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Hsu JH, Lee JI, Huang SP, Chen SC, Geng JH. Coffee consumption was associated with a lower prevalence of airflow limitation in postmenopausal women. Respir Investig 2024; 62:623-630. [PMID: 38723441 DOI: 10.1016/j.resinv.2024.05.002] [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: 11/12/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several studies have suggested a potential correlation between menopause and airflow limitation. However, the presence of protective factors in postmenopausal women remains uncertain. Therefore, our study seeks to examine potential protective factors associated with a reduced prevalence of airflow limitation among postmenopausal women. METHODS Postmenopausal women were recruited from the Taiwan Biobank for this cross-sectional study. Airflow limitation was defined by a forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1)/forced vital capacity (FVC) ratio <0.7. The participants were categorized into two groups: non-coffee drinkers and coffee drinkers, and the association between coffee consumption and airflow limitation was examined using binary logistic regression models. RESULTS A total of 8149 women with available information were enrolled. Compared to the non-coffee drinkers, the coffee drinkers had a significantly lower prevalence of airflow limitation (7% vs. 5%). The odds ratio (OR) for airflow limitation was lower in the coffee drinkers than in the non-coffee drinkers (OR = 0.77; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.63 to 0.94) after adjusting for confounding factors. We also examined the association between daily coffee consumption in cups and airflow limitation. The women who consumed ≥2 cups of coffee per day had an OR of 0.74 (95% CI = 0.59 to 0.94) compared to those who did not consume coffee. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that habitual coffee consumption is associated with a reduction in the prevalence of airflow limitation in postmenopausal women, warranting further prospective studies to explore possible causal effects and mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jui-Hung Hsu
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807378, Taiwan
| | - Jia-In Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807377, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Pin Huang
- Department of Urology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807377, Taiwan; Department of Urology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University 807378, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807378, Taiwan; Research Center for Environmental Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807378, Taiwan; Environmental and Occupational Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807378, Taiwan; Institute of Medical Science and Technology, College of Medicine, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung 804201, Taiwan
| | - Szu-Chia Chen
- Research Center for Environmental Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807378, Taiwan; Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Municipal Siaogang Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University 812015, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807377, Taiwan; Faculty of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807378, Taiwan
| | - Jiun-Hung Geng
- Department of Urology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807377, Taiwan; Department of Urology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University 807378, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807378, Taiwan; Research Center for Environmental Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807378, Taiwan; Department of Urology, Kaohsiung Municipal Siaogang Hospital, Kaohsiung 812015, Taiwan.
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Lodewijckx J, Robijns J, Claes M, Pierson M, Lenaerts M, Mebis J. The use of photobiomodulation therapy for the management of chemotherapy-induced alopecia: a randomized, controlled trial (HAIRLASER trial). Support Care Cancer 2023; 31:269. [PMID: 37060420 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-023-07743-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this trial was to evaluate if photobiomodulation (PBM) can accelerate hair regrowth after chemotherapy in breast cancer patients and if this is correlated with a better quality of life (QoL). METHODS A randomized controlled trial with breast cancer patients that underwent an anthracycline and taxane-containing chemotherapy regimen was set up at the Jessa Hospital (Hasselt, Belgium). Patients were randomized into the control group (no intervention) or the PBM group (three PBM sessions each week for 12 weeks, starting the last day of their chemotherapy). Hair regrowth was evaluated based on photographic assessments. Two blinded researchers independently scored the hair regrowth using a numerical rating scale (NRS). In addition, the QoL was measured using the European Organization for Research and Treatment-QOL questionnaire and Breast Cancer-specific module (EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-BR23). Data were collected on the day of their last chemotherapy session and 1, 2, and 3 months post-chemotherapy. RESULTS A total of 32 breast cancer patients were included in the trial between June 2020 and February 2022. Significantly higher NRS scores were observed in the PBM group at 1-month post-chemotherapy compared to baseline, whereas they remained constant in the control group. Patients allocated to the PBM group scored their global health significantly higher at all time points compared to the control. CONCLUSION Based on the results of the HAIRLASER trial, PBM seems to accelerate hair regrowth after chemotherapy in breast cancer patients resulting in an improved global health status and better body image. The study was registered in July 2019 at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04036994).
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Affiliation(s)
- Joy Lodewijckx
- Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Martelarenlaan 42, 3500, Hasselt, Belgium.
| | - Jolien Robijns
- Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Martelarenlaan 42, 3500, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Marithé Claes
- Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Martelarenlaan 42, 3500, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Maud Pierson
- Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Martelarenlaan 42, 3500, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Melissa Lenaerts
- Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Martelarenlaan 42, 3500, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Jeroen Mebis
- Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Martelarenlaan 42, 3500, Hasselt, Belgium
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jessa Hospital, Stadsomvaart 11, 3500, Hasselt, Belgium
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Oriola AO, Oyedeji AO. Plant-Derived Natural Products as Lead Agents against Common Respiratory Diseases. Molecules 2022; 27:3054. [PMID: 35630531 PMCID: PMC9144277 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27103054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Revised: 04/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Never has the world been more challenged by respiratory diseases (RDs) than it has witnessed in the last few decades. This is evident in the plethora of acute and chronic respiratory conditions, ranging from asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to multidrug-resistant tuberculosis, pneumonia, influenza, and more recently, the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) disease. Unfortunately, the emergence of drug-resistant strains of pathogens, drug toxicity and side effects are drawbacks to effective chemotherapeutic management of RDs; hence, our focus on natural sources because of their unique chemical diversities and novel therapeutic applications. This review provides a summary on some common RDs, their management strategies, and the prospect of plant-derived natural products in the search for new drugs against common respiratory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayodeji Oluwabunmi Oriola
- Department of Chemical and Physical Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Walter Sisulu University, Nelson Mandela Drive, P/Bag X1, Mthatha 5117, South Africa;
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Shukla SD, Shastri MD, Jha NK, Gupta G, Chellappan DK, Bagade T, Dua K. Female gender as a risk factor for developing COPD. EXCLI JOURNAL 2021; 20:1290-1293. [PMID: 34650384 PMCID: PMC8495113 DOI: 10.17179/excli2021-4118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shakti D Shukla
- Discipline of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia.,Faculty of Health, Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Madhur D Shastri
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
| | - Niraj Kumar Jha
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering & Technology (SET), Sharda University, Greater Noida, 201310, UP, India
| | - Gaurav Gupta
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jaipur National University, Jagatpura, 302017, Jaipur, India
| | - Dinesh Kumar Chellappan
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia
| | - Tanmay Bagade
- School of Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Kamal Dua
- Discipline of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia.,Faculty of Health, Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
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Reyes-García J, Montaño LM, Carbajal-García A, Wang YX. Sex Hormones and Lung Inflammation. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1304:259-321. [PMID: 34019274 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-68748-9_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Inflammation is a characteristic marker in numerous lung disorders. Several immune cells, such as macrophages, dendritic cells, eosinophils, as well as T and B lymphocytes, synthetize and release cytokines involved in the inflammatory process. Gender differences in the incidence and severity of inflammatory lung ailments including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary fibrosis (PF), lung cancer (LC), and infectious related illnesses have been reported. Moreover, the effects of sex hormones on both androgens and estrogens, such as testosterone (TES) and 17β-estradiol (E2), driving characteristic inflammatory patterns in those lung inflammatory diseases have been investigated. In general, androgens seem to display anti-inflammatory actions, whereas estrogens produce pro-inflammatory effects. For instance, androgens regulate negatively inflammation in asthma by targeting type 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) and T-helper (Th)-2 cells to attenuate interleukin (IL)-17A-mediated responses and leukotriene (LT) biosynthesis pathway. Estrogens may promote neutrophilic inflammation in subjects with asthma and COPD. Moreover, the activation of estrogen receptors might induce tumorigenesis. In this chapter, we summarize the most recent advances in the functional roles and associated signaling pathways of inflammatory cellular responses in asthma, COPD, PF, LC, and newly occurring COVID-19 disease. We also meticulously deliberate the influence of sex steroids on the development and progress of these common and severe lung diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Reyes-García
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, CDMX, Mexico City, Mexico.,Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Luis M Montaño
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, CDMX, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Abril Carbajal-García
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, CDMX, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Yong-Xiao Wang
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY, USA.
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Konings GFJ, Reynaert NL, Delvoux B, Verhamme FM, Bracke KR, Brusselle GG, Romano A, Vernooy JHJ. Increased levels of enzymes involved in local estradiol synthesis in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2017; 443:23-31. [PMID: 27940297 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2016.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2016] [Revised: 11/04/2016] [Accepted: 12/05/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Steroid hormones are involved in lung development, pulmonary inflammation, and lung cancer. Estrogen signaling and exposure may play a role in pulmonary disorders, including COPD. In both genders, estrogens can be generated locally in the lungs and this contributes importantly to the tissue exposure to these steroids. OBJECTIVE To characterize and assess differences in localization of estrogen receptors and enzymes involved in the local generation of estrogens in COPD. METHODS Estrogen Receptor alpha (ERα/ESR1), Estrogen Receptor beta (ERβ/ESR2) and G-protein-coupled estrogen receptor 1 (GPER) were explored by real-time (RT)-PCR analysis (mRNA expression), immunohistochemistry and western blotting in controls and COPD patients. mRNA expression of the enzymes involved in the local estrogen generation - i.e. aromatase (CYP19A1), 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (17β-HSDs) 1, 2, 4, 5, 7 and 12, steroid sulfatase (STS) and sulfotransferase (SULT1E1) - were analyzed by RT-PCR. RESULTS ERα, ERβ and GPER were expressed in lung tissue, but no differences were observed between patients and controls. The main enzymes involved in local estrogen generation were also present in both normal and COPD lung tissue. In lungs of COPD patients compared with controls, we observed increased expression of the enzymes 17β-HSD type 1 and aromatase (positive association), both involved in the local synthesis of active estrogens. CONCLUSION All ER subtypes are present in the lung. The shift in local mRNA level of estrogen metabolic enzymes suggests that exposure to estrogens is involved in the pathogenesis of COPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- G F J Konings
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, The Netherlands; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, GROW School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, The Netherlands.
| | - N L Reynaert
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - B Delvoux
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, GROW School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, The Netherlands
| | - F M Verhamme
- Laboratory for Translational Research in Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases, Department of Respiratory Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - K R Bracke
- Laboratory for Translational Research in Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases, Department of Respiratory Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - G G Brusselle
- Laboratory for Translational Research in Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases, Department of Respiratory Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - A Romano
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, GROW School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, The Netherlands
| | - J H J Vernooy
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Sweezey NB, Ratjen F. The cystic fibrosis gender gap: potential roles of estrogen. Pediatr Pulmonol 2014; 49:309-17. [PMID: 24339235 DOI: 10.1002/ppul.22967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2013] [Revised: 10/28/2013] [Accepted: 11/03/2013] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a complex, multi-system, autosomal recessive disease predominantly affecting Caucasians that leads to vigorous airway inflammation and chronic respiratory infection, commonly with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. A variety of factors significantly modify the progression and severity of CF lung disease and the timing of the resulting mortality. We summarize here data indicating that there is in CF a female disadvantage in survival and morbidity, called the "CF gender gap". Although controversy exists regarding the nature and relative importance of the various contributing mechanisms involved, gender affects the progression of CF disease with respect to lung infection, decline in pulmonary function and nutritional status. These interrelated factors in turn have a negative impact on survival. This review will emphasize the increasing evidence that suggest a role for the effects of gender, and particularly the female sex hormone estrogen, on infection, inflammation and transepithelial ion transport, all major determinants of CF lung disease. Future elucidation of the pathophysiology of hormonal aggravation of CF lung disease may pave the way for novel therapeutic interventions. This, combined with the magnitude of the gender gap in CF mortality, strongly suggests that further work in this field is well justified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil B Sweezey
- Department of Paediatrics, Respiratory Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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de Oliveira APL, Peron JPS, Damazo AS, Franco ALDS, Domingos HV, Oliani SM, Oliveira-Filho RM, Vargaftig BB, Tavares-de-Lima W. Female sex hormones mediate the allergic lung reaction by regulating the release of inflammatory mediators and the expression of lung E-selectin in rats. Respir Res 2010; 11:115. [PMID: 20735828 PMCID: PMC2936382 DOI: 10.1186/1465-9921-11-115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2009] [Accepted: 08/24/2010] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Fluctuations of estradiol and progesterone levels caused by the menstrual cycle worsen asthma symptoms. Conflicting data are reported in literature regarding pro and anti-inflammatory properties of estradiol and progesterone. Methods Female Wistar rats were ovalbumin (OVA) sensitized 1 day after resection of the ovaries (OVx). Control group consisted of sensitized-rats with intact ovaries (Sham-OVx). Allergic challenge was performed by aerosol (OVA 1%, 15 min) two weeks later. Twenty four hours after challenge, BAL, bone marrow and total blood cells were counted. Lung tissues were used as explants, for expontaneous cytokine secretion in vitro or for immunostaining of E-selectin. Results We observed an exacerbated cell recruitment into the lungs of OVx rats, reduced blood leukocytes counting and increased the number of bone marrow cells. Estradiol-treated OVx allergic rats reduced, and those treated with progesterone increased, respectively, the number of cells in the BAL and bone marrow. Lungs of OVx allergic rats significantly increased the E-selectin expression, an effect prevented by estradiol but not by progesterone treatment. Systemically, estradiol treatment increased the number of peripheral blood leukocytes in OVx allergic rats when compared to non treated-OVx allergic rats. Cultured-BAL cells of OVx allergic rats released elevated amounts of LTB4 and nitrites while bone marrow cells increased the release of TNF-α and nitrites. Estradiol treatment of OVx allergic rats was associated with a decreased release of TNF-α, IL-10, LTB4 and nitrites by bone marrow cells incubates. In contrast, estradiol caused an increase in IL-10 and NO release by cultured-BAL cells. Progesterone significantly increased TNF- α by cultured BAL cells and bone marrow cells. Conclusions Data presented here suggest that upon hormonal oscillations the immune sensitization might trigger an allergic lung inflammation whose phenotype is under control of estradiol. Our data could contribute to the understanding of the protective role of estradiol in some cases of asthma symptoms in fertile ans post-menopausal women clinically observed.
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Allen JE, Bischof RJ, Sucie Chang HY, Hirota JA, Hirst SJ, Inman MD, Mitzner W, Sutherland TE. Animal models of airway inflammation and airway smooth muscle remodelling in asthma. Pulm Pharmacol Ther 2009; 22:455-65. [PMID: 19393759 DOI: 10.1016/j.pupt.2009.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2008] [Revised: 12/28/2008] [Accepted: 04/14/2009] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Asthma is a complex disease that involves chronic inflammation and subsequent decline in airway function. The widespread use of animal models has greatly contributed to our understanding of the cellular and molecular pathways underlying human allergic asthma. Animal models of allergic asthma include smaller animal models which offer 'ease of use' and availability of reagents, and larger animal models that may be used to address aspects of allergic airways disease not possible in humans or smaller animal models. This review examines the application and suitability of various animal models for studying mechanisms of airway inflammation and tissue remodelling in allergic asthma, with a specific focus on airway smooth muscle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith E Allen
- Ashworth Laboratory, Institute of Infection and Immunology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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Macsali F, Real FG, Omenaas ER, Bjorge L, Janson C, Franklin K, Svanes C. Oral contraception, body mass index, and asthma: A cross-sectional Nordic-Baltic population survey. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2009; 123:391-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2008.10.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2008] [Revised: 10/21/2008] [Accepted: 10/27/2008] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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Chang HYS, Mitzner W. Sex differences in mouse models of asthma. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 2008; 85:1226-35. [PMID: 18066124 DOI: 10.1139/y07-116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Differences in disease susceptibility and prognosis between men and women are known to occur in the incidence and development of neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, and immunological disorders. In the lung there are also sex-based differences in the incidence, prevalence, and pathogenesis of lung cancer, cystic fibrosis, COPD, and asthma. In the general population, sex-based differences in asthma have been shown by epidemiologic studies, but unfortunately these studies are not consistent in their conclusions. This variability in human epidemiological studies justifies the need for more focused studies of the effects of specific hormones. Such specific mechanistic studies can most easily be performed in animal models, and since mouse models have the potential for separating specific genetic factors from environmental and exogenous factors, this species has become increasingly important in the design, analysis, and interpretation of asthma research. This review will document the male and female differences in airway function of naïve and sensitized mouse models, as well as the great variability in the functional measurements of airway tone. Until the situation is better understood, this variability between males and females should be kept in mind when designing, analyzing, and interpreting studies of smooth muscle responses in animal models and human subjects.
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A multi-hit endocrine model of intrinsic adult-onset asthma. Ageing Res Rev 2008; 7:114-25. [PMID: 18373959 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2007.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2007] [Accepted: 12/19/2007] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Epidemiological studies indicate that adult-onset asthma is initiated by stress (anxiety and depression), obesity and menopause. Ironically, despite our understanding of the various stressors that promote chronic adult-onset asthma, most of which are known to elevate cortisol production via the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, inhaled and systemic corticosteroids are the mainstay for the treatment of chronic asthma. This implicates other endocrine or cellular changes independent of cortisol synthesis in non-allergic adult-onset asthma. The mechanism by which corticosteroids are thought to modulate bronchial tone in relieving asthma is via corticosteroid-responsive genes that increase PGE(2) and cAMP production which promote muscle relaxation. Therefore, any physiological condition that suppresses intracellular PGE(2) and cAMP production would counter cortisol-induced muscle relaxation and potentially trigger non-allergic adult-onset asthma. Stress, obesity and menopause act on three interrelated endocrine pathways, the serotonergic, leptinergic and hypothalamic pathways, all of which operate through receptors to modulate cAMP and Ca(2+) metabolism in smooth muscle cells (SMCs). We propose that the level of SMC cAMP, as determined by overall signaling through corticosteroid receptors, leptin receptors and the GPCRs of the HPG and serotonergic pathways, will regulate bronchial tone (i.e. the 'Multi-Hit Endocrine Model of Adult-Onset Asthma'). Thus, decreases in HPG (menopause) and serotonergic (depression) signaling and increases in leptinergic (obesity) signaling relative to HPA signaling would decrease cellular SMC cAMP and promote muscle contraction. This model can explain the discrepant epidemiological data associating stress, obesity, depression and menopause with adult-onset asthma and is supported by basic and clinical data. Treatment of depressed or menopausal asthmatics with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or hormone replacement therapy, respectively, alleviates bronchoconstriction. Future therapeutic strategies might therefore target the serotonergic, leptinergic and hypothalamic pathways in regulating cellular cAMP production and bronchoconstriction for the treatment of adult-onset asthma.
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Clark NM, Gong ZM, Wang SJ, Lin X, Bria WF, Johnson TR. A randomized trial of a self-regulation intervention for women with asthma. Chest 2007; 132:88-97. [PMID: 17505047 DOI: 10.1378/chest.06-2539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Women with asthma have greater mortality and morbidity than men in the United States. To date, there has been no rigorous evaluation of an intervention focused on the particular problems in asthma management faced by women. This study was a randomized clinical trial of a self-regulation, telephone counseling intervention emphasizing women's concerns, and sex and gender role factors in their management of asthma. METHODS A total of 808 women with diagnosed asthma were randomly assigned to the intervention group or a usual-care control group, including conventional asthma education. Interviews and medical record data were collected to assess psychosocial factors, and the behavioral factors of functioning, quality of life, symptoms, and health-care use at baseline and the subsequent 1 year. Generalized estimating equations, identity link, logit link, and log link were employed to analyze the data. RESULTS Compared to control subjects, the women receiving treatment had greater annual reductions in the average number of nights with asthma symptoms (p = 0.04), days of missed work/school (p = 0.03), emergency department visits (p = 0.04), unscheduled office visits (p = 0.01), and scheduled office visits (p = 0.04). They had greater recognition of asthma symptoms during the menstrual cycle (p = 0.0003), had decreased asthma symptoms with sexual activity (p = 0.008), and had greater improvement in quality of life (p = 0.0005), self-regulation (p = 0.03), and self-confidence to manage asthma (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION The intervention improved women's clinical status, functioning, quality of life, and health-care use. A program with a focus on asthma management problems particular to women can significantly assist female asthma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noreen M Clark
- University of Michigan, School of Public Health, 109 S Observatory, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
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Romieu I, Varraso R, Avenel V, Leynaert B, Kauffmann F, Clavel-Chapelon F. Fruit and vegetable intakes and asthma in the E3N study. Thorax 2006; 61:209-15. [PMID: 16396945 PMCID: PMC1974844 DOI: 10.1136/thx.2004.039123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A study was undertaken to investigate whether dietary intake predicted the prevalence of adult asthma among French women participating in the E3N study. METHODS Of 68 535 women who completed a food frequency questionnaire in 1993 which included 238 food items, 2145 (3.1%) reported having asthma. The distribution of food intake was divided into quartiles (Q(1)-Q(4)) and the prevalence of asthma was compared between the different quartiles (lowest as reference) using logistic regression models on cross sectional data. RESULTS After adjusting for age, body mass index, menopausal status, smoking status, total caloric intake, physical activity, and use of dietary supplements, women who had a greater intake of tomatoes (OR(Q1-Q4) 0.85 95% CI 0.75 to 0.96, test for trend p = 0.02), carrots (OR(Q1-Q4) 0.81 95% CI 0.72 to 0.92, test for trend p = 0.0003), and leafy vegetables (OR(Q1-Q4) 0.82 95% CI 0.73 to 0.93, test for trend p = 0.0009) had a lower prevalence of asthma. Apples were marginally related to the prevalence of asthma. No other fruits or vegetables were significantly associated with asthma prevalence. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that the intake of some vegetables may decrease the prevalence of adult asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Romieu
- Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Col Santa Maria Ahuacatitlan, 62508 Cuernavaca, Morelos, México.
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