Sex and disease: the necessity of an overarching theory to explain the effect of sex on non-reproductive functions

Endocrinology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adriana Maggi
Keyword(s):  
Energy Metabolism ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
New Energy ◽  
Mammalian Liver ◽  
Evolutionary Step ◽  
Metabolic Activities ◽  
And Storage ◽  
Energy Strategies

Abstract The number of studies underlying major sex differences in liver metabolic activities is growing, but we still lack a theory to explain the origin of the functional differences we are identifying. In the animal kingdom energy metabolism is tightly associated with reproduction; conceivably, the major evolutionary step that occurred about 200 millions of years ago with placentation determined a significant change in female physiology as females had to create new energy strategies to allow the growth of the embryo in the mother womb and the lactation of the new-born. In vertebrates the liver is the metabolic organ most tuned to gonadal functions because the liver synthesizes and transports of all the components necessary for the maturation of the egg upon estrogenic stimulation. Thus in mammals evolution must have worked on the already strict gonad-liver relationship fostering the novel reproductive needs. As a consequence, the functions of mammalian liver had to diverge from males to acquire the flexibility necessary to tailor metabolism on the reproductive status and to ensure the parsimonious exploitation and storage of energy supplies for the continuation of gestation in case of food scarcity. Indeed, several studies show that male and female livers adopt very different strategies when confronted with nutritional stress of varied origin. Considering the role of liver and energy metabolism in most pathologies, a better focus on liver functions in the two sexes might be of considerable help in personalizing medicine and pharmacology on male and female needs.

scholarly journals Influence of Magnesium Ions on the Preparation and Storage of DNA Tetrahedrons in Micromolar Ranges

Molecules ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (11) ◽  
pp. 2091 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yue Hu ◽  
Zhou Chen ◽  
Zheng Hou ◽  
Mingkai Li ◽  
Bo Ma ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
The Novel ◽  
Magnesium Ions ◽  
Dna Nanostructures ◽  
Structure And Stability ◽  
Dna Concentration ◽  
Factors Influencing ◽  
Dna Tetrahedron ◽  
And Storage

The DNA tetrahedron (Td), as one of the novel DNA-based nanoscale biomaterials, has been extensively studied because of its excellent biocompatibility and increased possibilities for decorating precisely. Although the use of Td in laboratories is well established, knowledge surrounding the factors influencing its preparation and storage is lacking. In this research, we investigated the role of the magnesium ions, which greatly affect the structure and stability of DNA. We assembled 1, 2, 5, 10 and 20 μM Td in buffers containing different Mg2+ concentrations, demonstrating that 2 and 5 mM Mg2+ is optimal in these conditions, and that yields decrease dramatically once the DNA concentration reaches 20 μM or the Mg2+ concentration is lower than 0.5 mM. We also verified that the Td structure is retained better through freeze-thawing than lyophilization. Furthermore, a lower initial Mg2+ (≤2 mM) benefited the maintenance of Td structure in the process of lyophilization. Hence, our research sheds light on the influence of Mg2+ in the process of preparing and storing Td, and also provides some enlightenment on improving yields of other DNA nanostructures.

scholarly journals Renewed energy in Asia's upstream

2019 ◽  
Vol 59 (2) ◽  
pp. 582
Author(s):  
Gero Farruggio ◽  
David Dixon
Keyword(s):  
Solar Wind ◽  
Service Sector ◽  
Oil And Gas ◽  
Oil Companies ◽  
National Oil Companies ◽  
Grid Connection ◽  
New Energy ◽  
Operational Expenditure ◽  
And Storage

Upstream is enjoying a renewed optimism in pricing and project developments, and the growth outlook is positive. That said, current investment in upstream across Asia is less than half that of renewable projects, which accounted for over US $180 billion in 2018. Got your attention? It certainly has for national oil companies and regional oil and gas players as companies explore the opportunities presented by lowering solar and storage costs. In this paper we analyse capex trends and forecasts across both sectors in Australia and the region. Will this growth continue, who is set to gain and by how much? We explore the growing role of renewables in the oilfield service sector. Australia is not alone in experiencing a renewables boom; the trend continues across Asia, with government initiatives more often than not being the catalyst and the boom then fuelled by a seemingly endless supply of insatiable investors. Australia is experiencing a frenzy of activity; developers are rushing to grab land and be the first past the post on grid connection. What can we expect as the renewable energy target transitions to the national energy guarantee, to whatever comes next? We compare the corporate landscapes across the upstream and new energy sectors, and explore what is driving them closer each year as miners and upstream operators turn to solar, wind and storage to reduce operational expenditure and boost field economics. Adani has one of the largest solar pipelines in Australia; will Woodside follow suit? Finally, we compare returns for recently commissioned renewable and upstream projects.

Abstract P314: Effect of Sex on Blood Pressure and Endothelial Dysfunction in the Novel BPH2 Mouse Model of Hypertension

Hypertension ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 70 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sean P Didion
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Endothelial Dysfunction ◽  
Endothelial Function ◽  
Renin Angiotensin System ◽  
Similar Degree ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Angiotensin System ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Renin Angiotensin

Very little is known regarding blood pressure and endothelial function between the sexes in the hypertensive BPH2 mouse. Thus, the first goal was determine whether blood pressure and endothelial function are significantly different between male and female BPH2 mice. Information regarding the role of the renin-angiotensin system in the BPH2 mouse is also limited; therefore the second goal was to determine the role of the renin-angiotensin system by treating BPH2 mice with captopril for 4 weeks. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) was significantly elevated (P<0.05) and yet comparable (P>0.05) in male and female BPH2 mice and averaged 140±3 and 136±3 mmHg, respectively, whereas, in control mice SBP averaged 112±4 mmHg. Endothelial responses to acetylcholine in carotid artery were markedly impaired (P<0.05) and to a similar degree in male and female BPH2 mice as compared to controls. Captopril treatment was associated with a significant (P<0.05) reduction in blood pressure of 35±7 and 43±4 mmHg in male and female BPH2 mice, respectively. Captopril also resulted in an improvement of endothelial responses in male and female BPH2 mice. These findings demonstrate that male and female BPH2 mice are equally hypertensive and both sexes are characterized by endothelial dysfunction. In addition, the renin-angiotensin system may contribute to both hypertension and endothelial dysfunction in this model. Taken together, our data define the BPH2 mouse as an important model to compare and contrast the effects of hypertension between the sexes. Supported by NIH HL-107632.

Mitochondrial matrix calcium ions regulate energy production in myocardium: A cytochemical study

1990 ◽  
Vol 48 (2) ◽  
pp. 166-167
Author(s):  
W.A. Jacob ◽  
R. Hertsens ◽  
A. Van Bogaert ◽  
M. De Smet
Keyword(s):  
Energy Metabolism ◽  
Calcium Ions ◽  
Energy Production ◽  
Regulation Of Respiration ◽  
Free Calcium ◽  
Mitochondrial Matrix ◽  
Cytochemical Study ◽  
Nmr Techniques

In the past most studies of the control of energy metabolism focus on the role of the phosphorylation potential ATP/ADP.Pi on the regulation of respiration. Studies using NMR techniques have demonstrated that the concentrations of these compounds for oxidation phosphorylation do not change appreciably throughout the cardiac cycle and during increases in cardiac work. Hence regulation of energy production by calcium ions, present in the mitochondrial matrix, has been the object of a number of recent studies.Three exclusively intramitochondnal dehydrogenases are key enzymes for the regulation of oxidative metabolism. They are activated by calcium ions in the low micromolar range. Since, however, earlier estimates of the intramitochondnal calcium, based on equilibrium thermodynamic considerations, were in the millimolar range, a physiological correlation was not evident. The introduction of calcium-sensitive probes fura-2 and indo-1 made monitoring of free calcium during changing energy metabolism possible. These studies were performed on isolated mitochondria and extrapolation to the in vivo situation is more or less speculative.

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