Microgenderome: An Important Variable for Developing Therapeutic Strategies?

Abstract

A close association of microbiota in human health continues
to emerge. Microbiota has been implicated in autoimmune
disorders such as type I diabetes mellitus, inflammatory bowel disease,
rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis.1 This is pointing
out that early-life microbial exposure could be linked to later-life
susceptibility to immune-mediated disorders. From the experimental
models related to autoimmune disorders, it is known that tissue
injury is prevented by alteration in microbiota or in germ-free
condition. Therefore, microbial alteration can be beneficial during
autoimmune disorders. However, several lines of evidence suggest
the role of gender-bias, (regulation of sex-hormones by microbiota)
in numerous diseases. This editorial aims to throw light on the
novel, emerging triangular relationship between host microbiota,
sex hormones (testosterone, progesterone and estrogen) and immune
responses cumulatively termed as “Microgenderome”.