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McClain AK, Monteleone PP, Zoldan J. Sex in cardiovascular disease: Why this biological variable should be considered in in vitro models. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadn3510. [PMID: 38728407 PMCID: PMC11086622 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adn3510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease (CVD), the world's leading cause of death, exhibits notable epidemiological, clinical, and pathophysiological differences between sexes. Many such differences can be linked back to cardiovascular sexual dimorphism, yet sex-specific in vitro models are still not the norm. A lack of sex reporting and apparent male bias raises the question of whether in vitro CVD models faithfully recapitulate the biology of intended treatment recipients. To ensure equitable treatment for the overlooked female patient population, sex as a biological variable (SABV) inclusion must become commonplace in CVD preclinical research. Here, we discuss the role of sex in CVD and underlying cardiovascular (patho)physiology. We review shortcomings in current SABV practices, describe the relevance of sex, and highlight emerging strategies for SABV inclusion in three major in vitro model types: primary cell, stem cell, and three-dimensional models. Last, we identify key barriers to inclusive design and suggest techniques for overcoming them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna K. McClain
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78751, USA
| | - Peter P. Monteleone
- Ascension Texas Cardiovascular, Austin, TX 78705, USA
- Dell School of Medicine, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Janet Zoldan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78751, USA
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Mogavero MP, Salemi M, Lanza G, Rinaldi A, Marchese G, Ravo M, Salluzzo MG, Antoci A, DelRosso LM, Bruni O, Ferini-Strambi L, Ferri R. Unveiling the pathophysiology of restless legs syndrome through transcriptome analysis. iScience 2024; 27:109568. [PMID: 38617564 PMCID: PMC11015462 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to analyze signaling pathways associated with differentially expressed messenger RNAs in people with restless legs syndrome (RLS). Seventeen RLS patients and 18 controls were enrolled. Coding RNA expression profiling of 12,857 gene transcripts by next-generation sequencing was performed. Enrichment analysis by pathfindR tool was carried-out, with p-adjusted ≤0.001 and fold-change ≥2.5. Nine main different network groups were significantly dysregulated in RLS: infections, inflammation, immunology, neurodegeneration, cancer, neurotransmission and biological, blood and metabolic mechanisms. Genetic predisposition plays a key role in RLS and evidence indicates its inflammatory nature; the high involvement of mainly neurotropic viruses and the TORCH complex might trigger inflammatory/immune reactions in genetically predisposed subjects and activate a series of biological pathways-especially IL-17, receptor potential channels, nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells, NOD-like receptor, mitogen-activated protein kinase, p53, mitophagy, and ferroptosis-involved in neurotransmitter mechanisms, synaptic plasticity, axon guidance, neurodegeneration, carcinogenesis, and metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria P. Mogavero
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy
- San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Division of Neuroscience, Sleep Disorders Center, 20127 Milan, Italy
| | | | - Giuseppe Lanza
- Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy
- University of Catania, Department of Surgery and Medical-Surgical Specialties, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Antonio Rinaldi
- Genomix4Life Srl, 84081 Baronissi, Italy
- Genome Research Center for Health-CRGS, 84081 Baronissi, Italy
| | - Giovanna Marchese
- Genomix4Life Srl, 84081 Baronissi, Italy
- Genome Research Center for Health-CRGS, 84081 Baronissi, Italy
| | - Maria Ravo
- Genomix4Life Srl, 84081 Baronissi, Italy
- Genome Research Center for Health-CRGS, 84081 Baronissi, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Oliviero Bruni
- Sapienza University of Rome, Developmental and Social Psychology, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Luigi Ferini-Strambi
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy
- San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Division of Neuroscience, Sleep Disorders Center, 20127 Milan, Italy
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Alshakarah A, Muriyah D, Alsaghir F, Alanzi R, Almalki S, Alsadan S, Alotaibi AB, Alshaalan R, Albrahim T. Awareness and Knowledge of Cardiovascular Diseases and Its Risk Factors Among Women of Reproductive Age: A Scoping Review. Cureus 2023; 15:e49839. [PMID: 38164316 PMCID: PMC10758256 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.49839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in women. Despite the significant burden of CVD, knowledge and awareness of its risk factors among women are low. This review aimed to identify CVD awareness, knowledge, and risk factors for women of reproductive age from different countries and variables that influence health outcomes. Studies published from 2000 to 2023 were reviewed using PubMed, ScienceDirect, Elsevier, and electronic databases. A total of 50 studies were found, and 41 were excluded. The keywords used were "Knowledge of the risk factor of heart disease," "cardiac risk factors," "cardiovascular disease," "heart disease awareness," and "heart disease," combined with "women" and "reproductive age." The review revealed significant gaps in the general awareness and knowledge of CVD risk factors among women of reproductive age. Many women were unaware of the symptoms and risk factors associated with CVD, leading to delayed diagnosis and poorer outcomes. Lack of education, low socioeconomic status, and limited access to healthcare were identified as contributing factors to this knowledge gap. Young women, particularly those with poor pregnancy outcomes, demonstrated limited awareness and perception of CVD risk. The findings suggest significant gaps in general awareness, knowledge of CVD risk, risk factors among women of reproductive age from different countries, and factors that influence their health outcomes. Targeted interventions are urgently needed to improve awareness and knowledge of CVD among women of reproductive age. Efforts should focus on educating women about CVD risk factors and prevention strategies before symptoms arise. Addressing socioeconomic and educational disparities is crucial to bridging the gap in awareness. By enhancing awareness and knowledge, women can be empowered to take preventive actions and reduce their risk of developing CVD. As a result, we recommend that there are significant opportunities to educate women about CVD risk and prevention before symptoms arise. In addition, there is a need to develop effective interventions to raise awareness among women of reproductive age to close the gap in awareness and knowledge of CVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amirah Alshakarah
- Department of Health Sciences and Clinical Nutrition, College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, SAU
| | - Deema Muriyah
- Department of Health Sciences and Clinical Nutrition, College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, SAU
| | - Felwah Alsaghir
- Department of Health Sciences and Clinical Nutrition, College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, SAU
| | - Rana Alanzi
- Department of Health Sciences and Clinical Nutrition, College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, SAU
| | - Sara Almalki
- Department of Health Sciences and Clinical Nutrition, College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, SAU
| | - Sarah Alsadan
- Department of Health Sciences and Clinical Nutrition, College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, SAU
| | | | - Rasha Alshaalan
- Department of Health Sciences and Clinical Nutrition, College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, SAU
| | - Tarfa Albrahim
- Department of Health Sciences and Clinical Nutrition, College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, SAU
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