Microbiome: Impact of sex on function and characteristics of gut microbiome

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

Abstract

The human gut harbors a diverse community of commensals which are essential for maintaining intestinal homeostasis. Recently, evidence suggesting a role of gut microbiome on the adaptive immune system and development of autoimmune diseases has been shown. Autoimmunity occurs with a significant sex bias, affecting women more often than men. Beyond the role of sex hormones, despite significant research efforts, the mechanism underlying this sex bias remains unknown. Autoimmune diseases are multifactorial, requiring both genetic and environmental factors for onset. The gut microbiome can impact the innate and adaptive immunity via interaction with sex hormones. In addition, host genotype and environmental factors also influence microbial composition. Among the environmental factors, diet has a significant impact on the composition of intestinal microbes. Interactions among sex hormones, diet and genetic factors may determine the dysbiosis and its related metabolites. A systems biology approach by exploring microbiome-metabolomics and metagenomics to define the interactions in colonic ecosystem may help in determining sex bias of autoimmunity.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationPrinciples of Gender-Specific Medicine
Subtitle of host publicationSex and Gender-Specific Biology in the Postgenomic Era
PublisherElsevier
Pages313-329
Number of pages17
ISBN (Electronic)9780323885348
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2023

Keywords

  • Autoimmune diseases
  • Diet
  • Dysbiosis
  • Environmental factors
  • Immunity
  • Intestinal dysbiosis
  • Lupus
  • Major histocompatibility complex
  • Microbiota
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Sex bias
  • Sex hormones

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

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