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Arraiza Zabalegui M. After the trans brain: a critique of the neurobiological accounts of embodied trans* identities. HISTORY AND PHILOSOPHY OF THE LIFE SCIENCES 2024; 46:10. [PMID: 38305812 PMCID: PMC10837215 DOI: 10.1007/s40656-023-00602-6] [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] [Received: 04/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
This paper critically analyses three main neurobiological hypotheses on trans* identities: the neurobiological theory about the origin of gender dysphoria, the neurodevelopmental cortical hypothesis, and the alternative hypothesis of self-referential thinking and body perception. In this study I focus then the attention on three elements: the issue of (de)pathologisation, the idea of the trans brain, and the aetiology of trans* identities. While the neurobiological theory about the origin of gender dysphoria and the neurodevelopmental cortical hypothesis claim the existence of the trans brain, each offering its own neurobiological depiction, the hypothesis of self-referential thinking and body perception doesn't postulate a distinctive neurobiological trait for all trans* people. I problematize both portrayals of the trans brain departing from the findings and conceptualizations of the paradigm shifting brain mosaicism. Unlike the hypothesis of self-referential thinking and body perception that keeps the question of causation open, both the neurobiological theory about the origin of gender dysphoria and the neurodevelopmental cortical hypothesis situate the origin of trans* identities in the neurobiological domain. I challenge the biological deterministic framework in which this aetiology is inscribed from a dynamic processual entanglement perspective. Finally, concerning the issue of (de)pathologisation of trans* identities, an evolution can be seen in each of the hypothesis and among them, from the least to the most depathologising. However, I question their complete departure from a pathologising framework.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maite Arraiza Zabalegui
- Department of Philosophy, Universidad del País Vasco/Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea (UPV/EHU), Donostia/San Sebastián, Spain.
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Gaspari L, Soyer-Gobillard MO, Kerlin S, Paris F, Sultan C. Early Female Transgender Identity after Prenatal Exposure to Diethylstilbestrol: Report from a French National Diethylstilbestrol (DES) Cohort. J Xenobiot 2024; 14:166-175. [PMID: 38249107 PMCID: PMC10801508 DOI: 10.3390/jox14010010] [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: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Diagnostic of transsexualism and gender incongruence are terms to describe individuals whose self-identity does not match their sex assignment at birth. A transgender woman is an individual assigned male at birth (AMAB) on the basis of the external or internal genitalia who identifies and lives as a woman. In recent decades, a significant increase in the number of transgender people has been reported. Although, its etiology is unknown, biological, anatomical, genetic, environmental and cultural factors have been suggested to contribute to gender variation. In XY animals, it has been shown that environmental endocrine disruptors, through their anti-androgenic activity, induce a female identity. In this work, we described four XY individuals who were exposed in utero to the xenoestrogen diethylstilbesterol (DES) and were part of the French HHORAGES cohort. They all reported a female transgender identity starting from childhood and adolescence. This high prevalence of male to female transgenderism (1.58%) in our cohort of 253 DES sons suggests that exposure to chemicals with xenoestrogen activity during fetal life may affect the male sex identity and behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Gaspari
- Unité d’Endocrinologie-Gynécologie Pédiatrique, CHU Montpellier, University Montpellier, 34090 Montpellier, France; (L.G.); (F.P.)
- INSERM 1203, Développement Embryonnaire Fertilité Environnement, University of Montpellier, 34295 Montpellier, France
- CHU Montpellier, University Montpellier, Centre de Référence Maladies Rares du Développement Génital, Constitutif Sud, Hôpital Lapeyronie, 34295 Montpellier, France
| | - Marie-Odile Soyer-Gobillard
- Laboratoire Arago, Observatoire Océanologique, Sorbonne University, CNRS, 75016 Paris, France;
- Association HHORAGES-France, 66100 Perpignan, France
| | - Scott Kerlin
- DES International Information and Research Network, Livermore, CA 94551, USA;
| | - Françoise Paris
- Unité d’Endocrinologie-Gynécologie Pédiatrique, CHU Montpellier, University Montpellier, 34090 Montpellier, France; (L.G.); (F.P.)
- INSERM 1203, Développement Embryonnaire Fertilité Environnement, University of Montpellier, 34295 Montpellier, France
- CHU Montpellier, University Montpellier, Centre de Référence Maladies Rares du Développement Génital, Constitutif Sud, Hôpital Lapeyronie, 34295 Montpellier, France
| | - Charles Sultan
- Unité d’Endocrinologie-Gynécologie Pédiatrique, CHU Montpellier, University Montpellier, 34090 Montpellier, France; (L.G.); (F.P.)
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Fernández R, Zubiaurre-Elorza L, Santisteban A, Ojeda N, Collet S, Kiyar M, T'Sjoen G, Mueller SC, Guillamon A, Pásaro E. CBLL1 is hypomethylated and correlates with cortical thickness in transgender men before gender affirming hormone treatment. Sci Rep 2023; 13:21609. [PMID: 38062063 PMCID: PMC10703770 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-48782-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Gender identity refers to the consciousness of being a man, a woman or other condition. Although it is generally congruent with the sex assigned at birth, for some people it is not. If the incongruity is distressing, it is defined as gender dysphoria (GD). Here, we measured whole-genome DNA methylation by the Illumina © Infinium Human Methylation 850k array and reported its correlation with cortical thickness (CTh) in 22 transgender men (TM) experiencing GD versus 25 cisgender men (CM) and 28 cisgender women (CW). With respect to the methylation analysis, TM vs. CW showed significant differences in 35 CpGs, while 2155 CpGs were found when TM vs. CM were compared. With respect to correlation analysis, TM showed differences in methylation of CBLL1 and DLG1 genes that correlated with global and left hemisphere CTh. Both genes were hypomethylated in TM compared to the cisgender groups. Early onset TM showed a positive correlation between CBLL1 and several cortical regions in the frontal (left caudal middle frontal), temporal (right inferior temporal, left fusiform) and parietal cortices (left supramarginal and right paracentral). This is the first study relating CBLL1 methylation with CTh in transgender persons and supports a neurodevelopmental hypothesis of gender identity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Fernández
- Centro Interdisciplinar de Química E Bioloxía - CICA. Departamento de Psicología, Universidade da Coruña, Grupo DICOMOSA, Campus Elviña S/N, 15071, A Coruña, Spain.
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña (INIBIC), 15071, Oza, A Coruña, Spain.
| | - Leire Zubiaurre-Elorza
- Departamento de Psicología, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Deusto, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Andrea Santisteban
- Centro Interdisciplinar de Química E Bioloxía - CICA. Departamento de Psicología, Universidade da Coruña, Grupo DICOMOSA, Campus Elviña S/N, 15071, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Natalia Ojeda
- Departamento de Psicología, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Deusto, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Sarah Collet
- Department of Endocrinology, Ghent University Hospital, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Meltem Kiyar
- Department of Experimental Clinical and Health Psychology, Ghent University, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Guy T'Sjoen
- Department of Endocrinology, Center for Sexology and Gender, Ghent University Hospital, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sven C Mueller
- Department of Experimental Clinical and Health Psychology, Ghent University, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Antonio Guillamon
- Departamento de Psicobiología, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Eduardo Pásaro
- Centro Interdisciplinar de Química E Bioloxía - CICA. Departamento de Psicología, Universidade da Coruña, Grupo DICOMOSA, Campus Elviña S/N, 15071, A Coruña, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña (INIBIC), 15071, Oza, A Coruña, Spain
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Bahado‐Singh RO, Turkoglu O, Aydas B, Vishweswaraiah S. Precision oncology: Artificial intelligence, circulating cell-free DNA, and the minimally invasive detection of pancreatic cancer-A pilot study. Cancer Med 2023; 12:19644-19655. [PMID: 37787018 PMCID: PMC10587955 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.6604] [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: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic cancer (PC) is among the most lethal cancers. The lack of effective tools for early detection results in late tumor detection and, consequently, high mortality rate. Precision oncology aims to develop targeted individual treatments based on advanced computational approaches of omics data. Biomarkers, such as global alteration of cytosine (CpG) methylation, can be pivotal for these objectives. In this study, we performed DNA methylation profiling of pancreatic cancer patients using circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) and artificial intelligence (AI) including Deep Learning (DL) for minimally invasive detection to elucidate the epigenetic pathogenesis of PC. METHODS The Illumina Infinium HD Assay was used for genome-wide DNA methylation profiling of cfDNA in treatment-naïve patients. Six AI algorithms were used to determine PC detection accuracy based on cytosine (CpG) methylation markers. Additional strategies for minimizing overfitting were employed. The molecular pathogenesis was interrogated using enrichment analysis. RESULTS In total, we identified 4556 significantly differentially methylated CpGs (q-value < 0.05; Bonferroni correction) in PC versus controls. Highly accurate PC detection was achieved with all 6 AI platforms (Area under the receiver operator characteristics curve [0.90-1.00]). For example, DL achieved AUC (95% CI): 1.00 (0.95-1.00), with a sensitivity and specificity of 100%. A separate modeling approach based on logistic regression-based yielded an AUC (95% CI) 1.0 (1.0-1.0) with a sensitivity and specificity of 100% for PC detection. The top four biological pathways that were epigenetically altered in PC and are known to be linked with cancer are discussed. CONCLUSION Using a minimally invasive approach, AI, and epigenetic analysis of circulating cfDNA, high predictive accuracy for PC was achieved. From a clinical perspective, our findings suggest that that early detection leading to improved overall survival may be achievable in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ray O. Bahado‐Singh
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyCorewell Health – William Beaumont University HospitalRoyal OakMichiganUSA
| | - Onur Turkoglu
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyCorewell Health – William Beaumont University HospitalRoyal OakMichiganUSA
| | - Buket Aydas
- Department of Care Management AnalyticsBlue Cross Blue Shield of MichiganDetroitMichiganUSA
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Gupta K, Chakrabarti S, Janardan V, Gogia N, Banerjee S, Srinivas S, Mahishi D, Visweswariah SS. Neuronal expression in Drosophila of an evolutionarily conserved metallophosphodiesterase reveals pleiotropic roles in longevity and odorant response. PLoS Genet 2023; 19:e1010962. [PMID: 37733787 PMCID: PMC10547211 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Evolutionarily conserved genes often play critical roles in organismal physiology. Here, we describe multiple roles of a previously uncharacterized Class III metallophosphodiesterase in Drosophila, an ortholog of the MPPED1 and MPPED2 proteins expressed in the mammalian brain. dMpped, the product of CG16717, hydrolyzed phosphodiester substrates including cAMP and cGMP in a metal-dependent manner. dMpped is expressed during development and in the adult fly. RNA-seq analysis of dMppedKO flies revealed misregulation of innate immune pathways. dMppedKO flies showed a reduced lifespan, which could be restored in Dredd hypomorphs, indicating that excessive production of antimicrobial peptides contributed to reduced longevity. Elevated levels of cAMP and cGMP in the brain of dMppedKO flies was restored on neuronal expression of dMpped, with a concomitant reduction in levels of antimicrobial peptides and restoration of normal life span. We observed that dMpped is expressed in the antennal lobe in the fly brain. dMppedKO flies showed defective specific attractant perception and desiccation sensitivity, correlated with the overexpression of Obp28 and Obp59 in knock-out flies. Importantly, neuronal expression of mammalian MPPED2 restored lifespan in dMppedKO flies. This is the first description of the pleiotropic roles of an evolutionarily conserved metallophosphodiesterase that may moonlight in diverse signaling pathways in an organism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kriti Gupta
- Department of Developmental Biology and Genetics, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, India
| | - Sveta Chakrabarti
- Department of Developmental Biology and Genetics, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, India
| | - Vishnu Janardan
- Department of Developmental Biology and Genetics, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, India
| | - Nishita Gogia
- Department of Developmental Biology and Genetics, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, India
| | - Sanghita Banerjee
- Department of Developmental Biology and Genetics, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, India
| | - Swarna Srinivas
- Department of Developmental Biology and Genetics, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, India
| | - Deepthi Mahishi
- Department of Developmental Biology and Genetics, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, India
| | - Sandhya S. Visweswariah
- Department of Developmental Biology and Genetics, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, India
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Özel F, Indremo M, Karamanis G, Elofsson U, Beckman U, Fazekas A, Frisén L, Isaksson M, Sandström L, Thelin N, Tivesten Å, Wahlberg J, Skalkidou A, Bodlund O, Papadopoulos FC. Exploring gender dysphoria and related outcomes in a prospective cohort study: protocol for the Swedish Gender Dysphoria Study (SKDS). BMJ Open 2023; 13:e066571. [PMID: 37076146 PMCID: PMC10124297 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-066571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/21/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There has been a drastic increase in the reported number of people seeking help for gender dysphoria in many countries over the last two decades. Yet, our knowledge of gender dysphoria and related outcomes is restricted due to the lack of high-quality studies employing comprehensive approaches. This longitudinal study aims to enhance our knowledge of gender dysphoria; different aspects will be scrutinised, focusing primarily on the psychosocial and mental health outcomes, prognostic markers and, secondarily, on the underlying mechanisms for its origin. METHODS AND ANALYSIS The Swedish Gender Dysphoria Study is an ongoing multicentre longitudinal cohort study with 501 registered participants with gender dysphoria who are 15 years old or older. Participants at different phases of their clinical evaluation process can enter the study, and the expected follow-up duration is three years. The study also includes a comparison group of 458 age- and county-matched individuals without gender dysphoria. Data on the core outcomes of the study, which are gender incongruence and experienced gender dysphoria, body satisfaction and satisfaction with gender-affirming treatments, as well as other relevant outcomes, including mental health, social functioning and life satisfaction, are collected via web surveys. Two different research visits, before and after starting on gender-affirming hormonal treatment (if applicable), are planned to collect respective biological and cognitive measures. Data analysis will be performed using appropriate biostatistical methods. A power analysis showed that the current sample size is big enough to analyse continuous and categorical outcomes, and participant recruitment will continue until December 2022. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The ethical permission for this study was obtained from the Local Ethical Review Board in Uppsala, Sweden. Results of the study will be presented at national and international conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals. Dissemination will also be implemented through the Swedish Gender Dysphoria Study network in Sweden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatih Özel
- Department of Organismal Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Centre for Women's Mental Health during the Reproductive Lifespan (WOMHER), Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Malin Indremo
- Department of Medical Sciences, Psychiatry, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Georgios Karamanis
- Department of Medical Sciences, Psychiatry, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Ulf Elofsson
- Department of Medical Sciences, Psychiatry, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Ulrika Beckman
- Department of Psychiatry, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | | | - Louise Frisén
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Magnus Isaksson
- Department of Medical Sciences, Endocrinology and Mineral Metabolism, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Lotta Sandström
- ANOVA, Andrology, Sexual Medicine and Transgender Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Psychiatry, Umeå Universitet, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Nils Thelin
- Department of Psychiatry, Linköping University Hospital, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Åsa Tivesten
- Wallenberg Laboratory for Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Endocrinology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jeanette Wahlberg
- Department of Endocrinology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Alkistis Skalkidou
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Owe Bodlund
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Psychiatry, Umeå Universitet, Umeå, Sweden
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Fernández-Carrión R, Sorlí JV, Asensio EM, Pascual EC, Portolés O, Alvarez-Sala A, Francès F, Ramírez-Sabio JB, Pérez-Fidalgo A, Villamil LV, Tinahones FJ, Estruch R, Ordovas JM, Coltell O, Corella D. DNA-Methylation Signatures of Tobacco Smoking in a High Cardiovascular Risk Population: Modulation by the Mediterranean Diet. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:3635. [PMID: 36834337 PMCID: PMC9964856 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20043635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Biomarkers based on DNA methylation are relevant in the field of environmental health for precision health. Although tobacco smoking is one of the factors with a strong and consistent impact on DNA methylation, there are very few studies analyzing its methylation signature in southern European populations and none examining its modulation by the Mediterranean diet at the epigenome-wide level. We examined blood methylation smoking signatures on the EPIC 850 K array in this population (n = 414 high cardiovascular risk subjects). Epigenome-wide methylation studies (EWASs) were performed analyzing differential methylation CpG sites by smoking status (never, former, and current smokers) and the modulation by adherence to a Mediterranean diet score was explored. Gene-set enrichment analysis was performed for biological and functional interpretation. The predictive value of the top differentially methylated CpGs was analyzed using receiver operative curves. We characterized the DNA methylation signature of smoking in this Mediterranean population by identifying 46 differentially methylated CpGs at the EWAS level in the whole population. The strongest association was observed at the cg21566642 (p = 2.2 × 10-32) in the 2q37.1 region. We also detected other CpGs that have been consistently reported in prior research and discovered some novel differentially methylated CpG sites in subgroup analyses. In addition, we found distinct methylation profiles based on the adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Particularly, we obtained a significant interaction between smoking and diet modulating the cg5575921 methylation in the AHRR gene. In conclusion, we have characterized biomarkers of the methylation signature of tobacco smoking in this population, and suggest that the Mediterranean diet can increase methylation of certain hypomethylated sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebeca Fernández-Carrión
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, School of Medicine, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
- CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - José V. Sorlí
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, School of Medicine, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
- CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Eva M. Asensio
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, School of Medicine, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
- CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Eva C. Pascual
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, School of Medicine, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Olga Portolés
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, School of Medicine, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
- CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Andrea Alvarez-Sala
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, School of Medicine, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Francesc Francès
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, School of Medicine, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
- CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Alejandro Pérez-Fidalgo
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Clinic Hospital of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
- Biomedical Research Networking Centre on Cancer (CIBERONC), Health Institute Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Laura V. Villamil
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University Antonio Nariño, Bogotá 111511, Colombia
| | - Francisco J. Tinahones
- CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Endocrinology and Nutrition, Virgen de la Victoria University Hospital, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), University of Málaga, 29590 Málaga, Spain
| | - Ramon Estruch
- CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Internal Medicine, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jose M. Ordovas
- CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Nutrition and Genomics Laboratory, JM-USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, Tufts University, Boston, MA 02111, USA
- Nutritional Control of the Epigenome Group, Precision Nutrition and Obesity Program, IMDEA Food, UAM + CSIC, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Oscar Coltell
- CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Computer Languages and Systems, Universitat Jaume I, 12071 Castellón, Spain
| | - Dolores Corella
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, School of Medicine, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
- CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
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Bahado-Singh RO, Vishweswaraiah S, Turkoglu O, Graham SF, Radhakrishna U. Alzheimer's Precision Neurology: Epigenetics of Cytochrome P450 Genes in Circulating Cell-Free DNA for Disease Prediction and Mechanism. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032876. [PMID: 36769199 PMCID: PMC9917756 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032876] [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: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Precision neurology combines high-throughput technologies and statistical modeling to identify novel disease pathways and predictive biomarkers in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Brain cytochrome P450 (CYP) genes are major regulators of cholesterol, sex hormone, and xenobiotic metabolism, and they could play important roles in neurodegenerative disorders. Increasing evidence suggests that epigenetic factors contribute to AD development. We evaluated cytosine ('CpG')-based DNA methylation changes in AD using circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA), to which neuronal cells are known to contribute. We investigated CYP-based mechanisms for AD pathogenesis and epigenetic biomarkers for disease detection. We performed a case-control study using 25 patients with AD and 23 cognitively healthy controls using the cfDNA of CYP genes. We performed a logistic regression analysis using the MetaboAnalyst software computer program and a molecular pathway analysis based on epigenetically altered CYP genes using the Cytoscape program. We identified 130 significantly (false discovery rate correction q-value < 0.05) differentially methylated CpG sites within the CYP genes. The top two differentially methylated genes identified were CYP51A1 and CYP2S1. The significant molecular pathways that were perturbed in AD cfDNA were (i) androgen and estrogen biosynthesis and metabolism, (ii) C21 steroid hormone biosynthesis and metabolism, and (iii) arachidonic acid metabolism. Existing evidence suggests a potential role of each of these biochemical pathways in AD pathogenesis. Next, we randomly divided the study group into discovery and validation sub-sets, each consisting of patients with AD and control patients. Regression models for AD prediction based on CYP CpG methylation markers were developed in the discovery or training group and tested in the independent validation group. The CYP biomarkers achieved a high predictive accuracy. After a 10-fold cross-validation, the combination of cg17852385/cg23101118 + cg14355428/cg22536554 achieved an AUC (95% CI) of 0.928 (0.787~1.00), with 100% sensitivity and 92.3% specificity for AD detection in the discovery group. The performance remained high in the independent validation or test group, achieving an AUC (95% CI) of 0.942 (0.905~0.979) with a 90% sensitivity and specificity. Our findings suggest that the epigenetic modification of CYP genes may play an important role in AD pathogenesis and that circulating CYP-based cfDNA biomarkers have the potential to accurately and non-invasively detect AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ray O. Bahado-Singh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oakland University-William Beaumont School of Medicine, Royal Oak, MI 48309, USA
- Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital, Royal Oak, MI 48073, USA
| | - Sangeetha Vishweswaraiah
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oakland University-William Beaumont School of Medicine, Royal Oak, MI 48309, USA
- Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital, Royal Oak, MI 48073, USA
| | - Onur Turkoglu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oakland University-William Beaumont School of Medicine, Royal Oak, MI 48309, USA
- Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital, Royal Oak, MI 48073, USA
| | - Stewart F. Graham
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oakland University-William Beaumont School of Medicine, Royal Oak, MI 48309, USA
- Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital, Royal Oak, MI 48073, USA
- Correspondence: (S.F.G.); (U.R.)
| | - Uppala Radhakrishna
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oakland University-William Beaumont School of Medicine, Royal Oak, MI 48309, USA
- Correspondence: (S.F.G.); (U.R.)
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Kauffman RP, Guerra C, Thompson CM, Stark A. Concordance for Gender Dysphoria in Genetic Female Monozygotic (Identical) Triplets. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2022; 51:3647-3651. [PMID: 36044128 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-022-02409-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The biopsychosocial etiology of gender dysphoria is poorly understood, but current thought suggests a complex interaction of genetic, hormonal, environmental, and differences in brain development and physiology. Twin studies have implicated a genetic role in the formation of gender identity. Congruence for gender dysphoria is more common among monozygotic twins compared to dizygotic twins. We present a case of monozygotic (identical) triplets who have each transitioned from female to male under the care of a university transgender health service. Each triplet experienced gender dysphoria from childhood and has undergone transitional endocrine care and various aspects of gender-affirming surgery. Although a pure genetic or biological component cannot be attributed as a cause of their gender dysphoria with absolute certainty since the triplets were raised together, this unusual case of gender dysphoria among a set of monozygotic triplets adds support for a heritable role in gender identity formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert P Kauffman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine, 1400 S. Coulter St., Amarillo, TX, 79106, USA.
| | - Carly Guerra
- Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine, Amarillo, TX, USA
| | | | - Amy Stark
- Department of Psychiatry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine, Amarillo, TX, USA
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10
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Govender P, Ghai M, Okpeku M. Sex-specific DNA methylation: impact on human health and development. Mol Genet Genomics 2022; 297:1451-1466. [PMID: 35969270 DOI: 10.1007/s00438-022-01935-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Human evolution has shaped gender differences between males and females. Over the years, scientific studies have proposed that epigenetic modifications significantly influence sex-specific differences. The evolution of sex chromosomes with epigenetics as the driving force may have led to one sex being more adaptable than the other when exposed to various factors over time. Identifying and understanding sex-specific differences, particularly in DNA methylation, will help determine how each gender responds to factors, such as disease susceptibility, environmental exposure, brain development and neurodegeneration. From a medicine and health standpoint, sex-specific methylation studies have shed light on human disease severity, progression, and response to therapeutic intervention. Interesting findings in gender incongruent individuals highlight the role of genetic makeup in influencing DNA methylation differences. Sex-specific DNA methylation studies will empower the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry with more knowledge to identify biomarkers, design and develop sex bias drugs leading to better treatment in men and women based on their response to different diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Govender
- Discipline of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, South Africa
| | - Meenu Ghai
- Discipline of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, South Africa.
| | - Moses Okpeku
- Discipline of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, South Africa
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11
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Bahado-Singh RO, Radhakrishna U, Gordevičius J, Aydas B, Yilmaz A, Jafar F, Imam K, Maddens M, Challapalli K, Metpally RP, Berrettini WH, Crist RC, Graham SF, Vishweswaraiah S. Artificial Intelligence and Circulating Cell-Free DNA Methylation Profiling: Mechanism and Detection of Alzheimer's Disease. Cells 2022; 11:cells11111744. [PMID: 35681440 PMCID: PMC9179874 DOI: 10.3390/cells11111744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Despite extensive efforts, significant gaps remain in our understanding of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathophysiology. Novel approaches using circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) have the potential to revolutionize our understanding of neurodegenerative disorders. Methods: We performed DNA methylation profiling of cfDNA from AD patients and compared them to cognitively normal controls. Six Artificial Intelligence (AI) platforms were utilized for the diagnosis of AD while enrichment analysis was used to elucidate the pathogenesis of AD. Results: A total of 3684 CpGs were significantly (adj. p-value < 0.05) differentially methylated in AD versus controls. All six AI algorithms achieved high predictive accuracy (AUC = 0.949−0.998) in an independent test group. As an example, Deep Learning (DL) achieved an AUC (95% CI) = 0.99 (0.95−1.0), with 94.5% sensitivity and specificity. Conclusion: We describe numerous epigenetically altered genes which were previously reported to be differentially expressed in the brain of AD sufferers. Genes identified by AI to be the best predictors of AD were either known to be expressed in the brain or have been previously linked to AD. We highlight enrichment in the Calcium signaling pathway, Glutamatergic synapse, Hedgehog signaling pathway, Axon guidance and Olfactory transduction in AD sufferers. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported genome-wide DNA methylation study using cfDNA to detect AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ray O. Bahado-Singh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oakland University-William Beaumont School of Medicine, Royal Oak, MI 48309, USA; (R.O.B.-S.); (A.Y.); (S.F.G.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beaumont Health, 3601 W. 13 Mile Road, Royal Oak, MI 48073, USA; (F.J.); (K.C.)
| | - Uppala Radhakrishna
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beaumont Health, 3601 W. 13 Mile Road, Royal Oak, MI 48073, USA; (F.J.); (K.C.)
- Correspondence: (U.R.); (S.V.); Tel.: +1-248-551-2574 (U.R.); +1-248-551-2569 (S.V.)
| | - Juozas Gordevičius
- Vugene, LLC, 625 Kenmoor Ave Suite 301 PMB 96578, Grand Rapids, MI 49546, USA;
| | - Buket Aydas
- Department of Care Management Analytics, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Detroit, MI 48226, USA;
| | - Ali Yilmaz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oakland University-William Beaumont School of Medicine, Royal Oak, MI 48309, USA; (R.O.B.-S.); (A.Y.); (S.F.G.)
- Department of Alzheimer’s Disease Research, Beaumont Research Institute, 3811 W. 13 Mile Road, Royal Oak, MI 48073, USA
| | - Faryal Jafar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beaumont Health, 3601 W. 13 Mile Road, Royal Oak, MI 48073, USA; (F.J.); (K.C.)
| | - Khaled Imam
- Department of Internal Medicine, Beaumont Health, 3601 W. 13 Mile Road, Royal Oak, MI 48073, USA; (K.I.); (M.M.)
| | - Michael Maddens
- Department of Internal Medicine, Beaumont Health, 3601 W. 13 Mile Road, Royal Oak, MI 48073, USA; (K.I.); (M.M.)
| | - Kshetra Challapalli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beaumont Health, 3601 W. 13 Mile Road, Royal Oak, MI 48073, USA; (F.J.); (K.C.)
| | - Raghu P. Metpally
- Department of Molecular and Functional Genomics, Geisinger, Danville, PA 17821, USA; (R.P.M.); (W.H.B.)
| | - Wade H. Berrettini
- Department of Molecular and Functional Genomics, Geisinger, Danville, PA 17821, USA; (R.P.M.); (W.H.B.)
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA;
| | - Richard C. Crist
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA;
| | - Stewart F. Graham
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oakland University-William Beaumont School of Medicine, Royal Oak, MI 48309, USA; (R.O.B.-S.); (A.Y.); (S.F.G.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beaumont Health, 3601 W. 13 Mile Road, Royal Oak, MI 48073, USA; (F.J.); (K.C.)
- Department of Alzheimer’s Disease Research, Beaumont Research Institute, 3811 W. 13 Mile Road, Royal Oak, MI 48073, USA
| | - Sangeetha Vishweswaraiah
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beaumont Health, 3601 W. 13 Mile Road, Royal Oak, MI 48073, USA; (F.J.); (K.C.)
- Correspondence: (U.R.); (S.V.); Tel.: +1-248-551-2574 (U.R.); +1-248-551-2569 (S.V.)
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12
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Shepherd R, Bretherton I, Pang K, Mansell T, Czajko A, Kim B, Vlahos A, Zajac JD, Saffery R, Cheung A, Novakovic B. Gender-affirming hormone therapy induces specific DNA methylation changes in blood. Clin Epigenetics 2022; 14:24. [PMID: 35177097 PMCID: PMC8851870 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-022-01236-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background DNA methylation is an epigenetic mark that is influenced by underlying genetic profile, environment, and ageing. In addition to X-linked DNA methylation, sex-specific methylation patterns are widespread across autosomal chromosomes and can be present from birth or arise over time. In individuals where gender identity and sex assigned at birth are markedly incongruent, as in the case of transgender people, feminization or masculinization may be sought through gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT). GAHT is a cornerstone of transgender care, yet no studies to date have investigated its effect on genome-wide methylation. We profiled genome-wide DNA methylation in blood of transgender women (n = 13) and transgender men (n = 13) before and during GAHT (6 months and 12 months into feminizing or masculinizing hormone therapy). Results We identified several thousand differentially methylated CpG sites (DMPs) (Δβ ≥ 0.02, unadjusted p value < 0.05) and several differentially methylated regions (DMRs) in both people undergoing feminizing and masculinizing GAHT, the vast majority of which were progressive changes over time. X chromosome and sex-specific autosomal DNA methylation patterns established in early development are largely refractory to change in association with GAHT, with only 3% affected (Δβ ≥ 0.02, unadjusted p value < 0.05). The small number of sex-specific DMPs that were affected by GAHT were those that become sex-specific during the lifetime, known as sex-and-age DMPs, including DMRs in PRR4 and VMP1 genes. The GAHT-induced changes at these sex-associated probes consistently demonstrated a shift towards the methylation signature of the GAHT-naïve opposite sex, and we observed enrichment of previously reported adolescence-associated methylation changes. Conclusion We provide evidence for GAHT inducing a unique blood methylation signature in transgender people. This study advances our understanding of the complex interplay between sex hormones, sex chromosomes, and DNA methylation in the context of immunity. We highlight the need to broaden the field of ‘sex-specific’ immunity beyond cisgender males and cisgender females, as transgender people on GAHT exhibit a unique molecular profile. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13148-022-01236-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Shepherd
- Molecular Immunity, Infection and Immunity Theme, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Ingrid Bretherton
- Department of Medicine (Austin Health), The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Department of Endocrinology, Austin Health, Heidelberg, VIC, Australia
| | - Ken Pang
- Brain and Mitochondrial Research, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Inflammation Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Department of Adolescent Medicine, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Toby Mansell
- Molecular Immunity, Infection and Immunity Theme, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Anna Czajko
- Molecular Immunity, Infection and Immunity Theme, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Bowon Kim
- Molecular Immunity, Infection and Immunity Theme, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Amanda Vlahos
- Molecular Immunity, Infection and Immunity Theme, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Jeffrey D Zajac
- Department of Medicine (Austin Health), The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Department of Endocrinology, Austin Health, Heidelberg, VIC, Australia
| | - Richard Saffery
- Molecular Immunity, Infection and Immunity Theme, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Ada Cheung
- Department of Medicine (Austin Health), The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Department of Endocrinology, Austin Health, Heidelberg, VIC, Australia
| | - Boris Novakovic
- Molecular Immunity, Infection and Immunity Theme, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia. .,Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
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13
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El-Osta A. Distinguishing transgender DNA methylation. Clin Epigenetics 2022; 14:25. [PMID: 35177092 PMCID: PMC8855547 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-022-01238-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Assam El-Osta
- Department of Diabetes, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia. .,Epigenetics in Human Health and Disease Laboratory, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia. .,Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Sha Tin, Hong Kong SAR. .,Hong Kong Institute of Diabetes and Obesity, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, 3/F Lui Che Woo Clinical Sciences Building, 30-32 Ngan Shing Street, Sha Tin, Hong Kong SAR. .,Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Sha Tin, Hong Kong SAR. .,Faculty of Health, Department of Technology, Biomedical Laboratory Science, University College Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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14
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Tassinari R, Maranghi F. Rodent Model of Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapies as Specific Tool for Identifying Susceptibility and Vulnerability of Transgender People and Future Applications for Risk Assessment. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:12640. [PMID: 34886364 PMCID: PMC8656759 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182312640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Transgenders (TGs) are individuals with gender identity and behaviour different from the social norms; they often undergo gender-affirming hormone therapy (HT). HT for TG men involves testosterone treatment and, for TG women, oestrogen plus androgen-lowering agents. Due-but not limited-to the lifelong lasting HT, usually TG people experience several physical and behavioural conditions leading to different and specific susceptibility and vulnerability in comparison to general population, including the response to chemical contaminants present in daily life. In particular, the exposure to the widespread endocrine disrupters (EDs) may affect hormonal and metabolic processes, leading to tissue and organ damage. Since the endocrine system of TG people is overstimulated by HT and, often, the targets overlap with ED, it is reasonable to hypothesize that TG health deserves special attention. At present, no specific tools are available to study the toxicological effects of environmental contaminants, including EDs, and the potential long-term consequences of HT on TG people. In this context, the development of adequate and innovative animal models to mimic gender-affirming HT have a high priority, since they can provide robust data for hazard identification in TG women and men, leading to more reliable risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Tassinari
- Center for Gender-Specific Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy;
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