Which autoimmune condition is known to affect men more than women?

Ankylosing spondylitis is an autoimmune condition that primarily affects the spine and is characterized by inflammatory back pain, which can lead to fusion of the vertebrae over time. It is known to have a higher prevalence in men compared to women, with men typically experiencing more severe symptoms. This gender difference is significant and is thought to be related to the genetic influences tied to the disease, such as the association with the HLA-B27 antigen, which is more frequently found in males afflicted by this condition.

The other conditions listed—rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and sarcoidosis—generally show a higher prevalence in women. For example, rheumatoid arthritis and lupus are known to affect women much more than men, highlighting their status as conditions that are more prevalent in the female population. Sarcoidosis also tends to be diagnosed more frequently in women, although it can affect both genders, the gender difference is not as pronounced as in ankylosing spondylitis. Thus, the correct answer focuses on the understanding of gender predisposition in autoimmune diseases, pinpointing ankylosing spondylitis as the one that predominantly affects men.