Sex-Specific Cardiovascular Comorbidities with Associations in Dermatologic and Rheumatic Disorders

Abstract

Cardiology, dermatology, and rheumatology form a fascinating triad. Many skin and joint disorders are associated with cardiovascular comorbidities because they share etiologic elements. Female predominance is often remarkable and likely related to autoimmune pathology. Although studies have shown that X-encoded genes may be involved in the differences in immunity between males and females, other studies have also shown that sex chromosomes are irrelevant and that estrogens and androgens are responsible for the differences. The elevated immune activity in females provides a beneficial position in coping with a pathogenic stimulus but may also enhance their susceptibility to autoimmunity. The complexity of the immune system and its role as a defensive force against infection requires an armamentarium to precisely identify and selectively control inflammatory processes or cells which promote atherosclerosis. On the other hand, the inflammation in skin diseases seems to be an active source of diverse proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines which can predispose to cardiovascular comorbidities. Also, it has been shown that comorbidity disproportionately accelerates risk in women.The skin offers a readily available window to facilitate detection of risk factors or even to assist the diagnostic process regarding a variety of disorders, including those with cardiovascular involvement. Current imaging techniques provide exquisite capabilities for diagnosing and possibly even counteracting atherosclerotic plaque formation, before serious cardiovascular events occur. Combining imaging approaches (such as videocapillaroscopy, intravascular ultrasound, and FDG positron emission tomography) with insights based on immunology will likely accelerate advances in this area.We review major dermatologic manifestations and rheumatologic disorders which are associated with cardiac and vascular abnormalities. In particular we discuss sex-specific aspects concerning incidence and severity of cardiovascular disease associated with systemic sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and hidradenitis suppurativa.

Sex-related differences in postoperative complications following elective craniotomy for intracranial lesions: An observational study

“…Only allergies and muscular and rheumatic disorders were more frequent in females, as in previous reports. [23][24][25] Furthermore, males had a trend for more alcohol dependence, as previously reported in other settings than elective neurosurgery. [26] Concerning the histological nature of the intracranial lesions, meningioma was the most frequent diagnosis and occurred with a striking sex disparity.…”

“…Only allergies and muscular and rheumatic disorders were more frequent in females, as in previous reports. [23–25] Furthermore, males had a trend for more alcohol dependence, as previously reported in other settings than elective neurosurgery. [26]…”

Cardiovascular risk factors and confounders in severe atopic dermatitis: a scoping review

“…It has also been observed that inflammation in skin diseases seems to be an active source of several pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines that may predispose patients to CV comorbidities. (Kerkhof & Khamaganova, 2018) Inflammation is known to play a central role in CVD. In the inflammatory cascade, a macromolecular structure called the "inflammasome" stands out.…”