Interaction between gut microbiota and sex hormones and their relation to sexual dimorphism in metabolic diseases

Abstract

Highlights Accumulating evidences show that the alterations in the gut microbiota associated to metabolic diseases are different in men and women, and these differences may influence sex differences in the development and prevalence of metabolic diseases. The key aspects involved in these pathologies include lipopolysaccharide-inflammation, gut barrier integrity, gut microbiota-derived metabolites and gut–brain axis. Sex steroids, mainly estrogen and testosterone, are thought to play a prominent role in the sexual dimorphism of gut microbiota. The influence of sex hormones is reflected both in men and women, and among women themselves due to hormonal changes associated with the menopause. The interaction between sex steroids and the gut microbiota plays a prominent role in the development of metabolic diseases.

Keywords

• Gut microbiota
• Sex steroids
• Sex differences
• Obesity
• Metabolic syndrome
• Type 2 diabetes