Molecular mechanisms of sex bias differences in COVID-19 mortality.
Yuchong LiMirjana JerkicArthur S SlutskyMirjana JerkicPublished in: Critical care (London, England) (2020)
More men than women have died from COVID-19. Genes encoded on X chromosomes, and sex hormones may explain the decreased fatality of COVID-19 in women. The angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 gene is located on X chromosomes. Men, with a single X chromosome, may lack the alternative mechanism for cellular protection after exposure to SARS-CoV-2. Some Toll-like receptors encoded on the X chromosomes can sense SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acids, leading to a stronger innate immunity response in women. Both estrogen and estrogen receptor-α contribute to T cell activation. Interventional approaches including estrogen-related compounds and androgen receptor antagonists may be considered in patients with COVID-19.
Keyphrases
- sars cov
- estrogen receptor
- polycystic ovary syndrome
- respiratory syndrome coronavirus
- coronavirus disease
- angiotensin converting enzyme
- pregnancy outcomes
- cervical cancer screening
- genome wide
- copy number
- cardiovascular events
- middle aged
- genome wide identification
- insulin resistance
- gene expression
- risk factors
- cardiovascular disease
- skeletal muscle