ArticlemSystems2026
Integrative multicohort analysis reveals consistent sex differences in gut microbiota of multiple sclerosis patients.
Article in mSystems, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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Abstract
Biological sex is a key determinant in the onset and progression of multiple diseases. In multiple sclerosis (MS), females exhibit higher disease prevalence, earlier onset, and more pronounced inflammatory activity, whereas males tend to experience a more severe neurodegenerative course, characterized by accelerated central nervous system damage and increased brain atrophy. The gut microbiome has emerged as a critical factor in MS, as its composition can either ameliorate or exacerbate disease progression. In this study, we aimed to identify reproducible sex-associated differences in gut microbial composition across independent cohorts of MS patients. Through a systematic search, we identified six independent studies based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing, comprising a total of 337 samples. Despite substantial interstudy variability, sex-associated differences were more pronounced in MS patients than in healthy controls. We identified 11 microbial taxa showing significant sex-associated differences in MS, nine enriched in females, and two in males. Notably, the female-enriched taxa IMPORTANCE: Multiple sclerosis (MS) affects females and males differently, but the biological reasons behind these differences are not fully understood. One potential factor is the gut microbiome (i.e., the community of microorganisms living in our intestines), which can influence immune function and disease progression. In this study, we analyzed data from multiple independent cohorts and found consistent differences in gut microbial composition between female and male MS patients. Notably, certain bacteria were more abundant in females and were linked to more severe disease features. We also developed a freely accessible web tool where researchers can explore the complete findings in detail. Our results highlight the importance of considering sex as a key factor in microbiome research and may help guide more personalized approaches to understanding and treating MS.
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