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Luo Y, Safabakhsh S, Palumbo A, Fiset C, Shen C, Parker J, Foster LJ, Laksman Z. Sex-Based Mechanisms of Cardiac Development and Function: Applications for Induced-Pluripotent Stem Cell Derived-Cardiomyocytes. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5964. [PMID: 38892161 PMCID: PMC11172775 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25115964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Males and females exhibit intrinsic differences in the structure and function of the heart, while the prevalence and severity of cardiovascular disease vary in the two sexes. However, the mechanisms of this sex-based dimorphism are yet to be elucidated. Sex chromosomes and sex hormones are the main contributors to sex-based differences in cardiac physiology and pathophysiology. In recent years, the advances in induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiac models and multi-omic approaches have enabled a more comprehensive understanding of the sex-specific differences in the human heart. Here, we provide an overview of the roles of these two factors throughout cardiac development and explore the sex hormone signaling pathways involved. We will also discuss how the employment of stem cell-based cardiac models and single-cell RNA sequencing help us further investigate sex differences in healthy and diseased hearts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinhan Luo
- Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada; (Y.L.); (J.P.)
| | - Sina Safabakhsh
- Centre for Cardiovascular Innovation, Division of Cardiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 2A1, Canada;
| | - Alessia Palumbo
- Michael Smith Laboratories, Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada; (A.P.); (L.J.F.)
| | - Céline Fiset
- Research Centre, Montreal Heart Institute, Faculty of Pharmacy, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H1T 1C8, Canada;
| | - Carol Shen
- Department of Integrated Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z2, Canada;
| | - Jeremy Parker
- Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada; (Y.L.); (J.P.)
| | - Leonard J. Foster
- Michael Smith Laboratories, Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada; (A.P.); (L.J.F.)
| | - Zachary Laksman
- Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada; (Y.L.); (J.P.)
- Centre for Cardiovascular Innovation, Division of Cardiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 2A1, Canada;
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Becher E, Oertelt-Prigione S. The Impact of Sex and Gender in Medicine and Pharmacology. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2023; 282:3-23. [PMID: 37594607 DOI: 10.1007/164_2023_688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
Sex and gender play a pivotal role in health and disease. Differences can be identified in symptoms, biomarkers, lifetime experiences of diseases, incidence, prevalence, therapeutic options, health-related behavior, and resiliency. However, awareness of sex and gender differences in medicine is still limited. Systematic implementation of sex and gender-sensitive research is not yet the norm, resulting in gaps in evidence especially in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases in women. For decades research has predominantly included male persons and animals, leading to a lack of information about symptoms in female individuals or the classification of their symptoms as "atypical". Currently, the inclusion of female participants in clinical marketing access trials is mandatory. However, this does not automatically translate into sex-disaggregated analyses potentially limiting the discovery of sex-specific targeted therapeutic schemes. Consistent consideration of sex and gender in planning, conducting, analyzing, and dissemination of pharmacological research projects is an important prerequisite for closing the gender data gap. Targeted implementation strategies might help to include sex and gender aspects in different parts of the health system and thereby support the improvement of health care for all patients. Health economic aspects could be a further drive for the implementation of sex- and gender-sensitive medicine.The current chapter focuses on the role of sex and gender in biomedical research and, consequently, their potential role in pharmacology. We will explore the commonly used terminology in the field, the historical development of sex and gender-sensitive medicine (SGSM), the relevance of sex and gender to research and clinical practice and conclude with an outlook on future developments in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Becher
- Sex- and Gender-Sensitive Medicine Unit, Medical Faculty OWL, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Sabine Oertelt-Prigione
- Sex- and Gender-Sensitive Medicine Unit, Medical Faculty OWL, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany.
- Gender Unit, Departement of Primary and Community Care, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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Mahmoodzadeh S, Koch K, Schriever C, Xu J, Steinecker M, Leber J, Dworatzek E, Purfürst B, Kunz S, Recchia D, Canepari M, Heuser A, Di Francescantonio S, Morano I. Age-related decline in murine heart and skeletal muscle performance is attenuated by reduced Ahnak1 expression. J Cachexia Sarcopenia Muscle 2021; 12:1249-1265. [PMID: 34212535 PMCID: PMC8517348 DOI: 10.1002/jcsm.12749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aging is associated with a progressive reduction in cellular function leading to poor health and loss of physical performance. Mitochondrial dysfunction is one of the hallmarks of aging; hence, interventions targeting mitochondrial dysfunction have the potential to provide preventive and therapeutic benefits to elderly individuals. Meta-analyses of age-related gene expression profiles showed that the expression of Ahnak1, a protein regulating several signal-transduction pathways including metabolic homeostasis, is increased with age, which is associated with low VO2MAX and poor muscle fitness. However, the role of Ahnak1 in the aging process remained unknown. Here, we investigated the age-related role of Ahnak1 in murine exercise capacity, mitochondrial function, and contractile function of cardiac and skeletal muscles. METHODS We employed 15- to 16-month-old female and male Ahnak1-knockout (Ahnak1-KO) and wild-type (WT) mice and performed morphometric, biochemical, and bioenergetics assays to evaluate the effects of Ahnak1 on exercise capacity and mitochondrial morphology and function in cardiomyocytes and tibialis anterior (TA) muscle. A human left ventricular (LV) cardiomyocyte cell line (AC16) was used to investigate the direct role of Ahnak1 in cardiomyocytes. RESULTS We found that the level of Ahnak1 protein is significantly up-regulated with age in the murine LV (1.9-fold) and TA (1.8-fold) tissues. The suppression of Ahnak1 was associated with improved exercise tolerance, as all aged adult Ahnak1-KO mice (100%) successfully completed the running programme, whereas approximately 31% male and 8% female WT mice could maintain the required running speed and distance. Transmission electron microscopic studies showed that LV and TA tissue specimens of aged adult Ahnak1-KO of both sexes have significantly more enlarged/elongated mitochondria and less small mitochondria compared with WT littermates (P < 0.01 and P < 0.001, respectively) at basal level. Further, we observed a shift in mitochondrial fission/fusion balance towards fusion in cardiomyocytes and TA muscle from aged adult Ahnak1-KO mice. The maximal and reserve respiratory capacities were significantly higher in cardiomyocytes from aged adult Ahnak1-KO mice compared with the WT counterparts (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively). Cardiomyocyte contractility and fatigue resistance of TA muscles were significantly increased in Ahnak1-KO mice of both sexes, compared with the WT groups. In vitro studies using AC16 cells have confirmed that the alteration of mitochondrial function is indeed a direct effect of Ahnak1. Finally, we presented Ahnak1 as a novel cardiac mitochondrial membrane-associated protein. CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest that Ahnak1 is involved in age-related cardiac and skeletal muscle dysfunction and could therefore serve as a promising therapeutical target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shokoufeh Mahmoodzadeh
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin, Germany.,DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Katharina Koch
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin, Germany
| | - Cindy Schriever
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin, Germany
| | - Jingman Xu
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin, Germany.,Heart Institute, School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Maria Steinecker
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin, Germany
| | - Joachim Leber
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin, Germany
| | - Elke Dworatzek
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Charité-Universitaetsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universitaet Berlin, and Berliner Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Bettina Purfürst
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin, Germany
| | - Severine Kunz
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin, Germany
| | - Deborah Recchia
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Monica Canepari
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Arnd Heuser
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin, Germany
| | - Silvia Di Francescantonio
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin, Germany.,Experimental and Clinical Research Center, Charité-Universitaetsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ingo Morano
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin, Germany
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Firth JM, Yang HY, Francis AJ, Islam N, MacLeod KT. The Effect of Estrogen on Intracellular Ca 2+ and Na + Regulation in Heart Failure. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 5:901-912. [PMID: 33015413 PMCID: PMC7524784 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacbts.2020.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
During the progression toward heart failure, indicators of in vivo whole-heart function suggest greater impairment in the absence of estrogen. At the single cardiac myocyte level, the absence of estrogen results in further reduction of Ca2+ transient amplitudes, further slowing of transient decay kinetics, less SR Ca2+ content, and a further increase in Ca2+ spark frequencies and spark-mediated SR leak compared with animals with normal estrus cycles. Cardiac myocyte Na+ regulation is also more disrupted in the absence of estrogen.
Contradictory findings of estrogen supplementation in cardiac disease highlight the need to investigate the involvement of estrogen in the progression of heart failure in an animal model that lacks traditional comorbidities. Heart failure was induced by aortic constriction (AC) in female guinea pigs. Selected AC animals were ovariectomized (ACOV), and a group of these received 17β-estradiol supplementation (ACOV+E). One hundred-fifty days post-AC surgery, left-ventricular myocytes were isolated, and their electrophysiology and Ca2+ and Na+ regulation were examined. Long-term absence of ovarian hormones exacerbates the decline in cardiac function during the progression to heart failure. Estrogen supplementation reverses these aggravating effects.
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Key Words
- AC, aortic constriction
- ACOV+E, aortic constriction with ovariectomy, supplemented with 17β-estradiol
- ACOV, aortic constriction with ovariectomy
- FS, fractional shortening
- ICa, l-type Ca2+ channel current (cadmium-sensitive)
- INa,L, late Na+ current (ranolazine-sensitive)
- NCX, Na+/Ca2+ exchange
- OV, ovariectomy
- SERCA, Sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase
- SR, sarcoplasmic reticulum
- calcium regulation
- cardiomyocytes
- estrogen
- excitation-contraction coupling
- female
- heart failure
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Affiliation(s)
- Jahn M Firth
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Hsiang-Yu Yang
- Cardiovascular Surgery, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
| | - Alice J Francis
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Najah Islam
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Kenneth T MacLeod
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom
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5
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Sanchez-Ruderisch H, Queirós AM, Fliegner D, Eschen C, Kararigas G, Regitz-Zagrosek V. Sex-specific regulation of cardiac microRNAs targeting mitochondrial proteins in pressure overload. Biol Sex Differ 2019; 10:8. [PMID: 30728084 PMCID: PMC6366038 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-019-0222-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2018] [Accepted: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Maladaptive remodeling in pressure overload (PO)-induced left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) may lead to heart failure. Major sex differences have been reported in this process. The steroid hormone 17β-estradiol, along with its receptors ERα and ERβ, is thought to be crucial for sex differences and is expected to be protective, but this may not hold true for males. Increasing evidence demonstrates a major role for microRNAs (miRNAs) in PO-induced LVH. However, little is known about the effects of biological sex and ERβ on cardiac miRNA regulation and downstream mitochondrial targets. We aimed at the analysis of proteins involved in mitochondrial metabolism testing the hypothesis that they are the target of sex-specific miRNA regulation. Methods We employed the transverse aortic constriction model in mice and assessed the levels of five mitochondrial proteins, i.e., Auh, Crat, Decr1, Hadha, and Ndufs4. Results We found a significant decrease of the mitochondrial proteins primarily in the male overloaded heart compared with the corresponding control group. Following computational analysis to identify miRNAs putatively targeting these proteins, our in vitro experiments employing miRNA mimics demonstrated the presence of functional target sites for miRNAs in the 3′-untranslated region of the messenger RNAs coding for these proteins. Next, we assessed the levels of the functionally validated miRNAs under PO and found that their expression was induced only in the male overloaded heart. In contrast, there was no significant effect on miRNA expression in male mice with deficient ERβ. Conclusion We put forward that the male-specific induction of miRNAs and corresponding downregulation of downstream protein targets involved in mitochondrial metabolism may contribute to sex-specific remodeling in PO-induced LVH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugo Sanchez-Ruderisch
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Gender in Medicine and Center for Cardiovascular Research, and DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Berlin, Germany
| | - Ana Maria Queirós
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Gender in Medicine and Center for Cardiovascular Research, and DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Berlin, Germany
| | - Daniela Fliegner
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Gender in Medicine and Center for Cardiovascular Research, and DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Berlin, Germany
| | - Claudia Eschen
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Gender in Medicine and Center for Cardiovascular Research, and DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Berlin, Germany
| | - Georgios Kararigas
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Gender in Medicine and Center for Cardiovascular Research, and DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Berlin, Germany.
| | - Vera Regitz-Zagrosek
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Gender in Medicine and Center for Cardiovascular Research, and DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Berlin, Germany
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Liu H, He S, Wang T, Orang-Ojong B, Lu Q, Zhang Z, Pan L, Chai X, Wu H, Fan G, Zhang P, Feng Y, Song YS, Gao X, Karas RH, Zhu Y. Selected Phytoestrogens Distinguish Roles of ERα Transactivation and Ligand Binding for Anti-Inflammatory Activity. Endocrinology 2018; 159:3351-3364. [PMID: 30010822 DOI: 10.1210/en.2018-00275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2018] [Accepted: 07/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Estrogen receptor α (ERα) is a ligand-activated transcriptional activator that is also involved vascular inflammation and atherosclerosis. Whether different ligands may affect this activity has not been explored. We screened a panel of phytoestrogens for their role in ERα binding and transcriptional transcription, and correlated the findings to anti-inflammatory activities in vascular endothelial cells stably expressing either a wild-type or mutant form of ERα deficient in its membrane association. Taxifolin and silymarin were "high binders" for ERα ligand binding; quercetin and curcumin were "high activators" for ERα transactivation. Using these phytoestrogens as functional probes, we found, in endothelial cells expressing wild-type ERα, the ERα high activator, but not the ERα high binder, promoted ERα nuclear translocation, estrogen response element (ERE) reporter activity, and the downstream gene expression. In endothelial cells expressing membrane association-deficient mutant ERα, the ERα nuclear translocation was significantly enhanced by taxifolin and silymarin, which still failed to activate ERα. Inflammation response was examined using the systemic or vascular inflammation inducers lipopolysaccharide or oxidized low-density lipoprotein. In both cases, only the ERα high activator inhibited nuclear translocation of nuclear factor κB, JNK, and p38, and the production of inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and TNFα. We confirm a threshold nuclear accumulation of ERα is necessary for its transactivation. The anti-inflammatory activity of phytoestrogens is highly dependent on ERα transactivation, less so on the ligand binding, and independent of its membrane association. A pre-examination of phytoestrogens for their mode of ERα interaction could facilitate their development as better targeted receptor modifiers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haixin Liu
- Tianjin State Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- Research and Development Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biotechnology & Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Shuang He
- Tianjin State Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- Research and Development Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biotechnology & Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Taiyi Wang
- Tianjin State Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- Research and Development Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biotechnology & Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Barnabas Orang-Ojong
- Tianjin State Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- Research and Development Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biotechnology & Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Qing Lu
- Molecular Cardiology Research Institute, Tufts Medical Center and Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Zhongqun Zhang
- Tianjin State Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- Research and Development Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biotechnology & Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Lanlan Pan
- Tianjin State Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- Research and Development Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biotechnology & Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Xin Chai
- Tianjin State Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- Research and Development Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biotechnology & Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Honghua Wu
- Tianjin State Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- Research and Development Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biotechnology & Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Guanwei Fan
- Tianjin State Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Tianjin State Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- Research and Development Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biotechnology & Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Yuxin Feng
- Tianjin State Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- Research and Development Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biotechnology & Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Yun Seon Song
- College of Pharmacy, Sookmyung Women's University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Xuimei Gao
- Tianjin State Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Richard H Karas
- Molecular Cardiology Research Institute, Tufts Medical Center and Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Yan Zhu
- Tianjin State Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- Research and Development Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biotechnology & Medicine, Tianjin, China
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7
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Regitz-Zagrosek V. Unsettled Issues and Future Directions for Research on Cardiovascular Diseases in Women. Korean Circ J 2018; 48:792-812. [PMID: 30146804 DOI: 10.4070/kcj.2018.0249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2018] [Accepted: 08/07/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Biological sex (being female or male) significantly influences the course of disease. This simple fact must be considered in all cardiovascular diagnosis and therapy. However, major gaps in knowledge about and awareness of cardiovascular disease in women still impede the implementation of sex-specific strategies. Among the gaps are a lack of understanding of the pathophysiology of women-biased coronary artery disease syndromes (spasms, dissections, Takotsubo syndrome), sex differences in cardiomyopathies and heart failure, a higher prevalence of cardiomyopathies with sarcomeric mutations in men, a higher prevalence of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction in women, and sex-specific disease mechanisms, as well as sex differences in sudden cardiac arrest and long QT syndrome. Basic research strategies must do more to include female-specific aspects of disease such as the genetic imbalance of 2 versus one X chromosome and the effects of sex hormones. Drug therapy in women also needs more attention. Furthermore, pregnancy-associated cardiovascular disease must be considered a potential risk factor in women, including pregnancy-related coronary artery dissection, preeclampsia, and peripartum cardiomyopathy. Finally, the sociocultural dimension of gender should be included in research efforts. The organization of gender medicine must be established as a cross-sectional discipline but also as a centered structure with its own research resources, methods, and questions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera Regitz-Zagrosek
- CHARITÉ Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Institute of Gender in Medicine and CCR, and DZHK (partner site Berlin), Berlin, Germany.
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8
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Kiyama R. Estrogenic terpenes and terpenoids: Pathways, functions and applications. Eur J Pharmacol 2017; 815:405-415. [PMID: 28970013 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2017.09.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2017] [Revised: 09/11/2017] [Accepted: 09/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Terpenes are made of the isoprene unit (C5), and along with their derivatives, terpenoids, they are widely distributed in plants as active ingredients involved in anti-inflammation, anti-carcinogenesis and neuroprotection. Estrogenic terpenes and terpenoids are an important category of phytoestrogens and have been used as traditional medicines. The comprehensive list of estrogenic terpenes and terpenoids includes hemi-, mono-, sesqui-, di-, tri-, tetra- and polyterpenes, their derivatives, and meroterpenes, along with the signaling pathways and cellular functions on which their estrogenicity is exerted. Signaling pathways are further classified as bidirectional or unidirectional, the latter being further divided into two types depending upon the presence of both ligands, or the absence of one or both ligands. Although estrogenic activity of terpenes and terpenoids was evaluated by ligand-binding assays, yeast two-hybrid assays, reporter-gene assays, transcription assays, protein assays, cell assays and animal testing, the mechanism of estrogenic activity is still not fully understood. Applications of estrogenic terpenes and terpenoids are categorized into cancer treatment and prevention, cardioprotection, endocrine toxicity/reproductive dysfunction, food/supplement/traditional medicine, immunology/inflammation, menopausal syndromes and neuroprotection, where their benefits are discussed based on their availability, stability and variations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryoiti Kiyama
- Faculty of Life Science, Kyushu Sangyo University, Fukuoka, Japan.
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Regitz-Zagrosek V, Kararigas G. Mechanistic Pathways of Sex Differences in Cardiovascular Disease. Physiol Rev 2017; 97:1-37. [PMID: 27807199 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00021.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 395] [Impact Index Per Article: 56.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Major differences between men and women exist in epidemiology, manifestation, pathophysiology, treatment, and outcome of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), such as coronary artery disease, pressure overload, hypertension, cardiomyopathy, and heart failure. Corresponding sex differences have been studied in a number of animal models, and mechanistic investigations have been undertaken to analyze the observed sex differences. We summarize the biological mechanisms of sex differences in CVD focusing on three main areas, i.e., genetic mechanisms, epigenetic mechanisms, as well as sex hormones and their receptors. We discuss relevant subtypes of sex hormone receptors, as well as genomic and nongenomic, activational and organizational effects of sex hormones. We describe the interaction of sex hormones with intracellular signaling relevant for cardiovascular cells and the cardiovascular system. Sex, sex hormones, and their receptors may affect a number of cellular processes by their synergistic action on multiple targets. We discuss in detail sex differences in organelle function and in biological processes. We conclude that there is a need for a more detailed understanding of sex differences and their underlying mechanisms, which holds the potential to design new drugs that target sex-specific cardiovascular mechanisms and affect phenotypes. The comparison of both sexes may lead to the identification of protective or maladaptive mechanisms in one sex that could serve as a novel therapeutic target in one sex or in both.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera Regitz-Zagrosek
- Institute of Gender in Medicine & Center for Cardiovascular Research, Charite University Hospital, and DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Berlin, Germany
| | - Georgios Kararigas
- Institute of Gender in Medicine & Center for Cardiovascular Research, Charite University Hospital, and DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Berlin, Germany
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10
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17β-Estradiol-induced interaction of estrogen receptor α and human atrial essential myosin light chain modulates cardiac contractile function. Basic Res Cardiol 2016; 112:1. [DOI: 10.1007/s00395-016-0590-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2016] [Accepted: 11/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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11
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Kiyama R, Wada-Kiyama Y. Estrogenic endocrine disruptors: Molecular mechanisms of action. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2015; 83:11-40. [PMID: 26073844 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2015.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 178] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2014] [Revised: 05/26/2015] [Accepted: 05/27/2015] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
A comprehensive summary of more than 450 estrogenic chemicals including estrogenic endocrine disruptors is provided here to understand the complex and profound impact of estrogen action. First, estrogenic chemicals are categorized by structure as well as their applications, usage and effects. Second, estrogenic signaling is examined by the molecular mechanism based on the receptors, signaling pathways, crosstalk/bypassing and autocrine/paracrine/homeostatic networks involved in the signaling. Third, evaluation of estrogen action is discussed by focusing on the technologies and protocols of the assays for assessing estrogenicity. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of estrogen action is important to assess the action of endocrine disruptors and will be used for risk management based on pathway-based toxicity testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryoiti Kiyama
- Biomedical Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), 1-1-1 Higashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8566, Japan.
| | - Yuko Wada-Kiyama
- Department of Physiology, Nippon Medical School, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8602, Japan
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Lauro FV, Francisco DC, Elodia GC, Marcela RN, Eduardo PG, Maria LR, Fernanda RH, Marissa CS. Evaluation of activity of an estrogen-derivative as cardioprotector drug using an ischemia-reperfusion injury model. Int J Clin Exp Med 2015; 8:12041-12055. [PMID: 26550116 PMCID: PMC4612801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2015] [Accepted: 08/11/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury is a serious problem involved in cardiovascular diseases. There data which indicate that some steroids induce cardioprotective effects on myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury; however their activity and the molecular mechanism involved on myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury are very confusing. Therefore, in this study some estrogen derivatives (compound 3 to 7) were synthesized with the objective of evaluating its activity on myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury using an isolated heart model. Additionally, molecular mechanism involved in the activity exerted by the compounds 3 to 7 on perfusion pressure and coronary resistance was evaluated by measuring left ventricular pressure in absence or presence of following compounds; prazosin, metoprolol, indomethacin and nifedipine. The results showed that 7 reduce infarct size compared with the estrone and other estrogen derivatives (compounds 3, 4, 5, and 6). Other results showed that 7 significantly increase the perfusion pressure and coronary resistance in isolated heart in comparison with estrone, 3, 4, 5, and 6. Finally, other data indicate that 7 increased the left ventricular pressure in a dose-dependent manner; however, this phenomenon was significantly inhibited by nifedipine. In conclusion, all these data suggest that 7 exert a cardioprotective effect through calcium channels activation and consequently induce changes in the left ventricular pressure levels. This phenomenon results in decrease of myocardial necrosis after ischemia and reperfusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Figueroa-Valverde Lauro
- Laboratory of Pharmaco-Chemistry at The Faculty of Chemical Biological Sciences From The University Autonomous of CampecheAv. Agustín Melgar s/n, Col Buenavista C.P. 24039 Campeche Cam., México
| | - Díaz-Cedillo Francisco
- Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas del Instituto Politécnico Nacional. Prol. Carpio y Plan de Ayala s/n Col. Santo TomasD.F. C.P. 11340, México
| | - García-Cervera Elodia
- Laboratory of Pharmaco-Chemistry at The Faculty of Chemical Biological Sciences From The University Autonomous of CampecheAv. Agustín Melgar s/n, Col Buenavista C.P. 24039 Campeche Cam., México
| | - Rosas-Nexticapa Marcela
- Facultad de Nutrición, Universidad Veracruzana, Médicos y Odontólogos s/nXalapa Veracruz 91010, México
| | - Pool-Gómez Eduardo
- Laboratory of Pharmaco-Chemistry at The Faculty of Chemical Biological Sciences From The University Autonomous of CampecheAv. Agustín Melgar s/n, Col Buenavista C.P. 24039 Campeche Cam., México
| | - Lopéz-Ramos Maria
- Laboratory of Pharmaco-Chemistry at The Faculty of Chemical Biological Sciences From The University Autonomous of CampecheAv. Agustín Melgar s/n, Col Buenavista C.P. 24039 Campeche Cam., México
| | - Rodriguez-Hurtado Fernanda
- Laboratory of Pharmaco-Chemistry at The Faculty of Chemical Biological Sciences From The University Autonomous of CampecheAv. Agustín Melgar s/n, Col Buenavista C.P. 24039 Campeche Cam., México
| | - Chan-Salvador Marissa
- Laboratory of Pharmaco-Chemistry at The Faculty of Chemical Biological Sciences From The University Autonomous of CampecheAv. Agustín Melgar s/n, Col Buenavista C.P. 24039 Campeche Cam., México
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Tian K, Liu Z, Wang J, Xu S, You T, Liu P. Sirtuin-6 inhibits cardiac fibroblasts differentiation into myofibroblasts via inactivation of nuclear factor κB signaling. Transl Res 2015; 165:374-86. [PMID: 25475987 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2014.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2014] [Revised: 08/25/2014] [Accepted: 08/28/2014] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Differentiation of cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) into myofibroblasts represents a key event in cardiac fibrosis that contributes to pathologic cardiac remodeling. However, regulation of this phenotypic transformation remains elusive. Here, we show that sirtuin-6 (SIRT6), a member of the sirtuin family of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide-dependent histone deacetylase, plays a role in the regulation of myofibroblast differentiation. SIRT6 expression was upregulated under pathologic conditions in angiotensin II (Ang II)-stimulated CFs and in myocardium of rat subjected to abdominal aortic constriction surgery. SIRT6 depletion by RNA interference (small interfering RNA [siRNA]) in CFs resulted in increased cell proliferation and extracellular matrix deposition. Further examination of SIRT6-depleted CFs demonstrated significantly higher expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), the classical marker of myofibroblast differentiation, and increased formation of focal adhesions. Notably, SIRT6 depletion further exacerbated Ang II-induced myofibroblast differentiation. Overexpression of SIRT6 restored α-SMA expression in SIRT6-depleted or Ang II-treated CFs. Moreover, SIRT6 depletion induced the DNA binding activity and transcriptional activity of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB). Importantly, using an NF-κB p65 siRNA or pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate, a specific inhibitor of NF-κB activity, reversed the expression of phenotypic markers of myofibroblasts. Our findings unravel a novel role of SIRT6 as a key modulator in the phenotypic conversion of CFs to myofibroblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kunming Tian
- School of Nursing, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhiping Liu
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiaojiao Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Suowen Xu
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tianhui You
- School of Nursing, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Peiqing Liu
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.
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Kireev RA, Vara E, Viña J, Tresguerres JAF. Melatonin and oestrogen treatments were able to improve neuroinflammation and apoptotic processes in dentate gyrus of old ovariectomized female rats. AGE (DORDRECHT, NETHERLANDS) 2014; 36:9707. [PMID: 25135305 PMCID: PMC4453938 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-014-9707-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2014] [Accepted: 08/11/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the outcomes of oestrogen and melatonin treatments following long-term ovarian hormone depletion on neuroinflammation and apoptotic processes in dentate gyrus of hippocampi. Forty-six female Wistar rats of 22 months of age were used. Twelve of them remained intact, and the other 34 were ovariectomized at 12 months of age. Ovariectomized animals were divided into three groups and treated for 10 weeks with oestrogens, melatonin or saline. All rats were killed by decapitation at 24 months of age, and dentate gyri were collected. A group of 2 month-old intact female rats was used as young control. The levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and heat shock protein 70 (HSP 70) were analysed by ELISA. The expressions of TNFα, IL1β, GFAP, nNOS, iNOS, HO-1, NFκB, Bax, Bad, AIF, Bcl2 and SIRT1 genes were detected by real-time (RT)-PCR. Western blots were used to measure the protein expression of NFκB p65, NFκB p50/105, IκBα, IκBβ, p38 MAPK, MAP-2 and synapsin I. We have assessed the ability of 17β-oestradiol and melatonin administration to downregulate markers of neuroinflammation in the dentate gyrus of ovariectomized female rats. Results indicated that 17β-oestradiol and melatonin treatments were able to significantly decrease expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, iNOS and HO-1 in the hippocampus when compared to non-treated animals. A similar age- and long-term ovarian hormone depletion- related increase in GFAP was also attenuated after both melatonin and oestradiol treatments. In a similar way to oestradiol, melatonin decreased the activation of p38 MAPK and NFκB pathways. The treatments enhanced the levels of synaptic molecules synapsin I and MAP-2 and have been shown to modulate the pro-antiapoptotic ratio favouring the second and to increase SIRT1 expression. These findings support the potential therapeutic role of melatonin and oestradiol as protective anti-inflammatory agents for the central nervous system during menopause.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roman A Kireev
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Vigo (IBIV), Xerencia de Xestión Integrada de Vigo, SERGAS, Biomedical Research Unit, Hospital Rebullón (CHUVI), Puxeiros s/n, 36415, MOS Pontevedra, Spain,
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Oh CC, Nguy MQ, Schwenke DC, Migrino RQ, Thornburg K, Reaven P. p38α mitogen-activated kinase mediates cardiomyocyte apoptosis induced by palmitate. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2014; 450:628-33. [PMID: 24931668 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2014.06.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2014] [Accepted: 06/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE The mechanisms underlying lipotoxic/diabetic cardiomyopathy remain poorly understood. Saturated fatty acid (SFA) levels, elevated in obesity and type 2 diabetes, induce apoptosis in many cell types including cardiomyocytes. Signaling pathways, including the p38α mitogen-activated kinase (MAPK)-dependent pathway, have been implicated in apoptosis due to a diverse range of insults. OBJECTIVE We tested the hypothesis that SFA-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis is dependent on p38α activation. METHODS AND RESULTS Human adult ventricular cardiomyocytes (AC16 cells) were exposed to high physiological levels of palmitate (PA), a SFA. The apoptotic response was measured using annexin-V by flow cytometry, and the p38α-dependent pathway was evaluated using a p38 inhibitor PD169316, and by p38α small interfering RNA (siRNA) knockdown. PA exposure for 16 h dose-dependently increased apoptosis in AC16 cardiomyocytes (control: 2.6±0.6%, 150 μM PA: 3.5±0.9%, 300 μM PA: 11.5±1.6%, n=4, p<0.01). PA did not change total p38α protein levels, but increased p38α phosphorylation dose-dependently (n=5, p<0.01). PD169316 tended to reduce PA-induced apoptosis (n=4, p=0.05). Specific p38α siRNA markedly reduced the expression of p38α but not p38β (n=3, p<0.0001), and dose-dependently attenuated PA-induced apoptosis (control siRNA: 7.7±1.0%, 300 μM PA: 34.4±5.0%, 300 μM PA+30 pmol siRNA: 23.7±4.4%, 300 μM PA+60 pmol siRNA: 19.7±2.6%, 300 μM PA+120 pmol siRNA: 17.3±2.8%, n=4, p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate that PA induces p38α activation, and reducing p38α expression attenuates PA-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Our results support a potential mechanism by which high plasma SFA levels through p38α activation may lead to the development of lipotoxic/diabetic cardiomyopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles C Oh
- Phoenix VA HealthCare System, Phoenix, AZ, United States.
| | - Michael Q Nguy
- Phoenix VA HealthCare System, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | | | | | - Kent Thornburg
- Oregon Health and Science University, 3181 Sam Jackson Park Rd, Portland, OR 97239, United States
| | - Peter Reaven
- Phoenix VA HealthCare System, Phoenix, AZ, United States
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Yu SS, Cai Y, Ye JT, Pi RB, Chen SR, Liu PQ, Shen XY, Ji Y. Sirtuin 6 protects cardiomyocytes from hypertrophy in vitro via inhibition of NF-κB-dependent transcriptional activity. Br J Pharmacol 2014; 168:117-28. [PMID: 22335191 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2012.01903.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Sirtuin 6 (SIRT6) is involved in regulation of glucose and fat metabolism. However, its possible contribution to cardiac dysfunction remains to be determined. In the present study, the effect of SIRT6 on cardiac hypertrophy induced by angiotensin II (AngII) and the underlying molecular mechanisms were investigated. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH The expression and deacetylase activity of SIRT6 were measured in hypertrophic cardiomyocytes induced by AngII. After SIRT6 overexpression by transfection, or depletion by RNA interference in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes, cellular hypertrophy was monitored by measuring cell surface area and the mRNA levels of hypertrophic biomarkers. Further, the interaction between SIRT6 and the transcription factor NF-κB was investigated by co-immunoprecipitation, confocal immunofluorescence microscopy and luciferase reporter gene assay. The expression and deacetylase activity of SIRT6 were measured in vivo, using the abdominal aortic constriction (AAC) model of cardiac hypertrophy in rats. KEY RESULTS In AngII-induced hypertrophic cardiomyocytes and also in AAC-induced hypertrophic hearts, the expression of SIRT6 protein was upregulated, while its deacetylase activity was decreased. Overexpression of wild-type SIRT6 but not its catalytically inactive mutant, attenuated AngII-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. We further demonstrated a physical interaction between SIRT6 and NF-κB catalytic subunit p65, whose transcriptional activity could be repressed by SIRT6 overexpression. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Our findings suggest that SIRT6 suppressed cardiomyocyte hypertrophy in vitro via inhibition of NF-κB-dependent transcriptional activity and that this effect was dependent on its deacetylase activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan-Shan Yu
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
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Queirós AM, Eschen C, Fliegner D, Kararigas G, Dworatzek E, Westphal C, Sanchez Ruderisch H, Regitz-Zagrosek V. Sex- and estrogen-dependent regulation of a miRNA network in the healthy and hypertrophied heart. Int J Cardiol 2013; 169:331-8. [PMID: 24157234 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2013.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2012] [Revised: 09/05/2013] [Accepted: 09/27/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In pressure overload, profibrotic gene expression and cardiac fibrosis are more pronounced in males than in females. Sex-specific and estrogen-dependent regulation of microRNAs (miRNAs), such as miR-21, may be a potential mechanism leading to sex differences in fibrosis. OBJECTIVES To analyze the influence of sex, estrogen, and estrogen receptor beta (ERβ) on the expression of miR-21 and to identify additional miRNAs potentially involved in sex-specific pressure overload-induced cardiac remodeling. METHODS The sex-specific regulation of fibrosis-related miRNAs was analyzed in male and female wild type and ERβ-deficient mice after transverse aortic constriction (TAC), in rat fibroblasts, and in a cardiomyocyte-like cell line. RESULTS We report the sex-specific expression of functionally-related miR-21, -24, -27a, -27b, 106a, -106b and the regulation of their expression by estrogen in a sex-specific manner. These effects were abolished in ERβ-deficient mice. We demonstrate the presence of common functional target sites for these miRNAs on three repressors of the mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway, i.e. Rasa1, Rasa2 and Spry1, which may all lead to cardiac fibrosis. As expected, transfection with miRNA mimics targeting these repressors induced ERK1/2 phosphorylation. CONCLUSIONS Estrogen regulates a network of miRNAs in a sex-specific manner via ERβ. Our data suggest that the sex-specific expression of these miRNAs may be related to sex differences in fibrosis after pressure overload.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Maria Queirós
- Institute of Gender in Medicine (GiM)/Center for Cardiovascular Research (CCR), Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
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Mahmoodzadeh S, Pham TH, Kuehne A, Fielitz B, Dworatzek E, Kararigas G, Petrov G, Davidson MM, Regitz-Zagrosek V. 17β-Estradiol-induced interaction of ERα with NPPA regulates gene expression in cardiomyocytes. Cardiovasc Res 2012; 96:411-21. [DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvs281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
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CBP mediates NF-κB-dependent histone acetylation and estrogen receptor recruitment to an estrogen response element in the BIRC3 promoter. Mol Cell Biol 2011; 32:569-75. [PMID: 22083956 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.05869-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Estrogen receptor (ER) and NF-κB are transcription factors with profound effects on breast cancer cell proliferation and survival. While many studies demonstrate that ER and NF-κB can repress each other, we previously identified a gene signature that is synergistically upregulated by these two factors in more aggressive luminal B breast tumors. Herein, we examine a novel mechanism of cross talk between ER and NF-κB that results in the upregulation of the antiapoptotic gene BIRC3 (also known as cIAP2). We demonstrate that NF-κB, acting through two response elements, is required for ER recruitment to an adjacent estrogen response element (ERE) in the BIRC3 promoter. This effect is accompanied by a major increase in NF-κB-dependent histone acetylation around the ERE. Interestingly, CBP, a histone acetyltransferase previously implicated in repressive interactions between ER and NF-κB, plays a permissive role by promoting histone acetylation and ER recruitment, as well as enhanced expression of BIRC3. These findings suggest a new gene regulatory mechanism by which inflammation and NF-κB activation can influence ER recruitment to inherently inactive ER binding sites. This fine-tuning mechanism may explain how two factors that generally repress each other's activity may work together on certain genes to promote breast cancer cell survival and tumor progression.
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Figueroa-Valverde L, Diaz-Cedillo F, Lopez-Ramos M, Garcia-Cervera E, Quijano K, Cordoba J. CHANGES INDUCED BY ESTRADIOL-ETHYLENEDIAMINE DERIVATIVE ON PERFUSION PRESSURE AND CORONARY RESISTANCE IN ISOLATED RAT HEART: L-TYPE CALCIUM CHANNEL. Biomed Pap Med Fac Univ Palacky Olomouc Czech Repub 2011; 155:27-32. [DOI: 10.5507/bp.2011.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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Abstract
Aromatase is the enzyme that catalyzes the last step of estrogen biosynthesis. It is expressed in many tissues such as the gonads, brain and adipose tissue. The regulation of the level and activity of aromatase determines the levels of estrogens that have endocrine, paracrine and autocrine effects on tissues. Estrogens play many roles in the body, regulating reproduction, metabolism and behavior. In the brain, cell survival and the activity of neurons are affected by estrogens and hence aromatase.
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Mahmoodzadeh S, Dworatzek E, Fritschka S, Pham TH, Regitz-Zagrosek V. 17beta-Estradiol inhibits matrix metalloproteinase-2 transcription via MAP kinase in fibroblasts. Cardiovasc Res 2009; 85:719-28. [PMID: 19861308 PMCID: PMC2819834 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvp350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS Female sex and sex hormones contribute to cardiac remodelling. 17beta-estradiol (E2) is involved in the modulation of extracellular matrix composition and function. Here, we analysed the effect of E2 on matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 gene expression and studied the underlying molecular mechanisms in rat cardiac fibroblasts and in a human fibroblast cell line. METHODS AND RESULTS In adult rat cardiac fibroblasts, E2 significantly decreased MMP-2 gene expression in an estrogen receptor (ER)-dependent manner. Transient transfection experiments of human MMP-2 (hMMP-2) promoter deletion constructs in a human fibroblast cell line revealed a regulatory region between -324 and -260 bp that is involved in E2/ERalpha-mediated repression of hMMP-2 gene transcription. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA) and supershift analysis demonstrated the binding of transcription factor Elk-1 within this promoter region. Elk-1 was phosphorylated by E2 via the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling pathway as shown by western blotting. Treatment of cells with the MAPK inhibitor PD98059 blocked the E2-dependent repression of hMMP-2 promoter activity as well as the endogenous MMP-2 mRNA levels in both human fibroblast cells and rat cardiac fibroblasts. CONCLUSION E2 inhibits MMP-2 expression via the ER and the MAPK pathway in rat cardiac fibroblasts and in a human fibroblast cell line. These mechanisms may contribute to sex-specific differences in fibrotic processes that are observed in human heart and other diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shokoufeh Mahmoodzadeh
- Institute of Gender in Medicine , Charite-Universitaetsmedizin Berlin, Hessische Str. 3-4, 10115 Berlin, Germany
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