Preclinical models in the study of sex differences

Area of Science:

• Biology of Sex Differences
• Gender Medicine
• Pathophysiology

Background:

• Gender medicine examines sex and gender impacts on human health.
• Sex and gender differences in disease pathophysiology and clinical management are often neglected.
• Cardiovascular diseases (CVD), neurodegenerative disorders, immune diseases, and tumors are common examples.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current state of research on sex differences in disease.
• To highlight the need for improved preclinical models that account for sex disparities.
• To provide examples in oncology, neurology, and CVD.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on sex differences in preclinical studies.
• Analysis of paradigmatic examples in key research fields.
• Discussion of the importance of in vitro and in vivo approaches.

Main Results:

• Preclinical studies frequently overlook sex differences.
• In vitro and in vivo studies are crucial for drug development and understanding disease mechanisms.
• Current preclinical models require enhancement to address sex disparities.

Conclusions:

• Integrating sex as a biological determinant is essential for advancing medical research.
• Improved preclinical models are necessary for developing targeted and effective therapeutic strategies.
• Further research is needed to fully understand and address sex differences in various diseases.