Susceptibility Of Women Research Articles

Genetic support of causal association between lipid and glucose metabolism and stress urinary incontinence in women: a bidirectional Mendelian randomization and multivariable-adjusted study.

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a common condition characterized by urethral sphincter failure and urine leakage. Its prevalence in women is higher than in men, and estimates of crude prevalence rates vary widely due to factors such as research methodologies, study populations, and underreporting by patients. This variability hinders research and impacts patient diagnosis, treatment, and quality of life. The complex etiology of SUI is not fully understood, and previous studies have primarily focused on non-invasive indicators. While emerging observational research suggests a correlation between SUI in women and abnormalities in lipid and blood metabolism, the underlying biological mechanisms and causal relationships require further investigation. This study aims to explore the causalities between SUI in women and lipid and blood metabolism. Using bidirectional univariate Mendelian randomization (MR), we investigated the causal association between SUI liability in women (case/control = 5,924/399,509) from UK Biobank and lipid and glucose metabolism, indicated by total cholesterol (TC, N = 61,166), low-density lipoproteins (LDL, N = 58,381), high-density lipoproteins (HDL, N = 60,812), triglycerides (TG, N = 60,027), fasting glucose (FG, N = 19,745), and fasting insulin (FI, N = 38,238) from ENGAGE consortium. To account for potential confounding effects, multivariable MR (MVMR) analyses were performed, adjusting for body mass index (BMI) and separately among lipid and glucose metabolism. We found that increased genetically proxied TC, LDL, and HDL levels were associated with an elevated risk of SUI in women (OR: 1.090-1.117, all P < 0.05), These associations were further supported by MVMR analyses with adjustment for BMI (OR: 1.087-1.114, all P < 0.05). Conversely, increased FG and FI were associated with reduced SUI reliability in women (OR: 0.731-0.815, all P < 0.05). When adjusting among lipid and glucose metabolism, only HDL and FI demonstrated causal effects. Reverse MR analyses provided no genetic evidence supporting the causal effect of SUI in women on lipid and blood metabolism (all P > 0.05). Our results reported that increased TC, LDL, and HDL are linked to higher SUI susceptibility in women, while higher FG and FI levels have a protective effect. In overweight/obese women with metabolic abnormalities, the positive associations between TC, LDL, and HDL levels and SUI indicate a higher risk.

Functional genetic variants and susceptibility and prediction of gestational diabetes mellitus

The aetiological mechanism of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) has still not been fully understood. The aim of this study was to explore the associations between functional genetic variants screened from a genome-wide association study (GWAS) and GDM risk among 554 GDM patients and 641 healthy controls in China. Functional analysis of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) positively associated with GDM was further performed. Univariate regression and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to screen clinical risk factors, and a predictive nomogram model was established. After adjusting for age and prepregnancy BMI, rs9283638 was significantly associated with GDM susceptibility (P < 0.05). Moreover, an obvious interaction between rs9283638 and clinical variables was detected (Pinteraction < 0.05). Functional analysis confirmed that rs9283638 can regulate not only target gene transcription factor binding, but it also regulates the mRNA levels of SAMD7 (P < 0.05). The nomogram model constructed with the factors of age, FPG, 1hPG, 2hPG, HbA1c, TG and rs9283638 revealed an area under the ROC curve of 0.920 (95% CI 0.902–0.939). Decision curve analysis (DCA) suggested that the model had greater net clinical benefit. Conclusively, genetic variants can alter women's susceptibility to GDM by affecting the transcription of target genes. The predictive nomogram model constructed based on genetic and clinical variables can effectively distinguish individuals with different GDM risk factors.

Investigating Microbial Dynamics and Bacterial Vaginosis Susceptibility in Women who have Sex with Women

Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) remains a prevalent gynecologic health concern, with emerging research indicating a potential association between women who have sex with women (WSW) and an increased susceptibility to BV infections. Recent studies have explored the microbial dynamics within the vaginal microbiota of WSW, revealing distinct patterns that may contribute to a higher incidence of BV in this population. The etiological factors underlying this susceptibility include disruptions in the balance of Lactobacillus species, crucial for maintaining vaginal health. However, the existing literature presents a complex interplay of socio-behavioral and biological factors influencing BV risk among WSW, necessitating further investigation. Future research should strive to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the specific mechanisms influencing microbial communities in the context of same-sex sexual activity among women, exploring potential preventive strategies and tailored interventions to mitigate BV risks in this population. Our review highlights the need for a refined and multidisciplinary approach to address the intricacies of BV susceptibility in women engaging in same-sex relationships.

Association of vitamin D receptor genetic polymorphisms with the risk of infertility: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundThe causes of infertility have remained an important challenge. The relationship between VDR gene polymorphisms and infertility has been reported, with controversial findings.Objective and rationaleWe aimed to determine this relationship by conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis.Search methodsThe study was started with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) declaration and the final draft was registered as a protocol in PROSPERO (ID: CRD42023416535). The international electronic databases including PubMed (Medline), Scopus, Web of Sciences, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINHAL) were searched until January 30, 2023, by using appropriate keywords. The quality of the final studies was assessed using the NOS Checklist for case–control studies. The odds ratios (ORs) for each of the genetic models were pooled, and a subgroup analysis based on geographical region and types of infertility was carried out by the MetaGenyo online tool.OutcomesCase–control studies including 18 and 2 studies about infertility in women and men, respectively, and 4 miscarriage studies were entered into the meta-analysis. The VDR gene TaqI polymorphism was associated with infertility susceptibility in women in the allele contrast [OR = 1.2065, 95% CI (1.0846–1.3421); P = 0.0005], Recessive model [OR = 1.3836, 95% CI (1.1197–1.7096); P = 0.002], Dominant model [OR = 1.2146, 95% CI (0.0484–1.4072); P = 0.009], Homozygote [OR = 1.4596, 95% CI (1.1627–1.8325); P = 0.001], and TT vs. Tt [OR = 1.2853, 95% CI (1.0249–1.6117); P = 0.029. ApaI and FokI gene polymorphisms were found to be significantly protective SNPs against women and men infertility in the Dominant model [OR = 0.8379, 95% CI (0.7039- 0.9975); P = 0.046] and Recessive model [OR = 0.421, 95% CI (0.1821–0.9767); P = 0.043], respectively. Sub-group meta-analysis showed a protection association of ApaI in dominant [OR = 0.7738, 95% CI = 0.6249–0.9580; P = 0.018] and AA vs. aa [OR = 0.7404, 95 CI% (0.5860–0.9353) P = 0.011725] models in PCOS subgroup, however, a negative association with idiopathic infertility was found in AA vs. Aa [OR = 1.7063, 95% CI (1.1039–2.6375); P = 0.016187] and Aa vs. aa [OR = 0.6069, 95% CI (0.3761–0.9792); P = 0.040754]. TaqI SNP was significantly associated with infertility in the African population and BsmI was associated with the disease mostly in the Asian population.ConclusionThis meta-analysis showed that the TaqI polymorphism may be linked to women’s infertility susceptibility. However, ApaI and FokI might be the protective SNPs against infertility in Women and men, respectively.

Gender and equity considerations in AMR research: a systematic scoping review.

Research on gender and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) beyond women's biological susceptibility is limited. A gender and equity lens in AMR research is necessary to promote gender equality and support the effectiveness, uptake, and sustainability of real-world AMR solutions. We argue that it is an ethical and social justice imperative to include gender and related intersectional issues in AMR research and implementation. An intersectional exploration of the interplay between people's diverse identities and experiences, including their gender, socio-economic status, race, disability, age, and sexuality, may help us understand how these factors reinforce AMR risk and vulnerability and ensure that interventions to reduce the risk of AMR do not impact unevenly. This paper reports on the findings of a systematic scoping review on the interlinkages between AMR, gender and other socio-behavioural characteristics to identify priority knowledge gaps in human and animal health in LMICs. The review focused on peer-reviewed and grey literature published between 2017 and 2022. Three overarching themes were gendered division of caregiving roles and responsibilities, gender power relations in decision-making, and interactions between gender norms and health-seeking behaviours. Research that fails to account for gender and its intersections with other lines of disadvantage, such as race, class and ability, risks being irrelevant and will have little impact on the continued and dangerous spread of AMR. We provide recommendations for integrating an intersectional gender lens in AMR research, policy and practice.

Genetic Susceptibility, Mendelian Randomization, and Nomogram Model Construction of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a pregnancy-complicated disease that poses a risk to maternal and infant health. However, the etiology of the disease has been not yet elucidated. To detect the genetic susceptibility and construct a nomogram model with significantly associated polymorphisms and key clinical indicators for early prediction of GDM. Eleven functional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) screened by genome-wide association study were genotyped in 554 GDM cases and 641 healthy controls. Functional analysis of GDM positively associated SNPs, multivariate mendelian randomization (MVMR), and a GDM early predictive nomogram model construction were performed. rs1965211, rs3760675, and rs7814359 were significantly associated with genetic susceptibility to GDM after adjusting age and prepregnancy body mass index (pre-BMI). It seems that GDM-associated SNPs have effects on regulating target gene transcription factor binding, posttranscriptional splicing, and translation product structure. Besides, rs3760675 can be expression quantitative trait loci and increase the XAB2 mRNA expression level (P = .047). The MVMR analysis showed that the increase of clinical variables of BMI, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) had significant causal effects on GDM (BMI-ORMVMR = 1.52, HbA1c-ORMVMR = 1.32, FPG-ORMVMR = 1.78), P < .05. A nomogram model constructed with pre-BMI, FPG, HbA1c, and genotypes of rs1965211, rs3760675, and rs7814359 showed an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.824. Functional polymorphisms can change women's susceptibility to GDM and the predictive nomogram model based on genetic and environmental factors can effectively distinguish individuals with different GDM risks in early stages of pregnancy.

The FGFR2 Variant rs13387042 is Associated With Breast Cancer Risk: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review

ObjectiveThe association of FGFR2-rs13387042 polymorphism with breast cancer (BC) susceptibility in women remains inconclusive due to varying reports. In this study, we conducted a meta-analysis to explore the relationship between FGFR2-rs13387042 polymorphism and susceptibility to BC. MethodsRelevant literature were acquired through searches across multiple databases. Odds ratio (OR) values were pooled to assess the risk of BC for different alleles and genotypes. The heterogeneity among the included literature was evaluated. Sensitivity analysis was used to verify the stability of the results. Egger's linear regression test was used to assess the significance of publication bias of the included literature. ResultsA total of 17 publications were included, encompassing 122,607 cases and 175,966 controls. There was significantly increased risk of BC for allele A compared with G (OR = 1.15, 95% CI = 1.14-1.67, P < .001), genotype AA compared with GG (OR = 1.34, 95% CI = 1.29-1.38, P < .001), and genotype GA compared with GG (OR = 1.19, 95% CI = 1.12-1.26, P < .001). Both Egger's test and funnel plot indicated the presence of publication bias. After adjusting potential publication bias by the trim-and-fill method, the comparison of allele A versus G (OR = 1.15, 95% CI = 1.13-1.17, P < .001), genotype AA versus GG (OR = 1.32, 95% CI = 1.28-1.37, P < .001), and genotype GA versus GG (OR = 1.15, 95% CI = 1.09-1.22, P < .001) remained statistically significant. In various subgroups, the allele A showed significantly higher risk of BC upon allele G in estrogen receptor (ER) positive BC, ER negative BC, progesterone receptor (PR) positive BC, PR negative BC, triple-negative BC, pathological grade I BC, grade II BC, and grade III breast cancer. The subsequent sensitivity analysis suggested the above findings stable and reliable. ConclusionIn this study, we found that the allele A of the FGFR2-rs13387042 polymorphism is associated with increased risk of developing breast cancer. This study underscores its potential as a genetic marker for personalized risk assessment and targeted interventions.

Assessing COVID-19 Lockdown's Impact: Domestic Violence Against Women in a Selected community of Lalitpur

This study examines at how prevalent domestic violence was against women in a particular Lalitpur community during the Covid-19 lockdown. Violence against women encompasses acts of aggression directed primarily or exclusively towards women and girls. The confluence of economic strain, movement restrictions, heightened partner frustration, and the disruption of social and protective networks during the lockdown amplifies women's susceptibility to exploitation and abuse. Employing a descriptive cross-sectional design, the study employed a convenient sampling technique to select 74 married women within the reproductive age group. A systematic interview schedule was used for data collection, and inferential statistics like the Chi-square test were used in conjunction with descriptive statistics like frequency and percentage for the analysis that followed. The study found that during the Covid-19 shutdown, domestic violence against women was prevalent in 31.1% of cases. Victims reported experiencing emotional (37.7%), economic (23.0%), physical (31.1%), and sexual (8.2%) violence. The primary contributing factors to the occurrence of violence were identified as being confined at home with the abuser (31.1%), financial concerns (28.4%), and problematic inter-relationships within family members (28.4%). Of the variables taken into account, the only ones that showed a significant correlation with the occurrence of domestic violence during the Covid-19 lockdown era were the husband's employment, education, and history of violence. The results highlight how urgent it is to address domestic abuse of women in Nepal, especially during times of crisis like the Covid-19 lockdown. It is imperative for the country to prioritize the enhancement of support systems to prevent the occurrence of such violence and safeguard the well-being of victims.

Estrogen-ER-α axis induces PNPLA3 p.I148M protein variant to promote steatotic liver disease susceptibility in women.

Estrogen-ER-α axis induces PNPLA3 p.I148M protein variant to promote steatotic liver disease susceptibility in women.

Maternal and Newborn Outcomes of SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 and Pregnancy: Parallels and Contrasts with Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome.

Our review aims to compare and contrast Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome and SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19's impact on maternal and neonatal outcomes. We have made significant progress in Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome prevention and treatment over the last few decades. Drawing on empirical evidence with past public health crises can offer valuable insights into dealing with current and future pandemics. Therefore, it is imperative to conduct a comparative analysis of the resemblances and disparities existing between Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome and SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19.This research endeavor represents a pioneering and all-encompassing examination, aiming to discern and comprehend the parallels and contrasts in the respective impacts of SARS-CoV-2 and Human Immunodeficiency Virus on pregnancy. Based on the current evidence, there is no indication that pregnancy increases women's susceptibility to acquiring Human Immunodeficiency Virus or SARS-CoV-2. Nevertheless, the state of being pregnant was correlated with the worsening of diseases and their progression. Both Human Immunodeficiency Virus and SARS-CoV-2 pose increased risks of maternal mortality and several obstetric complications, including premature birth and pre-eclampsia. While the vertical transmission of Human Immunodeficiency Virus is well-established, a comprehensive understanding of the vertical transmission of SARS-CoV-2 remains elusive, emphasizing the need for further investigations. Initial data suggest low SARS-CoV-2 vertical transmission rates in the setting of proper preventative interventions and universal screening. A cesarean delivery could reduce the risk of mother-to-child transmission in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-infected women with high viral loads or poor adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART). However, it did not offer additional protection for Human Immunodeficiency Virus-infected women who adhered to Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy or those with COVID-19. Human Immunodeficiency Virus and SARS-CoV-2 were linked to neonatal complications such as stillbirth, low birth weight, and neonatal intensive care unit (ICU) admissions. The universal testing of both pregnant patients and neonates is an effective strategy to prevent the spread and complications of both Human Immunodeficiency Virus and SARS-CoV-2. Human Immunodeficiency Virus control largely relies on preventing vertical transmission and medications during pregnancy and postpartum, whereas safety behaviors and vaccines have proven effective in preventing SARS-CoV-2 vertical transmissions. This review aims to compare and contrast the impact of Human Immunodeficiency Virus and SARS-CoV-2 on pregnancy outcomes, vertical transmissions, delivery modalities, neonatal outcomes, and clinical management. SARS-CoV-2 and Human Immunodeficiency Virus were associated with significant obstetric-related complications, making close clinical monitoring and preparation essential. Integration of SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 management with reproductive health services is crucial to ensuring maternal and neonatal outcomes. Our review is not only the first to establish a groundwork for the current state of knowledge and its clinical implications on this topic, but it also sheds new insights for future research directions.Comparing Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome and SARS-CoV-2 in terms of their impact on maternal and neonatal outcomes provides valuable insights despite their differences. Leveraging Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome research can help understand SARS-CoV-2 effects on pregnancy. Both infections pose risks to pregnant individuals and their fetuses, leading to increased maternal mortality and complications. Identifying common patterns and risk factors can improve clinical management for pregnant individuals with SARS-CoV-2. While a direct observational study for this comparison may not be feasible, comparing with Human Immunodeficiency Virus offers an ethical and practical approach. However, specific studies on SARS-CoV-2 are still necessary to gather detailed data on maternal and fetal outcomes.

Comparative characteristics of healthy pregnant women and non-healthy pregnant women

We carried out a systematic search by using a literature about the issue of our interest in the PubMed and Scopus search databases. We systematically searched the literature published from December 1, 2019 to July 30, 2021 across multiple databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar and the WHO COVID-19 database using the following keywords: “COVID-19” and “pregnancy”. Filter by date: March 1, 2020-until March 1, 2021. We have made a review of the literature on the issue of our interest in the PubMed and Scopus search databases. Based on our understanding, we want to present a small literary review. Changes in the cardiorespiratory and immune systems during pregnancy increase woman's susceptibility to severe infection and hypoxic compromise, but at the same time they may also delay diagnosis and source control in those who have only mild upper respiratory symptoms such as sore throat and nasal congestion; the latter are observed in 5% of patients with COVID-19. With gestational rhinitis, it should also be noted that in pregnant women the content of estrogen, β-estradiol increases, which increases the reactivity of the immune system. Therefore, the intensity of seizures during gestation can increase significantly. However, a high con-centration of estrogen disrupts vascular motility, causing vasomotor rhinitis during pregnancy, usually affects a fifth of healthy women in late pregnancy and leads to severe nasal congestion and rhinorrhea; these signs can mask the symptoms of COVID-19, leading to uncontrolled viral shedding and trans-mission. Dyspnea occurs in 18% of patients with COVID-19.

Comprehensive molecular expression profiling of SARS-CoV-associated factors in the endometrium across the menstrual cycle and elevated susceptibility in women with recurrent pregnancy loss.

Objective: To evaluate the dynamic expression profiling alterations of SARS-CoV-2-associated molecules within the fertile human endometrium throughout the menstrual cycle. Furthermore, to explore the inherent vulnerability of the endometrium to SARS-CoV-2 infection among women experiencing recurrent pregnancy failure, including both recurrent implantation failures (RIF) and recurrent pregnancy losses (RPL). Method: The present study employed multiple datasets to investigate the expression patterns of SARS-CoV-2-associated genes. Firstly, a single-cell RNA-sequencing dataset comprising endometrial samples from 19 healthy women across the menstrual cycle was utilized. Additionally, two microarray datasets encompassing 24 women with RIF, and 24 women with RPL during the peri-implantation phase were included. To complement these analyses, immunohistochemical (IHC) staining was performed on endometrial samples collected from 30 women with RIF, 30 women with RPL, and 20 fertile controls recruited specifically during the implantation period. Results: The investigation revealed a moderate expression percentage of CTSL (22%), TMPRSS4 (15%), FURIN (16%) and MX1 (9%) in endometrium. Conversely, the expression percentages of ACE2 (1%) and TMPRSS2 (4%) were relatively low. Notably, the expression of BSG exhibited an increment towards the window of implantation, reaching its peak during the middle secretary phase. Furthermore, a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in TMPRSS2 expression was observed in the RIF group compared to the control group. While the expression of BSG was significantly increased (p < 0.05) in the RPL group, findings that were corroborated by the IHC staining results. Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate a noteworthy upregulation of BSG expression in the endometrium of women with RPL. These results suggest an augmented susceptibility of endometrium to SARS-CoV-2 infection, potentially contributing to unfavorable pregnancy outcomes.

A gene-by-sex interaction contributes to liver disease susceptibility in women.

A gene-by-sex interaction contributes to liver disease susceptibility in women.

Interaction between estrogen receptor-α and PNPLA3 p.I148M variant drives fatty liver disease susceptibility in women

Fatty liver disease (FLD) caused by metabolic dysfunction is the leading cause of liver disease and the prevalence is rising, especially in women. Although during reproductive age women are protected against FLD, for still unknown and understudied reasons some develop rapidly progressive disease at the menopause. The patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing 3 (PNPLA3) p.I148M variant accounts for the largest fraction of inherited FLD variability. In the present study, we show that there is a specific multiplicative interaction between female sex and PNPLA3 p.I148M in determining FLD in at-risk individuals (steatosis and fibrosis, P < 10−10; advanced fibrosis/hepatocellular carcinoma, P = 0.034) and in the general population (P < 10−7 for alanine transaminase levels). In individuals with obesity, hepatic PNPLA3 expression was higher in women than in men (P = 0.007) and in mice correlated with estrogen levels. In human hepatocytes and liver organoids, PNPLA3 was induced by estrogen receptor-α (ER-α) agonists. By chromatin immunoprecipitation and luciferase assays, we identified and characterized an ER-α-binding site within a PNPLA3 enhancer and demonstrated via CRISPR–Cas9 genome editing that this sequence drives PNPLA3 p.I148M upregulation, leading to lipid droplet accumulation and fibrogenesis in three-dimensional multilineage spheroids with stellate cells. These data suggest that a functional interaction between ER-α and PNPLA3 p.I148M variant contributes to FLD in women.

WED-393 - A functional interaction between hepatic estrogen receptor-α and PNPLA3 p.I148M inherited variant drives fatty liver disease susceptibility in women

WED-393 - A functional interaction between hepatic estrogen receptor-α and PNPLA3 p.I148M inherited variant drives fatty liver disease susceptibility in women

Labour's pain: strenuous subsistence work, mechanical wear-and-tear and musculoskeletal pain in a non-industrialized population.

Musculoskeletal pain is the most debilitating human health condition. Neurophysiological pain mechanisms are highly conserved and promote somatic maintenance and learning to avoid future harm. However, some chronic pain might be more common owing to mismatches between modern lifestyles and traits that originally evolved under distinct premodern conditions. To inform assumptions about factors affecting chronic pain vulnerability prior to industrialization, we assess pain prevalence, perceived causes, and predictors among Tsimane forager-horticulturalists. Habitual subsistence work is the primary reported cause of pain throughout life for both sexes, and pain is more common with age, especially in the back, and for those with more musculoskeletal problems. Sex differences in pain are relatively weak, and we find no association between women's reproductive history and pain, contrary to the hypothesis that reproduction causes women's greater pain susceptibility. Age-standardized current pain prevalence is 1.7-8.2 times higher for Tsimane than other select populations, and Tsimane chronic pain prevalence is within the range of variation observed elsewhere. Chronic low back pain is not a 'mismatch disease' limited to post-industrialized populations. Hominin musculoskeletal changes supporting bipedalism probably imposed health costs, which, after millions of years of evolution, remain an epidemiological burden that may be exacerbated by modern conditions.

Risk Factors for Postpartum Depression Based on Genetic and Epigenetic Interactions.

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a serious mood disorder that tends to occur after the delivery, which may bring lifelong consequences to women and their families in terms of family relationships, social relationships, and mental health. Currently, various risk factors including environmental factors and genetic factors that may induce postpartum depression have been extensively studied. In this review, we suggest that postpartum women's susceptibility to postpartum depression may be the result of the interaction between the genes associated with postpartum depression as well as the interaction between genetic and environmental factors. We reviewed the genes that have been studied in postpartum depression, including genes related to the synthesis, metabolism, and transport of monoamine neurotransmitters, key molecules of the HPA axis, and the kynurenine pathway. These studies have found more or less gene-gene and gene-environment interactions, so we will discuss these issues in more detail. However, so far, the conclusions of these risk factors, especially genetic factors, are not completely consistent in the occurrence and exacerbation of symptoms in postpartum depression, and it is not clear how these risk factors specifically participate in the pathological mechanism of the disease and play a role. We conclude that the role of genetic polymorphisms, including genetic and epigenetic processes, in the occurrence and development of postpartum depression, is complex and ambiguous. We also note that interactions between multiple candidate genes and the environment have been suggested as causes of depression, suggesting that more definitive research is needed to understand the heritability and susceptibility of PPD. Overall, our work supports the hypothesis that postpartum depression is more likely to be caused by a combination of multiple genetic and environmental factors than by a single genetic or environmental influence.

A functional interaction between hepatic estrogen receptor-α and PNPLA3 p.I148M inherited variant drives fatty liver disease susceptibility in women

A functional interaction between hepatic estrogen receptor-α and PNPLA3 p.I148M inherited variant drives fatty liver disease susceptibility in women

Indicators of Cardiometabolic Function in Pregnancy and Long-Term Risk of COVID-19: Population-Based Cohort Study.

Pregnancy increases a woman's susceptibility to severe COVID-19, especially those with metabolic dysfunction. It isunknown if markers of metabolic dysfunction commonly assessed around pregnancy are associated with COVID-19 illness after pregnancy. The aim of this study is to evaluatethe indicators of metabolic dysfunction collected in pregnancy and the future risk ofsevere COVID-19 after pregnancy. This population-based cohort study was completed in all of Ontario, comprising 417,713 women aged 15-49 years with a hospital birth between April 2007 and March 2018. The main exposure was each 1-kg/m2higher body mass index (BMI), 1-mmol/L higher glucose concentration at the 50-g glucose challenge test, and one-week earlier gestational week at delivery. The main outcome was severe COVID-19 illness or death, from the start of the pandemic period on March 1, 2020, till December 31, 2021. The adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) of COVID-19 illness increased per 1-kg/m2higher BMI (1.05, 95% CI 1.04-1.06), per 1-mmol/L higher serum glucose concentration (1.16, 95% CI 1.10-1.22), and for each one-week earlier gestational week at delivery (1.12, 95% CI 1.03-1.23). Relative to women with no dichotomized risk factors, the aHR for severe COVID-19 was 1.60 (95% CI 1.28-2.01) with one factor, 3.34 (95% CI 2.51-4.44) with two factors, and 4.52 (95% CI 2.11-9.67) with three factors. The number, and degree, of standard metabolic indicators measured around pregnancy predict the future risk of severe COVID-19 remotely after that pregnancy.

Gender perspectives of the water, energy, land, and food security nexus in sub-Saharan Africa.

The water, energy, land and food (WELF) nexus has been touted as a cross-sectoral systems approach that presents an opportunity to address the grand challenges related to poverty, unemployment, inequality and climate change, especially in the global South. However, as with any other developmental approach, the WELF nexus needs to mainstream gender, which often lies at the heart of poverty, unemployment, and inequality in sub-Saharan Africa. Access to water, energy, land and food is gendered, and so are livelihood strategies and climate change responses. Inequitable access to these resources, gender inequalities, socio-economic vulnerability and cultural norms contribute to women's susceptibility to the impacts of climate change and limit their ability to harness opportunities arising from it. Reducing women's vulnerability to the impacts of climate change in SSA and improving equity in natural resource access and resource use efficiencies will require transformation of gender relations and the active participation of both men and women in decision-making processes. Moreover, policies and interventions that cater to the WELF nexus need be updated to be more gender-aware and sensitive, as this will also contribute to addressing Sustainable Development Goal 5, in addition to Goals 1, 2, 6, 7, and 15.