title: Support for the Microgenderome: Associations in a Human Clinical Population.
abstract: The 'microgenderome' provides a paradigm shift that highlights the role of sex differences in the host-microbiota interaction relevant for autoimmune and neuro-immune conditions. Analysis of cross-sectional self-report and faecal microbial data from 274 patients with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) suggests that commensal gut microorganisms may play both protective and deleterious roles in symptom expression. Results revealed significant sex-specific interactions between Firmicutes (Clostridium, Streptococcus, Lactobacillus and Enterococcus) and ME/CFS symptoms (including neurological, immune and mood symptoms), regardless of compositional similarity in microbial levels across the sexes. Extending animal studies, we provide support for the microgenderome in a human clinical population. Applied and mechanistic research needs to consider sex-interactions when examining the composition and function of human microbiota.
authors.affiliation: Psychology Department, Victoria University, Victoria, Australia.
authors.forename: Amy
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Wallis
authors.affiliation: Bioscreen (Aust) Pty Ltd, Victoria, Australia.
authors.forename: Henry
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Butt
authors.affiliation: Psychology Department, Victoria University, Victoria, Australia.
authors.forename: Michelle
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ball
authors.affiliation: CFS Discovery Clinic, Donvale, Victoria, Australia.
authors.forename: Donald P
authors.initials: DP
authors.lastname: Lewis
authors.affiliation: Psychology Department, Victoria University, Victoria, Australia.
authors.forename: Dorothy
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Bruck
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001419:Bacteria / Q000145:classification; D044822:Biodiversity; D002648:Child; D015673:Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000382:microbiology; D005260:Female; D000069196:Gastrointestinal Microbiome; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D056186:Metagenomics / Q000379:methods; D064307:Microbiota; D008875:Middle Aged; D012737:Sex Factors; D055815:Young Adult