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Popotas A, Casimir GJ, Corazza F, Lefèvre N. Sex-related immunity: could Toll-like receptors be the answer in acute inflammatory response? Front Immunol 2024; 15:1379754. [PMID: 38835761 PMCID: PMC11148260 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1379754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
An increasing number of studies have highlighted the existence of a sex-specific immune response, wherein men experience a worse prognosis in cases of acute inflammatory diseases. Initially, this sex-dependent inflammatory response was attributed to the influence of sex hormones. However, a growing body of evidence has shifted the focus toward the influence of chromosomes rather than sex hormones in shaping these inflammatory sex disparities. Notably, certain pattern recognition receptors, such as Toll-like receptors (TLRs), and their associated immune pathways have been implicated in driving the sex-specific immune response. These receptors are encoded by genes located on the X chromosome. TLRs are pivotal components of the innate immune system, playing crucial roles in responding to infectious diseases, including bacterial and viral pathogens, as well as trauma-related conditions. Importantly, the TLR-mediated inflammatory responses, as indicated by the production of specific proteins and cytokines, exhibit discernible sex-dependent patterns. In this review, we delve into the subject of sex bias in TLR activation and explore its clinical implications relatively to both the X chromosome and the hormonal environment. The overarching objective is to enhance our understanding of the fundamental mechanisms underlying these sex differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandros Popotas
- Laboratory of Pediatrics, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
- Laboratory of Translational Research, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Georges Jacques Casimir
- Laboratory of Pediatrics, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Pulmonology, Allergology and Cystic Fibrosis, Queen Fabiola Childrens University Hospital (Hôpital Universitaire des Enfants Reine Fabiola) – University Hospital of Brussels (Hôpital Universitaire de Bruxelles), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Francis Corazza
- Laboratory of Translational Research, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
- Laboratory of Immunology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Brugmann, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nicolas Lefèvre
- Laboratory of Pediatrics, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Pulmonology, Allergology and Cystic Fibrosis, Queen Fabiola Childrens University Hospital (Hôpital Universitaire des Enfants Reine Fabiola) – University Hospital of Brussels (Hôpital Universitaire de Bruxelles), Brussels, Belgium
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Yu H, Ma Y, Lu Y, Yue J, Ming R. Expression profiling of the Dof gene family under abiotic stresses in spinach. Sci Rep 2021; 11:14429. [PMID: 34257328 PMCID: PMC8277872 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-93383-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA-binding with one finger (Dof) are plant-specific transcription factors involved in numerous pathways of plant development, such as abiotic stresses responses. Although genome-wide analysis of Dof genes has been performed in many species, but these genes in spinach have not been analyzed yet. We performed a genome-wide analysis and characterization of Dof gene family in spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.). Twenty-two Dof genes were identified and classified into four groups with nine subgroups, which was further corroborated by gene structure and motif analyses. Ka/Ks analysis revealed that SoDofs were subjected to purifying selection. Using cis-acting elements analysis, SoDofs were involved in plant growth and development, plant hormones, and stress responses. Expression profiling demonstrated that SoDofs expressed in leaf and inflorescence, and responded to cold, heat, and drought stresses. SoDof22 expressed the highest level in male flowers and under cold stress. These results provided a genome-wide analysis of SoDof genes, their gender- and tissue-specific expression, and response to abiotic stresses. The knowledge and resources gained from these analyses will benefit spinach improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongying Yu
- College of Agriculture, Center for Genomics and Biotechnology, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Haixia Applied Plant Systems Biology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, Fujian, China
| | - Yaying Ma
- College of Agriculture, Center for Genomics and Biotechnology, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Haixia Applied Plant Systems Biology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, Fujian, China
| | - Yijing Lu
- College of Agriculture, Center for Genomics and Biotechnology, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Haixia Applied Plant Systems Biology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, Fujian, China
| | - Jingjing Yue
- Center for Genomics and Biotechnology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, Fujian, China
| | - Ray Ming
- Department of Plant Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA.
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Echem C, Akamine EH. Toll-Like Receptors Represent an Important Link for Sex Differences in Cardiovascular Aging and Diseases. FRONTIERS IN AGING 2021; 2:709914. [PMID: 35822020 PMCID: PMC9261298 DOI: 10.3389/fragi.2021.709914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Human life span expectancy has increased, and aging affects the organism in several ways, leading, for example, to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. Age-adjusted prevalence of the cardiovascular diseases is higher in males than females. Aging also affects the gonadal sex hormones and the sex differences observed in cardiovascular diseases may be therefore impacted. Hormonal changes associated with aging may also affect the immune system and the immune response is sexually different. The immune system plays a role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. In this context, toll-like receptors (TLRs) are a family of pattern recognition receptors of the immune system whose activation induces the synthesis of pro-inflammatory molecules. They are expressed throughout the cardiovascular system and their activation has been widely described in cardiovascular diseases. Some recent evidence demonstrates that there are sex differences associated with TLR responses and that these receptors may be affected by sex hormones and their receptors, suggesting that TLRs may contribute to the sex differences observed in cardiovascular diseases. Recent evidence also shows that sex differences of TLRs in cardiovascular system persists with aging, which may represent a new paradigm about the mechanisms that contribute to the sex differences in cardiovascular aging. Therefore, in this mini review we describe the latest findings regarding the sex differences of TLRs and associated signaling in cardiovascular diseases during aging.
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Gao Z, Dosman JA, Rennie DC, Schwartz DA, Yang IV, Beach J, Senthilselvan A. Gender-specific associations between polymorphisms in the Toll-like receptor (TLR) genes and lung function among workers in swine operations. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART A 2018; 81:1186-1198. [PMID: 30418797 PMCID: PMC7093081 DOI: 10.1080/15287394.2018.1544523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Workers in swine operations are exposed to dust, bacteria, and virus, and are at increased risk of respiratory problems. Toll-like receptors (TLR) play an important role in human immune responses to respiratory hazards. Worker gender and age may significantly modify the involvement of TLR in the etiology of these respiratory outcomes. The aim of this study was to investigate whether modification effects of worker gender and age altered associations between polymorphisms in the TLR genes and lung function. This study included 374 full-time workers from large swine operations from Saskatchewan. Information on demography, lifestyle, pulmonary function, and blood samples were obtained. Multiple linear regression and decision tree model were used in the analysis. Among females aged <45.8 years, workers with polymorphisms of rs4696480 in the TLR2 gene exhibited markedly better lung function than workers with wild-type. These associations were not observed among female workers aged ≥45.8 years and males. Among males, workers with polymorphisms of rs187084 in the TLR9 gene displayed significantly lower lung function than those with wild-type. This male-specific association was not dependent on worker age. This is the first study to report gender-specific correlations between lung function and polymorphisms of TLR genes, and modification effects of worker age on these associations, suggesting the importance of considering gender and age in genetic association studies of airway diseases due to exposure of high concentration of respiratory hazards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiwei Gao
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University, St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - James A. Dosman
- Canadian Centre for Health and Safety in Agriculture (CCHSA), University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Donna C. Rennie
- Canadian Centre for Health and Safety in Agriculture (CCHSA), University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | | | - Ivana V. Yang
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Jeremy Beach
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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Thorenoor N, Umstead TM, Zhang X, Phelps DS, Floros J. Survival of Surfactant Protein-A1 and SP-A2 Transgenic Mice After Klebsiella pneumoniae Infection, Exhibits Sex-, Gene-, and Variant Specific Differences; Treatment With Surfactant Protein Improves Survival. Front Immunol 2018; 9:2404. [PMID: 30459763 PMCID: PMC6232836 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2018] [Accepted: 09/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Surfactant protein A (SP-A) is involved in lung innate host defense and surfactant-related functions. The human SFTPA1 and SFTPA2 genes encode SP-A1 and SP-2 proteins, and each gene has been identified with numerous genetic variants. SP-A1 and SP-A2 differentially enhance bacterial phagocytosis. Sex differences have been observed in pulmonary disease and in survival of wild type and SP-A knockout (KO) mice. The impact of human SP-A variants on survival after infection is unknown. In this study, we determined whether SP-A variants differentially affect survival of male and female mice infected with Klebsiella pneumoniae. Transgenic (TG) mice, where each carries a different human (h) SP-A1 (6A2, 6A4), SP-A2 (1A0, 1A3) variant or both variants SP-A1/SP-A2 (6A2/1A0, co-ex), and SP-A- KO, were utilized. The hTG and KO mice were infected intratracheally with K. pneumoniae bacteria, and groups of KO mice were treated with SP-A1 or SP-A2 either prior to and/or at the time of infection and survival for both experimental groups was monitored over 14 days. The binding of purified SP-A1 and SP-A2 proteins to phagocytic and non-phagocytic cells and expression of cell surface proteins in alveolar macrophages (AM) from SP-A1 and SP-A2 mice was examined. We observed gene-, variant-, and sex-specific (except for co-ex) differences with females showing better survival: (a) Gene-specific differences: co-ex = SP-A2 > SP-A1 > KO (both sexes); (b) Variant-specific survival co-ex (6A2/1A0) = 1A0 > 1A3 = 6A2 > 6A4 (both sexes); (c) KO mice treated with SPs (SP-A1 or SP-A2) proteins exhibit significantly (p < 0.05) better survival; (d) SP-A1 and SP-A2 differentially bind to phagocytic, but not to non-phagocytic cells, and AM from SP-A1 and SP-A2 hTG mice exhibit differential expression of cell surface proteins. Our results indicate that sex and SP-A genetics differentially affect survival after infection and that exogenous SP-A1/SP-A2 treatment significantly improves survival. We postulate that the differential SP-A1/SP-A2 binding to the phagocytic cells and the differential expression of cell surface proteins that bind SP-A by AM from SP-A1 and SP-A2 mice play a role in this process. These findings provide insight into the importance of sex and innate immunity genetics in survival following infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nithyananda Thorenoor
- Center for Host defense, Inflammation, and Lung Disease (CHILD) Research, Department of Pediatrics, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
| | - Todd M Umstead
- Center for Host defense, Inflammation, and Lung Disease (CHILD) Research, Department of Pediatrics, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
| | - Xuesheng Zhang
- Center for Host defense, Inflammation, and Lung Disease (CHILD) Research, Department of Pediatrics, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
| | - David S Phelps
- Center for Host defense, Inflammation, and Lung Disease (CHILD) Research, Department of Pediatrics, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
| | - Joanna Floros
- Center for Host defense, Inflammation, and Lung Disease (CHILD) Research, Department of Pediatrics, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States.,Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
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Mackern-Oberti JP, Jara EL, Riedel CA, Kalergis AM. Hormonal Modulation of Dendritic Cells Differentiation, Maturation and Function: Implications for the Initiation and Progress of Systemic Autoimmunity. Arch Immunol Ther Exp (Warsz) 2016; 65:123-136. [PMID: 27585815 DOI: 10.1007/s00005-016-0418-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2016] [Accepted: 07/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Hormonal homeostasis is crucial for keeping a competent and healthy immune function. Several hormones can modulate the function of various immune cells such as dendritic cells (DCs) by influencing the initiation of the immune response and the maintenance of peripheral tolerance to self-antigens. Hormones, such as estrogens, prolactin, progesterone and glucocorticoids may profoundly affect DCs differentiation, maturation and function leading to either a pro-inflammatory or an anti-inflammatory (or tolerogenic) phenotype. If not properly regulated, these processes can contribute to the pathogenesis of autoimmune disease. An unbalanced hormonal status may affect the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, the expression of activating/inhibitory receptors and co-stimulatory molecules on conventional and plasmacytoid DCs (pDCs), conferring susceptibility to develop autoimmunity. Estrogen receptor (ER)-α signaling in conventional DCs can promote IFN-α and IL-6 production and induce the expression of CD40, CD86 and MHCII molecules. Furthermore, estrogen modulates the pDCs response to Toll-like receptor ligands enhancing T cell priming. During lupus pathogenesis, ER-α deficiency decreased the expression of MHC II on pDCs from the spleen. In contrast, estradiol administration to lupus-prone female mice increased the expression of co-stimulatory molecules, enhanced the immunogenicity and produced large amounts of IL-6, IL-12 and TNF-α by bone marrow-derived DCs. These data suggest that estradiol/ER signaling may play an active role during lupus pathology. Similarly, understanding hormonal modulation of DCs may favor the design of new therapeutic strategies based on autologous tolerogenic DCs transfer, especially in sex-biased systemic autoimmune diseases. In this review, we discuss recent data relative to the role of different hormones (estrogen, prolactin, progesterone and glucocorticoids) in DC function during systemic autoimmune pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Pablo Mackern-Oberti
- Instituto de Medicina y Biología Experimental de Cuyo (IMBECU), CONICET, Mendoza, Argentina. .,Instituto de Fisiología, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina. .,Departamento de Genética Molecular y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Millennium Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Evelyn L Jara
- Departamento de Genética Molecular y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Millennium Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Claudia A Riedel
- Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas y Facultad de Medicina, Millennium Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Universidad Andrés Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Alexis M Kalergis
- Departamento de Genética Molecular y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Millennium Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile. .,Departamento de Endocrinología, Facultad de Medicina, Millennium Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile. .,INSERM U1064, Nantes, France.
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7
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Abstract
Inflammatory activation of microglia is a hallmark of several disorders of the central nervous system. In addition to protecting the brain against inflammatory insults, microglia are neuroprotective and play a significant role in maintaining neuronal connectivity, but the prolongation of an inflammatory status may limit the beneficial functions of these immune cells. The finding that estrogen receptors are present in monocyte-derived cells and that estrogens prevent and control the inflammatory response raise the question of the role that this sex steroid plays in the manifestation and progression of pathologies that have a clear sex difference in prevalence, such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease. The present review aims to provide a critical review of the current literature on the actions of estrogen in microglia and on the involvement of estrogen receptors in the manifestation of selected neurological disorders. This current understanding highlights a research area that should be expanded to identify appropriate replacement therapies to slow the progression of such diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Villa
- Center of Excellence on Neurodegenerative Diseases and Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Vegeto
- Center of Excellence on Neurodegenerative Diseases and Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Angelo Poletti
- Center of Excellence on Neurodegenerative Diseases and Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Adriana Maggi
- Center of Excellence on Neurodegenerative Diseases and Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
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Bualeong T, Kebir S, Hof D, Goelz L, Graewe M, Ehrentraut SF, Knuefermann P, Baumgarten G, Meyer R, Ehrentraut H. Tlr2 deficiency does not limit the development of left ventricular hypertrophy in a model of transverse aortic constriction induced pressure overload. J Negat Results Biomed 2016; 15:9. [PMID: 27109115 PMCID: PMC4843197 DOI: 10.1186/s12952-016-0050-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2016] [Accepted: 03/30/2016] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are involved in a variety of cardiovascular disorders, including septic cardiomyopathy, ischemia/reperfusion, heart failure, and cardiac hypertrophy. Previous research revealed that TLR4 promotes cardiac hypertrophy in vivo. Therefore, we investigated whether TLR2 is also involved in the development of cardiac hypertrophy. Methods Tlr2 deficient and wild type mice were subjected to transverse aortic constriction (TAC) or sham operation procedure. Left ventricular, heart and lung weights as well as hemodynamic parameters were determined after 3, 14 or 28 days. Real-time RT PCR was used to evaluate left ventricular gene expression. Protein content was determined via ELISA. Results TAC increased systolic left ventricular pressure, contraction and relaxations velocities as well as the heart weight in both genotypes. Tlr2 deficiency significantly enhanced cardiac hypertrophy after 14 and 28 days of TAC. Left ventricular end-diastolic pressure and heart rate increased in Tlr2−/− TAC mice only. Fourteen days of TAC led to a significant elevation of ANP, BNP, TGFβ and TLR4 mRNA levels in Tlr2−/− left ventricular tissue. Conclusion These data suggest that Tlr2 deficiency may promote the development of cardiac hypertrophy and ventricular remodeling after transverse aortic constriction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tippaporn Bualeong
- Physiology Department, Medical Science Faculty, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, 65000, Thailand.,Institute of Physiology II, University Hospital Bonn, Nussallee 11, 53115, Bonn, Germany
| | - Sied Kebir
- Institute of Physiology II, University Hospital Bonn, Nussallee 11, 53115, Bonn, Germany.,Department of Neurology, University Hospital Bonn, Sigmund-Freud-Str. 25, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Dorothea Hof
- Institute of Physiology II, University Hospital Bonn, Nussallee 11, 53115, Bonn, Germany
| | - Lina Goelz
- Institute of Physiology II, University Hospital Bonn, Nussallee 11, 53115, Bonn, Germany.,Polyclinic of Orthodontics, University of Bonn, Welschnonnenstraße 17, 53111, Bonn, Germany
| | - Mathias Graewe
- Institute of Physiology II, University Hospital Bonn, Nussallee 11, 53115, Bonn, Germany
| | - Stefan Felix Ehrentraut
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital Bonn, Sigmund-Freud-Straße 25, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Pascal Knuefermann
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital Bonn, Sigmund-Freud-Straße 25, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Georg Baumgarten
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital Bonn, Sigmund-Freud-Straße 25, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Rainer Meyer
- Institute of Physiology II, University Hospital Bonn, Nussallee 11, 53115, Bonn, Germany
| | - Heidi Ehrentraut
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital Bonn, Sigmund-Freud-Straße 25, 53127, Bonn, Germany.
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Anti-Inflammatory and Antimicrobial Effects of Estradiol in Bovine Mammary Epithelial Cells during Staphylococcus aureus Internalization. Mediators Inflamm 2016; 2016:6120509. [PMID: 27034592 PMCID: PMC4791512 DOI: 10.1155/2016/6120509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2015] [Accepted: 02/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
17β-Estradiol (E2), the predominant sexual hormone in females, is associated with the modulation of the innate immune response (IIR), and changes in its levels at parturition are related to intramammary infections, such as mastitis. In bovine mammary epithelial cells (bMECs), E2 regulates differentiation and proliferation, but its immunomodulatory functions have not been explored. Staphylococcus aureus is the predominant pathogen causing mastitis, which can persist intracellularly in bMECs. The aim of this work was to analyze whether E2 modulates the IIR of bMECs during S. aureus internalization. bMECs treated with E2 (50 pg/mL, 24 h) reduced bacteria internalization (~50%). The host receptors α5β1 and TLR2 do not participate in this reduction. However, E2 activates ERα and modulates the IIR reducing the S. aureus induced-mRNA expression of TNF-α (~50%) and IL-1β (90%). E2 also decreased the secretion of these cytokines as well as IL-6 production; however, in infected bMECs, E2 induced the secretion of IL-1β. Furthermore, E2 upregulates the expression of the antimicrobial peptides DEFB1, BNBD5, and psoriasin S100A7 (~5-, 3-, and 6-fold, resp.). In addition, E2 induced the production of antimicrobial compounds in bMEC culture medium, which, together with the modulation of the IIR, could be related to the reduction of S. aureus internalization.
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Saia RS, Garcia FM, Cárnio EC. Estradiol protects female rats against sepsis induced by Enterococcus faecalis improving leukocyte bactericidal activity. Steroids 2015; 102:17-26. [PMID: 26143494 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2015.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2015] [Revised: 04/25/2015] [Accepted: 06/30/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Enterococcus faecalis is a Gram-positive bacteria described as an important causative agent of sepsis. The contact between host leukocytes and bacteria activates the innate immunity, participating as the first defense mechanism against infection. Pro-inflammatory cytokines [including tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin-1β] and nitric oxide (NO) are essential to recruitment of leukocytes into the infectious focus as well as their activation for phagocytosis. Beyond the bacteria species, gender has been considered another factor to predict outcome in septic patients. Studies suggest that females exhibit a protective advantage during sepsis models, being gonadal hormones possible modulators of functions of immune cells. Nevertheless, the role of estradiol during Gram-positive infection remains a literature gap. Our aims were to investigate whether estradiol protects rats against bacterial dissemination during E. faecalis-induced sepsis. We determined whether estradiol modulates the local and systemic inflammatory response, as well as the cell migration into the infectious focus and the bactericidal capacity of leukocytes. Our findings demonstrated that estradiol pre-treated rats showed a dose-dependent reduction in bacterial counts in peritoneal lavage fluid (PLF) and in liver. Moreover, TNF-α and nitrate levels were increased in plasma, while only TNF-α was increased in the PLF in estradiol-treated rats. The prevention of bacterial dissemination may be related to the enhanced neutrophil and macrophage migration into the peritoneal cavity. Furthermore, estradiol improved the phagocytic and bactericidal ability of these both inflammatory cells. Taken together, the present study clearly demonstrates an important protective role of estradiol against sepsis induced by E. faecalis in female rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Simone Saia
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Fabíola Morales Garcia
- Department of General and Specialized Nursing, College of Nursing of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Evelin Capellari Cárnio
- Department of General and Specialized Nursing, College of Nursing of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
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11
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Qian Y, Yin C, Chen Y, Zhang S, Jiang L, Wang F, Zhao M, Liu S. Estrogen contributes to regulating iron metabolism through governing ferroportin signaling via an estrogen response element. Cell Signal 2015; 27:934-42. [PMID: 25660146 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2015.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2015] [Accepted: 01/31/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Ferroportin (FPN) is the only known iron exporter in mammalian cells, and is universally expressed in most types of cells. FPN signaling plays a crucial role in maintaining iron homeostasis through governing the level of intracellular iron. Serum iron storage is conversely related with the estrogen level in the female bodies, and women in post-menopause are possibly subjected to iron retention. However, the potential effects of estrogen on iron metabolism are not clearly understood. Here, FPN mRNA transcription in all selected estrogen receptor positive (ER+) cells was significantly reduced upon 17β-estradiol (E2) treatment; and this inhibitory effect could be attenuated by ER antagonist tamoxifen. Likewise, in murine bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs), FPN reduction with elevated intracellular iron (reflected by increased ferritin) was observed in response to E2; however, ferritin level barely responded to E2 in FPN-null BMDMs. The observation of inhibition of FPN mRNA expression was not replicated in ER(-) cells upon E2. A functional estrogen response element (ERE) was identified within the promoter of FPN, and this ERE was responsible for the suppressive effect of E2 on FPN expression. Moreover, ovariectomized (OVX) and sham-operated (SHAM) mice were used to further confirm the in vitro finding. The expression of hepatic FPN was induced in OVX mice, compared to that in the SHAM mice. Taken together, our results demonstrated that estrogen is involved in regulating FPN expression through a functional ERE on its promoter, providing additional insights into a vital role of estrogen in iron metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Qian
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; College of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310032, China
| | - Chunyang Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Yue Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; Department of Urology, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin Institute of Urology, Tianjin 300211, China
| | - Shuping Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Li Jiang
- Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Institute of Nutrition and Food Safety, Collaborative Innovation Centre for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310027, China
| | - Fudi Wang
- Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Institute of Nutrition and Food Safety, Collaborative Innovation Centre for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310027, China
| | - Meirong Zhao
- College of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310032, China.
| | - Sijin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China.
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