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Saad KM, Salles ÉL, Naeini SE, Baban B, Abdelmageed ME, Abdelaziz RR, Suddek GM, Elmarakby AA. Reno-protective effect of protocatechuic acid is independent of sex-related differences in murine model of UUO-induced kidney injury. Pharmacol Rep 2024; 76:98-111. [PMID: 38214881 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-023-00565-2] [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: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Obstructive nephropathy is a condition often caused by urinary tract obstruction either anatomical (e.g., tumors), mechanical (e.g., urolithiasis), or compression (e.g., pregnancy) and can progress to chronic kidney disease (CKD). Studies have shown sexual dimorphism in CKD, where males were found to have a more rapid decline in kidney function following kidney injury compared to age-matched females. Protocatechuic acid (PCA), an anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory polyphenolic compound, has demonstrated promising effects in mitigating drug-induced kidney injuries. The current study aims to explore sexual dimorphism in kidney injury after unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) and assess whether PCA treatment can mitigate kidney injury in both sexes. METHODS UUO was induced in 10-12 weeks old male and female C57BL/6J mice. Mice were categorized into four groups (n = 6-8/group); Sham, Sham plus PCA (100 mg/kg, I.P daily), UUO, and UUO plus PCA. RESULTS After 2 weeks of induction of UUO, markers of kidney oxidative stress (TBARs), inflammation (IL-1α and IL-6), tubular injury (neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, NGAL and urinary kidney injury molecule-1, KIM-1), fibrosis (Masson's trichrome staining, collagen IV expression, MMP-2 and MMP-9) and apoptosis (TUNEL+ cells, active caspase-1 and caspase-3) were significantly elevated in both males and females relative to their sham counterparts. Males exhibited significantly greater kidney oxidative stress, inflammation, fibrosis, and apoptosis after induction of UUO when compared to females. PCA treatment significantly attenuated UUO-induced kidney injury, inflammation, fibrosis, and apoptosis in both sexes. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest a differential gender response to UUO-induced kidney injury with males being more sensitive to UUO-induced kidney inflammation, fibrosis, and apoptosis than age-matched females. Importantly, PCA treatment reduced UUO-induced kidney injury in a sex-independent manner which might be attributed to its anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic, and anti-apoptotic properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karim M Saad
- Department of Oral Biology and Diagnostic Sciences, Dental College of Georgia, Augusta University, 1450 Laney Walker Blvd, CL2126, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Évila Lopes Salles
- Department of Oral Biology and Diagnostic Sciences, Dental College of Georgia, Augusta University, 1450 Laney Walker Blvd, CL2126, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
| | - Sahar Emami Naeini
- Department of Oral Biology and Diagnostic Sciences, Dental College of Georgia, Augusta University, 1450 Laney Walker Blvd, CL2126, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
| | - Babak Baban
- Department of Oral Biology and Diagnostic Sciences, Dental College of Georgia, Augusta University, 1450 Laney Walker Blvd, CL2126, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
| | - Marwa E Abdelmageed
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Rania R Abdelaziz
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Ghada M Suddek
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Ahmed A Elmarakby
- Department of Oral Biology and Diagnostic Sciences, Dental College of Georgia, Augusta University, 1450 Laney Walker Blvd, CL2126, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA.
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt.
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Shi Y, Xu Y, Zhou W. Dietary carotenoids intake and sex differences in relation to chronic kidney disease a cross-sectional assessment in the NHANES study. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:293. [PMID: 38267887 PMCID: PMC10809643 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-17771-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Current evidence on the relationship between dietary carotenoids intake (DCI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are limited. Moreover, whether there is an association between DCI and prevalence of CKD and how this association might be impacted by sex is not clear. METHODS AND RESULTS Overall, 4507 women and 4396 men were included for analysis. The study used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), a cross-sectional survey carried out in the USA. The exposure factor for this analysis was DCI. The outcome was CKD, defined as eGFR < 60mL/min/1.73 m2. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyzed the associations of DCI and prevalence of CKD both in men and women. There was a significant inverse association between higher DCI and prevalence of CKD only among females. Per LgDCI unit increment, the multivariable adjusted odd ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval) for prevalence of CKD was 0.72 (0.58, 0.90) in females and 0.95 (0.77, 1.18) in males. When compared with the lowest quartile, the ORs of the highest quartile of DCI for prevalence of CKD were 0.59 (0.40, 0.87) in females and 0.87 (0.60, 1.26) in males. The associations remained similar in the subgroup analyses. CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest that a higher intake of dietary carotenoids is associated with a lower prevalence of CKD in women, but not in men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumeng Shi
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang of Jiangxi, Nanchang University, No. 1 Minde Road, 330006, Jiangxi, China
- Jiangxi Provincial Cardiovascular Disease Clinical Medical Research Center, Nanchang of Jiangxi, Jiangxi, China
- Jiangxi Sub-center of National Clinical Research Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Jiangxi, China
| | - Yanjie Xu
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang of Jiangxi, Nanchang University, No. 1 Minde Road, 330006, Jiangxi, China
- Center for Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular Diseases, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi M edical College, Nanchang of Jiangxi, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Provincial Cardiovascular Disease Clinical Medical Research Center, Nanchang of Jiangxi, Jiangxi, China
- Jiangxi Sub-center of National Clinical Research Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Jiangxi, China
| | - Wei Zhou
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang of Jiangxi, Nanchang University, No. 1 Minde Road, 330006, Jiangxi, China.
- Center for Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular Diseases, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi M edical College, Nanchang of Jiangxi, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China.
- Jiangxi Provincial Cardiovascular Disease Clinical Medical Research Center, Nanchang of Jiangxi, Jiangxi, China.
- Jiangxi Sub-center of National Clinical Research Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Jiangxi, China.
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Wang K, Deng M, Wu J, Luo L, Chen R, Liu F, Nie J, Tao F, Li Q, Luo X, Xia F. Associations of oxidative balance score with total abdominal fat mass and visceral adipose tissue mass percentages among young and middle-aged adults: findings from NHANES 2011-2018. Front Nutr 2023; 10:1306428. [PMID: 38115885 PMCID: PMC10728272 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1306428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective This study aimed to explore the association of the oxidative balance score (OBS) with total abdominal fat mass (TAFM) and visceral adipose tissue mass (VATM) percentages among young and middle-aged U.S. adults. Methods Young and middle-aged adults in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2011 to 2018 were included. Analysis of variance and Rao-Scott adjusted chi-square tests were used to compare the characteristics across quartiles of OBS. Univariate and multivariate weighted logistic regression models were employed to explore the relationship between OBS and the risks of high TAFM or high VATM percentage in the general population and subgroups, while the interaction effects were tested with a likelihood test. Weighted restricted cubic spline analyses were utilized to assess the non-linear association of OBS with TAFM and VATM percentages. Results The final sample included 8,734 young and middle-aged non-institutionalized U.S. adults representing 134.7 million adults. Compared with adults in the first quartile of OBS, those with higher OBS were less likely to have a high TAFM percentage; the ORs and 95% CI for adults in the second, third, and highest quartiles of OBS were 0.70 (0.53-0.94), 0.49 (0.36-0.60), and 0.25 (0.18-0.36), respectively. Similar trends were observed in the association between OBS and VATM percentages. Moreover, similar effects were confirmed in the sensitivity analyses and subgroup analyses according to demographic characteristics. Regarding the OBS subclass, higher dietary OBS and lifestyle OBS were also correlated with decreased ORs of high TAFM and VATM percentages. Conclusion This study strongly suggests that higher OBS, as well as higher dietary OBS and lifestyle OBS, are significantly correlated with lower risks of abdominal obesity and visceral fat accumulation. The findings highlight the importance of an antioxidant-rich diet and maintaining a healthy lifestyle in reducing the risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Wang
- Department of Public Health, Wuhan Fourth Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Minggang Deng
- Department of Psychiatry, Wuhan Mental Health Center, Wuhan, China
- Department of Psychiatry, Wuhan Hospital for Psychotherapy, Wuhan, China
| | - Jinyi Wu
- Department of Public Health, Wuhan Fourth Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Lingli Luo
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine and Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Rui Chen
- School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Fang Liu
- School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiaqi Nie
- Department of Health Promotion, XiaoGan Center for Disease Control and Pervention, Xiaogan, China
| | - Fengxi Tao
- Department of Public Health, Wuhan Fourth Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Qingwen Li
- Department of Public Health, Wuhan Fourth Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Xin Luo
- Department of Public Health, Wuhan Fourth Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Fang Xia
- Department of Public Health, Wuhan Fourth Hospital, Wuhan, China
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Kılıçoğlu AG, Zadehgan Afshord T, Derin S, Ertas E, Coskun P, Aktas S, Guler EM. Comparison of Possible Changes in Oxidative Stress, DNA Damage, and Inflammatory Markers in Children/Adolescents Diagnosed with Sluggish Cognitive Tempo and Children/Adolescents Diagnosed with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol 2023; 33:325-331. [PMID: 37590480 DOI: 10.1089/cap.2022.0081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
Background: There has been a debate on whether sluggish cognitive tempo (SCT) differs from attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Although there have been many studies on metabolic parameters in relation to ADHD, no similar studies have been conducted on patients with SCT. We investigated whether there are differences between SCT and ADHD in terms of these factors. Subjects and Methods: Sixty-two participants with ages ranging from 11 to 18 who have diagnosis of ADHD (33 subjects) and SCT (29 subjects) were included in this study. The parents of all participants completed the 48-item Conners' Parent Rating Scale (CPRS) and the Barkley Child Attention Scale (BCAS) forms, and all participants' blood was taken to compare metabolic, oxidative stress, and antioxidant status of the SCT and ADHD groups. A child and adolescent psychiatrist interviewed the parents and children to assess the diagnosis of SCT and ADHD using standard diagnostic procedures. Results: In the comparison between the SCT and ADHD groups in terms of metabolic parameters, statistically significant differences were found in terms of total oxidant status, total antioxidant status, Oxidative Stress Index, total thiol, native thiol, disulfide, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and DNA damage (p < 0.05), but not in terms of tumor necrosis factor-α (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Our data showed that these two disorders may be different, but we believe that the data that indicate their differences remain inconclusive overall, but this study may be a potential pathway for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Güven Kılıçoğlu
- Department of Psychology, Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | | | - Songul Derin
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Bezmialem Vakıf University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | | | - Pınar Coskun
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Bezmialem Vakıf University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Selman Aktas
- Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Eray Metin Guler
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Hamidiye School of Medicine, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey
- Haydarpasa Numune Health Application and Research Center, Clinic of Medical Biochemistry, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey
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Klöppel E, Souza MR, Barco VS, Gallego FQ, Sinzato YK, Corrente JE, Rodrigues T, Volpato GT, Damasceno DC. Calcium Supplementation on Glucose Tolerance, Oxidative Stress, and Reproductive Outcomes of Diabetic Rats and Their Offspring. Reprod Sci 2023; 30:2813-2828. [PMID: 37002533 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-023-01217-9] [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: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus increases the risk of obstetric complications, morbidity, and infant mortality. Controlled nutritional therapy with micronutrients has been employed. However, the effect of calcium (Ca2+) supplementation on diabetic pregnancy is unclear. We aimed to evaluate whether diabetic rats supplemented with Ca2+ during pregnancy present better glucose tolerance, redox status, embryonic and fetal development, newborn weight, and the prooxidant and antioxidant balance of male and female pups. For this, newborn rats received the beta-cytotoxic drug streptozotocin for inducing diabetes on the day of birth. In adulthood, these rats were mated and treated with Ca2+ twice a day from day 0 to day 20 of pregnancy. On day 17, the pregnant rats were submitted to the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). At the end of pregnancy, they were anesthetized and killed to collect blood and pancreas samples. The uterine horns were exposed for an evaluation of maternal reproductive outcomes and embryofetal development, and the offspring's liver samples were collected for redox status measurement. Nondiabetic and diabetic rats supplemented with Ca2+ showed no influence on glucose tolerance, redox status, insulin synthesis, serum calcium levels, and embryofetal losses. The reduced rate of newborns classified as adequate for gestational age (AGA) and higher rates of LGA (large) and small (LGA) newborns and higher -SH and GSH-Px antioxidant activities in female pups were observed in diabetic dams, regardless of supplementation. Thus, maternal supplementation caused no improvement in glucose tolerance, oxidative stress biomarkers, embryofetal growth and development, and antioxidants in pups from diabetic mothers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Klöppel
- Laboratory of Experimental Research On Gynecology and Obstetrics, Postgraduate Course On Tocogynecology, Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University_UNESP, Botucatu, São Paulo State, Brazil
| | - Maysa Rocha Souza
- Laboratory of Experimental Research On Gynecology and Obstetrics, Postgraduate Course On Tocogynecology, Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University_UNESP, Botucatu, São Paulo State, Brazil
- Laboratory of System Physiology and Reproductive Toxicology, Federal University of Mato Grosso_UFMT, Mato Grosso State, Barra Do Garças, Brazil
| | - Vinícius Soares Barco
- Laboratory of Experimental Research On Gynecology and Obstetrics, Postgraduate Course On Tocogynecology, Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University_UNESP, Botucatu, São Paulo State, Brazil
| | - Franciane Quintanilha Gallego
- Laboratory of Experimental Research On Gynecology and Obstetrics, Postgraduate Course On Tocogynecology, Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University_UNESP, Botucatu, São Paulo State, Brazil
| | - Yuri Karen Sinzato
- Laboratory of Experimental Research On Gynecology and Obstetrics, Postgraduate Course On Tocogynecology, Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University_UNESP, Botucatu, São Paulo State, Brazil
| | - José Eduardo Corrente
- Research Support Office, Botucatu Medical School, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo State, Brazil
| | - Tiago Rodrigues
- Center for Natural and Human Sciences (CCNH), Federal University of ABC (UFABC), Santo André, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Gustavo Tadeu Volpato
- Laboratory of Experimental Research On Gynecology and Obstetrics, Postgraduate Course On Tocogynecology, Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University_UNESP, Botucatu, São Paulo State, Brazil
- Laboratory of System Physiology and Reproductive Toxicology, Federal University of Mato Grosso_UFMT, Mato Grosso State, Barra Do Garças, Brazil
| | - Débora Cristina Damasceno
- Laboratory of Experimental Research On Gynecology and Obstetrics, Postgraduate Course On Tocogynecology, Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University_UNESP, Botucatu, São Paulo State, Brazil.
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Askarifirouzjaei H, Khajoueinejad L, Wei E, Cheruvu S, Ayala C, Chiang N, Theis T, Sun D, Fazeli M, Young W. Sex Differences in Immune Cell Infiltration and Hematuria in SCI-Induced Hemorrhagic Cystitis. PATHOPHYSIOLOGY 2023; 30:275-295. [PMID: 37489403 PMCID: PMC10366728 DOI: 10.3390/pathophysiology30030023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Rats manifest a condition called hemorrhagic cystitis after spinal cord injury (SCI). The mechanism of this condition is unknown, but it is more severe in male rats than in female rats. We assessed the role of sex regarding hemorrhagic cystitis and pathological chronic changes in the bladder. We analyzed the urine of male and female Sprague-Dawley and Fischer 344 rats after experimental spinal cord contusion, including unstained microscopic inspections of the urine, differential white blood cell counts colored by the Wright stain, and total leukocyte counts using fluorescent nuclear stains. We examined bladder histological changes in acute and chronic phases of SCI, using principal component analysis (PCA) and clustered heatmaps of Pearson correlation coefficients to interpret how measured variables correlated with each other. Male rats showed a distinct pattern of macroscopic hematuria after spinal cord injury. They had higher numbers of red blood cells with significantly more leukocytes and neutrophils than female rats, particularly hypersegmented neutrophils. The histological examination of the bladders revealed a distinct line of apoptotic umbrella cells and disrupted bladder vessels early after SCI and progressive pathological changes in multiple bladder layers in the chronic phase. Multivariate analyses indicated immune cell infiltration in the bladder, especially hypersegmented neutrophils, that correlated with red blood cell counts in male rats. Our study highlights a hitherto unreported sex difference of hematuria and pathological changes in males and females' bladders after SCI, suggesting an important role of immune cell infiltration, especially neutrophils, in SCI-induced hemorrhagic cystitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hadi Askarifirouzjaei
- Keck Center for Collaborative Neuroscience, Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08554, USA
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Leila Khajoueinejad
- Keck Center for Collaborative Neuroscience, Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08554, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz 71345, Iran
- Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Elena Wei
- Keck Center for Collaborative Neuroscience, Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08554, USA
| | - Sruti Cheruvu
- Keck Center for Collaborative Neuroscience, Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08554, USA
| | - Carlos Ayala
- Keck Center for Collaborative Neuroscience, Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08554, USA
| | - Ning Chiang
- Keck Center for Collaborative Neuroscience, Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08554, USA
| | - Thomas Theis
- Keck Center for Collaborative Neuroscience, Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08554, USA
| | - Dongming Sun
- Keck Center for Collaborative Neuroscience, Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08554, USA
| | - Mehdi Fazeli
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz 71345, Iran
| | - Wise Young
- Keck Center for Collaborative Neuroscience, Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08554, USA
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Kosaruk W, Brown JL, Towiboon P, Punyapornwithaya V, Pringproa K, Thitaram C. Measures of Oxidative Status Markers in Relation to Age, Sex, and Season in Sick and Healthy Captive Asian Elephants in Thailand. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13091548. [PMID: 37174585 PMCID: PMC10177462 DOI: 10.3390/ani13091548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress is a pathological condition that can have adverse effects on animal health, although little research has been conducted on wildlife species. In this study, blood was collected from captive Asian elephants for the assessment of five serum oxidative status markers (reactive oxygen species (ROS) concentrations; malondialdehyde, MDA; albumin; glutathione peroxidase, GPx; and catalase) in healthy (n = 137) and sick (n = 20) animals. Health problems consisted of weakness, puncture wounds, gastrointestinal distress, eye and musculoskeletal problems, and elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus hemorrhagic disease (EEHV-HD). Fecal samples were also collected to assess glucocorticoid metabolites (fGCMs) as a measure of stress. All data were analyzed in relation to age, sex, sampling season, and their interactions using generalized linear models, and a correlation matrix was constructed. ROS and serum albumin concentrations exhibited the highest concentrations in aged elephants (>45 years). No sex differences were found for any biomarker. Interactions were observed for age groups and seasons for ROS and catalase, while GPx displayed a significant interaction between sex and season. In pairwise comparisons, significant increases in ROS and catalase were observed in summer, with higher ROS concentrations observed only in the adult female group. Lower catalase activity was exhibited in juvenile males, subadult males, adult females, and aged females compared to subadult and adult elephants (males and females) in winter and the rainy season. There was a positive association between catalase activity and fGCMs (r = 0.23, p < 0.05), and a number of red blood cell parameters were positively associated with several of these biomarkers, suggesting high oxidative and antioxidative activity covary in red cells (p < 0.05). According to health status, elephants with EEHV-HD showed the most significant changes in oxidative stress markers, with MDA, GPx, and catalase being higher and albumin being lower than in healthy elephants. This study provides an analysis of understudied health biomarkers in Asian elephants, which can be used as additional tools for assessing the health condition of this species and suggests age and season may be important factors in data interpretation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Worapong Kosaruk
- Doctoral Degree Program in Veterinary Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
- Center of Elephant and Wildlife Health, Chiang Mai University Animal Hospital, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
- Elephant, Wildlife, and Companion Animals Research Group, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
| | - Janine L Brown
- Center of Elephant and Wildlife Health, Chiang Mai University Animal Hospital, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
- Elephant, Wildlife, and Companion Animals Research Group, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
- Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Front Royal, VA 22630, USA
| | - Patcharapa Towiboon
- Center of Elephant and Wildlife Health, Chiang Mai University Animal Hospital, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
| | - Veerasak Punyapornwithaya
- Department of Food Animal Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
| | - Kidsadagon Pringproa
- Elephant, Wildlife, and Companion Animals Research Group, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
- Department of Veterinary Bioscience and Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
| | - Chatchote Thitaram
- Center of Elephant and Wildlife Health, Chiang Mai University Animal Hospital, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
- Elephant, Wildlife, and Companion Animals Research Group, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
- Department of Companion Animal and Wildlife Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
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Singh R, Nasci VL, Guthrie G, Ertuglu LA, Butt MK, Kirabo A, Gohar EY. Emerging Roles for G Protein-Coupled Estrogen Receptor 1 in Cardio-Renal Health: Implications for Aging. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12030412. [PMID: 35327604 PMCID: PMC8946600 DOI: 10.3390/biom12030412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular (CV) and renal diseases are increasingly prevalent in the United States and globally. CV-related mortality is the leading cause of death in the United States, while renal-related mortality is the 8th. Despite advanced therapeutics, both diseases persist, warranting continued exploration of disease mechanisms to develop novel therapeutics and advance clinical outcomes for cardio-renal health. CV and renal diseases increase with age, and there are sex differences evident in both the prevalence and progression of CV and renal disease. These age and sex differences seen in cardio-renal health implicate sex hormones as potentially important regulators to be studied. One such regulator is G protein-coupled estrogen receptor 1 (GPER1). GPER1 has been implicated in estrogen signaling and is expressed in a variety of tissues including the heart, vasculature, and kidney. GPER1 has been shown to be protective against CV and renal diseases in different experimental animal models. GPER1 actions involve multiple signaling pathways: interaction with aldosterone and endothelin-1 signaling, stimulation of the release of nitric oxide, and reduction in oxidative stress, inflammation, and immune infiltration. This review will discuss the current literature regarding GPER1 and cardio-renal health, particularly in the context of aging. Improving our understanding of GPER1-evoked mechanisms may reveal novel therapeutics aimed at improving cardio-renal health and clinical outcomes in the elderly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravneet Singh
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Medical Research Building IV, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; (R.S.); (V.L.N.)
| | - Victoria L. Nasci
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Medical Research Building IV, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; (R.S.); (V.L.N.)
| | - Ginger Guthrie
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA; (G.G.); (M.K.B.)
| | - Lale A. Ertuglu
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; (L.A.E.); (A.K.)
| | - Maryam K. Butt
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA; (G.G.); (M.K.B.)
| | - Annet Kirabo
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; (L.A.E.); (A.K.)
| | - Eman Y. Gohar
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Medical Research Building IV, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; (R.S.); (V.L.N.)
- Correspondence:
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Liu A, Wei Q, Lin H, Ding Y, Sun YV, Zhao D, He J, Ma Z, Li F, Zhou S, Chen X, Shen W, Gao M, He N. Baseline Characteristics of Mitochondrial DNA and Mutations Associated With Short-Term Posttreatment CD4+T-Cell Recovery in Chinese People With HIV. Front Immunol 2022; 12:793375. [PMID: 34970271 PMCID: PMC8712318 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.793375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) profiles and contributions of mtDNA variants to CD4+T-cell recovery in Euramerican people living with HIV (PLWH) may not be transferred to East-Asian PLWH, highlighting the need to consider more regional studies. We aimed to identify mtDNA characteristics and mutations that explain the variability of short-term CD4+T-cell recovery in East-Asian PLWH. Method Eight hundred fifty-six newly reported antiretroviral therapy (ART)-naïve Chinese PLWH from the Comparative HIV and Aging Research in Taizhou (CHART) cohort (Zhejiang Province, Eastern China) were enrolled. MtDNA was extracted from peripheral whole blood of those PLWH at HIV diagnosis, amplified, and sequenced using polymerase chain reaction and gene array. Characterization metrics such as mutational diversity and momentum were developed to delineate baseline mtDNA mutational patterns in ART-naïve PLWH. The associations between mtDNA genome-wide single nucleotide variants and CD4+T-cell recovery after short-term (within ~48 weeks) ART in 724 PLWH were examined using bootstrapping median regressions. Results Of 856 participants, 74.18% and 25.82% were male and female, respectively. The median age was 37 years; 94.51% were of the major Han ethnicity, and 69.04% and 28.62% were of the heterosexual and homosexual transmission, respectively. We identified 2,352 types of mtDNA mutations and mtDNA regions D-loop, ND5, CYB, or RNR1 with highest mutational diversity or volume. Female PLWH rather than male PLWH at the baseline showed remarkable age-related uptrends of momentum and mutational diversity as well as correlations between CD4+T <200 (cells/μl) and age-related uptrends of mutational diversity in many mtDNA regions. After adjustments of important sociodemographic and clinical variables, m.1005T>C, m.1824T>C, m.3394T>C, m.4491G>A, m.7828A>G, m.9814T>C, m.10586G>A, m.12338T>C, m.13708G>A, and m.14308T>C (at the Bonferroni-corrected significance) were negatively associated with short-term CD4+T-cell recovery whereas m.93A>G, m.15218A>G, and m.16399A>G were positively associated with short-term CD4+T-cell recovery. Conclusion Our baseline mtDNA characterization stresses the attention to East-Asian female PLWH at risk of CD4+T-cell loss-related aging and noncommunicable chronic diseases. Furthermore, mtDNA variants identified in regression analyses account for heterogeneity in short-term CD4+T-cell recovery of East-Asian PLWH. These results may help individualize the East-Asian immune recovery strategies under complicated HIV management caused by CD4+T-cell loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anni Liu
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety of Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Cornell University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Qian Wei
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety of Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Haijiang Lin
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety of Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Department of AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Taizhou City Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Taizhou, China
| | - Yingying Ding
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety of Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan V Sun
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States.,Department of Biomedical Informatics, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Dan Zhao
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety of Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiayu He
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety of Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhonghui Ma
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety of Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Feihu Li
- School of Mathematical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Sujuan Zhou
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety of Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Chen
- Department of AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Taizhou City Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Taizhou, China
| | - Weiwei Shen
- Department of AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Taizhou City Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Taizhou, China
| | - Meiyang Gao
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety of Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Na He
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety of Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Health Technology Assessment, National Commission of Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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10
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Ćurlin M, Barbir R, Dabelić S, Ljubojević M, Goessler W, Micek V, Žuntar I, Pavić M, Božičević L, Pavičić I, Vinković Vrček I. Sex affects the response of Wistar rats to polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP)-coated silver nanoparticles in an oral 28 days repeated dose toxicity study. Part Fibre Toxicol 2021; 18:38. [PMID: 34663357 PMCID: PMC8522010 DOI: 10.1186/s12989-021-00425-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are widely used in biomedicine due to their strong antimicrobial, antifungal, and antiviral activities. Concerns about their possible negative impacts on human and environmental health directed many researchers towards the assessment of the safety and toxicity of AgNPs in both in vitro and in vivo settings. A growing body of scientific information confirms that the biodistribution of AgNPs and their toxic effects vary depending on the particle size, coating, and dose as well as on the route of administration and duration of exposure. This study aimed to clarify the sex-related differences in the outcomes of oral 28 days repeated dose exposure to AgNPs. METHODS Wistar rats of both sexes were gavaged daily using low doses (0.1 and 1 mg Ag/kg b.w.) of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)-coated small-sized (10 nm) AgNPs. After exposure, blood and organs of all rats were analysed through biodistribution and accumulation of Ag, whereas the state of the liver and kidneys was evaluated by the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT) activity, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), expression of metallothionein (Mt) genes and levels of Mt proteins. RESULTS In all animals, changes in oxidative stress markers and blood parameters were observed indicating the toxicity of AgNPs applied orally even at low doses. Sex-related differences were noticed in all assessed parameters. While female rats eliminated AgNPs from the liver and kidneys more efficiently than males when treated with low doses, the opposite was observed for animals treated with higher doses of AgNPs. Female Wistar rats exposed to 1 mg PVP-coated AgNPs/kg b.w. accumulated two to three times more silver in the blood, liver, kidney and hearth than males, while the accumulation in most organs of digestive tract was more than ten times higher compared to males. Oxidative stress responses in the organs of males, except the liver of males treated with high doses, were less intense than in the organs of females. However, both Mt genes and Mt protein expression were significantly reduced after treatment in the liver and kidneys of males, while they remained unchanged in females. CONCLUSIONS Observed toxicity effects of AgNPs in Wistar rats revealed sex-related differences in response to an oral 28 days repeated exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marija Ćurlin
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Šalata 3, 10 000, Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Rinea Barbir
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska cesta 2, 10 000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Sanja Dabelić
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Zagreb, Ante Kovačića 1, 10 000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Marija Ljubojević
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska cesta 2, 10 000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Walter Goessler
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Graz, Universitätsplatz 1/1, 8 010, Graz, Austria
| | - Vedran Micek
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska cesta 2, 10 000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Irena Žuntar
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Zagreb, Ante Kovačića 1, 10 000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Mirela Pavić
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Heinzelova 55, 10 000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Lucija Božičević
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska cesta 2, 10 000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ivan Pavičić
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska cesta 2, 10 000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ivana Vinković Vrček
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska cesta 2, 10 000, Zagreb, Croatia.
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11
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Zhuo X, Bu H, Hu K, Si Z, Chen L, Chen Y, Yang L, Jiang Y, Xu Y, Zhao P, Ma X, Tao S, Zhu Q, Cui L, Sun H, Cui Y. Differences in the reaction of hyperlipidemia on different endothelial progenitor cells based on sex. Biomed Rep 2021; 15:64. [PMID: 34155448 PMCID: PMC8212447 DOI: 10.3892/br.2021.1440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The sex of a patient can affect the outcomes of several cardiovascular diseases, and men generally tend to experience earlier episodes of cardiovascular diseases compared with women. The progression of atherosclerosis during hyperlipidemia can be induced by reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidized-low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL). By contrast, bone marrow (BM)-derived endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) have been reported to serve a protective role against atherosclerosis. The aim of the present was to compare the effects of sex under conditions of hyperlipidemia on different populations of EPCs, and to identify the potential underlying mechanisms. EPC numbers and ROS levels in the blood and BM were measured using fluorescence activated cell sorting in male and female LDL receptor knock-out C57BL/6 mice maintained on a high-fat diet for 6 months, and in male and female wild type C57BL/6 mice following ox-LDL injection for 3 days. Female hyperlipidemic mice exhibited lower levels of plasma lipids, atherosclerotic plaque formation, intracellular EPC ROS formation and inflammatory cytokine levels. Furthermore, BM CD34+/ fetal liver kinase-1 (Flk-1+), CD34+/CD133+ and stem cell antigen-1+/Flk-1+, as well as all circulating EPCs, were maintained at higher levels in female hyperlipidemic mice. In addition, similar changes with regards to BM CD34+/Flk-1+, CD34+/CD133+, c-Kit+/CD31+ and circulating CD34+/Flk1+ and CD34+/CD133+ EPCs were observed in female mice following ox-LDL treatment. These sustained higher levels of BM and circulating EPCs in female mice with hyperlipidemia may be associated with reduced levels of ox-LDL as a result of reduced intracellular ROS formation in EPCs and decreased inflammatory cytokine production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqing Zhuo
- Department of Cardiology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, P.R. China.,Department of Cardiology, Shandong Second Provincial General Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250118, P.R. China
| | - Haoran Bu
- Department of Emergency, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, P.R. China
| | - Ke Hu
- Department of Emergency, Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250014, P.R. China
| | - Zhihua Si
- Department of Neurology, Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250014, P.R. China
| | - Liming Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, P.R. China.,Department of Cardiology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, P.R. China
| | - Yong Chen
- Department of Emergency, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, P.R. China
| | - Le Yang
- Department of Cardiology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, P.R. China.,Department of Cardiology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, P.R. China
| | - Yufan Jiang
- Department of Cardiology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, P.R. China.,Department of Cardiology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, P.R. China
| | - Yixin Xu
- Department of Cardiology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, P.R. China.,Department of Cardiology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, P.R. China
| | - Peng Zhao
- Department of Cardiology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, P.R. China.,Department of Cardiology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, P.R. China
| | - Xiaochun Ma
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, P.R. China
| | - Shufei Tao
- Ross University School of Medicine, Barbados 60515, Barbados
| | - Qingyi Zhu
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, P.R. China
| | - Lianqun Cui
- Department of Cardiology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, P.R. China.,Department of Cardiology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, P.R. China
| | - Haihui Sun
- Department of Cardiology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, P.R. China.,Department of Cardiology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, P.R. China
| | - Yuqi Cui
- Department of Cardiology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, P.R. China.,Department of Cardiology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, P.R. China
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12
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Tian L, Chu N, Yang H, Yan J, Lin B, Zhang W, Li K, Lai W, Bian L, Liu H, Xi Z, Liu X. Acute ozone exposure can cause cardiotoxicity: Mitochondria play an important role in mediating myocardial apoptosis. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 268:128838. [PMID: 33162165 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.128838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To clarify the cardiotoxicity induced by acute exposure to different concentrations of ozone in both gender rats and explore the underlying mechanisms. METHODS A total of 240 rats were randomly sorted into 6 groups with equal numbers of male and female rats in each group. The rats were subjected to ozone inhalation at concentrations of 0, 0.12, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 4.0 ppm, respectively, for 6 h. After ozone exposure, function indicators, myocardial injury indexes and risk factors of cardiovascular disease in blood were assayed. RESULTS High ozone exposure resulted in sustained ventricular tachycardia in male and female rats. Myocardial apoptosis in male rats started from 1.0 ppm ozone, and that in female rats started from 2.0 ppm ozone (p < 0.05). Caspase-9 increased significantly from 0.12 ppm ozone (p < 0.01) in both gender rats, while caspase-3 was initially activated at 0.5 ppm ozone. From 1.0 ppm ozone, mitochondrial cristae and myofilaments dissolved. The ratio of Bcl-2/Bax decreased significantly from 0.12 ppm and MRCC-IV decreased significantly from 2.0 ppm by ozone. CONCLUSION Acute ozone exposure can cause paroxysmal ventricular tachycardia in rats. Moreover, the changes of inflammatory factors in the heart tissues of female and male rats after ozone exposure were greater than those of oxidative stress. This study reported for the first time that 6 h ozone exposure does not cause acute cardiomyocyte necrosis, but promotes cardiomyocyte apoptosis in a mitochondrial-dependent manner. Ozone could regulate caspases-3 dependent cardiomyocyte apoptosis by affecting the balance between caspase-9 and XIAP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Tian
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, No. 1 Dali Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300050, China.
| | - Nan Chu
- Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital of Dalian University, Dalian, 116001, China.
| | - Hu Yang
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, No. 1 Dali Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300050, China; Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital of Dalian University, Dalian, 116001, China.
| | - Jun Yan
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, No. 1 Dali Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300050, China.
| | - Bencheng Lin
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, No. 1 Dali Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300050, China.
| | - Wei Zhang
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, No. 1 Dali Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300050, China.
| | - Kang Li
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, No. 1 Dali Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300050, China.
| | - Wenqing Lai
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, No. 1 Dali Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300050, China.
| | - Liping Bian
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, No. 1 Dali Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300050, China.
| | - Huanliang Liu
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, No. 1 Dali Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300050, China.
| | - Zhuge Xi
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, No. 1 Dali Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300050, China.
| | - Xiaohua Liu
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, No. 1 Dali Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300050, China.
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13
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Human Umbilical Cord: Information Mine in Sex-Specific Medicine. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11010052. [PMID: 33451112 PMCID: PMC7828611 DOI: 10.3390/life11010052] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Biological differences between sexes should be considered in all stages of research, as sexual dimorphism starts in utero leading to sex-specific fetal programming. In numerous biomedical fields, there is still a lack of stratification by sex despite primary cultured cells retaining memory of the sex and of the donor. The sex of donors in biological research must be known because variations in cells and cellular components can be used as endpoints, biomarkers and/or targets of pharmacological studies. This selective review focuses on the current findings regarding sex differences observed in the umbilical cord, a widely used source of research samples, both in the blood and in the circulating cells, as well as in the different cellular models obtainable from it. Moreover, an overview on sex differences in fetal programming is reported. As it emerges that the sex variable is still often forgotten in experimental models, we suggest that it should be mandatory to adopt sex-oriented research, because only awareness of these issues can lead to innovative research.
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14
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Cattaneo MG, Banfi C, Brioschi M, Lattuada D, Vicentini LM. Sex-dependent differences in the secretome of human endothelial cells. Biol Sex Differ 2021; 12:7. [PMID: 33413676 PMCID: PMC7791663 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-020-00350-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Cellular sex has rarely been considered as a biological variable in preclinical research, even when the pathogenesis of diseases with predictable sex differences is studied. In this perspective, proteomics, and “omics” approaches in general, can provide powerful tools to obtain comprehensive cellular maps, thus favoring the discovery of still unknown sex-biased physio-pathological mechanisms. Methods We performed proteomic and Gene Ontology (GO) analyses of the secretome from human serum-deprived male and female endothelial cells (ECs) followed by ELISA validation. Apoptosis was detected by FACS and Western blot techniques and efferocytosis through the ability of the macrophage cell line RAW 264.7 to engulf apoptotic ECs. PTX3 mRNA levels were measured by RT-qPCR. Results Proteomic and GO analyses of the secretome from starved human male and female ECs demonstrated a significant enrichment in proteins related to cellular responses to stress and to the regulation of apoptosis in the secretome of male ECs. Accordingly, a higher percentage of male ECs underwent apoptosis in response to serum deprivation in comparison with female ECs. Among the secreted proteins, we reliably found higher levels of PTX3 in the male EC secretome. The silencing of PTX3 suggested that male ECs were dependent on its expression to properly carry out the efferocytotic process. At variance, female EC efferocytosis seemed to be independent on PTX3 expression. Conclusions Our results demonstrated that serum-starved male and female ECs possess different secretory phenotypes that might take part in the sex-biased response to cellular stress. We identified PTX3 as a crucial player in the male-specific endothelial response to an apoptotic trigger. This novel and sex-related role for secreted proteins, and mainly for PTX3, may open the way to the discovery of still unknown sex-specific mechanisms and pharmacological targets for the prevention and treatment of endothelial dysfunction at the onset of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13293-020-00350-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Grazia Cattaneo
- Dept of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Vanvitelli 32, Milan, Italy.
| | | | | | - Donatella Lattuada
- Dept of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Vanvitelli 32, Milan, Italy
| | - Lucia M Vicentini
- Dept of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Vanvitelli 32, Milan, Italy
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15
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Romitan DM, Rădulescu D, Berindan-Neagoe I, Stoicescu L, Grosu A, Rădulescu L, Gulei D, Ciuleanu TE. Cardiomyopathies and Arrhythmias Induced by Cancer Therapies. Biomedicines 2020; 8:biomedicines8110496. [PMID: 33198152 PMCID: PMC7696637 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8110496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiology and oncology are two fields dedicated to the study of various types of oncological and cardiac diseases, but when they collide, a new specialty is born, i.e., cardio-oncology. Continuous research on cancer therapy has brought into the clinic novel therapeutics that have significantly improved patient survival. However, these therapies have also been associated with adverse effects that can impede the proper management of oncological patients through the necessity of drug discontinuation due to life-threatening or long-term morbidity risks. Cardiovascular toxicity from oncological therapies is the main issue that needs to be solved. Proper knowledge, interpretation, and management of new drugs are key elements for developing the best therapeutic strategies for oncological patients. Upon continuous investigations, the profile of cardiotoxicity events has been enlarged with the inclusion of myocarditis upon administration of immune checkpoint inhibitors and cardiac dysfunction in the context of cytokine release syndrome with chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapy. Affinity enhanced and chimeric antigen receptor T cells have both been associated with hypotension, arrhythmia, and left ventricular dysfunction, typically in the setting of cytokine release syndrome. Therefore, the cardiologist must adhere to the progressing field of cancer therapy and become familiar with the adverse effects of novel drugs, and not only the ones of standard care, such as anthracycline, trastuzumab, and radiation therapy. The present review provides essential information summarized from the latest studies from cardiology, oncology, and hematology to bring together the three specialties and offers proper management options for oncological patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dragoș-Mihai Romitan
- Department of Cardiology, Municipal Clinical Hospital of Cluj-Napoca, 400139 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (D.R.); (L.S.); (A.G.); (L.R.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Dan Rădulescu
- Department of Cardiology, Municipal Clinical Hospital of Cluj-Napoca, 400139 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (D.R.); (L.S.); (A.G.); (L.R.)
| | - Ioana Berindan-Neagoe
- Research Center for Functional Genomic, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400139 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Laurențiu Stoicescu
- Department of Cardiology, Municipal Clinical Hospital of Cluj-Napoca, 400139 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (D.R.); (L.S.); (A.G.); (L.R.)
| | - Alin Grosu
- Department of Cardiology, Municipal Clinical Hospital of Cluj-Napoca, 400139 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (D.R.); (L.S.); (A.G.); (L.R.)
| | - Liliana Rădulescu
- Department of Cardiology, Municipal Clinical Hospital of Cluj-Napoca, 400139 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (D.R.); (L.S.); (A.G.); (L.R.)
| | - Diana Gulei
- Research Center for Advanced Medicine-Medfuture, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Cluj-Napoca, 400139 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Tudor-Eliade Ciuleanu
- Department of Chemotherapy, Ion Chiricuta Clinical Cancer Center, 400139 Cluj Napoca, Romania;
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16
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Tozour J, Hughes F, Carrier A, Vieau D, Delahaye F. Prenatal Hyperglycemia Exposure and Cellular Stress, a Sugar-Coated View of Early Programming of Metabolic Diseases. Biomolecules 2020; 10:E1359. [PMID: 32977673 PMCID: PMC7598660 DOI: 10.3390/biom10101359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Worldwide, the number of people with diabetes has quadrupled since 1980 reaching 422 million in 2014 (World Health Organization). This distressing rise in diabetes also affects pregnant women and thus, in regard to early programming of adult diseases, creates a vicious cycle of metabolic dysfunction passed from one generation to another. Metabolic diseases are complex and caused by the interplay between genetic and environmental factors. High-glucose exposure during in utero development, as observed with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), is an established risk factor for metabolic diseases. Despite intense efforts to better understand this phenomenon of early memory little is known about the molecular mechanisms associating early exposure to long-term diseases risk. However, evidence promotes glucose associated oxidative stress as one of the molecular mechanisms able to influence susceptibility to metabolic diseases. Thus, we decided here to further explore the relationship between early glucose exposure and cellular stress in the context of early development, and focus on the concept of glycemic memory, its consequences, and sexual dimorphic and epigenetic aspects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Tozour
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, NYU Winthrop Hospital, Mineola, NY 11501, USA;
| | - Francine Hughes
- Obstetrics & Gynecology and Women’s Health, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA;
| | - Arnaud Carrier
- Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1283-UMR 8199 EGID, Université de Lille, Inserm, CNRS, CHU Lille, F-59000 Lille, France;
| | - Didier Vieau
- BiologyDepartment, LilNCog Lille Neurosciences and Cognition U 1172, Université de Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, F-59000 Lille, France;
| | - Fabien Delahaye
- Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1283-UMR 8199 EGID, Université de Lille, Inserm, CNRS, CHU Lille, F-59000 Lille, France;
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17
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Sex and Gender Influences on Cancer Immunotherapy Response. Biomedicines 2020; 8:biomedicines8070232. [PMID: 32708265 PMCID: PMC7400663 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8070232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The global burden of cancer is growing and a wide disparity in the incidence, malignancy and mortality of different types of cancer between each sex has been demonstrated. The sex specificity of cancer appears to be a relevant issue in the management of the disease, and studies investigating the role of sex and gender are becoming extremely urgent. Sex hormones are presumably the leading actors of sex differences in cancer, especially estrogens. They modulate gene expression, alter molecules and generate disparities in effectiveness and side effects of anticancer therapies. Recently immunotherapy aims to improve anticancer treatment strategies reducing off-target effects of chemotherapy and direct cancer cells killing. It is recognized as a fruitful strategy to treat and possible to cure cancer. Immunotherapeutic agents are used to activate or boost the activation of the immune system to fight cancer cells through physiological mechanisms often evaded in the offensive march of the disease. These therapeutic strategies have allowed new successes, but also have serious adverse effects including non-specific inflammation and autoimmunity. Sex and gender issues are of primary importance in this field, due to their recognized role in inflammation, immunity and cancer, and the clarification and understanding of these aspects is a necessary step to increase the responses and to diminish the adverse effects of immunotherapy. This review describes the available knowledge on the role of sex and gender in cancer immunotherapy, and will offer insights to stimulate the attention and practice of clinicians and researchers in a gender perspective of new cancer treatment strategies.
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18
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Cruz-Topete D, Dominic P, Stokes KY. Uncovering sex-specific mechanisms of action of testosterone and redox balance. Redox Biol 2020; 31:101490. [PMID: 32169396 PMCID: PMC7212492 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2020.101490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Revised: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The molecular and pharmacological manipulation of the endogenous redox system is a promising therapy to limit myocardial damage after a heart attack; however, antioxidant therapies have failed to fully establish their cardioprotective effects, suggesting that additional factors, including antioxidant system interactions with other molecular pathways, may alter the pharmacological effects of antioxidants. Since gender differences in cardiovascular disease (CVD) are prevalent, and sex is an essential determinant of the response to oxidative stress, it is of particular interest to understand the effects of sex hormone signaling on the activity and expression of cellular antioxidants and the pharmacological actions of antioxidant therapies. In the present review, we briefly summarize the current understanding of testosterone effects on the modulation of the endogenous antioxidant systems in the CV system, cardiomyocytes, and the heart. We also review the latest research on redox balance and sexual dimorphism, with particular emphasis on the role of the natural antioxidant system glutathione (GSH) in the context of myocardial infarction, and the pro- and antioxidant effects of testosterone signaling via the androgen receptor (AR) on the heart. Finally, we discuss future perspectives regarding the potential of using combing antioxidant and testosterone replacement therapies to protect the aging myocardium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Cruz-Topete
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Shreveport, LA, USA; Center for Cardiovascular Diseases and Sciences, Shreveport, LA, USA.
| | - Paari Dominic
- Center for Cardiovascular Diseases and Sciences, Shreveport, LA, USA; Department of Cardiology, LSU Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA, USA
| | - Karen Y Stokes
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Shreveport, LA, USA; Center for Cardiovascular Diseases and Sciences, Shreveport, LA, USA
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19
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Cardioprotective Effects of Dietary Phytochemicals on Oxidative Stress in Heart Failure by a Sex-Gender-Oriented Point of View. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2020; 2020:2176728. [PMID: 31998434 PMCID: PMC6975222 DOI: 10.1155/2020/2176728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2019] [Revised: 11/03/2019] [Accepted: 11/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Dietary phytochemicals are considered an innovative strategy that helps to reduce cardiovascular risk factors. Some phytochemicals have been shown to play a beneficial role in lipid metabolism, to improve endothelial function and to modify oxidative stress pathways in experimental and clinical models of cardiovascular impairment. Importantly, investigation on phytochemical effect on cardiac remodeling appears to be promising. Nowadays, drug therapy and implantation of devices have demonstrated to ameliorate survival. Of interest, sex-gender seems to influence the response to HF canonical therapies. In fact, starting by the evidence of the feminization of world population and the scarce efficacy and safety of the traditional drugs in women, the search of alternative therapeutic tools has become mandatory. The aim of this review is to summarize the possible role of dietary phytochemicals in HF therapy and the evidence of a different sex-gender-oriented response.
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20
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Associations between tea and coffee beverage consumption and the risk of lung cancer in the Singaporean Chinese population. Eur J Nutr 2019; 59:3083-3091. [PMID: 31822987 DOI: 10.1007/s00394-019-02146-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tea and coffee are widely consumed beverages. Tea flavonoids have been shown to inhibit lung tumorigenesis using in vitro and in vivo models. Conversely, coffee contains complex mixtures of biochemically active compounds, some of which may have genotoxic and mutagenic properties. However, previous epidemiologic studies have shown inconsistent results on tea and coffee in relation to lung cancer risk. METHODS The Singapore Chinese Health Study is a population-based prospective cohort of 63,257 Singaporean Chinese men and women, with an average of 17.7 years of follow-up. Information on tea and coffee consumption and other lifestyle factors was collected through in-person interviews at baseline. Multivariable Cox regression models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the associations with adjustment for potential confounders. RESULTS There were 1486 incident lung cancer cases. Compared to non-daily coffee drinkers, HRs (95% CIs) of lung cancer risk for those consuming one, two, and three or more cups of coffee per day were 1.18 (1.02-1.36), 1.21 (1.05-1.40), and 1.32 (1.08-1.62) respectively (P for trend = 0.0034). The highest category of black tea consumption (at least 2 cups per day) was inversely associated with risk of lung cancer [HR (95% CI) = 0.73 (0.53-0.99)], particularly among men [HR (95% CI) = 0.67 (0.47-0.95)], compared to less-than-weekly black tea drinkers, although the interaction by sex was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS Coffee beverage consumption was associated with higher risk of developing lung cancer. On the other hand, black tea intake was associated with lower risk of lung cancer among men in our cohort, and further studies are needed to confirm this association.
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21
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Oxidative/Antioxidative Status in Patients after Myocardial Infarction and in Those without Cardiovascular Event Depending on Anthropometric Factors Defining Body Weight. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16214077. [PMID: 31652762 PMCID: PMC6862597 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16214077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2019] [Revised: 10/14/2019] [Accepted: 10/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Obesity is one of the factors leading to the development of atherosclerosis. This metabolic disorder is associated with an increased production of reactive oxygen species, which affect the oxidative stress levels. The aim of this study was to evaluate oxidative/antioxidative status and to investigate the correlation between redox markers and anthropometric parameters and body composition in adult patients after myocardial infarction and in individuals without a cardiovascular event in the past. Descriptive data on socio-demographic, clinical, and anthropometric features and blood samples were collected and categorized into two equal groups: after myocardial infarction (study group (SG), n = 80) and without a cardiovascular event (control group (CG), n = 80). The oxidative/antioxidative status was assessed in plasma on the basis of total oxidative/capacitive status (PerOx), total antioxidative status/capacity (ImAnOx), and oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL). The oxLDL was significantly higher in the CG group compared to the SG group (p = 0.02). No significant differences were found with regard to PerOx and ImAnOx values between the groups studied. A significant positive correlation between PerOx and percentage of adipose tissue (FM%) and body adiposity index (BAI) was found in the two studied groups. ImAnOx significantly positively correlated with visceral adiposity indexes(VAIs) in SG and FM% in CG. OxLDL negatively correlated with body mass index and waist to hip circumference ratio in CG. The total oxidative/antioxidative status is related to the amount of adipose tissue and the BAIs of the subjects. It was observed that it correlates more frequently with the visceral distribution of body fat.
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22
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Matarrese P, Tieri P, Anticoli S, Ascione B, Conte M, Franceschi C, Malorni W, Salvioli S, Ruggieri A. X-chromosome-linked miR548am-5p is a key regulator of sex disparity in the susceptibility to mitochondria-mediated apoptosis. Cell Death Dis 2019; 10:673. [PMID: 31511496 PMCID: PMC6739406 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-019-1888-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Revised: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Sex dimorphism in cell response to stress has previously been investigated by different research groups. This dimorphism could be at least in part accounted for by sex-biased expression of regulatory elements such as microRNAs (miRs). In order to spot previously unknown miR expression differences we took advantage of prior knowledge on specialized databases to identify X chromosome-encoded miRs potentially escaping X chromosome inactivation (XCI). MiR-548am-5p emerged as potentially XCI escaper and was experimentally verified to be significantly up-regulated in human XX primary dermal fibroblasts (DFs) compared to XY ones. Accordingly, miR-548am-5p target mRNAs, e.g. the transcript for Bax, was differently modulated in XX and XY DFs. Functional analyses indicated that XY DFs were more prone to mitochondria-mediated apoptosis than XX ones. Experimentally induced overexpression of miR548am-5p in XY cells by lentivirus vector transduction decreased apoptosis susceptibility, whereas its down-regulation in XX cells enhanced apoptosis susceptibility. These data indicate that this approach could be used to identify previously unreported sex-biased differences in miR expression and that a miR identified with this approach, miR548am-5p, can account for sex-dependent differences observed in the susceptibility to mitochondrial apoptosis of human DFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Matarrese
- Center for Gender Specific Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, viale Regina Elena 299, Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Tieri
- CNR National Research Council, IAC Institute for Applied Computing, Via dei Taurini 19, Rome, Italy.,Data Science Program, La Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Simona Anticoli
- Center for Gender Specific Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, viale Regina Elena 299, Rome, Italy
| | - Barbara Ascione
- Center for Gender Specific Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, viale Regina Elena 299, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Conte
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine (DIMES), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,Interdepartmental Centre "L. Galvani" (CIG), University of Bologna, via San Giacomo 12, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Claudio Franceschi
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Via Altura 3, 40139, Bologna, Italy.,Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - Walter Malorni
- Center for Gender Specific Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, viale Regina Elena 299, Rome, Italy.,School of Mathematical, Physical and Natural Sciences and Faculty of Medicine, University of Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Salvioli
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine (DIMES), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy. .,Interdepartmental Centre "L. Galvani" (CIG), University of Bologna, via San Giacomo 12, 40126, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Anna Ruggieri
- Center for Gender Specific Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, viale Regina Elena 299, Rome, Italy.
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Gender-Specific Differences of Oxidative Processes in the Population of Circulating Neutrophils of Rats in a Setting of Prolonged Administration of Monosodium Glutamate. ROMANIAN JOURNAL OF DIABETES NUTRITION AND METABOLIC DISEASES 2019. [DOI: 10.2478/rjdnmd-2019-0013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background and aims: Monosodium salt of glutamic acid (MSG) is one of the most common food additives. The aim of study was to assess, in gender-specific terms, how prolonged administration of MSG effects on reactive oxygen and nitrogen species formation and the apoptotic/necrotic processes in the population of rats circulating neutrophils.
Material and methods: Experimental studies were conducted on 32 mature white rats. MSG was administered intragastrical at a dose of 30 mg/kg body weight for 30 days. The analysis of cell samples to determine neutrophils with overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and signs of apoptosis\necrosis was evaluated with flow laser cytometry method. The total nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity was determined by monitoring the rate of conversion of L-arginine into citrulline. The total quantity of NO metabolites was assessed by evaluating of nitrite and nitrate ions.
Results: We found a significant increase in generation of ROS, intensification of nitroxydergic processes, an increase in the percentage of apoptotic neutrophils and no changes in the percentage of necrotic neutrophils.
Conclusions: We observed activation of oxidative and nitroxydergic processes in rats with prolonged administration of MSG, which initiate apoptosis. In gender-specific terms, a more pronounced changes were seen in male rats.
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24
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Toro CA, Zhang L, Cao J, Cai D. Sex differences in Alzheimer's disease: Understanding the molecular impact. Brain Res 2019; 1719:194-207. [PMID: 31129153 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2019.05.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2019] [Revised: 04/10/2019] [Accepted: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder that presents with cognitive impairment and behavioral disturbance. Approximately 5.5 million people in the United States live with AD, most of whom are over the age of 65 with two-thirds being woman. There have been major advancements over the last decade or so in the understanding of AD neuropathological changes and genetic involvement. However, studies of sex impact in AD have not been adequately integrated into the investigation of disease development and progression. It becomes indispensable to acknowledge in both basic science and clinical research studies the importance of understanding sex-specific differences in AD pathophysiology and pathogenesis, which could guide future effort in the discovery of novel targets for AD. Here, we review the latest and most relevant literature on this topic, highlighting the importance of understanding sex dimorphism from a molecular perspective and its association to clinical trial design and development in AD research field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos A Toro
- National Center for the Medical Consequences of Spinal Cord Injury, James J Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY 10468, United States; Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States.
| | - Larry Zhang
- Research and Development, James J Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY 10468, United States; Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States
| | - Jiqing Cao
- Research and Development, James J Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY 10468, United States; Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States.
| | - Dongming Cai
- Research and Development, James J Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY 10468, United States; Neurology Section, James J Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY 10468, United States; Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States.
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25
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Maugeri A, Hruskova J, Jakubik J, Kunzova S, Sochor O, Barchitta M, Agodi A, Bauerova H, Medina-Inojosa JR, Vinciguerra M. Dietary antioxidant intake decreases carotid intima media thickness in women but not in men: A cross-sectional assessment in the Kardiovize study. Free Radic Biol Med 2019; 131:274-281. [PMID: 30576781 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2018.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2018] [Revised: 12/04/2018] [Accepted: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Atherosclerosis is a major contributor to cardiovascular disease, with a higher burden on men than women during the occupational age. Intake of individual dietary antioxidants is inversely associated with risk of atherosclerosis development. We aimed to understand the relationship between dietary composite antioxidant intake and the carotid intima media thickness (cIMT), which is a proxy of atherosclerosis progression. APPROACH AND RESULTS We performed a cross-sectional analysis that included 894 members of the Kardiovize cohort, a random urban sample population. Nutrient intakes were derived by 24-h recall. We constructed a composite dietary antioxidant index (CDAI), based on zinc, selenium, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E and carotenoids. We considered the CDAI as the exposure variable and primary outcomes were the following cardio-metabolic parameters: body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), body fat mass (BFM), systolic and diastolic blood pressure, triglycerides, HDL and LDL cholesterol, and cIMT. Associations and interactions between variables were evaluated using linear regression analyses. In women, a 1 mg increase in dietary intake of zinc or vitamin E decreased the cIMT by 3.36 and 1.48 µm, respectively, after adjusting for covariates. Similarly, the cIMT decreased by 4.72 µm for each one-unit increase in CDAI (p = 0.018). Beyond CDAI, age (β = 3.61; SE=0.89; p = 0.001), systolic blood pressure (β = 1.30; SE=0.59; p = 0.029) and triglycerides (β = 22.94; SE=10.09; p = 0.024) were significant predictors of cIMT in women. By contrast, we found no association between CDAI and cIMT in men. CONCLUSIONS CDAI negatively associates with cIMT in women. These findings indicate that combined intake of nutrients with anti-oxidant properties might prevent the initiation and progression of arterial lesions in a sex-specific manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Maugeri
- International Clinical Research Center, St Anne's University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic; Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies "GF Ingrassia", University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Jana Hruskova
- International Clinical Research Center, St Anne's University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Juraj Jakubik
- International Clinical Research Center, St Anne's University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Sarka Kunzova
- International Clinical Research Center, St Anne's University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Ondrej Sochor
- International Clinical Research Center, St Anne's University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Martina Barchitta
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies "GF Ingrassia", University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Antonella Agodi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies "GF Ingrassia", University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Hana Bauerova
- International Clinical Research Center, St Anne's University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jose R Medina-Inojosa
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Division of Preventive Cardiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Manlio Vinciguerra
- International Clinical Research Center, St Anne's University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic.
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Puglisi R, Mattia G, Carè A, Marano G, Malorni W, Matarrese P. Non-genomic Effects of Estrogen on Cell Homeostasis and Remodeling With Special Focus on Cardiac Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:733. [PMID: 31708877 PMCID: PMC6823206 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
This review takes into consideration the main mechanisms involved in cellular remodeling following an ischemic injury, with special focus on the possible role played by non-genomic estrogen effects. Sex differences have also been considered. In fact, cardiac ischemic events induce damage to different cellular components of the heart, such as cardiomyocytes, vascular cells, endothelial cells, and cardiac fibroblasts. The ability of the cardiovascular system to counteract an ischemic insult is orchestrated by these cell types and is carried out thanks to a number of complex molecular pathways, including genomic (slow) or non-genomic (fast) effects of estrogen. These pathways are probably responsible for differences observed between the two sexes. Literature suggests that male and female hearts, and, more in general, cardiovascular system cells, show significant differences in many parameters under both physiological and pathological conditions. In particular, many experimental studies dealing with sex differences in the cardiovascular system suggest a higher ability of females to respond to environmental insults in comparison with males. For instance, as cells from females are more effective in counteracting the ischemia/reperfusion injury if compared with males, a role for estrogen in this sex disparity has been hypothesized. However, the possible involvement of estrogen-dependent non-genomic effects on the cardiovascular system is still under debate. Further experimental studies, including sex-specific studies, are needed in order to shed further light on this matter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossella Puglisi
- Center for Gender Specific Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Mattia
- Center for Gender Specific Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Carè
- Center for Gender Specific Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Marano
- Center for Gender Specific Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Walter Malorni
- Center for Gender Specific Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
- School of Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Matarrese
- Center for Gender Specific Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
- *Correspondence: Paola Matarrese
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27
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Xotlanihua-Gervacio MDC, Guerrero-Flores MC, Herrera-Moreno JF, Medina-Díaz IM, Bernal-Hernández YY, Barrón-Vivanco BS, Sordo M, Rojas-García AE. Micronucleus frequency is correlated with antioxidant enzyme levels in workers occupationally exposed to pesticides. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 25:31558-31568. [PMID: 30206828 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-018-3130-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2018] [Accepted: 09/03/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Oxidative stress can cause DNA damage leading to nuclear anomalies such as micronuclei (MN). Antioxidant enzymes involved in protection against intracellular oxidative stress include glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT). Pesticide exposure induces oxidative stress and alters antioxidant defense mechanisms, including detoxification and scavenger enzymes. The aim of this study was to evaluate MN frequency in workers occupationally exposed to pesticides and their relationship with antioxidant enzyme activities. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 201 individuals, some of whom were dedicated to the spraying of pesticides. The cytokinesis-block micronucleus (CBMN) assay was conducted, and the activities of GPx, GR, SOD, and CAT were determined. The geometric mean (GM) of MN was 5.4 (1-26 MN). The GM for the antioxidant enzymes was 198.68 U/mL for GPx, 38.96 U/g Hb for GR, 94.78 U/mL for SOD, and 69.77 U/g Hb for CAT. There was a lower MN frequency in males than that in females, and a higher nuclear index. In addition, age affected MN frequency. There was a negative correlation between MN frequency and GPx activity, but a positive one between MN frequency and GR activity. These findings suggest the involvement of GPx in MN frequency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Del Carmen Xotlanihua-Gervacio
- Laboratorio de Contaminación y Toxicología Ambiental. Secretaría de Investigación y Posgrado, Universidad Autónoma de Nayarit, 63155. Ciudad de la Cultura s/n. Col. Centro, C.P. 63000, Tepic, Nayarit, Mexico
- Posgrado en Ciencias Biológico Agropecuarias|, Unidad Académica de Agricultura, Km. 9 Carretera Tepic, Compostela, Xalisco, Nayarit, Mexico
| | - Mirna Citlali Guerrero-Flores
- Laboratorio de Contaminación y Toxicología Ambiental. Secretaría de Investigación y Posgrado, Universidad Autónoma de Nayarit, 63155. Ciudad de la Cultura s/n. Col. Centro, C.P. 63000, Tepic, Nayarit, Mexico
| | - José Francisco Herrera-Moreno
- Laboratorio de Contaminación y Toxicología Ambiental. Secretaría de Investigación y Posgrado, Universidad Autónoma de Nayarit, 63155. Ciudad de la Cultura s/n. Col. Centro, C.P. 63000, Tepic, Nayarit, Mexico
- Posgrado en Ciencias Biológico Agropecuarias|, Unidad Académica de Agricultura, Km. 9 Carretera Tepic, Compostela, Xalisco, Nayarit, Mexico
| | - Irma Martha Medina-Díaz
- Laboratorio de Contaminación y Toxicología Ambiental. Secretaría de Investigación y Posgrado, Universidad Autónoma de Nayarit, 63155. Ciudad de la Cultura s/n. Col. Centro, C.P. 63000, Tepic, Nayarit, Mexico
| | - Yael Yvette Bernal-Hernández
- Laboratorio de Contaminación y Toxicología Ambiental. Secretaría de Investigación y Posgrado, Universidad Autónoma de Nayarit, 63155. Ciudad de la Cultura s/n. Col. Centro, C.P. 63000, Tepic, Nayarit, Mexico
| | - Briscia Socorro Barrón-Vivanco
- Laboratorio de Contaminación y Toxicología Ambiental. Secretaría de Investigación y Posgrado, Universidad Autónoma de Nayarit, 63155. Ciudad de la Cultura s/n. Col. Centro, C.P. 63000, Tepic, Nayarit, Mexico
| | - Monserrat Sordo
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, UNAM, P.O. Box 70228, Ciudad Universitaria, 04510, México DF, Mexico
| | - Aurora Elizabeth Rojas-García
- Laboratorio de Contaminación y Toxicología Ambiental. Secretaría de Investigación y Posgrado, Universidad Autónoma de Nayarit, 63155. Ciudad de la Cultura s/n. Col. Centro, C.P. 63000, Tepic, Nayarit, Mexico.
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28
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Celestino I, Checconi P, Amatore D, De Angelis M, Coluccio P, Dattilo R, Alunni Fegatelli D, Clemente AM, Matarrese P, Torcia MG, Mancinelli R, Mammola CL, Garaci E, Vestri AR, Malorni W, Palamara AT, Nencioni L. Differential Redox State Contributes to Sex Disparities in the Response to Influenza Virus Infection in Male and Female Mice. Front Immunol 2018; 9:1747. [PMID: 30105026 PMCID: PMC6077261 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.01747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2018] [Accepted: 07/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Influenza virus replicates intracellularly exploiting several pathways involved in the regulation of host responses. The outcome and the severity of the infection are thus strongly conditioned by multiple host factors, including age, sex, metabolic, and redox conditions of the target cells. Hormones are also important determinants of host immune responses to influenza and are recently proposed in the prophylaxis and treatment. This study shows that female mice are less susceptible than males to mouse-adapted influenza virus (A/PR8/H1N1). Compared with males, PR8-infected females display higher survival rate (+36%), milder clinical disease, and less weight loss. They also have milder histopathological signs, especially free alveolar area is higher than that in males, even if pro-inflammatory cytokine production shows slight differences between sexes; hormone levels, moreover, do not vary significantly with infection in our model. Importantly, viral loads (both in terms of viral M1 RNA copies and tissue culture infectious dose 50%) are lower in PR8-infected females. An analysis of the mechanisms contributing to sex disparities observed during infection reveals that the female animals have higher total antioxidant power in serum and their lungs are characterized by increase in (i) the content and biosynthesis of glutathione, (ii) the expression and activity of antioxidant enzymes (peroxiredoxin 1, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase), and (iii) the expression of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2. By contrast, infected males are characterized by high expression of NADPH oxidase 4 oxidase and phosphorylation of p38 MAPK, both enzymes promoting viral replication. All these factors are critical for cell homeostasis and susceptibility to infection. Reappraisal of the importance of the host cell redox state and sex-related effects may be useful in the attempt to develop more tailored therapeutic interventions in the fight against influenza.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ignacio Celestino
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Checconi
- San Raffaele Pisana, IRCCS, Telematic University, Rome, Italy
| | - Donatella Amatore
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Marta De Angelis
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Coluccio
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Rosanna Dattilo
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Danilo Alunni Fegatelli
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Ann Maria Clemente
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Paola Matarrese
- Center for Gender-Specific Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Gabriella Torcia
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Romina Mancinelli
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Caterina Loredana Mammola
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico Garaci
- San Raffaele Pisana, IRCCS, Telematic University, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Rita Vestri
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Walter Malorni
- Center for Gender-Specific Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Teresa Palamara
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- San Raffaele Pisana, IRCCS, Telematic University, Rome, Italy
| | - Lucia Nencioni
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Precision medicine and drug development in Alzheimer's disease: the importance of sexual dimorphism and patient stratification. Front Neuroendocrinol 2018; 50:31-51. [PMID: 29902481 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2018.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2018] [Revised: 05/29/2018] [Accepted: 06/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases (ND) are among the leading causes of disability and mortality. Considerable sex differences exist in the occurrence of the various manifestations leading to cognitive decline. Alzheimer's disease (AD) exhibits substantial sexual dimorphisms and disproportionately affects women. Women have a higher life expectancy compared to men and, consequently, have more lifespan to develop AD. The emerging precision medicine and pharmacology concepts - taking into account the individual genetic and biological variability relevant for disease risk, prevention, detection, diagnosis, and treatment - are expected to substantially enhance our knowledge and management of AD. Stratifying the affected individuals by sex and gender is an important basic step towards personalization of scientific research, drug development, and care. We hypothesize that sex and gender differences, extending from genetic to psychosocial domains, are highly relevant for the understanding of AD pathophysiology, and for the conceptualization of basic/translational research and for clinical therapy trial design.
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Toedebusch R, Belenchia A, Pulakat L. Diabetic Cardiomyopathy: Impact of Biological Sex on Disease Development and Molecular Signatures. Front Physiol 2018; 9:453. [PMID: 29773993 PMCID: PMC5943496 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.00453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2018] [Accepted: 04/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetic cardiomyopathy refers to a unique set of heart-specific pathological variables induced by hyperglycemia and insulin resistance. Given that cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in the world, and type 2 diabetes incidence continues to rise, understanding the complex interplay between these two morbidities and developing novel therapeutic strategies is vital. Two hallmark characteristics specific to diabetic cardiomyopathy are diastolic dysfunction and cardiac structural mal-adaptations, arising from cardiac cellular responses to the complex toxicity induced by hyperglycemia with or without hyperinsulinemia. While type 2 diabetes is more prevalent in men compared to women, cardiovascular risk is higher in diabetic women than in diabetic men, suggesting that diabetic women take a steeper path to cardiomyopathy and heart failure. Accumulating evidence from randomized clinical trials indicate that although pre-menopausal women have lower risk of CVDs, compared to age-matched men, this advantage is lost in diabetic pre-menopausal women, which suggests estrogen availability does not protect from increased cardiovascular risk. Notably, few human studies have assessed molecular and cellular mechanisms regarding similarities and differences in the progression of diabetic cardiomyopathy in men versus women. Additionally, most pre-clinical rodent studies fail to include female animals, leaving a void in available data to truly understand the impact of biological sex differences in diabetes-induced dysfunction of cardiovascular cells. Elegant reviews in the past have discussed in detail the roles of estrogen-mediated signaling in cardiovascular protection, sex differences associated with telomerase activity in the heart, and cardiac responses to exercise. In this review, we focus on the emerging cellular and molecular markers that define sex differences in diabetic cardiomyopathy based on the recent clinical and pre-clinical evidence. We also discuss miR-208a, MED13, and AT2R, which may provide new therapeutic targets with hopes to develop novel treatment paradigms to treat diabetic cardiomyopathy uniquely between men and women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Toedebusch
- Cardiovascular Medicine Division, Department of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States.,Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Anthony Belenchia
- Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States.,Department of Nutrition and Exercise Physiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Lakshmi Pulakat
- Cardiovascular Medicine Division, Department of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States.,Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States.,Department of Nutrition and Exercise Physiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
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Put "gender glasses" on the effects of phenolic compounds on cardiovascular function and diseases. Eur J Nutr 2018; 57:2677-2691. [PMID: 29696400 DOI: 10.1007/s00394-018-1695-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2017] [Accepted: 04/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The influence of sex and gender is particularly relevant in cardiovascular diseases (CVD) as well as in several aspects of drug pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics. Anatomical and physiological differences between the sexes may influence the activity of many drugs, including the possibility of their interaction with other drugs, bioactive compounds, foods and beverages. Phenolic compounds could interact with our organism at organ, cellular, and molecular levels triggering a preventive action against chronic diseases, including CVD. RESULTS This article will review the role of sex on the activity of these bioactive molecules, considering the existence of sex differences in oxidative stress. It describes the pharmacokinetics of phenolic compounds, their effects on vessels, on cardiovascular system, and during development, including the role of nuclear receptors and microbiota. CONCLUSIONS Although there is a large gap between the knowledge of the sex differences in the phenolic compounds' activity and safety, and the urgent need for more research, available data underlie the possibility that plant-derived phenolic compounds could differently influence the health of male and female subjects.
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Ventura-Clapier R, Dworatzek E, Seeland U, Kararigas G, Arnal JF, Brunelleschi S, Carpenter TC, Erdmann J, Franconi F, Giannetta E, Glezerman M, Hofmann SM, Junien C, Katai M, Kublickiene K, König IR, Majdic G, Malorni W, Mieth C, Miller VM, Reynolds RM, Shimokawa H, Tannenbaum C, D'Ursi AM, Regitz-Zagrosek V. Sex in basic research: concepts in the cardiovascular field. Cardiovasc Res 2018; 113:711-724. [PMID: 28472454 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvx066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2016] [Accepted: 05/01/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Women and men, female and male animals and cells are biologically different, and acknowledgement of this fact is critical to advancing medicine. However, incorporating concepts of sex-specific analysis in basic research is largely neglected, introducing bias into translational findings, clinical concepts and drug development. Research funding agencies recently approached these issues but implementation of policy changes in the scientific community is still limited, probably due to deficits in concepts, knowledge and proper methodology. This expert review is based on the EUGenMed project (www.eugenmed.eu) developing a roadmap for implementing sex and gender in biomedical and health research. For sake of clarity and conciseness, examples are mainly taken from the cardiovascular field that may serve as a paradigm for others, since a significant amount of knowledge how sex and oestrogen determine the manifestation of many cardiovascular diseases (CVD) has been accumulated. As main concepts for implementation of sex in basic research, the study of primary cell and animals of both sexes, the study of the influence of genetic vs. hormonal factors and the analysis of sex chromosomes and sex specific statistics in genome wide association studies (GWAS) are discussed. The review also discusses methodological issues, and analyses strength, weaknesses, opportunities and threats in implementing sex-sensitive aspects into basic research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renée Ventura-Clapier
- Signalisation et Physiopathologie Cardiovasculaire UMR-S 1180, Inserm, Univ. Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, 92296 Châtenay-Malabry, France
| | - Elke Dworatzek
- Institute of Gender in Medicine and Center for Cardiovascular Research, Charité Universitaetsmedizin Berlin, 10115 Berlin, Germany.,German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Berlin, Germany
| | - Ute Seeland
- Institute of Gender in Medicine and Center for Cardiovascular Research, Charité Universitaetsmedizin Berlin, 10115 Berlin, Germany.,German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Berlin, Germany
| | - Georgios Kararigas
- Institute of Gender in Medicine and Center for Cardiovascular Research, Charité Universitaetsmedizin Berlin, 10115 Berlin, Germany.,German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Berlin, Germany
| | - Jean-Francois Arnal
- Faculté Médecine Toulouse-Rangueil, Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Sandra Brunelleschi
- Department of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Eastern Piedmont, Novara, Italy
| | - Thomas C Carpenter
- College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ Edinburgh, UK
| | - Jeanette Erdmann
- Institut für Kardiogenetik, Universität zu Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany.,German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Germany
| | - Flavia Franconi
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sassari,Sassari, Italy
| | - Elisa Giannetta
- Ricercatore TD in Endocrinologia, Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sezione di Fisiopatologia Medica, Sapienza University of Rome, Roma, Italy
| | - Marek Glezerman
- International Society for Gender Medicine, Research Center for Medicine, Rabin Medical Center, and Tel Aviv University, Israel
| | - Susanna M Hofmann
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der LMU München, Munich 80336, Germany; Institute for Diabetes and Regeneration, Helmholtz Center Munich, Germany; German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD) München-Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Claudine Junien
- BDR Biologie du Développement et Reproduction Developmental Biology and Reproduction UMR, INRA, France
| | - Miyuki Katai
- Section of Gender Medicine, Department of General Medicine, Tokyo Women's Medical University, 162-8666 Tokyo, Japan
| | - Karolina Kublickiene
- Centre for Gender Medicine and Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Renal Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 14186 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Inke R König
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Germany.,Institut für Medizinische Biometrie und Statistik, Universität zu Lübeck, 235620 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Gregor Majdic
- Institute for Preclinical Sciences, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana & Institute of Physiology, Medical Faculty, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Walter Malorni
- National Center for Gender-Specific Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Roma, Italy
| | - Christin Mieth
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Berlin, Germany.,Max-Delbrück-Centrum für Molekulare Medizin in der Helmholtz-Gemeinschaft (MDC), Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Rebecca M Reynolds
- Center for Cardiovascular Science, Queen's Medical Research Institute, EH16 4TJ Edinburgh, UK
| | - Hiroaki Shimokawa
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Cara Tannenbaum
- Institute of Gender and Health, Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), Canada
| | - Anna Maria D'Ursi
- Medicinal Chemistry DIFARMA, Università di Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, Italy
| | - Vera Regitz-Zagrosek
- Institute of Gender in Medicine and Center for Cardiovascular Research, Charité Universitaetsmedizin Berlin, 10115 Berlin, Germany.,German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Berlin, Germany
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Carè A, Bellenghi M, Matarrese P, Gabriele L, Salvioli S, Malorni W. Sex disparity in cancer: roles of microRNAs and related functional players. Cell Death Differ 2018; 25:477-485. [PMID: 29352271 PMCID: PMC5864217 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-017-0051-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2017] [Revised: 11/13/2017] [Accepted: 11/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
A sexual dimorphism at the cellular level has been suggested to play a role in cancer onset and progression. In particular, very recent studies have unraveled striking differences between cells carrying XX or XY chromosomes in terms of response to stressful stimuli, indicating the presence of genetic and epigenetic differences determining sex-specific metabolic or phenotypic traits. Although this field of investigation is still in its infancy, available data suggest a key role of sexual chromosomes in determining cell life or death. In particular, cells carrying XX chromosomes exhibit a higher adaptive potential and survival behavior in response to microenvironmental variations with respect to XY cells. Cells from females also appear to be equipped with more efficient epigenetic machinery than the male counterpart. In particular, the X chromosome contains an unexpected high number of microRNAs (miRs), at present 118, in comparison with only two miRs localized on chromosome Y, and an average of 40-50 on the autosomes. The regulatory power of these small non-coding RNAs is well recognized, as 30-50% of all protein-coding genes are targeted by miRs and their role in cell fate has been well demonstrated. In addition, several further insights, including DNA methylation patterns that are different in males and females, claim for a significant gender disparity in cancer and in the immune system activity against tumors. In this brief paper, we analyze the state of the art of our knowledge on the implication of miRs encoded on sex chromosomes, and their related functional paths, in the regulation of cell homeostasis and depict possible perspectives for the epigenetic research in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Carè
- Oncology Unit, Center for Gender-specific Medicine Istituto Superiore di Sanita', Viale Regina Elena, 299 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Bellenghi
- Oncology Unit, Center for Gender-specific Medicine Istituto Superiore di Sanita', Viale Regina Elena, 299 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Matarrese
- Oncology Unit, Center for Gender-specific Medicine Istituto Superiore di Sanita', Viale Regina Elena, 299 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Lucia Gabriele
- Immunotherapy Unit, Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanita', Viale Regina Elena, 299 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Salvioli
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine (DIMES), University of Bologna, Via San Giacomo 12, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Walter Malorni
- Oncology Unit, Center for Gender-specific Medicine Istituto Superiore di Sanita', Viale Regina Elena, 299 00161, Rome, Italy.
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Sex Differences of Human Cardiac Progenitor Cells in the Biological Response to TNF- α Treatment. Stem Cells Int 2017; 2017:4790563. [PMID: 29104594 PMCID: PMC5623773 DOI: 10.1155/2017/4790563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2017] [Revised: 06/09/2017] [Accepted: 06/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Adult cardiac progenitor cells (CPCs), isolated as cardiosphere-derived cells (CDCs), represent promising candidates for cardiac regenerative therapy. CDCs can be expanded in vitro manyfolds without losing their differentiation potential, reaching numbers that are appropriate for clinical applications. Since mechanisms of successful CDC survival and engraftment in the damaged myocardium are still critical and unresolved issues, we aimed at deciphering possible key factors capable of bolstering CDC function. In particular, the response and the phenotype of CDCs exposed to low concentrations of the multifunctional cytokine tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), known to be capable of activating cell survival pathways, have been investigated. Furthermore, differential biological responses of CDCs from male and female donors, in terms of cell cycle progression and cell spreading, have also been assessed. The results obtained indicate that (i) the intracellular signaling activated in our experimental conditions is most likely due to the prosurvival and proliferative signaling of TNF-α receptor 2 and that (ii) cells from female patients appear more responsive to TNF-α treatment in terms of cell cycle progression and migration ability. In conclusion, the present report highlights the hypothesis that TNF-stimulated CDCs isolated from females may represent a promising candidate for cardiac regenerative therapy applications.
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Preclinical models in the study of sex differences. Clin Sci (Lond) 2017; 131:449-469. [PMID: 28265036 DOI: 10.1042/cs20160847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2016] [Revised: 12/13/2016] [Accepted: 01/03/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The biology of sex differences deals with the study of the disparities between females and males and the related biological mechanisms. Gender medicine focuses on the impact of gender and sex on human physiology, pathophysiology and clinical features of diseases that are common to women and men. The term gender refers to a complex interrelation and integration of sex-as a biological and functional determinant-and psychological and cultural behaviours (due to ethnical, social or religious background). The attention to the impact of gender differences on the pathophysiology and, therefore, on the clinical management of the most common diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases (CVD), neurodegenerative disorders, immune and autoimmune diseases as well as several tumours, is in fact often neglected. Hence, studies covering different fields of investigation and including sex differences in the pathogenesis, in diagnostic and prognostic criteria as well as in response to therapy appear mandatory. However, prerequisites for this development are preclinical studies, including in vitro and in vivo approaches. They represent the first step in the development of a drug or in the comprehension of the pathogenetic mechanisms of diseases, in turn a necessary step for the development of new or more appropriate therapeutic strategies. However, sex differences are still poorly considered and the great majority of preclinical studies do not take into account the relevance of such disparities. In this review, we describe the state of the art of these studies and provide some paradigmatic examples of key fields of investigation, such as oncology, neurology and CVD, where preclinical models should be improved.
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36
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Differential sex-specific effects of oxygen toxicity in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2017; 486:431-437. [PMID: 28315681 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2017.03.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2017] [Accepted: 03/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Despite the well-established sex-specific differences in the incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), the molecular mechanism(s) behind these are not completely understood. Pulmonary angiogenesis is critical for alveolarization and arrest in vascular development adversely affects lung development. Human neonatal umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) provide a robust in vitro model for the study of endothelial cell physiology and function. Male and Female HUVECs were exposed to room air (21% O2, 5% CO2) or hyperoxia (95% O2, 5% CO2) for up to 72 h. Cell viability, proliferation, H2O2 production and angiogenesis were analyzed. Sex-specific differences in the expression of VEGFR2 and modulation of NF-kappa B pathway were measured. Male HUVECs have decreased survival, greater oxidative stress and impairment in angiogenesis compared to similarly exposed female cells. There is differential expression of VEGFR2 between male and female HUVECs and greater activation of the NF-kappa B pathway in female HUVECs under hyperoxic conditions. The results indicate that sex differences exist between male and female HUVECs in vitro after hyperoxia exposure. Since endothelial dysfunction has a major role in the pathogenesis of BPD, these differences could explain in part the mechanisms behind sex-specific differences in the incidence of this disease.
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Kander MC, Cui Y, Liu Z. Gender difference in oxidative stress: a new look at the mechanisms for cardiovascular diseases. J Cell Mol Med 2016; 21:1024-1032. [PMID: 27957792 PMCID: PMC5387169 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.13038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 296] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2016] [Accepted: 10/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Gender differences are present in many diseases and are especially prevalent in cardiovascular disease. Males tend to suffer from myocardial infarctions earlier than females, and a woman's risk of cardiovascular disease increases after menopause, suggesting a cardio-protective role of estrogen. However, hormone replacement therapy did not decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease in post-menopausal women; thus, other mechanisms may be involved besides estrogen. Oxidative stress plays an important role in the development of cardiovascular diseases such as coronary artery disease. Gender is also associated with differences in oxidative stress. Under physiological conditions, females appear to be less susceptible to oxidative stress. This may be due to the antioxidant properties of estrogen, gender differences in NADPH-oxidase activity or other mechanism(s) yet to be defined. This review strives to discuss gender differences in general terms followed by a more detailed examination of gender differences with oxidative stress and various associated diseases and the possible mechanisms underlying these differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Christine Kander
- Davis Heart & Lung Research Institute and Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Yuqi Cui
- Davis Heart & Lung Research Institute and Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Zhenguo Liu
- Davis Heart & Lung Research Institute and Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
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Franconi F, Rosano G, Basili S, Montella A, Campesi I. Human cells involved in atherosclerosis have a sex. Int J Cardiol 2016; 228:983-1001. [PMID: 27915217 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2016.11.118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2016] [Accepted: 11/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The influence of sex has been largely described in cardiovascular diseases. Atherosclerosis is a complex process that involves many cell types such as vessel cells, immune cells and endothelial progenitor cells; however, many, if not all, studies do not report the sex of the cells. This review focuses on sex differences in human cells involved in the atherosclerotic process, emphasizing the role of sex hormones. Furthermore, we report sex differences and issues related to the processes that determine the fate of the cells such as apoptotic and autophagic mechanisms. The analysis of the data reveals that there are still many gaps in our knowledge regarding sex influences in atherosclerosis, largely for the cell types that have not been well studied, stressing the urgent need for a clear definition of experimental conditions and the inclusion of both sexes in preclinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavia Franconi
- Assessorato alle Politiche per la Persona of Basilicata Region, Potenza, Italy; Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Rosano
- Cardiovascular and Cell Sciences Research Institute, St. George's University of London, United Kingdom
| | - Stefania Basili
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties - Research Center on Gender and Evaluation and Promotion of Quality in Medicine (CEQUAM), Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Montella
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Ilaria Campesi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy; Laboratory of Sex-Gender Medicine, National Institute of Biostructures and Biosystems, Osilo, Italy.
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Popkov VA, Plotnikov EY, Silachev DN, Zorova LD, Pevzner IB, Jankauskas SS, Zorov SD, Babenko VA, Zorov DB. Diseases and Aging: Gender Matters. BIOCHEMISTRY (MOSCOW) 2016; 80:1560-70. [PMID: 26638680 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297915120032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
At first glance, biological differences between male and female sex seem obvious, but, in fact, they affect a vast number of deeper levels apart from reproductive function and related physiological features. Such differences affect all organizational levels including features of cell physiology and even functioning of separate organelles, which, among other things, account for such global processes as resistance to diseases and aging. Understanding of mechanisms underlying resistance of one of the sexes to pathological processes and aging will allow taking into consideration gender differences while developing drugs and therapeutic approaches, and it will provide an opportunity to reproduce and enhance such resistance in the more vulnerable gender. Here we review physiological as well as cellular and biological features of disease course including aging that are affected by gender and discuss potential mechanisms behind these processes. Such mechanisms include features of oxidative metabolism and mitochondrial functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- V A Popkov
- Lomonosov Moscow State University, Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Moscow, 119991, Russia.
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Lorenz M, Koschate J, Kaufmann K, Kreye C, Mertens M, Kuebler WM, Baumann G, Gossing G, Marki A, Zakrzewicz A, Miéville C, Benn A, Horbelt D, Wratil PR, Stangl K, Stangl V. Does cellular sex matter? Dimorphic transcriptional differences between female and male endothelial cells. Atherosclerosis 2015; 240:61-72. [DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2015.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2014] [Revised: 01/21/2015] [Accepted: 02/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Addis R, Campesi I, Fois M, Capobianco G, Dessole S, Fenu G, Montella A, Cattaneo MG, Vicentini LM, Franconi F. Human umbilical endothelial cells (HUVECs) have a sex: characterisation of the phenotype of male and female cells. Biol Sex Differ 2014; 5:18. [PMID: 25535548 PMCID: PMC4273493 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-014-0018-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2014] [Accepted: 11/20/2014] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Human umbilical endothelial cells (HUVECs) are widely used to study the endothelial physiology and pathology that might be involved in sex and gender differences detected at the cardiovascular level. This study evaluated whether HUVECs are sexually dimorphic in their morphological, proliferative and migratory properties and in the gene and protein expression of oestrogen and androgen receptors and nitric oxide synthase 3 (NOS3). Moreover, because autophagy is influenced by sex, its degree was analysed in male and female HUVECs (MHUVECs and FHUVECs). Methods Umbilical cords from healthy, normal weight male and female neonates born to healthy non-obese and non-smoking women were studied. HUVEC morphology was analysed by electron microscopy, and their function was investigated by proliferation, viability, wound healing and chemotaxis assays. Gene and protein expression for oestrogen and androgen receptors and for NOS3 were evaluated by real-time PCR and Western blotting, respectively, and the expression of the primary molecules involved in autophagy regulation [protein kinase B (Akt), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), beclin-1 and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3)] were detected by Western blotting. Results Cell proliferation, migration NOS3 mRNA and protein expression were significantly higher in FHUVECs than in MHUVECs. Conversely, beclin-1 and the LC3-II/LC3-I ratio were higher in MHUVECs than in FHUVECs, indicating that male cells are more autophagic than female cells. The expression of oestrogen and androgen receptor genes and proteins, the protein expression of Akt and mTOR and cellular size and shape were not influenced by sex. Body weights of male and female neonates were not significantly different, but the weight of male babies positively correlated with the weight of the mother, suggesting that the mother’s weight may exert a different influence on male and female babies. Conclusions The results indicate that sex differences exist in prenatal life and are parameter-specific, suggesting that HUVECs of both sexes should be used as an in vitro model to increase the quality and the translational value of research. The sex differences observed in HUVECs could be relevant in explaining the diseases of adulthood because endothelial dysfunction has a crucial role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, neurodegeneration and immune disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Addis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Ilaria Campesi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy.,National Laboratory of Gender Medicine of the National Institute of Biostructures and Biosystems, Osilo, Sassari Italy
| | - Marco Fois
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Giampiero Capobianco
- Department of Surgical, Microsurgical and Medical Sciences, Gynaecologic and Obstetric Clinic, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Salvatore Dessole
- Department of Surgical, Microsurgical and Medical Sciences, Gynaecologic and Obstetric Clinic, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Grazia Fenu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Andrea Montella
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Cattaneo
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Lucia M Vicentini
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Flavia Franconi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy.,National Laboratory of Gender Medicine of the National Institute of Biostructures and Biosystems, Osilo, Sassari Italy.,Assessorato alle Politiche per la Persona, Region Basilicata, Italy
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Franconi F, Rosano G, Campesi I. Need for gender-specific pre-analytical testing: the dark side of the moon in laboratory testing. Int J Cardiol 2014; 179:514-35. [PMID: 25465806 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2014.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2014] [Revised: 10/27/2014] [Accepted: 11/03/2014] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Many international organisations encourage studies in a sex-gender perspective. However, research with a gender perspective presents a high degree of complexity, and the inclusion of sex-gender variable in experiments presents many methodological questions, the majority of which are still neglected. Overcoming these issues is fundamental to avoid erroneous results. Here, pre-analytical aspects of the research, such as study design, choice of utilised specimens, sample collection and processing, animal models of diseases, and the observer's role, are discussed. Artefacts in this stage of research could affect the predictive value of all analyses. Furthermore, the standardisation of research subjects according to their lifestyles and, if female, to their life phase and menses or oestrous cycle, is urgent to harmonise research worldwide. A sex-gender-specific attention to pre-analytical aspects could produce a decrease in the time for translation from the bench to bedside. Furthermore, sex-gender-specific pre-clinical pharmacological testing will enable adequate assessment of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic actions of drugs and will enable, where appropriate, an adequate gender-specific clinical development plan. Therefore, sex-gender-specific pre-clinical research will increase the gender equity of care and will produce more evidence-based medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavia Franconi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, National Laboratory of Gender Medicine of the National Institute of Biostructures and Biosystems, Osilo, Sassari, Italy; Vicepresident of Basilicata Region.
| | - Giuseppe Rosano
- Cardiovascular and Cell Sciences Research Institute, St George's University of London, United Kingdom
| | - Ilaria Campesi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, National Laboratory of Gender Medicine of the National Institute of Biostructures and Biosystems, Osilo, Sassari, Italy
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Ruggieri A, Gambardella L, Maselli A, Vona R, Anticoli S, Panusa A, Malorni W, Matarrese P. Statin-induced impairment of monocyte migration is gender-related. J Cell Physiol 2014; 229:1990-8. [PMID: 24777636 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.24657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2014] [Accepted: 04/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Statins, widely used for treatment of hypercholesterolemia, have been demonstrated to exert pleiotropic beneficial effects independently of their cholesterol-lowering action, such as anti-inflammatory activity. A gender disparity has been observed in their cholesterol lowering activity as well as in response to these "off label" effects. Monocytes play a central role in atherosclerotic disease and, more in general, in inflammatory responses, through their chemotactic function and cytokine production. On these bases, in the present work, we examined the effect of statins on homeostasis and migration properties of freshly isolated monocytes from male and female healthy donors. Two prototypic natural and synthetic statins with different polarity, that is, type 1 and type 2 statins, have been considered: simvastatin and atorvastatin. Freshly isolated monocytes from peripheral blood of male and female healthy donors were treated with these drugs in the absence or presence of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation. Results obtained indicated that the polar statin efficiently inhibited chemotaxis of monocytes more than the apolar statin and that this effect was more significantly induced in cells from females than in cells from males. Dissecting the mechanisms involved, we found that these results could mainly be due to differential effects on: (i) the release of key cytokines, for example, MCP-1 and TNF-α; (ii) the maintenance of the redox homeostasis; (iii) a target activity on microfilament network integrity and function. All in all these results could suggest a reappraisal of "off-label" effects of statins taking into account either their chemical structure, that is, molecular polarity, or the gender issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Ruggieri
- Department of Infectious, Parasitic and Immune Mediated Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
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Ortona E, Maselli A, Delunardo F, Colasanti T, Giovannetti A, Pierdominici M. Relationship between redox status and cell fate in immunity and autoimmunity. Antioxid Redox Signal 2014; 21:103-22. [PMID: 24359147 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2013.5752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
SIGNIFICANCE The signaling function of redox molecules is essential for an efficient and proper execution of a large number of cellular processes, contributing to the maintenance of cell homeostasis. Excessive oxidative stress is considered as playing an important role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases by enhancing inflammation and breaking down the immunological tolerance through protein structural modifications that induce the appearance of neo/cryptic epitopes. RECENT ADVANCES There is a complex reciprocal relationship between oxidative stress and both apoptosis and autophagy, which is essential to determine cell fate. This is especially relevant in the context of autoimmune disorders in which apoptosis and autophagy play a crucial pathogenic role. CRITICAL ISSUES In this review, we describe the latest developments with regard to the involvement of redox molecules in the initiation and progression of autoimmune disorders, focusing on their role in cell fate regulation. We also discuss new therapeutic approaches that target oxidative stress in the treatment of these disorders. The administration of antioxidants is scarcely studied in autoimmunity, and future analyses are needed to assess its beneficial effects in preventing or ameliorating these diseases. FUTURE DIRECTIONS Deciphering the intricate relationships between oxidative stress and both apoptosis and autophagy in the context of autoimmunity could be critical in elucidating key pathogenic mechanisms and could lead to novel interventions for the clinical management of autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Ortona
- 1 Department of Cell Biology and Neurosciences, Istituto Superiore di Sanità , Rome, Italy
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46
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Straface E, Gambardella L, Brandani M, Malorni W. Sex differences at cellular level: "cells have a sex". Handb Exp Pharmacol 2013:49-65. [PMID: 23027445 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-642-30726-3_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Different pathways involved in the complex machinery implicated in determining cell fate have been investigated in the recent years. Different forms of cell death have been described: apart from the "classical" form of death known as necrosis, a well characterized traumatic injury of the cell, several additional forms of cell death have been identified. Among these, apoptosis has been characterized in detail. These studies stem from the implication that the apoptotic process plays a key role in a plethora of human pathologies, including cardiovascular diseases. In fact, defects in the mechanisms of cell death, i.e., both an increase or a decrease of apoptosis, have been associated with the pathogenesis of vessel and myocardial diseases. Some new insights also derived from the study of autophagy, a less characterized form of cell damage mainly associated with cell survival strategies but that also leads, as final event, to the death of the cell. Interestingly, very recently, a gender difference has been found in this respect: cells from males and females can behave differently. In fact, they seem to display several different features, including those determining their fate. These gender cytology differences are briefly described here. The study of this gender disparity is of great relevance in cardiovascular disease pathogenesis and pharmacology. The comprehension of the gender-related mechanisms of cell demise can in fact disclose new scenarios in preclinical and clinical management of cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Straface
- Department of Therapeutic Research and Medicine Evaluation, Istituto Superiore di Sanita, Rome, Italy
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Goldfinger LE, Lee S. Emerging treatments in lung cancer - targeting the RLIP76 molecular transporter. LUNG CANCER-TARGETS AND THERAPY 2013; 2013:61-69. [PMID: 25419163 PMCID: PMC4240306 DOI: 10.2147/lctt.s53672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Multidrug resistance in lung cancer cells is a significant obstacle in the treatment of lung cancer. Resistance to chemotherapeutic agents is often the result of efflux of the drugs from cancer cells, mediated by adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-dependent drug transport across the plasma membrane. Thus, identifying molecular targets in the cancer cell transport machinery could be a key factor in successful combinatorial therapy, along with chemotherapeutic drugs. The transport protein Ral-interacting protein of 76 kDa (RLIP76), also known as Ral-binding protein 1 (RalBP1), is a highly promising target for lung cancer treatment. RLIP76 is an ATP-dependent non-ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter, responsible for the major transport function in many cells, including many cancer cell lines, causing efflux of glutathione-electrophile conjugates of both endogenous metabolites and environmental toxins. RLIP76 is expressed in most human tissues, and is overexpressed in non-small-cell lung cancer cell lines and in many tumor types. The blockade of RLIP76 by various approaches has been shown to increase the sensitivity to radiation and chemotherapeutic drugs, and leads to apoptosis in cells. In xenograft tumor models in mice, RLIP76 blockade or depletion results in complete and sustained regression across many cancer cell types, including lung cancer cells. In addition to its transport function, RLIP76 has many other cellular and physiological functions based on its domain structure, which includes a unique Ral-binding domain and a Rho GTPase activating protein (RhoGAP)-catalytic domain as well as docking sites for multiple signaling proteins. As a Ral effector, RhoGAP, and adapter protein, RLIP76 has been shown to play important roles in endocytosis, mitochondrial fission, cell spreading and migration, actin dynamics during gastrulation, and Ras-induced tumorigenesis. Additionally, RLIP76 is also important for stromal cell function in tumors, as it was recently shown to be required for efficient endothelial cell function and angiogenesis in solid tumors. However, RLIP76 knockout mice are viable, and blockade effects appear to be selective for implanted tumors in mice, suggesting the possibility that RLIP76-targeting drugs may be successful in clinical trials. In this review, we outline the many cellular and physiological functions of RLIP76 in normal and cancer cells, and discuss the potential for RLIP76-based therapeutics in lung cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lawrence E Goldfinger
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, The Sol Sherry Thrombosis Research Center, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA ; Cancer Biology Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Seunghyung Lee
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, The Sol Sherry Thrombosis Research Center, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Straface E, Gambardella L, Mattatelli A, Canali E, Boccalini F, Agati L, Malorni W. The red blood cell as a gender-associated biomarker in metabolic syndrome: a pilot study. Int J Cell Biol 2011; 2011:204157. [PMID: 21941552 PMCID: PMC3176426 DOI: 10.1155/2011/204157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2011] [Revised: 06/28/2011] [Accepted: 07/15/2011] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In the present pilot study (56 patients), some red blood cell parameters in samples from patients with metabolic syndrome and subclinical atherosclerosis, but without any sign of coronary artery disease, have been analyzed. The main goal of this work was to determine, in this preclinical state, new peripheral gender-associated bioindicators of possible diagnostic or prognostic value. In particular, three different "indicators" of red blood cell injury and aging have been evaluated: glycophorin A, CD47, and phosphatidylserine externalization. Interestingly, all these determinants appeared significantly modified and displayed gender differences. These findings could provide novel and useful hints in the research for gender-based real-time bioindicators in the progression of metabolic syndrome towards coronary artery disease. Further, more extensive studies are, however, necessary in order to validate these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Straface
- Section of Cell Degeneration and Gender Medicine, Department of Therapeutic Research and Medicines Evaluation, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Lucrezia Gambardella
- Section of Cell Degeneration and Gender Medicine, Department of Therapeutic Research and Medicines Evaluation, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Emanuele Canali
- Department of Cardiology, “Sapienza” University, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Luciano Agati
- Department of Cardiology, “Sapienza” University, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Walter Malorni
- Section of Cell Degeneration and Gender Medicine, Department of Therapeutic Research and Medicines Evaluation, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
- San Raffaele Institute Sulmona, 67039, L'Aquila, Italy
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