Researchers developed protein and metabolite scores that mirror sex hormone levels using data from 3,680 participants in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis, creating predictive biomarker panels for testosterone, estradiol, and sex hormone binding protein (SHBG). Higher SHBG scores and lower free testosterone scores correlated with reduced diabetes risk in both sexes, while elevated estradiol scores increased hypertension risk specifically in men. The hormone patterns showed striking sex differences: higher total testosterone protected men from diabetes but increased risk in women. Sleep disorders followed similar sex-specific patterns, with higher free testosterone and lower SHBG scores linked to obstructive sleep apnea risk, and elevated estradiol correlating with male-only insomnia risk. These findings illuminate why metabolic and sleep disorders manifest differently between sexes, potentially explaining the male predominance in sleep apnea and sex-specific diabetes patterns observed clinically. The omics-based approach offers a sophisticated alternative to direct hormone measurement for risk assessment. However, this preprint awaits peer review, and the observational design limits causal conclusions. The work represents an incremental but valuable advance in personalized medicine, suggesting hormone-mimicking biomarker panels could enhance disease prediction and reveal mechanistic insights into sex-based health disparities.
Sex-Specific Omics Scores Predict Diabetes, Hypertension, and Sleep Disorders
📄 Based on research published in medRxiv preprint
Read the original research →⚠️ This is a preprint — it has not yet been peer-reviewed. Results should be interpreted with caution and may change following peer review.
For informational, non-clinical use. Synthesized analysis of published research — may contain errors. Not medical advice. Consult original sources and your physician.