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Ghare Naz MS, Banaei M, Dashti S, Tehrani FR. An overview of sex hormones in relation to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Future Virol 2021. [PMID: 34306167 PMCID: PMC8293688 DOI: 10.2217/fvl-2021-0058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Aim: Sex differences in COVID-19 outcomes might be explained from a sex hormones (SexHs) perspective. Materials & methods: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, EMBASE and Google Scholar were searched up to March 2021. Results: Based on the literature review, the crosstalk between SexHs (estrogens, progesterone and testosterone), their receptors (estrogen α and β, androgen, and progesterone) and the immune system shaped the sex-related differences in immune responses against COVID-19. Differential production of SexHs over the lifespan (during pregnancy, reproductive years, menopause and andropause) and over different seasons may result in disparities in body response toward COVID-19. Moreover, SexHs-specific differences might affect vaccine efficacy and response to treatment. Conclusion: The roles of SexHs need to be considered in vaccine development and even treatment of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marzieh Saei Ghare Naz
- Reproductive Endocrinology Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 1985717413, Iran
| | - Mojdeh Banaei
- Mother & Child Welfare Research Center, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, 7916613885, Iran
| | - Sareh Dashti
- Department of Midwifery, Mashhad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, 9187147578, Iran
| | - Fahimeh Ramezani Tehrani
- Reproductive Endocrinology Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 1985717413, Iran
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Tremblay Y, Morin-Labbé A. Neonatal Lung Diseases: A Clinical Potential for Sex Steroids and a Novel Intracrine Organ. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:664969. [PMID: 34026792 PMCID: PMC8131950 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.664969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Yves Tremblay
- Reproduction Axis, Perinatal and Child Health, CRCHU de Québec, Québec, QC, Canada.,Department of Obstetric, Gynecology & Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Québec, QC, Canada.,Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle, Laval University, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Alexia Morin-Labbé
- Reproduction Axis, Perinatal and Child Health, CRCHU de Québec, Québec, QC, Canada
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3
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Kroumpouzos G. Effects of 5-alpha reductase inhibitors on lung function: A reason for discontinuation during COVID-19 pandemic? Dermatol Ther 2020; 33:e13535. [PMID: 32383237 PMCID: PMC7262018 DOI: 10.1111/dth.13535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- George Kroumpouzos
- Department of Dermatology, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA.,Department of Dermatology, Medical School of Jundiaí, São Paulo, Brazil.,GK Dermatology, PC, S Weymouth, Massachusetts, USA
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4
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Adamowicz J, Juszczak K, Drewa T. May patients receiving 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors be in higher risk of COVID-19 complications? Med Hypotheses 2020; 140:109751. [PMID: 32344304 PMCID: PMC7175887 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2020.109751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 pandemic is a major challenge for global and national healthcare providers. Number of new cases is continuously increasing with an emerging trend showing worse prognosis in males in comparison to females. Based on this observation, our proposed hypothesis is that 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors, that are commonly used for BPH treatment, may be one of the factors contributing to poorer prognosis in males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Adamowicz
- Department of Urology, Collegium Medicum, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Curie-Skłodowskiej 9, 85 094 Bydgoszcz, Poland.,Reconstructive Urology Working Group, Young Academic Urologists, European Association of Urology, Poland
| | - Kajetan Juszczak
- Department of Urology, Collegium Medicum, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Curie-Skłodowskiej 9, 85 094 Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Tomasz Drewa
- Department of Urology, Collegium Medicum, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Curie-Skłodowskiej 9, 85 094 Bydgoszcz, Poland
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5
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Drzewiecka H, Jarmołowska-Jurczyszyn D, Kluk A, Gałęcki B, Dyszkiewicz W, Jagodziński PP. Altered expression of 17‑β‑hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 and its prognostic significance in non‑small cell lung cancer. Int J Oncol 2020; 56:1352-1372. [PMID: 32236582 PMCID: PMC7170045 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2020.5014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2018] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Numerous studies have reported that oestrogens may contribute to the development of non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Although different steroidogenic enzymes have been detected in the lung, the precise mechanism leading to an exaggerated accumulation of active oestrogens in NSCLC remains unexplained. 17 β Hydroxysteroid dehydro genase type 2 (HSD17B2) is an enzyme involved in oestrogen and androgen inactivation by converting 17 β oestradiol into oestrone, and testosterone into 4 androstenedione. Therefore, the enzyme serves an important role in regulation of the intra cellular availability of active sex steroids. This study aimed to determine the expression levels of HSD17B2 in lung cancer (LC) and adjacent histopathologically unchanged tissues obtained from 161 patients with NSCLC, and to analyse the association of HSD17B2 with clinicopathological features. For that purpose, reverse transcription quantitative PCR, western blotting and immunohistochemistry were conducted. The results revealed that the mRNA and protein expression levels of HSD17B2 were significantly decreased in LC tissues compared with matched controls (P<10 6). Conversely, strong cytoplasmic staining of HSD17B2 was detected in the unchanged respiratory epithelium and in glandular cells. Notably, a strong association was detected between reduced HSD17B2 expression and advanced tumour stage, grade and size. Furthermore, it was revealed that HSD17B2 may have potential prognostic significance in NSCLC. A log-rank test revealed the benefit of high HSD17B2 protein expression for the overall survival (OS) of patients (P=0.0017), and multivariate analysis confirmed this finding (hazard ratio=0.21; 95% confidence interval=0.07-0.63; P=0.0043). Stratified analysis in the Kaplan Meier Plotter database indicated that patients with higher HSD17B2 expression presented better OS and post-progression survival. This beneficial effect was particularly evident in patients with adenocarcinoma and during the early stages of NSCLC. Decreased expression of HSD17B2 appears to be a frequent feature in NSCLC. Retrospective analysis suggests that the HSD17B2 mRNA and protein status might be independent prognostic factors in NSCLC and should be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Drzewiecka
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60‑781 Poznan, Poland
| | | | - Andrzej Kluk
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60‑355 Poznan, Poland
| | - Bartłomiej Gałęcki
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60‑569 Poznan, Poland
| | - Wojciech Dyszkiewicz
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60‑569 Poznan, Poland
| | - Paweł P Jagodziński
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60‑781 Poznan, Poland
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6
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Haase M, Laube M, Thome UH. Sex-specific effects of sex steroids on alveolar epithelial Na + transport. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2017; 312:L405-L414. [PMID: 28062481 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00275.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2016] [Revised: 12/16/2016] [Accepted: 12/29/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Alveolar fluid clearance mediates perinatal lung transition to air breathing in newborn infants, which is accomplished by epithelial Na+ channels (ENaC) and Na-K-ATPase. Male sex represents a major risk factor for developing respiratory distress, especially in preterm infants. We previously showed that male sex is associated with reduced epithelial Na+ transport, possibly contributing to the sexual dimorphism in newborn respiratory distress. This study aimed to determine sex-specific effects of sex steroids on epithelial Na+ transport. The effects of testosterone, 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT), estradiol, and progesterone on Na+ transport and Na+ channel expression were determined in fetal distal lung epithelial (FDLE) cells of male and female rat fetuses by Ussing chamber and mRNA expression analyses. DHT showed a minor effect only in male FDLE cells by decreasing epithelial Na+ transport. However, flutamide, an androgen receptor antagonist, did not abolish the gender imbalance, and testosterone lacked any effect on Na+ transport in male and female FDLE cells. In contrast, estradiol and progesterone increased Na+ transport and Na+ channel expression especially in females, and prevented the inhibiting effect of DHT in males. Estrogen receptor inhibition decreased Na+ channel expression and eliminated the sex differences. In conclusion, female sex steroids stimulate Na+ transport especially in females and prevent the inhibitory effect of DHT in males. The ineffectiveness of testosterone suggests that Na+ transport is largely unaffected by androgens. Thus, the higher responsiveness of female cells to female sex steroids explains the higher Na+ transport activity, possibly leading to a functional advantage in females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Haase
- Center for Pediatric Research Leipzig, Division of Neonatology, Hospital for Children & Adolescents, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Mandy Laube
- Center for Pediatric Research Leipzig, Division of Neonatology, Hospital for Children & Adolescents, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ulrich H Thome
- Center for Pediatric Research Leipzig, Division of Neonatology, Hospital for Children & Adolescents, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
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van Helden YGJ, Godschalk RWL, Swarts HJM, Hollman PCH, van Schooten FJ, Keijer J. Beta-carotene affects gene expression in lungs of male and female Bcmo1 (-/-) mice in opposite directions. Cell Mol Life Sci 2010; 68:489-504. [PMID: 20820853 PMCID: PMC3021199 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-010-0461-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2010] [Revised: 06/12/2010] [Accepted: 07/07/2010] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Molecular mechanisms triggered by high dietary beta-carotene (BC) intake in lung are largely unknown. We performed microarray gene expression analysis on lung tissue of BC supplemented beta-carotene 15,15′-monooxygenase 1 knockout (Bcmo1−/−) mice, which are—like humans—able to accumulate BC. Our main observation was that the genes were regulated in an opposite direction in male and female Bcmo1−/− mice by BC. The steroid biosynthetic pathway was overrepresented in BC-supplemented male Bcmo1−/− mice. Testosterone levels were higher after BC supplementation only in Bcmo1−/− mice, which had, unlike wild-type (Bcmo1+/+) mice, large variations. We hypothesize that BC possibly affects hormone synthesis or metabolism. Since sex hormones influence lung cancer risk, these data might contribute to an explanation for the previously found increased lung cancer risk after BC supplementation (ATBC and CARET studies). Moreover, effects of BC may depend on the presence of frequent human BCMO1 polymorphisms, since these effects were not found in wild-type mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvonne G J van Helden
- Human and Animal Physiology, Wageningen University, PO Box 338, 6700 AH Wageningen, The Netherlands
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Bresson E, Seaborn T, Côté M, Cormier G, Provost PR, Piedboeuf B, Tremblay Y. Gene expression profile of androgen modulated genes in the murine fetal developing lung. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2010; 8:2. [PMID: 20064212 PMCID: PMC2822783 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-8-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2009] [Accepted: 01/08/2010] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Accumulating evidences suggest that sex affects lung development. Indeed, a higher incidence of respiratory distress syndrome is observed in male compared to female preterm neonates at comparable developmental stage and experimental studies demonstrated an androgen-related delay in male lung maturation. However, the precise mechanisms underlying these deleterious effects of androgens in lung maturation are only partially understood. METHODS To build up a better understanding of the effect of androgens on lung development, we analyzed by microarrays the expression of genes showing a sexual difference and those modulated by androgens. Lungs of murine fetuses resulting from a timely mating window of 1 hour were studied at gestational day 17 (GD17) and GD18, corresponding to the period of surge of surfactant production. Using injections of the antiandrogen flutamide to pregnant mice, we hunted for genes in fetal lungs which are transcriptionally modulated by androgens. RESULTS Results revealed that 1844 genes were expressed with a sexual difference at GD17 and 833 at GD18. Many genes were significantly modulated by flutamide: 1597 at GD17 and 1775 at GD18. Datasets were analyzed by using in silico tools for reconstruction of cellular pathways. Between GD17 and GD18, male lungs showed an intensive transcriptional activity of proliferative pathways along with the onset of lung differentiation. Among the genes showing a sex difference or an antiandrogen modulation of their expression, we specifically identified androgen receptor interacting genes, surfactant related genes in particularly those involved in the pathway leading to phospholipid synthesis, and several genes of lung development regulator pathways. Among these latter, some genes related to Shh, FGF, TGF-beta, BMP, and Wnt signaling are modulated by sex and/or antiandrogen treatment. CONCLUSION Our results show clearly that there is a real delay in lung maturation between male and female in this period, the latter pursuing already lung maturation while the proper is not yet fully engaged in the differentiation processes at GD17. In addition, this study provides a list of genes which are under the control of androgens within the lung at the moment of surge of surfactant production in murine fetal lung.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Bresson
- Laboratory of Ontogeny and Reproduction, CHUQ, CHUL, Laval University, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
- Centre de Recherche en Biologie de la Reproduction (CRBR), Laval University, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Tommy Seaborn
- Laboratory of Ontogeny and Reproduction, CHUQ, CHUL, Laval University, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
- Centre de Recherche en Biologie de la Reproduction (CRBR), Laval University, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
- INSERM U413/EA4310, Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neuroendocrinology, European Institute for Peptide Research (IFRMP), International Associated Laboratory Samuel de Champlain, University of Rouen, France
| | - Mélissa Côté
- Laboratory of Ontogeny and Reproduction, CHUQ, CHUL, Laval University, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
- Centre de Recherche en Biologie de la Reproduction (CRBR), Laval University, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Geneviève Cormier
- Laboratory of Ontogeny and Reproduction, CHUQ, CHUL, Laval University, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
- Centre de Recherche en Biologie de la Reproduction (CRBR), Laval University, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Pierre R Provost
- Laboratory of Ontogeny and Reproduction, CHUQ, CHUL, Laval University, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
- Centre de Recherche en Biologie de la Reproduction (CRBR), Laval University, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Bruno Piedboeuf
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Yves Tremblay
- Laboratory of Ontogeny and Reproduction, CHUQ, CHUL, Laval University, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
- Centre de Recherche en Biologie de la Reproduction (CRBR), Laval University, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
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Simard M, Provost PR, Tremblay Y. Sexually dimorphic gene expression that overlaps maturation of type II pneumonocytes in fetal mouse lungs. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2006; 4:25. [PMID: 16674826 PMCID: PMC1513230 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-4-25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2006] [Accepted: 05/04/2006] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In human, respiratory distress of the neonates, which occurs in prematurity, is prevalent in male. Late in gestation, maturation of type II pneumonocytes, and consequently the surge of surfactant synthesis are delayed in male fetuses compared with female fetuses. Although the presence of higher levels of androgens in male fetuses is thought to explain this sex difference, the identity of genes involved in lung maturation that are differentially modulated according to fetal sex is unknown. We have studied the sex difference in developing mouse lung by gene profiling during a three-day gestational window preceding and including the emergence of mature PTII cells (the surge of surfactant synthesis in the mouse occurs on GD 17.5). METHODS Total RNA was extracted from lungs of male and female fetal mice (gestation days 15.5, 16.5, and 17.5), converted to cRNA, labeled with biotin, and hybridized to oligonucleotide microarrays (Affymetrix MOE430A). Analysis of data was performed using MAS5.0, LFCM and Genesis softwares. RESULTS Many genes involved in lung maturation were expressed with no sex difference. Of the approximative 14,000 transcripts covered by the arrays, only 83 genes presented a sex difference at one or more time points between GDs 15.5 and 17.5. They include genes involved in hormone metabolism and regulation (i.e. steroidogenesis pathways), apoptosis, signal transduction, transcriptional regulation, and lipid metabolism with four apolipoprotein genes. Genes involved in immune functions and other metabolisms also displayed a sex difference. CONCLUSION Among these sexually dimorphic genes, some may be candidates for a role in lung maturation. Indeed, on GD 17.5, the sex difference in surfactant lipids correlates with the sex difference in pulmonary expression of apolipoprotein genes, which are involved in lipid transport. This suggests a role for these genes in the surge of surfactant synthesis. Our results would help to identify novel genes involved in the physiopathology of the respiratory distress of the neonates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Simard
- Laboratory of Ontogeny and Reproduction, CHUQ, PCHUL, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Québec City, Québec, Canada
- Centre de Recherche en Biologie de la Reproduction (CRBR), Laval University, Québec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Pierre R Provost
- Laboratory of Ontogeny and Reproduction, CHUQ, PCHUL, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Québec City, Québec, Canada
- Ob/Gyn Department, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Québec City, Québec, Canada
- Centre de Recherche en Biologie de la Reproduction (CRBR), Laval University, Québec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Yves Tremblay
- Laboratory of Ontogeny and Reproduction, CHUQ, PCHUL, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Québec City, Québec, Canada
- Ob/Gyn Department, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Québec City, Québec, Canada
- Centre de Recherche en Biologie de la Reproduction (CRBR), Laval University, Québec City, Québec, Canada
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Tremblay Y, Provost PR. Expression du gène 17β-HSD2 dans le poumon fœtal et le placenta : contrôle de l’action des stéroïdes sexuels. Med Sci (Paris) 2003; 19:926-30. [PMID: 14613001 DOI: 10.1051/medsci/20031910926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
During gestation, sex steroids could potentially have detrimental effects on fetal development. At least two distinct mechanisms should prevent such effects. The 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase-2 (HSD17beta2) plays a key role in each mechanism. Being expressed both in lung fibroblasts and placental endothelial cells, the HSD17beta2 should restrict testosterone and estradiol actions, thus enabling normal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yves Tremblay
- Unité d'Ontogénie et Reproduction, Centre hospitalier universitaire Laval (CHUL), Département d'Obstétrique et Gynécologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, 2705, boulevard Laurier, Sainte-Foy, Québec, G1V 4G2, Canada.
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