Redox features of the cell: A gender perspective

Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species have been implicated in diverse subeellular activities, including cell proliferation, differentiation and, in some instances, cell injury and death. The implications of reactive species in human pathology have also been studied in detail. However, although the role of free radicals in the pathogenesis of human diseases has been extensively analyzed in different systems (i.e., in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo), it is still far from elucidated. In particular, the possible role of gender(4) differences in human pathophysiology associated with reactive species is a promising new field of investigation. Although the complex scenario this presents is still incomplete, important gender-associated "redox features" of cells have already been described in the literature. Here we summarize the different aspects of redox-associated molecules and enzymes in regard to gender differences in terms of the intracellular production and biochemical activity of reactive species. These are often associated with the pathogenetic mechanisms underlying several human morbidities (e.g., degenerative diseases) and can represent a specific target for new pharmacologic strategies. Gender differences may thus pose an important challenge for future studies aimed at the clinical management of diseases characterized by a redox imbalance.