It has been suggested that the main female hormone, 17β estradiol, is capable of inhibiting inflammatory and proapoptotic processes, and protecting the renal tissue, as opposed to the male hormones, testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone.[55] With respect to hematological and autoantibody profiles, the incidence of leukopenia, presence of lupus anticoagulant, low levels of C3, and positive titers of ANA were higher in females, whereas in males, thrombocytopenia and positive titers of anti-dsDNA were more prevalent. This evidence concerns the gene BTG3 and Decreased total leukocyte count.