Sex-Specific Differences in Kidney Function and Blood Pressure Regulation

Int J Mol Sci. 2024 Aug 8;25(16):8637. doi: 10.3390/ijms25168637.

Abstract

Premenopausal women generally exhibit lower blood pressure and a lower prevalence of hypertension than men of the same age, but these differences reverse postmenopause due to estrogen withdrawal. Sexual dimorphism has been described in different components of kidney physiology and pathophysiology, including the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, endothelin system, and tubular transporters. This review explores the sex-specific differences in kidney function and blood pressure regulation. Understanding these differences provides insights into potential therapeutic targets for managing hypertension and kidney diseases, considering the patient's sex and hormonal status.

Keywords: RAS; androgen; endothelin system; estrogen; sex.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Blood Pressure* / physiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypertension* / metabolism
  • Hypertension* / physiopathology
  • Kidney* / metabolism
  • Male
  • Renin-Angiotensin System* / physiology
  • Sex Characteristics*
  • Sex Factors

Grants and funding

This research received no external funding.