Differential sex-dependent responses of circulating steroid hormones and cortical gene expression in a traumatic brain injury model.

Males and females show sex-specific changes in circulating steroid hormones and cortical gene expression after traumatic brain injury in mice.

• Why it matters: Understanding sex differences in TBI outcomes is crucial because they may influence secondary injury processes and recovery, yet the underlying hormonal and molecular mechanisms are poorly understood.
• What they did: The study analyzed plasma hormone levels and cortical gene expression in intact male and female mice at 24 and 72 hours post-TBI, focusing on hormones like testosterone, androstenedione, estradiol, and DHEA, along with immune and tissue remodeling genes.
• The result: Findings reveal sex-specific alterations in circulating hormones and gene expression, as well as divergent hormone-gene expression correlations between sexes, suggesting sex influences molecular responses to TBI.