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The effect of estrogen in coronavirus disease 2019
Qing Ma1, Zhuo-Wen Hao1, Yan-Feng Wang1
1Institute of Hepatobiliary Diseases of Wuhan University, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
Insights
Men face higher COVID-19 risks and worse outcomes due to sex-based immune differences. Estrogen plays a key role in female immune responses to the virus, influencing disease severity and pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Sex disparities exist in COVID-19 outcomes, with males experiencing higher risks and mortality.
- While lifestyle and comorbidities contribute, distinct immune system responses between sexes are critical in infectious diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the influence of estrogen on immune system regulation in the context of COVID-19.
- To elucidate the mechanisms by which estrogen affects COVID-19 pathogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on sex differences in immune response to viral infections.
- Analysis of studies investigating estrogen's role in modulating innate and adaptive immunity.
Main Results:
- Females generally exhibit more robust innate and adaptive immune responses to viral infections, including COVID-19.
- Estrogen demonstrates a regulatory effect on immune responses, potentially contributing to observed sex-based differences in COVID-19 outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Sex differences in immune function, particularly the role of estrogen, are significant factors in COVID-19 pathogenesis.
- Understanding estrogen's mechanisms is crucial for developing sex-specific therapeutic strategies for COVID-19.
Abstract:
The outcomes of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vary between men and women. Some statistical reports have shown that men have a higher risk of developing COVID-19 and suffer from worse outcomes than females. Although there are many factors that can explain the high prevalence of COVID-19 in men, such as lifestyle habits and the different profile of comorbidities among sexes, the distinctions between male and female immune systems cannot be ignored. It has been sufficiently shown that sex differences have a critical influence on the shaping of immune response, which then leads to different pathogenesis in infectious diseases. Compared with males, females typically have a more effective innate and adaptive immune response to viral infections in COVID-19. What's more, there is a growing body of evidence showing that estrogen exerts an effect on the regulation of immune response. This article examines the effect and mechanism of estrogen on COVID-19.
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