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Banu H, Morshed MS, Sultana N, Akter T, Hasanat MA, Saleh AA, Arafat MS. Sex-Specific Total Testosterone and Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate Status in Noncritically Ill Hospitalized Patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019: A Cross-Sectional Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FERTILITY & STERILITY 2023; 18:54-59. [PMID: 38041460 PMCID: PMC10692738 DOI: 10.22074/ijfs.2023.1978415.1407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In individuals with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), male subjects have consistently been linked to poor severity and prognosis. Data on sex hormones in non-critical COVID-19-infected patients are scarce. The aim of this study was to assess the status of total testosterone (TT) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) among noncritical patients with COVID-19 according to sex and their associations with clinical and biochemical features. MATERIALS AND METHODS This cross-sectional observational study was done in the COVID-19 unit of a University hospital during the period of September 2021 to February 2022 among 91 adults (18-65 years) with reverse transcriptase- polymerase chain reaction confirmed noncritical COVID-19 patients. Blood was drawn by venipuncture before receiving steroids between 07:00 to 09:00 a.m. in a fasting state to measure serum TT and DHEAS by chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay. Diagnosis and classification of COVID-19 were done according to World Health Organization's interim guidance. Age- and sex-specific laboratory reference values were used to classify the TT and DHEAS status of the patients. RESULTS Only three males (8.1%) had low TT and the rest had normal TT. On the other hand, 15 (27.8%) of the females had high TT with normal levels in the rest. Similarly, 11 (29.7%) males had low DHEAS. Females had low, normal, and high DHEAS in four (7.4%), 48 (88.9%), and two (3.7%) cases respectively. Males with moderate severity of COVID-19 had significantly lower DHEAS (post hoc P=0.038) than the mild group. Both TT (P=0.008) and DHEAS (P=0.023) significantly correlated with neutrophils/lymphocytes ratio and only DHEAS with platelets/lymphocytes ratio (P=0.044) in males. In females, TT significantly correlated with serum sodium (P=0.034). CONCLUSION In noncritical COVID-19 patients, substantial gender variations in TT and DHEAS were detected and correlated with severity markers in males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hurjahan Banu
- Department of Endocrinology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
| | | | - Nusrat Sultana
- Department of Endocrinology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Touhida Akter
- Department of Medicine, Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Muhammad Abul Hasanat
- Department of Endocrinology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Ahmed Abu Saleh
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Mahmud Shohael Arafat
- Department of Internal Medicine, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
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Piťha J, Vaněčková I, Zicha J. Hypertension after the Menopause: What Can We Learn from Experimental Studies? Physiol Res 2023; 72:S91-S112. [PMID: 37565415 PMCID: PMC10660576 DOI: 10.33549/physiolres.935151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Hypertension is the most prevalent cardiovascular disease of the adult population and is closely associated with serious cardiovascular events. The burden of hypertension with respect to vascular and other organ damage is greater in women. These sex differences are not fully understood. The unique feature in women is their transition to menopause accompanied by profound hormonal changes that affect the vasculature that are also associated with changes of blood pressure. Results from studies of hormone replacement therapy and its effects on the cardiovascular system are controversial, and the timing of treatment after menopause seems to be important. Therefore, revealing potential sex- and sex hormone-dependent pathophysiological mechanisms of hypertension in experimental studies could provide valuable information for better treatment of hypertension and vascular impairment, especially in postmenopausal women. The experimental rat models subjected to ovariectomy mimicking menopause could be useful tools for studying the mechanisms of blood pressure regulation after menopause and during subsequent therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Piťha
- Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic.
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3
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Allalou A, Peng J, Robinson GA, Marruganti C, D’Aiuto F, Butler G, Jury EC, Ciurtin C. Impact of puberty, sex determinants and chronic inflammation on cardiovascular risk in young people. Front Cardiovasc Med 2023; 10:1191119. [PMID: 37441710 PMCID: PMC10333528 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1191119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Worrying trends of increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in children, adolescents and young people in the Modern Era have channelled research and public health strategies to tackle this growing epidemic. However, there are still controversies related to the dynamic of the impact of sex, age and puberty on this risk and on cardiovascular health outcomes later in life. In this comprehensive review of current literature, we examine the relationship between puberty, sex determinants and various traditional CVD-risk factors, as well as subclinical atherosclerosis in young people in general population. In addition, we evaluate the role of chronic inflammation, sex hormone therapy and health-risk behaviours on augmenting traditional CVD-risk factors and health outcomes, ultimately aiming to determine whether tailored management strategies for this age group are justified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amal Allalou
- University College London Medical School, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Junjie Peng
- Centre for Adolescent Rheumatology Versus Arthritis, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Centre for Rheumatology Research, Division of Medicine, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - George A. Robinson
- Centre for Adolescent Rheumatology Versus Arthritis, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Centre for Rheumatology Research, Division of Medicine, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Crystal Marruganti
- Eastman Dental Hospital, University College London Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Francesco D’Aiuto
- Eastman Dental Hospital, University College London Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Gary Butler
- Department of Paediatric Endocrinology, University College London Hospital, London, United Kingdom
- Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Elizabeth C. Jury
- Centre for Rheumatology Research, Division of Medicine, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Coziana Ciurtin
- Centre for Adolescent Rheumatology Versus Arthritis, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Centre for Rheumatology Research, Division of Medicine, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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Ayala-Méndez GX, Calderón VM, Zuñiga-Pimentel TA, Rivera-Cerecedo CV. Noninvasive Monitoring of Blood Pressure and Heart Rate during Estrous Cycle Phases in Normotensive Wistar-Kyoto and Spontaneously Hypertensive Female Rats. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR LABORATORY ANIMAL SCIENCE : JAALAS 2023; 62:267-273. [PMID: 37130700 PMCID: PMC10230531 DOI: 10.30802/aalas-jaalas-22-000081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Since 2015, the National Institutes of Health has called for its funded preclinical research to include both male and female subjects. However, much of the basic animal research that has studied heart rate and blood pressure in the past has used male rats. Male rats have been preferred for these studies to avoid the possible complicating effects of the female estrous cycle. The aim of the current study was to determine whether blood pressure and heart rates vary as a function of the estrous cycle phase of young normotensive Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) and Spontaneously Hypertensive (SHR) female rats. Blood pressure and heart rate were measured at the same time of day throughout the estrous cycle by using a noninvasive tail cuff sphygmomano- metric technique. As expected, 16-wk-old female SHR rats had higher blood pressure and heart rates than did age-matched female WKY rats. However, no significant differences in mean, systolic, or diastolic arterial blood pressure or heart rate were detected across the different stages of the estrous cycle in either strain of female rats. Consistent with previous reports, heart rates were higher and showed less variation in the hypertensive SHR female rats as compared with the normotensive WKY female rats. These results indicate that studies measuring blood pressure and heart rate can include young female SHR and WKY rats with no effect of estrous cycle stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela X Ayala-Méndez
- Animal Facility, Institute of Cellular Physiology, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico, and
| | - Vladimir M Calderón
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology and Neurophysiology, Institute of Neurobiology, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Juriquilla, Querétaro, Mexico
| | - Tania A Zuñiga-Pimentel
- Animal Facility, Institute of Cellular Physiology, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico, and
| | - Claudia V Rivera-Cerecedo
- Animal Facility, Institute of Cellular Physiology, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico, and
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5
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Stallone JN, Oloyo AK. Cardiovascular and metabolic actions of the androgens: Is testosterone a Janus-faced molecule? Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 208:115347. [PMID: 36395900 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2022.115347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide and in the Western world, one-third of all deaths are attributed to CVD. A conspicuous characteristic of this healthcare epidemic is that most CVD is higher in men than in age-matched premenopausal women, yet reasons for these obvious sex differences remain poorly understood. Driven by clinical case and epidemiological studies and supported by animal experiments, a strong dogma emerged early on that testosterone (TES) exerts deleterious effects on cardiovascular health and exacerbates development of CVD and metabolic dysfunctions in men. In this review, earlier and more recent clinical and experimental animal evidence of cardiovascular and metabolic effects of androgens are discussed. The more recent evidence overwhelmingly suggests that it is progressive, age-dependent declines in TES levels in men that exacerbate CVD and metabolic dysfunctions, while TES exerts beneficial systemic hypotensive effects and protects against metabolic syndrome (MetS) and type2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Recent findings reveal existence of bi-directional modulation of glucose and fat homeostasis by TES in females vs males, such that age-dependent declines in TES levels in males and abnormal increases in normally low TES levels in females both result in similar dysfunction in glucose and fat homeostasis, resulting in development of MetS and T2DM, central risk factors for development of CVD, in men as well as women. These findings suggest that the long-held view that TES is detrimental to male health should be discarded in favor of the view that, at least in men, TES is beneficial to cardiovascular and metabolic health.
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Affiliation(s)
- John N Stallone
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology and Michael E. DeBakey Institute for Comparative Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-4466, United States.
| | - Ahmed K Oloyo
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Idi-Araba, Lagos 23401, Nigeria
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6
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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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Davani-Davari D, Karimzadeh I, Khalili H. The potential effects of anabolic-androgenic steroids and growth hormone as commonly used sport supplements on the kidney: a systematic review. BMC Nephrol 2019; 20:198. [PMID: 31151420 PMCID: PMC6545019 DOI: 10.1186/s12882-019-1384-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2019] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anabolic-androgenic steroids and growth hormone are among the most commonly used supplements by sportsmen and sportswomen. The aim of this systematic review is to collect and report available data about renal safety of anabolic-androgenic steroids and growth hormone (GH). METHODS The search strategy was in accordance with the PRISMA guideline. Seven databases such as Scopus, Medline, Embase, and ISI Web of Knowledge were searched using keywords, such as "growth hormone", "anabolic-androgenic steroids", and "kidney injury". Articles published from 1950 to December 2017 were considered. Randomized clinical trials, prospective or retrospective human studies, case series as well as case reports, and experimental (in vivo) studies were included. Twenty one clinical and experimental articles were selected (12 for anabolic-androgenic steroids and 9 for GH). RESULTS Anabolic-androgenic steroids can affect the kidney in different aspects. They can induce or aggravate acute kidney injury, chronic kidney disease, and glomerular toxicity. These adverse effects are mediated through pathways such as stimulating renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, enhancing the production of endothelin, producing reactive oxygen species, over-expression of pro-fibrotic and pro-apoptotic mediators (e.g., TGF-β1), as well as inflammatory cytokines (e.g., TNF-α, IL-1b, and IL-6). Although GH may affect the kidney in different aspects, such as size, glomerular filtration rate, and tubule functions, either directly or indirectly, there is no conclusive clinical evidence about its detrimental effects on the kidney in athletes and body builders. CONCLUSION Evidence regarding effects of anabolic-androgenic steroids exists; However, GH's exact effect on the kidney at doses used by athletes and body builders has not yet been clarified. Cohort clinical studies with long-term follow-up are warranted in this regard.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorna Davani-Davari
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Karafarin street, P O Box: 7146864685, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Iman Karimzadeh
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Karafarin street, P O Box: 7146864685, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Hossein Khalili
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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8
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Colafella KMM, Denton KM. Sex-specific differences in hypertension and associated cardiovascular disease. Nat Rev Nephrol 2018; 14:185-201. [PMID: 29380817 DOI: 10.1038/nrneph.2017.189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 261] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Although intrinsic mechanisms that regulate arterial blood pressure (BP) are similar in men and women, marked variations exist at the molecular, cellular and tissue levels. These physiological disparities between the sexes likely contribute to differences in disease onset, susceptibility, prevalence and treatment responses. Key systems that are important in the development of hypertension and cardiovascular disease (CVD), including the sympathetic nervous system, the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and the immune system, are differentially activated in males and females. Biological age also contributes to sexual dimorphism, as premenopausal women experience a higher degree of cardioprotection than men of similar age. Furthermore, sex hormones such as oestrogen and testosterone as well as sex chromosome complement likely contribute to sex differences in BP and CVD. At the cellular level, differences in cell senescence pathways may contribute to increased longevity in women and may also limit organ damage caused by hypertension. In addition, many lifestyle and environmental factors - such as smoking, alcohol consumption and diet - may influence BP and CVD in a sex-specific manner. Evidence suggests that cardioprotection in women is lost under conditions of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Treatment strategies for hypertension and CVD that are tailored according to sex could lead to improved outcomes for affected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrina M Mirabito Colafella
- Cardiovascular Disease Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University Wellington Road, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia.,Department of Physiology, Monash University, 26 Innovation Walk, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia.,Division of Vascular Medicine and Pharmacology, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, Wytemaweg 80, 3015 CN Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Kate M Denton
- Cardiovascular Disease Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University Wellington Road, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia.,Department of Physiology, Monash University, 26 Innovation Walk, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
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9
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Oloyo AK, Sofola OA, Yakubu MA. Orchidectomy attenuates high-salt diet-induced increases in blood pressure, renovascular resistance, and hind limb vascular dysfunction: role of testosterone. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2017; 43:825-33. [PMID: 27197589 DOI: 10.1111/1440-1681.12595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2015] [Revised: 04/29/2016] [Accepted: 05/15/2015] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Sex hormone-dependent vascular reactivity is an underlying factor contributing to sex differences in salt-dependent hypertension. This study evaluated the role of androgens (testosterone) in high salt-induced increase in blood pressure (BP) and altered vascular reactivity in renal blood flow and perfused hind limb preparation. Weanling male rats (8 weeks old, 180-200 g) were bilaterally orchidectomised or sham operated with or without testosterone replacement (Sustanon 250, 10 mg/kg intramuscularly once in 3 weeks) and placed on a normal (0.3%) or high (4.0%) NaCl diet for 6 weeks. The high-salt diet (HSD) increased arterial BP, renal vascular resistance (RVR) and positive fluid balance (FB). These changes were accompanied by decreased plasma nitric oxide levels. The increased BP, RVR and FB observed in the rats fed a HSD were reversed by orchidectomy while testosterone replacement prevented the reversal. Phenylephrine (PE)-induced increased vascular resistance in the perfused hind limb vascular bed was enhanced by HSD, the enhanced vascular resistance was prevented by orchidectomy and testosterone replacement reversed orchidectomy effect. Vasorelaxation responses to acetylcholine (ACh) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) were impaired in HSD groups, orchidectomy attenuated the impairment, while testosterone replacement prevented the orchidectomy attenuation. These data suggested that eNOS-dependent and independently-mediated pathways were equally affected by HSD in vascular function impairment and this effect is testosterone-dependent in male Sprague-Dawley rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed K Oloyo
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Surulere, Nigeria.,Vascular Biology Unit, Centre for Cardiovascular Disease, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Texas Southern University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Olusoga A Sofola
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Surulere, Nigeria
| | - Momoh A Yakubu
- Vascular Biology Unit, Centre for Cardiovascular Disease, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Texas Southern University, Houston, TX, USA.,Department of Environmental and Interdisciplinary Sciences, Texas Southern University, Houston, TX, USA
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Gholami K, Loh SY, Salleh N, Lam SK, Hoe SZ. Selection of suitable endogenous reference genes for qPCR in kidney and hypothalamus of rats under testosterone influence. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0176368. [PMID: 28591185 PMCID: PMC5462341 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0176368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2016] [Accepted: 04/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) is the most reliable and accurate technique for analyses of gene expression. Endogenous reference genes are being used to normalize qPCR data even though their expression may vary under different conditions and in different tissues. Nonetheless, verification of expression of reference genes in selected studied tissue is essential in order to accurately assess the level of expression of target genes of interest. Therefore, in this study, we attempted to examine six commonly used reference genes in order to identify the gene being expressed most constantly under the influence of testosterone in the kidneys and hypothalamus. The reference genes include glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), actin beta (ACTB), beta-2 microglobulin (B2m), hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase 1 (HPRT), peptidylprolylisomerase A (Ppia) and hydroxymethylbilane synthase (Hmbs). The cycle threshold (Ct) value for each gene was determined and data obtained were analyzed using the software programs NormFinder, geNorm, BestKeeper, and rank aggregation. Results showed that Hmbs and Ppia genes were the most stably expressed in the hypothalamus. Meanwhile, in kidneys, Hmbs and GAPDH appeared to be the most constant genes. In conclusion, variations in expression levels of reference genes occur in kidneys and hypothalamus under similar conditions; thus, it is important to verify reference gene levels in these tissues prior to commencing any studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khadijeh Gholami
- Division of Human Biology, School of Medicine, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- * E-mail:
| | - Su Yi Loh
- Division of Human Biology, School of Medicine, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Naguib Salleh
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Sau Kuen Lam
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - See Ziau Hoe
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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11
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Marek I, Canu M, Cordasic N, Rauh M, Volkert G, Fahlbusch FB, Rascher W, Hilgers KF, Hartner A, Menendez-Castro C. Sex differences in the development of vascular and renal lesions in mice with a simultaneous deficiency of Apoe and the integrin chain Itga8. Biol Sex Differ 2017; 8:19. [PMID: 28572914 PMCID: PMC5450388 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-017-0141-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2017] [Accepted: 05/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Apoe-deficient (Apoe−/−) mice develop progressive atherosclerotic lesions with age but no severe renal pathology in the absence of additional challenges. We recently described accelerated atherosclerosis as well as marked renal injury in Apoe−/− mice deficient in the mesenchymal integrin chain Itga8 (Itga8−/−). Here, we used this Apoe−/−, Itga8−/− mouse model to investigate the sex differences in the development of atherosclerosis and concomitant renal injury. We hypothesized that aging female mice are protected from vascular and renal damage in this mouse model. Methods Apoe−/− mice were backcrossed with Itga8−/− mice. Mice were kept on a normal diet. At the age of 12 months, the aortae and kidneys of male and female Apoe−/−Itga8+/+ mice or Apoe−/−Itga8−/− mice were studied. En face preparations of the aorta were stained with Sudan IV (lipid deposition) or von Kossa (calcification). In kidney tissue, immunostaining for collagen IV, CD3, F4/80, and PCNA and real-time PCR analyses for Il6, Vegfa, Col1a1 (collagen I), and Ssp1 (secreted phosphoprotein 1, synonym osteopontin) as well as ER stress markers were performed. Results When compared to male mice, Apoe−/−Itga8+/+ female mice had a lower body weight, equal serum cholesterol levels, and lower triglyceride levels. However, female mice had increased aortic lipid deposition and more aortic calcifications than males. Male Apoe−/− mice with the additional deficiency of Itga8 developed increased serum urea, glomerulosclerosis, renal immune cell infiltration, and reduced glomerular cell proliferation. In females of the same genotype, these renal changes were less pronounced and were accompanied by lower expression of interleukin-6 and collagen I, while osteopontin expression was higher and markers of ER stress were not different. Conclusions In this model of atherosclerosis, the female sex is a risk factor to develop more severe atherosclerotic lesions, even though serum fat levels are higher in males. In contrast, female mice are protected from renal damage, which is accompanied by attenuated inflammation and matrix deposition. Thus, sex affects vascular and renal injury in a differential manner. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13293-017-0141-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ines Marek
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital of Erlangen-Nuernberg, Loschgestrasse 15, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Maurizio Canu
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital of Erlangen-Nuernberg, Loschgestrasse 15, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Nada Cordasic
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, University Hospital of Erlangen-Nuernberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Manfred Rauh
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital of Erlangen-Nuernberg, Loschgestrasse 15, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Gudrun Volkert
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital of Erlangen-Nuernberg, Loschgestrasse 15, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Fabian B Fahlbusch
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital of Erlangen-Nuernberg, Loschgestrasse 15, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Rascher
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital of Erlangen-Nuernberg, Loschgestrasse 15, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Karl F Hilgers
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, University Hospital of Erlangen-Nuernberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Andrea Hartner
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital of Erlangen-Nuernberg, Loschgestrasse 15, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Carlos Menendez-Castro
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital of Erlangen-Nuernberg, Loschgestrasse 15, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
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12
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Dasinger JH, Intapad S, Rudsenske BR, Davis GK, Newsome AD, Alexander BT. Chronic Blockade of the Androgen Receptor Abolishes Age-Dependent Increases in Blood Pressure in Female Growth-Restricted Rats. Hypertension 2016; 67:1281-90. [PMID: 27113045 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.116.07548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2016] [Accepted: 03/30/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Intrauterine growth restriction induced via placental insufficiency programs a significant increase in blood pressure at 12 months of age in female growth-restricted rats that is associated with early cessation of estrous cyclicity, indicative of premature reproductive senescence. In addition, female growth-restricted rats at 12 months of age exhibit a significant increase in circulating testosterone with no change in circulating estradiol. Testosterone is positively associated with blood pressure after menopause in women. Thus, we tested the hypothesis that androgen receptor blockade would abolish the significant increase in blood pressure that develops with age in female growth-restricted rats. Mean arterial pressure was measured in animals pretreated with and without the androgen receptor antagonist, flutamide (8 mg/kg/day, SC for 2 weeks). Flutamide abolished the significant increase in blood pressure in growth-restricted rats relative to control at 12 months of age. To examine the mechanism(s) by which androgens contribute to increased blood pressure in growth-restricted rats, blood pressure was assessed in rats untreated or treated with enalapril (250 mg/L for 2 weeks). Enalapril eliminated the increase in blood pressure in growth-restricted relative to vehicle- and flutamide-treated controls. Furthermore, the increase in medullary angiotensin type 1 receptor mRNA expression was abolished in flutamide-treated growth-restricted relative to untreated counterparts and controls; cortical angiotensin-converting enzyme mRNA expression was reduced in flutamide-treated growth-restricted versus untreated counterparts. Thus, these data indicate that androgens, via activation of the renin-angiotensin system, are important mediators of increased blood pressure that develops by 12 months of age in female growth-restricted rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Henry Dasinger
- From the Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson
| | - Suttira Intapad
- From the Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson
| | - Benjamin R Rudsenske
- From the Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson
| | - Gwendolyn K Davis
- From the Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson
| | - Ashley D Newsome
- From the Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson
| | - Barbara T Alexander
- From the Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson.
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