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Wardhani K, Yazzie S, McVeigh C, Edeh O, Grimes M, Jacquez Q, Dixson C, Barr E, Liu R, Bolt AM, Feng C, Zychowski KE. Systemic immunological responses are dependent on sex and ovarian hormone presence following acute inhaled woodsmoke exposure. Part Fibre Toxicol 2024; 21:27. [PMID: 38797836 PMCID: PMC11129474 DOI: 10.1186/s12989-024-00587-5] [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: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rural regions of the western United States have experienced a noticeable surge in both the frequency and severity of acute wildfire events, which brings significant challenges to both public safety and environmental conservation efforts, with impacts felt globally. Identifying factors contributing to immune dysfunction, including endocrinological phenotypes, is essential to understanding how hormones may influence toxicological susceptibility. METHODS This exploratory study utilized male and female C57BL/6 mice as in vivo models to investigate distinct responses to acute woodsmoke (WS) exposure with a focus on sex-based differences. In a second set of investigations, two groups were established within the female mouse cohort. In one group, mice experienced ovariectomy (OVX) to simulate an ovarian hormone-deficient state similar to surgical menopause, while the other group received Sham surgery as controls, to investigate the mechanistic role of ovarian hormone presence in driving immune dysregulation following acute WS exposure. Each experimental cohort followed a consecutive 2-day protocol with daily 4-h exposure intervals under two conditions: control HEPA-filtered air (FA) and acute WS to simulate an acute wildfire episode. RESULTS Metals analysis of WS particulate matter (PM) revealed significantly increased levels of 63Cu, 182W, 208Pb, and 238U, compared to filtered air (FA) controls, providing insights into the specific metal components most impacted by the changing dynamics of wildfire occurrences in the region. Male and female mice exhibited diverse patterns in lung mRNA cytokine expression following WS exposure, with males showing downregulation and females displaying upregulation, notably for IL-1β, TNF-α, CXCL-1, CCL-5, TGF-β, and IL-6. After acute WS exposure, there were notable differences in the responses of macrophages, neutrophils, and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cytokines IL-10, IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α. Significant diverse alterations were observed in BAL cytokines, specifically IL-1β, IL-10, IL-6, and TNF-α, as well as in the populations of immune cells, such as macrophages and polymorphonuclear leukocytes, in both Sham and OVX mice, following acute WS exposure. These findings elucidated the profound influence of hormonal changes on inflammatory outcomes, delineating substantial sex-related differences in immune activation and revealing altered immune responses in OVX mice due to ovarian hormone deficiency. In addition, the flow cytometry analysis highlighted the complex interaction between OVX surgery, acute WS exposure, and their collective impact on immune cell populations within the hematopoietic bone marrow niche. CONCLUSIONS In summary, both male and female mice, alongside females subjected to OVX and those who had sham surgery, exhibit significant variations in the expression of proinflammatory cytokines, chemokines, lung mRNA gene expression, and related functional networks linked to signaling pathways. These differences potentially act as mediators of sex-specific and hormonal influences in the systemic inflammatory response to acute WS exposure during a wildfire event. Understanding the regulatory roles of genes expressed differentially under environmental stressors holds considerable implications, aiding in identifying sex-specific therapeutic targets for addressing acute lung inflammation and injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kartika Wardhani
- College of Nursing, University of New Mexico-Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
- Biochemistry and Biotechnology Group (B-TEK), Bioscience Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico, USA
| | - Sydnee Yazzie
- College of Nursing, University of New Mexico-Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Charlotte McVeigh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico-Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Onamma Edeh
- College of Nursing, University of New Mexico-Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Martha Grimes
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico-Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Quiteria Jacquez
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico-Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Connor Dixson
- College of Nursing, University of New Mexico-Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Edward Barr
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico-Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Rui Liu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico-Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Alicia M Bolt
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico-Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Changjian Feng
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico-Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Katherine E Zychowski
- College of Nursing, University of New Mexico-Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA.
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Diboue Betote PH, Del Florence Ndedi Moni E, Matchuenkam SRG, Beack SSB, Fifen R, Ouedraogo R, Agbor GA, Semde R, Nnanga N, Nyegue MA. Sex-dependent vulnerability for Wistar rats model following intranasal instillation with Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC 43816 causing lobar pneumonia. Pneumonia (Nathan) 2024; 16:5. [PMID: 38523293 PMCID: PMC10962189 DOI: 10.1186/s41479-024-00126-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Klebsiella pneumoniae has become one of the major threats to public health as it causes nosocomial and community-acquired infections like lobar pneumonia. This infection causes acute inflammation in the lung, characterized by the recruitment of polymorphonuclear cells, generating free radicals, and decreasing the endogenous antioxidant balance system. Many experimental studies have focused on the induction, progression and resolution of infection up to its peak, but these documented processes remain highly random and their sex dependence un-elicited. These fluctuations of physiopathological parameters would impact disease progression depending on the animal's model and bacterial strain used. The present study investigated the sex-dependent vulnerability of Wistar rats to K. pneumoniae ATCC 43816 lobar pneumonia induced by the intranasal instillation method. METHODS Experimental pneumonia was induced by K. pneumoniae ATCC 43816 in male and female Wistar rats following intranasal instillation. The physiopathogenesis of the disease was studied by bacteriological and histopathological exams, histomorphometric analysis of the blood and/or lung tissue, and body weight loss in infected animals. In addition, the overall severity of lesions was determined by the total score obtained by averaging the individual scores from the same group of animals. RESULTS The K. pneumoniae ATCC 43816 strain showed inoculation dose-, incubation time of the disease- and sex-dependent- differences in its ability to induce lobar pneumonia. Evaluation of different parameters showed that the disease peaked on day 15 post-inoculation, with more pathogenic effects on female rats. This observed sex-dependence difference in Wistar rats was mainly highlighted by the determined lethal dose 50 (LD50), bacterial load count in whole blood and lung tissues, body weight loss, inflammatory granulomas forming and diffuse alveolar damages. The pathogenicity was confirmed by scoring the severity of pathologic lesions of lung tissues. CONCLUSIONS The results obtained highlighted the gender-dependency in the physiopathogenesis processes of K. pneumoniae ATCC 43816 induced-lobar pneumonia, in Wistar rats. Female Wistar rats' susceptibility is useful in studying pathology and in preclinical trial investigations of new treatments for infectious pneumonia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Hervé Diboue Betote
- Laboratory of Drug Development, Centre for Training, Research and Expertise in Drug Sciences, Doctoral School of Sciences and Health, University Joseph Ki-Zerbo, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Drugs Discovery, Centre for Research On Medicinal Plants and Traditional Medicine, Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plants Studies, Yaoundé, Cameroon.
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, University of Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon.
- Department of Galenical Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Law, Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon.
| | | | - Sonia Raïssa Gayap Matchuenkam
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Drugs Discovery, Centre for Research On Medicinal Plants and Traditional Medicine, Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plants Studies, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Sandrine Suzanne Bayengue Beack
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Drugs Discovery, Centre for Research On Medicinal Plants and Traditional Medicine, Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plants Studies, Yaoundé, Cameroon
- Department of Food Sciences and Technology, Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Rodrigue Fifen
- Department of Animal Biology and Physiology, Faculty of Science, University of Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Raogo Ouedraogo
- Laboratory of Drug Development, Centre for Training, Research and Expertise in Drug Sciences, Doctoral School of Sciences and Health, University Joseph Ki-Zerbo, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Gabriel A Agbor
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Drugs Discovery, Centre for Research On Medicinal Plants and Traditional Medicine, Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plants Studies, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Rasmané Semde
- Laboratory of Drug Development, Centre for Training, Research and Expertise in Drug Sciences, Doctoral School of Sciences and Health, University Joseph Ki-Zerbo, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Nga Nnanga
- Department of Galenical Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Law, Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology, Centre for Research On Medicinal Plants and Traditional Medicine, Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plants Studies, Yaoundé, Cameroon
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Abrar MNF, Jiang Y, Zhang H, Li L, Arshad H. Epigenetic Features in Newborns Associated with Preadolescence Lung Function and Asthma Acquisition during Adolescence. EPIGENOMES 2024; 8:12. [PMID: 38525738 PMCID: PMC10961756 DOI: 10.3390/epigenomes8020012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The association between newborn DNA methylation (DNAm) and asthma acquisition (AA) during adolescence has been suggested. Lung function (LF) has been shown to be associated with asthma risk and its severity. However, the role of LF in the associations between DNAm and AA is unclear, and it is also unknown whether the association between DNAm and AA is consistent with that between DNAm and LF. We address this question through assessing newborn epigenetic features of preadolescence LF and of AA during adolescence, along with their biological pathways and processes. Our study's primary medical significance lies in advancing the understanding of asthma's early life origins. By investigating epigenetic markers in newborns and their association with lung function in preadolescence, we aim to uncover potential early biomarkers of asthma risk. This could facilitate earlier detection and intervention strategies. Additionally, exploring biological pathways linking early lung function to later asthma development can offer insights into the disease's pathogenesis, potentially leading to novel therapeutic targets. METHODS The study was based on the Isle of Wight Birth cohort (IOWBC). Female subjects with DNAm data at birth and with no asthma at age 10 years were included (n = 249). The R package ttScreening was applied to identify CpGs potentially associated with AA from 10 to 18 years and with LF at age 10 (FEV1, FVC, and FEV1/FVC), respectively. Agreement in identified CpGs between AA and LF was examined, along with their biological pathways and processes via the R function gometh. We tested the findings in an independent cohort, the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC), to examine overall replicability. RESULTS In IOWBC, 292 CpGs were detected with DNAm associated with AA and 1517 unique CpGs for LF (514 for FEV1, 436 for FVC, 408 for FEV1/FVC), with one overlapping CpG, cg23642632 (NCKAP1) between AA and LF. Among the IOWBC-identified CpGs, we further tested in ALSPAC and observed the highest agreement between the two cohorts in FVC with respect to the direction of association and statistical significance. Epigenetic enrichment analyses indicated non-specific connections in the biological pathways and processes between AA and LF. CONCLUSIONS The present study suggests that FEV1, FVC, and FEV1/FVC (as objective measures of LF) and AA (incidence of asthma) are likely to have their own specific epigenetic features and biological pathways at birth. More replications are desirable to fully understand the complexity between DNAm, lung function, and asthma acquisition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Nahian Ferdous Abrar
- Division of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN 38152, USA; (M.N.F.A.); (Y.J.); (L.L.)
| | - Yu Jiang
- Division of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN 38152, USA; (M.N.F.A.); (Y.J.); (L.L.)
| | - Hongmei Zhang
- Division of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN 38152, USA; (M.N.F.A.); (Y.J.); (L.L.)
| | - Liang Li
- Division of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN 38152, USA; (M.N.F.A.); (Y.J.); (L.L.)
| | - Hasan Arshad
- David Hide Asthma and Allergy Research Centre, Isle of Wight P030 5TG, UK;
- Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton S017 1BJ, UK
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Ekpruke CD, Alford R, Rousselle D, Babayev M, Sharma S, Commodore S, Buechlein A, Rusch DB, Silveyra P. Transcriptomics analysis of allergen-induced inflammatory gene expression in the Four-Core Genotype mouse model. Physiol Genomics 2024; 56:235-245. [PMID: 38047309 DOI: 10.1152/physiolgenomics.00112.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Sex differences in allergic inflammation have been reported, but the mechanisms underlying these differences remain unknown. Contributions of both sex hormones and sex-related genes to these mechanisms have been previously suggested in clinical and animal studies. Here, Four-Core Genotypes (FCG) mouse model was used to study the inflammatory response to house dust mite (HDM) challenge and identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and regulatory pathways in lung tissue. Briefly, adult mice (8-10 wk old) of the FCG (XXM, XXF, XYM, XYF) were challenged intranasally with 25 μg of HDM or vehicle (PBS-control group) 5 days/wk for 5 wk (n = 3/10 group). At 72 h after the last exposure, we analyzed the eosinophils and neutrophils in the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) of FCG mice. We extracted lung tissue and determined DEGs using Templated Oligo-Sequencing (TempO-Seq). DEG analysis was performed using the DESeq2 package and gene enrichment analysis was done using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis. A total of 2,863 DEGs were identified in the FCG. Results revealed increased eosinophilia and neutrophilia in the HDM-treated group with the most significantly expressed genes in XYF phenotype and a predominant effect of female hormones vs. chromosomes. Regardless of the sex hormones, mice with female chromosomes had more downregulated genes in the HDM group but this was reversed in the control group. Interestingly, genes associated with inflammatory responses were overrepresented in the XXM and XYF genotypes treated with HDM. Sex hormones and chromosomes contribute to inflammatory responses to HDM challenge, with female hormones exerting a predominant effect mediated by inflammatory DEGs.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Gene expression profiling helps to provide deep insight into the global view of disease-related mechanisms and responses to therapy. Using the Four-Core Genotype mouse model, our findings revealed the influence of sex hormones and sex chromosomes in the gene expression of lungs exposed to an aeroallergen (House Dust Mite) and identified sex-specific pathways to better understand sex disparities associated with allergic airway inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn Damilola Ekpruke
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, United States
| | - Rachel Alford
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, United States
| | - Dustin Rousselle
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, United States
| | - Maksat Babayev
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, United States
| | - Shikha Sharma
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, United States
| | - Sarah Commodore
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, United States
| | - Aaron Buechlein
- Center for Genomics and Bioinformatics, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, United States
| | - Douglas B Rusch
- Center for Genomics and Bioinformatics, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, United States
| | - Patricia Silveyra
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, United States
- School of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States
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Commodore S, Ekpruke CD, Rousselle D, Alford R, Babayev M, Sharma S, Buechlein A, Rusch DB, Silveyra P. Lung proinflammatory microRNA and cytokine expression in a mouse model of allergic inflammation: role of sex chromosome complement and gonadal hormones. Physiol Genomics 2024; 56:179-193. [PMID: 38047312 DOI: 10.1152/physiolgenomics.00049.2023] [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: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic alterations such as dysregulation of miRNAs have been reported to play important roles in interactions between genetic and environmental factors. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that induction of lung inflammation by inhaled allergens triggers a sex-specific miRNA regulation that is dependent on chromosome complement and hormonal milieu. We challenged the four core genotypes (FCGs) model through intranasal sensitization with a house dust mite (HDM) solution (or PBS as a control) for 5 wk. The FCG model allows four combinations of gonads and sex chromosomes: 1) XX mice with ovaries (XXF), 2) XY mice with testes (XYM), 3) XX mice with testes (XXM), and 4) XY mice with ovaries (XYF). Following the challenge (n = 5-7/group), we assessed the expression of 84 inflammatory miRNAs in lung tissue using a PCR array and cytokine levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BAL) by a multiplex protein assay (n = 4-7 animals/group). Our results showed higher levels of the chemokine KC (an Il-8 homolog) and IL-7 in BAL from XYF mice challenged with HDM. In addition, IL-17A was significantly higher in BAL from both XXF and XYF mice. A three-way interaction among treatment, gonads, and sex chromosome revealed 60 of 64 miRNAs that differed in expression depending on genotype; XXF, XXM, XYF, and XYM mice had 45, 32, 4, and 52 differentially expressed miRNAs, respectively. Regulatory networks of miRNAs identified in this study were implicated in pathways associated with asthma. Female gonadal hormonal effects may alter miRNA expression and contribute to the higher susceptibility of females to asthma.NEW & NOTEWORTHY miRNAs play important roles in regulating gene and environmental interactions. However, their role in mediating sex differences in allergic responses and lung diseases has not been elucidated. Our study used a targeted omics approach to characterize the contributions of gonadal hormones and chromosomal components to lung responses to an allergen challenge. Our results point to the influence of sex hormones in miRNA expression and proinflammatory markers in allergic airway inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Commodore
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, Indiana, United States
| | - Carolyn Damilola Ekpruke
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, Indiana, United States
| | - Dustin Rousselle
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, Indiana, United States
| | - Rachel Alford
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, Indiana, United States
| | - Maksat Babayev
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, Indiana, United States
| | - Shikha Sharma
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, Indiana, United States
| | - Aaron Buechlein
- Center for Genomics and Bioinformatics, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, United States
| | - Douglas B Rusch
- Center for Genomics and Bioinformatics, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, United States
| | - Patricia Silveyra
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, Indiana, United States
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Lee Y, Song J, Jeong Y, Choi E, Ahn C, Jang W. Meta-analysis of single-cell RNA-sequencing data for depicting the transcriptomic landscape of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Comput Biol Med 2023; 167:107685. [PMID: 37976829 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2023.107685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a respiratory disease characterized by airflow limitation and chronic inflammation of the lungs that is a leading cause of death worldwide. Since the complete pathological mechanisms at the single-cell level are not fully understood yet, an integrative approach to characterizing the single-cell-resolution landscape of COPD is required. To identify the cell types and mechanisms associated with the development of COPD, we conducted a meta-analysis using three single-cell RNA-sequencing datasets of COPD. Among the 154,011 cells from 16 COPD patients and 18 healthy subjects, 17 distinct cell types were observed. Of the 17 cell types, monocytes, mast cells, and alveolar type 2 cells (AT2 cells) were found to be etiologically implicated in COPD based on genetic and transcriptomic features. The most transcriptomically diversified states of the three etiological cell types showed significant enrichment in immune/inflammatory responses (monocytes and mast cells) and/or mitochondrial dysfunction (monocytes and AT2 cells). We then identified three chemical candidates that may potentially induce COPD by modulating gene expression patterns in the three etiological cell types. Overall, our study suggests the single-cell level mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of COPD and may provide information on toxic compounds that could be potential risk factors for COPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yubin Lee
- Department of Life Sciences, Dongguk University, Seoul, 04620, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jaeseung Song
- Department of Life Sciences, Dongguk University, Seoul, 04620, Republic of Korea.
| | - Yeonbin Jeong
- Department of Life Sciences, Dongguk University, Seoul, 04620, Republic of Korea.
| | - Eunyoung Choi
- Department of Life Sciences, Dongguk University, Seoul, 04620, Republic of Korea.
| | - Chulwoo Ahn
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea.
| | - Wonhee Jang
- Department of Life Sciences, Dongguk University, Seoul, 04620, Republic of Korea.
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Odimba U, Senthilselvan A, Farrell J, Gao Z. Sex-Specific Genetic Determinants of Asthma-COPD Phenotype and COPD in Middle-Aged and Older Canadian Adults: An Analysis of CLSA Data. COPD 2023; 20:233-247. [PMID: 37466093 DOI: 10.1080/15412555.2023.2229906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
The etiology of sex differences in the risk of asthma-COPD phenotype and COPD is still not completely understood. Genetic and environmental risk factors are commonly believed to play an important role. This study aims to identify sex-specific genetic markers associated with asthma-COPD phenotype and COPD using the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA) Baseline Comprehensive and Genomic data. There were a total of 1,415 COPD cases. Out of them, 504 asthma-COPD phenotype cases were identified. 20,524 participants without a diagnosis of asthma and COPD served as controls. We performed genome-wide SNP-by-sex interaction analysis. SNPs with an interaction p-value < 10-5 were included in a sex-stratified multivariable logistic regression for asthma-COPD phenotype and COPD outcomes. 18 and 28 SNPs had a significant interaction term p-value < 10-5 with sex in the regression analyses of asthma-COPD phenotype and COPD outcomes, respectively. Sex-stratified multivariable analysis of asthma-COPD phenotype showed that 7 SNPs in/near SMYD3, FHIT, ZNF608, RIMBP2, ZNF133, BPIFB1, and S100B loci were significant in males. Sex-stratified multivariable analysis of COPD showed that 8 SNPs in/near MAGI1, COX18, OSTC, ELOVL5, C7orf72 FGF14, and NKAIN4 were significant in males, and 4 SNPs in/near genes CAMTA1, SATB2, PDE10A, and LINC00908 were significant in females. An SNP in the ZPBP gene was associated with COPD in both males and females. Identification of sex-specific loci associated with asthma-COPD phenotype and COPD may offer valuable evidence toward a better understanding of the sex-specific differences in the pathophysiology of the diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ugochukwu Odimba
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Division of Community Health and Humanities, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University, St. John's, Canada
| | | | - Jamie Farrell
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Division of Community Health and Humanities, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University, St. John's, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, Health Sciences Centre (Respirology Department), Memorial University, St John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Zhiwei Gao
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Division of Community Health and Humanities, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University, St. John's, Canada
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Cojocaru C, Cojocaru E, Pohaci-Antonesei LS, Pohaci-Antonesei CA, Dumitrache-Rujinski S. Sleep apnea syndrome associated with gonadal hormone imbalance (Review). Biomed Rep 2023; 19:101. [PMID: 38025832 PMCID: PMC10646762 DOI: 10.3892/br.2023.1683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients with obstructive sleep apnea exhibit an increased risk of developing gonadal disorders. Because a notable number of people worldwide have sleep respiratory and reproductive disorders, it is essential to recognize the association between local upper airway dysfunction and its gonadal effects. Repeated breathing pauses cause sleep fragmentation, disorganization of sleep cycles and stages, sympathetic activation, intermittent hypoxemia and systemic inflammation. Nocturnal intermittent hypoxemia has a direct central effect on neurotransmitters, with disturbances in the normal production of hypothalamic-pituitary hormones. Awakenings and micro-awakenings at the end of apneic episodes produce a central stress responsible for hormonal changes and subsequent endocrine imbalances. The aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) on gonadal hormonal homeostasis and its consequences. Recognizing and understanding how local upper airway dysfunction causes gonadal imbalance may facilitate better care for patients with OSAS. Although there may be a direct relationship between sleep-disordered breathing and gonadal function mediated by hormones via the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, to date, current therapies have not been effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristian Cojocaru
- Department of Medical III, Grigore T Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Elena Cojocaru
- Department of Morpho-Functional Sciences II, Grigore T Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Luiza-Simona Pohaci-Antonesei
- Department of Morpho-Functional Sciences II, Grigore T Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | | | - Stefan Dumitrache-Rujinski
- Department of Cardiothoracic Pathology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050471 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Pneumology, Marius Nasta Institute of Pneumophtisiology, 050159 Bucharest, Romania
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Stanelle-Bertram S, Beck S, Mounogou NK, Schaumburg B, Stoll F, Al Jawazneh A, Schmal Z, Bai T, Zickler M, Beythien G, Becker K, de la Roi M, Heinrich F, Schulz C, Sauter M, Krasemann S, Lange P, Heinemann A, van Riel D, Leijten L, Bauer L, van den Bosch TPP, Lopuhaä B, Busche T, Wibberg D, Schaudien D, Goldmann T, Lüttjohann A, Ruschinski J, Jania H, Müller Z, Pinho Dos Reis V, Krupp-Buzimkic V, Wolff M, Fallerini C, Baldassarri M, Furini S, Norwood K, Käufer C, Schützenmeister N, von Köckritz-Blickwede M, Schroeder M, Jarczak D, Nierhaus A, Welte T, Kluge S, McHardy AC, Sommer F, Kalinowski J, Krauss-Etschmann S, Richter F, von der Thüsen J, Baumgärtner W, Klingel K, Ondruschka B, Renieri A, Gabriel G. CYP19A1 mediates severe SARS-CoV-2 disease outcome in males. Cell Rep Med 2023; 4:101152. [PMID: 37572667 PMCID: PMC10518605 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2023.101152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
Male sex represents one of the major risk factors for severe COVID-19 outcome. However, underlying mechanisms that mediate sex-dependent disease outcome are as yet unknown. Here, we identify the CYP19A1 gene encoding for the testosterone-to-estradiol metabolizing enzyme CYP19A1 (also known as aromatase) as a host factor that contributes to worsened disease outcome in SARS-CoV-2-infected males. We analyzed exome sequencing data obtained from a human COVID-19 cohort (n = 2,866) using a machine-learning approach and identify a CYP19A1-activity-increasing mutation to be associated with the development of severe disease in men but not women. We further analyzed human autopsy-derived lungs (n = 86) and detect increased pulmonary CYP19A1 expression at the time point of death in men compared with women. In the golden hamster model, we show that SARS-CoV-2 infection causes increased CYP19A1 expression in the lung that is associated with dysregulated plasma sex hormone levels and reduced long-term pulmonary function in males but not females. Treatment of SARS-CoV-2-infected hamsters with a clinically approved CYP19A1 inhibitor (letrozole) improves impaired lung function and supports recovery of imbalanced sex hormones specifically in males. Our study identifies CYP19A1 as a contributor to sex-specific SARS-CoV-2 disease outcome in males. Furthermore, inhibition of CYP19A1 by the clinically approved drug letrozole may furnish a new therapeutic strategy for individualized patient management and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sebastian Beck
- Department for Viral Zoonoses - One Health, Leibniz Institute of Virology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Nancy Kouassi Mounogou
- Department for Viral Zoonoses - One Health, Leibniz Institute of Virology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Berfin Schaumburg
- Department for Viral Zoonoses - One Health, Leibniz Institute of Virology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Fabian Stoll
- Department for Viral Zoonoses - One Health, Leibniz Institute of Virology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Amirah Al Jawazneh
- Department for Viral Zoonoses - One Health, Leibniz Institute of Virology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Zoé Schmal
- Department for Viral Zoonoses - One Health, Leibniz Institute of Virology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Tian Bai
- Department for Viral Zoonoses - One Health, Leibniz Institute of Virology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Martin Zickler
- Department for Viral Zoonoses - One Health, Leibniz Institute of Virology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Georg Beythien
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Kathrin Becker
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Madeleine de la Roi
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Fabian Heinrich
- Institute of Legal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Claudia Schulz
- Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Martina Sauter
- Institute for Pathology and Neuropathology, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Susanne Krasemann
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; Core Facility Experimental Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Philine Lange
- Institute of Legal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Axel Heinemann
- Institute of Legal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Debby van Riel
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Lonneke Leijten
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Lisa Bauer
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Boaz Lopuhaä
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Tobias Busche
- Medical School East Westphalia-Lippe & Center for Biotechnology (CeBiTec), Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Daniel Wibberg
- Microbial Genomics and Biotechnology, Center for Biotechnology (CeBiTec), Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Dirk Schaudien
- Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine ITEM, Hannover, Germany
| | - Torsten Goldmann
- Pathology of the University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck and the Research Center Borstel, Research Center Borstel, Leibniz Center for Medicine and Biosciences, German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Borstel, Germany
| | - Anna Lüttjohann
- Department for Viral Zoonoses - One Health, Leibniz Institute of Virology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jenny Ruschinski
- Department for Viral Zoonoses - One Health, Leibniz Institute of Virology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Hanna Jania
- Department for Viral Zoonoses - One Health, Leibniz Institute of Virology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Zacharias Müller
- Department for Viral Zoonoses - One Health, Leibniz Institute of Virology, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Vanessa Krupp-Buzimkic
- Department for Viral Zoonoses - One Health, Leibniz Institute of Virology, Hamburg, Germany; Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Martin Wolff
- Early Life Origins of Chronic Lung Disease, Research Center Borstel, Leibniz Lung Center, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Borstel, Germany
| | - Chiara Fallerini
- Med Biotech Hub and Competence Center, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy; Medical Genetics, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Margherita Baldassarri
- Med Biotech Hub and Competence Center, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy; Medical Genetics, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Simone Furini
- Med Biotech Hub and Competence Center, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Katrina Norwood
- Department for Computational Biology of Infection Research, Helmholtz Center for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany; Braunschweig Integrated Centre of Systems Biology (BRICS), Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Christopher Käufer
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Pharmacy, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Maren von Köckritz-Blickwede
- Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany; Department of Biochemistry, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Maria Schroeder
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Dominik Jarczak
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Axel Nierhaus
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Tobias Welte
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany; Biomedical Research in Endstage and Obstructive Lung Disease, Member of the German Center for Lung Research, Hannover, Germany
| | - Stefan Kluge
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Alice C McHardy
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Braunschweig, Germany; Department for Computational Biology of Infection Research, Helmholtz Center for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany; Braunschweig Integrated Centre of Systems Biology (BRICS), Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany; Cluster of Excellence RESIST (EXC 2355), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Frank Sommer
- Division Men's Health, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jörn Kalinowski
- Microbial Genomics and Biotechnology, Center for Biotechnology (CeBiTec), Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Susanne Krauss-Etschmann
- Early Life Origins of Chronic Lung Disease, Research Center Borstel, Leibniz Lung Center, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Borstel, Germany; Institute for Experimental Medicine, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Franziska Richter
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Pharmacy, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Jan von der Thüsen
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Wolfgang Baumgärtner
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Karin Klingel
- Institute for Pathology and Neuropathology, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Benjamin Ondruschka
- Institute of Legal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Alessandra Renieri
- Med Biotech Hub and Competence Center, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy; Medical Genetics, University of Siena, Siena, Italy; Genetica Medica, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Senese, Siena, Italy
| | - Gülsah Gabriel
- Department for Viral Zoonoses - One Health, Leibniz Institute of Virology, Hamburg, Germany; Institute of Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Braunschweig, Germany.
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Burrowes KS, Ruppage M, Lowry A, Zhao D. Sex matters: the frequently overlooked importance of considering sex in computational models. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1186646. [PMID: 37520817 PMCID: PMC10374267 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1186646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Personalised medicine and the development of a virtual human or a digital twin comprises visions of the future of medicine. To realise these innovations, an understanding of the biology and physiology of all people are required if we wish to apply these technologies at a population level. Sex differences in health and biology is one aspect that has frequently been overlooked, with young white males being seen as the "average" human being. This has not been helped by the lack of inclusion of female cells and animals in biomedical research and preclinical studies or the historic exclusion, and still low in proportion, of women in clinical trials. However, there are many known differences in health between the sexes across all scales of biology which can manifest in differences in susceptibility to diseases, symptoms in a given disease, and outcomes to a given treatment. Neglecting these important differences in the development of any health technologies could lead to adverse outcomes for both males and females. Here we highlight just some of the sex differences in the cardio-respiratory systems with the goal of raising awareness that these differences exist. We discuss modelling studies that have considered sex differences and touch on how and when to create sex-specific models. Scientific studies should ensure sex differences are included right from the study planning phase and results reported using sex as a biological variable. Computational models must have sex-specific versions to ensure a movement towards personalised medicine is realised.
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Affiliation(s)
- K. S. Burrowes
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - M. Ruppage
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - A. Lowry
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - D. Zhao
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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11
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Mostafa DHD, Hemshekhar M, Piyadasa H, Altieri A, Halayko AJ, Pascoe CD, Mookherjee N. Characterization of sex-related differences in allergen house dust mite-challenged airway inflammation, in two different strains of mice. Sci Rep 2022; 12:20837. [PMID: 36460835 PMCID: PMC9718733 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-25327-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Biological sex impacts disease prevalence, severity and response to therapy in asthma, however preclinical studies often use only one sex in murine models. Here, we detail sex-related differences in immune responses using a house dust mite (HDM)-challenge model of acute airway inflammation, in adult mice of two different strains (BALB/c and C57BL/6NJ). Female and male mice were challenged (intranasally) with HDM extract (~ 25 μg) for 2 weeks (N = 10 per group). Increase in serum HDM-specific IgE showed a female bias, which was statistically significant in BALB/c mice. We compared naïve and HDM-challenged mice to define immune responses in the lungs by assessing leukocyte accumulation in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and profiling the abundance of 29 different cytokines in BALF and lung tissue lysates. Our results demonstrate specific sex-related and strain-dependent differences in airway inflammation. For example, HDM-driven accumulation of neutrophils, eosinophils and macrophages were significantly higher in females compared to males, in BALB/c mice. In contrast, HDM-mediated eosinophil accumulation was higher in males compared to females, in C57BL/6NJ mice. Differences in lung cytokine profiles indicated that HDM drives a T-helper (Th)17-biased response with higher IL-17 levels in female BALB/c mice compared to males, whereas female C57BL/6NJ mice elicit a mixed Th1/Th2-skewed response. Male mice of both strains showed higher levels of specific Th2-skewed cytokines, such as IL-21, IL-25 and IL-9, in response to HDM. Overall, this study details sex dimorphism in HDM-mediated airway inflammation in mice, which will be a valuable resource for preclinical studies in allergic airway inflammation and asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dina H. D. Mostafa
- grid.21613.370000 0004 1936 9609Department of Immunology, University of Manitoba, 799 JBRC, 715 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P4 Canada ,grid.21613.370000 0004 1936 9609Manitoba Centre for Proteomics and Systems Biology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB Canada
| | - Mahadevappa Hemshekhar
- grid.21613.370000 0004 1936 9609Manitoba Centre for Proteomics and Systems Biology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB Canada
| | - Hadeesha Piyadasa
- grid.21613.370000 0004 1936 9609Department of Immunology, University of Manitoba, 799 JBRC, 715 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P4 Canada ,grid.21613.370000 0004 1936 9609Manitoba Centre for Proteomics and Systems Biology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB Canada ,grid.168010.e0000000419368956Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94304 USA
| | - Anthony Altieri
- grid.21613.370000 0004 1936 9609Department of Immunology, University of Manitoba, 799 JBRC, 715 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P4 Canada ,grid.21613.370000 0004 1936 9609Manitoba Centre for Proteomics and Systems Biology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB Canada
| | - Andrew J. Halayko
- grid.21613.370000 0004 1936 9609Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB Canada ,grid.460198.20000 0004 4685 0561Biology of Breathing Group, The Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB Canada
| | - Christopher D. Pascoe
- grid.21613.370000 0004 1936 9609Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB Canada ,grid.460198.20000 0004 4685 0561Biology of Breathing Group, The Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB Canada
| | - Neeloffer Mookherjee
- grid.21613.370000 0004 1936 9609Department of Immunology, University of Manitoba, 799 JBRC, 715 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P4 Canada ,grid.21613.370000 0004 1936 9609Manitoba Centre for Proteomics and Systems Biology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB Canada ,grid.460198.20000 0004 4685 0561Biology of Breathing Group, The Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB Canada
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12
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Nguyen TT, Smith CY, Gazzuola Rocca L, Rocca WA, Vassallo R, Dulohery Scrodin MM. A population-based cohort study on the risk of obstructive lung disease after bilateral oophorectomy. NPJ Prim Care Respir Med 2022; 32:52. [PMCID: PMC9663719 DOI: 10.1038/s41533-022-00317-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractThere is increasing evidence that sex hormones may impact the development of obstructive lung disease (OLD). Therefore, we studied the effect of bilateral oophorectomy (oophorectomy) on the development of OLD. Women were identified from the Mayo Clinic Cohort Study of Oophorectomy and Aging-2. Data were collected using the Rochester Epidemiology Project records-linkage system. A total of 1653 women who underwent oophorectomy and 1653 referent women of similar age were assessed for OLD using diagnostic codes and medical record abstraction. Women who underwent oophorectomy had an overall higher risk of all OLD, all chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, and chronic bronchitis but not of all asthma, confirmed asthma, or confirmed COPD. The association with all OLD was stronger in women who were age ≤45 years at oophorectomy, never smokers, non-obese, and in women with benign indications; however, the interactions were not statistically significant. There was an increased risk of all asthma in women age ≤45 years at oophorectomy who took estrogen therapy. Never smokers of all ages had a stronger association of oophorectomy with all asthma and all COPD, whereas smokers had a stronger association of oophorectomy with emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Non-obese women of all ages had a stronger association of oophorectomy with all COPD, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis. The results of this study combined with the increased risk of several chronic diseases reported in previous studies suggest that oophorectomy in premenopausal women should be avoided unless there is clear evidence of a high genetic risk of ovarian cancer.
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13
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Liu Y, Huang C, Du J, Lan G, Du X, Sun Y, Shi G. Anabolic-androgenic steroids for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:915159. [PMID: 36148458 PMCID: PMC9485876 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.915159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Testosterone deficiency is common in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. There has been a growing interest in the potential use of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AASs) in patients with COPD recently. However, whether AASs could improve their clinical outcomes remains unknown. Methods In order to explore the efficacy of AASs in patients with COPD, systematic search of MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane Library and ClinicalTrials.gov for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of AASs for COPD published before March 17, 2022 was performed. Results Data were extracted from 8 articles involving 520 participants. The median number of participants per study was 39.5 and the mean follow up was 14.2 weeks. As compared to the control group, AASs therapy could significantly improve body weight (weighted mean difference (WMD), 1.38 kg; 95% CI, 0.79 to 1.97 kg), fat-free mass (WMD, 1.56 kg; 95% CI, 0.94 to 2.18 kg) and peak workload (WMD, 6.89W; 95% CI, 3.97 to 9.81W) of COPD patients, but no improvements in spirometry indicators and six-minute walking distances (WMD, 16.88 m; 95%, −3.27 to 37.04 m). Based on the available research data, it is uncertain whether AASs treatment could improve the quality of life of COPD patients. Conclusions Limited published evidence indicates that AASs therapy provides clinical benefits in patients with COPD. However, longer and larger studies are needed to better clarify the efficacy of AASs and draw final conclusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yahui Liu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Emergency Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Respiratory Infectious Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chunrong Huang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Emergency Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Respiratory Infectious Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Juan Du
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Emergency Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Respiratory Infectious Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Gelei Lan
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Emergency Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Respiratory Infectious Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xueqing Du
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Emergency Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Respiratory Infectious Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yidan Sun
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Emergency Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Respiratory Infectious Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Guochao Shi
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Emergency Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Respiratory Infectious Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Guochao Shi
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14
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Lung Models to Evaluate Silver Nanoparticles’ Toxicity and Their Impact on Human Health. NANOMATERIALS 2022; 12:nano12132316. [PMID: 35808152 PMCID: PMC9268743 DOI: 10.3390/nano12132316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Nanomaterials (NMs) solve specific problems with remarkable results in several industrial and scientific areas. Among NMs, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been extensively employed as drug carriers, medical diagnostics, energy harvesting devices, sensors, lubricants, and bioremediation. Notably, they have shown excellent antimicrobial, anticancer, and antiviral properties in the biomedical field. The literature analysis shows a selective cytotoxic effect on cancer cells compared to healthy cells, making its potential application in cancer treatment evident, increasing the need to study the potential risk of their use to environmental and human health. A large battery of toxicity models, both in vitro and in vivo, have been established to predict the harmful effects of incorporating AgNPs in these numerous areas or those produced due to involuntary exposure. However, these models often report contradictory results due to their lack of standardization, generating controversy and slowing the advances in nanotoxicology research, fundamentally by generalizing the biological response produced by the AgNP formulations. This review summarizes the last ten years’ reports concerning AgNPs’ toxicity in cellular respiratory system models (e.g., mono-culture models, co-cultures, 3D cultures, ex vivo and in vivo). In turn, more complex cellular models represent in a better way the physical and chemical barriers of the body; however, results should be used carefully so as not to be misleading. The main objective of this work is to highlight current models with the highest physiological relevance, identifying the opportunity areas of lung nanotoxicology and contributing to the establishment and strengthening of specific regulations regarding health and the environment.
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15
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Webber T, Ronacher K, Conradie-Smit M, Kleynhans L. Interplay Between the Immune and Endocrine Systems in the Lung: Implications for TB Susceptibility. Front Immunol 2022; 13:829355. [PMID: 35273609 PMCID: PMC8901994 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.829355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of the endocrine system on the immune response, especially in the lung, remains poorly understood. Hormones play a crucial role in the development, homeostasis, metabolism, and response to the environment of cells and tissues. Major infectious and metabolic diseases, such as tuberculosis and diabetes, continue to converge, necessitating the development of a clearer understanding of the immune and endocrine interactions that occur in the lung. Research in bacterial respiratory infections is at a critical point, where the limitations in identifying and developing antibiotics is becoming more profound. Hormone receptors on alveolar and immune cells may provide a plethora of targets for host-directed therapy. This review discusses the interactions between the immune and endocrine systems in the lung. We describe hormone receptors currently identified in the lungs, focusing on the effect hormones have on the pulmonary immune response. Altered endocrine responses in the lung affect the balance between pro- and anti-inflammatory immune responses and play a role in the response to infection in the lung. While some hormones, such as leptin, resistin and lipocalin-2 promote pro-inflammatory responses and immune cell infiltration, others including adiponectin and ghrelin reduce inflammation and promote anti-inflammatory cell responses. Furthermore, type 2 diabetes as a major endocrine disease presents with altered immune responses leading to susceptibility to lung infections, such as tuberculosis. A better understanding of these interactions will expand our knowledge of the mechanisms at play in susceptibility to infectious diseases and may reveal opportunities for the development of host-directed therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tariq Webber
- DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Katharina Ronacher
- Translational Research Institute, Mater Research Institute - The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Marli Conradie-Smit
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Léanie Kleynhans
- DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
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16
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Ekpruke CD, Silveyra P. Sex Differences in Airway Remodeling and Inflammation: Clinical and Biological Factors. FRONTIERS IN ALLERGY 2022; 3:875295. [PMID: 35769576 PMCID: PMC9234861 DOI: 10.3389/falgy.2022.875295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Asthma is characterized by an increase in the contraction and inflammation of airway muscles, resulting in airflow obstruction. The prevalence of asthma is lower in females than in males until the start of puberty, and higher in adult women than men. This sex disparity and switch at the onset of puberty has been an object of debate among many researchers. Hence, in this review, we have summarized these observations to pinpoint areas needing more research work and to provide better sex-specific diagnosis and management of asthma. While some researchers have attributed it to the anatomical and physiological differences in the male and female respiratory systems, the influences of hormonal interplay after puberty have also been stressed. Other hormones such as leptin have been linked to the sex differences in asthma in both obese and non-obese patients. Recently, many scientists have also demonstrated the influence of the sex-specific genomic framework as a key player, and others have linked it to environmental, social lifestyle, and occupational exposures. The majority of studies concluded that adult men are less susceptible to developing asthma than women and that women display more severe forms of the disease. Therefore, the understanding of the roles played by sex- and gender-specific factors, and the biological mechanisms involved will help develop novel and more accurate diagnostic and therapeutic plans for sex-specific asthma management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn Damilola Ekpruke
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Indiana University Bloomington School of Public Health, Bloomington, IN, United States
| | - Patricia Silveyra
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Indiana University Bloomington School of Public Health, Bloomington, IN, United States
- Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
- *Correspondence: Patricia Silveyra
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17
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Calcaterra V, Nappi RE, Farolfi A, Tiranini L, Rossi V, Regalbuto C, Zuccotti G. Perimenstrual Asthma in Adolescents: A Shared Condition in Pediatric and Gynecological Endocrinology. CHILDREN 2022; 9:children9020233. [PMID: 35204953 PMCID: PMC8870409 DOI: 10.3390/children9020233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Asthma is a frequent medical condition in adolescence. The worsening of the most common symptoms perimenstrually is defined as perimenstrual asthma (PMA). The cause of PMA remains unclear, but a role for hormonal milieu is plausible. Data on PMA in adolescents are limited, and its management is not fully established. We aimed to discuss the PMA phenomenon in young females from pathophysiology to preventive strategies, focusing on the relationship with the hormonal pattern. The fluctuation of estrogens at ovulation and before menstruation and the progesterone secretion during the luteal phase and its subsequent withdrawal seem to be the culprits, because the deterioration of asthma is cyclical during the luteal phase and/or during the first days of the menstrual cycle. Conventional asthma therapies are not always effective for PMA. Preventive strategies may include innovative hormonal contraception. Even a possible beneficial effect of other hormonal treatments, including estrogens, progestogens, and androgens, as well as leukotriene receptor antagonists and explorative approach using microbial-directed therapy, is considered. The underlying mechanisms, through which sex-hormone fluctuations influence asthma symptoms, represent a challenge in the clinical management of such a distressing condition. Further studies focused on young females are mandatory to promote adolescent health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Calcaterra
- Pediatric and Adolescent Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Department of Pediatrics, “Vittore Buzzi” Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milano, Italy; (A.F.); (V.R.); (G.Z.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Rossella Elena Nappi
- Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Gynecological Endocrinology and Menopause, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (R.E.N.); (L.T.)
- Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Andrea Farolfi
- Department of Pediatrics, “Vittore Buzzi” Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milano, Italy; (A.F.); (V.R.); (G.Z.)
| | - Lara Tiranini
- Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Gynecological Endocrinology and Menopause, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (R.E.N.); (L.T.)
- Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Virginia Rossi
- Department of Pediatrics, “Vittore Buzzi” Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milano, Italy; (A.F.); (V.R.); (G.Z.)
| | - Corrado Regalbuto
- Pediatric Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Gianvincenzo Zuccotti
- Department of Pediatrics, “Vittore Buzzi” Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milano, Italy; (A.F.); (V.R.); (G.Z.)
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Science “L. Sacco”, University of Milano, 20157 Milano, Italy
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18
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LoMauro A, Aliverti A. Sex and gender in respiratory physiology. Eur Respir Rev 2021; 30:30/162/210038. [PMID: 34750114 DOI: 10.1183/16000617.0038-2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex is a biological concept determined at conception. Gender is a social concept. Medicine recognises sex as a biological variable and recommends including sex as a factor in clinical practice norms and as a topic of bench and clinical research. Sex plays a role in respiratory physiology according to two pathways: hormones and anatomy, with females characterised by smaller dimensions at every level of the respiratory system. Sex hormones also play specific roles in lung inflammatory processes, breathing control and in response to diseases. The literature is extremely controversial because many factors need to be considered to avoid erroneous comparisons. The main difficulty lies in creating homogeneous groups of subjects according to age, body weight, lung/airway size, fluctuations in circulating hormone levels, and exercise protocol. Because almost all of the knowledge available in physiology is based on research in males, medicine for women is therefore less evidence-based than that being applied to men. Finally, the number of transsexual people is increasing and they represent new challenges for clinicians, due to the anatomical and physiological changes that they undergo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella LoMauro
- Dipartimento di Elettronica, Informazione e Bioingegneria, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Aliverti
- Dipartimento di Elettronica, Informazione e Bioingegneria, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
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19
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Leach DA, Brooke GN, Bevan CL. Roles of steroid receptors in the lung and COVID-19. Essays Biochem 2021; 65:1025-1038. [PMID: 34328182 PMCID: PMC8628186 DOI: 10.1042/ebc20210005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 06/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
COVID-19 symptoms and mortality are largely due to its devastating effects in the lungs. The disease is caused by the SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome)-CoV-2 coronavirus, which requires host cell proteins such as ACE2 (angiotensin-converting enzyme 2) and TMPRSS2 (transmembrane serine protease 2) for infection of lung epithelia. The expression and function of the steroid hormone receptor family is important in many aspects that impact on COVID-19 effects in the lung - notably lung development and function, the immune system, and expression of TMPRSS2 and ACE2. This review provides a brief summary of current knowledge on the roles of the steroid hormone receptors [androgen receptor (AR), glucocorticoid receptor (GR), progesterone receptor (PR), mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) and oestrogen receptor (ER)] in the lung, their effects on host cell proteins that facilitate SARS-CoV-2 uptake, and provides a snapshot of current clinical trials investigating the use of steroid receptor (SR) ligands to treat COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damien A. Leach
- Division of Cancer, Imperial Centre for Translational and Experimental Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, London W12 0NN, U.K
| | - Greg N. Brooke
- Division of Cancer, Imperial Centre for Translational and Experimental Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, London W12 0NN, U.K
- School of Life Sciences, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, Essex CO4 3SQ, U.K
| | - Charlotte L. Bevan
- Division of Cancer, Imperial Centre for Translational and Experimental Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, London W12 0NN, U.K
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20
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Calco GN, Proskocil BJ, Jacoby DB, Fryer AD, Nie Z. Metformin prevents airway hyperreactivity in rats with dietary obesity. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2021; 321:L1105-L1118. [PMID: 34668415 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00202.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Increased insulin is associated with obesity-related airway hyperreactivity and asthma. We tested whether the use of metformin, an anti-diabetic drug used to reduce insulin resistance, can reduce circulating insulin, thereby preventing airway hyperreactivity in rats with dietary obesity. Male and female rats were fed a high- or low-fat diet for 5 weeks. Some male rats were simultaneously treated with metformin (100 mg/kg, p.o.). In separate experiments, after 5 weeks of a high-fat diet, some rats were switched to a low-fat diet, while others continued a high-fat diet for an additional 5 weeks. Bronchoconstriction and bradycardia in response to bilateral electrical vagus nerve stimulation or to inhaled methacholine were measured in anesthetized and vagotomized rats. Body weight, body fat, caloric intake, fasting glucose and insulin were measured. Vagally-induced bronchoconstriction was potentiated only in male rats on a high-fat diet. Males gained more body weight, body fat, and had increased levels of fasting insulin, compared to females. Metformin prevented development of vagally-induced airway hyperreactivity in male rats on high-fat diet, in addition to inhibiting weight gain, fat gain and increased insulin. In contrast, switching rats to a low-fat diet for 5 weeks reduced body weight and body fat, it did not reverse fasting glucose, fasting insulin or potentiation of vagally-induced airway hyperreactivity. These data suggest that medications that target insulin may be effective treatment for obesity-related asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gina N Calco
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States
| | - Becky J Proskocil
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States
| | - David B Jacoby
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States
| | - Allison D Fryer
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States
| | - Zhenying Nie
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States
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21
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Abstract
Lung cancer represents the world's leading cause of cancer deaths. Sex differences in the incidence and mortality rates for various types of lung cancers have been identified, but the biological and endocrine mechanisms implicated in these disparities have not yet been determined. While some cancers such as lung adenocarcinoma are more commonly found among women than men, others like squamous cell carcinoma display the opposite pattern or show no sex differences. Associations of tobacco product use rates, susceptibility to carcinogens, occupational exposures, and indoor and outdoor air pollution have also been linked to differential rates of lung cancer occurrence and mortality between sexes. While roles for sex hormones in other types of cancers affecting women or men have been identified and described, little is known about the influence of sex hormones in lung cancer. One potential mechanism identified to date is the synergism between estrogen and some tobacco compounds, and oncogene mutations, in inducing the expression of metabolic enzymes, leading to enhanced formation of reactive oxygen species and DNA adducts, and subsequent lung carcinogenesis. In this review, we present the literature available regarding sex differences in cancer rates, associations of male and female sex hormones with lung cancer, the influence of exogenous hormone therapy in women, and potential mechanisms mediated by male and female sex hormone receptors in lung carcinogenesis. The influence of biological sex on lung disease has recently been established, thus new research incorporating this variable will shed light on the mechanisms behind the observed disparities in lung cancer rates, and potentially lead to the development of new therapeutics to treat this devastating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Fuentes
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, MD 20852, USA
| | - Miguel Silva Rodriguez
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Indiana University, School of Public Health, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
| | - Patricia Silveyra
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Indiana University, School of Public Health, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
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22
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Karampitsakos T, Papaioannou O, Katsaras M, Sampsonas F, Tzouvelekis A. Interstitial Lung Diseases and the Impact of Gender. Clin Chest Med 2021; 42:531-541. [PMID: 34353457 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccm.2021.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Interstitial lung diseases encompass an amalgamated group of heterogeneous lung disorders, characterized by variable clinical and radiologic patterns. Despite an increase in our knowledge, pathogenesis of interstitial lung diseases remains largely unknown. Experimental evidence on the role of sex hormones in lung development and epidemiologic associations of gender differences with interstitial lung diseases prevalence fueled studies investigating the role of gender and sex hormones in the pathogenesis and treatment of pulmonary fibrosis. This review summarizes experimental and clinical data for the impact of gender and sex hormones on interstitial lung diseases and highlights future perspectives in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Matthaios Katsaras
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, Greece
| | - Fotios Sampsonas
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, Greece
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23
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Ghare Naz MS, Banaei M, Dashti S, Tehrani FR. An overview of sex hormones in relation to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Future Virol 2021. [PMID: 34306167 PMCID: PMC8293688 DOI: 10.2217/fvl-2021-0058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Aim: Sex differences in COVID-19 outcomes might be explained from a sex hormones (SexHs) perspective. Materials & methods: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, EMBASE and Google Scholar were searched up to March 2021. Results: Based on the literature review, the crosstalk between SexHs (estrogens, progesterone and testosterone), their receptors (estrogen α and β, androgen, and progesterone) and the immune system shaped the sex-related differences in immune responses against COVID-19. Differential production of SexHs over the lifespan (during pregnancy, reproductive years, menopause and andropause) and over different seasons may result in disparities in body response toward COVID-19. Moreover, SexHs-specific differences might affect vaccine efficacy and response to treatment. Conclusion: The roles of SexHs need to be considered in vaccine development and even treatment of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marzieh Saei Ghare Naz
- Reproductive Endocrinology Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 1985717413, Iran
| | - Mojdeh Banaei
- Mother & Child Welfare Research Center, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, 7916613885, Iran
| | - Sareh Dashti
- Department of Midwifery, Mashhad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, 9187147578, Iran
| | - Fahimeh Ramezani Tehrani
- Reproductive Endocrinology Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 1985717413, Iran
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24
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Tariba Lovaković B, Barbir R, Pem B, Goessler W, Ćurlin M, Micek V, Debeljak Ž, Božičević L, Ilić K, Pavičić I, Gorup D, Vinković Vrček I. Sex-related response in mice after sub-acute intraperitoneal exposure to silver nanoparticles. NANOIMPACT 2021; 23:100340. [PMID: 35559841 DOI: 10.1016/j.impact.2021.100340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are among the most commercialized nanomaterials in biomedicine due to their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Nevertheless, possible health hazards of exposure to AgNPs are yet to be understood and therefore raise public concern in regards of their safety. In this study, sex-related differences, role of steroidal hormones and influence of two different surface stabilizing agents (polymer vs. protein) on distribution and adverse effects of AgNPs were investigated in vivo. Intact and gonadectomised male and female mice were treated with seven AgNPs doses administered intraperitoneally during 21 days. After treatment, steroid hormone levels in serum, accumulation of Ag levels and oxidative stress biomarkers in liver, kidneys, brain and lungs were determined. Sex-related differences were observed in almost all tissues. Concentration of Ag was significantly higher in the liver of females compared to males. No significant difference was found for AgNP accumulation in lungs between females and males, while the lungs of intact males showed significantly higher Ag accumulation compared to gonadectomised group. Effect of surface coating was also observed, as Ag accumulation was significantly higher in kidneys and liver of intact females, as well as in kidneys and brain of intact males treated with protein-coated AgNPs compared to polymeric AgNPs. Oxidative stress response to AgNPs was the most pronounced in kidneys where protein-coated AgNPs induced stronger effects compared to polymeric AgNPs. Interestingly, protein-coated AgNPs reduced generation of reactive oxygen species in brains of females and gonadectomised males. Although there were no significant differences in levels of hormones in the AgNP-exposed animals compared to controls, sex-related differences in oxidative stress parameters were observed in all organs. Results of this study highlight the importance of including the sex-related differences and effects of protein corona in biosafety evaluation of AgNPs exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blanka Tariba Lovaković
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska cesta 2, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Rinea Barbir
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska cesta 2, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Barbara Pem
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska cesta 2, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Walter Goessler
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Graz, Universitätsplatz 1/1, 8 010 Graz, Austria
| | - Marija Ćurlin
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Šalata 2, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Vedran Micek
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska cesta 2, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Željko Debeljak
- Department for Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics, Clinical Hospital Osijek, Josipa Huttlera 4, 31 000 Osijek, Croatia; Faculty of Medicine, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Josipa Huttlera 4, 31 000 Osijek, Croatia
| | - Lucija Božičević
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska cesta 2, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Krunoslav Ilić
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska cesta 2, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ivan Pavičić
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska cesta 2, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Dunja Gorup
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Šalata 2, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ivana Vinković Vrček
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska cesta 2, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia.
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25
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Triki L, Ben Saad H. The impacts of parity on spirometric parameters: a systematic review. Expert Rev Respir Med 2021; 15:1169-1185. [PMID: 34033730 DOI: 10.1080/17476348.2021.1935246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: The relationship between parity and health outcomes has been debated in the scientific literature in terms of 'selection-pressure'. However, no previous review has raised the impacts of parity on spirometric parameters. This Systematic Review aimed to review the impacts of parity on spirometric parameters.Areas covered: PubMed and Scopus were searched on October 1st, 2020, using the combination of the following two medical subject headings: 'Parity' and 'Respiratory Function Tests'. Only original articles published in English/French were retained. Ten studies investigated the impacts of parity on spirometric parameters: six included healthy females, three involved unhealthy females [chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, defect in protease inhibitor, and some other conditions] and one included a mixed population of healthy/unhealthy females. The studies reported conflicting results: no impact, positive impact (multiparity is associated with larger forced-expiratory-volume in one second, forced- and slow- vital-capacity, and inspiratory-capacity), or negative impact (multiparous females has lower bronchial flows, higher static volumes, an accelerated lung-aging, a tendency to an obstructive-ventilatory-defect and/or to lung-hyperinflation, and increased protease inhibitor levels).Expert opinion: The ten studies presented some limitations that made data interpretation relatively difficult. Future research to identify the 'real' impact of parity on spirometric parameters are therefore encouraged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila Triki
- Department of Physiology and Functional Exploration, Habib BOURGUIBA Hospital, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Helmi Ben Saad
- Department of Physiology and Functional Exploration, Farhat HACHED University Hospital of Sousse, Sousse, Tunisia.,Heart Failure Research Laboratory (LR12SP09), Farhat HACHED Hospital, Sousse, Tunisia.,Faculté De Médecine De Sousse, Laboratoire De Physiologie, Université De Sousse. Sousse, Tunisie
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26
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Sex and Gender Differences in Lung Disease. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1304:227-258. [PMID: 34019273 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-68748-9_14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Sex differences in the anatomy and physiology of the respiratory system have been widely reported. These intrinsic sex differences have also been shown to modulate the pathophysiology, incidence, morbidity, and mortality of several lung diseases across the life span. In this chapter, we describe the epidemiology of sex differences in respiratory diseases including neonatal lung disease (respiratory distress syndrome, bronchopulmonary dysplasia) and pediatric and adult disease (including asthma, cystic fibrosis, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, lymphangioleiomyomatosis, obstructive sleep apnea, pulmonary arterial hypertension, and respiratory viral infections such as respiratory syncytial virus, influenza, and SARS-CoV-2). We also discuss the current state of research on the mechanisms underlying the observed sex differences in lung disease susceptibility and severity and the importance of considering both sex and gender variables in research studies' design and analysis.
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27
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Reyes-García J, Montaño LM, Carbajal-García A, Wang YX. Sex Hormones and Lung Inflammation. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1304:259-321. [PMID: 34019274 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-68748-9_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Inflammation is a characteristic marker in numerous lung disorders. Several immune cells, such as macrophages, dendritic cells, eosinophils, as well as T and B lymphocytes, synthetize and release cytokines involved in the inflammatory process. Gender differences in the incidence and severity of inflammatory lung ailments including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary fibrosis (PF), lung cancer (LC), and infectious related illnesses have been reported. Moreover, the effects of sex hormones on both androgens and estrogens, such as testosterone (TES) and 17β-estradiol (E2), driving characteristic inflammatory patterns in those lung inflammatory diseases have been investigated. In general, androgens seem to display anti-inflammatory actions, whereas estrogens produce pro-inflammatory effects. For instance, androgens regulate negatively inflammation in asthma by targeting type 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) and T-helper (Th)-2 cells to attenuate interleukin (IL)-17A-mediated responses and leukotriene (LT) biosynthesis pathway. Estrogens may promote neutrophilic inflammation in subjects with asthma and COPD. Moreover, the activation of estrogen receptors might induce tumorigenesis. In this chapter, we summarize the most recent advances in the functional roles and associated signaling pathways of inflammatory cellular responses in asthma, COPD, PF, LC, and newly occurring COVID-19 disease. We also meticulously deliberate the influence of sex steroids on the development and progress of these common and severe lung diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Reyes-García
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, CDMX, Mexico City, Mexico.,Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Luis M Montaño
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, CDMX, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Abril Carbajal-García
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, CDMX, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Yong-Xiao Wang
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY, USA.
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28
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Han YY, Forno E, Witchel SF, Manni ML, Acosta-Pérez E, Canino G, Celedón JC. Testosterone-to-estradiol ratio and lung function in a prospective study of Puerto Rican youth. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2021; 127:236-242.e1. [PMID: 33892162 DOI: 10.1016/j.anai.2021.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Age- and sex-related differences in asthma may be due to changes in sex hormone levels. OBJECTIVE To evaluate whether a change in free testosterone or free testosterone-to-estradiol ratio is associated with changes in lung function and eosinophils in the Puerto Rican youth. METHODS We tested for the association between the change in sex hormone levels and change in lung function or change in eosinophils in a prospective study of 317 children (with and without asthma) followed up from ages 6 to 14 years to ages 10 to 20 years (146 females, 171 males) in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Serum levels of testosterone, estradiol, sex hormone-binding globulin, and progesterone were measured at 2 study visits, approximately 4.9 years apart. Using testosterone and sex hormone-binding globulin levels, we derived free testosterone and the free testosterone-to-estradiol ratio. Multivariable linear regression was used for the analysis of change in lung function and eosinophils, conducted separately by sex. RESULTS In girls, each quartile increment in the free testosterone-to-estradiol ratio was associated with a 2.03% increment in percent predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1)/forced vital capacity (FVC) between study visits. In males, each quartile increment in the free testosterone-to-estradiol ratio was associated with a 3.27% increment in percent predicted FEV1 and a 1.81% increment in percent predicted FEV1/FVC between study visits. In girls with asthma, an increased free testosterone-to-estradiol ratio was significantly associated with decreased eosinophils between visits (P=0.03). CONCLUSION In Puerto Rican youth, increased free testosterone-to-estradiol ratio over time was associated with an increased FEV1/FVC in both sexes, and with an increased FEV1 in males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueh-Ying Han
- Division of Pediatric Pulmonary Medicine, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Erick Forno
- Division of Pediatric Pulmonary Medicine, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Selma F Witchel
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Michelle L Manni
- Division of Pediatric Pulmonary Medicine, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Edna Acosta-Pérez
- Behavioral Sciences Research Institute, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Glorisa Canino
- Behavioral Sciences Research Institute, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Juan C Celedón
- Division of Pediatric Pulmonary Medicine, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
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Ambhore NS, Kalidhindi RSR, Sathish V. Sex-Steroid Signaling in Lung Diseases and Inflammation. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1303:243-273. [PMID: 33788197 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-63046-1_14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Sex/gender difference exists in the physiology of multiple organs. Recent epidemiological reports suggest the influence of sex-steroids in modulating a wide variety of disease conditions. Sex-based discrepancies have been reported in pulmonary physiology and various chronic inflammatory responses associated with lung diseases like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary fibrosis, and rare lung diseases. Notably, emerging clinical evidence suggests that several respiratory diseases affect women to a greater degree, with increased severity and prevalence than men. Although sex-specific differences in various lung diseases are evident, such differences are inherent to sex-steroids, which are major biological variables in men and women who play a central role to control these differences. The focus of this chapter is to comprehend the sex-steroid biology in inflammatory lung diseases and to understand the mechanistic role of sex-steroids signaling in regulating these diseases. Exploring the roles of sex-steroid signaling in the regulation of lung diseases and inflammation is crucial for the development of novel and effective therapy. Overall, we will illustrate the importance of differential sex-steroid signaling in lung diseases and their possible clinical implications for the development of complementary and alternative medicine to treat lung diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nilesh Sudhakar Ambhore
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Professions, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, USA
| | | | - Venkatachalem Sathish
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Professions, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, USA.
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Rodriguez Bauza DE, Silveyra P. Asthma, atopy, and exercise: Sex differences in exercise-induced bronchoconstriction. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2021; 246:1400-1409. [PMID: 33794694 DOI: 10.1177/15353702211003858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory lung disease affecting approximately 7.7% of the US population. Sex differences in the prevalence, incidence, and severity of asthma have been widely described throughout the lifespan, showing higher rates in boys than girls before puberty, but a reversed pattern in adults. Asthma is often associated with atopy, i.e. the tendency to develop allergic diseases, and can be worsened by environmental stimuli and/or exercise. While not exclusive to patients with asthma, exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) is a common complication of athletes and individuals who exercise regularly. Currently, there is limited research on sex differences in EIB and its relationship with atopy and asthma in men and women. In this minireview, we summarize the available literature on this topic. Overall, the collective knowledge supports the notion that physiological changes triggered during exercise affect males and females differently, suggesting an interaction among sex, exercise, sex hormones, and atopic status in the course of EIB pathophysiology. Understanding these differences is important to provide personalized management plans to men and women who exercise regularly and suffer from underlying asthma and/or atopy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Patricia Silveyra
- Biobehavioral Laboratory, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Nursing, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.,Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Indiana University School of Public Health, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
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31
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Stilhano RS, Costa AJ, Nishino MS, Shams S, Bartolomeo CS, Breithaupt-Faloppa AC, Silva EA, Ramirez AL, Prado CM, Ureshino RP. SARS-CoV-2 and the possible connection to ERs, ACE2, and RAGE: Focus on susceptibility factors. FASEB J 2020; 34:14103-14119. [PMID: 32965736 PMCID: PMC7537138 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202001394rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 08/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has provoked major stresses on the health-care systems of several countries, and caused the death of more than a quarter of a million people globally, mainly in the elderly population with preexisting pathologies. Previous studies with coronavirus (SARS-CoV) point to gender differences in infection and disease progression with increased susceptibility in male patients, indicating that estrogens may be associated with physiological protection against the coronavirus. Therefore, the objectives of this work are threefold. First, we aim to summarize the SARS-CoV-2 infection pathway and the roles both the virus and patient play in COVID-19 (Coronavirus disease 2019) progression, clinical symptomatology, and mortality. Second, we detail the effect estrogen has on viral infection and host infection response, including its role in both the regulation of key viral receptor expression and the mediation of inflammatory activity. Finally, we describe how ERs (estrogen receptors) and RAGE (receptor for advanced glycation end-products) play a critical role in metabolic pathways, which we envisage could maintain a close interplay with SARS-CoV and COVID-19 mortality rates, despite a current lack of research directly determining how. Taken together, we present the current state of the field regarding SARS-CoV-2 research and illuminate where research is needed to better define the role both estrogen and metabolic comorbidities have in the COVID-19 disease state, which can be key in screening potential therapeutic options as the search for effective treatments continue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Sessa Stilhano
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas da Santa Casa de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Angelica Jardim Costa
- Department of Pharmacology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Michelle Sayuri Nishino
- Department of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Diadema, Brazil.,Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Endocrinology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Shahin Shams
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Cynthia Silva Bartolomeo
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas da Santa Casa de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Biosciences, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Santos, Brazil
| | - Ana Cristina Breithaupt-Faloppa
- Laboratorio de Cirurgia Cardiovascular e Fisiopatologia da Circulação (LIM-11), Instituto do Coração (InCor), Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | - Carla Maximo Prado
- Department of Biosciences, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Santos, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Portes Ureshino
- Department of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Diadema, Brazil.,Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Endocrinology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Chanana N, Palmo T, Sharma K, Kumar R, Graham BB, Pasha Q. Sex-derived attributes contributing to SARS-CoV-2 mortality. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2020; 319:E562-E567. [PMID: 32726128 PMCID: PMC7473885 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00295.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Epidemiological data in COVID-19 mortality indicate that men are more prone to die of SARS-CoV-2 infection than women, but biological causes for this sexual dimorphism are unknown. We discuss the prospective behavioral and biological differences between the sexes that could be attributed to this sex-based differentiation. The female sex hormones and the immune stimulatory genes, including Toll-like receptors, interleukins, and micro-RNAs present on X-chromosome, may impart lesser infectivity and mortality of the SARS-CoV-2 in females over males. The sex hormone estrogen interacts with the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, one of the most critical pathways in COVID-19 infectivity, and modulates the vasomotor homeostasis. Testosterone on the contrary enhances the levels of the two most critical molecules, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and the transmembrane protease serine-type 2 (TMPRSS2), transcriptionally and posttranslationally, thereby increasing viral load and delaying viral clearance in men as compared with women. We propose that modulating sex hormones, either by increasing estrogen or antiandrogen, may be a therapeutic option to reduce mortality from SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neha Chanana
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, Delhi, India
| | - Tsering Palmo
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, Delhi, India
| | - Kavita Sharma
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, Delhi, India
| | - Rahul Kumar
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Brian B Graham
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Qadar Pasha
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, Delhi, India
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Scioscia G, Carpagnano GE, Lacedonia D, Soccio P, Quarato CMI, Trabace L, Fuso P, Foschino Barbaro MP. The Role of Airways 17β-Estradiol as a Biomarker of Severity in Postmenopausal Asthma: A Pilot Study. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9072037. [PMID: 32610544 PMCID: PMC7408980 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9072037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Asthma severity differs according to gender; in adult women, there is higher prevalence and severity of asthma than in men, and it coincides with changes in sex hormones. Recently, a new phonotype of asthma has been identified that appears after menopause, and it may be associated with decreased estrogen levels. Our goal was to study the 17β-estradiol (E2) concentrations in the blood and airways of women affected by asthma onset after menopause, evaluating its possible role in the severity of the disease. Methods: We enrolled 33 consecutive women with a diagnosis of postmenopausal asthma, recruited from the outpatient pulmonary clinic: 18 with severe (SA) and 15 with mild-to-moderate (MMA) asthma. We also included 30 age-matched healthy menopausal women as controls (HS). All subjects enrolled underwent blood and sputum collection (IS), and E2 concentrations were determined in plasma and sputum supernatant samples using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. Results: Significantly higher serum concentrations of E2 were found in postmenopausal SA compared to MMA and HS, respectively (33 ± 5.5 vs. 24 ± 6.63 vs. 7.79 ± 1.54 pg/mL, p < 0.05). Similar results were found in the IS: significantly higher levels of E2 were detected in patients with postmenopausal SA compared with MMA and HS, respectively (0.34 ± 0.17 vs. 0.26 ± 0.13 vs. 0.07 ± 0.06 pg/mL, p < 0.05). We found positive correlations between IS E2 concentrations and sputum neutrophil levels in SA group (ρ = 0.52, p < 0.05). Conclusions: Our findings showed the possibility to measure E2 in the airways, and it has increased in postmenopausal asthmatic patients, especially in those with SA. Airways E2 levels may serve as a suitable biomarker of postmenopausal SA to help to phenotype SA patients with neutrophil inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Scioscia
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy; (G.S.); (P.S.); (C.M.I.Q.); (P.F.); (M.P.F.B.)
- Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Policlinico Riuniti of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy
| | - Giovanna Elisiana Carpagnano
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, Section of Respiratory Disease, University “Aldo Moro” of Bari, 70121 Bari, Italy;
| | - Donato Lacedonia
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy; (G.S.); (P.S.); (C.M.I.Q.); (P.F.); (M.P.F.B.)
- Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Policlinico Riuniti of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0881733084
| | - Piera Soccio
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy; (G.S.); (P.S.); (C.M.I.Q.); (P.F.); (M.P.F.B.)
- Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Policlinico Riuniti of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy
| | - Carla Maria Irene Quarato
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy; (G.S.); (P.S.); (C.M.I.Q.); (P.F.); (M.P.F.B.)
| | - Luigia Trabace
- Department of Clinical and Sperimental Medicine, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy;
| | - Paolo Fuso
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy; (G.S.); (P.S.); (C.M.I.Q.); (P.F.); (M.P.F.B.)
| | - Maria Pia Foschino Barbaro
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy; (G.S.); (P.S.); (C.M.I.Q.); (P.F.); (M.P.F.B.)
- Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Policlinico Riuniti of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy
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Kalidhindi RSR, Ambhore NS, Bhallamudi S, Loganathan J, Sathish V. Role of Estrogen Receptors α and β in a Murine Model of Asthma: Exacerbated Airway Hyperresponsiveness and Remodeling in ERβ Knockout Mice. Front Pharmacol 2020; 10:1499. [PMID: 32116656 PMCID: PMC7010956 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.01499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Epidemiological data suggests increased prevalence of asthma in females than males, suggesting a plausible role for sex-steroids, especially estrogen in the lungs. Estrogen primarily acts through estrogen-receptors (ERα and ERβ), which play a differential role in asthma. Our previous studies demonstrated increased expression of ERβ in asthmatic human airway smooth muscle (ASM) cells and its activation diminished ASM proliferation in vitro and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) in vivo in a mouse (wild-type, WT) model of asthma. In this study, we evaluated the receptor specific effect of circulating endogenous estrogen in regulating AHR and remodeling using ERα and ERβ knockout (KO) mice. C57BL/6J WT, ERα KO, and ERβ KO mice were challenged intranasally with a mixed-allergen (MA) or PBS. Lung function was measured using flexiVent followed by collection of broncho-alveolar lavage fluid for differential leukocyte count (DLC), histology using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Sirius red-fast green (SRFG) and detecting αsmooth muscle actin (α-SMA), fibronectin and vimentin expression using immunofluorescence (IF). Resistance (Rrs), elastance (Ers), tissue-damping (G) and tissue-elasticity (H) were significantly increased, whereas compliance (Crs) was significantly decreased in WT, ERα KO, and ERβ KO mice (males and females) challenged with MA compared to PBS. Interestingly, ERβ KO mice showed declined lung function compared to ERα KO and WT mice at baseline. MA induced AHR, remodeling and immune-cell infiltration was more prominent in females compared to males across all populations, while ERβ KO females showed maximum AHR and DLC, except for neutrophil count. Histology using H&E suggests increased smooth muscle mass in airways with recruitment of inflammatory cells, while SRFG staining showed increased collagen deposition in MA challenged ERβ KO mice compared to ERα KO and WT mice (males and females), with pronounced effects in ERβ KO females. Furthermore, IF studies showed increased expression of α-SMA, fibronectin and vimentin in MA challenged populations compared to PBS, with prominent changes in ERβ KO females. This novel study indicates ERβ plays a pivotal role in airway remodeling and AHR and understanding the mechanisms involved might help to surface it out as a potential target to treat asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Venkatachalem Sathish
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Professions, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, United States
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Early Age at Natural Menopause Is Related to Lower Post-Bronchodilator Lung Function. A Longitudinal Population-based Study. Ann Am Thorac Soc 2020; 17:429-437. [PMID: 31967855 DOI: 10.1513/annalsats.201902-180oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Rationale: Poor lung function, a significant predictor of mortality, has been observed in postmenopausal women compared with those still menstruating. Menopausal age is a risk factor for several adverse health outcomes, but little evidence exists on the impact of menopausal age on lung function impairments, especially regarding post-bronchodilator lung function measures.Objectives: To investigate the association between age at menopause and pre- and post-bronchodilator lung function outcomes.Methods: During the sixth-decade follow-up of the Tasmanian Longitudinal Health Study cohort (mean age, 53 yr), information was collected on most recent menstrual period and menopausal status. Lung function was measured at age 7 years and again at 53 years. Multiple linear regression was performed to determine the association between age at menopause and pre- and post-bronchodilator spirometry, controlling for early and adult life confounders.Results: Women reporting an early age at natural menopause (<45 yr) had lower post-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 second (-168 ml; 95% confidence interval, -273 to -63) and lower forced vital capacity (-186 ml; 95% confidence interval, -302 to -70) than postmenopausal women who experienced menopause at a later age (≥45 yr). No association was observed with forced expiratory volume in 1 second/forced vital capacity ratio. Adjustment for early-life confounders strengthened these associations.Conclusions: This study provides new evidence that early menopause is associated with reduced lung function that is suggestive of restriction, but not obstruction, even after adjustment for early-life confounders. Given the important link between poor lung function and mortality, clinicians should be aware of the risk of diminished lung function in postmenopausal women who experience menopause at an early age.
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Breithaupt-Faloppa AC, Correia CDJ, Prado CM, Stilhano RS, Ureshino RP, Moreira LFP. 17β-Estradiol, a potential ally to alleviate SARS-CoV-2 infection. Clinics (Sao Paulo) 2020; 75:e1980. [PMID: 32490931 PMCID: PMC7233687 DOI: 10.6061/clinics/2020/e1980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Considering that female sexual hormones may modulate the inflammatory response and also exhibit direct effects on the cells of the immune system, herein, we intend to discuss the sex differences and the role of estradiol in modulating the lung and systemic inflammatory response, focusing on its possible application as a treatment modality for SARS-CoV-2 patients. COVID-19 patients develop severe hypoxemia early in the course of the disease, which is silent most of the time. Small fibrinous thrombi in pulmonary arterioles and a tumefaction of endothelial were observed in the autopsies of fatal COVID-19 cases. Studies showed that the viral infection induces a vascular process in the lung, which included vasodilation and endothelial dysfunction. Further, the proportions of CD4+ T and CD8+ T lymphocytes were strongly reduced in patients with severe SARS-CoV-2 infection. Estradiol is connected with CD4+ T cell numbers and increases T-reg cell populations, affecting immune responses to infection. It is known that estradiol exerts a protective effect on endothelial function, activating the generation of nitric oxide (NO) via endothelial nitric oxide synthase. Estrogen attenuates the vasoconstrictor response to various stimuli and induces vasodilation in the pulmonary vasculature during stress situations like hypoxia. It exerts a variety of rapid actions, which are initiated after its coupling with membrane receptors, which in turn, may positively modulate vascular responses in pulmonary disease and help to maintain microvascular flow. Direct and indirect mechanisms underlying the effects of estradiol were investigated, and the results point to a possible protective effect of estradiol against COVID-19, indicating that it may be considered as an adjuvant therapeutic element for the treatment of patients affected by the novel coronavirus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Cristina Breithaupt-Faloppa
- Laboratorio de Cirurgia Cardiovascular e Fisiopatologia da Circulacao (LIM-11), Instituto do Coracao (InCor), Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, BR
- *Corresponding author. E-mail:
| | - Cristiano de Jesus Correia
- Laboratorio de Cirurgia Cardiovascular e Fisiopatologia da Circulacao (LIM-11), Instituto do Coracao (InCor), Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, BR
| | - Carla Máximo Prado
- Instituto de Saude e Sociedade (ISS), Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo (UNIFESP), Santos, SP, BR
| | | | - Rodrigo Portes Ureshino
- Departamento de Ciencias Biologicas, Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo (UNIFESP), Diadema, SP, BR
- Laboratorio de Endocrinologia Molecular e Translacional, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo (UNIFESP), Sao Paulo, SP, BR
| | - Luiz Felipe Pinho Moreira
- Laboratorio de Cirurgia Cardiovascular e Fisiopatologia da Circulacao (LIM-11), Instituto do Coracao (InCor), Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, BR
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Kang J, Lim DH, Kim GH. Hyponatremia Associated with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuresis Versus Right Heart Failure. Electrolyte Blood Press 2020; 18:40-43. [PMID: 33408746 PMCID: PMC7781766 DOI: 10.5049/ebp.2020.18.2.40] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Revised: 12/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Because it is associated with mortality, hyponatremia is an important feature of pulmonary arterial hypertension. Its mechanisms remain unclear, although right heart failure resulting from pulmonary arterial hypertension may lead to systemic congestion and arterial underfilling. However, most patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension are clinically euvolemic and have no peripheral edema. Unlike patients with underlying heart disease, neurohumoral activation is not demonstrated in hyponatremic patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension, who show features of congestive heart failure only at later stages in their disease. Here, a case vignette is introduced, and the pathophysiology of hyponatremia in pulmonary arterial hypertension will be discussed. Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuresis (SIAD) appears to underlie hyponatremia in the initial phase of pulmonary arterial hypertension. The mechanisms by which various lung diseases can lead to SIAD remain an enigma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juyeon Kang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Inje University Busan Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Busan, Korea
| | - Dae Hyun Lim
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Gheun-Ho Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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Tang R, Fraser A, Magnus MC. Female reproductive history in relation to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung function in UK biobank: a prospective population-based cohort study. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e030318. [PMID: 31662371 PMCID: PMC6830692 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-030318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Sex differences in respiratory physiology and predilection for developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have been documented, suggesting that female sex hormones may influence pathogenesis. We investigated whether aspects of female reproductive health might play a role in risk of COPD among women. DESIGN Population-based prospective cohort study. SETTING UK Biobank recruited across 22 centres in the UK between 2006 to 2010. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOMES MEASURES We examined a range of female reproductive health indicators in relation to risk of COPD-related hospitalisation/death (n=271 271) using Cox proportional hazards regression; and lung function (n=273 441) using linear regression. RESULTS Parity >3 was associated with greater risk of COPD-related hospitalisation/death (adjusted HR 1.45; 95% CI: 1.16 to 1.82) and lower forced expiratory volume at 1 second/forced vital capacity ratio (FEV1/FVC) (adjusted mean difference -0.06; 95% CI: -0.07 to 0.04). Any oral contraception use was associated with lower risk of COPD-related hospitalisation/death (adjusted HR 0.85; 95% CI: 0.74 to 0.97) and greater FEV1/FVC (adjusted mean difference 0.01; 95% CI: 0.003 to 0.03). Late menarche (age >15) and early menopause (age <47) were also associated with greater risk of COPD-related hospitalisation/death (but not lung function), while endometriosis was associated with greater FEV1/FVC (not COPD-related hospitalisation/death). Early menarche (age <12 years) was associated with lower FEV1/FVC (but not COPD hospitalisation/death). Associations with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or ovarian cysts, any hormone replacement therapy (HRT) use, hysterectomy-alone and both hysterectomy and bilateral oophorectomy were in opposing directions for COPD-related hospitalisation/death (greater risk) and FEV1/FVC (positive association). CONCLUSIONS Multiple female reproductive health indicators across the life course are associated with COPD-related hospitalisation/death and lung function. Further studies are necessary to understand the opposing associations of PCOS/ovarian cysts, HRT and hysterectomy with COPD and objective measures of airway obstruction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosalind Tang
- Bristol Medical School, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Abigail Fraser
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Maria Christine Magnus
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Centre for Fertility and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
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Ray JL, Fletcher P, Burmeister R, Holian A. The role of sex in particle-induced inflammation and injury. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-NANOMEDICINE AND NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY 2019; 12:e1589. [PMID: 31566915 DOI: 10.1002/wnan.1589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Revised: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The use of engineered nanomaterials within various applications such as medicine, electronics, and cosmetics has been steadily increasing; therefore, the rate of occupational and environmental exposures has also increased. Inhalation is an important route of exposure to nanomaterials and has been shown to cause various respiratory diseases in animal models. Human lung disease frequently presents with a sex/gender-bias in prevalence or severity, but investigation of potential sex-differences in the adverse health outcomes associated with nanoparticle inhalation is greatly lacking. Only ~20% of basic research in the general sciences use both male and female animals and a substantial percentage of these do not address differences between sexes within their analyses. This has prevented researchers from fully understanding the impact of sex-based variables on health and disease, particularly the pathologies resulting from the inhalation of particles. The mechanisms responsible for sex-differences in respiratory disease remain unclear, but could be related to a number of variables including sex-differences in hormone signaling, lung physiology, or respiratory immune function. By incorporating sex-based analysis into respiratory nanotoxicology and utilizing human data from other relevant particles (e.g., asbestos, silica, particulate matter), we can improve our understanding of sex as a biological variable in nanoparticle exposures. This article is categorized under: Toxicology and Regulatory Issues in Nanomedicine > Toxicology of Nanomaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L Ray
- Center for Environmental Health Sciences, Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana
| | - Paige Fletcher
- Center for Environmental Health Sciences, Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana
| | - Rachel Burmeister
- Center for Environmental Health Sciences, Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana
| | - Andrij Holian
- Center for Environmental Health Sciences, Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana
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Fuentes N, Nicoleau M, Cabello N, Montes D, Zomorodi N, Chroneos ZC, Silveyra P. 17β-Estradiol affects lung function and inflammation following ozone exposure in a sex-specific manner. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2019; 317:L702-L716. [PMID: 31553636 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00176.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory lung diseases affect men and women disproportionately, suggesting that fluctuations of circulating hormone levels mediate inflammatory responses. Studies have shown that ozone exposure contributes to lung injury and impairment of innate immunity with differential effects in men and women. Here, we hypothesized that 17β-estradiol enhances inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), triggered by ozone exposure, in the female lung. We performed gonadectomy and hormone treatment (17β-estradiol, 2 wk) in C57BL/6J female and male mice and exposed animals to 1 ppm of ozone or filtered air for 3 h. Twenty-four hours later, we tested lung function, inflammatory gene expression, and changes in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). We found increased AHR and expression of inflammatory genes after ozone exposure. These changes were higher in females and were affected by gonadectomy and 17β-estradiol treatment in a sex-specific manner. Gonadectomized male mice displayed higher AHR and inflammatory gene expression than controls exposed to ozone; 17β-estradiol treatment did not affect this response. In females, ovariectomy reduced ozone-induced AHR, which was restored by 17β-estradiol treatment. Ozone exposure also increased BALF lipocalin-2, which was reduced in both male and female gonadectomized mice. Treatment with 17β-estradiol increased lipocalin-2 levels in females but lowered them in males. Gonadectomy also reduced ozone-induced expression of lung IL-6 and macrophage inflammatory protein-3 in females, which was restored by treatment with 17β-estradiol. Together, these results indicate that 17β-estradiol increases ozone-induced inflammation and AHR in females but not in males. Future studies examining diseases associated with air pollution exposure should consider the patient's sex and hormonal status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Fuentes
- Department of Pediatrics, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - Marvin Nicoleau
- Department of Pediatrics, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - Noe Cabello
- Department of Pediatrics, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - Deborah Montes
- Biobehavioral Laboratory, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Naseem Zomorodi
- Department of Pediatrics, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - Zissis C Chroneos
- Department of Pediatrics, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - Patricia Silveyra
- Department of Pediatrics, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania.,Biobehavioral Laboratory, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
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Ray JL, Holian A. Sex differences in the inflammatory immune response to multi-walled carbon nanotubes and crystalline silica. Inhal Toxicol 2019; 31:285-297. [PMID: 31556754 PMCID: PMC6813775 DOI: 10.1080/08958378.2019.1669743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 09/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Background: Respiratory disease is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. These diseases frequently present with a sex bias in occurrence and severity, yet the mechanisms responsible for these sex biases is a critically understudied area of basic research. Methods: Male and female C57BL/6 mice were exposed to multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) or crystalline silica (cSiO2) via oropharyngeal aspiration. Acute assessments were conducted 24 h and 7 days after a single exposure. In chronic experiments, mice were exposed to respective particles once per week for 4 weeks and sacrificed 8 weeks after the last exposure. Lung lavage fluid (LLF) was assessed for markers of injury and inflammation. Immune cell populations were analyzed by flow cytometry and histopathology assessment was performed on lung tissue from chronically exposed mice. Results: Female mice exposed to a single dose of MWCNTs generated a greater eosinophilic response than males 24 h and 7 days post-exposure. Eosinophilia was accompanied by elevated type 2 cytokine production in LLF. The exaggerated acute response in females was consistent with lung pathology observed in the chronic model: females had greater alveolitis and epithelial cell hyperplasia compared to males. There were no sex differences 24 h after cSiO2 exposure, but by 7-day post-exposure female mice had greater airspace neutrophilia and inflammatory cytokine levels compared to males. However, following repeated exposure to cSiO2, male mice had worse alveolitis and greater dendritic cell presence within the lungs. Conclusions: Female mice are more susceptible to acute and chronic MWCNT-induced inflammation, but male mice are more susceptible to chronic cSiO2-induced lung pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L Ray
- Center for Environmental Health Sciences, University of Montana , Missoula , MT , USA
| | - Andrij Holian
- Center for Environmental Health Sciences, University of Montana , Missoula , MT , USA
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Fuentes N, Cabello N, Nicoleau M, Chroneos ZC, Silveyra P. Modulation of the lung inflammatory response to ozone by the estrous cycle. Physiol Rep 2019; 7:e14026. [PMID: 30848106 PMCID: PMC6405886 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.14026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2019] [Revised: 02/18/2019] [Accepted: 02/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging evidence suggests that sex differences exist in the control of lung innate immunity; however, the specific roles of sex hormones in the inflammatory response, and the mechanisms involved are unclear. Here, we investigated whether fluctuations in circulating hormone levels occurring in the mouse estrous cycle could affect the inflammatory response to air pollution exposure. For this, we exposed female mice (C57BL/6J, 8 weeks old) at different phases of the estrous cycle to 2 ppm of ozone or filtered air (FA) for 3 h. Following exposure, we collected lung tissue and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BAL), and performed lung function measurements to evaluate inflammatory responses and respiratory mechanics. We found a differential inflammatory response to ozone in females exposed in the luteal phase (metestrus, diestrus) versus the follicular phase (proestrus, estrus). Females exposed to ozone in the follicular phase had significantly higher expression of inflammatory genes, including Ccl2, Cxcl2, Ccl20, and Il6, compared to females exposed in the luteal phase (P < 0.05), and displayed differential activation of regulatory pathways. Exposure to ozone in the follicular phase also resulted in higher BAL neutrophilia, lipocalin levels, and airway resistance than exposure in the luteal phase (P < 0.05). Together, these results show that the effects of ozone exposure in the female lung are affected by the estrous cycle phase, and potentially hormonal status. Future studies investigating air pollution effects and inflammation in women should consider the menstrual cycle phase and/or circulating hormone levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Fuentes
- Department of PediatricsThe Pennsylvania State University College of MedicineHersheyPennsylvania
| | - Noe Cabello
- Department of PediatricsThe Pennsylvania State University College of MedicineHersheyPennsylvania
| | - Marvin Nicoleau
- Department of PediatricsThe Pennsylvania State University College of MedicineHersheyPennsylvania
| | - Zissis C. Chroneos
- Department of PediatricsThe Pennsylvania State University College of MedicineHersheyPennsylvania
| | - Patricia Silveyra
- Department of PediatricsThe Pennsylvania State University College of MedicineHersheyPennsylvania
- Biobehavioral LaboratoryThe University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNorth Carolina
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Kalidhindi RSR, Katragadda R, Beauchamp KL, Pabelick CM, Prakash YS, Sathish V. Androgen Receptor-Mediated Regulation of Intracellular Calcium in Human Airway Smooth Muscle Cells. Cell Physiol Biochem 2019; 53:215-228. [PMID: 31299143 PMCID: PMC6896987 DOI: 10.33594/000000131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 07/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS With the prevalence of asthma being greater in women, detrimental effects of female sex steroids have been explored, but potential protective effects of androgens are not established. Airway smooth muscle (ASM) is a key cell type in contractility and remodelling of asthma. There are no data on expression and functionality of androgen receptor (AR) in human ASM cells. METHODS We used primary human ASM cells from non-asthmatics vs. asthmatics to determine AR expression at baseline and with inflammation measured using Western blotting/qRT-PCR, and the role of AR in regulating intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) measured using Fluo-3 loaded real time [Ca2+]i imaging. RESULTS We found that compared to females, baseline AR is greater in male ASM and increases with inflammation/asthma. Androgens, via AR, blunted TNFα or IL-13-induced enhancement of ASM [Ca2+]i in both males and females, with retained efficacy in asthmatics. AR effects involve reduced Ca2+ influx via L-type channels and store-operated Ca2+ entry, the latter by downregulating STIM1 and Orai1 and increasing TMEM66. CONCLUSION Our data show AR expression is increased in female ASM with asthma, but has retained functionality that could be used to reduce [Ca2+]i towards alleviating airway hyperresponsiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rathnavali Katragadda
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, USA
| | - Kerri L Beauchamp
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, USA
| | - Christina M Pabelick
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Y S Prakash
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Venkatachalem Sathish
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, USA,
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