Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
8.1
4.9
Journals
IJMS
Special Issues
Sexual Dimorphism in (Non Reproductive) Endocrine Diseases
ijms-logo
Submit to IJMS Review for IJMS Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

► Journal Menu

Journal Browser

► Journal Browser
share announcement

Sexual Dimorphism in (Non Reproductive) Endocrine Diseases

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Endocrinology and Metabolism".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 August 2021) | Viewed by 55548

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Antoine Martinez

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Génétique Reproduction & Développement, CNRS UMR 6293, Inserm U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, 63001, Clermont-Ferrand, France
Interests: molecular endocrinology; adrenal pathophysiology; endocrine differentiation; genetic mouse models
Dr. Pr Anne Paule Gimenez-Roqueplo

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Université de Paris, INSERM, PARCC, F-75015 Paris, France; Service de Génétique, AP-HP, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, 75015 Paris, France
Interests: genetics; cellular metabolism; neuroendocrine tumors; rare cancers; personalized medicine

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In vertebrates, the differences between sexes are not limited to the sometimes spectacular anatomical dimorphism seen in birds, but also relate to subtle changes in behavior, physiology, metabolic activities, and gene expression. It is therefore not surprising that most human diseases have a different prevalence, age of onset, or severity between women and men. The last few years have seen significant advances in our understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms of sexual dimorphism in non-reproductive organs. The present issue of IJMS acknowledges these findings by providing in-depth reviews and highlights of some of the most exciting discoveries. Contributions will cover the case of emblematic “men’s diseases” such as cardiac diseases, where novel mechanisms explain female prevalence in certain arrhythmia. We will also read how the same nuclear receptor contributes to sex-dependent bone remodeling in both sexes. Sex-specific hormones are not the sole cause of sexual dimorphism. This particularly relates to fetal maturation of neuroendocrine/brain functions such as the hypothalamic–pituitary axis or microglial differentiation, whose alterations affect puberty onset or increase neurodegenerative diseases, respectively, with a clear difference between the sexes. Recent findings by Garel have highlighted how developing microglia acquire sexually dimorphic transcriptomic/epigenetic signatures that depend primarily on sex chromosomes and impart a remarkable dimorphic response to environmental perturbations. Several contributions in this Issue will describe how sex influences the adrenocortical steroid axis, from adrenal cortex renewal and pathogenesis, to the sexual dimorphism of mineralocorticoid signaling in kidney and the impacts of glucocorticoid excess in brain and behavior. An in-depth knowledge of mechanisms supporting sexual dimorphism is also essential in trying to improve patient care, as the higher mortality of male patients despite the same prevalence of COVID-19 in both men and women (or misdiagnosed in women) cruelly reminds us.

Dr. Antoine Martinez
Dr. Pr Anne Paule Gimenez-Roqueplo
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Molecular Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. There is an Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal. For details about the APC please see here. Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • sex difference in diseases
  • molecular mechanisms
  • endocrine and neuroendocrine function
  • rare diseases
  • animal models

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue polices can be found here.

Published Papers (7 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Review

17 pages, 364 KiB  
Review
Sex Bias in Differentiated Thyroid Cancer
by Valentine Suteau, Mathilde Munier, Claire Briet and Patrice Rodien
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(23), 12992; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms222312992 - 30 Nov 2021
Cited by 45 | Viewed by 4631
Abstract
Differentiated thyroid cancers are more frequent in women than in men. These different frequencies may depend on differences in patient’s behavior and in thyroid investigations. However, an impact on sexual hormones is likely, although this has been insufficiently elucidated. Estrogens may increase the [...] Read more.
Differentiated thyroid cancers are more frequent in women than in men. These different frequencies may depend on differences in patient’s behavior and in thyroid investigations. However, an impact on sexual hormones is likely, although this has been insufficiently elucidated. Estrogens may increase the production of mutagenic molecules in the thyroid cell and favor the proliferation and invasion of tumoral cells by regulating both the thyrocyte enzymatic machinery and the inflammatory process associated with tumor growth. On the other hand, the worse prognosis of thyroid cancer associated with the male gender is poorly explained. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sexual Dimorphism in (Non Reproductive) Endocrine Diseases)
18 pages, 1565 KiB  
Review
Sexual Dimorphism of Corticosteroid Signaling during Kidney Development
by Margaux Laulhé, Laurence Dumeige, Thi An Vu, Imene Hani, Eric Pussard, Marc Lombès, Say Viengchareun and Laetitia Martinerie
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(10), 5275; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22105275 - 18 May 2021
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4592
Abstract
Sexual dimorphism involves differences between biological sexes that go beyond sexual characteristics. In mammals, differences between sexes have been demonstrated regarding various biological processes, including blood pressure and predisposition to develop hypertension early in adulthood, which may rely on early events during development [...] Read more.
Sexual dimorphism involves differences between biological sexes that go beyond sexual characteristics. In mammals, differences between sexes have been demonstrated regarding various biological processes, including blood pressure and predisposition to develop hypertension early in adulthood, which may rely on early events during development and in the neonatal period. Recent studies suggest that corticosteroid signaling pathways (comprising glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid signaling pathways) have distinct tissue-specific expression and regulation during this specific temporal window in a sex-dependent manner, most notably in the kidney. This review outlines the evidence for a gender differential expression and activation of renal corticosteroid signaling pathways in the mammalian fetus and neonate, from mouse to human, that may favor mineralocorticoid signaling in females and glucocorticoid signaling in males. Determining the effects of such differences may shed light on short term and long term pathophysiological consequences, markedly for males. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sexual Dimorphism in (Non Reproductive) Endocrine Diseases)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 3965 KiB  
Review
The Sexually Dimorphic Adrenal Cortex: Implications for Adrenal Disease
by Rodanthi Lyraki and Andreas Schedl
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(9), 4889; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22094889 - 5 May 2021
Cited by 24 | Viewed by 6744
Abstract
Many adrenocortical diseases are more prevalent in women than in men, but the reasons underlying this sex bias are still unknown. Recent studies involving gonadectomy and sex hormone replacement experiments in mice have shed some light onto the molecular basis of sexual dimorphism [...] Read more.
Many adrenocortical diseases are more prevalent in women than in men, but the reasons underlying this sex bias are still unknown. Recent studies involving gonadectomy and sex hormone replacement experiments in mice have shed some light onto the molecular basis of sexual dimorphism in the adrenal cortex. Indeed, it has been shown that gonadal hormones influence many aspects of adrenal physiology, ranging from stem cell-dependent tissue turnover to steroidogenesis and X-zone dynamics. This article reviews current knowledge on adrenal cortex sexual dimorphism and the potential mechanisms underlying sex hormone influence of adrenal homeostasis. Both topics are expected to contribute to personalized and novel therapeutic approaches in the future. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sexual Dimorphism in (Non Reproductive) Endocrine Diseases)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 583 KiB  
Review
Sexual Dimorphism in Glucocorticoid Stress Response
by Marie-Pierre Moisan
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(6), 3139; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22063139 - 19 Mar 2021
Cited by 32 | Viewed by 5713
Abstract
Chronic stress is encountered in our everyday life and is thought to contribute to a number of diseases. Many of these stress-related disorders display a sex bias. Because glucocorticoid hormones are the main biological mediator of chronic stress, researchers have been interested in [...] Read more.
Chronic stress is encountered in our everyday life and is thought to contribute to a number of diseases. Many of these stress-related disorders display a sex bias. Because glucocorticoid hormones are the main biological mediator of chronic stress, researchers have been interested in understanding the sexual dimorphism in glucocorticoid stress response to better explain the sex bias in stress-related diseases. Although not yet demonstrated for glucocorticoid regulation, sex chromosomes do influence sex-specific biology as soon as conception. Then a transient rise in testosterone start to shape the male brain during the prenatal period differently to the female brain. These organizational effects are completed just before puberty. The cerebral regions implicated in glucocorticoid regulation at rest and after stress are thereby impacted in a sex-specific manner. After puberty, the high levels of all gonadal hormones will interact with glucocorticoid hormones in specific crosstalk through their respective nuclear receptors. In addition, stress occurring early in life, in particular during the prenatal period and in adolescence will prime in the long-term glucocorticoid stress response through epigenetic mechanisms, again in a sex-specific manner. Altogether, various molecular mechanisms explain sex-specific glucocorticoid stress responses that do not exclude important gender effects in humans. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sexual Dimorphism in (Non Reproductive) Endocrine Diseases)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 969 KiB  
Review
Critical Role of Estrogens on Bone Homeostasis in Both Male and Female: From Physiology to Medical Implications
by Emmanuelle Noirrit-Esclassan, Marie-Cécile Valera, Florence Tremollieres, Jean-Francois Arnal, Françoise Lenfant, Coralie Fontaine and Alexia Vinel
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(4), 1568; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22041568 - 4 Feb 2021
Cited by 112 | Viewed by 15155
Abstract
Bone is a multi-skilled tissue, protecting major organs, regulating calcium phosphate balance and producing hormones. Its development during childhood determines height and stature as well as resistance against fracture in advanced age. Estrogens are key regulators of bone turnover in both females and [...] Read more.
Bone is a multi-skilled tissue, protecting major organs, regulating calcium phosphate balance and producing hormones. Its development during childhood determines height and stature as well as resistance against fracture in advanced age. Estrogens are key regulators of bone turnover in both females and males. These hormones play a major role in longitudinal and width growth throughout puberty as well as in the regulation of bone turnover. In women, estrogen deficiency is one of the major causes of postmenopausal osteoporosis. In this review, we will summarize the main clinical and experimental studies reporting the effects of estrogens not only in females but also in males, during different life stages. Effects of estrogens on bone involve either Estrogen Receptor (ER)α or ERβ depending on the type of bone (femur, vertebrae, tibia, mandible), the compartment (trabecular or cortical), cell types involved (osteoclasts, osteoblasts and osteocytes) and sex. Finally, we will discuss new ongoing strategies to increase the benefit/risk ratio of the hormonal treatment of menopause. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sexual Dimorphism in (Non Reproductive) Endocrine Diseases)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 992 KiB  
Review
Sexual Dimorphisms, Anti-Hormonal Therapy and Cardiac Arrhythmias
by Virginie Grouthier, Melissa Y. Y. Moey, Estelle Gandjbakhch, Xavier Waintraub, Christian Funck-Brentano, Anne Bachelot and Joe-Elie Salem
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(3), 1464; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22031464 - 2 Feb 2021
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 4807
Abstract
Significant variations from the normal QT interval range of 350 to 450 milliseconds (ms) in men and 360 to 460 ms in women increase the risk for ventricular arrhythmias. This difference in the QT interval between men and women has led to the [...] Read more.
Significant variations from the normal QT interval range of 350 to 450 milliseconds (ms) in men and 360 to 460 ms in women increase the risk for ventricular arrhythmias. This difference in the QT interval between men and women has led to the understanding of the influence of sex hormones on the role of gender-specific channelopathies and development of ventricular arrhythmias. The QT interval, which represents the duration of ventricular repolarization of the heart, can be affected by androgen levels, resulting in a sex-specific predilection for acquired and inherited channelopathies such as acquired long QT syndrome in women and Brugada syndrome and early repolarization syndrome in men. Manipulation of the homeostasis of these sex hormones as either hormonal therapy for certain cancers, recreational therapy or family planning and in transgender treatment has also been shown to affect QT interval duration and increase the risk for ventricular arrhythmias. In this review, we highlight the effects of endogenous and exogenous sex hormones in the physiological and pathological states on QTc variation and predisposition to gender-specific pro-arrhythmias. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sexual Dimorphism in (Non Reproductive) Endocrine Diseases)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 789 KiB  
Review
Escape from X Chromosome Inactivation and the Female Predominance in Autoimmune Diseases
by Ali Youness, Charles-Henry Miquel and Jean-Charles Guéry
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(3), 1114; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22031114 - 23 Jan 2021
Cited by 76 | Viewed by 12839
Abstract
Women represent 80% of people affected by autoimmune diseases. Although, many studies have demonstrated a role for sex hormone receptor signaling, particularly estrogens, in the direct regulation of innate and adaptive components of the immune system, recent data suggest that female sex hormones [...] Read more.
Women represent 80% of people affected by autoimmune diseases. Although, many studies have demonstrated a role for sex hormone receptor signaling, particularly estrogens, in the direct regulation of innate and adaptive components of the immune system, recent data suggest that female sex hormones are not the only cause of the female predisposition to autoimmunity. Besides sex steroid hormones, growing evidence points towards the role of X-linked genetic factors. In female mammals, one of the two X chromosomes is randomly inactivated during embryonic development, resulting in a cellular mosaicism, where about one-half of the cells in a given tissue express either the maternal X chromosome or the paternal one. X chromosome inactivation (XCI) is however not complete and 15 to 23% of genes from the inactive X chromosome (Xi) escape XCI, thereby contributing to the emergence of a female-specific heterogeneous population of cells with bi-allelic expression of some X-linked genes. Although the direct contribution of this genetic mechanism in the female susceptibility to autoimmunity still remains to be established, the cellular mosaicism resulting from XCI escape is likely to create a unique functional plasticity within female immune cells. Here, we review recent findings identifying key immune related genes that escape XCI and the relationship between gene dosage imbalance and functional responsiveness in female cells. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sexual Dimorphism in (Non Reproductive) Endocrine Diseases)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-7
Back to TopTop