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Wang LQ, Liu ZT, Wang JJ, Fang YH, Zhu H, Shi K, Zhang FS, Shuai LY. Complex effects of testosterone level on ectoparasite load in a ground squirrel: an experimental test for the immunocompetence handicap hypothesis. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:164. [PMID: 38555448 PMCID: PMC10981293 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06261-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The immunocompetence handicap hypothesis suggests that males with a higher testosterone level should be better at developing male secondary traits, but at a cost of suppressed immune performance. As a result, we should expect that males with an increased testosterone level also possess a higher parasite load. However, previous empirical studies aimed to test this prediction have generated mixed results. Meanwhile, the effect of testosterone level on parasite load in female hosts remains poorly known. METHODS In this study, we tested this prediction by manipulating testosterone level in Daurian ground squirrels (Spermophilus dauricus), a medium-sized rodent widely distributed in northeast Asia. S. dauricus is an important host of ticks and fleas and often viewed as a considerable reservoir of plague. Live-trapped S. dauricus were injected with either tea oil (control group) or testosterone (treatment group) and then released. A total of 10 days later, the rodents were recaptured and checked for ectoparasites. Fecal samples were also collected to measure testosterone level of each individual. RESULTS We found that testosterone manipulation and sex of hosts interacted to affect tick load. At the end of the experiment, male squirrels subjected to testosterone implantation had an averagely higher tick load than males from the control group. However, this pattern was not found in females. Moreover, testosterone manipulation did not significantly affect flea load in S. dauricus. CONCLUSIONS Our results only lent limited support for the immunocompetence handicap hypothesis, suggesting that the role of testosterone on regulating parasite load is relatively complex, and may largely depend on parasite type and gender of hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Qing Wang
- Grassland Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hohhot, China
| | - Zhi-Tao Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Harbin Normal University, Harbin, China
| | - Jian-Jun Wang
- Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Comprehensive Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hohhot, China
| | - Yu-Han Fang
- College of Life Sciences, Huaibei Normal University, Huaibei, China
| | - Hao Zhu
- College of Life Sciences, Huaibei Normal University, Huaibei, China
| | - Ke Shi
- College of Life Sciences, Huaibei Normal University, Huaibei, China
| | - Fu-Shun Zhang
- Grassland Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hohhot, China
| | - Ling-Ying Shuai
- College of Life Sciences, Huaibei Normal University, Huaibei, China.
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Chuphal B, Sathoria P, Rai U, Roy B. Exploring the effect of dihydrotestosterone on nucleotide-binding and oligomerization domain-like receptor expression in spotted snakehead Channa punctata (Bloch 1793). J Fish Biol 2023; 103:1476-1487. [PMID: 37641389 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.15546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Sex steroids are known to modulate immune responses and as a result many of the immune parameters in seasonally breeding organisms show reproductive-phase dependent variation. Androgens, the male sex steroids, are largely reported to be immunosuppressive. Together with other pattern recognition receptors, the nucleotide-binding and oligomerization domain-like receptors (NLRs) serve as intracellular sentinels and are essential to defense mechanisms. Interestingly, to date the transcriptional modulation of NLRs by androgens has not been explored. In the present study, we investigated the reproductive-phase dependent expression of NLRs in the male spotted snakehead Channa punctata. Furthermore, the effect of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) on NLR expression was studied. The expression of NLRs was observed to be most pronounced during the spawning phase of the fish, which is marked by the highest testosterone level. In vivo as well as in vitro studies showed the diverse effect of DHT on NLR expression depending on the duration and mode of treatment, as well as the immune tissue studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhawna Chuphal
- Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Priyanka Sathoria
- Department of Zoology, Maitreyi College, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | | | - Brototi Roy
- Department of Zoology, Maitreyi College, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
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Beisel C, Jordan-Paiz A, Köllmann S, Ahrenstorf AE, Padoan B, Barkhausen T, Addo MM, Altfeld M. Sex differences in the percentage of IRF5 positive B cells are associated with higher production of TNF-α in women in response to TLR9 in humans. Biol Sex Differ 2023; 14:11. [PMID: 36814288 PMCID: PMC9945365 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-023-00495-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The clinical course and outcome of many diseases differ between women and men, with women experiencing a higher prevalence and more severe pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. The precise mechanisms underlying these sex differences still remain to be fully understood. IRF5 is a master transcription factor that regulates TLR/MyD88-mediated responses to pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPS) in DCs and B cells. B cells are central effector cells involved in autoimmune diseases via the production of antibodies and pro-inflammatory cytokines as well as mediating T cell help. Dysregulation of IRF5 expression has been reported in autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus, primary Sjögren syndrome, and rheumatoid arthritis. METHODS In the current study, we analyzed whether the percentage of IRF5 positive B cells differs between women and men and assessed the resulting consequences for the production of inflammatory cytokines after TLR7- or TLR9 stimulation. RESULTS The percentage of IRF5 positive B cells was significantly higher in B cells of women compared to men in both unstimulated and TLR7- or TLR9-stimulated B cells. B cells of women produced higher levels of TNF-α in response to TLR9 stimulation. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, our data contribute to the understanding of sex differences in immune responses and may identify IRF5 as a potential therapeutic target to reduce harmful B cell-mediated immune responses in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Beisel
- I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251, Hamburg, Germany. .,German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Hamburg, Germany. .,Research Department Virus Immunology, Leibniz Institute of Virology, 20251, Hamburg, Germany. .,Department of Internal Medicine IV, Gastroenterology and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 410, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Ana Jordan-Paiz
- Research Department Virus Immunology, Leibniz Institute of Virology, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sandra Köllmann
- grid.13648.380000 0001 2180 3484I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany ,grid.13648.380000 0001 2180 3484German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Benedetta Padoan
- Research Department Virus Immunology, Leibniz Institute of Virology, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Tanja Barkhausen
- grid.13648.380000 0001 2180 3484German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Hamburg, Germany ,Research Department Virus Immunology, Leibniz Institute of Virology, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Marylyn M. Addo
- grid.13648.380000 0001 2180 3484I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany ,grid.13648.380000 0001 2180 3484German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Marcus Altfeld
- grid.13648.380000 0001 2180 3484German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Hamburg, Germany ,Research Department Virus Immunology, Leibniz Institute of Virology, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
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Gholiof M, Adamson-De Luca E, Wessels JM. The female reproductive tract microbiotas, inflammation, and gynecological conditions. Front Reprod Health 2022; 4:963752. [PMID: 36303679 PMCID: PMC9580710 DOI: 10.3389/frph.2022.963752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The intricate interactions between the host cells, bacteria, and immune components that reside in the female reproductive tract (FRT) are essential in maintaining reproductive tract homeostasis. Much of our current knowledge surrounding the FRT microbiota relates to the vaginal microbiota, where ‘health’ has long been associated with low bacterial diversity and Lactobacillus dominance. This concept has recently been challenged as women can have a diverse vaginal microbial composition in the absence of symptomatic disease. The structures of the upper FRT (the endocervix, uterus, Fallopian tubes, and ovaries) have distinct, lower biomass microbiotas than the vagina; however, the existence of permanent microbiotas at these sites is disputed. During homeostasis, a balance exists between the FRT bacteria and the immune system that maintains immune quiescence. Alterations in the bacteria, immune system, or local environment may result in perturbances to the FRT microbiota, defined as dysbiosis. The inflammatory signature of a perturbed or “dysbiotic” FRT microbiota is characterized by elevated concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines in cervical and vaginal fluid. It appears that vaginal homeostasis can be disrupted by two different mechanisms: first, a shift toward increased bacterial diversity can trigger vaginal inflammation, and second, local immunity is altered in some manner, which disrupts the microbiota in response to an environmental change. FRT dysbiosis can have negative effects on reproductive health. This review will examine the increasing evidence for the involvement of the FRT microbiotas and inflammation in gynecologic conditions such as endometriosis, infertility, and endometrial and ovarian cancer; however, the precise mechanisms by which bacteria are involved in these conditions remains speculative at present. While only in their infancy, the use of antibiotics and probiotics to therapeutically alter the FRT microbiota is being studied and is discussed herein. Our current understanding of the intimate relationship between immunity and the FRT microbiota is in its early days, and more research is needed to deepen our mechanistic understanding of this relationship and to assess how our present knowledge can be harnessed to assist in diagnosis and treatment of gynecologic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahsa Gholiof
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Emma Adamson-De Luca
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- AIMA Laboratories Inc., Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Jocelyn M. Wessels
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- AIMA Laboratories Inc., Hamilton, ON, Canada
- *Correspondence: Jocelyn M. Wessels
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Calcaterra V, Nappi RE, Farolfi A, Tiranini L, Rossi V, Regalbuto C, Zuccotti G. Perimenstrual Asthma in Adolescents: A Shared Condition in Pediatric and Gynecological Endocrinology. Children 2022; 9:children9020233. [PMID: 35204953 PMCID: PMC8870409 DOI: 10.3390/children9020233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Asthma is a frequent medical condition in adolescence. The worsening of the most common symptoms perimenstrually is defined as perimenstrual asthma (PMA). The cause of PMA remains unclear, but a role for hormonal milieu is plausible. Data on PMA in adolescents are limited, and its management is not fully established. We aimed to discuss the PMA phenomenon in young females from pathophysiology to preventive strategies, focusing on the relationship with the hormonal pattern. The fluctuation of estrogens at ovulation and before menstruation and the progesterone secretion during the luteal phase and its subsequent withdrawal seem to be the culprits, because the deterioration of asthma is cyclical during the luteal phase and/or during the first days of the menstrual cycle. Conventional asthma therapies are not always effective for PMA. Preventive strategies may include innovative hormonal contraception. Even a possible beneficial effect of other hormonal treatments, including estrogens, progestogens, and androgens, as well as leukotriene receptor antagonists and explorative approach using microbial-directed therapy, is considered. The underlying mechanisms, through which sex-hormone fluctuations influence asthma symptoms, represent a challenge in the clinical management of such a distressing condition. Further studies focused on young females are mandatory to promote adolescent health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Calcaterra
- Pediatric and Adolescent Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Department of Pediatrics, “Vittore Buzzi” Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milano, Italy; (A.F.); (V.R.); (G.Z.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Rossella Elena Nappi
- Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Gynecological Endocrinology and Menopause, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (R.E.N.); (L.T.)
- Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Andrea Farolfi
- Department of Pediatrics, “Vittore Buzzi” Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milano, Italy; (A.F.); (V.R.); (G.Z.)
| | - Lara Tiranini
- Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Gynecological Endocrinology and Menopause, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (R.E.N.); (L.T.)
- Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Virginia Rossi
- Department of Pediatrics, “Vittore Buzzi” Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milano, Italy; (A.F.); (V.R.); (G.Z.)
| | - Corrado Regalbuto
- Pediatric Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Gianvincenzo Zuccotti
- Department of Pediatrics, “Vittore Buzzi” Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milano, Italy; (A.F.); (V.R.); (G.Z.)
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Science “L. Sacco”, University of Milano, 20157 Milano, Italy
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Abstract
Insights into T cell form, function, and dysfunction are rapidly evolving. T cells have remarkably varied effector functions including protecting the host from infection, activating cells of the innate immune system, releasing cytokines and chemokines, and heavily contributing to immunological memory. Under healthy conditions, T cells orchestrate a finely tuned attack on invading pathogens while minimizing damage to the host. The dark side of T cells is that they also exhibit autoreactivity and inflict harm to host cells, creating autoimmunity. The mechanisms of T cell autoreactivity are complex and dynamic. Emerging research is elucidating the mechanisms leading T cells to become autoreactive and how such responses cause or contribute to diverse disease states, both peripherally and within the central nervous system. This review provides foundational information on T cell development, differentiation, and functions. Key T cell subtypes, cytokines that create their effector roles, and sex differences are highlighted. Pathological T cell contributions to diverse peripheral and central disease states, arising from errors in reactivity, are highlighted, with a focus on multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, neuropathic pain, and type 1 diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Linda R. Watkins
- Corresponding author: Ph: 720-387-0304, Fax: 303-735-8290, , Address: 2860 Wilderness Place, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80301
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Święchowicz B, Kasielska-Trojan A, Manning JT, Antoszewski B. Can Digit Ratio (2D:4D) Be Indicative of Predispositions to Autoimmune Thyroid Diseases in Women - Hashimoto Thyroiditis and Graves' Disease? Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:914471. [PMID: 35846322 PMCID: PMC9280653 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.914471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Hashimoto thyroiditis and Graves' disease are autoimmune thyroid diseases which occur much more frequently in women than in men. Estrogen receptors are found in the thyroid gland and can modulate the gland's function. Digit ratio (2D:4D) is thought to be a negative correlate of prenatal testosterone and a positive correlate of prenatal estrogen. This study aimed to examine a relationship between right and left 2D:4D in women with Hashimoto thyroiditis and Graves' disease. The cross-sectional study included 106 women with autoimmune thyroid disease: 73 women diagnosed with Hashimoto thyroiditis and 33 women with Graves' disease, together with 70 healthy women as controls. Second and fourth digit length, weight, height were measured directly, and 2D:4D and BMI were calculated. Compared to controls, right and left 2D:4D were significantly higher in women with Hashimoto thyroiditis and lower in women with Graves' disease, the effects were higher for right 2D:4D. The mean length of right 4D was significantly lower in the examined women with Hashimoto thyroiditis than in Graves' disease. Higher right and left 2D:4D in women with Hashimoto thyroiditis suggests that prenatal exposure to high levels of estrogens relative to testosterone may play a role in the development of this disease. Lower right and left 2D:4D in women with Graves' disease suggest a role of high prenatal androgens relative to estrogens in Graves' disease pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Święchowicz
- Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery Clinic, Institute of Surgery, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Anna Kasielska-Trojan
- Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery Clinic, Institute of Surgery, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
- *Correspondence: Anna Kasielska-Trojan,
| | - John T. Manning
- Applied Sports, Technology, Exercise, and Medicine (A-STEM), Swansea University, Swansea, United Kingdom
| | - Bogusław Antoszewski
- Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery Clinic, Institute of Surgery, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
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Zafari Zangeneh F, Sarmast Shoushtari M. Estradiol and COVID-19: Does 17-Estradiol Have an Immune-Protective Function in Women Against Coronavirus? J Family Reprod Health 2021; 15:150-159. [PMID: 34721606 PMCID: PMC8536825 DOI: 10.18502/jfrh.v15i3.7132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: Female sex hormones have a pro-inflammatory effect, which may help to minimize inflammation. Estrogen's immunoregulatory properties play a significant role in the bi-directional neuroendocrine-immune activity in females. As a result, sex hormones can play a role in men's high mortality rate from coronavirus-2019 (COVID-19). It is aimed to clarify the role of 17-estradiol (E2) in the battle against COVID-19. Materials and methods: Until April 2021, a study on PubMed was performed. COVID-19, 17-estradiol (E2), immunoregulatory properties, pregnancy, menopausal symptoms, hormonal therapy, ER/ expression on immune cells, and mortality were some of the concepts used in the search. Results: Regulation of pro-inflammatory immune processes against COVID-19 appears to be associated with increased immune function (pro-inflammatory), anti-inflammatory regulation, and antiviral defense. Women with a severe coronavirus infection had higher serum IgG antibody levels than men, and their IgG production was faster in the early stages of infection. 17-estradiol (E2) levels of blood will increase by 100-fold during pregnancy. COVID-19 in pregnant women had a 15-fold lower mortality rate than other women. While menopause replacement therapy (MRT) for pre/post-menopausal women and its effectiveness in reducing COVID-19 infection is debatable. Conclusion: MRT may be considered as a viable treatment option for pre/post-menopause women with coronavirus, referring to the fact that sex hormones reduce inflammatory responses and modulate ACE2 expression. The task's difficulty and achieving the desired outcome seem to be challenging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farideh Zafari Zangeneh
- Vali-e-Asr Reproductive Health Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Sarmast Shoushtari
- Chemical and Environmental Engineering Department, Engineering Faculty, Malaysia Putra university, Selangor, Malaysia
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Costeira R, Lee KA, Murray B, Christiansen C, Castillo-Fernandez J, Ni Lochlainn M, Capdevila Pujol J, Macfarlane H, Kenny LC, Buchan I, Wolf J, Rymer J, Ourselin S, Steves CJ, Spector TD, Newson LR, Bell JT. Estrogen and COVID-19 symptoms: Associations in women from the COVID Symptom Study. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0257051. [PMID: 34506535 PMCID: PMC8432854 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0257051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
It has been widely observed that adult men of all ages are at higher risk of developing serious complications from COVID-19 when compared with women. This study aimed to investigate the association of COVID-19 positivity and severity with estrogen exposure in women, in a population based matched cohort study of female users of the COVID Symptom Study application in the UK. Analyses included 152,637 women for menopausal status, 295,689 women for exogenous estrogen intake in the form of the combined oral contraceptive pill (COCP), and 151,193 menopausal women for hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Data were collected using the COVID Symptom Study in May-June 2020. Analyses investigated associations between predicted or tested COVID-19 status and menopausal status, COCP use, and HRT use, adjusting for age, smoking and BMI, with follow-up age sensitivity analysis, and validation in a subset of participants from the TwinsUK cohort. Menopausal women had higher rates of predicted COVID-19 (P = 0.003). COCP-users had lower rates of predicted COVID-19 (P = 8.03E-05), with reduction in hospital attendance (P = 0.023). Menopausal women using HRT or hormonal therapies did not exhibit consistent associations, including increased rates of predicted COVID-19 (P = 2.22E-05) for HRT users alone. The findings support a protective effect of estrogen exposure on COVID-19, based on positive association between predicted COVID-19 with menopausal status, and negative association with COCP use. HRT use was positively associated with COVID-19, but the results should be considered with caution due to lack of data on HRT type, route of administration, duration of treatment, and potential unaccounted for confounders and comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Costeira
- Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Karla A. Lee
- Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Benjamin Murray
- School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Colette Christiansen
- Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Juan Castillo-Fernandez
- Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mary Ni Lochlainn
- Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Louise C. Kenny
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Iain Buchan
- Department of Public Health, Policy and Systems, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | | | - Janice Rymer
- Department of Women’s Health, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sebastien Ourselin
- School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Claire J. Steves
- Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Timothy D. Spector
- Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Louise R. Newson
- Newson Health Menopause & Wellbeing Centre, Stratford-Upon-Avon, United Kingdom
| | - Jordana T. Bell
- Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
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Panimolle F, Tiberti C, Spaziani M, Riitano G, Lucania G, Anzuini A, Lenzi A, Gianfrilli D, Sorice M, Radicioni AF. Non-organ-specific autoimmunity in adult 47,XXY Klinefelter patients and higher-grade X-chromosome aneuploidies. Clin Exp Immunol 2021; 205:316-325. [PMID: 33978253 DOI: 10.1111/cei.13616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Current literature regarding systemic autoimmune diseases in X-chromosome aneuploidies is scarce and limited to case reports. Our aim was to evaluate the frequency of anti-nuclear (ANAs), extractable nuclear (ENA), anti-double-stranded DNA (dsDNAs), anti-smooth muscle (ASMAs) and anti-mitochondrial (AMAs) antibodies in a large cohort of adults with Klinefelter's syndrome (KS, 47,XXY) and rare higher-grade sex chromosome aneuploidies (HGAs) for the first time. Sera from 138 X-chromosome aneuploid patients [124 adult patients with 47,XXY KS and 14 patients with HGA (six children, eight adults)] and 50 age-matched 46,XY controls were recruited from the Sapienza University of Rome (2007-17) and tested for ANAs, ENAs, anti-dsDNAs, ASMAs and AMAs. Non-organ-specific immunoreactivity was found to be significantly higher in patients with 47,XXY KS (14%) than in the controls (2%, p = 0.002). Among all the antibodies investigated, only ANAs were observed significantly more frequently in patients with 47,XXY KS (12.1%) than in the controls (2%, p = 0.004). No anti-dsDNA immunoreactivity was found. Stratifying by testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), non-organ-specific autoantibody frequencies were higher in TRT-naive (p = 0.01) and TRT-treated groups than in controls. No patients with HGA were found positive for the various autoantibodies. Non-organ-specific autoantibodies were significantly present in 47,XXY adult patients. Conversely, HGAs did not appear to be target of non-organ-specific immunoreactivity, suggesting that KS and HGAs should be considered as two distinct conditions. The classification and diagnosis of systemic autoimmune diseases is frequently difficult. To support a correct clinical evaluation of KS disease and to prevent eventual secondary irreversible immune-mediated damages, we highlight the importance of screening for non-organ-specific autoimmunity in Klinefelter's syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Panimolle
- Center of Rare Diseases, Section of Medical Pathophysiology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Roma, Italy
| | - Claudio Tiberti
- Center of Rare Diseases, Section of Medical Pathophysiology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Roma, Italy
| | - Matteo Spaziani
- Center of Rare Diseases, Section of Medical Pathophysiology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Roma, Italy
| | - Gloria Riitano
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Roma, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Lucania
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Roma, Italy
| | - Antonella Anzuini
- Center of Rare Diseases, Section of Medical Pathophysiology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Roma, Italy
| | - Andrea Lenzi
- Center of Rare Diseases, Section of Medical Pathophysiology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Roma, Italy
| | - Daniele Gianfrilli
- Center of Rare Diseases, Section of Medical Pathophysiology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Roma, Italy
| | - Maurizio Sorice
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Roma, Italy
| | - Antonio F Radicioni
- Center of Rare Diseases, Section of Medical Pathophysiology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Roma, Italy
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Xiong Y, Zhong Q, Palmer T, Benner A, Wang L, Suresh K, Damico R, D’Alessio FR. Estradiol resolves pneumonia via ERβ in regulatory T cells. JCI Insight 2021; 6:133251. [PMID: 33290273 PMCID: PMC7934849 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.133251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Current treatments for pneumonia (PNA) are focused on the pathogens. Mortality from PNA-induced acute lung injury (PNA-ALI) remains high, underscoring the need for additional therapeutic targets. Clinical and experimental evidence exists for potential sex differences in PNA survival, with males having higher mortality. In a model of severe pneumococcal PNA, when compared with male mice, age-matched female mice exhibited enhanced resolution characterized by decreased alveolar and lung inflammation and increased numbers of Tregs. Recognizing the critical role of Tregs in lung injury resolution, we evaluated whether improved outcomes in female mice were due to estradiol (E2) effects on Treg biology. E2 promoted a Treg-suppressive phenotype in vitro and resolution of PNA in vivo. Systemic rescue administration of E2 promoted resolution of PNA in male mice independent of lung bacterial clearance. E2 augmented Treg expression of Foxp3, CD25, and GATA3, an effect that required ERβ, and not ERα, signaling. Importantly, the in vivo therapeutic effects of E2 were lost in Treg-depleted mice (Foxp3DTR mice). Adoptive transfer of ex vivo E2-treated Tregs rescued Streptococcuspneumoniae–induce PNA-ALI, a salutary effect that required Treg ERβ expression. E2/ERβ was required for Tregs to control macrophage proinflammatory responses. Our findings support the therapeutic role for E2 in promoting resolution of lung inflammation after PNA via ERβ Tregs.
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12
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Laubach ZM, Murray EJ, Hoke KL, Safran RJ, Perng W. A biologist's guide to model selection and causal inference. Proc Biol Sci 2021; 288:20202815. [PMID: 33499782 PMCID: PMC7893255 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2020.2815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
A goal of many research programmes in biology is to extract meaningful insights from large, complex datasets. Researchers in ecology, evolution and behavior (EEB) often grapple with long-term, observational datasets from which they construct models to test causal hypotheses about biological processes. Similarly, epidemiologists analyse large, complex observational datasets to understand the distribution and determinants of human health. A key difference in the analytical workflows for these two distinct areas of biology is the delineation of data analysis tasks and explicit use of causal directed acyclic graphs (DAGs), widely adopted by epidemiologists. Here, we review the most recent causal inference literature and describe an analytical workflow that has direct applications for EEB. We start this commentary by defining four distinct analytical tasks (description, prediction, association, causal inference). The remainder of the text is dedicated to causal inference, specifically focusing on the use of DAGs to inform the modelling strategy. Given the increasing interest in causal inference and misperceptions regarding this task, we seek to facilitate an exchange of ideas between disciplinary silos and provide an analytical framework that is particularly relevant for making causal inference from observational data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary M. Laubach
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA
- Department of Integrative Biology, Michigan State University, Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Eleanor J. Murray
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kim L. Hoke
- Department of Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Rebecca J. Safran
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Wei Perng
- Department of Epidemiology, Lifecourse Epidemiology of Adiposity and Diabetes (LEAD) Center, University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
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Kang A, Khokale R, Awolumate OJ, Fayyaz H, Cancarevic I. Is Estrogen a Curse or a Blessing in Disguise? Role of Estrogen in Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. Cureus 2020; 12:e11180. [PMID: 33262916 PMCID: PMC7689967 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.11180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition wherein there is reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus, causing heartburn and regurgitation with a sour and bitter taste in the mouth. It may or may not lead to mucosal injury. GERD symptoms can be troublesome and negatively impact the quality of life. Estrogen, the sex hormone in females, may play a role in the gender differences observed in GERD symptoms. This review article analyzes estrogen's mechanism in the causation of GERD symptoms and its complications. A better understanding of pathophysiology will help us guide early detection, treatment, and prevention of repeated reflux complications. We did a comprehensive PubMed database search and analyzed differences in GERD symptoms experienced by males and females and the role of estrogen in erosive and non-erosive GERD. GERD symptoms in association with hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) and pregnancy, the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) relaxant effects, and estrogens' protective effect on the esophagus from mucosal injury due to repeated reflux are discussed. Estrogen can cause GERD as an adverse effect and, at the same time, can be used to protect the mucosa from GERD induced injury and its complications like metaplasia and cancer. The mechanism is complex and requires further studies and trials. We recommend future researchers to look for possible estrogen use to treat erosive GERD and complication prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayesha Kang
- Internal Medicine, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA
| | - Rhutuja Khokale
- Neurology, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA
| | - Oluwatayo J Awolumate
- Family Medicine, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA
| | - Hafsa Fayyaz
- Internal Medicine, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA
| | - Ivan Cancarevic
- Internal Medicine, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA
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14
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Abstract
In autoimmune rheumatic diseases, oestrogens can stimulate certain immune responses (including effects on B cells and innate immunity), but can also have dose-related anti-inflammatory effects on T cells, macrophages and other immune cells. By contrast, androgens and progesterone have predominantly immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory effects. Hormone replacement therapies and oral contraception (and also pregnancy) enhance or decrease the severity of autoimmune rheumatic diseases at a genetic or epigenetic level. Serum androgen concentrations are often low in men and in women with autoimmune rheumatic diseases, suggesting that androgen-like compounds might be a promising therapeutic approach. However, androgen-to-oestrogen conversion (known as intracrinology) is enhanced in inflamed tissues, such as those present in patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases. In addition, it is becoming evident that the gut microbiota differs between the sexes (known as the microgenderome) and leads to sex-dependent genetic and epigenetic changes in gastrointestinal inflammation, systemic immunity and, potentially, susceptibility to autoimmune or inflammatory rheumatic diseases. Future clinical research needs to focus on the therapeutic use of androgens and progestins or their downstream signalling cascades and on new oestrogenic compounds such as tissue-selective oestrogen complex to modulate altered immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Cutolo
- Research Laboratories and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Postgraduate School of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine DIMI, University of Genova, IRCCS San Martino Polyclinic, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Rainer H Straub
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Neuroendocrine Immunology, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
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15
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Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has shown high infection and mortality rates all over the world, and despite the global efforts, there is so far no specific therapy available for COVID-19. Interestingly, while the severity and mortality of COVID-19 are higher in males than in females, the underlying molecular mechanisms are unclear. In this review, we explore sex-related differences that may be contributing factors to the observed male-biased mortality from COVID-19. Males are considered the weaker sex in aspects related to endurance and infection control. Studies show that viral RNA clearance is delayed in males with COVID-19. A recent study has indicated that the testis can harbor coronavirus, and consequently, males show delayed viral clearance. However, the role of testis involvement in COVID-19 severity and mortality needs further research. Males and females show a distinct difference in immune system responses with females eliciting stronger immune responses to pathogens. This difference in immune system responses may be a major contributing factor to viral load, disease severity, and mortality. In addition, differences in sex hormone milieus could also be a determinant of viral infections as estrogen has immunoenhancing effects while testosterone has immunosuppressive effects. The sex-specific severity of COVID-19 infections indicates that further research on understanding the sex differences is needed. Inclusion of both males and females in basic research and clinical trials is required to provide critical information on sex-related differences that may help to better understand disease outcome and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajay Pradhan
- Biology, The Life Science Center, School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, SE-701 82, Örebro, Sweden.
| | - Per-Erik Olsson
- Biology, The Life Science Center, School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, SE-701 82, Örebro, Sweden
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16
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Abstract
Even though the thymus is exquisitely sensitive to acute insults like infection, shock, or common cancer therapies such as cytoreductive chemo- or radiation-therapy, it also has a remarkable capacity for repair. This phenomenon of endogenous thymic regeneration has been known for longer even than its primary function to generate T cells, however, the underlying mechanisms controlling the process have been largely unstudied. Although there is likely continual thymic involution and regeneration in response to stress and infection in otherwise healthy people, acute and profound thymic damage such as that caused by common cancer cytoreductive therapies or the conditioning regimes as part of hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT), leads to prolonged T cell deficiency; precipitating high morbidity and mortality from opportunistic infections and may even facilitate cancer relapse. Furthermore, this capacity for regeneration declines with age as a function of thymic involution; which even at steady state leads to reduced capacity to respond to new pathogens, vaccines, and immunotherapy. Consequently, there is a real clinical need for strategies that can boost thymic function and enhance T cell immunity. One approach to the development of such therapies is to exploit the processes of endogenous thymic regeneration into novel pharmacologic strategies to boost T cell reconstitution in clinical settings of immune depletion such as HCT. In this review, we will highlight recent work that has revealed the mechanisms by which the thymus is capable of repairing itself and how this knowledge is being used to develop novel therapies to boost immune function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sinéad Kinsella
- Program in Immunology, Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Jarrod A. Dudakov
- Program in Immunology, Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, United States
- Immunotherapy Integrated Research Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Immunology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
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17
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Notas G, Kampa M, Castanas E. G Protein-Coupled Estrogen Receptor in Immune Cells and Its Role in Immune-Related Diseases. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:579420. [PMID: 33133022 PMCID: PMC7564022 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.579420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
G protein-coupled estrogen receptor 1 (GPER1), is a functional estrogen receptor involved in estrogen related actions on several systems including processes of the nervous, reproductive, metabolic, cardiovascular, and immune system. Regarding the latter, GPER is expressed in peripheral B and T lymphocytes as well as in monocytes, eosinophils, and neutrophils. Several studies have implicated GPER in immune-mediated diseases like multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and atherosclerosis-related inflammation, while a recent report suggests that its deletion could be responsible for a form of familial immunodeficiency. It has also been suggested that it is a key regulator of immune-mediated events in breast, pancreatic, prostate, and hepatocellular cancer as well as in melanoma. GPER has been also reported to interact with classic ER-alpha or its splice variants in order to modify immune functions. This review aims to present current knowledge relating GPER to immune functions, the cellular and signaling pathways involved, as well as the potential clinical implications of GPER modulation in immune-related diseases.
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Breithaupt-Faloppa AC, Correia CDJ, Prado CM, Stilhano RS, Ureshino RP, Moreira LFP. 17β-Estradiol, a potential ally to alleviate SARS-CoV-2 infection. Clinics (Sao Paulo) 2020; 75:e1980. [PMID: 32490931 PMCID: PMC7233687 DOI: 10.6061/clinics/2020/e1980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Considering that female sexual hormones may modulate the inflammatory response and also exhibit direct effects on the cells of the immune system, herein, we intend to discuss the sex differences and the role of estradiol in modulating the lung and systemic inflammatory response, focusing on its possible application as a treatment modality for SARS-CoV-2 patients. COVID-19 patients develop severe hypoxemia early in the course of the disease, which is silent most of the time. Small fibrinous thrombi in pulmonary arterioles and a tumefaction of endothelial were observed in the autopsies of fatal COVID-19 cases. Studies showed that the viral infection induces a vascular process in the lung, which included vasodilation and endothelial dysfunction. Further, the proportions of CD4+ T and CD8+ T lymphocytes were strongly reduced in patients with severe SARS-CoV-2 infection. Estradiol is connected with CD4+ T cell numbers and increases T-reg cell populations, affecting immune responses to infection. It is known that estradiol exerts a protective effect on endothelial function, activating the generation of nitric oxide (NO) via endothelial nitric oxide synthase. Estrogen attenuates the vasoconstrictor response to various stimuli and induces vasodilation in the pulmonary vasculature during stress situations like hypoxia. It exerts a variety of rapid actions, which are initiated after its coupling with membrane receptors, which in turn, may positively modulate vascular responses in pulmonary disease and help to maintain microvascular flow. Direct and indirect mechanisms underlying the effects of estradiol were investigated, and the results point to a possible protective effect of estradiol against COVID-19, indicating that it may be considered as an adjuvant therapeutic element for the treatment of patients affected by the novel coronavirus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Cristina Breithaupt-Faloppa
- Laboratorio de Cirurgia Cardiovascular e Fisiopatologia da Circulacao (LIM-11), Instituto do Coracao (InCor), Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, BR
- *Corresponding author. E-mail:
| | - Cristiano de Jesus Correia
- Laboratorio de Cirurgia Cardiovascular e Fisiopatologia da Circulacao (LIM-11), Instituto do Coracao (InCor), Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, BR
| | - Carla Máximo Prado
- Instituto de Saude e Sociedade (ISS), Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo (UNIFESP), Santos, SP, BR
| | | | - Rodrigo Portes Ureshino
- Departamento de Ciencias Biologicas, Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo (UNIFESP), Diadema, SP, BR
- Laboratorio de Endocrinologia Molecular e Translacional, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo (UNIFESP), Sao Paulo, SP, BR
| | - Luiz Felipe Pinho Moreira
- Laboratorio de Cirurgia Cardiovascular e Fisiopatologia da Circulacao (LIM-11), Instituto do Coracao (InCor), Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, BR
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Oberbauer AM, Belanger JM, Famula TR. A Review of the Impact of Neuter Status on Expression of Inherited Conditions in Dogs. Front Vet Sci 2019; 6:397. [PMID: 31799281 PMCID: PMC6863800 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2019.00397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Accepted: 10/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Gonadectomy is an important reproductive management tool employed in many countries, and is highly prevalent in the US with an estimated 85% of dogs being neutered. Despite the societal benefits in pet population control, negative associations between neuter status, and health conditions have been reported in recent years. Most particularly observed are the consequences of early age neutering. Knowing that different physiological systems rely upon gonadal steroids during development and physiological maintenance, studies have been undertaken to assess the impact of neuter status on multiple body and organ systems. For some inherited conditions, neutering is associated with an increased risk of expression. Neutering has also been associated with altered metabolism and a predisposition for weight gain in dogs, which may confound the detected risk association between neutering and disease expression. This review summarizes the effects of neutering on cancer, orthopedic, and immune disorders in the dog and also explores the potentially exacerbating factor of body weight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita M Oberbauer
- Department of Animal Science, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Janelle M Belanger
- Department of Animal Science, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Thomas R Famula
- Department of Animal Science, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
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20
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Lee YH, Son JY, Kim KS, Park YJ, Kim HR, Park JH, Kim KB, Lee KY, Kang KW, Kim IS, Kacew S, Lee BM, Kim HS. Estrogen Deficiency Potentiates Thioacetamide-Induced Hepatic Fibrosis in Sprague-Dawley Rats. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E3709. [PMID: 31362375 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20153709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2019] [Revised: 07/28/2019] [Accepted: 07/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis is characterized by persistent deposition of extracellular matrix proteins and occurs in chronic liver diseases. The aim of the present study is to investigate whether estrogen deficiency (ED) potentiates hepatic fibrosis in a thioacetamide (TAA)-treated rat model. Fibrosis was induced via intraperitoneal injection (i.p.) of TAA (150 mg/kg/day) for four weeks in ovariectomized (OVX) female, sham-operated female, or male rats. In TAA-treated OVX rats, the activities of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and γ-glutamyl transferase (GGT) were significantly increased compared to those in TAA-treated sham-operated OVX rats or TAA-treated male rats. Furthermore, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression was significantly increased compared to that in TAA-treated sham-operated rats. This was accompanied by the appearance of fibrosis biomarkers including vimentin, collagen-I, and hydroxyproline, in the liver of TAA-treated OVX rats. In addition, ED markedly reduced total glutathione (GSH) levels, as well as catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in TAA-treated OVX rats. In contrast, hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were elevated in TAA-treated OVX rats. Apoptosis significantly increased in TAA-treated OVX rats, as reflected by elevated p53, Bcl-2, and cleaved caspase 3 levels. Significant increases in interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) concentrations were exhibited in TAA-treated OVX rats, and this further aggravated fibrosis through the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)/Smad pathway. Our data suggest that ED potentiates TAA-induced oxidative damage in the liver, suggesting that ED may enhance the severity of hepatic fibrosis in menopausal women.
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21
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Maggio M, Snyder PJ, De Vita F, Ceda GP, Milaneschi Y, Lauretani F, Luci M, Cattabiani C, Peachey H, Valenti G, Cappola AR, Longo DL, Ferrucci L. Effects of transdermal testosterone treatment on inflammatory markers in elderly males. Endocr Pract 2019; 20:1170-7. [PMID: 25100359 DOI: 10.4158/ep13357.or] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE During the male aging process, testosterone (T) levels progressively fall and inflammatory biomarkers increase. Although a relationship between these 2 phenomena has been tested in previous clinical trials, there is inconclusive evidence about the potential anti-inflammatory action of T. METHODS A total of 108 healthy males >65 years with serum T concentration <475 ng/dL were recruited by direct mailings to alumni of the University of Pennsylvania and Temple University and randomized to 60-cm2 T or a placebo patch for 36 months. Ninety-six subjects completed the trial. Information and stored serum specimens from this trial were used to test the hypothesis of the inhibitory effect of T on inflammation. We evaluated 70 males (42 in the T group) who had banked specimens from multiple time points available for assays of T, C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, soluble TNF-α receptor-1 (TNFR1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and soluble IL-6 receptors (sIL6r and sgp130). RESULTS The mean age ± SD at baseline was 71.8 ± 4.9 years. Testosterone replacement therapy for 36 months did not induce significant decreases in inflammatory markers. A trend toward a significant increase was observed in the placebo group for TNF-α (P = .03) and sgp130 (P = .01). Significant differences in estimated means of TNFR1 (but not other inflammatory markers), with lower levels in the T group, were observed at the 36-month time point. In T-treated subjects we found an almost significant treatment x time interaction term TNFR1 (P = .02) independent of total body fat content as assessed by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). No serious adverse effect was observed. CONCLUSIONS Transdermal T treatment of older males for 36 months is not associated with significant changes in inflammatory markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcello Maggio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Geriatrics, University of Parma, Italy Geriatric Rehabilitation Department, University Hospital of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Peter J Snyder
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Francesca De Vita
- Geriatric Rehabilitation Department, University Hospital of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Gian Paolo Ceda
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Geriatrics, University of Parma, Italy Geriatric Rehabilitation Department, University Hospital of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Yuri Milaneschi
- Department of Psychiatry, VU University Medical Center/GGZ inGeest, Amsterdam, the Netherlands National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Fulvio Lauretani
- Geriatric Rehabilitation Department, University Hospital of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Michele Luci
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Geriatrics, University of Parma, Italy
| | - Chiara Cattabiani
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Geriatrics, University of Parma, Italy
| | - Helen Peachey
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Giorgio Valenti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Geriatrics, University of Parma, Italy
| | - Anne R Cappola
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Dan L Longo
- National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Luigi Ferrucci
- National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland
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22
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Dai R, Edwards MR, Heid B, Ahmed SA. 17β-Estradiol and 17α-Ethinyl Estradiol Exhibit Immunologic and Epigenetic Regulatory Effects in NZB/WF1 Female Mice. Endocrinology 2019; 160:101-118. [PMID: 30418530 PMCID: PMC6305969 DOI: 10.1210/en.2018-00824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2018] [Accepted: 11/06/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
17α-Ethinyl estradiol (EE), a synthetic analog of natural estrogen 17β-estradiol (E2), is extensively used in hormonal contraceptives and estrogen replacement therapy, and it has also been found in sewage effluents. Given that E2 is a well-known immunomodulator, surprisingly there has been only limited information on the cellular and molecular immunologic consequences of exposure to EE. To address this fundamental gap, we directly compared the effects of EE with E2 on splenic leukocytes of New Zealand Black × New Zealand White F1 progeny (NZB/WF1) mice during the preautoimmune period. We found that EE and E2 have common, as well as distinctive, immunologic effects, with EE exposure resulting in more profound effects. Both EE and E2 increased numbers of splenic neutrophils, enhanced neutrophil serine proteases and myeloperoxidase expression, promoted the production of nitric oxide and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, and altered adaptive immune T cell subsets. However, activation of splenic leukocytes through the T cell receptor or Toll-like receptor (TLR)4 revealed not only common (IL-10), but also hormone-specific alterations of cytokines (IFNγ, IL-1β, ΤΝFα, IL-2). Furthermore, in EE-exposed mice, TLR9 stimulation suppressed IFNα, in contrast to increased IFNα from E2-exposed mice. EE and E2 regulated common and hormone-specific expression of immune-related genes. Furthermore, EE exposure resulted in more marked alterations in miRNA expression levels than for E2. Only EE was able to reduce global DNA methylation significantly in splenic leukocytes. Taken together, our novel data revealed that EE and E2 exposure confers more similar effects in innate immune system-related cell development and responses, but has more differential regulatory effects in adaptive immune-related cell development and responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rujuan Dai
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Infectious Disease Research Facility (IDRF), Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech/Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia
| | - Michael R Edwards
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Infectious Disease Research Facility (IDRF), Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech/Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia
| | - Bettina Heid
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Infectious Disease Research Facility (IDRF), Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech/Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia
| | - S Ansar Ahmed
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Infectious Disease Research Facility (IDRF), Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech/Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia
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Abstract
Despite efforts in prevention and intensive care, trauma and subsequent sepsis are still associated with a high mortality rate. Traumatic injury remains the main cause of death in people younger than 45 years and is thus a source of immense social and economic burden. In recent years, the knowledge concerning gender medicine has continuously increased. A number of studies have reported gender dimorphism in terms of response to trauma, shock and sepsis. However, the advantageous outcome following trauma-hemorrhage in females is not due only to sex. Rather, it is due to the prevailing hormonal milieu of the victim. In this respect, various experimental and clinical studies have demonstrated beneficial effects of estrogen for the central nervous system, the cardiopulmonary system, the liver, the kidneys, the immune system, and for the overall survival of the host. Nonetheless, there remains a gap between the bench and the bedside. This is most likely because clinical studies have not accounted for the estrus cycle. This review attempts to provide an overview of the current level of knowledge and highlights the most important organ systems responding to trauma, shock and sepsis. There continues to be a need for clinical studies on the prevailing hormonal milieu following trauma, shock and sepsis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Bösch
- Department of General, Visceral, and Transplant Surgery, Ludwig Maximilians-University Munich, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Martin K Angele
- Department of General, Visceral, and Transplant Surgery, Ludwig Maximilians-University Munich, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Irshad H Chaudry
- Center for Surgical Research and Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA.
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24
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Surkova EN, Korallo-vinarskaya NP, Vinarski MV, van der Mescht L, Warburton EM, Khokhlova IS, Krasnov BR. Body size distribution in flea communities harboured by Siberian small mammals as affected by host species, host sex and scale: scale matters the most. Evol Ecol 2018; 32:643-62. [DOI: 10.1007/s10682-018-9955-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Smyth KN, Caruso NM, Davies CS, Clutton-Brock TH, Drea CM. Social and endocrine correlates of immune function in meerkats: implications for the immunocompetence handicap hypothesis. R Soc Open Sci 2018; 5:180435. [PMID: 30225031 PMCID: PMC6124081 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.180435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2018] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Social status can mediate effects on the immune system, with profound consequences for individual health; nevertheless, most investigators of status-related disparities in free-ranging animals have used faecal parasite burdens to proxy immune function in the males of male-dominant species. We instead use direct measures of innate immune function (complement and natural antibodies) to examine status-related immunocompetence in both sexes of a female-dominant species. The meerkat is a unique model for such a study because it is a cooperatively breeding species in which status-related differences are extreme, evident in reproductive skew, morphology, behaviour, communication and physiology, including that dominant females naturally express the greatest total androgen (androstenedione plus testosterone) concentrations. We found that, relative to subordinates, dominant animals had reduced serum bacteria-killing abilities; also, relative to subordinate females, dominant females had reduced haemolytic complement activities. Irrespective of an individual's sex or social status, androstenedione concentrations (but not body condition, age or reproductive activity) negatively predicted concurrent immunocompetence. Thus, dominant meerkats of both sexes are immunocompromised. Moreover, in female meerkats, androstenedione perhaps acting directly or via local conversion, may exert a double-edged effect of promoting dominance and reproductive success at the cost of increased parasitism and reduced immune function. Given the prominent signalling of dominance in female meerkats, these findings may relate to the immunocompetence handicap hypothesis (ICHH); however, our data would suggest that the endocrine mechanism underlying the ICHH need not be mediated solely by testosterone and might explain trade-offs in females, as well as in males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kendra N. Smyth
- University Program in Ecology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Kalahari Research Trust, Kuruman River Reserve, Van Zylsrus, Northern Cape, South Africa
| | - Nicholas M. Caruso
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
| | - Charli S. Davies
- Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Kalahari Research Trust, Kuruman River Reserve, Van Zylsrus, Northern Cape, South Africa
| | - Tim H. Clutton-Brock
- Kalahari Research Trust, Kuruman River Reserve, Van Zylsrus, Northern Cape, South Africa
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Mammal Research Institute, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Christine M. Drea
- University Program in Ecology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Kalahari Research Trust, Kuruman River Reserve, Van Zylsrus, Northern Cape, South Africa
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Abstract
This review discusses sexual dimorphism in arterial stiffening, disease pathology interactions, and the influence of sex on mechanisms and pathways. Arterial stiffness predicts cardiovascular mortality independent of blood pressure. Patients with increased arterial stiffness have a 48% higher risk for developing cardiovascular disease. Like other cardiovascular pathologies, arterial stiffness is sexually dimorphic. Young women have lower stiffness than aged-matched men, but this sex difference reverses during normal aging. Estrogen therapy does not attenuate progressive stiffening in postmenopausal women, indicating that currently prescribed drugs do not confer protection. Although remodeling of large arteries is a protective adaptation to higher wall stress, arterial stiffening increases afterload to the left ventricle and transmits higher pulsatile pressure to smaller arteries and target organs. Moreover, an increase in aortic stiffness may precede or exacerbate hypertension, particularly during aging. Additional studies are needed to elucidate the mechanisms by which females are protected from arterial stiffness to provide insight into its mechanisms and, ultimately, therapeutic targets for treating this pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benard O Ogola
- Department of Pharmacology, Tulane University , New Orleans, Louisiana
| | | | - Gabrielle L Clark
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tulane University , New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Caleb M Abshire
- Department of Pharmacology, Tulane University , New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Kaylee M Gentry
- Department of Pharmacology, Tulane University , New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Kristin S Miller
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tulane University , New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Sarah H Lindsey
- Department of Pharmacology, Tulane University , New Orleans, Louisiana
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Funasaka N, Yoshioka M, Ueda K, Koga H, Yanagisawa M, Koga S, Tokutake K. Long-term monitoring of circulating progesterone and its relationship to peripheral white blood cells in female false killer whales Pseudorca crassidens. J Vet Med Sci 2018; 80:1431-1437. [PMID: 30022778 PMCID: PMC6160874 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.18-0075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Long-term monitoring of circulating progesterone levels in three captive female false killer whales, Pseudorca crassidens, was conducted to characterize their reproductive
events and to reveal the relationship between their estrous cycles or pregnancies and peripheral white blood cell (WBC) counts. Blood samples were collected at 2–3-day intervals or on a
weekly-to-monthly basis for up to 10 years, from 2006 to 2017. In two mature females (initial body lengths of 4.22 and 4.07 m), some cyclic progesterone elevations were detected during the
study period; the estimated mean (± SE) estrous cycle length was 40.5 ± 0.7 days (n=12). The seasonality of ovulation, estimated from the elevation of progesterone levels, varied among
individuals or years, and ovulation did not occur every year. The third female (3.26 m) showed progesterone elevations, despite irregular cycles after sexual maturity, and became pregnant.
The progesterone levels during pregnancy ranged from 7.3 to 42.2 ng/ml, and the gestation period lasted for 14 months until parturition. The mean WBC counts
during estrous cycles were the lowest before the progesterone levels began to increase and then gradually increased toward the luteal phase. The WBC counts were significantly higher during
pregnancy than before and were particularly high in early pregnancy. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the relationship between the estrous cycle or pregnancy and WBC
counts in cetaceans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noriko Funasaka
- Cetacean Research Center, Graduate School of Bioresources, Mie University, 1577 Kurimamachiya, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan
| | - Motoi Yoshioka
- Cetacean Research Center, Graduate School of Bioresources, Mie University, 1577 Kurimamachiya, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan
| | - Keiichi Ueda
- Okinawa Churashima Foundation, 888 Ishikawa, Motobu, Kunigami, Okinawa 905-0206, Japan
| | - Haruka Koga
- Okinawa Churashima Foundation, 888 Ishikawa, Motobu, Kunigami, Okinawa 905-0206, Japan
| | - Makio Yanagisawa
- Okinawa Churashima Foundation, 888 Ishikawa, Motobu, Kunigami, Okinawa 905-0206, Japan
| | - Sotaro Koga
- Okinawa Churashima Foundation, 888 Ishikawa, Motobu, Kunigami, Okinawa 905-0206, Japan
| | - Kouji Tokutake
- Okinawa Churashima Foundation, 888 Ishikawa, Motobu, Kunigami, Okinawa 905-0206, Japan
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Abstract
Glucocorticoid hormones regulate essential body functions in mammals, control cell metabolism, growth, differentiation, and apoptosis. Importantly, they are potent suppressors of inflammation, and multiple immune-modulatory mechanisms involving leukocyte apoptosis, differentiation, and cytokine production have been described. Due to their potent anti-inflammatory and immune-suppressive activity, synthetic glucocorticoids (GCs) are the most prescribed drugs used for treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. It is long been noted that males and females exhibit differences in the prevalence in several autoimmune diseases (AD). This can be due to the role of sexual hormones in regulation of the immune responses, acting through their endogenous nuclear receptors to mediate gene expression and generate unique gender-specific cellular environments. Given the fact that GCs are the primary physiological anti-inflammatory hormones, and that sex hormones may also exert immune-modulatory functions, the link between GCs and sex hormones may exist. Understanding the nature of this possible crosstalk is important to unravel the reason of sexual disparity in AD and to carefully prescribe these drugs for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. In this review, we discuss similarities and differences between the effects of sex hormones and GCs on the immune system, to highlight possible axes of functional interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oxana Bereshchenko
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy.,Department of Surgery and Biomedical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Stefano Bruscoli
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Carlo Riccardi
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
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Cepeda S, Griffith AV. Thymic stromal cells: Roles in atrophy and age-associated dysfunction of the thymus. Exp Gerontol 2018; 105:113-117. [PMID: 29278750 PMCID: PMC5869099 DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2017.12.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2017] [Revised: 12/21/2017] [Accepted: 12/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Atrophy of the thymus, the primary site of T lymphocyte generation, is a hallmark of the aging immune system. Age-associated thymic atrophy results in diminished output of new, naïve T cells, with immune sequelae that include diminished responses to novel pathogenic challenge and vaccines, as well as diminished tumor surveillance. Although a variety of stimuli are known to regulate transient thymic atrophy, mechanisms governing progressive age-associated atrophy have been difficult to resolve. This has been due in part to the fact that one of the primary targets of age-associated thymic atrophy is a relatively rare population, thymic stromal cells. This review focuses on changes in thymic stromal cells during aging and on the contributions of periodic, stochastic, and progressive causes of thymic atrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Cepeda
- Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, School of Medicine, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Ann V Griffith
- Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, School of Medicine, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States.
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30
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Abstract
In addition to determining biological sex, sex hormones are known to influence health and disease via regulation of immune cell activities and modulation of target-organ susceptibility to immune-mediated damage. Systemic autoimmune disorders, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis are more prevalent in females, while cancer shows the opposite pattern. Sex hormones have been repeatedly suggested to play a part in these biases. In this review, we will discuss how androgens and the expression of functional androgen receptor affect immune cells and how this may dampen or alter immune response(s) and affect autoimmune disease incidences and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Trine N Jorgensen
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, United States
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Casanova-Nakayama A, Wernicke von Siebenthal E, Kropf C, Oldenberg E, Segner H. Immune-Specific Expression and Estrogenic Regulation of the Four Estrogen Receptor Isoforms in Female Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19040932. [PMID: 29561790 PMCID: PMC5979597 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19040932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2018] [Revised: 03/01/2018] [Accepted: 03/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Genomic actions of estrogens in vertebrates are exerted via two intracellular estrogen receptor (ER) subtypes, ERα and ERβ, which show cell- and tissue-specific expression profiles. Mammalian immune cells express ERs and are responsive to estrogens. More recently, evidence became available that ERs are also present in the immune organs and cells of teleost fish, suggesting that the immunomodulatory function of estrogens has been conserved throughout vertebrate evolution. For a better understanding of the sensitivity and the responsiveness of the fish immune system to estrogens, more insight is needed on the abundance of ERs in the fish immune system, the cellular ratios of the ER subtypes, and their autoregulation by estrogens. Consequently, the aims of the present study were (i) to determine the absolute mRNA copy numbers of the four ER isoforms in the immune organs and cells of rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss, and to compare them to the hepatic ER numbers; (ii) to analyse the ER mRNA isoform ratios in the immune system; and, (iii) finally, to examine the alterations of immune ER mRNA expression levels in sexually immature trout exposed to 17β-estradiol (E2), as well as the alterations of immune ER mRNA expression levels in sexually mature trout during the reproductive cycle. All four ER isoforms were present in immune organs—head kidney, spleen-and immune cells from head kidney and blood of rainbow trout, but their mRNA levels were substantially lower than in the liver. The ER isoform ratios were tissue- and cell-specific, both within the immune system, but also between the immune system and the liver. Short-term administration of E2 to juvenile female trout altered the ER mRNA levels in the liver, but the ERs of the immune organs and cells were not responsive. Changes of ER gene transcript numbers in immune organs and cells occurred during the reproductive cycle of mature female trout, but the changes in the immune ER profiles differed from those in the liver and gonads. The correlation between ER gene transcript numbers and serum E2 concentrations was only moderate to low. In conclusion, the low mRNA numbers of nuclear ER in the trout immune system, together with their limited estrogen-responsiveness, suggest that the known estrogen actions on trout immunity may be not primarily mediated through genomic actions, but may involve other mechanisms, such as non-genomic pathways or indirect effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayako Casanova-Nakayama
- Centre for Fish and Wildlife Health, 3012 Bern, Switzerland.
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, 3012 Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Elena Wernicke von Siebenthal
- Centre for Fish and Wildlife Health, 3012 Bern, Switzerland.
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, 3012 Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Christian Kropf
- Centre for Fish and Wildlife Health, 3012 Bern, Switzerland.
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, 3012 Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Elisabeth Oldenberg
- Centre for Fish and Wildlife Health, 3012 Bern, Switzerland.
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, 3012 Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Helmut Segner
- Centre for Fish and Wildlife Health, 3012 Bern, Switzerland.
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, 3012 Bern, Switzerland.
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32
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Edwards M, Dai R, Ahmed SA. Our Environment Shapes Us: The Importance of Environment and Sex Differences in Regulation of Autoantibody Production. Front Immunol 2018; 9:478. [PMID: 29662485 PMCID: PMC5890161 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.00478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2017] [Accepted: 02/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Consequential differences exist between the male and female immune systems’ ability to respond to pathogens, environmental insults or self-antigens, and subsequent effects on immunoregulation. In general, females when compared with their male counterparts, respond to pathogenic stimuli and vaccines more robustly, with heightened production of antibodies, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and chemokines. While the precise reasons for sex differences in immune response to different stimuli are not yet well understood, females are more resistant to infectious diseases and much more likely to develop autoimmune diseases. Intrinsic (i.e., sex hormones, sex chromosomes, etc.) and extrinsic (microbiome composition, external triggers, and immune modulators) factors appear to impact the overall outcome of immune responses between sexes. Evidence suggests that interactions between environmental contaminants [e.g., endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs)] and host leukocytes affect the ability of the immune system to mount a response to exogenous and endogenous insults, and/or return to normal activity following clearance of the threat. Inherently, males and females have differential immune response to external triggers. In this review, we describe how environmental chemicals, including EDCs, may have sex differential influence on the outcome of immune responses through alterations in epigenetic status (such as modulation of microRNA expression, gene methylation, or histone modification status), direct and indirect activation of the estrogen receptors to drive hormonal effects, and differential modulation of microbial sensing and composition of host microbiota. Taken together, an intriguing question develops as to how an individual’s environment directly and indirectly contributes to an altered immune response, dysregulation of autoantibody production, and influence autoimmune disease development. Few studies exist utilizing well-controlled cohorts of both sexes to explore the sex differences in response to EDC exposure and the effects on autoimmune disease development. Translational studies incorporating multiple environmental factors in animal models of autoimmune disease are necessary to determine the interrelationships that occur between potential etiopathological factors. The presence or absence of autoantibodies is not a reliable predictor of disease. Therefore, future studies should incorporate all the susceptibility/influencing factors, coupled with individual genomics, epigenomics, and proteomics, to develop a model that better predicts, diagnoses, and treats autoimmune diseases in a personalized-medicine fashion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Edwards
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Rujuan Dai
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - S Ansar Ahmed
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
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33
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Gaffer GG, Elgawish RA, Abdelrazek HMA, Ebaid HM, Tag HM. Dietary soy isoflavones during pregnancy suppressed the immune function in male offspring albino rats. Toxicol Rep 2018; 5:296-301. [PMID: 29854598 PMCID: PMC5978017 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2018.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2017] [Revised: 02/05/2018] [Accepted: 02/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Less attention has been paid to the immune effects of phytoestrogens during pregnancy on the first generation. Soy isoflavones fed to pregnant rats could modulate the immune response of the male offspring. Isoflavones reduced spleen and thymus weights in rats born to dams fed dietary soy. Soy isoflavones possibly mediated its effect through reduction of IFN-γ that interacts with the IL-12 production pathway.
Phytoestrogens have an impact on both animals and humans due to use of legumes in animal diets as well as the increase of vegetarian diets in some human populations. Phytoestrogens thought to have varieties of adverse effects, among which immune system was involved. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of prenatal exposure to dietary soy isoflavones on some immunological parameters in male albino rat offspring. The pregnant rats were divided to three groups (12/group). Control group (free soy isoflavones), low soy isoflavones group (6.5%) and high soy isoflavones group (26%). The male offspring cell-mediated immune response was determined using phytohemagglutinin (PHA) injection and the intumesce index which was calculated on postnatal day 50 (PND 50). At PND 50, blood samples were collected for interleukin 12 (IL-12), interferon γ (IFN-γ) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) determination. Spleen, thymus, and PHA injected footpads were fixed for histopathology. Intumesce index, IL-12, IFN-γ, spleen and thymus relative weights were significantly (P < 0.05) decreased in offspring born to dams fed low and high dietary soy isoflavones. In contrary, TNF-α was significantly (P < 0.05) increased in offspring born to dams fed high dietary soy isoflavones. Spleen of rats born to dams fed high dose of dietary soy isoflavones showed coagulative necrosis in white pulp. In conclusion, male offspring born to dams fed different levels of soy isoflavones showed marked immunosuppression after PHA stimulation. This effect was mediated through the reduced IFN-γ that interacts with the IL-12 production pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghada Gamal Gaffer
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Rania Abdelrahman Elgawish
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Heba M A Abdelrazek
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Hala M Ebaid
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Hend M Tag
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt.,University of Jeddah Branch of Khulais Governorate - Girls Section, Saudi Arabia
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Leposavić GM, Pilipović IM. Intrinsic and Extrinsic Thymic Adrenergic Networks: Sex Steroid-Dependent Plasticity. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2018; 9:13. [PMID: 29441042 PMCID: PMC5797573 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2018.00013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2017] [Accepted: 01/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The thymus is sexually differentiated organ providing microenvironment for T-cell precursor differentiation/maturation in the major histocompatibility complex-restricted self-tolerant T cells. With increasing age, the thymus undergoes involution leading to the decline in efficacy of thymopoiesis. Noradrenaline from thymic nerve fibers and "(nor)adrenergic" cells is involved in the regulation of thymopoiesis. In rodents, noradrenaline concentration in thymus and adrenoceptor (AR) expression on thymic cells depend on sex and age. These differences are suggested to be implicated in the development of sexual diergism and the age-related decline in thymopoiesis. The programming of both thymic sexual differentiation and its involution occurs during the critical early perinatal period and may be reprogrammed during peripubertal development. The thymic (re)programming is critically dependent on circulating levels of gonadal steroids. Although the underlying molecular mechanisms have not yet been elucidated fully, it is assumed that the gonadal steroid action during the critical perinatal/peripubertal developmental periods leads to long-lasting changes in the efficacy of thymopoiesis partly through (re)programming of "(nor)adrenergic" cell networks and AR expression on thymic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gordana Momčilo Leposavić
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
- *Correspondence: Gordana Momčilo Leposavić,
| | - Ivan M. Pilipović
- Immunology Research Centre “Branislav Janković”, Institute of Virology, Vaccines and Sera “Torlak”, Belgrade, Serbia
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35
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Smyth KN, Greene LK, Clutton-Brock T, Drea CM. Androgens predict parasitism in female meerkats: a new perspective on a classic trade-off. Biol Lett 2017; 12:rsbl.2016.0660. [PMID: 28120802 DOI: 10.1098/rsbl.2016.0660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2016] [Accepted: 09/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The immunocompetence handicap hypothesis posits that androgens in males can be a 'double-edged sword', actively promoting reproductive success, while also negatively impacting health. Because there can be both substantial androgen concentrations in females and significant androgenic variation among them, particularly in species portraying female social dominance over males or intense female-female competition, androgens might also play a role in mediating female health and fitness. We examined this hypothesis in the meerkat (Suricata suricatta), a cooperatively breeding, social carnivoran characterized by aggressively mediated female social dominance and extreme rank-related reproductive skew. Dominant females also have greater androgen concentrations and harbour greater parasite loads than their subordinate counterparts, but the relationship between concurrent androgen concentrations and parasite burdens is unknown. We found that a female's faecal androgen concentrations reliably predicted her concurrent state of endoparasitism irrespective of her social status: parasite species richness and infection by Spirurida nematodes, Oxynema suricattae, Pseudandrya suricattae and coccidia were greater with greater androgen concentrations. Based on gastrointestinal parasite burdens, females appear to experience the same trade-off in the costs and benefits of raised androgens as do the males of many species. This trade-off presumably represents a health cost of sexual selection operating in females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kendra N Smyth
- University Program in Ecology, Duke University, Durham NC 27708, USA .,Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, Duke University, Durham NC 27708, USA.,Kalahari Research Trust, Kuruman River Reserve, Northern Cape 8467, South Africa
| | - Lydia K Greene
- University Program in Ecology, Duke University, Durham NC 27708, USA.,Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, Duke University, Durham NC 27708, USA.,Kalahari Research Trust, Kuruman River Reserve, Northern Cape 8467, South Africa
| | - Tim Clutton-Brock
- Kalahari Research Trust, Kuruman River Reserve, Northern Cape 8467, South Africa.,Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EJ, UK.,Mammal Research Institute, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0028, South Africa
| | - Christine M Drea
- University Program in Ecology, Duke University, Durham NC 27708, USA.,Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, Duke University, Durham NC 27708, USA.,Department of Biology, Duke University, Durham NC 27708, USA.,Kalahari Research Trust, Kuruman River Reserve, Northern Cape 8467, South Africa
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36
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Rogovin KA, Khrushchova AM, Shekarova ON, Vasilieva NA, Vasilieva NY. Females choose gentle, but not healthy or macho males in Campbell dwarf hamsters ( Phodopus campbelli Thomas 1905). Curr Zool 2017; 63:545-554. [PMID: 29492014 PMCID: PMC5804195 DOI: 10.1093/cz/zow090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2016] [Accepted: 08/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Androgen-dependent male sexual traits (STs) as well as immunocompetence are theoretically assumed to be key indicators of a male's quality for the mate-choosing female. We studied mate choice by sexually motivated (SM) females of Campbell's dwarf hamsters. Females chose between 2 tethered male siblings that differed in expression of STs. Males were unrelated to the female and able to contact and copulate with her. In both males, we measured sex-related morphology of body mass, mid-ventral specific skin gland, ano-genital distance, and external testicular diameter. We also estimated levels of blood testosterone and cortisol, specific T- and B-cell immune responses to antigens, as well as aggressive and sexual dominance in sibling males through additional encounter experiments with another SM female (male sibs could freely compete for the female). We found that SM females chose a partner among 2 male sibs and spent over 80% of their time on average with the preferred male compared with the non-preferred one. Her choice was not associated with the first visit of the chosen male, with a higher expression of sex-related traits, higher levels of blood testosterone, or with aggressive dominance. The choice was not associated with the intensity of T-cell immune response to phitohemagglutinin (PHA). Instead there was a tendency for a negative relationship with the expression of STs and B-cell response to the antigen challenge. The only character that unambiguously influenced female choice was the non-aggressive male to female grooming during sexual contact. There was no difference in breeding success between preferred and non-preferred males paired with virgin females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantin A. Rogovin
- A.N. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution, RAS, Leninskii prospect 33, Moscow 119071, Russia
| | - Anastasiya M. Khrushchova
- A.N. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution, RAS, Leninskii prospect 33, Moscow 119071, Russia
| | - Olga N. Shekarova
- A.N. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution, RAS, Leninskii prospect 33, Moscow 119071, Russia
| | - Nina A. Vasilieva
- A.N. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution, RAS, Leninskii prospect 33, Moscow 119071, Russia
| | - Nina Yu Vasilieva
- A.N. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution, RAS, Leninskii prospect 33, Moscow 119071, Russia
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Vaikkakara S, Raj MN, Sachan A, Mohan A, Vengamma B, Rao PVLNS, Mukka A, Sravani C, Reddy AP. Impact of Severity of Illness on the Function of the Hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal Axis in Postmenopausal Women with Acute Severe Illness: Implications for Predicting Disease Outcome. Indian J Endocrinol Metab 2017; 21:738-744. [PMID: 28989885 PMCID: PMC5628547 DOI: 10.4103/ijem.ijem_398_16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While elevated levels of estradiol were predictive of mortality in critically ill surgical and trauma patients, their ability to predict outcome in nonsurgical patients has not been studied. We aimed to study the determinants of gonadotropin levels in acutely ill postmenopausal women with nonsurgical disease and the impact of changes in the gonadal axis on the outcome of these patients. METHODS Thirty-five postmenopausal women admitted to medical intensive care with acute severe illness and having a Simplified Acute Physiology Score (SAPS II score) ≥30 (in-hospital mortality rate ≥ 10%) were recruited. On the 5th day of hospitalization, fasting samples were collected at 8.00 am and tested for luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol, free triiodothyronine, free thyroxine, thyrotropin, cortisol, prolactin, dehydroepiandrosterone, androstenedione, and sex hormone-binding globulin. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to identify independent determinants if any of LH and FSH. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were drawn for different cutoffs of LH, FSH, and estradiol to diagnose mortality and prolonged hospitalization. RESULTS There was an independent negative association between the FSH and the SAPS II score (beta = -0.435; P = 0.014), but not with any of the other tested parameters (estradiol, prolactin, or cortisol). Among components of the SAPS II score, the total leukocyte count (TLC) was negatively associated with serum FSH (beta coefficient = -0.635, P = 0.013). None of these parameters were determinants of LH. On ROC analysis, neither estradiol nor gonadotropins were diagnostic for in-hospital mortality. However, among survivors, low estradiol was diagnostic for prolonged hospital stay (area under the curve = 0.785; P = 0.015). CONCLUSION FSH, but not LH, is negatively associated with the severity of illness, particularly to its inflammatory component (TLC). Low estradiol in survivors was a predictor of prolonged hospital stay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suresh Vaikkakara
- Department of Endocrinology, Sri Venkateswara Institute of Medical Sciences, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - Marella Neelima Raj
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Sri Venkateswara College of Pharmacy, Chittoor, Nellore, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - Alok Sachan
- Department of Endocrinology, Sri Venkateswara Institute of Medical Sciences, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - Alladi Mohan
- Department of Medicine, Sri Venkateswara Institute of Medical Sciences, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - Bhuma Vengamma
- Department of Neurology, Sri Venkateswara Institute of Medical Sciences, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - P. V. L. N. Srinivas Rao
- Department of Biochemistry, Sri Venkateswara Institute of Medical Sciences, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - Arun Mukka
- Department of Endocrinology, Yashoda Hospitals, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Chiruvella Sravani
- Department of Endocrinology, Sri Venkateswara Institute of Medical Sciences, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - Amaresh P. Reddy
- Department of Endocrinology, Narayana Medical College and Hospital, Nellore, Andhra Pradesh, India
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Arsenović-Ranin N, Kosec D, Pilipović I, Nacka-Aleksić M, Bufan B, Stojić-Vukanić Z, Leposavić G. Sex and age as determinants of rat T-cell phenotypic characteristics: influence of peripubertal gonadectomy. Mol Cell Biochem 2017; 431:169-85. [PMID: 28281185 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-017-2989-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2016] [Accepted: 02/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The study examined the influence of age, sex and peripubertal gonadectomy on a set of T-cell phenotypic parameters. Rats of both sexes were gonadectomised at the age of 1 month and peripheral blood and spleen T lymphocytes from non-gonadectomised and gonadectomised 3- and 11-month-old rats were examined for the expression of differentiation/activation (CD90/CD45RC) and immunoregulatory markers. Peripheral blood T lymphocytes from non-gonadectomised rats showed age-dependent sexual dimorphisms in (1) total count (lower in female than male 11-month-old rats); (2) CD4+:CD8 + cell ratio (higher in female than male rats of both ages); (3) the proportion of recent thymic emigrants in CD8 + T cells (lower in female than male 3-month-old rats) and (4) the proportions of mature naïve and memory/activated cells (irrespective of age, the proportion of naïve cells was higher, whereas that of memory/activated cells was lower in females). Gonadectomy influenced magnitudes or direction of these sex differences. Additionally, sex differences in peripheral blood T-lymphocyte parameters did not fully correspond to those observed in T-splenocyte parameters, suggesting the compartment-specific regulation of the major T-cell subpopulations' and their subsets' composition. Furthermore, there was no sexual dimorphism in the proportion of either CD25 + Foxp3 + cells among CD4 + or CD161+ (NKT) cells within CD8 + T lymphocytes. However, there was gonadal hormone-independent age-associated sexual dimorphism in the proportion of CD161 + cells (NKT cells) in CD8 + T splenocytes. Overall, the study revealed age-dependent variations in sexual dimorphisms in T-cell parameters relevant for immune response efficacy and showed that they are T-cell compartment-specific and partly gonadal hormone-related.
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Raj MN, Suresh V, Mukka A, Reddy A, Sachan A, Mohan A, Vengamma B, Rao PVLNS. Evaluation of activity of hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal axis in postmenopausal women suffering from severe acute illness. Indian J Med Res 2017; 143:66-71. [PMID: 26997016 PMCID: PMC4822371 DOI: 10.4103/0971-5916.178596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background & objectives: Postmenopausal women constitute an ideal model for studying the extent of hypothalamo-pituitary gonadal (HPG) axis suppression in critical illness as the gonadotropins are normally high and non-cyclical in them. The objective was to assess the impact of acute severe illness in postmenopausal women on the HPG axis and the activities of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA), the hypothalamo- pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axes; and levels of serum prolactin, by comparison between critically ill postmenopausal women and otherwise healthy postmenopausal women. Methods: Thirty five consecutive postmenopausal women older than 60 yr admitted to medical intensive care with a Simplified Acute Physiology Score II (SAPS II) more than 30 were included. On day five of their in-hospital stay, blood samples were collected for oestradiol, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), cortisol, androstenedione, prolactin and thyroid profile. Thirty five apparently healthy postmenopausal women were selected as controls. Results: Levels of LH, FSH, thyrotropin, free thyroxin (fT4) and free tri-iodothyronine (fT3) were lower while oestradiol, cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone were higher among patients in comparison to healthy controls. Prolactin levels were similar in patients and controls. Among sick patients both FSH and fT4 showed a negative correlation (P<0.05) with the SAPS II score. Interpretation & conclusions: In critically ill postmenopausal women, paradoxically elevated oestrogen levels despite gonadotropin suppression suggests a non-ovarian origin. Prolactin remained unaltered in patients despite their illness, possibly reflecting atrophy of lactotrophs in menopause.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - V Suresh
- Department of Endocrinology, Sri Venkateswara Institute of Medical Sciences, Tirupati, India
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Hanamsagar R, Bilbo SD. Sex differences in neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders: Focus on microglial function and neuroinflammation during development. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2016; 160:127-33. [PMID: 26435451 PMCID: PMC4829467 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2015.09.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 226] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2015] [Revised: 09/25/2015] [Accepted: 09/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Several neurological conditions are associated with sex differences in prevalence or outcome. For example, autism predominantly affects boys, depression is more common in women, Parkinson's disease more common in men, and multiple sclerosis in women. In the case of stroke, women have a less favorable outcome and suffer from a more precipitous drop in health status compared to men. As a result, treatment of such diseases is difficult and yields variable results. Despite this, sex is rarely considered when making treatment decisions. The mechanisms underlying sex differences in disease progression are not well understood, however a strong link exists between different inflammation states of men and women and their propensity to develop certain diseases. As neuroinflammation is an important component of pathophysiology in many neurological conditions, it can be speculated that any changes in the state of inflammation in the brain during normal development can potentially lead to an increase in susceptibility to neurological and neurodegenerative diseases. Microglia play a crucial role in onset and modulation of inflammation and thus sex differences in microglial function could explain, at least in part, differences observed in susceptibilities and outcomes of neurological disorders in men and women. Understanding the mechanisms behind sex differences could help develop more targeted therapy with higher success rate, especially in diseases where sex differences are most prominent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richa Hanamsagar
- Duke University, Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, Durham NC 27708, USA.
| | - Staci D Bilbo
- Duke University, Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, Durham NC 27708, USA.
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Panimolle F, Tiberti C, Granato S, Semeraro A, Gianfrilli D, Anzuini A, Lenzi A, Radicioni A. Screening of endocrine organ-specific humoral autoimmunity in 47,XXY Klinefelter's syndrome reveals a significant increase in diabetes-specific immunoreactivity in comparison with healthy control men. Endocrine 2016; 52:157-64. [PMID: 25935328 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-015-0613-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2015] [Accepted: 04/20/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of humoral endocrine organ-specific autoimmunity in 47,XXY Klinefelter's syndrome (KS) by investigating the autoantibody profile specific to type 1 diabetes (T1DM), Addison's disease (AD), Hashimoto thyroiditis (HT), and autoimmune chronic atrophic gastritis (AG). Sixty-one adult Caucasian 47,XXY KS patients were tested for autoantibodies specific to T1DM (Insulin Abs, GAD Abs, IA-2 Abs, Znt8 Abs), HT (TPO Abs), AD (21-OH Abs), and AG (APC Abs). Thirty-five of these patients were not undergoing testosterone replacement therapy TRT (Group 1) and the remaining 26 patients started TRT before the beginning of the study (Group 2). KS autoantibody frequencies were compared to those found in 122 control men. Six of 61 KS patients (9.8 %) were positive for at least one endocrine autoantibody, compared to 6.5 % of controls. Interestingly, KS endocrine immunoreactivity was directed primarily against diabetes-specific autoantigens (8.2 %), with a significantly higher frequency than in controls (p = 0.016). Two KS patients (3.3 %) were TPO Ab positive, whereas no patients were positive for AD- and AG-related autoantigens. The autoantibody endocrine profile of untreated and treated KS patients was not significantly different. Our findings demonstrate for the first time that endocrine humoral immunoreactivity is not rare in KS patients and that it is more frequently directed against type 1 diabetes-related autoantigens, thus suggesting the importance of screening for organ-specific autoimmunity in clinical practice. Follow-up studies are needed to establish if autoantibody-positive KS patients will develop clinical T1DM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Panimolle
- Section of Medical Pathophysiology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Center of Rare Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161, Rome, Italy.
| | - Claudio Tiberti
- Section of Medical Pathophysiology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Center of Rare Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Simona Granato
- Section of Medical Pathophysiology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Center of Rare Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Semeraro
- Section of Medical Pathophysiology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Center of Rare Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniele Gianfrilli
- Section of Medical Pathophysiology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Center of Rare Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Anzuini
- Section of Medical Pathophysiology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Center of Rare Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Lenzi
- Section of Medical Pathophysiology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Center of Rare Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Radicioni
- Section of Medical Pathophysiology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Center of Rare Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161, Rome, Italy
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Poulsen CB, Mortensen MB, Koechling W, Sørensen CB, Bentzon JF. Differences in Hypercholesterolemia and Atherogenesis Induced by Common Androgen Deprivation Therapies in Male Mice. J Am Heart Assoc 2016; 5:e002800. [PMID: 26908406 PMCID: PMC4802473 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.115.002800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2015] [Accepted: 01/13/2016] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Treatment of prostate cancer often involves androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) by gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptor agonists, GnRH receptor antagonists, or orchiectomy. ADT may increase the rate of cardiovascular disease events, but recent clinical studies suggested that not all means of ADT carry the same risk, raising the possibility of non-testosterone-mediated effects of different forms of ADT on atherosclerosis. Here we compared effects of ADT on atherosclerosis in intact and orchiectomized Apoe-deficient mice. METHODS AND RESULTS Chow-fed Apoe-deficient mice were allocated to orchiectomy and/or monthly injections with the GnRH receptor agonist leuprolide or the GnRH receptor antagonist degarelix. Atherosclerosis was quantified at 26 weeks of age in the aortic arch by en face examination and in the aortic root by histology. In intact Apoe-deficient mice, all types of ADT reduced testosterone production to castration levels. Although hypercholesterolemia was accentuated in leuprolide-treated mice, the amount and composition of atherosclerosis was not different between the different types of ADT. In orchiectomized Apoe-deficient mice, leuprolide, but not degarelix, augmented hypercholesterolemia, changed body, thymus, and spleen weights, and increased atherosclerosis in the aortic root. No direct effects of the drugs were detectable on cytokine secretion from murine bone marrow-derived macrophages or on splenocyte proliferation. CONCLUSIONS No differences in the development of atherosclerosis were detected among groups of intact Apoe-deficient mice treated with different types of ADT. A pro-atherogenic, possibly cholesterol-mediated, effect of leuprolide was seen in orchiectomized mice that might be relevant for understanding the potential cardiovascular risk associated with GnRH agonist-based ADT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Bo Poulsen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark Department of Cardiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Martin Bødtker Mortensen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark Department of Cardiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Wolfgang Koechling
- Non-Clinical Development, Ferring Pharmaceuticals A/S, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Charlotte Brandt Sørensen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark Department of Cardiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Jacob Fog Bentzon
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark Department of Cardiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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Nachman KE, Smith TJ. Hormone Use in Food Animal Production: Assessing Potential Dietary Exposures and Breast Cancer Risk. Curr Environ Health Rep. 2015;2:1-14. [PMID: 26231238 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-014-0042-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, increasing attention has been paid to the role of hormones in breast cancer etiology, following reports that heightened levels of endogenous hormones and exposure to exogenous hormones and other endocrine-disrupting chemicals through food and the environment are associated with increased breast cancer risk. Seven hormone drugs (testosterone propionate, trenbolone acetate, estradiol, zeranol, progesterone, melengestrol acetate, and bovine somatotropin) are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use in food animals. There is concern that these drugs or their biologically active metabolites may accumulate in edible tissues, potentially increasing the risk of exposure for consumers. To date, the potential for human exposure to residues of these compounds in animal products, as well as the risks that may result from this exposure, is poorly understood. In this paper, we discuss the existing scientific evidence examining the toxicological significance of exposure to hormones used in food animal production in relation to breast cancer risk. Through a discussion of U.S. federal regulatory programs and the primary literature, we interpret the state of surveillance for residues of hormone drugs in animal products and discuss trends in meat consumption in relation to the potential for hormone exposure. Given the lack of chronic bioassays of oral toxicity of the seven hormone compounds in the public literature and the limitations of existing residue surveillance programs, it is not currently possible to provide a quantitative characterization of risks that result from the use of hormonal drugs in food animal production, complicating our understanding of the role of dietary hormone exposure in the population burden of breast cancer.
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Vacca V, Marinelli S, Pieroni L, Urbani A, Luvisetto S, Pavone F. 17beta-estradiol counteracts neuropathic pain: a behavioural, immunohistochemical, and proteomic investigation on sex-related differences in mice. Sci Rep 2016; 6:18980. [PMID: 26742647 PMCID: PMC4705539 DOI: 10.1038/srep18980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2015] [Accepted: 09/02/2015] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Sex differences play a role in pain sensitivity, efficacy of analgesic drugs and prevalence of neuropathic pain, even if the underlying mechanisms are far from being understood. We demonstrate that male and female mice react differently to structural and functional changes induced by sciatic nerve ligature, used as model of neuropathic pain. Male mice show a gradual decrease of allodynia and a complete recovery while, in females, allodynia and gliosis are still present four months after neuropathy induction. Administration of 17β-estradiol is able to significantly attenuate this difference, reducing allodynia and inducing a complete recovery also in female mice. Parallel to pain attenuation, 17β-estradiol treated-mice show a functional improvement of the injured limb, a faster regenerative process of the peripheral nerve and a decreased neuropathy-induced gliosis. These results indicate beneficial effects of 17β-estradiol on neuropathic pain and neuronal regeneration and focuses on the importance of considering gonadal hormones also in clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Vacca
- CNR-National Research Council, Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, 00143 Roma, Italy.,IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00143 Roma, Italy
| | - Sara Marinelli
- CNR-National Research Council, Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, 00143 Roma, Italy.,IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00143 Roma, Italy
| | - Luisa Pieroni
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00143 Roma, Italy.,Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Division of Biochemistry, University of "Tor Vergata", 00133 Roma, Italy
| | - Andrea Urbani
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00143 Roma, Italy.,Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Division of Biochemistry, University of "Tor Vergata", 00133 Roma, Italy
| | - Siro Luvisetto
- CNR-National Research Council, Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, 00143 Roma, Italy.,IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00143 Roma, Italy
| | - Flaminia Pavone
- CNR-National Research Council, Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, 00143 Roma, Italy.,IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00143 Roma, Italy
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Griesbeck M, Ziegler S, Laffont S, Smith N, Chauveau L, Tomezsko P, Sharei A, Kourjian G, Porichis F, Hart M, Palmer CD, Sirignano M, Beisel C, Hildebrandt H, Cénac C, Villani AC, Diefenbach TJ, Le Gall S, Schwartz O, Herbeuval JP, Autran B, Guéry JC, Chang JJ, Altfeld M. Sex Differences in Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell Levels of IRF5 Drive Higher IFN-α Production in Women. J Immunol 2015; 195:5327-36. [PMID: 26519527 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1501684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 165] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2015] [Accepted: 09/30/2015] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Increased IFN-α production contributes to the pathogenesis of infectious and autoimmune diseases. Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) from females produce more IFN-α upon TLR7 stimulation than pDCs from males, yet the mechanisms underlying this difference remain unclear. In this article, we show that basal levels of IFN regulatory factor (IRF) 5 in pDCs were significantly higher in females compared with males and positively correlated with the percentage of IFN-α-secreting pDCs. Delivery of recombinant IRF5 protein into human primary pDCs increased TLR7-mediated IFN-α secretion. In mice, genetic ablation of the estrogen receptor 1 (Esr1) gene in the hematopoietic compartment or DC lineage reduced Irf5 mRNA expression in pDCs and IFN-α production. IRF5 mRNA levels furthermore correlated with ESR1 mRNA levels in human pDCs, consistent with IRF5 regulation at the transcriptional level by ESR1. Taken together, these data demonstrate a critical mechanism by which sex differences in basal pDC IRF5 expression lead to higher IFN-α production upon TLR7 stimulation in females and provide novel targets for the modulation of immune responses and inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgane Griesbeck
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02139; Centre d'Immunonologie et des Maladies Infectieuses-Paris, Université Pierre et Marie Curie/INSERM U1135, Hôpital Pitié Salpêtrière, Paris 75013, France
| | - Susanne Ziegler
- Heinrich Pette Institute-Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology, Hamburg 20246, Germany
| | - Sophie Laffont
- INSERM U1043, Toulouse F-31300, France; CNRS, U5282, Toulouse F-31300, France; Université de Toulouse, Université Paul Sabatier, Centre de Physiopathologie de Toulouse Purpan, Toulouse F-31300, France
| | - Nikaïa Smith
- Chemistry and Biology, Nucleotides and Immunology for Therapy, CNRS UMR-8601, Université Paris Descartes, Paris 75270, France
| | - Lise Chauveau
- Institut Pasteur, Unité de recherche associée CNRS 3015, Unite Virus et Immunité, Paris 75015, France
| | | | - Armon Sharei
- The David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Cambridge, MA 02139
| | | | | | - Meghan Hart
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02139
| | | | | | - Claudia Beisel
- Heinrich Pette Institute-Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology, Hamburg 20246, Germany; Medical Department, University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg 20246, Germany
| | - Heike Hildebrandt
- Heinrich Pette Institute-Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology, Hamburg 20246, Germany
| | - Claire Cénac
- INSERM U1043, Toulouse F-31300, France; CNRS, U5282, Toulouse F-31300, France; Université de Toulouse, Université Paul Sabatier, Centre de Physiopathologie de Toulouse Purpan, Toulouse F-31300, France
| | | | | | - Sylvie Le Gall
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02139
| | - Olivier Schwartz
- Institut Pasteur, Unité de recherche associée CNRS 3015, Unite Virus et Immunité, Paris 75015, France
| | - Jean-Philippe Herbeuval
- Chemistry and Biology, Nucleotides and Immunology for Therapy, CNRS UMR-8601, Université Paris Descartes, Paris 75270, France
| | - Brigitte Autran
- Centre d'Immunonologie et des Maladies Infectieuses-Paris, Université Pierre et Marie Curie/INSERM U1135, Hôpital Pitié Salpêtrière, Paris 75013, France
| | - Jean-Charles Guéry
- INSERM U1043, Toulouse F-31300, France; CNRS, U5282, Toulouse F-31300, France; Université de Toulouse, Université Paul Sabatier, Centre de Physiopathologie de Toulouse Purpan, Toulouse F-31300, France
| | - J Judy Chang
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02139; Department of Infectious Diseases, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Marcus Altfeld
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02139; Heinrich Pette Institute-Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology, Hamburg 20246, Germany;
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Villa A, Rizzi N, Vegeto E, Ciana P, Maggi A. Estrogen accelerates the resolution of inflammation in macrophagic cells. Sci Rep 2015; 5:15224. [PMID: 26477569 DOI: 10.1038/srep15224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 161] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2015] [Accepted: 09/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Although 17β-estradiol (E2) anti-inflammatory activity has been well described, very little is known about the effects of this hormone on the resolution phase of the inflammatory process. Here, we identified a previously unreported ERα-mediated effect of E2 on the inflammatory machinery. The study showed that the activation of the intracellular estrogen receptor shortens the LPS-induced pro-inflammatory phase and, by influencing the intrinsic and extrinsic programs, triggers the resolution of inflammation in RAW 264.7 cells. Through the regulation of the SOCS3 and STAT3 signaling pathways, E2 facilitates the progression of the inflammatory process toward the IL10-dependent “acquired deactivation” phenotype, which is responsible for tissue remodeling and the restoration of homeostatic conditions. The present study may provide an explanation for increased susceptibility to chronic inflammatory diseases in women after menopause, and it suggests novel anti-inflammatory treatments for such disorders.
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Abstract
Both pain and inflammation are protective responses. However, these self-limiting conditions (with well-established negative feedback loops) become pathological if left uncontrolled. Both pain and inflammation can interact with each other in a multi-dimensional manner. These interactions are known to create an array of 'difficult to manage' pathologies. This review explains in detail the role of immune system and the related cells in peripheral sensitization and neurogenic inflammation. Various neuro-immune interactions are analyzed at peripheral, sensory and central nervous system levels. Innate immunity plays a critical role in central sensitization and in establishing acute pain as chronic condition. Moreover, inflammatory mediators also exhibit psychological effects, thus contributing towards the emotional elements associated with pain. However, there is also a considerable anti-inflammatory and analgesic role of immune system. This review also attempts to enlist various novel pharmacological approaches that exhibit their actions through modification of neuro-immune interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivek Verma
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada,
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Albertsmeier M, Pratschke S, Chaudry I, Angele MK. Gender-Specific Effects on Immune Response and Cardiac Function after Trauma Hemorrhage and Sepsis. Viszeralmedizin 2015; 30:91-6. [PMID: 26288583 PMCID: PMC4513799 DOI: 10.1159/000360149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Background Studies in human as well as animal models indicate a gender-specific responsiveness of the immune and organ systems with regard to shock, trauma, and sepsis. Methods A literature review was performed. Results Cell-mediated immune responses and cardiovascular functions are suppressed in males following trauma hemorrhage, whereas they are maintained or even enhanced in females in the proestrus state of the estrus cycle. Experimental studies have demonstrated that divergent immune responses in males and females following adverse circulatory conditions are mediated by the gender-specific hormones testosterone and estrogen. Several clinical trials, however, failed to demonstrate a significant association of gender and inflammatory response. This may be explained by the heterogeneity of the population in terms of their hormonal status at the time of injury. Conclusions With regard to the underlying mechanisms, receptors for sex hormones have been identified on various immune cells, suggesting direct effects of these hormones on immune function. Alternatively, indirect effects of sex steroids such as changes in cardiovascular responses or androgen- and estrogen-synthesizing enzymes might contribute to gender-specific immune responses. Clinical studies suggest that sex hormones, such as dehydroepiandrosterone, modulate the function of peripheral blood mononuclear cells also following abdominal surgery. Thus, sex hormones, receptor antagonists, and sex steroid-synthesizing enzymes might be useful in the future for modulating the complex immune responses after trauma hemorrhage and sepsis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Albertsmeier
- Department of General, Visceral, Transplantation, Vascular and Thoracic Surgery, Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich, Germany
| | - Sebastian Pratschke
- Department of General, Visceral, Transplantation, Vascular and Thoracic Surgery, Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich, Germany
| | - Irshad Chaudry
- Center for Surgical Research and Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Martin K Angele
- Department of General, Visceral, Transplantation, Vascular and Thoracic Surgery, Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich, Germany
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Chapman JC, Chapman FM, Michael SD. The production of alpha/beta and gamma/delta double negative (DN) T-cells and their role in the maintenance of pregnancy. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2015; 13:73. [PMID: 26164866 PMCID: PMC4499209 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-015-0073-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2015] [Accepted: 07/08/2015] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The ability of the thymus gland to convert bone marrow-derived progenitor cells into single positive (SP) T-cells is well known. In this review we present evidence that the thymus, in addition to producing SP T-cells, also has a pathway for the production of double negative (DN) T-cells. The existence of this pathway was noted during our examination of relevant literature to determine the cause of sex steroid-induced thymocyte loss. In conducting this search our objective was to answer the question of whether thymocyte loss is the end product of a typical interaction between the reproductive and immune systems, or evidence that the two systems are incompatible. We can now report that "thymocyte loss" is a normal process that occurs during the production of DN T-cells. The DN T-cell pathway is unique in that it is mediated by thymic mast cells, and becomes functional following puberty. Sex steroids initiate the development of the pathway by binding to an estrogen receptor alpha located in the outer membrane of the mast cells, causing their activation. This results in their uptake of extracellular calcium, and the production and subsequent release of histamine and serotonin. Lymphatic vessels, located in the subcapsular region of the thymus, respond to the two vasodilators by undergoing a substantial and preferential uptake of gamma/delta and alpha/beta DN T- cells. These T- cells exit the thymus via efferent lymphatic vessels and enter the lymphatic system.The DN pathway is responsible for the production of three subsets of gamma/delta DN T-cells and one subset of alpha/beta DN T-cells. In postpubertal animals approximately 35 % of total thymocytes exit the thymus as DN T-cells, regardless of sex. In pregnant females, their levels undergo a dramatic increase. Gamma/delta DN T-cells produce cytokines that are essential for the maintenance of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- John C Chapman
- Department of Biological Sciences, Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York, 13902-6000, USA.
| | - Fae M Chapman
- Department of Biological Sciences, Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York, 13902-6000, USA.
| | - Sandra D Michael
- Department of Biological Sciences, Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York, 13902-6000, USA.
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Kumral ZN, Memi G, Ercan F, Yeğen BC. Estrogen alleviates acetic acid-induced gastric or colonic damage via both ERα- and ERβ-mediated and direct antioxidant mechanisms in rats. Inflammation 2014; 37:694-705. [PMID: 24323397 DOI: 10.1007/s10753-013-9786-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In order to demonstrate the possible protective effects of estrogen receptor (ER)-α and ERβ receptor subtypes in the pathogenesis of colonic and gastric oxidant damage, experimental ulcer and colitis were induced by acetic acid, and the animals were randomly divided as colitis, ulcer, and their corresponding non-ulcer and non-colitis control groups. Each group of rats was treated intramuscularly with the vehicle, selective ERα agonist propylpyrazole-triol (1 mg/kg), ERβ agonist diarylpropionitrile (1 mg/kg), non-selective ER agonist 17β estradiol (E2; 1 mg/kg), or E2 plus non-selective ER antagonist ICI-182780 (1 mg/kg). The results revealed that induction of ulcer or colitis resulted in systemic inflammation as assessed by increased levels of plasma TNF-α and IL-6 levels. In both tissues, the presence of oxidant damage was verified by histological analysis and elevated myleoperoxidase activity. In the colitis and ulcer groups, both ER agonists and the non-selective E2 reversed the oxidative damage in a similar manner. These findings indicate that estrogen acts via both ERα- and ERβ-mediated and direct antioxidant mechanisms, where both ER subtypes play equal and efficient roles in the anti-inflammatory action of estrogen, in limiting the migration of neutrophils to the inflamed tissue, reducing the release and activation of cytokines and thereby alleviating tissue damage.
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