Sex and gender as critical and distinct contributors to the human brain-gut-microbiome axis

Gancz, Naomi N.; Levinson, Jordan A.; Callaghan, Brid

doi:10.1016/j.brainresbull.2023.110665

Cited by 6 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 56 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…As discussed above, sex plays an influence at several levels the BGMA. However, most studies are based on animal models, and in transitioning from animal to human models, researchers need to be cautious about the unique challenges that human research may present [13].…”

Section: Limitations and Suggestionsmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

Gut–Brain Axis: Focus on Sex Differences in Neuroinflammation

Caldarelli,

Rio,

Marrone

et al. 2024

IJMS

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the concept of the “gut–brain axis”. In addition to well-studied diseases associated with an imbalance in gut microbiota, such as cancer, chronic inflammation, and cardiovascular diseases, research is now exploring the potential role of gut microbial dysbiosis in the onset and development of brain-related diseases. When the function of the intestinal barrier is altered by dysbiosis, the aberrant immune system response interacts with the nervous system, leading to a state of “neuroinflammation”. The gut microbiota–brain axis is mediated by inflammatory and immunological mechanisms, neurotransmitters, and neuroendocrine pathways. This narrative review aims to illustrate the molecular basis of neuroinflammation and elaborate on the concept of the gut–brain axis by virtue of analyzing the various metabolites produced by the gut microbiome and how they might impact the nervous system. Additionally, the current review will highlight how sex influences these molecular mechanisms. In fact, sex hormones impact the brain–gut microbiota axis at different levels, such as the central nervous system, the enteric nervous one, and enteroendocrine cells. A deeper understanding of the gut–brain axis in human health and disease is crucial to guide diagnoses, treatments, and preventive interventions.

show abstract

Section: Limitations and Suggestionsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Recent research has elucidated the influence of sex-related factors on the BGMA [13][14][15][16]. The modulation of the immune system by the BGMA and sex hormones is an important area of research [17].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Gut–Brain Axis: Focus on Sex Differences in Neuroinflammation

Caldarelli,

Rio,

Marrone

et al. 2024

IJMS

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…In addition to IOP elevation, the risk factors for glaucoma include advancing age, gender, diet, obesity, depression, and anxiety [ 5 ]. Since there are associations between the gut microbiome and these risk factors [ 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 ], the gut microbiome has gained much attention in the pathophysiology of glaucoma. Several studies identified significant changes in the microbial composition of glaucoma patients compared to healthy controls, with a potential influence of neuroinflammation and autoimmunity [ 16 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Exploring the Ocular Surface Microbiome and Tear Proteome in Glaucoma

Spörri,

Uldry,

Kreuzer

et al. 2024

IJMS

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Although glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide, its pathogenesis is incompletely understood, and intraocular pressure (IOP) is the only modifiable risk factor to target the disease. Several associations between the gut microbiome and glaucoma, including the IOP, have been suggested. There is growing evidence that interactions between microbes on the ocular surface, termed the ocular surface microbiome (OSM), and tear proteins, collectively called the tear proteome, may also play a role in ocular diseases such as glaucoma. This study aimed to find characteristic features of the OSM and tear proteins in patients with glaucoma. The whole-metagenome shotgun sequencing of 32 conjunctival swabs identified Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria as the dominant phyla in the cohort. The species Corynebacterium mastitidis was only found in healthy controls, and their conjunctival microbiomes may be enriched in genes of the phospholipase pathway compared to glaucoma patients. Despite these minor differences in the OSM, patients showed an enrichment of many tear proteins associated with the immune system compared to controls. In contrast to the OSM, this emphasizes the role of the proteome, with a potential involvement of immunological processes in glaucoma. These findings may contribute to the design of new therapeutic approaches targeting glaucoma and other associated diseases.

show abstract

Sex differences in immunology

Grünhagel,

Altfeld

2024

Gynäkologie

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Sex and gender as critical and distinct contributors to the human brain-gut-microbiome axis

Cited by 6 publications

References 56 publications

Gut–Brain Axis: Focus on Sex Differences in Neuroinflammation

Gut–Brain Axis: Focus on Sex Differences in Neuroinflammation

Exploring the Ocular Surface Microbiome and Tear Proteome in Glaucoma

Sex differences in immunology

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About