EDITORIAL article

Front. Cardiovasc. Med., 20 May 2024

Sec. Cardiovascular Pharmacology and Drug Discovery

Volume 11 - 2024 | https://doi.org/10.3389/fcvm.2024.1420293

Editorial: Sex differences and cardiovascular therapeutics

  • 1. Lemore Center for Integrated Lymphatics and Vascular Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States

  • 2. Centers of Metabolic Disease Research and Thrombosis Research Center, Departments of Cardiovascular Sciences, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States

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Editorial on the Research Topic Sex differences and cardiovascular therapeutics

Introduction

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide (1). Sex and gender as a biological variable, are crucial factors that impact every aspect of clinical and public health practice and research (24). In recent times, research investigating sex differences has gained more attention, partly benefit from federal agencies emphasizing the importance of considering sex as a significant biological factor (5). Within cardiovascular medicine, sex and gender affect disease presentation, pathophysiology, diagnostic assessment, responses to treatments, and overall health outcomes (6, 7). Historically, CVD has been perceived as primarily affecting men; however, it is increasingly recognized as a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in women as well (8). While men tend to develop CVD earlier in life, CVD prevalence increases significantly in postmenopausal women, narrowing the gap between the sexes (9). Men have traditionally experienced higher rates of CVD-related events, but women are more likely to die following an acute cardiovascular event (10). The existence of these gender disparities has prompted significant attention, highlighting the crucial significance of considering gender variations in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and overall management of CVD (11).

Traditional risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and smoking affect both sexes, but their impacts can vary between men and women (1214). Additionally, women may experience unique risk factors including pregnancy-related complications such as gestational diabetes and preeclampsia, as well as endocrine disorders in reproductive age such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and early menopause, which are associated with accelerated development of CVD and impaired CVD-free survival (1517). Biological differences include genetic differences, variation in sex hormonal status, vascular anatomy, endothelial function, and plaque composition, which contribute to differences in the pathophysiology of CVD between men and women (18, 19). Women showed less plaque inflammatory infiltration compared to plaques from age-matched men (2022). In addition, women often undergo fewer diagnostic tests and experience delays in diagnosis compared to men, leading to disparities in timely intervention and treatment (23). Despite accumulating evidence, the precise roles of biological sex and the sociocultural aspect of gender in the development and consequences of CVDs have not been fully explained. The interplay between sex-specific disparities in genetic and hormonal mechanisms and the intricate nature of gender, including its various components and influencing factors, which give rise to different disease patterns in men and women, requires further investigation.

The extents to which biological factors, such as genes and hormones, contribute to cardiovascular traits and outcomes are still not fully grasped. Heightened recognition of gender's impact has prompted endeavors to assess gender in both retrospective and prospective clinical studies, leading to the creation of gender scores. Yet, the combined or conflicting influences of sex and gender on cardiovascular characteristics, as well as on the mechanisms underlying CVDs, have not been systematically elucidated. The majority of medication are withdrawn after FDA approval due to unexpected adverse effects in women (24). Additionally, there are differences in the effectiveness and side effects of cardiovascular medications between men and women (25). Current guidelines do not provide sex-specific recommendations on the use of antithrombotic drugs in patients with coronary artery disease. Nevertheless, the effectiveness of antithrombotic medications might be impacted by genetic and biological factors associated to sex (26). Women generally exhibit greater platelet reactivity at baseline and in response to low-dose aspirin treatment in comparison to men (27). Despite receiving high-dose statin therapy following acute coronary syndrome, women showed a smaller absolute reduction in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) cholesterol levels compared to men (28). Understanding these sex differences is crucial for providing personalized and effective cardiovascular care. It requires including more women in clinical trials, analyzing data by sex, and considering sex-specific factors in treatment decisions. By doing so, healthcare providers can optimize outcomes and reduce disparities in cardiovascular care between men and women.

Sex hormones in CVD

Sex hormones, including estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, play significant roles in cardiovascular health and disease (29, 30). Estrogen, primarily found in premenopausal women, exerts cardioprotective effects (8, 29, 31). It helps maintain healthy blood vessel function by promoting vasodilation, reducing inflammation, and inhibiting the formation of atherosclerotic plaques. Estrogen also influences lipid metabolism, favoring higher levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and lower levels of LDL cholesterol, contributing to a reduced risk of CVDs such as heart attacks and strokes (32, 33).

The differences in estrogen levels between men and women, as well as the changes that occur during menopause, contribute to the variation in CVD occurrence between the sexes. Before menopause, women generally have higher levels of estrogen, potentially explaining their lower risk of CVD compared to men of the same age. However, after menopause, when estrogen levels decline, women's risk of CVD increases and may approach that of men (34). Progesterone, another female sex hormone, also plays a role in cardiovascular health, though its effects are less well understood compared to estrogen. Some research suggests that progesterone may have protective effects on the cardiovascular system, such as promoting vasodilation and inhibiting smooth muscle cell proliferation in blood vessels (35, 36).

Androgens, including testosterone and other male sex hormones, can influence cardiovascular health in both men and women. Low levels of testosterone in men have been associated with an increased risk of CVD, including coronary artery disease and heart failure (18). Testosterone influences factors such as blood pressure regulation, lipid metabolism, and the development of atherosclerosis. However, the relationship between testosterone levels and cardiovascular risk is complex, and both low and high levels of testosterone have been implicated in various cardiovascular conditions (33). In addition to testosterone, other androgens such as dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulfate (DHEAS) may also impact cardiovascular risk factors (18).

Overall, sex hormones play intricate roles in cardiovascular physiology and pathology. Understanding the interplay between sex hormones and cardiovascular health is essential for developing personalized approaches to preventing and managing CVDs.

Genetic factors that are specific to each sex and influence cardiovascular characteristics

Genetic factors play a significant role in cardiovascular characteristics, with some of these factors being specific to each sex (37). The presence of sex chromosomes (XX in females and XY in males) not only determines primary sexual characteristics but also influences cardiovascular health (38, 39). For instance, genes on the Y chromosome may impact cardiac function (40). Moreover, genetic variations in lipoprotein metabolism can influence the metabolism of lipoproteins differently in men and women (41, 42). For example, certain genetic variants may have a more pronounced effect on the levels of HDL cholesterol in women compared to men, or vice versa (43). Additionally, genes involved in blood pressure regulation may exhibit sex-specific effects. For instance, variations in genes related to the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) may influence blood pressure in varying ways between men and women (44). Understanding these sex-specific genetic factors is crucial for developing personalized approaches to cardiovascular disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. It underscores the importance of considering sex as a biological variable in cardiovascular research and clinical practice.

Our Research Topic: “Sex Differences and Cardiovascular Therapeutics,” featured twelve papers comprising original research papers and reviews (Table 1). These highlights offer a comprehensive perspective on gender-related differences in various CVDs, potential factors contributing to these distinctions, and management strategies. Collectively, these papers contribute to our understanding of sex differences in cardiovascular therapeutics and emphasize the importance of tailored approaches to prevention, diagnosis, and treatment based on gender-specific considerations.

Table 1

Paper title Summary References
Sex differences in the renin-angiotensin aldosterone system and its roles in hypertension, cardiovascular, and kidney diseases - Hypertension is less common in premenopausal women than in men. 1. Animal studies have demonstrated that females have greater nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability than males due to a higher capacity for generating NO in women, while increased oxidative stress in men leads to endothelial dysfunction and activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). 2. The RAAS is regulated by estrogen, which binds to estrogen receptor-α (ER-α) expressed in the vascular endothelium, promoting endothelial repair, vasodilation, and NO production. 3. Estrogen can modify RAAS activity by controlling the expression of key substrates, enzymes, receptors, and protein synthesis. 4. Estrogen has antihypertensive effects by upregulating substrates and enzymes in counter-regulatory RAAS pathways, such as increased expression of ACE2 and activation of the MAS receptor and Ang III/AT2 receptor. - Compared to men, women with high blood pressure had a higher risk for adverse cardiac events. - Women had worse blood pressure control rates compared to men (SPRINT trial). - There is an increased prevalence of adverse drug reactions in females due to increased drug bioavailability. Nwia et al.
Sex differences in patterns of referral and resource utilization in the cardiology clinic: an outpatient analysis There were higher referral rates of women compared to men from primary care due to palpitations in women (n = 676; 19.2%) and ECG abnormalities in men (n = 570; 23.2%). Additionally, compared to men, women were older. Women also had fewer cardiology hospitalizations and a lower mortality rate. Moreover, women under 65 years old had more admission to the emergency rooms. Vicent et al.
Association of sex with post-arrest care and outcomes after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest of initial shockable rhythm: a nationwide cohort study Compared to men, women were older. There were no significant differences observed in survival outcomes between males and females. Additionally, there was no significant difference noted between male and female patients who received in-hospital interventions such as extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation or targeted temperature management. Hosomi et al.
Sex-specific association of low-renin hypertension with metabolic and musculoskeletal health in Korean older adults In postmenopausal women, low-renin hypertension was associated to a lower femur neck T-score and a deteriorated trabecular bone score, indicating an increased risk of osteoporosis and subsequent fracture. Lee et al.
Oxidative stress and inflammation distinctly drive molecular mechanisms of diastolic dysfunction and remodeling in female and male heart failure with preserved ejection fraction rats Ren-2 male transgenic (TG) rats exhibited cardiac enlargement, left ventricular hypertrophy, left ventricle diastolic dysfunction, and hypertension compared to female TG rats. Both males and females displayed high levels of proinflammatory cytokines, along with significant alterations in apoptotic and autophagy pathways. Zhazykbayeva et al.
Sex differences in long QT syndrome There is a higher incidence of Long QT Syndrome (LQTS), with malignant arrhythmias being associated with female sex during postpartum, menopausal, and perimenopausal due to sex hormone differences. Women with LQTS show a higher risk of ventricular tachycardia and sudden cardiac death in comparison to the relatively low risk during pregnancy. Díez-Escuté et al.
Diabetes and heart failure associations in women and men Results from the MORGAM consortium Men have a greater absolute risk of heart failure than women regardless of diabetes status. Additionally, there are no sex-specific differences in the relative risk of heart failure between diabetic men and women. Chadalavada et al.
The role of the pregnancy heart team in clinical practice There are increased maternal mortality and morbidity rates in pregnant women with cardiovascular diseases. Peripartum cardiomyopathy and pre-existing cardiovascular diseases are the leading causes of heart failure during pregnancy. The prevalence of acute myocardial infarction associated with pregnancy also increases during pregnancy. Furthermore, there is an increased risk of corrected congenital heart disease, valvular heart diseases, and cardiomyopathies during pregnancy. Lucà et al.
The emerging role of estrogen's non-nuclear signaling in the cardiovascular disease Estrogen protects against vascular injury, suppress neointima hyperplasia, and reduces the development of atherosclerosis. Additionally, estrogen suppresses metabolic disorders and reduces pressure overload-induced cardiac hypertrophy. Tokiwa et al.
Sex differences in coronary artery bypass grafting-related morbidity and mortality CABG in women exhibited a stronger correlation with elevated risks of diseases such as hypertension, type 1 diabetes, diabetic retinopathy, Alzheimer's disease, aortic aneurysms, gout, and chronic kidney disease compared to the risk increases noted in men. Additionally, there was an increased risk of cardiac death after CABG in women compared to men. Nurkkala et al.
Sex difference and outcome trends following transcatheter aortic valve replacement Men exhibited markedly higher prevalence rates of hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus, chronic renal disease, peripheral artery disease, and coronary artery disease. Men showed a higher prevalence of previous cardiac interventions, including prior percutaneous coronary intervention, and a greater frequency of prior device implantation. Women demonstrated elevated in-hospital mortality rates. Additionally, women exhibited significantly higher rates of pericardial, cardiac, pulmonary, hemorrhagic, vascular, and neurological complications. Conversely, men had higher rates of acute renal failure, device-related mechanical complications, and pacemaker implantation. Elbaz-Greener et al.
Cardiovascular sex-differences: insights via physiology-based modeling and potential for noninvasive sensing via ballistocardiography On average, the size of the female heart is approximately one-fourth smaller than that of the male heart. In women, the Left Ventricle (LV) is typically smaller than in men, resulting in lower end-diastolic volume (EDV) and end-systolic volume (ESV), as well as smaller stroke volume (SV). LV ejection fraction (EF) is higher in women than in men. Additionally, women exhibit a smaller size and higher contractility of the Right Ventricle (RV), leading to lower EDV, SV, ESV, and cardiac output (CO) compared to men. Vessel diameters and lengths tend to be smaller in females when compared to males. Zaid et al.

Twelve highly viewed research papers, published in our special topic entitled “Sex differences and cardiovascular therapeutics”, are summarized.

Conclusion

Sex differences play a significant role in the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, management, and outcomes of cardiovascular diseases. Recognizing these differences and implementing sex-specific approaches in research, clinical practice, and public health initiatives are essential for reducing disparities and improving cardiovascular outcomes for both men and women. While the differences between sexes in the occurrence and complications of CVDs are widely acknowledged, there are relatively limited data in both clinical and pre-clinical studies that adequately explore the underlying mechanisms regarding sex as a biological variable in CVDs.

Statements

Author contributions

FS: Conceptualization, Data curation, Formal Analysis, Investigation, Methodology, Validation, Writing – original draft. KX: Conceptualization, Writing – review & editing. YL: Conceptualization, Writing – review & editing. YS: Conceptualization, Writing – review & editing. XJ: Conceptualization, Writing – review & editing. HW: Conceptualization, Writing – review & editing. XY: Conceptualization, Funding acquisition, Supervision, Formal Analysis, Visualization, Writing – review & editing.

Funding

The author(s) declare financial support was received for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

XY is funded by NIH grants (R01 HL163570-01A1 and 1R01HL147565-01).

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

The author(s) declared that they were an editorial board member of Frontiers, at the time of submission. This had no impact on the peer review process and the final decision.

Publisher’s note

All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article, or claim that may be made by its manufacturer, is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.

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Summary

Keywords

cardiovascular diseases, sex difference, sex hormones, genetic factors, therapeutics

Citation

Saaoud F, Xu K, Lu Y, Shao Y, Jiang X, Wang H and Yang X (2024) Editorial: Sex differences and cardiovascular therapeutics. Front. Cardiovasc. Med. 11:1420293. doi: 10.3389/fcvm.2024.1420293

Received

19 April 2024

Accepted

03 May 2024

Published

20 May 2024

Volume

11 - 2024

Edited and reviewed by

Masanori Aikawa, Harvard Medical School, United States

Updates

Copyright

* Correspondence: Xiaofeng Yang

Disclaimer

All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.

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