Association between premature ovarian insufficiency and gut microbiota 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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Microbes
Microbes
Microbes, short for microorganisms, are tiny living organisms that are ubiquitous in the environment, including on and inside the human body. They play a crucial role in human health and disease, functioning within complex ecosystems in various parts of the body, such as the skin, mouth, gut, and respiratory tract. The human microbiome, which is […]
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Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI)
Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI)
Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI) is a medical condition in which a woman’s ovaries stop functioning normally before the age of 40. This leads to reduced estrogen production and irregular menstrual cycles, which may eventually result in infertility and early menopause-like symptoms. POI can occur due to various reasons, including genetic factors, autoimmune disorders, chemotherapy, or unknown causes. Though often misunderstood and misdiagnosed, POI can significantly impact a woman's physical and emotional well-being. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, including hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and fertility interventions, can help manage symptoms, improve quality of life, and in some cases, restore fertility.
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Divine Aleru
Read More
Researched by:
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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?
This study aimed to explore the relationship between premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) and the gut microbiota. POI, which affects women under 40 and is marked by the early cessation of ovarian function, has multifactorial causes, including autoimmune diseases and hormonal imbalances. Recent research into gut microbiome studies has highlighted its influence on immune function and hormonal regulation. This study investigated the gut microbial community structure in women with POI compared to healthy controls, utilizing 16S rRNA gene sequencing to characterize the differences in microbial populations.
Who was studied?
The study included 35 women diagnosed with spontaneous POI and 18 healthy women as controls. All participants were aged between 24 and 40 years, with the POI group having a significantly higher body mass index (BMI) compared to controls. The women with POI had higher serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and testosterone (T), but lower levels of estradiol (E2) and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH). The women in the control group had normal ovarian function, with regular menstruation and normal levels of FSH. The participants were recruited from the Shenzhen Maternity & Child Healthcare Hospital, and clinical and demographic data were also collected for analysis.
Most important findings
The gut microbiome of women with POI showed significant differences when compared to that of healthy controls. The major phyla present in both groups were Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, and Proteobacteria, with Firmicutes being the dominant phylum in both groups. However, women with POI had a significantly higher Bacteroidetes/Firmicutes ratio, with notable increases in Bacteroides, Bifidobacterium, Megamonas, and Prevotella, while genera such as Blautia, Clostridium, Coprococcus, and Faecalibacterium were significantly decreased. These microbial changes were correlated with serum hormone levels, including estradiol, FSH, and LH. Specifically, higher levels of Bacteroides and a higher Bacteroidetes/Firmicutes ratio were associated with higher FSH and LH levels and lower estradiol.
Key implications
These findings suggest that the gut microbiota plays a role in the pathogenesis of POI, possibly influencing immune responses and hormone regulation. The altered gut microbial profile in women with POI, marked by an increase in certain bacterial genera and a disturbed Bacteroidetes/Firmicutes ratio, may contribute to the autoimmune processes and hormonal imbalances seen in POI. The correlation between gut microbiota composition and serum hormone levels indicates that microbiome-targeted interventions (MBTIs), such as probiotics, could potentially modulate the immune response and help manage POI symptoms.
Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI)
Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI) is a medical condition in which a woman’s ovaries stop functioning normally before the age of 40. This leads to reduced estrogen production and irregular menstrual cycles, which may eventually result in infertility and early menopause-like symptoms. POI can occur due to various reasons, including genetic factors, autoimmune disorders, chemotherapy, or unknown causes. Though often misunderstood and misdiagnosed, POI can significantly impact a woman's physical and emotional well-being. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, including hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and fertility interventions, can help manage symptoms, improve quality of life, and in some cases, restore fertility.
Microbiome-Targeted Interventions (MBTIs)
Microbiome Targeted Interventions (MBTIs) are cutting-edge treatments that utilize information from Microbiome Signatures to modulate the microbiome, revolutionizing medicine with unparalleled precision and impact.