Insights into estrogen impact in oral health & microbiome in COVID-19 Original paper
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Read MoreI am a biochemist with a deep curiosity for the human microbiome and how it shapes human health, and I enjoy making microbiome science more accessible through research and writing. With 2 years experience in microbiome research, I have curated microbiome studies, analyzed microbial signatures, and now focus on interventions as a Microbiome Signatures and Interventions Research Coordinator.
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Women’s Health
Women’s Health
Women’s health, a vital aspect of medical science, encompasses various conditions unique to women’s physiological makeup. Historically, women were often excluded from clinical research, leading to a gap in understanding the intricacies of women’s health needs. However, recent advancements have highlighted the significant role that the microbiome plays in these conditions, offering new insights and potential therapies. MicrobiomeSignatures.com is at the forefront of exploring the microbiome signature of each of these conditions to unravel the etiology of these diseases and develop targeted microbiome therapies.
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Menopause
Menopause
Menopause impacts many aspects of health, including the gut microbiome, weight management, and hormone balance. Diet, probiotics, intermittent fasting, and HRT offer effective management strategies.
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Divine Aleru
Read More
Researched by:
-
Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Read More
Microbiome Signatures identifies and validates condition-specific microbiome shifts and interventions to accelerate clinical translation. Our multidisciplinary team supports clinicians, researchers, and innovators in turning microbiome science into actionable medicine.
Divine Aleru
What was studied?
The study explored the effects of estrogen on oral health, microbiome composition, and cytokine profiles in premenopausal, postmenopausal women, and men with COVID-19. It aimed to understand how hormonal differences, particularly estrogen levels, impact oral health, ACE2 expression, and the inflammatory environment in the oral cavity, with a focus on COVID-19 outcomes.
Who was studied?
The study involved 60 non-vaccinated subjects, divided into three groups: 20 premenopausal women, 18 postmenopausal women, and 22 men. All participants were diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection and underwent detailed oral health evaluations, including swabs for ACE2 expression, saliva cytokine measurements, and 16S rRNA sequencing to analyze the oral microbiome. The study considered variables such as age, oral health status, comorbidities, and hormonal status.
Most important findings
The study found that postmenopausal women and men had a poorer oral health status, characterized by higher oral proinflammatory cytokine levels. Postmenopausal women exhibited a significantly lower expression of ACE2 in oral cells compared to premenopausal women, which could imply a compromised protective mechanism against SARS-CoV-2. Additionally, salivary estrogen levels were negatively correlated with viral load, suggesting estrogen’s potential protective role in mitigating viral infection. The oral microbiome in premenopausal women was enriched with commensal species like Prevotella melaninogenica, whereas postmenopausal women had higher levels of pathogenic species such as Leptotrichia and Tannerella. These differences were linked to variations in oral health indices, with poor oral health associated with a dysbiotic microbiome and increased proinflammatory cytokine profiles.
Key implications
This study highlights the influence of estrogen on oral health and immune responses, particularly in the context of COVID-19. It suggests that postmenopausal women, due to hormonal changes, may experience worsened oral health and increased vulnerability to respiratory infections, such as COVID-19. Estrogen’s role in modulating ACE2 expression and inflammatory cytokines indicates its potential as a protective factor in managing viral infections, making it an important consideration in postmenopausal health management. These findings underscore the need for further studies to explore hormonal therapies and microbiome interventions as potential strategies to improve oral health and mitigate the effects of COVID-19 in postmenopausal women.
Estrogen
Estrogen is a steroid hormone primarily found in women, crucial for reproductive health, secondary sexual characteristics, and various physiological processes. It regulates menstrual cycles, supports pregnancy, and influences bone density and cardiovascular health. Dysregulation of estrogen levels can lead to various disorders and health complications.