Meta-analysis of the association between sex hormones and pulmonary fibrosis.

Background: This study aimed to investigate the association between sex hormones and the risk of pulmonary fibrosis by conducting a meta-analysis of previously published studies.

Methods: We executed a comprehensive search of the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases to locate pertinent studies published up to April 2024. We included studies that reported the association between sex hormones and the risk of pulmonary fibrosis. Standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a random-effects model.

Results: A total of 10 articles, encompassing 1371 patients, were finally incorporated in this meta-analysis. Based on the evaluation of the included studies, it was observed that the levels of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) (pooled SMD: -0.72, 95% CI: -1.21 to -0.24, p < 0.001), testosterone (pooled SMD: -1.25, CI: -2.39 and -0.11, p < 0.001) and estrogen (pooled SMD: -0.56, 95% CI: -0.96 to -0.15, p < 0.001) were significantly lower in patients with pulmonary fibrosis, whereas the levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) remained unaffected. Publication bias was ruled out through funnel plots.

Conclusion: This meta-analysis indicates that reduced levels of DHEA-S, testosterone, estrogen may serve as potential risk factors for pulmonary fibrosis. There is a pressing need for additional studies to confirm this association and explore the underlying biological mechanisms. Clinicians should recognize the potential influence of sex hormones in the etiology of pulmonary fibrosis and consider this aspect during the patient management process.