Gender difference in systemic glycocalyx volume in mice

Abstract

Experimental evidence suggests gender differences in atherogenic susceptibility. Given the role of the endothelial glycocalyx in vascular homeostasis, we compared in the present study systemic glycocalyx volumes in anesthetized female (F; n=6) and male (M; n=7) C57Bl/6 mice (~25 g body weigth (BW)). Systemic glycocalyx volume (Vg, in ml/kg BW) was determined from the difference in distribution volume (Vd, in ml/kg BW) of FITC‐labelled 70 kDa dextrans (D70), used as plasma tracer, and Texas Red‐labelled 40 kDa dextrans (D40), which have full access to the glycocalyx domain. Tracers were simultaneously infused into the jugular vein and Vd calculated from the initial plasma concentration. Vd for D70 was not different between F (33 ± 4) and M (38 ± 1), but Vd for D40 was smaller (P=0.05) in F (37 ± 4) compared to M (46 ± 2), resulting in a smaller (P<0.005) Vg in F (3.7 ± 0.9) than in M (8.0 ± 0.7). True circulating plasma volume (Vp, in ml/kg BW) was subsequently derived from the dilution of NaF labelled red blood cells and hematocrit, and was not different between F (26 ± 2, n=4) and M (26 ± 2, n=5). In conclusion, our data show the presence of a gender difference in systemic glycocalyx volume in mice. The 50% reduction in glycocalyx volume in female mice might underlie their increased susceptibility to the development of atherosclerosis. Supported by Established Investigatorship from Netherlands Heart Foundation (#2005T037, to HV).

Syndecan-1 as a severity biomarker for patients with trauma

“…To evaluate the association between ISS and serum SDC-1, we performed multivariable regression analysis adjusted for covariates we defined a priori based on factors previously shown to be strongly associated with serum SDC-1 and ISS. For serum SDC-1, these were age ( 18 , 19 ), gender ( 20 , 21 ), previous treatment with transfusion and/or angiography at another hospital before being transported to our hospital ( 22 ). For ISS, these were: medication history of antiplatelet use and/or anticoagulant use ( 23 , 24 ).…”

Endothelial Glycocalyx Integrity in Treatment-Naïve People Living with HIV before and One Year after Antiretroviral Treatment Initiation

“…Likewise, another study assessing the association of syndecan-4 levels with myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, and all-cause mortality, found that syndecan-4 was associated with myocardial infarction only in women, suggesting a potential link between EG shedding and coronary artery disease in women [ 33 ]. Additionally, a murine model showed the presence of a gender difference in systemic glycocalyx volume, with female mice presenting a 50% reduction [ 34 ]. It is evident that sex affects EG both structurally and functionally, but data are still limited, and more studies are needed to evaluate the influence of sex on EG.…”

Is either arterial or venous antithrombin III level linked to outcome in elderly males versus females with severe sepsis?

“…11 Earlier studies have reported that the factors that help ATIII in its functions are defective in females. [12][13][14] To our knowledge, the differential link between severe sepsis outcome and both arterial and venous ATIII levels in each gender is lacking. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to study the arterial and venous ATIII levels, in elderly males and females with severe sepsis, and their impact upon the patients' outcomes (septic shock, organ dysfunction as assessed by SOFA score and ICU mortality).…”