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Ramachandran R, Sankarganesh D, Suriyakalaa U, Aathmanathan VS, Angayarkanni J, Achiraman S. Interplay of hormones and metabolite excretion with fern pattern prove saliva as a potent indicator of male reproductive status in Kangayam breed cattle. Trop Anim Health Prod 2024; 56:155. [PMID: 38727965 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-024-03990-4] [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: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
Kangayam cattle are one of the drought breeds in India with distinct attributes. Agricultural transformation has led to a decline in many pure-breed indigenous cattle, including the Kangayam breed. Hence, a study on the reproductive physiology of male Kangayam breed cattle is necessary to disentangle problems in the area of livestock improvement. In this study, we investigated the relationship between serum hormones and bio-constituents and ascertained the potential of saliva as an indicator of the reproductive status of Kangayam cattle (Bos indicus). The present study confirms that cholesterol was higher in intact males and lower in prepubertal and castrated males. Testosterone levels were also higher in intact males than in castrated or prepubertal males. Hence, it can be inferred that high cholesterol levels contribute to active derivatization of testosterone in intact males. In contrast, reduced cholesterol availability leads to decreased testosterone synthesis in castrated and prepubertal males. Furthermore, it is reasonable to speculate that testosterone could have influenced salivary fern patterns in intact males, and thus, fern-like crystallization in the saliva was apparent. The unique salivary compounds identified through GC-MS across various reproductive statuses of Kangayam males may advertise their physiological status to conspecifics. In addition, the presence of odorant-binding protein (OBP) in saliva further supports its role in olfactory communication. This study attested to a posssible interlink between gonadal status and serum biochemical profiles. The salivary fern pattern revealed in this study can be used as a predictive tool, and the presence of putative volatiles and OBP adds evidence to the role of saliva in chemical communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajamanickam Ramachandran
- Department of Biotechnology, Srimad Andavan Arts and Science College (Autonomous), Tiruchirappalli, Tamilnadu, 620005, India.
| | - Devaraj Sankarganesh
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bio Sciences and Technology (SBST), Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, Tamilnadu, 632014, India
| | | | | | - Jayaraman Angayarkanni
- Department of Microbial Biotechnology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu, 641046, India
| | - Shanmugam Achiraman
- Department of Environmental Biotechnology, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, Tamilnadu, 620024, India.
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2
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Hart DA. Regulation of Bone by Mechanical Loading, Sex Hormones, and Nerves: Integration of Such Regulatory Complexity and Implications for Bone Loss during Space Flight and Post-Menopausal Osteoporosis. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1136. [PMID: 37509172 PMCID: PMC10377148 DOI: 10.3390/biom13071136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
During evolution, the development of bone was critical for many species to thrive and function in the boundary conditions of Earth. Furthermore, bone also became a storehouse for calcium that could be mobilized for reproductive purposes in mammals and other species. The critical nature of bone for both function and reproductive needs during evolution in the context of the boundary conditions of Earth has led to complex regulatory mechanisms that require integration for optimization of this tissue across the lifespan. Three important regulatory variables include mechanical loading, sex hormones, and innervation/neuroregulation. The importance of mechanical loading has been the target of much research as bone appears to subscribe to the "use it or lose it" paradigm. Furthermore, because of the importance of post-menopausal osteoporosis in the risk for fractures and loss of function, this aspect of bone regulation has also focused research on sex differences in bone regulation. The advent of space flight and exposure to microgravity has also led to renewed interest in this unique environment, which could not have been anticipated by evolution, to expose new insights into bone regulation. Finally, a body of evidence has also emerged indicating that the neuroregulation of bone is also central to maintaining function. However, there is still more that is needed to understand regarding how such variables are integrated across the lifespan to maintain function, particularly in a species that walks upright. This review will attempt to discuss these regulatory elements for bone integrity and propose how further study is needed to delineate the details to better understand how to improve treatments for those at risk for loss of bone integrity, such as in the post-menopausal state or during prolonged space flight.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Hart
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Kinesiology, and McCaig Institute for Bone & Joint Research, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
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3
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Abstract
Sex and gender differences are seen in cognitive disturbances in a variety of neurological and psychiatry diseases. Men are more likely to have cognitive symptoms in schizophrenia whereas women are more likely to have more severe cognitive symptoms with major depressive disorder and Alzheimer's disease. Thus, it is important to understand sex and gender differences in underlying cognitive abilities with and without disease. Sex differences are noted in performance across various cognitive domains - with males typically outperforming females in spatial tasks and females typically outperforming males in verbal tasks. Furthermore, there are striking sex differences in brain networks that are activated during cognitive tasks and in learning strategies. Although rarely studied, there are also sex differences in the trajectory of cognitive aging. It is important to pay attention to these sex differences as they inform researchers of potential differences in resilience to age-related cognitive decline and underlying mechanisms for both healthy and pathological cognitive aging, depending on sex. We review literature on the progressive neurodegenerative disorder, Alzheimer's disease, as an example of pathological cognitive aging in which human females show greater lifetime risk, neuropathology, and cognitive impairment, compared to human males. Not surprisingly, the relationships between sex and cognition, cognitive aging, and Alzheimer's disease are nuanced and multifaceted. As such, this chapter will end with a discussion of lifestyle factors, like education and diet, as modifiable factors that can alter cognitive aging by sex. Understanding how cognition changes across age and contributing factors, like sex differences, will be essential to improving care for older adults.
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4
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Grecco GG, Huang JY, Muñoz B, Doud EH, Hines CD, Gao Y, Rodriguez B, Mosley AL, Lu HC, Atwood BK. Sex-Dependent Synaptic Remodeling of the Somatosensory Cortex in Mice With Prenatal Methadone Exposure. ADVANCES IN DRUG AND ALCOHOL RESEARCH 2022; 2:10400. [PMID: 37829495 PMCID: PMC10569410 DOI: 10.3389/adar.2022.10400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
Rising opioid use among pregnant women has led to a growing population of neonates exposed to opioids during the prenatal period, but how opioids affect the developing brain remains to be fully understood. Animal models of prenatal opioid exposure have discovered deficits in somatosensory behavioral development that persist into adolescence suggesting opioid exposure induces long lasting neuroadaptations on somatosensory circuitry such as the primary somatosensory cortex (S1). Using a mouse model of prenatal methadone exposure (PME) that displays delays in somatosensory milestone development, we performed an un-biased multi-omics analysis and investigated synaptic functioning in the primary somatosensory cortex (S1), where touch and pain sensory inputs are received in the brain, of early adolescent PME offspring. PME was associated with numerous changes in protein and phosphopeptide abundances that differed considerably between sexes in the S1. Although prominent sex effects were discovered in the multi-omics assessment, functional enrichment analyses revealed the protein and phosphopeptide differences were associated with synapse-related cellular components and synaptic signaling-related biological processes, regardless of sex. Immunohistochemical analysis identified diminished GABAergic synapses in both layer 2/3 and 4 of PME offspring. These immunohistochemical and proteomic alterations were associated with functional consequences as layer 2/3 pyramidal neurons revealed reduced amplitudes and a lengthened decay constant of inhibitory postsynaptic currents. Lastly, in addition to reduced cortical thickness of the S1, cell-type marker analysis revealed reduced microglia density in the upper layer of the S1 that was primarily driven by PME females. Taken together, our studies show the lasting changes on synaptic function and microglia in S1 cortex caused by PME in a sex-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory G. Grecco
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, United States
- Medical Scientist Training Program, School of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Jui Yen Huang
- The Linda and Jack Gill Center for Biomolecular Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
- Program in Neuroscience and Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
| | - Braulio Muñoz
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Emma H. Doud
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Caliel D. Hines
- The Linda and Jack Gill Center for Biomolecular Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
| | - Yong Gao
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Brooke Rodriguez
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Amber L. Mosley
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Hui-Chen Lu
- The Linda and Jack Gill Center for Biomolecular Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
- Program in Neuroscience and Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
| | - Brady K. Atwood
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, United States
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, School of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, United States
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5
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Huerne K, Palmour N, Wu AR, Beck S, Berner A, Siebert R, Joly Y. Auditing the Editor: A Review of Key Translational Issues in Epigenetic Editing. CRISPR J 2022; 5:203-212. [PMID: 35325565 DOI: 10.1089/crispr.2021.0094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Currently, most advances in site-specific epigenetic editing for human use are concentrated in basic research, yet, there is considerable interest to translate this technology beyond the bench. This review highlights recent developments with epigenetic editing technology in comparison with the canonical CRISPR-Cas genome editing, as well as the epistemic and ethical considerations with preemptive translation of epigenetic editing into clinical or commercial use in humans. Key considerations in safety, equity, and access to epigenetic editing are highlighted, with a spotlight on the ethical, legal, and social issues of this technology in the context of global health equity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Huerne
- Centre of Genomics and Policy, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Nicole Palmour
- Centre of Genomics and Policy, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Angela Ruohao Wu
- Division of Life Science, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong S.A.R, China.,Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong S.A.R, China
| | - Stephan Beck
- University College London (UCL) Cancer Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alison Berner
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London (QMUL), London, United Kingdom
| | - Reiner Siebert
- Institute of Human Genetics, Ulm University and Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Yann Joly
- Centre of Genomics and Policy, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
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Salminen LE, Tubi MA, Bright J, Thomopoulos SI, Wieand A, Thompson PM. Sex is a defining feature of neuroimaging phenotypes in major brain disorders. Hum Brain Mapp 2022; 43:500-542. [PMID: 33949018 PMCID: PMC8805690 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.25438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex is a biological variable that contributes to individual variability in brain structure and behavior. Neuroimaging studies of population-based samples have identified normative differences in brain structure between males and females, many of which are exacerbated in psychiatric and neurological conditions. Still, sex differences in MRI outcomes are understudied, particularly in clinical samples with known sex differences in disease risk, prevalence, and expression of clinical symptoms. Here we review the existing literature on sex differences in adult brain structure in normative samples and in 14 distinct psychiatric and neurological disorders. We discuss commonalities and sources of variance in study designs, analysis procedures, disease subtype effects, and the impact of these factors on MRI interpretation. Lastly, we identify key problems in the neuroimaging literature on sex differences and offer potential recommendations to address current barriers and optimize rigor and reproducibility. In particular, we emphasize the importance of large-scale neuroimaging initiatives such as the Enhancing NeuroImaging Genetics through Meta-Analyses consortium, the UK Biobank, Human Connectome Project, and others to provide unprecedented power to evaluate sex-specific phenotypes in major brain diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren E. Salminen
- Imaging Genetics CenterMark and Mary Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute, Keck School of Medicine of USCMarina del ReyCaliforniaUSA
| | - Meral A. Tubi
- Imaging Genetics CenterMark and Mary Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute, Keck School of Medicine of USCMarina del ReyCaliforniaUSA
| | - Joanna Bright
- Imaging Genetics CenterMark and Mary Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute, Keck School of Medicine of USCMarina del ReyCaliforniaUSA
| | - Sophia I. Thomopoulos
- Imaging Genetics CenterMark and Mary Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute, Keck School of Medicine of USCMarina del ReyCaliforniaUSA
| | - Alyssa Wieand
- Imaging Genetics CenterMark and Mary Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute, Keck School of Medicine of USCMarina del ReyCaliforniaUSA
| | - Paul M. Thompson
- Imaging Genetics CenterMark and Mary Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute, Keck School of Medicine of USCMarina del ReyCaliforniaUSA
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7
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Grković I, Mitrović N, Dragić M. Ectonucleotidases in the hippocampus: Spatial distribution and expression after ovariectomy and estradiol replacement. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2021; 118:199-221. [PMID: 35180927 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2021.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular purine nucleotides, such as adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP), are important modulators of hippocampal function and plasticity. In the extracellular space, ATP is inherently short-lived molecule, which undergoes rapid enzymatic degradation to adenosine by ectonucleotidases. Given that ectonucleotidases have distinct and overlapping distribution in the hippocampus, and as ovarian hormones participate in a formation, maturation, and a refinement of synaptic contacts, both during development and in adulthood, the present chapter summarizes known data about spatial distribution of selected ecto-enzymes and estradiol-induced effects on ectonucleotidases in the rat hippocampus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Grković
- Department of Molecular Biology and Endocrinology, VINČA Institute of Nuclear Sciences-National Institute of thе Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia.
| | - Nataša Mitrović
- Department of Molecular Biology and Endocrinology, VINČA Institute of Nuclear Sciences-National Institute of thе Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Milorad Dragić
- Department for General Physiology and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
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8
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A developed HPLC-MS/MS method to quantitate 5 steriod hormones in clinical human serum by using PBS as the surrogate matrix. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2021; 1186:123002. [PMID: 34749247 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2021.123002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Steroid hormones play an essential role in regulating physiological and reproductive development throughout the lifetime of an individual. One of the difficulties in determining endogenous substances is the lack of a blank matrix. Especially when the level of analytes is lower than the level in the so-called blank matrix. In the present study, an optimized HPLC-MS/MS method was developed and validated to quantify androstenedione (ASD), testosterone (Ts), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and progesterone (P) in serum samples from healthy people using PBS (pH = 7.4) as the blank surrogate matrix. Simultaneously, the method investigated the characteristics of NaCl, bull serum albumin, pure water as surrogate matrices for the analysis of steroid hormones. The data showed that the matrix effects of ASD, Ts, DHEA, DHT, and P in the same groups were not significantly different between PBS and twice charcoal-stripped serum (CS2S) as a blank surrogate matrix. Furthermore, the LLOQ using PBS as the blank matrix was up to 0.005 ng/mL for ASD, Ts, and P and 0.05 ng/mL for DHEA and DHT. The reference ranges of concentration (CPBS) of 5 steroid hormones were provided. Compared to the concentration with CS2S (CCSS) as the blank surrogate matrix, the relative biases (RBs) of Ts, DHT, P, and DHEA were finally stabilized at approximately -0.7%, -15%, -1.2%, and 9.2%, respectively. The results suggest that, in the cases of special required, the developed HPLC-MS/MS method can be used to determine the absolute concentration of 5 hormones in biological samples with PBS as the blank surrogate matrix.
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9
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Sexual Dimorphism in the Functional Development of the Cochlear Amplifier in Humans. Ear Hear 2021; 42:860-869. [PMID: 33974790 PMCID: PMC8222053 DOI: 10.1097/aud.0000000000000976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Otoacoustic emissions, a byproduct of active cochlear mechanisms, exhibit a higher magnitude in females than in males. The relatively higher levels of androgen exposure in the male fetus are thought to cause this difference. Postnatally, the onset of puberty is also associated with the androgen surge in males. In this study, we investigated sexual dimorphism in age-related changes in stimulus-frequency otoacoustic emissions for children. DESIGN In a retrospective design, stimulus-frequency otoacoustic emissions were analyzed from a cross-sectional sample of 170 normal-hearing children (4 to 12 years) and 67 young adults. Wideband acoustic immittance and efferent inhibition measures were analyzed to determine the extent to which middle ear transmission and efferent inhibition can account for potential sex differences in stimulus-frequency otoacoustic emissions. RESULTS Male children showed a significant reduction in otoacoustic emission magnitudes with age, whereas female children did not show any such changes. Females showed higher stimulus-frequency otoacoustic emission magnitudes compared with males. However, the effect size of sex differences in young adults was larger compared with children. Unlike the otoacoustic emission magnitude, the noise floor did not show sexual dimorphism; however, it decreased with age. Neither the wideband absorbance nor efferent inhibition could account for the sex differences in stimulus-frequency otoacoustic emissions. CONCLUSIONS The cochlear-amplifier function remains robust in female children but diminishes in male children between 4 and 12 years of age. We carefully eliminated lifestyle, middle ear, and efferent factors to conclude that the androgen surge associated with puberty likely caused the observed masculinization of stimulus-frequency otoacoustic emissions in male children. These findings have significant theoretical consequences. The cochlea is considered mature at birth; however, the present findings highlight that functional cochlear maturation, as revealed by otoacoustic emissions, can be postnatally influenced by endogenous hormonal factors, at least in male children. Overall, work reported here demonstrates sexual dimorphism in the functional cochlear maturational processes during childhood.
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10
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Yusifov A, Chhatre VE, Koplin EK, Wilson CE, Schmitt EE, Woulfe KC, Bruns DR. Transcriptomic analysis of cardiac gene expression across the life course in male and female mice. Physiol Rep 2021; 9:e14940. [PMID: 34245129 PMCID: PMC8271347 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.14940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 05/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Risk for heart disease increases with advanced age and differs between sexes, with females generally protected from heart disease until menopause. Despite these epidemiological observations, the molecular mechanisms that underlie sex‐specific differences in cardiac function have not been fully described. We used high throughput transcriptomics in juvenile (5 weeks), adult (4–6 months), and aged (18 months) male and female mice to understand how cardiac gene expression changes across the life course and by sex. While male gene expression profiles differed between juvenile‐adult and juvenile‐aged (254 and 518 genes, respectively), we found no significant differences in adult‐aged gene expression. Females had distinct gene expression changes across the life course with 1835 genes in juvenile‐adult and 1328 in adult‐aged. Analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) suggests that juvenile to adulthood genes were clustered in cell cycle and development‐related pathways in contrast to adulthood‐aged which were characterized by immune‐and inflammation‐related pathways. Analysis of sex differences within each age suggests that juvenile and aged cardiac transcriptomes are different between males and females, with significantly fewer DEGs identified in adult males and females. Interestingly, the male–female differences in early age were distinct from those in advanced age. These findings are in contrast to expected sex differences historically attributed to estrogen and could not be explained by estrogen‐direct mechanisms alone as evidenced by juvenile sexual immaturity and reproductive incompetence in the aged mice. Together, distinct trajectories in cardiac transcriptomic profiles highlight fundamental sex differences across the life course and demonstrate the need for the consideration of age and sex as biological variables in heart disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aykhan Yusifov
- Kinesiology and Health, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, USA
| | | | - Eva K Koplin
- Kinesiology and Health, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, USA
| | - Cortney E Wilson
- Division of Cardiology, University of Colorado-Denver, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Emily E Schmitt
- Kinesiology and Health, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, USA
| | - Kathleen C Woulfe
- Division of Cardiology, University of Colorado-Denver, Aurora, CO, USA.,Division of Geriatric Medicine, University of Colorado-Denver, Aurora, CO, USA
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11
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Tenorio-Lopes L, Kinkead R. Sex-Specific Effects of Stress on Respiratory Control: Plasticity, Adaptation, and Dysfunction. Compr Physiol 2021; 11:2097-2134. [PMID: 34107062 DOI: 10.1002/cphy.c200022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
As our understanding of respiratory control evolves, we appreciate how the basic neurobiological principles of plasticity discovered in other systems shape the development and function of the respiratory control system. While breathing is a robust homeostatic function, there is growing evidence that stress disrupts respiratory control in ways that predispose to disease. Neonatal stress (in the form of maternal separation) affects "classical" respiratory control structures such as the peripheral O2 sensors (carotid bodies) and the medulla (e.g., nucleus of the solitary tract). Furthermore, early life stress disrupts the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVH), a structure that has emerged as a primary determinant of the intensity of the ventilatory response to hypoxia. Although underestimated, the PVH's influence on respiratory function is a logical extension of the hypothalamic control of metabolic demand and supply. In this article, we review the functional and anatomical links between the stress neuroendocrine axis and the medullary network regulating breathing. We then present the persistent and sex-specific effects of neonatal stress on respiratory control in adult rats. The similarities between the respiratory phenotype of stressed rats and clinical manifestations of respiratory control disorders such as sleep-disordered breathing and panic attacks are remarkable. These observations are in line with the scientific consensus that the origins of adult disease are often found among developmental and biological disruptions occurring during early life. These observations bring a different perspective on the structural hierarchy of respiratory homeostasis and point to new directions in our understanding of the etiology of respiratory control disorders. © 2021 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 11:1-38, 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luana Tenorio-Lopes
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, The University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Richard Kinkead
- Département de Pédiatrie, Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec, Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
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12
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Salinas I, Sinha N, Sen A. Androgen-induced epigenetic modulations in the ovary. J Endocrinol 2021; 249:R53-R64. [PMID: 33764313 PMCID: PMC8080881 DOI: 10.1530/joe-20-0578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, androgens have emerged as critical regulators of female reproduction and women's health in general. While high levels of androgens in women are associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), recent evidence suggests that a certain amount of direct androgen action through androgen receptor is also essential for normal ovarian function. Moreover, prenatal androgen exposure has been reported to cause developmental reprogramming of the fetus that manifests into adult pathologies, supporting the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) hypothesis. Therefore, it has become imperative to understand the underlying mechanism of androgen actions and its downstream effects under normal and pathophysiological conditions. Over the years, there has been a lot of studies on androgen receptor function as a transcriptional regulator in the nucleus as well as androgen-induced rapid extra-nuclear signaling. Conversely, new evidence suggests that androgen actions may also be mediated through epigenetic modulation involving both the nuclear and extra-nuclear androgen signaling. This review focuses on androgen-induced epigenetic modifications in female reproduction, specifically in the ovary, and discusses emerging concepts, latest perceptions, and highlight the areas that need further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irving Salinas
- Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
- Department of Physiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Niharika Sinha
- Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
- Department of Animal Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Aritro Sen
- Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
- Department of Animal Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
- Corresponding author and person to whom reprint request should be addressed: Aritro Sen Ph.D., Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program, 3013 Interdisciplinary Science & Technology Building, 766 Service Road, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, Ph:517-432-4585;
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13
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Thayil AJ, Wang X, Bhandari P, vom Saal FS, Tillitt DE, Bhandari RK. Bisphenol A and 17α-ethinylestradiol-induced transgenerational gene expression differences in the brain-pituitary-testis axis of medaka, Oryzias latipes†. Biol Reprod 2020; 103:1324-1335. [PMID: 32940650 PMCID: PMC7711903 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Revised: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), such as bisphenol A (BPA) and 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2), can have far reaching health effects, including transgenerational abnormalities in offspring that never directly contacted either chemical. We previously reported reduced fertilization rates and embryo survival at F2 and F3 generations caused by 7-day embryonic exposure (F0) to 100 μg/L BPA or 0.05 μg/L EE2 in medaka. Crossbreeding of fish in F2 generation indicated subfertility in males. To further understand the mechanisms underlying BPA or EE2-induced adult onset and transgenerational reproductive defects in males, the present study examined the expression of genes regulating the brain-pituitary-testis (BPT) axis in the same F0 and F2 generation male medaka. Embryonic exposure to BPA or EE2 led to hyperactivation of brain and pituitary genes, which are actively involved in reproduction in adulthood of the F0 generation male fish, and some of these F0 effects continued to the F2 generation (transgenerational effects). Particularly, the F2 generation inherited the hyperactivated state of expression for kisspeptin (kiss1 and kiss2) and their receptors (kiss1r and kiss2r), and gnrh and gnrh receptors. At F2 generation, expression of DNA methyltransferase 1 (dnmt1) decreased in brain of the BPA treatment lineage, while EE2 treatment lineage showed increased dnmt3bb expression. Global hypomethylation pattern was observed in the testis of both F0 and F2 generation fish. Taken together, these results demonstrated that BPA or EE2-induced transgenerational reproductive impairment in the F2 generation was associated with alterations of reproductive gene expression in brain and testis and global DNA methylation in testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert J Thayil
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, USA
| | - Xuegeng Wang
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, USA
| | - Pooja Bhandari
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, USA
| | | | - Donald E Tillitt
- United States Geological Survey, Columbia Environmental Research Center, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Ramji K Bhandari
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, USA
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14
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Camacho-Arroyo I, Piña-Medina AG, Bello-Alvarez C, Zamora-Sánchez CJ. Sex hormones and proteins involved in brain plasticity. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2020; 114:145-165. [PMID: 32723542 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2020.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
It is well known that peripheral sex steroid hormones cross the blood-brain barrier and control a broad spectrum of reproductive behaviors. However, their role in other essential brain functions was investigated since the 1980s, when the accumulation of pregnenolone and dehydroepiandrosterone in the brain of mammalian species was determined. Since then, numerous studies have demonstrated the participation of sex hormones in brain plasticity processes. Sex hormones through both genomic and non-genomic mechanisms of action are capable of inducing gene transcription or activating signaling cascades that result in the promotion of different physiological and pathological events of brain plasticity, such as remodeling or formation of dendritic spines, neurogenesis, synaptogenesis or myelination. In this chapter, we will present the effects of sex hormones and proteins involved in brain plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ignacio Camacho-Arroyo
- Unidad de Investigación en Reproducción Humana, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología-Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Mexico City, Mexico.
| | - Ana Gabriela Piña-Medina
- Facultad de Química, Departamento de Biología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Ciudad de México, México
| | - Claudia Bello-Alvarez
- Unidad de Investigación en Reproducción Humana, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología-Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Carmen J Zamora-Sánchez
- Unidad de Investigación en Reproducción Humana, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología-Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Mexico City, Mexico
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15
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Ferro M, Lucarelli G, de Cobelli O, Vartolomei MD, Damiano R, Cantiello F, Crocerossa F, Perdonà S, Del Prete P, Cordima G, Musi G, Del Giudice F, Busetto GM, Chung BI, Porreca A, Ditonno P, Battaglia M, Terracciano D. Circulating preoperative testosterone level predicts unfavourable disease at radical prostatectomy in men with International Society of Urological Pathology Grade Group 1 prostate cancer diagnosed with systematic biopsies. World J Urol 2020; 39:1861-1867. [PMID: 32683462 PMCID: PMC8217017 DOI: 10.1007/s00345-020-03368-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose The association between circulating total testosterone (T) levels and clinically significant PCa is still a matter of debate. In this study, we evaluated whether serum testosterone levels may have a role in predicting unfavorable disease (UD) and biochemical recurrence (BCR) in patients with clinically localized (≤ cT2c) ISUP grade group 1 PCa at biopsy. Methods 408 patients with ISUP grade group 1 prostate cancer, undergone to radical prostatectomy and T measurement were included. The outcome of interest was the presence of unfavourable disease (UD) defined as ISUP grade group \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}
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\begin{document}$$\ge$$\end{document}≥ 3a. Results Statistically significant differences resulted between serum testosterone values and ISUP grade groups (P < 0.0001). Significant correlation was found analyzing testosterone values versus age (P < 0.0001), and versus PSA (P = 0.008). BCR-free survival was significantly decreased in patients with low levels of testosterone (P = 0.005). These findings were confirmed also in the ISUP 1–2 subgroups (P = 0.01). ROC curve analysis showed that T outperformed PSA in predicting UD (AUC 0.718 vs AUC 0.525; P < 0.001) and was and independent risk factor for BCR. Conclusion Our findings suggested that circulating total T was a significant predictor of UD at RP in patients with preoperative low- to intermediate-risk diseases, confirming the potential role of circulating androgens in preoperative risk assessment of PCa patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Ferro
- Division of Urology, European Institute of Oncology (IEO), IRCCS, via Ripamonti 435, 20141, Milan, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Lucarelli
- Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation-Urology, Andrology and Kidney Transplantation Unit, University of Bari, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124, Bari, Italy.
| | - Ottavio de Cobelli
- Division of Urology, European Institute of Oncology (IEO), IRCCS, via Ripamonti 435, 20141, Milan, Italy.,Department of Oncology and Hematology-Oncology, Università Degli Studi Di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Mihai Dorin Vartolomei
- Department of Urology, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Vienna General Hospital, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Sciences and Technology, Targu-Mures, Romania
| | - Rocco Damiano
- Department of Urology, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Francesco Cantiello
- Department of Urology, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Fabio Crocerossa
- Department of Urology, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Sisto Perdonà
- Division of Urology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori di Napoli, IRCCS "G. Pascale", Naples, Italy
| | - Paola Del Prete
- Scientific Directorate, Istituto Nazionale Tumori di Napoli, IRCCS "G. Pascale", Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanni Cordima
- Division of Urology, European Institute of Oncology (IEO), IRCCS, via Ripamonti 435, 20141, Milan, Italy
| | - Gennaro Musi
- Division of Urology, European Institute of Oncology (IEO), IRCCS, via Ripamonti 435, 20141, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | - Benjamin I Chung
- Department of Urology, Stanford University Medical Center, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Angelo Porreca
- Department of Urology, Policlinico Abano Terme, Abano Terme, Italy
| | - Pasquale Ditonno
- Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation-Urology, Andrology and Kidney Transplantation Unit, University of Bari, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124, Bari, Italy.,National Cancer Institute "Giovanni Paolo II", Bari, Italy
| | - Michele Battaglia
- Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation-Urology, Andrology and Kidney Transplantation Unit, University of Bari, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Daniela Terracciano
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", 8031, Naples, Italy
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16
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Conklin SE, Knezevic CE. Advancements in the gold standard: Measuring steroid sex hormones by mass spectrometry. Clin Biochem 2020; 82:21-32. [PMID: 32209333 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiochem.2020.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2019] [Revised: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Sex hormones, such as testosterone and estrogens, play an essential role in regulating physiological and reproductive development throughout the lifetime of the individual. Although variation in levels of these hormones are observed throughout the distinct stages in life, significant deviations from reference ranges can result in detrimental effects to the individual. Alterations, by either an increase or decrease, in hormone levels are associated with physiological changes, decreased reproductive capabilities, and increased risk for diseases. Hormone therapies (HTs) and assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) are commonly used to address these factors. In addition to these treatments, gender-affirming therapies, an iteration of HTs, are also a prominent treatment for transgender individuals. Considering that the effectiveness of these treatments relies on achieving therapeutic hormone levels, monitoring of hormones has served as a way of assessing therapeutic efficay. The need for reliable methods to achieve this task has led to great advancements in methods for evaluating hormone concentrations in biological matrices. Although immunoassays are the more widely used method, mass spectrometry (MS)-based methods have proven to be more sensitive, specific, and reliable. Advances in MS technology and its applications for therapeutic hormone monitoring have been significant, hence integration of these methods in the clinical setting is desired. Here, we provide a general overview of HT and ART, and the immunoassay and MS-based methods currently utilized for monitoring sex hormones. Additionally, we highlight recent advances in MS-based methods and discuss future applications and considerations for MS-based hormone assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven E Conklin
- Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 1800 Orleans St. Zayed B1020, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.
| | - Claire E Knezevic
- Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 1800 Orleans St. Zayed B1020, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.
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17
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Eozenou C, Lesage-Padilla A, Mauffré V, Healey GD, Camous S, Bolifraud P, Giraud-Delville C, Vaiman D, Shimizu T, Miyamoto A, Sheldon IM, Constant F, Pannetier M, Sandra O. FOXL2 is a Progesterone Target Gene in the Endometrium of Ruminants. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21041478. [PMID: 32098259 PMCID: PMC7073057 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21041478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Revised: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Forkhead Box L2 (FOXL2) is a member of the FOXL class of transcription factors, which are essential for ovarian differentiation and function. In the endometrium, FOXL2 is also thought to be important in cattle; however, it is not clear how its expression is regulated. The maternal recognition of pregnancy signal in cattle, interferon-Tau, does not regulate FOXL2 expression. Therefore, in the present study, we examined whether the ovarian steroid hormones that orchestrate implantation regulate FOXL2 gene expression in ruminants. In sheep, we confirmed that FOXL2 mRNA and protein was expressed in the endometrium across the oestrous cycle (day 4 to day 15 post-oestrus). Similar to the bovine endometrium, ovine FOXL2 endometrial expression was low during the luteal phase of the oestrous cycle (4 to 12 days post-oestrus) and at implantation (15 days post-oestrus) while mRNA and protein expression significantly increased during the luteolytic phase (day 15 post-oestrus in cycle). In pregnant ewes, inhibition of progesterone production by trilostane during the day 5 to 16 period prevented the rise in progesterone concentrations and led to a significant increase of FOXL2 expression in caruncles compared with the control group (1.4-fold, p < 0.05). Ovariectomized ewes or cows that were supplemented with exogenous progesterone for 12 days or 6 days, respectively, had lower endometrial FOXL2 expression compared with control ovariectomized females (sheep, mRNA, 1.8-fold; protein, 2.4-fold; cattle; mRNA, 2.2-fold; p < 0.05). Exogenous oestradiol treatments for 12 days in sheep or 2 days in cattle did not affect FOXL2 endometrial expression compared with control ovariectomized females, except at the protein level in both endometrial areas in the sheep. Moreover, treating bovine endometrial explants with exogenous progesterone for 48h reduced FOXL2 expression. Using in vitro assays with COS7 cells we also demonstrated that progesterone regulates the FOXL2 promoter activity through the progesterone receptor. Collectively, our findings imply that endometrial FOXL2 is, as a direct target of progesterone, involved in early pregnancy and implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Eozenou
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, ENVA, UVSQ, BREED, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France; (A.L.-P.); (V.M.); (S.C.); (P.B.); (C.G.-D.); (F.C.); (M.P.)
- Institut Pasteur, UMR 3738, Biologie du Développement et Cellules Souches, Laboratoire de Génétique du Développement Humain, 25 rue du docteur roux, F75015 Paris, France
- Correspondence: (C.E.); (O.S.); Tel.: +33-144389136 (C.E.); +33-134642343 (O.S.)
| | - Audrey Lesage-Padilla
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, ENVA, UVSQ, BREED, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France; (A.L.-P.); (V.M.); (S.C.); (P.B.); (C.G.-D.); (F.C.); (M.P.)
| | - Vincent Mauffré
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, ENVA, UVSQ, BREED, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France; (A.L.-P.); (V.M.); (S.C.); (P.B.); (C.G.-D.); (F.C.); (M.P.)
| | - Gareth D. Healey
- Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea SA2 8PP, UK; (G.D.H.); (I.M.S.)
| | - Sylvaine Camous
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, ENVA, UVSQ, BREED, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France; (A.L.-P.); (V.M.); (S.C.); (P.B.); (C.G.-D.); (F.C.); (M.P.)
| | - Philippe Bolifraud
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, ENVA, UVSQ, BREED, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France; (A.L.-P.); (V.M.); (S.C.); (P.B.); (C.G.-D.); (F.C.); (M.P.)
| | - Corinne Giraud-Delville
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, ENVA, UVSQ, BREED, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France; (A.L.-P.); (V.M.); (S.C.); (P.B.); (C.G.-D.); (F.C.); (M.P.)
| | - Daniel Vaiman
- Institut Cochin, INSERM U1016, UMR 8104 CNRS, Faculté René Descartes, 24 rue du Faubourg St Jacques, 75014 Paris, France;
| | - Takashi Shimizu
- Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro 080-8555, Japan; (T.S.); (A.M.)
| | - Akio Miyamoto
- Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro 080-8555, Japan; (T.S.); (A.M.)
| | - Iain Martin Sheldon
- Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea SA2 8PP, UK; (G.D.H.); (I.M.S.)
| | - Fabienne Constant
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, ENVA, UVSQ, BREED, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France; (A.L.-P.); (V.M.); (S.C.); (P.B.); (C.G.-D.); (F.C.); (M.P.)
| | - Maëlle Pannetier
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, ENVA, UVSQ, BREED, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France; (A.L.-P.); (V.M.); (S.C.); (P.B.); (C.G.-D.); (F.C.); (M.P.)
| | - Olivier Sandra
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, ENVA, UVSQ, BREED, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France; (A.L.-P.); (V.M.); (S.C.); (P.B.); (C.G.-D.); (F.C.); (M.P.)
- Correspondence: (C.E.); (O.S.); Tel.: +33-144389136 (C.E.); +33-134642343 (O.S.)
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18
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Post-translational histone modifications and their interaction with sex influence normal brain development and elaboration of neuropsychiatric disorders. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2019; 1865:1968-1981. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2018.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2018] [Revised: 10/05/2018] [Accepted: 10/08/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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19
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Sheppard PAS, Choleris E, Galea LAM. Structural plasticity of the hippocampus in response to estrogens in female rodents. Mol Brain 2019; 12:22. [PMID: 30885239 PMCID: PMC6423800 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-019-0442-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2019] [Accepted: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
It is well established that estrogens affect neuroplasticity in a number of brain regions. In particular, estrogens modulate and mediate spine and synapse formation as well as neurogenesis in the hippocampal formation. In this review, we discuss current research exploring the effects of estrogens on dendritic spine plasticity and neurogenesis with a focus on the modulating factors of sex, age, and pregnancy. Hormone levels, including those of estrogens, fluctuate widely across the lifespan from early life to puberty, through adulthood and into old age, as well as with pregnancy and parturition. Dendritic spine formation and modulation are altered both by rapid (likely non-genomic) and classical (genomic) actions of estrogens and have been suggested to play a role in the effects of estrogens on learning and memory. Neurogenesis in the hippocampus is influenced by age, the estrous cycle, pregnancy, and parity in female rodents. Furthermore, sex differences exist in hippocampal cellular and molecular responses to estrogens and are briefly discussed throughout. Understanding how structural plasticity in the hippocampus is affected by estrogens and how these effects can influence function and be influenced by other factors, such as experience and sex, is critical and can inform future treatments in conditions involving the hippocampus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul A. S. Sheppard
- Department of Psychology, Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3 Canada
| | - Elena Choleris
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience Program, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1 Canada
| | - Liisa A. M. Galea
- Department of Psychology, Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3 Canada
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20
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Zhang J, Chen Q, Du D, Wu T, Wen J, Wu M, Zhang Y, Yan W, Zhou S, Li Y, Jin Y, Luo A, Wang S. Can ovarian aging be delayed by pharmacological strategies? Aging (Albany NY) 2019; 11:817-832. [PMID: 30674710 PMCID: PMC6366956 DOI: 10.18632/aging.101784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2018] [Accepted: 01/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Aging has been regarded as a treatable condition, and delaying aging could prevent some diseases. Ovarian aging, a special type of organ senescence, is the earliest-aging organ, as ovaries exhibit an accelerated rate of aging with characteristics of gradual declines in ovarian follicle quantity and quality since birth, compared to other organs. Ovarian aging is considered as the pacemaker of female body aging, which drives the aging of multiple organs of the body. Hence, anti-ovarian aging has become a research topic broadly interesting to both biomedical scientists and pharmaceutical industry. A marked progress has been made in exploration of possible anti-ovarian agents or approaches, such as calorie restriction mimetics, antioxidants, autophagy inducers etc., over the past years. This review is attempted to discuss recent advances in the area of anti-ovarian aging pharmacology and to offer new insights into our better understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying ovarian aging, which might be informative for future prevention and treatment of ovarian aging and its related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinjin Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Qian Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Dingfu Du
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Tong Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Jingyi Wen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Meng Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Wei Yan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Su Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yan Jin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Aiyue Luo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Shixuan Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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21
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Rezzani R, Franco C, Rodella LF. Sex differences of brain and their implications for personalized therapy. Pharmacol Res 2019; 141:429-442. [PMID: 30659897 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2019.01.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2018] [Revised: 01/14/2019] [Accepted: 01/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Nowadays, it is known that the sex differences regard many organs, e.g., liver, vessels, pancreas, lungs, bronchi and also the brain. Sex differences are not just a matter of ethical and moral principles, as they are central to explain many still unknown diseases and their understanding is a prerequisite to develop an effective therapy for each individual. This review reports on those sex differences that are not only macroscopic and morphological, but also involve molecular and functional dimorphism in the brain. It will recapitulate the main structural differences between male and female brain including the neurotransmission systems; in particular, the main objective is to identify a correlation, already known or to be investigated in the future, between the differences that characterize male and female brains from a morphological and biochemical point of view and neurological syndromes. This correlation could provide a starting point for future scientific research aimed to investigate and define a personalized therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Rezzani
- Anatomy and Physiopathology Division, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy; Interdipartimental University Center of Research "Adaption and Regeneration of Tissues and Organs-(ARTO)", University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy.
| | - Caterina Franco
- Anatomy and Physiopathology Division, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Luigi F Rodella
- Anatomy and Physiopathology Division, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy; Interdipartimental University Center of Research "Adaption and Regeneration of Tissues and Organs-(ARTO)", University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
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22
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Thomas N, Gurvich C, Kulkarni J. Sex Differences in Aging and Associated Biomarkers. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1178:57-76. [PMID: 31493222 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-25650-0_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Aging is a natural process defined by the gradual, time-dependent decline of biological and behavioural functions, for which individuals of the same chronological age show variability. The capacity of biological systems to continuously adjust for optimal functioning despite ever changing environments is essential for healthy aging, and variability in these adaptive homeostatic mechanisms may reflect such heterogeneity in the aging process. With an ever-increasing aging population, interest in biomarkers of aging is growing. Although no universally accepted definition of biomarkers of healthy aging exists, mediators of homeostasis are consistently used as measures of the aging process. As important sex differences are known to underlie many of these systems, it is imperative to consider that this may reflect, to some extent, the sex differences observed in aging and age-related disease states. This chapter aims to outline sex differences in key homeostatic domains thought to be associated with the pathophysiology of aging, often proposed as biomarkers of aging and age-related disease states. This includes considering sex-based differences and hormonal status with regards to the gonadal and adrenal endocrine systems and immune function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Thomas
- Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Caroline Gurvich
- Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Jayashri Kulkarni
- Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
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23
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Tolahunase MR, Sagar R, Faiq M, Dada R. Yoga- and meditation-based lifestyle intervention increases neuroplasticity and reduces severity of major depressive disorder: A randomized controlled trial. Restor Neurol Neurosci 2018; 36:423-442. [DOI: 10.3233/rnn-170810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Madhuri R. Tolahunase
- Department of Anatomy, Lab for Molecular Reproduction and Genetics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, India
| | - Rajesh Sagar
- Department of Psychiatry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, India
| | - Muneeb Faiq
- Department of Anatomy, Lab for Molecular Reproduction and Genetics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, India
| | - Rima Dada
- Department of Anatomy, Lab for Molecular Reproduction and Genetics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, India
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24
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Puttabyatappa M, Padmanabhan V. Developmental Programming of Ovarian Functions and Dysfunctions. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2018; 107:377-422. [PMID: 29544638 PMCID: PMC6119353 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2018.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the origin of several ovarian pathologies remain unclear. In addition to the genetic basis, developmental insults are gaining attention as a basis for the origin of these pathologies. Such early insults include maternal over or under nutrition, stress, and exposure to environmental chemicals. This chapter reviews the development and physiological function of the ovary, the known ovarian pathologies, the developmental check points of ovarian differentiation impacted by developmental insults, the role played by steroidal and metabolic factors as mediaries, the epigenetic mechanisms via which these mediaries induce their effects, and the knowledge gaps for targeting future studies to ultimately aid in the development of improved treatments.
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del Sueldo M, Vicario A, Cerezo GH, Miranda G, Zilberman J. Hipertensión arterial, menopausia y compromiso cognitivo. REVISTA COLOMBIANA DE CARDIOLOGÍA 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rccar.2017.11.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
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Cataldi NI, Lux-Lantos VA, Libertun C. Perinatal programming of the orexinergic (hypocretinergic) system in hypothalamus and anterior pituitary by testosterone. Peptides 2018; 99:117-127. [PMID: 28442349 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2017.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2016] [Revised: 04/18/2017] [Accepted: 04/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Orexins A/B derived from hypothalamic prepro-orexin (PPO) are agonists for orexin receptors 1 (OX1) and 2 (OX2). Previously, we showed clear sex differences in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal orexinergic system in adult rodents. Here, we studied the effect of sexual brain differentiation on the orexinergic system in neuroendocrine structures regulating reproduction. We evaluated: a: proestrous and neonatally androgenized female rats; b: adult males, untreated or gonadectomized in adulthood and injected with oil or estradiol and progesterone (E2/P4); c: control and demasculinized males (perinatally treated with flutamide and later castration) injected either with oil or E2/P4 in adulthood. Rats were sacrificed at 12:00 and 18:00h; blood samples and brains were collected. Hormones were measured using radioimmunoassay. PPO, OX1 and OX2 mRNAs were quantified by qPCR in medial basal hypothalamus, anterior hypothalamus, adenohypophysis, and cortex. Western blots for OX1 were done in the same structures. In normal females, gonadotropins surged at 18:00h coinciding with significant elevations of PPO, OX1 and OX2 mRNAs and OX1 protein in hypothalamus and pituitary; no increases were observed at noon. Afternoon changes were absent in masculinized females. Demasculinized males when treated with E2/P4 showed high PPO, OX1 and OX2 mRNAs and OX1 protein expression in hypothalamus and pituitary at 12:00 and 18:00h compared vehicle-treated controls. The same steroid treatment was ineffective in males with normal brain masculinization. Here we show that neonatal testosterone shapes the sexual differences in the hypothalamic-pituitary orexinergic system in synchronicity to establishing the brain sex differences of the reproductive axis. The female brain controls gonadotropin surges and concurrent elevations of all studied components of the orexinergic system, suggesting its participation as a possible link between food intake, behavior and hormonal control of reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Carlos Libertun
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental-CONICET, Argentina; Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Fisiología y Biofísica, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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Rousseau JP, Tenorio-Lopes L, Baldy C, Janes TA, Fournier S, Kinkead R. On the origins of sex-based differences in respiratory disorders: Lessons and hypotheses from stress neuroendocrinology in developing rats. Respir Physiol Neurobiol 2017; 245:105-121. [DOI: 10.1016/j.resp.2017.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2017] [Revised: 03/28/2017] [Accepted: 03/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Tarullo AR, Obradović J, Keehn B, Rasheed MA, Siyal S, Nelson CA, Yousafzai AK. Gamma power in rural Pakistani children: Links to executive function and verbal ability. Dev Cogn Neurosci 2017; 26:1-8. [PMID: 28436831 PMCID: PMC6987759 DOI: 10.1016/j.dcn.2017.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2016] [Revised: 03/10/2017] [Accepted: 03/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Children in low- and middle-income countries are at high risk of cognitive deficits due to environmental deprivation that compromises brain development. Despite the high prevalence of unrealized cognitive potential, very little is known about neural correlates of cognition in this population. We assessed resting EEG power and cognitive ability in 105 highly disadvantaged 48-month-old children in rural Pakistan. An increase in EEG power in gamma frequency bands (21-30Hz and 31-45Hz) was associated with better executive function. For girls, EEG gamma power also related to higher verbal IQ. This study identifies EEG gamma power as a neural marker of cognitive function in disadvantaged children in low- and middle-income countries. Elevated gamma power may be a particularly important protective factor for girls, who may experience greater deprivation due to gender inequality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda R Tarullo
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, 64 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA 02215, United States.
| | - Jelena Obradović
- Graduate School of Education, Stanford University, United States
| | - Brandon Keehn
- Departments of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences and Psychological Sciences, Purdue University, United States
| | - Muneera A Rasheed
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Pakistan
| | - Saima Siyal
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Pakistan
| | - Charles A Nelson
- Departments of Pediatrics and Neuroscience, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital, United States; Harvard Graduate School of Education, United States
| | - Aisha K Yousafzai
- Department of Global Health and Population, T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, United States
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Csaba G. The Role of Brain –Pineal –Thymus System in the Determination of Lifespan: The Autoimmune Aging Theory. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017. [DOI: 10.3233/nib-160118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- G. Csaba
- Department of Genetics, Cell and Immunobiology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
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Hodes GE, Walker DM, Labonté B, Nestler EJ, Russo SJ. Understanding the epigenetic basis of sex differences in depression. J Neurosci Res 2017; 95:692-702. [PMID: 27870456 PMCID: PMC5130105 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.23876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2016] [Revised: 07/13/2016] [Accepted: 07/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetics refers to potentially heritable processes that can mediate both lasting and transient changes in gene expression in the absence of genome sequence alterations. The field of epigenetics has introduced a novel understanding of the mechanisms through which the environment can shape an individual and potentially its offspring. This Mini-Review examines the current literature exploring the role of epigenetics in the development of mood disorders such as depression. Depression is twofold more common in females, yet the majority of preclinical research has been conducted exclusively in male subjects. Here we discuss what is known about sex differences in epigenetic regulation and function and how this may contribute to the etiology and onset of mood disorders. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia E. Hodes
- Fishberg Department of Neuroscience and Freidman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029
| | - Deena M. Walker
- Fishberg Department of Neuroscience and Freidman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029
| | - Benoit Labonté
- Fishberg Department of Neuroscience and Freidman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029
| | - Eric J. Nestler
- Fishberg Department of Neuroscience and Freidman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029
| | - Scott J. Russo
- Fishberg Department of Neuroscience and Freidman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029
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Bellingham M, Fowler PA, MacDonald ES, Mandon‐Pepin B, Cotinot C, Rhind S, Sharpe RM, Evans NP. Timing of Maternal Exposure and Foetal Sex Determine the Effects of Low-level Chemical Mixture Exposure on the Foetal Neuroendocrine System in Sheep. J Neuroendocrinol 2016; 28:10.1111/jne.12444. [PMID: 27870155 PMCID: PMC5621486 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2016] [Revised: 10/21/2016] [Accepted: 11/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
We have shown that continuous maternal exposure to the complex mixture of environmental chemicals (ECs) found in human biosolids (sewage sludge), disrupts mRNA expression of genes crucial for development and long-term regulation of hypothalamic-pituitary gonadal (HPG) function in sheep. The present study investigated whether exposure to ECs only during preconceptional period or only during pregnancy perturbed key regulatory genes within the hypothalamus and pituitary gland and whether these effects were different from chronic (life-long) exposure to biosolid ECs. The findings demonstrate that the timing and duration of maternal EC exposure influences the subsequent effects on the foetal neuroendocrine system in a sex-specific manner. Maternal exposure prior to conception, or during pregnancy only, altered the expression of key foetal neuroendocrine regulatory systems such as gonadotrophin-releasing hormone and kisspeptin to a greater extent than when maternal exposure was 'life-long'. Furthermore, hypothalamic gene expression was affected to a greater extent in males than in females and, following EC exposure, male foetuses expressed more 'female-like' mRNA levels for some key neuroendocrine genes. This is the first study to show that 'real-life' maternal exposure to low levels of a complex cocktail of chemicals prior to conception can subsequently affect the developing foetal neuroendocrine system. These findings demonstrate that the developing neuroendocrine system is sensitive to EC mixtures in a sex-dimorphic manner likely to predispose to reproductive dysfunction in later life.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Bellingham
- Institute of BiodiversityAnimal Health and Comparative MedicineUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowUK
| | - P. A. Fowler
- Division of Applied MedicineCentre for Reproductive Endocrinology and MedicineInstitute of Medical SciencesUniversity of AberdeenAberdeenUK
| | - E. S. MacDonald
- Institute of BiodiversityAnimal Health and Comparative MedicineUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowUK
| | | | - C. Cotinot
- UMR BDRUniversite Paris SaclayParisFrance
| | - S. Rhind
- James Hutton InstituteAberdeenUK
| | - R. M. Sharpe
- MRC Centre for Reproductive HealthUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| | - N. P. Evans
- Institute of BiodiversityAnimal Health and Comparative MedicineUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowUK
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Barr CL, Misener VL. Decoding the non-coding genome: elucidating genetic risk outside the coding genome. GENES, BRAIN, AND BEHAVIOR 2016; 15:187-204. [PMID: 26515765 PMCID: PMC4833497 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2015] [Revised: 10/19/2015] [Accepted: 10/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Current evidence emerging from genome-wide association studies indicates that the genetic underpinnings of complex traits are likely attributable to genetic variation that changes gene expression, rather than (or in combination with) variation that changes protein-coding sequences. This is particularly compelling with respect to psychiatric disorders, as genetic changes in regulatory regions may result in differential transcriptional responses to developmental cues and environmental/psychosocial stressors. Until recently, however, the link between transcriptional regulation and psychiatric genetic risk has been understudied. Multiple obstacles have contributed to the paucity of research in this area, including challenges in identifying the positions of remote (distal from the promoter) regulatory elements (e.g. enhancers) and their target genes and the underrepresentation of neural cell types and brain tissues in epigenome projects - the availability of high-quality brain tissues for epigenetic and transcriptome profiling, particularly for the adolescent and developing brain, has been limited. Further challenges have arisen in the prediction and testing of the functional impact of DNA variation with respect to multiple aspects of transcriptional control, including regulatory-element interaction (e.g. between enhancers and promoters), transcription factor binding and DNA methylation. Further, the brain has uncommon DNA-methylation marks with unique genomic distributions not found in other tissues - current evidence suggests the involvement of non-CG methylation and 5-hydroxymethylation in neurodevelopmental processes but much remains unknown. We review here knowledge gaps as well as both technological and resource obstacles that will need to be overcome in order to elucidate the involvement of brain-relevant gene-regulatory variants in genetic risk for psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- C. L. Barr
- Toronto Western Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Program in Neurosciences and Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - V. L. Misener
- Toronto Western Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Huang SW, Chang KH, Escorpizo R, Chi WC, Yen CF, Liao HF, Chang FH, Chiu WT, Lin JW, Liou TH. Functioning and disability analysis by using WHO Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 in older adults Taiwanese patients with dementia. Disabil Rehabil 2015; 38:1652-63. [DOI: 10.3109/09638288.2015.1107636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Anisimov VN, Popovich IG, Zabezhinski MA, Egormin PA, Yurova MN, Semenchenko AV, Tyndyk ML, Panchenko AV, Trashkov AP, Vasiliev AG, Khaitsev NV. Sex differences in aging, life span and spontaneous tumorigenesis in 129/Sv mice neonatally exposed to metformin. Cell Cycle 2015; 14:46-55. [PMID: 25483062 DOI: 10.4161/15384101.2014.973308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The perinatal (prenatal and early neonatal) period is a critical stage for hypothalamic programming of sexual differentiation as well as for the development of energy and metabolic homeostasis. We hypothesized that neonatal treatment with antidiabetic drug biguanide metformin would positively modify regulation of growth hormone--IGF-1--insulin signaling pathway slowing down aging and improving cancer preventive patterns in rodents. To test this hypothesis male and female 129/Sv mice were s.c. injected with metformin (100 mg/kg) at the 3rd, 5th and 7th days after birth. Metformin-treated males consumed less food and water and their body weight was decreased as compared with control mice practically over their entire lifespan. There were no significant differences in age-related dynamics of food and water consumption in females and they were heavier than controls. The fraction of mice with regular estrous cycles decreased with age and demonstrated a tendency to decrease in the females neonatally treated with metformin. Neonatal exposure to metformin practically failed to change the extent of hormonal and metabolic parameters in blood serum of male and female mice. In males, neonatal metformin treatment significantly increased the mean life span (+20%, P < 0.05) and slightly increased the maximum life span (+3.5%). In females, the mean life span and median in metformin-treated groups were slightly decreased (-9.1% and -13.8% respectively, P > 0.05) in comparison to controls, whereas mean life span of last 10% survivors and maximum life span were the same as in controls. Almost half (45%) of control male mice and 71.8% male mice neonatally exposed to metformin survived up to 800 d of age, the same age was achieved by 54.3% of mice in control female group and 30% of metformin-treated females (P < 0.03). Thus, neonatal metformin exposure slows down aging and prolongs lifespan in male but not in female mice.
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Mottron L, Duret P, Mueller S, Moore RD, Forgeot d'Arc B, Jacquemont S, Xiong L. Sex differences in brain plasticity: a new hypothesis for sex ratio bias in autism. Mol Autism 2015; 6:33. [PMID: 26052415 PMCID: PMC4456778 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-015-0024-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2014] [Accepted: 04/27/2015] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Several observations support the hypothesis that differences in synaptic and regional cerebral plasticity between the sexes account for the high ratio of males to females in autism. First, males are more susceptible than females to perturbations in genes involved in synaptic plasticity. Second, sex-related differences in non-autistic brain structure and function are observed in highly variable regions, namely, the heteromodal associative cortices, and overlap with structural particularities and enhanced activity of perceptual associative regions in autistic individuals. Finally, functional cortical reallocations following brain lesions in non-autistic adults (for example, traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis) are sex-dependent. Interactions between genetic sex and hormones may therefore result in higher synaptic and consecutively regional plasticity in perceptual brain areas in males than in females. The onset of autism may largely involve mutations altering synaptic plasticity that create a plastic reaction affecting the most variable and sexually dimorphic brain regions. The sex ratio bias in autism may arise because males have a lower threshold than females for the development of this plastic reaction following a genetic or environmental event.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurent Mottron
- Centre d'excellence en Troubles envahissants du dévelopement de l'Université de Montréal (CETEDUM), Montréal, Canada.,Hôpital Rivière-des-Prairies, Département de Psychiatrie, Montréal, Canada.,Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Pauline Duret
- Centre d'excellence en Troubles envahissants du dévelopement de l'Université de Montréal (CETEDUM), Montréal, Canada.,Hôpital Rivière-des-Prairies, Département de Psychiatrie, Montréal, Canada.,Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Montreal, Québec, Canada.,Département de Biologie, École Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Lyon, CEDEX 07 France
| | - Sophia Mueller
- Institute of Clinical Radiology, University Hospitals, Munich, Germany.,Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA 02129 USA.,Harvard University, Center for Brain Science, Cambridge, MA 02138 USA
| | - Robert D Moore
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Montreal, Québec, Canada.,Department of Health Sciences, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada.,College of Applied Health Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, USA
| | - Baudouin Forgeot d'Arc
- Centre d'excellence en Troubles envahissants du dévelopement de l'Université de Montréal (CETEDUM), Montréal, Canada.,Hôpital Rivière-des-Prairies, Département de Psychiatrie, Montréal, Canada.,Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Sebastien Jacquemont
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Montreal, Québec, Canada.,Centre de recherche, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte Justine, Montréal, Canada.,Service of Medical Genetics, University Hospital of Lausanne, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, 1011 Switzerland
| | - Lan Xiong
- Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Montreal, Québec, Canada
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Bhandari RK, Deem SL, Holliday DK, Jandegian CM, Kassotis CD, Nagel SC, Tillitt DE, Vom Saal FS, Rosenfeld CS. Effects of the environmental estrogenic contaminants bisphenol A and 17α-ethinyl estradiol on sexual development and adult behaviors in aquatic wildlife species. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2015; 214:195-219. [PMID: 25277515 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2014.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 180] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2014] [Revised: 08/08/2014] [Accepted: 09/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), including the mass-produced component of plastics, bisphenol A (BPA) are widely prevalent in aquatic and terrestrial habitats. Many aquatic species, such as fish, amphibians, aquatic reptiles and mammals, are exposed daily to high concentrations of BPA and ethinyl estradiol (EE2), estrogen in birth control pills. In this review, we will predominantly focus on BPA and EE2, well-described estrogenic EDCs. First, the evidence that BPA and EE2 are detectable in almost all bodies of water will be discussed. We will consider how BPA affects sexual and neural development in these species, as these effects have been the best characterized across taxa. For instance, such chemicals have been in many cases reported to cause sex-reversal of males to females. Even if these chemicals do not overtly alter the gonadal sex, there are indications that several EDCs might demasculinize male-specific behaviors that are essential for attracting a mate. In so doing, these chemicals may reduce the likelihood that these males reproduce. If exposed males do reproduce, the concern is that they will then be passing on compromised genetic fitness to their offspring and transmitting potential transgenerational effects through their sperm epigenome. We will thus consider how diverse epigenetic changes might be a unifying mechanism of how BPA and EE2 disrupt several processes across species. Such changes might also serve as universal species diagnostic biomarkers of BPA and other EDCs exposure. Lastly, the evidence that estrogenic EDCs-induced effects in aquatic species might translate to humans will be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramji K Bhandari
- Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA; Columbia Environmental Research Center, U.S. Geological Survey, Columbia, MO 65201, USA
| | - Sharon L Deem
- Institute for Conservation Medicine, Saint Louis Zoo, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA; Veterinary Clinical Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Dawn K Holliday
- Department of Biology and Environmental Science, Westminster College, Fulton, MO 65251, USA; Department of Pathology and Anatomical Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Caitlin M Jandegian
- Columbia Environmental Research Center, U.S. Geological Survey, Columbia, MO 65201, USA; Institute for Conservation Medicine, Saint Louis Zoo, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA; Masters in Public Health Program, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | | | - Susan C Nagel
- Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA; Obstetrics, Gynecology, & Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Donald E Tillitt
- Columbia Environmental Research Center, U.S. Geological Survey, Columbia, MO 65201, USA
| | | | - Cheryl S Rosenfeld
- Biomedical Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA; Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA; Genetics Area Program Faculty Member, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA.
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Balzer BWR, Duke SA, Hawke CI, Steinbeck KS. The effects of estradiol on mood and behavior in human female adolescents: a systematic review. Eur J Pediatr 2015; 174:289-98. [PMID: 25567794 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-014-2475-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2014] [Accepted: 12/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Mood disorders and health risk behaviors increase in adolescence. Puberty is considered to contribute to these events. However, the precise impact of pubertal hormone changes to the emergence of mood disorders and risk behaviors is relatively unclear. It is important that inappropriate attribution is not made. Our aim was to determine what is known about the effect of endogenous estradiol on human adolescent girls' mood and behavior. The databases searched were MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, Education Resources Information Center (ERIC), Pre-MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Scopus for all dates to October 2014. For inclusion, contemporaneous hormone and mood or behavioral assessment was required. Data were extracted following a template created by the authors. Fourteen studies met our inclusion criteria. There was some consistency in findings for mood and estradiol levels, with associations between estradiol and depression and emotional tone and risk taking. Results were less consistent for studies assessing other mood and behavioral outcomes. Most studies were cross-sectional in design; assay methodologies used in older studies may lack the precision to detect early pubertal hormone levels. CONCLUSION Three longitudinal and several cross-sectional studies indicate potential associations between estradiol and certain mood or affective states, especially depression and mood variability though there are insufficient data to confirm that the rise in estradiol during puberty is causative. We believe that it is important for health professionals to take care when attributing adolescent psychopathology to puberty hormones, as the current data supporting these assertions are limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben W R Balzer
- Academic Department of Adolescent Medicine, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia,
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Hoffmann S, Beyer C. Gonadal steroid hormones as therapeutic tools for brain trauma: the time is ripe for more courageous clinical trials to get into emergency medicine. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2015; 146:1-2. [PMID: 25196186 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2014.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Hoffmann
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Medical School, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Cordian Beyer
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany.
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Hansberg-Pastor V, González-Arenas A, Piña-Medina AG, Camacho-Arroyo I. Sex Hormones Regulate Cytoskeletal Proteins Involved in Brain Plasticity. Front Psychiatry 2015; 6:165. [PMID: 26635640 PMCID: PMC4653291 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2015.00165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2015] [Accepted: 11/02/2015] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
In the brain of female mammals, including humans, a number of physiological and behavioral changes occur as a result of sex hormone exposure. Estradiol and progesterone regulate several brain functions, including learning and memory. Sex hormones contribute to shape the central nervous system by modulating the formation and turnover of the interconnections between neurons as well as controlling the function of glial cells. The dynamics of neuron and glial cells morphology depends on the cytoskeleton and its associated proteins. Cytoskeletal proteins are necessary to form neuronal dendrites and dendritic spines, as well as to regulate the diverse functions in astrocytes. The expression pattern of proteins, such as actin, microtubule-associated protein 2, Tau, and glial fibrillary acidic protein, changes in a tissue-specific manner in the brain, particularly when variations in sex hormone levels occur during the estrous or menstrual cycles or pregnancy. Here, we review the changes in structure and organization of neurons and glial cells that require the participation of cytoskeletal proteins whose expression and activity are regulated by estradiol and progesterone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Hansberg-Pastor
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México , Mexico City , Mexico
| | - Aliesha González-Arenas
- Departamento de Medicina Genómica y Toxicología Ambiental, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México , Mexico City , Mexico
| | - Ana Gabriela Piña-Medina
- Unidad de Investigación en Reproducción Humana, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología-Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México , Mexico City , Mexico
| | - Ignacio Camacho-Arroyo
- Unidad de Investigación en Reproducción Humana, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología-Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México , Mexico City , Mexico
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Rocca WA, Mielke MM, Vemuri P, Miller VM. Sex and gender differences in the causes of dementia: a narrative review. Maturitas 2014; 79:196-201. [PMID: 24954700 PMCID: PMC4169309 DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2014.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2014] [Revised: 05/13/2014] [Accepted: 05/14/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
This is a narrative review of new ideas and concepts related to differences between men and women in their risk of developing dementia or Alzheimer's disease (AD). We introduce the concept of dimorphic neurology and the distinction between sex and gender. We then provide three examples of risk factors related to sex and gender from the literature. Apolipoprotein E genotype is equally common in men and women but has a stronger effect in women. Apolipoprotein E genotype is a biological factor that cannot be modified but interacts with sex or gender related factors that can be modified. Low education has a similar harmful effect in men and women but has been historically more common in women. Education is a social factor related to gender that can be modified. Finally, bilateral oophorectomy is a factor restricted to women. Bilateral oophorectomy is a surgical practice related to sex that can be modified. Consideration of risk and protective factors in men and women separately may accelerate etiologic research for neurological diseases in general, and for dementia and AD in particular. Similarly, future preventive interventions for dementia should be tailored to men and women separately.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walter A Rocca
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
| | - Michelle M Mielke
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
| | - Prashanthi Vemuri
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
| | - Virginia M Miller
- Department of Surgery, Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
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Environmental Health Factors and Sexually Dimorphic Differences in Behavioral Disruptions. Curr Environ Health Rep 2014; 1:287-301. [PMID: 25705580 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-014-0027-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Mounting evidence suggests that environmental factors-in particular, those that we are exposed to during perinatal life-can dramatically shape the organism's risk for later diseases, including neurobehavioral disorders. However, depending on the environmental insult, one sex may demonstrate greater vulnerability than the other sex. Herein, we focus on two well-defined extrinsic environmental factors that lead to sexually dimorphic behavioral differences in animal models and linkage in human epidemiological studies. These include maternal or psychosocial stress (such as social stress) and exposure to endocrine-disrupting compounds (such as one of the most prevalent, bisphenol A [BPA]). In general, the evidence suggests that early environmental exposures, such as BPA and stress, lead to more pronounced behavioral deficits in males than in females, whereas female neurobehavioral patterns are more vulnerable to later in life stress. These findings highlight the importance of considering sex differences and developmental timing when examining the effects of environmental factors on later neurobehavioral outcomes.
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Houshdaran S, Zelenko Z, Irwin JC, Giudice LC. Human endometrial DNA methylome is cycle-dependent and is associated with gene expression regulation. Mol Endocrinol 2014; 28:1118-35. [PMID: 24877562 DOI: 10.1210/me.2013-1340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Human endometrium undergoes major gene expression changes, resulting in altered cellular functions in response to cyclic variations in circulating estradiol and progesterone, largely mediated by transcription factors and nuclear receptors. In addition to classic modulators, epigenetic mechanisms regulate gene expression during development in response to environmental factors and in some diseases and have roles in steroid hormone action. Herein, we tested the hypothesis that DNA methylation plays a role in gene expression regulation in human endometrium in different hormonal milieux. High throughput, genome-wide DNA methylation profiling of endometrial samples in proliferative, early secretory, and midsecretory phases revealed dynamic DNA methylation patterns with segregation of proliferative from secretory phase samples by unsupervised cluster analysis of differentially methylated genes. Changes involved different frequencies of gain and loss of methylation within or outside CpG islands. Comparison of changes in transcriptomes and corresponding DNA methylomes from the same samples revealed association of DNA methylation and gene expression in a number of loci, some important in endometrial biology. Human endometrial stromal fibroblasts treated in vitro with estradiol and progesterone exhibited DNA methylation changes in several genes observed in proliferative and secretory phase tissues, respectively. Taken together, the data support the observation that epigenetic mechanisms are involved in gene expression regulation in human endometrium in different hormonal milieux, adding endometrium to a small number of normal adult tissues exhibiting dynamic DNA methylation. The data also raise the possibility that the interplay between steroid hormone and methylome dynamics regulates normal endometrial functions and, if abnormal, may result in endometrial dysfunction and associated disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahar Houshdaran
- Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94143
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Barra R, Cruz G, Mayerhofer A, Paredes A, Lara HE. Maternal sympathetic stress impairs follicular development and puberty of the offspring. Reproduction 2014; 148:137-45. [PMID: 24811779 DOI: 10.1530/rep-14-0150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Chronic cold stress applied to adult rats activates ovarian sympathetic innervation and develops polycystic ovary (PCO) phenotype. The PCO syndrome in humans originates during early development and is expressed before or during puberty, which suggests that the condition derived from in utero exposure to neural- or metabolic-derived insults. We studied the effects of maternal sympathetic stress on the ovarian follicular development and on the onset of puberty of female offspring. Timed pregnant rats were exposed to chronic cold stress (4 °C, 3 h/daily from 1000 to 1300 h) during the entire pregnancy. Neonatal rats exposed to sympathetic stress during gestation had a lower number of primary, primordial, and secondary follicles in the ovary and a lower recruitment of primary and secondary follicles derived from the primordial follicular pool. The expression of the FSH receptor and response of the neonatal ovary to FSH were reduced. A decrease in nerve growth factor (NGF) mRNA was found without change in the low-affinity NGF receptor. The FSH-induced development of secondary follicles was decreased. At puberty, estradiol plasma levels decreased without changes in LH plasma levels. Puberty onset (as shown by the vaginal opening) was delayed. Ovarian norepinephrine (NE) was reduced; there was no change in its metabolite, 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol, in stressed rats and no change in NE turnover. The changes in ovarian NE in prepubertal rats stressed during gestation could represent a lower development of sympathetic nerves as a compensatory response to the chronically increased NE levels during gestation and hence participate in delaying reproductive performance in the rat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Barra
- Laboratory of NeurobiochemistryDepartment of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universidad de Chile, 8380492 Independencia, Santiago ChileDepartamento de FisiologíaFacultad de Ciencias, Centro de Neurobiología y Plasticidad Cerebral (CNPC), Universidad de Valparaíso, 2360094 Valparaíso, ChileAnatomy III - Cell BiologyLudwig Maximilian University, Schillerstrasse 42 D-80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Gonzalo Cruz
- Laboratory of NeurobiochemistryDepartment of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universidad de Chile, 8380492 Independencia, Santiago ChileDepartamento de FisiologíaFacultad de Ciencias, Centro de Neurobiología y Plasticidad Cerebral (CNPC), Universidad de Valparaíso, 2360094 Valparaíso, ChileAnatomy III - Cell BiologyLudwig Maximilian University, Schillerstrasse 42 D-80336 Munich, GermanyLaboratory of NeurobiochemistryDepartment of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universidad de Chile, 8380492 Independencia, Santiago ChileDepartamento de FisiologíaFacultad de Ciencias, Centro de Neurobiología y Plasticidad Cerebral (CNPC), Universidad de Valparaíso, 2360094 Valparaíso, ChileAnatomy III - Cell BiologyLudwig Maximilian University, Schillerstrasse 42 D-80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Artur Mayerhofer
- Laboratory of NeurobiochemistryDepartment of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universidad de Chile, 8380492 Independencia, Santiago ChileDepartamento de FisiologíaFacultad de Ciencias, Centro de Neurobiología y Plasticidad Cerebral (CNPC), Universidad de Valparaíso, 2360094 Valparaíso, ChileAnatomy III - Cell BiologyLudwig Maximilian University, Schillerstrasse 42 D-80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Alfonso Paredes
- Laboratory of NeurobiochemistryDepartment of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universidad de Chile, 8380492 Independencia, Santiago ChileDepartamento de FisiologíaFacultad de Ciencias, Centro de Neurobiología y Plasticidad Cerebral (CNPC), Universidad de Valparaíso, 2360094 Valparaíso, ChileAnatomy III - Cell BiologyLudwig Maximilian University, Schillerstrasse 42 D-80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Hernán E Lara
- Laboratory of NeurobiochemistryDepartment of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universidad de Chile, 8380492 Independencia, Santiago ChileDepartamento de FisiologíaFacultad de Ciencias, Centro de Neurobiología y Plasticidad Cerebral (CNPC), Universidad de Valparaíso, 2360094 Valparaíso, ChileAnatomy III - Cell BiologyLudwig Maximilian University, Schillerstrasse 42 D-80336 Munich, Germany
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de Theije CGM, Koelink PJ, Korte-Bouws GAH, Lopes da Silva S, Korte SM, Olivier B, Garssen J, Kraneveld AD. Intestinal inflammation in a murine model of autism spectrum disorders. Brain Behav Immun 2014; 37:240-7. [PMID: 24321212 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2013.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2013] [Revised: 11/25/2013] [Accepted: 12/02/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a cluster of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by impairments in communication, social interest and stereotypical behaviour. Dysfunction of the intestinal tract is reported in patients with ASD and implicated in the development and severity of ASD symptoms. However, more research is required to investigate the association of intestinal problems with ASD and the potential underlying mechanisms. The purpose of this study was to investigate comorbid symptoms of intestinal inflammation in a murine model of ASD induced by prenatal exposure to valproic acid (VPA). Pregnant BALB/c females were treated subcutaneously with 600 mg/kg VPA or phosphate buffered saline on gestational day 11. Offspring were housed with their mother until weaning on postnatal day 21 (P21). All pups were exposed to a social behaviour test on P28. Inflammatory correlates and activity of the serotonergic system were measured in brain and intestinal tissue. Here we demonstrate, in addition to reduced social behaviour and increased expression of neuroinflammatory markers in the brain, that VPA in utero- exposed male offspring showed epithelial cell loss and neutrophil infiltration in the intestinal tract. Furthermore, reduced levels of serotonin were not only observed the prefrontal cortex and amygdala of VPA in utero- exposed males, but also in the small intestine. Overall, we demonstrate that gender-specific inflammatory conditions are present in the small intestines of VPA in utero- exposed mice and are accompanied by a disturbed serotonergic system in the brain as well as in the intestinal tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline G M de Theije
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Pim J Koelink
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Gerdien A H Korte-Bouws
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Sofia Lopes da Silva
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands; Nutricia Research, Uppsalalaan 12, 3584 CT Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - S Mechiel Korte
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Berend Olivier
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Johan Garssen
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands; Nutricia Research, Uppsalalaan 12, 3584 CT Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Aletta D Kraneveld
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Mielke MM, Vemuri P, Rocca WA. Clinical epidemiology of Alzheimer's disease: assessing sex and gender differences. Clin Epidemiol 2014; 6:37-48. [PMID: 24470773 PMCID: PMC3891487 DOI: 10.2147/clep.s37929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 628] [Impact Index Per Article: 62.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
With the aging of the population, the burden of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is rapidly expanding. More than 5 million people in the US alone are affected with AD and this number is expected to triple by 2050. While men may have a higher risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), an intermediate stage between normal aging and dementia, women are disproportionally affected with AD. One explanation is that men may die of competing causes of death earlier in life, so that only the most resilient men may survive to older ages. However, many other factors should also be considered to explain the sex differences. In this review, we discuss the differences observed in men versus women in the incidence and prevalence of MCI and AD, in the structure and function of the brain, and in the sex-specific and gender-specific risk and protective factors for AD. In medical research, sex refers to biological differences such as chromosomal differences (eg, XX versus XY chromosomes), gonadal differences, or hormonal differences. In contrast, gender refers to psychosocial and cultural differences between men and women (eg, access to education and occupation). Both factors play an important role in the development and progression of diseases, including AD. Understanding both sex- and gender-specific risk and protective factors for AD is critical for developing individualized interventions for the prevention and treatment of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle M Mielke
- Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA ; Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | - Walter A Rocca
- Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA ; Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
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Ehling D. Integrative techniques using acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, diet, and supplements for polycystic ovary syndrome: a case report. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE 2013; 11:422-427. [PMID: 24299606 DOI: 10.3736/jintegrmed2013055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Dagmar Ehling
- Oriental Health Solutions, LLC., Durham, North Carolina 27705, USA
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Sex, stress, and epigenetics: regulation of behavior in animal models of mood disorders. Biol Sex Differ 2013; 4:1. [PMID: 23331332 PMCID: PMC3586570 DOI: 10.1186/2042-6410-4-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2012] [Accepted: 12/31/2012] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Women have a higher incidence of stress related disorders including depression and generalized anxiety disorder, and epigenetic mechanisms likely contribute to this sex difference. Evidence from preclinical research suggests that epigenetic mechanisms are responsible for both sexual dimorphism of brain regions and sensitivity of the stress response. Epigenetic modifications such as DNA methylation and histone modifications can occur transgenerationally, developmentally, or in response to environmental stimuli such as stress exposure. This review will provide an overview of the various forms of epigenetic modifications observed in the central nervous system and will explain how these mechanisms contribute to a sexually dimorphic brain. It will also discuss the ways in which epigenetic alterations coincide with, and functionally contribute to, the behavioral response to stress across the lifespan. Ultimately, this review will focus on novel research utilizing animal models to investigate sex differences in epigenetic mechanisms that influence susceptibility to stress. Exploration of this relationship reveals epigenetic mechanisms with the potential to explain sexual dimorphism in the occurrence of stress related disorders.
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48
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The physiological roles of placental corticotropin releasing hormone in pregnancy and childbirth. J Physiol Biochem 2012; 69:559-73. [PMID: 23385670 DOI: 10.1007/s13105-012-0227-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2012] [Accepted: 12/10/2012] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
In response to stress, the hypothalamus releases cortiticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) that travels to the anterior pituitary, where it stimulates the release of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). ACTH travels to the adrenal cortex, where it stimulates the release of cortisol and other steroids that liberate energy stores to cope with the stress. During pregnancy, the placenta synthesises CRH and releases it into the bloodstream at increasing levels to reach concentrations 1,000 to 10, 000 times of that found in the non-pregnant individual. Urocortins, which are CRH analogues are also secreted by the placenta. Desensitisation of the maternal pituitary to CRH and resetting after birth may be a factor in post-partum depression. Recently, CRH has been found to modulate glucose transporter (GLUT) proteins in placental tissue, and therefore there may be a link between CRH levels and foetal growth. Evidence suggests CRH is involved in the timing of birth by modulating signalling systems that control the contractile properties of the myometrium. In the placenta, cortisol stimulates CRH synthesis via activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), a component in a cellular messenger system that may also be triggered by stressors such as hypoxia and infection, indicating that intrauterine stress could bring forward childbirth and cause low birth weight infants. Such infants could suffer health issues into their adult life as a result of foetal programming. Future treatment of these problems with CRH antagonists is an exciting possibility.
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