Sexual dimorphism in malaria: the potential role of estrogen.

Malaria remains a significant public health issue on a global scale. The disease exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism, with male-infected individuals often presenting more severe symptoms and higher mortality rates compared to females. However, gender factors are frequently overlooked in many experimental studies related to Plasmodium infection. As a primary female sex hormone, estrogen plays a crucial role in regulating immune responses and inflammatory signals, contributing significantly to the gender differences observed in malaria infections. Here, starting from the basic physiological functions and immune regulatory roles of estrogen, review and summarize the epidemiological evidence of gender differences in malaria infection reported in the past, and delve into how estrogen affects malaria infection and its potential roles within the context of the disease. Given the current absence of a comprehensive review on sex differences in malaria in China, we hope that this article will draw researchers' attention to the sexual dimorphism in malaria. Understanding and emphasizing the sexual dimorphism in malaria, as well as the underlying causes, can help us gain a more profound comprehension of the pathology of malaria and the individual immune responses it elicits. This knowledge may provide new insights for related basic research and potentially aid in future malaria prevention and control efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]