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In the study, the team wrote, “We specifically caught more stability and resistance capabilities in the nasal biome of women compared to men. These data suggest that the nasal microbiota can serve as a rich reservoir for new antibiotics or other pharmaceuticals.”
Lead author Guo Ruijin, an associate researcher at BGI Research, described the study as revealing ‘a vast world within the tiny nostrils’. (News18)
Medical science reveals that a woman’s body responds to many diseases differently than a man’s. Notably, respiratory diseases tend to be more prevalent in men, a finding supported by numerous studies. What explains this disparity? Research from Chinese scientists suggests that differences in the nasal microbiota – microorganisms residing in the noses of men and women – may play a significant role.
Strong Nasal Microbiota
A recent study published in Genome Biology highlights that women possess a more robust nasal microbiota, which enhances their ability to combat respiratory infections. Men, across all age groups, experience these infections more frequently. This trend was particularly evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, where mortality rates were consistently higher among men.
Does gender play a big role?
According to the study, gender is an important factor in many diseases, but until now, it was not clear how much difference in immunity is caused by sex chromosomes, sex genes and sex hormones.
The team at BGI Research, the world’s largest genome research organisation, said, “In this analysis, researchers identified specific sex-related differences in the communities of nasal microorganisms, which can increase the understanding of sex or gender differences in respiratory diseases.”
The team analysed the microorganisms, called the nasal biome, found in the noses and respiratory tracts of about 1,600 healthy young people. For this study, samples were taken from the southern city of Shenzhen in China in 2018. This was the largest sample collection taken until then. Apart from finding gender-based properties and functions of the nasal microbial composition, the team found 2,000 new gene clusters that can inspire new antibiotics.
More resistance capabilities in women
In the study, the team wrote, “We specifically caught more stability and resistance capabilities in the nasal biome of women compared to men. These data suggest that the nasal microbiota can serve as a rich reservoir for new antibiotics or other pharmaceuticals.”
Lead author Guo Ruijin, an associate researcher at BGI Research, described the study as revealing ‘a vast world within the tiny nostrils’.
As drug resistance is a growing threat to the world’s health, scientists are searching for new antibiotic-producing organisms in extreme environments such as deep seas and glaciers, untouched by pollution and antibiotics. According to Guo Ruijin, the human body could also be a potential source. He said, “The nasal cavity is a dynamic environment in which each breath brings constant changes. The microbiota has developed the ability to remain stable to deal with fluctuations, especially when pathogens invade. Antimicrobial substances, including antibiotics, are defensive weapons.
Inspiration for new antibiotics
“Humans are active creatures on the move and are exposed to a more complex environment than other animals. We often interact with a relatively open environment, leading to the development of new antibiotics in our bodies.” He said that the production of antimicrobial substances can be observed by genetic sequencing, and this can inspire the development of new antibiotics.
