Genital Microbiota Research Articles

Altered Endometrial Microbiota Profile Is Associated With Poor Endometrial Receptivity of Repeated Implantation Failure.

To gain insight into the endometrial pathophysiology of unexplained repeated implantation failure (RIF), we examined the characteristics of genital tract microbiota and explored the correlation between the microbiota and endometrial receptivity. Vaginal secretion (VS) and endometrial biopsy (EB) samples were collected from patients with RIF (RIF group, n=32) and those with infertility who had achieved pregnancy during their initial embryo transfer cycle (control group, n=18). 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing and quantitative PCR were performed to characterize the microbiota of the two groups. Spearman's correlation analysis was performed to determine the relationship between endometrial receptivity markers and endometrial microbiota. Endometrial microbiota exhibited distinct characteristics from vaginal microbiota, with a higher alpha-diversity. Alpha-diversity of the endometrial microbiota was higher in the RIF group than in the control group. Compared with the control group, the RIF group had a significant decrease in endometrial Lactobacillus abundance and an increase in Gardnerella and Acinetobacter abundances. The expression levels of endometrial receptivity markers, including homeobox A11, integrin αvβ3, leukemia inhibitor factor, matrix metalloproteinase-9, and vascular endothelial growth factor, were lower in the RIF group than in the control group. Moreover, the expression levels of these markers were correlated with endometrial Lactobacillus, Gardnerella, and Acinetobacter abundances. RIF is characterized by endometrial microbiota dysbiosis and poor endometrial receptivity. Moreover, abnormal endometrial microbiota is associated with impaired endometrial receptivity, which may be a potential cause of unexplained RIF.

Navigating the Microbial Landscape: Understanding Dysbiosis in Human Genital Tracts and Its Impact on Fertility.

Dysbiosis, an imbalance in microbial communities, significantly impacts the health and functionality of the human genital tract, with profound implications for fertility and reproductive health. This review explores the intricate relationship between genital tract microbiota and reproductive outcomes, highlighting the composition and dynamics of these microbial communities in both females and males. In females, the vaginal microbiota, primarily dominated by Lactobacillus species, is essential for maintaining a healthy vaginal environment, preventing infections, and supporting reproductive functions. In males, the genital microbiota influences sperm quality and reproductive health. Dysbiosis in the genital tract, manifesting as bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, urethritis, or prostatitis, disrupts these microbial communities, leading to adverse reproductive outcomes such as infertility, pregnancy, and increased susceptibility to sexually transmitted infections. This review delves into the mechanisms through which dysbiosis affects fertility, including alterations in vaginal pH, mucosal immunity, inflammation, sperm viability, and motility. It also evaluates diagnostic methods, clinical implications, and management strategies, including probiotics, prebiotics, antibiotics, antifungal treatments, lifestyle interventions, and emerging therapeutic approaches. By understanding the microbial landscape of the genital tract and its impact on fertility, this review aims to inform targeted interventions that restore microbial balance and enhance reproductive health, ultimately improving fertility outcomes and the potential for healthy pregnancies.

Comparison of microbiota structure in reproductive tract of Yanbian cattle and Yanhuang cattle.

Microbiota in the reproductive tract of cattle play a vital role in maintaining normal reproduction. However, the information on microbiota in different parts of reproductive tracts with different genetic background is few. The aim of the present study was to describe and compare the microbiota in vagina, cervix and uterus of Yanbian cattle and Yanhuang cattle. The results showed that microbial diversity increases from the vagina to the uterus. The top three bacterial phyla in bovine reproductive tract were Proteobacteria, Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes, accounting for more than 85%. From the vagina to the uterus, the relative abundance of Proteobacteria gradually decreased, while that of Firmicutes gradually increased. Phylum-level Firmicutes and genus-level UCG_010 were significantly enriched in the uterus of Yanbian cattle and Yanhuang cattle. Comparing the same parts of the two breeds, it was found that there was no significant difference in alpha diversity, but significant differences in beta diversity. In addition, microbiota with significant differences in the relative abundance of the reproductive tract were found. These findings lay a foundation for a comprehensive understanding of the structure of the genital tract microbiota of cows and its regulatory mechanisms.

Male Tract Microbiota and Male Infertility.

In recent years, several studies have analyzed the composition of the male genital tract microbiota and its changes in infertility or in different situations associated with infertility. The aim of this narrative review is to obtain more insight on this topic; in particular, to describe actual evidence about changes in the semen microbiota in patients with infertility, male tract infections, or HPV infections. In semen, an increase in semen Prevotella spp. is associated with oligozoospermia and with obesity-associated asthenozoospermia; an increase in Pseudomonas is more frequently associated with asthenozoospermia and oligozoospermia; a reduction in Lactobacilli spp. (namely in Lactobacillus crispatus) may represent a marker of low semen quality. However, an increase in Lactobacillus iners is considered a risk factor for a reduced sperm concentration. In patients with prostatitis, there is a reduction in Lactobacillus spp. and an increase in Streptococcus spp., opening important perspectives about the role of probiotic treatments in these patients. Finally, an increase in Fusobacteria spp. was observed in patients with an HPV infection. In the conclusion, we underline the interactions between the seminal and vaginal microbiota, so that further studies should focus on the "couple genital microbiota".

Antimicrobial susceptibility rates in gram-positive catalase-negative cocci from sheep and goat genital microbiota

Gram-positive catalase-negative cocci (GPCNCs) are significant components of the genital microbiota in sheep and goats. However, characterizing them can be difficult due to overlapping culture features and the limited information on their susceptibility to antibiotics. In this study, 97 foreskin and 13 vaginal swabs were investigated using a culturomic approach. Of 110 animals, 76 (69.09 %) hosted GPCNCs, including strains from Streptococcaceae (37, 33.64 %), Aerococcaceae (30, 27.27 %), Enterococcaceae (6, 5.45 %) and other minor species. With increasing antimicrobial resistance rates in livestock, surveillance programs are globally required, so we conducted a pilot study on GPCNCs isolated from the genital mucosa surfaces of sheep and goats using the minimal inhibitory concentration assay (MIC). Due to gaps in interpretative standard breakpoints, normalized resistance interpretation was used for setting epidemiological susceptibility cut-off values (COWTs). Of 57 suitable strains, the majority (80.71 %) showed high COWTs with decrease susceptibility to at least one antimicrobial class, with 22.81 % displaying multiresistant profiles. Of interest, combined resistances to beta-lactams, macrolides, lincosamides, and tetracyclines were detected in strains of Streptococcus plurianimalium. Further combinations, including resistance to beta-lactams, pleuromutilins, aminoglycosides, and lincosamides, were also recorded in both Streptococcus uberis and Enterococcus spp. strains. Being beta-lactams, macrolides, and tetracyclines the most used antibiotics in livestock worldwide, our results highlight the need for their prudent use. Collectively, our findings highlight that small ruminant genital microbiota can serve as reservoirs for opportunistic severe pathogens, often zoonotic, carrying multidrug resistances, thus standing for high risks for both animals and humans.

(045) A PHYSICIAN'S GUIDE TO LUBRICANT FOR SEX

Abstract Introduction Lubricant use during sexual activity has numerous benefits, minimal harms, and can play a role in managing common concerns in primary care. However, navigating evidence-based conversations about lubricant use can be challenging since there is a lack of easily accessible and reliable information. As a result, physicians are often hesitant to discuss the topic and can only offer anecdotal advice. Objective To review literature on lubricants used during sexual activity to (1) inform the development of an inclusive and practical evidence-based tool for physicians to help incorporate patient-specific recommendations for lubricants into clinical practice, and (2) create accessible materials for patients. Methods We conducted a scoping review of peer-reviewed literature using the Arksey and O’Malley framework. Using relevant keywords, we searched two electronic databases, one search engine, and reference lists for articles published in 2003 and onward. Articles generated were manually reviewed for relevance with further inclusion criteria: (1) identifies patient populations most likely to benefit from using lubricant during sexual activity, (2) addresses benefits and drawbacks of different lubricant classes, or (3) describes ingredients in or properties of lubricants that may cause harm. All sexually active individuals were deemed eligible for inclusion in the study, with no restrictions placed on location, age, gender, or sexual orientation. Following the completion of our scoping review, we used an evidence-based approach to develop a clinical practice tool and patient handout. During their development and to validate our findings, family physicians, nurses, psychologists specializing in sexual concerns, and sexual health educators provided iterative review. Results 27 articles were deemed eligible for inclusion in our scoping review. Results showed lubricant use to be especially beneficial for patients who (1) experience dryness, pain, or sexual dysfunction during any type of sex, (2) are at a higher risk of STI transmission (by reducing condom breakage), or (3) want to reduce the risk of having an unplanned pregnancy (by reducing condom breakage). There are three main types of lubricant available: oil, water, and silicone-based. Oil-based lubricant is not recommended since it is incompatible with latex condoms and is more likely to irritate genital epithelium and negatively impact genital microbiota. When comparing silicone and water-based lubricant, silicone-based lubricant lasts longer but is more difficult to wash off. Silicone-based lubricant is not compatible with silicone-based sex toys, whereas water-based lubricant is compatible with all types of sex toys. Water-based lubricant is also more likely than silicone-based lubricant to contain potentially irritating ingredients and properties, such as glycerol, propylene glycol, parabens, or a high osmolality. For patients who are struggling with infertility, most lubricants should be avoided as they can negatively affect sperm motility and viability. Conclusions Numerous patients can benefit from lubricant use during sexual activity. In particular, silicone and water-based lubricant without harmful additives or properties are recommended. Our guide on lubricants will assist physicians in identifying patients who may benefit from using lubricant and incorporating patient-specific recommendations into clinical practice. This, in addition to our patient handout, will help to improve discussions between patients and healthcare providers regarding sexual well-being and lubricant use. Disclosure No.

Exploring the Relationship between Ovarian Cancer and Genital Microbiota: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Ovarian cancer (OC) remains a significant health challenge globally, with high mortality rates despite advancements in treatment. Emerging research suggests a potential link between OC development and genital dysbiosis, implicating alterations in the microbiome composition as a contributing factor. To investigate this correlation, a meta-analysis was conducted following PRISMA and MOOSE guidelines, involving eight studies encompassing 3504 patients. Studies investigating the role of upper and inferior genital tract dysbiosis were included, with particular reference to HPV infection and/or history of pelvic inflammatory disease. The analysis revealed no significant difference in genital dysbiosis prevalence between OC patients and healthy controls. Although previous literature suggests associations between dysbiosis and gynecologic cancers, such as cervical and endometrial cancers, the findings regarding OC are inconclusive. Methodological variations and environmental factors may contribute to these discrepancies, underscoring the need for standardized methodologies and larger-scale studies. Despite the limitations, understanding the microbiome's role in OC development holds promise for informing preventive and therapeutic strategies. A holistic approach to patient care, incorporating microbiome monitoring and personalized interventions, may offer insights into mitigating OC risk and improving treatment outcomes. Further research with robust methodologies is warranted to elucidate the complex interplay between dysbiosis and OC, potentially paving the way for novel preventive and therapeutic approaches.

Microbial Dysbiosis and Male Infertility: Understanding the Impact and Exploring Therapeutic Interventions.

The human microbiota in the genital tract is pivotal for maintaining fertility, but its disruption can lead to male infertility. This study examines the relationship between microbial dysbiosis and male infertility, underscoring the promise of precision medicine in this field. Through a comprehensive review, this research indicates microbial signatures associated with male infertility, such as altered bacterial diversity, the dominance of pathogenic species, and imbalances in the genital microbiome. Key mechanisms linking microbial dysbiosis to infertility include inflammation, oxidative stress, and sperm structural deterioration. Emerging strategies like targeted antimicrobial therapies, probiotics, prebiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation have shown potential in adjusting the genital microbiota to enhance male fertility. Notably, the application of precision medicine, which customizes treatments based on individual microbial profiles and specific causes of infertility, emerges as a promising approach to enhance treatment outcomes. Ultimately, microbial dysbiosis is intricately linked to male infertility, and embracing personalized treatment strategies rooted in precision medicine principles could be the way forward in addressing infertility associated with microbial factors.

Vaginal Ozone Insufflation in Management of Vaginal Candidiasis

The vagina of a woman is a sophisticated microecology system. Typically, the H2O2-producing Lactobacillus dominates the vaginal microbiota of healthy women. This bacterium converts glycogen in vaginal epithelial cells into lactic acid, sustaining the vagina's natural acidic environment. Understanding the substantial correlation between the vaginal and upper genital tract microbiota and vaginal and genital tract infections has led to an interest in these areas. However, the spectrum of microbial types consistent with a functioning genital tract and the variables influencing the flora remains perplexing. The most prevalent gynecological condition seen in primary care, vaginitis caused by Candida albicans, is a significant public health concern due to its high frequency. Candidal vulvovaginitis, also known as vaginal thrush and vaginal yeast infection, is an overgrowth of yeast in the vagina that irritates. Ozone treatment has made its way into German medical practice, where it is successfully applied to treat several disorders. Medical ozone's qualities, such as its bactericidal, virucidal, fungicidal, analgesic, and other effects, have been utilized in therapy, surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, dermatology, stomatology, and the treatment of infectious and venereal illnesses. During ozone treatment or therapy, a catheter was used to insufflate an ozone/oxygen gas mixture into the female reproductive system. They were completed continuously by attaching a catheter to the ozone output hose and allowing the ozone/oxygen gas mix to flow for the allotted time. Based on clinical and microbiological evidence, the effectiveness standards Complete clinical and microbiological recovery observable clinical symptoms that are objective. The vaginal mucous membrane was free of inflammatory disorders following treatment, and vaginal cultures were negative.

Translocation of vaginal and cervical low-abundance non-Lactobacillus bacteria notably associate with endometriosis: A pilot study

The etiology remains to be understood for endometriosis (EMS) which affected health negatively for 10% of reproductive-age women globally. Emerging studies found the associations of EMS with genital microbiota dysbiosis. However, the role of vaginal and cervical microbiota is not fully understood for Chinese women. This study recruited forty Chinese women (21 healthy women and 19 EMS patients) to analyze vaginal and cervical microbiota using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing method. For both sites, there were no significant differences for distribution of microbial samples between control and EMS group, which was concordant with dominated Lactobacillus in both groups. In contrast, we observed accumulation of several low-abundance genera in vaginal and cervical microbiota of EMS patients, such as Fannyhessea, Prevotella, Streptococcus, Bifidobacterium, Veillonella, Megasphaera and Sneathia. Random forest analysis found that translocation of these genera had the significant importance in differentiating EMS patients from controls. In addition, cervix/vagina ratio of these genera also associated with EMS severity. And these genera had notable associations with ascending infection-related functional pathways, including flagellar assembly, bacterial motility proteins, bacterial toxins and epithelial cell signaling in Helicobacter pylori infection. These findings suggest that translocation of specific genera between vaginal and cervical sites play a role in EMS.

Comparative Analysis of the Pre-Parturition and Post-Parturition Genital Tract Microbiota in Plateau Bangor Sewa Sheep.

(1) Background: Bangor Sewa sheep are an economically significant livestock species on the plateau. The roles of microbiota in reproduction are complex and critical for animal health. But little is known currently about the microbiome of plateau Bangor Sewa sheep. The purpose of this study was to discover the changes in the genital tract microbiota of pre- and post-partum Bangor Sewa sheep. (2) Methods: Samples from the birth canal were obtained for 16S rRNA sequencing, three days before and after delivery, respectively. (3) Results: The results showed that there was a noticeable difference in three phyla and 74 genera between the pre- and post-parturition groups in the microbiota of Bangor Sewa sheep. The changes included a decrease in the abundance of genera related to health (unclassified_Cellulomonadaceae, Cellulomonas, Fibrobacti, Flavobacterium, Eubacterium_ventriosum_group, Acetitomaculum, Aeromicrobium, Dietzia, Romboutsia, Ruminococcus, etc.) and an increased abundance of negatively related genera (Nocardioides, unclassified_Clostridia, Sphingobacteriaceae, unclassified_Ruminococcaceae, Prevotellaceae_UCG_004, Micromonospora, Streptococcus, Facklamia, Bosea, etc.) spp. (4) Conclusions: Microbes can serve as indicators of the physical state of Bangor Sewa sheep. These findings laid the foundation for deciphering the effects of microbial changes during birth on the reproductive health of plateau Bangor Sewa sheep.

Insights into the Genital Microbiota of Women Who Experienced Fetal Death in Utero.

The aim of this work was to achieve a better understanding of the bacterial pathogens associated with stillbirths that would serve to inform clinical interventions directed at reducing this adverse pregnancy outcome. A prospective observational study was conducted with the participation of 22 women from northern Peru, of whom 11 experienced fetal death in utero and 11 delivered preterm births. Swabs were taken from the vagina, placenta, amniotic fluid and axilla of the infant at birth by Caesarean section. The bacterial populations in the vagina and the amniotic space of each participant were determined by employing the amplicon sequencing of the V4 region of the 16S rRNA genes. The sequence data were analysed using bioinformatics tools. The work showed differences in the composition of the genital microbiomes of women who experienced preterm birth or fetal death in utero. There were no differences in the alpha diversity between the genital microbiotas of both groups of women, but there were more different taxa in the vagina and amniotic space of the preterm participants. Lactobacillus spp. was less abundant in the stillbirth cases. E. coli/Shigella, Staphylococcus, Gardnerella, Listeria and Bacteroides taxa were associated with the stillbirths. In each woman, there was a minimal concordance between the bacterial populations in the vagina and amniotic space.

How Do Microorganisms Influence the Development of Endometriosis? Participation of Genital, Intestinal and Oral Microbiota in Metabolic Regulation and Immunopathogenesis of Endometriosis

Microorganisms inhabiting the human body play an extremely key role in its proper functioning, as well as in the development of the immune system, which, by maintaining the immune balance, allows you to enjoy health. Dysbiosis of the intestinal microbiota, or in the oral cavity or reproductive tract, understood as a change in the number and diversity of all microorganisms inhabiting them, may correlate with the development of many diseases, including endometriosis, as researchers have emphasized. Endometriosis is an inflammatory, estrogen-dependent gynecological condition defined by the growth of endometrial cells outside the uterine cavity. Deregulation of immune homeostasis resulting from microbiological disorders may generate chronic inflammation, thus creating an environment conducive to the increased adhesion and angiogenesis involved in the development of endometriosis. In addition, research in recent years has implicated bacterial contamination and immune activation, reduced gastrointestinal function by cytokines, altered estrogen metabolism and signaling, and abnormal progenitor and stem cell homeostasis, in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. The aim of this review was to present the influence of intestinal, oral and genital microbiota dysbiosis in the metabolic regulation and immunopathogenesis of endometriosis.

O-263 Effect of clindamycin and a live biotherapeutic containing lactobacilli on the reproductive outcomes of IVF patients with abnormal vaginal microbiota: a double-blind, placebo-controlled multicentre trial

Abstract Study question Does treatment of abnormal vaginal microbiota improve the reproductive outcomes of IVF patients? Summary answer Data is being analysed and will be presented at ESHRE 2023. What is known already An increasing number of studies reported an association between abnormal genital tract microbiota and adverse reproductive outcomes in IVF patients. One hypothesis could be that vaginal microbiota ascend to the endometrium where the microbiota hampers implantation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study powered to investigate causality between abnormal genital tract microbiota - in this study defined by a bacterial vaginosis like vaginal microbiota - and clinical pregnancy rate in IVF patients. Study design, size, duration Double-blind, placebo-controlled multicentre trial in IVF patients diagnosed with abnormal vaginal microbiota and subsequently randomised into three parallel groups 1:1:1. The first group received clindamycin 300 mg ×2 daily for 7 days followed by vaginal Lactobacillus crispatus until the clinical pregnancy scan. The second group received clindamycin and placebo, whereas the third group received placebo/placebo. A total of 1518 patients were screened, and 338 patients were randomised. The study duration was from 2017 to 2023. Participants/materials, setting, methods IVF patients with any cause of infertility embarking on their first, second or third IVF stimulation cycle or embryo transfer were approached for inclusion. At a minimum 12 days prior to embryo transfer, patients were screened for abnormal vaginal microbiota defined by a qPCR assay, targeting high quantitative loads of Fannyhessea vaginae and Gardnerella spp. Patients were excluded if they had intrauterine malformations like polyps, septum, and fibroma. Main results and the role of chance Data and safety monitoring board has decided not to open the randomization code yet. The final dataset is being completed. Data is being analysed and will be presented at ESHRE 2023. Limitations, reasons for caution Data is being analysed and will be presented at ESHRE 2023. Wider implications of the findings The present drug intervention study used clindamycin and a live biotherapeutic containing Lactobacillus crispatus. The results of the study could have a worldwide important clinical impact on daily IVF practice as currently there is no evidence that screening and treating IVF patients with abnormal vaginal microbiota improves the reproductive outcome. Trial registration number EudraCT 2016-002385-31

P-092 Interaction of male and female genital microbiota in infertile couples undergoing assisted reproductive technology

Abstract Study question Is there a crosstalk between the male and female genital microbiota of couples undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART) and the outcome of this treatment. Summary answer Despite the presence of bacteria linked with bacterial vaginosis in male samples, there appears to be very limited impact on the microbiota of female partners. What is known already In recent years, thanks to advancements in sequencing technologies, the microbiota has been explored extensively and many of its roles in human physiology were deciphered. Compared to its female counterpart, male genital microbiota has been understudied. Presence of bacteria in sperm was generally associated with a pathological condition, but recent reports indicate that the male genital tract is colonized by bacteria and even good quality semen generally contains bacteria. Previously three main semen microbiota profiles were identified, two of these were composed of bacteria, usually found in the vagina, indicating that bacteria could be shared between partners during sexual intercourse. Study design, size, duration Prospective observational study including 65 couples receiving ART between 2018 and 2020 at a single fertility center in Switzerland, to investigate the interaction of male and female reproductive tract microbiota. Samples were collected by swabbing penile skin and seminal fluid as well as vagina and follicular fluid. Participants/materials, setting, methods Samples of 64 infertile couples undergoing ART were collected by direct sampling (vagina and penis glans) or by immersion in the biological fluid (follicular fluid and semen). Follicular fluid was obtained during oocyte pick-up. Sampling of vagina and penis glans (self-sampling) as well as immersion of semen was performed on the same day. 16S rRNA profiling (next generation sequencing) was used to characterize bacterial populations in the samples using a previously developed pipeline. Main results and the role of chance Lactobacillus spp. were highly prevalent in follicular fluid samples and especially in vaginal samples. Generally, penis glans samples were highly colonized by different bacteria and showed the highest alpha diversity. Follicular fluid and semen samples had generally low bacterial biomass. Lactobacillus iners was the most prevalent species in female samples. This is also the case for male samples, although the abundance was lower. For male patients, comparison of beta diversities showed that intra-individual samples were more similar compared to same sample types from different individuals. The opposite was observed for vaginal samples, where inter-individual differences were less marked compared to samples of the same woman. Similar analyses were performed to evaluate relatedness of samples from the same couple, allowing us to estimate the possible impact of microbiota interaction between partners. Despite generally high values, in several cases intra-couple dissimilarities were significantly lower when compared to same sample type of different individuals. Analysis of differently abundant taxa showed, as expected, that Lactobacillus genus was enriched in female samples, along with Atopobium spp. A higher number of genera was specifically enriched in male samples, including Prevotella, Campylobacter and Mobiluncus genera among others. Limitations, reasons for caution Limitations of this study are, that it is only observational and the number of patients included is relatively small. Wider implications of the findings Our results suggest a very limited impact of male microbiota on the female bacterial colonization, despite male samples were enriched with bacterial genera negatively associated with reproduction. Future analysis of the influence of sexual activity on the microbial composition should comprise samples obtained before and after sexual intercourse. Trial registration number not applicable

The Impact of the Female Genital Microbiota on the Outcome of Assisted Reproduction Treatments.

The vaginal microbiota plays a critical role in the health of the female genital tract, and its composition contributes to gynecological disorders and infertility. Lactobacilli are the dominant species in the female genital tract: their production of lactic acid, hydrogen peroxide, and bacteriocins prevents the invasion and growth of pathogenic microorganisms. Several factors such as hormonal changes, age of reproduction, sexual practices, menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and antimicrobial drugs use can cause imbalance and dysbiosis of the vaginal microbiota. This review aims to highlight the impact of the vaginal microbiota in Assisted Reproductive Technology techniques (ART) and it examines the factors that influence the vaginal microbiota, the consequences of dysbiosis, and potential interventions to restore a healthy female genital tract.

Local Immune Biomarker Expression Depending on the Uterine Microbiota in Patients with Idiopathic Infertility.

The endometrium has traditionally been considered sterile. Nowadays, active studies are performed on the female upper genital tract microbiota. Bacteria and/or viruses colonizing the endometrium are known to alter its functional properties, including receptivity and embryo implantation. Uterine cavity inflammation caused by microorganisms leads to disrupted cytokine expression, which, in turn, is mandatory for the successful implantation of the embryo. The present study assessed the vaginal and endometrial microbiota composition and its relation to the levels of cytokines produced by the endometrium in reproductive-aged women complaining of secondary infertility of unknown origin. The multiplex real-time PCR assay was applied for vaginal and endometrial microbiota analysis. The quantitative measurement of endometrial α-defensin (DEFa1), transforming growth factor (TGFβ1), and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF2) was carried out using the ELISA (Cloud-Clone Corporation (Katy, TX, USA; manufactured in Wuhan, China). A reliable decline in endometrial TGFβ1 and bFGF2 and an increase in DEFa1 were demonstrated in women with idiopathic infertility when compared to fertile patients. However, TGFβ1, bFGF2, and DEFa1 expression correlated reliably only with the presence of Peptostreptococcus spp. and HPV in the uterine cavity. The obtained results highlight the importance of local immune biomarker determination in the assessment of certain bacteria and viruses' significance as causative agents of infertility.

Human Male Genital Tract Microbiota.

The human body is vastly colonised by microorganisms, whose impact on health is increasingly recognised. The human genital tract hosts a diverse microbiota, and an increasing number of studies on the male genital tract microbiota suggest that bacteria have a role in male infertility and pathological conditions, such as prostate cancer. Nevertheless, this research field remains understudied. The study of bacterial colonisation of the male genital tract is highly impacted by the invasive nature of sampling and the low abundance of the microbiota. Therefore, most studies relied on the analysis of semen microbiota to describe the colonisation of the male genital tract (MGT), which was thought to be sterile. The aim of this narrative review is to present the results of studies that used next-generation sequencing (NGS) to profile the bacterial colonisation patterns of different male genital tract anatomical compartments and critically highlight their findings and their weaknesses. Moreover, we identified potential research axes that may be crucial for our understanding of the male genital tract microbiota and its impact on male infertility and pathophysiology.

Distinct cervical tissue-adherent and luminal microbiome communities correlate with mucosal host gene expression and protein levels in Kenyan sex workers

BackgroundThe majority of studies characterizing female genital tract microbiota have focused on luminal organisms, while the presence and impact of tissue-adherent ectocervical microbiota remain incompletely understood. Studies of luminal and tissue-associated bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract suggest that these communities may have distinct roles in health and disease. Here, we performed a multi-omics characterization of paired luminal and tissue samples collected from a cohort of Kenyan female sex workers.ResultsWe identified a tissue-adherent bacterial microbiome, with a higher alpha diversity than the luminal microbiome, in which dominant genera overall included Gardnerella and Lactobacillus, followed by Prevotella, Atopobium, and Sneathia. About half of the L. iners-dominated luminal samples had a corresponding Gardnerella-dominated tissue microbiome. Broadly, the tissue-adherent microbiome was associated with fewer differentially expressed host genes than the luminal microbiome. Gene set enrichment analysis revealed that L. crispatus-dominated tissue-adherent communities were associated with protein translation and antimicrobial activity, whereas a highly diverse microbial community was associated with epithelial remodeling and pro-inflammatory pathways. Tissue-adherent communities dominated by L. iners and Gardnerella were associated with lower host transcriptional activity. Tissue-adherent microbiomes dominated by Lactobacillus and Gardnerella correlated with host protein profiles associated with epithelial barrier stability, although with a more pro-inflammatory profile for the Gardnerella-dominated microbiome group. Tissue samples with a highly diverse composition had a protein profile representing cell proliferation and pro-inflammatory activity.ConclusionWe identified ectocervical tissue-adherent bacterial communities in all study participants of a female sex worker cohort. These communities were distinct from cervicovaginal luminal microbiota in a significant proportion of individuals. We further revealed that bacterial communities at both sites correlated with distinct host gene expression and protein levels. The tissue-adherent bacterial community could possibly act as a reservoir that seed the lumen with less optimal, non-Lactobacillus, bacteria.1vNfGdLTcr4_vB6d-MCta-Video

The importance of the genital tract microflora in the endometriosis development

Endometriosis is a common pathology among women of reproductive age. In the pathogenesis of its development a great importance is paid to the process of regulation of estrogens and other sex hormones, the implementation of the immune response at the general and local levels, the inflammatory response, and genetic background. In recent years, the role of the microbiota in different parts of the genital tract of the female organism has been studied not only from the standard approach of inflammatory diseases research of the reproductive organs and pathological vaginal discharge, but its contribution into the development of other gynecological diseases, in particular endometriosis, is presented.The article is devoted to a review of scientific publications about researches devoted to the significance of the genital tract microflora in the pathophysiology of endometriosis. The article presents the concepts of states of eubiosis and dysbiosis, describes the features of the microflora of the lower (vagina, cervix) and upper parts (uterus, fallopian tubes) of the genital tract in healthy women. The data on the importance of Lactobacillus in maintaining an optimal state of acidity in the vaginal environment are presented. The difference in the composition of the microbiota of the vagina, cervical mucus, uterine cavity and peritoneal fluid in women with and without endometriosis is revealed. The pathogenetic mechanisms of the role of the microbiota in the processes of endometriosis pathogenesis, namely, the regulation of the immune response and inflammation processes in this pathology, are described. It has been shown that in women with endometriosis there are differences in the microflora composition of the vagina, cervix, uterine cavity, peritoneal fluid, manifested by a decreased concentration of Lactobacillus and the presence of a variety of other microorganisms in relation to healthy women. The data about the role of gut microflora in patients with this pathology are also presented. The results of research about the diagnosis of various stages of endometriosis by studying the composition of the genital tract microbiota are described.