Sex-specific Differences In Response Research Articles

Maternal Dietary Deficiencies in Folic Acid and Choline Change Metabolites Levels in Offspring after Ischemic Stroke.

Background/objectives: Ischemic stroke is a major health concern, and nutrition is a modifiable risk factor that can influence recovery outcomes. This study investigated the impact of maternal dietary deficiencies in folic acid (FADD) or choline (ChDD) on the metabolite profiles of offspring after ischemic stroke. Methods: A total of 32 mice (17 males and 15 females) were used to analyze sex-specific differences in response to these deficiencies. Results: At 1-week post-stroke, female offspring from the FADD group showed the greatest number of altered metabolites, including pathways involved in cholesterol metabolism and neuroprotection. At 4 weeks post-stroke, both FADD and ChDD groups exhibited significant disruptions in metabolites linked to inflammation, oxidative stress, and neurotransmission. Conclusions: These alterations were more pronounced in females compared to males, suggesting sex-dependent responses to maternal dietary deficiencies. The practical implications of these findings suggest that ensuring adequate maternal nutrition during pregnancy may be crucial for reducing stroke susceptibility and improving post-stroke recovery in offspring. Nutritional supplementation strategies targeting folic acid and choline intake could potentially mitigate the long-term adverse effects on metabolic pathways and promote better neurological outcomes. Future research should explore these dietary interventions in clinical settings to develop comprehensive guidelines for maternal nutrition and stroke prevention.

Differential Impact of Adolescent or Adult Stress on Behavior and Cortical Parvalbumin Interneurons and Perineuronal Nets in Male and Female Mice.

Stress has become a common public health concern, contributing to the rising prevalence of psychiatric disorders. Understanding the impact of stress considering critical variables, such as age, sex, and individual differences, is of the utmost importance for developing effective intervention strategies. Stress effects (daily footshocks for 10 days) during adolescence (postnatal day [PND] 31-40) and adulthood (PND 65-74) were investigated on behavioral outcomes and parvalbumin (PV)-expressing GABAergic interneurons and their associated perineuronal nets (PNNs) in the prefrontal cortex of male and female mice 5 weeks post stress. In adulthood, adolescent stress induced behavioral alterations in male mice, including anxiety-like behaviors, social deficits, cognitive impairments, and altered dopamine system responsivity. Applying integrated behavioral z-score analysis, we identified sex-specific differences in response to adolescent stress, with males displaying greater vulnerability than females. Furthermore, adolescent-stressed male mice showed decreased PV+ and PNN+ cell numbers and PV+/PNN+ colocalization, while in females, adolescent stress reduced prefrontal PV+/PNN+ colocalization in the prefrontal cortex. Further analysis identified distinct behavioral clusters, with certain females demonstrating resilience to adolescent stress-induced deficits in sociability and PV+ cell number. Adult stress in male and female mice did not cause long-lasting changes in behavior and PV+ and PNN+ cell number. Our findings indicate that the timing of stress, sex, and individual variabilities seem to be determinants for the development of behavioral changes associated with psychiatric disorders, particularly in male mice during adolescence.

Sex-Specific Variations in Glycated Hemoglobin Responses to Structured Exercise in Type 2 Diabetes: Healthcare Implications of Walking and Strength Training on Glycemic Control.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) affects one in ten individuals in the United States, with rates expected to rise significantly. This novel study aimed to evaluate the impact of a structured exercise program on glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels among males and females with T2DM, and to compare the effects of different volumes of combined aerobic and resistance exercise. A total of 67 adult participants with T2DM were randomly assigned to two groups: Group 1 (exercise classes and walking sessions) and Group 2 (exercise classes only). After 10 weeks, 39 participants completed the intervention and 34 had complete HbA1c records. Results indicated a significant improvement in HbA1c levels overall, with males exhibiting a greater decrease compared to females. Minimal baseline differences were observed between the walking and non-walking groups and improvements in HbA1c were noted in both groups with no significant differences. These findings suggested potential sex-specific differences in response to structured exercise programs. The study highlighted the importance of tailored exercise interventions in healthcare while managing T2DM. Further research is necessary to optimize exercise prescriptions and evaluate long-term benefits, but the current evidence supports structured exercise as a valuable component of comprehensive diabetes care. This research underscores the need for personalized approaches in exercise regimens, contributing to the growing body of knowledge on sex-specific responses to T2DM interventions.

Effect of allyl-isothiocyanate on survival and antimicrobial peptide expression following oral bacterial infections in Drosophila melanogaster.

Since infections with antibiotic-resistant bacteria cause increasing problems worldwide, the identification of alternative therapies is of great importance. Plant-derived bioactives, including allyl-isothiocyanate (AITC), have received attention for their antimicrobial properties. The present study therefore investigates the impact of AITC on survival and antimicrobial peptide (AMP) levels in Drosophila melanogaster challenged with the fly pathogenic bacteria Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. carotovorum and Leuconostoc pseudomesenteroides. AITC, a sulfur-containing compound derived from glucosinolates, exhibits antimicrobial properties and has been suggested to modulate AMP expression. By using D. melanogaster, we demonstrate that AITC treatment resulted in a concentration-dependent decrease of survival rates among female flies, particularly in the presence of the Gram-negative bacterium Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. carotovorum, whereas AITC did not affect survival in male flies. Despite the ability of isothiocyanates to induce AMP expression in cell culture, we did not detect significant changes in AMP mRNA levels in infected flies exposed to AITC. Our findings suggest sex-specific differences in response to AITC treatment and bacterial infections, underlining the complexity of host-pathogen interactions and potential limitations of AITC as a preventive or therapeutic compound at least in D. melanogaster models of bacterial infections.

Sex Specific Differences in Response to Calorie Restriction in Skeletal Muscle of Young Rats.

Calorie restriction (CR), defined as a reduction of the total calorie intake of 30% to 60% without malnutrition, is the only nutritional strategy that has been shown to extend lifespan, prevent or delay the onset of age-associated diseases, and delay the functional decline in a wide range of species. However, little is known about the effects of CR when started early in life. We sought to analyze the effects of CR in the skeletal muscle of young Wistar rats. For this, 3-month-old male and female rats were subjected to 40% CR or fed ad libitum for 3 months. Gastrocnemius muscles were used to extract RNA and total protein. Western blot and RT-qPCR were performed to evaluate the expression of key markers/pathways modulated by CR and affected by aging. CR decreased body and skeletal muscle weight in both sexes. No differences were found in most senescence, antioxidant, and nutrient sensing pathways analyzed. However, we found a sexual dimorphism in markers of oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and mitochondrial function in response to CR. Our data show that young female rats treated with CR exhibit similar expression patterns of key genes/pathways associated with healthy aging when compared to old animals treated with CR, while in male rats these effects are reduced. Additional studies are needed to understand how early or later life CR exerts positive effects on healthspan and lifespan.

Foliar application of lambda-cyhalothrin modulates root exudate profile and the rhizosphere bacteria community of dioecious Populus cathayana

Dioecious plants show sexual differences in resistance traits to abiotic stresses. However, the effects of exogenous pesticide application on female and male plant growth and their associated adaptation mechanisms are unclear. Our study investigated the effects of the broad-spectrum pesticide lambda-cyhalothrin (λ-CY) on dioecious Populus cathayana growth and explored the factors through which λ-CY changed the rhizosphere bacterial community and physicochemical soil properties via sex-specific metabolomics. The sequential application of λ-CY significantly suppressed male shoot- and root biomass, with little effect on the growth of females. Females possessed a higher intrinsic chemo-diversity within their root exudates, and their levels of various metabolites (sugars, fatty acids, and small organic acids) increased after exposure to λ-CY with consequences on bacterial community composition. Maintaining high bacterial alpha diversity and recruiting specific bacterial groups slowed down the loss of rhizosphere nutrients in females. In contrast, the reduction in bacterial alpha diversity and network structure stability in males was associated with lower rhizosphere nutrient availability. Spearman's correlation analysis revealed that several bacterial groups were positively correlated with the root secretion of lipids and organic acids, suggesting that these metabolites can affect the soil bacterial groups actively involved in the nutrient pool. This study provided novel insights that root exudates and soil microbial interactions may mediate sex-specific differences in response to pesticide application.

Early posttraumatic CSF1R inhibition via PLX3397 leads to time- and sex-dependent effects on inflammation and neuronal maintenance after traumatic brain injury in mice

BackgroundThere is a need for early therapeutic interventions after traumatic brain injury (TBI) to prevent neurodegeneration. Microglia/macrophage (M/M) depletion and repopulation after treatment with colony stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF1R) inhibitors reduces neurodegeneration. The present study investigates short- and long-term consequences after CSF1R inhibition during the early phase after TBI. MethodsSex-matched mice were subjected to TBI and CSF1R inhibition by PLX3397 for 5 days and sacrificed at 5 or 30 days post injury (dpi). Neurological deficits were monitored and brain tissues were examined for histo- and molecular pathological markers. RNAseq was performed with 30 dpi TBI samples. ResultsAt 5 dpi, CSF1R inhibition attenuated the TBI-induced perilesional M/M increase and associated gene expressions by up to 50%. M/M attenuation did not affect structural brain damage at this time-point, impaired hematoma clearance, and had no effect on IL-1β expression. At 30 dpi, following drug discontinuation at 5 dpi and M/M repopulation, CSF1R inhibition attenuated brain tissue loss regardless of sex, as well as hippocampal atrophy and thalamic neuronal loss in male mice. Selected gene markers of brain inflammation and apoptosis were reduced in males but increased in females after early CSF1R inhibition as compared to corresponding TBI vehicle groups. Neurological outcome in behaving mice was almost not affected. RNAseq and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) of injured brains at 30 dpi revealed more genes associated with dendritic spines and synapse function after early CSF1R inhibition as compared to vehicle, suggesting improved neuronal maintenance and recovery. In TBI vehicle mice, GSEA showed high oxidative phosphorylation, oxidoreductase activity and ribosomal biogenesis suggesting oxidative stress and increased abundance of metabolically highly active cells. More genes associated with immune processes and phagocytosis in PLX3397 treated females vs males, suggesting sex-specific differences in response to early CSF1R inhibition after TBI. ConclusionsM/M attenuation after CSF1R inhibition via PLX3397 during the early phase of TBI reduces long-term brain tissue loss, improves neuronal maintenance and fosters synapse recovery. Overall effects were not sex-specific but there is evidence that male mice benefit more than female mice.

Indicators of Local and Systemic Immunity of Adolescents under Combined Exposure to Air Pollution and Cigarette Smoke

Introduction: Chemical compounds polluting the environment and contained in cigarette smoke affect the immune system and the respiratory tract contributing to the development of diseases. Given the sexual dimorphism of innate and acquired immunity, the objective of the study was to identify characteristics of the local and systemic immunity in adolescent girls and boys exposed to harmful environmental and cigarette smoke chemicals. Materials and methods: During two years of the study, we examined 546 active and passive teenage smokers of both sexes living in industrial cities with high ambient air pollution. Levels of interleukins-2 and -10, alpha- and gamma-interferons, immunoglobulin A in blood serum, nasal and oral washings of high school students were tested. Results: We established sex-specific differences in local and systemic immune responses of adolescents to effects of the combined air pollution and cigarette smoke exposure. Significant differences in the content of cytokines and immunoglobulin A were found only for males. The levels of alpha and gamma interferons in the oral lavage fluid of smoking boys were lower while the level of interleukin-2 was higher than those in non-smokers. Blood levels of alpha interferon and immunoglobulin A in male smokers were higher than in non-smokers. Conclusion: Sex-specific differences in the response to the combined effect of air pollution and cigarette smoke necessitate a differentiated approach to elaborating preventive and therapeutic measures aimed at preventing immunological and upper respiratory disorders in adolescent boys and girls.

Resistance exercise differentially alters extracellular vesicle size and subpopulation characteristics in healthy men and women: an observational cohort study.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are established mediators of adaptation to exercise. Currently, there are no published data comparing changes in EVs between men and women after resistance exercise. We tested the hypothesis that EV profiles would demonstrate a sex-specific signature following resistance exercise. Ten men and 10 women completed an acute heavy resistance exercise test for back squats using 75% of their one-repetition maximum. Blood was drawn before and immediately after exercise. EVs were isolated from plasma using size exclusion chromatography and stained with antibodies associated with exosomes (CD63), microvesicles (VAMP3), apoptotic bodies (THSD1), and a marker for skeletal muscle EVs (SGCA). CD63+ EV concentration and proportion of total EVs increased 23% (P = 0.006) and 113% (P = 0.005) in both sexes. EV mean size declined in men (P = 0.020), but not in women, suggesting a relative increase in small EVs in men. VAMP3+ EV concentration and proportion of total EVs increased by 93% (P = 0.025) and 61% (P = 0.030) in men and women, respectively. SGCA+ EV concentration was 69% higher in women compared with men independent of time (P = 0.007). Differences were also observed for CD63, VAMP3, and SGCA median fluorescence intensity, suggesting altered surface protein density according to sex and time. There were no significant effects of time or sex on THSD1+ EVs or fluorescence intensity. EV profiles, particularly among exosome-associated and muscle-derived EVs, exhibit sex-specific differences in response to resistance exercise which should be further studied to understand their relationship to training adaptations.

Inhibition of estrogen signaling in myeloid cells increases tumor immunity in melanoma.

Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapies have significantly prolonged patient survival across multiple tumor types, particularly in melanoma. Interestingly, sex-specific differences in response to ICB have been observed, with males receiving a greater benefit from ICB than females, although the mechanism or mechanisms underlying this difference are unknown. Mining published transcriptomic data sets, we determined that the response to ICBs is influenced by the functionality of intratumoral macrophages. This puts into context our observation that estrogens (E2) working through the estrogen receptor α (ERα) stimulated melanoma growth in murine models by skewing macrophage polarization toward an immune-suppressive state that promoted CD8+ T cell dysfunction and exhaustion and ICB resistance. This activity was not evident in mice harboring macrophage-specific depletion of ERα, confirming a direct role for estrogen signaling within myeloid cells in establishing an immunosuppressed state. Inhibition of ERα using fulvestrant, a selective estrogen receptor downregulator (SERD), decreased tumor growth, stimulated adaptive immunity, and increased the antitumor efficacy of ICBs. Further, a gene signature that determines ER activity in macrophages predicted survival in patients with melanoma treated with ICB. These results highlight the importance of E2/ER signaling as a regulator of intratumoral macrophage polarization, an activity that can be therapeutically targeted to reverse immune suppression and increase ICB efficacy.

Weaker protection against tuberculosis in BCG-vaccinated male 129 S2 mice compared to females

BCG – the only available vaccine against tuberculosis (TB) - was first given to babies 100 years ago in 1921. While it is effective against TB meningitis and disseminated TB, its efficacy against pulmonary TB is variable, notably in adults and adolescents. TB remains one of the world’s leading health problems, with a higher prevalence among men. Male sex is associated with increased susceptibility to Mycobacterium tuberculosis in mice, but sex-specific responses to BCG vaccination have not been examined. In this study we vaccinated TB-susceptible 129 S2 mice with BCG and challenged with low-dose M. tuberculosis H37Rv by aerosol infection. BCG was protective against TB in both sexes, as unvaccinated mice lost weight more rapidly than vaccinated ones and suffered from worse lung pathology. However, female mice were better protected than males, showing lower lung bacterial burdens and less weight loss. Overall, vaccinated female mice had increased numbers of T cells and less myeloid cells in the lungs compared to vaccinated males. Principal component analysis of measured features revealed that mice grouped according to timepoint, sex and vaccination status. The features that had the biggest impact on grouping overall included numbers of CD8 T cells, CD8 central memory T cells and CD4 T effector cells, with neutrophil and CD11b+GR-1− cell numbers having a big impact at day 29. Hierarchical clustering confirmed that the main difference in global immune response was due to mouse sex, with only a few misgrouped mice. In conclusion, we found sex-specific differences in response to M. tuberculosis H37Rv -challenge in BCG-vaccinated 129 S2 mice. This highlights the need to include both male and female mice in preclinical testing of vaccine candidates.

Untying the Gordian knot of sex and heart failure therapy

Untying the Gordian knot of sex and heart failure therapy

Metformin Strongly Affects Gut Microbiome Composition in High-Fat Diet-Induced Type 2 Diabetes Mouse Model of Both Sexes.

Effects of metformin, the first-line drug for type 2 diabetes therapy, on gut microbiome composition in type 2 diabetes have been described in various studies both in human subjects and animals. However, the details of the molecular mechanisms of metformin action have not been fully understood. Moreover, there is a significant lack of information on how metformin affects gut microbiome composition in female mouse models, depending on sex and metabolic status in well controlled experimental setting. Our study aimed to examine metformin-induced alterations in gut microbiome diversity, composition, and functional implications of high-fat diet-induced type 2 diabetes mouse model, using, for the first time in mice study, the shotgun metagenomic sequencing that allows estimation of microorganisms at species level. We also employed a randomized block, factorial study design, and including 24 experimental units allocated to 8 treatment groups to systematically evaluate the effect of sex and metabolic status on metformin interaction with microbiome. We used DNA obtained from fecal samples representing gut microbiome before and after ten weeks-long metformin treatment. We identified 100 metformin-related differentially abundant species in high-fat diet-fed mice before and after the treatment, with most of the species relative abundances increased. In contrast, no significant changes were observed in control diet-fed mice. Functional analysis targeted to carbohydrate, lipid, and amino acid metabolism pathways revealed 14 significantly altered hierarchies. We also observed sex-specific differences in response to metformin treatment. Males experienced more pronounced changes in metabolic markers, while in females the extent of changes in gut microbiome representatives was more marked, indicated by 53 differentially abundant species with more remarkable Log fold changes compared to the combined-sex analysis. The same pattern manifested regarding the functional analysis, where we discovered 5 significantly affected hierarchies in female groups but not in males. Our results suggest that both sexes of animals should be included in future studies focusing on metformin effects on the gut microbiome.

Sex Differences in Immunity: Implications for the Development of Novel Vaccines Against Emerging Pathogens.

Vaccines are one of the greatest public health achievements and have saved millions of lives. They represent a key countermeasure to limit epidemics caused by emerging infectious diseases. The Ebola virus disease crisis in West Africa dramatically revealed the need for a rapid and strategic development of vaccines to effectively control outbreaks. Seven years later, in light of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, this need has never been as urgent as it is today. Vaccine development and implementation of clinical trials have been greatly accelerated, but still lack strategic design and evaluation. Responses to vaccination can vary widely across individuals based on factors like age, microbiome, co-morbidities and sex. The latter aspect has received more and more attention in recent years and a growing body of data provide evidence that sex-specific effects may lead to different outcomes of vaccine safety and efficacy. As these differences might have a significant impact on the resulting optimal vaccine regimen, sex-based differences should already be considered and investigated in pre-clinical and clinical trials. In this Review, we will highlight the clinical observations of sex-specific differences in response to vaccination, delineate sex differences in immune mechanisms, and will discuss the possible resulting implications for development of vaccine candidates against emerging infections. As multiple vaccine candidates against COVID-19 that target the same antigen are tested, vaccine development may undergo a decisive change, since we now have the opportunity to better understand mechanisms that influence vaccine-induced reactogenicity and effectiveness of different vaccines.

Myristoylated alanine-rich C-kinase substrate effector domain peptide improves sex-specific recovery and axonal regrowth after spinal cord injury.

Myristoylated alanine-rich C-kinase substrate (MARCKS) is an intracellular receptor for polysialic acid. MARCKS supports development, synaptic plasticity, and regeneration after injury. MARCKS binds with its functionally essential effector domain (ED) to polysialic acid. A 25-mer peptide comprising the ED of MARCKS stimulates neuritogenesis of primary hippocampal neurons after addition to the culture. This motivated us to investigate whether ED peptide has similar effects in spinal cord injury. ED peptide supported recovery and regrowth of monoaminergic axons in female, but not in male mice. Sex-specific differences in response to ED peptide application also occurred in cultured neurons. In female but not male neurons, the ED peptide enhanced neurite outgrowth that could be suppressed by inhibitors of the estrogen receptors α and β, fibroblast growth factor receptor-1, protein kinase C, and matrix metalloproteinase 2. In addition, we observed female-specific elevation of phosphorylated MARCKS levels after ED peptide treatment. In male neurons, the ED peptide enhanced neuritogenesis in the presence of an androgen receptor inhibitor to the extent seen in ED peptide-treated female neurons. However, inhibition of androgen receptor did not lead to increased phosphorylation of MARCKS. These results provide insights into the functions of a novel compound contributing to gender-dependent regeneration.

Potential of a synthetic predatory cue in reducing damage caused by Rattus rattus

The aim of the present study was to assess the potential of synthetic predatory cue containing sulphurous odours as an area repellent to reduce rodent damage. Groups of mature Rattus rattus of both sexes were exposed to 0.5%, 1% and 2% concentrations of 2,4,5-trimethylthiazole (TMTZ), a synthetic predatory cue, applied through cotton swab under laboratory and simulated indoor store conditions. Laboratory experiment revealed lower food consumption by rats from the treated side of chamber compared to the untreated side at all three concentrations of TMTZ exposed once in a week with up to 61.70% and 67.90% repellency in male and female rats, respectively. Daily exposure of TMTZ resulted in up to 84.90% repellency in males and 76.70% in females. Under simulated store conditions, 1% TMTZ exposed once completely prevented damage to treated bags containing wheat grains for up to 12 days in male and 14 days in female rats indicating sex-specific differences in response towards TMTZ. The present study suggests the potential of TMTZ in reducing damage caused by R. rattus under indoor storage conditions.

Sex-specific Differences in Response to First-line Helicobacter pylori Eradication Therapy with vonoprazan, amoxicillin, and clarithromycin

Background: Although gender medicine has been promoted in medical research and patient care, limited information is available on sex-specific differences in response to first-line Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy. Therefore, this retrospective study investigated sex-specific differences in response to first-line H. pylori eradication therapy with vonoprazan, amoxicillin, and clarithromycin.Method: The study included 314 patients who received vonoprazan-based triple therapy (20 mg vonoprazan, 750 mg amoxicillin, and 200 or 400 mg clarithromycin; twice daily for 7 days) as first-line H. pylori eradication therapy at Fuyoukai Murakami Hospital from March 1, 2015, to April 30, 2019. First-line eradication rates were determined by intention-to-treat (ITT) and per protocol (PP) analyses. Sex-specific differences in the rate of drug-related treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were also monitored. Fisher’s exact test was used for identifying sex-specific differences.Results: First-line eradication rates were 95% in ITT and PP analyses regardless of sex, without significant sex-specific differences [ITT analyses: males 95.3% (203/213) vs. females 96.0% (97/101), p = 1.0; PP analyses: males 95.3% (203/213) vs. females 96.0% (95/99), p = 1.0]. However, the rate of drug-related TEAEs was significantly higher in females than in males [males 4.2% (9/213) vs. females 17.8% (18/101), p 0.001]. In particular, skin rash occurred only in females [males 0% (0/213) vs. females 10.9% (11/101), p 0.00001].Conclusion: Females experienced more drug-related TEAEs than males during first-line H. pylori eradication therapy with vonoprazan-based triple therapy. In particular, skin rash was observed only in females.

Are There Sex-Specific Differences in Response to Adjunctive Host-Directed Therapies for Tuberculosis?

Are There Sex-Specific Differences in Response to Adjunctive Host-Directed Therapies for Tuberculosis?

Sex-related responses in rhizosphere processes of dioecious Populus cathayana exposed to drought and low phosphorus stress

Extensive research has shown that dioecious plants exhibit sexual dimorphism under extreme environments. However, sex-specific differences in responses to drought, phosphorus (P) shortage or their combination are less known. In our study, impacts of drought, P shortage and their combination on the performance of Populus cathayana males and females were investigated. Drought and P deficiency caused a greater negative impact on female growth than on male growth. P application ameliorated the more negative effect of drought on the shoot dry matter accumulation and P concentration in male leaves, while smaller effects were observed in females. The concentration of citrate in the rhizosphere of males was higher under drought combined with P application than under adequate water availability, and the increase was greater in males than in females. Males also showed a higher abundance of main soil microbial groups, including bacteria, actinomycetes, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), and Gram+ and Gram- bacteria in the rhizosphere, resulting in a more resistant microhabitat. In contrast, the abundance of bacteria and AMF was less in the rhizosphere of females exposed to stress conditions, while saprophytic fungi increased significantly. P enhanced drought resistance more in stress-resistant males but less in females under relatively severe drought stress. Increased drought resistance by P in males might be associated with greater plasticity in rhizosphere processes when compared with females.

Evaluation of autonomic activation after maximal cycling exercise in adolescent boys and girls

Introduction: Clarifying sex-specific differences in response to maximal effort of exercise is an important biological determinant of vulnerability to psychological and physiological stress. Although previous studies have represented sex-based comparisons at the basis of autonomic activation such as salivary α-amylase activity, few studies have dealt with potential effects of maximal effort of exercise on autonomic response in adolescent boys and girls. The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential effects of maximal cycling exercise on salivary α-amylase activity in physically active boys and girls.