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Sex Differences and COVID-19

Natalie Thomas1,2, Caroline Gurvich3, Jayashri Kulkarni3

  • 1Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia. natalie.thomas@unimelb.edu.au.

Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology
|July 19, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Males face higher COVID-19 risks due to biological sex differences impacting key body systems. Understanding these sex-based disparities is crucial for developing effective COVID-19 treatments and vaccines.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Endocrinology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Biological sex and gender influence disease outcomes, including COVID-19.
  • Males exhibit higher risks for severe COVID-19 outcomes compared to females.
  • Existing evidence suggests sex-based differences in endocrine, immune, and renin-angiotensin systems are implicated in COVID-19.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the sex and gender-based disparities in COVID-19 outcomes.
  • To investigate the role of sex chromosomes and hormones in COVID-19 pathobiology.
  • To identify potential therapeutic targets and enhance vaccine strategies for COVID-19.

Main Methods:

  • Review of clinical observations and patient data for COVID-19 outcomes.
  • Analysis of sex-based differences in endocrine, immune, and renin-angiotensin systems.
  • Examination of genetic sex-based factors influencing SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Main Results:

  • Males are at a higher risk for poorer COVID-19 disease outcomes.
  • Sex chromosomes and sex hormones likely drive observed sex-based disparities.
  • Differences in key physiological systems contribute to varied COVID-19 responses.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding sex-based differences in endocrine, immune, and renin-angiotensin systems is critical for COVID-19 research.
  • Exploiting these factors can lead to novel therapies and improved vaccine efficacy.
  • Sex-specific approaches are necessary for managing and preventing severe COVID-19.

Keywords:
ACE inhibitorsCOVID-19Immune systemPregnancyRenin–angiotensin systemSex differencesSex hormones

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