Review
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Katherine M. Cooper, Molly Delk, Deepika Devuni, Monika Sarkar
Summary: This review discusses the variations in epidemiology, natural history, and therapeutic responses of chronic liver diseases and liver lesions between sexes. It summarizes clinical and translational data, explores the potential contributions of sex hormones to the underlying differences, highlights knowledge gaps, and discusses strategies to address sex disparities in access to liver transplant. The importance of dedicated analyses by sex in informing sex-specific approaches to liver-related care is emphasized.
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Sadiya S. Khan, Lauren B. Beach, Clyde W. Yancy
Summary: Sex-based differences in risk, symptoms, and management of heart failure exist, with women having a higher incidence of HF with preserved ejection fraction compared to men. However, there are gaps in understanding gender-based differences in HF and inadequate representation of women and gender minorities in clinical trials.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF CARDIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Camille A. Kezer, Douglas A. Simonetto, Vijay H. Shah
Summary: The article discusses the increasing prevalence of alcohol-associated liver disease in women, who develop liver disease with lesser alcohol exposure and suffer worse disease compared with men. The review summarizes the sex-specific differences in alcohol metabolism, treatment enrollment, and response.
MAYO CLINIC PROCEEDINGS
(2021)
Article
Critical Care Medicine
Hilary M. DuBrock, Rodrigo Cartin-Ceba, Richard N. Channick, Steven M. Kawut, Michael J. Krowka
Summary: Female candidates for liver transplant with POPH have higher baseline PVR, lower MELD score, and are more likely to have autoimmune liver disease compared to male candidates. In younger patients, female gender is associated with worse survival, although overall survival rates are similar between women and men.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Xinyue Zhao, Lulu Ning, Xiaoman Zhou, Zhihui Song, Jianjian Zhang, Feng Guan, Xiao-Feng Yang
Summary: Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a vital endogenous signal molecule with critical physiological functions, but its site-specific delivery and release in biological systems remains a challenge. The newly developed Pro-S donor shows excellent release efficiency and live-cell compatibility, allowing real-time capturing of H2S and demonstrating anti-inflammatory effects in cells.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Joshua R. Smith, Randal J. Thomas, Amanda R. Bonikowske, Shane M. Hammer, Thomas P. Olson
Summary: This article reviews the sex differences in outpatient phase II cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programming, including CR participation rates, core components, and barriers to participation. Strategies to mitigate these disparities are discussed, along with areas for future research.
CIRCULATION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Cornelis Blauwendraat, Hirotaka Iwaki, Mary B. Makarious, Sara Bandres-Ciga, Hampton L. Leonard, Francis P. Grenn, Julie Lake, Lynne Krohn, Manuela Tan, Jonggeol J. Kim, Jesse R. Gibbs, Dena G. Hernandez, Jennifer A. Ruskey, Lasse Pihlstrom, Mathias Toft, Jacobus J. van Hilten, Johan Marinus, Claudia Schulte, Kathrin Brockmann, Manu Sharma, Ari Siitonen, Kari Majamaa, Johanna Eerola-Rautio, Pentti J. Tienari, Donald G. Grosset, Suzanne Lesage, Jean-Christophe Corvol, Alexis Brice, Nick Wood, John Hardy, Ziv Gan-Or, Peter Heutink, Thomas Gasser, Huw R. Morris, Alastair J. Noyce, Mike A. Nalls, Andrew B. Singleton
Summary: This study aimed to investigate whether there are sex-specific genetic risk factors associated with Parkinson's disease (PD) between male and female patients, but no significant differences were observed. High genetic correlation and similar heritability estimates were identified between male and female PD patients. Common genetic variations on autosomes may not explain the difference in PD prevalence between males and females cases at least in the current sample size under study.
ANNALS OF NEUROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Joshua Feler, Adrian A. Maung, Rick O'Connor, Kimberly A. Davis, Jason Gerrard
Summary: The study found that bicycle helmets may offer less protection to females compared with males. Helmet use was associated with reduced odds of certain severe head injuries and death in males, but not in females. Factors contributing to this sex-based difference are uncertain, but may involve compatibility issues with female anatomy and differences in helmet testing standards.
JOURNAL OF EPIDEMIOLOGY AND COMMUNITY HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Sarah Kheloui, Silke Jacmin-Park, Ophelie Larocque, Philippe Kerr, Mathias Rossi, Louis Cartier, Robert-Paul Juster
Summary: Sex/gender differences in cognitive sciences are subject to conflicting perspectives, particularly in the clinical, social, and political domains. Evolutionary and biological perspectives often focus on "nature" arguments, while feminist and constructivist views center on "nurture" arguments regarding cognitive sex differences. This narrative review offers a comprehensive overview of the origins and historical development of these debates, along with a summary of the findings in the sexually polymorphic cognition field. It emphasizes the importance of transdisciplinary perspectives in bridging disciplines to gain a refined understanding of the specific factors that drive sex differences and gender diversity in cognitive abilities.
NEUROSCIENCE AND BIOBEHAVIORAL REVIEWS
(2023)
Review
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Jerome Robert
Summary: Endothelial cells are crucial for vascular homeostasis and play a vital role in controlling blood flow, immune cell trafficking, and vascular growth and repair. Dysfunction of endothelial cells, characterized by impaired secretion of vasodilator molecules, increased reactive oxygen species, expression of adhesion molecules, and secretion of proinflammatory cytokines, leads to cardiovascular diseases. Sex hormones, such as estrogens, androgens, and progestogens, regulate endothelial functions. However, gender also influences endothelial cell physiology at the genetic level.
Review
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Firoz Akhter, Alicia Persaud, Younis Zaokari, Zhen Zhao, Donghui Zhu
Summary: Vascular dementia (VaD) is a type of dementia caused by reduced blood flow to the brain, accounting for 20% of all dementia cases. There are subtle differences in the presentation of VaD between males and females, but they are often overlooked.
FRONTIERS IN AGING NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Physiology
Mahmoud Abdelbary, Riyaz Mohamed, Ellen E. Gillis, Karl Diaz-Sanders, Babak Baban, Michael W. Brands, Jennifer C. Sullivan
Summary: Apoptosis was measured in various tissues of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) to investigate its role in hypertension and T cell profile. The results showed that female SHR had higher renal and aortic apoptosis compared to males, but spleen apoptosis was comparable. However, treatment with the caspase inhibitor did not alter blood pressure or renal T cells in male or female SHR. This suggests that apoptosis does not contribute to hypertension or sex differences in renal T cells in SHR.
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Editorial Material
Psychiatry
Mary Seeman
Summary: This commentary summarizes the author's lifelong work in psychiatry, focusing on his obsessive interest in sex and gender differences in schizophrenia. The author outlines the influences on his research and provides personal recommendations for future researchers.
PSYCHIATRY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Dominic Millenaar, Markus Dillmann, Tobias Fehlmann, Alexander Flohr, Roxana Mehran, Rasha Al-Lamee, Lucas Lauder, Christian Ukena, Michael Boehm, Andreas Keller, Felix Mahfoud
Summary: This study explored the sex-specific differences in authorship of cardiovascular research over the past decade. The findings showed an overall increase in cardiovascular publications, particularly among female authors. However, articles by female authors had a lower median impact factor and were cited less frequently compared to male authors. There were also regional differences in the impact factor of articles by female authors, with North America having the highest and Africa having the lowest.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Claudia Vinciguerra, Salvatore Iacono, Liliana Bevilacqua, Annamaria Landolfi, Giuseppe Piscosquito, Federica Ginanneschi, Giuseppe Schiro, Vincenzo Di Stefano, Filippo Brighina, Paolo Barone, Carmela Rita Balistreri
Summary: The prevalence, onset, pathophysiology, and clinical course of neuromuscular disorders (NMDs) can differ significantly between males and females. Genetic inheritance plays a familiar role in sex differences in NMDs, but hormonal and genetic factors can also influence the clinical presentation and severity of acquired forms. This review summarizes the sex-related differences in both acquired and inherited NMDs, highlighting the distinctive biological roles of these factors.
MECHANISMS OF AGEING AND DEVELOPMENT
(2023)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Angelo Zinellu, Arduino A. Mangoni
Summary: This study examined the discriminatory ability of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients with active disease. The results showed that NLR and PLR can significantly discriminate between RA patients with and without active disease.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL INVESTIGATION
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Donatella Coradduzza, Caterina Arru, Nicola Culeddu, Antonella Congiargiu, Emanuela Gigliola Azara, Antonio Mario Scanu, Angelo Zinellu, Maria Rosaria Muroni, Vincenzo Rallo, Serenella Medici, Ciriaco Carru, Andrea Angius, Maria Rosaria De Miglio
Summary: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major public health and socio-economic problem that requires non-invasive screening tests. By using ultra-high-resolution liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry, we profiled eleven polyamines, including spermine and spermidine with their acetylated forms, and evaluated their potential as biomarkers for identifying CRC patients. The statistical models showed good discrimination in distinguishing CRC patients and healthy subjects. Plasma assessment of ornithine and acetylspermine, as well as lymphocyte/platelet ratio, provided helpful information on the progression of CRC. The combined profiles of circulating polyamines and inflammatory indexes, along with innovative technology, could be a valuable tool for discriminating patients from different clinical groups.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ilaria Campesi, Antonio Brunetti, Giampiero Capobianco, Adriana Galistu, Andrea Montella, Francesca Ieri, Flavia Franconi
Summary: In this study, the researchers investigated the response of male and female human umbilical vein endothelial cells to ionizing radiation and analyzed the influence of antioxidants on sex-dependent differences. The results showed that autophagy was higher in female cells in the absence of radiation. Radiation reduced cell viability and migration in a sex-independent manner, but antioxidants protected the cells and promoted wound closure.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Donatella Coradduzza, Antonella Congiargiu, Zhichao Chen, Angelo Zinellu, Ciriaco Carru, Serenella Medici
Summary: Senescence is a cellular aging process that contributes to the development of age-related complications, while ferroptosis is linked to various disorders. Both pathways play complex roles in aging and disease and require further research for a better understanding and potential interventions.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Maria Carmina Pau, Angelo Zinellu, Arduino A. Mangoni, Panagiotis Paliogiannis, Maria Roberta Lacana, Sara Solveig Fois, Sabrina Mellino, Alessandro G. Fois, Ciriaco Carru, Elisabetta Zinellu, Pietro Pirina
Summary: In this study of 259 OSA patients, specific haematological parameters such as albumin, neutrophil and monocyte counts, and the systemic inflammatory response index were found to be associated with reduced oxygen saturation. These findings suggest that these parameters may serve as promising markers for assessing oxygen saturation in OSA patients.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Giuseppe Seghieri, Elisa Gualdani, Piergiorgio Francia, Ilaria Campesi, Flavia Franconi, Graziano Di Cianni, Paolo Francesconi
Summary: The aim of this study was to examine gender differences in mortality risk among patients with diabetic foot disease (DFD). Using data from Tuscany, Italy, the study found that women with DFD had a lower survival probability compared to men. After initial DFD hospitalizations, men had a significantly higher mortality risk of 18% compared to women.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Biagio Di Lorenzo, Maria Carmina Pau, Elisabetta Zinellu, Arduino A. A. Mangoni, Panagiotis Paliogiannis, Pietro Pirina, Alessandro G. G. Fois, Ciriaco Carru, Angelo Zinellu
Summary: Although polysomnography is the gold standard method to diagnose OSAS, there is a search for simpler and cheaper biomarkers. This study reviewed the potential diagnostic role of RDW, a routine hematological parameter, in OSAS. The results suggest that RDW could be a promising biomarker for OSAS.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Angelo Zinellu, Federica Sucato, Viviana Piras, Gian Mario Addis, Gabriele Biondi, Maria Antonia Montesu, Arduino A. Mangoni, Ciriaco Carru, Pietro Pirina, Panagiotis Paliogiannis, Alessandro G. Fois, Rosanna Satta
Summary: We retrospectively investigated the association between baseline inflammatory indexes and response to dupilumab in 66 patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD). We found that the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) was independently associated with early-response. Combining PLR with serum IgE concentrations improved the predictive performance for early-response.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Review
Biology
Donatella Coradduzza, Antonella Congiargiu, Zhichao Chen, Sara Cruciani, Angelo Zinellu, Ciriaco Carru, Serenella Medici
Summary: Humanin is a mitochondrial-derived peptide with potential therapeutic applications for age-related diseases. It plays a role in protecting against various pathophysiological conditions, including neurodegenerative diseases and metabolic disorders. Humanin improves glucose metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and can increase lifespan and health span in animal models. The mechanisms behind its protective effects are connected with autophagy and cytoprotective activity.
Review
Biology
Arduino A. A. Mangoni, Angelo Zinellu
Summary: Patients with COVID-19 often show elevated AST and ALT levels, affecting the De Ritis ratio and potentially impacting clinical outcomes. This study conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the association between the De Ritis ratio and COVID-19 severity and mortality in hospitalized patients. The findings suggest that higher De Ritis ratios are significantly associated with severe disease and mortality, making it a useful tool for early risk stratification and management in COVID-19 patients.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Flavia Franconi, Giampiero Capobianco, Giuseppe Diana, Valeria Lodde, Alberto De Donno, Maria Laura Idda, Andrea Montella, Ilaria Campesi
Summary: This study investigates the sex-specific effects of Ang II on key processes such as endothelial dysfunction, angiotensin II, and autophagy in HUVECs. The results show that Ang II affects the expression of genes, proteins, and miRNAs in a sex-dependent manner. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying sex differences in endothelial dysfunction and provide valuable insights for the development of innovative biomarkers and personalized therapeutic approaches.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ilaria Campesi, Giampiero Capobianco, Antonella Cano, Valeria Lodde, Sara Cruciani, Margherita Maioli, Giovanni Sotgiu, Maria Laura Idda, Mariangela Valentina Puci, Margherita Ruoppolo, Michele Costanzo, Marianna Caterino, Francesca Cambosu, Andrea Montella, Flavia Franconi
Summary: This study found sex-related differences in amniotic fluid and amniotic fluid cells. Inflammation markers and certain metabolites were higher in female amniotic fluid, while other metabolites were higher in male amniotic fluid. Female amniotic fluid cells expressed more estrogen receptors and proteins associated with autophagy, while male amniotic fluid cells expressed more proteins associated with lysosomes.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rossana Migheli, Giada Lostia, Grazia Galleri, Gaia Rocchitta, Pier Andrea Serra, Ilaria Campesi, Valentina Bassareo, Elio Acquas, Alessandra T. Peana
Summary: This study reveals that Naloxone (NLX) has a protective effect against oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in PC12 cells. NLX reduces intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, apoptosis levels, and prevents G2/M phase cell cycle distribution and cellular damage. Electrochemical experiments further confirm the antioxidant properties of NLX.
BIOCHEMISTRY AND BIOPHYSICS REPORTS
(2023)
Review
Oncology
Renato Lobrano, Panagiotis Paliogiannis, Angelo Zinellu, Giuseppe Palmieri, Ivana Persico, Arduino A. A. Mangoni, Antonio Cossu
Summary: Cutaneous angiosarcoma (CAS), the most common type of angiosarcoma, is being investigated for immunotherapy targeting programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression. A systematic review and meta-analysis of 10 studies with 279 cases showed a pooled PD-L1 expression rate of 54% (95% CI 36-71%), but with high heterogeneity (I-2 = 84.81%, p < 0.001). Sub-group analysis revealed significantly lower PD-L1 expression in Asian studies (ES = 35%, 95% CI 28-42%, I-2 = 0.0%, p = 0.46) compared to European studies (ES = 71%, 95% CI 51-89%, I-2 = 48.91%, p = 0.12).
