Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and asthma are both prevalent chronic conditions that can significantly impact an individual's quality of life. Emerging evidence suggests that the co-existence of these two conditions may exacerbate health outcomes, particularly in women. Women often exhibit unique cardiovascular and respiratory responses due to hormonal fluctuations throughout life, including during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. These hormonal influences can also affect the severity and management of both asthma and cardiovascular conditions, underscoring the need for gender-specific research. Despite the recognized importance of these interactions, the underlying mechanisms that link asthma with increased cardiovascular risk in women remain poorly understood.

This research topic aims to explore the complex interactions between cardiovascular disease and asthma in women, with a specific focus on the underlying mechanisms driven by sex hormones and gender-specific factors. The project seeks to elucidate how hormonal changes and sex-specific biological processes contribute to the incidence, severity, and management of both conditions. The ultimate goal is to inform the development of targeted therapeutic strategies that address the unique needs of women with co-existing asthma and cardiovascular disease.

The following key areas will be explored within this research topic:

• Sex-specific pathophysiology: Evaluation of how sex hormones and gender differences influence the pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease and asthma, with a particular focus on inflammatory and vascular mechanisms.

• Mechanistic exploration: Investigation into the molecular and cellular mechanisms by which sex hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone, modulate immune responses, airway remodeling, and airway hyperresponsiveness in women with asthma and cardiovascular disease.

• Hormonal impact on disease progression: Analysis of how hormonal fluctuations during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause affect the progression and severity of both asthma and cardiovascular disease in women.

• Cardiovascular risk in women with asthma: Exploration of the heightened cardiovascular risk in women with asthma, including the role of endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and systemic inflammation as potential mediators.

• Gender-specific therapeutic approaches: Development and evaluation of personalized therapeutic strategies that account for sex-specific factors, aiming to improve outcomes in women with both asthma and cardiovascular disease.

• Health disparities and outcomes: Assessment of gender-specific health disparities in the diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes of cardiovascular disease and asthma, with a focus on identifying gaps in care and potential areas for intervention.

Overall, this research topic will provide a comprehensive understanding of the mechanistic links between cardiovascular disease and asthma in women, guiding the development of gender-sensitive healthcare strategies.

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Frontiers in Endocrinology

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