Overview

• Researchers analyzed genetic associations with ~6,000 plasma proteins in 56,000 individuals, using data from UK Biobank and the Fenland study.
• Two-thirds of plasma proteins exhibit differing expression levels between males and females, yet only about 100 proteins are regulated by sex-specific genetic mechanisms.
• Findings suggest that non-genetic factors, including environment, socioeconomic status, and lifestyle, are significant drivers of sex-based health disparities.
• The study underscores the need to incorporate social determinants of health into precision medicine and drug development strategies.
• Published in Nature Communications, the research relied on chromosomal sex classification (XX/XY), acknowledging limitations in capturing the full spectrum of gender identity.