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Drury ER, Wu J, Gigliotti JC, Le TH. Sex differences in blood pressure regulation and hypertension: renal, hemodynamic, and hormonal mechanisms. Physiol Rev 2024; 104:199-251. [PMID: 37477622 PMCID: PMC11281816 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00041.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The teleology of sex differences has been argued since at least as early as Aristotle's controversial Generation of Animals more than 300 years BC, which reflects the sex bias of the time to contemporary readers. Although the question "why are the sexes different" remains a topic of debate in the present day in metaphysics, the recent emphasis on sex comparison in research studies has led to the question "how are the sexes different" being addressed in health science through numerous observational studies in both health and disease susceptibility, including blood pressure regulation and hypertension. These efforts have resulted in better understanding of differences in males and females at the molecular level that partially explain their differences in vascular function and renal sodium handling and hence blood pressure and the consequential cardiovascular and kidney disease risks in hypertension. This review focuses on clinical studies comparing differences between men and women in blood pressure over the life span and response to dietary sodium and highlights experimental models investigating sexual dimorphism in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone, vascular, sympathetic nervous, and immune systems, endothelin, the major renal sodium transporters/exchangers/channels, and the impact of sex hormones on these systems in blood pressure homeostasis. Understanding the mechanisms governing sex differences in blood pressure regulation could guide novel therapeutic approaches in a sex-specific manner to lower cardiovascular risks in hypertension and advance personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika R Drury
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, United States
| | - Jing Wu
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, United States
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, United States
| | - Joseph C Gigliotti
- Department of Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lynchburg, Virginia, United States
| | - Thu H Le
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, United States
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2
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Abstract
Several clinical and large population studies indicate that women are more salt-sensitive than men, yet the precise mechanisms by which the sexually dimorphic onset manifests remains incompletely understood. Here, we evaluate recent epidemiological data and highlight current knowledge from studies investigating sex-specific mechanisms of salt-sensitive blood pressure (SSBP). Emerging evidence indicates that women of all ethnicities are more salt-sensitive than men, at all ages both premenopausal and postmenopausal. However, menopause exacerbates severity and prevalence of SSBP, suggesting that female sex chromosomes predispose to and female sex hormones mitigate SSBP. Results from both human and rodent studies support the contribution of enhanced and inappropriate activation of the aldosterone-ECMR (endothelial cell mineralocorticoid receptor) axis promoting vascular dysfunction in females. Increases in adrenal response to angiotensin II, in association with higher ECMR expression and activation of endothelial ENaC (epithelial sodium channel) in females compared to males, are emerging as central players in the development of endothelial dysfunction and SSBP in females. Female sex increases the prevalence and susceptibility of SSBP and sex hormones and sex chromosome complement may exert antagonistic effects in the development of the female heightened SSBP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Candee T. Barris
- Vascular Biology Center, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Jessica L. Faulkner
- Vascular Biology Center, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
- Physiology Department, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Eric J. Belin de Chantemèle
- Vascular Biology Center, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
- Department of Medicine (Cardiology), Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
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3
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Sahinoz M, Elijovich F, Ertuglu LA, Ishimwe J, Pitzer A, Saleem M, Mwesigwa N, Kleyman TR, Laffer CL, Kirabo A. Salt Sensitivity of Blood Pressure in Blacks and Women: A Role of Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, and Epithelial Na + Channel. Antioxid Redox Signal 2021; 35:1477-1493. [PMID: 34569287 PMCID: PMC8713266 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2021.0212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Significance: Salt sensitivity of blood pressure (SSBP) is an independent risk factor for mortality and morbidity due to cardiovascular disease, and disproportionately affects blacks and women. Several mechanisms have been proposed, including exaggerated activation of sodium transporters in the kidney leading to salt retention and water. Recent Advances: Recent studies have found that in addition to the renal epithelium, myeloid immune cells can sense sodium via the epithelial Na+ channel (ENaC), which leads to activation of the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase enzyme complex, increased fatty acid oxidation, and production of isolevuglandins (IsoLGs). IsoLGs are immunogenic and contribute to salt-induced hypertension. In addition, aldosterone-mediated activation of ENaC has been attributed to the increased SSBP in women. The goal of this review is to highlight mechanisms contributing to SSBP in blacks and women, including, but not limited to increased activation of ENaC, fatty acid oxidation, and inflammation. Critical Issues: A critical barrier to progress in management of SSBP is that its diagnosis is not feasible in the clinic and is limited to expensive and laborious research protocols, which makes it difficult to investigate. Yet without understanding the underlying mechanisms, this important risk factor remains without treatment. Future Directions: Further studies are needed to understand the mechanisms that contribute to differential blood pressure responses to dietary salt and find feasible diagnostic tools. This is extremely important and may go a long way in mitigating the racial and sex disparities in cardiovascular outcomes. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 35, 1477-1493.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melis Sahinoz
- Division of Nephrology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Fernando Elijovich
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Lale A. Ertuglu
- Division of Nephrology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Jeanne Ishimwe
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Ashley Pitzer
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Mohammad Saleem
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Naome Mwesigwa
- Department of Medicine and Dentistry, Kampala International University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Thomas R. Kleyman
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Cheryl L. Laffer
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Annet Kirabo
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
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Sabbatini AR, Kararigas G. Estrogen-related mechanisms in sex differences of hypertension and target organ damage. Biol Sex Differ 2020; 11:31. [PMID: 32487164 PMCID: PMC7268741 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-020-00306-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypertension (HTN) is a primary risk factor for cardiovascular (CV) events, target organ damage (TOD), premature death and disability worldwide. The pathophysiology of HTN is complex and influenced by many factors including biological sex. Studies show that the prevalence of HTN is higher among adults aged 60 and over, highlighting the increase of HTN after menopause in women. Estrogen (E2) plays an important role in the development of systemic HTN and TOD, exerting several modulatory effects. The influence of E2 leads to alterations in mechanisms regulating the sympathetic nervous system, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, body mass, oxidative stress, endothelial function and salt sensitivity; all associated with a crucial inflammatory state and influenced by genetic factors, ultimately resulting in cardiac, vascular and renal damage in HTN. In the present article, we discuss the role of E2 in mechanisms accounting for the development of HTN and TOD in a sex-specific manner. The identification of targets with therapeutic potential would contribute to the development of more efficient treatments according to individual needs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Georgios Kararigas
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany.
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
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5
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Costa-Fraga FP, Goncalves GK, Souza-Neto FP, Reis AM, Capettini LA, Santos RA, Fraga-Silva RA, Stergiopulos N, da Silva RF. Age-related changes in vascular responses to angiotensin-(1-7) in female mice. J Renin Angiotensin Aldosterone Syst 2019; 19:1470320318789332. [PMID: 30024321 PMCID: PMC6053867 DOI: 10.1177/1470320318789332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The vasodilatory effect of angiotensin-(1-7) seems to vary between sexes, and estradiol (E2) can modulate the magnitude of the Ang-(1-7) vasodilatory response in female rats. However, there are few studies addressing the influence of sex on the age-related vasodilatory effect of Ang-(1-7). Here, we evaluated the vasodilatory response to Ang-(1-7) on vascular ageing. Ang-(1-7) dose-response curves were determined in mice aortic rings from males (old and young) and females (E2 treated/non-treated old and young) mounted in an isolated organ chamber. Abdominal aortic rings were used for protein expression analysis and determination of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO) production. Our results showed that the Ang-(1-7) vasodilatory effect was absent in aorta from old females, contrasting with a full response in vessels from young females. The Ang-(1-7) vasodilatory effect was restored by E2 replacement in old females. A robust increase in Mas receptor, SOD2, NRF-2 and NOX2 expression was observed in aorta from old females, which was normalized by E2. This effect of E2 was also associated with lower production of ROS and normal levels of NO. In conclusion, our data demonstrated that pathways involved in the Ang-(1-7) vasodilatory response in female mice is affected by hormonal changes in ageing and rescued by E2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiana P Costa-Fraga
- 1 Institute of Bioengineering, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Gleisy K Goncalves
- 2 Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Fernando P Souza-Neto
- 2 Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Adelina M Reis
- 2 Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Luciano As Capettini
- 2 Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Robson As Santos
- 2 Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo A Fraga-Silva
- 1 Institute of Bioengineering, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nikolaos Stergiopulos
- 1 Institute of Bioengineering, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Rafaela F da Silva
- 2 Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
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Lindsey SH, Chappell MC. Evidence that the G protein-coupled membrane receptor GPR30 contributes to the cardiovascular actions of estrogen. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 8:343-54. [PMID: 22153880 DOI: 10.1016/j.genm.2011.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2011] [Revised: 10/21/2011] [Accepted: 10/26/2011] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Although female protection from cardiovascular diseases declines with the fall in circulating sex hormones experienced during menopause, clinical trials in older women fail to demonstrate beneficial effects for hormone replacement therapy. The recent discovery of GPR30, a membrane-bound estrogen receptor that is structurally and functionally unique from the steroid receptors ERα and ERβ, has unveiled additional signaling pathways by which estrogen may influence cardiovascular health. This review takes an organ-based approach to assess the expression and function of GPR30 in the cardiovascular system. We concluded that although the current literature does suggest a cardiovascular role for GPR30, additional exploration is necessary to fully elucidate the estrogenic actions mediated by this novel receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah H Lindsey
- Hypertension and Vascular Research Center, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27157-1032, USA.
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7
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Barton
- Departement für Innere Medizin, Klinik und Poliklinik für Innere Medizin, Universitätsspital Zürich, Switzerland.
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8
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Coylewright
- From the Department of Medicine (M.C., P.O.), Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Md; and Physiology and Biophysics (J.F.R.), University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson
| | - Jane F. Reckelhoff
- From the Department of Medicine (M.C., P.O.), Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Md; and Physiology and Biophysics (J.F.R.), University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson
| | - Pamela Ouyang
- From the Department of Medicine (M.C., P.O.), Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Md; and Physiology and Biophysics (J.F.R.), University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The aim of this article is to discuss the impact of male and female sex hormones on renal function and to develop the concept that salt-sensitivity of renal function behaves independently of the systemic blood pressure response to salt and may contribute to renal sex-specific differences. RECENT FINDINGS Men exhibit a more rapid age-related decline in renal function than women and some renal diseases are clearly sex dependent. Recent studies have shown that gonadal steroids have an important influence on sodium handling and renal hemodynamics that may offer a key for understanding the sexual dimorphism of the renal function. It has been found that androgens increase proximal sodium reabsorption and intraglomerular pressure by modulating afferent and efferent arteriolar tonus via angiotensin II, endothelin and oxidative stress. In contrast, female sex hormones lead to a renal vasodilation and decrease filtration fraction. SUMMARY Some newly discovered mechanisms triggering the salt-sensitivity of the renal function and the interaction between gonadal steroids and components of the renin cascade may play an important role in the dimorphism of renal response to salt.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoinette Pechere-Bertschi
- Medical Policlinic and Service of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Nutrition, University Hospital, Geneva, Switzerland.
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10
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Abstract
Menopause is accompanied by a dramatic rise in the prevalence of hypertension in women, suggesting a protective role of endogenous estradiol on blood pressure (BP). Both animal experimental and human clinical investigations suggest that estrogen engages several mechanisms that protect against hypertension, such as activation of the vasodilator pathway mediated by nitric oxide and prostacyclin and inhibition of the vasoconstrictor pathway mediated by the sympathetic nervous system and angiotensin. However, emerging evidence from recent clinical trials indicates a small increase, rather than decrease, in systolic BP with oral estrogen administration in postmenopausal women, without any detectable effect on diastolic BP. Mechanisms underlying this selective rise in systolic BP in postmenopausal women and oral contraceptive-induced hypertension in premenopausal women remain unknown, but the rise may be related to supraphysiologic concentration of estrogen in the liver. To date, transdermal delivery of estrogen, which avoids the first-pass hepatic metabolism of estradiol, appears to have a small BP-lowering effect in postmenopausal women and may be a safer alternative in hypertensive women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad S Ashraf
- Divisions of Hypertension, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, J4 134, Dallas, TX 75390-8586, USA
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Hernandez Schulman I, Raij L. Salt sensitivity and hypertension after menopause: role of nitric oxide and angiotensin II. Am J Nephrol 2006; 26:170-80. [PMID: 16645264 DOI: 10.1159/000092984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2006] [Accepted: 03/23/2006] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease and renal disease. After menopause, the incidence of hypertension increases in women to levels that equal or exceed that in men, suggesting a protective role of female sex hormones. Salt sensitivity of blood pressure is associated with an increased risk for development of hypertension and cardiovascular disease. We and others have demonstrated that after menopause, the prevalence of salt sensitivity increases, suggesting that female sex hormones influence renal sodium handling and blood pressure regulation. A homeostatic balance between the counteracting effects of nitric oxide (NO) and angiotensin (Ang) II on pressure natriuresis, renal hemodynamics, tubular sodium reabsorption, and oxidative stress plays an important role in modulating salt sensitivity as well as hypertensive end-organ injury. Estrogens modulate the activity and expression of NO and Ang II. We infer that after menopause, estrogen deficiency promotes an unbalance between NO and Ang II, resulting in disturbed renal sodium handling, oxidative stress, and hypertension, particularly in genetically prone women. A better understanding of the mechanisms underlying the development of postmenopausal hypertension and associated cardiovascular and renal diseases should provide insights into preventive and therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivonne Hernandez Schulman
- Nephrology and Hypertension Section, Veterans Affairs Medical Center and Division of Nephrology and Hypertension and Vascular Biology Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida 33125, USA
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