Sex bias of females in survival from cancer and infections. Is X the answer?

Br J Cancer. 2021 Mar;124(7):1184-1186. doi: 10.1038/s41416-020-01245-1. Epub 2021 Jan 19.

Abstract

Major differences in survival of men and women from infectious diseases and cancers have been highlighted by death rates from COVID-19 infections. In cancer, attention has been focussed on differences in gene expression from X chromosomes in men and women with a preponderance of genes involved in immune responses being expressed in women. Important findings have been that some of the genes are important epigenetic regulators that play fundamental roles in immune responses.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19 / mortality
  • COVID-19 / virology
  • Chromosomes, Human, X
  • Chromosomes, Human, Y
  • Female
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease
  • Humans
  • Infections / metabolism*
  • Neoplasms / mortality*
  • SARS-CoV-2 / isolation & purification
  • Sex Factors*
  • Survival Rate