Sex Differences and the Role of Sex Hormones in Pulmonary Hypertension

2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (3) ◽  
pp. 457-465
Author(s):  
Hannah Takahashi Oakland ◽  
Phillip Joseph
Keyword(s):  
Pulmonary Hypertension ◽  
Sex Differences ◽  
Sex Hormones

scholarly journals Regulatory Role of Sex Hormones in Cardiovascular Calcification

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (9) ◽  
pp. 4620
Author(s):  
Holly J. Woodward ◽  
Dongxing Zhu ◽  
Patrick W. F. Hadoke ◽  
Victoria E. MacRae
Keyword(s):  
Cardiovascular Disease ◽  
Sex Differences ◽  
Sexual Dimorphism ◽  
Aortic Stenosis ◽  
Sex Hormones ◽  
Sex Hormone ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Male Sex ◽  
Primary Male

Sex differences in cardiovascular disease (CVD), including aortic stenosis, atherosclerosis and cardiovascular calcification, are well documented. High levels of testosterone, the primary male sex hormone, are associated with increased risk of cardiovascular calcification, whilst estrogen, the primary female sex hormone, is considered cardioprotective. Current understanding of sexual dimorphism in cardiovascular calcification is still very limited. This review assesses the evidence that the actions of sex hormones influence the development of cardiovascular calcification. We address the current question of whether sex hormones could play a role in the sexual dimorphism seen in cardiovascular calcification, by discussing potential mechanisms of actions of sex hormones and evidence in pre-clinical research. More advanced investigations and understanding of sex hormones in calcification could provide a better translational outcome for those suffering with cardiovascular calcification.

scholarly journals Sex Differences and the Influence of Sex Hormones on Cognition through Adulthood and the Aging Process

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (9) ◽  
pp. 163 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caroline Gurvich ◽  
Kate Hoy ◽  
Natalie Thomas ◽  
Jayashri Kulkarni
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Sex Differences ◽  
Cognitive Functioning ◽  
Sex Hormones ◽  
Reproductive Function ◽  
Health And Disease ◽  
And Function ◽  
The Brain

Hormones of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis that regulate reproductive function have multiple effects on the development, maintenance and function of the brain. Sex differences in cognitive functioning have been reported in both health and disease, which may be partly attributed to sex hormones. The aim of the current paper was to provide a theoretical review of how sex hormones influence cognitive functioning across the lifespan as well as provide an overview of the literature on sex differences and the role of sex hormones in cognitive decline, specifically in relation to Alzheimer’s disease (AD). A summary of current hormone and sex-based interventions for enhancing cognitive functioning and/or reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s disease is also provided.

Role of sex hormones in development of chronic mountain sickness in rats

1994 ◽  
Vol 77 (1) ◽  
pp. 427-433 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. C. Ou ◽  
G. L. Sardella ◽  
J. C. Leiter ◽  
T. Brinck-Johnsen ◽  
R. P. Smith
Keyword(s):  
Gender Differences ◽  
Pulmonary Hypertension ◽  
High Altitude ◽  
Sex Hormones ◽  
Systolic Pressure ◽  
Female Rats ◽  
Hypoxic Exposure ◽  
Chronic Mountain Sickness ◽  
Mountain Sickness

After chronic exposure to hypoxia, Hilltop Sprague-Dawley rats developed excessive polycythemia and severe pulmonary hypertension and right ventricular (RV) hypertrophy, signs consistent with human chronic mountain sickness; however, there were gender differences in the magnitude of the polycythemia and susceptibility to the fatal consequence of chronic mountain sickness. Orchiectomy and ovariectomy were performed to evaluate the role of sex hormones in the gender differences in these hypoxic responses. After 40 days of exposure to simulated high altitude (5,500 m; barometric pressure of 370 Torr and inspired Po2 of 73 Torr), both sham-gonadectomized male and female rats developed polycythemia and had increased RV peak systolic pressure and RV hypertrophy. The hematocrit was slightly but significantly higher in males than in females. Orchiectomy did not affect these hypoxic responses, although total ventricular weight was less in the castrated high-altitude rats. At high altitude, the mortality rates were 67% in the sham-operated male rats and 50% in the castrated animals. In contrast, ovariectomy aggravated the high-altitude-associated polycythemia and increased RV peak systolic pressure and RV weight compared with the sham-operated high-altitude female rats. Both sham-operated control and ovariectomized females suffered negligible mortality at high altitude. The present study demonstrated that 1) the male sex hormones play no role in the development of the excessive polycythemia, pulmonary hypertension, and RV hypertrophy during chronic hypoxic exposure or in the associated high mortality and 2) the female sex hormones suppressed both the polycythemic and cardiopulmonary responses in vivo during chronic hypoxic exposure.

scholarly journals Sex Differences in Otolaryngology: Focus on the Emerging Role of Estrogens in Inflammatory and Pro-Resolving Responses

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (16) ◽  
pp. 8768
Author(s):  
Sheng-Dean Luo ◽  
Tai-Jan Chiu ◽  
Wei-Chih Chen ◽  
Ching-Shuen Wang
Keyword(s):  
Sex Differences ◽  
Sex Hormones ◽  
Immune Cells ◽  
Vocal Fold ◽  
Hormone Receptors ◽  
Inflammatory Responses ◽  
Proinflammatory Responses ◽  
Males And Females ◽  
Nose And Throat

Otolaryngology (also known as ear, nose, and throat (ENT)) diseases can be significantly affected by the level of sex hormones, which indicates that sex differences affect the manifestation, pathophysiology, and outcomes of these diseases. Recently, increasing evidence has suggested that proinflammatory responses in ENT diseases are linked to the level of sex hormones. The sex hormone receptors are present on a wide variety of immune cells; therefore, it is evident that they play crucial roles in regulating the immune system and hence affect the disease progression of ENT diseases. In this review, we focus on how sex hormones, particularly estrogens, regulate ENT diseases, such as chronic rhinosinusitis, vocal fold polyps, thyroid cancer, Sjögren’s syndrome, and head and neck cancers, from the perspectives of inflammatory responses and specialized proresolving mediator-driven resolution. This paper aims to clarify why considering sex differences in the field of basic and medical research on otolaryngology is a key component to successful therapy for both males and females in the future.

scholarly journals Sex differences in the pulmonary circulation: implications for pulmonary hypertension

2014 ◽  
Vol 306 (9) ◽  
pp. H1253-H1264 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yvette N. Martin ◽  
Christina M. Pabelick
Keyword(s):  
Pulmonary Hypertension ◽  
Sex Differences ◽  
Sex Hormones ◽  
Pulmonary Circulation ◽  
Vascular Remodeling ◽  
Complex Disease ◽  
New Developments ◽  
Disease Outcomes ◽  
Pulmonary Arterial ◽  
Recent Attention

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), a form of pulmonary hypertension, is a complex disease of multifactorial origin. While new developments regarding pathophysiological features and therapeutic options in PAH are being reported, one important fact has emerged over the years: there is a sex difference in the incidence of this disease such that while there is a higher incidence in females, disease outcomes are much worse in males. Accordingly, recent attention has been focused on understanding the features of sex differences in the pulmonary circulation and the contributory mechanisms, particularly sex hormones and their role in the pathological and pathophysiological features of PAH. However, to date, there is no clear consensus whether sex hormones (particularly female sex steroids) are beneficial or detrimental in PAH. In this review, we highlight some of the most recent evidence regarding the influence of sex hormones (estrogen, testosterone, progesterone, dehydroepiandrosterone) and estrogen metabolites on key pathophysiological features of PAH such as proliferation, vascular remodeling, vasodilation/constriction, and inflammation, thus setting the stage for research avenues to identify novel therapeutic target for PAH as well as potentially other forms of pulmonary hypertension.

scholarly journals Role of sex hormones in modulating myocardial perfusion and coronary flow reserve

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmed Haider ◽  
Susan Bengs ◽  
Angela Portmann ◽  
Alexia Rossi ◽  
Hazem Ahmed ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sex Differences ◽  
Myocardial Perfusion ◽  
Sex Hormones ◽  
Coronary Flow Reserve ◽  
Coronary Flow ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Left Ventricular Ejection ◽  
Testosterone Levels ◽  
Flow Reserve

Abstract Background A growing body of evidence highlights sex differences in the diagnostic accuracy of cardiovascular imaging modalities. Nonetheless, the role of sex hormones in modulating myocardial perfusion and coronary flow reserve (CFR) is currently unclear. The aim of our study was to assess the impact of female and male sex hormones on myocardial perfusion and CFR. Methods Rest and stress myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) was conducted by small animal positron emission tomography (PET) with [18F]flurpiridaz in a total of 56 mice (7–8 months old) including gonadectomized (Gx) and sham-operated males and females, respectively. Myocardial [18F]flurpiridaz uptake (% injected dose per mL, % ID/mL) was used as a surrogate for myocardial perfusion at rest and following intravenous regadenoson injection, as previously reported. Apparent coronary flow reserve (CFRApp) was calculated as the ratio of stress and rest myocardial perfusion. Left ventricular (LV) morphology and function were assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging. Results Orchiectomy resulted in a significant decrease of resting myocardial perfusion (Gx vs. sham, 19.4 ± 1.0 vs. 22.2 ± 0.7 % ID/mL, p = 0.034), while myocardial perfusion at stress remained unchanged (Gx vs. sham, 27.5 ± 1.2 vs. 27.3 ± 1.2 % ID/mL, p = 0.896). Accordingly, CFRApp was substantially higher in orchiectomized males (Gx vs. sham, 1.43 ± 0.04 vs. 1.23 ± 0.05, p = 0.004), and low serum testosterone levels were linked to a blunted resting myocardial perfusion (r = 0.438, p = 0.020) as well as an enhanced CFRApp (r = −0.500, p = 0.007). In contrast, oophorectomy did not affect myocardial perfusion in females. Of note, orchiectomized males showed a reduced LV mass, stroke volume, and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) on CMR, while no such effects were observed in oophorectomized females. Conclusion Our experimental data in mice indicate that sex differences in myocardial perfusion are primarily driven by testosterone. Given the diagnostic importance of PET-MPI in clinical routine, further studies are warranted to determine whether testosterone levels affect the interpretation of myocardial perfusion findings in patients.

scholarly journals Sex Differences in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: The Role of Sex Hormones

2014 ◽  
Vol 28 (8) ◽  
pp. 1946-1958 ◽  
Author(s):  
Georgios Makrygiannis ◽  
Audrey Courtois ◽  
Pierre Drion ◽  
Jean-Olivier Defraigne ◽  
Helena Kuivaniemi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sex Differences ◽  
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm ◽  
Aortic Aneurysm ◽  
Sex Hormones ◽  
Abdominal Aortic

scholarly journals The crosstalk between melatonin and sex steroid hormones

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
José Cipolla-Neto ◽  
Fernanda Gaspar Amaral ◽  
José Maria Soares-Jr ◽  
Camila Congentino Gallo ◽  
André Furtado ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sex Differences ◽  
Sex Hormones ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Reproductive Hormones ◽  
Hormonal Control ◽  
Reciprocal Relationship ◽  
Cell Physiology ◽  
Contraceptive Pills ◽  
Circulating Levels

Melatonin, an indolamine mainly released from the pineal gland, is associated with many biological functions namely the modulation of circadian and seasonal rhythms, sleep inducer, regulator of energy metabolism, antioxidant and anticarcinogenic. Although several evidences also recognize the influence of melatonin in the reproductive physiology, the crosstalk between melatonin and sex hormones is not clear. Here, we review the effects of sex differences in the circulating levels of melatonin and update the current knowledge on the link between sex hormones and melatonin. Furthermore, we explore the effects of melatonin on gonadal steroidogenesis and hormonal control in females. The literature review shows that despite the strong evidence that sex differences impact on the circadian profiles of melatonin, reports are still considerably ambiguous and these differences may arise from several factors, like the use of contraceptive pills, hormonal status and sleep deprivation. Furthermore, there has been an inconclusive debate about the characteristics of the reciprocal relationship between melatonin and reproductive hormones. In this regard, there is evidence for the role of melatonin in gonadal steroidogenesis brought about by research that shows that melatonin affects multiple transduction pathways that modulate Sertoli cell physiology and consequently spermatogenesis, and also estrogen and progesterone production. From the outcome of our research, it is possible to conclude that understanding the correlation between melatonin and reproductive hormones is crucial for the correction of several complications occurring during pregnancy, like pre-eclampsia and for the control of climacteric symptoms.

scholarly journals Sex and gender in asthma

2021 ◽  
Vol 30 (162) ◽  
pp. 210067
Author(s):  
Nowrin U. Chowdhury ◽  
Vamsi P. Guntur ◽  
Dawn C. Newcomb ◽  
Michael E. Wechsler
Keyword(s):  
Sex Differences ◽  
Environmental Factors ◽  
Sex Hormones ◽  
Therapeutic Response ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Sex And Gender ◽  
Asthma Incidence ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Incidence Prevalence

Asthma is a heterogenous disease, and its prevalence and severity are different in males versus females through various ages. As children, boys have an increased prevalence of asthma. As adults, women have an increased prevalence and severity of asthma. Sex hormones, genetic and epigenetic variations, social and environmental factors, and responses to asthma therapeutics are important factors in the sex differences observed in asthma incidence, prevalence and severity. For women, fluctuations in sex hormone levels during puberty, the menstrual cycle and pregnancy are associated with asthma pathogenesis. Further, sex differences in gene expression and epigenetic modifications and responses to environmental factors, including SARS-CoV-2 infections, are associated with differences in asthma incidence, prevalence and symptoms. We review the role of sex hormones, genetics and epigenetics, and their interactions with the environment in the clinical manifestations and therapeutic response of asthma.

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