Testosterone-induced perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) dysfunction in an experimental model of gender-affirming hormone therapy

• Grant number: 23/13927-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Program to Stimulate Scientific Vocations
• Start date: January 11, 2024
• End date: March 01, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Pharmacology - Cardiorenal Pharmacology
• Principal Investigator: Rita de Cassia Aleixo Tostes Passaglia
• Grantee: Gabriel Jackson Lima Leite
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto (FMRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Testosterone is used in the gender transition process by transmasculine people and, although considered safe, may increase cardiovascular risk for this population. In pathophysiological contexts, testosterone exerts deleterious effects in the cardiovascular system, but its effects on PVAT, especially in the gender-affirming hormone therapy, are not known. Considering that immune system cells are found in the PVAT and are involved in the dysfunction of this tissue in diseases such as hypertension and obesity, the hypothesis of our study is that the treatment of female mice with testosterone - an experimental model of hormoneization - induces PVAT dysfunction by increased infiltration of CD4+ T lymphocytes. We will evaluate the participation of CD4+ T lymphocytes in the inflammatory process associated with testosterone-induced PVAT dysfunction. Morphofunctional parameters of PVAT will be evaluated using histological techniques in female mice after treatment with vehicle or testosterone (48 mg.Kg-1.week-1). In WT females, serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines will be measured, and the profile of immune cells in cardiac tissue will be evaluated by ELISA and flow cytometry, respectively. (AU)