Michigan State University researchers are the first to uncover reasons why a specific type of immune cell acts very differently in females compared to males while under stress, resulting in women being more susceptible to certain diseases.
The novel finding could be considered a good example of the pop culture metaphor that men and women are from two distinct planets and respond very differently under stressful situations.
Led by Adam Moeser, an endowed chair and associate professor in the College of Veterinary Medicine, the federally funded study found that females were more vulnerable to certain stress-related and allergic diseases than males because of distinct differences found in mast cells, a type of white blood cell that's part of the immune system.
"Over 8,000 differentially expressed genes were found in female mast cells compared to male mast cells," Moeser said. "While male and female mast cells have the same sets of genes on their chromosomes, with the exception of the XY sex chromosomes, the way the genes act vary immensely between the sexes."
The study is co-authored by Emily Mackey, a doctoral student in veterinary medicine, and is published in the journal Biology of Sex Differences.
Mast cells are an important immune cell because they play a key role in stress-related health issues that are typically more common in women such as allergic disorders, autoimmune diseases, migraines and irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS.
IBS, for example, is a disorder in the intestine that creates significant abdominal pain and affects almost a quarter of the U.S. population. Women are up to four times more likely to have it than men.
A further in-depth analysis of the genes within the RNA genome -- a primary building block in all forms of life -- revealed an increase in activity that's linked to the production and storage of inflammatory substances. These substances can create a more aggressive response in the body and result in disease.
"This could explain why women, or men, are more or less vulnerable to certain types of diseases," Moeser said.
With this new understanding of how different genes act, Moeser said scientists could eventually start developing new sex-specific treatments that target these immune cells and stop the onset of disease.
He added though that an important next step in his research is figuring out when in the development stage these immune cells start to act differently.
Source: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/02/170207162101.htm
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
Using Claritin For Allergies: What Patients Should Know
Allergies is a condition that affects a significant number of people and can range from mild and occasional to persistent and severely disruptive. Understanding the available treatment options is an important part of managing symptoms effectively. Healthcare providers evaluate the severity of the condition and the patient's overall health profile before recommending a specific medication or combination of treatments. Allergic conditions affect hundreds of millions of people worldwide and range from mild seasonal symptoms to chronic conditions that persist throughout the year. The immune system's overreaction to harmless environmental substances such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and certain foods drives most allergic disease. Histamine, released by immune cells when they detect an allergen, is the primary chemical mediator responsible for the familiar symptoms of sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and skin reactions. Claritin (loratadine) belongs to the class of medications used for allergies and is commonly considered by clinicians evaluating treatment options for this condition. Patients looking closely at claritin for allergies will find that the medication offers a practical option for many individuals dealing with this specific issue, particularly when first-line approaches have provided incomplete relief. As with any prescription or over-the-counter medication, proper dosing and adherence to usage guidelines are essential to getting the most benefit from Claritin while minimizing the risk of side effects. Taking the medication as directed, at the appropriate time of day, and for the full recommended duration helps ensure therapeutic blood levels are maintained. Patients should inform their healthcare provider of all other medications they are taking to check for potential interactions. For broader context on treatment options related to allergies, https://mednewwsstoday.com/allergies/ provides evidence-based information covering the full range of medications used in this therapeutic area, helping patients and caregivers compare approaches and make informed decisions alongside their medical team.
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