Sex steroid hormones and gut microbiome

*Assoc. Prof. Dr. Manole Cojocaru
Titu Maiorescu University of Bucharest, Faculty of Medicine
Abstract:
Commensal bacteria and their genes associated with host are known as microbiome. Bacterial
influence on endocrine system is difficult to understand and investigate, however new
metabolomics and bioinformatics research provide information about bidirectional cross
talk between host hormones and microbiome. The gut microbiota in particular plays important
roles in host metabolism, immunity and even behavior. Bacteria are capable of metabolizing
sex steroid hormones through the activity of distinct enzymes such as hydroxysteroid
dehydrogenase that regulate the balance between active and inactive steroids. However, only
recently has a critical mechanism of bacterial interaction been revealed: modulation of hormonal
secretion. Surprisingly, commensal bacteria can produce and secrete hormones. The
gut microbiome has been shown to be influenced by estrogen, however, the gut microbiome
also significantly impacts estrogen levels. This review summarizes current knowledge of the
complex interplay between sex steroid hormone, and the gut microbiome.
Keywords:
gut microbiota, sex differences, sex steroid hormone, testosterone, estradiol