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Sex ratio and rheumatic disease
1Barbara Volcker Center, Hospital for Special Surgery, Joan and Sanford I. Weill Medical College, Cornell University, 535 East 70th Street, New York, NY 10021, USA. lockshinm@hss.edu
Autoimmunity Reviews
|July 10, 2003
Summary
While some diseases show high female-to-male ratios, many autoimmune diseases do not. Alternative theories involving genetics and intrauterine factors may explain sex differences in disease incidence.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Immunology
- Genetics
Background:
- Certain diseases, including thyroid, rheumatic, and hepatic conditions, exhibit a higher prevalence in females.
- However, many autoimmune diseases do not follow this pattern, suggesting complex etiological factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the potential role of gonadal hormones in sex-specific disease incidence.
- To examine alternative theoretical explanations for observed sex differences in disease prevalence.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on sex ratios in various diseases.
- Analysis of theoretical models explaining sex differences in incidence.
Main Results:
- Gonadal hormones may influence sex ratios via threshold or permissive mechanisms.
- Other potential factors include X-inactivation, imprinting, sex chromosome modulators, and intrauterine influences.
Conclusions:
- The etiology of sex differences in disease incidence is multifactorial.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the precise mechanisms underlying these disparities.