Sex as a biological variable for cardiovascular physiology

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Physiology
• Sex and Gender in Medicine

Background:

• Ongoing efforts since the 1990s to integrate sex/gender into cardiovascular research.
• Scientific journals are key change agents for advancing research standards.
• The American Journal of Physiology-Heart and Circulatory Physiology launched a call for papers on Sex as a Biological Variable.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize major themes from a collection of 78 articles on sex as a biological variable in cardiovascular research.
• To review current understanding of sex and gender influences on cardiovascular physiology and pathophysiology.
• To provide insights into future research directions.

Main Methods:

• Review of 78 articles published in a special collection.
• Thematic analysis of research covering various aspects of cardiovascular physiology and pathophysiology.
• Focus on rigor, reproducibility, and study design in cardiovascular research.

Main Results:

• The collection covered diverse themes: endothelial/vascular physiology, immunity/inflammation, metabolism, extracellular matrix, neurohormonal signaling, and clinical/epidemiology.
• Articles emphasized the importance of sex as a biological variable.
• Key physiological measurements and study designs were addressed for rigor and reproducibility.

Conclusions:

• The collection successfully advanced the understanding of sex and gender influences in cardiovascular research.
• There is a need for continued focus on sex as a biological variable in cardiovascular physiology and pathophysiology.
• Future research should build upon these findings to further elucidate sex- and gender-specific cardiovascular health and disease mechanisms.