Differential sex-dependent responses of circulating steroid hormones and cortical gene expression in a traumatic brain injury model
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Accumulating evidence supports sex differences in traumatic brain injury (TBI) outcomes. However, the underlying processes that lead to sex differences are not well understood. TBI results in the initiation of molecular and cellular responses that facilitate the progression of neurodegeneration. Little is known about how the circulating hormone profile is altered in response to TBI and whether sex differences in endocrine responses might shape secondary injury pathologies. Using intact male and female mice in a preclinical TBI model, we assessed changes in plasma hormone concentrations and cortical gene expression at 24 and 72 hours after TBI. We demonstrate that males and females exhibit sex-specific alterations in circulating levels of testosterone, androstenedione, estradiol, and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in response to TBI. We also identified sex differences in the expression of genes that are involved in immune responses and tissue remodeling after injury. Moreover, we report divergent circulating hormone and gene expression correlations between sexes.
Source: Science Advances
Language: English
Subfield: Clinical Neurology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $4,500
Awards: Functions of ERK/MAPK Signaling in GABAergic Circuit Development, Molecular Tool Development to Identify, Isolate, and Interrogate the Rod Microglia Phenotype in Neurological Disease and Injury, Exploiting sex-dependent brain injury response for nanoparticle therapeutics, Defining cellular states of quiescence in human brain tumors, Elucidating the Role of Perivascular Niche in Glioblastoma Invasion and Therapeutic Resistance at Single Cell Resolution using Biomimetic Tumor Microenvironment Models
OpenAlex ID: W7223093065