Causal Effects of Gut Microbiota on Female Reproductive Tract Inflammation and Infertility: A Mendelian Randomization Study Original paper
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
I 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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Female Infertility
Female Infertility
Female infertility is a multifactorial condition affecting 10-15% of women of reproductive age, often caused by underlying conditions like Bacterial Vaginosis (BV), PCOS, Endometriosis, and Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). Microbiome-targeted interventions (MBTIs) offer a promising approach to restoring balance, improving fertility outcomes, and addressing root causes.
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Divine Aleru
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
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 investigated the causal relationships between gut microbiota and female reproductive tract inflammation and infertility, specifically employing Mendelian randomization (MR). MR is a method that utilizes genetic variants to elucidate the causal influence of modifiable exposures, specifically gut microbiota, on specific health outcomes, such as reproductive tract inflammation and infertility.
Who was studied?
The analysis utilized existing genome-wide association study (GWAS) datasets primarily involving individuals of European ancestry. It included genetic data from 18,340 participants in the MiBioGen consortium to analyze microbiome quantitative trait loci, which are host genetic variations influencing gut microbiota composition. The study evaluated causal relationships between 119 bacterial genera and female reproductive conditions using summary data predominantly from the FinnGen biobank, validated by additional datasets from the UK Biobank.
What were the most important findings?
This research provided robust evidence linking specific gut microbiota to female reproductive tract inflammation and infertility. Bacterial genera such as Lachnospiraceae and Ruminococcus were causally linked to an increased risk of pelvic inflammatory disorders. In contrast, Butyricicoccus and Prevotella were associated with a protective effect against inflammation. Detailed analyses further identified associations specific to reproductive organs: Coprococcus and Ruminococcus increased the risks of salpingitis and oophoritis, whereas Coprococcus reduced the risk. Similarly, Eubacterium (Fissicatena group) and Oscillospira increased the risk of uterine inflammation, while Haemophilus decreased the risk of cervical inflammation.
Faecalibacterium was associated with increased infertility risk. Conversely, genera such as Erysipelotrichaceae, Lactococcus, and Ruminococcus (torques group) had protective associations. Detailed subtype analyses revealed bacteria significantly associated with specific infertility types, including anovulation and tubal infertility. The findings were robustly validated through sensitivity analyses, showing no reverse causality, suggesting the microbiota directly influence these conditions rather than being merely correlated.
What are the greatest implications of this study?
This study’s findings have substantial implications for the diagnosis, prevention, and targeted treatment of reproductive health issues in women. Identifying gut bacteria associated with increased or decreased risks opens pathways for personalized probiotic therapies and nutritional interventions aimed at maintaining or restoring reproductive health. Clinicians can potentially leverage these insights to design preventive strategies tailored to the microbiome profile, thereby reducing the incidence of reproductive tract inflammations and infertility. Further research is encouraged to explore the microbiome’s precise mechanisms and clinical applications.
Female Infertility
Female infertility is a multifactorial condition affecting 10-15% of women of reproductive age, often caused by underlying conditions like Bacterial Vaginosis (BV), PCOS, Endometriosis, and Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). Microbiome-targeted interventions (MBTIs) offer a promising approach to restoring balance, improving fertility outcomes, and addressing root causes.