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Review
. 2020 Jan;38(1):48-60.
doi: 10.5534/wjmh.190009. Epub 2019 Mar 25.

Sex Differences in Gut Microbiota

Yong Sung Kim  1   2 , Tatsuya Unno  3   4 , Byung Yong Kim  5 , Mi Sung Park  6
Affiliations
Review

Sex Differences in Gut Microbiota

Yong Sung Kim et al. World J Mens Health. 2020 Jan.

Abstract

Humans carry numerous symbiotic microorganisms in their body, most of which are present in the gut. Although recent technological advances have produced extensive research data on gut microbiota, there are various confounding factors (e.g., diet, race, medications) to consider. Sex is one of the important variables affecting the gut microbiota, but the association has not yet been sufficiently investigated. Although the results are inconsistent, several animal and human studies have shown sex differences in gut microbiota. Herein, we review these studies to discuss the sex-dependent differences as well as the possible mechanisms involved.

Keywords: Gastrointestinal tract; Gonadal steroid hormones; Microbiota; Sex differences.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have no potential conflicts of interest to disclose.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1. Changes in the gut microbiota with time and sex, and the modulatory factors involved. BMI: body mass index.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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