DIFFERENCES IN BEHÇET’S DISEASE PHENOTYPE ACCORDING TO SEX: HYPOTHESES AND RESEARCH PERSPECTIVES

Abstract

Behçet's disease (BD) is a multisystem vasculitis affecting both arteries and veins. Although the disease affects both sexes equally, males and females may express different phenotypes. The exact association between sex-related factors and BD phenotype is not clear, while many factors, such as genetic factors, hormones, and environmental and epigenetic factors may be the underlying factors of sex-related differences. This article summarizes the current literature focusing on the underlying factors determining differences in BD phenotype according to sex.