Effect of Hormones as Cofactors in Food Allergy

期刊论文
发表日期：

2024年2月26日

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Patricia Mir-Ihara,
Maria-Fernanda González-Matamala,
Maria Ruano-Zaragoza,
David Loli-Ausejo,
Lucia Garcia-Garcia,
Valeria Tubita,
Mariona Pascal,
Maria-Ángeles Martínez-Zamora,
Joan Bartra,
Rosa Muñoz-Cano

摘要

Purpose of review

Hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone can contribute to differences in allergy prevalence and severity between men and women by affecting the immune system. This review aims to analyze what is currently known about the role of hormones as cofactors in food allergy.

Recent findings

Studies on rodents indicate immunological differences between males and females, with females generally exhibiting a more robust immune response. Estrogens are associated with enhanced humoral immunity and antibody synthesis, while androgens and progesterone suppress immunity and inflammation. Studies suggest that estrogens can exacerbate a pre-existing bias towards Th2 immune responses associated with atopy.

Summary

The complex relationship between the immune response and hormones significantly influences allergic disease outcomes, contributing to gender differences.