Sex differences influence the quality of life of people with Crohn's disease

Crohn's disease is a chronic condition that causes inflammation in the digestive system, especially the small intestine and colon. The most common symptoms include abdominal pain, persistent diarrhea, weight loss, and fatigue. Although there is no cure, treatments such as anti-inflammatory medications, immunosuppressants, or biologic therapies, combined with lifestyle changes, help control symptoms and improve quality of life.

Researchers from the University Center of Plasencia , the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, and the Faculty of Sciences , belonging to the Research Group “ Immunophysiology: stress, exercise, aging and health ”, integrated into the Unit of Pathologies of the Immune System of the University Institute of Biosanitary Research of Extremadura (INUBE) , have carried out a study with the aim of understanding the relationships between different intensities of physical activity, quality of life and inflammatory biomarkers in Crohn's disease, considering sex as a factor that could influence these associations.

The study, published in the journal Gastroenterology and Hepatology, demonstrates how sex significantly influences the relationship between inflammation, physical activity, and quality of life in people with this disease, the researchers explain. As Susana Herrero, one of the study's authors, clarifies, "The results show that women with Crohn's disease have a worse quality of life than men, especially in the emotional and social spheres, despite showing similar levels of inflammation." This suggests that the impact of the disease on women goes beyond biological parameters and is strongly influenced by emotional and social factors.

The cross-sectional observational research shows "how intense physical activity and sedentary behavior are associated with a poorer quality of life, an effect that is particularly evident in women and not in men. Conversely, moderate physical activity appears to be more beneficial," the study authors explain.

Finally, it is worth noting that the results support the need to incorporate the sex perspective in the clinical assessment and design of interventions in Crohn's disease, promoting individualized strategies that take into account not only clinical parameters such as inflammation, but also potential psycho-neuroimmunoendocrine alterations, physical activity, body composition, sleep, and psychological and social determinants of quality of life in Crohn's disease.

For the study, researchers from the University of Extremadura (UEx) collected sociodemographic and clinical data, including measurements of C-reactive protein and fecal calprotectin. They also assessed health-related quality of life and physical activity levels among individuals with Crohn's disease.

Based on these findings, researchers are currently studying the psychoneuroimmunoendocrine state in patients with Crohn's disease, as well as the potential benefits of a regular exercise program. Their aim is to identify new pathophysiological mechanisms in the innate immune, inflammatory, and neuroendocrine responses, and to develop individualized care strategies.

The research is being carried out within the framework of the project “Psychoneuroimmunoendocrine status in patients with Crohn's disease: benefits of a regular exercise program. NIECEX Study » Funded by the Junta de Extremadura (IB24031)

Bibliography reference: Herrero-Rodríguez S, Martín-Cordero L, Mayordomo R, Gálvez I, Ortega E. Sex-based differences in the relationship between health-related quality of life, physical activity, and inflammatory markers in people with Crohn's disease. Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2026 Feb;49(2):502494. English, Spanish. doi: 10.1016/j.gastrohep.2025.502494. Epub 2025 May 30. PMID: 40451333.

Image: Leticia Martín, Susana Herrero and Isabel Gálvez. Researchers at UEx

Source: Scientific Culture Dissemination Service