Sexual Dimorphism in the Gut Microbiome

Abstract

The gut microbiome has received increasing interest in past years due to its link to many diseases and its potential in therapy. One often-overlooked and newer area of research is the sexual dimorphism in the gut microbiome, and how it relates to the sex differences in behavior, diseases, and the underlying makeup between that of males and females. Reviewing the literature has demonstrated that in several organisms, adult males and females do naturally have different compositions of gut microbes. Differences between the sexes in gut microbiome have also been correlated with differences between the sexes in social behavior and various disorders. A thorough understanding of sexual dimorphism in the gut microbiome is crucial to designing better studies, understanding the mechanism of the diseases and behaviors tied to the sexual dimorphism in the microbiome, and fine-tuning more precise treatments that account for the sex of the individual.

Hepatic sexual dimorphism — implications for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

“…This failure is probably a reflection of the multifactorial and heterogeneous nature of this disease, as well as the lack of tools for its accurate diagnosis and for quantitative disease staging 30,31 . In addition, sex is rarely considered as a biological variable in these numerous and interesting studies, despite the reported sexual dimorphism of the gut microbiota 32 , the innate immune system 33 and the liver itself. As a result, in-depth studies conducted in relevant models are necessary to fully understand the natural history of NAFLD, and to identify sex-dependent determinants of NAFLD progression.…”

Main Factors Influencing the Gut Microbiota of Datong Yaks in Mixed Group

“…The fecal microbiota is a popular monitoring index requiring non-invasive sampling methods. In a mixed group, it is difficult to separate the main influencing factors, such as sex, distribution pattern, and environment [ 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 ].…”

“…On the other hand, a study about Chinese forest musk deer showed no significant differences in the gut microbiota between males and females [ 25 ]. Several studies suggested that sexual dimorphism of the gut microbiota is associated with diseases, such as cardiovascular and cardiometabolic diseases [ 14 , 21 , 26 , 27 ]. Some other factors, including diet, age, sex hormones, and body mass index, influence the gut microbiota [ 28 , 29 , 30 ].…”

“…Some other factors, including diet, age, sex hormones, and body mass index, influence the gut microbiota [ 28 , 29 , 30 ]. Sex differences are always overlooked [ 14 ].…”