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Unraveling the Molecular Impact of Sex and Gender on Disease Progression: An In-Depth Exploration

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Pathology, Diagnostics, and Therapeutics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 November 2023) | Viewed by 1604

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Experimental Nephrology Lab, Institut d’Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge-IDIBELL, C/ Feixa Llarga s/n, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08907 Barcelona, Spain
Interests: molecular medicine; predictive medicine; personalized medicine; inflammation; ncRNAs
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

It is known that women exhibit a lower susceptibility to certain diseases, particularly chronic conditions such as cardiovascular or kidney diseases, and their progression tends to be slower. While it is important to differentiate between sex and gender as separate concepts, their influence is often linked. However, the underlying mechanisms explaining these differences are not yet fully understood. One potential explanation is related with the differential responsiveness to Ang2, where sex-associated variations in the components and regulation of the renin–angiotensin system (RAS) have been observed. Notably, several cardiovascular studies have indicated that women exhibit reduced sensitivity to angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition compared to men. In addition, it is crucial to acknowledge that women often assume the role of primary caregivers and may be more inclined to delay prevention and treatment for chronic conditions.

Consequently, this Special Issue aims to provide molecular-level insights into understanding and addressing the disparities in disease susceptibility, progression and treatment response. We welcome research submissions at the molecular level, including comprehensive reviews and original research papers. We encourage researchers to present practical insights, novel methodologies and evidence-based recommendations that can guide clinical practice and policy development. In line with the journal’s mission—IJMS is a journal of molecular science—pure clinical studies will not be suitable but clinical submissions with biomolecular experiments are welcomed.

Dr. Miguel Hueso
Dr. Estanislao Navarro
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Molecular Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

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Keywords

  • personalized medicine
  • sex
  • gender

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

15 pages, 3366 KiB  
Article
Sex Differences in Glomerular Lesions, in Atherosclerosis Progression, and in the Response to Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors in the ApoE−/− Mice Model
by Adrián Mallén, Ronny Rodriguez-Urquia, Rafael Alvarez, Eduard Dorca-Duch, Estanis Navarro and Miguel Hueso
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(17), 13442; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241713442 - 30 Aug 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1266
Abstract
This study analyzes sex-based differences in renal structure and the response to the Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibitor enalapril in a mouse model of atherosclerosis. Eight weeks old ApoE−/− mice received enalapril (5 mg/kg/day, subcutaneous) or PBS (control) for an additional 14 weeks. [...] Read more.
This study analyzes sex-based differences in renal structure and the response to the Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibitor enalapril in a mouse model of atherosclerosis. Eight weeks old ApoE−/− mice received enalapril (5 mg/kg/day, subcutaneous) or PBS (control) for an additional 14 weeks. Each group consisted of six males and six females. Females exhibited elevated LDL-cholesterol levels, while males presented higher creatinine levels and proteinuria. Enalapril effectively reduced blood pressure in both groups, but proteinuria decreased significantly only in females. Plaque size analysis and assessment of kidney inflammation revealed no significant sex-based differences. However, males displayed more severe glomerular injury, with increased mesangial expansion, mesangiolysis, glomerular foam cells, and activated parietal epithelial cells (PECs). Enalapril mitigated mesangial expansion, glomerular inflammation (particularly in the female group), and hypertrophy of the PECs in males. This study demonstrates sex-based differences in the response to enalapril in a mouse model of atherosclerosis. Males exhibited more severe glomerular injury, while enalapril provided renal protection, particularly in females. These findings suggest potential sex-specific considerations for ACE inhibitor therapy in chronic kidney disease and atherosclerosis cardiovascular disease. Further research is needed to elucidate the underlying mechanism behind these observations. Full article
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