1
|
Hogenelst K, Özsezen S, Kleemann R, Verschuren L, Stuldreher I, Bottenheft C, van Erp J, Brouwer AM. Seven robust and easy to obtain biomarkers to measure acute stress. Brain Behav Immun Health 2024; 38:100789. [PMID: 38799794 PMCID: PMC11126813 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2024.100789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
With the purpose of identifying a sensitive, robust, and easy-to-measure set of biomarkers to assess stress reactivity, we here study a large set of relatively easy to obtain markers reflecting subjective, autonomic nervous system (ANS), endocrine, and inflammatory responses to acute social stress (n = 101). A subset of the participants was exposed to another social stressor the next day (n = 48) while being measured in the same way. Acute social stress was induced following standardized procedures. The markers investigated were self-reported positive and negative affect, heart rate, electrodermal activity, salivary cortisol, and ten inflammatory markers both in capillary plasma and salivary samples, including IL-22 which has not been studied in response to acute stress in humans before. Robust effects (significant effect in the same direction for both days) were found for self-reported negative affect, heart rate, electrodermal activity, plasma IL-5, plasma IL-22, salivary IL-8 and salivary IL-10. Of these seven markers, the participants' IL-22 responses on the first day were positively correlated to those on the second day. We found no correlations between salivary and capillary plasma stress responses for any of the ten cytokines and somewhat unexpectedly, cytokine responses in saliva seemed more pronounced and more in line with previous literature than cytokines in capillary plasma. In sum, seven robust and easy to obtain biomarkers to measure acute stress response were identified and should be used in future stress research to detect and examine stress reactivity. This includes IL-22 in plasma as a promising novel marker.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Koen Hogenelst
- Department of Human Performance, The Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), Soesterberg, the Netherlands
| | - Serdar Özsezen
- Department of Microbiology and Systems Biology, The Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Robert Kleemann
- Department of Metabolic Health Research, The Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Lars Verschuren
- Department of Microbiology and Systems Biology, The Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Ivo Stuldreher
- Department of Human Performance, The Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), Soesterberg, the Netherlands
| | - Charelle Bottenheft
- Department of Human Performance, The Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), Soesterberg, the Netherlands
| | - Jan van Erp
- Department of Human Machine Teaming, The Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), Soesterberg, the Netherlands
- Twente University, Enschede, the Netherlands
| | - Anne-Marie Brouwer
- Department of Human Performance, The Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), Soesterberg, the Netherlands
- Department of Artificial Intelligence, Radboud University/Donders Centre, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Tienforti D, Pastori D, Barbonetti A. Effects of gender affirming hormone therapy with testosterone on coagulation and hematological parameters in transgender people assigned female at birth: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Thromb Res 2024; 236:170-178. [PMID: 38457996 DOI: 10.1016/j.thromres.2024.02.029] [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: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hormone replacement therapy is associated with an increased thromboembolic risk. The effects of testosterone (T) on coagulation markers in people assigned female at birth (AFAB) under gender affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) are not well described. METHODS Systematic review and meta-analysis on English-language articles retrieved from PubMed, Scopus and Cochrane Library up to April 2023 investigating T therapy in AFAB people. Coagulation parameters included international normalized ratio (INR), fibrinogen, activated partial thromboplastin clotting time (aPTT), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1); hematological variables included hemoglobin (Hb) and hematocrit (HCT). We also reported the rate of thromboembolic events. Data were combined as mean differences (MD) with a 95 % confidence interval (CI) of pre- vs post-follow-up values, using random-effects models. RESULTS We included 7 studies (6 prospective and 1 retrospective) providing information on 312 subjects (mean age: 23 to 30 years) who underwent GAHT with variable T preparation. T therapy was associated with a significant increase in INR values [MD: 0.02, 95 % confidence interval (CI): 0.01-0.03; p = 0.0001], with negligible heterogeneity (I2 = 4 %). T therapy was associated with increased Hb (MD: 1.48 g/dL, 95%CI: 1.17 to 1.78; I2 = 9 %) and HCT (4.39 %, 95%CI: 3.52 to 5.26; I2 = 23 %) values. No effect on fibrinogen, aPTT and PAI-1 was found. None of the study reported thromboembolic events during the follow-up. CONCLUSION Therapy with T increased blood viscosity in AFAB men. A slight increase in INR values was also found, but the clinical relevance and mechanism(s) of this finding needs to be clarified.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Tienforti
- Andrology Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy.
| | - Daniele Pastori
- Department of Clinical Internal, Anesthesiological and Cardiovascular Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Arcangelo Barbonetti
- Andrology Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Kielb J, Saffak S, Weber J, Baensch L, Shahjerdi K, Celik A, Farahat N, Riek S, Chavez-Talavera O, Grandoch M, Polzin A, Kelm M, Dannenberg L. Transformation or replacement - Effects of hormone therapy on cardiovascular risk. Pharmacol Ther 2024; 254:108592. [PMID: 38286163 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2024.108592] [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: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
Hormone therapy (HT) is important and frequently used both regarding replacement therapy (HRT) and gender affirming therapy (GAHT). While HRT has been effective in addressing symptoms related to hormone shortage, several side effects have been described. In this context, there are some studies that show increased cardiovascular risk. However, there are also studies reporting protective aspects of HT. Nevertheless, the exact impact of HT on cardiovascular risk and the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. This article explores the relationship between diverse types of HT and cardiovascular risk, focusing on mechanistic insights of the underlying hormones on platelet and leukocyte function as well as on effects on endothelial and adipose tissue cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julia Kielb
- Department of Cardiology, Pulmonology, and Vascular Medicine, Medical Faculty of the Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany; Cardiovascular Research Institute Düsseldorf (CARID), Germany
| | - Süreyya Saffak
- Department of Cardiology, Pulmonology, and Vascular Medicine, Medical Faculty of the Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany; Cardiovascular Research Institute Düsseldorf (CARID), Germany
| | - Jessica Weber
- Department of Cardiology, Pulmonology, and Vascular Medicine, Medical Faculty of the Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany; Cardiovascular Research Institute Düsseldorf (CARID), Germany
| | - Leonard Baensch
- Department of Cardiology, Pulmonology, and Vascular Medicine, Medical Faculty of the Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany; Cardiovascular Research Institute Düsseldorf (CARID), Germany
| | - Khatereh Shahjerdi
- Department of Cardiology, Pulmonology, and Vascular Medicine, Medical Faculty of the Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany; Cardiovascular Research Institute Düsseldorf (CARID), Germany
| | - Aylin Celik
- Department of Cardiology, Pulmonology, and Vascular Medicine, Medical Faculty of the Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany; Cardiovascular Research Institute Düsseldorf (CARID), Germany
| | - Nora Farahat
- Department of Cardiology, Pulmonology, and Vascular Medicine, Medical Faculty of the Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany; Cardiovascular Research Institute Düsseldorf (CARID), Germany
| | - Sally Riek
- Department of Cardiology, Pulmonology, and Vascular Medicine, Medical Faculty of the Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany; Cardiovascular Research Institute Düsseldorf (CARID), Germany
| | - Oscar Chavez-Talavera
- Department of Cardiology, Pulmonology, and Vascular Medicine, Medical Faculty of the Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany; Cardiovascular Research Institute Düsseldorf (CARID), Germany
| | - Maria Grandoch
- Institute for Translational Pharmacology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital of Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Amin Polzin
- Department of Cardiology, Pulmonology, and Vascular Medicine, Medical Faculty of the Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany; Cardiovascular Research Institute Düsseldorf (CARID), Germany
| | - Malte Kelm
- Department of Cardiology, Pulmonology, and Vascular Medicine, Medical Faculty of the Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany; Cardiovascular Research Institute Düsseldorf (CARID), Germany
| | - Lisa Dannenberg
- Department of Cardiology, Pulmonology, and Vascular Medicine, Medical Faculty of the Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany; Cardiovascular Research Institute Düsseldorf (CARID), Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Cortez S, Moog D, Lewis C, Williams K, Herrick C, Fields M, Gray T, Guo Z, Nicol G, Baranski T. Effectiveness and Safety of Different Estradiol Regimens in Transgender Women (TREAT Study): Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Res Protoc 2023; 12:e53092. [PMID: 38133914 PMCID: PMC10770781 DOI: 10.2196/53092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Current guidelines for gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) for transgender women are mostly based on clinical experience from experts in the field and treatments used on postmenopausal women. While care is currently provided with the best available evidence, there is a critical gap in knowledge about the safest and most effective estradiol routes of administration for GAHT in transgender women; this statement is supported by the World Professional Association for Transgender Health on their Standards of Care for the Health of Transgender and Gender Diverse People, version 8. Furthermore, the reported rates of cardiometabolic adverse events in transgender women highlight the importance of investigating changes in lipoproteins, glucose, and insulin sensitivity, among other markers while receiving GAHT. OBJECTIVE This study aims to evaluate the degree of testosterone suppression achieved at 1, 6, and 12 months in treatment-naive transgender women when randomized to GAHT with estradiol and spironolactone as antiandrogens. As a secondary aim, this study will assess the treatment effect on metabolic and coagulation factors from baseline to 6 and 12 months after initiating GAHT. METHODS This is a prospective pilot, open-label, randomized clinical trial conducted at an adult transgender clinic in a tertiary medical center. The 3 treatment arms include once-daily sublingual 17-β estradiol, twice-daily sublingual 17-β estradiol, and transdermal 17-β estradiol. All participants received spironolactone as an antiandrogen. Transgender women aged 18 to 45 years who are being evaluated for the initiation of GAHT with 17-β estradiol and did not have a history of coagulopathy, cigarette smoking, liver disease, dyslipidemia requiring treatment, or use of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist were eligible to enroll. The main outcome is the total testosterone suppression at 1 and 6 months after the initiation of GAHT, and the secondary outcome is to assess treatment effect in a lipid panel; homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance; coagulation factors II, IX, and XI; Von Willebrand factor; activated protein C resistance; protein C; and protein S at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months after therapy is initiated. RESULTS This study was funded in March 2022, and enrollment concluded in August 2022. It was concluded in July 2023, and currently, the results are being analyzed for publication. CONCLUSIONS The Transgender Estradiol Affirming Therapy (TREAT) study offers a rigorous and reproducible approach to answer important questions regarding GAHT in transgender women, specifically, the most effective 17-β estradiol regimen to suppress testosterone levels to 50 ng/dL, as currently recommended. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05010707; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05010707. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/53092.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Cortez
- Division of Pediatric Endrocinology, Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, United States
| | - Dominic Moog
- Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, United States
| | - Christopher Lewis
- Division of Pediatric Endrocinology, Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, United States
| | - Kelley Williams
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Lipid Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, United States
| | - Cynthia Herrick
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Lipid Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, United States
- Division of Public Health Sciences, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, United States
| | - Melanie Fields
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, United States
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, United States
| | - Teddi Gray
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, United States
| | - Zhaohua Guo
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, United States
| | - Ginger Nicol
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, United States
| | - Thomas Baranski
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Lipid Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, United States
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Bottenheft C, Hogenelst K, Stuldreher I, Kleemann R, Groen E, van Erp J, Brouwer AM. Understanding the combined effects of sleep deprivation and acute social stress on cognitive performance using a comprehensive approach. Brain Behav Immun Health 2023; 34:100706. [PMID: 38033613 PMCID: PMC10685043 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2023.100706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Sleep deprivation (SD) and acute social stress are common, often unavoidable, and frequently co-occurring stressors in high-risk professions. Both stressors are known to acutely induce inflammatory responses and an increasing body of literature suggests this may lead to cognitive impairment. This study examined the combined effects of total SD and acute social stress on cognitive performance and took a comprehensive approach to explore their (shared) underlying mechanism leading to cognitive decline. Method We recorded cognitive performance on a response inhibition task and a multitask and monitored a range of inflammatory, psychophysiological and self-reported markers in 101 participants, both before and after one night of either sleep (control group: N = 48) or SD (N = 53), and both before and after a social stressor (Trier Social Stress Test). Results SD decreased cognitive performance. The social stress test also results in cognitive performance decline in the control group on the response inhibition task, but improved rather than decreased performance of sleep deprived participants on both tasks. The subjective ratings of mental effort also reflect this antagonistic interaction, indicating that the social stressor when sleep-deprived also reduced mental effort. In the inflammatory and physiological measures, this pattern was only reflected by IL-22 in blood. SD reduced blood IL-22 concentrations, and the social stress reduced IL-22 in the control group as well, but not in sleep-deprived participants. There were no interactive effects of SD and social stress on any other inflammatory or psychophysiological measures. The effects of the social stress test on autonomic measures and subjective results suggest that increased arousal may have benefited sleep-deprived participants' cognitive performance. Discussion SD generally decreased cognitive performance and increased required mental effort. By contrast, the isolated effects of a social stressor were not generic, showing a positive effect on cognitive performance when sleep deprived. Our study is the first that studied combined effects of sleep deprivation and acute social stress on cognitive performance and inflammatory markers. It provides a comprehensive overview of effects of these stressors on a range of variables. We did not show unequivocal evidence of an underlying physiological mechanism explaining changes in performance due to (the combination of) sleep deprivation and social stress, but consider IL-22 as a possible cytokine involved in this mechanism and certainly worth following up on in future research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charelle Bottenheft
- TNO, Human Performance, Kampweg 55, 3679DE, Soesterberg, the Netherlands
- Human Media Interaction, Computer Science, University of Twente, the Netherlands
| | - Koen Hogenelst
- TNO, Human Performance, Kampweg 55, 3679DE, Soesterberg, the Netherlands
| | - Ivo Stuldreher
- TNO, Human Performance, Kampweg 55, 3679DE, Soesterberg, the Netherlands
- Human Media Interaction, Computer Science, University of Twente, the Netherlands
| | - Robert Kleemann
- TNO, Metabolic Health Research, Zernikedreef 9, 2333CK, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Eric Groen
- TNO, Human Performance, Kampweg 55, 3679DE, Soesterberg, the Netherlands
| | - Jan van Erp
- TNO, Human Machine Teaming, Kampweg 55, 3679DE, Soesterberg, the Netherlands
- Human Media Interaction, Computer Science, University of Twente, the Netherlands
| | - Anne-Marie Brouwer
- TNO, Human Performance, Kampweg 55, 3679DE, Soesterberg, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Nour J, Bonacina F, Norata GD. Gonadal sex vs genetic sex in experimental atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis 2023; 384:117277. [PMID: 37775425 DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2023.117277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
Epidemiological data and interventional studies with hormone replacement therapy suggest that women, at least until menopause, are at decreased cardiovascular risk compared to men. Still the molecular mechanisms beyond this difference are debated and the investigation in experimental models of atherosclerosis has been pivotal to prove that the activation of the estrogen receptor is atheroprotective, despite not enough to explain the differences reported in cardiovascular disease between male and female. This casts also for investigating the importance of the sex chromosome complement (genetic sex) beyond the contribution of sex hormones (gonadal sex) on atherosclerosis. Aim of this review is to present the dualism between gonadal sex and genetic sex with a focus on the data available from experimental models. The molecular mechanisms driving changes in lipid metabolism, immuno-inflammatory reactivity and vascular response in males and females that affect atherosclerosis progression will be discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jasmine Nour
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences "Rodolfo Paoletti", University of Milan, Italy
| | - Fabrizia Bonacina
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences "Rodolfo Paoletti", University of Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe D Norata
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences "Rodolfo Paoletti", University of Milan, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Martinez CA, Rikhi R, Fonseca Nogueira N, Pester MS, Salazar AS, Ashinne B, Aguilar N, Melara A, Porras V, Parker M, Mendez A, Cyrus E, De Santis JP, Jones DL, Brown TT, Hurwitz BE, Alcaide ML. Estrogen-Based Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy and Subclinical Cardiovascular Disease in Transgender Women with HIV. LGBT Health 2023; 10:576-585. [PMID: 37459150 PMCID: PMC10712365 DOI: 10.1089/lgbt.2023.0010] [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] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Transgender women (TW) are disproportionately affected by HIV infection and cardiovascular disease (CVD). This study evaluated whether estrogen-based gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) in TW with HIV (TWH-GAHT) is associated with indices of subclinical CVD. Methods: Of the 40 HIV-seropositive persons enrolled, 20-60 years of age, on antiretroviral treatment with undetectable viral load, assessments were performed on 15 TWH; of these persons, 11 were GAHT treated. These TWH-GAHT were matched with HIV+ cisgender men and women based on age, ethnicity/race, body mass index, and antihypertensive medication use. Sex hormones, and cardiometabolic (waist circumference, blood pressure, insulin resistance, lipid profile, and C-reactive protein), vascular (flow-mediated dilation [FMD] and arterial stiffness), and proinflammatory measures were obtained. Results: TWH-GAHT displayed elevated estradiol and suppressed testosterone levels relative to normative ranges. Analyses indicated the TWH-GAHT displayed lower low-density lipoprotein compared with cisgender groups (p < 0.05). Although no difference was seen on FMD, the central augmentation index of aortic stiffness was higher in cisgender HIV+ women than cisgender HIV+ men (p < 0.05). No other group difference on subclinical CVD markers was observed. For TWH, partial correlations indicated associations of certain sex hormones with selected cardiometabolic outcomes and the inflammatory cytokine, interleukin-8. Conclusion: When well matched to HIV+ cisgender men and women, subclinical CVD pathophysiology did not appear elevated in TWH-GAHT, although tendencies emerged suggesting that some subclinical CVD indices may be higher, but others lower than cisgender groups. Longitudinal studies of TWH are needed to more precisely evaluate the moderating effect of GAHT on cardiometabolic pathophysiology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claudia A. Martinez
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Rishi Rikhi
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Nicholas Fonseca Nogueira
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Mollie S. Pester
- Behavioral Medicine Research Center and Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Miami/Coral Gables, Florida, USA
| | - Ana S. Salazar
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Beteal Ashinne
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Natalie Aguilar
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Abraham Melara
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Valeria Porras
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Meela Parker
- Behavioral Medicine Research Center and Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Miami/Coral Gables, Florida, USA
| | - Armando Mendez
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Elena Cyrus
- Department of Population Health Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Joseph P. De Santis
- School of Nursing and Health Studies, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Deborah L. Jones
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
- Behavioral Medicine Research Center and Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Miami/Coral Gables, Florida, USA
| | - Todd T. Brown
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Barry E. Hurwitz
- Behavioral Medicine Research Center and Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Miami/Coral Gables, Florida, USA
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Maria L. Alcaide
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Murphy CN, Delles C, Davies E, Connelly PJ. Cardiovascular disease in transgender individuals. Atherosclerosis 2023; 384:117282. [PMID: 37821271 DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2023.117282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
The population of people identifying as transgender has grown rapidly in recent years, resulting in a substantive increase in individuals obtaining gender-affirming medical care to align their secondary sex characteristics with their gender identity. This has established benefits for patients including improvements in gender dysphoria and psychosocial functioning, while reducing adverse mental health outcomes. Despite these potential advantages, recent evidence has suggested that gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. However, owing to a paucity of research, the mechanisms underpinning these increased risks are poorly understood. Moreover, previous research has been limited by heterogenous methodologies, being underpowered, and lacking appropriate control populations. Consequently, the need for evidence regarding cardiovascular health in LGBTQ + individuals has been recognised as a critical area for future research to facilitate better healthcare and guidance. Recent research investigating the effect of transmasculine (testosterone) GAHT on cardiovascular disease risk points to testosterone effecting the nitric oxide pathway, triggering inflammation, and promoting endothelial dysfunction. Equivalent studies focussing on transfeminine (oestrogen) GAHT are required, representing a crucial area of future research. Furthermore, when examining the effects of GAHT on the vasculature, it cannot be ignored that there are multiple factors that may increase the burden of cardiovascular disease in the transgender population. Such stressors include major psychological stress; increased adverse health behaviours, such as smoking; discrimination; and lowered socioeconomic status; all of which undoubtedly impact upon cardiovascular disease risk and offers the opportunity for intervention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte N Murphy
- School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Christian Delles
- School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Eleanor Davies
- School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Paul J Connelly
- School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Cheung AS, Nolan BJ, Zwickl S. Transgender health and the impact of aging and menopause. Climacteric 2023; 26:256-262. [PMID: 37011669 DOI: 10.1080/13697137.2023.2176217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
Gender affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) is used by many transgender people to reduce gender incongruence and improve psychological functioning. As GAHT shares many similarities with menopausal hormone therapy, clinicians supporting people through menopause are ideally placed to manage GAHT. This narrative review provides an overview of transgender health and discusses long-term effects of GAHT to consider when managing transgender individuals across the lifespan. Menopause is less relevant for transgender individuals who take GAHT (often given lifelong) to achieve sex steroid concentrations generally in the range of the affirmed gender. For people using feminizing hormone therapy, there is an elevated risk of venous thromboembolism, myocardial infarction, stroke and osteoporosis relative to cisgender individuals. For trans people using masculinizing hormone therapy, there is an increased risk of polycythemia, probable higher risk of myocardial infarction and pelvic pain which is poorly understood. Proactive mitigation of cardiovascular risk factors is important for all transgender people and optimization of bone health is important for those using feminizing hormones. With a lack of research to guide GAHT in older age, a shared decision-making approach is recommended for the provision of GAHT to achieve individual goals whilst minimizing potential adverse effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A S Cheung
- Trans Health Research Group, Department of Medicine (Austin Health), The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Endocrinology, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Australia
| | - B J Nolan
- Trans Health Research Group, Department of Medicine (Austin Health), The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Endocrinology, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Australia
| | - S Zwickl
- Trans Health Research Group, Department of Medicine (Austin Health), The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Martinez-Martin FJ, Kuzior A, Hernandez-Lazaro A, de Leon-Durango RJ, Rios-Gomez C, Santana-Ojeda B, Perez-Rivero JM, Fernandez-Trujillo-Comenge PM, Gonzalez-Diaz P, Arnas-Leon C, Acosta-Calero C, Perdomo-Herrera E, Tocino-Hernandez AL, Del Sol Sanchez-Bacaicoa M, Del Pino Perez-Garcia M. Incidence of hypertension in young transgender people after a 5-year follow-up: association with gender-affirming hormonal therapy. Hypertens Res 2023; 46:219-225. [PMID: 36229533 DOI: 10.1038/s41440-022-01067-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
In order to assess the risk of hypertension development, we performed a retrospective analysis of the clinical records of consecutive transgender patients who began gender-affirming hormonal therapy in our Outpatient Gender Identity Clinic with <30 years of age and had a follow-up >5 years. 149 transgender women treated with estradiol and 153 transgender men treated with testosterone were included; 129 of the transgender women received also androgen blockers (54 spironolactone, 49 cyproterone acetate and 26 LHRH agonists). The annual incidence of hypertension in young transgender men (1.18%) seemed comparable to that of the general population. In young transgender women, it seemed higher (2.14%); we found that the choice of androgen blocker had a remarkable effect, with a highly significant increase in patients treated with cyproterone acetate (4.90%) vs. the rest (0.80%); the adjusted hazard-ratio was 0.227 (p = 0.001). Correlation, logistic regression and mediation analyses were performed for the associations of the available clinical variables with the increase in systolic blood pressure and the onset of hypertension, but besides the use of cyproterone acetate, only the ponderal gain was found significant (Spearman's r: 0.361, p < 0.001); with a 36.7% mediation effect (31.2-42.3%). Cyproterone acetate has additional known risks, such as meningioma; although we cannot conclusively prove that it has a role in the development of hypertension, we conclude that the use of cyproterone acetate for this indication should be reconsidered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Javier Martinez-Martin
- Outpatient Gender Identity Clinic, Endocrinology & Nutrition Dpt., Hospital Universitario de Gran Canaria Dr. Negrín, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain. .,Endocrinology & Nutrition Dpt., Hospitales Universitarios San Roque, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain.
| | - Agnieszka Kuzior
- Endocrinology & Nutrition Dpt., Hospitales Universitarios San Roque, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Alba Hernandez-Lazaro
- Outpatient Gender Identity Clinic, Endocrinology & Nutrition Dpt., Hospital Universitario de Gran Canaria Dr. Negrín, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Ricardo Jose de Leon-Durango
- Outpatient Gender Identity Clinic, Endocrinology & Nutrition Dpt., Hospital Universitario de Gran Canaria Dr. Negrín, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Carlos Rios-Gomez
- Outpatient Gender Identity Clinic, Endocrinology & Nutrition Dpt., Hospital Universitario de Gran Canaria Dr. Negrín, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Borja Santana-Ojeda
- Outpatient Gender Identity Clinic, Endocrinology & Nutrition Dpt., Hospital Universitario de Gran Canaria Dr. Negrín, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
| | | | - Paula Maria Fernandez-Trujillo-Comenge
- Outpatient Gender Identity Clinic, Endocrinology & Nutrition Dpt., Hospital Universitario de Gran Canaria Dr. Negrín, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Paula Gonzalez-Diaz
- Emergency Medicine Dpt., Hospital Universitario de Gran Canaria Dr. Negrín, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Claudia Arnas-Leon
- Outpatient Gender Identity Clinic, Endocrinology & Nutrition Dpt., Hospital Universitario de Gran Canaria Dr. Negrín, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain.,Endocrinology & Nutrition Dpt., Hospitales Universitarios San Roque, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Carmen Acosta-Calero
- Cardiology Dpt., Hospital Universitario de Gran Canaria Dr. Negrín, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Cossío-Aranda JE, Jain V, Figueiras-Graillet LM, Arias-Mendoza A, López-Cuéllar J, Betancourt-Alvara AB, Sosa-Liprandi Á, Pinto F, Eiselé JL, Pineiro D. Toward a better understanding of cardiovascular risk in the transgender and gender-diverse community: a supplement to the Tijuana Declaration. ARCHIVOS DE CARDIOLOGIA DE MEXICO 2023; 93:1-4. [PMID: 37992703 PMCID: PMC10665105 DOI: 10.24875/acme.m23000422] [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: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023] Open
Abstract
On World Heart Day 2022, the Mexican Society of Cardiology, the Inter-American Society of Cardiology, and the World Heart Federation collaborated on a communication regarding the increased risk of adverse cardiovascular health outcomes in transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) individuals. This document, called the Tijuana Declaration, urged the global cardiovascular community to work toward understanding and mitigating this problem. This article aims to unpack the numerous factors that lead to it. An example is the social stigma faced by members of the TGD community, which leads to increased stress and risk for cardiovascular complications. TGD patients are also more likely to have insufficient access to health care, and those that do receive care are often faced with providers that are not adequately educated about the unique needs of their community. Finally, there is some evidence to suggest that gender-affirming hormone therapies have an impact on cardiovascular health, but studies on this subject often have methodological concerns and contradictory findings. Decreasing the incidence of adverse cardiovascular events in this community requires interventions such as educational reform in the medical community, an increase in research studies on this topic, and broader social initiatives intended to reduce the stigma faced by TGD individuals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jorge E. Cossío-Aranda
- Mexican Society of Cardiology, Juan Badiano 1, Col. Section XVI, Tlalpan, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | | | - Alexandra Arias-Mendoza
- Mexican Society of Cardiology, Juan Badiano 1, Col. Section XVI, Tlalpan, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Julio López-Cuéllar
- Mexican Society of Cardiology, Juan Badiano 1, Col. Section XVI, Tlalpan, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - Álvaro Sosa-Liprandi
- Inter-American Society of Cardiology, Juan Badiano 1, Col. Section XVI, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Baker KE, Compton D, Fechter-Leggett ED, Grasso C, Kronk CA. Will clinical standards not be part of the choir? Harmonization between the HL7 gender harmony project model and the NASEM measuring sex, gender identity, and sexual orientation report in the United States. J Am Med Inform Assoc 2022; 30:83-93. [PMID: 36288464 PMCID: PMC9748590 DOI: 10.1093/jamia/ocac205] [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: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To propose an approach for semantic and functional data harmonization related to sex and gender constructs in electronic health records (EHRs) and other clinical systems for implementors, as outlined in the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) report Measuring Sex, Gender Identity, and Sexual Orientation and the Health Level 7 (HL7) Gender Harmony Project (GHP) product brief "Gender Harmony-Modeling Sex and Gender Representation, Release 1." MATERIALS AND METHODS Authors from both publications contributed to a plan for data harmonization based upon fundamental principles in informatics, including privacy, openness, access, legitimate infringement, least intrusive alternatives, and accountability. RESULTS We propose construct entities and value sets that best align with both publications to allow the implementation of EHR data elements on gender identity, recorded sex or gender, and sex for clinical use in the United States. We include usability- and interoperability-focused reasoning for each of these decisions, as well as suggestions for cross-tabulation for populations. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Both publications agree on core approaches to conceptualization and measurement of sex- and gender-related constructs. However, some clarifications could improve our ability to assess gender modality, alignment (or lack thereof) between gender identity and assigned gender at birth, and address both individual-level and population-level health inequities. By bridging the GHP and NASEM recommendations, we provide a path forward for implementation of sex- and gender-related EHR elements. Suggestions for implementation of gender identity, recorded sex or gender, and sex for clinical use are provided, along with semantic and functional justifications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kellan E Baker
- Whitman-Walker Institute, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
- Department of Health Policy and Management, George Washington Milken Institute School of Public Health, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - D’Lane Compton
- Department of Sociology, University of New Orleans, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Ethan D Fechter-Leggett
- Respiratory Health Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
| | | | - Clair A Kronk
- Center for Medical Informatics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Center for Applied Transgender Studies (CATS), Chicago, Illinois, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Yelehe M, Klein M, El Aridi L, Maurier A, Gillet P, Feigerlova E. Adverse effects of gender-affirming hormonal therapy in transgender persons: Assessing reports in the French pharmacovigilance database. Fundam Clin Pharmacol 2022; 36:1115-1124. [PMID: 35653182 PMCID: PMC9796635 DOI: 10.1111/fcp.12806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2022] [Revised: 05/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Limited data are available on adverse drug reactions (ADRs) of gender-affirming hormone therapy (HT), mainly due to the lack of population-based studies with adequate controls, thus making spontaneous reporting systems a valuable tool to detect potential side reactions. In this nationwide retrospective study, we aimed to analyze ADRs related to gender-affirming HT reported in the French pharmacovigilance database (FPVD). We requested all the individual case safety reports related to gender-affirming HT recorded in the FPVD before May 27, 2020. We excluded previously published cases and those where gender-affirming HT was not the suspected drug. A total of 28 reports of ADRs were identified. Six concerned transgender men (21-40 years) and 22 transgender women (22-68 years). In transgender men taking testosterone enanthate, all reported ADRs were cardiovascular events, with pulmonary embolism in 50% of cases. Median time to onset (TTO) was 34 months. In transgender women, antiandrogens, mainly cyproterone acetate, were involved in 68% of cases, and estrogens in 77% of cases, mostly in association with progestin or cyproterone acetate. Meningiomas were the principal ADRs, followed by cardiovascular events, with a median TTO of 5.3 months. Our data show a previously unreported, non-negligible proportion of cases indicating cardiovascular ADRs in transgender men younger than 40 years. In transgender women, cardiovascular events were the second most frequent ADR. Further research is necessary to identify risk factors that might help to the individualization of treatment strategies. There is a necessity to increase awareness, implement preventive and education measures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Yelehe
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and ToxicologyCentre Régional de Pharmacovigilance de LorraineNancyFrance
| | - Marc Klein
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Nutrition, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire and Medical FacultyUniversité de LorraineNancyFrance
| | - Layal El Aridi
- Centre Régional de Pharmacovigilance de BrestCentre Hospitalier Universitaire de BrestBrestFrance
| | - Anaïs Maurier
- Centre Régional de Pharmacovigilance et d'Information sur le Médicament Centre Val de LoireCentre Hospitalier Universitaire de ToursToursFrance
| | - Pierre Gillet
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and ToxicologyCentre Régional de Pharmacovigilance de LorraineNancyFrance,CNRS, IMoPAUniversité de LorraineNancyFrance
| | - Eva Feigerlova
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Nutrition, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire and Medical FacultyUniversité de LorraineNancyFrance,INSERM UMR_S 1116 ‐ DCACUniversité de LorraineNancyFrance
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Balık AÖ, Vural F, Alpogan O, Özoğul M, Dönmez EE. The effects of testosterone on transgender males on carotid intima-media thickness and serum inflammatory markers compared within patients with polycystic ovary syndrome. Gynecol Endocrinol 2022; 38:771-775. [PMID: 35989584 DOI: 10.1080/09513590.2022.2112942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the effects of testosterone on carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and serum inflammatory markers compared within transgender males (TGM-Former called female-to-male) and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).Methods: The prospective observational study included 30 TGM, 30 patients with PCOS, and 30 healthy women. Groups were compared for CIMT and hematologic inflammatory markers white blood cell (WBC), lymphocyte/monocyte ratio (LMR), neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and mean platelet volume (MPV).Results: The CIMT of the TGM group was 0.48 ± 0.09 mm was significantly higher than PCOS (0.41 ± 0.09 mm, p = .005) and the control group (0.38 ± 0.7 mm, p = .001). The mean NLR, LMR, and MPV values were similar (p > .05). TGM had higher WBC levels compared to control women (p = .029). TGM had significantly lower PLR compared to PCOS and the control group (p = .001). CIMT were related to age (r = .390, p = .04) and body mass index (BMI) (r = .392, p = .03) in TGM.Conclusion: Increased CIMT in TGM individuals is not associated with inflammation; it seems to be a deleterious effect of exogenous testosterone exposure. Since increased CIMT may be a sign of serious cardiovascular problems developing in the future, it is suggested that it will be beneficial for these individuals should undergo clinical and radiological evaluation at regular intervals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ayşe Özlem Balık
- Department of Radiology, University of Health Science, Haydarpaşa Numune Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Fisun Vural
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Health Science, Haydarpaşa Numune Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Okşan Alpogan
- Department of Ophtalmology, University of Health Science, Haydarpaşa Numune Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Murat Özoğul
- Department of Radiology, University of Health Science, Haydarpaşa Numune Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Emin Erhan Dönmez
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Health Science, Haydarpaşa Numune Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|