Genetic Factors as the Basis of Sex Differences in Damage to Lung Endothelium and Regulation of Angiogenesis Cells in Modeling Pulmonary Emphysema in C57BL/6 Mice with Dyslipidemia and Hyperglycemia

Abstract

We studied the formation of injuries in lung endothelium and the response of angiogenesis cells during modeling of pulmonary emphysema in male and female C57BL/6 mice with metabolic disorders. Hemodynamic disturbances and reduction in the area of the microvasculature caused by combined pathology in male mice were more pronounced than in females. Mobilization and migration of angiogenic precursors were impaired in both male and female mice. In males, activity of recruiting endothelial progenitor cells, vascular smooth muscle cells, luminal cells of nascent vessels and pericytes into the lungs was additionally reduced. In females, accumulation of endothelial progenitor cells (CD45^—CD31⁺CD34⁺), vascular smooth muscle cells, and pericytes in the lungs was observed, which indicated activation of endothelial regeneration. Sex differences in the reaction of the lung endothelium and angiogenesis cells can be explained by genetic factors of lipid and glucose metabolism.