Gender issues in cardiovascular diseases. Focus on energy metabolism

Publication date: Available online 11 February 2020Source: Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Molecular Basis of DiseaseAuthor(s): R. Ventura-Clapier, J. Piquereau, A. Garnier, M. Mericskay, C. Lemaire, B. CrozatierAbstractIt is increasingly recognized that sex and gender differences (S&G) influence cardiovascular diseases (CVD), greatly impacting disease management. In terms of definition, sex refers to biological aspects, gender effects being mainly related to socio-cultural factors. Both sex and gender are interpenetrated in humans and difficult to separate. This is more clearly feasible in animal models were sex effects largely predominate. As alterations in energy metabolism are essential features of cardiovascular diseases, sexual dimorphism of energy metabolism and more specifically mitochondria occupies a place of choice. This review presents the basis of sex and gender differences in the cardiovascular pathophysiology, and how it mainly affects woman diseases, effectiveness of therapies and clinical outcome. These differences rely on complex molecular mechanisms that are still poorly understood because of the under-representation of females/women in experimental and clinical studies. Finally, the differing psychological and biological phases of woman's life are largely underestimated. This review presents an overview of the field with focus on differences in cardiac energy metabolism, which are illustrated with specific examples.Graphical abstract
Source: Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) Molecular Basis of Disease - Category: Molecular Biology Source Type: research