Gender Influence on XOR Activities and Related Pathologies: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Taking into account the patient’s gender is the first step towards more precise and egalitarian medicine. The gender-related divergences observed in purine catabolism and their pathological consequences are good examples of gender medicine differences. Uric acid is produced by the activity of xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR). The serum levels of both XOR activity and uric acid differ physiologically between the genders, being higher in men than in women. Their higher levels have been associated with gout and hypertension, as well as with vascular, cardiac, renal, and metabolic diseases. The present review analyzes the gender-related differences in these pathological conditions in relation to increases in the serum levels of XOR and/or uric acid and the opportunity for gender-driven pharmacological treatment.

Emerging Roles of Xanthine Oxidoreductase in Chronic Kidney Disease

“…In conclusion, XOR activity is complex in health and dysregulation can be induced by a myriad of environmental factors, such as diet, heat, toxic exposure(s), or diseases, or aging. It is important to note that there are sex differences in the expression of XOR in humans and animal models [ 220 , 221 , 222 ]. The sex-based differences can influence XOR expression and activity potentially leading to higher susceptibility to chronic diseases [ 221 , 223 ].…”

“…It is important to note that there are sex differences in the expression of XOR in humans and animal models [ 220 , 221 , 222 ]. The sex-based differences can influence XOR expression and activity potentially leading to higher susceptibility to chronic diseases [ 221 , 223 ]. Considering XOR in CKD, there are promising results from current therapeutics at alleviating some key factors involved in CKD pathogenesis; however, to avoid off-target effects novel therapeutics should be more thoroughly investigated for clinical potential.…”

“…pression and activity potentially leading to higher susceptibility to chronic diseases [221,223]. Considering XOR in CKD, there are promising results from current therapeutics at alleviating some key factors involved in CKD pathogenesis; however, to avoid off-target effects novel therapeutics should be more thoroughly investigated for clinical potential.…”