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Endothelial Dysfunction in Sex-Specific Disparities in Cardiovascular Diseases: Biological Mechanisms,
Canran Lv1,2,3,4, Chu Chen1,2,3,4, Cuiyuan Huang2,3,4
1Department of Cardiology, The First College of Clinical Medical Science, China Three Gorges University & Yichang Central People's Hospital Yichang, 443000 Yichang, Hubei, China.
Insights
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) outcomes differ by sex due to endothelial dysfunction. This study links molecular insights to therapies, sex-adjusted diagnostics, and trial reforms for precision cardiology.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular research
- Endocrinology
- Precision medicine
Background:
- Sex-specific disparities exist in cardiovascular disease (CVD) pathogenesis and outcomes.
- Endothelial dysfunction is a key mediator of sex differences in CVD.
- Estrogen offers cardioprotection, while androgens can promote inflammation and oxidative stress.
Purpose of the Study:
- To bridge molecular insights with translational strategies for CVD.
- To propose endothelial-targeted therapies and sex-adjusted diagnostic algorithms.
- To advocate for policy-driven reforms in clinical trials for precision cardiology.
Main Methods:
- Review of molecular mechanisms underlying sex-specific endothelial dysfunction.
- Analysis of clinical presentations and diagnostic challenges in men versus women.
- Synthesis of translational approaches for sex-specific CVD management.
Main Results:
- Men typically develop obstructive coronary disease, while women often present with microvascular ischemia.
- Sex-specific risk factors and treatment disparities persist in CVD.
- Estrogen's protective role contrasts with androgens' dual pathological effects.
Conclusions:
- Prioritizing endothelial-sex hormone crosstalk is crucial for understanding CVD pathophysiology.
- Sex-stratified diagnostics and therapeutics are needed to advance precision cardiology.
- Reforming clinical trials is essential to address sex-based gaps in CVD care.
Abstract:
Sex-specific disparities in the pathogenesis and outcomes of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) highlight critical gaps in current clinical paradigms, particularly regarding endothelial dysfunction as a pivotal mediator of such differences. Males have a higher incidence of atherosclerosis-related CVD, while postmenopausal females experience microvascular dysfunction due to estrogen loss and androgen dominance. Estrogen confers cardioprotective effects via nitric oxide (NO)-mediated vasodilation and antioxidant pathways. In contrast, androgens exert dual pathological effects by promoting inflammation and oxidative stress in a concentration-dependent manner. Clinically, men develop obstructive coronary disease, whereas women present with underdiagnosed microvascular ischemia due to sex-neutral thresholds. Sex-specific risks (e.g., smoking/diabetes in women) and treatment disparities persist in CVDs, meaning sex-stratified diagnostics/therapeutics and trial reforms are needed to advance precision cardiology. Unlike traditional reviews that focus on mechanisms, this study aims to link molecular insights with translational strategies by proposing endothelial-targeted therapies, sex-adjusted diagnostic algorithms, and policy-driven trial reforms. By prioritizing the endothelial-sex hormone crosstalk as the nexus of pathophysiology and clinical translation, this synthesis advances precision cardiology beyond conventional symptom-focused paradigms.
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