Petra Kleinbongard

SGV Meeting 2026 · Scientific Programme

CHUV, Lausanne

• 24 November 2026 · 11:50Sex as a Variable in Cardio Research
  Abstract

  Biological sex influences the composition of the myocardium and the molecular and biochemical profile of cardiovascular cell types. However, to what extent does it determine the myocardium's susceptibility to ischemia-reperfusion injury? Despite extensive research, this seemingly straightforward question remains difficult to answer. A review of literature from three representative cardiovascular journals suggests that infarct size following experimental myocardial ischemia-reperfusion is comparable between female and male animal models. Similarly, evidence for consistent, fundamental sex differences at the cellular level remains inconclusive. These findings challenge the assumption that biological sex necessarily results in distinct myocardial injury responses. They also highlight the importance of considering the experimental context, methodological variability, and the specific mechanisms under investigation.

  Systematically considering sex in experimental design, mechanistic studies, and data analysis is essential to improving the rigor, reproducibility, and translational relevance of cardiovascular research. However, a key question remains: To what extent do findings from experimental models reflect the clinical reality of myocardial infarction in women and men? There is a need for a critical examination and exploration of the challenges of translating experimental findings into clinical practice, as well as a discussion of which experimental models are best suited to capture the biological, clinical, and gender-related factors that shape cardiovascular disease in patients.