Biological Differences in Asthma Manifestation Between Males and Females Uncovered by Researchers
New research uncovers sex-based biological differences in asthma, revealing gene expression variations and hormonal influences that impact symptoms and treatment approaches in males and females.
Recent research conducted by scientists at Yale University’s Center for Asthma and Airways Disease, along with the Center for Pulmonary Precision Medicine (P2MED), has shed new light on the biological distinctions in how asthma presents and progresses in males versus females. The study, published in the American Journal of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology, highlights variations in symptoms and gene expression linked to sex differences.
Dr. Shannon Kay, the study's lead author and an assistant professor at Yale PCCSM, emphasizes the heterogeneity of asthma: 'It starts at different times, manifests with diverse symptoms, and reacts differently to treatments.' The team analyzed over 6,000 gene expression samples from public databases, focusing on immune cells like eosinophils and lymphocytes, to identify 61 genes with sex-specific expression patterns in adults with asthma. These genes are involved in key immune pathways, particularly those associated with type 2 inflammation.
Further validation in a Yale cohort demonstrated that these sex-biased genes correlate with clinical features such as lung function and symptom severity. Interestingly, the research reveals that these gene expression differences are not static—they vary across age groups and tissue types, with notable distinctions between children and adults. This variability suggests hormonal fluctuations throughout life influence asthma risk and severity.
Kay explains that hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause significantly impact asthma symptoms, reflecting in altered inflammation and gene expression. Current asthma therapies, especially targeted biological agents, could benefit from considering these sex differences to improve treatment personalization.
The study’s senior author, Dr. Jose Gomez, states that the goal is to integrate molecular biomarkers with clinical phenotypes to better understand asthma's biology. This approach aims to move beyond traditional classifications toward more precise, personalized treatment strategies.
Looking forward, the researchers plan to investigate hormonal effects more directly and explore comorbid conditions like obesity. For patients, the key takeaway is the importance of awareness and dialogue about how sex and hormones influence asthma, paving the way for tailored management plans.
Other contributors to the study include Haseena Rajeevan, Moeun Son, Jason Kwah, Maria Ramirez, Yunqing Liu, Zuoheng Wang, Xiting Yan, Clemente Britto-Leon, and Geoffrey Chupp.
This research represents a significant step towards understanding the complex biological underpinnings of asthma, ultimately guiding more effective, individualized treatments.
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