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Do microglia play a role in sex differences in TBI?
Henry W Caplan1, Charles S Cox1, Supinder S Bedi1
1Department of Pediatric Surgery, University of Texas Medical School at Houston, Houston, Texas.
Journal of Neuroscience Research
|November 22, 2016
Summary
Sex differences in traumatic brain injury (TBI) are likely, but current research is contradictory. More studies are needed to understand the role of microglia and sex hormones in TBI pathophysiology.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Trauma Research
Background:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a significant cause of death and disability.
- Males experience higher TBI mortality rates than females, yet are overrepresented in research.
- Sex differences in neurological disorders suggest similar disparities in TBI.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the existing literature on sex differences in TBI.
- To investigate the role of microglia and sex hormones in TBI pathophysiology.
- To highlight the need for further research into sex-based TBI disparities.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of preclinical and clinical studies on TBI.
- Analysis of studies examining sex differences in TBI.
- Focus on the role of microglia and sex hormones in TBI.
Main Results:
- Evidence suggests potential sex differences in TBI exist.
- Most animal studies on microglia and TBI have focused on male subjects.
- Existing literature on sex hormones and TBI yields contradictory conclusions.
Conclusions:
- Sex differences in TBI are likely but require further investigation.
- The role of microglia in TBI may be sexually dimorphic.
- Definitive conclusions on sex differences in TBI cannot be drawn due to inconsistent evidence.
