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Estrogen alleviates acetic acid-induced gastric or colonic damage via both ERα- and ERβ-mediated and direct antioxidant mechanisms in rats. Inflammation 2015; 37:694-705. [PMID: 24323397 DOI: 10.1007/s10753-013-9786-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In order to demonstrate the possible protective effects of estrogen receptor (ER)-α and ERβ receptor subtypes in the pathogenesis of colonic and gastric oxidant damage, experimental ulcer and colitis were induced by acetic acid, and the animals were randomly divided as colitis, ulcer, and their corresponding non-ulcer and non-colitis control groups. Each group of rats was treated intramuscularly with the vehicle, selective ERα agonist propylpyrazole-triol (1 mg/kg), ERβ agonist diarylpropionitrile (1 mg/kg), non-selective ER agonist 17β estradiol (E2; 1 mg/kg), or E2 plus non-selective ER antagonist ICI-182780 (1 mg/kg). The results revealed that induction of ulcer or colitis resulted in systemic inflammation as assessed by increased levels of plasma TNF-α and IL-6 levels. In both tissues, the presence of oxidant damage was verified by histological analysis and elevated myleoperoxidase activity. In the colitis and ulcer groups, both ER agonists and the non-selective E2 reversed the oxidative damage in a similar manner. These findings indicate that estrogen acts via both ERα- and ERβ-mediated and direct antioxidant mechanisms, where both ER subtypes play equal and efficient roles in the anti-inflammatory action of estrogen, in limiting the migration of neutrophils to the inflamed tissue, reducing the release and activation of cytokines and thereby alleviating tissue damage.
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Flanagan KL. Sexual dimorphism in biomedical research: a call to analyse by sex. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2015; 108:385-7. [PMID: 24934286 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/tru079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Katie L Flanagan
- Department of Immunology, Monash University, Prahran, Melbourne, Victoria 3181, Australia
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Weil ZM, Borniger JC, Cisse YM, Abi Salloum BA, Nelson RJ. Neuroendocrine control of photoperiodic changes in immune function. Front Neuroendocrinol 2015; 37:108-18. [PMID: 25456047 PMCID: PMC4402123 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2014.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2014] [Revised: 10/07/2014] [Accepted: 10/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Seasonal variation in immune function putatively maximizes survival and reproductive success. Day length (photoperiod) is the most potent signal for time of year. Animals typically organize breeding, growth, and behavior to adapt to spatial and temporal niches. Outside the tropics individuals monitor photoperiod to support adaptations favoring survival and reproductive success. Changes in day length allow anticipation of seasonal changes in temperature and food availability that are critical for reproductive success. Immune function is typically bolstered during winter, whereas reproduction and growth are favored during summer. We provide an overview of how photoperiod influences neuronal function and melatonin secretion, how melatonin acts directly and indirectly to govern seasonal changes in immune function, and the manner by which other neuroendocrine effectors such as glucocorticoids, prolactin, thyroid, and sex steroid hormones modulate seasonal variations in immune function. Potential future research avenues include commensal gut microbiota and light pollution influences on photoperiodic responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary M Weil
- Department of Neuroscience, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
| | - Jeremy C Borniger
- Department of Neuroscience, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Yasmine M Cisse
- Department of Neuroscience, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Bachir A Abi Salloum
- Department of Neuroscience, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Randy J Nelson
- Department of Neuroscience, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
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Cai Z, Jiang X, Pan Y, Chen L, Zhang L, Zhu K, Cai Y, Ling Y, Chen F, Xu X, Chen M. Transcriptomic analysis of hepatic responses to testosterone deficiency in miniature pigs fed a high-cholesterol diet. BMC Genomics 2015; 16:59. [PMID: 25887406 PMCID: PMC4328429 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-015-1283-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2014] [Accepted: 01/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Recent studies have indicated that low serum testosterone levels are associated with increased risk of developing hepatic steatosis; however, the mechanisms mediating this phenomenon have not been fully elucidated. To gain insight into the role of testosterone in modulating hepatic steatosis, we investigated the effects of testosterone on the development of hepatic steatosis in pigs fed a high-fat and high-cholesterol (HFC) diet and profiled hepatic gene expression by RNA-Seq in HFC-fed intact male pigs (IM), castrated male pigs (CM), and castrated male pigs with testosterone replacement (CMT). Results Serum testosterone levels were significantly decreased in CM pigs, and testosterone replacement attenuated castration-induced testosterone deficiency. CM pigs showed increased liver injury accompanied by increased hepatocellular steatosis, inflammation, and elevated serum alanine aminotransferase levels compared with IM pigs. Moreover, serum levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides were markedly increased in CM pigs. Testosterone replacement decreased serum and hepatic lipid levels and improved liver injury in CM pigs. Compared to IM and CMT pigs, CM pigs had lower serum levels of superoxide dismutase but higher levels of malondialdehyde. Gene expression analysis revealed that upregulated genes in the livers of CM pigs were mainly enriched for genes mediating immune and inflammatory responses, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. Surprisingly, the downregulated genes mainly included those that regulate metabolism-related processes, including fatty acid oxidation, steroid biosynthesis, cholesterol and bile acid metabolism, and glucose metabolism. KEGG analysis showed that metabolic pathways, fatty acid degradation, pyruvate metabolism, the tricarboxylic acid cycle, and the nuclear factor-kappaB signaling pathway were the major pathways altered in CM pigs. Conclusions This study demonstrated that testosterone deficiency aggravated hypercholesterolemia and hepatic steatosis in pigs fed an HFC diet and that these effects could be reversed by testosterone replacement therapy. Impaired metabolic processes, enhanced immune and inflammatory responses, oxidative stress, and apoptosis may contribute to the increased hepatic steatosis induced by testosterone deficiency and an HFC diet. These results deepened our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of testosterone deficiency-induced hepatic steatosis and provided a foundation for future investigations. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12864-015-1283-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaowei Cai
- Laboratory Animal Research Center, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China.
| | - Xiaoling Jiang
- Department of Cancer Genetics, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Elm and Carlton Streets, Buffalo, NY, 14263, USA.
| | - Yongming Pan
- Laboratory Animal Research Center, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China.
| | - Liang Chen
- Laboratory Animal Research Center, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China.
| | - Lifan Zhang
- College of Animal Science, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 310058, China.
| | - Keyan Zhu
- Laboratory Animal Research Center, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China.
| | - Yueqin Cai
- Laboratory Animal Research Center, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China.
| | - Yun Ling
- Laboratory Animal Research Center, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China.
| | - Fangming Chen
- Laboratory Animal Research Center, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China.
| | - Xiaoping Xu
- Laboratory Animal Research Center, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China.
| | - Minli Chen
- Laboratory Animal Research Center, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China.
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Weitmann K, Hirt C, Schwarz S, Rabkin C, Dölken G, Hoffmann W. Influence of reproductive history and exogenous hormone use on prevalence and frequency of circulating t(14;18)-positive cells in a population-based cross-sectional study. Cancer Causes Control 2015; 26:455-65. [PMID: 25634026 PMCID: PMC4331597 DOI: 10.1007/s10552-015-0525-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2014] [Accepted: 01/10/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Purpose The t(14;18) translocation might represent an intermediate step in the pathogenesis of follicular lymphoma (FL), one of the most common subtypes of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Circulating t(14;18)-positive cells can also be detected in 30–60 % of healthy individuals at low frequencies. Some studies found a negative association between reproductive factors or use of menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) with FL. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether there is an association between number of frequencies, oral contraceptive (OC) use, menopausal status and MHT, and t(14;18) prevalence and frequency in a representative population analysis based on an epidemiologic study in the northeastern part of Germany. Methods The analysis is based on results of buffy coat samples from 1,981 women of the Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP-0) and data obtained in standardized face-to-face interviews. For prevalence, odds ratios (OR) and 95 % confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using unconditional logistic regression. Frequency data were analyzed using negative binomial regression. The multivariable models included age, number of pregnancies, menopausal status (premenopausal, natural, medical/surgical menopause), OC use and MHT as a measure for exogenous hormone exposure use. Results We found no association between reproductive history and combined exogenous hormone use on the prevalence of circulating t(14;18)-positive cells. Modeling MHT and OC use separately in a sensitivity analysis, the MHT parameter yielded statistical significance [OR 1.37 (95 % CI 1.04;1.81)]. t(14;18) frequency was associated with use of OC [incidence rate ratio (IRR) for ever use 3.18 (95 % CI 1.54;6.54)], current use [IRR 3.86 (1.56;9.54)], >10 years use [IRR 3.93 (1.67;9.23)] and MHT [restricted to postmenopausal women; IRR 2.63 (95 % CI 1.01;6.85)] in bivariate age-adjusted analyses. In the multivariable model, medical/surgical menopause [IRR 2.46 (1.11;5.44)] and the category ever use of OC and MHT were statistically significant [IRR 2.41 (1.09;5.33)]. Conclusions Exogenous hormone use might be a risk factor for t(14;18) frequency rather than for t(14;18) prevalence. Further research on healthy individuals carrying a t(14;18) translocation and possible risk factors for malignant lymphoma is necessary to determine the additional molecular or immunological events that have to occur to develop FL. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s10552-015-0525-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerstin Weitmann
- Department Epidemiology of Health Care and Community Health, Institute for Community Medicine, University Medicine Greifswald, Ellernholzstr. 1-2, 17487, Greifswald, Germany,
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Partridge C, Rodgers CM, Knapp R, Neff BD. Androgen effects on immune gene expression during parental care in bluegill sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus). CAN J ZOOL 2015. [DOI: 10.1139/cjz-2014-0157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Reproductive efforts are energetically costly and often result in significant trade-offs with other metabolic processes. In many animals, androgens influence how this energy is allocated during the breeding period. In this study, androgen levels of parental bluegill sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus Rafinesque, 1819) were manipulated by implanting males with either 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT) or flutamide (an androgen receptor antagonist) shortly after spawning. Parental behaviours were assessed for 3 days after implantation. Differential brain gene expression between the two groups was examined using a 44 000 microarray gene chip. We found that 11-KT-implanted males exhibited lower levels of expression of genes related to immune function compared with flutamide-implanted males, suggesting that high androgen levels negatively affect the male immune system. These data thus indicate that a significant trade-off may exist between maintaining high levels of androgens and decreased immune function in parental male bluegill.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlyn Partridge
- Department of Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5B7, Canada
| | - Chandra M.C. Rodgers
- Department of Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5B7, Canada
| | - Rosemary Knapp
- Department of Biology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019, USA
| | - Bryan D. Neff
- Department of Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5B7, Canada
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Abstract
It has become a current social trend for women to delay childbearing. However, the quality of oocytes from older females is compromised and the pregnancy rate of older women is lower. With the increased rate of delayed childbearing, it is becoming more and more crucial to understand the mechanisms underlying the compromised quality of oocytes from older women, including mitochondrial dysfunctions, aneuploidy and epigenetic changes. Establishing proper epigenetic modifications during oogenesis and early embryo development is an important aspect in reproduction. The reprogramming process may be influenced by external and internal factors that result in improper epigenetic changes in germ cells. Furthermore, germ cell epigenetic changes might be inherited by the next generations. In this review, we briefly summarise the effects of ageing on oocyte quality. We focus on discussing the relationship between ageing and epigenetic modifications, highlighting the epigenetic changes in oocytes from advanced-age females and in post-ovulatory aged oocytes as well as the possible underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao-Jia Ge
- Reproductive Medicine CenterHenan Provincial People's Hospital, #7 Weiwu Road, Jinshui District, Zhengzhou, Henan Province 450003, People's Republic of ChinaState Key Laboratory of Reproductive BiologyInstitute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, #1 Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101, People's Republic of ChinaReproductive Medicine CenterPeople's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province 450003, People's Republic of ChinaDepartment of Veterinary PathobiologyUniversity of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211, USA Reproductive Medicine CenterHenan Provincial People's Hospital, #7 Weiwu Road, Jinshui District, Zhengzhou, Henan Province 450003, People's Republic of ChinaState Key Laboratory of Reproductive BiologyInstitute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, #1 Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101, People's Republic of ChinaReproductive Medicine CenterPeople's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province 450003, People's Republic of ChinaDepartment of Veterinary PathobiologyUniversity of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211, USA Reproductive Medicine CenterHenan Provincial People's Hospital, #7 Weiwu Road, Jinshui District, Zhengzhou, Henan Province 450003, People's Republic of ChinaState Key Laboratory of Reproductive BiologyInstitute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, #1 Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101, People's Republic of ChinaReproductive Medicine CenterPeople's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province 450003, People's Republic of ChinaDepartment of Veterinary PathobiologyUniversity of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211, USA
| | - Heide Schatten
- Reproductive Medicine CenterHenan Provincial People's Hospital, #7 Weiwu Road, Jinshui District, Zhengzhou, Henan Province 450003, People's Republic of ChinaState Key Laboratory of Reproductive BiologyInstitute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, #1 Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101, People's Republic of ChinaReproductive Medicine CenterPeople's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province 450003, People's Republic of ChinaDepartment of Veterinary PathobiologyUniversity of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211, USA
| | - Cui-Lian Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine CenterHenan Provincial People's Hospital, #7 Weiwu Road, Jinshui District, Zhengzhou, Henan Province 450003, People's Republic of ChinaState Key Laboratory of Reproductive BiologyInstitute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, #1 Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101, People's Republic of ChinaReproductive Medicine CenterPeople's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province 450003, People's Republic of ChinaDepartment of Veterinary PathobiologyUniversity of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211, USA Reproductive Medicine CenterHenan Provincial People's Hospital, #7 Weiwu Road, Jinshui District, Zhengzhou, Henan Province 450003, People's Republic of ChinaState Key Laboratory of Reproductive BiologyInstitute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, #1 Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101, People's Republic of ChinaReproductive Medicine CenterPeople's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province 450003, People's Republic of ChinaDepartment of Veterinary PathobiologyUniversity of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211, USA
| | - Qing-Yuan Sun
- Reproductive Medicine CenterHenan Provincial People's Hospital, #7 Weiwu Road, Jinshui District, Zhengzhou, Henan Province 450003, People's Republic of ChinaState Key Laboratory of Reproductive BiologyInstitute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, #1 Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101, People's Republic of ChinaReproductive Medicine CenterPeople's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province 450003, People's Republic of ChinaDepartment of Veterinary PathobiologyUniversity of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211, USA
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Menon S, Nightingale P, Trudgill N. Is hormone replacement therapy in post-menopausal women associated with a reduced risk of oesophageal cancer? United European Gastroenterol J 2014; 2:374-82. [PMID: 25360315 DOI: 10.1177/2050640614543736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2014] [Accepted: 06/21/2014] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The rise in oesophageal adenocarcinoma incidence in women with age is delayed compared with men until the post-menopausal period. A matched cohort study was therefore undertaken of post-menopausal women on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to examine the association between HRT, oesophageal cancer and the potentially associated conditions, reflux oesophagitis and Barrett's oesophagus. METHODS Women aged over 50 years within the UK General Practice Research Database with a history of HRT exposure were matched by age and general practice with controls without HRT exposure (1:1). Matched Cox-regression analysis was performed to estimate adjusted hazard ratios. RESULTS 51,851 HRT users and controls were studied. Prolonged HRT use for 5-10 years (hazard ratio 0.25 (95% CI 0.07-0.95)) and time-dependent covariates for increasing duration of HRT use (0.06 (0.01-0.43)) were associated with a reduced oesophageal cancer risk. HRT use was associated with reflux oesophagitis (1.27 (1.12-1.43)), but when analysis was confined to women with codes for both reflux oesophagitis and endoscopy there was no association (1.1 (0.81-1.44)), suggesting increased reporting of reflux symptoms among HRT users rather than an association with endoscopic reflux oesophagitis. CONCLUSION Long-term post-menopausal HRT may be associated with a reduced risk of oesophageal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shyam Menon
- Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, Wolverhampton, UK
| | - Peter Nightingale
- Wolfson Computer Laboratories, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, UK
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Gagnon DD, Gagnon SS, Rintamäki H, Törmäkangas T, Puukka K, Herzig KH, Kyröläinen H. The effects of cold exposure on leukocytes, hormones and cytokines during acute exercise in humans. PLoS One 2014; 9:e110774. [PMID: 25338085 PMCID: PMC4206434 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0110774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2014] [Accepted: 09/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of the study was to examine the effects of exercise on total leukocyte count and subsets, as well as hormone and cytokine responses in a thermoneutral and cold environment, with and without an individualized pre-cooling protocol inducing low-intensity shivering. Nine healthy young men participated in six experimental trials wearing shorts and t-shirts. Participants exercised for 60 min on a treadmill at low (LOW: 50% of peak VO2) and moderate (MOD: 70% VO2peak) exercise intensities in a climatic chamber set at 22°C (NT), and in 0°C (COLD) with and without a pre-exercise low-intensity shivering protocol (SHIV). Core and skin temperature, heart rate and oxygen consumption were collected continuously. Blood samples were collected before and at the end of exercise to assess endocrine and immunological changes. Core temperature in NT was greater than COLD and SHIV by 0.4±0.2°C whereas skin temperature in NT was also greater than COLD and SHIV by 8.5±1.4°C and 9.3±2.5°C respectively in MOD. Total testosterone, adenocorticotropin and cortisol were greater in NT vs. COLD and SHIV in MOD. Norepinephrine was greater in NT vs. other conditions across intensities. Interleukin-2, IL-5, IL-7, IL-10, IL-17, IFN-γ, Rantes, Eotaxin, IP-10, MIP-1β, MCP-1, VEGF, PDGF, and G-CSF were elevated in NT vs. COLD and/or SHIV. Furthermore, IFN-γ, MIP-1β, MCP-1, IL-10, VEGF, and PDGF demonstrate greater concentrations in SHIV vs. COLD, mainly in the MOD condition. This study demonstrated that exercising in the cold can diminish the exercise-induced systemic inflammatory response seen in a thermoneutral environment. Nonetheless, prolonged cooling inducing shivering thermogenesis prior to exercise, may induce an immuno-stimulatory response following moderate intensity exercise. Performing exercise in cold environments can be a useful strategy in partially inhibiting the acute systemic inflammatory response from exercise but oppositely, additional body cooling may reverse this benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominique D. Gagnon
- Institute of Biomedicine, Department of Physiology and Biocenter of Oulu, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
- Department of Biology of Physical Activity, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Sheila S. Gagnon
- Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada
| | - Hannu Rintamäki
- Institute of Biomedicine, Department of Physiology and Biocenter of Oulu, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
- Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Oulu, Finland
| | - Timo Törmäkangas
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Katri Puukka
- NordLab Oulu, Oulu University Hospital and Department of Clinical Chemistry, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Karl-Heinz Herzig
- Institute of Biomedicine, Department of Physiology and Biocenter of Oulu, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
- Medical Research Center Oulu and Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
| | - Heikki Kyröläinen
- Department of Biology of Physical Activity, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
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Diethylstilbestrol exposure in neonatal mice induces changes in the adulthood in the immune response to taenia crassiceps without modifications of parasite loads. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:498681. [PMID: 25243144 PMCID: PMC4163381 DOI: 10.1155/2014/498681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2014] [Revised: 07/17/2014] [Accepted: 08/01/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Industrial growth has increased the exposition to endocrine disruptor compounds (EDC's), which are exogenous agents with agonist or antagonist action of endogenous steroid hormones that may affect the course of parasite infections. We wanted to determine if the exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES), an estrogen agonist, to both male and female mice affected the immune response and their susceptibility to T. crassiceps cysticercosis. In all infected groups, females showed higher parasite loads than males, and neonatal DES administration did not modify this pattern. In the spleen, noninfected mice showed sex-related differences in the percentage of the CD8+ subpopulation, but DES decreased the percentage of CD3+, CD19+, and CD8+ subpopulations in infected mice. In the mesenteric lymphatic node (MNL), DES showed a dimorphic effect in the percentage of CD19+ cells. Regarding estrogen receptor alpha (ER-α) expression, DES treatment induced a reduction in the expression of this receptor in both noninfected female and male mice in the spleen, which was decreased only in males in CD3+ and CD8+ lymphocytes in MNL cell subpopulations. Our study is the first one to demonstrate that DES neonatal treatment in male and female mice affects the immune cell percentage, without effect on the susceptibility to T. crassiceps cysticercosis.
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Tripathi MK, Singh R. Differential suppressive effects of testosterone on immune function in fresh water snake, Natrix piscator: an in vitro study. PLoS One 2014; 9:e104431. [PMID: 25101765 PMCID: PMC4125189 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0104431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2014] [Accepted: 07/09/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Reptiles represent the crucial phylogenetic group as they were the ancestors of both birds and mammals hence very important to study. The objectives of the present study were to investigate the potential roles of testosterone in the innate immune responses and splenic lymphocyte proliferation in fresh water snake, Natrix piscator. Animals were mildly anesthetized and spleens were taken out to study the splenic macrophage phagocytosis, super oxide production and nitrite release using in vitro testosterone. Splenic lymphocytes were isolated by density gradient centrifugation and were studied for mitogen induced proliferation in presence of in vitro testosterone. Testosterone suppressed the phagocytosis and nitrite release in a concentration dependent manner. Biphasic suppressive effect of testosterone was observed in superoxide production as judged by reduction of nitroblue tetrazolium salt where salt reduction was suppressed at lower and higher concentrations of testosterone. Mitogen induced splenic lymphocyte proliferation was also suppressed by testosterone. By suppressing immune responses, testosterone may, therefore, act as a physiological mechanism regulating the relative amount of energy invested into either reproductive effort or immunocompetence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manish Kumar Tripathi
- Department of Zoology, Udai Pratap Autonomous College, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Ramesh Singh
- Department of Zoology, Udai Pratap Autonomous College, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
- * E-mail:
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Rahimi Darabad R, Suzuki T, Richards SM, Jakobiec FA, Zakka FR, Barabino S, Sullivan DA. Does estrogen deficiency cause lacrimal gland inflammation and aqueous-deficient dry eye in mice? Exp Eye Res 2014; 127:153-60. [PMID: 25084452 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2014.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2014] [Revised: 07/17/2014] [Accepted: 07/21/2014] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Researchers have proposed that estrogen deficiency will lead to a Sjögren's syndrome (SjS)-like lacrimal gland inflammation, aqueous tear deficiency and dry eye. The purpose of this study was to determine whether this proposal is correct. Lacrimal glands were obtained from adult, age-matched wild type (WT) and aromatase knockout (ArKO) mice, in which estrogen synthesis is completely eliminated. Tissues were also obtained from autoimmune MRL/Mp-lpr/lpr (MRL/lpr) mice as inflammation controls. Tear volumes in WT and ArKO mice were measured and glands were processed for molecular biological and histological evaluation. Our results demonstrate that estrogen absence does not lead to a SjS-like inflammation in lacrimal tissue or to an aqueous-deficient dry eye. There was no upregulation of genes associated with inflammatory pathways in lacrimal glands of male or female ArKO mice. Such inflammatory activity was prominent in autoimmune MRL/lpr tissues. We also found no evidence of inflammation in lacrimal gland tissue sections of estrogen-deficient mice, and tear volumes of ArKO males were actually increased as compared to those WT controls. Interestingly, our study did show that estrogen absence influences the expression of thousands of lacrimal gland genes, and that this impact is sex- and genotype-specific. Our findings demonstrate that estrogen absence is not a risk factor for the development of SjS-like lacrimal gland inflammation or for aqueous-deficient dry eye in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raheleh Rahimi Darabad
- Schepens Eye Research Institute, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Tomo Suzuki
- Schepens Eye Research Institute, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Stephen M Richards
- Schepens Eye Research Institute, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Frederick A Jakobiec
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Fouad R Zakka
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Stefano Barabino
- Schepens Eye Research Institute, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David A Sullivan
- Schepens Eye Research Institute, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, MA, USA.
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Grishina I, Fenton A, Sankaran-Walters S. Gender differences, aging and hormonal status in mucosal injury and repair. Aging Dis 2014; 5:160-9. [PMID: 24729941 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2014.0500160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2014] [Revised: 02/06/2014] [Accepted: 02/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
As the "baby boomers" age, the percentage of the population over sixty-five years of age is increasing rapidly. Chronic disease management is an important component in the care of the elderly. The effects of aging on different organ systems are also pertinent; such as the weakening homeostatic response to injury in the older individuals. Mucosal surfaces have the largest combined surface area in the body and are the site of important host microbe interactions, especially in the gut which is prone to injury, both from local and systemic insult. This susceptibility has been known to increase with age. Therefore it is important to understand the interplay between aging, injury and recovery at the mucosal surface. Sex hormones play an important role in the maintenance of the mucosal barrier function as well as the mucosa associated immune function in both genders. Menopause in women is a defined time period in which major hormonal changes occur such as a decline in systemic estradiol levels. The differential levels of sex hormones contribute to the sexual dimorphism seen in response to injury at the mucosal surface, prior to and following menopause. Thus the effect of sex hormone and aging on mucosal mechanisms in response to injury is an important area of investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anne Fenton
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of CA, Davis, One Shields Ave, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Sumathi Sankaran-Walters
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of CA, Davis, One Shields Ave, Davis, CA 95616, USA
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Quillinan N, Deng G, Grewal H, Herson PS. Androgens and stroke: good, bad or indifferent? Exp Neurol 2014; 259:10-5. [PMID: 24512750 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2014.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2013] [Revised: 01/28/2014] [Accepted: 02/02/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Cerebral ischemia caused by loss of blood supply to the brain during cardiac arrest or stroke are major causes of death and disability. Biological sex is an important factor in predicting vulnerability of the brain to an ischemic insult, with males being at higher risk for cardio-cerebrovascular events than females of the same age. However, relative incidence of stroke between the genders appears to normalize at advanced ages. Therefore, many scientists have focused on the mechanisms of sex differences in outcome following brain ischemic injury, with a particular emphasis on the role of sex steroids. The majority of studies indicate that female sex steroids, such as estrogen and progesterone, play important roles in the relative neuroprotection following cerebral ischemia observed in females. However, less is known about male sex steroids and brain damage. This review describes the state of our knowledge of androgen-related contributions to neurological injury and recovery following cerebral ischemia that occurs following stroke. Experimental studies examining the effects of castration, androgenic agonists and antagonists and aging provide valuable insights into the role of androgens in clinical outcome following cerebrovascular events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nidia Quillinan
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, 12800 E. 19th Ave., Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Guiying Deng
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, 12800 E. 19th Ave., Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Himmat Grewal
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, 12800 E. 19th Ave., Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Paco S Herson
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, 12800 E. 19th Ave., Aurora, CO 80045, USA; Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, 12800 E. 19th Ave., Aurora, CO 80045, USA.
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65
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Systems analysis of sex differences reveals an immunosuppressive role for testosterone in the response to influenza vaccination. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2013; 111:869-74. [PMID: 24367114 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1321060111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 442] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Females have generally more robust immune responses than males for reasons that are not well-understood. Here we used a systems analysis to investigate these differences by analyzing the neutralizing antibody response to a trivalent inactivated seasonal influenza vaccine (TIV) and a large number of immune system components, including serum cytokines and chemokines, blood cell subset frequencies, genome-wide gene expression, and cellular responses to diverse in vitro stimuli, in 53 females and 34 males of different ages. We found elevated antibody responses to TIV and expression of inflammatory cytokines in the serum of females compared with males regardless of age. This inflammatory profile correlated with the levels of phosphorylated STAT3 proteins in monocytes but not with the serological response to the vaccine. In contrast, using a machine learning approach, we identified a cluster of genes involved in lipid biosynthesis and previously shown to be up-regulated by testosterone that correlated with poor virus-neutralizing activity in men. Moreover, men with elevated serum testosterone levels and associated gene signatures exhibited the lowest antibody responses to TIV. These results demonstrate a strong association between androgens and genes involved in lipid metabolism, suggesting that these could be important drivers of the differences in immune responses between males and females.
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66
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Castro CL, Aguiar-Nemer AS, Castro-Faria-Neto HC, Barros FR, Rocha EMS, Silva-Fonseca VA. Effect of chronic ethanol consumption in female rats subjected to experimental sepsis. Braz J Med Biol Res 2013; 46:1033-1039. [PMID: 24345912 PMCID: PMC3935275 DOI: 10.1590/1414-431x20133189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2013] [Accepted: 09/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of this research was to evaluate the interference of ethanol consumption by female rats with cytokines involved in the sepsis process and its correlation with mortality, the main outcome of sepsis. Female Wistar rats in estrus phase were evaluated in three experiments. Experiment 1 (n=40) was performed to determine survival rates. Experiment 2 (n=69) was designed for biochemical analysis, measurement of cytokine and estrogen levels before and after sepsis, and experiment 3 (n=10) was performed to evaluate bacterial growth by colony counts of peritoneal fluid. In all experiments, treated animals were exposed to a 10% ethanol/water solution (v/v) as the single drinking source, while untreated animals were given tap water. After 4 weeks, sepsis was induced in the rats by ip injection of feces. In experiment 1, mortality in ethanol-exposed animals was delayed compared with those that drank water (48 h; P=0.0001). Experiment 2 showed increased tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and decreased interleukin-6 (IL-6) and macrophage migration inhibitory factor in septic animals exposed to ethanol compared to septic animals not exposed. Sepsis also increased TNF-α and IL-6 levels in both ethanol- and water-exposed groups. Biochemical analysis showed higher creatinine, alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase and decreased glucose levels in septic animals that were exposed to ethanol. In experiment 3, septic animals exposed to ethanol showed decreased numbers of colony-forming units than septic animals exposed to water. These results suggest that ethanol consumption delays the mortality of female rats in estrus phase after sepsis induction. Female characteristics, most probably sex hormones, may be involved in cytokine expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- C L Castro
- Universidade Federal Fluminense, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Patologia, NiteróiRJ, Brasil
| | - A S Aguiar-Nemer
- Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Departamento de Nutrição, Juiz de ForaMG, Brasil
| | - H C Castro-Faria-Neto
- FIOCRUZ, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Laboratório de Imunofarmacologia, Rio de JaneiroRJ, Brasil
| | - F R Barros
- Universidade Federal Fluminense, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Patologia, NiteróiRJ, Brasil
| | - E M S Rocha
- Universidade Federal Fluminense, Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, NiteróiRJ, Brasil
| | - V A Silva-Fonseca
- Universidade Federal Fluminense, Departamento de Fisiologia e Farmacologia, NiteróiRJ, Brasil
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67
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Lopes PC, Chan H, Demathieu S, González-Gómez PL, Wingfield JC, Bentley GE. The impact of exposure to a novel female on symptoms of infection and on the reproductive axis. Neuroimmunomodulation 2013; 20:348-60. [PMID: 24008626 DOI: 10.1159/000353779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2013] [Accepted: 06/13/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM Sickness behaviors are the behavioral alterations animals exhibit during the course of an infection, often accompanied by reduced reproductive activity. Adopting sickness behaviors may aid in overcoming the infection, by diverting energy from routine activities towards enhancement of the immune system. Nonetheless, sickness behaviors are plastic, being influenced by specific environmental and social circumstances. Here, we tested whether the presentation of a novel female to males suffering from a simulated infection could impact the behavioral effects of sickness, the reproductive axis, or both. METHODS Male zebra finches were housed in isolation and injected intramuscularly with lipopolysaccharide or saline. Behaviors were recorded before (3 h before injection) and after (3.5 h after injection) addition of a novel female to the cage for 30 min. Four hours after injection, we collected the brain and testis for the analysis of important reproductive axis modulators, gonadotropin-releasing hormone, and gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone, and to quantify gene expression of a proinflammatory cytokine involved in the regulation of sickness behaviors [interleukin (IL)-1β]. Testosterone was quantified in the plasma. RESULTS The presence of a novel female diminished sickness behaviors and induced alterations in the reproductive axis within 30 min, with no associated changes in brain gene expression of IL-1β. Social environment itself altered brain gene expression of IL-1β. CONCLUSIONS Male zebra finches prioritize the opportunity to mate versus investment in recovery from an infection, as determined by reduced expression of sickness behaviors when a potential mate was present. The behavioral effects of IL-1β appear to be context dependent in this species.
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Dorak MT, Karpuzoglu E. Gender differences in cancer susceptibility: an inadequately addressed issue. Front Genet 2012; 3:268. [PMID: 23226157 PMCID: PMC3508426 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2012.00268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 272] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2012] [Accepted: 11/06/2012] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The gender difference in cancer susceptibility is one of the most consistent findings in cancer epidemiology. Hematologic malignancies are generally more common in males and this can be generalized to most other cancers. Similar gender differences in non-malignant diseases including autoimmunity, are attributed to hormonal or behavioral differences. Even in early childhood, however, where these differences would not apply, there are differences in cancer incidence between males and females. In childhood, few cancers are more common in females, but overall, males have higher susceptibility. In Hodgkin lymphoma, the gender ratio reverses toward adolescence. The pattern that autoimmune disorders are more common in females, but cancer and infections in males suggests that the known differences in immunity may be responsible for this dichotomy. Besides immune surveillance, genome surveillance mechanisms also differ in efficiency between males and females. Other obvious differences include hormonal ones and the number of X chromosomes. Some of the differences may even originate from exposures during prenatal development. This review will summarize well-documented examples of gender effect in cancer susceptibility, discuss methodological issues in exploration of gender differences, and present documented or speculated mechanisms. The gender differential in susceptibility can give important clues for the etiology of cancers and should be examined in all genetic and non-genetic association studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Tevfik Dorak
- Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Florida International University Miami, FL, USA
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69
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Cardoso AM, Bagatini MD, Roth MA, Martins CC, Rezer JFP, Mello FF, Lopes LFD, Morsch VM, Schetinger MRC. Acute effects of resistance exercise and intermittent intense aerobic exercise on blood cell count and oxidative stress in trained middle-aged women. Braz J Med Biol Res 2012; 45:1172-82. [PMID: 23090122 PMCID: PMC3854236 DOI: 10.1590/s0100-879x2012007500166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2011] [Accepted: 08/20/2012] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to compare the effect of an intermittent intense aerobic exercise session and a resistance exercise session on blood cell counts and oxidative stress parameters in middle-aged women. Thirty-four women were selected and divided into three groups: RE group (performing 60 min of resistance exercises, N = 12), spinning group (performing 60 min of spinning, N = 12), and control group (not exercising regularly, N = 10). In both exercise groups, lymphocytes and monocytes decreased after 1-h recuperation (post-exercise) compared to immediately after exercise (P < 0.05). Immediately after exercise, in both exercised groups, a significant increase in TBARS (from 16.5 ± 2 to 25 ± 2 for the spinning group and from 18.6 ± 1 to 28.2 ± 3 nmol MDA/mL serum for the RE group) and protein carbonyl (from 1.0 ± 0.3 to 1.6 ± 0.2 for the spinning group and from 0.9 ± 0.2 to 1.5 ± 0.2 nmol/mg protein for the RE group) was observed (P < 0.05). A decrease in antioxidant activities (non-protein sulfhydryl, superoxide dismutase, catalase) was also demonstrated with a negative correlation between damage markers and antioxidant body defenses (P < 0.05). These results indicate that an acute bout of intermittent or anaerobic exercise induces immune suppression and increases the production of reactive oxygen species, causing oxidative stress in middle-aged and trained women. Furthermore, we demonstrated that trained women show improved antioxidant capacity and lower oxidative damage than sedentary ones, demonstrating the benefits of chronic regular physical activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M Cardoso
- Departamento de Química, Centro de Ciências Naturais e Exatas, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brasil
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Abstract
Steroid sex hormones have a significant effect on different organ systems. As far as gingiva is concerned, they can influence the cellular proliferation, differentiation and growth of keratinocytes and fibroblasts. Estrogen is mainly responsible for alterations in blood vessels and progesterone stimulates the production of inflammatory mediators. In addition, some micro-organisms found in the human mouth synthesize enzymes needed for steroid synthesis and catabolism. In women, during puberty, ovulation, pregnancy, and menopause, there is an increase in the production of sex steroid hormones which results in increased gingival inflammation, characterized by gingival enlargement, increased gingival bleeding, and cervicular fluid flow and microbial changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit Bhardwaj
- Department of Periodontics and Oral Implantology, SGT Dental College, Gurgaon, Haryana, India
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71
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Leposavic G, Perisic M, Pilipovic I. Role of gonadal hormones in programming developmental changes in thymopoietic efficiency and sexual diergism in thymopoiesis. Immunol Res 2012; 52:7-19. [PMID: 22407539 DOI: 10.1007/s12026-012-8278-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
There is a growing body of evidence indicating the important role of the neonatal steroid milieu in programming sexually diergic changes in thymopoietic efficiency, which in rodents occur around puberty and lead to a substantial phenotypic and functional remodeling of the peripheral T-cell compartment. This in turn leads to an alteration in the susceptibility to infection and various immunologically mediated pathologies. Our laboratory has explored interdependence in the programming and development of the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal axis and thymus using experimental model of neonatal androgenization. We have outlined critical points in the complex process of T-cell development depending on neonatal androgen imprinting and the peripheral outcome of these changes and have pointed to underlying mechanisms. Our research has particularly contributed to an understanding of the putative role of changes in catecholamine-mediated communications in the thymopoietic alterations in adult neonatally androgenized rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gordana Leposavic
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Belgrade, 450 Vojvode Stepe, 11221 Belgrade, Serbia.
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72
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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: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Kovats
- Arthritis & Clinical Immunology Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, 825 NE 13th St., Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA.
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73
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Schwarz JM, Bilbo SD. Sex, glia, and development: interactions in health and disease. Horm Behav 2012; 62:243-53. [PMID: 22387107 PMCID: PMC3374064 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2012.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 180] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2011] [Revised: 02/14/2012] [Accepted: 02/15/2012] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Microglia and astrocytes are the primary immune cells within the central nervous system. Microglia influence processes including neural development, synaptic plasticity and cognition; while their activation and production of immune molecules can induce stereotyped sickness behaviors or pathologies including cognitive dysfunction. Given their role in health and disease, we propose that glia may also be a critical link in understanding the etiology of many neuropsychiatric disorders that present with a strong sex-bias in their symptoms or prevalence. Specifically, males are more likely to be diagnosed with disorders that have distinct developmental origins such as autism or schizophrenia. In contrast, females are more likely to be diagnosed with disorders that present later in life, after the onset of adolescence, such as depression and anxiety disorders. In this review we will summarize the evidence suggesting that sex differences in the colonization and function of glia within the normal developing brain may contribute to distinct windows of vulnerability between males and females. We will also highlight the current gaps in our knowledge as well as the future directions and considerations of research aimed at understanding the link between neuroimmune function and sex differences in mental health disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaclyn M Schwarz
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, 572 Research Dr. Rm 3017, Durham, NC 27705, USA.
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Analysis of In Vitro Effects of Sex Steroids on Lymphocyte Responsiveness in Murrah Buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis). Vet Med Int 2012; 2012:139589. [PMID: 22619742 PMCID: PMC3350872 DOI: 10.1155/2012/139589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2011] [Accepted: 02/13/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Present study was carried out on forty four apparently healthy Murrah buffaloes of different age groups of both sexes to investigate the effects of sex steroids on cell mediated immunity in vitro. Estrogen inhibited proliferation in mitogen-stimulated lymphocytes from prepubertal but not post pubertal buffaloes of either sex. Estrogen at 100 pg/mL concentration stimulating the proliferation significantly (P < 0.05). in all groups and had higher stimulatory effect in lymphocytes from day 10 than day 0 of estrous cycle. Progesterone inhibited lymphocyte proliferation, and inhibition was directly related to the dose, in all groups of either sex. Testosterone did not inhibit proliferation at any dose level and did not show any consistent and lucid effects on lymphocyte proliferation. Present study revealed that buffalo lymphocytes produce appreciable amounts of NO in culture system after treatment with estradiol. Significantly high levels of NO in culture supernatant were found in prepubertal buffalo calves and least in post pubertal buffaloes, which had an inverse relation with lymphocyte proliferation in presence of estradiol. NO in culture supernatant was high at the lowest dose of progesterone which was proportional to the lymphocyte proliferation when treated with progesterone. No significant difference in NO culture supernatant was observed between different concentrations of testosterone treatment.
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Hwang TL, Chen CY. Gender different response to immunonutrition in liver cirrhosis with sepsis in rats. Nutrients 2012; 4:231-42. [PMID: 22666548 PMCID: PMC3347029 DOI: 10.3390/nu4030231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2012] [Revised: 02/27/2012] [Accepted: 03/05/2012] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Females with sepsis have a better prognosis than males, while those of both genders with cirrhosis have a high mortality. Impaired immunity accompanies liver cirrhosis. The potential association between sex and immunologic response of cirrhotic rats in sepsis following immunonutrition was investigated. One hundred and forty-three rats were randomly divided into groups. Liver cirrhosis was produced by weekly feeding of CCl(4) for 8 weeks. Among them, 24 male and 19 female underwent castration one month before studying. The rats were fed with either immune enhancing diet or control diet for five days, then sepsis was induced with cecal ligation and two holes puncture. Main outcomes included mortality and serum cytokines (IL-1β, 6, and 10). Comparisons were made both within and between genders. Cirrhotic non-castrated male rats showed a significant decrease in mortality (64.1% vs. 32.1%, p = 0.032) with better survival than control diet following immune enhancing diet. Lower mortality of cirrhotic non-castrated female rats was found after immune enhancing diet (69.6% vs. 52.1%, p = 0.365). Cirrhotic castrated male rats showed a lower mortality (44.4%) following immune enhancing diet, and cirrhotic castrated female rats also showed significantly lower mortality and better survival than control diet after immune enhancing diet (87.5% vs. 33.3%, p = 0.004). Plasma concentrations of IL-1β were higher in non-oophorectomized female rats fed with control diet compared to immune enhancing diet. Non-orchidectomized males and non-oophorectomized females exhibited similar increases in IL-10 after immune enhancing diet. Our results demonstrated that immunonutrition was more beneficial for male than female cirrhotic rats following sepsis. Though orchidectomy was not found to be more advantageous for the normal male rats in sepsis, immunonutrition seemed to be as important as sex hormone for female rats in sepsis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsann-Long Hwang
- Department of Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University, Tao-Yuan 333, Taiwan.
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Bodhankar S, Offner H. GPR30 FORMS AN INTEGRAL PART OF E2-PROTECTIVE PATHWAY IN EXPERIMENTAL AUTOIMMUNE ENCEPHALOMYELITIS. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 11:262-274. [PMID: 22247749 DOI: 10.2174/1871522211108040262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
A major focus of our laboratory has been an in-depth evaluation as to how estrogens exert a pronounced protective effect on clinical and histological disease in the animal model of multiple sclerosis (MS), experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). An important issue regarding their therapeutic application has been the undesirable estrogenic side effects thought to be mediated primarily through 17β-estradiol (E2) binding to intracellular estrogen receptor alpha (ERα). With the discovery and characterization of GPR30 as the putative membrane estrogen receptor, we sought to study whether signaling through GPR30 was sufficient to mediate protection against EAE without engagement of ERα. Treatment of EAE in WT mice with G-1, a selective GPR30 agonist, retained estradiol's ability to protect against clinical and histological EAE without estrogenic side effects. G-1 treatment deviated cytokine profiles and enhanced suppressive activity of CD4(+)Foxp3(+) Treg cells through a GPR30- and programmed death 1 (PD-1)-dependent mechanism. This novel finding was indicative of the protective effect of GPR30 activation in EAE and provides a strong foundation for the clinical application of GPR30 agonists such as G-1 in MS. However, future studies are needed to elucidate cross-signaling and evaluate possible additive effects of combined signaling through both GPR30 and ER-α. Deciphering the possible mechanism of involvement of GPR30 in estrogen-mediated protection against EAE may result in lowering treatment doses of E2 and GPR30 agonists that could minimize risks and maximize immunoregulation and therapeutic effects in MS. Alternatively, one might envision using E2 derivatives with reduced estrogenic activity alone or in combination with GPR30 agonists as therapies for both male and female MS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheetal Bodhankar
- Neuroimmunology Research, Portland VA Medical Center, Portland, OR, USA
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Abstract
Stress is a constant factor in today's fastpaced life that can jeopardize our health if left unchecked. It is only in the last half century that the role of stress in every ailment from the common cold to AIDS has been emphasized, and the mechanisms involved in this process have been studied. Stress influences the immune response presumably through the activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary adrenal axis, hypothalamic pituitary-gonadal axis, and the sympathetic-adrenal-medullary system. Various neurotransmitters, neuropeptides, hormones, and cytokines mediate these complex bidirectional interactions between the central nervous system (CNS) and the immune system. The effects of stress on the immune responses result in alterations in the number of immune cells and cytokine dysregulation. Various stress management strategies such as meditation, yoga, hypnosis, and muscle relaxation have been shown to reduce the psychological and physiological effects of stress in cancers and HIV infection. This review aims to discuss the effect of stress on the immune system and examine how relaxation techniques such as Yoga and meditation could regulate the cytokine levels and hence, the immune responses during stress.
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78
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Escribese MM, Rodríguez-García M, Sperling R, Engel SM, Gallart T, Moran TM. Alpha-defensins 1-3 release by dendritic cells is reduced by estrogen. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2011; 9:118. [PMID: 21861873 PMCID: PMC3175176 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-9-118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2011] [Accepted: 08/23/2011] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND During pregnancy the immune system of the mother must protect any activation that may negatively affect the fetus. Changes in susceptibility to infection as well as resolution of some autoimmune disorders represent empirical evidence for pregnancy related alterations in immunity. Sex hormones reach extremely high levels during pregnancy and have been shown to have direct effects on many immune functions including the antiviral response of dendritic cells. Among the immunologically active proteins secreted by monocyte derived DCs (MDDC) are the alpha-defensins 1-3. This family of cationic antimicrobial peptides has a broad spectrum of microbicidal activity and has also been shown to link innate to adaptive immunity by attracting T cells and immature DCs, which are essential for initiating and polarizing the immune response. METHODS We compare culture-generated monocyte derived DCs (MDDCs) with directly isolated myeloid dendritic cells (mDCs) and plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) and measure their alpha-defensins 1-3 secretion by ELISA both, in basal situations and after hormone (E2 or PG) treatments. Moreover, using a cohort of pregnant women we isolated mDCs from blood and also measure the levels of these anti-microbial peptides along pregnancy. RESULTS We show that mDCs and pDCs constitutively produce alpha-defensins 1-3 and at much higher levels than MDDCs. Alpha-defensins 1-3 production from mDCs and MDDCs but not pDCs is inhibited by E2. PG does not affect alpha-defensins 1-3 in any of the populations. Moreover, alpha-defensins 1-3 production by mDCs was reduced in the later stages of pregnancy in 40% of the patients. CONCLUSIONS Here, we demonstrate that mDCs and pDCs secrete alpha-defensins 1-3 and present a novel effect of E2 on the secretion of alpha-defensins 1-3 by dendritic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria M Escribese
- Department of Microbiology, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Immunology Institute, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Infections Biology, CIB, CSIC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Rodríguez-García
- Service of Immunology, Hospital Clinic Universitari de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Physiology, Dartmouth Medical School, Lebanon, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Rhoda Sperling
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Mount Sinai School, of Medicine, New York, NY,USA
| | - Stephanie M Engel
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Teresa Gallart
- Service of Immunology, Hospital Clinic Universitari de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Thomas M Moran
- Department of Microbiology, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Immunology Institute, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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79
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A Chuffa LG, Seiva FRF, Fávaro WJ, Teixeira GR, Amorim JPA, Mendes LO, Fioruci BA, Pinheiro PFF, Fernandes AAH, Franci JAA, Delella FK, Martinez M, Martinez FE. Melatonin reduces LH, 17 beta-estradiol and induces differential regulation of sex steroid receptors in reproductive tissues during rat ovulation. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2011; 9:108. [PMID: 21810236 PMCID: PMC3161940 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-9-108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2011] [Accepted: 08/02/2011] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Melatonin is associated with direct or indirect actions upon female reproductive function. However, its effects on sex hormones and steroid receptors during ovulation are not clearly defined. This study aimed to verify whether exposure to long-term melatonin is able to cause reproductive hormonal disturbances as well as their role on sex steroid receptors in the rat ovary, oviduct and uterus during ovulation. METHODS Twenty-four adult Wistar rats, 60 days old (+/-250 g) were randomly divided into two groups. Control group (Co): received 0.9% NaCl 0.3 mL+95% ethanol 0.04 mL as vehicle; Melatonin-treated group (MEL): received vehicle+melatonin [100 μg/100 g BW/day] both intraperitoneally during 60 days. All animals were euthanized by decapitation during the morning estrus at 4 a.m. RESULTS Melatonin significantly reduced the plasma levels of LH and 17 beta-estradiol, while urinary 6-sulfatoximelatonin (STM) was increased at the morning estrus. In addition, melatonin promoted differential regulation of the estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), androgen receptor (AR) and melatonin receptor (MTR) along the reproductive tissues. In ovary, melatonin induced a down-regulation of ER-alpha and PRB levels. Conversely, it was observed that PRA and MT1R were up-regulated. In oviduct, AR and ER-alpha levels were down-regulated, in contrast to high expression of both PRA and PRB. Finally, the ER-beta and PRB levels were down-regulated in uterus tissue and only MT1R was up-regulated. CONCLUSIONS We suggest that melatonin partially suppress the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovarian axis, in addition, it induces differential regulation of sex steroid receptors in the ovary, oviduct and uterus during ovulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luiz Gustavo A Chuffa
- Department of Structural and Cellular Biology, Institute of Biology, Universidade Estadual de Campinas - UNICAMP, Campinas-SP 13083-863, Brazil
- Department of Anatomy, Bioscience Institute, UNESP - Univ. Estadual Paulista, Botucatu-SP 18618-000, Brazil
| | - Fábio RF Seiva
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Bioscience Institute, UNESP - Univ. Estadual Paulista, Botucatu-SP 18618-000, Brazil
| | - Wagner José Fávaro
- Department of Anatomy, Bioscience Institute, UNESP - Univ. Estadual Paulista, Botucatu-SP 18618-000, Brazil
| | - Giovana R Teixeira
- Department of Anatomy, Bioscience Institute, UNESP - Univ. Estadual Paulista, Botucatu-SP 18618-000, Brazil
| | - João PA Amorim
- Department of Structural and Cellular Biology, Institute of Biology, Universidade Estadual de Campinas - UNICAMP, Campinas-SP 13083-863, Brazil
- Department of Anatomy, Bioscience Institute, UNESP - Univ. Estadual Paulista, Botucatu-SP 18618-000, Brazil
| | - Leonardo O Mendes
- Department of Structural and Cellular Biology, Institute of Biology, Universidade Estadual de Campinas - UNICAMP, Campinas-SP 13083-863, Brazil
- Department of Anatomy, Bioscience Institute, UNESP - Univ. Estadual Paulista, Botucatu-SP 18618-000, Brazil
| | - Beatriz A Fioruci
- Department of Structural and Cellular Biology, Institute of Biology, Universidade Estadual de Campinas - UNICAMP, Campinas-SP 13083-863, Brazil
- Department of Anatomy, Bioscience Institute, UNESP - Univ. Estadual Paulista, Botucatu-SP 18618-000, Brazil
| | | | - Ana Angélica H Fernandes
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Bioscience Institute, UNESP - Univ. Estadual Paulista, Botucatu-SP 18618-000, Brazil
| | - Janete AA Franci
- Department of Morphology, Stomatology and Physiology, USP - Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto-SP 14040-900, Brazil
| | - Flávia K Delella
- Department of Structural and Cellular Biology, Institute of Biology, Universidade Estadual de Campinas - UNICAMP, Campinas-SP 13083-863, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Martinez
- Department of Morphology and Pathology, UFSCar - Universidade Federal de São Carlos, São Carlos-SP 13565-905, Brazil
| | - Francisco E Martinez
- Department of Anatomy, Bioscience Institute, UNESP - Univ. Estadual Paulista, Botucatu-SP 18618-000, Brazil
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80
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Casagrande S, Groothuis TGG. The interplay between gonadal steroids and immune defence in affecting a carotenoid-dependent trait. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2011; 65:2007-2019. [PMID: 21957328 PMCID: PMC3172405 DOI: 10.1007/s00265-011-1210-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2011] [Revised: 05/30/2011] [Accepted: 05/31/2011] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
The hypothesis that sexual ornaments are honest signals of quality because their expression is dependent on hormones with immune-depressive effects has received ambiguous support. The hypothesis might be correct for those signals that are carotenoid-dependent because the required carotenoid deposition in the signal, stimulated by testosterone, might lower the carotenoid-dependent immune defence of the organism. Two pathways underlying this androgen-dependent honest signaling have been suggested. Firstly, androgens that are needed for ornament expression may suppress immune defence, a cost that only high-quality animals can afford. Alternatively, immune activation may downregulate the production of androgens in low-quality individuals. Which of these alternatives is correct, and to what extent these effects are mediated by the different metabolites of androgens, remain open questions. To provide answers to these questions, we manipulated the levels of testosterone (T), 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and 17-β-estradiol (E2) in diamond doves Geopelia cuneata, a species in which both sexes exhibit a carotenoid-dependent, androgen-regulated red–orange periorbital ring of bare skin. On the first day of the experiment (day 0), we inserted steroid-releasing implants into groups of birds and on day 14, we subjected half of the birds to an immunological challenge by immunizing them with sheep red blood cells (SRBC). In females, but not in males, androgen but not estradiol treatments reduced antibody production to SRBC. In addition, the immunological challenge reduced redness and size of the trait as well as androgens levels in both sexes and in all treatments. This indicates that an immunological challenge can lower circulating T at the cost of the trait expression. These findings are in accordance with both pathways postulated in the immunocompetence-handicap hypothesis, but do not entirely support the idea that the immunosuppressive effect of androgens yields honest signaling since both T and DHT were not immunosuppressive in males, for which sexual signaling is supposed to be especially important.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Casagrande
- Behavioural Biology, Centre for Behaviour and Neuroscience, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Evolutionary and Functional Biology, University of Parma, 43100 Parma, Italy
| | - Ton G. G. Groothuis
- Behavioural Biology, Centre for Behaviour and Neuroscience, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands
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81
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Dziennis S, Akiyoshi K, Subramanian S, Offner H, Hurn PD. Role of dihydrotestosterone in post-stroke peripheral immunosuppression after cerebral ischemia. Brain Behav Immun 2011; 25:685-95. [PMID: 21262338 PMCID: PMC3081425 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2011.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2010] [Revised: 01/04/2011] [Accepted: 01/16/2011] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Stroke is a sexually dimorphic disease with male gender considered a disadvantage in terms of risk and disease outcome. In intact males, stroke induces peripheral immunosuppression, characterized by decreased splenocyte numbers and proliferation and altered percentages of viable T, B, and CD11b+ cells. To investigate whether the potent androgen and known immunomodulator, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), exacerbates post-stroke immunosuppression in castrated male mice after focal stroke, we evaluated the effect of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) on peripheral and central nervous system (CNS) immune responses in castrated mice with or without controlled levels of DHT. MCAO reduced spleen cell numbers in both groups, but altered T cell and B cell percentages in remaining splenocytes and concomitantly increased the percentage of CD11b+ blood cells solely in DHT-replaced animals at 24 h. Furthermore, DHT-replacement reduced splenocyte proliferation which was accompanied by an increased percentage of immunosuppressive regulatory T cells relative to castrates 96 h post-MCAO. In brain, the percentages of immune cell populations in the ischemic hemisphere relative to the non-ischemic hemisphere were similar between castrated and DHT-replaced mice after MCAO. These data suggest DHT modulates peripheral immunosuppression after MCAO but with relatively little effect on early immune response of the recovering CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzan Dziennis
- Department of Anesthesiology & Perioperative Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97123
| | - Kozaburo Akiyoshi
- Department of Anesthesiology & Perioperative Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97123
| | - Sandhya Subramanian
- Neuroimmunology Research, Veterans Affairs Medical Center; Portland, Oregon, 97239
| | - Halina Offner
- Department of Anesthesiology & Perioperative Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97123, Department of Neurology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97123, Neuroimmunology Research, Veterans Affairs Medical Center; Portland, Oregon, 97239
| | - Patricia D. Hurn
- Department of Anesthesiology & Perioperative Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97123
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82
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Zhu G, Pan D, Zheng T, Lan Q, Chen X, Chen Y, Kim C, Bi X, Holford T, Boyle P, Leaderer B, Chanock SJ, Rothman N, Zhang Y. Polymorphisms in Th1/Th2 cytokine genes, hormone replacement therapy, and risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Front Oncol 2011; 1. [PMID: 22180854 PMCID: PMC3237699 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2011.00021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
We conducted a population-based case–control study in Connecticut women to test the hypothesis that genetic variations in Th1 and Th2 cytokine genes modify the relationship between hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Compared to women without a history of HRT use, women with a history of HRT use had a significantly decreased risk of NHL if they carried IFNGR2 (rs1059293) CT/TT genotypes (OR = 0.5, 95%CI: 0.3–0.9), IL13 (rs20541) GG genotype (OR = 0.6, 95%CI: 0.4–0.9), and IL13 (rs1295686) CC genotype (OR = 0.6, 95%CI: 0.4–0.8), but not among women who carried IFNGR2 CC, IL13 AG/AA, and IL13CT/TT genotypes. A similar pattern was also observed for B-cell lymphoma but not for T-cell lymphoma. A statistically significant interaction was observed for IFNGR2 (rs1059293 Pfor interaction = 0.024), IL13(rs20541 Pfor interaction = 0.005), IL13 (rs1295686 Pfor interaction = 0.008), and IL15RA (rs2296135 Pfor interaction = 0.049) for NHL overall; IL13 (rs20541 Pfor interaction = 0.0009), IL13(rs1295686 Pfor interaction = 0.0002), and IL15RA (rs2296135 Pfor interaction = 0.041) for B-cell lymphoma. The results suggest that common genetic variation in Th1/Th2 pathway genes may modify the association between HRT and NHL risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gongjian Zhu
- Gansu Provincial Academy of Medical Sciences, Gansu Provincial Tumor Hospital, Lanzhou, China
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83
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Muehlenbein MP, Watts DP. The costs of dominance: testosterone, cortisol and intestinal parasites in wild male chimpanzees. Biopsychosoc Med 2010; 4:21. [PMID: 21143892 PMCID: PMC3004803 DOI: 10.1186/1751-0759-4-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2010] [Accepted: 12/09/2010] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Male members of primate species that form multi-male groups typically invest considerable effort into attaining and maintaining high dominance rank. Aggressive behaviors are frequently employed to acquire and maintain dominance status, and testosterone has been considered the quintessential physiological moderator of such behaviors. Testosterone can alter both neurological and musculoskeletal functions that may potentiate pre-existing patterns of aggression. However, elevated testosterone levels impose several costs, including increased metabolic rates and immunosuppression. Cortisol also limits immune and reproductive functions. METHODS To improve understanding of the relationships between dominance rank, hormones and infection status in nonhuman primates, we collected and analyzed 67 fecal samples from 22 wild adult male chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii) at Ngogo, Kibale National Park, Uganda. Samples were analyzed for cortisol and testosterone levels as well as intestinal parasite prevalence and richness. 1,700 hours of observation data were used to determine dominance rank of each animal. We hypothesized that dominance rank would be directly associated with fecal testosterone and cortisol levels and intestinal parasite burden. RESULTS Fecal testosterone (but not cortisol) levels were directly associated with dominance rank, and both testosterone and cortisol were directly associated with intestinal parasite richness (number of unique species recovered). Dominance rank was directly associated with helminth (but not protozoan) parasite richness, so that high ranking animals had higher testosterone levels and greater helminth burden. CONCLUSIONS One preliminary interpretation is that the antagonist pleiotropic effects of androgens and glucocorticoids place a cost on attaining and maintaining high dominance rank in this species. Because of the costs associated with elevated steroid levels, dominance status may be an honest signal of survivorship against helminth parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael P Muehlenbein
- Department of Anthropology, Indiana University, Student Building 130, 701 E. Kirkwood Ave., Bloomington, IN 47405 USA
| | - David P Watts
- Department of Anthropology, Yale University, P.O. Box 208277, New Haven, CT 06520 USA
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84
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Lin AA, Wojciechowski SE, Hildeman DA. Androgens suppress antigen-specific T cell responses and IFN-γ production during intracranial LCMV infection. J Neuroimmunol 2010; 226:8-19. [PMID: 20619904 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2010.05.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2008] [Revised: 05/06/2010] [Accepted: 05/06/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Intracranial (i.c.) lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) infection of mice results in T cell-driven anorexia and weight loss, which is diminished in males compared to females. We investigated sex-specific effects on antigen-presenting cells (APCs) and T cells after i.c. LCMV infection. Numbers of LCMV-specific T cells, APC activation, and levels of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in CSF were decreased in males compared to females. Orchidectomy enhanced these immune parameters in males, while dihydrotestosterone treatment of orchidectomized males and intact females decreased some of these parameters. These data suggest that qualitative and quantitative effects of androgens on APCs and T cells may contribute to the well-known, but poorly understood sex differences in immunity and autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adora A Lin
- Division of Immunobiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, 3333 Burnet Ave., MLC 7038, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
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85
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Brown CM, Mulcahey TA, Filipek NC, Wise PM. Production of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines during neuroinflammation: novel roles for estrogen receptors alpha and beta. Endocrinology 2010; 151:4916-25. [PMID: 20685874 PMCID: PMC2946152 DOI: 10.1210/en.2010-0371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Neuroinflammation is a common feature of many neurological disorders, and it is often accompanied by the release of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Estradiol-17β (E2) exhibits antiinflammatory properties, including the suppression of proinflammatory cytokines, in the central nervous system. However, the mechanisms employed by E2 and the role(s) of estrogen receptors (ERs) ERα and ERβ are unclear. To investigate these mechanisms, we employed an in vivo lipopolysaccharide (LPS) model of systemic inflammation in ovariectomized (OVX) and OVX and E2-treated (OVX+E2) mice. Brain levels of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-12p40) and chemokines (CCL2/MCP-1, CCL3/MIP-1α, CCL5/RANTES, and CXCL1/KC) were quantified in mice at 0 (sham), 3, 6, 12, and 24 h after infection using multiplex protein analysis. E2 treatment inhibited LPS-induced increases in all cytokines. In contrast, E2 treatment only suppressed CCL/RANTES chemokine concentrations. To determine whether ERα and ERβ regulate brain cytokine and chemokine levels, parallel experiments were conducted using ERα knockout and ERβ knockout mice. Our results revealed that both ERα and ERβ regulated proinflammatory cytokine and chemokine production through E2-dependent and E2-independent mechanisms. To assess whether breakdown of the blood-brain barrier is an additional target of E2 against LPS-induced neuroinflammation, we measured Evan's blue extravasation and identified distinct roles for ERα and ERβ. Taken together, these studies identify a dramatic cytokine- and chemokine-mediated neuroinflammatory response that is regulated through ERα- and ERβ-mediated ligand-dependent and ligand-independent mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Candice M Brown
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Washington, Box 356460, Seattle, Washington 98195-4640, USA.
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86
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Differential effects of testosterone, dihydrotestosterone and estradiol on carotenoid deposition in an avian sexually selected signal. J Comp Physiol A Neuroethol Sens Neural Behav Physiol 2010; 197:1-13. [PMID: 20824278 PMCID: PMC3016205 DOI: 10.1007/s00359-010-0579-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2010] [Revised: 08/21/2010] [Accepted: 08/23/2010] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies have demonstrated that carotenoid-based traits are under the control of testosterone (T) by up-regulation of carotenoid carriers (lipoproteins) and/or tissue-specific uptake of carotenoids. T can be converted to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and estradiol (E2), and variation in conversion rate may partly explain some contradictory findings in the literature. Moreover, most studies on the effect of T on sexual signals have focused on the male sex only, while in many species females show the same signal, albeit to a lesser extent. We studied the effects of T, DHT, and E2 treatment in male and female diamond doves Geopelia cuneata in which both sexes have an enlarged red eye ring, which is more pronounced in males. We first showed that this periorbital ring contains very high concentration of carotenoids, of which most are lutein esters. Both T and DHT were effective in enhancing hue, UV-chroma and size in both sexes, while E2 was ineffective. However, E2 dramatically increased the concentration of circulating lipoproteins. We conclude that in both sexes both color and size of the secondary sexual trait are androgen dependent. The action of androgens is independent of lipoproteins regulation. Potential mechanisms and their consequences for trade-off are discussed.
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87
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Ndebele K, Graham B, Tchounwou PB. Estrogenic activity of coumestrol, DDT, and TCDD in human cervical cancer cells. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2010; 7:2045-56. [PMID: 20623010 PMCID: PMC2898035 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph7052045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2010] [Revised: 03/30/2010] [Accepted: 04/03/2010] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Endogenous estrogens have dramatic and differential effects on classical endocrine organ and proliferation. Xenoestrogens are environmental estrogens that have endocrine impact, acting as both estrogen agonists and antagonists, but whose effects are not well characterized. In this investigation we sought to delineate effects of xenoestrogens. Using human cervical cancer cells (HeLa cells) as a model, the effects of representative xenoestrogens (Coumestrol-a phytoestrogen, tetrachlorodioxin (TCDD)-a herbicide and DDT-a pesticide) on proliferation, cell cycle, and apoptosis were examined. These xenoestrogens and estrogen inhibited the proliferation of Hela cells in a dose dependent manner from 20 to 120 nM suggesting, that 17-beta-estrtadiol and xenoestrogens induced cytotoxic effects. Coumestrol produced accumulation of HeLa cells in G2/M phase, and subsequently induced apoptosis. Similar effects were observed in estrogen treated cells. These changes were associated with suppressed bcl-2 protein and augmented Cyclins A and D proteins. DDT and TCDD exposure did not induce apoptosis. These preliminary data taken together, suggest that xenoestrogens have direct, compound-specific effects on HeLa cells. This study further enhances our understanding of environmental modulation of cervical cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth Ndebele
- The Laboratory of Cancer Immunology, Target Identification and Validation, College of Science, Engineering and Technology, Jackson State University, 1400 Lynch Street, P.O. Box 18540, Jackson, MS 39217, USA; E-Mails:
(K.N.);
(B.G.)
| | - Barbara Graham
- The Laboratory of Cancer Immunology, Target Identification and Validation, College of Science, Engineering and Technology, Jackson State University, 1400 Lynch Street, P.O. Box 18540, Jackson, MS 39217, USA; E-Mails:
(K.N.);
(B.G.)
| | - Paul B. Tchounwou
- Molecular Toxicology Research Laboratory, NIH- Center for Environmental Health, College of Science, Engineering and Technology, Jackson State University, 1400 Lynch Street, P.O. Box 18540, Jackson, MS 39217, USA
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail:
; Tel.:+1-601-979-0777; Fax: +1-601-979-0570
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88
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Klein SL, Jedlicka A, Pekosz A. The Xs and Y of immune responses to viral vaccines. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2010; 10:338-49. [PMID: 20417416 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(10)70049-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 556] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The biological differences associated with the sex of an individual are a major source of variation, affecting immune responses to vaccination. Compelling clinical data illustrate that men and women differ in their innate, humoral, and cell-mediated responses to viral vaccines. Sex affects the frequency and severity of adverse effects of vaccination, including fever, pain, and inflammation. Pregnancy can also substantially alter immune responses to vaccines. Data from clinical trials and animal models of vaccine efficacy lay the groundwork for future studies aimed at identifying the biological mechanisms that underlie sex-specific responses to vaccines, including genetic and hormonal factors. An understanding and appreciation of the effect of sex and pregnancy on immune responses might change the strategies used by public health officials to start efficient vaccination programmes (optimising the timing and dose of the vaccine so that the maximum number of people are immunised), ensure sufficient levels of immune responses, minimise adverse effects, and allow for more efficient protection of populations that are high priority (eg, pregnant women and individuals with comorbid conditions).
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabra L Klein
- W Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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van Dommelen SLH, Rizzitelli A, Chidgey A, Boyd R, Shortman K, Wu L. Regeneration of dendritic cells in aged mice. Cell Mol Immunol 2010; 7:108-15. [PMID: 20118970 DOI: 10.1038/cmi.2009.114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Age-related thymic involution causes a decreased output of thymocytes from the thymus, thereby resulting in impairment of T cell-mediated immunity. While alterations in the T cell and non-haematopoietic stromal compartments have been described, the effects of thymic involution on thymic dendritic cells (DC) are not clearly known. Thymic DC play an essential role in shaping T cell-mediated immune responses by deleting self-reactive thymocytes to establish central tolerance and by inducing regulatory T-cell (Treg) development. It is therefore important to assess the prevalence of and alterations to thymic DC with age, as this may impact on their function. We assessed the numbers and proportions of the three distinct subsets of thymic DC in ageing mice, and showed that these subsets are differentially regulated. This is expected as thymic DC subsets have different origins of development. We further assessed the responses of thymic DC in a regenerative environment, such as that induced by sex-steroid ablation (SSA), and clearly showed that, consistent with global thymus regrowth, all three DC populations increased in numbers and regained their relative proportions to thymocytes after an initial lag period. These findings are important for the clinical translation of thymic regenerative approaches, and indicate that SSA facilitates the maintenance of critical processes such as negative selection and Treg induction through promoting thymic DC regeneration.
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90
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Puri J, Hutchins B, Bellinger LL, Kramer PR. Estrogen and inflammation modulate estrogen receptor alpha expression in specific tissues of the temporomandibular joint. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2009; 7:155. [PMID: 20043825 PMCID: PMC2811708 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-7-155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2009] [Accepted: 12/31/2009] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Estrogen is known to play role in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders and estrogen effects can be mediated by estrogen receptor (ER) alpha present in the TMJ. Cells expressing the estrogen receptor ERalpha are present in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) but changes in expression due to estrogen and inflammation have not been characterized. In this study, ERalpha protein content and the number of cells expressing ERalpha was measured in 17 beta-estradiol-treated rats after inflammation was induced in the TMJ. METHODS Sixteen ovariectomized female rats were divided into two groups such that one group received 17 beta estradiol (E2) and the other was given vehicle (VEH). Groups were then subdivided further, one received injections of saline and the other received Complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) within the superior joint space of the TMJ. Thus the four groups include no E2/saline, E2/saline, no E2/CFA and E2/CFA. After treatment, the rats were sacrificed, and the TMJ anterior, disc, retrodiscal and synovial tissues were analyzed by western blot and immunocytochemistry. Positive stained cells were counted using a Nikon epifluorescent microscope. RESULTS The western blot showed that ERalpha protein significantly decreased with inflammation. The number of ERalpha-positive cells in the TMJ was not affected by inflammation or 17 beta-estradiol with exception of the retrodiscal tissue. In the retrodiscal tissue 17 beta-estradiol significantly decreased the number of ERalpha-positive cells but only in a non-inflamed joint. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, inflammation and 17 beta-estradiol can modulate ERalpha expression in the TMJ but the effects are tissue specific.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jyoti Puri
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Baylor College of Dentistry, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Bob Hutchins
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Baylor College of Dentistry, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Larry L Bellinger
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Baylor College of Dentistry, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Phillip R Kramer
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Baylor College of Dentistry, Dallas, Texas, USA
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91
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Dudakov JA, Goldberg GL, Reiseger JJ, Vlahos K, Chidgey AP, Boyd RL. Sex steroid ablation enhances hematopoietic recovery following cytotoxic antineoplastic therapy in aged mice. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2009; 183:7084-94. [PMID: 19890044 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.0900196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Cytotoxic antineoplastic therapy is widely used in the clinic as a treatment for malignant diseases. The treatment itself, however, leads to long-term depletion of the adaptive immune system, which is more pronounced in older patients, predominantly due to thymic atrophy. We and others have previously shown that withdrawal of sex steroids is able to regenerate the aged thymus and enhance recovery from autologous and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant. In this study we have examined the effects of sex steroid ablation (SSA) on the recovery of lymphopoiesis in the bone marrow (BM) and thymus following treatment with the chemotherapeutic agent cyclophosphamide (Cy) in middle-aged and old mice. Furthermore, we have also examined the impact of this regeneration on peripheral immunity. SSA enhanced the recovery of BM resident hematopoietic stem cells and lymphoid progenitors and promoted lymphopoiesis. Interestingly, Cy alone caused a profound increase in the recently described common lymphoid progenitor 2 (CLP-2) population in the BM. In the thymus, SSA caused a profound increase in cellularity as well as all intrathymic T-lineage progenitors including early T-lineage progenitors (ETPs) and non-canonical T cell progenitors such as the CLP-2. We also found that these transferred into numerical increases in the periphery with enhanced B and T cell numbers. Furthermore, these lymphocytes were found to have an enhanced functional capacity with no perturbation of the TCR repertoire. Taken together, these results provide the basis for the use of SSA in the clinic to enhance treatment outcomes from cytotoxic antineoplastic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jarrod A Dudakov
- Immune Regeneration Laboratory, Monash Immunology and Stem Cell Laboratories, Monash University, Wellington Road, Clayton VIC 3800, Australia.
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92
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Rückert C, Stuepp CDS, Gottardi B, Rosa J, Cisilotto J, Borges FP, Bogo MR, Tasca T, De Carli GA, Bonan CD. Steroid hormones alter AMP hydrolysis in intact trophozoites of Trichomonas vaginalis. Parasitol Res 2009; 105:1701-6. [PMID: 19756747 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-009-1618-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2009] [Accepted: 08/24/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Trichomonas vaginalis infection may be influenced by the vaginal concentrations of estrogens. We have investigated the effects of 17beta-estradiol and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) on the ecto-5'-nucleotidase activity in fresh clinical (VP60) and in long-term-grown (30236 ATCC) isolates of T. vaginalis. In vitro exposure to DHEAS and 17beta-estradiol did not induce any changes in adenosine monophosphate (AMP) hydrolysis in these isolates. The treatment of parasites in the presence of DHEAS (0.01-1.0 microM) for 2 h inhibited AMP hydrolysis in VP60 isolate, whereas there were no significant changes in nucleotide hydrolysis in the presence of 17beta-estradiol. DHEAS and 17beta-estradiol (0.01-1.0 microM) for 2 h inhibited AMP hydrolysis in 30236 isolate. The 12 treatment with 0.1 microM DHEAS inhibited AMP hydrolysis, whereas 17beta-estradiol did not alter the nucleotide hydrolysis in VP60 isolate. Our findings have shown that the complex effect of steroid hormones and their receptors on T. vaginalis may promote changes in ecto-5'-nucleotidase activity during exposure to these hormones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Rückert
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, Laboratório de Neuroquímica e Psicofarmacologia, Faculdade de Biociências, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Avenida Ipiranga, 90619-900, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
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93
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Markou E, Eleana B, Lazaros T, Antonios K. The influence of sex steroid hormones on gingiva of women. Open Dent J 2009; 3:114-9. [PMID: 19812718 PMCID: PMC2758498 DOI: 10.2174/1874210600903010114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2008] [Revised: 01/19/2009] [Accepted: 04/10/2009] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Steroid sex hormones have a significant effect on different organ systems. As far as gingiva are concerned, they can influence the cellular proliferation, differentiation and growth of keratinocytes and fibroblasts. Estrogen is mainly responsible for alterations in blood vessels and progesterone stimulates the production of inflammatory mediators. In addition, some micro-organisms found in the human mouth synthesize enzymes needed for steroid synthesis and catabolism. In women, during puberty, ovulation and pregnancy, there is an increase in the production of sex steroid hormones which results in increased gingival inflammation, characterized by gingival enlargement, increased gingival bleeding and crevicular fluid flow and microbial changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleni Markou
- Department of Periodontology and Implant Biology, School of Dentistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece.
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94
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Windahl SH, Andersson N, Chagin AS, Mårtensson UEA, Carlsten H, Olde B, Swanson C, Movérare-Skrtic S, Sävendahl L, Lagerquist MK, Leeb-Lundberg LMF, Ohlsson C. The role of the G protein-coupled receptor GPR30 in the effects of estrogen in ovariectomized mice. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2009; 296:E490-6. [PMID: 19088255 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.90691.2008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
In vitro studies suggest that the membrane G protein-coupled receptor GPR30 is a functional estrogen receptor (ER). The aim of the present study was to determine the possible in vivo role of GPR30 as a functional ER primarily for the regulation of skeletal parameters, including bone mass and longitudinal bone growth, but also for some other well-known estrogen-regulated parameters, including uterine weight, thymus weight, and fat mass. Three-month-old ovariectomized (OVX) GPR30-deficient mice (GPR30(-/-)) and wild-type (WT) mice were treated with either vehicle or increasing doses of estradiol (E(2); 0, 30, 70, 160, or 830 ng.mouse(-1).day(-1)). Body composition [bone mineral density (BMD), fat mass, and lean mass] was analyzed by dual-energy-X ray absorptiometry, while the cortical and trabecular bone compartments were analyzed by peripheral quantitative computerized tomography. Quantitative histological analyses were performed in the distal femur growth plate. Bone marrow cellularity and distribution were analyzed using a fluorescence-activated cell sorter. The estrogenic responses on most of the investigated parameters, including increase in bone mass (total body BMD, spine BMD, trabecular BMD, and cortical bone thickness), increase in uterine weight, thymic atrophy, fat mass reduction, and increase in bone marrow cellularity, were similar for all of the investigated E(2) doses in WT and GPR30(-/-) mice. On the other hand, E(2) treatment reduced longitudinal bone growth, reflected by decreased femur length and distal femur growth plate height, in the WT mice but not in the GPR30(-/-) mice compared with vehicle-treated mice. These in vivo findings demonstrate that GPR30 is not required for normal estrogenic responses on several major well-known estrogen-regulated parameters. In contrast, GPR30 is required for a normal estrogenic response in the growth plate.
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Affiliation(s)
- S H Windahl
- Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, Göteborg University, Göteborg
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95
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Abstract
Sex-based differences in immune responses can influence the susceptibility to autoimmune and infectious diseases and the efficacy of therapeutic drugs. In this Perspective, Eleanor Fish discusses factors, such as X-linked genes, hormones and societal context, that underlie disparate immune responses in men and women. Despite accumulating evidence in support of sex-based differences in innate and adaptive immune responses, in the susceptibility to infectious diseases and in the prevalence of autoimmune diseases, health research and clinical practice do not address these distinctions, and most research studies of immune responses do not stratify by sex. X-linked genes, hormones and societal context are among the many factors that contribute to disparate immune responses in males and females. It is crucial to address sex-based differences in disease pathogenesis and in the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of therapeutic medications to provide optimal disease management for both sexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleanor N Fish
- Toronto General Research Institute, University Health Network, Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Women's College Research Institute, Ontario, Canada.
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96
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Centrally located body fat is related to inflammatory markers in healthy postmenopausal women. Menopause 2008; 15:619-27. [PMID: 18202591 DOI: 10.1097/gme.0b013e318159f1a2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE C-reactive protein and fibrinogen are established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk factors. These acute-phase proteins and the proinflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-6, and interleukin-1beta may be elevated in obesity and with menopause. The purpose of this multicenter study was to identify whether centrally located fat and/or overall adiposity were related to these inflammatory markers in healthy postmenopausal women. DESIGN We used dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry to assess overall and regional body composition (fat mass in particular) in 242 postmenopausal women in relation to plasma fibrinogen, serum C-reactive protein, and these proinflammatory cytokines. RESULTS Multiple regression analyses revealed that 36% of the variability in C-reactive protein (F = 32.4, P <or= 0.0001) was accounted for by androidal fat mass (16.1%, P <or= 0.0001), white blood cells (5.6%, P <or= 0.0001), and age (2.3%, P = 0.0045). Regression analyses revealed that 30% of the variability in fibrinogen (F = 24.5, P <or= 0.0001) was accounted for by white blood cells (3.1%, P = 0.0015), hip fat mass (2.2%, P = 0.0081), years since menopause (0.9%, P = 0.082), and geographic site (P <or= 0.0001). Our results indicated that androidal fat mass and hip fat mass contributed to C-reactive protein and fibrinogen, respectively, whereas we found no association between whole-body or regional fat measures and cytokines. CONCLUSION Further study is warranted to determine the responsiveness of these acute-phase proteins and cytokines to loss of body fat through exercise and dietary intervention in postmenopausal women.
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97
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Lee JS, Bracci PM, Holly EA. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma in women: reproductive factors and exogenous hormone use. Am J Epidemiol 2008; 168:278-88. [PMID: 18550561 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwn119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Few studies of reproductive hormone exposures and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) have examined NHL subtypes. Associations between reproductive hormonal factors and risk of all NHL and of two predominant subtypes, diffuse large-cell lymphoma (DLCL) (n = 233) and follicular lymphoma (n = 173), were investigated among women (n = 581) in a large, population-based, case-control study (1,591 cases, 2,515 controls). Controls (n = 836) identified by random digit dialing were frequency matched by age and county to incident NHL cases ascertained in the San Francisco Bay Area of California in 1988-1993. Adjusted unconditional logistic regression was used to obtain odds ratios. More than four pregnancies indicated a possible lower risk of all NHL (odds ratio (OR) = 0.81, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.55, 1.2; p-trend = 0.06) and of DLCL (OR = 0.53, 95% CI: 0.31, 0.90; p-trend = 0.01). Exclusive use of menopausal hormone therapy for > or =5 years was associated with a reduced risk of all NHL (OR = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.48, 0.98) and of DLCL (OR = 0.50, 95% CI: 0.30, 0.85). Oral contraceptive use indicated a lower risk of all NHL (OR = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.49, 0.94), and perhaps DLCL (OR = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.51, 1.2), and of follicular lymphoma (OR = 0.75, 95% CI: 0.46, 1.2). Results suggest that endogenous and exogenous reproductive hormones confer different risks by NHL subtype and are associated with a reduced risk of DLCL in women.
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MESH Headings
- Adult
- Aged
- Case-Control Studies
- Confidence Intervals
- Contraceptives, Oral/administration & dosage
- Estrogen Replacement Therapy
- Female
- Humans
- Incidence
- Life Style
- Logistic Models
- Lymphoma, Follicular/epidemiology
- Lymphoma, Follicular/prevention & control
- Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse/epidemiology
- Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse/prevention & control
- Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin/diagnosis
- Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin/epidemiology
- Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin/prevention & control
- Middle Aged
- Odds Ratio
- Pregnancy
- Reproductive History
- Risk Factors
- SEER Program
- San Francisco/epidemiology
- Surveys and Questionnaires
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer S Lee
- Division of Endocrinology, Clinical Nutrition, and Vascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
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98
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Leal AMO, Foss NT. Endocrine dysfunction in leprosy. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2008; 28:1-7. [PMID: 18629555 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-008-0576-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2008] [Accepted: 06/06/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Leprosy is still an endemic disease, especially in Third World countries, and, because of migration, it still persists in Europe and the United States. The disease affects the peripheral nerves, skin, and multiple internal organs, making its clinical recognition difficult. In particular, the endocrine manifestations caused by leprosy have been underestimated, even by specialists. The endocrine changes present in leprosy include hypogonadism, sterility, and osteoporosis. In addition, the spectral immune nature of leprosy offers an attractive model to investigate the pathogenetic correlation between the patterns of inflammation in the poles of its spectrum and the hormonal disarrangements observed in this disease. It is important that those involved in leprosy management be aware of the potential endocrine changes and their treatment to address the disease in all of its aspects. In this article, we review the findings on endocrine dysfunction in leprosy, including a survey of the literature and of our own work.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M O Leal
- Department of Medicine, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, Brazil.
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99
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Otmishi P, Gordon J, El-Oshar S, Li H, Guardiola J, Saad M, Proctor M, Yu J. Neuroimmune interaction in inflammatory diseases. CLINICAL MEDICINE. CIRCULATORY, RESPIRATORY AND PULMONARY MEDICINE 2008; 2:35-44. [PMID: 21157520 PMCID: PMC2990232 DOI: 10.4137/ccrpm.s547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The inflammatory response is modulated through interactions among the nervous, endocrine, and immune systems. Intercommunication between immune cells and the autonomic nervous system is a growing area of interest. Spatial and temporal information about inflammatory processes is relayed to the central nervous system (CNS) where neuroimmune modulation serves to control the extent and intensity of the inflammation. Over the past few decades, research has revealed various routes by which the nervous system and the immune system communicate. The CNS regulates the immune system via hormonal and neuronal pathways, including the sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves. The immune system signals the CNS through cytokines that act both centrally and peripherally. This review aims to introduce the concept of neuroimmune interaction and discuss its potential clinical application, in an attempt to broaden the awareness of this rapidly evolving area and open up new avenues that may aid in the treatment of inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peyman Otmishi
- Pulmonary and Critical Care, Department of Medicine, Ambulatory Care Building, 3rd floor University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292, U.S.A
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100
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Yasui Y, Hamajima N, Nakamura T, El-Din NS, Tajima K, Potter JD. Association of Epstein-Barr virus antibody titers with a human IL-10 promoter polymorphism in Japanese women. JOURNAL OF AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES 2008; 5:2. [PMID: 18318911 PMCID: PMC2292184 DOI: 10.1186/1740-2557-5-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2008] [Accepted: 03/04/2008] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Background Multiple sclerosis (MS) risk, over 10-fold higher in Western than in Asian countries, is associated with elevated IgG antibody titers against Epstein-Barr viral capcid antigen (anti-EBVCA IgG titers). Given the 84% homology of the open reading frame BCRF1 of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) to human interleukin 10 (hIL-10) and the remarkable Caucasian-vs.-Asian population differences in hIL-10 gene promoter polymorphisms, this strong association of MS risk with anti-EB-VCA IgG titers may be explained by the genetic variations in the hIL-10 gene. Methods We evaluated anti-EB-VCA IgG titers in association with a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the promoter of hIL-10 at position -819 (hIL-10 T-819C) in a cross-sectional survey of 241 Japanese. Anti-EB-VCA IgG titer and its elevation (≥ 1:160) were evaluated, stratified by sex and hIL-10 T-819C genotype. Results The cytosine-allele frequencies at hIL-10 T-819C were 32.9% in women and 30.9% in men. These are consistent with the published reports of Japanese and Chinese, but substantially lower than those of Caucasians (> 70%). In women, the proportion with elevated anti-EB-VCA IgG titers (≥ 1:160) increased appreciably from 53.7% in the T/T genotype group to 66.7% in the T/C group and to 83.3% in the C/C group (P-trend = 0.037). The titers did not differ by the hIL-10 T-819C genotype in men. Conclusion Anti-EB-VCA IgG titers may increase with the number of cytosine alleles at hIL-10 T-819C in women. This observed gender specific association in Japanese warrants further investigation, especially in Western populations with high MS risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutaka Yasui
- Department of Public Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
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