Gender and the Pathogenesis of Gastrointestinal Diseases: The Role of Steroid Sex Hormones in the Development

AM El-Tawil

Abstract

The pathogeneses of gastrointestinal diseases are unclear. The strategy of any medical regimen for management of any disease is usually dependent on our understanding of the mechanism by which this disease has developed. Different incidences of different gastrointestinal diseases in women from those in men suggest possible role of steroid sex hormones in the promotion or prevention of the development of these diseases. The present review is aimed at finding any clue that could help in improving our understanding and the outcome of management accordingly. Conclusion: Steroid sex hormones play crucial role in the pathogenesis of several gastrointestinal diseases. Based on our findings in this survey, further studies are needed in order to determine how we could operate these findings in our clinical practice.

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