Role of Biological Sex in the Cardiovascular-Gut Microbiome Axis.

Shuangyue Li,Georgios Kararigas

doi:10.3389/fcvm.2021.759735

Abstract

There has been a recent, unprecedented interest in the role of gut microbiota in host health and disease. Technological advances have dramatically expanded our knowledge of the gut microbiome. Increasing evidence has indicated a strong link between gut microbiota and the development of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). In the present article, we discuss the contribution of gut microbiota in the development and progression of CVD. We further discuss how the gut microbiome may differ between the sexes and how it may be influenced by sex hormones. We put forward that regulation of microbial composition and function by sex might lead to sex-biased disease susceptibility, thereby offering a mechanistic insight into sex differences in CVD. A better understanding of this could identify novel targets, ultimately contributing to the development of innovative preventive, diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for men and women.

Highlights

Despite advances in prevention strategies, as well as pharmacological and technology-based cardiovascular (CV) therapies, CV diseases (CVD) remain a major health burden, as they are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality [1]
We highlight how the gut microbiome can affect the CV system and we explore how biological sex and sex hormones may influence this interaction, thereby contributing to sex differences in CVD
It is not our purpose to provide an exhaustive analysis of the interplay between gut microbiota and CVD, but rather we identify important examples, where biological sex may be of relevance

Summary

Introduction

Despite advances in prevention strategies, as well as pharmacological and technology-based cardiovascular (CV) therapies, CV diseases (CVD) remain a major health burden, as they are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality [1]. These data reveal the gut microbiota as a crucial regulator of blood pressure and indicate that dietary interventions may be useful in manipulating intestinal microbial composition and function to protect against hypertension.

Results

Conclusion