Different gender-derived gut microbiota influence stroke outcomes by mitigating inflammation

Area of Science:

• Microbiome research
• Neuroscience
• Immunology

Background:

• Stroke leads to significant disability and mortality.
• Intestinal microbiota influences stroke outcomes.
• Sex-specific effects of microbiota manipulation on stroke are unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate sex-specific effects of gut microbiota on stroke outcomes.
• To determine if fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) can alter sex-related stroke prognosis.

Main Methods:

• Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from male or female mice to recipient mice.
• Induction of ischemic stroke using middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO).
• Neurological evaluation, metabolite and inflammatory level detection, and 16S rRNA analysis.

Main Results:

• Female mice receiving female microbiota showed increased survival, reduced infarct area, and improved neurological function.
• Female microbiota transplantation mitigated inflammation and promoted beneficial metabolites.
• Male microbiota transplantation offered less protection against brain damage and neurological recovery.

Conclusions:

• A female-like gut microbiota reduces systemic proinflammatory cytokines post-ischemic stroke.
• Supplementation with female gut microbiota positively modulates stroke outcomes.