Sex Differences in Body-Weight Change following Gonadectomy of Rats

Data are presented to demonstrate that the effects of gonadectomy on body weight and food consumption differ in male and female rats. The findings are related to the authors' report of sex differences in the effects of ventromedial hypothalamic damage. A review of the literature on the relationship of the gonads to body weight in different species is presented.

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Genistein during Development Alters Differentially the Expression of POMC in Male and Female Rats

Metabolites ◽

10.3390/metabo11050293 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (5) ◽

pp. 293

Author(s):

Jose Manuel Fernandez-Garcia ◽

Beatriz Carrillo ◽

Patricia Tezanos ◽

Paloma Collado ◽

Helena Pinos

Keyword(s):

Body Weight ◽

Sex Differences ◽

Energy Metabolism ◽

Arcuate Nucleus ◽

Caloric Intake ◽

The Body ◽

Female Rats ◽

Male And Female ◽

Dorsomedial Hypothalamus ◽

Male And Female Rats

Phytoestrogens are considered beneficial for health, but some studies have shown that they may cause adverse effects. This study investigated the effects of genistein administration during the second week of life on energy metabolism and on the circuits regulating food intake. Two different genistein doses, 10 or 50 µg/g, were administered to male and female rats from postnatal day (P) 6 to P13. Physiological parameters, such as body weight and caloric intake, were then analyzed at P90. Moreover, proopiomelanocortin (POMC) expression in the arcuate nucleus (Arc) and orexin expression in the dorsomedial hypothalamus (DMH), perifornical area (PF) and lateral hypothalamus (LH) were studied. Our results showed a delay in the emergence of sex differences in the body weight in the groups with higher genistein doses. Furthermore, a significant decrease in the number of POMC-immunoreactive (POMC-ir) cells in the Arc in the two groups of females treated with genistein was observed. In contrast, no alteration in orexin expression was detected in any of the structures analyzed in either males or females. In conclusion, genistein can modulate estradiol’s programming actions on the hypothalamic feeding circuits differentially in male and female rats during development.

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Sex Differences in Dietary Copper-Fructose Interaction-Induced Alterations of Gut Microbial Activity are Not Correlated to Hepatic Steatosis

10.21203/rs.3.rs-39202/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Ming Song ◽

Fang Yuan ◽

Xiaohong Li ◽

Xipeng Ma ◽

Xinmin Yin ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Body Weight ◽

Sex Differences ◽

Microbial Activity ◽

Hepatic Steatosis ◽

Female Rats ◽

Male Rats ◽

Calorie Intake ◽

Dietary Copper ◽

Male And Female ◽

Male And Female Rats

Abstract Background: Inadequate copper intake and increased fructose consumption represent two important nutritional problems in the US. Diet copper-fructose interactions alter gut microbial activity and contribute to the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The aim of this study is to determine whether dietary copper-fructose interactions alter gut microbial activity in a sex-differential manner, and whether sex differences in gut microbial activity are associated with sex differences in hepatic steatosis. Methods: Male and female weanling Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were fed ad libitum with an AIN-93G purified rodent diet with defined copper content for 8 weeks. The copper content is 6mg/kg and 1.5mg/kg in adequate copper diet (CuA) and marginal copper diet (CuM), respectively. Animals had free access to either deionized water or deionized water containing 10% fructose (F) (w/v) as the only drink during the experiment. Body weight, calorie intake, plasma ALT, AST and liver histology were evaluated. Fecal microbial contents were analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing. Fecal and cecal short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS).Results: Male and female rats exhibit similar trends of changes in the body weight, body weight gain and calorie intake in response to dietary copper and fructose, with a generally higher level in male rats. Several female rats in CuAF group developed mild steatosis, while no obvious steatosis was observed in male rats fed with CuAF or CuMF. Fecal 16S rRNA sequencing analysis revealed distinct alterations of the gut microbiome in male and female rats. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) effect size (LEfSe) identified sex-specific abundant taxa in different groups. Further, total SCFAs, as well as, butyrate were decreased in a more pronounced manner in female CuMF rats than in male rats. Of note, the decreased SCFAs are concomitant with the reduced SCFA producers, but not correlated to hepatic steatosis. Conclusions: Our data demonstrated sex differences in the alterations of gut microbial activities and hepatic steatosis in response to dietary copper-fructose interaction in rats. Tissue-specific responses to dietary copper and fructose likely contribute to the sex differences in gut microbial activity and metabolic phenotype.

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Stem cell treatment improves post stroke neurological outcomes: a comparative study in male and female rats

Stroke and Vascular Neurology ◽

10.1136/svn-2020-000834 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. svn-2020-000834

Author(s):

Koteswara Rao Nalamolu ◽

Bharath Chelluboina ◽

Casimir A Fornal ◽

Siva Reddy Challa ◽

David M Pinson ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Stem Cells ◽

Sex Differences ◽

Motor Function ◽

Infarct Volume ◽

Female Rats ◽

Human Umbilical Cord ◽

Male And Female ◽

Post Stroke ◽

Male And Female Rats ◽

Males And Females

Background and purposeThe therapeutic potential of different stem cells for ischaemic stroke treatment is intriguing and somewhat controversial. Recent results from our laboratory have demonstrated the potential benefits of human umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) in a rodent stroke model. We hypothesised that MSC treatment would effectively promote the recovery of sensory and motor function in both males and females, despite any apparent sex differences in post stroke brain injury.MethodsTransient focal cerebral ischaemia was induced in adult Sprague-Dawley rats by occlusion of the middle cerebral artery. Following the procedure, male and female rats of the untreated group were euthanised 1 day after reperfusion and their brains were used to estimate the resulting infarct volume and tissue swelling. Additional groups of stroke-induced male and female rats were treated with MSC or vehicle and were subsequently subjected to a battery of standard neurological/neurobehavioral tests (Modified Neurological Severity Score assessment, adhesive tape removal, beam walk and rotarod). The tests were administered at regular intervals (at days 1, 3, 5, 7 and 14) after reperfusion to determine the time course of neurological and functional recovery after stroke.ResultsThe infarct volume and extent of swelling of the ischaemic brain were similar in males and females. Despite similar pathological stroke lesions, the clinical manifestations of stroke were more pronounced in males than females, as indicated by the neurological scores and other tests. MSC treatment significantly improved the recovery of sensory and motor function in both sexes, and it demonstrated efficacy in both moderate stroke (females) and severe stroke (males).ConclusionsDespite sex differences in the severity of post stroke outcomes, MSC treatment promoted the recovery of sensory and motor function in male and female rats, suggesting that it may be a promising treatment for stroke.

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Analysis of sex differences in dietary copper-fructose interaction-induced alterations of gut microbial activity in relation to hepatic steatosis

Biology of Sex Differences ◽

10.1186/s13293-020-00346-z ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Ming Song ◽

Fang Yuan ◽

Xiaohong Li ◽

Xipeng Ma ◽

Xinmin Yin ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Sex Differences ◽

Microbial Activity ◽

Hepatic Steatosis ◽

Female Rats ◽

Male Rats ◽

Calorie Intake ◽

Dietary Copper ◽

Male And Female ◽

Male And Female Rats ◽

Rrna Sequencing

Abstract Background Inadequate copper intake and increased fructose consumption represent two important nutritional problems in the USA. Dietary copper-fructose interactions alter gut microbial activity and contribute to the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The aim of this study is to determine whether dietary copper-fructose interactions alter gut microbial activity in a sex-differential manner and whether sex differences in gut microbial activity are associated with sex differences in hepatic steatosis. Methods Male and female weanling Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were fed ad libitum with an AIN-93G purified rodent diet with defined copper content for 8 weeks. The copper content is 6 mg/kg and 1.5 mg/kg in adequate copper diet (CuA) and marginal copper diet (CuM), respectively. Animals had free access to either deionized water or deionized water containing 10% fructose (F) (w/v) as the only drink during the experiment. Body weight, calorie intake, plasma alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and liver histology as well as liver triglyceride were evaluated. Fecal microbial contents were analyzed by 16S ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA) sequencing. Fecal and cecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Results Male and female rats exhibit similar trends of changes in the body weight gain and calorie intake in response to dietary copper and fructose, with a generally higher level in male rats. Several female rats in the CuAF group developed mild steatosis, while no obvious steatosis was observed in male rats fed with CuAF or CuMF diets. Fecal 16S rRNA sequencing analysis revealed distinct alterations of the gut microbiome in male and female rats. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) effect size (LEfSe) identified sex-specific abundant taxa in different groups. Further, total SCFAs, as well as, butyrate were decreased in a more pronounced manner in female CuMF rats than in male rats. Of note, the decreased SCFAs are concomitant with the reduced SCFA producers, but not correlated to hepatic steatosis. Conclusions Our data demonstrated sex differences in the alterations of gut microbial abundance, activities, and hepatic steatosis in response to dietary copper-fructose interaction in rats. The correlation between sex differences in metabolic phenotypes and alterations of gut microbial activities remains elusive.

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Sex Differences in Escalated Methamphetamine Self-Administration and Altered Gene Expression Associated With Incubation of Methamphetamine Seeking

The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology ◽

10.1093/ijnp/pyz050 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 22 (11) ◽

pp. 710-723 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Atul P Daiwile ◽

Subramaniam Jayanthi ◽

Bruce Ladenheim ◽

Michael T McCoy ◽

Christie Brannock ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Sex Differences ◽

Nucleus Accumbens ◽

Fixed Ratio ◽

Female Rats ◽

Male Rats ◽

Mrna Levels ◽

Self Administration ◽

Male And Female ◽

Orexin Receptors ◽

Male And Female Rats

Abstract Background Methamphetamine (METH) use disorder is prevalent worldwide. There are reports of sex differences in quantities of drug used and relapses to drug use among individuals with METH use disorder. However, the molecular neurobiology of these potential sex differences remains unknown. Methods We trained rats to self-administer METH (0. 1 mg/kg/infusion, i.v.) on an fixed-ratio-1 schedule for 20 days using two 3-hour daily METH sessions separated by 30-minute breaks. At the end of self-administration training, rats underwent tests of cue-induced METH seeking on withdrawal days 3 and 30. Twenty-four hours later, nucleus accumbens was dissected and then used to measure neuropeptide mRNA levels. Results Behavioral results show that male rats increased the number of METH infusions earlier during self-administration training and took more METH than females. Both male and female rats could be further divided into 2 phenotypes labeled high and low takers based on the degree of escalation that they exhibited during the course of the METH self-administration experiment. Both males and females exhibited incubation of METH seeking after 30 days of forced withdrawal. Females had higher basal mRNA levels of dynorphin and hypocretin/orexin receptors than males, whereas males expressed higher vasopressin mRNA levels than females under saline and METH conditions. Unexpectedly, only males showed increased expression of nucleus accumbens dynorphin after METH self-administration. Moreover, there were significant correlations between nucleus accumbens Hcrtr1, Hcrtr2, Crhr2, and Avpr1b mRNA levels and cue-induced METH seeking only in female rats. Conclusion Our results identify some behavioral and molecular differences between male and female rats that had self-administered METH. Sexual dimorphism in responses to METH exposure should be considered when developing potential therapeutic agents against METH use disorder.

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Effects of Dehydroepiandrosterone Acetate on Metabolism, Body Weight and Composition of Male and Female Rats

Journal of Nutrition ◽

10.1093/jn/116.10.1977 ◽

1986 ◽

Vol 116 (10) ◽

pp. 1977-1983 ◽

Cited By ~ 75

Author(s):

Anthony R. Tagliaferro ◽

James R. Davis ◽

Stephen Truchon ◽

Nancy Van Hamont

Keyword(s):

Body Weight ◽

Female Rats ◽

Male And Female ◽

Male And Female Rats

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Toxicity Evaluation of a Traditional Polyherbal Unani Formulation Jawarish Shahi in Rats

The Journal of Phytopharmacology ◽

10.31254/phyto.2018.7502 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 7 (5) ◽

pp. 412-418

Author(s):

Mohd Urooj ◽

◽

Mohammad Ahmed Khan ◽

G. Thejaswini ◽

Munawwar Husain Kazmi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Body Weight ◽

Feed Intake ◽

Clinical Signs ◽

Female Rats ◽

Control Group ◽

Sprague Dawley ◽

Male And Female ◽

Salix Caprea ◽

Male And Female Rats ◽

Dose Levels

Jawarish Shahi (JS) is a compound polyherbal Unani pharmacopoeial formulation indicated for Khafqan (Palpitation), Nafkh-e-Shikam (Flatulence) and Waswas (Insanity; false perception and hallucinations). Jawarish Shahi contains herbs like Halela (Terminalia chebula), Amla (Emblica officinalis), Kishneez (Coriandrum sativum), Elaichi Khurd, (Elettaria cardamomum), and Bed Mushk (Salix caprea). The present study was carried out as per OECD 408 guidance to evaluate 90 days repeated oral dose toxicity in male and female Sprague Dawley rats. The study was performed at dose levels 1028 and 2000 mg/kg bw. No adverse effects were reported with respect to body weight, feed intake, behavior and clinical signs indicative of systemic toxicity. The expected growth pattern was observed in body weight and feed intake as compared to control group at both dose levels in male and female rats. There were few significant alterations with respect to hematology, and clinical biochemistry, however the results were within normal range thus considered toxicologically insignificant. The microscopic examination of different organ/tissue showed that no histopathological changes were observed. The findings of the study showed that No Observed Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL) for JS is greater than 2000 mg/kg body weight

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Relation between swine weight and morphometric measurements

Research Society and Development ◽

10.33448/rsd-v9i9.8013 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 9 (9) ◽

pp. e891998013

Author(s):

Mônica Calixto Ribeiro de Holanda ◽

Marco Aurélio Carneiro de Holanda ◽

Leandro Ricardo Rodrigues de Lucena

Keyword(s):

Mathematical Model ◽

Body Weight ◽

Regression Models ◽

Hip Circumference ◽

Morphometric Measurements ◽

Large White ◽

Male And Female ◽

Lactation Phase ◽

Relationship Of ◽

The Relationship

Objective was to define a mathematical model that better explain the relationship of the animals weight depending not only on the animals age but also on the animals morphometric measurements. 40 piglets, half Duroc-Large White blood, were used, 20 males and 20 females, from 3 to 35 days of age (lactation phase) initially weighing 1.518 ± 0.121 kg and from 36 to 66 days of age (calving phase) with a body weight of 7.010 ± 0.704 kg. The animals were weighed weekly on a digital balance. The relationship of animal weight, age and morphometric measurements of male and female piglets were performed using regression models: existing, linear and power. The models were evaluated according to nine criterialinear model was the most adequate to explain the weight of male pigs, while for female pigs was the power. The age of the pig, the shank and palette length, as well as the circumference of the shank jointly explain the weight of the male piglets. The weight of females is explained jointly by age, body length, thorax and hip circumference.

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P3512Sex differences in rats with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction and the effect of autonomic modulation

European Heart Journal ◽

10.1093/eurheartj/ehz745.0376 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 40 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

S Stavrakis ◽

K Elkholey ◽

L Morris ◽

Y Li ◽

S S Po

Keyword(s):

Heart Failure ◽

Sex Differences ◽

Sudden Death ◽

Ejection Fraction ◽

Female Rats ◽

Autonomic Modulation ◽

Preserved Ejection Fraction ◽

Qtc Prolongation ◽

Male And Female ◽

Male And Female Rats

Abstract Background Heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) accounts for 50% of HF and sudden death is the leading cause of mortality. There are considerable sex differences in cardiac structure and function, which may be related to outcomes in HFpEF. Transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) is antiarrhythmic. Purpose To describe sex differences in mortality, autonomic tone and ECG parameters in rats with HFpEF and examine the effect of tVNS on these outcomes. Methods Dahl salt sensitive (DS) rats of either sex were randomized into high salt (HS, 8% NaCl) or low salt (LS) diet (0.3% NaCl) at 7 weeks of age. After 6 weeks of LS or HS diets, HS rats were randomized to receive active or sham tVNS, 30min daily (20Hz, 3mA) for 4 weeks. The rats were monitored daily for 4 weeks for the development of HFpEF. ECG and echocardiogram were performed at 13 weeks (baseline) and 17 weeks (endpoint). Heart rate variability (HRV) was calculated at the respective time points. ECG and HRV parameters were analyzed in a blinded fashion. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent predictors of mortality. Results A total of 58 rats were included (5 male LS, 6 female LS, 22 male HS and 25 female HS). HS rats developed significant hypertension and signs of HFpEF, while 24% of females and 53% of males died (P=0.004). There were 4 sudden cardiac deaths in males (with ventricular tachycardia documented in 1 rat), whereas all the females died of HF or stroke. Corrected QT (QTc) at baseline significantly prolonged in HS compared to LS rats (250.5±14.4ms vs. 226.8±13.9ms, respectively, p=0.0007), while all other ECG parameters did not differ significantly between groups. In HS rats, QTc prolongation was significantly more pronounced in males compared to females (259.4±20.6ms vs. 243.8±14.5ms, respectively, P=0.002). In univariate analysis, prolonged baseline QTc (OR=1.04; 95% CI 1.01–1.06, p=0.003) and male sex (OR=3.21, 95% CI 1.19–8.66, p=0.016) predicted mortality. However, in multivariate analysis, QTc was the only significant predictor of mortality (OR=1.04; 95% CI 1.01–1.06, p=0.003). After 4 weeks of treatment, active tVNS significantly decreased QTc compared to sham (244.6±13.8ms vs. 255.8±14.0ms, respectively, p=0.017) in both male and female rats in a similar manner. The low frequency to high frequency ratio (LF/HF) of HRV, which reflects sympathovagal balance, was significantly decreased in active tVNS rats compared to sham (0.21±0.13 vs. 0.54±0.14, respectively; p=0.001) in both male and female rats in a similar manner. Conclusions Male rats with HFpEF exhibit worse survival compared to females and are at higher risk for sudden death. QTc prolongation accounts for the increased risk of sudden death in males compared to females. Autonomic modulation with tVNS attenuates the unfavorable changes in QTc and HRV induced by HS diet and may be used to prevent ventricular arrhythmias in patients with HFpEF.

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