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Review
. 2021 Mar;7(1):1-10.
doi: 10.1016/j.aninu.2020.11.005. Epub 2021 Jan 4.

Relationship between gut microbiota and host-metabolism: Emphasis on hormones related to reproductive function

Tarique Hussain  1 , Ghulam Murtaza  2 , Dildar H Kalhoro  3 , Muhammad S Kalhoro  4 , Elsayed Metwally  5 , Muhammad I Chughtai  1 , Muhammad U Mazhar  1 , Shahzad A Khan  6
Affiliations
Review

Relationship between gut microbiota and host-metabolism: Emphasis on hormones related to reproductive function

Tarique Hussain et al. Anim Nutr. 2021 Mar.

Abstract

It has been well recognized that interactions between the gut microbiota and host-metabolism have a proven effect on health. The gut lumen is known for harboring different bacterial communities. Microbial by-products and structural components, which are derived through the gut microbiota, generate a signaling response to maintain homeostasis. Gut microbiota is not only involved in metabolic disorders, but also participates in the regulation of reproductive hormonal function. Bacterial phyla, which are localized in the gut, allow for the metabolization of steroid hormones through the stimulation of different enzymes. Reproductive hormones such as progesterone, estrogen and testosterone play a pivotal role in the successful completion of reproductive events. Disruption in this mechanism may lead to reproductive disorders. Environmental bacteria can affect the metabolism, and degrade steroid hormones and their relevant compounds. This behavior of the bacteria can safely be implemented to eliminate steroidal compounds from a polluted environment. In this review, we summarize the metabolism of steroid hormones on the regulation of gut microbiota and vice-versa, and also examined the significant influence this process has on various events of reproductive function. Altogether, the evidence suggests that steroid hormones and gut microbiota exert a central role in the modification of host bacterial action and impact the reproductive efficiency of animals and humans.

Keywords: Gut microbiota; Host-metabolism; Reproductive function; Steroid hormone.

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Conflict of interest statement

We declare that we have no financial and personal relationships with other people or organizations that can inappropriately influence our work, there is no professional or other personal interest of any nature or kind in any product, service and/or company that could be construed as influencing the content of this paper..

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Alteration in gut microbiota mediates hormonal regulation.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Relationship between estrogen and gut microbiome exerting physiological and clinical implications. PCOS = polycystic ovary syndrome; EH = endometrial hyperplasia.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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