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Sheng JA, Tobet SA. Maternal immune activation with toll-like receptor 7 agonist during mid-gestation alters juvenile and adult developmental milestones and behavior. J Neuroendocrinol 2024:e13417. [PMID: 38822791 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
Infections during pregnancy are associated with increased risk for adult neuropsychiatric disease, such as major depressive disorder, schizophrenia, and autism spectrum disorder. In mouse models of maternal immune activation (MIA), different toll-like receptors (TLRs) are stimulated to initiate inflammatory responses in mother and fetus. The goal of this study was to determine sex-dependent aspects of MIA using a TLR7/8 agonist, Resiquimod (RQ), on neurodevelopment. RQ was administered to timed-pregnant mice on embryonic day (E) 12.5. At E15, maternal/fetal plasma cytokines were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Maternal cytokines interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-10 were higher while tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and IL-17 were lower in pregnant dams exposed to RQ. Fetal cytokines (E15) were altered at the same timepoint with fetal plasma IL-6 and IL-17 greater after RQ compared to vehicle, while IL-10 and TNF-α were higher in male fetuses but not female. Other timed-pregnant dams were allowed to give birth. MIA with RQ did not alter the female to male ratio of offspring born per litter. Body weights were reduced significantly in both sexes at birth, and over the next 5 weeks. Offspring from RQ-injected mothers opened their eyes 5 days later than controls. Similarly, female offspring from RQ-injected mothers exhibited pubertal delay based on vaginal opening 2-3 days later than control females. On the behavioral side, juvenile and adult male and female MIA offspring exhibited less social-like behavior in a social interaction test. Anhedonia-like behavior was greater in MIA adult female mice. This study provides support for sex-dependent influences of fetal antecedents for altered brain development and behavioral outputs that could be indicative of increased susceptibility for adult disorders through immune mechanisms. Future studies are needed to determine neural cellular and molecular mechanisms for such programming effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julietta A Sheng
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Stuart A Tobet
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Mass General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
- Innovation Center on Sex Differences in Medicine, Mass General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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2
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Jung H. Variations in health-related quality of life (EQ-5D) associated with cardiovascular health: a cross-sectional study of adults with diabetes in the Korean general population. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e081789. [PMID: 38803258 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-081789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Previous studies on the differences in the mechanism and complications of diabetes between men and women have indicated potential sex differences in cardiovascular health, which affect health-related quality of life (HRQoL). DESIGN A cross-sectional cohort study. SETTING To determine how sex differences can be noticed, acknowledged and applied in clinical practice, we aimed to determine the cardiovascular (CV) health status of men and women with diabetes and its effects on HRQoL. PARTICIPANTS In total, 2829 individuals with diabetes (1518 men and 1311 women) aged ≥40 years who participated in the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2013 to 2018 were enrolled. OUTCOME MEASURES Individuals with diabetes were categorised into poor, intermediate and ideal groups based on CV health indicators recommended by the American Heart Association. We used EQ-5D-3L to compare HRQoL scores between the sexes. Multivariable ordinal logistic regression and analysis of covariance were used to analyse the outcome variables. RESULTS In the poor CV health score group, female sex was associated with mobility problems (OR 1.93, 95% CI 1.46 to 2.54), problems with usual activities (OR1.71, 95% CI 1.24 to 2.35), pain/discomfort (OR 1.69, 95% CI 1.32 to 2.16) and anxiety/depression (OR 1.66 95% CI 1.16 to 2.38). In the intermediate and ideal CV health score groups, female sex was associated with pain/discomfort (OR 1.57, 95% CI 1.15 to 2.15). Men had higher EQ-5D index scores in the poor and intermediate CV health score groups than did women. CONCLUSIONS Although women tended to have high health-related CV health scores, HRQoL was lower in women than in men, especially in the poor CV health score group and in the pain/discomfort domain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyejin Jung
- Department of Meridian & Acupoint, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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3
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Tzemah-Shahar R, Turjeman S, Sharon E, Gamliel G, Hochner H, Koren O, Agmon M. Signs of aging in midlife: physical function and sex differences in microbiota. GeroScience 2024; 46:1477-1488. [PMID: 37610596 PMCID: PMC10828485 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-023-00905-3] [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: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Microbiota composition has been linked to physical activity, health measures, and biological age, but a shared profile has yet to be shown. The aim of this study was to examine the associations between microbiota composition and measures of function, such as a composite measure of physical capacity, and biological age in midlife, prior to onset of age-related diseases. Seventy healthy midlife individuals (age 44.58 ± 0.18) were examined cross-sectionally, and their gut-microbiota profile was characterized from stool samples using 16SrRNA gene sequencing. Biological age was measured using the Klemera-Doubal method and a composition of blood and physiological biomarkers. Physical capacity was calculated based on sex-standardized functional tests. We demonstrate that the women had significantly richer microbiota, p = 0.025; however, microbiota diversity was not linked with chronological age, biological age, or physical capacity for either women or men. Men had slightly greater β-diversity; however, β-diversity was positively associated with biological age and with physical capacity for women only (p = 0.01 and p = 0.04; respectively). For women, an increase in abundance of Roseburia faecis and Collinsella aerofaciens, as well as genus Ruminococcus and Dorea, was significantly associated with higher biological age and lower physical capacity; an increase in abundance of Akkermansia muciniphila and genera Bacteroides and Alistipes was associated with younger biological age and increased physical capacity. Differentially abundant taxa were also associated with non-communicable diseases. These findings suggest that microbiota composition is a potential mechanism linking physical capacity and health status; personalized probiotics may serve as a new means to support health-promoting interventions in midlife. Investigating additional factors underlying this link may facilitate the development of a more accurate method to estimate the rate of aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roy Tzemah-Shahar
- Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Abba Khoushy Ave 199, 3498838, Haifa, Israel
| | - Sondra Turjeman
- Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Safed, Israel
| | - Efrat Sharon
- Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Safed, Israel
| | - Gila Gamliel
- Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Safed, Israel
| | - Hagit Hochner
- Epidemiology Unit, Hebrew University School of Public Health, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Omry Koren
- Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Safed, Israel
| | - Maayan Agmon
- Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Abba Khoushy Ave 199, 3498838, Haifa, Israel.
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4
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Rice LC, Rochowiak RN, Plotkin MR, Rosch KS, Mostofsky SH, Crocetti D. Sex Differences and Behavioral Associations with Typically Developing Pediatric Regional Cerebellar Gray Matter Volume. CEREBELLUM (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2024; 23:589-600. [PMID: 37382829 PMCID: PMC10986327 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-023-01569-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
The cerebellum contributes to motor and higher-order control throughout neurodevelopment, with marked growth during childhood. Few studies have investigated differential associations of cerebellar morphometry with function in males and females. The present study examines sex differences in regional cerebellar gray matter volume (GMV) and the moderating effect of sex on the relationship between GMV and motor, cognitive, and emotional functions in a large cohort of typically developing (TD) children. Participants included 371 TD children (123 females, age 8-12 years). A convolutional neural network-based approach was employed for cerebellar parcellation. Volumes were harmonized using ComBat to adjust for hardware-induced variations. Regression analyses examined the effect of sex on GMV and whether sex moderated the relationship between GMV and motor, cognitive, and emotional functions. Males showed larger GMV in right lobules I-V, bilateral lobules VI, crus II/VIIb, and VIII, left lobule X, and vermis regions I-V and VIII-X. Greater motor function correlated with less vermis VI-VII GMV in females. Greater cognitive function correlated with greater left lobule VI GMV in females and less left lobule VI GMV in males. Finally, greater internalizing symptoms correlated with greater bilateral lobule IX GMV in females but less in males. These findings reveal sexually dimorphic patterns of cerebellar structure and associations with motor, cognitive, and emotional functions. Males generally show larger GMV than females. Larger GMV was associated with better cognitive functioning for females and better motor/emotional functioning for males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura C Rice
- Center for Neurodevelopmental and Imaging Research, Kennedy Krieger Institute, 716 N. Broadway, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Rebecca N Rochowiak
- Center for Neurodevelopmental and Imaging Research, Kennedy Krieger Institute, 716 N. Broadway, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Micah R Plotkin
- Center for Neurodevelopmental and Imaging Research, Kennedy Krieger Institute, 716 N. Broadway, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Keri S Rosch
- Center for Neurodevelopmental and Imaging Research, Kennedy Krieger Institute, 716 N. Broadway, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Neuropsychology Department, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Stewart H Mostofsky
- Center for Neurodevelopmental and Imaging Research, Kennedy Krieger Institute, 716 N. Broadway, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Deana Crocetti
- Center for Neurodevelopmental and Imaging Research, Kennedy Krieger Institute, 716 N. Broadway, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
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5
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Torgerson C, Ahmadi H, Choupan J, Fan CC, Blosnich JR, Herting MM. Sex, gender diversity, and brain structure in early adolescence. Hum Brain Mapp 2024; 45:e26671. [PMID: 38590252 PMCID: PMC11002534 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.26671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
There remains little consensus about the relationship between sex and brain structure, particularly in early adolescence. Moreover, few pediatric neuroimaging studies have analyzed both sex and gender as variables of interest-many of which included small sample sizes and relied on binary definitions of gender. The current study examined gender diversity with a continuous felt-gender score and categorized sex based on X and Y allele frequency in a large sample of children ages 9-11 years old (N = 7195). Then, a statistical model-building approach was employed to determine whether gender diversity and sex independently or jointly relate to brain morphology, including subcortical volume, cortical thickness, gyrification, and white matter microstructure. Additional sensitivity analyses found that male versus female differences in gyrification and white matter were largely accounted for by total brain volume, rather than sex per se. The model with sex, but not gender diversity, was the best-fitting model in 60.1% of gray matter regions and 61.9% of white matter regions after adjusting for brain volume. The proportion of variance accounted for by sex was negligible to small in all cases. While models including felt-gender explained a greater amount of variance in a few regions, the felt-gender score alone was not a significant predictor on its own for any white or gray matter regions examined. Overall, these findings demonstrate that at ages 9-11 years old, sex accounts for a small proportion of variance in brain structure, while gender diversity is not directly associated with neurostructural diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carinna Torgerson
- Department of Population and Public Health SciencesUniversity of Southern CaliforniaLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
- Mark and Mary Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics InstituteUniversity of Southern CaliforniaLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - Hedyeh Ahmadi
- Department of Population and Public Health SciencesUniversity of Southern CaliforniaLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - Jeiran Choupan
- Mark and Mary Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics InstituteUniversity of Southern CaliforniaLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - Chun Chieh Fan
- Center for Population Neuroscience and GeneticsLaureate Institute for Brain ResearchTulsaOklahomaUSA
- Department of Radiology, School of MedicineUniversity of CaliforniaSan DiegoCaliforniaUSA
| | - John R. Blosnich
- Suzanne Dworak‐Peck School of Social WorkUniversity of Southern CaliforniaLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - Megan M. Herting
- Department of Population and Public Health SciencesUniversity of Southern CaliforniaLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
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6
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Senefeld JW, Hunter SK. Hormonal Basis of Biological Sex Differences in Human Athletic Performance. Endocrinology 2024; 165:bqae036. [PMID: 38563597 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqae036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Biological sex is a primary determinant of athletic human performance involving strength, power, speed, and aerobic endurance and is more predictive of athletic performance than gender. This perspective article highlights 3 key medical and physiological insights related to recent evolving research into the sex differences in human physical performance: (1) sex and gender are not the same; (2) males and females exhibit profound differences in physical performance with males outperforming females in events and sports involving strength, power, speed, and aerobic endurance; (3) endogenous testosterone underpins sex differences in human physical performance with questions remaining on the roles of minipuberty in the sex differences in performance in prepubescent youth and the presence of the Y chromosome (SRY gene expression) in males, on athletic performance across all ages. Last, females are underrepresented as participants in biomedical research, which has led to a historical dearth of information on the mechanisms for sex differences in human physical performance and the capabilities of the female body. Collectively, greater effort and resources are needed to address the hormonal mechanisms for biological sex differences in human athletic performance before and after puberty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathon W Senefeld
- Department of Health and Kinesiology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Sandra K Hunter
- Exercise Science Program, Department of Physical Therapy, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI 53201, USA
- Athletic and Human Performance Research Center, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI 53201, USA
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7
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Jung H. Sex differences in cardiovascular risk factors and quality of life among individuals with hypertension in Korea from 2013 to 2018: A cross-sectional cohort study. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0296326. [PMID: 38165950 PMCID: PMC10760734 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0296326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/04/2024] Open
Abstract
As its prevalence increases and its association with cardiovascular disease and mortality is established, there is a need to improve prevention and management strategies for hypertension. Therefore, we aimed to compare differences in cardiovascular health status between men and women with hypertension defined by systolic blood pressure ≥140 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mmHg, and/or treatment with antihypertensive drugs. The association between cardiovascular health status and health-related quality of life was also evaluated. Additionally, a secondary analysis was performed on the cross-sectional data from 7306 adults with hypertension, ≥40 years of age between 2013 and 2018. Of this sample, 51.2% of patients were women from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The seven Cardiovascular Health Metrics were used to quantify cardiovascular health status and the 5-dimensional European Quality of Life Questionnaire (EQ-5D) was used to evaluate health-related quality of life. A higher proportion of men than that of women was observed in the poor cardiovascular health score group [total score 0-7], with a higher proportion of women in the intermediate group [total score 8-10] and ideal group [total 11-14] (p<0.0001). The proportion of women in the EQ-5D index was higher than that of men in the poor and intermediate groups (p<0.0001), with no difference in the proportion of men and women in the ideal group (p = 0.1452). Furthermore, specific cardiovascular risk factors were different between men and women: women had lower physical activity level and higher prevalence of high cholesterol (≥200 mg/dl), and men had higher body mass indices and worse diet management. These findings indicate that prevention and management strategies for hypertension and cardiovascular health might need to differ for men and women to improve outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyejin Jung
- Department of Meridian & Acupoint, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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8
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Dote-Montero M, Merchan-Ramirez E, Oses M, Echarte J, Clavero-Jimeno A, Alcantara J, Camacho-Cardenosa A, Cupeiro R, Rodríguez-Miranda MDLN, López-Vázquez A, Amaro-Gahete FJ, González Cejudo MT, Martin-Olmedo JJ, Molina-Fernandez M, García Pérez PV, Contreras-Bolívar V, Muñoz-Garach A, Andreo-López MC, Carneiro-Barrera A, Miranda-Ferrúa E, Zugasti A, Petrina E, Álvarez de Eulate N, Goñi E, Ribelles MJ, Brugos CA, Izquierdo C, Fernández-Puggioni V, Galbete A, Villanueva A, Medrano M, Alfaro-Magallanes VM, Muñoz-Torres M, Martín-Rodríguez JL, Idoate F, Cabeza R, Ruiz JR, Labayen I. Efficacy of different 8 h time-restricted eating schedules on visceral adipose tissue and cardiometabolic health: A study protocol. Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis 2024; 34:177-187. [PMID: 37949715 DOI: 10.1016/j.numecd.2023.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS To investigate the efficacy and feasibility of three different 8 h time-restricted eating (TRE) schedules (i.e., early, late, and self-selected) compared to each other and to a usual-care (UC) intervention on visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and cardiometabolic health in men and women. METHODS AND RESULTS Anticipated 208 adults (50% women) aged 30-60 years, with overweight/obesity (25 ≤ BMI<40 kg/m2) and with mild metabolic impairments will be recruited for this parallel-group, multicenter randomized controlled trial. Participants will be randomly allocated (1:1:1:1) to one of four groups for 12 weeks: UC, early TRE, late TRE or self-selected TRE. The UC group will maintain their habitual eating window and receive, as well as the TRE groups, healthy lifestyle education for weight management. The early TRE group will start eating not later than 10:00, and the late TRE group not before 13:00. The self-selected TRE group will select an 8 h eating window before the intervention and maintain it over the intervention. The primary outcome is changes in VAT, whereas secondary outcomes include body composition and cardiometabolic risk factors. CONCLUSION This study will determine whether the timing of the eating window during TRE impacts its efficacy on VAT, body composition and cardiometabolic risk factors and provide insights about its feasibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Dote-Montero
- Department of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Sports Science, Sport and Health University Research Institute (iMUDS), Granada, Spain.
| | - Elisa Merchan-Ramirez
- Department of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Sports Science, Sport and Health University Research Institute (iMUDS), Granada, Spain
| | - Maddi Oses
- Institute for Sustainability & Food Chain Innovation, Department of Health Sciences, Public University of Navarre, Pamplona, Spain; Navarra Institute for Health Research, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Jon Echarte
- Institute for Sustainability & Food Chain Innovation, Department of Health Sciences, Public University of Navarre, Pamplona, Spain; Navarra Institute for Health Research, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Antonio Clavero-Jimeno
- Department of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Sports Science, Sport and Health University Research Institute (iMUDS), Granada, Spain
| | - Jma Alcantara
- Institute for Sustainability & Food Chain Innovation, Department of Health Sciences, Public University of Navarre, Pamplona, Spain; Navarra Institute for Health Research, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Alba Camacho-Cardenosa
- Department of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Sports Science, Sport and Health University Research Institute (iMUDS), Granada, Spain
| | - Rocío Cupeiro
- Department of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Sports Science, Sport and Health University Research Institute (iMUDS), Granada, Spain; LFE Research Group, Department of Health and Human Performance, Faculty of Physical Activity and Sport Science (INEF), Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM), Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Alejandro López-Vázquez
- Department of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Sports Science, Sport and Health University Research Institute (iMUDS), Granada, Spain
| | - Francisco J Amaro-Gahete
- Department of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Sports Science, Sport and Health University Research Institute (iMUDS), Granada, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada (ibs.GRANADA), Granada, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red: Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Juan J Martin-Olmedo
- Department of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Sports Science, Sport and Health University Research Institute (iMUDS), Granada, Spain
| | - Marcos Molina-Fernandez
- Department of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Sports Science, Sport and Health University Research Institute (iMUDS), Granada, Spain
| | | | - Victoria Contreras-Bolívar
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada (ibs.GRANADA), Granada, Spain; Endocrinology and Nutrition Unit, University Hospital Clínico San Cecilio, Granada, Spain
| | - Araceli Muñoz-Garach
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada (ibs.GRANADA), Granada, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red: Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain; Servicio de Endocrinología y Nutrición, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, Spain
| | - María C Andreo-López
- Endocrinology and Nutrition Unit, University Hospital Clínico San Cecilio, Granada, Spain
| | | | - Emiliano Miranda-Ferrúa
- Institute for Sustainability & Food Chain Innovation, Department of Health Sciences, Public University of Navarre, Pamplona, Spain; Navarra Institute for Health Research, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Ana Zugasti
- Servicio de Endocrinología y Nutrición, Hospital Universitario de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Estrella Petrina
- Servicio de Radiología, Hospital Universitario de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | | | - Elena Goñi
- Servicio de Medicina Nuclear, Hospital Universitario de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - María Jesús Ribelles
- Servicio de Medicina Nuclear, Hospital Universitario de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | | | - Claudia Izquierdo
- Institute for Sustainability & Food Chain Innovation, Department of Health Sciences, Public University of Navarre, Pamplona, Spain; Navarra Institute for Health Research, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Victoria Fernández-Puggioni
- Institute for Sustainability & Food Chain Innovation, Department of Health Sciences, Public University of Navarre, Pamplona, Spain; Navarra Institute for Health Research, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Arkaitz Galbete
- Universidad Pública de Navarra-Navarrabiomed-Hospital Universitario de Navarra, Redissec, Instituto de Investigacion Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Arantxa Villanueva
- Smart Cities Institute, Public University of Navarre, Pamplona, Spain; Department of Electrical, Electronic and Communications Engineering, Public University of Navarre, Pamplona, Spain
| | - María Medrano
- Institute for Sustainability & Food Chain Innovation, Department of Health Sciences, Public University of Navarre, Pamplona, Spain; Navarra Institute for Health Research, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Víctor Manuel Alfaro-Magallanes
- Institute for Sustainability & Food Chain Innovation, Department of Health Sciences, Public University of Navarre, Pamplona, Spain; Navarra Institute for Health Research, Pamplona, Spain; LFE Research Group, Department of Health and Human Performance, Faculty of Physical Activity and Sport Science (INEF), Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Manuel Muñoz-Torres
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada (ibs.GRANADA), Granada, Spain; Endocrinology and Nutrition Unit, University Hospital Clínico San Cecilio, Granada, Spain; Department of Medicine, University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain; CIBER on Frailty and Healthy Aging (CIBERFES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - Rafael Cabeza
- Department of Electrical, Electronic and Communications Engineering, Public University of Navarre, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Jonatan R Ruiz
- Department of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Sports Science, Sport and Health University Research Institute (iMUDS), Granada, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada (ibs.GRANADA), Granada, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red: Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Idoia Labayen
- Institute for Sustainability & Food Chain Innovation, Department of Health Sciences, Public University of Navarre, Pamplona, Spain; Navarra Institute for Health Research, Pamplona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red: Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain.
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9
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Hunter SK, S Angadi S, Bhargava A, Harper J, Hirschberg AL, D Levine B, L Moreau K, J Nokoff N, Stachenfeld NS, Bermon S. The Biological Basis of Sex Differences in Athletic Performance: Consensus Statement for the American College of Sports Medicine. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2023; 55:2328-2360. [PMID: 37772882 DOI: 10.1249/mss.0000000000003300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Biological sex is a primary determinant of athletic performance because of fundamental sex differences in anatomy and physiology dictated by sex chromosomes and sex hormones. Adult men are typically stronger, more powerful, and faster than women of similar age and training status. Thus, for athletic events and sports relying on endurance, muscle strength, speed, and power, males typically outperform females by 10%-30% depending on the requirements of the event. These sex differences in performance emerge with the onset of puberty and coincide with the increase in endogenous sex steroid hormones, in particular testosterone in males, which increases 30-fold by adulthood, but remains low in females. The primary goal of this consensus statement is to provide the latest scientific knowledge and mechanisms for the sex differences in athletic performance. This review highlights the differences in anatomy and physiology between males and females that are primary determinants of the sex differences in athletic performance and in response to exercise training, and the role of sex steroid hormones (particularly testosterone and estradiol). We also identify historical and nonphysiological factors that influence the sex differences in performance. Finally, we identify gaps in the knowledge of sex differences in athletic performance and the underlying mechanisms, providing substantial opportunities for high-impact studies. A major step toward closing the knowledge gap is to include more and equitable numbers of women to that of men in mechanistic studies that determine any of the sex differences in response to an acute bout of exercise, exercise training, and athletic performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra K Hunter
- Exercise Science Program, Department of Physical Therapy, and Athletic and Human Performance Center, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI
| | | | - Aditi Bhargava
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA
| | - Joanna Harper
- Loughborough University, Loughborough, UNITED KINGDOM
| | - Angelica Lindén Hirschberg
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, and Department of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, SWEDEN
| | - Benjamin D Levine
- Institute for Exercise and Environmental Medicine, Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas, and the Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - Kerrie L Moreau
- Department of Medicine, Division of Geriatric Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, and Eastern Colorado Health Care System, Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Aurora, CO
| | - Natalie J Nokoff
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Endocrinology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
| | - Nina S Stachenfeld
- The John B. Pierce Laboratory and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Stéphane Bermon
- Health and Science Department, World Athletics, Monaco and the LAMHESS, University Côte d'Azur, Nice, FRANCE
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10
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Bhargava A, Knapp JD. Immunological Misfiring and Sex Differences/Similarities in Early COVID-19 Studies: Missed Opportunities of Making a Real IMPACT. Cells 2023; 12:2591. [PMID: 37998327 PMCID: PMC10670326 DOI: 10.3390/cells12222591] [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: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19-associated intensive care unit (ICU) admissions were recognized as critical health issues that contributed to morbidity and mortality in SARS-CoV-2-infected patients. Severe symptoms in COVID-19 patients are often accompanied by cytokine release syndrome. Here, we analyzed publicly available data from the Yale IMPACT cohort to address immunological misfiring and sex differences in early COVID-19 patients. In 2020, SARS-CoV-2 was considered far more pathogenic and lethal than other circulating respiratory viruses, and the inclusion of SARS-CoV-2 negative patients in IMPACT cohorts confounds many findings. We ascertained the impact of several important biological variables such as days from symptom onset (DFSO); pre-existing risk factors, including obesity; and early COVID-19 treatments on significantly changed immunological measures in ICU-admitted COVID-19 patients that survived versus those that did not. Deceased patients had 19 unique measures that were not shared with ICU patients including increased granzyme-B-producing GzB+CD8+ T cells and interferon-γ. Male COVID-19 patients in ICU experienced many more changes in immunological and clinical measures than female ICU patients (25% vs. ~16%, respectively). A total of 13/124 measures including CCL5, CCL17, IL-18, IFNα2, Fractalkine, classical monocytes, T cells, and CD4Temra exhibited significant sex differences in female vs. male COVID-19 patients. A total of nine measures including IL-21, CCL5, and CD4Temra differed significantly between female and male healthy controls. Immunosuppressed patients experienced the most decreases in CD4Temra and CD8Tem cell numbers. None of the early COVID-19 treatments were effective in reducing levels of IL-6, a major component of the cytokine storm. Obesity (BMI >30) was the most impactful risk factor for COVID-19-related deaths and worst clinical outcomes. Our analysis highlights the contribution of biological sex, risk factors, and early treatments with respect to COVID-19-related ICU admission and progression to morbidity and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aditi Bhargava
- Center for Reproductive Sciences and Department of ObGyn, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
- Aseesa Inc., Hillsborough, CA 94010, USA;
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11
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Rich-Edwards JW, Maney DL. Best practices to promote rigor and reproducibility in the era of sex-inclusive research. eLife 2023; 12:e90623. [PMID: 37917121 PMCID: PMC10622144 DOI: 10.7554/elife.90623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
To enhance inclusivity and rigor, many funding agencies and journals now mandate the inclusion of females as well as males in biomedical studies. These mandates have enhanced generalizability and created unprecedented opportunities to discover sex differences. However, education in sound methods to consider sex as a subgroup category has lagged behind, resulting in a problematic literature in which study designs, analyses, and interpretations of results are often flawed. Here, we outline best practices for complying with sex-inclusive mandates, both for studies in which sex differences are a primary focus and for those in which they are not. Our recommendations are organized within the "4 Cs of Studying Sex to Strengthen Science: Consideration, Collection, Characterization and Communication," a framework developed by the Office of Research on Women's Health at the National Institutes of Health in the United States. Following these guidelines should help researchers include females and males in their studies while at the same time upholding high standards of rigor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet W Rich-Edwards
- Division of Women’s Health, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard TH Chan School of Public HealthBostonUnited States
| | - Donna L Maney
- Department of Psychology, Emory UniversityAtlantaUnited States
- Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study, Harvard UniversityCambridgeUnited States
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12
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Rosch KS, Batschelett MA, Crocetti D, Mostofsky SH, Seymour KE. Sex differences in atypical fronto-subcortical structural connectivity among children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: Associations with delay discounting. Behav Brain Res 2023; 452:114525. [PMID: 37271314 PMCID: PMC10527538 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2023.114525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Atypical fronto-subcortical neural circuitry has been implicated in the pathophysiology of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), including connections between prefrontal cortical regions involved in top-down cognitive control and subcortical limbic structures (striatum and amygdala) involved in bottom-up reward and emotional processing. The integrity of fronto-subcortical connections may also relate to interindividual variability in delay discounting, or a preference for smaller, immediate over larger, delayed rewards, which is associated with ADHD, with recent evidence of ADHD-related sex differences. METHODS We applied diffusion tensor imaging to compare the integrity of the white matter connections within fronto-subcortical tracts among 187 8-12 year-old children either with ADHD ((n = 106; 29 girls) or typically developing (TD) controls ((n = 81; 28 girls). Analyses focused on diagnostic group differences in fractional anisotropy (FA) within fronto-subcortical circuitry implicated in delay discounting, connecting subregions of the striatum (dorsal executive and ventral limbic areas) and amygdala with prefrontal regions of interest (dorsolateral [dlPFC], orbitofrontal [OFC] and anterior cingulate cortex [ACC]), and associations with two behavioral assessments of delay discounting. RESULTS Children with ADHD showed reduced FA in tracts connecting OFC with ventral striatum, regardless of sex, whereas reduced FA in the OFC-amygdala and ventral ACC-amygdala tracts were specific to boys with ADHD. Across diagnostic groups and sex, reduced FA in the dorsal ACC-executive striatum tract correlated with greater game time delay discounting. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest a potential neurobiological substrate of heightened delay discounting in children with ADHD and support the need for additional studies including larger sample sizes of girls with ADHD to further elucidate ADHD-related sex differences in these relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keri S Rosch
- Center for Neurodevelopmental and Imaging Research, Kennedy Krieger Institute, USA; Neuropsychology Department, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, USA.
| | | | - Deana Crocetti
- Center for Neurodevelopmental and Imaging Research, Kennedy Krieger Institute, USA
| | - Stewart H Mostofsky
- Center for Neurodevelopmental and Imaging Research, Kennedy Krieger Institute, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, USA; Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University, USA
| | - Karen E Seymour
- Center for Neurodevelopmental and Imaging Research, Kennedy Krieger Institute, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, USA; Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
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13
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Torgerson C, Ahmadi H, Choupan J, Fan CC, Blosnich JR, Herting MM. Sex, gender diversity, and brain structure in children ages 9 to 11 years old. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.28.551036. [PMID: 37546960 PMCID: PMC10402171 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.28.551036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
There remains little consensus about the relationship between sex and brain structure, particularly in childhood. Moreover, few pediatric neuroimaging studies have analyzed both sex and gender as variables of interest - many of which included small sample sizes and relied on binary definitions of gender. The current study examined gender diversity with a continuous felt-gender score and categorized sex based on X and Y allele frequency in a large sample of children ages 9-11 years-old (N=7693). Then, a statistical model-building approach was employed to determine whether gender diversity and sex independently or jointly relate to brain morphology, including subcortical volume, cortical thickness, gyrification, and white matter microstructure. The model with sex, but not gender diversity, was the best-fitting model in 75% of gray matter regions and 79% of white matter regions examined. The addition of gender to the sex model explained significantly more variance than sex alone with regard to bilateral cerebellum volume, left precentral cortical thickness, as well as gyrification in the right superior frontal gyrus, right parahippocampal gyrus, and several regions in the left parietal lobe. For mean diffusivity in the left uncinate fasciculus, the model with sex, gender, and their interaction captured the most variance. Nonetheless, the magnitude of variance accounted for by sex was small in all cases and felt-gender score was not a significant predictor on its own for any white or gray matter regions examined. Overall, these findings demonstrate that at ages 9-11 years-old, sex accounts for a small proportion of variance in brain structure, while gender diversity is not directly associated with neurostructural diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carinna Torgerson
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Mark and Mary Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Hedyeh Ahmadi
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jeiran Choupan
- Mark and Mary Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Chun Chieh Fan
- Center for Population Neuroscience and Genetics, Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, OK, USA
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego
| | - John R. Blosnich
- Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Megan M. Herting
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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14
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Diaz-Thomas AM, Golden SH, Dabelea DM, Grimberg A, Magge SN, Safer JD, Shumer DE, Stanford FC. Endocrine Health and Health Care Disparities in the Pediatric and Sexual and Gender Minority Populations: An Endocrine Society Scientific Statement. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2023; 108:1533-1584. [PMID: 37191578 PMCID: PMC10653187 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgad124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Endocrine care of pediatric and adult patients continues to be plagued by health and health care disparities that are perpetuated by the basic structures of our health systems and research modalities, as well as policies that impact access to care and social determinants of health. This scientific statement expands the Society's 2012 statement by focusing on endocrine disease disparities in the pediatric population and sexual and gender minority populations. These include pediatric and adult lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA) persons. The writing group focused on highly prevalent conditions-growth disorders, puberty, metabolic bone disease, type 1 (T1D) and type 2 (T2D) diabetes mellitus, prediabetes, and obesity. Several important findings emerged. Compared with females and non-White children, non-Hispanic White males are more likely to come to medical attention for short stature. Racially and ethnically diverse populations and males are underrepresented in studies of pubertal development and attainment of peak bone mass, with current norms based on European populations. Like adults, racial and ethnic minority youth suffer a higher burden of disease from obesity, T1D and T2D, and have less access to diabetes treatment technologies and bariatric surgery. LGBTQIA youth and adults also face discrimination and multiple barriers to endocrine care due to pathologizing sexual orientation and gender identity, lack of culturally competent care providers, and policies. Multilevel interventions to address these disparities are required. Inclusion of racial, ethnic, and LGBTQIA populations in longitudinal life course studies is needed to assess growth, puberty, and attainment of peak bone mass. Growth and development charts may need to be adapted to non-European populations. In addition, extension of these studies will be required to understand the clinical and physiologic consequences of interventions to address abnormal development in these populations. Health policies should be recrafted to remove barriers in care for children with obesity and/or diabetes and for LGBTQIA children and adults to facilitate comprehensive access to care, therapeutics, and technological advances. Public health interventions encompassing collection of accurate demographic and social needs data, including the intersection of social determinants of health with health outcomes, and enactment of population health level interventions will be essential tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia M Diaz-Thomas
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Endocrinology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Sherita Hill Golden
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Dana M Dabelea
- Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Adda Grimberg
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Sheela N Magge
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Joshua D Safer
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Bone Disease, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10001, USA
| | - Daniel E Shumer
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, C.S. Mott Children's Hospital, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Fatima Cody Stanford
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Department of Medicine-Division of Endocrinology-Neuroendocrine, Department of Pediatrics-Division of Endocrinology, Nutrition Obesity Research Center at Harvard (NORCH), Boston, MA 02114, USA
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15
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Goodarzynejad H, Sheikh Fathollahi M, Shafiee A. Editorial: The role of sex in coronary artery disease. Front Cardiovasc Med 2023; 10:1220439. [PMID: 37332593 PMCID: PMC10275334 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1220439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hamidreza Goodarzynejad
- Family Medicine Teaching Unit, North York General Hospital, Toronto, Canada
- Tehran Heart Center, Cardiovascular Diseases Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahmood Sheikh Fathollahi
- Rajaei Cardiovascular, Medical and Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Akbar Shafiee
- Tehran Heart Center, Cardiovascular Diseases Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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16
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Lu X, Han YC, Shepherd BS, Xiang Y, Deng DF, Vinyard BT. Molecular Analysis and Sex-specific Response of the Hepcidin Gene in Yellow Perch (Perca Flavescens) Following Lipopolysaccharide Challenge. Probiotics Antimicrob Proteins 2023; 15:215-225. [PMID: 36562953 DOI: 10.1007/s12602-022-10024-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Hepcidin antimicrobial peptide (hamp) is active in teleosts against invading pathogens and plays important roles in the stress and immune responses of finfish. The response of hamp gene was studied in yellow perch (yp) (Perca flavescens) challenged with lipopolysaccharides to understand if this immunity response is sex-specifically different. The cloned hamp gene consists of an open-reading frame of 273 bp and encodes a deduced protein of 90 amino acids (a.a.), which includes a signal peptide of 24 a.a., a pro-domain of 40 a.a. and a mature peptide of 26 a.a. Yp hamp involves 8 cysteine residues with 4 disulfide bonds, and a protein with an internal alpha helix flanked with C- and N-terminal random coils was modeling predicted. RT-qPCR was used to analyze the relative abundances (RAs) of hamp mRNA in the livers of juvenile female and male yellow perch challenged with lipopolysaccharide. The expression levels of hamp were significantly elevated by 3 h (RA = 7.3) and then peaked by 6 h (RA = 29.4) post-treatment in females but the peak was delayed to 12 h (RA = 65.4) post-treatment in males. The peak mRNA level of challenged males was shown 7.6-fold higher than females. The post-treatment responses in both genders decreased to their lowest levels by 24 h and 48 h. Overall, female perch had an earlier but less-sensitive response to the lipopolysaccharide challenge than male.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Lu
- School of Freshwater Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, 53204, USA
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Biodiversity Conservation and Utilization of Ministry of Agriculture, Yangtze River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuhan, 430223, Hubei, China
| | - Yueh-Chiang Han
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education-Oak Ridge Associated Universities-US Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service-School of Freshwater Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, 53204, USA.
| | - Brian S Shepherd
- US Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service-School of Freshwater Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, 53204, USA
| | - Ying Xiang
- School of Freshwater Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, 53204, USA
- School of Basic Medical Science, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, Hubei, China
| | - Dong-Fang Deng
- School of Freshwater Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, 53204, USA
| | - Bryan T Vinyard
- US Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service/Northeast Area Statistics Group, Beltsville, MD, USA
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17
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Bölte S, Neufeld J, Marschik PB, Williams ZJ, Gallagher L, Lai MC. Sex and gender in neurodevelopmental conditions. Nat Rev Neurol 2023; 19:136-159. [PMID: 36747038 PMCID: PMC10154737 DOI: 10.1038/s41582-023-00774-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Health-related conditions often differ qualitatively or quantitatively between individuals of different birth-assigned sexes and gender identities, and/or with different gendered experiences, requiring tailored care. Studying the moderating and mediating effects of sex-related and gender-related factors on impairment, disability, wellbeing and health is of paramount importance especially for neurodivergent individuals, who are diagnosed with neurodevelopmental conditions with uneven sex/gender distributions. Researchers have become aware of the myriad influences that sex-related and gender-related variables have on the manifestations of neurodevelopmental conditions, and contemporary work has begun to investigate the mechanisms through which these effects are mediated. Here we describe topical concepts of sex and gender science, summarize current knowledge, and discuss research and clinical challenges related to autism, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and other neurodevelopmental conditions. We consider sex and gender in the context of epidemiology, behavioural phenotypes, neurobiology, genetics, endocrinology and neighbouring disciplines. The available evidence supports the view that sex and gender are important contributors to the biological and behavioural variability in neurodevelopmental conditions. Methodological caveats such as frequent conflation of sex and gender constructs, inappropriate measurement of these constructs and under-representation of specific demographic groups (for example, female and gender minority individuals and people with intellectual disabilities) limit the translational potential of research so far. Future research and clinical implementation should integrate sex and gender into next-generation diagnostics, mechanistic investigations and support practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sven Bölte
- Center of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (KIND), Centre for Psychiatry Research; Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet & Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Curtin Autism Research Group, Curtin School of Allied Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia.
| | - Janina Neufeld
- Center of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (KIND), Centre for Psychiatry Research; Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet & Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
- Swedish Collegium for Advanced Study (SCAS), Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Peter B Marschik
- Center of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (KIND), Centre for Psychiatry Research; Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet & Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Göttingen and Leibniz ScienceCampus Primate Cognition, Göttingen, Germany
- iDN - interdisciplinary Developmental Neuroscience, Division of Phoniatrics, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Zachary J Williams
- Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Frist Center for Autism and Innovation, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Louise Gallagher
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Child and Youth Mental Health Collaborative at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick Children, Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, and Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Meng-Chuan Lai
- Child and Youth Mental Health Collaborative at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick Children, Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, and Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital and College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.
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18
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Bhargava A. Unraveling corticotropin-releasing factor family-orchestrated signaling and function in both sexes. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2023; 123:27-65. [PMID: 37717988 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2023.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
Stress responses to physical, psychological, environmental, or cellular stressors, has two arms: initiation and recovery. Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) is primarily responsible for regulating and/or initiating stress responses via, whereas urocortins (UCNs) are involved in the recovery response to stress via feedback inhibition. Stress is a loaded, polysemous word and is experienced in a myriad of ways. Some stressors are good for an individual, in fact essential, whereas other stressors are associated with bad outcomes. Perceived stress, like beauty, lies in the eye of the beholder, and hence the same stressor can result in individual-specific outcomes. In mammals, there are two main biological sexes with reproduction as primary function. Reproduction and nutrition can also be viewed as stressors; based on a body of work from my laboratory, we propose that the functions of all other organs have co-evolved to optimize and facilitate an individual's nutritional and reproductive functions. Hence, sex differences in physiologically relevant outcomes are innate and occur at all levels- molecular, endocrine, immune, and (patho)physiological. CRF and three UCNs are peptide hormones that mediate their physiological effects by binding to two known G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), CRF1 and CRF2. Expression and function of CRF family of hormones and their receptors is likely to be sexually dimorphic in all organs. In this chapter, based on the large body of work from others and my laboratory, an overview of the CRF family with special emphasis on sex-specific actions of peripherally expressed CRF2 receptor in health and disease is provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aditi Bhargava
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States.
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19
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Sex Differences in Effects of Mood, Eating-Related Behaviors, and BMI on Food Appeal and Desire to Eat: A Cross-Sectional Survey Study. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15030762. [PMID: 36771467 PMCID: PMC9920270 DOI: 10.3390/nu15030762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Although sex differences in food intake have been observed consistently, contributing factors are not well understood. Using a cross-sectional online survey (n = 306; 151 men, 155 women), this study aimed to assess how sex impacts relationships between food ratings (appeal/desire to eat for high-calorie (HC) and low-calorie (LC) food images) and eating-related attitudes/behaviors, body mass index (BMI), and mood. Across participants, increased state- and trait-based hunger, disinhibition, and cravings were associated with both increased HC appeal and desire (p < 0.001). Increased state-based hunger and cravings were associated with greater LC desire (p < 0.001). Greater satiety was associated with decreased desire for both HC and LC (p < 0.001), while greater anxiety was associated with increased desire for both HC and LC (p < 0.001). Significant associations between BMI and food ratings were not observed. Women reported greater dietary restraint, trait-based hunger, disinhibition, eating disorder-related behaviors, depression, and stress compared to men, in addition to greater appeal and familiarity with LC foods (all p < 0.05). Significant effects of sex on the associations between food ratings and eating-related attitudes/behaviors, BMI, and mood were not observed, however. Findings support the importance of considering mood and eating-related attitudes/behaviors in investigations of food cue responsivity.
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20
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Landen S, Hiam D, Voisin S, Jacques M, Lamon S, Eynon N. Physiological and molecular sex differences in human skeletal muscle in response to exercise training. J Physiol 2023; 601:419-434. [PMID: 34762308 DOI: 10.1113/jp279499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Sex differences in exercise physiology, such as substrate metabolism and skeletal muscle fatigability, stem from inherent biological factors, including endogenous hormones and genetics. Studies investigating exercise physiology frequently include only males or do not take sex differences into consideration. Although there is still an underrepresentation of female participants in exercise research, existing studies have identified sex differences in physiological and molecular responses to exercise training. The observed sex differences in exercise physiology are underpinned by the sex chromosome complement, sex hormones and, on a molecular level, the epigenome and transcriptome. Future research in the field should aim to include both sexes, control for menstrual cycle factors, conduct large-scale and ethnically diverse studies, conduct meta-analyses to consolidate findings from various studies, leverage unique cohorts (such as post-menopausal, transgender, and those with sex chromosome abnormalities), as well as integrate tissue and cell-specific -omics data. This knowledge is essential for developing deeper insight into sex-specific physiological responses to exercise training, thus directing future exercise physiology studies and practical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanie Landen
- Institute for Health and Sport (iHeS), Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Danielle Hiam
- Institute for Health and Sport (iHeS), Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia.,Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Sarah Voisin
- Institute for Health and Sport (iHeS), Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Macsue Jacques
- Institute for Health and Sport (iHeS), Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Séverine Lamon
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Nir Eynon
- Institute for Health and Sport (iHeS), Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
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Li M, Usui N, Shimada S. Prenatal Sex Hormone Exposure Is Associated with the Development of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032203. [PMID: 36768521 PMCID: PMC9916422 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Sexual differentiation is a major developmental process. Sex differences resulting from sexual differentiation have attracted the attention of researchers. Unraveling what contributes to and underlies sex differences will provide valuable insights into the development of neurodevelopmental disorders that exhibit sex biases. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects an individual's social interaction and communication abilities, and its male preponderance has been consistently reported in clinical studies. The etiology of male preponderance remains unclear, but progress has been made in studying prenatal sex hormone exposure. The present review examined studies that focused on the association between prenatal testosterone exposure and ASD development, as well as sex-specific behaviors in individuals with ASD. This review also included studies on maternal immune activation-induced developmental abnormalities that also showed striking sex differences in offspring and discussed its possible interacting roles in ASD so as to present a potential approach for future studies on sex biases in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengwei Li
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita 565-0871, Japan
| | - Noriyoshi Usui
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita 565-0871, Japan
- United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Suita 565-0871, Japan
- Global Center for Medical Engineering and Informatics, Osaka University, Suita 565-0871, Japan
- Addiction Research Unit, Osaka Psychiatric Research Center, Osaka Psychiatric Medical Center, Osaka 541-8567, Japan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-6-6879-3124
| | - Shoichi Shimada
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita 565-0871, Japan
- United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Suita 565-0871, Japan
- Global Center for Medical Engineering and Informatics, Osaka University, Suita 565-0871, Japan
- Addiction Research Unit, Osaka Psychiatric Research Center, Osaka Psychiatric Medical Center, Osaka 541-8567, Japan
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22
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Coig R, Grieve VLB, Cirrincione LR. Clinical Pharmacological Considerations in Transgender Medicine. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2023; 282:41-55. [PMID: 37439842 DOI: 10.1007/164_2023_665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Transgender medicine is a growing clinical field. Hormone therapy (testosterone or estrogen treatment) is part of the standard of gender-affirming medical care, yet clinical pharmacological knowledge in transgender medicine is lacking. Herein, we summarize available clinical and pharmacologic data for hormone therapy among transgender and gender diverse people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rene Coig
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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23
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Lamon S, Le Carré J, Petito G, Duong HP, Luthi F, Hiam D, Léger B. The effect of the menstrual cycle on the circulating microRNA pool in human plasma: a pilot study. Hum Reprod 2022; 38:46-56. [PMID: 36350564 PMCID: PMC9825267 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deac243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Do ovarian hormone changes influence the levels of cell-free or circulating microRNA (cf-miRNA) across the menstrual cycle? SUMMARY ANSWER This exploratory study suggests that fluctuations in hormonal levels throughout the menstrual cycle may alter cf-miRNAs levels. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY cf-miRNA levels vary with numerous pathological and physiological conditions in both males and females and are regulated by exogenous and endogenous factors, including hormones. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION A prospective, monocentric study was conducted between March and November 2021. Since this was a pilot study, the sample size was based on feasibility as well as previous similar human studies conducted in different tissues. A total of 20 participants were recruited for the study. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS We conducted an exploratory study where blood samples were collected from 16 eumenorrheic females in the early follicular phase, the ovulation phase and the mid-luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. The levels of oestrogen, progesterone, LH and FSH were measured in serum by electrochemiluminescence. The levels of 174 plasma-enriched miRNAs were profiled using a PCR-based panel, including stringent internal and external controls to account for the potential differences in RNA extraction and reverse-transcription stemming from low-RNA input samples. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE This exploratory study suggests that cf-miRNAs may play an active role in the regulation of the female cycle by mediating the expression of genes during fluctuating hormonal changes. Linear mixed-models, adjusted for the relevant variables, showed associations between phases of the menstrual cycle, ovarian hormones and plasma cf-miRNA levels. Validated gene targets of the cf-miRNAs varying with the menstrual cycle were enriched within female reproductive tissues and are primarily involved in cell proliferation and apoptosis. LARGE SCALE DATA All relevant data are available from the Mendeley database: LEGER, Bertrand (2022), 'MiRNA and menstrual cycle', Mendeley Data, V1, doi: 10.17632/2br3zp79m3.1. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Our study was conducted on a small participant cohort. However, it was tightly controlled for endogenous and exogenous confounders, which is critical to ensure robust and reproducible cf-miRNA research. Both adjusted and non-adjusted P-values are presented throughout the article. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Measures of ovarian hormones should be rigorously included in future studies assessing cf-miRNA levels in females and used as time-varying confounders. Our results reinforce the importance of accounting for female-specific biological processes in physiology research by implementing practical or statistical mitigation strategies during data collection and analysis. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This study was supported by the Clinique romande de réadaptation, Sion, Switzerland. S.L. was supported by an Australian Research Council (ARC) Future Fellowship (FT10100278). D.H. was supported by an Executive Dean's Postdoctoral Research Fellowship from Deakin University. The authors declare no competing interests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Séverine Lamon
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Joane Le Carré
- Department of Medical Research, Clinique romande de réadaptation Suva, Sion, Switzerland
| | - Giuseppe Petito
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, Caserta, Italy
| | - Hong Phuoc Duong
- Department of Medical Research, Clinique romande de réadaptation Suva, Sion, Switzerland
| | - François Luthi
- Department of Medical Research, Clinique romande de réadaptation Suva, Sion, Switzerland
| | - Danielle Hiam
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Bertrand Léger
- Correspondence address. Department of Medical Research, Clinique romande de réadaptation, Avenue GrandChampsec 90, CH-1951 Sion, Switzerland. E-mail:
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24
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The Effect of Menopause on Antipsychotic Response. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12101342. [PMID: 36291276 PMCID: PMC9599119 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12101342] [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: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: It has been hypothesized that, whenever estrogen levels decline, psychosis symptoms in women increase. At menopause, this can happen in two main ways: (a) the loss of estrogen (mainly estradiol) can directly affect central neurotransmission, leading to increase in schizophrenia-related symptoms, and (b) the loss of estrogen can decrease the synthesis of enzymes that metabolize antipsychotic drugs, thus weakening their efficacy. Aims and Methods: The aim of this narrative review was to investigate the second possibility by searching PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov for studies over the last two decades that investigated the metabolism of antipsychotics and their efficacy before and after menopause in women or that studied systemic and local estrogen level effects on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of individual antipsychotic drugs. Results: The evidence suggests that symptom level in women with schizophrenia rises after menopause for many reasons beyond hormones but, importantly, there is an estrogen-dependent loss of efficacy related to antipsychotic treatment. Conclusion: Effective clinical intervention is challenging; nevertheless, several promising routes forward are suggested.
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25
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Stress resilience-associated behaviors following predator scent stress are accompanied by upregulated nucleus accumbens mGlu5 transcription in female Sprague Dawley rats. Behav Brain Res 2022; 436:114090. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2022.114090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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26
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Das BK, Wang L, Fujiwara T, Zhou J, Aykin-Burns N, Krager KJ, Lan R, Mackintosh SG, Edmondson R, Jennings ML, Wang X, Feng JQ, Barrientos T, Gogoi J, Kannan A, Gao L, Xing W, Mohan S, Zhao H. Transferrin receptor 1-mediated iron uptake regulates bone mass in mice via osteoclast mitochondria and cytoskeleton. eLife 2022; 11:73539. [PMID: 35758636 PMCID: PMC9352353 DOI: 10.7554/elife.73539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Increased intracellular iron spurs mitochondrial biogenesis and respiration to satisfy high-energy demand during osteoclast differentiation and bone-resorbing activities. Transferrin receptor 1 (Tfr1) mediates cellular iron uptake through endocytosis of iron-loaded transferrin, and its expression increases during osteoclast differentiation. Nonetheless, the precise functions of Tfr1 and Tfr1-mediated iron uptake in osteoclast biology and skeletal homeostasis remain incompletely understood. To investigate the role of Tfr1 in osteoclast lineage cells in vivo and in vitro, we crossed Tfrc (encoding Tfr1)-floxed mice with Lyz2 (LysM)-Cre and Cathepsin K (Ctsk)-Cre mice to generate Tfrc conditional knockout mice in myeloid osteoclast precursors (Tfr1ΔLysM) or differentiated osteoclasts (Tfr1ΔCtsk), respectively. Skeletal phenotyping by µCT and histology unveiled a significant increase in trabecular bone mass with normal osteoclast number in long bones of 10-week-old young and 6-month-old adult female but not male Tfr1ΔLysM mice. Although high trabecular bone volume in long bones was observed in both male and female Tfr1ΔCtsk mice, this phenotype was more pronounced in female knockout mice. Consistent with this gender-dependent phenomena, estrogen deficiency induced by ovariectomy decreased trabecular bone mass in Tfr1ΔLysM mice. Mechanistically, disruption of Tfr1 expression attenuated mitochondrial metabolism and cytoskeletal organization in mature osteoclasts in vitro by attenuating mitochondrial respiration and activation of the Src-Rac1-WAVE regulatory complex axis, respectively, leading to decreased bone resorption with little impact on osteoclast differentiation. These results indicate that Tfr1-mediated iron uptake is specifically required for osteoclast function and is indispensable for bone remodeling in a gender-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhaba K Das
- Long Beach VA Healthcare System, Southern California Institute for Research and Education, Long Beach, United States
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Toshifumi Fujiwara
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Kyushu University Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Jian Zhou
- Department of Orthopedics, Anhui Medical University, HeFei, China
| | - Nukhet Aykin-Burns
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, United States
| | - Kimberly J Krager
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, United States
| | - Renny Lan
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, United States
| | - Samuel G Mackintosh
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, United States
| | - Ricky Edmondson
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, United States
| | - Michael L Jennings
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, United States
| | - Xiaofang Wang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, Dallas, United States
| | - Jian Q Feng
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, Dallas, United States
| | | | - Jyoti Gogoi
- Long Beach VA Healthcare System, Southern California Institute for Research and Education, Long Beach, United States
| | - Aarthi Kannan
- Long Beach VA Healthcare System, Southern California Institute for Research and Education, Long Beach, United States
| | - Ling Gao
- Long Beach VA Healthcare System, Southern California Institute for Research and Education, Long Beach, United States
| | - Weirong Xing
- Musculoskeletal Disease Center, VA Loma Linda Healthcare System, Loma Linda, United States
| | - Subburaman Mohan
- Musculoskeletal Disease Center, VA Loma Linda Healthcare System, Loma Linda, United States
| | - Haibo Zhao
- Long Beach VA Healthcare System, Southern California Institute for Research and Education, Long Beach, United States
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27
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O'Bryan SM, Connor KR, Drummer DJ, Lavin KM, Bamman MM. Considerations for Sex-Cognizant Research in Exercise Biology and Medicine. Front Sports Act Living 2022; 4:903992. [PMID: 35721874 PMCID: PMC9204149 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2022.903992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
As the fields of kinesiology, exercise science, and human movement developed, the majority of the research focused on male physiology and extrapolated findings to females. In the medical sphere, basing practice on data developed in only males resulted in the removal of drugs from the market in the late 1990s due to severe side effects (some life-threatening) in females that were not observed in males. In response to substantial evidence demonstrating exercise-induced health benefits, exercise is often promoted as a key modality in disease prevention, management, and rehabilitation. However, much like the early days of drug development, a historical literature knowledge base of predominantly male studies may leave the exercise field vulnerable to overlooking potentially key biological differences in males and females that may be important to consider in prescribing exercise (e.g., how exercise responses may differ between sexes and whether there are optimal approaches to consider for females that differ from conventional approaches that are based on male physiology). Thus, this review will discuss anatomical, physiological, and skeletal muscle molecular differences that may contribute to sex differences in exercise responses, as well as clinical considerations based on this knowledge in athletic and general populations over the continuum of age. Finally, this review summarizes the current gaps in knowledge, highlights the areas ripe for future research, and considerations for sex-cognizant research in exercise fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samia M. O'Bryan
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
- UAB Center for Exercise Medicine, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Kathleen R. Connor
- UAB Center for Exercise Medicine, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Devin J. Drummer
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
- UAB Center for Exercise Medicine, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Kaleen M. Lavin
- The Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition, Pensacola, FL, United States
| | - Marcas M. Bamman
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
- UAB Center for Exercise Medicine, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
- The Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition, Pensacola, FL, United States
- *Correspondence: Marcas M. Bamman
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28
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Touchant M, Labonté B. Sex-Specific Brain Transcriptional Signatures in Human MDD and Their Correlates in Mouse Models of Depression. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 16:845491. [PMID: 35592639 PMCID: PMC9110970 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.845491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is amongst the most devastating psychiatric conditions affecting several millions of people worldwide every year. Despite the importance of this disease and its impact on modern societies, still very little is known about the etiological mechanisms. Treatment strategies have stagnated over the last decades and very little progress has been made to improve the efficiency of current therapeutic approaches. In order to better understand the disease, it is necessary for researchers to use appropriate animal models that reproduce specific aspects of the complex clinical manifestations at the behavioral and molecular levels. Here, we review the current literature describing the use of mouse models to reproduce specific aspects of MDD and anxiety in males and females. We first describe some of the most commonly used mouse models and their capacity to display unique but also shared features relevant to MDD. We then transition toward an integral description, combined with genome-wide transcriptional strategies. The use of these models reveals crucial insights into the molecular programs underlying the expression of stress susceptibility and resilience in a sex-specific fashion. These studies performed on human and mouse tissues establish correlates into the mechanisms mediating the impact of stress and the extent to which different mouse models of chronic stress recapitulate the molecular changes observed in depressed humans. The focus of this review is specifically to highlight the sex differences revealed from different stress paradigms and transcriptional analyses both in human and animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maureen Touchant
- CERVO Brain Research Centre, Québec, QC, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Benoit Labonté
- CERVO Brain Research Centre, Québec, QC, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- *Correspondence: Benoit Labonté
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29
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Le A, Huang KJ, Cirrincione LR. Regulation of drug-metabolizing enzymes by sex-related hormones: clinical implications for transgender medicine. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2022; 43:582-592. [PMID: 35487786 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2022.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Transgender medicine is a diverse and growing clinical field with unmet gaps in pharmacological knowledge. Hormone therapy (testosterone or estrogen treatment), one part of the standard of medical care for transgender adults, aligns secondary sex characteristics with an individual's gender identity and expression. Despite established effects of sex steroids on drug-metabolizing enzyme expression and activity in vitro and in animal models, the effect of long-term, supraphysiological sex hormone treatment on drug metabolism in transgender adults is not yet established. Here, we synthesize available in vitro and animal model data with pharmacological concepts in transgender medicine to predict potential effects of sex steroids on drug-metabolizing enzymes, and their relationship with potential hormone-drug interactions, in transgender medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- An Le
- Department of Pharmacy and Therapeutics, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Kai J Huang
- Center for Transyouth Health and Development, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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31
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Lew LA, Williams JS, Stone JC, Au AKW, Pyke KE, MacDonald MJ. Examination of Sex-Specific Participant Inclusion in Exercise Physiology Endothelial Function Research: A Systematic Review. Front Sports Act Living 2022; 4:860356. [PMID: 35399599 PMCID: PMC8990239 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2022.860356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background To combat historical underrepresentation of female participants in research, guidelines have been established to motivate equal participation by both sexes. However, the pervasiveness of female exclusion has not been examined in vascular exercise physiology research. The purpose of this study was to systematically quantify the sex-specific prevalence of human participants and identify the rationales for sex-specific inclusion/exclusion in research examining the impact of exercise on vascular endothelial function. Methods A systematic search was conducted examining exercise/physical activity and vascular endothelial function, assessed via flow mediated dilation. Studies were categorized by sex: male-only, female-only, or mixed sex, including examination of the sample size of males and females. Analysis was performed examining sex-inclusion criteria in study design and reporting and rationale for inclusion/exclusion of participants on the basis of sex. Changes in proportion of female participants included in studies were examined over time in 5 year cohorts. Results A total of 514 studies were identified, spanning 26 years (1996–2021). Of the total participants, 64% were male and 36% were female, and a male bias was identified (32% male-only vs. 12% female-only studies). Proportions of female participants in studies remained relatively constant in the last 20 years. Male-only studies were less likely to report sex in the title compared to female-only studies (27 vs. 78%, p < 0.001), report sex in the abstract (72 vs. 98%, p < 0.001) and justify exclusion on the basis of sex (15 vs. 55%, p < 0.001). Further, male-only studies were more likely to be conducted in healthy populations compared to female-only studies (p = 0.002). Qualitative analysis of justifications identified four themes: sex-specific rationale or gap in the literature, exclusion of females based on the hormonal cycle or sex-differences, maintaining congruence with the male norm, and challenges with recruitment, retention and resources. Conclusions This systematic review provides the first analysis of sex-based inclusion/exclusion and rationale for sex-based decisions in human vascular exercise physiology research. These findings contribute to identifying the impact of research guidelines regarding inclusion of males and females and the perceived barriers to designing studies with equal sex participation, in an effort to increase female representation in vascular exercise physiology research. Systematic Review Registration: CRD42022300388.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay A. Lew
- Cardiovascular Stress Response Lab, School of Kinesiology and Health Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Jennifer S. Williams
- Vascular Dynamics Lab, Department of Kinesiology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Jenna C. Stone
- Vascular Dynamics Lab, Department of Kinesiology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Alicia K. W. Au
- Vascular Dynamics Lab, Department of Kinesiology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Kyra E. Pyke
- Cardiovascular Stress Response Lab, School of Kinesiology and Health Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Maureen J. MacDonald
- Vascular Dynamics Lab, Department of Kinesiology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- *Correspondence: Maureen J. MacDonald
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32
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De Souza AMA, Almeida JFQ, Shults N, Ji H, Li J, Sandberg K. Susceptibility of female rats to cardiac arrhythmias following refeeding after severe food restriction. Biol Sex Differ 2022; 13:11. [PMID: 35292078 PMCID: PMC8922835 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-022-00419-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Many studies have shown malnutrition and inadequate caloric consumption have adverse acute effects on cardiovascular structure and function. Methods To determine the adverse long term cardiovascular effects, we studied cardiac morphology and function in female (F) and male (M) severe food restricted rats 3 months after refeeding (sFR-Refed). Results Two weeks of a normal chow diet in which calories were reduced by 60% decreased body weight (BW) by approximately 15% in both sexes. Within 2 weeks of refeeding, no differences in BW were detected between CT and sFR-Refed groups. However, male rats gained almost 3 times more BW than the females over the 3-month refeeding period. Sex differences were also observed in cardiac pathology. Hearts from F-sFR-Refed rats exhibited more atrophy and less hypertrophy, while M-sFR-Refed rats predominantly exhibited hypertrophic remodeling. While there were no differences in the frequency of ventricular arrhythmias induced by ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) in the isolated heart between M-CT and M-sFR-Refed rats, I/R induced twice as many arrhythmias in the F-sFR-Refed rats compared to F-CT. Conclusions These findings indicate the female heart is more susceptible to the long term adverse cardiovascular effects of sFR months after refeeding. Thus, this study provides a rationale for studying sex differences in cardiovascular risk in individuals who experience sFR for voluntary (e.g., very low-calorie dieting) or involuntary (e.g., poverty) reasons earlier in life. What are the long-term effects of a 2-week period of severe food restriction (sFR) on cardiac structure and function months after refeeding (sFR-Refed) in male and female rats? This study shows sex differences exist in cardiac pathology months after refeeding. A majority of cardiomyocytes were atrophied in F-sFR-Refed rats, while in M-sFR-Refed rats, the cardiomyocytes predominantly exhibited hypertrophic remodeling. While there were no differences in the frequency of ventricular arrhythmias induced by ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) in the isolated heart between M-CT and M-sFR-Refed rats, I/R induced twice as many arrhythmias in the F-sFR-Refed rats compared to the controls. Our findings have implications for the long-term risk of developing cardiovascular disease in individuals who have voluntarily or involuntarily experienced periods of sFR earlier in their lives, and that woman may be at greater cardiovascular risk than men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline M A De Souza
- Department of Medicine, Georgetown University, Suite 232 Building D, 4000 Reservoir Road, NW, Washington, DC, 20057, USA
| | - Jonathas F Q Almeida
- Department of Internal Medicine/Cardiology, Rush University, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Nataliia Shults
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Hong Ji
- Department of Medicine, Georgetown University, Suite 232 Building D, 4000 Reservoir Road, NW, Washington, DC, 20057, USA
| | - James Li
- Department of Biostatistics, Bioinformatics and Biomathematics, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Kathryn Sandberg
- Department of Medicine, Georgetown University, Suite 232 Building D, 4000 Reservoir Road, NW, Washington, DC, 20057, USA.
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Tokatli MR, Sisti LG, Marziali E, Nachira L, Rossi MF, Amantea C, Moscato U, Malorni W. Hormones and Sex-Specific Medicine in Human Physiopathology. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12030413. [PMID: 35327605 PMCID: PMC8946266 DOI: 10.3390/biom12030413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
A prodigious increment of scientific evidence in both preclinical and clinical studies is narrowing a major gap in knowledge regarding sex-specific biological responses observed in numerous branches of clinical practices. Some paradigmatic examples include neurodegenerative and mental disorders, immune-related disorders such as pathogenic infections and autoimmune diseases, oncologic conditions, and cardiovascular morbidities. The male-to-female proportion in a population is expressed as sex ratio and varies eminently with respect to the pathophysiology, natural history, incidence, prevalence, and mortality rates. The factors that determine this scenario incorporate both sex-associated biological differences and gender-dependent sociocultural issues. A broad narrative review focused on the current knowledge about the role of hormone regulation in gender medicine and gender peculiarities across key clinical areas is provided. Sex differences in immune response, cardiovascular diseases, neurological disorders, cancer, and COVID-19 are some of the hints reported. Moreover, gender implications in occupational health and health policy are offered to support the need for more personalized clinical medicine and public health approaches to achieve an ameliorated quality of life of patients and better outcomes in population health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Leuconoe Grazia Sisti
- Center for Global Health Research and Studies, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy; (L.G.S.); (E.M.); (L.N.); (U.M.)
- National Institute for Health, Migration and Poverty, 00153 Rome, Italy
| | - Eleonora Marziali
- Center for Global Health Research and Studies, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy; (L.G.S.); (E.M.); (L.N.); (U.M.)
| | - Lorenza Nachira
- Center for Global Health Research and Studies, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy; (L.G.S.); (E.M.); (L.N.); (U.M.)
| | - Maria Francesca Rossi
- Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Section of Occupational Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy; (M.F.R.); (C.A.)
| | - Carlotta Amantea
- Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Section of Occupational Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy; (M.F.R.); (C.A.)
| | - Umberto Moscato
- Center for Global Health Research and Studies, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy; (L.G.S.); (E.M.); (L.N.); (U.M.)
- Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Section of Occupational Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy; (M.F.R.); (C.A.)
| | - Walter Malorni
- Course in Pharmacy, University of Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy;
- Center for Global Health Research and Studies, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy; (L.G.S.); (E.M.); (L.N.); (U.M.)
- Correspondence:
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The neglect of sex: A call to action for including sex as a biological variable in placebo and nocebo research. Contemp Clin Trials 2022; 116:106734. [PMID: 35306216 PMCID: PMC9332926 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2022.106734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Sex differences exist in the prevalence, progression and treatment efficacy of a wide array of medical conditions. While the placebo and nocebo effects have become increasingly relevant in the clinical arena, little is known about the influence of biological sex on placebo and nocebo effects. This paper discusses the existing, relatively limited and sometimes conflicting evidence about how sex impacts the occurrence and magnitude of the placebo and nocebo effects, mainly focusing on pain studies. We present recent evidence that when compared to men, women suffering from chronic orofacial pain may derive greater benefit from the placebo effect for analgesia. Nonetheless, we broadly argue that the field is not currently positioned to draw definitive conclusions and propose several important factors that may explain the inconsistency in the literature and that should be taken into account in future research. These include the specific target symptom of the placebo or nocebo manipulation and whether or not the target is related to the medical condition, the placebo or nocebo induction method, the sex of the experimenter or physician, and so forth. Future research should intentionally include sex a biological variable to favor translation of placebo and nocebo mechanisms into clinical applications.
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Angiotensin Type-2 Receptors: Transducers of Natriuresis in the Renal Proximal Tubule. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23042317. [PMID: 35216442 PMCID: PMC8877933 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23042317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiotensin II (Ang II) type-2 receptors (AT2R) are expressed in the adult kidney, prominently in renal proximal tubule cells (RPTCs), and play an important role in opposing renal sodium (Na+) retention induced by Ang II stimulation of Ang II type-1 receptor (AT1R). Natriuresis induced by AT1R blockade is due at least in part to AT2R activation and whole body deletion of AT2Rs reduces the natriuretic response to increased blood pressure (BP). The major endogenous AT2R agonist mediating the natriuretic response is Ang III, the Ang II heptapeptide metabolite generated by aminopeptidase A, and the principal nephron site mediating inhibition of Na+ reabsorption by the AT2R is the renal proximal tubule (RPT). AT2Rs induce natriuresis via a bradykinin, nitric oxide and cyclic GMP (cGMP) signaling cascade. Recent studies demonstrated a key role for protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) in the AT2R-mediated natriuretic response upstream of cGMP. By inducing natriuresis, AT2Rs lower BP in the Ang II-infusion model of hypertension. PP2A activation and the natriuretic response to AT2R stimulation are defective in spontaneously hypertensive rats, a model of primary hypertension in humans. AT2R agonists are candidates for proximal tubule natriuretic agents in Na+ and fluid retention disorders.
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Claahsen - van der Grinten HL, Speiser PW, Ahmed SF, Arlt W, Auchus RJ, Falhammar H, Flück CE, Guasti L, Huebner A, Kortmann BBM, Krone N, Merke DP, Miller WL, Nordenström A, Reisch N, Sandberg DE, Stikkelbroeck NMML, Touraine P, Utari A, Wudy SA, White PC. Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia-Current Insights in Pathophysiology, Diagnostics, and Management. Endocr Rev 2022; 43:91-159. [PMID: 33961029 PMCID: PMC8755999 DOI: 10.1210/endrev/bnab016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 66.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is a group of autosomal recessive disorders affecting cortisol biosynthesis. Reduced activity of an enzyme required for cortisol production leads to chronic overstimulation of the adrenal cortex and accumulation of precursors proximal to the blocked enzymatic step. The most common form of CAH is caused by steroid 21-hydroxylase deficiency due to mutations in CYP21A2. Since the last publication summarizing CAH in Endocrine Reviews in 2000, there have been numerous new developments. These include more detailed understanding of steroidogenic pathways, refinements in neonatal screening, improved diagnostic measurements utilizing chromatography and mass spectrometry coupled with steroid profiling, and improved genotyping methods. Clinical trials of alternative medications and modes of delivery have been recently completed or are under way. Genetic and cell-based treatments are being explored. A large body of data concerning long-term outcomes in patients affected by CAH, including psychosexual well-being, has been enhanced by the establishment of disease registries. This review provides the reader with current insights in CAH with special attention to these new developments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Phyllis W Speiser
- Cohen Children’s Medical Center of NY, Feinstein Institute, Northwell Health, Zucker School of Medicine, New Hyde Park, NY 11040, USA
| | - S Faisal Ahmed
- Developmental Endocrinology Research Group, School of Medicine Dentistry & Nursing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Wiebke Arlt
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research (IMSR), College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Department of Endocrinology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Richard J Auchus
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, Departments of Internal Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Henrik Falhammar
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Intitutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Endocrinology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Christa E Flück
- Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Leonardo Guasti
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Bart’s and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Angela Huebner
- Division of Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetology, Department of Paediatrics, Universitätsklinikum Dresden, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Barbara B M Kortmann
- Radboud University Medical Centre, Amalia Childrens Hospital, Department of Pediatric Urology, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Nils Krone
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Deborah P Merke
- National Institutes of Health Clinical Center and the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Walter L Miller
- Department of Pediatrics, Center for Reproductive Sciences, and Institute for Human Genetics, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Anna Nordenström
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Pediatric Endocrinology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Nicole Reisch
- Medizinische Klinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - David E Sandberg
- Department of Pediatrics, Susan B. Meister Child Health Evaluation and Research Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | | | - Philippe Touraine
- Department of Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Center for Rare Endocrine Diseases of Growth and Development, Center for Rare Gynecological Diseases, Hôpital Pitié Salpêtrière, Sorbonne University Medicine, Paris, France
| | - Agustini Utari
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Diponegoro University, Semarang, Indonesia
| | - Stefan A Wudy
- Steroid Research & Mass Spectrometry Unit, Laboratory of Translational Hormone Analytics, Division of Paediatric Endocrinology & Diabetology, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Perrin C White
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas TX 75390, USA
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Oliveira VEDM, Bakker J. Neuroendocrine regulation of female aggression. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:957114. [PMID: 36034455 PMCID: PMC9399833 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.957114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Classically the neurobiology of aggression has been studied exclusively in males. Thus, females have been considered mildly aggressive except during lactation. Interestingly, recent studies in rodents and humans have revealed that non-lactating females can show exacerbated and pathological aggression similarly to males. This review provides an overview of recent findings on the neuroendocrine mechanisms regulating aggressive behavior in females. In particular, the focus will be on novel rodent models of exaggerated aggression established in non-lactating females. Among the neuromodulatory systems influencing female aggression, special attention has been given to sex-steroids and sex-steroid-sensitive neuronal populations (i.e., the core nuclei of the neural pathway of aggression) as well as to the neuropeptides oxytocin and vasopressin which are major players in the regulation of social behaviors.
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Ouyang R, Yin Y, Wang J, Su W, Zang L, Chen K, Du J, Lyu Z, Dou J, Mu Y, Gu W. Sex Differences in Hypercortisolism and Glucose-Metabolism Disturbances in Patients with Mild Autonomous Cortisol Secretion: Findings From a Single Center in China. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:857947. [PMID: 35757395 PMCID: PMC9218075 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.857947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Mild autonomous cortisol secretion (MACS) presents with a marked female preponderance, but whether the sex difference in its distribution has any relevance to the presentation and outcome of the disease is unknown. The aim of this study was therefore to compare biochemical indices of hypercortisolism and impaired glucose metabolism between male and female patients with MACS. METHOD We enrolled a total of 98 patients with autonomous/possible autonomous cortisol secretion in our study, and indices of hypercortisolism and glucose metabolism were collected and compared between the male and female patients. Logistic regression models were used to evaluate the association between sex and cortisol-secretory ability, as well as between the latter and glucose metabolism. In addition, we conducted further stratified analyses according to the degree of autonomous cortisol secretion and menopausal status. RESULTS Cortisol levels at 00:00 and 08:00 h after a 1-mg dexamethasone suppression test (DST) and low-dose DST were significantly higher in female than in male MACS patients, and the inhibition rate of 1-mg DST was lower in the women than in the men. This significant difference still remained after adjusting for age, BMI, and the course of the disease. Logistic regression analysis revealed a significant association between autonomous cortisol secretion and fasting C-peptide, as well as with the C-peptide-to-glucose ratio in females relative to male patients. In addition, stratified analyses indicated that this association was observed only among women with autonomous cortisol secretion and who were premenopausal. CONCLUSION The level of autonomic cortisol secretion in female patients with MACS was higher than in male patients, and the association between autonomous cortisol secretory ability and glucose homeostasis was only noted in patients with autonomous cortisol secretion and in premenopausal women. This phenomenon will, however, require closer follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ru Ouyang
- Department of Endocrinology, the First Medical Center of Chinese People’s Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Department of Endocrinology, Sanya Central Hospital, Sanya, China
- Department of Endocrinology, Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Hainan General Hospital, Haikou, China
| | - Yaqi Yin
- Department of Endocrinology, the First Medical Center of Chinese People’s Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Department of Endocrinology, the First Medical Center of Chinese People’s Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Department of Endocrinology, Beijing Chao-yang Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Wanlu Su
- Department of Endocrinology, the First Medical Center of Chinese People’s Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Li Zang
- Department of Endocrinology, the First Medical Center of Chinese People’s Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Kang Chen
- Department of Endocrinology, the First Medical Center of Chinese People’s Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jin Du
- Department of Endocrinology, the First Medical Center of Chinese People’s Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhaohui Lyu
- Department of Endocrinology, the First Medical Center of Chinese People’s Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jingtao Dou
- Department of Endocrinology, the First Medical Center of Chinese People’s Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yiming Mu
- Department of Endocrinology, the First Medical Center of Chinese People’s Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Yiming Mu, ; Weijun Gu,
| | - Weijun Gu
- Department of Endocrinology, the First Medical Center of Chinese People’s Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Yiming Mu, ; Weijun Gu,
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Human-Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Based Models for Studying Sex-Specific Differences in Neurodegenerative Diseases. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1387:57-88. [PMID: 34921676 DOI: 10.1007/5584_2021_683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases is steadily increasing worldwide, and epidemiological studies strongly suggest that many of the diseases are sex-biased. It has long been suggested that biological sex differences are crucial for neurodegenerative diseases; however, how biological sex affects disease initiation, progression, and severity is not well-understood. Sex is a critical biological variable that should be taken into account in basic research, and this review aims to highlight the utility of human-induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC)-derived models for studying sex-specific differences in neurodegenerative diseases, with advantages and limitations. In vitro systems utilizing species-specific, renewable, and physiologically relevant cell sources can provide powerful platforms for mechanistic studies, toxicity testings, and drug discovery. Matched healthy, patient-derived, and gene-corrected human iPSCs, from both sexes, can be utilized to generate neuronal and glial cell types affected by specific neurodegenerative diseases to study sex-specific differences in two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) human culture systems. Such relatively simple and well-controlled systems can significantly contribute to the elucidation of molecular mechanisms underlying sex-specific differences, which can yield effective, and potentially sex-based strategies, against neurodegenerative diseases.
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Lindsey ML, LeBlanc AJ, Ripplinger CM, Carter JR, Kirk JA, Hansell Keehan K, Brunt KR, Kleinbongard P, Kassiri Z. Reinforcing rigor and reproducibility expectations for use of sex and gender in cardiovascular research. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2021; 321:H819-H824. [PMID: 34524922 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00418.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Merry L Lindsey
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, Center for Heart and Vascular Research, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska.,Research Service, Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Amanda J LeBlanc
- Department of Physiology and Cardiovascular Innovation Institute, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky
| | | | - Jason R Carter
- Department of Health and Human Development, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana
| | - Jonathan A Kirk
- Department of Cell and Molecular Physiology, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Kara Hansell Keehan
- Strategic Journal Development, American Physiological Society, Rockville, Maryland.,AJP-Heart and Circulatory Physiology, American Physiological Society, Rockville, Maryland
| | - Keith R Brunt
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada
| | - Petra Kleinbongard
- Institute for Pathophysiology, West German Heart and Vascular Center, University of Essen Medical School, Essen, Germany
| | - Zamaneh Kassiri
- Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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Duchesne A, Kaiser Trujillo A. Reflections on Neurofeminism and Intersectionality Using Insights From Psychology. Front Hum Neurosci 2021; 15:684412. [PMID: 34658813 PMCID: PMC8513714 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2021.684412] [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: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Intersectionality contends that sex/gender is constituted of and with other social categories, and that the social structures giving rise to inequality should be addressed in research. This is a powerful and important perspective from which to investigate the processes and consequences of social group memberships, one which has been overlooked by most neuroscientific research. In particular, neurofeminism, a field of critical neuroscience that challenges neuroscientific assumptions, methods and interpretations of data that reinforce sexism, has ignored intersectionality to date. In contrast, research in the field of psychology has been engaging with intersectionality for more than a decade. In reflecting on how intersectionality has advanced feminist research in psychology, this paper provides a critical analysis of potential novel research avenues for neurofeminism. We identify three main research themes guided by intersectionality. The first theme involves research centered on understanding the socio-structural causes of health inequalities experienced by individuals with intersecting marginalized social identities; the second concerns research addressing the psychological processing of social group memberships that underlies the enactment of systemic discriminatory practices; and the third theme comprises intersectionality research that aims to challenge psychological epistemology. Drawing parallels between the fields of psychology and neuroscience, we explore the potential benefits and risks of advancing an intersectionality-informed neurofeminism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annie Duchesne
- Department of Psychology, University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, BC, Canada
| | - Anelis Kaiser Trujillo
- Gender Studies in STEM, Institute of Computer Science, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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White J, Tannenbaum C, Klinge I, Schiebinger L, Clayton J. The Integration of Sex and Gender Considerations Into Biomedical Research: Lessons From International Funding Agencies. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2021; 106:3034-3048. [PMID: 34137862 PMCID: PMC8475217 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgab434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
To improve the outcomes of research and medicine, government-based international research funding agencies have implemented various types of policies and mechanisms with respect to sex as a biological variable and gender as a sociocultural factor. After the 1990s, the US National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), and the European Commission (EC) began requesting that applicants address sex and gender considerations in grant proposals, and offering resources to help the scientific community integrate sex and gender into biomedical research. Although it is too early to analyze data on the success of all of the policies and mechanisms implemented, here we review the use both of carrots (incentives) and sticks (requirements) developed to motivate researchers and the entire scientific research enterprise to consider sex and gender influences on health and in science. The NIH focused on sex as a biological variable (SABV) aligned with an initiative to enhance reproducibility through rigor and transparency; CIHR instituted a sex- and gender-based analysis (SGBA) policy; and the EC required the integration of the "gender dimension," which incorporates sex, gender, and intersectional analysis into research and innovation. Other global efforts are briefly summarized. Although we are still learning what works, we share lessons learned to improve the integration of sex and gender considerations into research. In conjunction with refining and expanding the policies of funding agencies and mechanisms, private funders/philanthropic groups, editors of peer-reviewed journals, academic institutions, professional organizations, ethics boards, health care systems, and industry also need to make concerted efforts to integrate sex and gender into research, and we all must bridge across silos to promote systemwide solutions throughout the biomedical enterprise. For example, policies that encourage researchers to disaggregate data by sex and gender, the development of tools to better measure gender effects, or policies similar to SABV and/or SGBA adopted by private funders would accelerate progress. Uptake, accountability for, and a critical appraisal of sex and gender throughout the biomedical enterprise will be crucial to achieving the goal of relevant, reproducible, replicable, and responsible science that will lead to better evidence-based, personalized care for all, but especially for women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie White
- Office of Research on Women’s Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20817, USA
- Correspondence: Jamie White, MS, Office of Research on Women’s Health, National Institutes of Health, 6707 Democracy Blvd, Ste 400, Bethesda, MD 20817, USA.
| | - Cara Tannenbaum
- Institute of Gender and Health, Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Montreal, Quebec H3W 1W5, Canada
| | - Ineke Klinge
- Rapporteur H2020 Gendered Innovations 2, European Commission, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Londa Schiebinger
- History of Science, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, USA
| | - Janine Clayton
- Office of Research on Women’s Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20817, USA
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Navarro-Pardo E, Suay F, Murphy M. Ageing: Not only an age-related issue. Mech Ageing Dev 2021; 199:111568. [PMID: 34536447 DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2021.111568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Developments in the last century have led to an unprecedented increase in life expectancy. These changes open opportunities for humans to grow and develop in healthy and adaptive ways, adding life to years as well as years to life. There are also challenges, however - as we live longer, a greater number of people will experience chronic illness and disability, often linked to lifestyle factors. The current paper advances an argument that there are fundamental biological sex differences which, sometimes directly and sometime mediated by lifestyle factors, underpin the marked differences in morbidity and mortality that we find between the sexes. Furthermore, we argue that it is necessary to consider sex as a key factor in research on healthy ageing, allowing for the possibility that different patterns exist between males and females, and that therefore different approaches and interventions are required to optimise healthy ageing in both sexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esperanza Navarro-Pardo
- Department of Developmental and Educational Psychology, Universitat de València, Av. Blasco Ibañez, 21, 46008, València, Spain
| | - Ferran Suay
- Department of Biopsychology, Universitat de València, Av. Blasco Ibañez, 21, 46008, València, Spain
| | - Mike Murphy
- School of Applied Psychology, University College Cork, North Mall Campus, Cork, Ireland.
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Seeman MV, González-Rodríguez A. Stratification by Sex and Hormone Level When Contrasting Men and Women in Schizophrenia Trials Will Improve Personalized Treatment. J Pers Med 2021; 11:929. [PMID: 34575706 PMCID: PMC8471344 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11090929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sex and gender differences have been reported in the prevalence, expression, treatment response, and outcome of schizophrenia, but most reports are based on relatively small samples that have not been stratified for the impact of sex hormone levels. This literature review aims to show how women's hormone levels can impact the results of male/female comparisons. METHODS This is a narrative review of data from publications of the last decade. RESULTS Epidemiologic evidence, reports of the impact of hormones on cognition, results of sexually dimorphic responses to treatment, and male/female trajectories of illness over time all suggest that female hormone fluctuations exert major effects on male/female differences in schizophrenia. CONCLUSIONS Information on hormonal status in women participants is rarely available in clinical studies in schizophrenia, which makes male/female comparisons largely uninterpretable. These are the current challenges. Opportunities for individualized treatment are growing, however, and will undoubtedly result in improved outcomes for both women and men in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary V. Seeman
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, #605 260 Heath St. W., Toronto, ON M5P 3L6, Canada
| | - Alexandre González-Rodríguez
- Department of Mental Health, Mutua Terrassa University Hospital, University of Barcelona, 08221 Terrassa, Barcelona, Spain;
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Lenert ME, Avona A, Garner KM, Barron LR, Burton MD. Sensory Neurons, Neuroimmunity, and Pain Modulation by Sex Hormones. Endocrinology 2021; 162:bqab109. [PMID: 34049389 PMCID: PMC8237991 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqab109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The inclusion of women in preclinical pain studies has become more commonplace in the last decade as the National Institutes of Health (NIH) released its "Sex as a Biological Variable" mandate. Presumably, basic researchers have not had a comprehensive understanding about neuroimmune interactions in half of the population and how hormones play a role in this. To date, we have learned that sex hormones contribute to sexual differentiation of the nervous system and sex differences in behavior throughout the lifespan; however, the cycling of sex hormones does not always explain these differences. Here, we highlight recent advances in our understanding of sex differences and how hormones and immune interactions influence sensory neuron activity to contribute to physiology and pain. Neuroimmune mechanisms may be mediated by different cell types in each sex, as the actions of immune cells are sexually dimorphic. Unfortunately, the majority of studies assessing neuronal contributions to immune function have been limited to males, so it is unclear if the mechanisms are similar in females. Finally, pathways that control cellular metabolism, like nuclear receptors, have been shown to play a regulatory role both in pain and inflammation. Overall, communication between the neuroimmune and endocrine systems modulate pain signaling in a sex-dependent manner, but more research is needed to reveal nuances of these mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa E Lenert
- Neuroimmunology and Behavior Laboratory, Center for Advanced Pain Studies (CAPS), Department of Neuroscience, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas 75080, USA
| | - Amanda Avona
- Neuroimmunology and Behavior Laboratory, Center for Advanced Pain Studies (CAPS), Department of Neuroscience, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas 75080, USA
| | - Katherine M Garner
- Neuroimmunology and Behavior Laboratory, Center for Advanced Pain Studies (CAPS), Department of Neuroscience, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas 75080, USA
| | - Luz R Barron
- Neuroimmunology and Behavior Laboratory, Center for Advanced Pain Studies (CAPS), Department of Neuroscience, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas 75080, USA
| | - Michael D Burton
- Neuroimmunology and Behavior Laboratory, Center for Advanced Pain Studies (CAPS), Department of Neuroscience, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas 75080, USA
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Carey RM. Does the Aldosterone: Renin Ratio Predict Future Blood Pressure in Young Adults? Hypertension 2021; 78:397-399. [PMID: 34232675 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.121.17651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Robert M Carey
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville
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Murray I, Bhanot G, Bhargava A. Neuron-Glia-Immune Triad and Cortico-Limbic System in Pathology of Pain. Cells 2021; 10:cells10061553. [PMID: 34205372 PMCID: PMC8234386 DOI: 10.3390/cells10061553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Pain is an unpleasant sensation that alerts one to the presence of obnoxious stimuli or sensations. These stimuli are transferred by sensory neurons to the dorsal root ganglia-spinal cord and finally to the brain. Glial cells in the peripheral nervous system, astrocytes in the brain, dorsal root ganglia, and immune cells all contribute to the development, maintenance, and resolution of pain. Both innate and adaptive immune responses modulate pain perception and behavior. Neutrophils, microglial, and T cell activation, essential components of the innate and adaptive immune responses, can play both excitatory and inhibitory roles and are involved in the transition from acute to chronic pain. Immune responses may also exacerbate pain perception by modulating the function of the cortical-limbic brain regions involved in behavioral and emotional responses. The link between an emotional state and pain perception is larger than what is widely acknowledged. In positive psychological states, perception of pain along with other somatic symptoms decreases, whereas in negative psychological states, these symptoms may worsen. Sex differences in mechanisms of pain perception are not well studied. In this review, we highlight what is known, controversies, and the gaps in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Murray
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; (I.M.); (G.B.)
| | - Gayatri Bhanot
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; (I.M.); (G.B.)
- Eleanor Roosevelt College, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA 92122, USA
| | - Aditi Bhargava
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; (I.M.); (G.B.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-415-502-8453
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Lemes V, Gaya AR, Sadarangani KP, Aguilar-Farias N, Rodriguez-Rodriguez F, Martins CMDL, Fochesatto C, Cristi-Montero C. Physical Fitness Plays a Crucial Mediator Role in Relationships Among Personal, Social, and Lifestyle Factors With Adolescents' Cognitive Performance in a Structural Equation Model. The Cogni-Action Project. Front Pediatr 2021; 9:656916. [PMID: 34195161 PMCID: PMC8236613 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2021.656916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The beneficial relationship between physical fitness and cognitive performance is affected and modulated by a wide diversity of factors that seem to be more sensitive during the development stage, particularly during early adolescence. This study aimed to examine the role of physical fitness considering the multivariate association between age, health-related quality of life (HRQOL), school vulnerability index (SVI), body mass index z-score (BMIz), physical activity, and sleep problems with the cognitive performance in boys and girls. Method: Participants were 1,196 adolescents aged 10-14 years (50.7% of boys) from Chile. Three physical fitness components and eight cognitive tasks were measured. BMIz was determined using growth references by age and sex, whereas questionaries were used to assess sleep problems, physical activity, and HRQOL. SVI was established according to the score given by the Chilean Government to educational establishments. We performed a structural equation model (SEM) to test multivariate associations among study' variables by sex. Results: Fitness was positively associated with boys' and girls' cognitive performance (β = 0.23 and β = 0.17; p = 0.001, respectively). Moreover, fitness presented a significant mediator role in the relationships between BMIz, SVI, and physical activity with cognitive performance (indirect effect). Additionally, SVI showed a negative association both direct and indirect effect in all three fitness components and all cognitive tasks, being this relationship stronger in girls than in boys. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that physical fitness and all its components play a crucial mediator role in the associations between several factors associated with adolescents' cognitive performance. Thereby, educational and health strategies should prioritise improving physical fitness through physical activity. They also should address other factors such as school vulnerability, obesity, and the early gender gap in a comprehensive approach boosting cognitive performance among early adolescents. Trial registration: Research Registry (ID: researchregistry5791).
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanilson Lemes
- Projeto Esporte Brasil – PROESP-Br, Escola de Educação Física, Fisioterapia e Dança, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Secretaria de Estado da Educação de Santa Catarina – SED-SC, EEB Gracinda Augusta Machado, Imbituba, Brazil
| | - Anelise R. Gaya
- Projeto Esporte Brasil – PROESP-Br, Escola de Educação Física, Fisioterapia e Dança, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Kabir P. Sadarangani
- Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Providencia, Chile
- Escuela de Kinesiología, Facultad de Salud y Odontología, Universidad Diego Portales, Santiago, Chile
| | - Nicolas Aguilar-Farias
- Department of Physical Education, Sports, and Recreation, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
- UFRO Activate Research Group, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | | | - Clarice Maria de Lucena Martins
- Research Centre in Physical Activity, Health, and Leisure - CIAFEL, Porto University, Porto, Portugal
- Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil
| | - Camila Fochesatto
- Projeto Esporte Brasil – PROESP-Br, Escola de Educação Física, Fisioterapia e Dança, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Carlos Cristi-Montero
- IRyS Group, Physical Education School, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
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