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Caldarelli M, Rio P, Marrone A, Ocarino F, Chiantore M, Candelli M, Gasbarrini A, Gambassi G, Cianci R. Gut-Brain Axis: Focus on Sex Differences in Neuroinflammation. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5377. [PMID: 38791415 PMCID: PMC11120930 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105377] [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: 03/30/2024] [Revised: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the concept of the "gut-brain axis". In addition to well-studied diseases associated with an imbalance in gut microbiota, such as cancer, chronic inflammation, and cardiovascular diseases, research is now exploring the potential role of gut microbial dysbiosis in the onset and development of brain-related diseases. When the function of the intestinal barrier is altered by dysbiosis, the aberrant immune system response interacts with the nervous system, leading to a state of "neuroinflammation". The gut microbiota-brain axis is mediated by inflammatory and immunological mechanisms, neurotransmitters, and neuroendocrine pathways. This narrative review aims to illustrate the molecular basis of neuroinflammation and elaborate on the concept of the gut-brain axis by virtue of analyzing the various metabolites produced by the gut microbiome and how they might impact the nervous system. Additionally, the current review will highlight how sex influences these molecular mechanisms. In fact, sex hormones impact the brain-gut microbiota axis at different levels, such as the central nervous system, the enteric nervous one, and enteroendocrine cells. A deeper understanding of the gut-brain axis in human health and disease is crucial to guide diagnoses, treatments, and preventive interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Caldarelli
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Catholic University of Rome, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Pierluigi Rio
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Catholic University of Rome, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Marrone
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Catholic University of Rome, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Ocarino
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Catholic University of Rome, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Monica Chiantore
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Catholic University of Rome, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Marcello Candelli
- Department of Emergency, Anesthesiological and Reanimation Sciences, Catholic University of Rome, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Gasbarrini
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Catholic University of Rome, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Gambassi
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Catholic University of Rome, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Rossella Cianci
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Catholic University of Rome, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
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2
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Balu D, Valencia-Olvera AC, Nguyen A, Patnam M, York J, Peri F, Neumann F, LaDu MJ, Tai LM. A small-molecule TLR4 antagonist reduced neuroinflammation in female E4FAD mice. Alzheimers Res Ther 2023; 15:181. [PMID: 37858252 PMCID: PMC10585767 DOI: 10.1186/s13195-023-01330-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND APOE genotype is the greatest genetic risk factor for sporadic Alzheimer's disease (AD). APOE4 increases AD risk up to 12-fold compared to APOE3, an effect that is greater in females. Evidence suggests that one-way APOE could modulate AD risk and progression through neuroinflammation. Indeed, APOE4 is associated with higher glial activation and cytokine levels in AD patients and mice. Therefore, identifying pathways that contribute to APOE4-associated neuroinflammation is an important approach for understanding and treating AD. Human and in vivo evidence suggests that TLR4, one of the key receptors involved in the innate immune system, could be involved in APOE-modulated neuroinflammation. Consistent with that idea, we previously demonstrated that the TLR4 antagonist IAXO-101 can reduce LPS- and Aβ-induced cytokine secretion in APOE4 glial cultures. Therefore, the goal of this study was to advance these findings and determine whether IAXO-101 can modulate neuroinflammation, Aβ pathology, and behavior in mice that express APOE4. METHODS We used mice that express five familial AD mutations and human APOE3 (E3FAD) or APOE4 (E4FAD). Female and male E4FAD mice and female E3FAD mice were treated with vehicle or IAXO-101 in two treatment paradigms: prevention from 4 to 6 months of age or reversal from 6 to 7 months of age. Learning and memory were assessed by modified Morris water maze. Aβ deposition, fibrillar amyloid deposition, astrogliosis, and microgliosis were assessed by immunohistochemistry. Soluble levels of Aβ and apoE, insoluble levels of apoE and Aβ, and IL-1β were measured by ELISA. RESULTS IAXO-101 treatment resulted in lower Iba-1 coverage, lower number of reactive microglia, and improved memory in female E4FAD mice in both prevention and reversal paradigms. IAXO-101-treated male E4FAD mice also had lower Iba-1 coverage and reactivity in the RVS paradigm, but there was no effect on behavior. There was also no effect of IAXO-101 treatment on neuroinflammation and behavior in female E3FAD mice. CONCLUSION Our data supports that TLR4 is a potential mechanistic therapeutic target for modulating neuroinflammation and cognition in APOE4 females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deebika Balu
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Ana C Valencia-Olvera
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Austin Nguyen
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Mehul Patnam
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Jason York
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Francesco Peri
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Mary Jo LaDu
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Leon M Tai
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA.
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3
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Masenga SK, Mweene BC, Luwaya E, Muchaili L, Chona M, Kirabo A. HIV-Host Cell Interactions. Cells 2023; 12:1351. [PMID: 37408185 DOI: 10.3390/cells12101351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) was a great milestone in the management of HIV infection. ARVs suppress viral activity in the host cell, thus minimizing injury to the cells and prolonging life. However, an effective treatment has remained elusive for four decades due to the successful immune evasion mechanisms of the virus. A thorough understanding of the molecular interaction of HIV with the host cell is essential in the development of both preventive and curative therapies for HIV infection. This review highlights several inherent mechanisms of HIV that promote its survival and propagation, such as the targeting of CD4+ lymphocytes, the downregulation of MHC class I and II, antigenic variation and an envelope complex that minimizes antibody access, and how they collaboratively render the immune system unable to mount an effective response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sepiso K Masenga
- HAND Research Group, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Mulungushi University, Livingstone Campus, Livingstone 10101, Zambia
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Department of Medicine, Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Room 536 Robinson Research Building, Nashville, TN 37232-6602, USA
| | - Bislom C Mweene
- HAND Research Group, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Mulungushi University, Livingstone Campus, Livingstone 10101, Zambia
| | - Emmanuel Luwaya
- HAND Research Group, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Mulungushi University, Livingstone Campus, Livingstone 10101, Zambia
| | - Lweendo Muchaili
- HAND Research Group, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Mulungushi University, Livingstone Campus, Livingstone 10101, Zambia
| | - Makondo Chona
- HAND Research Group, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Mulungushi University, Livingstone Campus, Livingstone 10101, Zambia
| | - Annet Kirabo
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Department of Medicine, Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Room 536 Robinson Research Building, Nashville, TN 37232-6602, USA
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4
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Wu B, Zhang C, Lin S, Zhang Y, Ding S, Song W. The relationship between the pan-immune-inflammation value and long-term prognoses in patients with hypertension: National Health and Nutrition Examination Study, 1999-2018. Front Cardiovasc Med 2023; 10:1099427. [PMID: 36937901 PMCID: PMC10017977 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1099427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Direct antihypertensive therapy in hypertensive patients with a high CVD risk can reduce the incidence of cardiovascular death but increase adverse cardiovascular events, so additional ways to identify hypertensive patients at high risk may be needed. Studies have shown that immunity and inflammation affect the prognoses of patients with hypertension and that the pan-immune-inflammation value (PIV) is an index to assess immunity and inflammation, but few studies have applied the PIV index to patients with hypertension. Objective To explore the relationship between the PIV and long-term all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in patients with hypertension. Method Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999-2018 with a mortality follow-up through December 31, 2019, were analyzed. A total of 26,781 participants were evaluated. The patients were grouped based on PIV levels as follows: T1 group (n = 8,938), T2 group (n = 8,893), and T3 group (n = 8,950). The relationship between the PIV and long-term all-cause and cardiovascular death was assessed by survival curves and Cox regression analysis based on the NHANES recommended weights. Result The PIV was significantly associated with long-term all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in patients with hypertension. After full adjustment, patients with higher PIV have a higher risk of all-cause [Group 3: HR: 1.37, 95% CI: 1.20-1.55, p < 0.001] and cardiovascular [Group 3: HR: 1.62, 95% CI: 1.22-2.15, p < 0.001] mortality. Conclusion Elevated PIV was associated with increased all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality in hypertensive patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Wu
- Longyan First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Longyan, China
| | - Chenlu Zhang
- Longyan First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Longyan, China
| | - Shuqiong Lin
- Zhangzhou Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Zhangzhou, China
| | - Yanbin Zhang
- Longyan First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Longyan, China
| | - Shan Ding
- The People’s Hospital of Longyan, Longyan, China
- *Correspondence: Shan Ding,
| | - Wei Song
- Longyan First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Longyan, China
- Wei Song,
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5
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Comeau KD, Shokoples BG, Schiffrin EL. Sex Differences in the Immune System in Relation to Hypertension and Vascular Disease. Can J Cardiol 2022; 38:1828-1843. [PMID: 35597532 DOI: 10.1016/j.cjca.2022.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Revised: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypertension is the leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease and mortality worldwide. Despite intensive research into the mechanisms underlying the development of hypertension, it remains difficult to control blood pressure in a large proportion of patients. Young men have a higher prevalence of hypertension compared with age-matched women, and this holds true until approximately the fifth decade of life. Following the onset of menopause, the incidence of hypertension among women begins to surpass that of men. The immune system has been demonstrated to play a role in the pathophysiology of hypertension, and biological sex and sex hormones can affect the function of innate and adaptive immune cell populations. Recent studies in male and female animal models of hypertension have begun to unravel the relationship among sex, immunity, and hypertension. Hypertensive male animals show a bias toward proinflammatory T-cell subsets, including interleukin (IL) 17-producing TH17 cells, and increased renal infiltration of T cells and inflammatory macrophages. Conversely, premenopausal female animals are largely protected from hypertension, and have a predilection for anti-inflammatory T regulatory cells and production of anti-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-10. Menopause abrogates female protection from hypertension, which may be due to changes among anti-inflammatory T regulatory cell populations. Since development of novel treatments for hypertension has plateaued, determining the role of sex in the pathophysiology of hypertension may open new therapeutic avenues for both men and women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin D Comeau
- Hypertension and Vascular Research Unit, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Brandon G Shokoples
- Hypertension and Vascular Research Unit, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Ernesto L Schiffrin
- Hypertension and Vascular Research Unit, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Department of Medicine, Sir Mortimer B. Davis-Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada.
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6
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Chaudhari S, D'Souza BM, Morales JY, Young-Stubbs CM, Shimoura CG, Ma R, Mathis KW. Renal TLR-7/TNF-α pathway as a potential female-specific mechanism in the pathogenesis of autoimmune-induced hypertension. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2022; 323:H1331-H1342. [PMID: 36367687 PMCID: PMC9744658 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00286.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Hypertension is prevalent in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The goal of the current study is to track the pathogenesis of hypertension and renal injury in SLE, identify contributory mechanisms, and highlight differences in disease development among sexes. Mean arterial pressure was measured in conscious male and female SLE (NZBWF1) and control (NZW) mice at 34-35 wk of age using indwelling arterial catheters. Measures of renal injury, renal inflammation, and renal hemodynamics were used to monitor the potential contributors to latent sex differences. Both male and female SLE mice were hypertensive at 35 wk of age, and the hypertension was linked to renal injury in females, but not in males. A known contributor of renal pathology in SLE, Toll-like receptor (TLR)-7, and its downstream effector, the proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, were lower in male SLE mice than in females. Male SLE mice also had higher glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and lower renal vascular resistance (RVR) than females. Our data suggest that although hypertension in female SLE mice is associated with renal mechanisms, hypertension in male SLE mice may develop independent of renal changes. Future studies will continue to dissect sex-specific factors that should be considered when treating patients with hypertension with underlying chronic inflammation and/or autoimmunity.NEW & NOTEWORTHY There is a high prevalence of hypertension in male and female SLE; however, male SLE mice are hypertensive without renal involvement. The development of hypertension in female SLE mice is renocentric and strongly associated with injurious renal mechanisms like the TLR-7→TNF-α pathway. This clear difference in the pathogenesis among the sexes could have a significant impact on how we treat patients with hypertension with underlying chronic autoimmune/inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarika Chaudhari
- Department of Physiology and Anatomy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas
| | - Bradley M D'Souza
- Department of Physiology and Anatomy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas
| | - Jessica Y Morales
- Department of Physiology and Anatomy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas
| | - Cassandra M Young-Stubbs
- Department of Physiology and Anatomy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas
| | - Caroline G Shimoura
- Department of Physiology and Anatomy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas
| | - Rong Ma
- Department of Physiology and Anatomy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas
| | - Keisa W Mathis
- Department of Physiology and Anatomy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas
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7
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Tasić T, Tadić M, Lozić M. Hypertension in Women. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:905504. [PMID: 35722103 PMCID: PMC9203893 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.905504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypertension is one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality in the human population. Nevertheless, the intricate network of pathophysiological mechanisms that lead to the development of hypertension in women still awaits to be fully understood. From young age to maturity and senescence, the female body transits through different stages, each of them characterized with specific physiological features and disposition to particular pathological conditions, and that is exactly what makes the understanding of the genesis and adequate treatment of hypertension in women so challenging. Clinical and experimental findings emphasize the role of sex hormones, autonomic nervous system, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and arterial stiffness in the development of chronically elevated blood pressure in females. The purpose of this review is to briefly summarize the knowledge of the mechanisms and treatment of hypertension in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatjana Tasić
- School of Dental Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Marijana Tadić
- Clinic for Internal Medicine II, Cardiology Department, University Clinic of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
- *Correspondence: Marijana Tadić
| | - Maja Lozić
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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8
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Abstract
In both acute and chronic diseases, functional differences in host immune responses arise from a multitude of intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Two of the most important factors affecting the immune response are biological sex and aging. Ischemic stroke is a debilitating disease that predominately affects older individuals. Epidemiological studies have shown that older women have poorer functional outcomes compared with men, in part due to the older age at which they experience their first stroke and the increased comorbidities seen with aging. The immune response also differs in men and women, which could lead to altered inflammatory events that contribute to sex differences in poststroke recovery. Intrinsic factors including host genetics and chromosomal sex play a crucial role both in shaping the host immune system and in the neuroimmune response to brain injury. Ischemic stroke leads to altered intracellular communication between astrocytes, neurons, and resident immune cells in the central nervous system. Increased production of cytokines and chemokines orchestrate the infiltration of peripheral immune cells and promote neuroinflammation. To maintain immunosurveillance, the host immune and central nervous system are highly regulated by a diverse population of immune cells which are strategically distributed within the neurovascular unit and become activated with injury. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of sex-specific host immune responses in ischemic stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anik Banerjee
- Department of Neurology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (A.B., L.D.M.).,UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston (A.B.)
| | - Louise D McCullough
- Department of Neurology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (A.B., L.D.M.)
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9
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dos Passos Junior RR, Bomfim GF, Giachini FR, Tostes RC, Lima VV. O-Linked β-N-Acetylglucosamine Modification: Linking Hypertension and the Immune System. Front Immunol 2022; 13:852115. [PMID: 35371030 PMCID: PMC8967968 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.852115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The O-linked β-N-acetylglucosamine modification (O-GlcNAcylation) of proteins dynamically regulates protein function, localization, stability, and interactions. This post-translational modification is intimately linked to cardiovascular disease, including hypertension. An increasing number of studies suggest that components of innate and adaptive immunity, active players in the pathophysiology of hypertension, are targets for O-GlcNAcylation. In this review, we highlight the potential roles of O-GlcNAcylation in the immune system and discuss how those immune targets of O-GlcNAcylation may contribute to arterial hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rinaldo Rodrigues dos Passos Junior
- Institute of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Barra do Garças, Brazil
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goias, Goiânia, Brazil
| | | | - Fernanda R. Giachini
- Institute of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Barra do Garças, Brazil
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goias, Goiânia, Brazil
| | - Rita C. Tostes
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Victor Vitorino Lima
- Institute of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Barra do Garças, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Victor Vitorino Lima,
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10
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Belanger KM, Mohamed R, Webb RC, Sullivan JC. Sex Differences in TLR4 Expression in SHR Do Not Contribute to Sex Differences in Blood Pressure or the Renal T cell Profile. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2022; 322:R319-R325. [PMID: 35107023 PMCID: PMC8917934 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00237.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Hypertension is a primary risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease. Mechanisms controlling blood pressure (BP) in men and women are still being investigated, however, there is increasing evidence supporting a role for the innate immune system. Specifically, Toll-like receptors (TLR), and TLR4 in particular, have been implicated in the development of hypertension in male spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Despite established sex differences in BP control and inflammatory markers in hypertensive males and females, little is known regarding the role of TLR4 in hypertension in females. Our hypotheses were that male SHR have greater TLR4 expression compared to females, and that sex differences in TLR4 contribute to sex differences in BP and the T cell profile. To test these hypotheses, initial studies measured renal TLR4 protein expression in 13-week old male and female SHR. Additional SHR were implanted with telemetry devices and randomized to treatment with either IgG or TLR4 neutralizing antibodies. Untreated control male SHR have greater TLR4 protein expression in the kidney compared to females. However, treatment with TLR4 neutralizing antibody for 2 weeks did not significantly alter BP in either male or female SHR. Interestingly, neutralization of TLR4 increased renal CD3+ T cells in female SHR, with no alteration in CD4+ T cells or CD8+ T cells in either sex. Taken together, our data indicates that although male SHR have greater renal TLR4 expression than females, TLR4 does not contribute to the higher BP and more pro-inflammatory renal T cell prolife in males vs. females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kasey M Belanger
- Department of Physiology Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
| | - Riyaz Mohamed
- Department of Physiology Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
| | - R Clinton Webb
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, United States
| | - Jennifer C Sullivan
- Department of Physiology Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
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11
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Chan SM, Weininger G, Langford J, Jane-Wit D, Dardik A. Sex Differences in Inflammation During Venous Remodeling of Arteriovenous Fistulae. Front Cardiovasc Med 2021; 8:715114. [PMID: 34368264 PMCID: PMC8335484 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.715114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular disorders frequently have differing clinical presentations among women and men. Sex differences exist in vascular access for hemodialysis; women have reduced rates of arteriovenous fistula (AVF) maturation as well as fistula utilization compared with men. Inflammation is increasingly implicated in both clinical studies and animal models as a potent mechanism driving AVF maturation, especially in vessel dilation and wall thickening, that allows venous remodeling to the fistula environment to support hemodialysis. Sex differences have long been recognized in arterial remodeling and diseases, with men having increased cardiovascular events compared with pre-menopausal women. Many of these arterial diseases are driven by inflammation that is similar to the inflammation during AVF maturation. Improved understanding of sex differences in inflammation during vascular remodeling may suggest sex-specific vascular therapies to improve AVF success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shin Mei Chan
- Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Gabe Weininger
- Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - John Langford
- Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States.,Department of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Daniel Jane-Wit
- Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States.,Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States.,Department of Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Alan Dardik
- Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States.,Department of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States.,Department of Surgery, Veterans Affairs (VA) Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, United States
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12
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Echem C, Akamine EH. Toll-Like Receptors Represent an Important Link for Sex Differences in Cardiovascular Aging and Diseases. FRONTIERS IN AGING 2021; 2:709914. [PMID: 35822020 PMCID: PMC9261298 DOI: 10.3389/fragi.2021.709914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Human life span expectancy has increased, and aging affects the organism in several ways, leading, for example, to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. Age-adjusted prevalence of the cardiovascular diseases is higher in males than females. Aging also affects the gonadal sex hormones and the sex differences observed in cardiovascular diseases may be therefore impacted. Hormonal changes associated with aging may also affect the immune system and the immune response is sexually different. The immune system plays a role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. In this context, toll-like receptors (TLRs) are a family of pattern recognition receptors of the immune system whose activation induces the synthesis of pro-inflammatory molecules. They are expressed throughout the cardiovascular system and their activation has been widely described in cardiovascular diseases. Some recent evidence demonstrates that there are sex differences associated with TLR responses and that these receptors may be affected by sex hormones and their receptors, suggesting that TLRs may contribute to the sex differences observed in cardiovascular diseases. Recent evidence also shows that sex differences of TLRs in cardiovascular system persists with aging, which may represent a new paradigm about the mechanisms that contribute to the sex differences in cardiovascular aging. Therefore, in this mini review we describe the latest findings regarding the sex differences of TLRs and associated signaling in cardiovascular diseases during aging.
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