Genetics, age and sex in sarcoidosis

This article considers the influence of genetic and hormonal predispositions as a background to the development of sarcoidosis.

Because statistics show that many people with sarcoidosis are between 40 and 50 years of age and that women predominate, it is reasonable to consider whether an external trigger (an antigen) may activate an autoimmune-like response through age-related hormonal changes and genetic predisposition.

In other words, I am discussing changes in sex hormones and their effects on the immune system and physiology. This raises the possibility that declining oestrogen levels could initiate processes that make a person more susceptible to sarcoidosis when a foreign environmental molecule—an antigen—enters the body.

Does the oestrogen level influence this mechanism?

The decline in sex hormones and the slowing of metabolism that occur during the “middle years” may create conditions that favour this inflammatory disease. Age and sex may therefore be relevant clinical patterns in sarcoidosis, although this area remains insufficiently researched.

Because many people living with sarcoidosis come into contact with the Association, we could also consider other factors that support ageing and the slowing of metabolism and immune function, such as occupational exhaustion caused by physically demanding or stressful work, chronic fatigue, too little sleep and rest, an unhealthy lifestyle and diet, and similar factors.

Dino-Josip Ključarić