Highlighted Topics Series Begins in Journal of Applied Physiology

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Donna Krupa703.527.7357 (offfice)703.967.2751 (cell) or [email protected] (email)

Or in the APS Newsroom @ The Westin Convention Center Pittsburgh, PA - October 17-20, 2001Tel: 412.281.3700 (The Crawford Room)

Sex-ratio and rheumatic disease, gender issues related to space flight, sex-based differences in gene expression, pharmacogenetics of estrogen replacement therapy, estrogen replacement and atherosclerosis, and estrogen effects on the brain are among the mini-reviews in the "Highlighted Topics" series.

New series being presented by the American Physiological Society's APS) flagship publication,the Journal of Applied Physiology

BETHESDA, Md. -- October 18, 2001 -- Bethesda, MD -- The American Physiological Society (APS) kicks off a special series entitled, "Highlighted Topics on Gender Differences in Physiology," beginning with the October 2001 edition of the Journal of Applied Physiology, the Society's flagship publication. The October issue introduces the series, and three months of mini-reviews are summarized below:

Hormonal Aspects of Gene Regulation (October) The October selection of mini-reviews focuses on hormonal aspects of gene regulation. In one mini-review entitled, "Estrogen receptors: cell localization and physiology," Dr. Ellis Levin, Vice-chair for Research at the University of California, Irvine, discusses new views regarding cellular localization of estrogen receptors and signaling pathways as they relate to specific functions in endothelial and breast cancer cells.

Cardiovascular Protective Effects of 17-estradiol Metabolites (October)In the second mini-review of the month, the "Cardiovascular protective effects of 17{beta}-estradiol metabolites," is examined by Drs. Raghvendra Dubey of University Hospital of Zurich and Edwin Jackson from the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Endogenous metabolites of the hormone mediate physiological functions by receptor-dependent and receptor-independent pathways. Increasing evidence for membrane-associated cytosolic and nuclear estrogen receptors strengthens the concept for receptor-mediated rapid or nongenomic effects of hormones, in addition to the classical concept of gene regulation or genomic effects. Enzymes, which metabolize estrogen, have been identified in tissues other than those described as classical steroidogenic tissues. Because the various metabolites possess a spectrum of affinity for estrogen receptors, these compounds may provide cell specificity to the actions of hormones.

Sex Ratio and Rheumatic Disease(November) In the November issue of this series, the mini-reviews provide summaries of two recent consensus papers related to human disease and adaptation. The first is entitled "Sex ratio and rheumatic disease," submitted by Dr. Michael Lockshin, Director of the Barbara Volcker Center for Women and Rheumatic Disease at Cornell University and a member of the panel of the Institute of Medicine Report. Dr. Lockshin excerpts aspects of the report related to sex ratio or female/male dominance in the presentation of rheumatic disease. As autoimmunity represents a prototypical class of diseases that have high female-to-male ratios, this mini-review critically evaluates evidence to distinguish between sex discrepancy of incidence and the severity of rheumatic disease. Information presented in tabular form facilitates comparisons among the various experimental designs. Dr. Lockshin's mini-review points out that studies are needed to explore how interactions among exposure to infectious agents, toxins, X or Y chromosome genetic modulators, and intrauterine influences contribute to sex differences in autoimmune and nonautoimmune diseases.

Gender Issues Related to Space Flight(November)The second mini-review for November, entitled "Gender issues related to space flight," focuses on gender adaptation to the extreme environment of outer space. Dr. Deborah Harm, in collaboration with an expert panel from the NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston, TX, summarizes a consensus paper related to gender-specific physiological changes and health issues among astronauts. Although, historically, investigations of physiological responses to microgravity have not been aimed at evaluating gender-specific responses, several have been identified. Cumulative data from space flights are reviewed as they relate to cardiovascular and renal physiology, endurance and exercise for extravehicular tasks, nutrition, osteoporosis, and reproduction. Specific areas are identified in which information regarding gender differences in physiological adaptation would impact policy-making decisions related to space flights in the future.

Sex-Based Differences in Gene Expression (November) In the third November mini-review, entitled "Sex-based differences in gene expression," Dr. Harry Ostrer, Director of the Human Genetics Program at New York University School of Medicine, reviews the molecular genetics of sex chromosomes. This review includes a discussion of how the expression of X-linked genes in females and Y-linked genes in males as well as sex-limited gene expression could account for greater prevalence of certain diseases in women compared with men when regulated developmentally or hormonally. Analysis of individuals with and without genetic sex reversal, accompanied by genetic linkage and gene expression profiling, provides a means for distinguishing between genetic and hormonal causes of certain human diseases.

Gender Differences in Diagnostic and Therapeutic Interventions for Cardiovascular and Neurological Disease (December)In December, two mini-reviews focus on gender differences in diagnostic and therapeutic interventions for cardiovascular and neurological disease. The first is entitled "Pharmacogenetics of estrogen replacement therapy." Dr. David Herrington and his colleagues from the Center for Excellence in Women's Health, Wake Forest University, review new concepts of how gene polymorphisms for estrogen receptor contribute to cardiovascular risks for elevated cholesterol and venous thrombosis. Included in this mini-review are data from the recently completed "Estrogen Replacement and Atherosclerosis" trial concerning drug-gene interactions related to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol.

Estrogen Effects on the Brain: an Abundance of Sites and Molecular Mechanisms (December)The second mini-review, entitled "Estrogen effects on the brain: an abundance of sites and molecular mechanisms," is written by Dr. Bruce McEwen, head of the Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology at Rockefeller University, and reviews the effects of estrogen on neuronal synapses. The question of whether estrogen replacement slows progression of neurological diseases associated with aging is controversial. This review provides experimental evidence of how estrogen affects neuronal functions.

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The American Physiological Society (APS) was founded in 1887 to foster basic and applied science, much of it relating to human health. The Bethesda, MD-based Society has more than 10,000 members and publishes 3,800 articles in its 14 peer-reviewed journals every year.

***Editor's Note: To set up an interview with the mini-review authors, or with Dr. Gary Sieck, Editor of the Journal of Applied Physiology, please contact Donna Krupa at 703.527.7357 (office); 703.967.2751 (cell) or [email protected] (email).