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Gut microbiota: effect of pubertal status.
Xin Yuan1, Ruimin Chen2, Ying Zhang1
1Department of Endocrinology, Genetics and Metabolism, Fuzhou Children's Hospital of Fujian Medical University, NO.145, 817 Middle Road, Fuzhou, 350005, China.
BMC Microbiology
|November 4, 2020
Summary
Gut microbiota composition changes during puberty. This study reveals shifts in specific bacterial groups, potentially linked to androgen levels, offering new insights into gut health during this developmental stage.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Human Physiology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- The composition of gut microbiota across different puberty stages remains largely uncharacterized.
- Understanding these changes is crucial for pediatric health and development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the biodiversity and composition of gut microbiota in relation to distinct puberty stages.
- To identify specific microbial taxa that vary between non-pubertal and pubertal children.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving children aged 5-15 years, divided into non-pubertal and pubertal groups.
- Analysis of gut microbiota diversity (alpha and beta diversity) and relative abundance of microbial taxa.
- Correlation analysis with Body Mass Index-Z (BMI-Z) and testosterone levels.
Main Results:
- Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Proteobacteria were the dominant phyla in both groups, with no significant differences in overall diversity.
- Non-pubertal children showed higher prevalence of Clostridiales, Clostridiaceae, and Coprobacillus.
- Pubertal children exhibited greater abundance of Betaproteobacteria and Burkholderiales, with some genera associated with testosterone levels.
Conclusions:
- This study provides the first report on gut microbiota diversity across puberty stages.
- Gut microbial composition undergoes gradual changes associated with puberty.
- Observed differences in gut microflora may be influenced by androgen levels during puberty.
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