Abstract
Sex steroid hormones (SSH) are cholesterol-derived molecules. They are secreted into saliva and enter the oral cavity, triggering physiological responses from oral tissues, with possible clinical implications, such as gingival inflammation and bleeding. SSH and hormonal changes affect not only oral host cells but also oral microorganisms.Historically, most research has focused on the effect of hormonal changes on specific bacteria and yeasts. Recently a broader effect of SSH on oral microorganisms was suggested. In order to assess the role of SSH in host-microbe interactions in the oral cavity, this review focuses on how and up to what extent SSH can influence the composition and behavior of the oral microbiome. The available literature was reviewed and a comprehensive hypothesis about the role of SSH in host-microbiome interactions is presented. The limited research available indicates that SSH may influence the balance between the host and its microbes in the oral cavity.
Highlights
Sex steroid hormones (SSH) are regulatory molecules synthesized or converted by several different living organisms ranging from mammals to plants, and from parasites to bacteria (Winter and Bokkenheuser, 1987; Kristan and Rizner, 2012; Romano et al, 2015; Chiang et al, 2019; Tarkowská, 2019)
Microorganisms present in the oral cavity are exposed to SSH and specific oral bacteria and yeast have been shown to be affected by them (Kornman and Loesche, 1982; Powell et al, 1984)
It is important to note that both these approaches have advantages and limitations
Summary
Sex steroid hormones (SSH) are regulatory molecules synthesized or converted by several different living organisms ranging from mammals to plants, and from parasites to bacteria (Winter and Bokkenheuser, 1987; Kristan and Rizner, 2012; Romano et al, 2015; Chiang et al, 2019; Tarkowská, 2019) In mammals, these molecules derive from cholesterol and are secreted by the testes, ovaries, adrenal cortex and – during pregnancy – by the placenta (Figure 1). SSH can diffuse into saliva through capillaries and salivary ducts (Vining et al, 1983) They are capable of reaching intra-oral target tissues such as the gingiva and the periodontium, where they induce a response (Markou et al, 2009; Mariotti and Mawhinney, 2013). Microorganisms present in the oral cavity are exposed to SSH and specific oral bacteria and yeast have been shown to be affected by them (Kornman and Loesche, 1982; Powell et al, 1984)
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