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Keywords = sexual dimorphism

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10 pages, 5238 KiB  
Article
Sexual Dimorphism in Wing Shape and Its Impact on Conspecific Identification of Neotropical Fannia Species (Diptera: Fanniidae)
by Yesica Durango-Manrique, Andrés López-Rubio and Giovan F. Gómez
Taxonomy 2024, 4(4), 795-804; https://doi.org/10.3390/taxonomy4040043 - 14 Nov 2024
Viewed by 273
Abstract
Neotropical species of the genus Fannia remain poorly known despite their potential collection as biological evidence in criminal investigations. This is partly due to taxonomic difficulties and a lack of specialists. Identifying neotropical species of Fannia relies mainly on the classical morphological characters [...] Read more.
Neotropical species of the genus Fannia remain poorly known despite their potential collection as biological evidence in criminal investigations. This is partly due to taxonomic difficulties and a lack of specialists. Identifying neotropical species of Fannia relies mainly on the classical morphological characters of adult males, as females show high similarity between species. Here, landmark-based geometric morphometrics of the wing could constitute an additional tool for associating adult females with conspecifics in this genus. In this study, we used a reference dataset of males belonging to ten putative species of Fannia from Colombia and molecular data to test this hypothesis. We found a strong wing shape sexual dimorphism, resulting in an almost perfect sex assignment based solely on this trait. However, the differences in wing shape between sexes were greater than those between species, making conspecific identification difficult. Our data show that wing shape could only feasibly be used for identifying adult males and females of F. lamosca, and males of F. dorsomaculata and F. pseudoconstricta. Low discrimination scores among remaining species may be partly explained by high intraspecific variation, slight wing shape differences among closely related species, or sampling bias. Although this study provides the first wing size and shape comparison among neotropical Fannia species, more samples and species are needed to validate these findings and identify the potential factors influencing this trait. Furthermore, the wing shape sexual dimorphism across Fannia species suggests different life-history strategies between sexes and possible genetic canalization mechanisms. Full article
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22 pages, 5474 KiB  
Article
Comparative Transcriptome Analysis of Sexual Differentiation in Male and Female Gonads of Nao-Zhou Stock Large Yellow Croaker (Larimichthys crocea)
by Haojie Wang, Zirui Wen, Eric Amenyogbe, Jinghui Jin, Yi Lu, Zhongliang Wang and Jiansheng Huang
Animals 2024, 14(22), 3261; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14223261 - 13 Nov 2024
Viewed by 362
Abstract
The Nao-zhou stock large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) is a unique economic seawater fish species in China and exhibits significant dimorphism in both male and female phenotypes. Cultivating all-female seedlings can significantly improve breeding efficiency. To accelerate the cultivation process of [...] Read more.
The Nao-zhou stock large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) is a unique economic seawater fish species in China and exhibits significant dimorphism in both male and female phenotypes. Cultivating all-female seedlings can significantly improve breeding efficiency. To accelerate the cultivation process of all female seedlings of this species, it is necessary to deeply understand the regulatory mechanisms of sexual differentiation and gonadal development. This study used Illumina high-throughput sequencing to sequence the transcriptome of the testes and ovaries of Nao-zhou stock large yellow croaker to identify genes and molecular functions related to sex determination. A total of 10,536 differentially expressed genes were identified between males and females, including 5682 upregulated and 4854 downregulated genes. Functional annotation screened out 70 important candidate genes related to sex, including 34 genes highly expressed in the testis (including dmrt1, foxm1, and amh) and 36 genes highly expressed in the ovary (including gdf9, hsd3b1, and sox19b). Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis found that differentially expressed genes were significantly enriched in nine signaling pathways related to sex determination and gonadal development, including steroid hormone biosynthesis, MAPK signaling pathway, and the TGF-beta signaling pathway. By screening sex-related differentially expressed genes and mapping protein–protein interaction networks, hub genes such as dmrt1, amh, and cyp19a1a were found to be highly connected. The expression levels of 15 sex-related genes, including amh, dmrt1, dmrt2a, foxl1, and zp3b, were determined by qRT–PCR and RNA sequencing. This study screened for differentially expressed genes related to sex determination and differentiation of Nao-zhou stock large yellow croaker and revealed the signaling pathways involved in gonad development of male and female individuals. The results provide important data for future research on sex determination and differentiation mechanisms, thereby providing a scientific basis for the cultivation of all-female seedlings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Animal Physiology)
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16 pages, 2634 KiB  
Article
Age Structure, Body Size, and Sexual Dimorphism in a High-Altitude Population of Pelophylax ridibundus (Pallas, 1771)
by Serkan Gül, Cantekin Dursun, Ceren Tabak, Sümeyye Büyüksofuoğlu and Nurhayat Özdemir
Animals 2024, 14(22), 3230; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14223230 - 11 Nov 2024
Viewed by 411
Abstract
This study aimed to describe the morphological characteristics and age structure of a P. ridibundus population sampled from a high altitude. For this purpose, a total of 54 adult frogs (33 males and 21 females) were collected from Şavşat district, Artvin province, Türkiye. [...] Read more.
This study aimed to describe the morphological characteristics and age structure of a P. ridibundus population sampled from a high altitude. For this purpose, a total of 54 adult frogs (33 males and 21 females) were collected from Şavşat district, Artvin province, Türkiye. The samples were aged based on skeletochronology method. Furthermore, von Bertalanffy growth curve models were constructed using SVL and weight data. To assess sexual size and shape dimorphism, the measurements of 23 different morphological characters were analyzed using univariate and multivariate statistical techniques. The mean SVL and weight were found to be 78.05 mm and 60.87 g for males and 93.95 mm and 109.61 g for females. The mean age was 3.67 years and 4.05 years for males and females, respectively. The maximum age was found to be 6 years for both sexes. Growth curve models revealed a significant relationship between age, SVL, and weight. A clear female-biased sexual size dimorphism was found in all morphological characters. However, SVL-adjusted values indicated that males had larger head and limb structures resulting from evolutional and sexual pressures associated with reproduction and male–male competition. The shape dimorphism was found only in forelimbs, and it was male-biased and was related to clasping in amplexus. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Age Determination, Growth and Longevity of Amphibians and Reptiles)
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16 pages, 5341 KiB  
Article
Sex Differences in the Neuroendocrine Stress Response: A View from a CRH-Reporting Mouse Line
by Krisztina Horváth, Pál Vági, Balázs Juhász, Dániel Kuti, Szilamér Ferenczi and Krisztina J. Kovács
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(22), 12004; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms252212004 - 8 Nov 2024
Viewed by 288
Abstract
Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) neurons within the paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus (PVH) play a crucial role in initiating the neuroendocrine response to stress and are also pivotal in coordination of autonomic, metabolic, and behavioral stress reactions. Although the role of parvocellular CRHPVH neurons in [...] Read more.
Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) neurons within the paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus (PVH) play a crucial role in initiating the neuroendocrine response to stress and are also pivotal in coordination of autonomic, metabolic, and behavioral stress reactions. Although the role of parvocellular CRHPVH neurons in activation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis is well established, the distribution and function of CRH-expressing neurons across the whole central nervous system are less understood. Stress responses activate complex neural networks, which differ depending on the type of stressor and on the sex of the individual. Because of the technical difficulties of localizing CRH neurons throughout the rodent brain, several CRH reporter mouse lines have recently been developed. In this study, we used Crh-IRES-Cre;Ai9 reporter mice to examine whether CRH neurons are recruited in a stressor- or sex-specific manner, both within and outside the hypothalamus. In contrast to the clear sexual dimorphism of CRH-mRNA-expressing neurons, quantification of CRH-reporting, tdTomato-positive neurons in different stress-related brain areas revealed only subtle differences between male and female subjects. These results strongly imply that sex differences in CRH mRNA expression occur later in development under the influence of sex steroids and reflects the limitations of using genetic reporter constructs to reveal the current physiological/transcriptional status of a specific neuron population. Next, we compared the recruitment of stress-related, tdTomato-expressing (putative CRH) neurons in male and female Crh-IRES-Cre;Ai9 reporter mice that had been exposed to predator odor. In male mice, fox odor triggered more c-Fos in the CRH neurons of the paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus, central amygdala, and anterolateral bed nucleus of the stria terminalis compared to females. These results indicate that male mice are more sensitive to predator exposure due to a combination of hormonal, environmental, and behavioral factors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Molecular Views in Neuroendocrinology)
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16 pages, 2039 KiB  
Article
The Sexual Dimorphism of the Neuroimmune Response in the Brains of Taenia crassiceps-Infected Mice
by Karen Elizabeth Nava-Castro, Diana Lizeth Ruiz-Antonio, María del Sol Ríos-Avila, Claudia Angélica Garay-Canales, Lenin Pavón, Romel Hernandez-Bello, Víctor Hugo Del Río-Araiza, Manuel Iván Girón-Pérez and Jorge Morales-Montor
Brain Sci. 2024, 14(11), 1127; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci14111127 - 8 Nov 2024
Viewed by 516
Abstract
Background: Helminth infections are associated with cognitive deficits, especially in school-age children. Deworming treatment in heavily infected children improves their short- and long-term memory recall. In mice, intraperitoneal helminth infection with Taenia crassiceps (T. crassiceps) shows sexual dimorphism in terms of [...] Read more.
Background: Helminth infections are associated with cognitive deficits, especially in school-age children. Deworming treatment in heavily infected children improves their short- and long-term memory recall. In mice, intraperitoneal helminth infection with Taenia crassiceps (T. crassiceps) shows sexual dimorphism in terms of the parasite load, immune response, hormone levels, and behavioral changes. We have previously shown poorer short-term memory performance and changes in the concentrations of cytokines and neurotransmitters in the hippocampus, which were replicated in this study. The molecular changes in other brain structures, such as those related to reproduction, are unknown. Methods: Male and female Balb/cAnN mice were chronically infected with T. crassiceps larvae. We determined the peritoneal parasite load and established the presence of cytokines and neurotransmitters in the hippocampus, olfactory bulb, and hypothalamus. Results: The parasite load was higher in female than male infected mice, as expected. In the hippocampus, the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and serotonin increased in males but decreased in females. In contrast, in the olfactory bulb and hypothalamus, the neurotransmitters assessed showed no statistical differences. The cytokine profiles were different in each brain structure. The TNF-α levels in the olfactory bulb and the IL-4 levels in the hippocampus of infected mice were dimorphic; IFN-γ was augmented in both male and female infected animals, although the increase was higher in infected males. Conclusions: The brain responds to peripheral infection with cytokine levels that vary from structure to structure. This could be a partial explanation for the dimorphic behavioral alterations associated with infection, it also demonstrates the synergic interaction between the immune, the endocrine, and the nervous systems. Full article
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25 pages, 1362 KiB  
Review
Endocannabinoid System and Metabolism: The Influences of Sex
by Isabel Forner-Piquer, Christian Giommi, Fiorenza Sella, Marta Lombó, Nina Montik, Luisa Dalla Valle and Oliana Carnevali
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(22), 11909; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms252211909 - 6 Nov 2024
Viewed by 367
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a lipid signaling system involved in numerous physiological processes, such as endocrine homeostasis, appetite control, energy balance, and metabolism. The ECS comprises endocannabinoids, their cognate receptors, and the enzymatic machinery that tightly regulates their levels within tissues. This [...] Read more.
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a lipid signaling system involved in numerous physiological processes, such as endocrine homeostasis, appetite control, energy balance, and metabolism. The ECS comprises endocannabinoids, their cognate receptors, and the enzymatic machinery that tightly regulates their levels within tissues. This system has been identified in various organs, including the brain and liver, in multiple mammalian and non-mammalian species. However, information regarding the sex-specific regulation of the ECS remains limited, even though increasing evidence suggests that interactions between sex steroid hormones and the ECS may ultimately modulate hepatic metabolism and energy homeostasis. Within this framework, we will review the sexual dimorphism of the ECS in various animal models, providing evidence of the crosstalk between endocannabinoids and sex hormones via different metabolic pathways. Additionally, we will underscore the importance of understanding how endocrine-disrupting chemicals and exogenous cannabinoids influence ECS-dependent metabolic pathways in a sex-specific manner. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Biology)
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12 pages, 2735 KiB  
Article
Identification of Genes and Long Non-Coding RNAs Putatively Related to Portunus trituberculatus Sex Determination and Differentiation Using Oxford Nanopore Technology Full-Length Transcriptome Sequencing
by Shaoting Jia, Guang Li, Yuchao Huang, Yashi Hou, Baoquan Gao and Jianjian Lv
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(21), 11845; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms252111845 - 4 Nov 2024
Viewed by 453
Abstract
The swimming crab (Portunus trituberculatus) is an economically important species in China, and its growth traits show obvious sexual dimorphism. Thus, it is important to study the mechanism of sex determination and differentiation in this species. Herein, we identified 2138 differentially [...] Read more.
The swimming crab (Portunus trituberculatus) is an economically important species in China, and its growth traits show obvious sexual dimorphism. Thus, it is important to study the mechanism of sex determination and differentiation in this species. Herein, we identified 2138 differentially expressed genes and 132 differentially expressed long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) using Oxford Nanopore Technology full-length transcriptome sequencing. We predicted 561 target genes of the differentially expressed lncRNAs according to their location and base pair complimentary principles. Furthermore, pathways related to sex determination, differentiation, and reproduction were enriched for lncRNAs according to gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses. This indicated that lncRNAs might play regulatory roles in these pathways. Our results could form the basis for future studies of sex determination and differentiation in P. trituberculatus. Full article
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15 pages, 745 KiB  
Systematic Review
Trauma-Based Sexually Dimorphic Changes in the Connectome and Its Association with Central Sensitization Syndromes—A Systematic Review
by Nicole Quodling, Shad Groves, Norman Hoffman, Frederick R. Carrick and Monèm Jemni
Brain Sci. 2024, 14(11), 1105; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci14111105 - 30 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1015
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Chronic pain syndromes pose a significant global health challenge to patients and physicians with a complex relationship of biological and psychosocial factors that are only partly understood. Emerging research suggests an association between prenatal and childhood adversity and the development of somatic [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Chronic pain syndromes pose a significant global health challenge to patients and physicians with a complex relationship of biological and psychosocial factors that are only partly understood. Emerging research suggests an association between prenatal and childhood adversity and the development of somatic syndromes, particularly in females. This study aims to explore the relationship between sexual dimorphic epigenetic changes in the connectome and prenatal and early life adversity (ELA). Methods: A review of the existing literature was conducted, examining studies utilizing MRI to identify critical periods of environmental influence on neural phenotypes. Results: The findings indicate a significant association between prenatal and childhood adversity and the emergence of central sensitization syndromes, particularly among females. Notably, alterations in grey matter volume and neural connectivity patterns were observed, suggesting that early adverse experiences can influence pain signaling mechanisms. Conclusions: Understanding the role of sex differences in brain circuitry is crucial for developing personalized pain management strategies. This study highlights the importance of considering both biological and psychosocial factors in addressing chronic pain, as interventions based predominantly on male subjects may be less effective for females. Further research is warranted to explore these differences and refine therapeutic approaches. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Neuroscience of Pain)
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10 pages, 474 KiB  
Article
Estimation of Height at Withers Based on Long Bone Measurements of Living Cats
by Dominik Poradowski, Zihni Mutlu, Yusuf Altundağ, Aleksander Chrószcz, Özlem Sarıtaş, Joanna Wolińska and Vedat Onar
Vet. Sci. 2024, 11(11), 522; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci11110522 - 28 Oct 2024
Viewed by 451
Abstract
In this study, coefficients enabling estimation of shoulder height were obtained by taking morphometric measurements from radiographic images of live cats using the radiogrammetric method. For this purpose, a total of 37 adult cats, including 17 females and 20 males, were involved. While [...] Read more.
In this study, coefficients enabling estimation of shoulder height were obtained by taking morphometric measurements from radiographic images of live cats using the radiogrammetric method. For this purpose, a total of 37 adult cats, including 17 females and 20 males, were involved. While the effect of sexual dimorphism was observed on the morphometric data, the presence of sexual dimorphism was only evident in the coefficients (factors) of the humerus and talus. No significant effect of gender was found on the shoulder height estimation coefficients (factors) for other thoracic and pelvic limb bones. Gender had an impact on the slenderness index in all thoracic limbs, but only on the tibia slenderness index among the pelvic limb bones. Generally, female individuals were found to have more slender limbs. It is believed that the obtained coefficients (factors) and index data will contribute significantly to the prediction of archaeological cat morphology. Full article
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14 pages, 3635 KiB  
Article
17β-Estradiol Stimulates Oxidative Stress Components and Thyroid Specific Genes in Porcine Thyroid Follicular Cells: Potential Differences Between Sexes
by Jan Stępniak and Małgorzata Karbownik-Lewińska
Cells 2024, 13(21), 1769; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells13211769 - 25 Oct 2024
Viewed by 427
Abstract
17β-estradiol plays a crucial role in regulating cellular processes in both reproductive and non-reproductive tissues, including the thyroid gland. It modulates oxidative stress and contributes to sexual dimorphism in thyroid diseases, with ROS production, particularly H2O2, generated by NOX/DUOX [...] Read more.
17β-estradiol plays a crucial role in regulating cellular processes in both reproductive and non-reproductive tissues, including the thyroid gland. It modulates oxidative stress and contributes to sexual dimorphism in thyroid diseases, with ROS production, particularly H2O2, generated by NOX/DUOX enzymes. This study aimed to investigate the effects of 17β-estradiol (10 nM or 100 nM) on the expression of NOX/DUOX, thyroid-specific genes, and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-related genes in male and female porcine thyroid follicular cells. Expression of the studied genes was evaluated by RT-PCR before and after treatment with 17β-estradiol alone or with the addition of NOX4 inhibitor (GKT-136901). Additionally, the level of ROS was measured by flow cytometry analysis. Our results show that 17β-estradiol significantly upregulates thyroid-specific genes, particularly TPO, and stimulates NOX/DUOX expression, affecting the redox state of thyroid cells. It also stimulates ER stress-related genes such as CHOP. In conclusion, estrogen excess may contribute to thyroid disease development via such possible mechanisms as the upregulation of key thyroid-specific genes, particularly TPO, and of genes involved in the cellular response to ER stress, especially CHOP, as well as by the stimulation of the NOX/DUOX system with consequent ROS overproduction. These mechanisms may play a certain role in the higher prevalence of thyroid diseases in women. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Cellular Metabolism)
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17 pages, 1754 KiB  
Article
Sexual Dimorphism in Impairment of Acetylcholine-Mediated Vasorelaxation in Zucker Diabetic Fatty (ZDF) Rat Aorta: A Monogenic Model of Obesity-Induced Type 2 Diabetes
by Rifat Ara Islam, Xiaoyuan Han, Sonali Shaligram, Mitra Esfandiarei, John N. Stallone and Roshanak Rahimian
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(20), 11328; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms252011328 - 21 Oct 2024
Viewed by 705
Abstract
Several reports, including our previous studies, indicate that hyperglycemia and diabetes mellitus exert differential effects on vascular function in males and females. This study examines sex differences in the vascular effects of type 2 diabetes (T2D) in an established monogenic model of obesity-induced [...] Read more.
Several reports, including our previous studies, indicate that hyperglycemia and diabetes mellitus exert differential effects on vascular function in males and females. This study examines sex differences in the vascular effects of type 2 diabetes (T2D) in an established monogenic model of obesity-induced T2D, Zucker Diabetic Fatty (ZDF) rats. Acetylcholine (ACh) responses were assessed in phenylephrine pre-contracted rings before and after apocynin, a NADPH oxidase (NOX) inhibitor. The mRNA expressions of aortic endothelial NOS (eNOS), and key NOX isoforms were also measured. We demonstrated the following: (1) diabetes had contrasting effects on aortic vasorelaxation in ZDF rats, impairing relaxation to ACh in females while enhancing it in male ZDF rats; (2) inhibition of NOX, a major source of superoxide in vasculature, restored aortic vasorelaxation in female ZDF rats; and (3) eNOS and NOX4 mRNA expressions were elevated in female (but not male) ZDF rat aortas compared to their respective leans. This study highlights sexual dimorphism in ACh-mediated vasorelaxation in the aorta of ZDF rats, suggesting that superoxide may play a role in the impaired vasorelaxation observed in female ZDF rats. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impact of Vascular Dysfunction in Obesity and Diabetes)
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17 pages, 3440 KiB  
Article
Caution for Multidrug Therapy: Significant Baroreflex Afferent Neuroexcitation Coordinated by Multi-Channels/Pumps Under the Threshold Concentration of Yoda1 and Dobutamine Combination
by Yin-zhi Xu, Zhao-yuan Xu, Hui-xiao Fu, Mao Yue, Jia-qun Li, Chang-peng Cui, Di Wu and Bai-yan Li
Biomolecules 2024, 14(10), 1311; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom14101311 - 16 Oct 2024
Viewed by 547
Abstract
Multi-drug therapies are common in cardiovascular disease intervention; however, io channel/pump coordination has not been tested electrophysiologically. Apparently, inward currents were not elicited by Yoda1/10 nM or Dobutamine/100 nM alone in Ah-type baroreceptor neurons, but were by their combination. To verify this, electroneurography [...] Read more.
Multi-drug therapies are common in cardiovascular disease intervention; however, io channel/pump coordination has not been tested electrophysiologically. Apparently, inward currents were not elicited by Yoda1/10 nM or Dobutamine/100 nM alone in Ah-type baroreceptor neurons, but were by their combination. To verify this, electroneurography and the whole-cell patch-clamp technique were performed. The results showed that Ah- and C-volley were dramatically increased by the combination at 0.5 V and 5 V, in contrast to A-volley, as consistent with repetitive discharge elicited by step and ramp with markedly reduced current injection/stimulus intensity. Notably, a frequency-dependent action potential (AP) duration was increased with Iberiotoxin-sensitive K+ component. Furthermore, an increased peak in AP measured in phase plots suggested enhanced Na+ influx, cytoplasmic Ca2+ accumulation through reverse mode of Na+/Ca2+ exchanger, and, consequently, functional KCa1.1 up-regulation. Strikingly, the Yoda1- or Dbtm-mediated small/transient Na+/K+-pump currents were robustly increased by their combination, implying a quick ion equilibration that may also be synchronized by hyperpolarization-induced voltage-sag, enabling faster repetitive firing. These novel findings demonstrate multi-channel/pump collaboration together to integrate neurotransmission at the cellular level for baroreflex, providing an afferent explanation in sexual dimorphic blood pressure regulation, and raising the caution regarding the individual drug concentration in multi-drug therapies to optimize efficacy and minimize toxicity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Medicine)
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20 pages, 7174 KiB  
Article
Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) and Transcriptome Analysis Reveal Male Heterogametic Sex-Determining Regions and Candidate Genes in Northern Snakeheads (Channa argus)
by Haiyang Liu, Jin Zhang, Tongxin Cui, Weiwei Xia, Qing Luo, Shuzhan Fei, Xinping Zhu, Kunci Chen, Jian Zhao and Mi Ou
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(20), 10889; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms252010889 - 10 Oct 2024
Viewed by 870
Abstract
The Northern snakehead (Channa argus) is a significant economic aquaculture species in China. Exhibiting sexual dimorphism in the growth rate between females and males, mono-sex breeding holds substantial value for aquaculture. This study employed GWAS and transcriptome analysis were applied to [...] Read more.
The Northern snakehead (Channa argus) is a significant economic aquaculture species in China. Exhibiting sexual dimorphism in the growth rate between females and males, mono-sex breeding holds substantial value for aquaculture. This study employed GWAS and transcriptome analysis were applied to identify sex determination genomic regions and develop sex-specific markers. A total of 270 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and 31 insertion-deletions (InDels) were identified as being sexually dimorphic through GWAS and fixation index (Fst) scanning. Based on GWAS results, two sex-specific InDel markers were developed, effectively distinguishing genetic sex for XX females, XY males, and YY super-males via (polymerase chain reaction) PCR amplification. A major genomic segment of approximately 115 kb on chromosome 3 (Chr 03) was identified as the sex-determination region. A comparative transcriptome analysis of gonads for three sexes identified 158 overlapping differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Additionally, three sex-related candidate genes were identified near the sex determination region, including id2, sox11, and rnf144a. Further studies are required to elucidate the functions of these genes. Overall, two sex-specific InDel markers support a male heterogametic XX/XY sex-determination system in Northern snakeheads and three candidate genes offer new insights into sex determination and the evolution of sex chromosomes in teleost fish. Full article
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25 pages, 2000 KiB  
Review
The Role of Adipokines between Genders in the Pathogenesis of Osteoarthritis
by Alessio Economou, Ilenia Mallia, Antonella Fioravanti, Stefano Gentileschi, Francesca Nacci, Silvia Bellando Randone, Gemma Lepri and Serena Guiducci
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(19), 10865; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms251910865 - 9 Oct 2024
Viewed by 901
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic, progressive, degenerative joint disease characterized by joint pain, stiffness, and limited movement. It presents significant intra- and inter-individual variability—in particular, between genders. Recent research has increasingly focused on the role of adipokines—especially leptin, adiponectin, and resistin—in the development [...] Read more.
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic, progressive, degenerative joint disease characterized by joint pain, stiffness, and limited movement. It presents significant intra- and inter-individual variability—in particular, between genders. Recent research has increasingly focused on the role of adipokines—especially leptin, adiponectin, and resistin—in the development of OA. Adipokines, peptide hormones primarily secreted by adipose tissue, are involved in crucial physiological processes related to metabolism and immunity. They can also impact bone and cartilage turnover by interacting with joint cells such as osteoblasts, osteoclasts, chondrocytes, and mesenchymal stem cells, thereby linking inflammation with bone cartilage homeostasis. This review aims to elucidate the structure and functions of various adipokines, their serum and synovial levels, and their association with clinical presentation and radiographic progression in OA patients, with a focus on differences between sexes. A narrative literature review was conducted using three databases specifically analyzing sex differences. OA patients generally show elevated serum and synovial levels of leptin, chemerin, and visfatin, as well as high plasma levels of resistin and visfatin. In contrast, synovial levels of adiponectin and omentin are reduced in OA patients compared to healthy individuals, with an inverse relationship to disease severity, suggesting a potential protective role. Resistin and leptin were positively correlated with pain severity and radiographic progression, while adiponectin’s role in OA remains controversial. Regarding sex differences, male OA patients exhibited higher serum levels of leptin, chemerin, and omentin compared to healthy controls, with a positive correlation to the BMI and estrogen levels, potentially explaining the sexual dimorphism observed in this condition. Studies on visfatin and lipocalin did not reveal significant differences in synovial or serum levels between the sexes. The role of resistin remains controversial. Adipokines influence the joint microenvironment and contribute to the progression of osteoarthritis (OA). However, the precise biological mechanisms are not yet fully understood due to the complex interactions between the metabolic, mechanical, and immune systems. Further research is needed to clarify their roles in OA and to identify targeted therapies for managing this degenerative disease. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Osteoarthritis Biomarkers, Diagnosis and Treatments)
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9 pages, 559 KiB  
Review
Amelogenin-Based Molecular Methods for Sexual Dimorphism Identification: Protocol of a Scoping Review
by Inês Lopes Cardoso, Maria Teresa Moreira, Clarisse Dupuis, Filipe Castro and Maria Inês Guimarães
Forensic Sci. 2024, 4(4), 499-507; https://doi.org/10.3390/forensicsci4040033 - 8 Oct 2024
Viewed by 761
Abstract
Forensic dentistry and sexual dimorphism are distinct concepts. Still, they are related due to the usefulness that the first may have in the second, and this review focuses on them. A scoping review will be performed according to the Joanna Briggs Institute’s methodology. [...] Read more.
Forensic dentistry and sexual dimorphism are distinct concepts. Still, they are related due to the usefulness that the first may have in the second, and this review focuses on them. A scoping review will be performed according to the Joanna Briggs Institute’s methodology. Scientific databases and grey literature will be used, and the following keywords will be applied: amelogenin, analyses, sex determination, and human identification. This scoping review will include in vitro studies concerning the goal of this review. This scoping review will deepen our knowledge concerning using teeth and amelogenin genes in sex identification in a forensic context. According to the available data, it will help implement guidelines for human remains identification. This protocol was registered with the Open Science Framework. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovations and New Aspects in Forensic Practice)
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