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Sex and Response to Cardioprotective Conditioning Maneuvers
Giulia Querio1, Federica Geddo1, Susanna Antoniotti1
1Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.
Insights
Ischemic heart disease (IHD) prevention is key, especially as younger individuals are increasingly affected. Sex hormones significantly influence the effectiveness of cardioprotective strategies, with women often showing better outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Endocrinology
- Pathophysiology
Background:
- Ischemic heart disease (IHD) is a major global health issue with increasing prevalence in younger populations.
- High morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs underscore the need for effective prevention and treatment strategies.
- Existing research indicates that sex-dependent responses play a critical role in the efficacy of cardioprotective interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review molecular pathways involved in cardioprotective protocols for ischemic heart disease.
- To elucidate the role of sexual hormones in modulating physiological responses to IHD.
- To understand how sex hormones may ameliorate or worsen outcomes in IHD patients.
Main Methods:
- Mini-review of existing scientific literature.
- Analysis of molecular mechanisms underlying cardioprotection.
- Examination of sex-dependent differences in response to cardiac insults.
Main Results:
- Sexual hormones significantly impact the effectiveness of cardioprotective interventions.
- Women appear to exhibit greater protection against cardiac insults compared to men.
- Specific molecular pathways influenced by sex hormones in IHD are identified.
Conclusions:
- Understanding sex hormone action is crucial for developing personalized cardioprotective strategies.
- Targeting sex hormone pathways may offer novel therapeutic avenues for ischemic heart disease.
- Further research is warranted to fully elucidate the complex interplay between sex hormones and IHD outcomes.
Abstract:
Ischemic heart disease (IHD) is a multifactorial pathological condition strictly related to genetic, dietary, and lifestyle factors. Its morbidity and mortality rate represent one of the most important pathological issues that today involve younger people in a stronger way than in the past. IHD clinical outcomes are difficult to treat and have a high economic impact on health care. So prevention of this pathological condition through cardioprotective maneuvers represents the first line of intervention, as already underlined by several animal and human studies. Even if the time of intervention is important to prevent severe outcomes, many studies highlight that sex-dependent responses are crucial for the result of cardioprotective procedures. In this scenario sexual hormones have revealed an important role in cardioprotective approach, as women seem to be more protected toward cardiac insults when compared to male counterparts. The aim of this mini review is to show the molecular pathways involved in cardioprotective protocols and to elucidate how sexual hormones can contribute in ameliorating or worsening the physiological responses to IHD.
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