Sex difference in tryptophan-indole pathway

Tryptophan metabolism is important in blood pressure regulation. The tryptophan-indole pathway is exclusively mediated by the gut microbiota. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) participates in tryptophan absorption, and a lack of ACE2 leads to changes in the gut microbiota. The gut microbiota has been recognized as a regulator of blood pressure. Furthermore, there is ample evidence for sex differences in the gut microbiota. However, it is unclear whether such sex differences impact blood pressure differentially through the tryptophan-indole pathway.