The influence of sex on the urogenital microbiome of rhesus monkeys

Abstract

14The vaginal microbiome of nonhuman primates (NHPs) differs substantially from humans 15 in terms of Lactobacillus abundance, overall taxonomic diversity, and vaginal pH. Given 16 these differences, it remains unclear in what way the NHP genital microbiome protects 17 against pathogens, in particular sexually transmitted diseases. Considering the effect that 18 microbiome variations can have on disease acquisition and outcome, we examined 19 endogenous and exogenous factors that influence the urogenital microbiome of captive 20 rhesus monkeys. The male urethral (n=37) and vaginal (n=194) microbiome of 11 21 breeding groups were examined in a cross-sectional study. During lactation and 22 menstruation, the vaginal microbiome becomes significantly more diverse and more 23 similar to the microbes observed in the male urethra. Group association and cage-mate 24 (sexual partners) relationships were additionally associated with significant differences in 25 the urogenital microbiome. Our results demonstrate that microbiome considerations are 26 necessary in order to make informed selection of NHPs as translational animal models. 27

Levels of Main Bacterial Phyla in the Gastrointestinal Tract of Sheep Depending on Parity and Age

“…In the experiment conducted, primiparous ewes had significantly higher levels of the tested phyla than ewes in the second parity. Studies conducted in recent years suggest that the composition of the microbiome may also be influenced by hormones, particularly sex hormones [ 21 , 22 ]. In a study conducted by Markle et al [ 23 ] on mice, it was demonstrated that there is a direct interaction between sex hormones and the gastrointestinal microbiome.…”

“…They are responsible for the maturation of the genital organs or the formation of secondary sexual characteristics. They also affect many metabolic pathways, including lipid metabolism, inhibition of gastrointestinal motility, and have an indirect effect on intestinal absorption, which is associated with the gastrointestinal microbiome [ 22 , 24 , 25 ]. Additionally, the study by Menon et al [ 26 ] indicates that sex hormone levels may be important in gastrointestinal tract microbial variation.…”

Wybrane czynniki wpływające na mikrobiom układu pokarmowego przeżuwaczy i jego skład bazowy.

“…ciąża czy ruja, a także różnice w poziomie niektórych hormonów. Czynniki te często zróżnicowane są ze względu na płeć [70,[74][75][76]. W badaniach przeprowadzonych na myszach w okresie ciąży wykazano, że w przypadku samic dochodzi do zmniejszenia wrażliwości na insulinę, a także zmienia się ich mikrobiom, przygotowując je na gromadzenie zapasów energetycznych na okres odchowu potomstwa.…”