Small bowel microbiome offers clues to women's health
A new study by investigators at Cedars-Sinai Health Sciences University has identified differences in the makeup and organization of the small bowel microbiome between women and men. The findings, published in iScience, could offer new insights into why some conditions are more prevalent in women.
A recent study revealed distinct differences in the composition and organization of the small bowel microbiome between women and men, according to researchers at Cedars-Sinai Health Sciences University. Published in iScience, the findings may provide valuable insights into why certain health conditions are more prevalent in women.
The small bowel microbiome consists of microorganisms that coexist in the digestive tract and play essential roles in immune function, metabolism, and hormonal regulation. One notable finding was the presence of a bacterial community containing Granulicatella, which was found exclusively in women. These bacteria appeared at higher levels in women with polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome, previously known as polycystic ovary syndrome.
Additionally, researchers discovered sex differences in how small bowel microbes produce fructans, complex carbohydrates that can trigger digestive symptoms in irritable bowel syndrome, a condition that is far more common in women than men. The study's lead author, Dr. Ruchi Mathur, emphasized that biological sex is a crucial variable in the small bowel microbiome and should be considered when developing personalized approaches to disease understanding and treatment.
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