Unraveling Sex Differences in Kidney Health and CKD: A Review of the Effect of Sex Hormones

Overview

Journal Clin J Am Soc Nephrol

Specialty Nephrology

Date 2024 Dec 13

PMID 39671256

Authors

Sarah A van Eeghen

Natalie J Nokoff

Taryn G Vosters

Maartina J P Oosterom-Eijmael

Maartina Jp Oosterom

David Z I Cherney

Irene Gm van Valkengoed

Irene G M van Valkengoed

Ye Ji Choi

Laura Pyle

Petter Bjornstad

Martin den Heijer

Daniel H van Raalte

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Sexual dimorphism plays an important role in the pathogenesis and progression of CKD. Men with CKD often exhibit faster kidney function decline, leading to higher rates of kidney failure and mortality compared with women. Studies suggest that sex hormones may influence this apparent dimorphism, although the mechanisms underlying these influences remain poorly understood. In this review, we first summarize recent findings on sex differences in the prevalence and progression of CKD. Subsequently, we will focus on ( 1 ) the role of sex hormones in these sex differences, ( 2 ) kidney structural and hemodynamic differences between men and women, ( 3 ) the influence of sex hormones on pathophysiological processes leading to kidney disease, including glomerular hyperfiltration and key pathways involved in kidney inflammation and fibrosis, and finally, focus on the consequences of the underrepresentation of women in clinical trials. Understanding these sex differences is critical for advancing precision medicine and improving outcomes for both men and women with CKD.

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