Autori
Giuliani, CristinaFranceschi, ClaudioIannuzzi, VincenzoBacalini, Maria GiuliaTitolo
The role of genetics and epigenetics in sex differences in human survivalPeriodico
GenusAnno:
2023 - Volume:
79 - Fascicolo:
1 - Pagina iniziale:
1 - Pagina finale:
18Sex differences in human survival have been extensively investigated in many studies
that have in part uncovered the biological determinants that promote a longer life in
females with respect to males. Moreover, researches performed in the past years have
prompted increased awareness about the biological effects of environmental fac-
tors that can modulate the magnitude of the sex gap in survival. Besides the genetic
background, epigenetic modifications like DNA methylation, that can modulate cell
function, have been particularly studied in this framework. In this review, we aim to
summarize the role of the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms in promoting female
advantage from the early in life (“INNATE” features), and in influencing the magnitude
of the gap in sex differences in survival and ageing (“VARIABLE” features). After briefly
discussing the biological bases of sex determination in humans, we will provide much
evidence showing that (i) “innate” mechanisms common to all males and to all females
(both genetic and epigenetic) play a major role in sex differences in lifespan; (ii) “vari-
able” genetic and epigenetic patterns, that vary according to context, populations
and exposures to different environments, can affect the magnitude of the gap in sex
differences in survival. Then we will describe recent findings in the use of epigenetic
clocks to uncover sex differences in biological age and thus potentially in mortality. In
conclusion, we will discuss how environmental factors cannot be kept apart from the
biological factors providing evidence from the field of human ecology.
SICI: 0016-6987(2023)79:1<1:TROGAE>2.0.ZU;2-5
Testo completo:
https://doi.org/10.1186/s41118-023-00181-1Esportazione dati in Refworks (solo per utenti abilitati)
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