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Ahamba IS, Mary-Cynthia Ikele C, Kimpe L, Goswami N, Wang H, Li Z, Ren Z, Dong X. Unraveling the genetic and epigenetic landscape governing intramuscular fat deposition in rabbits: Insights and implications. FOOD CHEMISTRY. MOLECULAR SCIENCES 2024; 9:100222. [PMID: 39290671 PMCID: PMC11406001 DOI: 10.1016/j.fochms.2024.100222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2024] [Revised: 08/23/2024] [Accepted: 08/25/2024] [Indexed: 09/19/2024]
Abstract
Intramuscular fat (IMF) content is a predominant factor recognized to affect rabbit meat quality, directly impacting flavor, juiciness, and consumer preference. Despite its significance, the major interplay of genetic and epigenetic factors regulating IMF in rabbits remains largely unexplored. This review sheds light on this critical knowledge gap, offering valuable insights and future directions. We delve into the potential role of established candidate genes from other livestock (e.g. PPARγ, FABP4, and SCD) in rabbits, while exploring the identified novel genes of IMF in rabbits. Furthermore, we explored the quantitative trait loci studies in rabbit IMF and genomic selection approaches for improving IMF content in rabbits. Beyond genetics, this review unveils the exciting realm of epigenetic mechanisms modulating IMF deposition. We explored the potential of DNA methylation patterns, histone modifications, and non-coding RNA-mediation as fingerprints for selecting rabbits with desirable IMF levels. Additionally, we explored the possibility of manipulating the epigenetic landscape through nutraceuticals interventions to promote favorable IMF depositions. By comprehensively deciphering the genomic and epigenetic terrain of rabbit intramuscular fat regulation, this study aims to assess the existing knowledge regarding the genetic and epigenetic factors that control the deposition of intramuscular fat in rabbits. By doing so, we identified gaps in the current research, and suggested potential areas for further investigation that would enhance the quality of rabbit meat. This can enable breeders to develop targeted breeding strategies, optimize nutrition, and create innovative interventions to enhance the quality of rabbit meat, meet consumer demands and increase market competitiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ifeanyi Solomon Ahamba
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University, China
| | | | - Lionel Kimpe
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University, China
| | - Naqash Goswami
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University, China
| | - Hui Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University, China
| | - Zhen Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University, China
| | - Zhanjun Ren
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University, China
| | - Xianggui Dong
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University, China
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2
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Cioffi L, Grassi D, Diviccaro S, Caruso D, Pinto-Benito D, Arevalo MA, Garcia-Segura LM, Melcangi RC, Giatti S. Sex chromosome complement interacts with gonadal hormones in determining regional-specific neuroactive steroid levels in plasma, hippocampus, and hypothalamus. A study using the four core genotype mouse model. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2024; 241:106514. [PMID: 38554982 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2024.106514] [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: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
An important aspect of the neuromodulatory and neuroprotective actions exerted by neuroactive steroids is that they are sex-specific, as determined by the sexually dimorphic levels of these molecules in plasma and the nervous tissue. Thus, the identification of the factors that generate the sex-dimorphic levels of neuroactive steroids may be crucial from a neuroprotectant perspective. The main driver for sex determination in mammals is the SRY gene and the subsequent presence of a specific gonad: testes for males and ovaries for females, thus producing hormonal compounds, primarily androgens and estrogens, respectively. Nowadays, it is well established that despite the relevance of gonads, other factors control sexual features, and, among them, sex chromosome complement is highly relevant. In this study, neuroactive steroids were evaluated by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry in the hypothalamus, the hippocampus, and plasma of the four core genotype mouse model, to determine the relative contribution of sex chromosome complement and gonads in determining their sex dimorphic levels. The data obtained reveal that although gonads are the main contributing factor for sex differences in neuroactive steroid levels, the levels of some neuroactive steroids, including testosterone, are also influenced in brain and plasma by tissue-specific actions of sex chromosomes. The data presented here adds a new piece to the puzzle of steroid level regulation, which may be useful in designing sex-specific neuroprotective approaches to pathological conditions affecting the nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Cioffi
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences "Rodolfo Paoletti", Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano 20133, Itlay
| | - Daniela Grassi
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Autonoma University of Madrid, Calle Arzobispo Morcillo 4, Madrid 28029, Spain
| | - Silvia Diviccaro
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences "Rodolfo Paoletti", Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano 20133, Itlay
| | - Donatella Caruso
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences "Rodolfo Paoletti", Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano 20133, Itlay
| | - Daniel Pinto-Benito
- Cajal Institute, CSIC, Avenida Doctor Arce 37, 28002 Madrid, Spain and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid 28029, Spain
| | - Maria-Angeles Arevalo
- Cajal Institute, CSIC, Avenida Doctor Arce 37, 28002 Madrid, Spain and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid 28029, Spain
| | - Luis Miguel Garcia-Segura
- Cajal Institute, CSIC, Avenida Doctor Arce 37, 28002 Madrid, Spain and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid 28029, Spain
| | - Roberto Cosimo Melcangi
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences "Rodolfo Paoletti", Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano 20133, Itlay
| | - Silvia Giatti
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences "Rodolfo Paoletti", Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano 20133, Itlay
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3
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Zheng J, Baimoukhametova D, Lebel C, Bains JS, Kurrasch DM. Hypothalamic vasopressin sex differentiation is observed by embryonic day 15 in mice and is disrupted by the xenoestrogen bisphenol A. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2313207121. [PMID: 38753512 PMCID: PMC11126957 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2313207121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Arginine vasopressin (AVP) neurons of the hypothalamic paraventricular region (AVPPVN) mediate sex-biased social behaviors across most species, including mammals. In mice, neural sex differences are thought to be established during a critical window around birth ( embryonic (E) day 18 to postnatal (P) day 2) whereby circulating testosterone from the fetal testis is converted to estrogen in sex-dimorphic brain regions. Here, we found that AVPPVN neurons are sexually dimorphic by E15.5, prior to this critical window, and that gestational bisphenol A (BPA) exposure permanently masculinized female AVPPVN neuronal numbers, projections, and electrophysiological properties, causing them to display male-like phenotypes into adulthood. Moreover, we showed that nearly twice as many neurons that became AVP+ by P0 were born at E11 in males and BPA-exposed females compared to control females, suggesting that AVPPVN neuronal masculinization occurs between E11 and P0. We further narrowed this sensitive period to around the timing of neurogenesis by demonstrating that exogenous estrogen exposure from E14.5 to E15.5 masculinized female AVPPVN neuronal numbers, whereas a pan-estrogen receptor antagonist exposed from E13.5 to E15.5 blocked masculinization of males. Finally, we showed that restricting BPA exposure to E7.5-E15.5 caused adult females to display increased social dominance over control females, consistent with an acquisition of male-like behaviors. Our study reveals an E11.5 to E15.5 window of estrogen sensitivity impacting AVPPVN sex differentiation, which is impacted by prenatal BPA exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zheng
- Department of Medical Genetics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, CalgaryT2N 1N4, Canada
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, CalgaryT2N 1N4, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, CalgaryT2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Dinara Baimoukhametova
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, CalgaryT2N 1N4, Canada
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Calgary, CalgaryT2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Catherine Lebel
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, CalgaryT2N 1N4, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, CalgaryT2N 1N4, Canada
- Department of Radiology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, CalgaryT2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Jaideep S. Bains
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, CalgaryT2N 1N4, Canada
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Calgary, CalgaryT2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Deborah M. Kurrasch
- Department of Medical Genetics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, CalgaryT2N 1N4, Canada
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, CalgaryT2N 1N4, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, CalgaryT2N 1N4, Canada
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Sharma SA, Oladejo SO, Kuang Z. Chemical interplay between gut microbiota and epigenetics: Implications in circadian biology. Cell Chem Biol 2024:S2451-9456(24)00178-8. [PMID: 38776923 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2024.04.016] [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: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Circadian rhythms are intrinsic molecular mechanisms that synchronize biological functions with the day/night cycle. The mammalian gut is colonized by a myriad of microbes, collectively named the gut microbiota. The microbiota impacts host physiology via metabolites and structural components. A key mechanism is the modulation of host epigenetic pathways, especially histone modifications. An increasing number of studies indicate the role of the microbiota in regulating host circadian rhythms. However, the mechanisms remain largely unknown. Here, we summarize studies on microbial regulation of host circadian rhythms and epigenetic pathways, highlight recent findings on how the microbiota employs host epigenetic machinery to regulate circadian rhythms, and discuss its impacts on host physiology, particularly immune and metabolic functions. We further describe current challenges and resources that could facilitate research on microbiota-epigenetic-circadian rhythm interactions to advance our knowledge of circadian disorders and possible therapeutic avenues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samskrathi Aravinda Sharma
- Department of Biological Sciences, Carnegie Mellon University, 4400 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Sarah Olanrewaju Oladejo
- Department of Biological Sciences, Carnegie Mellon University, 4400 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Zheng Kuang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Carnegie Mellon University, 4400 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
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5
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Pottmeier P, Nikolantonaki D, Lanner F, Peuckert C, Jazin E. Sex-biased gene expression during neural differentiation of human embryonic stem cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1341373. [PMID: 38764741 PMCID: PMC11101176 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1341373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Sex differences in the developing human brain are primarily attributed to hormonal influence. Recently however, genetic differences and their impact on the developing nervous system have attracted increased attention. To understand genetically driven sexual dimorphisms in neurodevelopment, we investigated genome-wide gene expression in an in vitro differentiation model of male and female human embryonic stem cell lines (hESC), independent of the effects of human sex hormones. Four male and four female-derived hESC lines were differentiated into a population of mixed neurons over 37 days. Differential gene expression and gene set enrichment analyses were conducted on bulk RNA sequencing data. While similar differentiation tendencies in all cell lines demonstrated the robustness and reproducibility of our differentiation protocol, we found sex-biased gene expression already in undifferentiated ESCs at day 0, but most profoundly after 37 days of differentiation. Male and female cell lines exhibited sex-biased expression of genes involved in neurodevelopment, suggesting that sex influences the differentiation trajectory. Interestingly, the highest contribution to sex differences was found to arise from the male transcriptome, involving both Y chromosome and autosomal genes. We propose 13 sex-biased candidate genes (10 upregulated in male cell lines and 3 in female lines) that are likely to affect neuronal development. Additionally, we confirmed gene dosage compensation of X/Y homologs escaping X chromosome inactivation through their Y homologs and identified a significant overexpression of the Y-linked demethylase UTY and KDM5D in male hESC during neuron development, confirming previous results in neural stem cells. Our results suggest that genetic sex differences affect neuronal differentiation trajectories, which could ultimately contribute to sex biases during human brain development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Pottmeier
- Department of Organismal Biology, Evolutionary Biology Centre, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Danai Nikolantonaki
- Department of Organismal Biology, Evolutionary Biology Centre, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Fredrik Lanner
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institute and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Christiane Peuckert
- Department of Organismal Biology, Evolutionary Biology Centre, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- The Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Elena Jazin
- Department of Organismal Biology, Evolutionary Biology Centre, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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6
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Koukalova L, Chmelova M, Amlerova Z, Vargova L. Out of the core: the impact of focal ischemia in regions beyond the penumbra. Front Cell Neurosci 2024; 18:1336886. [PMID: 38504666 PMCID: PMC10948541 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2024.1336886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The changes in the necrotic core and the penumbra following induction of focal ischemia have been the focus of attention for some time. However, evidence shows, that ischemic injury is not confined to the primarily affected structures and may influence the remote areas as well. Yet many studies fail to probe into the structures beyond the penumbra, and possibly do not even find any significant results due to their short-term design, as secondary damage occurs later. This slower reaction can be perceived as a therapeutic opportunity, in contrast to the ischemic core defined as irreversibly damaged tissue, where the window for salvation is comparatively short. The pathologies in remote structures occur relatively frequently and are clearly linked to the post-stroke neurological outcome. In order to develop efficient therapies, a deeper understanding of what exactly happens in the exo-focal regions is necessary. The mechanisms of glia contribution to the ischemic damage in core/penumbra are relatively well described and include impaired ion homeostasis, excessive cell swelling, glutamate excitotoxic mechanism, release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and phagocytosis or damage propagation via astrocytic syncytia. However, little is known about glia involvement in post-ischemic processes in remote areas. In this literature review, we discuss the definitions of the terms "ischemic core", "penumbra" and "remote areas." Furthermore, we present evidence showing the array of structural and functional changes in the more remote regions from the primary site of focal ischemia, with a special focus on glia and the extracellular matrix. The collected information is compared with the processes commonly occurring in the ischemic core or in the penumbra. Moreover, the possible causes of this phenomenon and the approaches for investigation are described, and finally, we evaluate the efficacy of therapies, which have been studied for their anti-ischemic effect in remote areas in recent years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludmila Koukalova
- Department of Neuroscience, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Martina Chmelova
- Department of Neuroscience, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
- Department of Cellular Neurophysiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Zuzana Amlerova
- Department of Neuroscience, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Lydia Vargova
- Department of Neuroscience, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
- Department of Cellular Neurophysiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
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7
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Reed EG, Keller-Norrell PR. Minding the Gap: Exploring Neuroinflammatory and Microglial Sex Differences in Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17377. [PMID: 38139206 PMCID: PMC10743742 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417377] [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: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Research into Alzheimer's Disease (AD) describes a link between AD and the resident immune cells of the brain, the microglia. Further, this suspected link is thought to have underlying sex effects, although the mechanisms of these effects are only just beginning to be understood. Many of these insights are the result of policies put in place by funding agencies such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to consider sex as a biological variable (SABV) and the move towards precision medicine due to continued lackluster therapeutic options. The purpose of this review is to provide an updated assessment of the current research that summarizes sex differences and the research pertaining to microglia and their varied responses in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin G. Reed
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeast Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, OH 44242, USA
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8
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Yang J, Chen K, Zhang J, Ma Y, Chen M, Shao H, Zhang X, Fan D, Wang Z, Sun Z, Wang J. Molecular mechanisms underlying human spatial cognitive ability revealed with neurotransmitter and transcriptomic mapping. Cereb Cortex 2023; 33:11320-11328. [PMID: 37804242 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhad368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Mental rotation, one of the cores of spatial cognitive abilities, is closely associated with spatial processing and general intelligence. Although the brain underpinnings of mental rotation have been reported, the cellular and molecular mechanisms remain unexplored. Here, we used magnetic resonance imaging, a whole-brain spatial distribution atlas of 19 neurotransmitter receptors, transcriptomic data from Allen Human Brain Atlas, and mental rotation performances of 356 healthy individuals to identify the genetic/molecular foundation of mental rotation. We found significant associations of mental rotation performance with gray matter volume and fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations in primary visual cortex, fusiform gyrus, primary sensory-motor cortex, and default mode network. Gray matter volume and fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations in these brain areas also exhibited significant sex differences. Importantly, spatial correlation analyses were conducted between the spatial patterns of gray matter volume or fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations with mental rotation and the spatial distribution patterns of neurotransmitter receptors and transcriptomic data, and identified the related genes and neurotransmitter receptors associated with mental rotation. These identified genes are localized on the X chromosome and are mainly involved in trans-synaptic signaling, transmembrane transport, and hormone response. Our findings provide initial evidence for the neural and molecular mechanisms underlying spatial cognitive ability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Kexuan Chen
- Medical School, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Junyu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Yingzi Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Meiling Chen
- Department of Clinical Psychology, the First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Heng Shao
- Department of Geriatrics, the First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Xing Zhang
- The Second People's Hospital of Yuxi, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Defang Fan
- The Second People's Hospital of Yuxi, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Zhengbo Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Zhenglong Sun
- Bio-imaging lab, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518132, China
| | - Jiaojian Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming 650500, China
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9
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Garcia-Segura LM, Méndez P, Arevalo MA, Azcoitia I. Neuroestradiol and neuronal development: Not an exclusive male tale anymore. Front Neuroendocrinol 2023; 71:101102. [PMID: 37689249 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2023.101102] [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: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
The brain synthesizes a variety of neurosteroids, including neuroestradiol. Inhibition of neuroestradiol synthesis results in alterations in basic neurodevelopmental processes, such as neurogenesis, neuroblast migration, neuritogenesis and synaptogenesis. Although the neurodevelopmental actions of neuroestradiol are exerted in both sexes, some of them are sex-specific, such as the well characterized effects of neuroestradiol derived from the metabolism of testicular testosterone during critical periods of male brain development. In addition, recent findings have shown sex-specific actions of neuroestradiol on neuroblast migration, neuritic growth and synaptogenesis in females. Among other factors, the epigenetic regulation exerted by X linked genes, such as Kdm6a/Utx, may determine sex-specific actions of neuroestradiol in the female brain. This review evidences the impact of neuroestradiol on brain formation in both sexes and highlights the interaction of neural steriodogenesis, hormones and sex chromosomes in sex-specific brain development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis M Garcia-Segura
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Avenida Doctor Arce 37, 28002 Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES), Instituto Nacional de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Pablo Méndez
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Avenida Doctor Arce 37, 28002 Madrid, Spain
| | - M Angeles Arevalo
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Avenida Doctor Arce 37, 28002 Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES), Instituto Nacional de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Iñigo Azcoitia
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES), Instituto Nacional de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Department of Cell Biology, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, C José Antonio Nováis 12, 28040 Madrid, Spain
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10
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Terrin F, Tesoriere A, Plotegher N, Dalla Valle L. Sex and Brain: The Role of Sex Chromosomes and Hormones in Brain Development and Parkinson's Disease. Cells 2023; 12:1486. [PMID: 37296608 PMCID: PMC10252697 DOI: 10.3390/cells12111486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Sex hormones and genes on the sex chromosomes are not only key factors in the regulation of sexual differentiation and reproduction but they are also deeply involved in brain homeostasis. Their action is crucial for the development of the brain, which presents different characteristics depending on the sex of individuals. The role of these players in the brain is fundamental in the maintenance of brain function during adulthood as well, thus being important also with respect to age-related neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we explore the role of biological sex in the development of the brain and analyze its impact on the predisposition toward and the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. In particular, we focus on Parkinson's disease, a neurodegenerative disorder that has a higher incidence in the male population. We report how sex hormones and genes encoded by the sex chromosomes could protect from the disease or alternatively predispose toward its development. We finally underline the importance of considering sex when studying brain physiology and pathology in cellular and animal models in order to better understand disease etiology and develop novel tailored therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Nicoletta Plotegher
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; (F.T.); (A.T.)
| | - Luisa Dalla Valle
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; (F.T.); (A.T.)
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11
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Zhong X, Sun Y, Lu Y, Xu L. Immunomodulatory role of estrogen in ischemic stroke: neuroinflammation and effect of sex. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1164258. [PMID: 37180115 PMCID: PMC10167039 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1164258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Although estrogen is predominantly related to the maintenance of reproductive functioning in females, it mediates various physiological effects in nearly all tissues, especially the central nervous system. Clinical trials have revealed that estrogen, especially 17β-estradiol, can attenuate cerebral damage caused by an ischemic stroke. One mechanism underlying this effect of 17β-estradiol is by modulating the responses of immune cells, indicating its utility as a novel therapeutic strategy for ischemic stroke. The present review summarizes the effect of sex on ischemic stroke progression, the role of estrogen as an immunomodulator in immune reactions, and the potential clinical value of estrogen replacement therapy. The data presented here will help better understand the immunomodulatory function of estrogen and may provide a basis for its novel therapeutic use in ischemic stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojun Zhong
- Department of Neurosurgery, Zhejiang Rongjun Hospital, Jiaxing, China
| | - Yulin Sun
- Department of Neurosurgery, Zhejiang Rongjun Hospital, Jiaxing, China
| | - Yajun Lu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Sunto Women & Children’s Hospital, Jiaxing, China
| | - Lei Xu
- Department of Neurology, Zhejiang Rongjun Hospital, Jiaxing, China
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12
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Safety evaluation of ondansetron after gestational exposure on male reproductive parameters in rats. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2022; 137:105302. [PMID: 36442580 DOI: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2022.105302] [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: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Ondansetron is a 5HT3 receptor antagonist widely used to treat hyperemesis gravidarum, although its safety is still questionable. Since 5HT3 receptors, which are the target of this drug, can interfere with brain development through changes in neurotransmitter levels, this study evaluated whether the prenatal exposure to this drug could compromise reproductive and behavioral parameters in male offspring. Pregnant rats were treated with ondansetron (1.7 and 2.5 mg/kg/body weight; gavage), from gestational day 1-21. No exposure-related changes in clinical signs, body weight, food consumption, pregnancy length, and necropsy findings were observed in dams. Ondansetron exposure did not alter the anogenital distance or age of preputial separation in male offspring. Similarly, males exposed to therapeutic doses of ondansetron did not exhibit changes in play behavior. In adulthood, there were no changes in sperm parameters, as well as in testosterone level, sexual behavior and fertility. Furthermore, ondansetron did not interfere with testicular and epididymal histology, and with androgen receptor expression in hypothalamus. In conclusion, prenatal exposure to ondansetron did not cause maternal toxicity, as well as did not interfere with reproductive parameters of male offspring, indicating its safety after gestational exposure in rats.
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