Sex differences in mortality from covid-19 pandemic: Are men vulnerable and women protected. Why?

ABSTRACT

The epidemiological studies shows that compared to women, men infected with the novel COVID-19 have more severe and threatening disease and have a higher mortality globally. The population which is under real panic comprises older men. The reason could be linked to sex chromosome genes and sex hormones with differential regulation of immune responses between the sexes. Objectives of Study We need to recognize the phenotypical differences in severe case manifestations of COVID-19 in men and women as a fundamental step to understand the effects of this health emergency. Study Design/Methodological/Approach: The study was designed upon factors that are the major cause of gender inequality of infection. The statistical data was collected from the official record of COVID-19 Emergency Centre established in OJHA Centre Dow University Karachi. Results: It was found that, the mortality rate is very high in men. Less deaths of patients younger than 40 years even in past coronavirus leading to severe acute respiratory SARS-CoV, were found to infect more men than women. This may be due to not required enhanced response to infections on reproductive function in young men population, enhanced immune reactivity along with changes in immune cells during aging and pleiotropic nature of many genes. Conclusion: Evidence from this study tells us that sex is an important driver of risk of mortality and response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Age distribution is related with increased mortality rate among men, especially the older age men. Further research is warranted to investigate hormonal, inflammatory, immunologic, and phenotypical differences in severe COVID-19 disease presentations.