Sex-Related Differences in the Pharmacological Response in SARS-CoV-2 Infection, Dyslipidemia, and Diabetes Mellitus: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Pharmacological responses vary by sex in several illnesses. This narrative review summarizes sex variations in pharmaceutical response in SARS-CoV-2 infection, dyslipidemia, and diabetes mellitus. Infection with SARS-CoV-2 is more severe and deadly in men than women. This may be attributed to immunological responses, genetics, and hormones. Some research shows that men may respond better to genomic vaccinations and females to antiviral medications such as remdesivir (Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech). In dyslipidemia, women tend to have greater HDL-C and lower LDL-C than men. Some studies show that females may need lower statin dosages than men to obtain equal LDL-C reductions. Ezetimibe co-administered with a statin significantly improved lipid profile indicators in men compared to women. Statins reduce dementia risk. Atorvastatin decreased dementia risk in males (adjusted HR 0.92, 95% CI 0.88–0.97), whereas lovastatin lowered dementia risk in women (HR 0.74, 95% CI 0.58–0.95). In diabetes mellitus, evidence suggests that females may have a higher risk of developing certain complications such as diabetic retinopathy and neuropathy, despite having lower rates of cardiovascular disease than males. This could be the result of differences in hormonal influences and genetic factors. Some research shows females may respond better to oral hypoglycemic medications such as metformin. In conclusion, sex-related differences in pharmacological response have been observed in SARS-CoV-2 infection, dyslipidemia, and diabetes mellitus. Further research is needed to better understand these differences and to develop personalized treatment strategies for males and females with these conditions.

An Exploratory Assessment of Pre-Treatment Inflammatory Profiles in Gastric Cancer Patients

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“…Considering that this study included the period of the pandemic, additional inclusion criteria were devised to ensure a comprehensive evaluation. It is well known that active infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus significantly impacts the prognosis and post-operative course of patients with lung cancer [ 8 , 9 , 10 ]. Therefore, since this study focuses on the pandemic’s impact on the management of these patients, rather than the direct consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection, patients who had a prior infection with this virus before surgery or during hospitalization were excluded from this study.…”

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“…Considering that this extended period included an unprecedented crisis in recent history, namely the COVID-19 pandemic, patients undergoing surgical treatment during this period were required to meet additional inclusion criteria. Due to the significant impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on the inflammatory status of patients [ 23 , 24 ], patients with a history of positive COVID-19 prior to hospitalization or who developed this infection during hospitalization were excluded. Moreover, the presence of specific symptoms of this pathology upon admission or within 7 days prior to admission was considered an exclusion criterion.…”