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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
Endothelial cells are important constituents of blood vessels and play a critical role in vascular homeostasis. They do not only control the exchanges between the blood and the surrounding tissues, but are also essential in regulating blood flow, modulating immune-cell trafficking and controlling vascular growth and repair. Endothelial dysfunction leads to cardiovascular diseases and is characterized by deficiency in secretion of vasodilator molecules, elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS), expression of adhesion molecules and excretion of proinflammatory cytokines. The sex hormones, estrogens, androgens and progestogens, regulate endothelial functions. Because cardiovascular disease risk increases after menopause, it is believed that female hormones, estrogens and progestogens promote endothelial cell health and function whereas androgens, the male hormones, might be detrimental. However, as illustrated in the present review, the picture might not be that simple. In addition, sex influences endothelial cell physiology independently of sex hormones but at genetic level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerome Robert
- University Hospital of Zurich, Institute of Clinical Chemistry, Wagistrasse 14, 8952, Schlieren, Switzerland.
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3
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Bai J, Li Y, Yan G, Zhou J, Salmeron AG, Fategbe OT, Kumar S, Chen X, Chen DB. ICI 182,780 Attenuates Selective Upregulation of Uterine Artery Cystathionine β-Synthase Expression in Rat Pregnancy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14384. [PMID: 37762687 PMCID: PMC10532247 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814384] [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: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Endogenous hydrogen sulfide (H2S) produced by cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) and cystathionine-γ lyase (CSE) has emerged as a novel uterine vasodilator contributing to pregnancy-associated increases in uterine blood flow, which safeguard pregnancy health. Uterine artery (UA) H2S production is stimulated via exogenous estrogen replacement and is associated with elevated endogenous estrogens during pregnancy through the selective upregulation of CBS without altering CSE. However, how endogenous estrogens regulate uterine artery CBS expression in pregnancy is unknown. This study was conducted to test a hypothesis that endogenous estrogens selectively stimulate UA CBS expression via specific estrogen receptors (ER). Treatment with E2β (0.01 to 100 nM) stimulated CBS but not CSE mRNA in organ cultures of fresh UA rings from both NP and P (gestational day 20, GD20) rats, with greater responses to all doses of E2β tested in P vs. NP UA. ER antagonist ICI 182,780 (ICI, 1 µM) completely attenuated E2β-stimulated CBS mRNA in both NP and P rat UA. Subcutaneous injection with ICI 182,780 (0.3 mg/rat) of GD19 P rats for 24 h significantly inhibited UA CBS but not mRNA expression, consistent with reduced endothelial and smooth muscle cell CBS (but not CSE) protein. ICI did not alter mesenteric and renal artery CBS and CSE mRNA. In addition, ICI decreased endothelial nitric oxide synthase mRNA in UA but not in mesenteric or renal arteries. Thus, pregnancy-augmented UA CBS/H2S production is mediated by the actions of endogenous estrogens via specific ER in pregnant rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Bai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; (J.B.); (A.G.S.); (O.T.F.)
| | - Yao Li
- Department of Laboratory Animal Sciences, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, 280 South Chongqing Road, Shanghai 200025, China; (Y.L.); (G.Y.); (J.Z.); (X.C.)
| | - Guofeng Yan
- Department of Laboratory Animal Sciences, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, 280 South Chongqing Road, Shanghai 200025, China; (Y.L.); (G.Y.); (J.Z.); (X.C.)
| | - Jing Zhou
- Department of Laboratory Animal Sciences, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, 280 South Chongqing Road, Shanghai 200025, China; (Y.L.); (G.Y.); (J.Z.); (X.C.)
| | - Alejandra Garcia Salmeron
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; (J.B.); (A.G.S.); (O.T.F.)
| | - Olamide Tolulope Fategbe
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; (J.B.); (A.G.S.); (O.T.F.)
| | - Sathish Kumar
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA;
| | - Xuejin Chen
- Department of Laboratory Animal Sciences, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, 280 South Chongqing Road, Shanghai 200025, China; (Y.L.); (G.Y.); (J.Z.); (X.C.)
| | - Dong-Bao Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; (J.B.); (A.G.S.); (O.T.F.)
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4
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Bernstein SR, Kelleher C, Khalil RA. Gender-based research underscores sex differences in biological processes, clinical disorders and pharmacological interventions. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 215:115737. [PMID: 37549793 PMCID: PMC10587961 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
Earlier research has presumed that the male and female biology is similar in most organs except the reproductive system, leading to major misconceptions in research interpretations and clinical implications, with serious disorders being overlooked or misdiagnosed. Careful research has now identified sex differences in the cardiovascular, renal, endocrine, gastrointestinal, immune, nervous, and musculoskeletal systems. Also, several cardiovascular, immunological, and neurological disorders have shown differences in prevalence and severity between males and females. Genetic variations in the sex chromosomes have been implicated in several disorders at young age and before puberty. The levels of the gonadal hormones estrogen, progesterone and testosterone and their receptors play a role in the sex differences between adult males and premenopausal women. Hormonal deficiencies and cell senescence have been implicated in differences between postmenopausal and premenopausal women. Specifically, cardiovascular disorders are more common in adult men vs premenopausal women, but the trend is reversed with age with the incidence being greater in postmenopausal women than age-matched men. Gender-specific disorders in females such as polycystic ovary syndrome, hypertension-in-pregnancy and gestational diabetes have attained further research recognition. Other gender-related research areas include menopausal hormone therapy, the "Estrogen Paradox" in pulmonary arterial hypertension being more predominant but less severe in young females, and how testosterone may cause deleterious effects in the kidney while having vasodilator effects in the coronary circulation. This has prompted the National Institutes of Health (NIH) initiative to consider sex as a biological variable in research. The NIH and other funding agencies have provided resources to establish state-of-the-art centers for women health and sex differences in biology and disease in several academic institutions. Scientific societies and journals have taken similar steps to organize specialized conferences and publish special issues on gender-based research. These combined efforts should promote research to enhance our understanding of the sex differences in biological systems beyond just the reproductive system, and provide better guidance and pharmacological tools for the management of various clinical disorders in a gender-specific manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia R Bernstein
- Vascular Surgery Research Laboratories, Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Caroline Kelleher
- Vascular Surgery Research Laboratories, Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Raouf A Khalil
- Vascular Surgery Research Laboratories, Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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5
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Mott MN, Goeders NE. Methamphetamine-induced vaginal lubrication in rats. J Sex Med 2023; 20:1145-1152. [PMID: 37291060 DOI: 10.1093/jsxmed/qdad076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Based on previous studies of vaginal lubrication as well as our own previously reported interview study of women who self-reported methamphetamine (meth)-induced vaginal lubrication, in the current study we sought to determine the potential dose-response relationship leading to meth-induced vaginal lubrication. We also developed an animal model to study the reported effects and examine potential mechanisms mediating this phenomenon. AIM We sought to characterize the effects of meth on vaginal lubrication in an animal model with the aim of providing a potential framework for new mechanisms that incorporate novel therapeutic agents for the treatment of vaginal dryness. METHODS Vaginal lubrication was measured via insertion of a preweighed, cotton-tipped swab into the vaginal canal of anesthetized rats following treatment with various doses of intravenous (IV) meth, up to 0.96 mg/kg, and after additional pharmacological manipulations, including administration of a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor and an estrogen receptor antagonist. Plasma signaling molecules, including estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, nitric oxide, and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide, were measured immediately before and at 9 time points after IV meth administration. Blood was collected via a previously implanted chronic indwelling jugular catheter and analyzed by use of commercially available kits per the manufacturer's instructions. OUTCOMES Outcomes for this study include the measurement of vaginal lubrication in anesthetized rats following various pharmacological manipulations and plasma levels of various signaling molecules. RESULTS Meth dose-dependently increased vaginal lubrication in anesthetized female rats. Meth significantly increased plasma levels compared to baseline of estradiol (2 and 15 minutes after meth infusion) as well as progesterone, testosterone, and nitric oxide (10 minutes after meth infusion). Also, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide decreased significantly compared to baseline for 45 minutes following meth infusion. Our data further suggest that nitric oxide, but not estradiol, is critical in the production of vaginal secretions in response to meth. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS This study has far-reaching implications for women who are suffering from vaginal dryness and for whom estrogen therapy is unsuccessful, as the investigation has demonstrated that meth presents a novel mechanism for producing vaginal lubrication that can be targeted pharmacologically. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS This study is, to our knowledge, the first performed to measure the physiological sexual effects of meth in an animal model. Animals were anesthetized when they were administered meth. In an ideal situation, animals would be self-administering the drug to recapitulate better the contingent nature of drug taking; however, this method was not feasible for the study reported here. CONCLUSION Methamphetamine increases vaginal lubrication in female rats through a nitric oxide-dependent mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maggie N Mott
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology & Neuroscience, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-Shreveport, Shreveport, LA, United States
- Louisiana Addiction Research Center, Shreveport, LA, United States
| | - Nicholas E Goeders
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology & Neuroscience, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-Shreveport, Shreveport, LA, United States
- Louisiana Addiction Research Center, Shreveport, LA, United States
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6
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Moscucci F, Gallina S, Bucciarelli V, Aimo A, Pelà G, Cadeddu-Dessalvi C, Nodari S, Maffei S, Meloni A, Deidda M, Mercuro G, Pedrinelli R, Penco M, Sciomer S, Mattioli AV. Impact of COVID-19 on the cardiovascular health of women: a review by the Italian Society of Cardiology Working Group on 'gender cardiovascular diseases'. J Cardiovasc Med (Hagerstown) 2023; 24:e15-e23. [PMID: 36729627 PMCID: PMC10100638 DOI: 10.2459/jcm.0000000000001398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19), due to coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, presents with an extremely heterogeneous spectrum of symptoms and signs. COVID-19 susceptibility and mortality show a significant sex imbalance, with men being more prone to infection and showing a higher rate of hospitalization and mortality than women. In particular, cardiovascular diseases (preexistent or arising upon infection) play a central role in COVID-19 outcomes, differently in men and women. This review will discuss the potential mechanisms accounting for sex/gender influence in vulnerability to COVID-19. Such variability can be ascribed to both sex-related biological factors and sex-related behavioural traits. Sex differences in cardiovascular disease and COVID-19 involve the endothelial dysfunction, the innate immune system and the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). Furthermore, the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is involved in disease pathogenesis in cardiovascular disease and COVID-19 and it shows hormone-dependent actions. The incidence of myocardial injury during COVID-19 is sex-dependent, predominantly in association with a greater degree of inflammation and coagulation disorders among men. Its pathogenesis is not fully elucidated, but the main theories foresee a direct role for the ACE2 receptor, the hyperimmune response and the RAS imbalance, which may also lead to isolated presentation of COVID-19-mediated myopericarditis. Moreover, the latest evidence on cardiovascular diseases and their relationship with COVID-19 during pregnancy will be discussed. Finally, authors will analyse the prevalence of the long-covid syndrome between the two sexes and its impact on the quality of life and cardiovascular health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Moscucci
- Department of Clinical and Internal Medicine, Anesthesiology and Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Rome ‘Sapienza’, Policlinico Umberto I, Rome
| | - Sabina Gallina
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti
| | - Valentina Bucciarelli
- Department of Paediatric and Congenital Cardiac Surgery and Cardiology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Ospedali Riuniti Ancona ‘Umberto I, G. M. Lancisi, G. Salesi’, Ancona
| | - Alberto Aimo
- Cardiology Division, Fondazione Toscana Gabriele Monasterio
- Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, Pisa
| | - Giovanna Pelà
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma
- Department of General and Specialistic Medicine, University-Hospital of Parma, Parma
| | | | - Savina Nodari
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia
| | - Silvia Maffei
- Cardiovascular and Gynaecological Endocrinology Unit, Fondazione G Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana
| | - Antonella Meloni
- Department of Radiology, Fondazione G Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, Pisa
| | - Martino Deidda
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari
| | - Giuseppe Mercuro
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari
| | - Roberto Pedrinelli
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa
| | - Maria Penco
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila
| | - Susanna Sciomer
- Department of Clinical and Internal Medicine, Anesthesiology and Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Rome ‘Sapienza’, Policlinico Umberto I, Rome
| | - Anna Vittoria Mattioli
- Surgical, Medical and Dental Department of Morphological Sciences Related to Transplant, Oncology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
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7
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Kharroubi SA, Diab-El-Harake M. Sex-differences in COVID-19 diagnosis, risk factors and disease comorbidities: A large US-based cohort study. Front Public Health 2022; 10:1029190. [PMID: 36466473 PMCID: PMC9714345 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1029190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Morbidity and mortality from COVID-19 are higher among men, however, underlying pathways remain controversial. We aim to investigate sex-gender differences in COVID-19 in a large US-based cohort, namely COVID-19 Research Database. More specifically, the objectives are to explore the socio-economic characteristics of COVID-19 male and female patients and to examine potential sex differences in lifestyle factors and disease comorbidities among diagnosed patients. Methods This is a retrospective cohort study contrasting male vs. female patients with test-confirmed COVID-19. The study used Healthjump electronic medical records (e.g., demographics, encounters, medical history, and vitals) extracted from January 2020 to December 2021 (N = 62,310). Results Significant sociodemographic and comorbidity differences were observed between males and females (p < 0.05). For example, a significantly higher proportion of males (vs. females) were aged ≥70-year-old (17.04 vs. 15.01%) and smokers (11.04 vs. 9.24%, p < 0.0001). In addition, multiple logistic regression showed that hypertension and diabetes were significantly more frequent in males [adjusted odds ratio (ORa) = 66.19 and ORa = 22.90]. Conclusions Understanding the differences in outcomes between male and female patients will inform gender equity responsive approach to COVID-19 and enhance the effectiveness of clinical practice, health policy and interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samer A. Kharroubi
- Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon,School of Health and Related Research, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom,*Correspondence: Samer A. Kharroubi ;
| | - Marwa Diab-El-Harake
- Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
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Connors LT, Zhu HL, Gill M, Walsh E, Singh RD, Easson S, Ahmed SB, Habibi HR, Cole WC, Thompson JA. Prenatal exposure to a low dose of BPS causes sex-dependent alterations to vascular endothelial function in adult offspring. FRONTIERS IN TOXICOLOGY 2022; 4:933572. [PMID: 36310694 PMCID: PMC9606655 DOI: 10.3389/ftox.2022.933572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Bisphenol S (BPS) is among the most commonly used substitutes for Bisphenol A (BPA), an endocrine disrupting chemical used as a plasticizer in the manufacture of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. Bisphenols interfere with estrogen receptor (ER) signaling, which modulates vascular function through stimulation of nitric oxide (NO) production via endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). BPS can cross into the placenta and accumulates in the fetal compartment to a greater extent than BPA, potentially interfering with key developmental events. Little is known regarding the developmental impact of exposure to BPA substitutes, particularly with respect to the vasculature. Objective: To determine if prenatal BPS exposure influences vascular health in adulthood. Methods: At the time of mating, female C57BL/6 dams were administered BPS (250 nM) or vehicle control in the drinking water, and exposure continued during lactation. At 12-week of age, mesenteric arteries were excised from male and female offspring and assessed for responses to an endothelium-dependent (acetylcholine, ACh) and endothelium-independent (sodium nitroprusside, SNP) vasodilator. Endothelium-dependent dilation was measured in the presence or absence of L-NAME, an eNOS inhibitor. To further explore the role of NO and ER signaling, wire myography was used to assess ACh responses in aortic rings after acute exposure to BPS in the presence or absence of L-NAME or an ER antagonist. Results: Increased ACh dilation and increased sensitivity to Phe were observed in microvessels from BPS-exposed females, while no changes were observed in male offspring. Differences in ACh-induced dilation between control or BPS-exposed females were eliminated with L-NAME. Increased dilatory responses to ACh after acute BPS exposure were observed in aortic rings from female mice only, and differences were eliminated with inhibition of eNOS or inhibition of ER. Conclusion: Prenatal BPS exposure leads to persistent changes in endothelium-dependent vascular function in a sex-specific manner that appears to be modulated by interaction of BPS with ER signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liam T. Connors
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Libin Cardiovascular Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Hai-Lei Zhu
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Libin Cardiovascular Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Manvir Gill
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Emma Walsh
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Libin Cardiovascular Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Radha D. Singh
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Libin Cardiovascular Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Sarah Easson
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Libin Cardiovascular Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Sofia B. Ahmed
- Libin Cardiovascular Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Hamid R. Habibi
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - William C. Cole
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Libin Cardiovascular Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Jennifer A. Thompson
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Libin Cardiovascular Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
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9
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The sex and gender dimensions of COVID-19: A narrative review of the potential underlying factors. INFECTION, GENETICS AND EVOLUTION : JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY GENETICS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2022; 103:105338. [PMID: 35863677 PMCID: PMC9288935 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2022.105338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Multiple lines of evidence indicate that the male sex is a significant risk factor for severe disease and mortality due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, the precise explanation for the discrepancy is currently unclear. Immunologically, the female-biased protection against COVID-19 could presumably be due to a more rapid and robust immune response to viruses exhibited by males. The female hormones, e.g., estrogens and progesterone, may have protective roles against viral infections. In contrast, male hormones, e.g., testosterone, can act oppositely. Besides, the expression of the ACE-2 receptor in the lung and airway lining, which the SARS-CoV-2 uses to enter cells, is more pronounced in males. Estrogen potentially plays a role in downregulating the expression of ACE-2, which could be a plausible biological explanation for the reduced severity of COVID-19 in females. Comorbidities, e.g., cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and kidney disorders, are considered significant risk factors for severe outcomes in COVID-19. Age-adjusted data shows that males are statistically more predisposed to these morbidities-amplifying risks for males with COVID-19. In addition, many sociocultural factors and gender-constructed behavior of men and women impact exposure to infections and outcomes. In many parts of the world, women are more likely to abide by health regulations, e.g., mask-wearing and handwashing, than men. In contrast, men, in general, are more involved with high-risk behaviors, e.g., smoking and alcohol consumption, and high-risk jobs that require admixing with people, which increases their risk of exposure to the infection. Overall, males and females suffer differently from COVID-19 due to a complex interplay between many biological and sociocultural factors.
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Wu J, Fang S, Lu KT, Kumar G, Reho JJ, Brozoski DT, Otanwa AJ, Hu C, Nair AR, Wackman KK, Agbor LN, Grobe JL, Sigmund CD. Endothelial Cullin3 Mutation Impairs Nitric Oxide-Mediated Vasodilation and Promotes Salt-Induced Hypertension. FUNCTION (OXFORD, ENGLAND) 2022; 3:zqac017. [PMID: 35493997 PMCID: PMC9045850 DOI: 10.1093/function/zqac017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Human hypertension caused by in-frame deletion of CULLIN3 exon-9 (Cul3∆9) is driven by renal and vascular mechanisms. We bred conditionally activatable Cul3∆9 transgenic mice with tamoxifen-inducible Tie2-CREERT2 mice to test the importance of endothelial Cul3. The resultant mice (E-Cul3∆9) trended towards elevated nighttime blood pressure (BP) correlated with increased nighttime activity, but displayed no difference in daytime BP or activity. Male and female E-Cul3∆9 mice together exhibited a decline in endothelial-dependent relaxation in carotid artery. Male but not female E-Cul3∆9 mice displayed severe endothelial dysfunction in cerebral basilar artery. There was no impairment in mesenteric artery and no difference in smooth muscle function, suggesting the effects of Cul3∆9 are arterial bed-specific and sex-dependent. Expression of Cul3∆9 in primary mouse aortic endothelial cells decreased endogenous Cul3 protein, phosphorylated (S1177) endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and nitric oxide (NO) production. Protein phosphatase (PP) 2A, a known Cul3 substrate, dephosphorylates eNOS. Cul3∆9-induced impairment of eNOS activity was rescued by a selective PP2A inhibitor okadaic acid, but not by a PP1 inhibitor tautomycetin. Because NO deficiency contributes to salt-induced hypertension, we tested the salt-sensitivity of E-Cul3∆9 mice. While both male and female E-Cul3∆9 mice developed salt-induced hypertension and renal injury, the pressor effect of salt was greater in female mutants. The increased salt-sensitivity in female E-Cul3∆9 mice was associated with decreased renovascular relaxation and impaired natriuresis in response to a sodium load. Thus, CUL3 mutations in the endothelium may contribute to human hypertension in part through decreased endothelial NO bioavailability, renovascular dysfunction, and increased salt-sensitivity of BP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wu
- Deparment of Physiology, Cardiovascular Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, 53226 Wisconsin, USA
| | - Shi Fang
- Deparment of Physiology, Cardiovascular Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, 53226 Wisconsin, USA,Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, 52242 Iowa, USA
| | - Ko-Ting Lu
- Deparment of Physiology, Cardiovascular Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, 53226 Wisconsin, USA
| | - Gaurav Kumar
- Deparment of Physiology, Cardiovascular Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, 53226 Wisconsin, USA
| | - John J Reho
- Deparment of Physiology, Cardiovascular Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, 53226 Wisconsin, USA
| | - Daniel T Brozoski
- Deparment of Physiology, Cardiovascular Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, 53226 Wisconsin, USA
| | - Adokole J Otanwa
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, 52242 Iowa, USA
| | - Chunyan Hu
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, 52242 Iowa, USA
| | - Anand R Nair
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, 52242 Iowa, USA
| | - Kelsey K Wackman
- Deparment of Physiology, Cardiovascular Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, 53226 Wisconsin, USA
| | - Larry N Agbor
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, 52242 Iowa, USA
| | - Justin L Grobe
- Deparment of Physiology, Cardiovascular Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, 53226 Wisconsin, USA
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17 β-Estradiol Increases APE1/Ref-1 Secretion in Vascular Endothelial Cells and Ovariectomized Mice: Involvement of Calcium-Dependent Exosome Pathway. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9081040. [PMID: 34440244 PMCID: PMC8394342 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9081040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease-1/redox factor-1 (APE1/Ref-1) is a multifunctional protein that can be secreted, and recently suggested as new biomarker for vascular inflammation. However, the endogenous hormones for APE1/Ref-1 secretion and its underlying mechanisms are not defined. Here, the effect of twelve endogenous hormones on APE1/Ref-1 secretion was screened in cultured vascular endothelial cells. The endogenous hormones that significantly increased APE1/Ref-1 secretion was 17β-estradiol (E2), 5𝛼-dihydrotestosterone, progesterone, insulin, and insulin-like growth factor. The most potent hormone inducing APE1/Ref-1 secretion was E2, which in cultured endothelial cells, E2 for 24 h increased APE1/Ref-1 secretion level of 4.56 ± 1.16 ng/mL, compared to a basal secretion level of 0.09 ± 0.02 ng/mL. Among the estrogens, only E2 increased APE1/Ref-1 secretion, not estrone and estriol. Blood APE1/Ref-1 concentrations decreased in ovariectomized (OVX) mice but were significantly increased by the replacement of E2 (0.39 ± 0.09 ng/mL for OVX vs. 4.67 ± 0.53 ng/mL for OVX + E2). E2-induced APE1/Ref-1secretion was remarkably suppressed by the estrogen receptor (ER) blocker fulvestrant and intracellular Ca2+ chelator 1,2-Bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N′,N′-tetraacetic acid tetrakis (acetoxymethyl ester) (BAPTA-AM), suggesting E2-induced APE1/Ref-1 secretion was dependent on ER and intracellular calcium. E2-induced APE1/Ref-1 secretion was significantly inhibited by exosome inhibitor GW4869. Furthermore, APE1/Ref-1 level in CD63-positive exosome were increased by E2. Finally, fluorescence imaging data showed that APE1/Ref-1 co-localized with CD63-labled exosome in the cytoplasm of cells upon E2 treatment. Taken together, E2 was the most potent hormone for APE1/Ref-1 secretion, which appeared to occur through exosomes that were dependent on ER and intracellular Ca2+. Furthermore, hormonal effects should be considered when analyzing biomarkers for vascular inflammation.
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12
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Sahebnasagh A, Saghafi F, Negintaji S, Hu T, Shabani-Boroujeni M, Safdari M, Ghaleno HR, Miao L, Qi Y, Wang M, Liao P, Sureda A, Simal-Gándara J, Nabavi SM, Xiao J. Nitric Oxide and Immune Responses in Cancer: Searching for New Therapeutic Strategies. Curr Med Chem 2021; 29:1561-1595. [PMID: 34238142 DOI: 10.2174/0929867328666210707194543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in understanding the mysterious functions of nitric oxide (NO) and how this pleiotropic signaling molecule contributes to tumorigenesis. This review attempts to expose and discuss the information available on the immunomodulatory role of NO in cancer and recent approaches to the role of NO donors in the area of immunotherapy. To address the goal, the following databases were searched to identify relevant literature concerning empirical evidence: The Cochrane Library, Pubmed, Medline, EMBASE from 1980 through March 2020. Valuable attempts have been made to develop distinctive NO-based cancer therapy. Although the data do not allow generalization, the evidence seems to indicate that low / moderate levels may favor tumorigenesis while higher levels would exert anti-tumor effects. In this sense, the use of NO donors could have an important therapeutic potential within immunotherapy, although there are still no clinical trials. The emerging understanding of NO-regulated immune responses in cancer may help unravel the recent features of this "double-edged sword" in cancer physiological and pathologic processes and its potential use as a therapeutic agent for cancer treatment. In short, in this review, we discuss the complex cellular mechanism in which NO, as a pleiotropic signaling molecule, participates in cancer pathophysiology. We also debate the dual role of NO in cancer and tumor progression, and clinical approaches for inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) based therapy against cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adeleh Sahebnasagh
- Clinical Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Saghafi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Sina Negintaji
- Student Research Committee, School of Pharmacy, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Tingyan Hu
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, China
| | - Mojtaba Shabani-Boroujeni
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohammadreza Safdari
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
| | - Hassan Rezai Ghaleno
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Lingchao Miao
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Yaping Qi
- Purdue Quantum Science and Engineering Institute, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, United States
| | - Mingfu Wang
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road. Hong Kong, China
| | - Pan Liao
- Department of Biochemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, United States
| | - Antoni Sureda
- Research Group on Community Nutrition and Oxidative Stress, University of the Balearic Islands, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - Jesus Simal-Gándara
- Nutrition and Bromatology Group, Department of Analytical Chemistry and Food Science, Faculty of Food Science and Technology, University of Vigo - Ourense Campus, E-32004 Ourense, Spain
| | - Seyed Mohammad Nabavi
- Applied Biotechnology Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Jianbo Xiao
- Nutrition and Bromatology Group, Department of Analytical Chemistry and Food Science, Faculty of Food Science and Technology, University of Vigo - Ourense Campus, E-32004 Ourense, Spain
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13
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Cripps SM, Mattiske DM, Pask AJ. Erectile Dysfunction in Men on the Rise: Is There a Link with Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals? Sex Dev 2021; 15:187-212. [PMID: 34134123 DOI: 10.1159/000516600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is one of the most prevalent chronic conditions affecting men. ED can arise from disruptions during development, affecting the patterning of erectile tissues in the penis and/or disruptions in adulthood that impact sexual stimuli, neural pathways, molecular changes, and endocrine signalling that are required to drive erection. Sexual stimulation activates the parasympathetic system which causes nerve terminals in the penis to release nitric oxide (NO). As a result, the penile blood vessels dilate, allowing the penis to engorge with blood. This expansion subsequently compresses the veins surrounding the erectile tissue, restricting venous outflow. As a result, the blood pressure localised in the penis increases dramatically to produce a rigid erection, a process known as tumescence. The sympathetic pathway releases noradrenaline (NA) which causes detumescence: the reversion of the penis to the flaccid state. Androgen signalling is critical for erectile function through its role in penis development and in regulating the physiological processes driving erection in the adult. Interestingly, estrogen signalling is also implicated in penis development and potentially in processes which regulate erectile function during adulthood. Given that endocrine signalling has a prominent role in erectile function, it is likely that exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) is a risk factor for ED, although this is an under-researched field. Thus, our review provides a detailed description of the underlying biology of erectile function with a focus on the role of endocrine signalling, exploring the potential link between EDCs and ED based on animal and human studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel M Cripps
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Deidre M Mattiske
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andrew J Pask
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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14
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Pooja, Sharma V, Sharma M, Varshney R, Kumar B, Sethy NK. Association Between 17β-Estradiol Receptors and Nitric Oxide Signaling Augments High-Altitude Adaptation of Ladakhi Highlanders. High Alt Med Biol 2021; 22:174-183. [PMID: 33602001 DOI: 10.1089/ham.2020.0187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Pooja, Vandana Sharma, Manish Sharma, Rajeev Varshney, Bhuvnesh Kumar, and Niroj Kumar Sethy. Association between 17β-estradiol receptors and nitric oxide signaling augments high-altitude adaptation of Ladakhi highlanders. High Alt Med Biol. 22: 174-183, 2021. Background: Genomic studies have identified positive natural selection of plasma membrane estrogen receptor signaling pathway for Himalayan highlanders. We sought to investigate significance of this pathway for high-altitude adaptation by studying Ladakhi highlanders. Materials and Methods: We recruited 25 healthy Ladakhi males (age range: 19-37, height: 164 ± 6 cm, and weight 59 ± 4 kg) at Leh (altitude 3,520 m) and age matched sea level volunteers at Delhi (altitude 215 m), India. We evaluated circulatory levels of 17β-estradiol (E2) and testosterone (T) and levels of E2 biosynthesis pathway proteins. In addition, we analyzed mRNA levels of E2 pathway genes and their association with nitric oxide (NO) availability. Results: We observed higher circulatory E2 and lower testosterone (T) in Ladakhi highlanders compared to lowlanders. Studying E2 pathway genes, we identified higher transcript levels of E2 receptors ESR1 (2.02-fold) and ESR2 (3.87-fold) in Ladakhi highlanders. Higher NOS3 mRNA, plasma level of endothelial NO synthase (eNOS), p-eNOS Ser1177, NOx (nitrate and nitrite), and cGMP were observed for Ladakhi highlanders. In addition, we observed a positive correlation between E2 with plasma NOx (r = 0.52, p = 0.002) and cGMP (r = 0.72, p = 0.007) for Ladakhi highlanders. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate higher circulatory E2 and lower T levels in Ladakhi highlanders. Higher levels of E2 and its receptors (ESR1 and ESR2) are positively associated with observed higher levels of eNOS signaling pathway metabolites. These results highlight the functional importance of E2 and its receptors for Himalayan pattern of high-altitude adaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pooja
- Peptide and Proteomics Division, Defence Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences (DIPAS), Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO), Delhi, India
| | - Vandana Sharma
- Peptide and Proteomics Division, Defence Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences (DIPAS), Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO), Delhi, India
| | - Manish Sharma
- Peptide and Proteomics Division, Defence Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences (DIPAS), Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO), Delhi, India
| | - Rajeev Varshney
- Peptide and Proteomics Division, Defence Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences (DIPAS), Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO), Delhi, India
| | - Bhuvnesh Kumar
- Peptide and Proteomics Division, Defence Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences (DIPAS), Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO), Delhi, India
| | - Niroj Kumar Sethy
- Peptide and Proteomics Division, Defence Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences (DIPAS), Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO), Delhi, India
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15
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Herrera-Zelada N, Zuñiga-Cuevas U, Ramirez-Reyes A, Lavandero S, Riquelme JA. Targeting the Endothelium to Achieve Cardioprotection. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:636134. [PMID: 33603675 PMCID: PMC7884828 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.636134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite considerable improvements in the treatment of myocardial infarction, it is still a highly prevalent disease worldwide. Novel therapeutic strategies to limit infarct size are required to protect myocardial function and thus, avoid heart failure progression. Cardioprotection is a research topic with significant achievements in the context of basic science. However, translation of the beneficial effects of protective approaches from bench to bedside has proven difficult. Therefore, there is still an unmet need to study new avenues leading to protecting the myocardium against infarction. In line with this, the endothelium is an essential component of the cardiovascular system with multiple therapeutic targets with cardioprotective potential. Endothelial cells are the most abundant non-myocyte cell type in the heart and are key players in cardiovascular physiology and pathophysiology. These cells can regulate vascular tone, angiogenesis, hemostasis, and inflammation. Accordingly, endothelial dysfunction plays a fundamental role in cardiovascular diseases, which may ultimately lead to myocardial infarction. The endothelium is of paramount importance to protect the myocardium from ischemia/reperfusion injury via conditioning strategies or cardioprotective drugs. This review will provide updated information on the most promising therapeutic agents and protective approaches targeting endothelial cells in the context of myocardial infarction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Herrera-Zelada
- Advanced Center for Chronic Disease (ACCDiS), Facultad de Ciencias Químicas y Farmacéuticas and Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Ursula Zuñiga-Cuevas
- Advanced Center for Chronic Disease (ACCDiS), Facultad de Ciencias Químicas y Farmacéuticas and Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Andres Ramirez-Reyes
- Advanced Center for Chronic Disease (ACCDiS), Facultad de Ciencias Químicas y Farmacéuticas and Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Sergio Lavandero
- Advanced Center for Chronic Disease (ACCDiS), Facultad de Ciencias Químicas y Farmacéuticas and Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Department of Internal Medicine (Cardiology Division), University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Jaime A. Riquelme
- Advanced Center for Chronic Disease (ACCDiS), Facultad de Ciencias Químicas y Farmacéuticas and Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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16
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Abstract
While clinical characteristics exhibit that susceptibility to COVID-19 infection is equally likely between males and females, clinical outcomes show that males experience both a higher severity and fatality for COVID-19 infection than females. This review examines the evidence for these sex and gender differences and aims to illustrate possible mechanisms behind such sensitivity. Successful entry of SARS-CoV-2 into the body is dependent on the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor and the transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2). Thus, sex-based differences in the expression of the ACE2 receptor and TMPRSS2 may explain the disparities in COVID-19 severity and fatality. Furthermore, these disparities may also be attributed to sex-based difference in immunological responses. Finally, the differences in clinical outcomes of COVID-19 infections between men and women may be due to gendered differences in behaviors, such as smoking, and prevalence to comorbidities. An understanding of the sex and gender sensitivities of COVID-19 infection is a necessary component towards the creation of effective treatment options and therapies for the virus. Graphical abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shreya Mukherjee
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, 1735 West Harrison St Suite Cohn 310, Chicago, IL 60612 USA ,Present Address: Honors Program in Medical Education, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL USA
| | - Kalipada Pahan
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, 1735 West Harrison St Suite Cohn 310, Chicago, IL 60612 USA ,Division of Research and Development, Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Chicago, IL USA
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17
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Park JM, Lee YJ. Serum oestradiol levels are inversely associated with C-reactive protein levels in premenopausal women, but not postmenopausal women. J Int Med Res 2020; 48:300060520961228. [PMID: 33044103 PMCID: PMC7556179 DOI: 10.1177/0300060520961228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Epidemiological studies on the association of serum oestradiol levels and inflammatory markers have reported inconsistent and conflicting results. Therefore, we investigated the association between serum oestradiol and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in women on the basis of their menopausal status. METHODS This cross-sectional study examined the association between serum oestradiol and CRP levels on the basis of menopausal status in 151 premenopausal women aged 42.7 ± 6.7 years and 394 postmenopausal women aged 58.1 ± 6.7 years who participated in a health examination program. Multiple linear regression analysis was conducted using CRP levels as the dependent variable. RESULTS Multiple linear regression analysis showed that serum oestradiol levels were inversely associated with CRP levels in premenopausal women (β coefficient = -0.298) after adjusting for age, body mass index, smoking, mean arterial pressure, and levels of fasting plasma glucose, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase. However, this association was not found in postmenopausal women after adjusting for the same confounding factors. CONCLUSIONS Serum oestradiol levels are inversely associated with CRP levels in premenopausal women, but not in postmenopausal women. Lower oestrogenic activity may at least partly contribute to the pathogenesis of chronic inflammation, particularly in premenopausal women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae-Min Park
- Department of Family Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Seoul, Korea.,Department of Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yong-Jae Lee
- Department of Family Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Seoul, Korea
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18
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Guerra DD, Hurt KJ. Gasotransmitters in pregnancy: from conception to uterine involution. Biol Reprod 2020; 101:4-25. [PMID: 30848786 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioz038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2018] [Revised: 02/14/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Gasotransmitters are endogenous small gaseous messengers exemplified by nitric oxide (NO), carbon monoxide (CO), and hydrogen sulfide (H2S or sulfide). Gasotransmitters are implicated in myriad physiologic functions including many aspects of reproduction. Our objective was to comprehensively review basic mechanisms and functions of gasotransmitters during pregnancy from conception to uterine involution and highlight future research opportunities. We searched PubMed and Web of Science databases using combinations of keywords nitric oxide, carbon monoxide, sulfide, placenta, uterus, labor, and pregnancy. We included English language publications on human and animal studies from any date through August 2018 and retained basic and translational articles with relevant original findings. All gasotransmitters activate cGMP signaling. NO and sulfide also covalently modify target protein cysteines. Protein kinases and ion channels transduce gasotransmitter signals, and co-expressed gasotransmitters can be synergistic or antagonistic depending on cell type. Gasotransmitters influence tubal transit, placentation, cervical remodeling, and myometrial contractility. NO, CO, and sulfide dilate resistance vessels, suppress inflammation, and relax myometrium to promote uterine quiescence and normal placentation. Cervical remodeling and rupture of fetal membranes coincide with enhanced oxidation and altered gasotransmitter metabolism. Mechanisms mediating cellular and organismal changes in pregnancy due to gasotransmitters are largely unknown. Altered gasotransmitter signaling has been reported for preeclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction, premature rupture of membranes, and preterm labor. However, in most cases specific molecular changes are not yet characterized. Nonclassical signaling pathways and the crosstalk among gasotransmitters are emerging investigation topics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damian D Guerra
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - K Joseph Hurt
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA.,Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
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19
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Kim JH, Kim JY, Park M, Kim S, Kim T, Kim J, Choi S, Park W, Hwang JY, Choe J, Ha KS, Won MH, Ryoo S, Kwon YG, Kim YM. NF-κB-dependent miR-31/155 biogenesis is essential for TNF-α-induced impairment of endothelial progenitor cell function. Exp Mol Med 2020; 52:1298-1309. [PMID: 32770080 PMCID: PMC8080610 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-020-0478-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Revised: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) dysfunction impairs vascular function and remodeling in inflammation-associated diseases, including preeclampsia. However, the underlying mechanism of this inflammation-induced dysfunction remains unclear. In the present study, we found increases in TNF-α and miR-31/155 levels and reduced numbers of circulating EPCs in patients with preeclampsia. Patient-derived mononuclear cells (MNCs) cultured in autologous serum had decreased endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expression, nitric oxide production, and differentiation into EPCs with angiogenic potential, and these effects were inhibited by a TNF-α-neutralizing antibody and miR-31/155 inhibitors. Moreover, TNF-α treatment of normal MNCs increased miR-31/155 biogenesis, decreased eNOS expression, reduced EPC differentiation, and impaired angiogenic potential. The TNF-α-induced impairment of EPC differentiation and function was rescued by NF-κB p65 knockdown or miR-31/155 inhibitors. In addition, treatment of MNCs with synthetic miR-31/155 or an eNOS inhibitor mimicked the inhibitory effects of TNF-α on eNOS expression and EPC functions. Moreover, transplantation of EPCs that had been differentiated from TNF-α-treated MNCs decreased neovascularization and blood perfusion in ischemic mouse hindlimbs compared with those of normally differentiated EPCs. These findings suggest that NF-κB activation is required for TNF-α-induced impairment of EPC mobilization, differentiation, and function via miR-31/155 biogenesis and eNOS downregulation. Our data provide a new role for NF-κB-dependent miR-31/155 in EPC dysfunction under the pathogenic conditions of inflammation-associated vascular diseases, including preeclampsia. miRNA molecules that inhibit the activity of specific genes are implicated in a cellular control network involved in some of the damaging effects of inflammation on blood vessels. Researchers in South Korea led by Young-Myeong Kim at Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon, identified the link by studying cells from patients with the inflammatory condition pre-eclampsia, characterized by hypertension. They found that two miRNAs, miR-31 and miR-155, are involved in molecular signaling processes that impair the production of endothelial progenitor cells lining blood vessels, which is essential for maintenance and repair. The research also identified the key protein eNOS involved in the miRNA molecules’ mechanism of action. Understanding these miRNAs and the protein involved in their production and action may help researchers develop new treatments for blood vessel diseases associated with inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Hee Kim
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, 24341, South Korea
| | - Ji-Yoon Kim
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Hanyang University Hospital, Seoul, 04763, South Korea
| | - Minsik Park
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, 24341, South Korea
| | - Suji Kim
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, 24341, South Korea
| | - Taesam Kim
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, 24341, South Korea
| | - Joohwan Kim
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, 24341, South Korea
| | - Seunghwan Choi
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, 24341, South Korea
| | - Wonjin Park
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, 24341, South Korea
| | - Jong Yun Hwang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, 24341, South Korea
| | - Jongseon Choe
- Department of Immunology, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, 24341, South Korea
| | - Kwon-Soo Ha
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, 24341, South Korea
| | - Moo-Ho Won
- Department of Neurobiology, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, 24341, South Korea
| | - Sungwoo Ryoo
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, South Korea
| | - Young-Guen Kwon
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, South Korea
| | - Young-Myeong Kim
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, 24341, South Korea.
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20
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Lee HJ, Park JH, Oh SY, Cho DH, Kim S, Jo I. Zearalenone-Induced Interaction between PXR and Sp1 Increases Binding of Sp1 to a Promoter Site of the eNOS, Decreasing Its Transcription and NO Production in BAECs. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:toxins12060421. [PMID: 32630586 PMCID: PMC7354576 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12060421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Zearalenone (ZEN) is a non-steroidal mycotoxin that has various toxicological impacts on mammalian health. Here, we found that ZEN significantly affected the production of nitric oxide (NO) and the expression of endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) of bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAECs). A promoter analysis using 5′-serially deleted human eNOS promoter revealed that the proximal region (−135 to +22) was responsible for ZEN-mediated reduction of the human eNOS promoter activity. This effect was reversed by mutation of two specificity protein 1 (Sp1) binding elements in the human eNOS promoter. A chromatin immunoprecipitation assay revealed that ZEN increased Sp1 binding to the bovine eNOS promoter region (−113 to −12), which is homologous to −135 to +22 of the human eNOS promoter region. We also found that ZEN promoted the binding of the pregnane X receptor (PXR) to Sp1 of the bovine eNOS, consequently decreasing eNOS expression. This reduction of eNOS could have contributed to the decreased acetylcholine-induced vessel relaxation upon ZEN treatment in our ex vivo study using mouse aortas. In conclusion, our data demonstrate that ZEN decreases eNOS expression by enhancing the binding of PXR-Sp1 to the eNOS promoter, thereby decreasing NO production and potentially causing vessel dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyeon-Ju Lee
- Department of Molecular Medicine, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 07804, Korea; (H.-J.L.); (J.-H.P.); (S.-Y.O.)
| | - Jung-Hyun Park
- Department of Molecular Medicine, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 07804, Korea; (H.-J.L.); (J.-H.P.); (S.-Y.O.)
| | - Se-Young Oh
- Department of Molecular Medicine, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 07804, Korea; (H.-J.L.); (J.-H.P.); (S.-Y.O.)
| | - Du-Hyong Cho
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Yeungnam University, 170 Hyunchung-ro, Nam-gu, Daegu 42415, Korea; (D.-H.C.); (S.K.)
| | - Suji Kim
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Yeungnam University, 170 Hyunchung-ro, Nam-gu, Daegu 42415, Korea; (D.-H.C.); (S.K.)
| | - Inho Jo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 07804, Korea; (H.-J.L.); (J.-H.P.); (S.-Y.O.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: 82-2-6986-6267
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21
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Sharma M, Singh K, Himashree G, Bhaumik G, Kumar B, Sethy NK. Estrogen receptor (ESR1 and ESR2)-mediated activation of eNOS-NO-cGMP pathway facilitates high altitude acclimatization. Nitric Oxide 2020; 102:12-20. [PMID: 32544536 DOI: 10.1016/j.niox.2020.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2019] [Revised: 05/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Higher levels of circulatory nitric oxide (NO) and NO metabolites reportedly facilitate high altitude acclimatization. But the underlying factors and molecular pathways promoting NO production at high altitude has been poorly characterized. Studying healthy lowlanders at sea level (C, lowlander) and high altitude (3500 m, after day 1, 4 and 7 of ascent), we report higher protein levels of eNOS and eNOSSer1177, higher plasma levels of BH4, NOx (nitrate and nitrites), cGMP and lower levels of endogenous eNOS inhibitor ADMA during healthy high altitude acclimatization. Our qRT-PCR-based gene expression studies identified higher levels of eNOS/NOS3 mRNA along with several other eNOS pathway genes like CALM1, SLC7A1 and DNM2. In addition, we observed higher mRNA levels of estrogen (E2) receptors ERα/ESR1 and ERβ/ESR2 at high altitude that transcriptionally activates NOS3. We also observed higher mRNA level of membrane receptor ERBB2 that phosphorylates eNOS at Ser1177 and thus augments NO availability. Evaluating E2 biosynthesis at high altitude, we report higher plasma levels of CYP11A1, CYP19A1, E2, lower levels of testosterone (T) and T/E2 ratio as compared to sea level. Correlation studies revealed moderate positive correlation between E2 and NOx (R = 0.68, p = 0.02) after day 4 and cGMP (R = 0.69, p = 0.02) after day 7 at high altitude. These findings suggest a causative role of E2 and its receptors ESR1 and ESR2 in augmenting eNOS activity and NO availability during healthy high altitude ascent. These results will aid in better understanding of NO production during hypobaric hypoxia and help in designing better high altitude acclimatization protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manish Sharma
- Defence Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences (DIPAS), Defence Research and Development Organisation, Lucknow Road, Timarpur, Delhi, 110054, India
| | - Krishan Singh
- Defence Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences (DIPAS), Defence Research and Development Organisation, Lucknow Road, Timarpur, Delhi, 110054, India; High Altitude Medical Research Centre (HAMRC), C/o 56 APO, Leh-Ladakh, 901205, India
| | - Gidugu Himashree
- Defence Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences (DIPAS), Defence Research and Development Organisation, Lucknow Road, Timarpur, Delhi, 110054, India; Military Hospital, Nasirabad, Rajasthan, 305601, India
| | - Gopinath Bhaumik
- Defence Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences (DIPAS), Defence Research and Development Organisation, Lucknow Road, Timarpur, Delhi, 110054, India
| | - Bhuvnesh Kumar
- Defence Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences (DIPAS), Defence Research and Development Organisation, Lucknow Road, Timarpur, Delhi, 110054, India
| | - Niroj Kumar Sethy
- Defence Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences (DIPAS), Defence Research and Development Organisation, Lucknow Road, Timarpur, Delhi, 110054, India.
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22
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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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23
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Böger R, Hannemann J. Dual role of the L-arginine-ADMA-NO pathway in systemic hypoxic vasodilation and pulmonary hypoxic vasoconstriction. Pulm Circ 2020; 10:2045894020918850. [PMID: 32313645 PMCID: PMC7153195 DOI: 10.1177/2045894020918850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In healthy vascular endothelium, nitric oxide acts as a vasodilator paracrine mediator on adjacent smooth muscle cells. By activating soluble guanylyl cyclase, nitric oxide stimulates cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) which causes relaxation of vascular smooth muscle (vasodilation) and inhibition of platelet aggregation. This mechanism is active in both, the systemic and pulmonary circulation. In the systemic circulation, hypoxia results in local vasodilation, which has been shown to be brought about by stabilization of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF1α) and concomitant upregulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase. By contrast, the physiological response to hypoxia in the pulmonary circulation is vasoconstriction. Hypoxia in the lung primarily results from hypoventilation of circumscript areas of the lung, e.g. by bronchial tree obstruction or inflammatory infiltration. Therefore, hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction is a mechanism preventing distribution of blood to hypoventilated areas of the lungs, thereby maintaining maximal oxygenation of blood. The exact molecular mechanism of hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction is less well understood than hypoxic vasodilation in the systemic circulation. While alveolar epithelial cells may be key in sensing low oxygen concentration, and pulmonary vascular smooth muscle cells obviously are the effectors of vasoconstriction, the pulmonary vascular endothelium plays a crucial role as an intermediate between these cell types. Indeed, dysfunctional endothelial nitric oxide release was observed in humans exposed to acute hypoxia, and animal studies suggest that hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction is enhanced by nitric oxide synthase inhibition. This may be caused, in part, by elevation of asymmetric dimethylarginine, an endogenous inhibitor of nitric oxide synthesis. High asymmetric dimethylarginine levels are associated with endothelial dysfunction, vascular disease, and hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rainer Böger
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,Institute DECIPHER, German-Chilean Institute for Research on Pulmonary Hypoxia and its Health Sequelae, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Juliane Hannemann
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,Institute DECIPHER, German-Chilean Institute for Research on Pulmonary Hypoxia and its Health Sequelae, Hamburg, Germany
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24
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Menopause-Related Estrogen Decrease and the Pathogenesis of HFpEF. J Am Coll Cardiol 2020; 75:1074-1082. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2019.12.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2019] [Revised: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 12/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
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25
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a non-subsiding disease that remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. CVD has been associated with endocrine disruptors, such as bisphenol A (BPA). This review critically summarizes existing findings on BPA and hypertension, with particular attention to genomic, non-genomic, molecular, and cellular mechanisms of action that render BPA as a cardiovascular estrogenic disruptor. RECENT FINDINGS Owing to its similar estrogenic structure, BPA has been shown to affect various phenotypes that are regulated by the natural hormone, estrogen. Indeed, BPA has been shown to interact with estrogen receptors, located both in the cell membrane and in the cytoplasm/nucleus. Given that estrogen plays an important role in cardiovascular physiology, a contributing role for BPA in CVD would not be unexpected. Existing literature, though limited, established BPA as a source of disruption in cardiovascular health, particularly hypertension. However, effects of BPA are largely dependent on the dose, patient gender, tissue, and developmental stage of the exposed tissue/organ. Accumulating evidence argues for an adverse effect of BPA on blood pressure, with this effect being gender, dose, and time specific. Thus, comprehensive studies which take these factors and other parameters, like epigenetic factors, into account are warranted before a thorough understanding is at hand.
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26
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Green CE. Lung function and endothelial dysfunction: Is there a relationship without the presence of lung disease? Respirology 2020; 25:49-50. [DOI: 10.1111/resp.13573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Clara E. Green
- Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, College of Medical and Dental SciencesUniversity of Birmingham Birmingham UK
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27
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Hester J, Ventetuolo C, Lahm T. Sex, Gender, and Sex Hormones in Pulmonary Hypertension and Right Ventricular Failure. Compr Physiol 2019; 10:125-170. [PMID: 31853950 DOI: 10.1002/cphy.c190011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) encompasses a syndrome of diseases that are characterized by elevated pulmonary artery pressure and pulmonary vascular remodeling and that frequently lead to right ventricular (RV) failure and death. Several types of PH exhibit sexually dimorphic features in disease penetrance, presentation, and progression. Most sexually dimorphic features in PH have been described in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), a devastating and progressive pulmonary vasculopathy with a 3-year survival rate <60%. While patient registries show that women are more susceptible to development of PAH, female PAH patients display better RV function and increased survival compared to their male counterparts, a phenomenon referred to as the "estrogen paradox" or "estrogen puzzle" of PAH. Recent advances in the field have demonstrated that multiple sex hormones, receptors, and metabolites play a role in the estrogen puzzle and that the effects of hormone signaling may be time and compartment specific. While the underlying physiological mechanisms are complex, unraveling the estrogen puzzle may reveal novel therapeutic strategies to treat and reverse the effects of PAH/PH. In this article, we (i) review PH classification and pathophysiology; (ii) discuss sex/gender differences observed in patients and animal models; (iii) review sex hormone synthesis and metabolism; (iv) review in detail the scientific literature of sex hormone signaling in PAH/PH, particularly estrogen-, testosterone-, progesterone-, and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)-mediated effects in the pulmonary vasculature and RV; (v) discuss hormone-independent variables contributing to sexually dimorphic disease presentation; and (vi) identify knowledge gaps and pathways forward. © 2020 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 10:125-170, 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Hester
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care, Occupational and Sleep Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Corey Ventetuolo
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA.,Department of Health Services, Policy and Practice, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Tim Lahm
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care, Occupational and Sleep Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.,Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.,Richard L. Roudebush Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
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28
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Mishra JS, te Riele GM, Qi QR, Lechuga TJ, Gopalakrishnan K, Chen DB, Kumar S. Estrogen Receptor-β Mediates Estradiol-Induced Pregnancy-Specific Uterine Artery Endothelial Cell Angiotensin Type-2 Receptor Expression. Hypertension 2019; 74:967-974. [PMID: 31378106 PMCID: PMC6739159 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.119.13429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The pregnancy-augmented uterine vasodilation is linked to increased AT2R (angiotensin type-2 receptor) that mediates the vasodilatory effects of angiotensin II. However, the mechanisms controlling AT2R expression during pregnancy remain unclear. Estrogens are known to play a role in vascular adaptations during pregnancy. We hypothesized that estrogen stimulates uterine artery AT2R expression via ER (estrogen receptor)-β-dependent transcription in a pregnancy-specific endothelium-dependent manner. Plasma estradiol levels increased and peaked in late pregnancy and returned to prepregnant levels post-partum, correlating with uterine artery AT2R and ERβ upregulation. Estradiol stimulated AT2R mRNA expression in endothelium-intact but not endothelium-denuded late pregnant and nonpregnant rat uterine artery ex vivo. Consistently, estradiol stimulated AT2R mRNA expression in late pregnant but not nonpregnant primary human uterine artery endothelial cells in vitro, which was abolished by ER antagonist ICI 182,780. Higher ERα protein bound to ER-responsive elements in AT2R promoter in the nonpregnant arteries whereas higher ERβ bound in the pregnant state. ERα protein levels were similar but higher ERβ protein levels were expressed in pregnant versus nonpregnant human uterine artery endothelial cells. Estradiol stimulation recruited ERα to the AT2R promoter in the nonpregnant state and ERβ to the AT2R promoter in pregnancy; however, only ERβ recruitment mediated transactivation of the AT2R reporter gene in pregnant human uterine artery endothelial cells. Estradiol-induced AT2R expression was abolished by the specific ERβ (not ERα) antagonist 4-[2-Phenyl-5,7-bis(trifluoromethyl)pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidin-3-yl]phenol (PHTPP) and mimicked by the specific ERβ (not ERα) agonist 2,3-bis(4-Hydroxyphenyl)-propionitrile (DPN) in pregnant human uterine artery endothelial cells in vitro. This study demonstrates a novel role of pregnancy-augmented ERβ in AT2R upregulation in the uterine artery and provides new insights into the mechanisms underlying uterine vascular adaptation to pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jay S. Mishra
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Gigi M. te Riele
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Qian-Rong Qi
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Thomas J. Lechuga
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Kathirvel Gopalakrishnan
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Dong-bao Chen
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Sathish Kumar
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
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29
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Grosman-Rimon L, Wright E, Freedman D, Kachel E, Hui S, Epstein I, Gutterman D, Eilat-Adar S. Can improvement in hormonal and energy balance reverse cardiovascular risk factors in athletes with amenorrhea? Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2019; 317:H487-H495. [PMID: 31322425 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00242.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Female athletes display a high prevalence of hypothalamic amenorrhea as a result of energy imbalance. In these athletes with amenorrhea, decreased luteinizing hormone/follicule-stimulating hormone secretion leads to deficiency in endogenous estrogen. The severe estrogen deficiency in these athletes may increase cardiovascular risk similar to that in postmenopausal women. This review discusses the potential cardiovascular risk factors in athletes with amenorrhea as a result of hypoestrogenism, which include endothelial dysfunction and unfavorable lipid profiles. We also consider the potential to reverse the cardiovascular risk by restoring energy or hormonal imbalance along the reproductive axis in athletes with amenorrhea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liza Grosman-Rimon
- Cardiovascular Department and Research Center of Baruch Padeh Medical Center, Poriya, Tiberias, Israel.,The Academic College at Wingate, Wingate Institute, Netanya, Israel
| | - Evan Wright
- Technion American Medical School, Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, St. Bat Galim, Haifa, Israel
| | - Danit Freedman
- Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry at the University of Western Ontario, Toronto, Canada
| | - Erez Kachel
- Cardiovascular Department and Research Center of Baruch Padeh Medical Center, Poriya, Tiberias, Israel
| | - Sarah Hui
- Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry at the University of Western Ontario, Toronto, Canada
| | - Iris Epstein
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Health, York University, Toronto, Canada
| | - David Gutterman
- Cardiovascular Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Sigal Eilat-Adar
- The Academic College at Wingate, Wingate Institute, Netanya, Israel
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30
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Mathews L, Subramanya V, Zhao D, Ouyang P, Vaidya D, Guallar E, Yeboah J, Herrington D, Hays AG, Budoff MJ, Michos ED. Endogenous Sex Hormones and Endothelial Function in Postmenopausal Women and Men: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis. J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2019; 28:900-909. [PMID: 31170017 DOI: 10.1089/jwh.2018.7441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The relationship of endogenous sex hormones (SH) with vascular endothelial function and with cardiovascular disease (CVD) is incompletely understood. We examined the associations between SH and endothelial function measured by brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD). Materials and Methods: We included 1368 postmenopausal women and 1707 men, free of clinical CVD, participating in MESA Visit 1 (2000-2002). Serum SH [total testosterone, SH binding globulin (SHBG), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), estradiol] were measured; free testosterone was calculated. The percent FMD difference (%FMD) was measured by high-resolution ultrasound. Using multivariable-adjusted linear regression, we tested the cross-sectional associations of SH (log transformed, compared per one SD increment) with %FMD. Results: The mean age of women and men were 64.2 and 61.4 years, respectively. Among women, after adjusting for demographics, CVD risk factors, and hormone therapy, higher SHBG was associated with greater %FMD [β = 0.215% (95% CI 0.026-0.405)], whereas higher free testosterone was associated with a smaller %FMD [-0.209% (-0.402, -0.017)]. Estradiol and DHEA were not associated with %FMD in women after multivariable adjustment. There was an age interaction, with higher free testosterone and lower SHBG associated with worse FMD in women <65 years of age, but not in those ≥65 years (p = 0.04). We did not see similar associations in men. Conclusions: A more androgenic SH profile of higher free testosterone and lower SHBG was associated with worse %FMD in postmenopausal women. Changes in SH with aging and menopause may result in vascular changes in women. Further studies are needed to assess longitudinal changes in SH levels and their association with vascular function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Mathews
- 1Division of Cardiology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,2Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Vinita Subramanya
- 1Division of Cardiology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Di Zhao
- 2Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Pamela Ouyang
- 1Division of Cardiology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Dhananjay Vaidya
- 2Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland.,3Division of General Internal Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Eliseo Guallar
- 2Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Joseph Yeboah
- 4Section on Cardiovascular Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - David Herrington
- 4Section on Cardiovascular Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Allison G Hays
- 1Division of Cardiology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Matthew J Budoff
- 5David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Erin D Michos
- 1Division of Cardiology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,2Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
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31
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d'Uscio LV, Katusic ZS. Vascular phenotype of amyloid precursor protein-deficient mice. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2019; 316:H1297-H1308. [PMID: 30901278 PMCID: PMC6620686 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00539.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2018] [Revised: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The amyloid precursor protein (APP) is expressed in the blood vessel wall, but the physiological function of APP is not completely understood. Previous studies established that APP has amine oxidase activity responsible for degradation of catecholamines. In the present study, we characterized the vascular phenotype of APP-knockout (APP-/-) mice. We demonstrate that circulating levels of catecholamines are significantly increased in male as compared with female APP-/- mice. Studies of vasomotor function in isolated aortas revealed that contractions to the α1-receptor agonist phenylephrine were significantly reduced in male APP-/- mice but not in females. In addition, contractions to G protein activation with sodium fluoride were reduced exclusively in male APP-/- mice aortas. The endothelium-dependent relaxations to acetylcholine were not affected by the loss of APP in mice of both sexes. Further analysis of the mechanisms underlying endothelium-dependent relaxations revealed that inhibition of cyclooxygenase by indomethacin significantly impaired relaxations to acetylcholine exclusively in male APP-/- mice. Furthermore, acetylcholine-induced production of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) was significantly reduced in male APP-/- mice aortas while acetylcholine-induced production of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) was enhanced. We concluded that altered vascular reactivity to phenylephrine appears to be in part the result of chronic exposure of male APP-/- aorta to high circulating levels of catecholamines. The mechanisms responsible for the impairment of endothelium-dependent cGMP signaling and adaptive enhancement of endothelium-dependent production of cAMP remain to be defined. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Male amyloid precursor protein (APP)-deficient mice have higher circulating levels of catecholamines as compared with female APP-deficient mice. As a consequence, endothelium-dependent and endothelium-independent vasomotor functions of male APP-deficient mice are significantly altered. Under physiological conditions, expression of APP appears to play an important role in vascular function.
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MESH Headings
- Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor/genetics
- Animals
- Aorta, Thoracic/drug effects
- Aorta, Thoracic/metabolism
- Catecholamines/blood
- Cyclic AMP/metabolism
- Cyclic GMP/metabolism
- Endothelium, Vascular/drug effects
- Endothelium, Vascular/metabolism
- Female
- Genotype
- Male
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Knockout
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/drug effects
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/metabolism
- Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III/metabolism
- Phenotype
- Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha-1/metabolism
- Second Messenger Systems
- Sex Factors
- Vasoconstriction/drug effects
- Vasoconstrictor Agents/pharmacology
- Vasodilation/drug effects
- Vasodilator Agents/pharmacology
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Affiliation(s)
- Livius V d'Uscio
- Departments of Anesthesiology and Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine , Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Zvonimir S Katusic
- Departments of Anesthesiology and Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine , Rochester, Minnesota
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32
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Zhu Q, Yao Y, Ning CX, Chen XP, Luan FX, Liu L, Liu Q, Wang N, Zhang F, Zhao YL. Oestradiol: any role in cardiovascular risk factors in female centenarians of Hainan? BMC Cardiovasc Disord 2019; 19:115. [PMID: 31096919 PMCID: PMC6521527 DOI: 10.1186/s12872-019-1103-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2018] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Previous studies reported that low level of oestradiol (E2) was associated with higher risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, little study examined the relationship between E2 and CVD in longevous women, which were deficient in serum E2 for the post-menopausal status. Therefore, this study aims to explore the association between E2 and CVD risk factors in a group of female centenarians of Hainan, China. Methods A total of 413 female centenarians (aged from 100 to 115) from China Hainan Centenarian Cohort Study (CHCCS) were enrolled in this study. Home interviews were conducted to collected data on demographic characteristics, health-related lifestyles, and anthropometrics. The level of serum E2 was assessed in the Clinical Laboratory of Hainan branch of PLA General Hospital. The variables of CVD risk factors, including blood pressures, lipids and blood glucose, were measured through standard procedures. Results Significant negative correlations between levels of serum E2 and TC, HDL-C, and LDL-C were observed in this study. Compared with the highest group of E2, the odds ratio and 95% confidence intervals of high LDL-C in groups 3, 2 and 1 were OR1.94 (CI0.82–4.62), OR3.61 (CI1.27–10.25) and OR9.29 (CI2.08–41.53), respectively. Similarly, the prevalence of hypertension was decreased with the increase of serum E2. The odds ratio and 95% confidence intervals of stage-2 hypertension in groups 3, 2 and 1 versus highest E2 group were OR1.34 (CI0.49–3.72), OR1.36 (CI0.47–3.99) and OR1.38 (CI0.45–4.20), respectively. Conclusions This study examined the relationship between E2 and CVD risk factors in a group of community-based female centenarians. A negative correlations between serum E2 levels and CVD risk factors, i.e. high level of LDL-C, TC, and hypertension were observed in this population. Besides, the level of serum E2 is also negatively correlated with HDL-C. Further studies on the correlation between serum E2 and CVD risk factors, especially dyslipidemia, in longevous and post-menopausal women are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiao Zhu
- Hainan branch of PLA General Hospital, Sanya, 572000, China.
| | - Yao Yao
- Hainan branch of PLA General Hospital, Sanya, 572000, China.,Center for Healthy Aging and Development Studies, National School of Development, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Chao-Xue Ning
- Hainan branch of PLA General Hospital, Sanya, 572000, China
| | - Xiao-Ping Chen
- Hainan branch of PLA General Hospital, Sanya, 572000, China
| | - Fu-Xin Luan
- Hainan branch of PLA General Hospital, Sanya, 572000, China
| | - Liang Liu
- Hainan branch of PLA General Hospital, Sanya, 572000, China
| | - Qiong Liu
- Hainan branch of PLA General Hospital, Sanya, 572000, China
| | - Na Wang
- Hainan branch of PLA General Hospital, Sanya, 572000, China
| | - Fu Zhang
- Hainan branch of PLA General Hospital, Sanya, 572000, China
| | - Ya-Li Zhao
- Hainan branch of PLA General Hospital, Sanya, 572000, China.
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Pabbidi MR, Kuppusamy M, Didion SP, Sanapureddy P, Reed JT, Sontakke SP. Sex differences in the vascular function and related mechanisms: role of 17β-estradiol. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2018; 315:H1499-H1518. [DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00194.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is lower in premenopausal women but increases with age and menopause compared with similarly aged men. Based on the prevalence of CVD in postmenopausal women, sex hormone-dependent mechanisms have been postulated to be the primary factors responsible for the protection from CVD in premenopausal women. Recent Women’s Health Initiative studies, Cochrane Review studies, the Early Versus Late Intervention Trial with Estradiol Study, and the Kronos Early Estrogen Prevention Study have suggested that beneficial effects of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) are seen in women of <60 yr of age and if initiated within <10 yr of menopause. In contrast, the beneficial effects of HRT are not seen in women of >60 yr of age and if commenced after 10 yr of menopause. The higher incidence of CVD and the failure of HRT in postmenopausal aged women could be partly associated with fundamental differences in the vascular structure and function between men and women and in between pre- and postmenopausal women, respectively. In this regard, previous studies from human and animal studies have identified several sex differences in vascular function and associated mechanisms. The female sex hormone 17β-estradiol regulates the majority of these mechanisms. In this review, we summarize the sex differences in vascular structure, myogenic properties, endothelium-dependent and -independent mechanisms, and the role of 17β-estradiol in the regulation of vascular function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mallikarjuna R. Pabbidi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Maniselvan Kuppusamy
- Division of Endocrinology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Sean P. Didion
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Padmaja Sanapureddy
- Department of Primary Care and Medicine, G. V. (Sonny) Montgomery Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Joey T. Reed
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Sumit P. Sontakke
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
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Stanhewicz AE, Wenner MM, Stachenfeld NS. Sex differences in endothelial function important to vascular health and overall cardiovascular disease risk across the lifespan. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2018; 315:H1569-H1588. [PMID: 30216121 PMCID: PMC6734083 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00396.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 196] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2018] [Revised: 08/22/2018] [Accepted: 08/31/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Diseases of the cardiovascular system are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in men and women in developed countries, and cardiovascular disease (CVD) is becoming more prevalent in developing countries. The prevalence of atherosclerotic CVD in men is greater than in women until menopause, when the prevalence of CVD increases in women until it exceeds that of men. Endothelial function is a barometer of vascular health and a predictor of atherosclerosis that may provide insights into sex differences in CVD as well as how and why the CVD risk drastically changes with menopause. Studies of sex differences in endothelial function are conflicting, with some studies showing earlier decrements in endothelial function in men compared with women, whereas others show similar age-related declines between the sexes. Because the increase in CVD risk coincides with menopause, it is generally thought that female hormones, estrogens in particular, are cardioprotective. Moreover, it is often proposed that androgens are detrimental. In truth, the relationships are more complex. This review first addresses female and male sex hormones and their receptors and how these interact with the cardiovascular system, particularly the endothelium, in healthy young women and men. Second, we address sex differences in sex steroid receptor-independent mechanisms controlling endothelial function, focusing on vascular endothelin and the renin-angiotensin systems, in healthy young women and men. Finally, we discuss sex differences in age-associated endothelial dysfunction, focusing on the role of attenuated circulating sex hormones in these effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna E Stanhewicz
- Department of Kinesiology, Pennsylvania State University , University Park, Pennsylvania
| | - Megan M Wenner
- Department of Kinesiology and Applied Physiology, University of Delaware , Newark, Delaware
| | - Nina S Stachenfeld
- The John B. Pierce Laboratory, New Haven, Connecticut
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences and Yale School of Public Health, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
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Pozdniakova S, Guitart-Mampel M, Garrabou G, Di Benedetto G, Ladilov Y, Regitz-Zagrosek V. 17β-Estradiol reduces mitochondrial cAMP content and cytochrome oxidase activity in a phosphodiesterase 2-dependent manner. Br J Pharmacol 2018; 175:3876-3890. [PMID: 30051530 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2017] [Revised: 07/10/2018] [Accepted: 07/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Mitochondria possess their own source of cAMP, that is, soluble adenylyl cyclase (sAC). Activation or expression of mitochondrial sAC promotes mitochondrial function. Oestrogen receptor signalling plays an essential role in the regulation of mitochondrial function. Here we aimed to determine whether 17β-estradiol may affect mitochondrial cAMP signalling. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Expression of the intra-mitochondrial proteins (Western blot), mitochondrial cAMP content (FRET-based live imaging and MS assay), mitochondrial membrane potential and cytochrome oxidase activity were analysed in H9C2 and C2C12 cells. KEY RESULTS A 24 h treatment with 17β-estradiol significantly reduced the basal level of mitochondrial cAMP, without affecting the intra-mitochondrial content of sAC, phosphodiesterase 2 (PDE2) or PKA and the activity of the intra-mitochondrial sAC. The effect of 17β-estradiol on mitochondrial cAMP was prevented by inhibition of a cGMP-activated PDE2 or soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC), suggesting a role of NO signalling. Indeed, 17β-estradiol raised cellular levels of cGMP and the intra-mitochondrial expression of the catalytic subunit β of sGC was found. The 17β-estradiol-induced reduction of the mitochondrial cAMP level was accompanied by decreased cytochrome oxidase activity and mitochondrial membrane potential in a PDE2-dependent manner. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS 17β-estradiol reduced the basal level of mitochondrial cAMP content and cytochrome oxidase activity in a sAC-independent but in a PDE2-dependent manner. The results suggest a role of 17β-estradiol-induced activation of NO signalling in the regulation of mitochondrial cAMP content. Our study adds a new aspect to the complex action of oestrogens on mitochondrial biology, that is relevant to hormone replacement therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofya Pozdniakova
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Institute of Gender in Medicine, Center for Cardiovascular Research, Berlin, Germany.,DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Mariona Guitart-Mampel
- Muscle Research and Mitochondrial Function Laboratory, Cellex - IDIBAPS, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, University of Barcelona, Internal Medicine Service - Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,CIBERER, Madrid, Spain
| | - Gloria Garrabou
- Muscle Research and Mitochondrial Function Laboratory, Cellex - IDIBAPS, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, University of Barcelona, Internal Medicine Service - Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,CIBERER, Madrid, Spain
| | - Giulietta Di Benedetto
- Neuroscience Institute, Italian National Research Council, Venetian Institute of Molecular Medicine, Padova, Italy
| | - Yury Ladilov
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Institute of Gender in Medicine, Center for Cardiovascular Research, Berlin, Germany.,DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Vera Regitz-Zagrosek
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Institute of Gender in Medicine, Center for Cardiovascular Research, Berlin, Germany.,DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Ke X, Johnson H, Jing X, Michalkiewicz T, Huang YW, Lane RH, Konduri GG. Persistent pulmonary hypertension alters the epigenetic characteristics of endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene in pulmonary artery endothelial cells in a fetal lamb model. Physiol Genomics 2018; 50:828-836. [PMID: 30004838 DOI: 10.1152/physiolgenomics.00047.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Decreased expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), a key mediator of perinatal transition, characterizes persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) in neonates and a fetal lamb model; the mechanisms are unclear. We investigated whether increased DNA CpG methylation at the eNOS promoter in estrogen response elements (EREs) and altered histone code together contribute to decreased eNOS expression in PPHN. We isolated pulmonary artery endothelial cells (PAEC) from fetal lambs with PPHN induced by prenatal ductus arteriosus constriction from 128 to 136 days gestation or gestation-matched twin controls. We measured right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) and Fulton index and determined eNOS expression in PAEC in control and PPHN lambs. We determined DNA CpG methylation by pyrosequencing and activity of ten eleven translocase demethylases (TET) by colorimetric assay. We quantified the occupancy of transcription factors, specificity protein 1 (Sp1), and estrogen receptors and density of four histone marks around Sp1 binding sites by chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays. Fetal lambs with PPHN developed increased RVSP and Fulton index. Levels of eNOS mRNA and protein were decreased in PAEC from PPHN lambs. PPHN significantly increased the DNA CpG methylation in eNOS promoter and decreased TET activity in PAEC. PPHN decreased Sp1 occupancy and density of the active mark, lysine 12 acetylation of histone 4, and increased density of the repression mark, lysine 9 trimethylation of histone 3 around Sp1 binding sites in eNOS promoter. These results suggest that epigenetic modifications are primed to decrease Sp1 binding at the eNOS gene promoter in PPHN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingrao Ke
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin , Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Hollis Johnson
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin , Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Xigang Jing
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin , Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Teresa Michalkiewicz
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin , Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Yi-Wen Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical College of Wisconsin , Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Robert H Lane
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin , Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Girija G Konduri
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin , Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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MANUCK TA, SMEESTER L, MARTIN EM, TOMLINSON MS, SMITH C, VARNER MW, FRY RC. Epigenetic Regulation of the Nitric Oxide Pathway, 17-α Hydroxyprogesterone Caproate, and Recurrent Preterm Birth. Am J Perinatol 2018; 35:721-728. [PMID: 29241278 PMCID: PMC6002888 DOI: 10.1055/s-0037-1613682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We sought to evaluate nitric oxide pathway placental gene expression and the epigenome (CpG methylation) among women receiving 17-α hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17-OHPC) with and without recurrent preterm birth (PTB). STUDY DESIGN This was a case-control study. We prospectively recruited women with ≥ 1 prior singleton spontaneous PTB <34 weeks receiving 17-OHPC. DNA and RNA were isolated from placentas. RNA abundance (gene expression) and the methylome were analyzed for 84 genes in nitric oxide pathways. Women with recurrent PTB <34 weeks (cases) were compared with those delivering at term (controls). Statistical analysis included multivariable models with Bonferroni's corrected p-values. RESULTS In this study, 17 women met inclusion criteria; 7 preterm cases (delivered at 22.6 ± 2.9 weeks) and 10 term controls (delivered at 38.5 ± 0.8 weeks). Groups had similar PTB history, race/ethnicity, and socioeconomic risk factors for PTB. Twenty-seven nitric oxide genes displayed differential expression (p < 0.05 and q < 0.10) when comparing placentas from preterm cases and term controls; all were downregulated in preterm cases. Eight hundred sixty corresponding CpG sites were differentially methylated between the preterm cases and term controls (Bonferroni's p-value <0.05). CONCLUSION CpG methylation and gene expression patterns in nitric oxide pathway genes differ among placentas from recurrent PTB compared with term birth following 17-OHPC exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracy A. MANUCK
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Lisa SMEESTER
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Elizabeth M. MARTIN
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Martha S. TOMLINSON
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Christina SMITH
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Michael W. VARNER
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT,Intermountain Healthcare Women and Newborns Clinical Program, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Rebecca C. FRY
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
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Recurrent inhibition of mitochondrial complex III induces chronic pulmonary vasoconstriction and glycolytic switch in the rat lung. Respir Res 2018; 19:69. [PMID: 29685148 PMCID: PMC5914012 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-018-0776-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2017] [Accepted: 04/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a fatal disease; however, the mechanisms directly involved in triggering and the progression of PAH are not clear. Based on previous studies that demonstrated a possible role of mitochondrial dysfunction in the pathogenesis of PAH, we investigated the effects of chronic inhibition of mitochondrial function in vivo in healthy rodents. METHODS Right ventricle systolic pressure (RVSP) was measured in female rats at baseline and up to 24 days after inhibition of mitochondrial respiratory Complex III, induced by Antimycin A (AA, 0.35 mg/kg, given three times starting at baseline and then days 3 and 6 as a bolus injection into the right atrial chamber). RESULTS Rodents exposed to AA demonstrated sustained increases in RVSP from days 6 through 24. AA-exposed rodents also possessed a progressive increase in RV end-diastolic pressure but not RV hypertrophy, which may be attributed to either early stages of PAH development or to reduced RV contractility due to inhibition of myocardial respiration. Protein nitration levels in plasma were positively correlated with PAH development in AA-treated rats. This finding was strongly supported by results obtained from PAH humans where plasma protein nitration levels were correlated with markers of PAH severity in female but not male PAH patients. Based on previously reported associations between increased nitric oxide production levels with female gender, we speculate that in females with PAH mitochondrial dysfunction may represent a more deleterious form, in part, due to an increased nitrosative stress development. Indeed, the histological analysis of AA treated rats revealed a strong perivascular edema, a marker of pulmonary endothelial damage. Finally, AA treatment was accompanied by a severe metabolic shift toward glycolysis, a hallmark of PAH pathology. CONCLUSIONS Chronic mitochondrial dysfunction induces the combination of vascular damage and metabolic reprogramming that may be responsible for PAH development. This mechanism may be especially important in females, perhaps due to an increased NO production and nitrosative stress development.
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Pirosa A, Gottardi R, Alexander PG, Tuan RS. Engineering in-vitro stem cell-based vascularized bone models for drug screening and predictive toxicology. Stem Cell Res Ther 2018; 9:112. [PMID: 29678192 PMCID: PMC5910611 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-018-0847-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The production of veritable in-vitro models of bone tissue is essential to understand the biology of bone and its surrounding environment, to analyze the pathogenesis of bone diseases (e.g., osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, osteomyelitis, etc.), to develop effective therapeutic drug screening, and to test potential therapeutic strategies. Dysregulated interactions between vasculature and bone cells are often related to the aforementioned pathologies, underscoring the need for a bone model that contains engineered vasculature. Due to ethical restraints and limited prediction power of animal models, human stem cell-based tissue engineering has gained increasing relevance as a candidate approach to overcome the limitations of animals and to serve as preclinical models for drug testing. Since bone is a highly vascularized tissue, the concomitant development of vasculature and mineralized matrix requires a synergistic interaction between osteogenic and endothelial precursors. A number of experimental approaches have been used to achieve this goal, such as the combination of angiogenic factors and three-dimensional scaffolds, prevascularization strategies, and coculture systems. In this review, we present an overview of the current models and approaches to generate in-vitro stem cell-based vascularized bone, with emphasis on the main challenges of vasculature engineering. These challenges are related to the choice of biomaterials, scaffold fabrication techniques, and cells, as well as the type of culturing conditions required, and specifically the application of dynamic culture systems using bioreactors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Pirosa
- Center for Cellular and Molecular Engineering, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 450 Technology Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 USA
| | - Riccardo Gottardi
- Center for Cellular and Molecular Engineering, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 450 Technology Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 USA
- Ri.MED Foundation, Via Bandiera 11, Palermo, 90133 Italy
| | - Peter G. Alexander
- Center for Cellular and Molecular Engineering, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 450 Technology Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 USA
| | - Rocky S. Tuan
- Center for Cellular and Molecular Engineering, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 450 Technology Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 USA
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Liu L, Huang X, Xia E, Zhang X, Li TC, Liu Y. A cohort study comparing 4 mg and 10 mg daily doses of postoperative oestradiol therapy to prevent adhesion reformation after hysteroscopic adhesiolysis. HUM FERTIL 2018; 22:191-197. [PMID: 29504823 DOI: 10.1080/14647273.2018.1444798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
This is a retrospective cohort study conducted in a national training centre for hysteroscopy between January 2012 and December 2014 to compare the clinical outcome of two doses of oestradiol valerate (4 mg and 10 mg daily) in the prevention of recurrence of adhesions after hysteroscopic adhesiolysis. A total of 176 women who suffered from Asherman syndrome with moderate to severe intrauterine adhesions were included: 91 subjects received a 10 mg daily dose of oestradiol and 85 subjects received a 4 mg daily dose of oestradiol in the postoperative period. Second look hysteroscopy was performed 4-6 weeks after the initial surgery. There was no difference in age and preoperative American Fertility Society (AFS) adhesion score between the two groups. The proportion of women in whom menstruation had returned to normal in the 10 mg group (49/91 = 53.8%) was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than that of subjects in the 4 mg group (35/85 = 41.2%). However, there was no difference in AFS scores at second look hysteroscopy between the two groups or in the conception rate and miscarriage rate between the two groups. The findings do not support the use of high-dose postoperative oestrogen therapy following hysteroscopic adhesiolysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linlin Liu
- a Hysteroscopic Centre, Fuxing Hospital, Capital Medical University , Beijing , China
| | - Xiaowu Huang
- a Hysteroscopic Centre, Fuxing Hospital, Capital Medical University , Beijing , China
| | - Enlan Xia
- a Hysteroscopic Centre, Fuxing Hospital, Capital Medical University , Beijing , China
| | - Xiaoyu Zhang
- a Hysteroscopic Centre, Fuxing Hospital, Capital Medical University , Beijing , China
| | - Tin-Chiu Li
- a Hysteroscopic Centre, Fuxing Hospital, Capital Medical University , Beijing , China.,b Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Chinese University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong , China
| | - Yuhuan Liu
- a Hysteroscopic Centre, Fuxing Hospital, Capital Medical University , Beijing , China
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Zafirovic S, Sudar-Milovanovic E, Obradovic M, Djordjevic J, Jasnic N, Borovic ML, Isenovic ER. Involvement of PI3K, Akt and RhoA in Oestradiol Regulation of Cardiac iNOS Expression. Curr Vasc Pharmacol 2018; 17:307-318. [PMID: 29437011 DOI: 10.2174/1570161116666180212142414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2017] [Revised: 02/06/2018] [Accepted: 02/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oestradiol is an important regulatory factor with several positive effects on the cardiovascular (CV) system. We evaluated the molecular mechanism of the in vivo effects of oestradiol on the regulation of cardiac inducible nitric oxide (NO) synthase (iNOS) expression and activity. METHODS Male Wistar rats were treated with oestradiol (40 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) and after 24 h the animals were sacrificed. The concentrations of NO and L-Arginine (L-Arg) were determined spectrophotometrically. For protein expressions of iNOS, p65 subunit of nuclear factor-κB (NFκB-p65), Ras homolog gene family-member A (RhoA), angiotensin II receptor type 1 (AT1R), insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS-1), p85, p110 and protein kinase B (Akt), Western blot method was used. Coimmunoprecipitation was used for measuring the association of IRS-1 with the p85 subunit of phosphatidylinositol- 3-kinase (PI3K). The expression of iNOS messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) was measured with the quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Immunohistochemical analysis of the tissue was used to detect localization and expression of iNOS in heart tissue. RESULTS Oestradiol treatment reduced L-Arg concentration (p<0.01), iNOS mRNA (p<0.01) and protein (p<0.001) expression, level of RhoA (p<0.05) and AT1R (p<0.001) protein. In contrast, plasma NO (p<0.05), Akt phosphorylation at Thr308 (p<0.05) and protein level of p85 (p<0.001) increased after oestradiol treatment. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that oestradiol in vivo regulates cardiac iNOS expression via the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, through attenuation of RhoA and AT1R.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja Zafirovic
- Institute of Nuclear Sciences "Vinca", Department of Radiobiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Emina Sudar-Milovanovic
- Institute of Nuclear Sciences "Vinca", Department of Radiobiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Milan Obradovic
- Institute of Nuclear Sciences "Vinca", Department of Radiobiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Jelena Djordjevic
- Institute of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Nebojsa Jasnic
- Institute of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Milica Labudovic Borovic
- Institute of Histology and Embryology "Aleksandar D. Kostic", Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Esma R Isenovic
- Institute of Nuclear Sciences "Vinca", Department of Radiobiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia.,Faculty of Stomatology, Pancevo, University Business Academy, Novi Sad, Serbia
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Endothelial nitric oxide synthase overexpressing human early outgrowth cells inhibit coronary artery smooth muscle cell migration through paracrine functions. Sci Rep 2018; 8:877. [PMID: 29343714 PMCID: PMC5772515 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-18848-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2016] [Accepted: 12/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cells mobilized from the bone marrow can contribute to endothelial regeneration and repair. Nevertheless, cardiovascular diseases are associated with diminished numbers and function of these cells, attenuating their healing potential. Gene transfer of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) can restore the activity of circulating cells. Furthermore, estrogen accelerates the reendothelialization capacity of early outgrowth cells (EOCs). We hypothesized that overexpressing eNOS alone or in combination with estrogen stimulation in EOCs would potentiate the beneficial effects of these cells in regulating smooth muscle cell (SMC) function. Native human EOCs did not have any effect on human coronary artery SMC (hCASMC) proliferation or migration. Transfecting EOCs with a human eNOS plasmid and/or stimulating with 17β-estradiol (E2) increased NO production 3-fold and enhanced EOC survival. Moreover, in co-culture studies, eNOS overexpressing or E2-stimulated EOCs reduced hCASMC migration (by 23% and 56% respectively), vs. control EOCs. These effects do not implicate ERK1/2 or focal adhesion kinases. Nevertheless, NOS-EOCs had no effect on hCASMC proliferation. These results suggest that overexpressing or activating eNOS in EOCs increases their survival and enhances their capacity to regulate SMC migration through paracrine effects. These data elucidate how eNOS overexpression or activation in EOCs can prevent vascular remodeling.
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Carbon monoxide prevents TNF-α-induced eNOS downregulation by inhibiting NF-κB-responsive miR-155-5p biogenesis. Exp Mol Med 2017; 49:e403. [PMID: 29170479 PMCID: PMC5704195 DOI: 10.1038/emm.2017.193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2017] [Revised: 05/24/2017] [Accepted: 05/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Heme oxygenase-1-derived carbon monoxide prevents inflammatory vascular disorders. To date, there is no clear evidence that HO-1/CO prevents endothelial dysfunction associated with the downregulation of endothelial NO synthesis in human endothelial cells stimulated with TNF-α. Here, we found that the CO-releasing compound CORM-2 prevented TNF-α-mediated decreases in eNOS expression and NO/cGMP production, without affecting eNOS promoter activity, by maintaining the functional activity of the eNOS mRNA 3′-untranslated region. By contrast, CORM-2 inhibited MIR155HG expression and miR-155-5p biogenesis in TNF-α-stimulated endothelial cells, resulting in recovery of the 3′-UTR activity of eNOS mRNA, a target of miR-155-5p. The beneficial effect of CORM-2 was blocked by an NF-κB inhibitor, a miR-155-5p mimic, a HO-1 inhibitor and siRNA against HO-1, indicating that CO rescues TNF-α-induced eNOS downregulation through NF-κB-responsive miR-155-5p expression via HO-1 induction; similar protective effects of ectopic HO-1 expression and bilirubin were observed in endothelial cells treated with TNF-α. Moreover, heme degradation products, except iron and N-acetylcysteine prevented H2O2-mediated miR-155-5p biogenesis and eNOS downregulation. These data demonstrate that CO prevents TNF-α-mediated eNOS downregulation by inhibiting redox-sensitive miR-155-5p biogenesis through a positive forward circuit between CO and HO-1 induction. This circuit may play an important preventive role in inflammatory endothelial dysfunction associated with human vascular diseases.
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Anisiewicz A, Pawlik A, Filip-Psurska B, Turlej E, Dzimira S, Milczarek M, Gdesz K, Papiernik D, Jarosz J, Kłopotowska D, Kutner A, Mazur A, Wietrzyk J. Unfavorable effect of calcitriol and its low-calcemic analogs on metastasis of 4T1 mouse mammary gland cancer. Int J Oncol 2017; 52:103-126. [PMID: 29115583 PMCID: PMC5743363 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2017.4185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2017] [Accepted: 10/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Low vitamin D status is considered as a risk factor for breast cancer and has prognostic significance. Furthermore, vitamin D deficiency increases after adjuvant cancer therapy, which alters bone metabolism increasing the risk of osteoporosis. It is now postulated that vitamin D supplementation in breast cancer treatment delays the recurrence of cancer thereby extending survival. We evaluated the impact of calcitriol and its low-calcemic analogs, PRI-2191 and PRI-2205, on the tumor growth, angiogenesis, and metastasis of 4T1 mouse mammary gland cancer. Gene expression analysis related to cancer invasion/metastasis, real-time PCR, ELISA, western blotting, and histochemical studies were performed. In vitro studies were conducted to compare the effects of calcitriol and its analogs on 4T1 and 67NR cell proliferation and expression of selected proteins. Calcitriol and its analogs increased lung metastasis without influencing the growth of primary tumor. The levels of plasma 17β-estradiol and transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) were found to be elevated after treatment. Moreover, the results showed that tumor blood perfusion improved and osteopontin (OPN) levels increased, whereas vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and TGFβ levels decreased in tumors from treated mice. All the studied treatments resulted in increased collagen content in the tumor tissue in the early step of tumor progression, and calcitriol caused an increase in collagen content in lung tissue. In addition, in vitro proliferation of 4T1 tumor cells was not found to be affected by calcitriol or its analogs in contrast to non-metastatic 67NR cells. Calcitriol and its analogs enhanced the metastatic potential of 4T1 mouse mammary gland cancer by inducing the secretion of OPN probably via host cells. In addition, OPN tumor overexpression prevailed over the decreasing tumor TGFβ level and blood vessel normalization via tumor VEGF deprivation induced by calcitriol and its analogs. Moreover, the increased plasma TGFβ and 17β-estradiol levels contributed to the facilitation of metastatic process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artur Anisiewicz
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, 53‑114 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Agata Pawlik
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, 53‑114 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Beata Filip-Psurska
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, 53‑114 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Eliza Turlej
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, 53‑114 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Stanisław Dzimira
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, 50-375 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Magdalena Milczarek
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, 53‑114 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Gdesz
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, 53‑114 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Diana Papiernik
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, 53‑114 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Joanna Jarosz
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, 53‑114 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Dagmara Kłopotowska
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, 53‑114 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Andrzej Kutner
- Department of Pharmacology, Pharmaceutical Research Institute, 01-793 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Andrzej Mazur
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRA, UNH, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Joanna Wietrzyk
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, 53‑114 Wroclaw, Poland
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45
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Cattaneo MG, Vanetti C, Decimo I, Di Chio M, Martano G, Garrone G, Bifari F, Vicentini LM. Sex-specific eNOS activity and function in human endothelial cells. Sci Rep 2017; 7:9612. [PMID: 28852041 PMCID: PMC5575132 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-10139-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2017] [Accepted: 08/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinical and epidemiological data show that biological sex is one of the major determinants for the development and progression of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Impaired endothelial function, characterized by an imbalance in endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase (eNOS) activity, precedes and accelerates the development of CVD. However, whether there is any sexual dimorphism in eNOS activity and function in endothelial cells (ECs) is still unknown. Here, by independently studying human male and female ECs, we found that female ECs expressed higher eNOS mRNA and protein levels both in vitro and ex vivo. The increased eNOS expression was associated to higher enzymatic activity and nitric oxide production. Pharmacological and genetic inhibition of eNOS affected migratory properties only in female ECs. In vitro angiogenesis experiments confirmed that sprouting mostly relied on eNOS-dependent migration in female ECs. At variance, capillary outgrowth from male ECs was independent of eNOS activity but required cell proliferation. In this study, we found sex-specific differences in the EC expression, activity, and function of eNOS. This intrinsic sexual dimorphism of ECs should be further evaluated to achieve more effective and precise strategies for the prevention and therapy of diseases associated to an impaired endothelial function such as CVD and pathological angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Grazia Cattaneo
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20129, Milano, Italy.
| | - Claudia Vanetti
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20129, Milano, Italy
| | - Ilaria Decimo
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Università di Verona, 37134, Verona, Italy
| | - Marzia Di Chio
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Università di Verona, 37134, Verona, Italy
| | | | - Giulia Garrone
- Fondazione IRCCS, Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Francesco Bifari
- Laboratory of Cell Metabolism and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20129, Milano, Italy
| | - Lucia Maria Vicentini
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20129, Milano, Italy.
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Kim J, Lee KS, Kim JH, Lee DK, Park M, Choi S, Park W, Kim S, Choi YK, Hwang JY, Choe J, Won MH, Jeoung D, Lee H, Ryoo S, Ha KS, Kwon YG, Kim YM. Aspirin prevents TNF-α-induced endothelial cell dysfunction by regulating the NF-κB-dependent miR-155/eNOS pathway: Role of a miR-155/eNOS axis in preeclampsia. Free Radic Biol Med 2017; 104:185-198. [PMID: 28087411 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2017.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2016] [Revised: 12/28/2016] [Accepted: 01/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Preeclampsia is an inflammatory disease with endothelial cell dysfunction that occurs via decreased endothelial nitric oxide synthase/nitric oxide (eNOS/NO) activity. Aspirin reduces the incidence of hypertensive pregnancy complications. However, the underlying mechanism has not been clearly explained. Here, we found that tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, microRNA (miR)-155, and eNOS levels as well as endothelial redox phenotype were differentially regulated in preeclamptic patients, implying the involvement of TNF-α- and redox signal-mediated miR-155 biogenesis and eNOS downregulation in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. Aspirin prevented the TNF-α-mediated increase in miR-155 biogenesis and decreases in eNOS expression and NO/cGMP production in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Similar effects of aspirin were also observed in HUVECs treated with H2O2. The preventive effects of aspirin was associated with the inhibition of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB)-dependent MIR155HG (miR-155 host gene) expression. Aspirin recovered the TNF-α-mediated decrease in wild-type, but not mutant, eNOS 3'-untranslated region reporter activity, whose effect was blocked by miR-155 mimic. Moreover, aspirin prevented TNF-α-mediated endothelial cell dysfunction associated with impaired vasorelaxation, angiogenesis, and trophoblast invasion, and the preventive effects were blocked by miR-155 mimic or an eNOS inhibitor. Aspirin rescued TNF-α-mediated eNOS downregulation coupled with endothelial dysfunction by inhibiting NF-κB-dependent transcriptional miR-155 biogenesis. Thus, the redox-sensitive NF-κB/miR-155/eNOS axis may be crucial in the pathogenesis of vascular disorders including preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joohwan Kim
- Departments of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do 24341, South Korea
| | - Kyu-Sun Lee
- Departments of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do 24341, South Korea
| | - Ji-Hee Kim
- Departments of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do 24341, South Korea
| | - Dong-Keon Lee
- Departments of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do 24341, South Korea
| | - Minsik Park
- Departments of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do 24341, South Korea
| | - Seunghwan Choi
- Departments of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do 24341, South Korea
| | - Wonjin Park
- Departments of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do 24341, South Korea
| | - Suji Kim
- Departments of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do 24341, South Korea
| | - Yoon Kyung Choi
- Departments of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do 24341, South Korea
| | - Jong Yun Hwang
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do 24341, South Korea
| | - Jongseon Choe
- Departments of Immunology, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do 24341, South Korea
| | - Moo-Ho Won
- Departments of Neurobiology, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do 24341, South Korea
| | - Dooil Jeoung
- Departments of Biochemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do 24341, South Korea
| | - Hansoo Lee
- Departments of Biology, College of Natural Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do 24341, South Korea
| | - Sungwoo Ryoo
- Departments of Biology, College of Natural Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do 24341, South Korea
| | - Kwon-Soo Ha
- Departments of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do 24341, South Korea
| | - Young-Guen Kwon
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, South Korea
| | - Young-Myeong Kim
- Departments of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do 24341, South Korea.
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47
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Mudrovcic N, Arefin S, Van Craenenbroeck AH, Kublickiene K. Endothelial maintenance in health and disease: Importance of sex differences. Pharmacol Res 2017; 119:48-60. [PMID: 28108363 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2017.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2016] [Revised: 01/09/2017] [Accepted: 01/10/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The vascular endothelium has emerged as more than just an inert monolayer of cells lining the vascular bed. It represents the interface between the blood stream and vessel wall, and has a strategic role in regulating vascular homeostasis by the release of vasoactive substances. Endothelial dysfunction contributes to the development and progression of cardiovascular disease. Recognition of sex-specific factors implicated in endothelial cell biology is important for the identification of clinically relevant preventive and/or therapeutic strategies. This review aims to give an overview of the recent advances in understanding the importance of sex specific observations in endothelial maintenance, both in healthy and diseased conditions. The female endothelium is highlighted in the context of polycystic ovary syndrome and pre-eclampsia. Furthermore, sex differences are explored in chronic kidney disease, which is currently appreciated as one of public health priorities. Overall, this review endorses integration of sex analysis in experimental and patient-oriented research in the exciting field of vascular biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neja Mudrovcic
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention & Technology, Division of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Samsul Arefin
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention & Technology, Division of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Amaryllis H Van Craenenbroeck
- Department of Nephrology, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium; Laboratory of Experimental Medicine and Pediatrics, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Department of Clinical Science, Intervention & Technology, Division of Renal Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Karolina Kublickiene
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention & Technology, Division of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Clinical Science, Intervention & Technology, Division of Renal Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Centre for Gender Medicine, Department of Medicine-Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
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48
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Usselman CW, Stachenfeld NS, Bender JR. The molecular actions of oestrogen in the regulation of vascular health. Exp Physiol 2017; 101:356-61. [PMID: 26778523 DOI: 10.1113/ep085148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2015] [Accepted: 01/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
NEW FINDINGS What is the topic of this review? This review summarizes the beneficial actions of oestrogen on the vasculature, highlighting both molecular mechanisms and functional outcomes. What advances does it highlight? The net effect of oestrogen on the vascular health of women continues to be debated. Recent advances have provided strong evidence for the role of membrane-bound oestrogen receptors in the maintenance of normal endothelial function. On a broader scale, functional outcomes of oestrogen actions on the vasculature may mediate the reduced risk of cardiovascular disease in premenopausal women. The conflicting implications of the large-scale clinical menopausal hormone therapy trials in humans versus the findings of studies on experimental animals underscore the limitations within our understanding of the molecular actions of oestrogen. However, recent research has provided improved insight into the actions of oestrogen on the endothelium and vascular smooth muscle. This review outlines the actions of oestrogen as it contributes to vascular structure, function and health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte W Usselman
- Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Nina S Stachenfeld
- The John B. Pierce Laboratory, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.,Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.,Yale School of Public Health, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Jeffrey R Bender
- Departments of Internal Medicine (Cardiovascular Medicine) and Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.,Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.,Raymond and Beverly Sackler Foundation Cardiovascular Laboratory, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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49
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Ronchetti SA, Machiavelli LI, Quinteros FA, Duvilanski BH, Cabilla JP. Nitric Oxide Plays a Key Role in Ovariectomy-Induced Apoptosis in Anterior Pituitary: Interplay between Nitric Oxide Pathway and Estrogen. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0162455. [PMID: 27611913 PMCID: PMC5017659 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0162455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2016] [Accepted: 08/23/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Changes in the estrogenic status produce deep changes in pituitary physiology, mainly because estrogens (E2) are one of the main regulators of pituitary cell population. Also, E2 negatively regulate pituitary neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) activity and expression and may thereby modulate the production of nitric oxide (NO), an important regulator of cell death and survival. Little is known about how ovary ablation affects anterior pituitary cell remodelling and molecular mechanisms that regulate this process have not yet been elucidated. In this work we used freshly dispersed anterior pituitaries as well as cell cultures from ovariectomized female rats in order to study whether E2 deficiency induces apoptosis in the anterior pituitary cells, the role of NO in this process and effects of E2 on the NO pathway. Our results showed that cell activity gradually decreases after ovariectomy (OVX) as a consequence of cell death, which is completely prevented by a pan-caspase inhibitor. Furthermore, there is an increase of fragmented nuclei and DNA cleavage thereby presenting the first direct evidence of the existence of apoptosis in the anterior pituitary gland after OVX. NO production and soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) expression in anterior pituitary cells increased concomitantly to the apoptosis. Inhibition of both, NO synthase (NOS) and sGC activities prevented the drop of cell viability after OVX, showing for the first time that increased NO levels and sGC activity observed post-OVX play a key role in the induction of apoptosis. Conversely, E2 and prolactin treatments decreased nNOS expression and activity in pituitary cells from OVX rats in a time- and E2 receptor-dependent manner, thus suggesting interplay between NO and E2 pathways in anterior pituitary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia A. Ronchetti
- Departamento de Química Biológica, IQUIFIB, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED) UBA-CONICET, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Leticia I. Machiavelli
- Departamento de Química Biológica, IQUIFIB, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Fernanda A. Quinteros
- Departamento de Química Biológica, IQUIFIB, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Beatriz H. Duvilanski
- Departamento de Química Biológica, IQUIFIB, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED) UBA-CONICET, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Jimena P. Cabilla
- Departamento de Química Biológica, IQUIFIB, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED) UBA-CONICET, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- * E-mail:
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50
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Wight E, Küng CF, Moreau P, Takase H, Bersinger NA, Lüscher TF. Aging, Serum Estradiol Levels, and Pregnancy Differentially Affect Vascular Reactivity of the Rat Uterine Artery. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.1177/107155760000700205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - T. F. Lüscher
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Cardiology, University HOspital Zurich and Cardiovascular Research, Cardiology, Inselspital/University Hospital, Bern; University Clinic for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Bern, Switzerland
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