scholarly journals An overview of sex hormones in relation to SARS-CoV-2 infection

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marzieh Saei Ghare Naz ◽  
Mojdeh Banaei ◽  
Sareh Dashti ◽  
Fahimeh Ramezani Tehrani
Keyword(s):  
Sex Differences ◽  
Immune System ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Immune Responses ◽  
Sex Hormones ◽  
Web Of Science ◽  
Vaccine Development ◽  
Response To Treatment ◽  
Different Seasons ◽  
Body Response

Aim: Sex differences in COVID-19 outcomes might be explained from a sex hormones (SexHs) perspective. Materials & methods: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, EMBASE and Google Scholar were searched up to March 2021. Results: Based on the literature review, the crosstalk between SexHs (estrogens, progesterone and testosterone), their receptors (estrogen α and β, androgen, and progesterone) and the immune system shaped the sex-related differences in immune responses against COVID-19. Differential production of SexHs over the lifespan (during pregnancy, reproductive years, menopause and andropause) and over different seasons may result in disparities in body response toward COVID-19. Moreover, SexHs-specific differences might affect vaccine efficacy and response to treatment. Conclusion: The roles of SexHs need to be considered in vaccine development and even treatment of COVID-19.

scholarly journals Toll-Like Receptors Represent an Important Link for Sex Differences in Cardiovascular Aging and Diseases

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cinthya Echem ◽  
Eliana H. Akamine
Keyword(s):  
Sex Differences ◽  
Immune System ◽  
Cardiovascular Diseases ◽  
Cardiovascular System ◽  
Sex Hormones ◽  
Human Life ◽  
Hormonal Changes ◽  
Toll Like Receptors ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Cardiovascular Aging

Human life span expectancy has increased, and aging affects the organism in several ways, leading, for example, to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. Age-adjusted prevalence of the cardiovascular diseases is higher in males than females. Aging also affects the gonadal sex hormones and the sex differences observed in cardiovascular diseases may be therefore impacted. Hormonal changes associated with aging may also affect the immune system and the immune response is sexually different. The immune system plays a role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. In this context, toll-like receptors (TLRs) are a family of pattern recognition receptors of the immune system whose activation induces the synthesis of pro-inflammatory molecules. They are expressed throughout the cardiovascular system and their activation has been widely described in cardiovascular diseases. Some recent evidence demonstrates that there are sex differences associated with TLR responses and that these receptors may be affected by sex hormones and their receptors, suggesting that TLRs may contribute to the sex differences observed in cardiovascular diseases. Recent evidence also shows that sex differences of TLRs in cardiovascular system persists with aging, which may represent a new paradigm about the mechanisms that contribute to the sex differences in cardiovascular aging. Therefore, in this mini review we describe the latest findings regarding the sex differences of TLRs and associated signaling in cardiovascular diseases during aging.

scholarly journals Microbiome, sex hormones, and immune responses in the reproductive tract: Challenges for vaccine development against sexually transmitted infections

Vaccine ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 32 (14) ◽  
pp. 1543-1552 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebecca M. Brotman ◽  
Jacques Ravel ◽  
Patrik M. Bavoil ◽  
Patti E. Gravitt ◽  
Khalil G. Ghanem
Keyword(s):  
Immune Responses ◽  
Sexually Transmitted Infections ◽  
Sex Hormones ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Vaccine Development ◽  
Sexually Transmitted

scholarly journals Sex differences in severity and mortality from COVID-19: are males more vulnerable?

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ajay Pradhan ◽  
Per-Erik Olsson
Keyword(s):  
Sex Differences ◽  
Immune System ◽  
Immune Responses ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Basic Research ◽  
Contributing Factors ◽  
High Infection ◽  
Males And Females

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.

scholarly journals The Pathophysiological Role of Heat Shock Response in Autoimmunity: A Literature Review

Cells ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 2626
Author(s):  
Ariadni Androvitsanea ◽  
Kostas Stylianou ◽  
Eleni Drosataki ◽  
Ioannis Petrakis
Keyword(s):  
Immune System ◽  
Heat Shock ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Heat Shock Proteins ◽  
Immune Responses ◽  
Inhibitory Effects ◽  
Pathophysiological Role ◽  
Shock Response ◽  
Shock Proteins

Within the last two decades, there has been increasing evidence that heat-shock proteins can have a differential influence on the immune system. They can either provoke or ameliorate immune responses. This review focuses on outlining the stimulatory as well as the inhibitory effects of heat-shock proteins 27, 40, 70, 65, 60, and 90 in experimental and clinical autoimmune settings.

scholarly journals Exosome: The Regulator of the Immune System in Sepsis

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peng Qiu ◽  
Jing Zhou ◽  
Jin Zhang ◽  
Youjing Dong ◽  
Yang Liu
Keyword(s):  
Immune System ◽  
Immune Responses ◽  
Immune Cells ◽  
Immune Cell ◽  
Immune Disorders ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Novel Target ◽  
Organ Dysfunctions ◽  
Body Response

Sepsis is a syndrome comprised of a series of life-threatening organ dysfunctions caused by a maladjusted body response to infection with no effective treatment. There is growing evidence that the immune system plays a core role in sepsis. Pathogens cause abnormal host immune response and eventually lead to immunosuppression, which is an important cause of death in patients with sepsis. Exosomes are vesicles derived from double invagination of plasma membrane, associating with immune responses closely. The cargos delivered by exosomes into recipient cells, especially immune cells, effectively alter their response and functions in sepsis. In this review, we focus on the effects and mechanisms of exosomes on multiple immune cells, as well as the role of immune cell-derived exosomes in sepsis. This is helpful for us to have an in-depth understanding of the mechanism of immune disorders in sepsis. Exosomes is also expected to become a novel target and therapeutic approach for sepsis.

scholarly journals Sex Differences in COVID-19: Candidate Pathways, Genetics of ACE2, and Sex Hormones

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anissa Viveiros ◽  
Jaslyn Rasmuson ◽  
Jennie Vu ◽  
Sharon L Mulvagh ◽  
Cindy Y Y Yip ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cardiovascular Disease ◽  
Sex Differences ◽  
Immune System ◽  
Sex Hormones ◽  
Innate Immune System ◽  
Renin Angiotensin System ◽  
Innate Immune ◽  
Protective Mechanism ◽  
Angiotensin System ◽  
Renin Angiotensin

Biological sex is increasingly recognized as a critical determinant of health and disease, particularly relevant to the topical COVID-19 pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. Epidemiological data and observational reports from both the original SARS epidemic and the most recent COVID-19 pandemic have a common feature: males are more likely to exhibit enhanced disease severity and mortality than females. Sex differences in cardiovascular disease and COVID-19 share mechanistic foundations, namely the involvement of both the innate immune system and the canonical renin-angiotensin system (RAS). Immunological differences suggest that females mount a rapid and aggressive innate immune response, and the attenuated antiviral response in males may confer enhanced susceptibility to severe disease. Further, the ACE2 enzyme is involved in disease pathogenesis in cardiovascular disease and COVID-19, either to serve as a protective mechanism by deactivating the renin-angiotensin system or as the receptor for viral entry, respectively. Loss of membrane ACE2 and a corresponding increase in plasma ACE2 are associated with worsened cardiovascular disease outcomes, a mechanism attributed to A Disintegrin and Metalloproteinase (ADAM)17. SARS-CoV-2 infection also leads to ADAM17 activation, a positive feedback cycle that exacerbates ACE2 loss. Therefore, the relationship between cardiovascular disease and COVID-19 is critically dependent on the loss of membrane ACE2 by ADAM17-mediated proteolytic cleavage. This article will explore potential mechanisms involved in COVID-19 that may contribute to sex-specific susceptibility focusing on the innate immune system and the RAS, namely genetics and sex hormones. Finally, we will highlight the added challenges of gender in the COVID-19 pandemic.

scholarly journals Thinking Globally, Acting Locally: Harnessing the Immune System to Deal with Recalcitrant Pathogens

mBio ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael W. Russell
Keyword(s):  
Immune System ◽  
Immune Responses ◽  
Vaccine Development ◽  
Host Immunity ◽  
Parasitic Infections ◽  
Bacterial Disease ◽  
Host Immune Responses ◽  
Limited Effectiveness ◽  
Traditional Approaches ◽  
Emergence Of Resistance

ABSTRACT Traditional approaches to harnessing the immune system to confront infectious diseases depend on vaccines, which have generally proven highly effective, but for many infections these either are not available or are of limited effectiveness. Although antibiotic therapy has been extremely successful in reducing the burden of bacterial disease, the emergence of resistance among several important pathogens threatens to undermine this accomplishment, and despite some successes chemotherapeutic treatments for viral, fungal, and parasitic infections are more limited. Understanding the mechanisms whereby pathogens manipulate the immune system to favor their survival, or exploit weaknesses in host immunity, can lead to novel approaches for the treatment of infections by redirecting host immune responses against the pathogen. Such treatments may be most effectively applied at the mucosal locations which are frequently the sites of initial infection and may also suggest new approaches for vaccine development.

scholarly journals INFECTION-ACQUIRED VERSUS VACCINE-INDUCED IMMUNITY AGAINST COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 29-35
Author(s):  
Tsvetelina Velikova
Keyword(s):  
Immune System ◽  
Immune Responses ◽  
Vaccine Development ◽  
Immunological Methods ◽  
Comparative Analyses ◽  
Global Health Issue ◽  
Acquired Immune Responses ◽  
Scientific Facts ◽  
Virus Spreading ◽  
Induced Immunity

The course of COVID-19 depends on a dynamic interplay between SARS-CoV-2 and the host's immune system. Although it is an emerging global health issue, little is known about the specificity, safety, and duration of the immunity elicited by the virus. This hypothesis article explores the benefits of infection-acquired and vaccine-induced immunity against COVID-19, suggesting that the latter outweighs the former. Comparative studies are proposed to explain and reveal all aspects of the immune responses. Although vaccine development relies on studies of naturally acquired immune responses, there are still no comparative analyses of the natural and vaccine immunity against SARS-CoV-2. Moreover, there are scarce reports on the characteristics of both types of responses. The scientific facts about the virulence of SARS-CoV-2 affecting the immune system are of great importance for proposed comparative analyses. Various immunological methods can be employed to elucidate infection-acquired and vaccine-induced immunity against SARS-CoV-2. The safe vaccination of subjects with and without COVID-19 history may disrupt the virus spreading and end the pandemic.

Geschlechtsunterschiede in Glucocorticoidkonzentrationen und Entzündungsparametern im Zusammenhang mit Depression

2020 ◽  
Vol 39 (04) ◽  
pp. 222-237
Author(s):  
Lena Schneider ◽  
Andreas Walther
Keyword(s):  
Sex Differences ◽  
Major Depression ◽  
Hpa Axis ◽  
Web Of Science ◽  
Tnf Alpha ◽  
Mesh Terms

ZusammenfassungHintergrund: Frauen erkranken fast doppelt so häufig wie Männer an einer Major Depression. Eine Hyperaktivität der Hypothalamus-Hypophysen-Nebennierenrinden-Achse (HHNA) und eine chronisch niedrig-gradige Inflammation sind 2 der konsistentesten biologischen Befunde bei schweren Depressionen. Inwiefern diese Parameter für die Existenz von Geschlechtsunterschieden bei Depression eine Rolle spielen, ist noch unzureichend untersucht worden. Methoden: Es wurde eine systematische Literaturrecherche mittels der elektronischen Fachdatenbanken (PubMed, Web of Science, PsycARTICLES) durchgeführt. Die Suche umfasste alle englischsprachigen Artikel, die bis zum 29. Juni 2019 aufgenommen wurden. Als MeSH terms wurden depression, sex differences, inflammation, hpa axis, mit Zusätzen wie cortisol, crp, IL-6, TNF-alpha, dex/crh oder tsst verwendet. Ergebnisse: Insgesamt konnten 62 Primärstudien mit einem Total von 91318 Probanden (52 % Frauen) eingeschlossen werden. Basale Glucocorticoidkonzentrationen scheinen für beide Geschlechter tendenziell positiv mit dem Vorliegen oder der Schwere einer Depressionssymptomatik assoziiert zu sein. Konsistente Geschlechtsunterschiede konnten für die Cortisolreaktion auf einen Stressor sowie für Entzündungsmarker identifiziert werden. Fazit: Geschlechtsunterschiede in der Neurobiologie der Depression sind identifizierbar und geben Anlass für geschlechtsspezifische Untersuchungen der Pathophysiologie von Depressionen und deren geschlechtsspezifischer Behandlungen.

A Systematic Literature Review of the EFQM Excellence Model from 1991 to 2019

1970 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 11-15
Author(s):  
Muhammad Yousaf ◽  
Petr Bris
Keyword(s):  
Quality Management ◽  
Data Collection ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Systematic Literature Review ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Web Of Science ◽  
State Of The Art ◽  
Future Research ◽  
European Foundation ◽  
The Subject

A systematic literature review (SLR) from 1991 to 2019 is carried out about EFQM (European Foundation for Quality Management) excellence model in this paper. The aim of the paper is to present state of the art in quantitative research on the EFQM excellence model that will guide future research lines in this field. The articles were searched with the help of six strings and these six strings were executed in three popular databases i.e. Scopus, Web of Science, and Science Direct. Around 584 peer-reviewed articles examined, which are directly linked with the subject of quantitative research on the EFQM excellence model. About 108 papers were chosen finally, then the purpose, data collection, conclusion, contributions, and type of quantitative of the selected papers are discussed and analyzed briefly in this study. Thus, this study identifies the focus areas of the researchers and knowledge gaps in empirical quantitative literature on the EFQM excellence model. This article also presents the lines of future research.

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