Gender-Specific Differences in Gut Microbiota Composition Associated with Microbial Metabolites for Patients with Acne Vulgaris.

BACKGROUND

The gut microbial dysbiosis and gender differences in the pathogenesis of acne vulgaris have long been postulated respectively. However, there was no data about a gender-related discrepancy in gut microbiota and microbial metabolism in acne.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed at identifying the underlying gender-related difference in gut microbiota and metabolism in acne vulgaris.

METHODS

Fecal samples were collected from 43 acne patients and 43 age and gender-matched controls. Gut microbiota was analyzed by sequencing the V3-V4 region of gene and microbial metabolites were quantitatively detected using gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry.

RESULTS

Compared with healthy controls, the men had a lower abundance of 18 microbes such as , , , , , , , , at genus level. However, the female patients only showed increased and declined and . Additionally, the disordered metabolism of fatty acids was identified in male patients, while the dysbiosis of amino acids metabolism in female ones.

CONCLUSION

The disorder of gut microbiota and metabolism in acne vulgaris was gender-specific, which supported the potential role of gender difference in the pathogenesis of this disease.