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Raps M, Kleider C, Lehmann L. Quantitative analysis of 34 sex (pro)hormones, conjugates and bioactive oxidation products thereof in human plasma by GC- and LC-MS/MS and systematic investigation of overestimations of analyte concentrations not accounted for by method validation. Steroids 2024; 208:109441. [PMID: 38768743 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2024.109441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
When investigating endocrine disorders, it is essential to assess a comprehensive quantitative profile of sex (pro)hormones in plasma including conjugates. Thus, the present study aimed to develop and validate a comprehensive mass spectrometry-based multimethod combining the direct analysis of unconjugated sex (pro)hormones and oxidation products thereof (by GC), as well as their sulfates and glucuronides present in higher concentrations (by LC) with the indirect quantification of glucuronides present in lower concentrations after selective glucuronide hydrolysis (by GC) and its application to plasma derived from ten pre- and postmenopausal women and men each. Even guideline-compliant validation experiments cannot completely reflect overestimation of analyte concentrations due to effects depending on the individual ratio of analytes (i.e. chemical formation of analytes or incomplete removal of interfering analytes). Thus, the extent of processes not accounted for by the calibration strategy were investigated and maximum over- or underestimations of analyte concentrations were assessed for each plasma sample individually. 34 analytes were successfully calibrated, validated (median accuracy 101.1 %, median inter-day precision 8.1 %) and 31 were detected above the detection limit in plasma samples. The sporadic maximum individual over- or underestimation of analyte concentrations amounted to less than 20 %.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Raps
- University of Würzburg, Chair of Food Chemistry, 97074 Würzburg, Germany.
| | - Carolin Kleider
- University of Würzburg, Chair of Food Chemistry, 97074 Würzburg, Germany.
| | - Leane Lehmann
- University of Würzburg, Chair of Food Chemistry, 97074 Würzburg, Germany.
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2
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Dignam JP, Sharma S, Stasinopoulos I, MacLean MR. Pulmonary arterial hypertension: Sex matters. Br J Pharmacol 2024; 181:938-966. [PMID: 37939796 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16277] [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: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a complex disease of multifactorial origin. While registries have demonstrated that women are more susceptible to the disease, females with PAH have superior right ventricle (RV) function and a better prognosis than their male counterparts, a phenomenon referred to as the 'estrogen paradox'. Numerous pre-clinical studies have investigated the involvement of sex hormones in PAH pathobiology, often with conflicting results. However, recent advances suggest that abnormal estrogen synthesis, metabolism and signalling underpin the sexual dimorphism of this disease. Other sex hormones, such as progesterone, testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone may also play a role. Several non-hormonal factor including sex chromosomes and epigenetics have also been implicated. Though the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms are complex, several compounds that modulate sex hormones levels and signalling are under investigation in PAH patients. Further elucidation of the estrogen paradox will set the stage for the identification of additional therapeutic targets for this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua P Dignam
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, Scotland, UK
| | - Smriti Sharma
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, Scotland, UK
| | - Ioannis Stasinopoulos
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, Scotland, UK
- Mass Spectrometry Core, Edinburgh Clinical Research Facility, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
| | - Margaret R MacLean
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, Scotland, UK
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3
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Cook CM, Craddock VD, Ram AK, Abraham AA, Dhillon NK. HIV and Drug Use: A Tale of Synergy in Pulmonary Vascular Disease Development. Compr Physiol 2023; 13:4659-4683. [PMID: 37358518 PMCID: PMC10693986 DOI: 10.1002/cphy.c210049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
Over the past two decades, with the advent and adoption of highly active anti-retroviral therapy, HIV-1 infection, a once fatal and acute illness, has transformed into a chronic disease with people living with HIV (PWH) experiencing increased rates of cardio-pulmonary vascular diseases including life-threatening pulmonary hypertension. Moreover, the chronic consequences of tobacco, alcohol, and drug use are increasingly seen in older PWH. Drug use, specifically, can have pathologic effects on the cardiovascular health of these individuals. The "double hit" of drug use and HIV may increase the risk of HIV-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension (HIV-PAH) and potentiate right heart failure in this population. This article explores the epidemiology and pathophysiology of PAH associated with HIV and recreational drug use and describes the proposed mechanisms by which HIV and drug use, together, can cause pulmonary vascular remodeling and cardiopulmonary hemodynamic compromise. In addition to detailing the proposed cellular and signaling pathways involved in the development of PAH, this article proposes areas ripe for future research, including the influence of gut dysbiosis and cellular senescence on the pathobiology of HIV-PAH. © 2023 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 13:4659-4683, 2023.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine M Cook
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | - Vaughn D Craddock
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | - Anil K Ram
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | - Ashrita A Abraham
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | - Navneet K Dhillon
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
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4
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MacLean MR, Fanburg B, Hill N, Lazarus HM, Pack TF, Palacios M, Penumatsa KC, Wring SA. Serotonin and Pulmonary Hypertension; Sex and Drugs and ROCK and Rho. Compr Physiol 2022; 12:4103-4118. [PMID: 36036567 DOI: 10.1002/cphy.c220004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Serotonin is often referred to as a "happy hormone" as it maintains good mood, well-being, and happiness. It is involved in communication between nerve cells and plays a role in sleeping and digestion. However, too much serotonin can have pathogenic effects and serotonin synthesis is elevated in pulmonary artery endothelial cells from patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). PAH is characterized by elevated pulmonary pressures, right ventricular failure, inflammation, and pulmonary vascular remodeling; serotonin has been shown to be associated with these pathologies. The rate-limiting enzyme in the synthesis of serotonin in the periphery of the body is tryptophan hydroxylase 1 (TPH1). TPH1 expression and serotonin synthesis are elevated in pulmonary artery endothelial cells in patients with PAH. The serotonin synthesized in the pulmonary arterial endothelium can act on the adjacent pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs), adventitial macrophages, and fibroblasts, in a paracrine fashion. In humans, serotonin enters PASMCs cells via the serotonin transporter (SERT) and it can cooperate with the 5-HT1B receptor on the plasma membrane; this activates both contractile and proliferative signaling pathways. The "serotonin hypothesis of pulmonary hypertension" arose when serotonin was associated with PAH induced by diet pills such as fenfluramine, aminorex, and chlorphentermine; these act as indirect serotonergic agonists causing the release of serotonin from platelets and cells through the SERT. Here the role of serotonin in PAH is reviewed. Targeting serotonin synthesis or signaling is a promising novel alternative approach which may lead to novel therapies for PAH. © 2022 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 12: 1-16, 2022.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret R MacLean
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, Scotland
| | - Barry Fanburg
- Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Division, Department of Medicine, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Nicolas Hill
- Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Division, Department of Medicine, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | | | | | - Krishna C Penumatsa
- Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Division, Department of Medicine, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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5
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MacLean MR, Pandya D, Swietlik EM, Denver N, Mair K, Morrell NW, Gräf S. A pilot study to examine association of BMI with functional class and 6 min walk distance in idiopathic and heritable PAH: Possible association with estrogen metabolism. Pulm Circ 2022; 12:e12139. [PMID: 36186719 PMCID: PMC9510900 DOI: 10.1002/pul2.12139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The hypothesis that a relationship exists between body mass index (BMI), functional class, and 6 min walk distance (6MWD) in Group 1-pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) was examined. Analysis of data from the UK National Cohort Study for heritable pulmonary arterial/idiopathic PAH suggests increased BMI is a predictor of worse functional class and shorter 6MWD; increased body-weight in mice and man may be associated with increased estrogen metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret R. MacLean
- Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical SciencesUniversity of StrathclydeGlasgowUK
| | - Divya Pandya
- Department of MedicineUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | | | - Nina Denver
- Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical SciencesUniversity of StrathclydeGlasgowUK
| | - Kirsty Mair
- Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical SciencesUniversity of StrathclydeGlasgowUK
| | | | - Stefan Gräf
- Department of MedicineUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
- Department of HaematologyUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
- NIHR BioResource for Translational ResearchUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
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6
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Cheron C, McBride SA, Antigny F, Girerd B, Chouchana M, Chaumais MC, Jaïs X, Bertoletti L, Sitbon O, Weatherald J, Humbert M, Montani D. Sex and gender in pulmonary arterial hypertension. Eur Respir Rev 2021; 30:30/162/200330. [PMID: 34750113 DOI: 10.1183/16000617.0330-2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare disease characterised by pulmonary vascular remodelling and elevated pulmonary pressure, which eventually leads to right heart failure and death. Registries worldwide have noted a female predominance of the disease, spurring particular interest in hormonal involvement in the disease pathobiology. Several experimental models have shown both protective and deleterious effects of oestrogens, suggesting that complex mechanisms participate in PAH pathogenesis. In fact, oestrogen metabolites as well as receptors and enzymes implicated in oestrogen signalling pathways and associated conditions such as BMPR2 mutation contribute to PAH penetrance more specifically in women. Conversely, females have better right ventricular function, translating to a better prognosis. Along with right ventricular adaptation, women tend to respond to PAH treatment differently from men. As some young women suffer from PAH, contraception is of particular importance, considering that pregnancy in patients with PAH is strongly discouraged due to high risk of death. When contraception measures fail, pregnant women need a multidisciplinary team-based approach. This article aims to review epidemiology, mechanisms underlying the higher female predominance, but better prognosis and the intricacies in management of women affected by PAH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Céline Cheron
- School of Medicine, Université Paris-Saclay, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France.,Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Service de Pneumologie et Soins Intensifs Respiratoires, Hôpital Bicêtre, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France.,Inserm UMR_S 999, Hôpital Marie Lannelongue, Le Plessis Robinson, France
| | - Susan Ainslie McBride
- Internal Medicine Residency Program, Dept of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Fabrice Antigny
- School of Medicine, Université Paris-Saclay, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France.,Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Service de Pneumologie et Soins Intensifs Respiratoires, Hôpital Bicêtre, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France.,Inserm UMR_S 999, Hôpital Marie Lannelongue, Le Plessis Robinson, France
| | - Barbara Girerd
- School of Medicine, Université Paris-Saclay, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France.,Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Service de Pneumologie et Soins Intensifs Respiratoires, Hôpital Bicêtre, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France.,Inserm UMR_S 999, Hôpital Marie Lannelongue, Le Plessis Robinson, France
| | - Margot Chouchana
- Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Service de Pharmacie Hôpital Bicêtre, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France
| | - Marie-Camille Chaumais
- Inserm UMR_S 999, Hôpital Marie Lannelongue, Le Plessis Robinson, France.,Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Service de Pharmacie Hôpital Bicêtre, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France.,Université Paris-Saclay, Faculté de Pharmacie, Chatenay Malabry, France
| | - Xavier Jaïs
- School of Medicine, Université Paris-Saclay, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France.,Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Service de Pneumologie et Soins Intensifs Respiratoires, Hôpital Bicêtre, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France.,Inserm UMR_S 999, Hôpital Marie Lannelongue, Le Plessis Robinson, France
| | - Laurent Bertoletti
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Saint-Etienne, Service de Médecine Vasculaire et Thérapeutique, Saint-Etienne, France.,INSERM U1059 et CIC1408, Université Jean-Monnet, Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Olivier Sitbon
- School of Medicine, Université Paris-Saclay, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France.,Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Service de Pneumologie et Soins Intensifs Respiratoires, Hôpital Bicêtre, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France.,Inserm UMR_S 999, Hôpital Marie Lannelongue, Le Plessis Robinson, France
| | - Jason Weatherald
- Division of Respirology, Dept of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada.,Libin Cardiovascular Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Marc Humbert
- School of Medicine, Université Paris-Saclay, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France.,Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Service de Pneumologie et Soins Intensifs Respiratoires, Hôpital Bicêtre, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France.,Inserm UMR_S 999, Hôpital Marie Lannelongue, Le Plessis Robinson, France
| | - David Montani
- School of Medicine, Université Paris-Saclay, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France .,Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Service de Pneumologie et Soins Intensifs Respiratoires, Hôpital Bicêtre, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France.,Inserm UMR_S 999, Hôpital Marie Lannelongue, Le Plessis Robinson, France
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7
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Sun Y, Sangam S, Guo Q, Wang J, Tang H, Black SM, Desai AA. Sex Differences, Estrogen Metabolism and Signaling in the Development of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension. Front Cardiovasc Med 2021; 8:719058. [PMID: 34568460 PMCID: PMC8460911 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.719058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a complex and devastating disease with a poor long-term prognosis. While women are at increased risk for developing PAH, they exhibit superior right heart function and higher survival rates than men. Susceptibility to disease risk in PAH has been attributed, in part, to estrogen signaling. In contrast to potential pathological influences of estrogen in patients, studies of animal models reveal estrogen demonstrates protective effects in PAH. Consistent with this latter observation, an ovariectomy in female rats appears to aggravate the condition. This discrepancy between observations from patients and animal models is often called the "estrogen paradox." Further, the tissue-specific interactions between estrogen, its metabolites and receptors in PAH and right heart function remain complex; nonetheless, these relationships are essential to characterize to better understand PAH pathophysiology and to potentially develop novel therapeutic and curative targets. In this review, we explore estrogen-mediated mechanisms that may further explain this paradox by summarizing published literature related to: (1) the synthesis and catabolism of estrogen; (2) activity and functions of the various estrogen receptors; (3) the multiple modalities of estrogen signaling in cells; and (4) the role of estrogen and its diverse metabolites on the susceptibility to, and progression of, PAH as well as their impact on right heart function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanan Sun
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, China
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Vascular Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shreya Sangam
- Department of Medicine, Krannert Institute of Cardiology, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Qiang Guo
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Suzhou Dushu Lake Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jian Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Vascular Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haiyang Tang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, China
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Vascular Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Stephen M. Black
- Department of Cellular Biology and Pharmacology, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
- Center for Translational Science and Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Florida International University, Port St. Lucie, FL, United States
| | - Ankit A. Desai
- Department of Medicine, Krannert Institute of Cardiology, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, United States
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8
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Abstract
Rationale: Sex hormones play a role in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), but the menstrual cycle has never been studied.Objectives: We conducted a prospective observational study of eight women with stable PAH and 20 healthy controls over one cycle.Methods: Participants completed four study visits 1 week apart starting on the first day of menstruation. Relationships between sex hormones, hormone metabolites, and extracellular vesicle microRNA (miRNA) expression and clinical markers were compared with generalized linear mixed modeling.Results: Women with PAH had higher but less variable estradiol (E2) levels (P < 0.001) that tracked with 6-minute walk distance (P < 0.001), N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide (P = 0.03) levels, and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (P < 0.01); the direction of these associations depended on menstrual phase. Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) levels were lower in women with PAH (all visits, P < 0.001). In PAH, each 100-μg/dl increase in DHEA-S was associated with a 127-m increase in 6-minute walk distance (P < 0.001) and was moderated by the cardioprotective E2 metabolite 2-methoxyestrone (P < 0.001). As DHEA-S increased, N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide levels decreased (P = 0.001). Expression of extracellular vesicle miRNAs-21, -29c, and -376a was higher in PAH, moderated by E2 and DHEA-S levels, and tracked with hormone-associated changes in clinical measures.Conclusions: Women with PAH have fluctuations in cardiopulmonary function during menstruation driven by E2 and DHEA-S. These hormones in turn influence transcription of extracellular vesicle miRNAs implicated in the pathobiology of pulmonary vascular disease and cancer.
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9
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Chaudhary KR, Deng Y, Yang A, Cober ND, Stewart DJ. Penetrance of Severe Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension in Response to Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor 2 Blockade in a Genetically Prone Rat Model Is Reduced by Female Sex. J Am Heart Assoc 2021; 10:e019488. [PMID: 34315227 PMCID: PMC8475703 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.120.019488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Background We have previously reported important strain differences in response to SU5416 (SU, a vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 inhibitor) in rats and have identified a specific colony of Sprague-Dawley rats that are hyperresponsive (SDHR) to SU alone and develop severe pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) with a single injection of SU, even in the absence of hypoxia. Interestingly, SDHR rats exhibit incomplete penetrance of the severe PAH phenotype with an "all-or-none" response to SU alone, which provides a unique opportunity to assess the influence of female sex and sex hormones on susceptibility to PAH after endothelial injury in a genetically prone model. Methods and Results SDHR rats were injected with SU (20 mg/kg SC) and, in the absence of hypoxia, 72% of male but only 27% of female rats developed severe PAH at 7 weeks, which was associated with persistent endothelial cell apoptosis. This sex difference in susceptibility for severe PAH was abolished by ovariectomy. Estradiol replacement, beginning 2 days before SU (prevention), inhibited lung endothelial cell apoptosis and completely abrogated severe PAH phenotype in both male and ovariectomized female rats, while progesterone was only protective in ovariectomized female rats. In contrast, delayed treatment of SDHR rats with established PAH with estradiol or progesterone (initiated at 4 weeks post-SU) failed to reduce lung endothelial cell apoptosis or improve PAH phenotype. Conclusions Female sex hormones markedly reduced susceptibility for the severe PAH phenotype in response to SU alone in a hyperresponsive rat strain by abolishing SU-induced endothelial cell apoptosis, but did not reverse severe PAH in established disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ketul R. Chaudhary
- Department of Physiology and BiophysicsFaculty of MedicineDalhousie UniversityHalifaxNSCanada
| | - Yupu Deng
- Sinclair Centre for Regenerative MedicineOttawa Hospital Research InstituteONCanada
| | - Anli Yang
- Sinclair Centre for Regenerative MedicineOttawa Hospital Research InstituteONCanada
| | - Nicholas D. Cober
- Sinclair Centre for Regenerative MedicineOttawa Hospital Research InstituteONCanada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular MedicineFaculty of MedicineUniversity of OttawaONCanada
| | - Duncan J. Stewart
- Sinclair Centre for Regenerative MedicineOttawa Hospital Research InstituteONCanada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular MedicineFaculty of MedicineUniversity of OttawaONCanada
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10
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Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) occurs in women more than men whereas survival in men is worse than in women. In recent years, much research has been carried out to understand these sex differences in PAH. This article discusses clinical and preclinical studies that have investigated the influences of sex, serotonin, obesity, estrogen, estrogen synthesis, and estrogen metabolism on bone morphogenetic protein receptor type II signaling, the pulmonary circulation and right ventricle in both heritable and idiopathic pulmonary hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Morris
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G4 0RE, Scotland; Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Scotland
| | - Nina Denver
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G4 0RE, Scotland
| | - Rosemary Gaw
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G4 0RE, Scotland
| | - Hicham Labazi
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G4 0RE, Scotland
| | - Kirsty Mair
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G4 0RE, Scotland
| | - Margaret R MacLean
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G4 0RE, Scotland.
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11
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Mair KM, Gaw R, MacLean MR. Obesity, estrogens and adipose tissue dysfunction - implications for pulmonary arterial hypertension. Pulm Circ 2020; 10:2045894020952019. [PMID: 32999709 PMCID: PMC7506791 DOI: 10.1177/2045894020952023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Obesity is a prevalent global public health issue characterized by excess body fat. Adipose tissue is now recognized as an important endocrine organ releasing an abundance of bioactive adipokines including, but not limited to, leptin, adiponectin and resistin. Obesity is a common comorbidity amongst pulmonary arterial hypertension patients, with 30% to 40% reported as obese, independent of other comorbidities associated with pulmonary arterial hypertension (e.g. obstructive sleep apnoea). An 'obesity paradox' has been observed, where obesity has been associated with subclinical right ventricular dysfunction but paradoxically may confer a protective effect on right ventricular function once pulmonary hypertension develops. Obesity and pulmonary arterial hypertension share multiple pathophysiological mechanisms including inflammation, oxidative stress, elevated leptin (proinflammatory) and reduced adiponectin (anti-inflammatory). The female prevalence of pulmonary arterial hypertension has instigated the hypothesis that estrogens may play a causative role in its development. Adipose tissue, a major site for storage and metabolism of sex steroids, is the primary source of estrogens and circulating estrogens levels which are elevated in postmenopausal women and men with pulmonary arterial hypertension. This review discusses the functions of adipose tissue in both health and obesity and the links between obesity and pulmonary arterial hypertension. Shared pathophysiological mechanisms and the contribution of specific fat depots, metabolic and sex-dependent differences are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsty M. Mair
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical
Sciences (SIPBS), University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - Rosemary Gaw
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical
Sciences (SIPBS), University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - Margaret R. MacLean
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical
Sciences (SIPBS), University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
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