Gender-affirming hormonal therapy induces a gender-concordant fecal metagenome transition in transgender individuals.
BMC Med
; 22(1): 346, 2024 Sep 02.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-39218875
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Limited data exists regarding gender-specific microbial alterations during gender-affirming hormonal therapy (GAHT) in transgender individuals. This study aimed to investigate the nuanced impact of sex steroids on gut microbiota taxonomy and function, addressing this gap. We prospectively analyzed gut metagenome changes associated with 12 weeks of GAHT in trans women and trans men, examining both taxonomic and functional shifts.METHODS:
Thirty-six transgender individuals (17 trans women, 19 trans men) provided pre- and post-GAHT stool samples. Shotgun metagenomic sequencing was used to assess the changes in gut microbiota structure and potential function following GAHT.RESULTS:
While alpha and beta diversity remained unchanged during transition, specific species, including Parabacteroides goldsteinii and Escherichia coli, exhibited significant abundance shifts aligned with affirmed gender. Overall functional metagenome analysis showed a statistically significant effect of gender and transition (R2 = 4.1%, P = 0.0115), emphasizing transitions aligned with affirmed gender, particularly in fatty acid-related metabolism.CONCLUSIONS:
This study provides compelling evidence of distinct taxonomic and functional profiles in the gut microbiota between trans men and women. GAHT induces androgenization in trans men and feminization in trans women, potentially impacting physiological and health-related outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinicaltrials.gov NCT02185274.Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Banco de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Heces
/
Personas Transgénero
/
Microbioma Gastrointestinal
Límite:
Adult
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Female
/
Humans
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Male
/
Middle aged
Idioma:
En
Revista:
BMC Med
Asunto de la revista:
MEDICINA
Año:
2024
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Suiza