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Xuan Y, Zhang X, Wu H. Impact of sex differences on the clinical presentation, pathogenesis, treatment and prognosis of Sjögren's syndrome. Immunology 2024; 171:513-524. [PMID: 38156505 DOI: 10.1111/imm.13740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Sjögren's syndrome is a common chronic autoimmune disease that manifests as dry mouth, dry eyes and systemic complications. There are sex differences in the clinical manifestations between men and women, with the average age of onset being around 55 years and the majority of female patients developing the disease during the menopausal years. Understanding the impact of sex differences on SS may help in the treatment and prognosis of patients. Studies have confirmed that a number of factors are associated with the onset of SS, but the exact mechanisms are not fully understood. Sex hormones (especially oestrogens and androgens) play a very important role, and the balance of sex hormone levels in the body is crucial for maintaining homeostasis in the acinar cells of the lacrimal and salivary glands. In addition, chromosomes play a very important role in the sex differences in SS. The gut microbiota also has some influence on sex differences in SS. In this review, we focus on oestrogens and androgens, which are important in the pathogenesis of SS, and summarize the progress of non-clinical studies. Sex differences may influence differences in individualized treatment regimens and further studies are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhao Xuan
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui Collaborative Innovation Center of Anti-Infammatory and lmmune Medicine, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Xiao Zhang
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui Collaborative Innovation Center of Anti-Infammatory and lmmune Medicine, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Huaxun Wu
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui Collaborative Innovation Center of Anti-Infammatory and lmmune Medicine, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
- Anhui Provincial Institute of Translational Medicine, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
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Lin HC, Yen CM, Chen WS, Hsu CC, Kung YY, Wu JH, Su YT, Chen KF, Chen HY, Lien CM, Wang MJ, Chang CM. Unveiling the age-related dynamics in Sjögren's syndrome: Insights from heart rate variability and autonomic function. Int J Rheum Dis 2024; 27:e15088. [PMID: 38454192 DOI: 10.1111/1756-185x.15088] [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: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sjögren's Syndrome (SS), mainly affecting women in their midlife, is characterized by persistent inflammation in glands producing tears and saliva, often leading to significant complications. This study investigates the differences in autonomic system functioning between individuals with SS and healthy controls. METHODS From April 2019 to December 2022, 329 diagnosed primary SS (pSS) patients and 30 healthy controls were enrolled at Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan. The study assessed autonomic nervous system functioning using various HRV metrics. Participants were divided based on age and AECG criteria, including salivary gland biopsy and autoantibody status. RESULTS Significant differences in Heart Rate Variability (HRV) were observed between pSS patients and healthy controls. The total power index was notably lower in pSS patients (4.98 ± 1.29) than in controls (5.54 ± 1.21, p = .022). Additionally, Vagal (VAG) activity was significantly reduced in the pSS group (4.95 ± 1.33) compared to the healthy control group (5.47 ± 1.19, p = .041). Age-stratified analysis highlighted that the ≤50 years pSS group had a higher heart rate (77.74 ± 10.42) compared to the >50 years group (73.86 ± 10.35, p = .005). This group also showed a higher total power index (5.78 ± 1.30) versus the >50 years group (4.68 ± 1.19, p < .001), and significantly lower VAG activity (4.70 ± 1.26, p = .007) compared to healthy controls. Furthermore, the Standard Deviation of Normal-to-Normal Intervals (SDNN) was greater in the ≤50 years SS group (44.45 ± 37.12) than in the >50 years group (33.51 ± 26.18, p = .007). In pSS patients, those positive for both salivary gland biopsy and autoantibodies demonstrated a lower Total Power (4.25 ± 1.32) and R-wave validity (93.50 ± 4.79, p < .05) than other groups, suggesting more severe autonomic imbalance. The R-R interval variation (RRIV) was also significantly higher in this dual-positive group (696.10 ± 975.41, p < .05). Additionally, the ESSPRI for dryness was markedly higher in the dual-positive group (8.10 ± 1.45, p < .05), indicating more severe symptoms. These findings reveal significant variations in autonomic function in SS patients, especially in those with dual-positive biopsy and autoantibody status. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates significant autonomic dysfunction in pSS patients compared to healthy controls, particularly in those positive for both salivary gland biopsy and autoantibodies. The age-stratified analysis further emphasizes the impact of aging on autonomic system functioning in pSS, suggesting a need for age-specific management approaches in pSS patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Chun Lin
- Center for Traditional Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Traditional Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Ming Yen
- Center for Traditional Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Sheng Chen
- Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Chien Hsu
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Ying Kung
- Center for Traditional Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Traditional Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jin-Huang Wu
- Center for Traditional Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Ting Su
- Center for Traditional Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-Feng Chen
- Department of Chinese Medicine, Taipei Municipal Gan-Dau Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Yuan Chen
- Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Min Lien
- Institute of Traditional Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Section of Rehabilitation and Integrative Medicine, National Taiwan University Veterinary Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Jen Wang
- Institute of Traditional Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Chinese Medicine, Taipei City Hospital Renai Branch, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Mao Chang
- Center for Traditional Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Traditional Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Kempińska-Podhorodecka A, Abramczyk J, Cielica E, Huła B, Maciejowska H, Banales J, Milkiewicz P, Milkiewicz M. Effect of Low Testosterone Levels on the Expression of Proliferator-Activated Receptor Alpha in Female Patients with Primary Biliary Cholangitis. Cells 2023; 12:2273. [PMID: 37759496 PMCID: PMC10526765 DOI: 10.3390/cells12182273] [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: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Sex-dependent patterns in chronic immune-mediated cholangiopathies, like primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), remain poorly understood. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR-α), expressed in immune cells, plays a key role in innate defence. In this study, the relationship between PPAR-α expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), serum androgen levels, IFNγ production, and sex-dependent tendencies during the development of PBC and PSC was investigated. We confirmed that normal cholangiocytes respond to PPAR-α and inhibit the lipopolysaccharide-induced expression of IL-6, IL-1b, and TNFα. Compared with PSC patients, PPAR-α was downregulated, while IFNγ was upregulated, in the PBMCs of PBC patients. When the analysis was conducted on females only, there was no difference in PPAR-α, but IFNγ was elevated in females with PBC compared with those with PSC. Serum testosterone concentrations in females with PBC were below the normal range (regardless of age) and correlated positively with PPAR-α and negatively with IFNγ. While PPAR-α has been reported to be a target of miR-155 and miR-21, no correlations with these microRNAs were observed in the PBMCs. However, a positive correlation between miR-21 and IFNγ was observed. Our results showed suppressed PPAR-α expression accompanied by reduced testosterone levels in women with PBC, which should elicit interest in the role of testosterone in PBC development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Kempińska-Podhorodecka
- Department of Medical Biology, Pomeranian Medical University, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland; (A.K.-P.); (J.A.); (E.C.); (B.H.); (H.M.); (M.M.)
| | - Joanna Abramczyk
- Department of Medical Biology, Pomeranian Medical University, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland; (A.K.-P.); (J.A.); (E.C.); (B.H.); (H.M.); (M.M.)
| | - Eliza Cielica
- Department of Medical Biology, Pomeranian Medical University, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland; (A.K.-P.); (J.A.); (E.C.); (B.H.); (H.M.); (M.M.)
| | - Bartosz Huła
- Department of Medical Biology, Pomeranian Medical University, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland; (A.K.-P.); (J.A.); (E.C.); (B.H.); (H.M.); (M.M.)
| | - Hanna Maciejowska
- Department of Medical Biology, Pomeranian Medical University, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland; (A.K.-P.); (J.A.); (E.C.); (B.H.); (H.M.); (M.M.)
| | - Jesus Banales
- Department of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, Donostia University Hospital, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), CIBERehd, Ikerbasque, 20014 San Sebastian, Spain;
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, School of Science, University of Navarra, 31009 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Piotr Milkiewicz
- Liver and Internal Medicine Unit, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Milkiewicz
- Department of Medical Biology, Pomeranian Medical University, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland; (A.K.-P.); (J.A.); (E.C.); (B.H.); (H.M.); (M.M.)
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Jankowska K, Dudek P, Stasiek M, Suchta K. Autoimmune polyendocrine syndromes associated with autoimmune rheumatic diseases. Reumatologia 2023; 61:225-238. [PMID: 37745144 PMCID: PMC10515125 DOI: 10.5114/reum/170266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune polyendocrine syndromes (APSs), also called autoimmune polyglandular syndromes, are a group of autoimmune diseases characterized by the co-occurrence of dysfunctions of several (at least two) endocrine glands. They develop under the influence of environmental factors in genetically predisposed people. Autoimmune polyendocrine syndromes may accompany autoimmune rheumatic diseases and worsen their course - APS-2 and APS-3 are the most common. The APS-2 includes the coexistence of, e.g. Hashimoto's disease, celiac disease and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In APS-3, rheumatic diseases such as RA, systemic lupus erythematosus, and Sjögren's syndrome may coexist with Hashimoto's disease, type 1 diabetes and hypogonadism or other endocrinopathies. Undiagnosed endocrine diseases may be the reason for the intensification of metabolic disorders observed in the course of rheumatic diseases, cause the ineffectiveness of rheumatological treatment and also increase the frequency of bone fractures due to osteoporosis, cardiovascular complications and even miscarriages when coexistent, e.g. Hashimoto's disease with hypothyroiditis, which increases the risk of pregnancy loss. It is important to be able to conduct an extensive interview, paying attention to the symptoms of possible endocrinopathy as well as the features of other autoimmune disorders in the physical examination (e.g. vitiligo or darkening of the skin in Addison's disease). Depending on the history and physical examination, screening for various APSs is advised.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Jankowska
- Department of Endocrinology, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, Bielanski Hospital, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Piotr Dudek
- Biological Therapy Center, National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Stasiek
- Biological Therapy Center, National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Suchta
- Department of Gynaecological Endocrinology, Medical University of Warsaw, Poland
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Podgórski R, Sumińska M, Rachel M, Pikuła B, Fichna P, Bidlingmaier M, Fichna M. Changes of androgen and corticosterone metabolites excretion and conversion in cystic fibrosis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1244127. [PMID: 37711888 PMCID: PMC10497873 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1244127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a life-threatening inherited disease related to a mutation in the CFTR gene, that leads to serious health complications such as chronic pulmonary infections, pancreatic insufficiency, dysfunction of the sweat glands and reproductive system. For the first time, we have described the profile of corticosterone and androgen metabolites in urine, as well as the activity of enzymes involved in steroid genesis and metabolism in people with CF, using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. A significant reduction in the excretion of most of the measured metabolites in CF was found. These differences were observed in the group of progestagen metabolites, as well as among metabolites of corticosterone and androgens. We revealed higher activities of 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and 17,20-lyase in the Δ4 pathway compared with controls, what can promote the androgen synthesis through the backdoor androgen pathway. We have also found the increased conversion activity of 11-oxyganated steroids by 5a-reductase in backdoor pathway. Levels of the most potent and vital androgens (testosterone and dihydrotestosterone) are comparable in both groups. However, the excretion of dehydroepiandrosterone was lower in CF. Decreased cholesterol lipoprotein levels may contribute to limited intracellular cholesterol supply and reduced adrenal steroidogenesis in CF individuals. Changes in the activity of some steroidogenesis enzymes may suggest the presence of some peripheral adaptive mechanisms in CF to maintain androgen balance in the body despite the limited sufficiency of secretion by the adrenal cortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafał Podgórski
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Medical Sciences, Medical College of Rzeszow University, Rzeszow, Poland
| | - Marta Sumińska
- Department of Pediatric Diabetes, Auxology and Obesity, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Marta Rachel
- Department of Pediatric, Institute of Medical Sciences, Medical College of Rzeszow University, Rzeszow, Poland
| | - Barbara Pikuła
- Department of Biology, Institute of Medical Sciences, Medical College of Rzeszow University, Rzeszow, Poland
| | - Piotr Fichna
- Department of Pediatric Diabetes, Auxology and Obesity, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Martin Bidlingmaier
- Endocrine Laboratory, Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Marta Fichna
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Internal Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
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Genetics and epigenetics of primary Sjögren syndrome: implications for future therapies. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2023; 19:288-306. [PMID: 36914790 PMCID: PMC10010657 DOI: 10.1038/s41584-023-00932-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023]
Abstract
In primary Sjögren syndrome (pSS), chronic inflammation of exocrine glands results in tissue destruction and sicca symptoms, primarily of the mouth and eyes. Fatigue, arthralgia and myalgia are also common symptoms, whereas extraglandular manifestations that involve the respiratory, nervous and vascular systems occur in a subset of patients. The disease predominantly affects women, with an estimated female to male ratio of 14 to 1. The aetiology of pSS, however, remains incompletely understood, and effective treatment is lacking. Large-scale genetic and epigenetic investigations have revealed associations between pSS and genes in both innate and adaptive immune pathways. The genetic variants mediate context-dependent effects, and both sex and environmental factors can influence the outcome. As such, genetic and epigenetic studies can provide insight into the dysregulated molecular mechanisms, which in turn might reveal new therapeutic possibilities. This Review discusses the genetic and epigenetic features that have been robustly connected with pSS, putting them into the context of cellular function, carrier sex and environmental challenges. In all, the observations point to several novel opportunities for early detection, treatment development and the pathway towards personalized medicine.
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McCoy SS, Hetzel S, VanWormer JJ, Bartels CM. Sex hormones, body mass index, and related comorbidities associated with developing Sjögren's disease: a nested case-control study. Clin Rheumatol 2022; 41:3065-3074. [PMID: 35701626 PMCID: PMC9610811 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-022-06226-8] [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: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Sjögren's disease (SjD), a highly female predominant systemic autoimmune disease, peaks in perimenopause. Prior studies lack details on timing or type of sex hormone exposure. We examined SjD risk using endogenous and exogenous hormone exposure and related comorbidities. METHODS We performed a retrospective case-control study of adult women, nested within a population cohort. Cases had SjD diagnosed by a rheumatology provider or two SjD diagnoses from a non-rheumatology provider with a positive anti-SSA antibody or salivary gland biopsy. Cases were age-matched to three SjD-free controls. We calculated modified composite estrogen scores (mCES) and collected demographics, comorbidities, and endogenous and exogenous hormone exposures. Risk ratios were adjusted for demographics. RESULTS Of 546 SjD cases and 1637 age-matched controls, mCES was not significantly associated with SjD in adjusted models. The top individual hormone exposures associated with SjD included estrogen replacement therapy (ERT; RR 1.78 [95% CI 1.47-2.14]), polycystic ovarian syndrome (1.65 [1.28-2.12]), and hysterectomy without bilateral oophorectomy (1.51 [1.13-2.03]). We identified comorbidities preceding SjD including fibromyalgia, pulmonary disease, diabetes, lymphoma, osteoporosis, peripheral vascular disease, and renal disease. Taking comorbidities into account, we developed a predictive model for SjD that included fibromyalgia (2.50 [1.93-3.25]), osteoporosis (1.84 [1.27-2.66]), hormone replacement therapy (HRT) (1.61 [1.22-2.12]), diabetes (0.27 [0.13-0.50]), and body mass index (BMI) (0.97 [0.95-0.99]). CONCLUSIONS We report a novel algorithm to improve identifying patients at risk for SjD and describe sex hormone association with SjD. Finally, we report new comorbidities associated with SjD decrease, BMI and diabetes, and increase, lymphoma and osteoporosis.. Key Points •Given female predominance and typical perimenopausal onset, sex hormones should be considered when studying comorbidities in Sjögren's disease. •The top exposures associated with developing Sjögren's disease included fibromyalgia, osteoporosis, and use of hormone replacement therapy. Possible protective factors included prior diabetes and higher body mass index. •We used our newly identified exposures to generate a predictive algorithm, which has potential to improve diagnosis and pathogenic insights into Sjögren's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara S McCoy
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, 1685 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI, 53705-2281, USA.
| | - Scott Hetzel
- Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Population Sciences, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Jeffrey J VanWormer
- Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Population Health, Marshfield Clinic Research Institute, Marshfield, WI, USA
| | - Christie M Bartels
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, 1685 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI, 53705-2281, USA
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Adolfsson A, Lenér F, Marklund B, Mossberg K, Çevik‐Aras H. Prevalence of dry mouth in adult patients in primary health care. Acta Odontol Scand 2022; 80:605-610. [PMID: 35617454 DOI: 10.1080/00016357.2022.2069282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine the prevalence and severity of dry mouth by age, gender, presence of disease, and medication intake for patients aged 18 years and over, seeking primary health care on the west coast of Sweden (Region of Västra Götaland, VGR). MATERIALS AND METHODS Cross-sectional study conducted among patients (n = 374, age ≥ 18) visiting primary health care providers (n = 4) in VGR for any medical reasons. Patients were invited to participate by answering a single-item question, 'Have you experienced dry mouth in the last six months?' Patients giving positive answers (n = 163) were asked to fill in the 11-item Xerostomia Inventory (XI) questionnaire to determine the variability and severity of xerostomia. Patients replying 'No' (n = 211) to the single-item question were considered not to have xerostomia and included in the non-xerostomia group. RESULTS The overall prevalence of xerostomia was 43.6% with a female dominance (61.2%). The prevalence in different age groups among females and males was similar. The number of medications and/or diseases are positively associated with xerostomia. Medication was a significant predictor of the prevalence of xerostomia, regardless of age and gender (p < .001). Patients with five or more medications had the highest prevalence of xerostomia (71.2%). CONCLUSION Patients seeking primary care on the west coast of Sweden have a high prevalence of xerostomia. Factors associated with xerostomia were female gender and medications and/or diseases. Awareness is required to manage patients with xerostomia in medical and dental care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Adolfsson
- Public Dental Service, Region Västra Götaland, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Frida Lenér
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Bertil Marklund
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Karin Mossberg
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Hülya Çevik‐Aras
- Department of Oral Medicine and Pathology, Institute of Odontology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Han X, Xia X, Zhuo Y, Hua L, Yu G, Bu G, Cao X, Du X, Liang Q, Zeng X, Meng F. RNA-seq coupling two different methods of castration reveals new insights into androgen deficiency-caused degeneration of submaxillary gland in male Sprague Dawley rats. BMC Genomics 2022; 23:279. [PMID: 35392803 PMCID: PMC8991617 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-022-08521-9] [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: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Salivary gland (SMG) degeneration and dysfunction are common symptoms that occur after sex hormone deprivation, but the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. Additionally, immunocastration, which causes drop of sex hormones, has been developed as an alternative to surgical castration, however whether it exerts similar effects as surgical castration on the salivary glands is unknown. Through histological and RNA-seq analysis, we assessed changes in morphology and transcriptome of SMG in response to immunocastration (IM) versus surgical castration (bilateral orchiectomy, ORC). Results Compared to entire males (EM), ORC caused severe degeneration of SMG in rats, as evidenced by both decreased (P < 0.01) SMG weight and organ index, and by decreased (P < 0.01) quantity of SMG acini and ducts. IM had minimal effects (P > 0.05) on SMG weight and organ index, but it still caused degeneration (P < 0.05) of the acini and ducts. Even though, the quantity of both SMG acini and ducts was much higher (P < 0.001) in IM than in ORC. Functional enrichment analysis of the common regulated genes by ORC/IM revealed disrupted epithelial cell development, angiogenesis, anatomical structure morphogenesis and enhanced cell death are associated with SMG degeneration in deprivation of androgens. Integrated data analysis shown that there existed a selective hyperfunction of SMG ribosome and mitochondrion in ORC but not in IM, which might be associated with more severe degeneration of SMG in ORC than in IM. Conclusions Our findings suggested that both surgical castration and immunocastration caused SMG degeneration by disrupting epithelial cell development, angiogenesis, anatomical structure morphogenesis and enhancing cell death. But, surgical castration selectively induced hyperfunction of SMG ribosome and mitochondrion, thus causing more severe degeneration of SMG than immunocastration. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12864-022-08521-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingfa Han
- Isotope Research Lab, Biological Engineering and Application Biology Department, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an 625014, China.
| | - Xue Xia
- Isotope Research Lab, Biological Engineering and Application Biology Department, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an 625014, China
| | - Yong Zhuo
- Key Laboratory for Animal Disease-Resistant Nutrition of the Ministry of Education of China, Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Lun Hua
- Key Laboratory for Animal Disease-Resistant Nutrition of the Ministry of Education of China, Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Guozhi Yu
- Isotope Research Lab, Biological Engineering and Application Biology Department, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an 625014, China
| | - Guixian Bu
- Isotope Research Lab, Biological Engineering and Application Biology Department, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an 625014, China
| | - Xiaohan Cao
- Isotope Research Lab, Biological Engineering and Application Biology Department, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an 625014, China
| | - XiaoGang Du
- Isotope Research Lab, Biological Engineering and Application Biology Department, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an 625014, China
| | - Qiuxia Liang
- Isotope Research Lab, Biological Engineering and Application Biology Department, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an 625014, China
| | - Xianyin Zeng
- Isotope Research Lab, Biological Engineering and Application Biology Department, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an 625014, China
| | - Fengyan Meng
- Isotope Research Lab, Biological Engineering and Application Biology Department, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an 625014, China.
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Follicular-Stimulating Hormone, Luteinizing Hormone, and Prolactin Serum Level in Patients with Oral Lichen Planus in Comparison to Healthy Population. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 2021:8679505. [PMID: 34746311 PMCID: PMC8564193 DOI: 10.1155/2021/8679505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Materials and Methods In this cross-sectional case control study, the serum level of LH, FSH, and prolactin of 40 women with lichen planus who have been referred to Shiraz Dental Faculty, Oral and Maxillofacial Disease Department during 2018-2019 has been evaluated in comparison to 40 healthy controls. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 18. Two-way ANOVA and Mann–Whitney test were used for data analysis. Results The mean serum level of FSH and LH was significantly higher in OLP patients while this difference was not reported for prolactin. Only FSH mean serum level was significantly higher in nonmenopausal OLP patients. The distribution of prolactin and FSH hormones' serum level was in normal range. Conclusions The high serum level of FSH and LH can affect OLP pathogenesis by estrogen and progesterone modulation.
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Chen H, Jin Z, Sun C, Santos HO, Kord Varkaneh H. Effects of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) supplementation on cortisol, leptin, adiponectin, and liver enzyme levels: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised clinical trials. Int J Clin Pract 2021; 75:e14698. [PMID: 34342920 DOI: 10.1111/ijcp.14698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 07/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) supplementation has been investigated in patients with altered cortisol levels and is proposed to ameliorate the metabolic profile related to adipose tissue. However, further research is warranted and evidence is no compelling for liver safety. Hence, we aimed to meta-analyse the effects of DHEA supplementation on circulating levels of cortisol, liver enzymes, and adipokines. METHODS We searched literature published in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase and Scopus, until December 2020. We obtained overall results using the generic inverse of variance method with a random-effects model. RESULTS Through 10 arms, serum cortisol levels decreased significantly after DHEA supplementation [weighted mean difference (WMD): -53.581 nmol/L, 95% confidence interval (CI): -88.2, -18.9, P = .002], without significant heterogeneity (I2 = 36%, P = .117). In contrast, any significance was noted for adiponectin (WMD: -0.045 µg/mL, 95% CI: -0.56, 0.47; P = .865), leptin (WMD: -2.55 µg/mL, 95% CI: -6.2, 1.06; P = .166), aspartate transaminase (AST) (WMD: -3.7 U/L, 95% CI: -10.35, 2.95; P = .276), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (WMD: -1.7 U/L, 95% CI: -3.45, 0.06; P = .058). CONCLUSION DHEA supplementation decreased circulating cortisol but did not alter adiponectin, leptin, AST, and ALT levels. Hence, DHEA supplementation could be considered as an adjunct in the management of hypercortisolaemia and is safe for the liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hu Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Yichun People's Hospital, Yichun, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Zhao Jin
- Department of Pharmacy, Yichun People's Hospital, Yichun, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Changliang Sun
- Department of Pharmacy, Yichun People's Hospital, Yichun, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Heitor O Santos
- School of Medicine, Federal University of Uberlandia (UFU), Uberlandia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Hamed Kord Varkaneh
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Nutrition and Food Technology, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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12
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Lavaee F, Ranjbar Z, Jalalian M, Amiri MA. Comparison of the sex hormones' serum level in women with recurrent aphthous stomatitis and healthy population: a cross-sectional study. BMC Oral Health 2021; 21:551. [PMID: 34706694 PMCID: PMC8549300 DOI: 10.1186/s12903-021-01812-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In this study, we aimed to evaluate the sex hormonal serum level in patients with recurrent aphthous stomatitis and compare them with healthy participants.
Methods This cross-sectional study was done on patients with recurrent aphthous stomatitis who had referred to Shiraz Dental Faculty, Oral and Maxillofacial Medicine Department during 2018–2019. The non -menopause women with recurrence of at least 3 lesions per year were enrolled in this study. The mean serum level of FSH, LH, PRL (prolactin), testosterone, DHT (Dihydrotestosterone), DHEA-S (Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate), estradiol and progesterone of 30 participants in each group of case and control were measured and compared. The data were analyzed by SPSS version 18 and independent T-test, Mann–Whitney U test, Spearman’s correlation coefficient test, Chi-square test and Fisher’s test. Results The mean serum level of DHEA-S in patients with recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) was significantly lower than the control group (p value = 0.02). In addition to DHEA-S, the mean serum level of testosterone was lower in the evaluation group although this difference was not significant (p value = 0.057). Considering the effect of age on the mean serum level of sex hormones, our results revealed that only DHEA-S mean serum level was decreased by increasing the age of participants in patients with RAS (p value = 0.018). The number of participants with abnormal range of testosterone (p value < 0.0001) and progesterone (p value = 0.037) serum level was significantly more in patients with RAS. The frequency of RAS in a year did not show a significant relationship with the serum level of the evaluated hormones. Conclusion The patients with RAS had a lower serum level of DHEA-S. The mean serum level of testosterone and progesterone was significantly abnormal in RAS patients. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12903-021-01812-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Lavaee
- Oral and Dental Disease Research Center, Oral and Maxillofacial Disease Department, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Ghasr-dasht Street, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Zahra Ranjbar
- Oral and Dental Disease Research Center, Oral and Maxillofacial Disease Department, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Ghasr-dasht Street, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Mina Jalalian
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Amin Amiri
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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13
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Evaluation of Sex Hormone Levels in Patients with Pemphigus Vulgaris in Comparison to the Healthy Population. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 2021:9947706. [PMID: 34621900 PMCID: PMC8492234 DOI: 10.1155/2021/9947706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Materials and Methods This cross-sectional study was performed on patients with pemphigus vulgaris referred to Faghihi Hospital and Shiraz Dental Faculty in 2017-2018. The participants included 26 women with histopathologically confirmed pemphigus vulgaris and 26 healthy age-matched controls. The serum levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, prolactin, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) were evaluated in both groups. Independent t-test and two-way ANOVA were used for data analysis. Results The mean age of the patients was 49.88 ± 10.46 years and that of the control group was 49.92 ± 11.30 years. Unlike the case group, the DHEA serum level was significantly higher among nonmenopausal participants in the control group. Moreover, the levels of testosterone and DHEA were significantly lower in the case group in comparison to the control group (p = 0.015 and p = 0.026, respectively). Conclusion Considering the effects of age and menopause, the serum levels of testosterone and DHEA were significantly lower in the patients with pemphigus vulgaris than in the healthy controls. Hence, these hormones might have a role in the pathogenesis of pemphigus vulgaris.
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14
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Mu J, Zeng D, Fan J, Liu M, Yu S, Ding W, Zhang S. Associations Between Air Pollution Exposure and Daily Pediatric Outpatient Visits for Dry Eye Disease: A Time-Series Study in Shenzhen, China. Int J Public Health 2021; 66:1604235. [PMID: 34483811 PMCID: PMC8415162 DOI: 10.3389/ijph.2021.1604235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the associations between air pollution exposure and pediatric outpatient visits for dry eye disease (DED) in Shenzhen, China. Methods: Generalized additive models were utilized to explore the acute effects of air pollution exposure on pediatric outpatient visits for DED. Results: Single-day lag exposures to NO2, O3, PM2.5, and PM10 were associated with DED outpatient visits at lag days 0, 6, 4 and 2. Relative risks (RRs) for DED given a 10-μg/m3 increase in NO2, O3, PM2.5, and PM10 concentrations were 1.062[95% confidence interval (CI) 1.003, 1.123], 1.015(95% CI 1.001, 1.031), 1.052(95% CI 1.001, 1.115), and 1.038 (95% CI 1.002, 1.076), respectively. RR for DED given a 10-μg/m3 increase in NO2 over cumulative lag days 0–1 was 1.075 (95% CI 1.009, 1.147), and RR for DED given a 10-μg/m3 increase in PM10 over cumulative lag days 0–4 was 1.051 (95% CI 1.003, 1.102). Conclusion: The observed associations between air pollution and outpatient visits for DED may provide evidence for policy makers to consider implementing measures to reduce the risk of DED owing to air pollution in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingfeng Mu
- Shenzhen Eye Institute, Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen, China.,School of Ophthalmology, Optometry, Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Dan Zeng
- Shenzhen Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jingjie Fan
- Shenzhen Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Meizhou Liu
- Shenzhen Eye Institute, Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen, China.,School of Ophthalmology, Optometry, Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Shuyuan Yu
- Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, China
| | - Wanfu Ding
- Shenzhen Eye Institute, Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen, China.,School of Ophthalmology, Optometry, Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Shaochong Zhang
- Shenzhen Eye Institute, Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen, China.,School of Ophthalmology, Optometry, Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
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15
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Zhu Y, Qiu L, Jiang F, Găman MA, Abudoraehem OS, Okunade KS, Zhang M. The effect of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) supplementation on estradiol levels in women: A dose-response and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Steroids 2021; 173:108889. [PMID: 34246664 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2021.108889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 06/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Estradiol, an estrogen steroid hormone, serves as the dominant female hormone and its levels fluctuate during lifetime. In women, after the menopause, all estrogens and almost all androgens are locally developed in the peripheral tissues from dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). However, the effect of DHEA supplementation on estradiol levels in women is unclear as previously published data has resulted in conflicting findings. Thus, we conducted the present dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the influence of DHEA on estradiol concentrations in women. The PubMed/Medline, Embase, Web of Science and Scopus databases were systematically searched for articles published on this topic until May 10, 2021. No time or language restrictions were applied. The data were expressed as weighted mean differences (WMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI), and a P-value of less than 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. The pooled results were obtained using the generic inverse of variance method with a random effects model. A total of 21 arms, including 1223 participants (case = 610, and control = 613), reported estradiol concentrations as an outcome measure. The overall results demonstrated that estradiol significantly increased following the administration of DHEA (WMD: 7.02 pg/mL, 95% CI: 5.43, 8.62, P = 0.000). The stratified analyses revealed that the elevation of estradiol concentrations was more pronounced in subjects aged ≥60 years old (WMD: 8.56 pg/mL, 95% CI: 6.97, 10.16, I2 = 94%) and in those receiving DHEA supplements for ≥26 weeks (WMD: 7.30 pg/mL, 95% CI: 6.28, 8.32, I2 = 61%). Moreover, estradiol levels increased significantly with DHEA dosages of 50 mg/day (WMD: 7.75 pg/mL, 95% CI: 9.12, 9.39, I2 = 94%) and when DHEA was prescribed to postmenopausal women (WMD: 7.61 pg/mL, 95% CI: 5.97, 9.24, I2 = 93%). This meta-analysis has provided a comprehensive overview of the effects of DHEA administration on circulating estradiol levels, far beyond the available evidence from different RCTs. Subsequent subgroup analyses revealed that postmenopausal women, females aged 60 years and above, those on DHEA dosages of 50 mg/day and those receiving DHEA for ≥26 weeks registered a more pronounced elevation of the circulating estradiol levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhu
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Hospital of Nanchang, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330008, China
| | - Lei Qiu
- Department of Oncology, Zhucheng Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhucheng, Shandong 262200, China
| | - Fangfang Jiang
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Hospital of Nanchang, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330008, China
| | - Mihnea-Alexandru Găman
- Faculty of Medicine, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania; Department of Hematology, Center of Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Fundeni Clinical Institute, Bucharest, Romania
| | | | - Kehinde S Okunade
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, College of Medicine, University of Lagos/Lagos University Teaching Hospital, PMB 12003, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Ming Zhang
- Clinical Laboratory, Zhucheng Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Zhucheng, Shandong 262200, China.
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16
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Luo SD, Chiu TJ, Chen WC, Wang CS. Sex Differences in Otolaryngology: Focus on the Emerging Role of Estrogens in Inflammatory and Pro-Resolving Responses. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22168768. [PMID: 34445474 PMCID: PMC8395901 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Otolaryngology (also known as ear, nose, and throat (ENT)) diseases can be significantly affected by the level of sex hormones, which indicates that sex differences affect the manifestation, pathophysiology, and outcomes of these diseases. Recently, increasing evidence has suggested that proinflammatory responses in ENT diseases are linked to the level of sex hormones. The sex hormone receptors are present on a wide variety of immune cells; therefore, it is evident that they play crucial roles in regulating the immune system and hence affect the disease progression of ENT diseases. In this review, we focus on how sex hormones, particularly estrogens, regulate ENT diseases, such as chronic rhinosinusitis, vocal fold polyps, thyroid cancer, Sjögren’s syndrome, and head and neck cancers, from the perspectives of inflammatory responses and specialized proresolving mediator-driven resolution. This paper aims to clarify why considering sex differences in the field of basic and medical research on otolaryngology is a key component to successful therapy for both males and females in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng-Dean Luo
- Department of Otolaryngology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan; (S.-D.L.); (W.-C.C.)
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan;
| | - Tai-Jan Chiu
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan;
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Chih Chen
- Department of Otolaryngology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan; (S.-D.L.); (W.-C.C.)
| | - Ching-Shuen Wang
- School of Dentistry, College of Oral Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-227-361-661 (ext. 5166)
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17
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Bentley C, Potter C, Yakoub KM, Brock K, Homer V, Toman E, Taylor AE, Shaheen F, Gilligan LC, Athwal A, Barton D, Carrera R, Young K, Desai A, McGee K, Ermogenous C, Sur G, Greig CA, Hazeldine J, Arlt W, Lord JM, Foster MA. A prospective, phase II, single-centre, cross-sectional, randomised study investigating Dehydroepiandrosterone supplementation and its Profile in Trauma: ADaPT. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e040823. [PMID: 34312190 PMCID: PMC8314713 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-040823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The improvements in short-term outcome after severe trauma achieved through early resuscitation and acute care can be offset over the following weeks by an acute systemic inflammatory response with immuneparesis leading to infection, multiorgan dysfunction/multiorgan failure (MOF) and death. Serum levels of the androgen precursor dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulfate ester DHEAS, steroids with immune-enhancing activity, are low after traumatic injury at a time when patients are catabolic and immunosuppressed. Addressing this deficit and restoring the DHEA(S) ratio to cortisol may provide a range of physiological benefits, including immune modulatory effects. OBJECTIVE Our primary objective is to establish a dose suitable for DHEA supplementation in patients after acute trauma to raise circulating DHEA levels to at least 15 nmol/L. Secondary objectives are to assess if DHEA supplementation has any effect on neutrophil function, metabolic and cytokine profiles and which route of administration (oral vs sublingual) is more effective in restoring circulating levels of DHEA, DHEAS and downstream androgens. METHODS AND ANALYSIS A prospective, phase II, single-centre, cross-sectional, randomised study investigating Dehydroepiandrosterone supplementation and its profile in trauma, with a planned recruitment between April 2019 and July 2021, that will investigate DHEA supplementation and its effect on serum DHEA, DHEAS and downstream androgens in trauma. A maximum of 270 patients will receive sublingual or oral DHEA at 50, 100 or 200 mg daily over 3 days. Females aged ≥50 years with neck of femur fracture and male and female major trauma patients, aged 16-50 years with an injury severity score ≥16, will be recruited. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This protocol was approved by the West Midlands - Coventry and Warwickshire Research Ethics Committee (Reference 18/WM/0102) on 8 June 2018. Results will be disseminated via peer-reviewed publications and presented at national and international conferences. TRIAL REGISTRATION This trial is registered with the European Medicines Agency (EudraCT: 2016-004250-15) and ISRCTN (12961998). It has also been adopted on the National Institute of Health Research portfolio (CPMS ID:38158). TRIAL PROGRESSION The study recruited its first patient on 2 April 2019 and held its first data monitoring committee on 8 November 2019. DHEA dosing has increased to 100 mg in both male cohorts and remains on 50 mg in across all female groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Conor Bentley
- NIHR Surgical Reconstruction and Microbiology Research Centre, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Claire Potter
- NIHR Surgical Reconstruction and Microbiology Research Centre, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- D3B, CRUK Clinical Trials Unit, University of Birmingham College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Birmingham, UK
| | - Kamal Makram Yakoub
- NIHR Surgical Reconstruction and Microbiology Research Centre, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Kristian Brock
- D3B, CRUK Clinical Trials Unit, University of Birmingham College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Birmingham, UK
| | - Victoria Homer
- D3B, CRUK Clinical Trials Unit, University of Birmingham College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Birmingham, UK
| | - Emma Toman
- NIHR Surgical Reconstruction and Microbiology Research Centre, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Angela E Taylor
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Birmingham, UK
| | - Fozia Shaheen
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Birmingham, UK
| | - Lorna C Gilligan
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Birmingham, UK
| | - Amrita Athwal
- D3B, CRUK Clinical Trials Unit, University of Birmingham College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Birmingham, UK
| | - Darren Barton
- D3B, CRUK Clinical Trials Unit, University of Birmingham College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Birmingham, UK
| | - Ronald Carrera
- NIHR Surgical Reconstruction and Microbiology Research Centre, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Katie Young
- NIHR Surgical Reconstruction and Microbiology Research Centre, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Amisha Desai
- NIHR Surgical Reconstruction and Microbiology Research Centre, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Kirsty McGee
- Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Christos Ermogenous
- NIHR Surgical Reconstruction and Microbiology Research Centre, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Gurneet Sur
- D3B, CRUK Clinical Trials Unit, University of Birmingham College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Birmingham, UK
- NIHR Birmingham Liver Biomedical Research Unit Clinical Trials Group (D3B team), CRUK Clinical Trials Unit, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Carolyn A Greig
- School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- MRC-Versus Arthritis Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research, Birmingham, UK
| | - Jon Hazeldine
- NIHR Surgical Reconstruction and Microbiology Research Centre, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Wiebke Arlt
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Birmingham, UK
- National Institute of Health Research, Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust and University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Janet M Lord
- NIHR Surgical Reconstruction and Microbiology Research Centre, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- National Institute of Health Research, Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust and University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Mark A Foster
- NIHR Surgical Reconstruction and Microbiology Research Centre, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Royal Centre for Defence Medicine, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
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18
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Toan NK, Ahn SG. Aging-Related Metabolic Dysfunction in the Salivary Gland: A Review of the Literature. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:5835. [PMID: 34072470 PMCID: PMC8198609 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Aging-related salivary dysfunction commonly induces the poor oral health, including decreased saliva flow and dental caries. Although the clinical significance of the salivary glands is well-known, the complex metabolic pathways contributing to the aging-dysfunction process are only beginning to be uncovered. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of the metabolic changes in aging-mediated salivary gland dysfunction as a key aspect of oral physiology. Several metabolic neuropeptides or hormones are involved in causing or contributing to salivary gland dysfunction, including hyposalivation and age-related diseases. Thus, aging-related metabolism holds promise for early diagnosis, increased choice of therapy and the identification of new metabolic pathways that could potentially be targeted in salivary gland dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sang-Gun Ahn
- Department of Pathology, School of Dentistry, Chosun University, Gwangju 61452, Korea;
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19
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Walsh TP, Baird GL, Atalay MK, Agarwal S, Arcuri D, Klinger JR, Mullin CJ, Morreo H, Normandin B, Shiva S, Whittenhall M, Ventetuolo CE. Experimental design of the Effects of Dehydroepiandrosterone in Pulmonary Hypertension (EDIPHY) trial. Pulm Circ 2021; 11:2045894021989554. [PMID: 34094503 PMCID: PMC8142004 DOI: 10.1177/2045894021989554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) remains life-limiting despite numerous approved vasodilator therapies. Right ventricular (RV) function determines outcome in PAH but no treatments directly target RV adaptation. PAH is more common in women, yet women have better RV function and survival as compared to men with PAH. Lower levels of the adrenal steroid dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulfate ester are associated with more severe pulmonary vascular disease, worse RV function, and mortality independent of other sex hormones in men and women with PAH. DHEA has direct effects on nitric oxide (NO) and endothelin-1 (ET-1) synthesis and signaling, direct antihypertrophic effects on cardiomyocytes, and mitigates oxidative stress. Effects of Dehydroepiandrosterone in Pulmonary Hypertension (EDIPHY) is an on-going randomized double-blind placebo-controlled crossover trial of DHEA in men (n = 13) and pre- and post-menopausal women (n = 13) with Group 1 PAH funded by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. We will determine whether orally administered DHEA 50 mg daily for 18 weeks affects RV longitudinal strain measured by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, markers of RV remodeling and oxidative stress, NO and ET-1 signaling, sex hormone levels, other PAH intermediate end points, side effects, and safety. The crossover design will elucidate sex-based phenotypes in PAH and whether active treatment with DHEA impacts NO and ET-1 biosynthesis. EDIPHY is the first clinical trial of an endogenous sex hormone in PAH. Herein we present the study’s rationale and experimental design.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Grayson L Baird
- Lifespan Health System, Providence, RI, USA.,Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Michael K Atalay
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Saurabh Agarwal
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Daniel Arcuri
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - James R Klinger
- Department of Medicine, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Christopher J Mullin
- Department of Medicine, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | | | | | - Sruti Shiva
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Vascular Medicine Institute, NO Metabolomics Core Facility, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Mary Whittenhall
- Department of Medicine, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Corey E Ventetuolo
- Department of Medicine, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.,Department of Health Services, Policy and Practice, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
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20
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Ripsman DA, Bookman AAM. Correlation Between Subjective and Objective Severity of Oral and Ocular Dryness in Primary Sjögren Syndrome. J Rheumatol 2021; 48:1290-1294. [PMID: 33934073 DOI: 10.3899/jrheum.200907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Sjögren syndrome (SS) is a common autoimmune disease primarily affecting the eyes and mouth. With no single gold standard test for its diagnosis, accurate identification of patients with SS continues to be challenging. We aimed to assess the correlation of ocular and oral symptoms of dryness with objective measures in order to evaluate reliability in the screening of primary SS (pSS) in clinical practice. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of pre-screened pSS and sicca control patients assessed in the Multidisciplinary Sjögren's Clinic at the University Health Network in Toronto. The signs, symptoms, and objective measure of oral and ocular dryness and damage of each patient were prospectively recorded using a standardized protocol. RESULTS Subjective measures of severity for xerophthalmia and xerostomia correlated in general with objective severity. Oral symptoms tend to have a stronger correlation with objective findings than ocular symptoms. Many patients with few or insignificant eye symptoms had profound ocular dryness and damage. Similarly, some patients with few or no symptoms of oral dryness had profound objective salivary hypofunction. The absence of symptoms does not rule out profound eye and mouth dryness or damage. CONCLUSION Although objective measures of xerostomia may not be practical for general population screening, it is crucial that practicing specialists perform objective testing of all patients suspected of pSS, instead of relying on symptoms. Without objective testing, the physician cannot ensure the diagnosis of pSS and that the existence of significant damage is not overlooked and left untreated.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Ripsman
- D.A. Ripsman, medical student (Year 3), BSc, University of Ottawa, Department of Medicine, Ottawa, Ontario
| | - Arthur A M Bookman
- A.A.M. Bookman, MD, FRCPC, Associate Professor of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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21
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Impact of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) supplementation on testosterone concentrations and BMI in elderly women: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Complement Ther Med 2020; 56:102620. [PMID: 33220453 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2020.102620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2020] [Revised: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the fact that numerous clinical studies have evaluated the positive effects of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) supplementation on testosterone concentrations and on the body mass index (BMI), more evidence is needed to certify that DHEA is a BMI-reducing agent in the elderly. This meta-analysis aims to clarify the various incompatible results and investigate the impact of DHEA supplementation on serum testosterone levels and lean body mass in elderly women. METHODS Four scientific databases (EMBASE, PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus and Web of Science) were searched from inception until 20 August 2020 for trials comparing DHEA with placebo. Results were presented as weighted mean differences (WMDs) and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) based on the random effects model (DerSimonian-Laird approach). RESULTS Nine arms with 793 subjects reported testosterone as an outcome measure. The overall results demonstrated that testosterone levels increased significantly after DHEA administration in elderly women (WMD: 17.52 ng/dL, 95 % CI: 6.61, 28.43, P = 0.002). In addition, DHEA administration significantly decreased the BMI (WMD:-0.39 kg/m2, I2 = 0.0 %). CONCLUSION The results of the current meta-analysis support the use of DHEA supplementation for increasing testosterone concentrations in elderly women.
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Li Y, Ren J, Li N, Liu J, Tan SC, Low TY, Ma Z. A dose-response and meta-analysis of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) supplementation on testosterone levels: perinatal prediction of randomized clinical trials. Exp Gerontol 2020; 141:111110. [PMID: 33045358 DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2020.111110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Revised: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) has been aggressively sold as a dietary supplement to boost testosterone levels although the impact of DHEA supplementation on testosterone levels has not been fully established. Therefore, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs to investigate the effect of oral DHEA supplementation on testosterone levels. METHODS A systematic literature search was performed in Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, and PubMed databases up to February 2020 for RCTs that investigated the effect of DHEA supplementation on testosterone levels. The estimated effect of the data was calculated using the weighted mean difference (WMD). Subgroup analysis was performed to identify the source of heterogeneity among studies. RESULTS Overall results from 42 publications (comprising 55 arms) demonstrated that testosterone level was significantly increased after DHEA administration (WMD: 28.02 ng/dl, 95% CI: 21.44-34.60, p = 0.00). Subgroup analyses revealed that DHEA increased testosterone level in all subgroups, but the magnitude of increment was higher in females compared to men (WMD: 30.98 ng/dl vs. 21.36 ng/dl); DHEA dosage of ˃50 mg/d compared to ≤50 mg/d (WMD: 57.96 ng/dl vs. 19.43 ng/dl); intervention duration of ≤12 weeks compared to ˃12 weeks (WMD: 44.64 ng/dl vs. 19 ng/dl); healthy participants compared to postmenopausal women, pregnant women, non-healthy participants and androgen-deficient patients (WMD: 52.17 ng/dl vs. 25.04 ng/dl, 16.44 ng/dl and 16.47 ng/dl); and participants below 60 years old compared to above 60 years old (WMD: 31.42 ng/dl vs. 23.93 ng/dl). CONCLUSION DHEA supplementation is effective for increasing testosterone levels, although the magnitude varies among different subgroups. More study needed on pregnant women and miscarriage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Li
- Perinatal Center, Shijiazhuang Fourth Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, China
| | - Jie Ren
- Obstetrics Department, Shijiazhuang Fourth Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, China
| | - Na Li
- Obstetrics Department, Shijiazhuang Fourth Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, China
| | - Jie Liu
- Obstetrics Department, Shijiazhuang Fourth Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, China
| | - Shing Cheng Tan
- UKM Medical Molecular Biology Institute, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Teck Yew Low
- UKM Medical Molecular Biology Institute, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Zhimin Ma
- Perinatal Center, Shijiazhuang Fourth Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, China.
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23
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Sandoughi M, Kaykhaei MA, Langarizadeh E, Dashipour A. Effects of dehydroepiandrosterone on quality of life in premenopausal women with rheumatoid arthritis: A preliminary randomized clinical trial. Int J Rheum Dis 2020; 23:1692-1697. [PMID: 32975909 DOI: 10.1111/1756-185x.13975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
AIM Chronic inflammation and subsequent use of glucocorticoids can lead to relative adrenocortical insufficiency in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Previously, adrenocortical hormone, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) was shown as a potential therapy for autoimmune disorders. However, data regarding effects of DHEA in RA are limited. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of DHEA on quality of life (QOL) in premenopausal rheumatoid arthritis patients. METHOD In this randomized double blinded, controlled trial 46 premenopausal rheumatoid arthritis patients were assigned to receive 50 mg/d DHEA (23 patients) or placebo (23 patients) for 12 weeks. Disease Activity Score of 28 joints - erythrocyte sedimentation rate (DAS28-ESR) questionnaire, visual analog score and swollen and tender joint counts (both 0-28) were used for assessment of disease activity. Persian-validated World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief version (WHOQOL BREF) questionnaire was used to assess quality of life. RESULTS In comparison to the control group more improvement in QOL (P = .025) and environment health (P = .001) was observed in the DHEA group. After adjustment for age and disease duration DHEA was associated with more improvement in QOL (P = .01), psychological (P = .02) and physical health (P = .03). A trend toward a decrease in ESR was observed in DHEA group (P = .06). DAS was improved in both groups; however, there was no significant change in DAS28 between groups (P = .88). Frequency of adverse events albeit minor was similar in both groups. CONCLUSION Our study supports a slightly superior effect of DHEA over placebo to improve QOL in premenopausal female patients with rheumatoid arthritis. We did not find improvement in DAS in the DHEA group over placebo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahnaz Sandoughi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ali-Ebn e Abitaleb Hospital, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran.,Clinical Immunology Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
| | - Mahmoud Ali Kaykhaei
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ali-Ebn e Abitaleb Hospital, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran.,Genetics of Non-Communicable Disease Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
| | - Elnaz Langarizadeh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ali-Ebn e Abitaleb Hospital, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
| | - Alireza Dashipour
- Department of Food Sciences and Nutrition, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
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24
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Lasrado N, Jia T, Massilamany C, Franco R, Illes Z, Reddy J. Mechanisms of sex hormones in autoimmunity: focus on EAE. Biol Sex Differ 2020; 11:50. [PMID: 32894183 PMCID: PMC7475723 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-020-00325-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex-related differences in the occurrence of autoimmune diseases is well documented, with females showing a greater propensity to develop these diseases than their male counterparts. Sex hormones, namely dihydrotestosterone and estrogens, have been shown to ameliorate the severity of inflammatory diseases. Immunologically, the beneficial effects of sex hormones have been ascribed to the suppression of effector lymphocyte responses accompanied by immune deviation from pro-inflammatory to anti-inflammatory cytokine production. In this review, we present our view of the mechanisms of sex hormones that contribute to their ability to suppress autoimmune responses with an emphasis on the pathogenesis of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ninaad Lasrado
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 68583, USA
| | - Ting Jia
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 68583, USA
| | | | - Rodrigo Franco
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 68583, USA
| | - Zsolt Illes
- Department of Neurology, Odense University Hospital, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Jay Reddy
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 68583, USA.
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25
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Henze L, Schwinge D, Schramm C. The Effects of Androgens on T Cells: Clues to Female Predominance in Autoimmune Liver Diseases? Front Immunol 2020; 11:1567. [PMID: 32849531 PMCID: PMC7403493 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The immune system responds differently in women and in men. Generally speaking, adult females show stronger innate and adaptive immune responses than males. This results in lower risk of developing most of the infectious diseases and a better ability to clear viral infection in women (1–5). On the other hand, women are at increased risk of developing autoimmune diseases (AID) such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis (MS), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Sjögren's syndrome, and the autoimmune liver diseases autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) and primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) (6). Factors contributing to the female sex bias in autoimmune diseases include environmental exposure, e.g., microbiome, behavior, and genetics including X chromosomal inactivation of genes. Several lines of evidence and clinical observations clearly indicate that sex hormones contribute significantly to disease pathogenesis, and the role of estrogen in autoimmune diseases has been extensively studied. In many of these diseases, including the autoimmune liver diseases, T cells are thought to play an important pathogenetic role. We will use this mini-review to focus on the effects of androgens on T cells and how the two major androgens, testosterone and dihydrotestosterone, potentially contribute to the pathogenesis of autoimmune liver diseases (AILD).
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Henze
- I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Dorothee Schwinge
- I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christoph Schramm
- I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,Martin Zeitz Centre for Rare Diseases, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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26
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Ziogas A, Maekawa T, Wiessner JR, Le TT, Sprott D, Troullinaki M, Neuwirth A, Anastasopoulou V, Grossklaus S, Chung KJ, Sperandio M, Chavakis T, Hajishengallis G, Alexaki VI. DHEA Inhibits Leukocyte Recruitment through Regulation of the Integrin Antagonist DEL-1. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2020; 204:1214-1224. [PMID: 31980574 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1900746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Leukocytes are rapidly recruited to sites of inflammation via interactions with the vascular endothelium. The steroid hormone dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) exerts anti-inflammatory properties; however, the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. In this study, we show that an anti-inflammatory mechanism of DHEA involves the regulation of developmental endothelial locus 1 (DEL-1) expression. DEL-1 is a secreted homeostatic factor that inhibits β2-integrin-dependent leukocyte adhesion, and the subsequent leukocyte recruitment and its expression is downregulated upon inflammation. Similarly, DHEA inhibited leukocyte adhesion to the endothelium in venules of the inflamed mouse cremaster muscle. Importantly, in a model of lung inflammation, DHEA limited neutrophil recruitment in a DEL-1-dependent manner. Mechanistically, DHEA counteracted the inhibitory effect of inflammation on DEL-1 expression. Indeed, whereas TNF reduced DEL-1 expression and secretion in endothelial cells by diminishing C/EBPβ binding to the DEL-1 gene promoter, DHEA counteracted the inhibitory effect of TNF via activation of tropomyosin receptor kinase A (TRKA) and downstream PI3K/AKT signaling that restored C/EBPβ binding to the DEL-1 promoter. In conclusion, DHEA restrains neutrophil recruitment by reversing inflammation-induced downregulation of DEL-1 expression. Therefore, the anti-inflammatory DHEA/DEL-1 axis could be harnessed therapeutically in the context of inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athanasios Ziogas
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Clinic Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany;
| | - Tomoki Maekawa
- Department of Microbiology, Penn Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104.,Research Center for Advanced Oral Science, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, 951-8514 Niigata, Japan
| | - Johannes R Wiessner
- Walter Brendel Centre of Experimental Medicine and Institute of Cardiovascular Physiology and Pathophysiology, BioMedical Centre, Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich, 81377 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany; and
| | - Thi Trang Le
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Clinic Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - David Sprott
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Clinic Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Maria Troullinaki
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Clinic Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Ales Neuwirth
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Clinic Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Vasiliki Anastasopoulou
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Clinic Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Sylvia Grossklaus
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Clinic Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Kyoung-Jin Chung
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Clinic Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Markus Sperandio
- Walter Brendel Centre of Experimental Medicine and Institute of Cardiovascular Physiology and Pathophysiology, BioMedical Centre, Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich, 81377 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany; and
| | - Triantafyllos Chavakis
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Clinic Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany.,Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - George Hajishengallis
- Department of Microbiology, Penn Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Vasileia Ismini Alexaki
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Clinic Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany;
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27
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Bentley C, Hazeldine J, Greig C, Lord J, Foster M. Dehydroepiandrosterone: a potential therapeutic agent in the treatment and rehabilitation of the traumatically injured patient. BURNS & TRAUMA 2019; 7:26. [PMID: 31388512 PMCID: PMC6676517 DOI: 10.1186/s41038-019-0158-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2019] [Accepted: 05/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Severe injuries are the major cause of death in those aged under 40, mainly due to road traffic collisions. Endocrine, metabolic and immune pathways respond to limit the tissue damage sustained and initiate wound healing, repair and regeneration mechanisms. However, depending on age and sex, the response to injury and patient prognosis differ significantly. Glucocorticoids are catabolic and immunosuppressive and are produced as part of the stress response to injury leading to an intra-adrenal shift in steroid biosynthesis at the expense of the anabolic and immune enhancing steroid hormone dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulphated metabolite dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS). The balance of these steroids after injury appears to influence outcomes in injured humans, with high cortisol: DHEAS ratio associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Animal models of trauma, sepsis, wound healing, neuroprotection and burns have all shown a reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokines, improved survival and increased resistance to pathological challenges with DHEA supplementation. Human supplementation studies, which have focused on post-menopausal females, older adults, or adrenal insufficiency have shown that restoring the cortisol: DHEAS ratio improves wound healing, mood, bone remodelling and psychological well-being. Currently, there are no DHEA or DHEAS supplementation studies in trauma patients, but we review here the evidence for this potential therapeutic agent in the treatment and rehabilitation of the severely injured patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Conor Bentley
- 1NIHR Surgical Reconstruction and Microbiology Research Centre, University Hospital Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2WB UK.,2School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.,3MRC-Arthritis Research UK Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, Birmingham University Medical School, Birmingham, B15 2TT UK
| | - Jon Hazeldine
- 1NIHR Surgical Reconstruction and Microbiology Research Centre, University Hospital Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2WB UK.,3MRC-Arthritis Research UK Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, Birmingham University Medical School, Birmingham, B15 2TT UK
| | - Carolyn Greig
- 2School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.,4NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Janet Lord
- 1NIHR Surgical Reconstruction and Microbiology Research Centre, University Hospital Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2WB UK.,3MRC-Arthritis Research UK Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, Birmingham University Medical School, Birmingham, B15 2TT UK.,4NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Mark Foster
- 1NIHR Surgical Reconstruction and Microbiology Research Centre, University Hospital Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2WB UK.,5Royal Centre for Defence Medicine, Birmingham Research Park, Birmingham, B15 2SQ UK
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Development and Long-Term Evaluation of Ocular Surface Conditions Using Ovariectomized Cynomolgus Monkey. Eye Contact Lens 2019; 45:246-253. [PMID: 30383547 DOI: 10.1097/icl.0000000000000563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We aim to use the ovariectomized cynomolgus monkey to observe the effect of long-term changes of sex hormone levels on ocular surface. METHODS Six healthy adolescent cynomolgus monkeys were randomly assigned to control and experimental groups (n=3/group). Bilateral ovariectomy was performed in experimental group, and sham operation was performed on control animals with their ovaries reserved. The concentrations of serum estradiol and testosterone in cynomolgus monkeys' lower-limb venous were detected by radioimmunoassay before surgery, and at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months after the surgery. Phenol red cotton thread test, tear osmolarity, corneal fluorescein staining, and conjunctival impression cytology were performed to evaluate the ocular surface conditions before surgery, and at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months after the surgery. The histological examinations of the bulbar conjunctiva and labial glands tissues were performed at 12 and 24 months after the surgery. RESULTS There were no significant differences in the serum level of estradiol and testosterone between the experimental and control groups before surgery, at 6, and 12 months after surgery (P>0.05). Serum level of estradiol and testosterone were significantly less in experimental versus control group at 18 and 24 months after surgery (P<0.05). There was no significant differences in phenol red cotton between the experimental and control groups before surgery, at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months after surgery (P>0.05). Tear osmolarity had no significant differences between experimental and control group before surgery (P>0.05), and it was significantly higher in experimental versus control group at all four time-points after surgery (P<0.05). The number of conjunctival goblet cells had no significant differences between experimental and control group before surgery, at 6 months after surgery (P>0.05), and it was significantly lower in experimental versus control group at 12, 18, and 24 months after surgery (P<0.05). There were no significant differences in the corneal fluorescein staining score between the experimental and control groups before surgery, at 6, 12, and 18 months after surgery (P>0.05), and it was higher in experimental than control group at 24 months after surgery (P<0.05). In addition, inflammatory cell infiltration in bulbar conjunctiva and labial glands tissues was observed in experimental group and was unobserved in control group at 24 months after surgery. CONCLUSIONS Ovariectomy led to decreased sex hormone levels in cynomolgus monkey. In turn, tear osmolarity was increased, the number of conjunctival goblet cells were decreased, the corneal fluorescence staining was increased, and the pathological examination of the bulbar conjunctiva and labial glands tissues were abnormal, phenol red cotton thread test did not change significantly.
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Chu LL, Cui K, Pope JE. Meta-Analysis of Treatment for Primary Sjögren's Syndrome. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken) 2019; 72:1011-1021. [PMID: 31058469 DOI: 10.1002/acr.23917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2018] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The current focus of treatment in primary Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is symptom management. Since SS is an autoimmune disease with multisystem involvement, systemic immunosuppression may have a role in improving signs and symptoms and preventing progression. We undertook this review to assess the efficacy and safety of immunomodulation on primary SS from randomized clinical trials (RCTs). METHODS Five electronic databases (Medline, Embase, Central, ClinicalTrials.gov, and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform) were searched to include RCTs for the treatment of SS. Primary outcome measures included ocular dryness, oral dryness, tear production, and salivary function. Serious adverse events (AEs) and withdrawals due to AEs were also assessed. RESULTS The search yielded 32 trials evaluating 19 different medications. The average duration of diagnosis was long (up to 9.2 years). Twenty-two trials examined ocular and oral dryness, for which only 2 and 4 trials showed statistically significant improvements, respectively. No studies found a benefit for tear production; few studies found improvements for unstimulated salivary flow (3 of 16 RCTs) and stimulated salivary flow (2 of 14 RCTs). Meta-analysis at 6 months found improvements as compared to placebo for unstimulated salivary flow (P = 0.003) and a decrease in the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (P = 0.007). No differences were seen for serious AEs, but there were increased withdrawals from AEs (risk ratio 2.33; P = 0.03). CONCLUSION Reducing inflammation potentially improves salivary gland function. No individual immunomodulatory drug demonstrated a consistent benefit in xerostomia and xerophthalmia. Further work is needed to identify SS patients with an ability to improve and with outcomes that are valid and sensitive to change within clinical trials. Tradeoffs in the future between benefit and safety may also be important, because more withdrawals occurred with active treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy L Chu
- Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kangping Cui
- Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Janet E Pope
- Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, and St. Joseph's Health Care, London, Ontario, Canada
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30
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Matossian C, McDonald M, Donaldson KE, Nichols KK, MacIver S, Gupta PK. Dry Eye Disease: Consideration for Women's Health. J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2019; 28:502-514. [PMID: 30694724 PMCID: PMC6482917 DOI: 10.1089/jwh.2018.7041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Dry eye disease (DED) is a multifactorial disorder of the ocular surface and tear homeostasis that can result in discomfort, pain, and visual disturbance. Untreated, DED can become chronic, progressive, and significantly affect an individual's quality of life. Women are disproportionately affected by DED, are diagnosed at a younger age, and experience more severe symptoms compared with men. DED is associated with a wide range of comorbid conditions; there is a strong association between DED and autoimmune disorders, especially those that affect women at many times the rate of men. Treatment response questionnaires indicate women respond better to a wellness model of treatment for DED than men. Furthermore, women's health care-seeking behaviors provide opportunities for general practitioners, specialists, and women's health centers to help identify women with DED or at risk for DED for referral to an eye care specialist. This review of the prevalence of DED in women, and gender and sex-specific aspects of DED, highlight a significant opportunity for action. Earlier diagnosis and treatment of this common but burdensome condition could significantly improve a woman's quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kendall E Donaldson
- 3 Department of Ophthalmology, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Kelly K Nichols
- 4 School of Optometry, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Sarah MacIver
- 5 School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Preeya K Gupta
- 6 Division of Cornea and Refractive Surgery, Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University Eye Center, Durham, North Carolina
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31
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A Randomized Controlled Double-Masked Study of Transdermal Androgen in Dry Eye Patients Associated With Androgen Deficiency. Am J Ophthalmol 2019; 197:136-144. [PMID: 30268865 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajo.2018.09.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2018] [Revised: 09/13/2018] [Accepted: 09/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the efficacy, safety, and quality of life (QOL) of transdermal androgen in treatment of dry eye patients associated with androgen deficiency. DESIGN Randomized controlled trial. METHODS Fifty patients with dry eye from a tertiary eye center in northern Thailand were randomized to receive transdermal androgen (AndroGel; Besins Healthcare, Brussels, Belgium) or placebo for 4 weeks. Main outcome measures were symptoms and signs of dry eye. Serum level of sex hormone and QOL questionnaires were also evaluated at the baseline and after treatment. RESULTS After 4 weeks, the Ocular Surface Disease Index decreased significantly in the AndroGel group compared to the placebo (-14.36 ± 7.76 vs 0.14 ± 14.60, P < .001). Significant improvements of tear break-up time (7.40 ± 3.37 vs -1.14 ± 1.68 seconds, P < .001), corneal fluorescein staining (-0.62 ± 0.30 vs 0.19 ± 0.37, P < .001), and Schirmer test (6.84 ± 5.10 vs -0.48 ± 2.14 mm, P < .001) were observed in the AndroGel group compared to the placebo. Serum testosterone in female patients significantly increased in the AndroGel group compared to the placebo (P < .001), while no different change was observed in serum testosterone in male subjects and the sex hormone-binding globulin in both groups. In the AndroGel group, 20% of patients had oily skin and 4% had acne. No serious adverse effects were reported. The menopause rating score improved significantly in the AndroGel group compared to the placebo (P < .001), while the aging male symptoms were not different in both groups (P = .589). CONCLUSIONS Transdermal androgen was effective in relieving symptoms and signs of dry eye as well as improving QOL in aging patients. There were no serious side effects during a short-term treatment.
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Shih KC, Lun CN, Jhanji V, Thong BYH, Tong L. Systematic review of randomized controlled trials in the treatment of dry eye disease in Sjogren syndrome. JOURNAL OF INFLAMMATION-LONDON 2017; 14:26. [PMID: 29200970 PMCID: PMC5698951 DOI: 10.1186/s12950-017-0174-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2017] [Accepted: 11/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Primary Sjögren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disease characterized by dry eye and dry mouth. We systematically reviewed all the randomized controlled clinical trials published in the last 15 years that included ocular outcomes. We found 22 trials involving 9 topical, 10 oral, 2 intravenous and 1 subcutaneous modalities of treatment. Fluoromethalone eye drops over 8 weeks were more effective than topical cyclosporine in the treatment of dry eye symptoms and signs; similarly, indomethacin eye drops over 1 month were more efficacious than diclofenac eye drops. Oral pilocarpine 5 mg twice daily over 3 months was superior to use of lubricants or punctal plugs for treating dry eye, but 5% of participants had gastrointestinal adverse effects from pilocarpine, though none discontinued treatment. In contrast, etanercept, a TNF-alpha blocking antibody, administered as subcutaneous injections twice weekly, did not improve dry eye significantly compared to placebo injections. In conclusion, topical corticosteroids have been shown to be effective in dry eye associated with Sjögren’s syndrome. As some topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may be more effective than others, these should be further evaluated. Systemic secretagogues like pilocarpine have a role in Sjögren’s syndrome but the adverse effects may limit their clinical use. It is disappointing that systemic cytokine therapy did not produce encouraging ocular outcomes but participants should have assessment of cytokine levels in such trials, as those with higher baseline cytokine levels may respond better. (229 words)
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Affiliation(s)
- Kendrick Co Shih
- Department of Ophthalmology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | - Christie Nicole Lun
- Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | - Vishal Jhanji
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Centre, Pittsburgh, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Bernard Yu-Hor Thong
- Department of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Louis Tong
- Ocular Surface Research Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore.,Corneal and External Eye Disease Service, Singapore National Eye Centre, 11 Third Hospital Avenue, Singapore, 168751 Singapore.,Eye-Academic Clinical Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Ophthalmology, Yong Loo Lin School of medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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Hammitt KM, Naegeli AN, van den Broek RWM, Birt JA. Patient burden of Sjögren's: a comprehensive literature review revealing the range and heterogeneity of measures used in assessments of severity. RMD Open 2017; 3:e000443. [PMID: 28955493 PMCID: PMC5604724 DOI: 10.1136/rmdopen-2017-000443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2017] [Revised: 06/20/2017] [Accepted: 08/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT The severity of Sjögren's syndrome has been evaluated using a wide variety of clinical measures and patient-reported outcomes (PROs). This may contribute to the lack of clarity concerning the burden of Sjögren's from the patient perspective. OBJECTIVE To perform a comprehensive peer-reviewed literature analysis of the patient aspects of Sjögren's, focusing on PROs, to investigate the complexity underlying the evaluation of the syndrome and to elucidate the discordance between the different measures. METHODS We searched Embase for articles published between January 2005 and September 2015. Research articles, clinical and diagnostic reviews, and validation studies with a focus on patient aspects of Sjögren's were selected as the primary information source. RESULTS 157 articles met the eligibility criteria. A wide variety of assessment measures used to evaluate glandular, extraglandular and functional domains were observed. Many different, non-validated Visual Analogue Scales, with a wide range of anchor words, were used in the quantification of Sjögren's disease burden, impeding comparisons between studies. Relatively few clinical trials of drug therapies used validated scales: European League Against Rheumatism Sjögren's Syndrome Patient Reported Index was used most often for symptom assessment and 36 Item Short Form Survey for quality of life (QoL). CONCLUSION A wide range and diversity of measures are used to evaluate the patient burden of Sjögren's; most are not validated for use in this disease. PRO endpoints, validated specifically in Sjögren's, that demonstrate improvement are needed. These measures should focus on QoL aspects important to patients and will most likely involve gauging change in function rather than patient-reported symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - April N Naegeli
- Eli Lilly and Company, Lilly Corporate Center, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | | | - Julie A Birt
- Eli Lilly and Company, Lilly Corporate Center, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
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Sullivan DA, Rocha EM, Aragona P, Clayton JA, Ding J, Golebiowski B, Hampel U, McDermott AM, Schaumberg DA, Srinivasan S, Versura P, Willcox MDP. TFOS DEWS II Sex, Gender, and Hormones Report. Ocul Surf 2017; 15:284-333. [PMID: 28736336 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2017.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 236] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2017] [Accepted: 04/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
One of the most compelling features of dry eye disease (DED) is that it occurs more frequently in women than men. In fact, the female sex is a significant risk factor for the development of DED. This sex-related difference in DED prevalence is attributed in large part to the effects of sex steroids (e.g. androgens, estrogens), hypothalamic-pituitary hormones, glucocorticoids, insulin, insulin-like growth factor 1 and thyroid hormones, as well as to the sex chromosome complement, sex-specific autosomal factors and epigenetics (e.g. microRNAs). In addition to sex, gender also appears to be a risk factor for DED. "Gender" and "sex" are words that are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings. "Gender" refers to a person's self-representation as a man or woman, whereas "sex" distinguishes males and females based on their biological characteristics. Both gender and sex affect DED risk, presentation of the disease, immune responses, pain, care-seeking behaviors, service utilization, and myriad other facets of eye health. Overall, sex, gender and hormones play a major role in the regulation of ocular surface and adnexal tissues, and in the difference in DED prevalence between women and men. The purpose of this Subcommittee report is to review and critique the nature of this role, as well as to recommend areas for future research to advance our understanding of the interrelationships between sex, gender, hormones and DED.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Sullivan
- Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Eduardo M Rocha
- Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Pasquale Aragona
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ocular Surface Diseases Unit, University of Messina, Messina, Sicily, Italy
| | - Janine A Clayton
- National Institutes of Health Office of Research on Women's Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Juan Ding
- Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye & Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Blanka Golebiowski
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Ulrike Hampel
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Alison M McDermott
- The Ocular Surface Institute, College of Optometry, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Debra A Schaumberg
- Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA; University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Sruthi Srinivasan
- Centre for Contact Lens Research, School of Optometry, University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Piera Versura
- Department of Specialized, Experimental, and Diagnostic Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Mark D P Willcox
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
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Wang SQ, Zhang LW, Wei P, Hua H. Is hydroxychloroquine effective in treating primary Sjogren's syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2017; 18:186. [PMID: 28499370 PMCID: PMC5427554 DOI: 10.1186/s12891-017-1543-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2016] [Accepted: 04/28/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To systematically review and assess the efficacy and safety of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) for treating primary Sjogren's syndrome (pSS). METHODS Five electronic databases (Pubmed, EMBASE, Web of science, Ovid, Cochrane Library) were searched for randomized controlled trials and retrospective or prospective studies published in English that reported the effect of HCQ on pSS. The subjective symptoms (sicca symptoms, fatigue and pain) and the objective indexes (erythrocyte sedimentation rate and Schirmer test) were assessed as main outcome measures. A meta-analysis and descriptive study on the efficacy and safety of HCQ were conducted. The estimate of the effect of HCQ treatment was expressed as a proportion together with 95% confidence interval, and plotted on a forest plot. RESULTS Four trials with totals of 215 SS patients, including two randomized controlled trials, one double blind crossover trial and one retrospective open-label study, were analyzed in this review. For dry mouth and dry eyes, the effectiveness of HCQ treatment was essentially the same as placebo treatment. For fatigue, the effectiveness of HCQ was lower than placebo. The efficacy of HCQ in treating pain associated with pSS was superior to that of the placebo. There was no significant difference between HCQ-treated groups and controls in terms of Schirmer test results, but HCQ could reduce the erythrocyte sedimentation rate compare with placebo. A descriptive safety assessment showed that gastrointestinal adverse effects were the most common adverse effects associated with HCQ. CONCLUSIONS This systematic review showed that there is no significant difference between HCQ and placebo in the treatment of dry mouth and dry eye in pSS. Well-designed, randomized, controlled trials are needed to provide higher-quality evidence to confirm our findings, and future studies should focus on some other index or extraglandular measures, such as cutaneous manifestations, to further explore the therapeutic effect of HCQ in pSS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi-Qin Wang
- Department of Oral Medicine, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology & National Engineering Laboratory for Digital and Material Technology of Stomatology, 22 South Zhongguancun Avenue, Haidian District, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Li-Wei Zhang
- Department of Oral Medicine, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology & National Engineering Laboratory for Digital and Material Technology of Stomatology, 22 South Zhongguancun Avenue, Haidian District, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Pan Wei
- Department of Oral Medicine, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology & National Engineering Laboratory for Digital and Material Technology of Stomatology, 22 South Zhongguancun Avenue, Haidian District, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Hong Hua
- Department of Oral Medicine, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology & National Engineering Laboratory for Digital and Material Technology of Stomatology, 22 South Zhongguancun Avenue, Haidian District, Beijing, 100081, China.
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A Metabolome-Wide Study of Dry Eye Disease Reveals Serum Androgens as Biomarkers. Ophthalmology 2017; 124:505-511. [PMID: 28139245 PMCID: PMC5375174 DOI: 10.1016/j.ophtha.2016.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2016] [Revised: 11/28/2016] [Accepted: 12/08/2016] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To test the association between serum metabolites and dry eye disease (DED) using a hypothesis-free metabolomics approach. DESIGN Cross-sectional association study. PARTICIPANTS A total of 2819 subjects from the population-representative TwinsUK cohort in the United Kingdom, with a mean age of 57 years (range, 17-82 years). METHODS We tested associations between 222 known serum metabolites and DED. All subjects underwent nontargeted metabolomic analysis of plasma samples using gas and liquid chromatography in combination with mass spectrometry (Metabolon Inc., Durham, NC). Dry eye disease was defined from the validated Short Questionnaire for Dry Eye Syndrome (SQDES) as a previous diagnosis of DED by a clinician or "often" or "constant" symptoms of dryness and irritation. Analyses were performed with linear mixed effect models that included age, BMI, and sex as covariates, corrected for multiple testing. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Primary outcome was DED as defined by the SQDES, and secondary outcomes were symptom score of DED and a clinical diagnosis of DED. RESULTS Prevalence of DED as defined by the SQDES was 15.5% (n = 436). A strong and metabolome-wide significant association with DED was found with decreased levels of the metabolites androsterone sulfate (P = 0.00030) and epiandrosterone sulfate (P = 0.00036). Three other metabolites involved in androgen metabolism, 4-androsten-3beta,17beta-diol disulfate 1 and 2, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, were the next most strongly associated of the 222 metabolites, but did not reach metabolome-wide significance. Dryness and irritation symptoms, as opposed to a clinical diagnosis, were particularly strongly associated with decreased androgen steroid metabolites, with all reaching metabolome-wide significance (androsterone sulfate, P = 0.000000029; epiandrosterone sulfate, P = 0.0000040; 4-androsten-3beta,17beta-diol disulfate 1, P = 0.000016; 4-androsten-3beta,17beta-diol disulfate 2, P = 0.000064; and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, P = 0.00011). Of these 5 androgens, epiandrosterone sulfate (P = 0.0076) was most associated with 2-year incidence of clinician-diagnosed DED. In addition, we found decreased glycerophosphocholines to be associated with DED, although not at metabolome-wide significance. CONCLUSIONS This hypothesis-free metabolomic approach found decreased serum androgens to be highly associated with DED and adds important evidence to the growing body of research that links androgens to ocular surface disease and DED.
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Abstract
Dry eye disease (DED) is a multifactorial ocular surface disease that causes symptoms of ocular pain, discomfort, and decreased visual acuity. It significantly affects quality of life of patients. It is more prevalent in the females and is being specifically in the menopausal and postmenopausal age group. This is believed to be due to the changes in balance of sex hormones. Sex hormones – estrogens and androgens – influence production of all components of the tear film including aqueous layer, lipid, and mucin. Various mechanisms such as decrease in hormonal levels, shift in feedback mechanisms, and changes in receptor receptivity interplay to alter the ocular surface homeostasis and subsequently result in DED. Several studies have suggested potential role of hormone replacement therapy in menopause-associated dry eye symptoms. The purpose of this review is to help the non ophthalmic physicians about DED encountered commonly in menopausal age group. It is important for primary care physicians to understand DED due to its high prevalence, often debilitating symptoms and the potentially preventable and treatable nature of the condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Travis Peck
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Leslie Olsakovsky
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Shruti Aggarwal
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
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Kellesarian SV, Malmstrom H, Abduljabbar T, Vohra F, Kellesarian TV, Javed F, Romanos GE. "Low Testosterone Levels in Body Fluids Are Associated With Chronic Periodontitis". Am J Mens Health 2016; 11:443-453. [PMID: 27645514 PMCID: PMC5675296 DOI: 10.1177/1557988316667692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a debate over the association between low testosterone levels in body fluids and the occurrence of chronic periodontitis (CP). The aim of the present systematic review was to assess whether low testosterone levels in body fluids reflect CP. In order to identify studies relevant to the focus question: “Is there a relationship between low testosterone levels in body fluids and CP?” an electronic search without time or language restrictions was conducted up to June 2016 in indexed databases using different keywords: periodontitis, chronic periodontitis, periodontal diseases, testosterone, and gonadal steroid hormones. A total of eight studies were included in the present systematic review. The number of study participants ranged from 24 to 1,838 male individuals with ages ranging from 15 to 95 years. Seven studies measured testosterone levels in serum, two studies in saliva, and one study in gingiva. Four studies reported a negative association between serum testosterone levels and CP. Two studies reported a positive association between decreased testosterone levels in serum and CP. Increased levels of salivary testosterone among patients with CP were reported in one study; whereas one study reported no significant difference in the concentration of salivary testosterone between patients with and without CP. One study identified significant increase in the metabolism of testosterone in the gingiva of patients with CP. Within the limits of the evidence available, the relationship between low testosterone levels and CP remains debatable and further longitudinal studies and control trials are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Fahim Vohra
- 2 King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Fawad Javed
- 1 University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Georgios E Romanos
- 4 University of Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany.,5 Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
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Billings M, Dye BA, Iafolla T, Baer AN, Grisius M, Alevizos I. Significance and Implications of Patient-reported Xerostomia in Sjögren's Syndrome: Findings From the National Institutes of Health Cohort. EBioMedicine 2016; 12:270-279. [PMID: 27639822 PMCID: PMC5078600 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2016.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2016] [Revised: 09/06/2016] [Accepted: 09/06/2016] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Xerostomia is a chief complaint of patients with Sjögren's syndrome (SS). However, newer proposals for SS classification remove xerostomia and hyposalivation from the criteria list. Given these developments and the importance of patient-centered research outcomes, we sought to evaluate the utility of patient-reported xerostomia with implications for classification criteria, and clinical trials targeting SS treatment modalities. Methods A nested case-control study was designed within The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research/National Institutes of Health (NIDCR/NIH) SS Cohort - one of the largest SS cohorts in the US. Clinical characteristics of those with and without xerostomia in SS and other salivary gland dysfunctions were compared. Several analytical methods were employed, including multivariable logistic regression modeling. Findings The NIDCR/NIH Sjögren's Syndrome Clinic has an open cohort with ongoing enrollment since 1984. This open cohort comprised of 2046 participants by August 27, 2015. Baseline data of 701 SS, 355 Sicca, and 247 ISS participants within the source cohort were analyzed. Xerostomia was highest among SS participants (87.4%, 95% CI: 84.8%–89.8%) compared to Sicca (72.4%, 95% CI: 67.4%–77.0%, p < 0.001) and ISS groups (38.1%, 95% CI: 32.0%–44.4%, p < 0.001). Those with xerostomia were more likely to have SS than Sicca/ISS (OR = 4.98, 95% CI: 3.78–6.56). The ability of xerostomia to screen for SS among those with salivary gland dysfunction was higher than screening for Sicca/ISS. Screening diagnostics of xerostomia were of greater utility compared to hyposalivation. After adjusting for confounding in multivariable modeling, SS participants with xerostomia were more likely to be White (Black/African Americans (OR: 0.40, 95% CI: 0.23–0.68, p-value = 0.001) and Asians (OR: 0.49, 95% CI: 0.25–0.96, p-value = 0.038) were less likely to have xerostomia compared to Whites), have dry eye symptoms for > 3 months (OR: 5.80, 95% CI: 3.62–9.28, p-value < 0.001), a lower Van Bijsterveld score (OR: 0.55, 95%CI: 0.34–0.90, p-value = 0.017), a lower stimulated salivary flow rate (OR: 1.67, 95% CI: 1.06–2.65, p-value = 0.028), a focus score of > 2 (OR: 1.92, 95% CI: 1.20–3.09, p-value = 0.007), and salivary gland swelling (OR: 49.39, 95% CI: 2.02–1206.30, p-value = 0.017). Age, gender, fatigue, pain, anxiety, and autoantibodies were not significantly associated with xerostomia. Interpretation Findings from this study indicate that patient-reported xerostomia is highly prevalent among SS patients and is associated with several clinical phenotypes of this complex syndrome, thereby making it an important indicator of SS. The evidence also suggests that xerostomia is not limited to low salivary flow but might be reflective of compositional changes of saliva. Consequently, these findings suggest the need to consider xerostomia in the development of SS classification criteria and in patient-centered outcomes research in SS intervention trials. This research was supported by the Intramural Research Program of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) Grant # DE000704-15. Dr. Baer is supported by RO1-DE-12354-15A1. Xerostomia is highly prevalent among SS patients and is associated with several clinical characteristics of SS. Test diagnostics of xerostomia and other findings indicate that xerostomia is an important indicator of SS. Findings of the study have implications for SS classification systems and SS intervention trials.
Research in Context Data on the prevalence of xerostomia/dry mouth in SS are lacking, despite it being a chief complaint of patients. SS is a complex autoimmune disorder that is defined on the basis of classification criteria. There is ongoing debate on the selection of criteria and a consensus has not yet been reached by the scientific community. There is push to eliminate both xerostomia and hyposalivation, an objective sign of low salivary flow, from SS classification. This study offers evidence on the importance of xerostomia with implications for SS classification. Clinical trials to test newer treatment modalities for SS use classification criteria to define an SS case. Therefore, classification criteria are critical for research and advancement of newer therapeutics for SS. Xerostomia should be targeted as a patient-centered research outcome in SS intervention trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monisha Billings
- Molecular Physiology and Therapeutics Branch, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Bruce A Dye
- Program Analysis and Reporting Branch, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Timothy Iafolla
- Program Analysis and Reporting Branch, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Alan N Baer
- Molecular Physiology and Therapeutics Branch, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, Bethesda, MD, USA; Division of Rheumatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Margaret Grisius
- Molecular Physiology and Therapeutics Branch, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Ilias Alevizos
- Molecular Physiology and Therapeutics Branch, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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Song IW, Chen HC, Lin YF, Yang JH, Chang CC, Chou CT, Lee MTM, Chou YC, Chen CH, Chen YT, Chen CH, Wu JY. Identification of susceptibility gene associated with female primary Sjögren’s syndrome in Han Chinese by genome-wide association study. Hum Genet 2016; 135:1287-1294. [DOI: 10.1007/s00439-016-1716-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2016] [Accepted: 07/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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McKay TB, Hjortdal J, Sejersen H, Asara JM, Wu J, Karamichos D. Endocrine and Metabolic Pathways Linked to Keratoconus: Implications for the Role of Hormones in the Stromal Microenvironment. Sci Rep 2016; 6:25534. [PMID: 27157003 PMCID: PMC4860577 DOI: 10.1038/srep25534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2016] [Accepted: 04/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Hormones play a critical role in regulating tissue function by promoting cell survival, proliferation, and differentiation. Our study explores the influence of endocrine function in regulating metabolism and inflammatory pathways in Keratoconus (KC), which is a corneal thinning disease associated with reduced stromal deposition. KC is known to be a multifactorial disease with an elusive pathogenesis. We utilized a cross-sectional study analyzing clinical features and saliva samples from sixty-four KC patients and fourteen healthy controls. In order to determine if endocrine function varied between healthy controls and KC, we measured hormone levels in saliva and found significantly increased dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) and reduced estrone levels in KC patients compared to healthy controls. We measured significant variations in metabolites associated with pro-inflammatory processes, including myoinositol and 1-methyl-histidine, by targeted mass spectrometry. We also measured significantly increased IL-16 and stem cell factor in KC saliva samples compared to healthy controls, with higher expression of these pro-inflammatory proteins correlating with increased KC clinical grade, corneal curvature, and stromal thinning. Our results identify a novel mechanism linking KC and pro-inflammatory markers and suggest that altered hormone levels modulate metabolism, cytokine, and growth factor expression leading to increased severity of the KC condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina B McKay
- Department of Cell Biology/ University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Jesper Hjortdal
- Department of Ophthalmology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus C DK-8000, Denmark
| | - Henrik Sejersen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus C DK-8000, Denmark
| | - John M Asara
- Division of Signal Transduction, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical and Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA USA
| | - Jennifer Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology/Dean McGee Eye Institute, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Dimitrios Karamichos
- Department of Cell Biology/ University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology/Dean McGee Eye Institute, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
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Rapoport Y, Singer JM, Ling JD, Gregory A, Kohanim S. A Comprehensive Review of Sex Disparities in Symptoms, Pathophysiology, and Epidemiology of Dry Eye Syndrome. Semin Ophthalmol 2016; 31:325-36. [DOI: 10.3109/08820538.2016.1154168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
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Brandt JE, Priori R, Valesini G, Fairweather D. Sex differences in Sjögren's syndrome: a comprehensive review of immune mechanisms. Biol Sex Differ 2015; 6:19. [PMID: 26535108 PMCID: PMC4630965 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-015-0037-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2015] [Accepted: 09/17/2015] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune diseases (ADs) are estimated to affect between 5 and 8 % of the US population, and approximately 80 % of these patients are women. Sjögren’s syndrome (SS) is an AD that occurs predominately in women over men (16:1). The hallmark characteristic of SS is diminished secretory production from the primary exocrine gland and the lacrimal or salivary glands resulting in symptoms of dry eye and mouth. The disease is believed to be mediated by an inflammatory and autoantibody response directed against salivary and lacrimal gland tissues. This review will examine the literature on sex differences in the immune response of patients and animal models of Sjögren’s syndrome in order to gain a better understanding of disease pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica E Brandt
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA ; Reumatologia, Dipartimento di Medicina Interna e Specialita Mediche, Sapienza Universita di Roma, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Priori
- Reumatologia, Dipartimento di Medicina Interna e Specialita Mediche, Sapienza Universita di Roma, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Guido Valesini
- Reumatologia, Dipartimento di Medicina Interna e Specialita Mediche, Sapienza Universita di Roma, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - DeLisa Fairweather
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA ; Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL 32224 USA
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Shohat-Tal A, Sen A, Barad DH, Kushnir V, Gleicher N. Genetics of androgen metabolism in women with infertility and hypoandrogenism. Nat Rev Endocrinol 2015; 11:429-41. [PMID: 25942654 DOI: 10.1038/nrendo.2015.64] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Hypoandrogenism in women with low functional ovarian reserve (LFOR, defined as an abnormally low number of small growing follicles) adversely affects fertility. The androgen precursor dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is increasingly used to supplement treatment protocols in women with LFOR undergoing in vitro fertilization. Due to differences in androgen metabolism, however, responses to DHEA supplementation vary between patients. In addition to overall declines in steroidogenic capacity with advancing age, genetic factors, which result in altered expression or enzymatic function of key steroidogenic proteins or their upstream regulators, might further exacerbate variations in the conversion of DHEA to testosterone. In this Review, we discuss in vitro studies and animal models of polymorphisms and gene mutations that affect the conversion of DHEA to testosterone and attempt to elucidate how these variations affect female hormone profiles. We also discuss treatment options that modulate levels of testosterone by targeting the expression of steroidogenic genes. Common variants in genes encoding DHEA sulphotransferase, aromatase, steroid 5α-reductase, androgen receptor, sex-hormone binding globulin, fragile X mental retardation protein and breast cancer type 1 susceptibility protein have been implicated in androgen metabolism and, therefore, can affect levels of androgens in women. Short of screening for all potential genetic variants, hormonal assessments of patients with low testosterone levels after DHEA supplementation facilitate identification of underlying genetic defects. The genetic predisposition of patients can then be used to design individualized fertility treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aya Shohat-Tal
- Center for Human Reproduction, 21 E. 69th Street, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Aritro Sen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Rochester Medical Center, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - David H Barad
- Center for Human Reproduction, 21 E. 69th Street, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Vitaly Kushnir
- Center for Human Reproduction, 21 E. 69th Street, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Norbert Gleicher
- Center for Human Reproduction, 21 E. 69th Street, New York, NY 10021, USA
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Chang CM, Chu HT, Wei YH, Chen FP, Wang S, Wu PC, Yen HR, Chen TJ, Chang HH. The Core Pattern Analysis on Chinese Herbal Medicine for Sjögren's syndrome: A Nationwide Population-Based Study. Sci Rep 2015; 5:9541. [PMID: 25923413 PMCID: PMC5386216 DOI: 10.1038/srep09541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2014] [Accepted: 03/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
This large-scale survey aimed to evaluate frequencies and patterns of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) used for Sjögren's syndrome (SS) in Taiwan by analyzing the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) for cases in which CHM was used as an alternative therapy to Western medicine for improving patients' discomforts. We analyzed cases of SS principal diagnosis (ICD-9:710.2) with a catastrophic illness certificate (CIC) in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) outpatient clinics from three cohorts of the Longitudinal Health Insurance Database (LHID) in the NHIRD between 2002 and 2011. CHM prescription patterns for SS were evaluated from claimed visitation files and corresponding prescription files. There were 15,914 SS patients with CIC (SS/CIC), and we found only 130 SS/CIC cases visiting TCM clinics in LHID2000, 133 in LHID2005, and 126 in LHID2010. After removing duplicate data, 366 SS/CIC and 4,867 visits were analyzed. The 50–59 year age group showed the highest ratio (29.51%) in both women and men. “Qi-Ju-Di-Huang-Wan” and “Xuan-Shen” (Scrophularia ningpoensis Hemsl.) was the most commonly used formula and single herb, respectively. “Qi-Ju-Di-Huang-Wan, Gan-Lu-Yin, Xuan-Shen, Mai-Men-Dong (Ophiopogon japonicus (L. f.) Ker-Gawl.), and Sheng-Di-Huang (raw Rehmannia glutinosa Libosch)” were the core pattern prescriptions in treating SS/CIC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ching-Mao Chang
- 1] Center for Traditional Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan [2] Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, and Graduate Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Hsueh-Ting Chu
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Yau-Huei Wei
- 1] Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan [2] Department of Medicine, Mackay Medical College, New Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Fang-Pey Chen
- Center for Traditional Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shengwen Wang
- Cloud Computing and System Integration Division, National Center for High-Performance Computing, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Po-Chang Wu
- Division of Rheumatology and Immunology and Department of Education, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Rong Yen
- Research Center for Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture, and School of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Tzeng-Ji Chen
- 1] Department of Family Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan [2] Institute of Hospital and Health Care Administration, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hen-Hong Chang
- Research Center for Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture, and School of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
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Scheffers CS, Armstrong S, Cantineau AEP, Farquhar C, Jordan V. Dehydroepiandrosterone for women in the peri- or postmenopausal phase. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2015; 1:CD011066. [PMID: 25879093 PMCID: PMC10662543 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd011066.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND During menopause a decreasing ovarian follicular response generally causes a fluctuation and eventual decrease in estrogen levels. This can lead to the development of various perimenopausal and postmenopausal symptoms (for example hot flushes, night sweats, vaginal dryness). Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is one of the main precursors of androgens, which in turn are converted to testosterone and estrogens. It is possible that the administration of DHEA may increase estrogen and testosterone levels in peri- and postmenopausal women to alleviate their symptoms and improve general wellbeing and sexual function (for example libido, dyspareunia, satisfaction). Treatment with DHEA is controversial as there is uncertainty about its effectiveness and safety. This review should clearly outline the evidence for DHEA in the treatment of menopausal symptoms and evaluate its effectiveness and safety by combining the results of randomised controlled trials. OBJECTIVES To assess the effectiveness and safety of administering DHEA to women with menopausal symptoms in the peri- or postmenopausal phase. SEARCH METHODS The databases that we searched (3 June 2014) with no language restrictions applied were the Cochrane Menstrual Disorders and Subfertility Group Specialised Register, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL and LILACS. We also searched conference abstracts and citation lists in the ISI Web of Knowledge. Ongoing trials were searched in the trials registers. Reference lists of retrieved articles were checked. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised controlled trials comparing any dose and form of DHEA by any route of administration versus any other active intervention, placebo or no treatment for a minimal treatment duration of seven days in peri- and postmenopausal women. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two authors independently extracted data after assessing eligibility for inclusion and quality of studies. Authors were contacted for additional information. MAIN RESULTS Twenty-eight trials with 1273 menopausal women were included in this review. Data could be extracted from 16 trials to conduct the meta-analysis. The overall quality of the studies was moderate to low with the majority of studies that were included in the meta-analysis having reasonable methodology. Compared to placebo, DHEA did not improve quality of life (standardised mean difference (SMD) 0.16, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.03 to 0.34, P = 0.10, 8 studies, 287 women (132 from parallel and 155 from crossover trials), I² = 0%, moderate quality evidence; one trial of the nine that reported on this outcome was removed in a sensitivity analysis as it was judged to be at high risk of bias). DHEA was found to be associated with androgenic side effects (mainly acne) (odds ratio (OR) 3.77, 95% CI 1.36 to 10.4, P = 0.01, 5 studies, 376 women, I² = 10%, moderate quality evidence) when compared to placebo. No associations were found with other adverse effects. It was unclear whether DHEA affected menopausal symptoms as the results from the trials were inconsistent and could not easily be pooled to provide an overall effect due to different types of measurement (for example continuous, dichotomous, change and end scores). DHEA was found to improve sexual function (SMD 0.31, 95% CI 0.07 to 0.55, P = 0.01, 5 studies, 261 women (239 women from parallel trials and 22 women from crossover trials), I² = 0%; one trial judged to be at high risk of bias was removed during sensitivity analysis) compared to placebo.There was no difference in the acne associated with DHEA when comparing studies that used oral DHEA (OR 2.16, 95% CI 0.47 to 9.96, P = 0.90, 3 studies, 136 women, I² = 5%, very low quality evidence) to one study that used skin application of DHEA (OR 2.74, 95% CI 0.10 to 74.87, P = 0.90, 1 study, 22 women, very low quality evidence). The effects did not differ for sexual function when studies using oral DHEA (SMD 0.11, 95% CI -0.13 to 0.35, P = 0.36, 5 studies, 340 women, I² = 0) were compared to a study using intravaginal DHEA (SMD 0.42, 95% CI 0.03 to 0.81, 1 study, 218 women). Test for subgroup differences: Chi² = 1.77, df = 1 (P = 0.18), I² = 43.4%. Insufficient data were available to assess quality of life and menopausal symptoms for this comparison.There were insufficient data available to compare the effects of DHEA to hormone therapy (HT) for quality of life, menopausal symptoms, and adverse effects. No large differences in treatment effects were found for sexual function when comparing DHEA to HT (mean difference (MD) 1.26, 95% CI -0.21 to 2.73, P = 0.09, 2 studies, 41 women, I² = 0%). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS There is no evidence that DHEA improves quality of life but there is some evidence that it is associated with androgenic side effects. There is uncertainty whether DHEA decreases menopausal symptoms, but DHEA may slightly improve sexual function compared with placebo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carola S Scheffers
- University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, Groningen, 9713 AV, Netherlands.
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Abstract
Dry eye (DE) is a multifactorial disorder of the ocular surface unit that results in eye discomfort, visual disturbance and ocular surface damage. It is one of the most common complaints in daily ophthalmic practice. The risk of DE increases with age in both sexes, while its incidence is higher among females. In addition, the condition of menopause in aging women may also contribute to DE onset or worsening as a consequence of an overall hormonal imbalance. Sex hormones play a key role in ocular surface physiology and they impact differently on ocular surface tissues. Reduced estrogen levels were historically thought to be responsible in age-related DE onset but more recent investigations have reconsidered the role of androgens that are present and exert a protective function on the ocular surface. Hormone levels themselves, withdrawal changes in hormone levels, and the changes in hormone-receptor responsiveness are all important factors but it remains to be fully elucidated how estrogen or androgen insufficiency act alone or together in a combined imbalance or interplay to raise the risk of disease. The purpose of this review is to briefly outline current scientific evidence on the influence of androgens and estrogens, on the Lachrymal and Meibomian glands and on ocular surface epithelia including conjunctival goblet cells during reproductive and menopausal periods. The role of sex steroids is also discussed in relation to the pathogenesis of different forms of DE and Sjogren's syndrome (SS). The impact of systemic hormone therapy (HT) in DE post-menopausal women still appears as a controversial issue, despite the many clinical studies. Finally, the outcomes of topical applications of steroid-based products are summarized, underlying the need for potential (tear) biomarker(s) in the rationale of DE-targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piera Versura
- Ophthalmology Unit, S. Orsola-Malpighi Teaching Hospital, DIMES, University of Bologna , Bologna , Italy
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Rahimi Darabad R, Suzuki T, Richards SM, Jakobiec FA, Zakka FR, Barabino S, Sullivan DA. Does estrogen deficiency cause lacrimal gland inflammation and aqueous-deficient dry eye in mice? Exp Eye Res 2014; 127:153-60. [PMID: 25084452 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2014.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2014] [Revised: 07/17/2014] [Accepted: 07/21/2014] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Researchers have proposed that estrogen deficiency will lead to a Sjögren's syndrome (SjS)-like lacrimal gland inflammation, aqueous tear deficiency and dry eye. The purpose of this study was to determine whether this proposal is correct. Lacrimal glands were obtained from adult, age-matched wild type (WT) and aromatase knockout (ArKO) mice, in which estrogen synthesis is completely eliminated. Tissues were also obtained from autoimmune MRL/Mp-lpr/lpr (MRL/lpr) mice as inflammation controls. Tear volumes in WT and ArKO mice were measured and glands were processed for molecular biological and histological evaluation. Our results demonstrate that estrogen absence does not lead to a SjS-like inflammation in lacrimal tissue or to an aqueous-deficient dry eye. There was no upregulation of genes associated with inflammatory pathways in lacrimal glands of male or female ArKO mice. Such inflammatory activity was prominent in autoimmune MRL/lpr tissues. We also found no evidence of inflammation in lacrimal gland tissue sections of estrogen-deficient mice, and tear volumes of ArKO males were actually increased as compared to those WT controls. Interestingly, our study did show that estrogen absence influences the expression of thousands of lacrimal gland genes, and that this impact is sex- and genotype-specific. Our findings demonstrate that estrogen absence is not a risk factor for the development of SjS-like lacrimal gland inflammation or for aqueous-deficient dry eye in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raheleh Rahimi Darabad
- Schepens Eye Research Institute, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Tomo Suzuki
- Schepens Eye Research Institute, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Stephen M Richards
- Schepens Eye Research Institute, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Frederick A Jakobiec
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Fouad R Zakka
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Stefano Barabino
- Schepens Eye Research Institute, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David A Sullivan
- Schepens Eye Research Institute, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, MA, USA.
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Azcarate PM, Venincasa VD, Feuer W, Stanczyk F, Schally AV, Galor A. Androgen deficiency and dry eye syndrome in the aging male. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2014; 55:5046-53. [PMID: 24994872 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.14-14689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the relationship between androgen levels and subjective and objective measures of dry eye syndrome (DES). METHODS A total of 263 male patients from the Miami Veterans Affairs Medical Center eye clinic aged ≥50 were recruited for this prospective cross-sectional study. Patients completed Dry Eye Questionnaire 5, underwent tear film evaluation, and had serum androgen levels measured. The correlations between androgen levels, DES composite scores, DES symptoms, and global, lipid, and aqueous tear film parameters were evaluated. RESULTS Two hundred sixty-three patients with a mean age of 69 (50-95) were examined. There was no linear association between composite DES scores (generated using latent class analysis) and androgen levels. However, eyes with high DES scores (0.95-1.0) had higher levels of sex hormone-binding globulin (P = 0.03) and lower levels of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) (P = 0.02), androstenedione (A) (P = 0.02), and androstane-3α,17β-diol glucuronide (P = 0.03) compared to eyes with intermediate (0.05-0.95) or low (0-0.05) scores. There were no strong correlations between tear film measures and androgen levels. Regarding global parameters, a weak inverse correlation was found between corneal staining and A (r = -0.17, P = 0.009). For lipid parameters, a weak correlation existed between tear breakup time (TBUT) and A (r = 0.15, P = 0.02). When considering aqueous and lipid deficiency independently, the association between TBUT and A existed only with aqueous tear deficiency (r = 0.66, P = 0.002). Regarding aqueous parameters, a weak correlation existed between Schirmer test and DHEAS (r = 0.13, P = 0.047) and A (r = 0.21, P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS There was a weak correlation between higher levels of androstenedione and healthier global, lipid, and aqueous tear film parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick M Azcarate
- Miami Veterans Administration Medical Center, Miami, Florida, United States Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, United States
| | - Vincent D Venincasa
- Miami Veterans Administration Medical Center, Miami, Florida, United States Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, United States
| | - William Feuer
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, United States
| | - Frank Stanczyk
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Preventive Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States
| | - Andrew V Schally
- Department of Pathology Department of Medicine Divisions of Oncology and Endocrinology, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, United States
| | - Anat Galor
- Miami Veterans Administration Medical Center, Miami, Florida, United States Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, United States
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Cortisol biosynthesis in the human ocular surface innate immune response. PLoS One 2014; 9:e94913. [PMID: 24736562 PMCID: PMC3988113 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0094913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2013] [Accepted: 03/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Innate immune responses have a critical role in regulating sight-threatening ocular surface (OcS) inflammation. While glucocorticoids (GCs) are frequently used to limit tissue damage, the role of intracrine GC (cortisol) bioavailability via 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1) in OcS defense, remains unresolved. We found that primary human corneal epithelial cells (PHCEC), fibroblasts (PHKF) and allogeneic macrophages (M1, GM-CSF; M2, M-CSF) were capable of generating cortisol (M1>PHKF>M2>PHCEC) but in corneal cells, this was independent of Toll-like receptor (TLR) activation. While PolyI∶C induced maximal cytokine and chemokine production from both PHCEC (IFNγ, CCL2, CCL3, and (CCL4), IL6, CXCL10, CCL5, TNFα) and PHKF (CCL2, IL-6, CXCL10, CCL5), only PHKF cytokines were inhibited by GCs. Both Poly I∶C and LPS challenged-corneal cells induced M1 chemotaxis (greatest LPS-PHKF (250%), but down-regulated M1 11β-HSD1 activity (30 and 40% respectively). These data were supported by clinical studies demonstrating reduced human tear film cortisol∶cortisone ratios (a biomarker of local 11β-HSD1 activity) in pseudomonas keratitis (1∶2.9) versus healthy controls (1∶1.3; p<0.05). This contrasted with putative TLR3-mediated OcS disease (Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, Mucous membrane pemphigoid) where an increase in cortisol∶cortisone ratio was observed (113.8∶1; p<0.05). In summary, cortisol biosynthesis in human corneal cells is independent of TLR activation and is likely to afford immunoprotection under physiological conditions. Contribution to ocular mucosal innate responses is dependent on the aetiology of immunological challenge.
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