title: Sex-Related Differences in GI Disorders.
abstract: Epidemiological studies indicate sex-related differences among functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) wherein females are more likely to receive a diagnosis than their male counterparts. However, the mechanism by which females exhibit an increased vulnerability for development of these pathophysiologies remains largely unknown, and therapeutic treatments are limited. The current chapter focuses on clinical research outlining our current knowledge of factors that contribute to the female predominance among FGID patients such as the menstrual cycle and sex hormones. In addition, we will discuss progress in preclinical research, including animal models, which serve as valuable tools for the investigation of the development and long term manifestation of symptoms observed within the patient population. Although much progress has been made, additional longitudinal studies in both clinical and preclinical research are necessary to identify more specific mechanisms underlying sex-related differences in FGIDs as well as targets for improved therapeutic approaches.
authors.affiliation: Oklahoma Center for Neuroscience, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.
authors.forename: Dawn K
authors.initials: DK
authors.lastname: Prusator
authors.affiliation: G. Oppenheimer Center for Neurobiology of Stress and Resilience, 10833 Le Conte Avenue, CHS 42-210, Los Angeles, CA, 90095-7378, USA. LinChang@mednet.ucla.edu.
authors.forename: Lin
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Chang
mesh_terms: D015746:Abdominal Pain / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology; D000818:Animals; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D017615:Enteric Nervous System / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D005769:Gastrointestinal Motility; D041981:Gastrointestinal Tract / Q000294:innervation / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology; D012739:Gonadal Steroid Hormones / Q000378:metabolism; D054624:Health Status Disparities; D020249:Hormone Replacement Therapy; D006801:Humans; D018928:Immunity, Mucosal; D043183:Irritable Bowel Syndrome / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D008597:Menstrual Cycle / Q000378:metabolism; D012307:Risk Factors; D017678:Sex Distribution; D012737:Sex Factors; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology
chemical_list: D012739:Gonadal Steroid Hormones
keywords: Animal models; Functional gastrointestinal disorders; Gender; Irritable bowel syndrome; Sex differences; Sex hormones; Stress