Why women may face less severe COVID-19 symptoms than men decoded
Scientists have found a possible explanation for why men may have a greater risk than women for more severe symptoms and worse outcomes from COVID-19 regardless of age
Scientists have found a possible explanation for why men may have a greater risk than women for more severe symptoms and worse outcomes from COVID-19 regardless of age. The researchers from the Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in the US pointed to female sex hormone estrogen's role in lowering the level of angiotensin-converting enzyme2 (ACE2) in the heart, which may modulate the severity of COVID-19 in women.
The study, published in the journal Current Hypertension Reports, reviewed preclinical data on sex-specific hormone activity, especially estrogen.
"We know that coronavirus affects the heart and we know that estrogen is protective against cardiovascular disease in women, so the most likely explanation seemed to be hormonal differences between the sexes," said the lead author of the review, Leanne Groban, a professor at Wake Forest School of Medicine.
The researchers said the published literature indicated that ACE2, which is attached to cell membranes in the heart, arteries, kidneys and intestines, is the cellular receptor of the coronavirus responsible for COVID-19 infections, and helps bring the virus into the cells of those organ systems.
The review, they said, also pointed to estrogen's lowering the level of ACE2 in the heart, which may modulate the severity of COVID-19 in women.
Conversely, higher levels of ACE2 in tissues could account for why symptoms are worse in men than women, Groban said.
See Zee Business Live TV Streaming Below:
"We hope that our review regarding the role of estrogenic hormones in ACE2 expression and regulation may explain the gender differences in COVID-19 infection and outcomes, and serve as a guide for current treatment and the development of new therapies," Groban said.
Get Latest Business News, Stock Market Updates and Videos; Check your tax outgo through Income Tax Calculator and save money through our Personal Finance coverage. Check Business Breaking News Live on Zee Business Twitter and Facebook. Subscribe on YouTube.
RECOMMENDED STORIES
From 19,000 Monthly SIP to Rs 13 cr Retirement Corpus: How many years will it take to reach this target; by what age can one achieve this goal
Power of Compounding: Rule of 114; how much return you will get on Rs 2 lakh investment in 2, 5 and 8 years? See calculations
'Diwali Offer' Stocks by Anil Singhvi: These 2 largecap, 1 smallcap scrips can give up to 70% return - Check targets
05:11 PM IST