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Sex-related differences in diabetic kidney disease: A review on the mechanisms and potential therapeutic implications

Federica Piani1, Isabella Melena2, Kalie L Tommerdahl3

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Section of Endocrinology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA; Department of Medicine and Surgery Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy; Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA.

Journal of Diabetes and Its Complications
|January 11, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Sexual dimorphism significantly impacts diabetic kidney disease (DKD) progression and treatment response in men and women. Understanding these sex-based differences is crucial for developing effective, personalized therapies for DKD.

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Endocrinology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) exhibits varying phenotypes and progression rates between sexes.
  • Sex-based biological differences are increasingly recognized as critical factors in DKD pathogenesis.
  • Current understanding of DKD often overlooks the role of sexual dimorphism, potentially leading to suboptimal clinical outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the influence of sexual dimorphism on the metabolic and molecular mechanisms of DKD.
  • To explore the implications of sex-based differences for therapeutic interventions in DKD.
  • To highlight the importance of considering sexual dimorphism for advancing precision medicine in DKD.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies investigating sex differences in DKD.
  • Analysis of metabolic and molecular pathways affected by sexual dimorphism in DKD.
  • Synthesis of current evidence on sex-specific responses to DKD therapies.

Main Results:

  • Sexual dimorphism affects DKD pathogenesis through distinct metabolic and molecular pathways in males and females.
  • Differences in disease phenotypes, treatment responses, and progression are observed between sexes.
  • Current therapeutic strategies may not be optimized due to a lack of sex-specific considerations.

Conclusions:

  • Acknowledging sexual dimorphism is essential for accurate DKD diagnosis and effective treatment.
  • Understanding sex-based mechanisms in DKD can reveal novel, sex-specific therapeutic targets.
  • Integrating insights into sexual dimorphism will facilitate the development of precision medicine approaches for DKD.
Keywords:
Diabetic kidney diseaseDiabetic nephropathySex-related differencesSexual dimorphism

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