Role of Sex Hormone Levels and Psychological Stress in the Pathogenesis of Autoimmune Diseases

In the last years, an increasing interest in molecular imaging has been raised by the extending potential of positron emission tomography [PET]. The role of PET imaging, originally confined to the oncology setting, is continuously extending thanks to the development of novel radiopharmaceutical and to the implementation of hybrid imaging techniques, where PET scans are combined with computed tomography [CT] or magnetic resonance imaging[MRI] in order to improve spatial resolution. Early preclinical studies suggested that 18F–FDG PET can detect neuroinflammation; new developing radiopharmaceuticals targeting more specifically inflammation-related molecules are moving in this direction. Neurological involvement is a distinct feature of various systemic autoimmune diseases, i.e. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus [SLE] or Behcet’s disease [BD]. Although MRI is largely considered the gold-standard imaging technique for the detection of Central Nervous System [CNS] involvement in these disorders. Several patients complain of neuropsychiatric symptoms [headache, epilepsy, anxiety or depression] in the absence of any significant MRI finding; in such patients the diagnosis relies mainly on clinical examination and often the role of the disease process versus iatrogenic or reactive forms is doubtful. The aim of this review is to explore the state-of-the-art for the role of PET imaging in CNS involvement in systemic rheumatic diseases. In addition, we explore the potential role of emerging radiopharmaceutical and their possible application in aiding the diagnosis of CNS involvement in systemic autoimmune diseases.

Download Full-text

Gender Differences in Depression and Sex Hormones among Patients Receiving Long-Term Opioid Treatment for Chronic Noncancer Pain in Taiwan—A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18157837 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (15) ◽

pp. 7837

Author(s):

Shung-Tai Ho ◽

Tso-Chou Lin ◽

Chun-Chang Yeh ◽

Kuang-I Cheng ◽

Wei-Zen Sun ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Sexual Function ◽

Sex Hormones ◽

Sex Hormone ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Chronic Noncancer Pain ◽

Depression Diagnosis ◽

Opioid Treatment ◽

Hormone Levels ◽

Noncancer Pain

Background: Long-term use of opioids for chronic noncancer pain is associated with sex hormone disturbances. The interferences with sex hormones, sexual function, and depression were investigated in patients with chronic noncancer pain. Methods: A cross-sectional multicenter survey was conducted on 170 officially registered outpatients receiving long-term opioid treatment in nine medical centers in Taiwan between October 2018 and July 2019. Serum sex hormone levels were examined after the collection of self-administered questionnaires containing the Taiwanese version of the Brief Pain Inventory, depressive status, and sexual function interference. Results: Among 117 (68.8%) questionnaire responses from 170 enrolled outpatients, 38 women and 62 men completed the sex hormone tests, among whom only 23 (23%) had previously received blood hormone tests. Low serum total testosterone levels were detected in 34 (89.5%) women (<30 ng/dL) and 31 (50%) men (<300 ng/dL). Over 60% of women and men reported reduced sexual desire and function despite a nearly 50% reduction in pain intensity and daily function interference over the previous week after opioid treatment. Women generally had higher risks of a depression diagnosis (p = 0.034) and severe depressive symptoms (p = 0.003) and nonsignificantly lower opioid treatment duration (median 81 vs. 120 months) and morphine milligram equivalent (median 134 vs. 165 mg/day) compared with men. Conclusions: This survey demonstrated the high prevalence of depression diagnosis, low sex hormone levels, and reduced sexual function among Taiwanese patients with chronic noncancer pain receiving prolonged opioid therapy. Regular hypogonadal screenings are recommended for further management.

Download Full-text

Regulatory Role of Sex Hormones in Cardiovascular Calcification

International Journal of Molecular Sciences ◽

10.3390/ijms22094620 ◽

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.

Download Full-text

Recognize Yourself—Innate Sensing of Non-LTR Retrotransposons

Viruses ◽

10.3390/v13010094 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (1) ◽

pp. 94

Author(s):

Justine Lagisquet ◽

Kilian Zuber ◽

Thomas Gramberg

Keyword(s):

Pattern Recognition ◽

Nucleic Acid ◽

Autoimmune Diseases ◽

Ltr Retrotransposons ◽

Autoinflammatory Disorders ◽

Protective Measures ◽

Active Elements ◽

Enhanced Expression ◽

Long Interspersed Element

Although mobile genetic elements, or transposons, have played an important role in genome evolution, excess activity of mobile elements can have detrimental consequences. Already, the enhanced expression of transposons-derived nucleic acids can trigger autoimmune reactions that may result in severe autoinflammatory disorders. Thus, cells contain several layers of protective measures to restrict transposons and to sense the enhanced activity of these “intragenomic pathogens”. This review focuses on our current understanding of immunogenic patterns derived from the most active elements in humans, the retrotransposons long interspersed element (LINE)-1 and Alu. We describe the role of known pattern recognition receptors in nucleic acid sensing of LINE-1 and Alu and the possible consequences for autoimmune diseases.

Download Full-text