levels in the anterior cingulate cortex and increased GFAP(+) cells in the hippocampus. In primary culture, the direct effects of chronic ethanol exposure followed by recovery on sex-specific astrocyte function were examined. Male astrocyte responses were consistent with astrocyte deactivation with reduced GFAP expression during ethanol exposure. In contrast, female astrocytes exhibited increased expression of Tnf, reduced expression of the neuroprotective cytokine Tgfb1, disrupted bioenergetics and reduced excitatory amino acid uptake following exposure or recovery. These results indicate widespread astrocyte dysfunction in ethanol-exposed females and suggest a mechanism that may underlie increased vulnerability to ethanol-induced neurotoxicity in females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clare J Wilhelm
- VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR.,Department of Psychiatry, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR
| | - Joel G Hashimoto
- VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR.,Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR
| | | | | | - Melissa R Andrew
- Cincinnati Center for Growth Disorders, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Kristine M Wiren
- VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR.,Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR
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Moghimi E, Solomon JA, Gianforcaro A, Hamadeh MJ. Dietary Vitamin D3 Restriction Exacerbates Disease Pathophysiology in the Spinal Cord of the G93A Mouse Model of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0126355. [PMID: 26020962 PMCID: PMC4447353 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0126355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2015] [Accepted: 03/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Dietary vitamin D3 (D3) restriction reduces paw grip endurance and motor performance in G93A mice, and increases inflammation and apoptosis in the quadríceps of females. ALS, a neuromuscular disease, causes progressive degeneration of motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord. Objective We analyzed the spinal cords of G93A mice following dietary D3 restriction at 2.5% the adequate intake (AI) for oxidative damage (4-HNE, 3-NY), antioxidant enzymes (SOD2, catalase, GPx1), inflammation (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10), apoptosis (bax/bcl-2 ratio, cleaved/pro-caspase 3 ratio), neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and neuron count (ChAT, SMI-36/SMI-32 ratio). Methods Beginning at age 25 d, 42 G93A mice were provided food ad libitum with either adequate (AI;1 IU D3/g feed; 12 M, 11 F) or deficient (DEF; 0.025 IU D3/g feed; 10 M, 9 F) D3. At age 113 d, the spinal cords were analyzed for protein content. Differences were considered significant at P ≤ 0.10, since this was a pilot study. Results DEF mice had 16% higher 4-HNE (P = 0.056), 12% higher GPx1 (P = 0.057) and 23% higher Bax/Bcl2 ratio (P = 0.076) vs. AI. DEF females had 29% higher GPx1 (P = 0.001) and 22% higher IL-6 (P = 0.077) vs. AI females. DEF males had 23% higher 4-HNE (P = 0.066) and 18% lower SOD2 (P = 0.034) vs. AI males. DEF males had 27% lower SOD2 (P = 0.004), 17% lower GPx1 (P = 0.070), 29% lower IL-6 (P = 0.023) and 22% lower ChAT (P = 0.082) vs. DEF females. Conclusion D3 deficiency exacerbates disease pathophysiology in the spinal cord of G93A mice, the exact mechanisms are sex-specific. This is in accord with our previous results in the quadriceps, as well as functional and disease outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elnaz Moghimi
- School of Kinesiology and Health Science, Faculty of Health, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Muscle Health Research Centre, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jesse A. Solomon
- School of Kinesiology and Health Science, Faculty of Health, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Muscle Health Research Centre, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alexandro Gianforcaro
- School of Kinesiology and Health Science, Faculty of Health, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Muscle Health Research Centre, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mazen J. Hamadeh
- School of Kinesiology and Health Science, Faculty of Health, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Muscle Health Research Centre, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- * E-mail:
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Protective actions of 17β-estradiol and progesterone on oxidative neuronal injury induced by organometallic compounds. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2015; 2015:343706. [PMID: 25815107 PMCID: PMC4359856 DOI: 10.1155/2015/343706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2014] [Accepted: 02/06/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Steroid hormones synthesized in and secreted from peripheral endocrine glands pass through the blood-brain barrier and play a role in the central nervous system. In addition, the brain possesses an inherent endocrine system and synthesizes steroid hormones known as neurosteroids. Increasing evidence shows that neuroactive steroids protect the central nervous system from various harmful stimuli. Reports show that the neuroprotective actions of steroid hormones attenuate oxidative stress. In this review, we summarize the antioxidative effects of neuroactive steroids, especially 17β-estradiol and progesterone, on neuronal injury in the central nervous system under various pathological conditions, and then describe our recent findings concerning the neuroprotective actions of 17β-estradiol and progesterone on oxidative neuronal injury induced by organometallic compounds, tributyltin, and methylmercury.
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Sohrabji F. Estrogen-IGF-1 interactions in neuroprotection: ischemic stroke as a case study. Front Neuroendocrinol 2015; 36:1-14. [PMID: 24882635 PMCID: PMC4247812 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2014.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2013] [Revised: 05/15/2014] [Accepted: 05/16/2014] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The steroid hormone 17b-estradiol and the peptide hormone insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 independently exert neuroprotective actions in neurologic diseases such as stroke. Only a few studies have directly addressed the interaction between the two hormone systems, however, there is a large literature that indicates potentially greater interactions between the 17b-estradiol and IGF-1 systems. The present review focuses on key issues related to this interaction including IGF-1 and sex differences and common activation of second messenger systems. Using ischemic stroke as a case study, this review also focuses on independent and cooperative actions of estrogen and IGF-1 on neuroprotection, blood brain barrier integrity, angiogenesis, inflammation and post-stroke epilepsy. Finally, the review also focuses on the astrocyte, a key mediator of post stroke repair, as a local source of 17b-estradiol and IGF-1. This review thus highlights areas where significant new research is needed to clarify the interactions between these two neuroprotectants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farida Sohrabji
- Women's Health in Neuroscience Program, Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, TAMHSC College of Medicine, Bryan, TX 77807, United States.
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48
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Murphy SJ, Lusardi TA, Phillips JI, Saugstad JA. Sex differences in microRNA expression during development in rat cortex. Neurochem Int 2014; 77:24-32. [PMID: 24969725 PMCID: PMC4177314 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2014.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2014] [Revised: 06/09/2014] [Accepted: 06/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
There are important sex differences in the risk and outcome of conditions and diseases between males and females. For example, stroke occurs with greater frequency in men than in women across diverse ethnic backgrounds and nationalities. Work from our lab and others have revealed a sex-specific sensitivity to cerebral ischemia whereby males exhibit a larger extent of brain damage following an ischemic event compared to females. Studies suggest that the difference in male and female susceptibility to ischemia may be triggered by innate variations in gene regulation and protein expression between the sexes that are independent of post-natal exposure to sex hormones. We have shown that there are differences in microRNA (miRNA) expression in adult male and female brain following focal cerebral ischemia in mouse cortex. Herein we examine a role for differential expression of miRNAs during development in male and female rat cortex as potential effectors of the phenotype that leads to sex differences to ischemia. Expression studies in male and female cortices isolated from postnatal day 0 (P0), postnatal day 7 (P7), and adult rats using TaqMan Low Density miRNA arrays and NanoString nCounter analysis revealed differential miRNA levels between males and females at each developmental stage. We focused on the miR-200 family of miRNAs that showed higher levels in females at P0, but higher levels in males at P7 that persisted into adulthood, and validated the expression of miR-200a, miR-200b, and miR-429 by individual qRT-PCR as these are clustered on chromosome 5 and may be transcriptionally co-regulated. Prediction analysis of the miR-200 miRNAs revealed that genes within the Gonadotropin releasing hormone receptor pathway are the most heavily targeted. These studies support that developmental changes in miRNA expression may influence phenotypes in adult brain that underlie sexually dimorphic responses to disease, including ischemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie J Murphy
- Department of Anesthesiology & Perioperative Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Theresa A Lusardi
- Dow Neurobiology Laboratories, Legacy Research Institute, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Jay I Phillips
- Department of Anesthesiology & Perioperative Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Julie A Saugstad
- Department of Anesthesiology & Perioperative Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA.
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50
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Ávila Rodriguez M, Garcia-Segura LM, Cabezas R, Torrente D, Capani F, Gonzalez J, Barreto GE. Tibolone protects T98G cells from glucose deprivation. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2014; 144 Pt B:294-303. [PMID: 25086299 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2014.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2014] [Revised: 07/23/2014] [Accepted: 07/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The steroidal drug Tibolone is used for the treatment of climacteric symptoms and osteoporosis in post-menopausal women. Although Tibolone has been shown to exert neuroprotective actions after middle cerebral artery occlusion, its specific actions on glial cells have received very little attention. In the present study we have assessed whether Tibolone exerts protective actions in a human astrocyte cell model, the T98G cells, subjected to glucose deprivation. Our findings indicate that Tibolone decreases the effects of glucose deprivation on cell death, nuclear fragmentation, superoxide ion production, mitochondrial membrane potential, cytoplasmic calcium concentration and morphological parameters. These findings suggest that glial cells may participate in the neuroprotective actions of Tibolone in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Ávila Rodriguez
- Departamento de Nutrición y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
| | | | - Ricardo Cabezas
- Departamento de Nutrición y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
| | - Daniel Torrente
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, The University of Texas at San Antonio, United States
| | - Francisco Capani
- Laboratorio de Citoarquitectura y Plasticidad Neuronal, Instituto de Investigaciones cardiológicas Prof. Dr. Alberto C. Taquini (ININCA), Facultad de Medicina, UBA-CONICET, Marcelo T. de Alvear 2270, C1122AAJ Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Janneth Gonzalez
- Departamento de Nutrición y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
| | - George E Barreto
- Departamento de Nutrición y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá D.C., Colombia.
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