Immune Response to Coxsackievirus B3 and Heart Disease in Male Mice
Author Information
Author(s): Onyimba Jennifer A, Coronado Michael J, Garton Amanda E, Kim Joseph B, Bucek Adriana, Bedja Djahida, Gabrielson Kathleen L, Guilarte Tomas R, Fairweather DeLisa
Primary Institution: Johns Hopkins University
Hypothesis
Sex differences in innate immune genes in the spleen would uncover pathways that are important in the susceptibility to acute myocarditis and dilated cardiomyopathy.
Conclusion
Male mice had a greater splenic expression of genes associated with cholesterol metabolism and activation of the androgen receptor compared to females, which may drive increased inflammation and heart disease.
Supporting Evidence
- Male mice showed higher splenic expression of genes regulating cholesterol metabolism compared to females.
- Infected males had decreased levels of the androgen receptor, indicating receptor activation.
- The study identified significant gene changes in males that were not due to increased viral replication.
Takeaway
This study found that male mice respond differently to a virus that can cause heart disease, showing more signs of inflammation and changes in certain genes than female mice.
Methodology
Male and female BALB/c mice were infected with coxsackievirus B3, and their spleens were analyzed for gene expression 12 hours post-infection using microarray analysis.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in gene expression analysis due to not correcting for multiple comparisons.
Limitations
The study primarily focused on male mice, and findings may not be directly applicable to females or other species.
Participant Demographics
Male and female BALB/c mice, aged 8 to 10 weeks.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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