1
|
Floreani A, Gabbia D, De Martin S. Are Gender Differences Important for Autoimmune Liver Diseases? Life (Basel) 2024; 14:500. [PMID: 38672770 PMCID: PMC11050899 DOI: 10.3390/life14040500] [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: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Gender Medicine has had an enormous expansion over the last ten years. Autoimmune liver diseases include several conditions, i.e., autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), and conditions involving the liver or biliary tree overlapping with AIH, as well as IgG4-related disease. However, little is known about the impact of sex in the pathogenesis and natural history of these conditions. The purpose of this review is to provide an update of the gender disparities among the autoimmune liver diseases by reviewing the data published from 1999 to 2023. The epidemiology of these diseases has been changing over the last years, due to the amelioration of knowledge in their diagnosis, pathogenesis, and treatment. The clinical data collected so far support the existence of sex differences in the natural history of autoimmune liver diseases. Notably, their history could be longer than that which is now known, with problems being initiated even at a pediatric age. Moreover, gender disparity has been observed during the onset of complications related to end-stage liver disease, including cancer incidence. However, there is still an important debate among researchers about the impact of sex and the pathogenesis of these conditions. With this review, we would like to emphasize the urgency of basic science and clinical research to increase our understanding of the sex differences in autoimmune liver diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annarosa Floreani
- Scientific Consultant IRCCS Negrar, 37024 Verona, Italy
- University of Padova, 35122 Padova, Italy
| | - Daniela Gabbia
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, 35122 Padova, Italy; (D.G.); (S.D.M.)
| | - Sara De Martin
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, 35122 Padova, Italy; (D.G.); (S.D.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Hoffmann JP, Liu JA, Seddu K, Klein SL. Sex hormone signaling and regulation of immune function. Immunity 2023; 56:2472-2491. [PMID: 37967530 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2023.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
Immune responses to antigens, including innocuous, self, tumor, microbial, and vaccine antigens, differ between males and females. The quest to uncover the mechanisms for biological sex differences in the immune system has intensified, with considerable literature pointing toward sex hormonal influences on immune cell function. Sex steroids, including estrogens, androgens, and progestins, have profound effects on immune function. As such, drastic changes in sex steroid concentrations that occur with aging (e.g., after puberty or during the menopause transition) or pregnancy impact immune responses and the pathogenesis of immune-related diseases. The effect of sex steroids on immunity involves both the concentration of the ligand and the density and distribution of genomic and nongenomic receptors that serve as transcriptional regulators of immune cellular responses to affect autoimmunity, allergy, infectious diseases, cancers, and responses to vaccines. The next frontier will be harnessing these effects of sex steroids to improve therapeutic outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph P Hoffmann
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Jennifer A Liu
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Kumba Seddu
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Sabra L Klein
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Collins MK, McCutcheon CR, Petroff MG. Impact of Estrogen and Progesterone on Immune Cells and Host–Pathogen Interactions in the Lower Female Reproductive Tract. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2022; 209:1437-1449. [DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2200454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
|
4
|
Kim JW, Kim HA, Suh CH, Jung JY. Sex hormones affect the pathogenesis and clinical characteristics of systemic lupus erythematosus. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:906475. [PMID: 36035435 PMCID: PMC9402996 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.906475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) affects women more frequently than men, similar to the female predilection for other autoimmune diseases. Moreover, male patients with SLE exhibit different clinical features than female patients. Sex-associated differences in SLE required special considerations for disease management such as during pregnancy or hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Sex hormones, namely, estrogen and testosterone, are known to affect immune responses and autoimmunity. While estrogen and progesterone promote type I immune response, and testosterone enhances T-helper 1 response. Sex hormones also influence Toll-like receptor pathways, and estrogen receptor signaling is involved in the activation and tolerance of immune cells. Further, the clinical features of SLE vary according to hormonal changes in female patients. Alterations in sex hormones during pregnancy can alter the disease activity of SLE, which is associated with pregnancy outcomes. Additionally, HRT may change SLE status. Sex hormones affect the pathogenesis, clinical features, and management of SLE; thus, understanding the occurrence and exacerbation of disease caused by sex hormones is necessary to improve its management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Won Kim
- Department of Rheumatology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Hyoun-Ah Kim
- Department of Rheumatology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Chang-Hee Suh
- Department of Rheumatology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, South Korea
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Ju-Yang Jung
- Department of Rheumatology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, South Korea
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Peckham H, Webb K, Rosser EC, Butler G, Ciurtin C. Gender-Diverse Inclusion in Immunological Research: Benefits to Science and Health. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:909789. [PMID: 35911383 PMCID: PMC9329564 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.909789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The differences between male and female immune systems are an under-researched field, ripe for discovery. This is evidenced by the stark sex biases seen in autoimmunity and infectious disease. Both the sex hormones (oestrogen and testosterone), as well as the sex chromosomes have been demonstrated to impact immune responses, in multiple ways. Historical shortcomings in reporting basic and clinical scientific findings in a sex-disaggregated manner have led not only to limited discovery of disease aetiology, but to potential inaccuracies in the estimation of the effects of diseases or interventions on females and gender-diverse groups. Here we propose not only that research subjects should include both cis-gender men and cis-gender women, but also transgender and gender-diverse people alongside them. The known interaction between the hormonal milieu and the sex chromosomes is inseparable in cis-gender human research, without the confounders of puberty and age. By inclusion of those pursuing hormonal affirmation of their gender identity- the individual and interactive investigation of hormones and chromosomes is permitted. Not only does this allow for a fine-tuned dissection of these individual effects, but it allows for discovery that is both pertinent and relevant to a far wider portion of the population. There is an unmet need for detailed treatment follow-up of the transgender community- little is known of the potential benefits and risks of hormonal supplementation on the immune system, nor indeed on many other health and disease outcomes. Our research team has pioneered the inclusion of gender-diverse persons in our basic research in adolescent autoimmune rheumatic diseases. We review here the many avenues that remain unexplored, and suggest ways in which other groups and teams can broaden their horizons and invest in a future for medicine that is both fruitful and inclusive.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Peckham
- Centre for Adolescent Rheumatology Versus Arthritis at University College London (UCL), University College London Hospital (UCLH), Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH), London, United Kingdom,Division of Medicine, Centre for Rheumatology Research, University College London (UCL), London, United Kingdom,*Correspondence: Hannah Peckham,
| | - Kate Webb
- Department of Paediatric Rheumatology, School of Child and Adolescent Health, Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa,Crick African Network, The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Elizabeth C. Rosser
- Centre for Adolescent Rheumatology Versus Arthritis at University College London (UCL), University College London Hospital (UCLH), Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH), London, United Kingdom,Division of Medicine, Centre for Rheumatology Research, University College London (UCL), London, United Kingdom
| | - Gary Butler
- Department of Paediatric and Adolescent Endocrinology, University College London Hospital (UCLH) and Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom,Gender Identity Development Service (GIDS), Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Coziana Ciurtin
- Centre for Adolescent Rheumatology Versus Arthritis at University College London (UCL), University College London Hospital (UCLH), Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH), London, United Kingdom,Division of Medicine, Centre for Rheumatology Research, University College London (UCL), London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Adachi A, Honda T, Egawa G, Kanameishi S, Takimoto R, Miyake T, Hossain MR, Komine M, Ohtsuki M, Gunzer M, Ikuta K, Kabashima K. Estradiol suppresses psoriatic inflammation in mice by regulating neutrophil and macrophage functions. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2022; 150:909-919.e8. [PMID: 35589416 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2022.03.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psoriasis is a common inflammatory skin disease resulting from dysregulation of the IL-23/TH17 immune axis. The prevalence and severity of psoriasis is higher in men than in women, although the underlying reasons for this are unclear. OBJECTIVE We studied whether estradiol, a female hormone, plays protective roles in imiquimod-induced psoriatic inflammation in mice by regulating neutrophil and macrophage functions. METHODS Wild-type mice and conditional knockout mice were ovariectomized, supplemented with placebo or estradiol pellets, and an imiquimod-containing cream applied. RESULTS Mice without endogenous ovarian hormones exhibited exacerbated psoriatic inflammation including increased production of IL-17A and IL-1β, which was reversed by exogenously added estradiol. The suppressive effect of estradiol on the production of IL-1β and IL-17A was abolished in mice lacking estrogen receptors in neutrophils and macrophages (Esr1f/fEsr2f/fLysM-Cre+ mice). IL-1β, which is required for production of IL-17A in the psoriasis model, was mainly produced by neutrophils and inflammatory macrophages. Estradiol suppressed IL-1β production from neutrophils and macrophages in mice both in vivo and in vitro and from human neutrophils in vitro. CONCLUSION Our results suggest a novel mechanism for sex-dependent differences in psoriasis clinical phenotypes that may shed new light on the pathology of psoriasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Akimasa Adachi
- Department of Dermatology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan; Department of Dermatology, Tokyo Metropolitan Bokutoh Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Honda
- Department of Dermatology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan; Department of Dermatology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan.
| | - Gyohei Egawa
- Department of Dermatology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Shuto Kanameishi
- Department of Dermatology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Riko Takimoto
- Department of Dermatology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Toshiya Miyake
- Department of Dermatology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Md Razib Hossain
- Department of Dermatology, Jichi Medical University Graduate School of Medicine, Shimotsuke, Japan
| | - Mayumi Komine
- Department of Dermatology, Jichi Medical University Graduate School of Medicine, Shimotsuke, Japan
| | - Mamitaro Ohtsuki
- Department of Dermatology, Jichi Medical University Graduate School of Medicine, Shimotsuke, Japan
| | - Matthias Gunzer
- Institute for Experimental Immunology and Imaging, University Hospital, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany; Leibniz-Institut für Analytische Wissenschaften ISAS-e.V, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Koichi Ikuta
- Laboratory of Immune Regulation, Department of Virus Research, Institute for Frontier Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kenji Kabashima
- Department of Dermatology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan; Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN) and Skin Research Institute of Singapore (SRIS), Technology and Research (A∗STAR), Singapore.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Immune Cell Contributors to the Female Sex Bias in Multiple Sclerosis and Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2022; 62:333-373. [PMID: 35467295 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2022_324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, autoimmune, demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that leads to axonal damage and accumulation of disability. Relapsing-remitting MS (RR-MS) is the most frequent presentation of MS and this form of MS is three times more prevalent in females than in males. This female bias in MS is apparent only after puberty, suggesting a role for sex hormones in this regulation; however, very little is known of the biological mechanisms that underpin the sex difference in MS onset. Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is an animal model of RR-MS that presents more severely in females in certain mouse strains and thus has been useful to study sex differences in CNS autoimmunity. Here, we overview the immunopathogenesis of MS and EAE and how immune mechanisms in these diseases differ between a male and female. We further describe how females exhibit more robust myelin-specific T helper (Th) 1 immunity in MS and EAE and how this sex bias in Th cells is conveyed by sex hormone effects on the T cells, antigen presenting cells, regulatory T cells, and innate lymphoid cell populations.
Collapse
|
8
|
Ucciferri CC, Dunn SE. Effect of puberty on the immune system: Relevance to multiple sclerosis. Front Pediatr 2022; 10:1059083. [PMID: 36533239 PMCID: PMC9755749 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.1059083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Puberty is a dynamic period marked by changing levels of sex hormones, the development of secondary sexual characteristics and reproductive maturity. This period has profound effects on various organ systems, including the immune system. The critical changes that occur in the immune system during pubertal onset have been shown to have implications for autoimmune conditions, including Multiple Sclerosis (MS). MS is rare prior to puberty but can manifest in children after puberty. This disease also has a clear female preponderance that only arises following pubertal onset, highlighting a potential role for sex hormones in autoimmunity. Early onset of puberty has also been shown to be a risk factor for MS. The purpose of this review is to overview the evidence that puberty regulates MS susceptibility and disease activity. Given that there is a paucity of studies that directly evaluate the effects of puberty on the immune system, we also discuss how the immune system is different in children and mice of pre- vs. post-pubertal ages and describe how gonadal hormones may regulate these immune mechanisms. We present evidence that puberty enhances the expression of co-stimulatory molecules and cytokine production by type 2 dendritic cells (DC2s) and plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs), increases T helper 1 (Th1), Th17, and T follicular helper immunity, and promotes immunoglobulin (Ig)G antibody production. Overall, this review highlights how the immune system undergoes a functional maturation during puberty, which has the potential to explain the higher prevalence of MS and other autoimmune diseases seen in adolescence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carmen C Ucciferri
- Department of Immunology, The University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Shannon E Dunn
- Department of Immunology, The University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science of St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Women's College Research Institute, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Influence of Gestational Hormones on the Bacteria-Induced Cytokine Response in Periodontitis. Mediators Inflamm 2021; 2021:5834608. [PMID: 34707462 PMCID: PMC8545568 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5834608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease that affects the supporting structures of teeth. The presence of a bacterial biofilm initiates a destructive inflammatory process orchestrated by various inflammatory mediators, most notably proinflammatory cytokines, which are upregulated in the gingival crevicular fluid, leading to the formation of periodontal pockets. This represents a well-characterized microbial change during the transition from periodontal health to periodontitis; interestingly, the gestational condition increases the risk and severity of periodontal disease. Although the influence of periodontitis on pregnancy has been extensively reviewed, the relationship between pregnancy and the development/evolution of periodontitis has been little studied compared to the effect of periodontitis on adverse pregnancy outcomes. This review is aimed at summarizing the findings on the pregnancy-proinflammatory cytokine relationship and discussing its possible involvement in the development of periodontitis. We address (1) an overview of periodontal disease, (2) the immune response and possible involvement of proinflammatory cytokines in the development of periodontitis, (3) how bone tissue remodelling takes place with an emphasis on the involvement of the inflammatory response and metalloproteinases during periodontitis, and (4) the influence of hormonal profile during pregnancy on the development of periodontitis. Finally, we believe this review may be helpful for designing immunotherapies based on the stage of pregnancy to control the severity and pathology of periodontal disease.
Collapse
|
10
|
Xing E, Billi AC, Gudjonsson JE. Sex Bias and Autoimmune Diseases. J Invest Dermatol 2021; 142:857-866. [PMID: 34362556 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2021.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Sex bias in immune function has been well-described, and women have been shown to counter immunologically stimulating phenomena such as infection, malignancy, and trauma with more protective responses than men. Heightened immunity in women may also result in a predisposition for loss of self-tolerance and development of autoimmunity, reflected by the overwhelming female sex bias of patients with autoimmune diseases. In this review, we discuss the postulated evolutionary etiologies for sexual dimorphism in immunity. We also review the molecular mechanisms underlying divergent immune responses in men and women, including sex hormone effects, X chromosome dosage, and autosomal sex-biased genes. With increasing evidence that autoimmune disease susceptibility is influenced by numerous hormonal and genetic factors, a comprehensive understanding of these topics may facilitate the development of much-needed targeted therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Enze Xing
- Department of Dermatology, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Allison C Billi
- Department of Dermatology, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Johann E Gudjonsson
- Department of Dermatology, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; A. Alfred Taubman Medical Research Institute, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Merrheim J, Villegas J, Van Wassenhove J, Khansa R, Berrih-Aknin S, le Panse R, Dragin N. Estrogen, estrogen-like molecules and autoimmune diseases. Autoimmun Rev 2020; 19:102468. [PMID: 31927086 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2020.102468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
In western countries, the slope of autoimmune disease (AD) incidence is increasing and affects 5-8% of the population. Mainly prevalent in women, these pathologies are due to thymic tolerance processes breakdown. The female sex hormone, estrogen, is involved in this AD female susceptibility. However, predisposition factors have to act in concert with unknown triggering environmental factors (virus, microbiota, pollution) to initiate AD. Individuals are exposed to various environmental compounds that display endocrine disruption abilities. The cellular effects of some of these molecules may be mediated through the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). Here, we review the effects of these molecules on the homeostasis of the thymic cells, the immune tolerance intrinsic factors (transcription factors, epigenetic marks) and on the immune tolerance extrinsic factors (microbiota, virus sensibility). This review highlights the contribution of estrogen and endocrine disruptors on the dysregulation of mechanisms sustaining AD development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Judith Merrheim
- Sorbonne Université, Paris, France; Inserm UMRS 974, Paris, France; AIM, Institute of Myology, Paris, France; Centre de Recherche en Myologie, Sorbonne Université, Inserm UMRS 974, Hôpital La Pitié- Salpêtrière, 105 Bd de l'hôpital, 75013 Paris, France
| | - José Villegas
- Sorbonne Université, Paris, France; Inserm UMRS 974, Paris, France; AIM, Institute of Myology, Paris, France; Centre de Recherche en Myologie, Sorbonne Université, Inserm UMRS 974, Hôpital La Pitié- Salpêtrière, 105 Bd de l'hôpital, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Jérôme Van Wassenhove
- Sorbonne Université, Paris, France; Inserm UMRS 974, Paris, France; AIM, Institute of Myology, Paris, France; Centre de Recherche en Myologie, Sorbonne Université, Inserm UMRS 974, Hôpital La Pitié- Salpêtrière, 105 Bd de l'hôpital, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Rémi Khansa
- Sorbonne Université, Paris, France; Inserm UMRS 974, Paris, France; AIM, Institute of Myology, Paris, France; Centre de Recherche en Myologie, Sorbonne Université, Inserm UMRS 974, Hôpital La Pitié- Salpêtrière, 105 Bd de l'hôpital, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Sonia Berrih-Aknin
- Sorbonne Université, Paris, France; Inserm UMRS 974, Paris, France; AIM, Institute of Myology, Paris, France; Centre de Recherche en Myologie, Sorbonne Université, Inserm UMRS 974, Hôpital La Pitié- Salpêtrière, 105 Bd de l'hôpital, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Rozen le Panse
- Sorbonne Université, Paris, France; Inserm UMRS 974, Paris, France; AIM, Institute of Myology, Paris, France; Centre de Recherche en Myologie, Sorbonne Université, Inserm UMRS 974, Hôpital La Pitié- Salpêtrière, 105 Bd de l'hôpital, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Nadine Dragin
- Sorbonne Université, Paris, France; Inserm UMRS 974, Paris, France; Inovarion, Paris, France; Centre de Recherche en Myologie, Sorbonne Université, Inserm UMRS 974, Hôpital La Pitié- Salpêtrière, 105 Bd de l'hôpital, 75013 Paris, France.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Abstract
Sexual dimorphisms account for differences in clinical manifestations or incidence of infectious or autoimmune diseases and malignancy between females and males. Females develop enhanced innate and adaptive immune responses than males and are less susceptible to many infections of bacterial, viral, parasitic, and fungal origin and malignancies but in contrast, they are more prone to develop autoimmune diseases. The higher susceptibility to infections in males is observed from birth to adulthood, suggesting that sex chromosomes and not sex hormones have a major role in sexual dimorphism in innate immunity. Sex-based regulation of immune responses ultimately contributes to age-related disease development and life expectancy. Differences between males and females have been described in the expression of pattern recognition receptors of the innate immune response and in the functional responses of phagocytes and antigen presenting cells. Different factors have been shown to account for the sex-based disparity in immune responses, including genetic factors and hormonal mediators, which contribute independently to dimorphism in the innate immune response. For instance, several genes encoding for innate immune molecules are located on the X chromosome. In addition, estrogen and/or testosterone have been reported to modulate the differentiation, maturation, lifespan, and effector functions of innate immune cells, including neutrophils, macrophages, natural killer cells, and dendritic cells. In this review, we will focus on differences between males and females in innate immunity, which represents the first line of defense against pathogens and plays a fundamental role in the activation, regulation, and orientation of the adaptive immune response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sébastien Jaillon
- Humanitas University, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Via Rita Levi Montalcini, 20090, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy. .,Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Via Manzoni 56, 20089, Rozzano, Milan, Italy.
| | - Kevin Berthenet
- Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Via Manzoni 56, 20089, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Cecilia Garlanda
- Humanitas University, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Via Rita Levi Montalcini, 20090, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy. .,Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Via Manzoni 56, 20089, Rozzano, Milan, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Dimorphic effect of 17β-oestradiol on pathology and oxidative stress in experimental malaria. Immunobiology 2019; 225:151873. [PMID: 31812344 DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2019.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2019] [Accepted: 11/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Malaria is the parasitic disease with the highest mortality worldwide; males exhibit higher mortality and more severe symptomatology than females, suggesting the participation of sexual hormones in protection and pathology. We have documented that gonadectomy modifies oxidative stress in Plasmodium berghei ANKA-infected mice in a dimorphic manner. However, gonadectomy decreases all sexual steroids levels, making it difficult to determine the contribution of each hormone to the results. This study aimed to explore the participation of 17β-oestradiol (E2) in oxidative stress in the blood, spleen, liver and brain of P. berghei-infected female and male mice. E2 was administered to intact or gonadectomized (GX) male and female mice to assess their effects on parasitaemia, body weight loss and hypothermia. We also measured the effect of E2 on the specific activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and on malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in the blood, spleen, liver and brain of CBA/Ca male and female mice infected with P. berghei ANKA. We detected the effects of E2 and sexual dimorphism on all tissues and variables analysed. Administration of E2 increased parasitaemia in intact mice. However, reconstitution of GX female mice with E2 decreased parasitaemia. E2 decreased body weight and differentially modulated oxidative stress depending on the sex, infection and tissue analysed. Low antioxidant activity was detected in the brain, suggesting additional protective antioxidant mechanisms in the brain independent of antioxidant enzymes. Our results explained, at least in part, the sexual dimorphism in this experimental model of malaria.
Collapse
|
14
|
Liao ZH, Huang T, Xiao JW, Gu RC, Ouyang J, Wu G, Liao H. Estrogen signaling effects on muscle-specific immune responses through controlling the recruitment and function of macrophages and T cells. Skelet Muscle 2019; 9:20. [PMID: 31358063 PMCID: PMC6661750 DOI: 10.1186/s13395-019-0205-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2019] [Accepted: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Estrogen signaling is indispensable for muscle regeneration, yet the role of estrogen in the development of muscle inflammation, especially in the intramuscular T cell response, and the influence on the intrinsic immuno-behaviors of myofibers remain largely unknown. We investigated this issue using the mice model of cardiotoxin (CTX)-induced myoinjury, with or without estrogen level adjustment. Methods CTX injection i.m. (tibialis anterior, TA) was performed for preparing mice myoinjury model. Injection s.c. of 17β-estradiol (E2) or estrogen receptor antagonist 4-OHT, or ovariectomy (OVX), was used to change estrogen level of animal models in vivo. Serum E2 level was evaluated by ELISA. Gene levels of estrogen receptor (ERs) and cytokines/chemokines in inflamed muscle were monitored by qPCR. Inflammatory infiltration was observed by immunofluorescence. Macrophage and T cell phenotypes were analyzed by FACS. Immunoblotting was used to assess protein levels of ERs and immunomolecules in C2C12 myotubes treated with E2 or 4-OHT, in the presence of IFN-γ. Results We monitored the increased serum E2 level and the upregulated ERβ in regenerated myofibres after myotrauma. The absence of estrogen in vivo resulted in the more severe muscle inflammatory infiltration, involving the recruitment of monocyte/macrophage and CD4+ T cells, and the heightened proinflammatory (M1) macrophage. Moreover, estrogen signaling loss led to Treg cells infiltration decrease, Th1 response elevation in inflamed muscle, and the markedly expression upregulation of immunomolecules in IFN-γ-stimulated C2C12 myotubes in vitro. Conclusion Our data suggest that estrogen is a positive intervention factor for muscle inflammatory response, through its effects on controlling intramuscular infiltration and phenotypes of monocytes/macrophages, on affecting accumulation and function of Treg cells, and on suppressing Th1 response in inflamed muscle. Our findings also imply an inhibition effect of estrogen on the intrinsic immune behaviors of muscle cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhao Hong Liao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Biomechanics, Department of Anatomy, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Tao Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Biomechanics, Department of Anatomy, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Jiang Wei Xiao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Biomechanics, Department of Anatomy, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Rui Cai Gu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Biomechanics, Department of Anatomy, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Jun Ouyang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Biomechanics, Department of Anatomy, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Gang Wu
- Department of Emergency, NanFang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
| | - Hua Liao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Biomechanics, Department of Anatomy, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Age-associated changes in the impact of sex steroids on influenza vaccine responses in males and females. NPJ Vaccines 2019; 4:29. [PMID: 31312529 PMCID: PMC6626024 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-019-0124-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2018] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Vaccine-induced immunity declines with age, which may differ between males and females. Using human sera collected before and 21 days after receipt of the monovalent A/Cal/09 H1N1 vaccine, we evaluated cytokine and antibody responses in adult (18-45 years) and aged (65+ years) individuals. After vaccination, adult females developed greater IL-6 and antibody responses than either adult males or aged females, with female antibody responses being positively associated with concentrations of estradiol. To test whether protection against influenza virus challenge was greater in females than males, we primed and boosted adult (8-10 weeks) and aged (68-70 weeks) male and female mice with an inactivated A/Cal/09 H1N1 vaccine or no vaccine and challenged with a drift variant A/Cal/09 virus. As compared with unvaccinated mice, vaccinated adult, but not aged, mice experienced less morbidity and better pulmonary viral clearance following challenge, regardless of sex. Vaccinated adult female mice developed antibody responses that were of greater quantity and quality and more protective than vaccinated adult males. Sex differences in vaccine efficacy diminished with age in mice. To determine the role of sex steroids in vaccine-induced immune responses, adult mice were gonadectomized and hormones (estradiol in females and testosterone in males) were replaced in subsets of animals before vaccination. Vaccine-induced antibody responses were increased in females by estradiol and decreased in males by testosterone. The benefit of elevated estradiol on antibody responses and protection against influenza in females is diminished with age in both mice and humans.
Collapse
|
16
|
Gerussi A, Cristoferi L, Carbone M, Asselta R, Invernizzi P. The immunobiology of female predominance in primary biliary cholangitis. J Autoimmun 2018; 95:124-132. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2018.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2018] [Accepted: 10/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
|
17
|
Xue P, Wang Z, Fu X, Wang J, Punchhi G, Wolfe A, Wu S. A Hyperandrogenic Mouse Model to Study Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. J Vis Exp 2018. [PMID: 30346398 DOI: 10.3791/58379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Hyperandrogenemia plays a critical role in reproductive and metabolic function in females and is the hallmark of polycystic ovary syndrome. Developing a lean PCOS-like mouse model that mimics women with PCOS is clinically meaningful. In this protocol, we describe such a model. By inserting a 4 mm length of DHT (dihydrotestosterone) crystal powder pellet (total length of pellet is 8 mm), and replacing it monthly, we are able to produce a PCOS-like mouse model with serum DHT levels 2 fold higher than mice not implanted with DHT (no-DHT). We observed reproductive and metabolic dysfunction without changing body weight and body composition. While exhibiting a high degree of infertility, a small subset of these PCOS-like female mice can get pregnant and their offspring show delayed puberty and increased testosterone as adults. This PCOS-like lean mouse model is a useful tool to study the pathophysiology of PCOS and the offspring from these PCOS-like dams.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ping Xue
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
| | - Zhiqiang Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
| | - Xiaomin Fu
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Department of Health, Beijing Military General Hospital
| | - Junjiang Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Southern Medical University
| | - Gopika Punchhi
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
| | - Andrew Wolfe
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
| | - Sheng Wu
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine;
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Schwinge D, Schramm C. Sex-related factors in autoimmune liver diseases. Semin Immunopathol 2018; 41:165-175. [DOI: 10.1007/s00281-018-0715-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2018] [Accepted: 09/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
|
19
|
Polari L, Wiklund A, Sousa S, Kangas L, Linnanen T, Härkönen P, Määttä J. SERMs Promote Anti-Inflammatory Signaling and Phenotype of CD14+ Cells. Inflammation 2018; 41:1157-1171. [PMID: 29574654 PMCID: PMC6061028 DOI: 10.1007/s10753-018-0763-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Signaling via estrogen receptors (ER) is recognized as an essential part of the immune regulation, and ER-mediated signaling is involved in autoimmune reactions. Especially ERα activation in immune cells has been suggested to skew cytokine production toward Th2/M2-type mediators, which can have protective effect on inflammatory diseases and reduce Th1 and Th17 responses. These effects are caused by increased alternative activation of macrophages and changes in the activation of different T cell populations. In humans, hormonal status has been shown to have a major impact on several inflammatory diseases. Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) are ER ligands that regulate ER actions in a tissue-specific manner mostly lacking the adverse effects of steroid hormones. The impact of SERMs on the immune system is less studied, but it is suggested that certain SERMs may also produce immunoprotective effects. Here, we show that two novel SERMs and raloxifene affect immune cells by promoting M2 macrophage phenotype, alleviating NFκB activity, inhibiting T cell proliferation, and stimulating the production of anti-inflammatory compounds such as IL10 and IL1 receptor antagonist. Thus, these compounds have high potency as drug candidates against autoimmune diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lauri Polari
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.
| | - Anu Wiklund
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Sofia Sousa
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Faculté de Médecine, Université Lyon-1, Lyon, France
| | | | | | - Pirkko Härkönen
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Jorma Määttä
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Kadel S, Kovats S. Sex Hormones Regulate Innate Immune Cells and Promote Sex Differences in Respiratory Virus Infection. Front Immunol 2018; 9:1653. [PMID: 30079065 PMCID: PMC6062604 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.01653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2018] [Accepted: 07/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Sex differences in the incidence and severity of respiratory virus infection are widely documented in humans and murine models and correlate with sex biases in numbers and/or functional responses of innate immune cells in homeostasis and lung infection. Similarly, changes in sex hormone levels upon puberty, pregnancy, and menopause/aging are associated with qualitative and quantitative differences in innate immunity. Immune cells express receptors for estrogens (ERα and ERβ), androgens (AR), and progesterone (PR), and experimental manipulation of sex hormone levels or receptors has revealed that sex hormone receptor activity often underlies sex differences in immune cell numbers and/or functional responses in the respiratory tract. While elegant studies have defined mechanistic roles for sex hormones and receptors in innate immune cells, much remains to be learned about the cellular and molecular mechanisms of action of ER, PR, and AR in myeloid cells and innate lymphocytes to promote the initiation and resolution of antiviral immunity in the lung. Here, we review the literature on sex differences and sex hormone regulation in innate immune cells in the lung in homeostasis and upon respiratory virus infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sapana Kadel
- Arthritis & Clinical Immunology Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
| | - Susan Kovats
- Arthritis & Clinical Immunology Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Bereshchenko O, Bruscoli S, Riccardi C. Glucocorticoids, Sex Hormones, and Immunity. Front Immunol 2018; 9:1332. [PMID: 29946321 PMCID: PMC6006719 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.01332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 153] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2018] [Accepted: 05/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Glucocorticoid hormones regulate essential body functions in mammals, control cell metabolism, growth, differentiation, and apoptosis. Importantly, they are potent suppressors of inflammation, and multiple immune-modulatory mechanisms involving leukocyte apoptosis, differentiation, and cytokine production have been described. Due to their potent anti-inflammatory and immune-suppressive activity, synthetic glucocorticoids (GCs) are the most prescribed drugs used for treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. It is long been noted that males and females exhibit differences in the prevalence in several autoimmune diseases (AD). This can be due to the role of sexual hormones in regulation of the immune responses, acting through their endogenous nuclear receptors to mediate gene expression and generate unique gender-specific cellular environments. Given the fact that GCs are the primary physiological anti-inflammatory hormones, and that sex hormones may also exert immune-modulatory functions, the link between GCs and sex hormones may exist. Understanding the nature of this possible crosstalk is important to unravel the reason of sexual disparity in AD and to carefully prescribe these drugs for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. In this review, we discuss similarities and differences between the effects of sex hormones and GCs on the immune system, to highlight possible axes of functional interaction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Oxana Bereshchenko
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy.,Department of Surgery and Biomedical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Stefano Bruscoli
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Carlo Riccardi
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Recalde G, Moreno-Sosa T, Yúdica F, Quintero CA, Sánchez MB, Jahn GA, Kalergis AM, Mackern-Oberti JP. Contribution of sex steroids and prolactin to the modulation of T and B cells during autoimmunity. Autoimmun Rev 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2018.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
|
23
|
Lau A, West L, Tullius SG. The Impact of Sex on Alloimmunity. Trends Immunol 2018; 39:407-418. [PMID: 29576409 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2018.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2017] [Revised: 12/07/2017] [Accepted: 01/13/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Transplantation outcomes are known to be affected by multiple factors, including donor and recipient sex. Aside from the physiological characteristics of male and female donor allografts, accumulating evidence suggests that additional features underlie sex-specific immune responses that affect graft survival. We discuss here aspects of innate and adaptive alloimmunity that are specific to males and females in the context of underlying genetic and hormonal factors. These differences likely contribute to the observed disparities in graft survival. Understanding these features in more detail may lead to improved strategies for optimizing the results of organ transplantation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ashley Lau
- Division of Transplant Surgery and Transplant Surgery Research Laboratory, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lori West
- Alberta Transplant Institute, University of Alberta, 6-002 Li Ka Shing Health Research Centre East, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E1, Canada
| | - Stefan G Tullius
- Division of Transplant Surgery and Transplant Surgery Research Laboratory, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Kokic V, Martinovic Kaliterna D, Radic M, Tandara L, Perkovic D. Association between vitamin D, oestradiol and interferon-gamma in female patients with inactive systemic lupus erythematosus: A cross-sectional study. J Int Med Res 2017; 46:1162-1171. [PMID: 29235391 PMCID: PMC5972245 DOI: 10.1177/0300060517734686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives To investigate possible associations between 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D3), oestradiol (E2) and IFN-gamma (IFNγ) in female patients with inactive systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods Female patients with inactive SLE and age-matched healthy controls were recruited into this cross-sectional study. Serum concentrations of 25(OH)D3, E2 and IFNγ were measured by radioimmunoassay with gamma-counters and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results 36 patients and 37 controls were enrolled. In patients with SLE, the concentration of 25(OH)D3 was lower and E2 was higher compared with controls. In vitamin D deficient (i.e., 25(OH)D3≤20 ng/ml) patients, IFNγ was 150% higher compared with patients with 25(OH)D3>20 ng/ml and controls. The concentration of E2 was higher in all patients compared with controls independently of the vitamin D level. A difference was found between patients and controls in the correlation of 25(OH)D3 with E2 and a positive correlation was found between E2 and IFNγ in all participants. Conclusions Our results suggest that E2 may have a strong modulating effect on vitamin D function which is significant only at low concentration of E2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Visnja Kokic
- 1 Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Disease, University Hospital of Split, School of Medicine, Split, Croatia
| | | | - Mislav Radic
- 2 Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Hospital of Split, Split, Croatia
| | - Leida Tandara
- 3 Department of Medical Laboratory Diagnostic, University Hospital of Split, Split, Croatia
| | - Dijana Perkovic
- 2 Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Hospital of Split, Split, Croatia
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Keselman A, Fang X, White PB, Heller NM. Estrogen Signaling Contributes to Sex Differences in Macrophage Polarization during Asthma. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2017; 199:1573-1583. [PMID: 28760880 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1601975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2016] [Accepted: 06/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Allergic asthma is a chronic Th2 inflammation in the lungs that constricts the airways and presents as coughing and wheezing. Asthma mostly affects boys in childhood and women in adulthood, suggesting that shifts in sex hormones alter the course of the disease. Alveolar macrophages have emerged as major mediators of allergic lung inflammation in animal models as well as humans. Whether sex differences exist in macrophage polarization and the molecular mechanism(s) that drive differential responses are not well understood. We found that IL-4-stimulated bone marrow-derived and alveolar macrophages from female mice exhibited greater expression of M2 genes in vitro and after allergen challenge in vivo. Alveolar macrophages from female mice exhibited greater expression of the IL-4Rα and estrogen receptor (ER) α compared with macrophages from male mice following allergen challenge. An ERα-specific agonist enhanced IL-4-induced M2 gene expression in macrophages from both sexes, but more so in macrophages from female mice. Furthermore, IL-4-stimulated macrophages from female mice exhibited more transcriptionally active histone modifications at M2 gene promoters than did macrophages from male mice. We found that supplementation of estrogen into ovariectomized female mice enhanced M2 polarization in vivo upon challenge with allergen and that macrophage-specific deletion of ERα impaired this M2 polarization. The effects of estrogen are long-lasting; bone marrow-derived macrophages from ovariectomized mice implanted with estrogen exhibited enhanced IL-4-induced M2 gene expression compared with macrophages from placebo-implanted littermates. Taken together, our findings suggest that estrogen enhances IL-4-induced M2 gene expression and thereby contributes to sex differences observed in asthma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aleksander Keselman
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205
| | - Xi Fang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205
| | - Preston B White
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205
| | - Nicola M Heller
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Bisphenol A Does Not Mimic Estrogen in the Promotion of the In Vitro Response of Murine Dendritic Cells to Toll-Like Receptor Ligands. Mediators Inflamm 2017; 2017:2034348. [PMID: 28811679 PMCID: PMC5547709 DOI: 10.1155/2017/2034348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2016] [Revised: 04/25/2017] [Accepted: 06/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex hormones affect immune responses and might promote autoimmunity. Endocrine disrupting chemicals such as bisphenol A (BPA) may mimic their immune effects. Conventional dendritic cells (cDCs) are pivotal initiators of immune responses upon activation by danger signals coming from pathogens or distressed tissues through triggering of the Toll-like receptors (TLRs). We generated in vitro murine cDCs in the absence of estrogens and measured the effects of exogenously added estrogen or BPA on their differentiation and activation by the TLR ligands LPS and CpG. Estrogen enhanced the differentiation of GM-CSF-dependent cDCs from bone marrow precursors in vitro, and the selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) tamoxifen and fulvestrant blocked these effects. Moreover, estrogen augmented the upregulation of costimulatory molecules and proinflammatory cytokines (IL-12p70 and TNFα) upon stimulation by TLR9 ligand CpG, while the response to LPS was less estrogen-dependent. These effects are partially explained by an estrogen-dependent regulation of TLR9 expression. BPA did not promote cDC differentiation nor activation upon TLR stimulation. Our results suggest that estrogen promotes immune responses by increasing DC activation, with a preferential effect on TLR9 over TLR4 stimulation, and highlight the influence of estrogens in DC cultures, while BPA does not mimic estrogen in the DC functions that we tested.
Collapse
|
27
|
Ma Y, Andrisse S, Chen Y, Childress S, Xue P, Wang Z, Jones D, Ko C, Divall S, Wu S. Androgen Receptor in the Ovary Theca Cells Plays a Critical Role in Androgen-Induced Reproductive Dysfunction. Endocrinology 2017; 158:98-108. [PMID: 27841936 PMCID: PMC5412974 DOI: 10.1210/en.2016-1608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2016] [Accepted: 11/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Androgen and its receptor (AR) play a critical role in reproductive function under both physiological and pathophysiological conditions. Female AR global knockout mice are subfertile due to both neuroendocrine and ovarian defects. Female offspring from prenatally androgenized heterozygous AR pregnant mice showed rescued estrous cyclicity and fertility. Ar is expressed in granulosa cells, theca interstitial cells, and oocytes in the ovary. We created mice with theca-specific deletion of Ar (ThARKO) by crossing Cyp17-iCre mice that express Cre recombinase under cytochrome P450 17A1 (Cyp17) promoter with Arfl/fl mice. ThARKO mice exhibited no significant differences in pubertal onset or fertility compared with control littermates, and neither estrogen or testosterone levels were different between these groups. Therefore, Ar expression in theca cells likely does not influence fertility nor androgen levels in female mice. We then tested the role of AR in theca cells under hyperandrogenemic condition. After treatment with a pathophysiological level of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), control mice (control-DHT) showed acyclicity and infertility. However, estrous cycles and fertility were altered to a significantly less degree in ThARKO-DHT mice than in control-DHT mice. Messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of Lhcgr (luteinizing hormone receptor) and Timp1 (tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1, and inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase) were significantly lower in control-DHT ovary compared with control-no DHT ovaries, whereas mRNA levels of Fshr (follicle-stimulating hormone receptor) were significantly higher. Timp1 gene expression was comparable in the ThARKO-DHT and the control-no DHT ovary. We speculate that the preserved level of Timp1 in ThARKO-DHT mice contributes to retained reproductive function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yaping Ma
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, and
| | - Stanley Andrisse
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, and
| | - Yi Chen
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, and
| | - Shameka Childress
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, and
| | - Ping Xue
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, and
| | - Zhiqiang Wang
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, and
| | - Dustin Jones
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287
| | - CheMyong Ko
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61802; and
| | - Sara Divall
- Seattle Children’s Hospital, Center for Clinical and Translational Research, Seattle, Washington 98105
| | - Sheng Wu
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, and
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Hamy AS, Bonsang-Kitzis H, Lae M, Moarii M, Sadacca B, Pinheiro A, Galliot M, Abecassis J, Laurent C, Reyal F. A Stromal Immune Module Correlated with the Response to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy, Prognosis and Lymphocyte Infiltration in HER2-Positive Breast Carcinoma Is Inversely Correlated with Hormonal Pathways. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0167397. [PMID: 28005906 PMCID: PMC5178998 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0167397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2016] [Accepted: 11/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION HER2-positive breast cancer (BC) is a heterogeneous group of aggressive breast cancers, the prognosis of which has greatly improved since the introduction of treatments targeting HER2. However, these tumors may display intrinsic or acquired resistance to treatment, and classifiers of HER2-positive tumors are required to improve the prediction of prognosis and to develop novel therapeutic interventions. METHODS We analyzed 2893 primary human breast cancer samples from 21 publicly available datasets and developed a six-metagene signature on a training set of 448 HER2-positive BC. We then used external public datasets to assess the ability of these metagenes to predict the response to chemotherapy (Ignatiadis dataset), and prognosis (METABRIC dataset). RESULTS We identified a six-metagene signature (138 genes) containing metagenes enriched in different gene ontologies. The gene clusters were named as follows: Immunity, Tumor suppressors/proliferation, Interferon, Signal transduction, Hormone/survival and Matrix clusters. In all datasets, the Immunity metagene was less strongly expressed in ER-positive than in ER-negative tumors, and was inversely correlated with the Hormonal/survival metagene. Within the signature, multivariate analyses showed that strong expression of the "Immunity" metagene was associated with higher pCR rates after NAC (OR = 3.71[1.28-11.91], p = 0.019) than weak expression, and with a better prognosis in HER2-positive/ER-negative breast cancers (HR = 0.58 [0.36-0.94], p = 0.026). Immunity metagene expression was associated with the presence of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). CONCLUSION The identification of a predictive and prognostic immune module in HER2-positive BC confirms the need for clinical testing for immune checkpoint modulators and vaccines for this specific subtype. The inverse correlation between Immunity and hormone pathways opens research perspectives and deserves further investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Sophie Hamy
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Translational Research Department, INSERM, U932 Immunity and Cancer, Residual Tumor & Response to Treatment Laboratory (RT2Lab), Paris, France
| | - Hélène Bonsang-Kitzis
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Translational Research Department, INSERM, U932 Immunity and Cancer, Residual Tumor & Response to Treatment Laboratory (RT2Lab), Paris, France
- Department of Surgery, Institut Curie, Paris, France
| | - Marick Lae
- Department of Tumor Biology, Institut Curie, Paris, France
| | - Matahi Moarii
- Mines Paristech, PSL-Research University, CBIO-Centre for Computational Biology, Mines ParisTech, Fontainebleau, France
- U900, INSERM, Institut Curie, Paris, France
| | - Benjamin Sadacca
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Translational Research Department, INSERM, U932 Immunity and Cancer, Residual Tumor & Response to Treatment Laboratory (RT2Lab), Paris, France
- Laboratoire de Mathématiques et Modélisation d’Evry, Université d’Évry Val d’Essonne, Evry, France
| | - Alice Pinheiro
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Translational Research Department, INSERM, U932 Immunity and Cancer, Residual Tumor & Response to Treatment Laboratory (RT2Lab), Paris, France
| | - Marion Galliot
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Translational Research Department, INSERM, U932 Immunity and Cancer, Residual Tumor & Response to Treatment Laboratory (RT2Lab), Paris, France
| | - Judith Abecassis
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Translational Research Department, INSERM, U932 Immunity and Cancer, Residual Tumor & Response to Treatment Laboratory (RT2Lab), Paris, France
- Mines Paristech, PSL-Research University, CBIO-Centre for Computational Biology, Mines ParisTech, Fontainebleau, France
- U900, INSERM, Institut Curie, Paris, France
| | - Cecile Laurent
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Translational Research Department, INSERM, U932 Immunity and Cancer, Residual Tumor & Response to Treatment Laboratory (RT2Lab), Paris, France
| | - Fabien Reyal
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Translational Research Department, INSERM, U932 Immunity and Cancer, Residual Tumor & Response to Treatment Laboratory (RT2Lab), Paris, France
- Department of Surgery, Institut Curie, Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Mackern-Oberti JP, Jara EL, Riedel CA, Kalergis AM. Hormonal Modulation of Dendritic Cells Differentiation, Maturation and Function: Implications for the Initiation and Progress of Systemic Autoimmunity. Arch Immunol Ther Exp (Warsz) 2016; 65:123-136. [PMID: 27585815 DOI: 10.1007/s00005-016-0418-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2016] [Accepted: 07/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Hormonal homeostasis is crucial for keeping a competent and healthy immune function. Several hormones can modulate the function of various immune cells such as dendritic cells (DCs) by influencing the initiation of the immune response and the maintenance of peripheral tolerance to self-antigens. Hormones, such as estrogens, prolactin, progesterone and glucocorticoids may profoundly affect DCs differentiation, maturation and function leading to either a pro-inflammatory or an anti-inflammatory (or tolerogenic) phenotype. If not properly regulated, these processes can contribute to the pathogenesis of autoimmune disease. An unbalanced hormonal status may affect the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, the expression of activating/inhibitory receptors and co-stimulatory molecules on conventional and plasmacytoid DCs (pDCs), conferring susceptibility to develop autoimmunity. Estrogen receptor (ER)-α signaling in conventional DCs can promote IFN-α and IL-6 production and induce the expression of CD40, CD86 and MHCII molecules. Furthermore, estrogen modulates the pDCs response to Toll-like receptor ligands enhancing T cell priming. During lupus pathogenesis, ER-α deficiency decreased the expression of MHC II on pDCs from the spleen. In contrast, estradiol administration to lupus-prone female mice increased the expression of co-stimulatory molecules, enhanced the immunogenicity and produced large amounts of IL-6, IL-12 and TNF-α by bone marrow-derived DCs. These data suggest that estradiol/ER signaling may play an active role during lupus pathology. Similarly, understanding hormonal modulation of DCs may favor the design of new therapeutic strategies based on autologous tolerogenic DCs transfer, especially in sex-biased systemic autoimmune diseases. In this review, we discuss recent data relative to the role of different hormones (estrogen, prolactin, progesterone and glucocorticoids) in DC function during systemic autoimmune pathogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juan Pablo Mackern-Oberti
- Instituto de Medicina y Biología Experimental de Cuyo (IMBECU), CONICET, Mendoza, Argentina. .,Instituto de Fisiología, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina. .,Departamento de Genética Molecular y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Millennium Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Evelyn L Jara
- Departamento de Genética Molecular y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Millennium Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Claudia A Riedel
- Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas y Facultad de Medicina, Millennium Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Universidad Andrés Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Alexis M Kalergis
- Departamento de Genética Molecular y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Millennium Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile. .,Departamento de Endocrinología, Facultad de Medicina, Millennium Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile. .,INSERM U1064, Nantes, France.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Abstract
Males and females differ in their immunological responses to foreign and self-antigens and show distinctions in innate and adaptive immune responses. Certain immunological sex differences are present throughout life, whereas others are only apparent after puberty and before reproductive senescence, suggesting that both genes and hormones are involved. Furthermore, early environmental exposures influence the microbiome and have sex-dependent effects on immune function. Importantly, these sex-based immunological differences contribute to variations in the incidence of autoimmune diseases and malignancies, susceptibility to infectious diseases and responses to vaccines in males and females. Here, we discuss these differences and emphasize that sex is a biological variable that should be considered in immunological studies.
Collapse
|
31
|
Mirandola L, Wade R, Verma R, Pena C, Hosiriluck N, Figueroa JA, Cobos E, Jenkins MR, Chiriva-Internati M. Sex-driven differences in immunological responses: challenges and opportunities for the immunotherapies of the third millennium. Int Rev Immunol 2016; 34:134-42. [PMID: 25901858 DOI: 10.3109/08830185.2015.1018417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF THE STUDY Male-based studies, both at the biochemical and at the pre-clinical/clinical trial levels, still predominate in the scientific community. Many studies are based on the wrong assumption that both sexes are fundamentally identical in their response to treatments. As a result, findings obtained mainly in males are applied to females, resulting in negative consequences female patients. In cancer immunotherapy, there is still a scarce focus on this topic. Here we review the main differences in immune modulation and immune system biology between males and females with a particular focus on how these differences affect cancer immunotherapy and cancer vaccines. METHODS We reviewed articles published on PubMed from 1999 to 2014, using the keywords: sex hormones, immune response, estrogen, immunotherapy, testosterone, cancer vaccines, sex-based medicine. We also present new data wherein the expression of the cancer testis antigen, Ropporin-1, was determined in patients with multiple myeloma, showing that the expression of Ropporin-1 was influenced by sex. RESULTS Male and female immune systems display radical differences mainly due to the immune regulatory effects of sex hormones. These differences might have a dramatic impact on the immunological treatment of cancer. Moreover, the expression of tumor antigens that can be targeted by anti-cancer vaccines is associated with sex. CONCLUSION Future clinical trials focusing on cancer immunotherapy will need to take into account the differences in the immune response and in the frequency of target antigen expression between male and females, in order to optimize these anti-cancer immunotherapies of the third millennium.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Mirandola
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center , Lubbock, TX , USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Grandi G, Mueller M, Bersinger NA, Cagnacci A, Volpe A, McKinnon B. Does dienogest influence the inflammatory response of endometriotic cells? A systematic review. Inflamm Res 2015; 65:183-92. [PMID: 26650031 DOI: 10.1007/s00011-015-0909-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2015] [Revised: 11/18/2015] [Accepted: 11/19/2015] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN A systematic review of all literature was done to assess the ability of the progestin dienogest (DNG) to influence the inflammatory response of endometriotic cells. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES In vitro and in vivo studies report an influence of DNG on the inflammatory response in eutopic or ectopic endometrial tissue (animal or human). RESULTS After strict inclusion criteria were satisfied, 15 studies were identified that reported a DNG influence on the inflammatory response in endometrial tissue. These studies identified a modulation of prostaglandin (PG) production and metabolism (PGE2, PGE2 synthase, cyclo-oxygenase-2 and microsomal PGE synthase-1), pro-inflammatory cytokine and chemokine production [interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor-α, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and stromal cell-derived factor-1], growth factor biosynthesis (vascular endothelial growth factor and nerve growth factor) and signaling kinases, responsible for the control of inflammation. Evidence supports a progesterone receptor-mediated inhibition of the inflammatory response in PR-expressing epithelial cells. It also indicated that DNG inhibited the inflammatory response in stromal cells, however, whether this was via a PR-mediated mechanism is not clear. CONCLUSIONS DNG has a significant effect on the inflammatory microenvironment of endometriotic lesions that may contribute to its clinical efficacy. A better understanding of the specific anti-inflammatory activity of DNG and whether this contributes to its clinical efficacy can help develop treatments that focus on the inhibition of inflammation while minimizing hormonal modulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Grandi
- Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinico, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via del Pozzo 71, 41124, Modena, Italy.,Department of Clinical Research, University of Berne, Murtenstrasse 35, 3010, Berne, Switzerland
| | - Michael Mueller
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Inselspital, Berne University Hospital, Effingerstrasse 102, 3010, Berne, Switzerland.,Department of Clinical Research, University of Berne, Murtenstrasse 35, 3010, Berne, Switzerland
| | - Nick A Bersinger
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Inselspital, Berne University Hospital, Effingerstrasse 102, 3010, Berne, Switzerland.,Department of Clinical Research, University of Berne, Murtenstrasse 35, 3010, Berne, Switzerland
| | - Angelo Cagnacci
- Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinico, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via del Pozzo 71, 41124, Modena, Italy
| | - Annibale Volpe
- Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinico, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via del Pozzo 71, 41124, Modena, Italy
| | - Brett McKinnon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Inselspital, Berne University Hospital, Effingerstrasse 102, 3010, Berne, Switzerland. .,Department of Clinical Research, University of Berne, Murtenstrasse 35, 3010, Berne, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Keselman A, Heller N. Estrogen Signaling Modulates Allergic Inflammation and Contributes to Sex Differences in Asthma. Front Immunol 2015; 6:568. [PMID: 26635789 PMCID: PMC4644929 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2015.00568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2015] [Accepted: 10/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Asthma is a chronic airway inflammatory disease that affects ~300 million people worldwide. It is characterized by airway constriction that leads to wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. The most common treatments are corticosteroids and β2-adrenergic receptor antagonists, which target inflammation and airway smooth muscle constriction, respectively. The incidence and severity of asthma is greater in women than in men, and women are more prone to develop corticosteroid-resistant or “hard-to-treat” asthma. Puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, menopause, and oral contraceptives are known to contribute to disease outcome in women, suggesting a role for estrogen and other hormones impacting allergic inflammation. Currently, the mechanisms underlying these sex differences are poorly understood, although the effect of sex hormones, such as estrogen, on allergic inflammation is gaining interest. Asthma presents as a heterogeneous disease. In typical Th2-type allergic asthma, interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13 predominate, driving IgE production and recruitment of eosinophils into the lungs. Chronic Th2-inflammation in the lung results in structural changes and activation of multiple immune cell types, leading to a deterioration of lung function over time. Most immune cells express estrogen receptors (ERα, ERβ, or the membrane-bound G-protein-coupled ER) to varying degrees and can respond to the hormone. Together these receptors have demonstrated the capacity to regulate a spectrum of immune functions, including adhesion, migration, survival, wound healing, and antibody and cytokine production. This review will cover the current understanding of estrogen signaling in allergic inflammation and discuss how this signaling may contribute to sex differences in asthma and allergy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aleksander Keselman
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine , Baltimore, MD , USA
| | - Nicola Heller
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine , Baltimore, MD , USA
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Kokic V, Martinovic Kaliterna D, Radic M, Perkovic D, Cvek M, Capkun V. Relationship between vitamin D, IFN-γ, and E2 levels in systemic lupus erythematosus. Lupus 2015; 25:282-8. [DOI: 10.1177/0961203315605367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2015] [Accepted: 08/18/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we investigated the relationship between vitamin D, interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), and estradiol (E2) in females of childbearing age with inactive systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The study included 22 SLE patients, and 21 age- and gender-matched healthy individuals. Serum concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D3), E2, and IFN-γ were measured by radioimmunoassay using the gamma-counter and ELISA. Patients and control subjects were divided into two groups based on their vitamin D levels (25(OH)D3 ≤ 20 ng/mL; 25(OH)D3 > 20 ng/mL). The median values of IFN-γ and E2 were higher in SLE patients compared to the controls, irrespective of vitamin D level ( p = 0.001, p = 0.009, p = 0.003, and p = 0.003, respectively). In SLE patients, there was a negative correlation between IFN-γ and 25(OH)D3 ( rs = −0.330; p = 0.03) and a positive correlation between IFN-γ and E2 ( rs = 0.404; p = 0.007). This study demonstrates an interesting interplay between vitamin D, INF-γ, and E2 in SLE patients with inactive disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- V Kokic
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Disease, University Hospital of Split, Croatia
| | | | - M Radic
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Hospital of Split, Croatia
| | - D Perkovic
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Hospital of Split, Croatia
| | - M Cvek
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Split, Croatia
| | - V Capkun
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Split, Croatia
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Abstract
Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system attacks and destroys the organs and tissues of its own host. Autoimmunity is the third most common type of disease in the United States. Because there is no cure for autoimmunity, it is extremely important to study the mechanisms that trigger these diseases. Most autoimmune diseases predominantly affect females, indicating a strong sex bias. Various factors, including sex hormones, the presence or absence of a second X chromosome, and sex-specific gut microbiota can influence gene expression in a sex-specific way. These changes in gene expression may, in turn, lead to susceptibility or protection from autoimmunity, creating a sex bias for autoimmune diseases. In this Review we discuss recent findings in the field of sex-dependent regulation of gene expression and autoimmunity.
Collapse
|
36
|
Kovats S. Estrogen receptors regulate innate immune cells and signaling pathways. Cell Immunol 2015; 294:63-9. [PMID: 25682174 PMCID: PMC4380804 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2015.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 622] [Impact Index Per Article: 69.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2014] [Revised: 01/26/2015] [Accepted: 01/29/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Humans show strong sex differences in immunity to infection and autoimmunity,
suggesting sex hormones modulate immune responses. Indeed, receptors for estrogens (ER)
regulate cells and pathways in the innate and adaptive immune system, as well as immune
cell development. ERs are ligand-dependent transcription factors that mediate long-range
chromatin interactions and form complexes at gene regulatory elements, thus promoting
epigenetic changes and transcription. ERs also participate in membrane-initiated steroid
signaling to generate rapid responses. Estradiol and ER activity show profound dose- and
context-dependent effects on innate immune signaling pathways and myeloid cell
development. While estradiol most often promotes the production of type I interferon, innate pathways
leading to pro-inflammatory cytokine production may be enhanced or dampened by ER
activity. Regulation of innate immune cells and signaling by ERs may contribute to the
reported sex differences in innate immune pathways. Here we review the recent literature
and highlight several molecular mechanisms by which ERs regulate the development or
functional responses of innate immune cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Susan Kovats
- Arthritis & Clinical Immunology Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Woidacki K, Zenclussen AC, Siebenhaar F. Mast cell-mediated and associated disorders in pregnancy: a risky game with an uncertain outcome? Front Immunol 2014; 5:231. [PMID: 24904581 PMCID: PMC4033021 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2014.00231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2014] [Accepted: 05/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
During pregnancy, the maternal organism is under the influence of tremendous endocrine as well as immunological changes as an adaptation to the implanted and developing fetus. In most cases, the maternal adaptations to pregnancy ensure both, the protection against harmful pathogens and the tolerance toward the growing semi-allogeneic fetus. However, under certain circumstances the unique hormonal milieu during pregnancy is causative of a shift into an unfavorable direction. Of particular importance are cellular disorders previous to pregnancy that involve cell types known for their susceptibility to hormones. One interesting cell type is the mast cell (MC), one of the key figures in allergic disorders. While physiological numbers of MCs were shown to positively influence pregnancy outcome, at least in mouse models, uncontrolled augmentations in quantity, and/or activation can lead to pregnancy complications. Women that have the desire of getting pregnant and been diagnosed with MC mediated disorders such as urticaria and mastocytosis or chronic inflammatory diseases in which MCs are involved, including atopic dermatitis, asthma, or psoriasis, may benefit from specialized medical assistance to ensure a positive pregnancy outcome. In the present review, we address the course of pregnancy in women affected by MC mediated or associated disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katja Woidacki
- Experimental Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University , Magdeburg , Germany
| | - Ana Claudia Zenclussen
- Experimental Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University , Magdeburg , Germany
| | - Frank Siebenhaar
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Allergie-Centrum-Charité, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin , Berlin , Germany
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Cook LC, Hillhouse AE, Myles MH, Lubahn DB, Bryda EC, Davis JW, Franklin CL. The role of estrogen signaling in a mouse model of inflammatory bowel disease: a Helicobacter hepaticus model. PLoS One 2014; 9:e94209. [PMID: 24709804 PMCID: PMC3978010 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0094209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2013] [Accepted: 03/13/2014] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, is due in part to interactions between the immune system, genetics, the environment, and endogenous microbiota. Gonadal sex hormones (GSH), such as estrogen, are thought to be involved in the development of IBD as variations in disease severity occur during pregnancy, menopause, or oral contraceptives use. In certain strains of mice, infection with Helicobacter hepaticus triggers IBD-like mucosal inflammation that is more severe in female mice than in males, suggesting a role for GSH in this model. To determine the role of estrogen signaling in microbiota-induced intestinal inflammation, estrogen receptor (ER) α and β knock-out (KO) mice, ER agonists, and adoptive transfers were utilized. We demonstrate that, when signaling is limited to ERβ on a non-CD4+ cell subset, disease is less severe and this correlates with decreased expression of pro-inflammatory mediators.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lydia C. Cook
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Andrew E. Hillhouse
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
- Department of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Matthew H. Myles
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
- IDEXX Laboratories, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Dennis B. Lubahn
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth C. Bryda
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
| | - J. Wade Davis
- Departments of Health Management and Informatics, and Statistics, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Craig L. Franklin
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
The Potential Roles of Bisphenol A (BPA) Pathogenesis in Autoimmunity. Autoimmune Dis 2014; 2014:743616. [PMID: 24804084 PMCID: PMC3997912 DOI: 10.1155/2014/743616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2013] [Revised: 01/20/2014] [Accepted: 02/12/2014] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a monomer found in commonly used consumer plastic goods. Although much attention in recent years has been placed on BPA's impact as an endocrine disruptor, it also appears to activate many immune pathways involved in both autoimmune disease development and autoimmune reactivity provocation. The current scientific literature is void of research papers linking BPA directly to human or animal onset of autoimmunity. This paper explores the impact of BPA on immune reactivity and the potential roles these mechanisms may have on the development or provocation of autoimmune diseases. Potential mechanisms by which BPA may be a contributing risk factor to autoimmune disease development and progression include its impact on hyperprolactinemia, estrogenic immune signaling, cytochrome P450 enzyme disruption, immune signal transduction pathway alteration, cytokine polarization, aryl hydrocarbon activation of Th-17 receptors, molecular mimicry, macrophage activation, lipopolysaccharide activation, and immunoglobulin pathophysiology. In this paper a review of these known autoimmune triggering mechanisms will be correlated with BPA exposure, thereby suggesting that BPA has a role in the pathogenesis of autoimmunity.
Collapse
|
40
|
Smith S, Ní Gabhann J, McCarthy E, Coffey B, Mahony R, Byrne JC, Stacey K, Ball E, Bell A, Cunnane G, Doran MF, Molloy ES, Lee RZ, Harvey B, Kearns G, Jefferies CA. Estrogen receptor α regulates tripartite motif-containing protein 21 expression, contributing to dysregulated cytokine production in systemic lupus erythematosus. Arthritis Rheumatol 2014; 66:163-72. [PMID: 24449583 DOI: 10.1002/art.38187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2013] [Accepted: 08/29/2013] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the role of 17β-estradiol in the regulation of the autoantigen tripartite motif-containing protein 21 (TRIM-21) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). METHODS Monocytes isolated from healthy control subjects and patients with SLE were stimulated with 17β-estradiol and/or the estrogen receptor α (ERα) antagonist methyl-piperidino-pyrazole dihydrochloride. TRIM-21, ERα, and CREMα expression was determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis. MatInspector software was used to identify putative binding sites within the TRIM-21 promoter. ERα binding to the TRIM-21 gene promoter region in monocytes was analyzed by chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay. TRIM-21 and interferon regulatory factor 3 protein levels were analyzed by Western blotting. RESULTS Real-time PCR analysis demonstrated a role of estrogen in the regulation of TRIM-21 expression in monocytes, which correlated positively with ERα gene expression in patients with SLE. Investigations into the human TRIM-21 promoter revealed the presence of an estrogen response element, with ChIP assays confirming ERα binding to this site. Studies into estrogen-induced TRIM-21 expression revealed a hyperresponsiveness of SLE patients to 17β-estradiol, which led to the enhanced levels of TRIM-21 observed in these individuals. CONCLUSION Our results demonstrate a role of estrogen in the regulation of TRIM-21 expression through an ERα-dependent mechanism, a pathway that we observed to be overactive in SLE patients. Treatment of monocytes with an ERα antagonist abrogated estrogen-induced TRIM-21 expression and, as a consequence, decreased the expression of interleukin-23. These findings identify TRIM-21 as a novel ERα-regulated gene and provide novel insights into the link between estrogen and the molecular pathogenesis of SLE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Siobhán Smith
- Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
41
|
Sato M, Kondo M, Tateishi R, Fujiwara N, Kato N, Yoshida H, Taguri M, Koike K. Impact of IL28B genetic variation on HCV-induced liver fibrosis, inflammation, and steatosis: a meta-analysis. PLoS One 2014; 9:e91822. [PMID: 24637774 PMCID: PMC3956722 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0091822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2013] [Accepted: 02/15/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS IL28B polymorphisms were shown to be strongly associated with the response to interferon therapy in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) and spontaneous viral clearance. However, little is known about how these polymorphisms affect the natural course of the disease. Thus, we conducted the present meta-analysis to assess the impact of IL28B polymorphisms on disease progression. METHODS A literature search was conducted using MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library. Integrated odds ratios (OR) were calculated with a fixed-effects or random-effects model based on heterogeneity analyses. RESULTS We identified 28 studies that included 10,024 patients. The pooled results indicated that the rs12979860 genotype CC was significantly associated (vs. genotype CT/TT; OR, 1.122; 95%CI, 1.003-1.254; P = 0.044), and that the rs8099917 genotype TT tended to be (vs. genotype TG/GG; OR, 1.126; 95%CI, 0.988-1.284; P = 0.076) associated, with an increased possibility of severe fibrosis. Both rs12979860 CC (vs. CT/TT; OR, 1.288; 95%CI, 1.050-1.581; P = 0.015) and rs8099917 TT (vs. TG/GG; OR, 1.324; 95%CI, 1.110-1.579; P = 0.002) were significantly associated with a higher possibility of severe inflammation activity. Rs8099917 TT was also significantly associated with a lower possibility of severe steatosis (vs. TG/GG; OR, 0.580; 95%CI, 0.351-0.959; P = 0.034), whereas rs12979860 CC was not associated with hepatic steatosis (vs. CT/TT; OR, 1.062; 95%CI, 0.415-2.717; P = 0.901). CONCLUSIONS IL28B polymorphisms appeared to modify the natural course of disease in patients with CHC. Disease progression seems to be promoted in patients with the rs12979860 CC and rs8099917 TT genotypes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Masaya Sato
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mayuko Kondo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Tateishi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Naoto Fujiwara
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Naoya Kato
- Unit of Disease Control Genome Medicine, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Haruhiko Yoshida
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masataka Taguri
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Yokohama City University Medical Center, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Koike
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
17β-estradiol protects females against influenza by recruiting neutrophils and increasing virus-specific CD8 T cell responses in the lungs. J Virol 2014; 88:4711-20. [PMID: 24522912 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.02081-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED 17β-Estradiol (E2) treatment limits the pathology associated with pulmonary diseases caused by pathogens, allergens, and asthma, partly by reducing the production of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines. To test the hypothesis that E2 protects against influenza A virus (IAV) infection by altering the recruitment and activity of innate immune cells and T cells, chemokine concentrations were measured and innate and adaptive immune cells were enumerated from the lungs of E2- and placebo-treated ovariectomized female C57BL/6 mice following infection. Females treated with E2 experienced less morbidity but had similar lung virus titers to placebo-treated females. Females treated with E2 had lower induction of CCL2 but higher CCL3 and CXCL1 responses in their lungs than placebo-treated females. Pulmonary recruitment of neutrophils, NK cells, macrophages, and dendritic cells was increased following infection, but only neutrophil numbers were greater in E2-treated than placebo-treated females. Neutrophils enhance the responses of influenza virus-specific CD8 T cells to promote virus clearance and improve the outcome of infection. Total numbers of virus-specific CD8 T cells were not altered by treatment with E2, but the proportion of gamma interferon (IFN-γ)- and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α)-producing, virus-specific CD8 T cells was increased. Neutrophil depletion in E2-treated females increased morbidity, reduced pulmonary production of chemoattractants for neutrophils, and reduced IFN-γ production by virus-specific CD8 T cells. Neutrophils mediate both inflammation and tissue repair during IAV infection and are regulated by E2 to improve the outcome of influenza in females. IMPORTANCE Severe influenza is associated with excessive inflammation that leads to tissue damage. We demonstrate that estradiol (E2) is a potent anti-inflammatory hormone that reduces the severity of influenza A virus infection in females. Treatment of female C57BL/6 mice with E2 does not affect virus replication but rather alters the production of chemokines, pulmonary recruitment of neutrophils, and the cytokine responses of virus-specific CD8 T cells to protect females against severe influenza.
Collapse
|
43
|
Azevedo PC, Murphy G, Isenberg DA. Pathology of systemic lupus erythematosus: the challenges ahead. Methods Mol Biol 2014; 1134:1-16. [PMID: 24497350 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-0326-9_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Many studies have explored the pathology of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), an autoimmune rheumatic disorder with a striking female predominance. Numerous autoimmune phenomena are present in this disease, which ultimately result in organ damage. However, the specific cellular and humoral mechanisms underlying the immune dysfunction are not yet fully understood. It is postulated that autoimmunity is based on the interaction of genetic predisposition, hormonal and environmental triggers that result in reduced tolerance to self-tissues. These phenomena could occur because of altered antigen presentation, abnormalities in B cell responses, increases in the function of T-helper cells, abnormal cytokine production, exaggerated effector responses, or loss of regulatory T cells or B cells. Abnormalities in all of these components of the immune response have been implicated to varying degrees in the pathogenesis of SLE. This chapter will attempt to provide a "state-of-the-art" review of the evidence about the mechanisms underlying the pathology of SLE.
Collapse
|
44
|
Valentino R, D’Esposito V, Passaretti F, Liotti A, Cabaro S, Longo M, Perruolo G, Oriente F, Beguinot F, Formisano P. Bisphenol-A impairs insulin action and up-regulates inflammatory pathways in human subcutaneous adipocytes and 3T3-L1 cells. PLoS One 2013; 8:e82099. [PMID: 24349194 PMCID: PMC3857211 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0082099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2013] [Accepted: 10/29/2013] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Current evidence indicates that chemical pollutants may interfere with the homeostatic control of nutrient metabolism, thereby contributing to the increased prevalence of metabolic disorders. Bisphenol-A (BPA) is a lipophilic compound contained in plastic which is considered a candidate for impairing energy and glucose metabolism. We have investigated the impact of low doses of BPA on adipocyte metabolic functions. Human adipocytes derived from subcutaneous adipose tissue and differentiated 3T3-L1 cells were incubated with BPA, in order to evaluate the effect on glucose utilization, insulin sensitivity and cytokine secretion. Treatment with 1nM BPA significantly inhibited insulin-stimulated glucose utilization, without grossly interfering with adipocyte differentiation. Accordingly, mRNA levels of the adipogenic markers PPARγ and GLUT4 were unchanged upon BPA exposure. BPA treatment also impaired insulin-activated receptor phosphorylation and signaling. Moreover, adipocyte incubation with BPA was accompanied by increased release of IL-6 and IFN-γ, as assessed by multiplex ELISA assays, and by activation of JNK, STAT3 and NFkB pathways. Treatment of the cells with the JNK inhibitor SP600125 almost fully reverted BPA effect on insulin signaling and glucose utilization. In conclusion, low doses of BPA interfere with inflammatory/insulin signaling pathways, leading to impairment of adipose cell function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rossella Valentino
- Istituto di Endocrinologia ed Oncologia Sperimentale (IEOS-CNR), Naples, Italy
| | - Vittoria D’Esposito
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche Traslazionali, Università degli Studi di Napoli “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
| | - Federica Passaretti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche Traslazionali, Università degli Studi di Napoli “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Antonietta Liotti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche Traslazionali, Università degli Studi di Napoli “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Serena Cabaro
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche Traslazionali, Università degli Studi di Napoli “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
| | - Michele Longo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche Traslazionali, Università degli Studi di Napoli “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Perruolo
- Istituto di Endocrinologia ed Oncologia Sperimentale (IEOS-CNR), Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Oriente
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche Traslazionali, Università degli Studi di Napoli “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Beguinot
- Istituto di Endocrinologia ed Oncologia Sperimentale (IEOS-CNR), Naples, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche Traslazionali, Università degli Studi di Napoli “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
| | - Pietro Formisano
- Istituto di Endocrinologia ed Oncologia Sperimentale (IEOS-CNR), Naples, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche Traslazionali, Università degli Studi di Napoli “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Yakimchuk K, Jondal M, Okret S. Estrogen receptor α and β in the normal immune system and in lymphoid malignancies. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2013; 375:121-9. [PMID: 23707618 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2013.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2012] [Revised: 05/14/2013] [Accepted: 05/18/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Estrogens regulate various normal and pathophysiological processes including cancers. Cellular signaling by estrogens is mediated by estrogen receptor α (ERα) and β (ERβ), respectively. Binding of agonists to the ERs affects gene transcription. The main endogenous estrogen, 17β-estradiol (E2), binds to both ERα and ERβ with similar affinity. However, the ligand-binding pocket of ERα and ERβ are slightly different which has allowed the development of selective ER ligands. Importantly, while estrogens via ERα stimulate proliferation, signaling via ERβ inhibits proliferation and promotes apoptosis. In both normal and cancer cells the ERs are co-expressed with ER splice variants which may modify the transcriptional activity of the wild-type receptors. Estrogens have prominent effects on immune functions and both ERα and ERβ are expressed in immune cells and lymphoid malignancies. With regard to lymphoid malignancies, most show estrogen influence as several epidemiological studies of lymphoid cancers demonstrate gender differences in incidence and prognosis with males being more affected. In line with these findings, recent results generated by us have shown that ERβ selective agonists inhibit growth and induce apoptosis in human and murine lymphomas in vivo in xenograft experiments. This suggests that ERβ selective agonists in the future may be useful in the treatment of lymphomas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Konstantin Yakimchuk
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Novum, SE-141 83 Huddinge, Sweden
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
Ovariectomized OVA-sensitized mice display increased frequency of CD4(+)Foxp3(+) T regulatory cells in the periphery. PLoS One 2013; 8:e65674. [PMID: 23799034 PMCID: PMC3684611 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0065674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2012] [Accepted: 04/27/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
It is well established that female sex hormones have a pivotal role in inflammation. For instance, our group has previously reported that estradiol has proinflammatory actions during allergic lung response in animal models. Based on these findings, we have decided to further investigate whether T regulatory cells are affected by female sex hormones absence after ovariectomy. We evaluated by flow cytometry the frequencies of CD4+Foxp3+ T regulatory cells (Tregs) in central and peripheral lymphoid organs, such as the thymus, spleen and lymph nodes. Moreover, we have also used the murine model of allergic lung inflammation a to evaluate how female sex hormones would affect the immune response in vivo. To address that, ovariectomized or sham operated female Balb/c mice were sensitized or not with ovalbumin 7 and 14 days later and subsequently challenged twice by aerosolized ovalbumin on day 21. Besides the frequency of CD4+Foxp3+ T regulatory cells, we also measured the cytokines IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, IL-13 and IL-17 in the bronchoalveolar lavage from lungs of ovalbumine challenged groups. Our results demonstrate that the absence of female sex hormones after ovariectomy is able to increase the frequency of Tregs in the periphery. As we did not observe differences in the thymus-derived natural occurring Tregs, our data may indicate expansion or conversion of peripheral adaptive Tregs. In accordance with Treg suppressive activity, ovariectomized and ovalbumine-sensitized and challenged animals had significantly reduced lung inflammation. This was observed after cytokine analysis of lung explants showing significant reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-4, IL-5, IL-13 and IL-17, associated to increased amount of IL-10. In summary, our data clearly demonstrates that OVA sensitization 7 days after ovariectomy culminates in reduced lung inflammation, which may be directly correlated with the expansion of Tregs in the periphery and further higher IL-10 secretion in the lungs.
Collapse
|
47
|
Rogers JA, Metz L, Yong VW. Review: Endocrine disrupting chemicals and immune responses: A focus on bisphenol-A and its potential mechanisms. Mol Immunol 2013; 53:421-30. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2012.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 259] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2012] [Accepted: 09/30/2012] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
|
48
|
Kovats S. Estrogen receptors regulate an inflammatory pathway of dendritic cell differentiation: mechanisms and implications for immunity. Horm Behav 2012; 62:254-62. [PMID: 22561458 PMCID: PMC3415586 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2012.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2011] [Revised: 04/17/2012] [Accepted: 04/19/2012] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Immune cells and hematopoietic progenitors express estrogen receptors (ER). As ligand-activated transcription factors that modulate chromatin structure, ER regulate transcriptional programs that direct the development or functional responses of immune cells. ER-regulated immune responses likely contribute to significant sex biases in infection, autoimmunity and other inflammatory diseases, and changes in immune function during the female hormonal cycle and pregnancy. Here we summarize our own and others' studies showing that ERα signaling regulates the development of dendritic cells (DCs), antigen-presenting cells crucial for initiation of innate and adaptive immunity. During inflammation, elevated GM-CSF directs the development of new DCs from monocytes or other precursors that infiltrate tissues and lymphoid organs, and these de novo populations of inflammatory DCs have critical roles in programming T cell-mediated responses during infection and autoimmunity. Estradiol acting via ERα, but not ERβ, promotes the GM-CSF-mediated inflammatory pathway of DC differentiation, leading to the development of DCs with increased functional capacity. Estradiol/ERα signaling acts directly in GM-CSF-stimulated myeloid progenitors to induce elevated levels of IRF4, a transcription factor that directs a developmental program underlying CD11b⁺ DC differentiation. In contrast, during homeostatic Flt3 Ligand-driven DC development, ERα signaling decreases numbers of myeloid progenitors and differentiated DCs, yet promotes more functionally competent DCs. Thus ERα signaling regulates the response of DC progenitors to the external cytokine environment, thereby altering the strength or integrity of DC developmental pathways. The development of increased numbers of DCs during inflammation will likely increase the magnitude of DC-mediated functional responses including cytokine production, processing and MHC-mediated presentation of antigens, and activation and polarization of T and B lymphocytes; these functions also may be regulated directly by ERα signaling. In sum, via profound effects on DC development and ensuing functional responses, ERα signaling can regulate the quality of the adaptive immune responses and influence the resolution of infection or chronic inflammatory diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Susan Kovats
- Arthritis & Clinical Immunology Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, 825 NE 13th St., Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Robinson DP, Klein SL. Pregnancy and pregnancy-associated hormones alter immune responses and disease pathogenesis. Horm Behav 2012; 62:263-71. [PMID: 22406114 PMCID: PMC3376705 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2012.02.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 428] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2011] [Revised: 02/20/2012] [Accepted: 02/22/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
During pregnancy, it is evolutionarily advantageous for inflammatory immune responses that might lead to fetal rejection to be reduced and anti-inflammatory responses that promote transfer of maternal antibodies to the fetus to be increased. Hormones modulate the immunological shift that occurs during pregnancy. Estrogens, including estradiol and estriol, progesterone, and glucocorticoids increase over the course of pregnancy and affect transcriptional signaling of inflammatory immune responses at the maternal-fetal interface and systemically. During pregnancy, the reduced activity of natural killer cells, inflammatory macrophages, and helper T cell type 1 (Th1) cells and production of inflammatory cytokines, combined with the higher activity of regulatory T cells and production of anti-inflammatory cytokines, affects disease pathogenesis. The severity of diseases caused by inflammatory responses (e.g., multiple sclerosis) is reduced and the severity of diseases that are mitigated by inflammatory responses (e.g., influenza and malaria) is increased during pregnancy. For some infectious diseases, elevated inflammatory responses that are necessary to control and clear a pathogen have a negative consequence on the outcome of pregnancy. The bidirectional interactions between hormones and the immune system contribute to both the outcome of pregnancy and female susceptibility to disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dionne P. Robinson
- The W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
| | - Sabra L. Klein
- The W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Fairweather D, Petri MA, Coronado MJ, Cooper LT. Autoimmune heart disease: role of sex hormones and autoantibodies in disease pathogenesis. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2012; 8:269-84. [PMID: 22390491 DOI: 10.1586/eci.12.10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and autoimmune diseases (ADs) are the first and third highest causes of death in the USA, respectively. Men have an increased incidence of the majority of CVDs, including atherosclerosis, myocarditis, dilated cardiomyopathy and heart failure. By contrast, nearly 80% of all ADs occur in women. However, in one category of ADs, rheumatic diseases, CVD is the main cause of death. Factors that link rheumatic ADs to CVD are inflammation and the presence of autoantibodies. In this review we will examine recent findings regarding sex differences in the immunopathogenesis of CVD and ADs, explore possible reasons for the increased occurrence of CVD within rheumatic ADs and discuss whether autoantibodies, including rheumatoid factor, could be involved in disease pathogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- DeLisa Fairweather
- Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|