Editorial: Cardioprotection, sex and gender differences

Editorial on the Research Topic Special Issue Cardioprotection, sex, and gender differencesThe special issue, "Cardioprotection, sex and gender differences" focuses on various aspects of sex and gender and supports that they play a significant role in cardiovascular diseases (CVD).It has long been known, and supported by numerous studies, that sex differences play a major role in cardiac susceptibility to cardiovascular disease.Indeed, important and relevant disparities in pathophysiology, clinical presentation and management were observed between men and women.o date, the numerous molecular mechanisms underlying these differences are currently still partially unknown.It is important to underline the distinction between the two terms, sex and gender.While "sex differences" are merely due to biological differences, "gender differences" depend on many aspects, including the environment, lifestyle and characteristics of attitude.The use of experimental models and a careful analysis of clinical data is currently emerging that both disparities show fundamental importance both in the diagnosis and management of cardiovascular diseases.Therefore, gender differences may be considered a fundamental branch of precision medicine.In the present special issue, these topics have been covered with both original works and reviews (Akther et al.;Leutner et al., 2021; Li et al.;Liu et al.;Xu et al.;Ytrehus et al., 2021;Yu et al., 2022).Forrny et al. analyzed these differences in the setting of the metabolic syndrome.The Authors focused their attention on type 2 diabetes, a chronic disease associated with micro and macrovascular complications.Indeed, the Authors reviewed the literature and reported an increased risk of CVD in women with diabetes compared to men, in particular concerning the risk of coronary heart disease accompanied by higher mortality in case of acute myocardial ischemia.Another interesting aspect is reported by Querio et al. in a mini review on the response to cardioprotective maneuvers in different experimental models related to sex-dependent response.The Authors underline the influence of sex on the outcome of cardioprotective procedures.When applied, cardioprotection significantly reduces damage from ischemia/ reperfusion.Within their review, Querio and collaborators highlighted that the protective